:
LIBRARY
OF THE
| UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
LUCIUS·L
HUBBARD
HOUGHTON
MICHIGAN
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
PR
3724
·G8
1826

JON SWIFT, D.D.

GULLIVER'S
Travels.
inte
Several Remote Nations
of the
WORLD
BY
JONATHAN SWIFT. D.D.
LONDON, PUBLISHED BY JONES & CF
UNIVERSITY
(1826)
ADITION


GULLIVER'S
TRAVELS.
BY
JONATHAN SWIFT, D. D.
IN TWO VOLUMES,
VOLUME FIRST.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY JONES & COMPANY,
3, ACTON PLACE, KINGSLand Road.
1826.
Res.
Lucius L. Hubbard
qt
10-31-1972
409940
GLASGOW:
ANDREW & Joan M. DUNCAN,
Printers to the University.
CONTENTS
OF
THE FIRST VOLUME.
Page
vii
Xiv
xix
*
xxii
SKETCH of the Life of Swift
Preface to Gulliver's Travels
The Publisher to the Reader
A Letter from Cap:ain Gulliver to his
Cousin Sympson
•
PART I.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
Chap. 1. The Author gives some ac-
count of himself and family; his
first inducements to travel. He is
shipwrecked, and swims for his life;
gets safe on shore in the country of
Lilliput; is made a prisoner, and
carried up the country
Chap. 2. The Emperor of Lilliput, at-
tended by several of the nobility,
comes to see the Author in his con-
finement. The Emperor's person
and habit described. Learned men
1.
a 1
iv
CONTENTS.
Page
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
•
Chap. 3. The Author diverts the Em-
peror, 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
Chap. 4. Mildendo, the metropolis of
Lilliput, described, together with
the Emperor's palace. A conversa-
tion between the Author and a prin-
cipal secretary, concerning the affairs
of that empire. The Author's offers
to serve the Emperor in his wars
Chap. 5. The Author, by an extraor-
dinary stratagem, prevents an in-
vasion. A high title of honour is
conferred upon him. Ambassadors
arrive from the Emperor of Blefuscu,
and sue for peace. The Emperor's
apartments on fire by accident; the
Author Instrumental in saving the
rest of the palace
•
Chap. 6. Of the inhabitants of Lilliput ;
their learning, laws, and customs;
the manner of educating their chil
dren. The Author's way of living
in that country. His vindication of
a great lady
17
32

43
51
GU
CONTENTS.
•
Chap. 7. The Author, being informed
of a design to accuse him of high-
treason, makes his escape to Blefuscu.
His reception there
Chap. 8. The Author, by a lucky acci
dent, finds means to leave Blefuscu;
and, after some difficulties, returns
safe to his native country
PART II.
A VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG.
·
Chap. 1. A great storm described; the
long-boat sent to fetch water; the
Author goes with it to discover the
country. He is left on shore, is
seized by one of the natives, and
carried to a farmer's house. His
reception, with several accidents
that happened there. A description
of the inhabitants
Chap. 2. A description of the farmer's
daughter. The Author carried to a
market-town, and then to the metro-
polis. The particulars of his jour-
ney
Chap. 3. The Author sent for to court.
The Queen buys him of his master
the farmer, and presents him to the
King. He disputes with his majesty's
great scholars. An apartment at
court provided for the Author. He
Pagc
75
$7
97
115
vi
CONTENTS.
Page
is in high favour with the Queen.
He stands up for the honour of his
own country. His quarrels with the
Queen's dwarf
Chap. The country described.
•
•
A
proposal for correcting modern maps.
The King's palace, and some account
of the metropolis. The Author's
way of travelling. The chief temple
described
·
Chap. 5. Several adventures that hap
pened to the Author. The execu
tion of a criminal, The Author
shows his skill in navigation
Chap. 6. Several contrivances of the
Author to please the King and
Queen. He shows his skill in music.
The King inquires into the state of
England, which the Author relates
to him. The King's observations
thercon
Chap. 7. The Author's love of his
country. He makes a proposal of
much advantage to the King, which
is rejected. The King's great ignor-
ance in politics. The learning of
that country very imperfect and con-
fined. The laws and military affairs,
and parties in the state
Chap. 8. The King and Queen make
a progress to the frontiers.
·
The
Author attends them. The manner
in which he leaves the country very
particularly related. He returns to
England
•
•
124
139
116
161
173
183
THE LIFE
OF
DR. JONATHAN SWIFT.
Tuis very ingenious and extraordinary
man was born on the 30th of November,
1667, in Hoey's court, Dublin. He was
descended from an ancient family in
Yorkshire. His father (the son to the Rev.
Thomas Swift, whose fortune was lost in
the civil wars by his adherence to Charles
I went to Ireland in pursuit of employ-
ment, where he died about two years after
his marriage to a Leicestershire lady, and
seven months before the birth of his only
son, who became the celebrated Dean of St.
Patrick's.
When young Swift was but a year old,
he was carried away by his nurse, without
the knowledge of his mother, to White-
haven, where the woman kept him nearly
three years, tending him with great
affection, and teaching him to read.
his being recovered and brought back to
Ireland, he was sent to the school of Kil-
kenny, and in his fourteenth year to
Trinity College Dublin. Herc his course
On
Pili
SKETCH OF THE
of study was so desultory and irregular,
that on application for his first degree, he
was set aside for insufficiency, and at last
was permitted to take it speciali gratia, a
kind of disgraceful indulgence, which he
immediately resolved to efface, by a severe
and regular application for nearly seven
years to the requisite sciences. During
this time it is allowed that he made a
proficiency answerable to his future fame.
In 1658 he went to England to see his
mother, who was now settled at Leicester,
and was introduced to Sir William Temple,
who behaved to him with great kindness,
and afforded him opportunities of frequent-
ly seeing King William, whose notions
being entirely military, he offered to make
Swift a captain of horse. Our author,
however, preferring the church, was ad-
mitted to his master's degree at Oxford, in
1692, and took orders. His hopes of pro-
motion, from the interest of Sir William
Temple, not being so soon gratified, as he
thought he had reason to expect, a quarrel
took place about the year 1694, and they
parted probably with mutual dissatisfac-
tion. There was, however, enough of
respect or friendship left to promote a
reconciliation, which took place soon after,
and in the mean time Swift obtained the
prebend of Kilroot, in the diocese of Con-
nor, worth about £100 a year, and on
Sir William Temple's death, in 1700, he
received a legacy from him, and the copy-
right of his posthumous works, which he
published with a short life.
LIFE OF SWIFT.
ix
Soon after the loss of Sir William, he
went as secretary and chaplain to Lord
Berkeley, one of the lords justices of Ire.
land. From this new patron he was in-
duced to hope for the deanery of Derry,
but it was given to another, and Swift was
obliged to be content with the livings of
Laracor and Rathbeggin. At Laracor he
fixed his residence, and this place became
remarkable for his acquaintance with Miss
Johnson, the daughter of the steward of
Sir William Temple, but afterwards better
known by the name of Stella. She and her
friend Mrs. Dingley lived here in the closest
intimacy with Swift, but guardedly, and
without reproach; in his absence they
resided at the parsonage-house, and on his
return they went to other lodgings. The
affection which subsisted between Swift
and Stella appears to have been warm and
sincere, and on the part of the lady, at least
irrevocable. Why it did not terminate in
marriage is a question which none of his
biographers have been able to solve in a
satisfactory manner.
In 1701, having taken his doctor's degree,
he began to pay frequent visits to England,
and associated with political characters in
hopes of rising by their interest, and re-
paying their favours by the strength of his
judgment and the vigour of his pen. He
became accordingly acquainted with Harley
and other eminent public men, and cer-
tainly was trusted and consulted by them
in such a manner, and with so little re-
serve, as to show they had the highest

X
SKETCH OF THE
opinion of his talents. But, notwithstand-
ing this, he received no preferment until
the year 1713, when he was made Dean of
St. Patrick's; and after the death of Queen
Anne, his connection with the English
ministers in a great measure ceased.
However disappointed in his English
connexions, an unexpected incident afford-
ed him the means of rising to an uncom-
mon degree of popularity in Ireland, Onc
Wood had obtained a patent to coin copper
money for the use of that country, a
measure which Dean Swift considered as
ruinous to the working people, and repre-
sented the mischiefs likely to arise from it
in a series of letters signed the Drapier.
In consequence of this the scheme failed,
the dean was hailed as the saviour of his
country, and became such a favourite
oracle, that nothing could be undertaken
in Ireland without consulting him.
Amidst all this popularity, however, he
was fast becoming an object rather of
sympathy than envy. In 1736 he lost his
memory, and this was accompanied with
an irascibility of temper, soured by fre-
quent disappointments, and exasperated by
disease, and he gradually sunk into a state
which rendered conversation and society
no longer possible. In this deplorable
state, with few intervals of sanity, he
lingered till the year 1745, when he was
happily released in the month of October,
and in his 78th year.
His works occupied a considerable part
of his vigorous days: most of them were
LIFE OF SWIFT.
xi
published without his name, and since his
death they have been augmented by the
discovery of his letters and miscellaneous
pieces, first collected and edited by Dr.
Hawkesworth, afterwards by Mr. Sheridan,
and since in two valuable and correct
editions by Mr. Nichols. They consist of
an uncommon variety of political, poetical,
religious, critical, and miscellaneous pieces,
written upon the whole in an elegant style,
and with such facility of pen, and such
apposite and judicious reflections, inter-
spersed with wonderful humour, as has
justly procured him the character of one of
the first writers of his age. His humour
indeed appears to have been inexhaustible,
there being scarcely any species of wit of
which he has not left many examples; and
as a correspondent, he probably was never
excelled for clegance, vivacity, and origi-
nal turns of thought.
CC
CC
Among his many productions, none has
been received with so much avidity as that
now before the reader. It was first pub-
lished in 1727 ; a production," says Dr.
Johnson, so new and strange, that it
filled the reader with a mingled emotion
of merriment and amazement.
It was
received with such avidity, that the price
of the first edition was raised before the
second could be made: it was read by the
high and the low, the learned and illiter-
ate. Criticism was for a while lost in
wonder; no rules of judgment were ap-
plied to a book written in open defiance of
iruth and regularity."
xii
SKETCH OF THE
Notwithstanding the obvious intention
of the author, which was to ridicule am-
bition, false politics, and the general follies
of nations and individuals, when it was
first published, the vulgar, who seldom
enter very heartily into the nature of
satire, took it up as a book of travels Dr.
Arbuthnot informs us, that Lord Scarbo-
rough fell in company with a master of a
ship, who told him that he was very well ac-
quainted with Gulliver, but that the print-
er had mistaken; that he lived in Wapping,
and not at Rotherhithe; and the Doctor
himself lent the book to an old gentleman,
who went immediately to his map to search
for Lilliput!
The only serious objection that has been
made to this work as a legitimate satire,
respects the fourth part, or The Voyage to
the Houyhnhnms. It has been represented
as a design to depreciate human nature, to
fill the mind with misanthropy, and to
injure virtue and the social qualities, by
rendering a man dissatisfied, suspicious,
and crafty. How far, however, these con-
sequences have followed, or are likely to
follow, has never been ascertained. The
question has been ably argued by Mr.
Sheridan in his very copious Life of Swift,
and perhaps the decision will always be
made according to the peculiar temper and
feelings of him who enters into the contro-
versy. In one respect, indeed, all may be
allowed to blame this part, as being far
more extravagant than the others, and
presenting images more gross and indeli-
LIFE OF SWIFT.
xiii
cate than just satire requires. Although,
therefore, it may be read without injury,
it is probable that it is seldom read without
some portion of disgust, while the other
voyages afford a mixture of instruction
and entertainment, which has not been
equalled by any work of the kind in any
language.
b
5
PREFACE
ΤΟ
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
·
i
The first part of these Travels appeared in
1726; the second early in 1727. Bishop
Atterbury, in a letter from Paris to Mr.
Morice, December 24, 1726, having seen
the work advertised, expresses his impa-
tience to see it :-' I shall long,' he says,
'till it is with me;' and March 31, 1727,
adds, I had the first part of Gulliver,
but not the second; however, it has been
sent me here, and I have had the pleasure
of reading it. Both parts are translating
here, though the French will not be able
to relish the humour of that piece, nor
understand the meaning of it.'-'The bishop
was perfectly right. Neither Gulliver nor
John Bull can properly be either relished
or understood by our volatile neighbours.
Gulliver, however, was immediately trans.
lated by the Abbé Des Fontaines, and had
an extensive sale. *
See a correspondence on this translation, be-
tween the Abbé and the Dean, in July and August
1727, in vol. xi.-N.
PREFACE.
XV
"These voyages are considered as 3
mere political romance,-to correct Vice,
by showing its deformity in opposition to
Virtue, and to amend the false system of
philosophy, by pointing out the errors, and
applying salutary means to amend them.
Orrery.
"
"This important year (1727) sent into
the world' Gulliver's Travels,' a produc-
tion so new and so strange, that it filled
the reader with a mingled
a mingled emotion of
merriment and amazement. It was re-
ceived with such avidity, that the price of
the first edition was raised before the second
could be made; it was read by the high
and the low, the learned and illiterate.
Criticism was for a while lost in wonder.
No rules of judgment were applied to a
book written in open defiance of truth and
regularity. But when distinctions came to
be made, the part which gave least pleasure
was that which describes the Flying Island,
and that which gave most disgust must be
the history of the Houyhnhnms. While
Swift was enjoying the reputation of his
new work, the news of the king's death
arrived, and he kissed the hands of the new
king and qucen three days after their
accession,"
Johnson,
C
"Gulliver's Travels' and the Tale of
a Tub' are indisputably the two most capi-
tal works of Swift."
Warton.
"From the whole of those two voyages
12
Xvi
PREFACE.
to Lilliput and Brobdingnag arises one
general remark, which, however obvious,
has been overlooked by those who consider
them as little more than the sport of a
wanton imagination. When human actions
are ascribed to pigmies and giants, there
are few that do not excite either contempt,
disgust, or horror; to ascribe them there-
fore to such beings, was perhaps the most
probable method of engaging the mind to
examine them with attention, and judge
of them with impartiality, by suspending
the fascination of habit, and exhibiting
familiar objects in a new light. The use
of the fable then is not less apparent than
important and extensive; and that this
use was intended by the author, can be
doubted only by those who are disposed to
affirm, that order and regularity are the
effects of chance.
"To mortify pride, which indeed was
not made for man, and produces not only
the most ridiculous follies, but the most
extensive calamity, appears to have been
one general view of the author in every
part of these Travels. Personal strength
and beauty, the wisdom and the virtue of
mankind, become objects not of pride but
of humility, in the diminutive stature
and contemptible weakness of the Lillipu-
tians, in the horrid deformity of the Brob-
dingnagians, in the learned folly of the
Laputians, and in the parallel drawn be-
tween our manners and those of the
Houyhnhnms."'
Hawkesworth.
PREFACE.
Xvii
"The Lilliputians of Swift may pass for
probable beings, not so much because we
know that a belief in pigmies was once
current in the world (for the true ancient
pigmy was at least thrice as tall as those
whom Gulliver visited), but because we
find that every circumstance relating to
them accords with itself, and their sup-
posed character. It is not the size of the
people only that is diminutive; their
country, seas, ships, and towns are all in
exact proportion: their theological and
political principles, their passions, manners,
customs, and all the parts of their conduct,
betray a levity and littleness perfectly
suitable and so simple is the whole
narration, and apparently so artless and
sincere, that I should not wonder if it had
imposed (as I have been told it has) upon
some persons of no contemptible under-
standing. And some degree of credit may,
perhaps for the same reason, be due to the
giants.
When Swift grounds his narrative
upon a contradiction to nature; when he
presents us with rational brutes, and
irrational men; when he tells us of horses
building houses for habitation, milking
cows for food, riding in carriages, and
holding conversations on the laws and
policies of Europe; not all his genius (and
he therc exerts it to the utmost is able to
reconcile us to so monstrous a fiction: we
may smile at some of his absurd exaggera-
tions; we may be pleased with the energy
63
xviii
PREFACE.
of style, and accuracy of description, in
particular places; and a malevolent heart
may triumph in the satire; but we can
never relish it as a fable, because it is at
once unnatural and self-contradictory.
71
Beattie.
TRE
PUBLISHER TO THE READER.
THE author of these Travels, Mr. Lemuel
Gulliver, is my ancient and intimate friend;
there is likewise some relation between us
on the mother's side. About three years
ago, Mr. Gulliver growing weary of the
concourse of curious people coming to him
at his house in Redriff, made a small pur-
chase of land, with a convenient house,
near Newark, in Nottinghamshire, his
native country; where he now lives re-
tired, yet in good esteem among his neigh.
bours.
Although Mr. Gulliver was born in
Nottinghamshire, where his father dwelt,
yet I have heard him say his family came
from Oxfordshire; to confirm which, I
have observed in the church-yard at Ban-
bury in that county, several tombs and
monuments of the Gullivers.
Before he quitted Redriff, he left the
custody of the following papers in my hands,
with the liberty to dispose of them as I
b4
XX
TO THE READER,
should think fit. I have carefully perused
them three times; the style is very plain
and simple; and the only fault I findis, that
the author, after the manner of travellers,
is a little too circumstantial. There is an
air of truth apparent through the whole;
and indeed the author was so distinguished
for his veracity, that it became a sort of
proverb among his neighbours at Red-
riff, when any one affirmed a thing, to
say, it was as true as if Mr. Gulliver had
spoken it'
<
By the advice of several worthy persons,
to whom, with the author's permission, I
communicated these papers, I now ven-
ture to send them into the world, hoping
they may be, at least for some time, a
better entertainment to our young noble-
men, than the common scribbles of politics
and party.
This volume would have been at least
twice as large, if I had not made bold to
strike out innumerable passages relating
to the winds and tides, as well as to the
variations and bearings in the several
voyages, together with the minute descrip-
tions of the management of the ship in
storms, in the style of sailors; likewise
the account of longitudes and latitudes;
wherein I have reason to apprehend, that
Mr. Gulliver may be a little dissatisfied:
but I was resolved to fit the work as much
as possible to the general capacity of
readers. However, if my own ignorance
in sea affairs shall have led me to commit
some mistakes, I alone am answerable for
TO THE READER.
xxi
them and if any traveller has a curiosity
to see the whole work at large, as it came
from the hands of the author, I will be
ready to gratify him.
As for any further particulars relating
to the author, the reader will receive
satisfaction from the first pages of the
book.
RICHARD SYMPSON.
A LETTER
FROM CAPTAIN GULLIVER TO HIS COUSIN
SYMPSON.
Written in the Year 1727.
I HOPE you will be ready to own publicly,
whenever you shall be called to it, that
by your great and frequent urgency you
prevailed on me to publish a very loose
and uncorrect account of my travels, with
directions to hire some young gentleman
of either university to put them in order,
and correct the style, as my cousin Dam-
pier did, by my advice, in his book called
A Voyage round the world.' But I do
not remember I gave you power to consent
that any thing should be omitted, and
much less that any thing should be
inserted therefore, as to the latter, I
do here renounce every thing of that kind;
particularly a paragraph about her majesty
Queen Anne of most pious and glorious
memory; although I did reverence and
esteem her more than any of human
species. But you, or your interpolator,
ought to have considered, that it was not
my inclination, so was it not decent to
A LETTER.
xxiii
praise any animal of our composition
before my master Houyhnhnm: And be-
sides, the fact was altogether false; for to
my knowledge, being in England during
some part of her majesty's reign, she did
govern by a chief minister; nay even by
two successively, the first whereof was the
lord of Godolphin, and the second the lord
of Oxford; so that you have made me say
the thing that was not. Likewise in the
account of the academy of projectors, and
several passages of my discourse to my
master Houyhnhnm, you have either omit-
ted some material circumstances, or minced
or changed them in such a manner, that 1
do hardly know my own work. When I
formerly hinted to you something of this
in a letter, you were pleased to answer,
"That you were afraid of giving offence;
that people in power were very watchful
over the press, and apt not only to inter-
pret, but to punish every thing which
looked like an inuendo' (as I think you
call it). But, pray how could that which
I spoke so many years ago, and at about
five thousand leagues distance, in another
reign, be applied to any of the Yahoos,
who now are said to govern the herd;
especially at a time when I little thought,
or feared, the unhappiness of living under
them? Have not I the most reason to
complain, when I see these very Yahoos
carried by Houyhnhnms in a vehicle, as if
they were brutes, and those the rational
creatures? And indeed to avoid so mon-

xxiv
A LETTER.
strous and detestable a sight was one
principal motive of my retirement hither.
Thus much I thought proper to tell you
in relation to yourself, and to the trust I
reposed in you.
1 do in the next place complain of my
own great want of judgment, in being
prevailed upon by the entreaties and false
reasoning of you and some others, very
much against my own opinion, to suffer my
travels to be published. Pray bring to
your mind how often I desired you to
consider, when you insisted on the motive
of public good, that the Yahoos were a
species of animals utterly incapable of
amendment by preceptor example: and so
it has proved; for, instead of seeing a full
stop put to all abuses and corruptions, at
least in this little island, as I had reason
to expect; behold, after above six months
warning, I cannot learn that my book has
produced one single effect according to my
intentions. I desired you would let me
know, by a letter, when party and faction
were extinguished; judges learned and
upright pleaders honest and modest, with
some tincture of common sense, and
Smithfield blazing with pyramids of law
books; the young nobility's education en-
tirely changed; the physicians banished;
the female Yahoos abounding in virtue,
honour, truth, and good sense; courts
and levees of great ministers thoroughly
weeded and swept; wit, merit, and learning
rewarded; all disgracers of the press in
A LETTER.
XXV
prose and verse condemned to eat nothing
but their own cotton, and quench their
thirst with their own ink. These, and a
thousand other reformations, I firmly
counted upon by your encouragement;
as indeed they were plainly deducible from
the precepts delivered in my book. And
it must be owned, that seven months were
a sufficient time to correct every vice and
folly to which Yahoos are subject, if their
natures had been capable of the least
disposition to virtue or wisdom, Yet, so
far have you been from answering my
expectation in any of your letters; that on
the contrary you are loading our carrier
every week with libels, and keys, and
reflections, and memoirs, and second parts;
wherein I see myself accused of reflecting
upon great state folks; of degrading human
nature (for so they have still the confidence
to style it), and of abusing the female sex.
I find likewise that the writers of those
bundles are not agreed among themselves;
for some of them will not allow me to be
the author of my own travels; and others
make me author of books, to which I am
wholly a stranger.
I find likewise that your printer has been
so careless as to confound the times, and
mistake the dates, of my several voyages
and returns; neither assigning the true
year, nor the true month, nor day of the
month and 1 hear the original manu-
That the original copy of these Travels was
altered by the person through whose hands it was
xxvi
A LETTER.
script is all destroyed since the publication
of my book; neither have I any copy left;
however, I have sent you some corrections,
which you may insert, if ever there should
be a second edition: and yet I cannot stand
to them; but shall leave that matter to my
judicious and candid readers to adjust it as
they please.
I hear some of our sea Yahoos find fault
with my sea-language, as not proper in
many parts, nor now in use. I cannot
help it. In my first voyages, while I was
young, I was instructed by the oldest mari.
ners, and learned to speak as they did.
But I have since found that the sea Yahoos
are apt, like the land ones, to become new-
fangled in their words, which the latter
change every year; insomuch, as I re-
member upon each return to my own
country, their old dialect was so altered,
that I could hardly understand the new.
And 1 observe, when any Yahoos come
conveyed to the press, is a fact; but the passages
of which Mr. Gulliver complains in tlus letter are
to be found only in the first éditions; for the Dean
having restored the text wherever it had been al-
tered, sent the copy to the late Mr. Motte by the
hands of Mr. Charles Ford. This copy has been
exactly followed in every subsequent edition, except
that printed in Ireland by Mr. Faulkner; the
editor of which, supposing the Dean to be serious
when he mentioned the corruptions of dates, and
yet finding them unaltered, thought fit to alter
them himself; there is however scarce one of these
alterations in which he has not committed a blun-
der: though while he was thus busy in defacing
the parts that were perfect, he suffered the acci-
dental blemishes of others to remain.
H.
A LETTER.
xxvii
from London out of curiosity to visit me
at my house, we neither of us are able to
deliver our conceptions in a manner intel-
ligible to the other.
If the censure of the Yahoos could any
way affect inc, I should have great reason
to complain, that some of them are so bold
as to think my book of travels a mere
fiction out of mine own brain; and have
gone so far as to drop hints, that the
Houyhnhnms and Yahoos have no more
existence than the inhabitants of Utopia.
Indeed I must confess, that as to the
people of Lilliput, Brobdingrag, (for so the
word should have been spelt, and not er-
roneously Brobdingnag) and Laputa, I
have never yet heard of any Yahoo so pre-
sumptuous as to dispute their being, or the
facts have related concerning them;
because the truth immediately strikes
every reader with conviction. And is
there less probability in my account of the
Houyhnhnms or Yahoos, when it is manifest
as to the latter, there are so many thou-
sands even in this country, who only differ
from their brother brutes in Houyhnhnm-
land, because they use a sort of jabber, and
do not go naked? I wrote for their amend.
ment, and not their approbation. The
united praise of the whole race would be
of less consequence to me, than the neigh-
ing of those two degenerate Houynhnhnms
I keep in my stable; because from these,
degenerate as they are, I still improve in
some virtues without any mixture of vice.
Do these miserable animals presume to
xxviii
A LETTER.
2
think, that I am so degenerated as to
defend my veracity? Yahoo as I am, it is
well known through all Houyhnhnm-land,
that, by the instructions and example of
my illustrious master, I was able in the
compass of two years (although 1 confess
with the utmost difficulty) to remove that
infernal habit of lying, shuffling, deceiving,
and equivocating, so deeply rooted in the
very souls of all my species; especially the
Europeans.
I have other complaints to make upon
this vexatious occasion; but I forbear
troubling myself or you any further. I
must freely confess, that since my last,
some corruptions of my Yahoo nature have
revived in me by conversing with a few of
your species, and particularly those of my
own family, by an unavoidable necessity;
else I should never have attempted so
absurd a project as that of reforming the
Yahoo race in this kingdom: But I have
now done with all such visionary schemes
for ever.
April 2, 1727.
A
VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
PART I
CHAPTER I.
The Author gives some account of himself
and family: his first inducements to
travel. He is shipwrecked, and swims for
his life; gets safe on shore in the country
of Lilliput; is made a prisoner, and
carried up the country.
Mr father had a small estate in Notting-
hamshire; I was the third of five sons.
He sent me to Emanuel College in Cam-
bridge, at fourteen years old, where I
resided three years, and applied myself
close to my studies; but the charge of
maintaining me, although I had a very
scanty allowance, being too great for a
narrow fortune, I was bound apprentice to
Mr. James Bates, an eminent surgeon in
London, with whom I continued four
years; and my father now and then send-
ing me small sums of money, I laid them
out in learning navigation, and other parts
of the mathematics, useful to those who
VOL. 1.
A
2
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
intend to travel, as I always believed it
would be, some time or other, my fortune
to do. When I left Mr. Bates, I went
down to my father; where, by the assist-
ance of him and my uncle John, and
some other relations, I got forty pounds,
and a promise of thirty pounds a year to
maintain me at Leyden: there I studied
physic two years and seven
seven months,
knowing it would be useful in long
Voyages.
Soon after my return from Leyden, I
was recommended by my good master, Mr.
Bates, to be surgeon to the Swallow,
Captain Abraham Pannel, commander;
with whom I continued three years and a
half, making a voyage or two into the
Levant, and some other parts. When I
came back I resolved so settle in London;
to which Mr. Bates, my master, encouraged
me, and by him I was recommended to
several patients. I took part of a small
house in the Old Jewry; and being
advised to alter my condition, I married
Mrs. Mary Burton, second daughter to
Mr. Edmund Burton, hosier, in Newgate-
street, with whom I received four hundred
pounds for a portion.
But my good master Bates dying in two
years after, and I having few friends, my
business began to fail; for my conscience
would not suffer me to imitate the bad
practice of too many among my brethren.
Having therefore consulted with my wife,
and some of my acquaintance, I determined
to go again to sca. I was surgeon suc-
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 3
cessively in two ships, and made several
voyages, for six years, to the East and
West Indies, by which I got some ad-
dition to my fortune. My hours of leisure
I spent in reading the best authors,
ancient and modern, being always pro-
vided with a good number of books; and
when I was ashore, in observing the man-
ners and dispositions of the people, as well
as learning their language; wherein I had
a great facility, by the strength of my

memory.
The last of these voyages not proving
very fortunate, I grew weary of the sea,
and intended to stay at home with my wife
and family. I removed from the Old
Jewry to Fetter-Lane, and from thence to
Wapping, ho, ing to get business among
the sailors, but it would not turn to ac-
count. After three years' expectation
that things would mend, I accepted an
advantageous offer from Captain William
Prichard, master of the Antelope, who
was making a voyage to the South Sea.
We set sail from Bristol, May 4, 1699,
and our voyage was at first very pros-
perous.
It would not be proper, for some reasons,
to trouble the reader with the particulars
of our adventures in those seas; let it
suffice to inform him, that in our passage
from thence to the East-Indies, we were
driven by a violent storm to the north-west
of Van Diemen's Land. By an observa-
tion, we found ourselves in the latitude of
30 degrees 2 minutes south. Twelve of
A 2
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
our crew were dead by
immoderate
labour and ill food; the rest were in a
very weak condition. On the 5th of No-
vember, which was the beginning of sum-
mer in those parts, the weather being very
hazy, the seamen spied a rock within half
a cable's length of the ship; but the wind
was so strong, that we were driven directly
upon it, and immediately split. Six of the
crew, of whom I was one, having let down
the boat into the sea, made a shift to get
clear of the ship and the rock. We rowed,
by my computation, about three leagues,
till we were able to work no longer, being
already spent with labour while we were in
the ship. We therefore trusted ourselves
to the mercy of the waves, and in about
half an hour the boat was overset by a
sudden flurry from the north. What
became of my companions in the boat, as
well as of those who escaped on the rock,
or were left in the vessel, I cannot tell;
but conclude they were all lost. For my
own part, I swam as fortune directed me,
and was pushed forward by wind and tide.
I often let my legs drop, and could feel no
bottom; but when I was almost gone, and
able to struggle no longer, I found myself
within my depth; and by this time the
storm was much abated. The declivity
was so small, that I walked near a mile
before I got to the shore, which I conjec-
*tured was about eight o'clock in the
evening. I then advanced forward near
half a mile, but could not discover any
sign of houses or inhabitants; at least I
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
5
was in so weak a condition, that I did not
observe them. I was extremely tired, and
with that, and the heat of the weather,
and about half a pint of brandy that I
drank as I left the ship, I found myself
much inclined to sleep. I lay down on the
grass, which was very short and soft,
where I slept sounder than ever I remem-
bered to have done in my life, and, as I
reckoned, about nine hours; for when I
awaked, it was just day-light. I attempted
to rise, but was not able to stir: for as I
happened to lie on my back, I found my
arms and legs were strongly fastened on
each side to the ground; and my hair,
which was long and thick, tied down in
the same manner. I likewise felt several
slender ligatures across my body, from my
arm-pits to my thighs. I could only look
upwards, the sun began to grow hot, and
the light offended my eyes. I heard a
confused noise about me; but in the
posture I lay, could see nothing except
the sky. In a little time I felt something
alive moving on my left leg, which advanc-
ing gently forward over my breast, came
almost up to my chin; when bending my
eyes downward as much as I could, 1 per-
ceived it to be a human creature not six
inches high, with a bow and arrow in his
hands, and a quiver at his back. In the
mean time, I felt at least forty more of
the same kind (as I conjectured) following
the first. I was in the utmost astonish-
ment, and roared so loud, that they all
ran back in a fright; and some of them,
A 3
6 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
I
as I was afterwards told, were hurt with the
falls they got by leaping from my sides
upon the ground. However, they soon
returned, and one of them, who ventured
so far as to get a full sight of my face,
lifting up his hands and eyes by way of
admiration, cried out in a shrill but
distinct voice, hekinah degul: the others
repeated the same words several times,
but I then knew not what they meant.
lay all this while, as the reader may
believe, in great uneasiness; at length,
struggling to get loose, 1 had the fortune
to break the strings, and wrench out the
pegs that fastened my left arm to the
ground; for, by lifting it up to my face, I
discovered the methods they had taken to
bind me, and at the same time with a
violent pull, which gave me excessive
pain, I a little loosened the strings that
tied down my hair on the left side, so
that I was just able to turn my head about
two inches. But the creatures ran off a
second time, before I could seize them;
whereupon there was a great shout in a
very shrill accent, and after it ceased I
heard one of them cry aloud tolgo phonac ;
when in an instant I felt above a hundred
arrows discharged on my left hand, which
pricked me like so many needles; and
besides, they shot another flight into the
air, as we do bombs in Europe, whereof
many, I suppose, fell on my body, (though
I felt them not) and some on my face,
which I immediately covered with my left
hand. When this shower of arrows was
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
7
over, I fell a groaning with grief and pain,
and then striving again to get loose, they
discharged another volley larger than the
first, and some of them attempted with
spears to stick me in the sides; but by
good luck I had on a buff jerkin, which
they could not pierce. I thought it the
most prudent method to lie still, and my
design was to continue so till night, when,
my left hand being already loose, I could
easily free myself: and as for the inhabi-
tants, I had reason to believe I might be a
match for the greatest army they could
bring against me, if they were all of the
same size with him that I saw. But for-
tune disposed otherwise of me. When the
people observed I was quiet, they dis-
charged no more arrows; but, by the
noise I heard, I knew their numbers in-
creased; and about four yards from me,
over against my right car, I heard a
knocking for above an hour, like that of
people at work; when turning my head
that way, as well as the pegs and strings
would permit me, I saw a stage erected
about a foot and a half from the ground,
capable of holding four of the inhabitants,
with two or three ladders to mount it:
from whence one of them, who seemed to be
a person of quality, made me a long speech,
whereof I understood not one syllable,
But I should have mentioned, that before
the principal person began his oration, he
cried out three times, Langro dehul san;
(these words and the former were after-
wards repeated and explained to me.)
A 4
8 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
Whereupon, immediately about fifty of
the inhabitants came and cut the strings
that fastened the left side of my head,
which gave me the liberty of turning it
to the right, and of observing the person
and gesture of him that was to speak. He
appeared to be of a middle age, and taller
than any of the other three who attended
him, whereof one was a page that held up
his train, and seemed to be somewhat
longer than my middle finger; the other
two stood one on each side to support him.
He acted every part of an orator, and I
could observe many periods of threaten-
ings, and others of promises, pity, and
kindness. I answered in a few words,
but in the most submissive manner, lifting
up my left hand, and both my eyes to the
sun, as calling him for a witness; and
being almost famished with hunger,
having not caten a morsel for some hours
before I left the ship, I found the demands
of nature so strong upon me, that I could
not forbear showing my impatience
(perhaps against the strict
strict rules
decency) by putting my finger frequently
to my mouth, to signify that I wanted
food. The hurgo (for so they call a great
lord, as I afterwards learnt) understood
me very well. He descended from the
stage, and commanded that several
ladders should be applied to my sides, on
which above a hundred of the inhabitants
mounted and walked towards my mouth,
laden with baskets full of meat, which
had been provided and sent thither by
of
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 9
the king's orders, upon the first intelli.
gence he received of me. I observed
there was the flesh of several animals, but
could not distinguish them by the taste.
There were shoulders, legs, and loins, shap-
ed like those of mutton, and very well
dressed, but smaller than the wings of a
lark. Í ate them by two or three at a
mouthful, and took three loaves at a time,
about the bigness of musket bullets. They
supplied me as fast as they could, showing
a thousand marks of wonder and astonish-
ment at my bulk and appetite. I then
made another sign, that I wanted drink.
They found by my eating that a small quan-
tity 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
10
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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, 1 now con-
sidered myself as bound by the laws of
hospitality, to a people who had treated
me with so much expense and magnifi-
cence. However, in my thoughts I could
not sufficiently wonder at the intrepidity of
these diminutive mortals, who durst ven-
ture to mount and walk upon my body,
while one of my hands was at liberty, with-
out trembling at the very sight of so prodi-
gious 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 produc-
ing 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 re-
solution; 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 an-


A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 11
swered 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 pos-
ture to show that I must be carried as a
prisoner. However, he made other sigus
to let me understand, that I should have
ineat and drink enough, and very good
treatment. Whereupon I once more
thought of attempting to break my bends;
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 like-
wise that the number of my enemies in-
creased, 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 re-
laxing the cords to such a degree, that I
was able to turn upon my right, and to case
myself with making water; which 1 very
plentifully did, to the great astonishment of
the people; who, conjecturing by my me-
tion what I was going to do, immediately
opened to the right and left on that side,
to avoid the torrent, which fell with such
12
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
noise and violence from me. But before
this, they had daubed my face and both my
hands with a sort of ointment, very plea-
sant to the smell, which, in a few minutes,
removed all the smart of their arrows.
These circumstances, added to the refresh-
ment I had received by their victuals and
drink, which were very nourishing, dis-
posed 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 po-
tion 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 me, and a
machine prepared to carry me to the capi-
tal 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
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 13
they were not able to make resistance, so
they could expect no mercy.
These people are most excellent mathe-
maticians, and arrived to a great perfection
in mechanics by the countenance and en-
couragement of the emperor, who is a re-
nowned 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, whercof 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 hun-
dred carpenters and engineers were imme-
diately 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, cach of one foot high, were
crected 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 hun-
dred 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
11 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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 ac-
cident; 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 snecze
violently; whereupon they stole off un-
perceived, and it was three weeks before I
knew the cause of my waking so suddenly.
We made a long march the remaining part
*It has been remarked, that courage, in what-
ever cause, though it sometimes excites indigna-
tion, is never the object of contempt; but this ap
fears to be true, only because courage is supposed
to imply superiority; for this officer in the guards
becomes extremely ridiculous and contemptible by
an act of the most daring curiosity, which sets
him in comparison with Gulliver, to whom he
was so much inferior, that a blist of the man-
mountain's nostrils would have endangered his life;
and if heroism itself is not proof against ridicule,
they surely are Lilliputians in philosophy, who
consider ridicule a, the test of truth.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 15
of the day, and rested at night with five
hundred guards on each side of me, half
with torches, and half with bows and ar-
rows, 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 en-
danger 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, ac-
cording to the zeal of those people, looked
upon as profane, and therefore had been
applied to common use, and all the orna-
ments 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 win-
dow, 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 dis-
tance, there was a turret at least five feet
high. Here the emperor ascended, with
many principal lords of his court, to have
16
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
an opportunity of viewing me, as I was
told, for I could not see them. It was reck-
oned that above a hundred thousand in-
habitants 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 melan-
choly a disposition as ever I had in my
life. But the noise and astonishment of
the people, at secing 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.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 17
CHAPTER II.
The Emperor of Lilliput, attended by several
of the nobility, comes to see the Author in
his confinement. The Emperor's person
anc habit described. Learned men ap-
pointed 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 coun-
try around appeared like a continued gar-
den, 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 1 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 necessitics of nature; which
was no wonder, it being almost two days
since I had last disburdened myself. I
was under great difficulties between urgen-
cy and shame. The best expedient I
could think of, was to creep into my
* A stang is a pole or perch; sixteen feet and a
half.—Original.
VOL. I.
B
18
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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
1 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 long upon a
circumstance that, perhaps, at first sight,
may appear not very momentous, if I had
not thought it necessary to justify my cha-
racter, in point of cleanliness, to the world;
which, I am told, some of my maligners
have been pleased, upon this and other
occasions, to call in question.
When this adventure was at an end, I
came back out of my house, having
occasion for fresh air. The emperor
was already descended from the tower, and
advancing on horseback towards me, which
had like to have cost him dear; for the
beast, though very well trained, yet wholly
unused to such a sight, which appeared as
if a mountain moved before him, reared up
on his hinder feet: but that prince, who is
an excellent horseman, kept his seat, till
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
19
his attendants ran in, and held the bridle,
while his majesty had time to dismount.
When he alighted, he surveyed me round
with great admiration; but kept beyond
the length of my chain. He ordered his
cooks and butlers, who were already pre-
pared, to give me victuals and drink,
which they pushed forward in a sort of
vehicles upon wheels, till I could reach
them. I took these vehicles and soon
emptied them all; twenty of them were
filled with meat, and ten with liquor ;
each of the former afforded me two or
three good mouthfuls; and I emptied the
liquor of ten vessels, which was contained
in earthen vials, into one vehicle, drink.
ing it off at a draught; and so I did with
the rest. The empress, and young princes
of the blood of both sexes, attended by
many ladies, sat at some distance in their
chairs; but upon the accident that hap-
pened to the emperor's horse, they alighted,
and came near his person, which I am now
going to describe. He is taller by almost
the breadth of my nail, than any of his
court; which alone is enough to strike an
awe into the beholders. His features are
strong and masculine, with an Austrian lip
and arched nose, his complexion olive, his
countenance erect, his body and limbs well
proportioned, all his motions graceful, and
his deportment majestic. He was then
past his prime, being twenty-eight years
and three quarters old, of which he had
reigned about seven in great felicity, and
B 2
20 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
generally victorious. For the better con-
venience of beholding him, I lay on my
side, so that my face was parallel to his,
and he stood but three yards off: however,
I have had him since many times in my
hand, and therefore cannot be deceived in
the description. His dress was very plain
and simple, and the fashion of it between
the Asiatic and the European: but he
had on his head a light helmet of gold,
adorned with jewels, and a plume on the
crest. He held his sword drawn in his
hand to defend himself, If I should happen
to break loose:* it was almost three inches
long; the hilt and scabbard were gold
enriched with diamonds. His voice was
shrill, but very clear and articulate; and I
could distinctly hear it when I stood up.
The ladies and courtiers were all most
magnificently clad; so that the spot they
stood upon seemed to resemble a petticoat
spread on the ground, embroidered with
figures of gold and silver. His imperial
majesty spoke often to me, and I returned
answers: but neither of us could under.
stand a syllable. There were several of
The masculine strength of features, which
Gulliver could not see till he laid his face upen
the ground, and the awful superiority of stature in
a being, whom he held in his hand; the helmet,
the plume, and the sword, are a fine reproof of
human pride; the objects of which are trifling
distinctions, whether of person or rank;
ridiculous parade and ostentation of a pigmy,
which derive not only their origin but their use
fom the folly, weakness, and imperfection, of our-
selves and others.-H.
the
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 21
his priests and lawyers present (as I con-
jectured by their habits, who were com-
manded to address themselves to me; and
I spoke to them in as many languages as I
had the least smattering of, which were
High and Low Dutch, Latin, French,
Spanish, Italian, and Lingua Franca.
but all to no purpose. After about two
hours the court retired, and I was left
with a strong guard, to prevent the im-
pertinence, and probably the malice of the
rabble, who were very impatient to crowd
about me as near as they durst; and some
of them had the impudence to shoot their
arrows at me, as I sat on the ground by
the door of my house, whereof one very nar-
rowly missed my left eye. But the colonel
ordered six of the ringleaders to be seized,
and thought no punishment so proper as to
deliver them bound into my hands; which
some of his soldiers accordingly did, push-
ing them forwards with the butt-ends of
their pikes into my reach. I took them
all in my right hand, put five of them
into my coat-pocket, and as to the sixth,
I made a countenance as if I would eat
him alive. The poor man squalled terribly,
and the colonel and his officers were in
much pain, especially when they saw me
take out my penknife: but I soon put
them out of fear; for, looking mildly, and
immediately cutting the strings he was
bound with, I set him gently on the
ground, and away he ran. I treated the
rest in the same manner, taking them one
by one out of my pocket; and I observed

B3
22
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
both the soldiers and people were highly
delighted at this mark of my clemency,
which was represented very much to my
advantage at court.
Towards night I got with some difficulty
into my house, where I lay on the ground,
and continued to do so about a fortnight;
during which time, the emperor gave
orders to have a bed prepared for me.
Six hundred beds of the common mea-
sure were brought in carriages, and worked
up in my house; a hundred and fifty of
their beds, sewn together, made up the
breadth and length; and these were four
double; which, however, kept me but
very indifferently from the hardness of the
floor, that was of smooth stone. By the
same computation, they provided me
with sheets, blankets, and coverlets,
tolerable enough for one who had been so
long inured to hardships.
As the news of my arrival spread through
the kingdom, it brought prodigious num-
bers of rich, idle, and curious people to see
me; so that the villages were almost
emptied; and great neglect of tillage and
household affairs must have ensued, if his
imperial majesty had not provided, by
several proclamations and orders of state,
against this inconveniency. He directed,
that those who had already beheld me
should return home, and not presume to
come within fifty yards of my house, with-
* Gulliver has observed great exactness in the
just proportion and appearance of the objects thus
lessened.-Orrery.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 23
out licence from the court; whereby the
secretaries of state got considerable fees.
In the meantime the emperor held fre-
quent councils, to debate what course
should be taken with me; and I was
afterwards assured, by a particular friend,
a person of great quality, who was as much
in the secret as any, that the court was
under many difficulties concerning me.
They apprehended my breaking loose;
that my diet would be very expensive, and
might cause a famine. Sometimes they
determined to starve me; or at least to
shoot me in the face and hands with
poisoned arrows, which would soon dis-
patch me; but again they considered, that
the stench of so large a carcass might
produce a plague in the metropolis, and
probably spread through the whole king-
dom. In the midst of these consultations,
several officers of the army went to the
door of the great council-chamber, and
two of them being admitted, gave an ac-
count of my behaviour to the six criminals
above-mentioned; which made so favoura-
ble an impression in the breast of his
majesty, and the whole board, in my
behalf, that an imperial commission was
issued out, obliging all the villages, nine
hundred yards round the city, to deliver
in every morning six beeves, forty sheep,
and other victuals for my sustenance;
together with a proportionable quantity of
bread, and wine, and other liquors; for
the due payment of which, his majesty
gave assignments upon his treasury for
B 4
24
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
this prince lives chicfy upon his own
demesnes: seldom, except upon great
occasions, raising any subsidies upon his
subjects, who are bound to attend him in
his wars at their own expense. An estab.
lishment was also made of six hundred
persons to be my domestics, who had board-
wages allowed for their maintenance, and
tents built for them very conveniently on
each side of my door. It was likewise
ordered, that three hundred tailors should
make me a suit of clothes, after the fashion.
of the country: that six of his majesty's
greatest scholars should be employed to
instruct me in their language and lastly,
that the emperor's horses, and those of the
nobility and troops of guards, should be
frequently exercised in my sight, to accus-
tom themselves to me. All these orders
were duly put in execution; and in about
three weeks I made a great progress in
learning their language; during which
time the emperor frequently honoured me
with his visits, and was pleased to assist
my masters in teaching me. We began
already to converse together in some sort;
and the first words I learnt, were to
express my desire "that he would please
to give me my liberty;" which I every
day repeated on my knees. His answer,
as I could comprehend it, was, "that this
must be a work of time, not to be thought
on without the advice of his council, and
that first I must lumos kelmin pesso desmar
lon emposo; that is, swear a peace with
him and his kingdom. However, that I
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 25
>>
should be used with all kindness. And he
advised me to "acquire, by my patience
and discreet behaviour, the good opinion of
himself and his subjects. He desired
"I would not take it ill, if he gave orders
to certain proper officers to search me; for
probably I might carry about me several
weapons, which must needs be dangerous
things, if they answered the bulk of so
prodigious a person." I said, "His
majesty should be satisfied; for I was
ready to strip myself, and turn up my
pockets before him." This I delivered
part in words, and part in signs. He re-
plied, that, by the laws of the kingdom,
I must be searched by two of his officers;
that he knew this could not be done with-
out my consent and assistance; and he had
so good an opinion of my generosity and
justice, as to trust their persons in my
hands that whatever they took from me,
should be returned when I left the country,
or paid for at the rate which I would set
upon them." I took up the two officers in
my hands, put them first into my coat-
pockets, and then into every other pocket
about me, except my two fobs, and another
secret pocket, which I had no mind should
be searched, wherein I had some little ne-
cessaries that were of no consequence to
any but myself. In one of my fobs there
was a silver watch, and in the other a small
quantity of gold in a purse. These gentle-
men, having pen, ink, and paper, about
them, made an exact inventory of every
thing they saw; and when they had done,
26
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
desired I would set them down, that they
might deliver it to the emperor. This in-
ventory I afterwards translated into Eng-
lish, and is word for word as follows:
C
Imprimis, In the right coat-pocket of
the great man-mountain (for so I interpret
the words quinbus fiestrin,) after the strictest
scarch, we found only one great piece of
coarse-cloth large enough to be a foot-
cloth for your majesty's chief room of
state. In the left pocket we saw a huge
silver chest, with a cover of the same
metal, which we, the searchers, were nct
able to lift. We desired it should be open-
ed, and one of us stepping into it, found
himself up to the mid leg in a sort of dust,
some part whereof flying up to our faces,
set us both a sneezing for several times to-
gether. In his right waistcoat-pocket we
found a prodigious bundle of white thin
substances, folded one over another, about
the bigness of three men, tied with a strong
cable, and marked with black figures;
which we humbly conceive to be writings,
every letter almost half as large as the
palm of our hands In the left there was
a sort of engine, from the back of which
were extended twenty long poles, resem-
bling the pallisados before your majesty's
court wherewith we conjecture the man-
mountain combs his head; for we did not
always trouble him with questions, because
we found it a great difficulty to make him
understand us. In the large pocket, on
the right side of his middle cover (so I
translate the word ranfu-lo, by which they
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 27
meant my breeches,) we saw a hollow pil-
low of iron, about the length of a man,
fastened to a strong piece of timber larger
than the pillar; and upon one side of the
pillar, were huge pieces of iron sticking out,
cut into strange figures, which we know
not what to make of In the left pocket,
another engine of the same kind. In the
smaller pocket on the right side, were
several round flat pieces of white and red
metal, of different bulk some of the
white, which seemed to be silver, were so
large and heavy, that my comrade and I
could hardly lift them. In the left pocket
were two black pillars irregularly shaped :
we could not, without difficulty, reach the
top of them, as we stood at the bottom of
his pocket. One of them 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 wonder-
ful kind of engine at the bottom. We di-
28
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
rected 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 cir-
cularly drawn, and thought we could touch
them, till we found our fingers stopped by
that lucid substance. He put this engine
to our ears, which made an incessant noise,
like that of a water-mill: and we conjec-
ture 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 con-
sulting it. He called it his oracle, and
said, it pointed out the time for every ac-
tion 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
* Perhaps the author intended to expose the
probable fallacy of opinions derived from the rela-
tions of travellers, by showing how little truth need
to_be_misunderstood to make falsehood speci
ous.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
29
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 required a strong hand to bft
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-moun-
tain, 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 au-
spicious 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 sci-
mitar, which I took out, scabbard and all.
In the mean time he ordered three thou-
sand of his choicest troops (who then at-
tended 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 ma-
jesty. He then desiied 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 imme-
diately all the troops gave a shout between
terror and surprise; for the sun shone
clear, and the reflection dazzled their eyes,
30
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
as I waved the scimitar to and fro in my
hand. His majesty, who is a most magna-
nimous 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 pil-
lars; by which he meant my pocket pis-
tols. 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, hap-
pened to escape wetting in the sea (an in-
convenience 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 as-
tonishment here was much greater than at
the sight of the 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 sci-
mitar, 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
* He who does not find himself disposed to ho-
nour this magnanimity, should reflect, that a right
to judge of moral and intellectual excellence is,
with great absurdity and injustice, arrogated by
him who admires, in a being six feet high, any
qualities that he despises in one whose stature does
not exceed six inches.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 31
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 veomen 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 hand-
kerchief and journal-book. My scimitar,
pistols, and pouch, were conveyed in car-
riages 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, where-
in there was a pair of spectacles (which I
sometimes use for the weakness of mine
cyes,) a pocket perspective, and some other
little conveniences; which, being of no con-
sequence to the emperor, I did not think
myself bound in honour to discover, and 1
apprehended they might be lost or spoiled,
it I ventured them out of my possession.
32 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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 condi
tions.
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 fa-
vourable 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 head; 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 exceeded 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, ex.
tended about two feet, and twelve inches
from the ground; upon which I shall de-
sire liberty, with the reader's patience, to
enlarge a little.
This diversion is only practised by those
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT
33
persons, who are candidates for great em-
ployments, and high favour at court. They
are trained in this art from their youth,
and are not always of noble birth, or li-
beral education. When a great office is
vacant, either by death or disgrace (which
often happens,) five or six of those candi-
dates 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 pack-
thread 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 them-
selves are commanded to show their dex.
* Sumnerect or summersault, a gambol of a tumb-
ler, in which he springs up, turns heels over head
in the air, and comes down upon his fect.—Orig.
VOL. I.
C
34
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
terity! for, by contending to excel them.
selves 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 m-
fallibly have broke his neck, if one of the
king's cushions, that accidently 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 par-
ticular occasions. The emperor lays on the
table three fine silken threads of six in-
ches long; one is blue, the other red, and
the third green. These threads are pro·
posed as prizes for those persons whom the
emperor has a mind to distinguish by a pe-
culiar mark of his favour. The ceremony
is performed in his majesty's great chamber
of state, where the candidates are to un-
dergo 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 can-
didates 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 de-
pressed. Sometimes the emperor holds one
end of the stick, and his first minister the
other; sometimes the minister has it en-
tirely to himself. Whoever performs his
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 35
part with most agility, and holds out the
longest in leaping and creeping, is reward-
ed 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 adorn-
ed 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 em-
peror's huntsmen, upon a large courser,
took my foot, shoe and all; which was in-
deed 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 morn-
ing six woodmen arrived with as many car.
riages, 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 fect 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 handker-
C2
36
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
i
1
chief, served as ledges on each side.
When I had finished my work, I desired
the emperor to let a troop of his best horse,
twenty-four in number, come and exercise
upon this plain. His majesty approved of
the proposal, and I took them up, one by
one, in my hands, ready mounted and arm-
ed, with the proper officers to exercise them.
As soon as they got mto order, they divided
into two parties, performed mock skir-
mishes, discharged blunt arrows, drew their
swords, fled and pursued, attacked and re-
tired, and in short discovered the best mi-
litary discipline I ever beheld. The paral-
lel sticks secured them and their horses
from falling over the stage; and the em-
peror, was so much delighted, that he or
dered this entertainment to be repeated
several days, and once was pleased to be
lifted up and give the word of command ;
and with great difficulty persuaded even
the empress herself to let me hold her in
her close chair within two yards of the
stage, when she was able to take a full
view of the whole performance. It was iny
good fortune, that no ill accident happened
in these entertainments; only once a fiery
horse, that belonged to one of the captains,
pawing with his hoof, struck a hole in my
handkerchief, and his foot slipping, he over-
threw his rider and himself; but I imme-
diately relieved them both, and covering
the hole with one hand, I set down the
troop with the other, in the same manner
as I took them up. The horse that fell was
strained in the left shoulder, but the rider
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 37
got no hurt; and I repaired my handker-
chief as well as I could: however, I would
not trust to the strength of it any more, in
such dangerous enterprises.
About two or three days before I was set
at liberty, as I was entertaining the court
with this kind of feats, there arrived an ex-
press to inform his majesty, that some of his
subjects, riding near the place where I was
first taken up, had seen a great black sub-
stance lying on the ground, very oddly shap-
ed, extending its edges round, as wide as
his majesty's bedchamber, and rising up in
the middle as high as a man; that it was
no living creature, as they at first apprc-
hended, for it lay on the grass without mo-
tion; and some of them had walked round
it several times; that, by mounting upon
each other's shoulders, they had got to the
top, which was flat and even, and, stamp-
ing upon it, they found that it was hollow
within; that they humbly conceived it
might be something belonging to the man-
mountain; and if his majesty pleased, they
would undertake to bring it with only five
horses. I presently knew what they meant,
and was glad at heart to receive this in-
telligence. It seems, upon my first reach-
ing the shore after our shipwreck, I was
in such confusion, that before I came to
the place where I went to sleep, my hat,
which I had fastened with a string to my
head while I was rowing, and had stuck on
all the time I was swimming, fell off after
I came to land; the string, as I conjecture,
breaking by some accident, which I never
C 3
38
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
observed, but thought my hat had been lost
at sea. I entreated his imperial majesty
to give orders it might be brought to me as
soon as possible, describing to him the use
and the nature of it: and the next day the
waggoners arrived with it, but not in a
very good condition; they had bored two
holes in the brim, within an inch and half
of the edge, and fastened two hooks in the
holes; these hooks were tied by a long cord
to the harness, and thus my hat was dragg-
ed along for above half an English mile;
but, the ground in that country being ex-
tremely smooth and level, it received less
damage than I expected.
Two days after this adventure, the cm-
peror, having ordered that part of his army
which quarters in and about his metropolis,
to be in readiness, took a fancy of diverting
himself in a very singular manner. He de-
sired I would stand like a Colossus, with
my legs as far asunder as I conveniently
could. He then commanded his general
(who was an old experienced leader, and a
great patron of mine) to draw up the troops
in close order, and march them under me;
the foot by twenty-four a-breast, and the
horse by sixteen, with drums beating, col-
ours flying, and pikes advanced. This body
consisted of three thousand foot, and a
thousand horse. His majesty gave orders,
upon pain of death, that every soldier in
his march should observe the strictest de-
cency with regard to my person; which
however could not prevent some of the
younger officers from turning up their eyes
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 39
as they passed under me: and, to confess
the truth, my breeches were at that time
in so ill a condition, that they afforded
some opportunities for laughter and ad-
miration.
I had sent so many memorials and peti-
tions for my liberty, that his majesty at
length mentioned the matter, first in the
cabinet, and then in a full council; where
it was opposed by none, except Skyresh
Bolgolam, who was pleased, without any
provocation, to be my mortal enemy. But
it was carried against him by the whole
board, and confirmed by the emperor.
That minister was galbet, or admiral of the
realm, very much in his master's confidence,
and a person well versed in affairs, but of
a morose and sour complexion. However,
he was at length persuaded to comply; but
prevailed that the articles and conditions
upon which I should be set free, and to
which I must swear, should be drawn up
by himself. These articles were brought
to me by Skyresh Bolgolam in person at-
tended by two under-secretaries, and seve-
ral persons of distinction. After they were
read, I was demanded to swear to the per-
formance of them; first in the manner of
my own country, and afterwards in the
method prescribed by their laws; which
was, to hold my right foot in my left hand,
and to place the middle finger of my right
hand on the crown of my head, and my
thumb on the tip of my right ear. But be-
cause the reader may be curious to have
some idea of the style and manner of ex-
C +
40
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
pression peculiar to that people, as well as
to know the article upon which I recovered
my liberty, I have made a translation of
the whole instrument, word for word, as
near as I was able, which I here offer to
the public.
"Golbasto Momarem Evlame Gurdilo
Shefin Mully Ully Gue, most mighty em-
peror of Lilliput, delight and terror of the
universe, whose dominions extend five
thousand blustrugs (about twelve miles in
circumference) to the extremities of the
globe; monarch of all monarchs, taller than
the sons of men; whose feet press down to
the centre, and whose head strikes against
the sun; at whose nod the princes of the
carth shake their knees; pleasant as the
spring, comfortable as the summer, fruitful
as autumn, dreadful as winter. His most
sublime majesty proposes to the man-
mountain, lately arived at our celestial do-
minions, the following articles, which, by
a solemn oath, he shall be obliged to per-
form.
Ist, The man-mountain shall not de-
part from our dominions, without our li-
cense under our great seal.
"2d, IIe shall not presume to come into
our metropolis, without our express order;
at which time, the inhabitants shall have
two hours' warning to keep within doors.
CC 3d, The said man-mountain shall con-
fine his walks to our principal high roads,
and not offer to walk, or lie down, in a mea-
dow or field of corn.
1th, As he walks the said roads, he
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 41
shall take the utmost care not to trample
upon the bodies of any of our loving sub-
jects, their horses, or carriages, nor take
any of our subjects into his hands without
their own consent.
"5th, If an express requires extraordi-
nary dispatch, the man-mountain shall be
obliged to carry, in his pocket, the messen-
ger and horse a six days' journey, once in
every moon, and return the said messenger
back (if so required) safe to our imperial
presence.
C
6th, He shall be our ally against our
enemies in the island of Blefuscu, and do
his utmost to destroy their fleet, which is
now preparing to invade us.
"7th, That the said man-mountain shall,
at his time of leisure, be aiding and assist-
ing to our workmen, in helping to raise
certain great stones, towards covering the
wall of the principal park, and our other
royal buildings.
8th, That the said man-mountain shall,
in two moons' time, deliver in an exact
survey of the circumference of our
dominions, by a computation of his own
paces round the coast.
Lastly, That, upon his solemn oath to
observe all the above articles, the said
man-mountain shall have a daily allowance
of meat and drink sufficient for the sup-
port of 1724 of our subjects, with free
In his description of Lilliput, he seems to have
had England more immediately in view. In his
description of Blefuscu, he seems to intend the
people and kingdom of France.—Orrery,
42
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
access to our royal person, and other marks
of our favour. Given at our palace at
Belfaborac, the twelfth day of the ninety-
first moon of our reign."
I swore and subscribed to these articles
with great cheerfulness and content,
although some of them were not so honour-
able as I could have wished; which pro-
recded wholly from the malice of Skyresh
Bolgolam, the high-admiral: whereupon
my chains were immediately unlocked, and
I was at full liberty. The emperor himself,
in person, did me the honour to be by at
the whole ceremony. I made my acknow.
ledgments by prostrating myself at his
majesty's feet: but he commanded me to
rise; and after many gracious expressions,
which, to avoid the censure of vanity, I
shall not repeat, he added, "that he hoped
I should prove a useful servant, and well
deserve all the favours he had already
conferred upon me, or might do for the
future."
The reader may please to observe, that,
in the last article of the recovery of my
liberty, the emperor stipulates to allow me
a quantity of meat and drink sufficient for
the support of 1724 Lilliputians. Some
time after, asking a friend at court how
they came to fix on that determinate
number, he told me that his majesty's
mathematicians, having taken the height
of my body by the help of a quadrant, and
finding it to exceed theirs in the proportion
of twelve to one, they concluded from the
similarity of their bodies, that mine must
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 43
contain at least 1724 of theirs, and conse-
quently would require as much food as
was necessary to support that number of
Lilliputians. By which the reader may
conceive an idea of the ingenuity of the
people, as well as the prudent and exact
economy of so great a prince.

CHAPTER IV.
Mildendo, the metropolis of Lilliput, de-
scribed, together with the Emperor's
palace. A conversation between the
Author and a principal secretary, con-
cerning the affairs of that empire. The
Author's offers to serve the Emperor in
his wars.
THE first request I made, after I had
obtained my liberty, was, that I might
have license to see Mildendo, the metropo-
lis; which the emperor casily granted me,
but with a special charge to do no hurt
either to the inhabitants or their houses.
The people had notice by proclamation, of
my design to visit the town. The wall,
which encompassed it, is two feet and a
half high, and at least eleven inches broad,
so that a coach and horses may be driven
very safely round it; and it is flanked with
strong towers at ten feet distance. I
stepped over the great western gate, and
passed very gently and sideling through
the two principal streets only in my short
41
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
waistcoat, for fear of damaging the roofs
and eaves of the houses with the skirts of
my coat.
I walked with the utmost cir-
cumspection, to avoid treading on any
stragglers who might remain in the streets;
although the orders were very strict, that
all people should keep in their houses, at
their own peril. The garret windows and
tops of houses were so crowded with
spectators, that I thought in all my travels
I had not seen a more populous place.
The city is an exact square, each side of
the wall being five hundred feet long
The two great streets, which run across
and divide it into four quarters, are five
feet wide. The lanes and alleys, which I
could not enter, but only viewed them as I
passed, are from twelve to eighteen inches.
The town is capable of holding five hundred
thousand souls: the houses are from three
to five stories: the shops and markets well
provided.
The emperor's palace is in the centre of
the city where the two great streets meet.
It is enclosed by a wall of two feet high,
and twenty feet distance from the buildings.
I had his majesty's permission to step over
this wall; and the space being so wide
between that and the palace, 1 could easily
view it on every side. The outward court
is a square of forty feet, and includes two
other courts: in the inmost are the royal
apartments, which I was very desirous to
see, but found it extremely difficult; for
the great gates, from one square into
another, were but eighteen inches high,
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT, 45
and seven inches wide. Now the buildings
of the outer court were at least five feet
high, and it was impossible for me to stride
over them without infinite damage to the
pile, though the walls were strongly built
of hewn stone, and four inches thick. At
the same time the emperor had a great
desire that I should see the magnificence
of his palace; but this I was not able to do
till three days after, which 1 spent in
cutting down with my knife some of the
largest trees in the royal park, about a
hundred yards' distant from the city. Of
these trees I made two stools, each about
three feet high, and strong enough to bear
my weight. The people having received
notice a second time, I went again through
the city to the_palace with my two stools
in my hands. When I came to the side of
the outer court, I stood upon one stool,
and took the other in my hand; this I
lifted over the roof, and gently set it down
on the space between the first and second
court, which was eight feet wide. I then
stepped over the building very convenient.
ly from one stool to the other, and drew up
the first after me with a hooked stick. By
this contrivance I got into the inmost
court; and, lying down upon my side, I
applied my face to the windows of the mid
dle stories, which were left open on pur-
pose, and discovered the most splendid
apartments that can be imagined. There
I saw the empress and the young princes,
in their several lodgings, with their chief
attendants about them. Her imperial
46
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
majesty was pleased to smile very gracious-
ly upon me, and gave me out of the window
her hand to kiss.
But I shall not anticipate the reader
with further descriptions of this kind,
because I reserve them for a greater work,
which is now almost ready for the press;
containing a general description of this
empire, from its first erection, through a
long series of princes; with a particular
account of their wars and politics, laws,
learning, and religion; their plants and
animals; their peculiar manners and cus-
toms, with other matters very curious and
useful; my chief design at present being
only to relate such events and transactions
as happened to the public or to myself
during a residence of about nine months in
that empire.
One morning, about a fortnight after I
had obtained my liberty, Reldresal, princi-
pal secretary (as they style him) for private
affairs, came to my house attended only by
one servant. He ordered his coach to
wait at a distance, and desired I would
give him an hour's audience; which I
readily consented to, on account of his
quality and personal merits, as well as of
the many good offices he had done me
during my solicitations at court. I offered
to lie down that he might the more con-
veniently reach my ear; but he choose
rather to let me hold him in my hand
during our conversation. He began with
compliments on my liberty; said "he
might pretend to some merit in it;"

A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 47
but however added, "that if it had not
been for the present situation of things at
court, perhaps I might not have obtained
it so soon. For," said he, "as flourishing
a condition as we may appear to be in to
foreigners, we labour under two mighty
evils a violent faction at home, and the
danger of an invasion, by a most potent
enemy, from abroad. As to the first, you
are to understand, that for above seventy
moons past there have been two struggling
parties in this empire, under the names of
Tramecksan and Slamecksan,* from the
high and low heels of their shoes, by which
they distinguish themselves. It is alleged,
indeed, that the high heels are most agree-
able to our ancient constitution; but, how-
ever this be, his majesty has determined to
make use only of low heels in the adminis-
tration of the government, and all offices
in the gift of the crown, as you cannot but
observe; and particularly that his majesty's
imperial heels are lower at least by a druri
than any of his court: drurr is a measure
about the fourteenth part of an inch. The
animosities betwe n these two parties run
so high, that they will neither eat, nor
drink, nor talk with each other. We
compute the Tramicksan, or high heels, tc
High-church and low-church, or whig and
1ory. As every accidental difference between man
and man in person and circumstances is by this
work rendered extremely contemptible; so specu
lative differences are shown to be equally ridiculous,
when the zeal with which they are opposed and
defended too much exceeds their importance.-H.
18
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
exceed us in number; but the power is
wholly on our side. We apprehend his
imperial highness, the heir to the crown,
to have some tendency towards the high
heels; at least we can plainly discover that
one of his heels is higher than the other,
which gives him a hobble in his gait.
Now, in the midst of these intestine dis-
quiets, we are threatened with an invasion
from the island of Blefuscu, which is the
other great empire of the universe, almost
as large and powerful as this of his majesty.
For as to what we have heard you affirm,
that there are other kingdoms and states in
the world inhabited by human creatures as
large as yourself, our philosophers are in
much doubt, and would rather conjecture
that you dropped from the moon, or one of
the stars; because it is certain, that a hun.
dred mortals of your bulk would in a short
time destroy all the fruits and cattle of his
majesty's dominions: besides, our historics
of six thousand moons make no mention of
any other regions than the two great
empires of Lilliput and Blefuscu. Which
two mighty powers have, as I was going to
tell you, been engaged in a most obstinate
war for six-and-thirty moons past. It
began upon the following occasion: it is
allowed on all hands, that the primitive
way of breaking eggs, before we eat them,
was upon the larger end; but his present
majesty's grandfather, while he was
boy, going to eat an egg, and breaking it
according to the ancient practice, happen-
ed to cut one of his fingers; whereupon
a
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 49
the emperor his father published an edict,
commanding all his subjects, upon great
penalties, to break the smaller end of
their eggs. The people so highly resent-
ed this law, that our histories tell us, there
have been six rebellions raised on that ac
count; wherein one cemperor lost his life,
and another his crown. These civil comme-
tions were constantly fomented by the
monarchs of Blefuscu; and when they
were quelled, the exiles always filed for re-
fuge to that empire. It is computed that
eleven thousand persons have at several
times suffered death, rather than submit to
break their eggs at the smaller end. Many
hundred large volumes have been published
upon this controversy: but the books of
the Big-endians have been long forbidden,
and the whole party rendered incapable by
law of holding employments. During the
course of these troubles, the emperors of
Blefuscu did frequently expostulate by their
ambassadors, accusing us of making a
schism in religion, by offending against a
fundamental doctrine of our great prophet
Lustrog, in the fifty-fourth chapter of the
Blundecral, which is their Alcoran. This
however is thought to be a mere strain
upon the text; for the words are these:
that all true believers break their eggs at
the convenient end; and which is the con-
venient end, seems, in my humble opinion,
to be left to every man's conscience, or at
least in the power of the chief magistrate
to determine. Now, the Big-endian exiles
have found so much credit in the emperor
VOL, J.
D
50
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
of Blefuscu's court, and so much private
assistance and encouragement from their
party here at home, that a bloody war has
been carried on between the two empires
for six-and-thirty moons, with various suc.
cess; during which time we have lost forty
capital ships, and a much greater number
of smaller vessels, together with thirty
thousand of our best seamen and soldiers;
and the damage received by the enemy is
reckoned to be somewhat greater than
ours. However, they have now equipped
a numerous fleet, and are just preparing to
make a descent upon us; and his imperial
majesty, placing great confidence in your
valour and strength, has commanded me
to lay this account of his affairs before you."
I desired the secretary to present my
humble duty to the emperor; and to let
him know, that I thought it would not
become me, who was a foreigner, to inter-
fere with partics; but I was ready, with
the hazard of my life, to defend his person
and state against all invaders.*"
Gulliver, without examining the subject of dis-
pute, readily engaged to defend the emperor against
invasion; because he knew that no such inoñarch
had a right to invade the dominions of another, for
the propagation of truth.—H,
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 51
CHAPTER V.
The Author, by an extraordinary stratagem,
prevents an invasion. A high title of hon-
our is conferred upon him.” Ambassadors
arrive from the Emperor of Blefuscu, and
sue for peace. The Emperor's apartments
on fire by accident; the Author instru-
mental in saving the rest of the palace.
THE empire of Blefuscu is an island situat-
ed to the north-east of Lilliput, from which
it is parted only by a channel of eight
hundred yards wide. I had not yet seen
it, and upon this notice of an intended in-
vasion, I avoided appearing on that side of
the coast, for fear of being discovered by
some of the enemy's ships, who had receiv
ed no intelligence of me; all intercourse be-
tween the two empires having been strictly
forbidden during the war, upon pain of
death, and an embargo laid by our emperor
upon all vessels whatsoever. 1 communi
cated to his majesty a project I had formed,
of seizing the enemy's whole fleet; which,
as our scouts assured us, lay at anchor in
the harbour, ready to sail with the first fair
wind. I consulted the most experienced
seamen upon the depth of the channel,
which they had often plumbed; who told
me, that in the middle at high-water it
was seventy glumgluff's deep, which is about
six feet of European measure; and the rest
of it fifty glumgluffs at most. I walked to-
wards the north-east coast, over against

D 2
52
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
Blefuscu; where, lying down behind a hil-
lock, I took out my small perspective glass,
and viewed the enemy's fleet at anchor,
consisting of about fifty men of war, and a
great number of transports: I then came
back to my house, and gave orders (for
which I had a warrant) for a great quantity
of the strongest cable and bars of iron.
The cable was about as thick as packthread
and the bars of the length and size of a
knitting-needle. I trebled the cable to
make it stronger, and for the same reason
I twisted three of the iron bars together,
bending the extremities into a hook. Hav.
ing thus fixed fifty hooks to as many cables,
1 went back to the north-east coast, and
putting off my coat, shoes, and stockings,
walked into the sea, in my leathern jerkin,
about half an hour before high water. I
waded with what haste I could, and swam
in the middle about thirty yards, till I felt
ground. I arrived at the fleet in less than
half an hour. The enemy was so frighten-
ed when they saw me, that they leaped out
of their ships, and swam to shore, where
there could not be fewer than thirty thou-
sand souls; I then took my tackling, and,
fastening a hook to the hole at the prow of
each, I tied all the cords together at the
end. While I was thus employed, the
enemy discharged several thousand arrows,
many of which stuck in my hands and face;
and, beside the excessive smart, gave me
much disturbance in my work. My great-
est apprehension was for mine eyes, which
I should have infallibly lost, if I had not
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 53
suddenly thought of an expedient. I kept,
among other little necessaries, a pair of
spectacles in a private pocket, which, as I
observed before, had escaped the emperor's
searchers. These I took out and fastened
as strongly as I could upon my nose, and
thus armed, went on boldly with my work,
in spite of the enemy's arrows, many of
which struck against the glasses of my
spectacles, but without any other effect,
further than a little to discompose them.
I had now fastened all the hooks, and, tak-
ing the knot in my hand, began to pull;
but not a ship would stir, for they were
all too fast held by their anchors, so that
the boldest part of my enterprise remained.
1 therefore let go the cord, and leaving the
hooks fixed to the ships, I resolutely cut
with my knife the cables that fastened the
anchors, receiving about two hundred shots
in my face and hands; then I took up the
knotted end of the cables, to which my
hooks were tied, and with great ease drew
fifty of the enemy's largest men of war
after me.
The Blefuscudians, who had not the
least imagination of what I intended, were
at first confounded with astonishment.
They had seen me cut the cables, and
thought my design was only to let the ships
run adrift or fall foul on each other: but
when they perceived the whole fleet mov-
ing in order, and saw me pulling at the
end, they set up such a scream of grief and
despair as it is almost impossible to describe
or conceive. When I had got out of dan.
D 3
51
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ger, I stopped awhile to pick out the ar-
rows that stuck in my hands and face; and
rubbed on some of the same ointment that
was given me at my first arrival, as I have
formerly mentioned. I then took off my
spectacles, and waiting about an hour, till
the tide was a little fallen, I waded through
the middle with my cargo, and arrived safe
at the royal port of Lilliput.
The emperor and his whole court stood
on the shore, expecting the issue of this
great adventure. They saw the ships move
forward in a large half-moon, but could not
discern me, who was up to my breast in
water. When I advanced to the middle of
the channel, they were yet more in pain,
because I was under water to my neek.
The emperor concluded me to be drowned,
and that the enemy's fleet was approaching
în a hostile manner: but he was soon
eased of his fears; for the channel grow-
ing shallower every step I made, I came in
Ι
a short time within hearing, and holding
up the end of the cable, by which the fleet
was fastened, I cried in a loud voice,
Long live the most puissant king of Lilli-
put!" This great prince received me at
my landing with all possible encomiums,
and created me a nardac upon the spot,
which is the highest title of honour among
them.
His majesty desired I would take some
other opportunity of bringing all the rest
of his enemy's ships into his ports. And
so unmeasurable is the ambition of princes,
that he seemed to think of nothing less
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 55
than reducing the whole empire of Blefuscu
into a province, and governing it by a
viceroy of destroying the Big-endian
exiles, and compelling that people to break
the smaller end of their eggs, by which he
would remain the sole monarch of the
whole world. But I endeavoured to divert
him from this design, by many arguments
drawn from the topics of policy as well as
justice; and I plainly protested, "that I
would never be an instrument of bringing
a free and brave people into slavery ;" and,
when the matter was debated in council,
the wisest part of the ministry were of my
opinion.
This open bold declaration of mine was
so opposite to the schemes and politics of
his imperial majesty, that he could never
forgive me. He mentioned it in a very art-
ful manner at council, where I was told
that some of the wisest appeared at least,
by their silence, to be of my opinion; but
others, who were my secret enemies, could
not forbear some expressions which by a
side-wind reflected on me; and from this
time began an intrigue between his majesty,
and a junto of ministers, maliciously bent
against me, which broke out in less than
two months, and had like to have ended in
my utter destruction. Of so little weight
are the greatest services to princes, when
put into the balance with a refusal to gratify
their passions.
About three weeks after this exploit,
there arrived a solemn embassy from Ble-
fuscu, with humble offers of a peace;
D+
56
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
which was soon concluded, upon conditions
very advantageous to our emperor, where-
with I shall not trouble the reader. There
were six ambassadors, with a train of about
five hundred persons; and their entry was
very magnificent, suitable to the grandeur
of their master, and the importance of their
business. When their treaty was finished,
wherein I did them several good offices by
the credit I now had, or at least appeared
to have, at court, their excellencies, who
were privately told how much I had been
their friend, made me a visit in form. They
began with many compliments upon my
valour and generosity, invited me to that
kingdom in the emperor their master's
name, and desired me to show them some
proofs of my prodigious strength, of which
they had heard so many wonders; wherein
I readily obliged them, but shall not trouble
the reader with the particulars.
When I had for some time entertained
their excellencies, to their infinite satis-
faction and surprise, I desired they would
do me the honour to present my most
humble respects to the emperor their mas-
ter, the renown of whose virtues had so
justly filled the whole world with admira-
tion, and whose royal person I resolved to
attend, before I returned to my own coun-
try. Accordingly, the next time I had the
honour to see our emperor, I desired his
general license to wait on the Blefuscudian
monarch, which he was pleased to grant
me, as I could perceive, in a very cold
manner; but could not guess the reason,
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 57
till I had a whisper from a certain person,
"that Flimnap and Bolgolam had repre-
sented my intercourse with those ambassa-
dors as a mark of disaffection;" from
which I am sure my heart was wholly free.
And this was the first time 1 began to
conceive some imperfect idea of courts and
ministers.
It is to be observed, that these ambassa.
dors spoke to me by an interpreter, the
languages of both empires differing as
much from each other as any two in
Europe, and each nation priding itself up-
on the antiquity, beauty, and energy of
their own tongues, with an avowed con-
tempt of that of their neighbour: yet our
emperor, standing upon the advantage he
had got by the seizure of their fleet,
obliged them to deliver their credentials,
and make their speech, in the Lilliputian
tongue. And it must be confessed, that
from the great intercourse of trade and
commerce between both realms, from the
continual reception of exiles which is
mutual among them, and from the custom,
in each empire, to send their young
nobility and nicher gentry to the other, in
order to polish themselves by seeing the
world, and understanding men and man,
ners; there are few persons of distinction,
or merchants, or seamen, who dwell in the
maritime parts, but what can hold conver-
sation in both tongues; as I found some
weeks after, when I went to pay my
respects to the emperor of Blefuscu, which,
in the midst of great misfortunes througli
53
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the malice of my enemies, proved a very
happy adventure to me, as I shall relate
in its proper place.
The reader may remember, that when I
signed those articles upon which I recover-
ed my liberty, there were some which I
disliked, upon account of their being too
servile; neither could any thing but an
extreme necessity have forced me to sub-
mit. But being now a nardac of the high-
est rank in that empire, such offices were
looked upon as below my dignity, and the
emperor (to do him justice) never once
mentioned them to me. However, it was
not long before I had an opportunity of
doing his majesty, at least as I then
thought, a most signal service. I was
alarmed at midnight with the cries of many
hundred people at my door; by which,
being suddenly awaked, I was in some
kind of terror. I heard the word burglum
repeated incessantly: several of the
emperor's court, making their way
through the crowd, entreated me to come
immediately to the palace, where her
imperial majesty's apartment was on fire,
by the carelessness of a maid of honour,
who fell asleep while she was reading a
romance. I got up in an instant; and
orders being given to clear the way before
me, and it being likewise a moonshine
night, I made a shift to get to the palace
without trampling on any of the people. I
found they had already applied ladders to
the walls of the apartment, and were well
provided with buckets, but the water was
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 59
at some distance. These buckets were
about the size of a large thimble, and the
poor people supplied me with them as fast
as they could but the flame was so
violent that they did little good. I might
casily have stiffed it with my coat, which
I unfortunately left behind me for haste,
and came away only in my leathern jerkin.
The case seemed wholly desperate and
deplorable; and this magnificent palace
would have infallibly been burnt down to
the ground, if, by a presence of mind
unusual to me, I had not suddenly thought
of an expedient. I had, the evening
before, drunk plentifully of a most delicious
wine called glimigrim (the Blefuscudians
call it flunec, but ours is esteemed the better
sort,) which is very diuretic. By the
luckiest chance in the world, I had not
discharged myself of any part of it. The heat
1 had contracted by coming very near the
flames, and by labouring to quench them,
made the wine begin to operate by urine :
which I voided in such a quantity, and
applied so well to the proper places, that
in three minutes the fire was wholly ex-
tinguished, and the rest of that noble pile,
which had cost so many ages in erecting,
preserved from destruction.
It was now day-light, and I returned to
my house without waiting to congratulate
with the emperor: because, although I had
done a very eminent piece of service, yet
I could not tell how his majesty might
resent the manner by which 1 had per-
formed it: for, by the fundamental laws of

GU
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the realm, it is capital in any person, of
what quality soever, to make water within
the precincts of the palace. But I was a
little comforted by a message from his
majesty, "that he would give orders to the
grand justiciary for passing my pardon in
form;" which,
which, however, I could not
obtain; and I was privately assured, that
the empress, conceiving the greatest ab-
horrence of what I had done, removed to
the most distant side of the court, firmly
resolved that those buildings should never
be repaired for her use: and, in the pre-
sence of her chief confidents, could not
forbear vowing revenge.
CHAPTER VI.
Of the inhabitants of Lilliput ; their learn-
ing, laws, and customs; the manner of
educating their children. The Author's
way of living in that country. His vindi-
cation of a great lady.
ALTHOUGH I intend to leave the description
of this empire to a particular treatise, yet,
in the mean time, I am content to gratify
the curious reader with some general
ideas. As the common size of the natives
is somewhat under six inches high, so
there is an exact proportion in all other
animals, as well as plants and trees; for
instance, the tallest horses and oxen are
between four and five inches in height,
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 61
the sheep an inch and half, more or less:
their gecse about the bigness of a sparrow,
and so the several gradations downwards,
till you come to the smallest, which to my
sight, were almost invisible; but nature
has adapted the eyes of the Lilliputians to
all objects proper for their view they see
with great exactness, but at no great
distance. And, to show the sharpness of
their sight towards objects that are near, I
have been much pleased with observing a
cook pulling a lark, which was not so large
as a common fly: and a young girl thread-
ing an invisible needle with invisible silk.
Their tallest trees are about seven feet
high: I mean some of those in the great
royal park, the tops whereof I could but
just reach with my fist clenched.
The
other vegetables are in the same propor-
tion; but this I leave to the reader's imagi-
nation.
I shall say but little at present of their
learning, which, for many
many ages, has
flourished in all its branches among them :
but their manner of writing is very pecu-
liar, being neither from the left to the
right, like the Europeans; nor from the
right to the left, like the Arabians; nor
from up to down, like the Chinese; but
aslant, from one corner of the paper to the
other, like ladies in England.
They bury their dead with their heads
directly downward, because they hold an
opinion, that in cleven thousand moons
they are all to rise again; in which period
the earth which they conceive to be flat)
62
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
will turn upside down, and by this means
they shall, at their resurrection, be found
ready standing on their feet. The learned
among them confess the absurdity of this
doctrine; but the practice still continues,
in compliance to the vulgar.
There are some laws and customs in this
cmpire very peculiar; and if they were
not so directly contrary to those of my
own dear country, I should be tempted to
say a little in their justification. It is only
to be wished they were as well executed.
The first I shall mention, relates to in-
formers. All crimes against the state, are
punished here with the utmost severity;
but, if the person accused makes his
innocence plainly to appear upon his trial,
the accuser is immediately put to an
ignominious death; and out of his goods
or lands the innocent person is quadruply
recompensed for the loss of his time, for
the danger he underwent, for the hardship
of his imprisonment, and for all the
charges he has been at in making his
defence; or, if that fund be deficient, it is
largely supplied by the crown. The emperor
also confers on him some public mark of
his favour, and proclamation is made of
his innocence through the whole city.
They look upon fraud as a greater crime
than theft, and therefore seldom fail to
punish it with death; for they allege, that
care and vigilance, with a very common
understanding, may preserve a man's
goods from thieves, but honesty has no
fence against superior cunning; and since
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 63
it is necessary that there should be a
perpetual intercourse of buying and selling,
and dealing upon credit; where fraud is
permitted and connived at, or has no law
to punish it, the honest dealer is always
undone, and the knave gets the advantage.
I remember, when I was once interceding
with the king for a criminal who had
wronged his master of a great sum of
money, which he had received by order,
and ran away with; and happening to tell
his majesty, by way of extenuation, that
it was only a breach of trust, the emperor
thought it monstrous in me to offer as a
defence the greatest aggravation of the
crime; and truly I had little to say in
return, farther than the common answer,
that different nations had different cus-
toms; for, I confess, I was heartily
ashamed. *
Although we usually call reward and
punishment the two hinges upon which all
government turns, yet I could never
observe this maxim to be put in practice
by any nation, except that of Lilliput.
Whoever can there bring sufficient proof,
that he has strictly observed the laws of
his country for seventy-three moons, has a
claim to certain privileges, according to his
quality or condition of life, with a propor-
tionable sum of money out of a fund
appropriated for that use: he likewise
An act of parliament has been since passed, by
which some breaches of trust have been made
capital. Original,
64
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
acquires the title of snilpall, or legal, which
is added to his name, but does not descend
to his posterity. And these people thought
it a prodigious defect of policy among us,
when I told them that our laws were
enforced only by penalties, without any
mention of reward. It is upon this account
that the image of Justice, in their courts
of judicature, is formed with six eyes, two
before, as many behind, and on each side
one, to signify circumspection; with a bag
of gold open in her right hand, and a sword
sheathed in her left, to show she is more
disposed to reward than to punish.
In choosing persons for all employments,
they have more regard to good morals
than to great abilities; for, since govern-
ment is necessary to mankind, they believe
that the common size of human under-
standing is fitted to some station or other;
and that Providence never intended to
make the management of public affairs a
mystery to be comprehended only by a few
persons of sublime genius, of which there
seldom are three born in an age: but they
suppose truth, justice, temperance, and
the like, to be in every man's power; the
practice of which virtues, assisted by ex-
perience and a good intention, would qualify
any man for the service of his country,
except where a course of study is required.
But they thought the want of moral vir-
tues was so far from being supplied by
superior endowments of the mind, that
employments could never be put into such
dangerous hands as those of persons so

A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 65
qualified; and at least, that the mistakes
committed by ignorance, in a virtuous dis-
position, would never be of such fatal con-
sequence to the public weal, as the prac-
tices of a man, whose inclinations led him
to be corrupt, and who had great abilities
to manage, to multiply, and defend his cor-
ruptions.
In like manner, the disbelief of a Divine
Providence renders a man incapable of
holding any public station; for, since kings
avow themselves to be the deputies of Pro-
vidence, the Lilliputians think nothing can
be more absurd than for a prince to employ
such men as disown the authority under
which he acts.
In relating these and the following laws,
I would only be understood to mean the
original institutions, and not the most
scandalous corruptions, into which these
people are fallen by the degenerate nature
of man. For, as to that infamous practice
of acquiring great employments by dancing
on the ropes, or badges of favour and dis
tinction by leaping over sticks and creeping
under them, the reader is to observe, that
they were first introduced by the grand-
father of the emperor now reigning, and
grew to the present height by the gradual
increase of party and faction.
Ingratitude is among them a capital
crime, as we read it to have been in some
other countries: for they reason thus
that whoever makes ill returns to his be
nefactor, must necds be a common enemy
to the rest of mankind, from whom he has
VOL. I.
E
GG
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
received no obligation, and therefore such
a man is not fit to live.
Their notions relating to the duties of
parents and children, differ extremely from
ours. For, since the conjunction of male
and female is founded upon the great law
of nature, in order to propagate and con-
tinue the species, the Lilliputians will
needs have it, that men and women are
joined together, like other animals, by the
motives of concupiscence; and that their
tenderness towards their young proceeds
from the like natural principle; for which
reason, they will never allow that a child is
under any obligation to his father for be-
getting him, or to his mother for bringing
him into the world; which, considering the
miscrics of human life, was neither a benefit
in itself, nor intended so by his parents,
whose thoughts, in their love encounters,
were otherwise employed. Upon these, and
the like reasonings, their opinion is, that
parents are the last of all others to be
trusted with the education of their own
children; and therefore they have in every
town public nurseries, where all parents,
except cottagers and labourers, are obliged
to send their infants of both sexes to be
reared and educated, when they come to
the age of twenty moons, at which time
they are supposed to have some rudiments
of docility. These schools are of several
kinds, suited to different qualities, and both
sexes. They have certain professors well
skilled in preparing children for such a
condition of life as befits the rank of their
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 67
parents, and their own capacities, as well
as inclinations. I shall first say something
of the male nurseries, and then of the fè.
male.
The nurseries for males of noble or emi-
nent birth, are provided with grave and
learned professors, and their several de-
puties. The clothes and food of the chil-
dren are plain and simple. They are bred
up in the principles of honour, justice,
courage, modesty, clemency, religion, and
love of their country; they are always em-
ployed in some business, except in the
times of eating and sleeping, which are
very short, and two hours for diversions
consisting of bodily exercises. They are
dressed by men till four years of age, and
then are obliged to dress themselves, al-
though their quality be ever so great; and
the women attendants, who are aged pro-
portionably to ours at fifty, perform only
the most menial offices. They are never
suffered to converse with servants, but go
together in smaller or greater numbers to
take their diversions, and always in the
presence of a professor, or one of his de-
puties; whereby they avoid those carly bad
impressions of folly and vice, to which our
children are subject. Their parents are
suffered to see them only twice a year; the
visit is to last but an hour; they are al-
lowed to kiss the child at meeting and part-
ing; but a professor, who always stands by
on those occasions, will not suffer them to
whisper, or use any fondling expressions,

E 2
63
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
or bring any presents of toys, sweetmeats,
and the like.
The pension from each family for the
education and entertainment of a child,
upon failure of due payment, is levied by
the emperor's officers.
The nurseries for children of ordinary
gentlemen, merchants, traders, and handi-
crafts, are managed proportionably after
the same manner; only those designed for
trades are put out apprentices at eleven
years old; whereas those of persons of
quality continue in their exercises till fif-
teen, which answers to twenty-one with us;
but the confinement is gradually lessened
for the last three years.
In the female nurseries, the young girls
of quality are educated much like the males,
only they are dressed by orderly servants
of their own sex ; but always in the pre-
sence of a professor or deputy, till they
come to dress themselves, which is at five
years old. And if it be found that these
nurses ever presume to entertain the girls
with frightful or foolish stories, or the com-
mon follies practised by chambermaids
among us, they are publicly whipped thrice
about the city, imprisoned for a year, and
banished for life to the most desolate part
of the country. Thus the young ladies are
as much ashamed of being cowards and
fools, as the men, and despise all personal
ornaments, beyond decency and cleanli-
ness neither did I perceive any difference
in their education made by their difference
of sex, only that the exercises of the fe-
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 69
males were not altogether so robust; and
that some rules were given them relating
to domestic life, and a smaller compass of
learning was enjoined them: for their
maxim is, that among people of quality, a
we should be always a reasonable and
agreeable companion, because she cannot
always be young. When the girls are
twelve years old, which among them is the
marriageable age, their parents or guar
dians take them home, with great exprès-
sions of gratitude to the professors, and
seldom without tears of the young lady and
her companions.
In the nurseries of females of the meaner
sort, the children are instructed in all
kinds of works proper for their sex, and
their several degrees: those intended for
apprentices are dismissed at seven years
old, the rest are kept to eleven.
The meaner families who have children
at nurseries, are obliged, besides their an-
nual pension, which is as low as possible,
to return to the steward of the nursery a
small monthly share of their gettings, to
be a portion for the child; and therefore
all parents are limited in their expenses by
the law. For the Lilliputians think nothing
can be more unjust, than for people, in
subservience to their own appetites, to
bring children into the world, and leave
the burthen of supporting them on the pub-
lic. As to persons of quality, they give sc-
curity to appropriate a certain sum for
cach child, suitable to their condition; and
!
E 3
70
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
these funds are always managed with good
husbandry and the most exact justice.
The cottagers and labourers keep their
children at home, their business being only
to till and cultivate the earth, and there-
fore their education is of little consequence
to the public: but the old and diseased
among them, are supported by hospitals;
for begging is a trade unknown in this
empire.
And here it may, perhaps, divert the
curious reader, to give some account of my
domestics, and my manner of living in this
country, during a residence of nine months
and thirteen days. Having a head me-
chanically turned, and being likewise forced
by necessity, I had made for myself a table
and chair convenient enough, out of the
largest trees in the royal park. Two hun-
dred sempstresses were employed to make
me shirts, and linen for my bed and table,
all of the strongest and coarsest kind they
could get; which, however, they were
forced to quilt together in several folds, for
the thickest was some degrees firmer than
lawn. Their linen is usually three inches
wide, and three feet make a piece. The
sempstresses took my measure as I lay on
the ground, one standing at my neck, and
another at my mid-leg, with a strong cord
extended, that each held by the end, while
a third measured the length of the cord
with a rule of an inch long. Then they
measured my right thumb, and desired no
more; for by a mathematical computation,
that twice round the thumb is once round
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.
71
the wrist, and so on to the neck and the
waist, and by the help of my old shirt,
which I displayed on the ground before
them for a pattern, they fitted me exactly.
Three hundred tailors were employed in
the same manner to make me clothes; but
they had another contrivance for taking
my measure. I kneeled down, and they
raised a ladder from the ground to my
neck; upon this ladder one of them
mounted, and let fall a plumb-line from my
collar to the floor, which just answered the
length of my coat: but my waist and arms
1 measured myself. When my clothes
were finished, which was done in my house
(for the largest of theirs would not have
been able to hold them,) they looked like
the patch-work made by the ladies in
England, only that mine were all of a
colour.
I had three hundred cooks to dress my
victuals, in little convenient huts built
about my house, where they and their fami-
lies lived, and prepared me two dishes a-
piece. I took up twenty waiters in my
hand, and placed them on the table: a
hundred more attended below on the
ground, some with dishes of meat, and
some with barrels of wine and other liquors
slung on their shoulders; all which the
waiters above drew up, as I wanted, in a
very ingenious manner by certain cords, as
we draw the bucket up a well in Europe.
A dish of their meat was a good mouthful,
and a barrel of their liquor a reasonable
draught. Their mutton yields to ours,
!
E 4
72
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
but their beef is excellent. I have had a
surloin so large, that I have been forced to
make three bits of it; but this is rare.
My
servants were astonished to see me eat it,
bones and all, as in our country we do the
leg of a lark. Their geese and turkeys I
usually ate at a mouthful, and I confess
they far exceed ours. Of their smaller
fowl I could take up twenty or thirty at
the end of my knife.
One day his imperial majesty, being in-
formed of my way of living, desired "that
himself and his royal consort, with the
young princes of the blood of both sexes,
might have the happiness," as he was
pleased to call it, of dining with inc."
They came accordingly, and I placed them
in chairs of state, upon my table, just over
against me, with their guards about them.
Flimnap, the lord high treasurer, attended
there likewise with the white staff'; and I
observed he often looked on me with a
sour countenance, which I would not seem
to regard, but ate more than usual, in hon-
our to my dear country, as well as to fill
the court with admiration. I have some
private reasons to believe, that this visit
from his majesty gave Flimnap an oppor-
tunity of doing me ill offices to his master.
That minister had always been my secret
enemy, though he outwardly carressed me
more than was usual to the moroseness of
his nature. He represented to the emperor
"the low condition of his treasury; that
he was forced to take up money at a great
discount; that exchequer bills would not

A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT, 73
circulate under nine per cent. below par;
that I had cost his majesty above a million
and a half of sprugs (their greatest gold
coin, about the bigness of a spangle); and,
upon the whole, that it would be advisca-
ble in the emperor to take the first fair
occasion of dismissing me.'
I am here obliged to vindicate the repu-
tation of an excellent lady, who was an
innocent sufferer upon my account. The
treasurer took a fancy to be jealous of his
wife, from the malice of some evil tongues,
who informed him that her grace had
taken a violent affection for my person :
and the court scandal ran for some time,
that she once came privately to my
lodging. This I solemnly declare to be a
most infamous falsehood, without any
grounds, further than that her grace was
pleased to treat me with all innocent
marks of freedom and friendship. I own
she came often to my house, but always
publicly, nor ever without three more in
the coach, who were usually her sister and
young daughter, and some particular
acquaintance: but this was common to
many other ladics of the court: and I still
appeal to my servants round, whether they
at any time saw a coach at my door, with-
out knowing what persons were in it. Он
those occasions, when a servant had given
me notice, my custom was to go imme-
diately to the door; and, after paying my
respects, to take up the coach and two
horses very carefully in my hands (for, if
there were six horses, the postillion always
71 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
unharnessed four,) and placed them on a
table, where I had fixed a moveable tim
quite round, of five inches high, to prevent
accidents; and I have often had four
coaches and horses at once on my table,
full of company, while I sat in my chair,
leaning my face towards them; and when
I was engaged with one set, the coachmen
would gently drive the others round my
table. I have passed many an afternoon
very agreeably in these conversations.
But I defy the treasurer or his two in-
formers (I will name them, and let them
make the best of it) Clustril and Drunlo,
to prove that any person ever came to me
incognito, except the secretary Reldresal,
who was sent by express command of his
imperial majesty, as I have before related.
I should not have dwelt so long upon this
particular, if it had not been a pout
wherein the reputation of a great lady is
so nearly concerned, to say nothing of my
own; though I had then the honour to
be a nardac, which the treasurer himself
is not; for all the world knows, that he is
only a glumglum, a title inferior by one
degree, as that of a marquis is to a duke in
England; yet I allow he preceded me in
right of his post. These false informations,
which I afterwards came to the knowledge
of by an accident not proper to mention,
made the treasurer show his lady for some
time an ill countenance, and me a worse;
and although he was at last undeceived
and reconciled to her, yet I lost all credit
with him, and found my interest decline

A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 75
very fast with the emperor himself, who
was, indeed, too much governed by that
favourite,
CHAPTER VII,
The Author, being informed of a design to
accuse him of high-treason, makes his
cscape to Blefuscu. His reception there.
BEFORE I procced to give an account of
my leaving this kingdom, it may be proper
to inform the reader of a private intrigue,
which had been for two months forming
against me.
I had been hitherto, all my life, a
stranger to courts, for which I was un-
qualified by the meanness of my condition.
I had indeed heard and read enough of the
dispositions of great princes and ministers;
but never expected to have found such
terrible effects of them, in so remote a
country, governed, as I thought, by very
different maxims from those in Europe.
When I was just preparing to pay my
attendance on the emperor of Blefuscu, a
considerable person at court (to whom I
had been very serviceable, at a time when
he lay under the highest displeasure of his
imperial majesty) came to my house very
privately at night, in a close chair, and,
without sending his name, desired admit-
tance. The chairmen were dismissed; I
put the chair, with his lordship in it, into my
76
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
coat-pocket and, giving orders to a trusty
servant, to say I was indisposed and gone
to sleep, I fastened the door of my house,
placed the chair on the table, according to
my usual custom, and sat down by it.
After the common salutations were over,
observing his lordship's countenance full
of concern, and inquiring into the reason,
be desired "I would hear him with
patience, in a matter that highly concerned
iny honour and my life." His speech was
to the following effect, for I took notes of
it as soon as he left me.
"You are to know," said he, "that
several committees of council have been
lately called, in the most private manner,
on your account; and it is but two days
since his majesty came to a full resolu.
tion.
"You are very sensible that Skyresh
Bolgolam (galbet, or high-admiral) has
been your mortal enemy, almost ever since
your arrival. His original reasons I know
not; but his hatred is increased since
your great success against Blefuscu, by
which his glory as admiral is much ob-
scured. This lord, in conjunction with
Flimnap the high-treasurer, whose enmity
against you is notorious on account of his
lady, Limtoe the general, Lalcon the
chamberlain, and Balmuff the grand jus-
ticiary, have prepared articles of impeach-
ment against you, for treason and other
capital crimes."
This preface made me so impatient,
being conscious of my own merits and
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 17
innocence, that I was going to interrupt
him; when he entreated me to be silent,
and thus proceeded.
"Out of gratitude for the favours you
have done me, I procured information of
the whole proceedings, and a copy of the
articles; wherein I venture my head for
your service.
ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT A-
GAINST QUINBUS FLESTRIN,
THE MAN-MOUNTAIN.
ARTICLE I.
"Whereas, by a statute made in the
reign of his imperial majesty Calin Deffar
Plune, it is enacted, that, whoever shall
make water within the precincts of the
royal palace, shall be liable to the pains
and penalties of high-treason; notwith-
standing the said Quinbus Flestrin, in
open breach of the said law, under colour
of extinguishing the fire kindled in the
apartment of his majesty's most dear im-
perial consort, did maliciously, traitor-
ously, and devilishly, by discharge of
his urine, put out the said fire kindled in
the said apartment, lying and being within
the precincts of the said royal palace,
against the statute in that case provided,
etc. against the duty, cle.
ARTICLE II.
"That the said Quinbus Flestrin, having
brought the imperial fleet of Blefuscu
78 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
into the royal port, and being afterward
commanded by his imperial majesty to
seize all the other ships of the said empire
of Blefuscu, and reduce that empire to a
province, to be governed by a viceroy
from hence, and to destroy and put to
death, not only all the Big-endian exiles,
but likewise all the people of that empire
who would not immediately forsake the
Big-endian heresy; he, the said Flestrin,
like a false traitor against his most
auspicious, serene, imperial majesty, did
petition to be excused from the said
service, upon pretence of unwillingness to
force the consciences, or destroy the
liberties and lives of an innocent people. *
ARTICLE III.
"That, whereas certain ambassadors
arrived from the court of Blefuseu, to sue
for peace in his majesty's court: be, the
said Flestrin, did, like a false traitor, aid,
abet, comfort, and divert, the said ambas-
sadors, although he knew them to be
servants to a prince who was lately an
open enemy to his imperial majesty, and
in an open war against hus said majesty.
ARTICLE IV.
"That the said Quinbus Flestrin, con-
A lawyer thinks himself honest, if he does the
best he can for his client; and a statesman, if he
promotes the interest of his country; but the Dean
here inculcates a higher notion of right and wrong,
and obligations to a larger community.-H,
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 19
trary to the duty of a faithful subject, is
now preparing to make a voyage to the
court and empire of Blefuscu, for which
he has received only verbal license from
his imperial majesty; and under colour of
the said license, does falsely and traitorous-
ly intend to take the said voyage, and
thereby to aid, comfort, and abet the
emperer of Blefuscu, so lately an enemy,
and in open war with his imperial majesty
aforesaid.
"There are some other articles; but
these are the most important, of which I
have read you an abstract.
CC
In the several debates upon this im-
peachment, it must be confessed that his
majesty gave many marks of his great
lenity; often urging the services you had
done him, and endeavouring to extenuate
your crimes. The treasurer and admiral
insisted that you should be put to the most
painful and ignominious death, by setting
fire to your house at night; and the
general was to attend with twenty thousand
men, armed with poisoned arrows, to shoot
you on the face and hands. Some of your
servants were to have private orders to strew
a poisonous juice on your shirts and sheets,
which would soon inake you tear your own
flesh, and die in the utmost torture. The
general came into the same opinion; so
that for a long time there was a majority
against you; but his majesty resolving, if
possible, to spare your life, at last brought
off the chamberlain.
60
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
<<
Upon this incident, Reldresal, princi-
pal secretary for private affairs, who always
approved himself your true friend, was
commanded by the emperor to deliver his
opinion, which he accordingly did; and
therein justified the good thoughts you
have of him. He allowed your crimes to
be great, but that still there was room for
mercy, the most commendable virtue in a
prince, and for which his majesty was so
justly celebrated. He said, the friendship
between you and him was so well known
to the world, that perhaps the most hon-
ourable board might think him partial :
however, in obedience to the command he
had received, he would freely offer his
sentiments. That if his majesty, in con-
sideration of your services, and pursuant
to his own merciful disposition, would
please to spare your life, and only give
orders to put out both your eyes, he humbly
conceived, that by this expedient justice
might in some measure be satisfied, and
all the world would applaud the lenity of
the emperor, as well as the fair and
generous proceedings of those who have
the honour to be his counsellors. That
the loss of your eyes would be no impedi-
ment to your bodily strength, by which
you might still be useful to his majesty:
that blindness is an addition to courage,
by concealing dangers from us: that the
fear you had for your eyes, was the greatest
difficulty in bringing over the enemy's
feet; and it would be sufficient for you to
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT
St
see by the eyes of the ministers, since the
greatest princes do no more.
This proposal was received with the
utmost disapprobation by the whole board.
Bolgolam the admiral could not preserve
his temper, but rising up in fury, said, he
wondered how the secretary durst presume
to give his opinion for preserving the life
of a traitor: that the services you had
performed were, by all true reasons of
state, the great aggravation of your crimes ;
that you, who was able to extinguish the
fire by discharge of urine in her majesty's
apartment (which he mentioned with
horror), might, at another time, raise an
inundation by the same means, to drown
the whole palace; and the same strength,
which enabled you to bring over the
enemy's fleet, might serve, upon the first
discontent, to carry it back: that he had
good reasons to think you were a Big-end-
ian in your heart; and as treason tegms in
the heart, before it appears in overt-acts, so
he accused you as a traitor on that account,
and therefore insisted you should be put to
death.
"The treasurer was of the same opinion:
he showed to what straits his majesty's
revenue was reduced, by the charge of
maintaining you, which would soon grow
insupportable; that the secretary's ex-
pedient of putting out your eyes, was so
far from being a remedy against this evil,
that it would propably increase it, as is
manifest from the common practice of
blinding some kind of fowls, after which
F
82
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
they fed the faster, and grew sooner fat;
that his sacred majesty and the council,
who are your judges, were, in their own
consciences, fully convinced of your guilt,
which was a sufficient argument to condemn
you to death, without the formal proofs
required by the strict letter of the law.*
“ But his imperial majesty, fully deter-
mined against capital punishment, was
graciously pleased to say, that since the
council thought the loss of your eyes too
easy a censure, some other way may be
inflicted hereafter. And your friend the
secretary, humbly desiring to be heard
again, in answer to what the treasurer had
objected, concerning the great charge his
majesty was at in maintaining you, said,
that his excellency, who had the sole
disposal of the emperor's revenue, might
easily provide against that evil, by gradual-
ly lessening your establishment; by which,
for want of sufficient food, you will grow
weak and faint, and lose your appetite,
and consume in a few months; neither
would the stench of your carcass be then
Thus
There is something so odlous in whatever la
wrong, that even those whom it does not subject to
punishment, endeavour to colour it with an ap-
pearance of right; but the attempt is always
unsuccessful, and only betrays a consciousness of
deformity by showing a desire to hide it.
the Lilliputian court pretended a right to dispense
with the strict letter of the law to put Gulliver to
death, though by the strict letter of the law only
he could be convicted of a crime; the intention of
the statute not being to suffer the palace rather to
be burnt than pissed upon.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 83
so dangerous, when it should become more
than half diminished; and immediately
upon your death five or six thousand of his
majesty's subjects might, in two or three
days, cut your flesh from your bones, take
it away by cart-loads, and bury it in distant
parts to prevent infection, leaving the
skeleton as a monument of admiration to
posterity.
Thus, by the great friendship of the
secretary, the whole affair was compro-
mised. It was strictly enjoined, that the
project of starving you by degrees should
be kept a secret; but the sentence of
putting out your eyes was entered on the
books; none dissenting, except Bolgolam
the admiral, who, being a creature of the
empress, was perpetually instigated by her
majesty to insist upon your death, she
having borne perpetual malice against you,
on account of that infamous and illegal
inethod you took to extinguish the fire in
her apartment.
"In three days your friend the secretary
will be directed to come to your house,
and read before you the articles of im-
peachment; and then to signify the great
lenity and favour of his majesty and
council, whereby you are only condemned
to the loss of your eyes, which his majesty
does not question you will gratefully and
humbly submit to; and twenty of his
majesty's surgeons will attend, in order to
see the operation well performed, by
discharging very sharp-pointed arrows
F2
84
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
into the balls of your eyes, as you lie on
the ground.
"I leave to your prudence what measures
you will take; and to avoid suspicion, I
must immediately return in as private a
manner as I came."
His lordship did so; and I remained
alone, under many doubts and perplexities
of mind.
It was a custom introduced by this
prince and his ministry (very different, as
I have been assured, from the practice of
former times,) that after the court had
decreed any cruel execution, either to
gratify the monarch's resentment, or the
malice of a favourite, the emperor always
made a speech to his whole council, ex-
pressing his great lenity and tenderness, as
qualities known and confessed by all the
world. This speech was immediately
published throughout the kingdom; nor
did any thing terrify the people so much,
as those encomiums
on his
his majesty's
mercy; because it was observed, that the
more these praises were enlarged and
insisted on, the more inhuman was the
punishment, and the sufferer more inno-
cent. Yet, as to myself, I must confess,
having never been designed for a courtier,
either by my birth or education, I was so
ill a judge of things, that I could not dis-
cover the lenity and favour of this sen-
tence, but conccived it (perhaps erroneous-
ly) rather to be rigorous than gentle.
sometimes thought of standing my trial,
for, although I could not deny the facts
I
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. $5
alleged in the several articles, yet I hoped
they would admit of some extenuation.
But having in my life perused many state-
trials, which I ever observed to termi-
nate as the judges thought fit to direct, I
durst not rely on so dangerous a decision,
in so critical a juncture, and against such
powerful enemies. Once, I was strongly
bent upon resistance; for, while I had
liberty, the whole strength of that empire
could hardly subdue me, and I might easily
with stones pelt the metropolis to pieces;
but I soon rejected that project with hor-
ror, by remembering the oath I had made
to the emperor, the favours I received
from him, and the high title of nardac he
conferred upon me. Neither had I so
soon learned the gratitude of courtiers, to
persuade myself, that his majesty's present
severities acquitted me of all past obliga-
tions.
At last, I fixed upon a resolution, for
which it is probable I may incur some
censure, and not unjustly; for I confess I
owe the preserving of mine cycs, and
consequently my liberty, to my own great
rashness and want of experience; because,
if I had then known the nature of princes
and ministers, which I have since observed
in many other courts, and their methods of
treating criminals less obnoxious than my-
self, I should, with great alacrity and
readiness, have submitted to so easy a
punishment. But hurried on by the pre-
cipitancy of youth, and having his imperial
majesty's license to pay my attendance
F 3
86
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
upon the emperor of Blefuscu, I took this
opportunity, before the three days were
clapsed, to send a letter to my friend the
secretary, signifying my resolution of
setting out that morning for Blefuscu,
pursuant to the leave I had got; and,
without waiting for an answer, I went to
that side of the island where our fleet lay.
I seized a large man of war, tied a cable to
the prow, and, lifting up the anchors, I
stripped myself, put my clothes (together
with my coverlet, which I carried under
my arm) into the vessel, and, drawing it
after me, between wading and swimming
arrived at the royal port of Blefuscu, where
the people had long expected me: they
lent me two guides to direct me to the
capital city, which is of the same name.
I held them in my hands, till I came
within two hundred yards of the gate, and
desired them "to signify my arrival to
one of the secretaries, and let him know, I
there waited his majesty's command." I
had an answer in about an hour, " that his
majesty, attended by the royal family, and
great officers of the court, was coming out
to receive me." I advanced a hundred
yards. The emperor and his train alighted
from their horses, the empress and ladies
from their coaches, and I did not perceive
they were in any fright or concern. I lay
on the ground to kiss his majesty's and
the empress's hands. I told his majesty,
"that I was come according to my pro-
mise, and with the license of the emperor
my master, to have the honour of seeing so
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 84
mighty a monarch, and to offer him any
service in my power, consistent with my
duty to my own prince;" not mentioning
a word of my disgrace, because I had
hitherto no regular information of it, and
might suppose myself wholly ignorant of
any such design; neither could I reasona-
bly conceive that the emperor would dis-
cover the secret, while I was out of his
power; wherein, however, it soon appeared
I was deceived.
I shall not trouble the reader with the
particular account of my reception at this
court, which was suitable to the generosity
of so great a prince; nor of the difficulties
1 was in for want of a house and bed,
being forced to lie on the ground, wrapped
up in my coverlet
CHAPTER VIII.
The Author, by a lucky accident, finds means
to leave Blefuscu; and after some diffi-
culties, returns safe to his native country.
THREE days after my arrival, walking out
of curiosity to the north-east coast of the
island, I observed, about half a league off
in the sea, somewhat that looked like a
boat overturned. I pulled off my shoes
and stockings, and, wading two or three
hundred yards, I found the object to
approach nearer by force of the tide: and
then plainly saw it to be a real boat, which
I supposed might by some tempest have
F4
83
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
been driven from a ship: whereupon I
returned immediately towards the city,
and desired his imperial majesty to lend me
twenty of the tallest vessels he had left,
after the loss of his fleet, and three thou-
sand seamen, under the command of his
vice - admiral This fleet sailed round,
while I went back the shortest way to the
coast, where I first discovered the boat. I
found the tide had driven it still nearer.
The scamen were all provided with cordage,
which I had beforehand twisted to a sut-
ficient strength When the ships came up,
I stripped myself, and waded till I came
within a hundred yards of the boat, after
which I was forced to swim till I got up to
it. The seamen threw me the end of the
cord, which I fastened to a hole in the
fore-part of the boat, and the other end to
a man of war; but I found all my labour
to little purpose; for, being out of my
depth, I was not able to work. In this
necessity I was forced to swim behind, and
push the boat forward, as often as I could,
with one of my hands; and the tide favour-
ing me, I advanced so far that I could
just hold up my chin and feel the ground.
I rested two or three minutes, and then
gave the boat another shove, and so on,
till the sea was no higher than my arm-
pits; and now the most laborious part
being over, I took out my other cables,
which were stowed in one of the ships,
and fastened them first to the boat, and
then to nine of the vessels which attended
me; the wind being favourabl., the sea-
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 89
men towed and I shoved until we arrived
within forty yards of the shore; and wait-
ing till the tide was out, I got dry to the
boat, and by the assistance of two thousand
men, with ropes and engines, I made a
shift to turn it on its bottom, and found it
was but little damaged.
I shall not trouble the reader with the
difficulties I was under, by the help of
certain paddles, which cost me ten days
making, to get my boat to the royal port
of Blefuscu, where a mighty concourse of
people appeared upon my arrival, full of
wonder at the sight of so prodigious a
vessel. I told the emperor "that my good
fortune had thrown this boat in my way,
to carry me to some place whence I might
return into my native country; and begged
his majesty's orders for getting materials
to fit it up, together with his license to
depart;" which, after some kind expostu-
lations, he was pleased to grant.
I did very much wonder, in all this time,
not to have heard of any express relating
to me from our emperor to the court or
Elefuscu. But I was afterward given
privately to understand, that his imperial
majesty, never imagining I had the least
notice of his designs, believed I was only
gone to Blefuscu in performance of my
promise, according to the license he had
given me, which was well known at our
court, and would return in a few days,
when the ceremony was ended. But he
was at last in pain at my long absence;
and after consulting with the treasurer ar d
90
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the rest of that cabal, a person of quality
was dispatched with the copy of the articles
against me. This envoy had instructions
to represent to the monarch of Blefuscu,
"the great lenity of his master, who was
content to punish me no farther than with
the loss of mine eyes; that I had fled
from justice; and if I did not return in
two hours, I should be deprived of my title
of nardac, and declared a traitor." The
envoy further added, "that in order to
maintain the peace and amity between
both empires, his master expected that his
brother of Blefuscu would give orders to
have me sent back to Lilliput, bound hand
and foot, to be punished as a traitor."
The emperor of Blefuscu, having taken
three days to consult, returned an answer
consisting of many civilities and excuses.
He said, "that as for sending me bound,
his brother knew it was impossible: that
although I had deprived him of his fleet,
yet he owed great obligations to me for
many good offices 1 had done him in
making the peace. That, however, both
their majesty's would soon be made easy;
for I had found a prodigious vessel on the
shore, able to carry me on the sea, which
he had given order to fit up, with my own
assistance and direction; and he hoped, in
a few weeks, both empires would be freed
from so insupportable an encumbrance."
With this answer the envoy returned to
Lilliput; and the monarch of Blefuscu
related to me all that had passed; offering
me at the same time (but under the strict.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 91
est confidence) his gracious protection, if
I would continue in his service; wherein
although I believed him sincere, yet I
resolved never more to put any confidence
in princes or ministers, where I could
possibly avoid it; and therefore, with all
due acknowledgments for his favourable
intentions, I humbly begged to be excused.
I told him, "that since fortune, whether
good or evil, had thrown a vessel in my
way, I was resolved to venture myself on
the ocean, rather than be an occasion of
difference between two such mighty mon-
archs" Neither did I find the emperor at
all displeased; and I discovered by a cer-
tain accident, that he was very glad of my
resolution, and so were most of his minis-
ters.
These considerations moved me to hasten
my departure somewhat sooner than I in-
tended; to which the court, impatient to
have me gone, very readily contributed.
Five hundred workmen were employed to
make two sails to my boat, according to my
directions, by quilting thirteen folds of
their strongest linen together. I was at
the pains of making ropes and cables, by
twisting ten, twenty, or thirty, of the
thickest and strongest of theirs. A great
stone that I happened to find, after a long
search, by the sea-shore, served me for an
anchor. I had the tallow of three hundred
cows, for greasing my boat, and other uses.
I was at incredible pains in cutting down
some of the largest timber-trees, for oars
and masts, wherein I was, however, much

92
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
assisted by his majesty's ship-carpenters,
who helped me in smoothing them, after I
had done the rough work.
In about a month, when all was pre-
pared, I sent to receive his majesty's com-
imands, and to take my leave The emperor
and royal family came out of the palace; I
lay down on my face to kiss his hard,
which he very graciously gave me : so did
the empress and young princes of the
blood. His majesty presented me with fifty
purses of two hundred sprugs a-piece,
together with his picture at full length,
which I put immediately into one of my
gloves, to keep it from being hurt. The
ceremonies at my departure were too
many to trouble the reader with at this
time.
I stored the boat with the carcases of a
hundred oxen, and three hundred sheep,
with bread and drink proportionable, and
as much meat ready dressed as four huu.
dred cooks could provide. I took with me
six cows and two bulls alive, with as many
ewes and rams, intending to carry them
into my own country, and propagate the
breed; and to feed them on board, I had a
good bundle of hay, and a bag of corn,
would gladly have taken a dozen of the
natives, but this was a thing the emperor
would by no means permit; and, besides
a diligent search into my pockets, his
majesty engaged my honour "not to carry
away any of his subjects, although with
their own consent and desire.
IN
Having thus prepared all things as well
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. $3
as I was able, I set sail on the twenty-
fourth day of September 1701, at six in the
morning; and when I had gone about four
leagues to the northward, the wind being
at south-east at six in the evening, I
descried a small island, about half
league to the north-west. I advanced for.
ward, and cast anchor on the lee-side of
the island, which seemed to be unin-
habited. I then took some refreshment,
and went to my rest. I slept well, and as
I conjecture at least six hours, for I found
the day broke in two hours after I awaked.
It was a clear night. I ate my breakfast
before the sun was up; and heaving
anchor, the wind being favourable, I
steered the same course that I had done
the day before, wherein I was directed by
my pocket compass. My intention was to
reach, if possible, one of those islands
which I had reason to believe lay to the
north-east of Van Diemen's Land, I
discovered nothing all that day; but upon
the next, about three in the afternoon,
when I had by my computation made
twenty-four leagues from Blefuscu, I des-
cried a sail steering to the south-east; my
course was due east. I hailed her, but
could get no answer; yet I found I gained
upon her, for the wind slackened. I made
all the sail I could, and in half an hour
she spied me, then hung out her ancient
and discharged a gun. It is not easy to
express the joy I was in, upon the unex-
pected hope of once more seeing my beloved
country, and the dear pledges I left in it
91
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
The ship slackened her sails, and I came
up with her between five and six in the
evening, September 26th; but my heart
leaped within me to see her English
colours. I put my cows and sleep into my
coat-pocket, and got on board with all my
little cargo of provisions. The vessel was
an English merchantman, returning from
Japan by the North and South seas; the
captain, Mr. John Biddel of Deptford, a
very civil man, and an excellent sailor.
We were now in the latitude of 30
degrees south; there were about fifty men
in the ship; and here I met an old comrade
of mine, one Peter Williams, who gave
me a good character to the captain. This
gentleman treated me with kindness, and
desired I would let him know what place
I came from last, and whither I was
bound; which I did in a few words, but he
thought I was raving, and that the dangers
I had underwent had disturbed my head;
whereupon I took my black cattle and
sheep out of my pocket, which, after great
astonishment, clearly convinced him of my
veracity. I then showed him the gold
given me by the emperor of Blefuscu,
together with his majesty's picture at full
length, and some other rarities of that
country. I gave him two purses of two
hundred sprugs each, and promised, when
we arrived in England, to make him a pre-
sent of a cow and a sheep big with young.
I shall not trouble the reader with a
particular account of this voyage, which
was very prosperous for the most part.
We arrived in the Downs on the 13th of

A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT, 95
April, 1702. I had only one misfortune,
that the rats on board carried away one of
my sheep; 1 found her bones in a hole,
picked clean from the flesh. The rest of
my cattle I got safe ashore, and set them
a-grazing in a bowling-green at Greenwich,
where the fineness of the grass made them
feed very heartily, though I had always
feared the contrary: neither could I possi-
bly have preserved them in
in so long a
voyage, if the captain had not allowed me
some of his best biscuit, which, rubbed to
powder, and mingled with water, was their
constant food. The short time I continued
in England, I made a considerable profit
by showing my cattle to many persons of
quality and others: and before I began my
second voyage, I sold them for six hundred
pounds. Since my last recurn I find the
breed is considerably increased, especially
the sheep, which I hope will prove much
to the advantage of the woollen manufac-
ture, by the fineness of the fleeces.
I stayed but two months with my wife
and family, for my insatiable desire of
seeing foreign countries, would suffer me
to continue no longer. I left fifteen hun-
dred pounds with my wife, and fixed her
in a good house at Redriff My remaining
stock I carried with me, part in money
and part in goods, in hopes to improve my
fortunes. My eldest uncle John had left
me an estate in land, near Epping, of
about thirty pounds a-year; and I had a
long lease of the Black Bull in Fetter-
Lane, which yielded me as much more;
rij
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
so that I was not in any danger of leaving
iny family upon the parish. My son
Johnny, named so after lus uncle, was a
the grammar-school, and a towardly child.
My daughter Betty (who is now well mar.
ried, and has children) was then at her
needle.work I took leave of my wife,
and boy and girl, with tears on both sides,
and went on board the Adventure, a mer-
chant ship of three hundred tons, bound
for Surat, captain John Nicholas, of
Liverpool, commander. But my account
of this voyage must be referred to the
second part of my travels.
A VOYAGE
TO BROBDINGNAG.
PART IL
CHAPTER I.
A great storm described; the long boat sent
to fetch water; the Author goes with it to
discover the country. He is left on shore,
is served by one of the natives, and carried
to a farmer's house. His réception, with
several accidents that happeneil there.
description of the inhabitants.
1
HAVING been condemned, by nature and
fortune, to active and restless life, in two
months after my return, I again left my
native country, and took shipping in the
Downs, on the 29th day of June, 1702, in
the Adventure, Captain John Nicholas, a
Cornish man, commander, bound for
Surat. We had a very prosperous gale,
till we arrived at the Cape of Good Hope,
where we landed for fresh water; but
di-covering a leak, we unshipped our goods,
and wintered there; for the captain falling
sick of an ague, we could not leave the
Cape till the end of March. We then set
VOL. I.
G
98
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
sail, and had a good voyage till we passed
the Straits of Madagascar; but having got
northward of that island, and to about five
degrees south latitude, the winds, which
in those seas are observed to blow a con-
stant equal gale between the north and
west, from the beginning of December to
the beginning of May, on the 19th of
April began to blow with much greater
violence, and more westerly than usual,
continuing so for twenty days together:
during which time, we were driven a little
to the east of the Molucca Islands, and
about three degrees northward of the line,
as our captain found by an observation he
took the 2d of May, at which time the
wind ceased, and it was a perfect calmn,
whereat I was not a little rejoiced. But
he, being a man well experienced in the
navigation of those seas, bid us all prepare
against a storm, which accordingly hap-
pened the day following: for the southern
wind, called the southern monsoon, began
to set in.
Finding it was likely to overblow, we
took in our sprit-sail, and stood by to hand
the fore-sail; but, making foul weather,
we looked the guns were all fast and hand-
ed the mizen." The ship lay very broad
off, so we thought it better spooning before
the sea, than trying or hulling. We reefed
the fore-sail and set him, and hauled aft the
fore-sheet; the helm was hard a-weather.
The ship wore bravely. We belayed the
fore down-haul; but the sail was split, and
we hauled down the yard, and got the sail
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 99
'nto the ship, and unbound all the things
clear of it. It was a very fierce storm;
the sea broke strange and dangerous. We
hauled off upon the laniard of the whip-
staff, and helped the man at the helm.
We would not get down our top-mast, but
let all stand, because she scudded before
the sea very well, and we knew that the
top-mast being aloft, the ship was the
wholesomer, and made better way through
the sca, seeing we had sea-room.
When
the storm was over, we set fore-sail and
main-sail, and brought the ship to. Then
we set the mizen, main-top-sail, and the
fore top-sail Our course was east-north-
cast, the wind was at south-west. We got
the starboard tacks aboard, we cast off our
weather-braces and lifts; we set in the lee-
braces, and hauled forward by the weather-
bowlings, and hauled them tight, and be-
layed them, and hauled over the mizen
tack to windward, and kept her full and by
as near as she would lie.
During this storm, which was followed
by a strong wind west-south-west, we were
carried, by my computation, about five
hundred leagues to the east, so that the
oldest sailor on board could not tell in what
part of the world we were. Our provisions
held out well, our ship was staunch, and
our crew all in good health; but we lay in
the utmost distress for water. We thought
it best to hold on the same course, rather
than turn more northerly, which might
have brought us to the north west part of
Great Tartary, and into the Frozen Sea.
G2
100
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
On the 16th day of June, 1703, a boy on
the top-mast discovered land. Or the 17th,
we came in full view of a great island, or
continent (for we knew not whether; on
the south side whereof was a small neck of
land jutting out into the sea, and a creek
too shallow to hold a ship of above one
hundred tons. We cast anchor within a
league of this creek, and our captain sent
a dozen of his men well armed in the long-
boat, with vessels for water if any could
be found. I desired his leave to go with
them, that I might see the country, and
make what discoveries I could. When we
came to land, we saw no river or spring,
nor any sign of inhabitants.
Our inen
therefore wandered on the shore to find
out some fresh water near the sea, and I
walked alone about a mile on the other
side, where I observed the country all
barren and rocky. I now began to be
weary, and ceing nothing to entertain my
curiosity, I returned gently down towards
the creek; and the sea being full in my
view, I saw our men already got into the
boat, and rowing for hfe to the ship. I
was going to holla, after them, although it
had been to httle purpose, when I observed
a huge creature walking after them in the
sea, as fast as he could: he waded not
much deeper than his knees, and took pro-
digious strides; but our men had the start
of him half a league, and, the sea there-
abouts being full of sharp-pointed rocks,
the monster was not able to overtake the
boat. This I was afterwards told, for I
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 101
durst not stay to see the issue of the adven-
ture; but ran as fast as I could the way I
first went, and then climbed up a steep
hill, which gave me some prospect of the
country. I found it fully cultivated; but
that which first surprised me was the length
of the grass, which, in those grounds that
seemed to be kept for hay, was about
twenty feet high.
I fell into a high road, for so I took it to
be, though it served to the inhabitants
only as a foot-path through a field of bar-
ley. Here I walked on for some time, but
could see little on either side, it being now
near harvest,' and the corn rising at least
forty feet. I was an hour walking to the
end of this field, which was fenced in with
a hedge of at least one hundred and twenty
feet high, and the trees so lofty that I could
make no computation of their altitude.
There was a stile to pass from this field
into the next. It had four steps, and a
stone to cross over when you came to the
uppermost. It was impossible for me to
climb this stile, because every step was six
feet high, and the upper stone about
twenty. I was endeavouring to find some
gap in the hedge, when I discovered one
of the inhabitants in the next field, advanc-
ing towards the stile, of the same size with
him whom I saw in the sea pursuing our
boat. He appeared as tall as an ordinary
spire steeple, and took about ten yards at
every stride, as near as I could guess. I
was struck with the utmost fear and aston-
ishment, and ran to hide myself in the


G3
102
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
corn, whence I saw him at the top of the
stile looking back into the next field on the
right hand, and heard him call in a voice
many degrees louder than a speaking-trum-
pet but the noise was so high in the air,
that at first I certainly thought it was
thunder. Whereupon seven monsters,
like himself, came towards him with reap-
ing-hooks in their hands, cach hook about
the largeness of six scythes. These people
were not so well clad as the first, whose
servants or labourers they seemed to be
for, upon some words he spoke, they went
to reap the corn in the field where I lay,
I kept from them at as great a distance as
I could, but was forced to move with ex-
treme difficulty, for the stalks of the corn
were sometimes not above a foot distant,
so that I could hardly squeeze my body
betwixt them. However I made a shift
to go forward, till I came to a part of the
field where the corn had been laid by the
rain and wind. Here it was impossible for
me to advance a step; for the stalks were
so interwoven, that I could not creep
through, and the beards of the fallen ears
so strong and pointed, that they pierced
through my clothes into my flesh. At the
same time I heard the reapers not above a
hundred yards behind me. Being quite
dispirited with toil, and wholly overcome
by grief and despair, I lay down between
two ridges, and heartily wished I might
there end my days. I bemoaned my deso-
late widow and fatherless children. I
lamented my own folly and wilfulness, in
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 103
attempting a second voyage, against the
advice of all my friends and relations. In
this terrible agitation of mind, I could not
forbear thinking of Lilliput, whose inhabi-
tants looked upon me as the greatest pro-
digy that ever appeared in the world;
where I was able to draw an imperial fleet
in my hand, and perform those other
actions, which will be recorded for ever in
the chronicles of that empire, while pos.
terity shall hardly believe them, although
attested by millions. I reflected what a
mortification it must prove to me, to ap-
pear as considerable in this nation, as
one single Lilliputian would be among us.
But this I conceived was to be the least of
my misfortunes; for, as human creatures
are observed to be more savage and cruel
in proportion to their bulk, what could I
expect but to be a morsel in the mouth of
the first among these enormous barbarians
that should happen to seize me? Undoubt-
edly philosophers are in the right, when
they tell us that nothing is great or little
otherwise than by comparison. It might
have pleased fortune, to have let the
Lilliputians find some nation, where the
people were as diminutive with respect to
them, as they were to me. And who knows
but that even this prodigious race of mor-
tals might be equally overmatched in some
distant part of the world, whereof we have
yet no discovery.
Scared and confounded as I was, I could
not forbear going on with these reflections,
when one of the reapers, approaching
G4
101
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
:
within ten yards of the ridge where I lay,
made me apprehend that with the next
step I should be squashed to death under
his foot, or cut in two with his reaping-
hook. And therefore, when he was again
about to move, I screamed as loud as fear
could make me whereupon the huge
creature trod short, and, looking round
about under him for some time, at last
espied me as I lay on the ground. Ile
considered awhile, with the caution of one
who endeavours to lay hold on a small
dangerous animal in such a manner that
it shall not be able either to scratch or bite
him, as I myself have sometimes done
with a weasel in England. At length he
ventured to take me behind, by the middle,
between his fore-finger and thumb, and
brought me within three yards of his eyes,
that he might behold my shape more per-
fectly. I guessed his meaning, and my
good fortune gave me so much presence of
mind, that I resolved not to struggle in
the least as he held me in the air above
sixty feet from the ground, although he
grievously pinched my sides, for fear I
should slip through his fingers. All I
ventured was to raise mine eyes towards
the sun, and place my hands together in a
supplicating posture, and to speak some
words in an humble melancholy tone, suit-
able to the condition I then was in: for I
apprehended every moment that he would
dash me against the ground, as we usually
do any little hateful animal, which we

VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 105
have a mind to destroy. But my good
star would have it, that he appeared pleased
with my voice and gestures, and began to
look upon me as a curiosity, much wonder-
ing to hear me pronounce articulate words,
although he could not understand them.
In the mean time I was not able to forbear
groaning and shedding tears, and turning
my head towards my sides; letting him
know, as well as I could, how cruelly I
was hurt by the pressure of his thumb and
finger. He seemed to apprehend my
meaning; for, lifting up the lappet of his
coat, he put me gently into it, and im-
mediately ran along with me to his master,
who was a substantial farmer, and the
same person I had first seen in the field.
The fariner having (as I suppose by their
talk) received such an account of me as
his servant could give him, took a piece of
a small straw, about the size of a walking-
staff, and therewith lifted up the lappets
of my coat; which it seems he thought to
be some kind of covering that nature had
given me. He blew my hairs aside to take
a better view of my face. He called his
hinds about him, and asked them, as I
afterwards learned, "Whether they had
Our inattention to the felicity of sensitive le-
ings, merely because they are sinall, is here forci-
bly reproved many have wantonly crushed an
insect, who would shudder at cutting the throat of
a dog; but it should always be remembered, that
the least of these,
'In mortal sufferance feels a pang as great
As when a giant dies.'—H.
106
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ever seen in the fields any little creature
that resembled me?" He then placed me
softly on the ground upon all fours, but I
got immediately up, and walked slowly
backward and forward, to let those people
see I had no intent to run away. They all
sat down in a circle about me, the better
to observe my motions. I pulled off my
hat, and made a low bow towards the
farmer. I fell on my knees, and lifted up
my hands and eyes, and spoke several
words as loud as I could: I took a purse
of gold out of my pocket, and humbly pre-
sented it to him. He received it on the
palm of his hand, then applied it close to
his eye to see what it was, and afterwards
turned it several times with the point of a
pin (which he took out of his sleeve, but
could make nothing of it. Whereupon I
made a sign that he should place his hand
on the ground. I then took the purse, and,
opening it, poured all the gold into his
palm. There were six Spanish pieces of
four pistoles cach, beside twenty or thirty
smaller coins. I saw him wet the tip of
his little finger upon his tongue, and take
up one of my largest pieces, and then an-
other; but he seemed to be wholly ignorant
what they were. He made me a sign to
put them again into my purse, and the
purse again into my pocket, which, after
offering it to him several times, I thought
it best to do.
The farmer, by this time, was convinced
I must be a rational creature. He spoke
often to me; but the sound of his voice
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 107
pierced my ears like that of a water-mill,
yet his words were articulate enough. Í
answered as loud as I could in several lan-
guages, and he often laid his ear within
two yards of me: but all in vain, for we
were wholly unintelligible to each other.
He then sent his servants to their work,
and taking his handkerchief out of his
pocket, he doubled and spread it on his
left hand, which he placed flat on the
ground with the palm upward, making me
a sign to step into it, as I could easily do,
for it was not above a foot in thickness. I
thought it my part to obey, and, for fear of
falling, laid myself at full length upon the
handkerchief, with the remainder of which
he lapped me up to the head for further
security, and in this manner carried me
home to his house. There he called his
wife, and showed me to her; but she
screamed and ran back, as women in
England do at the sight of a toad or a
spider. However, when she had awhile
seen my behaviour, and how well I ob-
served the signs her husband made, she
was soon reconciled, and by degrees grew
extremely tender of me.
It was about twelve at noon, and a ser-
vant brought in dinner. It was only one
substantial dish of meat fit for the plain
condition of a husbandman,) in a dish of
about four-and-twenty feet diameter. The
company were, the farmer and his wife,
three children, and an old grandmother.
When they were sat down, the farmer
placed me at some distance from him on
108 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the table, which was thirty feet high from
the floor. 1 was in a terrible fright, and
kept as far as I could from the edge, for
fear of falling. The wife minced a bit of
meat, then crumbled some bread on a
trencher, and placed it before me. I made
her a low bow, took out my knife and fork,
and fell to eat, which gave them exceeding
delight. The mistress sent her maid for a
small dram cup, which held about two
gallons, and filled it with drink; I took up
the vessel with much difficulty in both
hands, and in a most respectful manner
drank to her ladyship's health, expressing
the words as loud as I could in English,
which made the company laugh so heartily,
that I was almost deafened with the noise.
This liquor tasted like a small cider, and
was not unpleasant. Then the master
made me a sign to come to his trencher
side; but as I walked on the table, being
in great surprise all the time, as the indul-
gent reader will easily conceive and excuse,
I happened to stumble against a crust, and
fell flat on my face, but received no hurt.
I got up immediately, and observing the
good people to be in much concern, I took
my hat (which 1 held under my arm out of
good manners,) and waving it over my
head, made three huzzas, to show I had
got no mischief by my fall. But advancing
forward towards my master (as I shall
henceforth call him,) his youngest son,
who sat next to him, an arch boy of about
ten years old, took me up by the legs, and
held me so high in the air, that I trembled
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 109
every limb: but his father snatched me
from him, and at the same time gave him
such a box on the left ear, as would have
felled an European troop of horse to the
earth, ordering him to be taken from the
table. But being afraid the boy might owe
me a spite, and well remembering how
mischievous all children among us natu-
rally are to sparrows, rabbits, young kittens,
and puppy dogs, I fell on my knees, and
pointing to the boy, made my master to
understand, as well as 1 could, that I
desired his son might be pardoned. The
father complied, and the lad took his seat
again, whereupon I went to him, and kissed
his hand, which my master took, and made
him stroke me gently with it.
In the midst of dinner, my mistress's
favourite cat leaped into her lap, I heard a
noise behind me like that of a dozen stock-
ing-weavers at work; and turning my head,
1 found it proceeded from the purring of
that animal, who seemed to be three times
larger than an ox, as I computed by the
view of her head, and one of her paws,
while her mistress was feeding and stroking
her. The fierceness of this creature's
countenance altogether discomposed me;
though I stood at the further end of the
table, above fifty feet off; and although
my mistress held her fast, for fear she
might give a spring, and seize me in her
talons. But it happened there was no
danger, for the cat took not the least notice
of me, when my master placed me within
three yards of her. And as I have been

110
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
always told, and found true by experience
in my travels, that flying or discovering
fear before a fierce animal, is a certain way
to make it pursue or attack you, so I re-
solved, in this dangerous juncture, to show
no manner of concern. I walked with
intrepidity five or six times before the very
head of the cat, and came within half a
yard of her; whereupon she drew herself
back, as if she were more afraid of me: I
had less apprehension concerning the dogs,
whereof three or four came into the room
as it is usual in farmers' houses; one of
which was a mastiff, equal in bulk to four
elephants, and a greyhound, somewhat
taller than the mastiff, but not so large.
When dinner was almost done, the nurse
came in with a child of a year old in her
arms, who immediately spied me, and
began a squall that you might have heard
from London-Bridge to Chelsea, after the
usual oratory of infants, to get me for a
plaything. The mother, out of pure in-
dulgence, took me up, and put me towards
the child, who presently seized me by the
middle, and got my head into his mouth,
where I roared so loud that the urchin
was frighted, and let me drop, and I should
infallibly have broke my neck, if the
mother had not held her apron under me.
The nurse, to quiet her babe, made use of
a rattle which was a kind of hollow vessel
filled with great stones, and fastened by a
cable to the child's waist: but all in vain ;
so that she was forced to apply the last
remedy by giving it suck. I must confess
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 111
no object ever disgusted me so much as the
sight of her monstrous breast, which I
cannot tell what to compare with, so as to
give the curious reader an idea of its bulk,
shape, and colour. It stood prominent six
feet, and could not be less than sixteen in
circumference. The nipple was about half
the bigness of my head, and the hue both
of that and the dug, so varied with spots,
pimples, and freckles, that nothing could
appear more nauseous: for I had a near
sight of her, she sitting down, the more
conveniently to give suck, and I standing
on the table. This made me reflect upon
the fair skins of our English ladies, who
appear so beautiful to us, only because they
are of our own size, and their defects not
to be seen but through a magnifying glass;
where we find by experiment that the
smoothest and whitest skins look rough,
and coarse, and ill-coloured.
I remember, when I was at Lilliput, the
complexion of those diminutive people
appeared to me the fairest in the world;
and talking upon this subject with a person
of learning there, who was an intimate
friend of mine, he said that my face ap-
peared much fairer and smoother when
he looked on me from the ground, than it
did upon a nearer view, when I took him
up in my hand, and brought him close,
which he confessed was at first a very
shocking sight. He said,
He said, "he could dis-
cover great holes in my skin; that the
stumps of my beard were ten times stronger
than the bristles of a boar, and my com-
112
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
plexion made up of several colours alto-
gether disagreeable:" although I must
beg leave to say for myself, that I am as
fair as most of my sex and country, and
very little sun-burnt by all my travels. On
the other side, discoursing of the ladies in
that emperor's court, he used to tell me,
C one had freckles, another too wide a
mouth, a third too large a nose;" nothing
of which I was able to distinguish. I con-
fess, this reflection was obvious enough;
which, however, I could not forbear, least
the reader might think those vast creatures
were actually deformed: for I must do
them the justice to say, they are a comely
race of people, and particularly the features
of my master's countenance, although he
were but a farmer, when I beheld him
from the height of sixty feet, appeared
very well proportioned.
When dinner was done, my master went
out to his labourers, and, as I could dis.
cover by his voice and gesture, gave his
wife a strict charge to take care of me. Į
was very much tired, and disposed to sleep,
which my mistress perceiving, she put me
on her own bed, and covered me with a
clean white handkerchief, but larger and
coarser than the main-sail of a man of
war.
I slept about two hours, and dreamt 1
was at home with my wife and children,
which aggravated my sorrows when I
awoke, and found myself alone in a vast
room,
between two and three hundred feet
wide, and above two hundred high, lying
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 113
*
wide.
My mistress
household affairs,
The bed was eight
Some natural ne-
in a bed twenty yards
was gone about her
and had locked me in.
yards from the floor.
cessities required me to get down; I durst
not presume to call; and if I had, it would
have been in vain, with such a voice as
mine, at so great a distance as from the room
where I lay to the kitchen where the
family kept. While I was under these
circumstances, two rats crept up the cur-
tains, and ran smelling backwards and
forwards on the bed. One of them came
up almost to my face, whereupon I rose in
a fright, and drew out my hanger to
defend myself, These horrible animals
had the boldness to attack me on both
sides, and one of them held his fore-feet at
my collar; but I had the good fortune to
rip up his belly, before he could do me any
muschief. He fell down at my feet, and
the other, seeing the fate of his comrade,
made his escape, but not without one good
wound on the back, which I gave him as
he fled, and made the blood run trickling
from him. After this exploit, I walked
gently to and fro on the bed, to recover
my breath and loss of spirits. These crea-
tures were of the size of a large mastiff, but
infinitely more nimble and fierce; so that
if I had taken off my belt before I went
to sleep, I must have infallibly been torn
to pieces and devoured. I measured the
tail of the dead rat, and found it to be two
This is a Liscostustim provincialism.-N.
VOL. 1.
H
111
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
yards long, wanting an inch; but it went
against my stomach to drag the carcass
off the bed, where it lay still bleeding; I
observed it had yet some life, but with a
strong slash across the neck, I thoroughly
dispatched it.
Soon after my mistress came into the
room, who seeing me all bloody, ran and
took me up in her hand. I pointed to the
dead rat, smiling, and making other signs
to show I was not hurt; whereat she was
extremely rejoiced, calling the maid to
take up the dead rat with a pair of tongs,
and throw it out of the window. Then she
set me on a table, where I showed her my
hanger all bloody, and wiping it on the
lappet of my coat, returned it to the scab-
bard. I was pressed to do more than one
thing which another could not do for me,
and therefore endeavoured to make my
mistress understand, that I desired to be
set down on the floor; which after she had
done, my bashfulness would not suffer me
to express myself farther, than by pointing
to the door, and bowing several times, The
good woman, with much difficulty, at last
perceived what I would be at, and taking
me up again in her hand, walked into the
garden, where she set me down. I went on
one side about two hundred yards, and bec-
koning to her not to look or to follow me, I
hid myself between two leaves of sorrel,
and there discharged the necessities of
nature.
I hope the gentle reader will excuse me
for dwelling on these and the like particu-
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 115
lars, which, however insignificant they
may appear to groveling vulgar minds, yet
will certainly help a philosopher to enlarge
his thoughts and imagination, and apply
them to the benefit of public as well as
private life, which was my sole design in
presenting this, and other accounts of my
travels, to the world; wherein I have been
chiefly studious of truth, without affecting
any ornaments of learning or of style.
But the whole scene of this voyage made
so strong an impression on my mind, and
is so deeply fixed in my memory, that in
committing it to paper I did not omit one
material circumstance: however, upon a
strict review, I blotted out several passages
of less moment which were in my first
copy, for fear of being censured as tedious
and trifling, whereof travellers are often,
perhaps not without justice, accused.

CHAPTER II.
A description of the Farmer's Daughter.
The Author carried to a market-town,
and then to the metropolis. The particu-
lars of his journey.
My mistress had a daughterof nine years old,
a child of towardly parts for her age, very
dexterous at her needle, and skilful in dress-
ing her baby. Her mother and she con-
trived to fit up the baby's cradle for ine
against night: the cradle was put into a small
H 2
116
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
drawer of a cabinet, and the drawer placed
upon a hanging shelf for tear of the rats.
This was my bed all the time I staid with
those people, though made more convenient
by degrees, as I began to learn their language
and make my wants known. This young
girl was so handy, that after I had once or
twice pulled off my clothes before her, she
was able to dress and undress me, though I
never gave her that trouble when she would
let me do either myself. She made me seven
shirts, and some other linen, of as tine cloth
as could be got, which indeed was coarser
than sackcloth; and these she constantly
washed for me with her own hands. She
was likewise my school-mistress, to teach
me the language: when I pointed to any
thing, she told me the name of it in her
own tongue, so that in a few days I
was able to call for whatever I had
a mind to. She was very good-natured,
and not above forty feet high, being little
for her age. She gave me the name of
Grildrig, which the family took up, and
afterwards the whole kingdom. The word
imports what the Latins call nonunculus.
the Italians homuncelction and the English
mannikin. To her I chiefly owe my pre-
servation in that country: we never parted
while I was there; I called her my Glum-
dalclitch, or little nurse; and should be
guilty of great ingratitude, if I omitted
this honourable mention of her care and
affection towards me, which I heartily
wish it lay in my power to requite as she
deserves, instead of being the innocent,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 117
but unhappy instrument of her disgrace,
as I have too much reason to fear.
It now began to be known and talked of
in the neighbourhood, that my master had
found a strange animal in the field, about
the bigness of a splacnuck, but exactly
shaped in every part like a human creature;
which it likewise imitated in all its actions;
seemed to speak in a little language of its
own, had already learned several words of
theirs, went erect upon two legs, was tame
and gentle, would come when it was called,
do whatever it was bid, had the finest limbs
in the world, and a complexion fairer than
a nobleman's daughter of three years old.
Another farmer, who lived hard by, and
was a particular friend of my master, came
on a visit on purpose to inquire into the
truth of this story. I was immediately
produced, and placed upon a table, where
I walked as I was commanded, drew my
hanger, put it up again, made my reverence
to my master's guest, asked him in his own
language how he did, and told him he was
welcome, just as my little nurse had in-
structed me. This man, who was old and
dim-sighted, put on his spectacles to behold
me better; at which I could not forbear
laughing very heartily, for his eyes appear-
ed like the full moon shining into a
chamber at two windows, Our people,
who discovered the cause of my mirth,
bore me company in laughing, at which
the old fellow was fool enough to be angry
and out of coun.enance. He had the
character of a great miser; and, to my
H 3
118
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
misfortune, he well deserved it, by the
cursed advice he gave my master, to show
me as a sight upon a market day in the
next town, which was half an hour's riding
about two-and-twenty miles from our house.
I guessed there was some mischief con-
triving, when I observed my master and
his friend whispering long together, some-
times pointing at me; and my fears made
me fancy that I overheard and understood
some of their words. But the next morning
Glumdalelitch, my little nurse, told me
the whole matter, which she had cunningly
picked out from her mother. The poor
girl laid me on her bosom, and fell a weep-
ing with shame and grief. See apprehended
some mischief would happen to me from
rude vulgar folks, who might squeeze me
to death, or break one of my limbs by
taking me in their hands. She had also
observed how modest I was in my nature,
how nicely I regarded my honour, and
what an indignity I should conceive it, to
be exposed for money as a public spectacle,
to the meanest of the people. She said,
her papa and mamma had promised that
Grildrig should be hers; but now she
found they meant to serve her as they
did last year, when they pretended to
give her a lamb, and yet, às soon as it
was fat, sold it to a butcher.
For my
own part, I may truly affirm, that I was
less concerned than my nurse. 1 had a
strong hope, which never left me, that I
should one day recover my liberty: and as
to the ignominy of being carried about for
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 119
a monster, I considered myself to be a
perfect stranger in the country, and that
such a misfortune could never be charged
upon me as a reproach, if ever I should
return to England; since the king of Great
Britain himself, in my condition, must
have undergone the same distress.
My master, pursuant to the advice of
his friend, carried me in a box the next
market-day to the neighbouring town, and
took along with him his little daughter,
my nurse, upon a pillion behind him,
The box was close on every side, with a
little door for me to go in and out, and a
few gimlet holes to let in air. The girl
had been so careful as to put the quilt of
her baby's bed into it, for me to lie down
on. However, I was terribly shaken and
discomposed in this journey, though it was
but of half an hour: for the horse went
about forty feet at every step, and trotted
so high, that the agitation was equal to
the rising and falling of a ship in a great
storm, but much more frequent. Our
journey was somewhat further than from
London to St. Alban's. My master alight-
ed at an inn which he used to frequent;
and after consulting awhile with the
inn-keeper, and making some necessary
preparations, he hired the grultrud, or
crier, to give notice through the town of a
strange creature to be seen at the sign of
the Green Eagle, not so big as a splacnuck
(an animal in that country very finely
shaped, about six feet long,) and in every
part of the body resembling a human
H 4
120 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
creature, could speak several words, and
perform a hundred diverting tricks.
I was placed upon a table in the largest
room of the inn, which might be near three
hundred feet square. My little nurse stood
on a low stool close to the table, to tako
care of me, and direct what I should do.
My master, to avoid a crowd, would suffer
only thirty people at a time to see me. I
walked about on the table as the girl com.
manded: she asked me questions, as far
as she knew my understanding of the lan-
guage reached, and I answered them as loud
as I could. I turned about several times to
the company, paid my humble respects,
said they were welcome, and used some
other speeches I had been taught. I took
up a thimble filled with liquor, which
Glumdalclitch had given me for a cup, and
drank their health, I drew out my hanger,
and flourished with it after the manner of
fencers in England. My nurse gave me a
part of a straw, which I exercised as a
pike, having learnt the art in my youth. I
was that day shown to twelve sets of com.
pany, and as often forced to act over again
the same fopperies, till I was half dead
with weariness and vexation; for those
who had seen me made such wonderful
reports, that the people were ready to break
down the doors to come in. My master,
for his own interest, would not suffer any
one to touch me except my nurse; and to
prevent danger, benches were set round
the table at such a distance as to put me
out of every body's reach. However, an

VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 121
unlucky school-boy aimed a hazel nut
directly at my head, which very narrowly
missed me; otherwise it came with so
much violence, that it would have infallı-
bly knocked out my brains, for it was al-
most as large as a small pumpion; but I
had the satisfaction to see the young rogue
well beaten, and turned out of the room.
My master gave public notice that he
would show me again the next market-
day; and in the meantime he prepared a
more convenient vehicle for me, which he
had reason enough to do; for I was so tired
with my first journey, and with entertain-
ing company for eight hours together, that
I could hardly stand upon my legs, or speak
a word. It was at least three days before
I recovered my strength; and that I might
have no rest at home, all the neighbouring
gentleman from a hundred miles round,
hearing of my fame, came to see me at my
master's own house. There could not be
fewer than thirty persons with their wives
and children (for the country is very popu-
lous;) and my master demanded the rate
of a full room whenever he showed me at
home, although it were only to a single
family; so that for some time I had but
little ease every day of the week (except
Wednesday, which is their sabbath,) al-
though I were not carried to the town.
My master, finding how profitable I was
likely to be, resolved to carry me to the
most considerable cities of the kingdom.
Having therefore provided himself with ail
things necessary for a long journey, and
122
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
settled his affairs at home, he took leave of
his wife, and upon the 17th of August,
1703, about two months after my arrival,
we set out for the metropolis, situate near
the middle of that empire, and about three
thousand miles' distance from our house.
My master made his daughter Glumdal-
clitch ride behind him. She carried me on
her lap, in a box tied about her waist. The
girl had lined it on all sides with the softest
cloth she could get, well quilted under-
neath, furnished it with her baby's bed,
provided me with linen and other neces-
saries, and made every thing as convenient
as she could. We had no other company
but a boy of the house, who rode after us
with the luggage.
My master's design was to show me in
all the towns by the way, and to step out
of the road, for fifty or a hundred miles,
to any villages or person of quality's house,
where he might expect custom. We made
easy journeys, of not above seven or eight
score miles a-day: for Glumdalelitch, on
purpose to spare me, complained she was
tired with the trotting of the horse. She
often took me out of my box, at my own
desire, to give me air, and show me the
country, but always held me fast by a lead-
ing-string. We passed over five or six
rivers, many degrees broader and deeper
than the Nile or the Ganges: and there
was hardly a rivulet so small as the
Thames at London-bridge. We were ten
weeks in our journey, and I was shown in
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 123
eighteen large towns, besides many villa-
ges, and private families.
On the 26th day of October we arrived
at the metropolis, called in their language
Lorbrulgrud, or Pride of the Universe.
My master took a lodging in the principal
street of the city, not far from the royal
palace, and put out bills in the usual form,
containing an
an exact
exact description of my
person and parts. He hired a large room
between three and four hundred feet wide.
He provided a table sixty feet in diameter,
upon which I was to act my part, and
pallisadoed it round three feet from the
edge, and as many high, to prevent my
falling over. I was shown ten times a-day,
to the wonder and satisfaction of all people.
I could now speak the language tolerably
well, and perfectly understood every word,
that was spoken to me. Besides, I had
learnt their alphabet, and could make a
shift to explain a sentence here and there
for Glumdalclitch had been my instructor
while we were at home, and at leisure
hours during our journey. She carried a
little book in her pocket, not much larger
than a Sanson's Atlas; it was a common
treatise for the use of young girls, giving a
short account of their religion: out of this
she taught me my letters, and interpreted
the words.
124 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
CHAPTER III.
The Author sent for to court. The Queen
buys him of his master the Farmer, and
presents him to the King. He disputes
with his majesty's great scholars.
An a-
partment at court provided for the Author.
He is in high favour with the Queen. He
stands up for the honour of his own coun
try. His quarrels with the Queen's dwarf.
THE frequent labours I underwent every
day, made, in a few weeks, a very consid-
erable change in my health: the inore my
master got by me, the more insatiable he
grew. I had quite lost my stomach, and was
almost reduced to a skeleton. The farmer
observed it, and concluding I must soon
die, resolved to make as good a hand of me
as he could. While he was thus reasoning
and resolving with himself, a sardral, or
gentleman-usher, came from court, com.
manding my master to carry me immedi-
ately thither for the diversion of the queen
and her ladies. Some of the latter had
already been to see me, and reported strange
things of my beauty, behaviour, and good
sense. Her majesty, and those who attend-
ed her, were beyond measure delighted
with my demeanour. I fell on my knees,
and begged the honour of kissing her im-
perial foot; but this gracious princess held
out her little finger towards me, after I
was set on the table, which 1 embraced in
"
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 125
both my arms, and put the tip of it with
the utmost respect to my lip. She made
me some general questions about my coun-
try and my travels, which I answered as
distinctly, and in as few words as I could.
She asked, "whether I could be content to
live at court" I bowed down to the board
of the table, and humbly answered "that
I was my master's slave: but, if I were at
my own disposal, I should be proud to de-
vote my life to her majesty's service." She
then asked my master, whether he was
willing to sell me at a good price ?" He,
who apprehended I could not live a month,
was ready enough to part with me, and
demanded a thousand pieces of gold, which
were ordered him on the spot, each piece
being about the bigness of eight hundred
moidores; but allowing for the proportion
of all things between that country and
Europe, and the high price of gold among
them, was hardly so great a sum as a thou-
sand guineas would be in England. I then
said to the queen, since I was now her
majesty's most humble creature and vassal,
I must beg the favour, that Glumdalclitch,
who had always tended me with so much
care and kindness, and understood to do it
so well, might be admitted into her service,
and continue to be my nurse and instruc-
tor,"
Her majesty agreed to my petition, and
easily got the farmer's consent, who was
glad enough to have his daughter preferred
at court, and the poor girl herself was not
able to hide her joy. My late master with-
126
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
drew, bidding me farewell, and saying he
had left me in a good service; to which I
replied not a word, only making him a
slight bow.
The queen observed my coldness; and,
when the farmer was gone out of the apart-
ment, asked me the reason. I made boid
to tell her majesty, "that I owed no other
obligation to my late master, than his not
dashing out the brains of a poor harmless
creature, found by chance in his fields:
which obligation was amply recompensed,
by the gain he had made in showing me
through half the kingdom, and the price
he had now sold me for. That the life I
had since led, was laborious enough to kill
an animal of ten times my strength. That
my health was much impaired, by the con-
tinual drudgery of entertaining the rabble
every hour of the day; and that, if my
master had not thought my life in danger,
her majesty would not have got so cheap a
bargain. But as I was out of all fear of
being ill treated, under the protection of so
great and good an empress, the ornament
of nature, the darling of the world, the
delight of her subjects, the phoenix of the
creation; so, I hoped my late master's
apprehensions would appear to be ground-
less; for I already found my spirits revive,
by the influence of her most august pre-
sence.
>>
This was the sum of my speech, deliver-
ed with great improprietics and hesitation.
The latter part was altogether framed in
the style peculiar to that people, whereof I
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 127
learned some phrases from Glumdalclitch,
while she was carrying me to court.
The queen, giving great allowance for
my defectiveness in speaking, was, how-
ever, surprised at so much wit and good
sense in so diminutive an animal, She
took me in her own hand, and carried me
to the king, who was then retired to his
cabinet. His majesty, a prince of much
gravity and austere countenance, not well
observing my shape at first view, asked the
queen after a cold manner "how long it
was since she grew fond of a splacnuck??
for such it seems he took me to be, as I
lay upon my breast in her majesty's right
hand. But this princess, who has an in-
finite deal of wit and humour, set me
gently on my feet upon the scrutoire, and
commanded me to give his majesty an ac-
count of myself, which I did in a very few
words and Glumdalclitch, who attended
at the cabinet door, and could not endure
I should be out of her sight, being admit-
ted, confirmed all that had passed from my
arrival at her father's house.
The king, although he be as learned a
person as any in his dominions, had been
educated in the study of philosophy, and
particularly mathematics; yet when he
observed my shape exactly, and saw me
walk erect, before I began to speak, con-
ceived I might be a piece of clock-work
(which is in that country arrived to a very
great perfection) contrived by some ingeni-
ous artist. But when he heard my voice,
and found what I delivered to be regular
1:28
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
!
and rational, he could not conceal his
astonishment. He was by no means satis-
fied with the relation I gave him of the
manner I came into his kingdom, but
thought it a story concerted between
Glumdalclitch and her father, who had
taught me a set of words to make ine sell
at a better price. Upon this imagination,
he put several other questions to me, and
still received rational answers: no other-
wise defective, than by a foreign accent,
and an imperfect knowledge in the lan-
guage, with some rustic phrases which I
had learned at the farmer's house, and did
not suit the polite style of a court.
His majesty sent for three great scholars,
who were then in the weekly waiting, ac-
cording to the custom in that country.
These gentlemen, after they had awhile
examined my shape with much nicety,
were of different opinions concerning me.
They all agreed that I could not be pro-
duced according to the regular laws of
nature, because I was not framed with a
capacity of preserving my life, either by
swiftness, or climbing of trees, or digging
holes in the earth. They observed by my
teeth, which they viewed with great exact-
ness, that I was a carnivorous animal; yet
most quadrupeds being an overmatch for
me, and field mice, with some others, too
nimble, they could not imagine how I
should be able to support myself, unless I
fed upon snails and other insects, which
they offered, by many learned arguments,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 129
to cvince that I could not possibly do.⇓
One of these virtuosi seemed to think that
I might be an embryo, or abortive birth.
But this opinion was rejected by the other
two, who observed my limbs to be perfect
and finished; and that I had lived several
years, as it was manifest from my beard,
the stumps whereof they plainly discovered
through a magnifying-glass. They would
not allow me to be a dwarf, because my
littleness was beyond all degrees of com-
parison; for the queen's favourite dwarf,
the smallest ever known in that kingdom,
was near thirty feet high. After much
debate, they concluded unanimously, that
I was only relplum scalcath, which is inter-
preted literally lusus naturæ; a determin-
ation exactly agreeable to the modern
philosophy of Europe, whose professors,
disdaining the old evasion of occult causes,
whereby the followers of Aristotle endea-
voured in vain to disguise their ignorance,
have invented this wonderful solution of
all difficulties, to the unspeakable advance-
ment of human knowledge.
After this decisive conclusion, I entreat-
ed to be heard a word or two. I applied
myself to the king, and assured his majes-
ty, "that I came from a country which
* By this reasoning the author probably intend-
ed to ridicule the pride of those philosophers, who
have thought fit to arraign the wisdom of provi-
donce in the creation and government of the
world; whose cavils are specious, like those of the
Brobdingnagian sages, only in proportion to the
ignorance of those to whom they are proposed.-H.
I
130
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
abounded with several millions of both
sexes, and of my own stature; where the
animals, trees, and houses, were all in
proportion, and where, by consequence, I
might be as able to defend myself, and to
find sustenance, as any of his majesty's
subjects could do here; which I took for a
full answer to those gentlemen's argu-
ments." To this they only replied with a
smile of contempt, saying, "that the far-
mer had instructed me very well in my
lesson."* The king who had a much
better understanding, dismissing his learned
men, sent for the farmer, who by good
fortune was not yet gone out of town.
Having therefore first examined him pri-
vately, and then confronted him with me
and the young girl, his majesty began
to think that what we told him might
possibly be true. He desired the queen to
order that a particular care should be
taken of me; and was of opinion that
Glumdalclitch should still continue in her
office of tending me, because be observed
we had a great affection for each other.
convenient apartment was provided for
her at court; she had a sort of governess
appointed to take care of her education, a
maid to dress her, and two other servants
for menial offices; but the care of me was
wholly appropriated to herself.
The queen
commanded her own cabinet-maker to
A
This satire is levelled against all who reject
those facts for which they cannot perfectly ac-
count, notwithstanding the absurdity of rejecting
the testimony by which they are supported.-H.
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 131
contrive a box, that might serve me for a
bed-chamber, after the model that Glum-
dalehitch and I should agree upon. This
man was a most ingenious artist, and
according to my direction, in three weeks
finished for me a wooden chamber of six-
teen feet square, and twelve high, with
sash-windows, a door, and two closets, like
a London bed-chamber. The board, that
nade the ceiling, was to be lifted up and
down by two hinges to put in a bed ready
furnished by her majesty's upholsterer,
which Glumdalclitch took out every day to
zir, made it with her own hands, and
letting it down at night, locked up the roof
over me. A nice workman, who was
famous for little curiosities, undertook to
make me two chairs, with backs and
frames, of a substance not unlike ivory,
and two tables, with a cabinet to put my
things in. The room was quilted on all
sides, as well as the floor and the ceiling, to
prevent any accident from the carelessness
of those who carried me, and to break the
force of a jolt, when I went in a coach. I
desired a lock for my door, to prevent rats
and mice from coming in. The smith,
after several attempts, made the smallest
that ever was seen among them, for I have
known a larger at the gate of a gentle-
man's house in England. I made a shift
to keep the key in a pocket of my own,
fearing Glumdalchtch might lose it. The
queen likewise ordered the thinest silks
that could be gotten, to make me clothes,
not much thicker than an English blanket,
I 2
132
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
very cumbersome till I was accustomed to
them. They were after the fashion of the
kingdom, partly resembling the Persian,
and partly the Chinese, and are a very
grave and decent habit.
The queen became so fond of my com-
pany, that she could not dine without me.
I had a table placed upon the same at which
her majesty ate, just at her elbow, and a
chair to sit on, Glumdalclitch stood on a
stool on the floor near my table, to assist
and take care of me. I had an entire set
of silver dishes and plates, and other ne-
cessaries, which, in proportion to those of
the queen, were not much bigger than
what I have seen in a London toy-shop,
for the furniture of a baby-house: these my
little nurse kept in her pocket in a silver
box, and gave me at meals as I wanted
them, always cleaning them herself. No
person dined with the queen but the two
princesses royal, the eldest sixteen years
old, and the younger at that time thirteen
and a month. Her majesty used to put a
bit of meat upon one of my dishes, out of
which I carved for myself, and her diver
sion was to see me eat in miniature: for
the queen (who had indeed but a weak
stomach) took up, at one mouthful, as
much as a dozen English farmers could eat
at a meal, which to me was for some time
a very nauseous sight. She would craunch
Among other dreadful and disgusting images,
which custom has rendered familiar, are those
which arise from eating animal food: he who
has ever turned with abhorrence from the skeleton
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 123
the wing of a lark, bones and all, between
ber teeth, although it were nine times as
large as that of a full-grown turkey; and
put a bit of bread into her mouth as big as
two twelve-penny loaves. She drank out of
a golden cup,above a hogshead at a draught.
Her knives were twice as long as a scythe,
set straight upon the handle. The spoons,
forks, and other instruments, were all in
the same proportion. I remember when
Glumdalclitch carried me, out of curiosity,
to see some of the tables at court, where
ten or a dozen of those enormous knives
and forks were lifted up together, I thought
I had never till then beheld so terrible a
sight.
It is the custom, that every Wednesday
(which, as I have observed, is their sabbath)
the king and queen, with the royal issue of
both sexes, dine together in the apartment
of his majesty, to whom I was now become
a great favourite; and at these times, my
little chair and table were placed at his
left hand, before one of the salt-sellars.
of a beast which has been picked whole by birds,
er verinin, must confess that habit only could
have enabled him to endure the sight of the
mangled bones and flesh of a dead carcass which
every day cover his table; and he who reflects on
the number of lives that have been sacrificed to
sustain his own, should enquire by what the ac
count has been balanced, and whether his life is
become proportionably of more value by the exer-
cise of virtue and piety, by the superior happiness
which he has communicated to reasonable beings,
and by the glory which his intellect has as-
cribed to God.-H.
13
131
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
This prince took a pleasure in conversing
with me, inquiring into the manners,
religion, laws, government, and learning
of Europe; wherein I gave him the best
account I was ble. His apprehension
was so clear, and his judgment so exact,
that he made very wise reflections and
observations upon all I said. But I con-
fess, that after I had been a little ton
copious in talking of my own beloved
country, of our trade and wars by sea and
land, of our schisms in religion, and
parties in the state; the prejudices of his
education prevailed so far, that he could
not forbear taking me up in his right hand,
and stroking me gently with the other,
after a hearty fit of laughing, asked me,
whether I was a whig or tory? Then
turning to his first minister, who waited
behind him with a white staff, near as tall
as the mainmast of the Royal Sovereign,
he observed" how contemptible a thing
was human grandeur, which could be
mimicked by such diminutive insects as 1 :
and yet," says he, "I dare engage these
creatures have their titles and distinctions
of honour; they contrive little nests and
burrows, that they call houses and cities;
they make a figure in dress and equipage;
they love, they fight, they dispute, they
cheat, they betray." And thus he con-
tinued on, while my colour came and went
several times, with indignation, to hear
our noble country, the mistress of arts and
arms, the scourge of France, the arbitress
of Europe, the scat of virtue, piety, honour,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 135
and truth, the pride and envy of the world
so contemptuously treated.
But as I was not in a condition to resent
injuries, so upon mature thoughts 1 began
to doubt whether I was injured or not.
For, after having been accustomed several
months to the sight and converse of this
people, and observed every object upon
which I cast mine eyes to be of propor-
tionable magnitude, the horror I had at
first conceived from their bulk and aspect
was so far worn off, that if I had then
beheld a company of English lords and
ladies in their finery and birth-day clothes,
acting their several parts in the most
courtly manner of strutting, and bowing,
and prating to say the truth, I should
have been strongly tempted to laugh as
much at them, as the king and his grandees
did at me, Neither, indeed, could I for-
bear smiling at myself, when the queen
used to place me upon her hand towards a
looking-glass, by which both our persons
appeared before me in full view together;
and there could be nothing more ridiculous
than the comparison; so that I really
began to imagine myself dwindled many
degrees below my usual size.
Nothing angered and mortified me so
much as the queen's dwarf': who being of
the lowest stature that was ever in that
country (for I verily think he was not
full thirty feet high), became so insolent at
seeing a crcature so much beneath him,
that he would always affect to swagger
and look big as he passed by me in the
14
136 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
queen's antechamber, while I was standing
on some table talking with the lords of
ladies of the court, and he seldom failed of
a smart word or two upon my littleness ;
against which I could only revenge myself
by calling him brother, challenging him to
wrestle, and such repartees as are usually
in the mouths of court pages. One day,
at dinner, this malicious little cub was so
nettled with something I had said to him,
that, raising himself upon the frame of her
majesty's chair, he took me up by the
middle, as I was sitting down, not thinking
any harm, and let me drop into a large
silver bowl of cream, and then ran away
as fast as he could. I fell over head and
ears, and, if I had not been a good swim..
mer, it might have gone very hard with
me;
for Glumdalclitch in that instant
happened to be at the other end of the
room, and the queen was in such a fright,
that she wanted presence of mind to assist
me. But my little nurse ran to my relief,
and took me out, after I had swallowed
above a quart of cream. I was put to bed:
however, I received no other damage than
the loss of a suit of clothes, which was
utterly spoiled. The dwarf was soundly
whipt, and as a farther punishment, forced
to drink up the bowl of cream into which
he had thrown me: neither was he ever
restored to favour; for soon after the
queen bestowed him on a lady of high
quality, so that I saw him no more, to my
very great satisfaction; for I could not
tell to what extremities such a malicious
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 137
urchin might have carried his resent-
ment.
He had before served me a scurvy trick,
which set the queen a laughing, although
at the same time she was heartily vexed,
and would have immediately cashiered
him, if I had not been so generous as to
intercede. Her majesty had taken a mar-
row-bone upon her plate, and, after knock-
ing out the marrow, placed the bone again
in the dish erect, as it stood before; the
dwarf, watching his opportunity while
Glumdalclitch was gone to the sideboard,
mounted the stool that she stood on to
take care of me at meals, took me up in
both hands, and squeezing my legs to.
gether, wedged them into the marrow-
bone, above my waist, where I stuck for
some time, and made a very ridiculous
figure. I believe it was near a minute
before any one knew what was become of
me; for I thought it below me to cry out.
But, as princes seldom get their meat hot,
my legs were not scalded, only my stock-
ings and breeches in a sad condition. The
dwarf, at my entreaty, had no other pun-
ishment than a sound whipping.
I was frequently rallied by the queen
upon account of my fearfulness; and she
used to ask me whether the people of my
country were as great cowards as myself?
The occasion was this: the kingdom is
much pestered with flies in summer: and
these odious insects, each of them as big as
a Dunstable lark, hardly gave me any rest
while I sat at dinner, with their continual
138
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
humming and buzzing about mine cars,
They would sometimes alight upon my
victuals, and leave their loathsome excre-
ment or spawn behind, which to me was
very visible, though not to the natives of
that country, whose large optics were not
so acute as mine, in viewing smaller ob-
jects. Sometimes they would fix upon my
nose or forehead, where they stung me to
the quick, smelling very offensively; and I
could easily trace that viscous matter,
which, our naturalists tell us, enables those
creatures to walk with their feet upwards
upon a ceiling. I had much ado to defend
myself against these detestable animals,
and could not forbear starting when they
came on my face. It was the common
practice of the dwarf, to catch a number
of these insects in his hand, as schoolboys
do among us, and let them out suddenly
under my nose, on purpose to frighten me,
and divert the queen. My remedy was to
cut them in picces with my knife, as they
flew in the air, wherein my dexterity was
much admired.
I remember, one morning, when Glum-
dalclitch had set me in a box upon a win-
dow, as she usually did in fair days to give
me air (for I durst not venture to let the
box be hung on a nail out of the window,
as we do with cages in England), after Í
had lifted up one of my sashes, and sat
down at my table to cat a piece of sweet
cake for my breakfast, above twenty wasps
allured by the smell, came flying into the
room humming louder than the drones of
+
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 139
as many bagpipes. Some of them seized
my cake, and carried it piece-meal away;
others flew about my head and face, con.
founding me with the noise, and putting
me in the utmost terror of their stings.
However, I had the courage to rise and
draw my hanger, and attack them in the
air. I dispatched four of them, but the rest
got away, and I presently shut my window.
These insects were as large as partridges:
1 took out their stings, found them an inch
and a half long, and as sharp as needles. I
carefully preserved them all; and having
since shown them, with some other curio-
sities, in several parts of Europe, upon my
return to England I gave three of them to
Gresham College, and kept the fourth for
myself.
CHAPTER IV.
The country described. A proposal for cor-
recting modern maps. The king's palace,
and some account of the metropolis. The
Author's way of travelling. The chief
temple described,
I Now intend to give the reader a short
description of this country, as far as I
travelled in it, which was not above two
thousand miles round Lorbrulgrud, the
metropolis. For the queen, whom I always
attended, never went further when she
accompanied the king in his progresses,
140
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
and there staid till his majesty returned
from viewing his frontiers. The whole
extent of this prince's dominions reaches
about six thousand miles in length, and
from three to five in breadth: whence I
cannot but conclude, that our geographers
of Europe are in a great error, by suppos-
ing nothing but sea between Japan and
California; for it was ever my opinion,
that there must be a balance of earth to
counterpoise the great continent of Tar-
tary; and therefore they ought to correct
their maps and charts, by joining this vast
tract of land to the north-west parts of
America, wherein I shall be ready to lend
them my assistance.
The kingdom is a peninsula, terminated
to the north-east by a ridge of mountains
thirty miles high, which are altogether
impassable, by reason of the volcanoes
upon the tops: neither do the most learned
know what sort of mortals inhabit beyond
those mountains, or whether they be in-
habited at all. On the three other sides,
it is bounded by the ocean. There is not
one sca-port in the whole kingdom, and
those parts of the coasts into which the
rivers issue, are so full of pointed rocks,
and the sea generally so rough, that there
is no venturing with the smallest of their
boats; so that these people are wholly ex-
cluded from any commerce with the rest
of the world. But the large rivers are full
of vessels, and abound with excellent fish ;
for they seldom get any from the sea, be-
cause the sea fish are of the same size
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 141
with those in Europe, and consequently
not worth catching; whereby it is mani-
fest, that nature, in the production of
plants and animals of so extraordinary a
bulk, is wholly confined to this continent,
of which I leave the reasons to be deter-
mined by philosophers. However, now
and then they take a whale that happens
to be dashed against the rocks, which the
common people feed on heartily. These
whales I have known so large, that a man
could hardly carry one upon his shoulders;
and sometimes, for curiosity, they are
brought in hampers to Lorbrulgrud: I
saw one of them in a dish at the king's
table, which passed for a rarity, but I did
not observe he was fond of it; for I think,
indeed the bigness disgusted him, although
I have seen one somewhat larger in Green-
land.
The country is well inhabited, for it
contains fifty-one cities, near a hundred
walled towns, and a great number of vil-
lages. To satisfy my curious reader, it
may be sufficient to describe Lorbrulgrud.
This city stands upon almost two equal
parts, on each side the river that passes
through. It contains above eighty thou-
sand houses, and about six hundred thou-
sand inhabitants. It is in length three
glomglungs (which make about fifty-four
English miles,) and two and a half in
breadth; as I measured it myself in the
royal map made by the king's order, which
was laid on the ground on purpose for me,
and extended a hundred feet: I paced the
112
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
diameter and circumference several times
bare-foot, and computing by the scale mea-
sured it pretty exactly.
The king's palace is no regular edifice,
but a heap of building, about seven miles
round the chief rooms are generally two
hundred and forty feet high, and broad and
long in proportion. A coach was allowed
to Glumdalclitch and me, wherein her
governess frequently took her out to see
the town, or go among the shops; and I
was always of the party, carried in my box;
although the girl, at my own desire, would
often take me out, and hold me in her
hand, that I might more conveniently view
the houses and the people, as we passed
along the streets. 1 reckoned our coach to
be about a square of Westminster-hall, but
not altogether so high: however, I cannot
be very exact. One day the governess
ordered our coachman to stop at several
shops, where the beggars, watching their
opportunity, crowded to the sides of the
coach, and gave me the most horrible spec-
tacle that ever a European eye beheld.
There was a woman with a cancer in her
breast, swelled to a monstrous size, full of
holes, in two or three of which I could
have easily crept, and covered my whole
body. There was a fellow with a wen in
his neck, larger than five wool-packs; and
another, with a couple of wooden legs,
cach about twenty feet high. But the
most hateful sight of all, was the lice crawl-
ing on their clothes. I could see distinctly
the limbs of these vermin with my naked
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 143
eye, much better than those of a Euro-
pean louse through a microscope, and
their snouts with which they rooted like
swine. They were the first I had ever
beheld, and I should have been curious
enough to dissect one of them, if I had
had proper instruments, which 1 unluckily
left behind me in the ship, although, in-
deed, the sight was so nauseous, that it
perfectly turned my stomach.
Beside the large box in which I was
usually carried, the queen ordered a smaller
one to be made for me, of about twelve
feet square, and ten high, for the conveni-
ence of travelling; because the other was
somewhat too large for Glumdalclitch's
lap, and cumbersome in the coach; it was
made by the same artist, whom I directed
in the whole contrivance. This travelling-
closet was an exact square, with a window
in the middle of three of the squares, and
each window was latticed with iron wire
on the outside, to prevent accidents in long
journeys. On the fourth side, which had
no window, two strong staples were fixed,
through which the person that carried me,
when I had a mind to be on horseback, put
a leathern belt, and buckled it about his
waist. This was always the office of some
grave trusty servant, in whom I could
confide, whether I attended the king and
queen in their progresses, or were disposed
to see the gardens, or pay a visit to some
great lady or minister of state in the court,
when Glumdalclitch happened to be out of
order; for I soon began to be known and
14 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
esteemed among the greatest officers, I
suppose more upon account of their ma-
jesties' favour, than any merit of my own,
In journeys, when I was weary of the
coach, a servant on borschack would buckle
ou my box, and place it upon a cushion
before him; and there I had a full pros-
pect of the country on three sides, from
my three windows. I had, in this closet,
a field-bed, and a hammock hung from the
ceiling, two chairs and a table, neatly
screwed to the floor, to prevent being tossed
about by the agitation of the horse or the
coach. And having been long used to sea-
voyages, those motions, although some-
times very violent, did not much discom-
pose me.
The
Whenever I had a mind to see the town,
it was always in my travelling-closet; which
Glumdalelitch held in her lap in a kind of
open sedan, after the fashion of the coun-
try, borne by four men, and attended by
two others in the queen's livery.
people, who had often heard of me, were
very curious to crowd about the sedan, and
the girl was complaisant enough to make
the bearers stop, and to take me in her
haud that I might be more conveniently
seen.
I was very desirous to see the chef tem-
ple, and particularly the tower belonging
to it, which is reckoned the highest in the
kingdom. Accordingly one day my nurse
carried me thither, but I may truly say I
came back disappointed; for the height is
not above three thousand feet, reckoning
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 145
from the ground to the highest pinnacle
top; which, allowing for the difference
between the size of those people and us in
Europe, is no great matter for admiration,
nor at all equal in proportion (if I rightly
remember) to Salisbury steeple. But, not
to detract from a nation, to which, during
my life, I shall acknowledge myself ex-
tremely obliged, it must be allowed, that
whatever this famous tower wants in
height, is amply made up in beauty and
strength for the walls are near a hundred
feet thick, built of hewn stone, whereot
cach is about forty feet square, and adorned
on all sides with statues of gods and em-
perors, cut in marble, larger than the life,
placed in their several niches. I measured
a little finger which had fallen down from
one of these statues, and lay unperceived
among some rubbish, and found it exactly
four feet and an inch in length. Glumdal-
clitch wrapped it up in her handkerchief;
and carried it home in her pocket, to keep
among other trinkets, of which the girl
was very fond, as children at her age usual-
ly are.
The king's kitchen is, indeed, a noble
building, vaulted at top, and about six
hundred feet high. The great oven is not
so wide, by ten paces, as the cupola at St.
Paul's: for I measured the latter on pur-
pose, after my return. But if I should
describe the kitchen grate, the prodigious
pots and kettles, the joints of meat turning
on the spits, with many other particulars,
perhaps I should be hardly believed; at
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146
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
least a severe critic would be apt to think
I enlarged a little, as travellers are often
suspected to do. To avoid which censure
I fear I have run too much into the other
extreme; and that if this treatise should
happen to be translated into the language
of Brobdingnag (which is the general name
of that kingdom,) and transmitted thither,
the king and his people would have reason
to complain that I had done them an in-
jury, by a false and diminutive representa-
tion.
His majesty seldom keeps above six
hundred horses in his stables: they are
generally from fifty-four to sixty feet high.
But, when he goes abroad on solemn days,
he is attended, for state, by a militia guard
of five hundred horse, which, indeed, I
thought was the most splended sight that
could be ever beheld, till I saw part of his
army in battalia, whereof I shall find an-
other occasion to speak.
CHAPTER V.
Several adventures that happened to the
Author. The cxccution of a criminal.
The Author shows his skill in navigation.
I SHOULD have lived happy enough in that
country, if my littleness had not exposed
me to several ridiculous and troublesome
accidents; some of which I shall venture
to relate. Glumdalclitch often carried mo
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 147
into the gardens of the court in my smaller
box, and would sometimes take me out of
it, and hold me in her hand, or set me
down to walk. 1 remember, before the
dwarf left the queen, he followed us one
day into those gardens, and my nurse hav-
ing set me down, he and I being close
together, near some dwart apple trees, I
must needs show my wit, by a silly allusion
between him and the trees, which happens
to hold in their language as it does in ours.
Whereupon, the malicious rogue, watching
his opportunity, when I was walking under
one of them, shook it directly over my
head, by which a dozen apples, each of
them near as large as a Bristol barrel, came
tumbling about my ears; one of them hit
me on the back as 1 chanced to stoop, and
knocked me down flat on my face; but I
received no other hurt, and the dwarf was
pardoned at my desire, because I had given
the provocation.
Another day, Glumdalelitch left me on
a smooth grassplot to divert myself, while
she walked at some distance with her
governess. In the mean time, there sud-
denly fell such a violent shower of hail,
that I was immediately, by the force of it,
struck to the ground: and when I was
down, the hailstones gave me such cruel
bangs all over the body, as if I had been
pelted with tenis-balls; however, I made
a shift to creep on all fours, and shelter
myself, by lying flat on my face, on the
lee-side of a border of lemon-thyme; but
so bruised from head to foot, that I could
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149
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
not go abroad for ten days. Neither is this
at all to be wondered at, because nature, in
that country, observing the same propor-
tion through all her operations, a hailstone
is near eighteen hundred times as large as
one in Europe; which I can assert upon
experience, having been so curious as to
weigh and measure them.
But a more dangerous accident happened
to me in the same garden, when my little
nurse, believing she had put me in a secure
place (which I often entreated her to do,
that I might enjoy my own thoughts,) and
having left my box at home, to avoid the
trouble of carrying it, went to another part
of the garden with her governess and some
ladies of her acquaintance.
While she
was absent, and out of hearing, a small
white spaniel that belonged to one of the
chief gardeners, having got by accident
into the garden, happened to range near
the place where I lay: the dog, following
the scent, came directly up, and taking me
in his mouth, ran straight to his master
wagging his tail, and set me gently on the
ground. By good fortune he had been so
well taught, that I was carried between
his teeth without the least hurt, or even
tearing my clothes. But the poor gardener,
who knew me well, and had a great kind-
ness for me, was in a terrible fright: he
gently took me up in both his hands, and
asked me how I did; but I was so amazed
and out of breath, that I could not speak
a word. In a few minutes I came to my-
self, and he carried me safe to my little
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 149
nurse, who, by this time, had returned to
the place where she left me, and was in
cruel agonies when I did not appear, nor
auswer when she called. She severely re-
primanded the gardener on account of his
dog. But the thing was hushed up, and
never known at court, for the girl was
afraid of the queen's anger; and truly, as
to myself, I thought it would not be for
my reputation, that such a story should go
about.
This accident absolutely determined
Glumdalclitch never to trust me abroad
for the future out of her sight. I had been
long afraid of this resolution, and therefore
concealed from her some little unlucky
adventures, that happened in those times
when I was left to myself. Once a kite,
hovering over the garden, made a stoop at
me, and if I had not resolutely drawn my
hanger, and run under a thick espalier, he
would have certainly carried me away in
his talons. Another time, walking to the
top of a fresh molehill, I fell to my neck
in the hole, through which that animal
had cast up the earth, and coined some lie,
not worth remembering, to excuse myself
for spoiling my clothes. I hikewise broke
my right shin against the shell of a snail,
which I happened to stumble over, as I
was walking alone and thinking on poor
England.
I cannot tell whether I were more
pleased or mortified to observe, in those
solitary walks, that the smaller birds did
not appear to be at all afraid of me, but
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150 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
would hop about within a yard's distance,
looking for worms and other food, with as
much indifference and security as if no
creature at all were near them. I remem-
ber, a thrush had the confidence to snatch
out of my hand, with his bill, a piece of
cake that Glumdalelitch had just given me
for my breakfast. When I attempted to
catch any of these birds, they would boldly
turn against me, endeavouring to peck my
fingers, which I durst not venture within
their reach; and then they would hop
back unconcerned, to hunt for worms or
snails, as they did before. But one day, I
took a thick cudgel, and threw it with all
my strength so luckily, at a linnet, that I
knocked him down, and scizing him by the
neck with both my hands, ran with him in
triumph to my nurse. However, the bird,
who had only been stunned, recovering
himself gave me so many boxes with his
wings, on both sides of my head and body,
though I held him at arm's-length, and
was out of the reach of his claws, that I
was twenty times thinking to let him go.
But I was soon relieved by one of our
servants, who rung off the bird's neck, and
I had him next day for dinner, by the
queen's command. This linnet, as near
as I can remember, seemed to be somewhat
larger than an English swan.
The maids of honour often invited
Glumdalclitch to their apartments, and
desired she would bring me along with
her, on purpose to have the pleasure of
seeing and touching me. They would often
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 151
strip me naked from top to toe, and lay me
at full length in their bosoms; wherewith
I was much disgusted; because, to say the
truth, a very offensive smell came from
their skins; which I do not mention, or
intend, to the disadvantage of those excel-
lent ladies, for whom I have all manner of
respect; but I conceive that my sense was
more acute in proportion to my littleness,
and that those illustrious persons were no
more disagreeable to their lovers, or to
cach other, than people of the same quality
are with us in England. And, after all, I
found their natural smell was much more
supportable, than when they used per-
fumes, under which I immediately swoon-
ed away. I cannot forget, that an intimate
friend of mine in Lilliput, took the freedom
in a warm day, when I had used a good
deal of exercise, to complain of a strong
smell about me, although I am as little
faulty that way, as most of my sex but 1
suppose his faculty of smelling was as nice
with regard to me, as mine was to that of
this people. Upon this point, I cannot
forbear doing justice to the queen my mis-
tress, and Glumdalelitch my nurse, whose
persons were as sweet as those of any lady
in England.
That which gave me most uneasiness
among these maids of honour (when my
nurse carried me to visit them) was, to see
them use me without any manner of cere-
mony, like a creature who had no sort of
concupiscence: for they would strip them-
selves to the skin, and put their smocks on
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152
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
in my presence, while I was placed on their
toilet, directly before their naked bodies,
which I am sure to me was very far from
being a tempting sight, or from giving me
any other emotion than those of horror and
disgust their skins appeared so coarse and
uneven, so variously coloured, when I saw
them near, with a mole here and there as
broad as a trencher, and hairs hanging
from it thicker than packthreads, to say
nothing farther concerning the rest of their
persons. Neither did they at all scruple,
while I was by, to discharge what they
had drank, to the quantity of at least two
hogsheads, in a vessel that held above
three tuns. The handsomest among these
maids of honour, a pleasant frolicsome
girl of sixteen, would sometimes set me
astride upon one of her nipples, with many
other tricks, wherein the reader will excuse
me for not being over particular. But I
was so much displeased, that I entreated
Glumdalelitch to contrive some excuse for
not seeing that young lady any more.
One day, a young gentleman, who was
nephew to my nurse's governess, came and
pressed them both to see an execution. It
was of a man, who had murdered one of
that gentleman's intimate acquaintance.
Glumdalelitch was prevailed on to be of
the company, very much against her in-
clination, for she was naturally tender-
hearted and as for myself, although I
abhorred such kind of spectacles, yet my
curiosity tempted me to see something that
I thought must be extraordinary.
The
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 153
malefactor was fixed in a chair upon a
scaffold crected for that purpose, and his
head cut off at one blow, with a sword of
about forty feet long. The veins and ar-
teries spouted up such a prodigious quantity
of blood, and so high in the air, that the
great jet d'eau at Versailles was not equal
to it for the time it lasted and the head,
when it fell on the scaffold floor, gave such
a bounce as made me start, although I
were at least half an English mile distant.
The queen, who often used to hear me
talk of my sea-voyages, and took all oc-
casions to divert me when I was melan-
choly, asked me whether I understood how
to handle a sail or an oar, and whether a
little exercise of rowing might not be con-
venient for my health? I answered, that I
understood both very well: for although
my proper employment had been to be
surgeon or doctor to the ship, yet often,
upon a pinch, I was forced to work like á
common mariner. But I could not see
how this could be done in their country,
where the smallest wherry was equal to a
first-rate man of war among us; and such
a boat as I could manage would never live
in any of their rivers. Her majesty said,
"if I would contrive a boat, her own joiner
should make it, and she would provide a
place for me to sail in." The fellow was
an ingenious workman, and by my in-
structions, in ten days, finished a pleasure-
boat, with all its tackling, able convenient-
ly to hold eight Europeans. When it was
finished, the queen was so delighted, that
134 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
she ran with it in her lap to the king, who
ordered it to be put into a cistern full of
water, with me in it, by way of trial:
where I could not manage my two sculls,
or little oars, for want of room. But the
queen had before contrived another pro-
ject. She ordered the joiner to make a
wooden trough of three hundred feet long,
fifty broad, and eight deep; which, being
well pitched, to prevent leaking, was
placed on the floor, along the wall, in an
outer room of the palace. It had a cock
near the bottom to let out the water, when
it began to grow stale; and two servants
could casily fill it in half an hour. Here I
often used to row for my own diversion, as
well as that of the queen and her ladies,
who thought themselves well entertained
with my skill and agility. Sometimes I
would put up my sail, and then my busi-
ness was only to steer, while the ladies
gave me a gale with their fans; and, whèn
they were weary, some of their pages
would blow my sail forward with their
breath, while I showed my art by steering
starboard or larboard as I pleased. When
I had done, Glumdalelitch always carried
back my boat into her closet, and hung it
on a nail to dry.
In this exercise I once met an accident,
which had like to have cost me my life;
for, one of the pages having put my boat
into the trough, the governess who attend-
ed Glumdalelitch very officiously lifted me
up, to place me in the boat: but I happen-
ed to slip through her fingers, and should
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 155
infallibly have fallen down forty feet,
upon the floor, if, by the luckiest chance
in the world, I had not been stopped by a
corking-pin that stuck in the good gentle-
woman's stomacher; the head of the pin
passing between my shirt and the waist-
band of my breeches, and thus I was held
by the middle in the air, till Glumdalelitch
ran to my relief.
Another time, one of the servants,
whose office it was to fill my trough every
third day with fresh water, was so careless
as to let a huge frog (not perceiving it)
slip out of his pail. The frog lay concealed
till I was put into my boat, but then,
seeing a resting-place, climbed up, and
made it lean so much on one side, that 1
was forced to balance it with all my weight
on the other, to prevent overturning.
When the frog was got in, it hopped at
once half the length of the boat, and then
over my head, backward and forward,
daubing my face and clothes with its
odious slime. The largeness of its features
made it appear the most deformed animal
that can be conceived. However, I
desired Glumdalclitch to let me deal with
it alone. I banged it a good while with
one of my sculls, and at last forced it to
leap out of the boat.
But the greatest danger I ever under-
went in that kingdom, was from a monkey,
who belonged to one of the clerks of the
kitchen. Glumdalelitch had locked me up
in her closet, while she went somewhere
upon business, or a visit. The weather

156
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
being very warm, the closet-window was
left open, as well as the windows and
the door of my bigger box, in which I
usually lived, because of its largeness and
conveniency. As I sat quietly meditating
at my table, I heard something bounce
in at the closet-window, and skip about
from one side to the other: whereat,
although I was much alarmed, yet I
ventured to look out, but not stirring
from my scat; and then I saw this frolick-
some animal frisking and leaping up and
down, till at last he came to my box,
which he seemed to view with great plea-
sure and curiosity, peeping in at the door
and every window. I retreated to the
farther corner of my room, or box; but
the monkey looking in at every side, put
me in such a fright, that I wanted presence
of mind to conceal myself under the bed,
as I might easily have done. After some
time spent in peeping, grinning, and chat-
tering, he at last espied me; and reaching
one of his paws in at the door, as a cat
does when she plays with a mouse, although
I often shifted place to avoid him, he at
length seized the lappet of my coat (which
being made of that country silk, was very
thick and strong), and dragged me out. He
took me up in his right fore-foot and held
me as a nurse does a child she is going to
suckle, just as I have seen the same sort of
creature do with a kitten in Europe; and
when I offered to struggle he squeezed me
so hard, that I thought it more prudent to
submit. I have good reason to believc,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 137
that he took me for a young one of his own
species, by his often stroking my face very
gently with his other paw. In these di-
versions he was interrupted by a noise at
the closet door, as if somebody were open-
ing it whereupon he suddenly leaped up
to the window at which he had come in,
and thence upon the leads and gutters,
walking upon three legs, and holding me
in the fourth, till he clambered up to a roof
that was next to ours. I heard Glumdal-
clitch give a shriek at the moment he was
carrying me out. The poor girl was almost
distracted that quarter of the palace was
all in an uproar; the servants ran for lad-
ders; the monkey was seen by hundreds in
the court, sitting upon the ridge of a build-
ing, holding me like a baby in one of his
fore-paws, and feeding me with the other,
by cramming into my mouth some victuals
he had squeezed out of the bag on one side
of his chaps, and patting me when I would
not eat; whercat many of the rabble be-
low could not forbear laughing; neither
do I think they justly ought to be blamed,
for, without question, the sight was ridicu-
lous enough to every body but myself.
Some of the people threw up stones, hoping
to drive the monkey down; but this was
strictly forbidden, or else, very probably,
my brains had been dashed out.
The ladders were now applied, and
mounted by several men : which the
monkey observing, and finding himself
almost encompassed, not being able to
make speed enough with his three legs, let
158
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
me drop on a ridge tile, and made his
escape. Here I sat for some time, five
hundred yards from the ground, expecting
every moment to be blown down by the
wind, or to fall by my own giddiness, and
come tumbling over and over from the
ridge to the eaves: but an honest lad, one
of my nurse's footmen, climbed up, and
putting me into his breeches pocket,
brought me down safe.
I was almost choked with the filthy
stuff the monkey had crammed down my
throat but my dear little nurse picked it
out of my mouth with a small needle, and
then I fell a-vomiting, which gave me
great relief. Yet I was 50 weak and
bruised in the sides with the squeezes given
me by this odious animal, that I was
forced to keep my bed a fortnight. The
king, queen, and all the court, sent every
day to inquire after my health; and her
majesty made me several visits during my
sickness. The monkey was killed, and an
order made, that no such animal should
be kept about the palace.
When I attended the king after my
recovery, to return him thanks for his
favours, he was pleased to rally me a good
deal upon this adventure.
He asked me,
"what my thoughts and speculations
were, while I lay in the monkey's paw;
how I liked the victuals he gave me; his
manner of feeding; and whether the fresh
air on the roof had sharpened my stomach.
He desired to know, what I would have
done upon such an occasion in my own
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 139
<<
country." I told his majesty, that in
Europe we had no monkeys except such
as were brought for curiosities from other
places, and so small, that I could deal with
a dozen of them together, if they presumed
to attack me. And as for that monstrous
animal, with whom I was so lately engaged
(it was indeed as large as an clephant), if
my fears had suffered me to think so far,
as to make use of my hanger (looking
fiercely, and clapping my hand on the hilt,
as I spoke) when he poked his paw into my
chamber, perhaps I should have given him
such a wound, as would have made him
glad to withdraw it, with more haste than
he put it m." This I delivered in a firm
tone, like a person who was jealous lest his
courage should be called in question.
However, my speech produced nothing
else beside a loud laughter, which all the
respect due to his majesty from those about
him could not make them contain.
made me reflect, how vain an attempt it is
for a man to endeavour to do himself
honour among those who are out of all
degree of equality or comparison with him.
And yet I have seen the moral of my own
behaviour very frequent in England since
my return; where a little contemptible
varlet, without the least title to birth,
person, wit, or common sense, shall pre-
sume to look with importance, and put
himself upon a foot with the greatest per-
sons of the kingdom.
This
I was every day furnishing the court
with some ridiculous story; and Glumdal-
160
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
clitch, although she loved me to excess,
yet was arch enough to inform the queen,
whenever I committed any folly that she
thought would be diverting to her majesty.
The girl, who had been out of order, was
carried by her governess to take the air
about an hour's distance, or thirty miles
from town. They alighted out of the coach
near a sinall foot-path in a field, and Glum-
dalclitch setting down my travelling box,
I went out of it to walk. There was a
cow-dung in the path, and I must need
try my activity by attempting to leap over
it. 1 look a run, but unfortunately jump-
ed short, and found myself just in the
middle, up to my knees. I waded through
with some difficulty, and one of the foot-
men wiped me as clean as he could with
his handkerchief, for I was filthily be.
mired; and my nurse confined me to my
box, till we returned home; where the
queen was soon informed of what bad
passed, and the footmen spread it about
the court: so that all the mirth for some
days was at my expense.
#
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 161
CHAPTER VI.
Several contrivances of the Author, to
please the King and Queen. He shows his
skill in music. The King inquires into
the state England, which the Author
relates to lum. The King's observations
thereon.
I USED to attend the king's levee once or
twice a week, and had often seen h m
under the barber's hand, which indeed
was at first very terrible to behold; for the
razor was almost twice as long as an
ordinary scythe. Ilis majesty, according
to the custom of the country, was only
shaved twice a-week. I once prevailed on
the barber to give me some of the suds or
lather, out of which 1 picked forty or fifty
of the strongest stumps of hair. I then
took a piece of fine wood, and cut it like
the back of a comb, making several holes
in it at equal distances with as small a
needle as I could get from Glumdalebtch.
I fixed in the stumps so artificially,
scraping and sloping them with my knife
toward the points, that I made a very
tolerable comb; which was a seasonable
supply, my own being so much broken in
the teeth, that it was almost useless:
neither did I know any artist in that
country so nice and exact, as would under-
take to make me another.
And this puts me in mind of an amuse-
ment, wherein I spent many of my leisure
VOL. I.
L
162
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
hours. I desired the queen's woman to
save for me the combings of her majesty's
hair, whereof in time I got a good quan-
tity; and consulting with my friend the
cabinet-maker, who had received general
orders to do little jobs for me, I directed
him to make two chair-frames, no larger
than those I had in my box, and to bore
little holes with a fine awl, round those
parts where I designed the backs and
scats; through these holes I wove the
strongest hairs I could pick out, just after
the manner of cane chairs in England,
When they were finished, I made a pre-
sent of them to her majesty; who kept
them in her cabinet, and used to show
them for curiosities, as indeed they were
the wonder of every one that beheld them.
The queen would have had me sit upon
one of these chairs, but I absolutely re-
fused to obey her, protesting 1 would
rather die a thousand deaths, than place a
dishonourable part of my body on those
precious hairs, that once adorned her
majesty's head." Of these hairs (as I had
always a mechanical genius) I likewise
made a neat little purse, about five feet
long, with her majesty's name deciphered
in gold letters, which I gave to Glumdal-
clitch by the queen's consent. To say the
truth, it was more for show than use,
being not of strength to bear the weight of
the larger coins, and therefore she kept
nothing in it but some little toys that girls
are fond of.
The king, who delighted in music, had
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 163
frequent concerts at court, to which I was
sometimes carried, and set in my box on a
table to hear them: but the noise was so
great that I could hardly distinguish the
tunes. I am confident that all the drums
and trumpets of a royal army, beating and
sounding together just at your ears, could
not equal it. My practice was to have my
box removed from the place where the
performers sat, as far as I could, then to
shut the doors and windows of it, and draw
the window curtains; after which I found
their music not disagreeable.
I had learned in my youth to play a little
upon the spinet. Glumdalclitch kept one
in her chamber, and a master attended
twice a-week to teach her: I called it a
spinet, because it somewhat resembled that
instrument, and was played upon in the
same manner. A fancy came into my
head, that I would entertain the king and
queen with an English tune upon this
instrument. But this appeared extremely
difficult for the spinet was near sixty feet
long, each key being almost a foot wide, so
that with my arms extended I could not
reach to above five keys, and to press them
down required a good smart stroke with
my fist, which would be too great a labour,
and to no purpose. The method I con-
trived was this: I prepared two round
sticks, about the
the bigness of common
cudgels; they were thicker at one end
than the other, and I covered the thicker
cuds with pieces of a mouse's skin, that by
rapping on them I might neither damage
L2
161 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the tops of the keys nor interrupt the
sound. Before the spinct a bench was
placed, about four feet below the keys, and
I was put upon the bench. I ran sideling
upon it, that way and this, as fast as Ï
could, banging the proper keys with my
two sticks, and made a shift to play a jig,
to the great satisfaction of both their
majesties; but it was the most violent
exercise I ever underwent; and yet I
could not strike above sixteen keys, nor
consequently play the bass and treble
together, as other artists do; which was a
great disadvantage to my performance.
The king, who, as I before observed,
was a prince of excellent understanding,
would frequently order that I should be
brought in my box, and set upon the table
in his closet: he would then command me
to bring one of my chairs out of the box,
and sit down within three yards' distance
upon the top of the cabinet, which brought
me almost to a level with his face. In
this manner I had several conversations
with him. I one day took the freedom to
tell his majesty, "that the contempt he dis-
covered towards Europe, and the rest of
the world, did not seem answerable to
those excellent qualities of mind that he
was master of; that reason did not extend
itself with the bulk of the body; on the
contrary, we observed in our country, that
the tallest persons were usually the least
provided with it: that among other animals,
bees and ants had the reputation of more
industry, art, and sagacity, than many of
VOYAGE TO BKOBDINGNAG, 165
the larger kinds; and that, as inconsider-
able as he took me to be, I hoped I might
live to do his majesty some signal service.
The king heard me with attention, and
began to conceive a much better opinion of
me than he had ever before. He desired I
would give him as exact an account of
the government of England as I possibly
could; because, as foud as other princes
commonly are of their own customs (for
so he conjectured other monarchs by my
former discourses), he should be glad to
hear of any thing that might deserve
imitation.
Imagine with thyself, courteous reader,
how often I then wished for the tongue of
Demosthenes or Cicero, that might have
enabled me to celebrate the praise of my
own dear native country, in a style equal
to its merits and felicity.
I began my discourse by informing his
majesty, that our dominions consisted of
two islands, which composed three mighty
kingdoms, under one sovereign, beside our
plantations in America. I dwelt long upon
the fertility of our soil, and the temperature
of our climate. I then spoke at large upon
the constitution of an English parliament;
partly made up of an illustrious body
called the house of peers; persons of the
noblest blood, and of the most aucient
and ample patrimonies. I described that
extraordinary care always taken of their
education in arts and arms, to qualify
them for being counsellors both to the
king and kingdom; to have a share in the
L3
166
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
legislature; to be members of the highest
court of judicature, whence there can be
no appeal; and to be champions always
ready for the defence of their prince and
country, by their valour, conduct, and
fidelity. That these were the ornament
and bulwark of the kingdom, worthy
followers of their most renowned ancestors,
whose honour had been the reward of
their virtue, from which their posterity
were never once known to degenerate Το
these were joined several holy persons, as
part of that assembly, under the title of
bishops, whose peculiar business is to take
care of religion, and of those who instruct
the people therein. These were searched
and sought out through the whole nation,
by the prince and his wisest counsellors,
among such of the priesthood as were most
deservedly distinguished by the sanctity of
their lives, and the depth of their eru-
dition; who were indeed the spiritual
fathers of the clergy and the people.
That the other part of the parliament
consisted of an assembly called the house
of commons, who were all principal gentle-
men, freely picked and culled out by the
people themselves, for their great abilities
and love of their country, to represent the
wisdom of the whole nation. And that
these two bodies made up the most august
assembly in Europe; to whom, in con-
junction with the prince, the whole legis-
lature is committed.
I then descended to the courts of justice;
over which the judges, those venerable
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 167
sages and interpreters of the law, presided,
for determining the disputed rights and
properties of men, as well as for the pun-
ishment of vice and protection of in-
nocence. I mentioned the prudent man-
agement of our treasury; the valour and
achievements of our forces, by sea and
land. I computed the number of our
people, by reckoning how many millions
there might be of each religious sect, or
political party among us. I did not omit
even our sports and pastimes, or any other
particular which I thought might redound
to the honour of my country. And I
finished all with a brief historical account
of affairs and events in England for about
a hundred years past.
This conversation was not ended under
five audiences, each of several hours; and
the king heard the whole with great
attention, frequently taking notes of what
I spoke, as well as memorandums of what
questions he intended to ask me.
When I had put an end to these long
discourses, his majesty, in a sixth audience,
consulting his notes, proposed many doubts,
queries, and objections, upon every article.
He asked, "what methods were used to
cultivate the minds and bodies of our
young nobility, and in what kind of busi-
ness they commonly spent the first and
teachable parts of their lives? What course
was taken to supply that assembly, when
any noble family became extinct? What
qualifications were necessary in those who
are to be created new lords: whether the
L1
163
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
humour of the prince, a sum of money to
a court lady, or a design of strengthening
a party opposite to the public interest, ever
happened to be the motives in those ad-
vancements? What share of knowledge
these lords had in the laws of their coun-
try, and how they came by it, so as to
enable them to decide the properties
of their fellow-subjects, in the last resort ?
Whether they were always so free from
avarice, partialities, or want, that a bribe,
or some other sinister view, could have no
place among them? Whether those holy
lords I spoke of were always promoted
to that rank upon account of their know-
ledge in religious matters, and the sanctity
of their lives; had never been compliers
with the times, while they were common
priests; or slavish prostitute chaplains to
some nobleman, wliose opinions they con-
tinued servilely to follow, after they were
admitted into that assembly?
He then desired to know, 'what arts
were practised in electing those whom I
called commoners: whether a stranger,
with a strong purse, might not influence
the vulgar voters to choose him before
their own landlord, or the most consider-
able gentleman in the neighbourhood?
How it came to pass, that people were so
violently bent upon getting into this
assembly, which I allowed to be a great
trouble and expense, often to the ruin of
their families, without any salary or pen-
sion; because this appeared such an exalted
strain of virtue and public spirit, that his
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 169
<
majesty seemed to doubt it might possibly
not be always sincere?' And he desired
to know, whether such zealous gentle-
men could have any views of refunding
themselves for the charges and trouble
they were at by sacrificing the public good
to the designs of a weak and vicious prince,
in conjunction with a corrupted ministry ?'
He multiplied his questions, and sifted me
thoroughly upon every part of this head,
proposing numberless inquiries and objec-
tions, which I think it not prudent or con-
venient to repeat.
'
Upon what I said in relation to our
courts of justice, his majesty desired to be
satisfied in several points: and this I was
the better able to do, having been formerly
almost ruined by a long suit in chancery,
which was decreed for me with costs. He
asked what time was usually spent in
determining between right and wrong, and
what degree of expense? Whether advo-
cates and orators had liberty to plead in
causes manifestly known to be unjust,
vexatious, or oppressive? Whether party,
in religion or politics, were observed to be of
any weight in the scale of justice? Whether
those pleading orators were persons edu-
cated in the general knowledge of equity,
or only in provincial, national, and other
local customs? Whether they or their
judges had any part in penning those laws,
which they assumed the liberty of inter-
preting, and glossing upon at their plea-
sure? Whether they had ever, at different
times, pleaded for and against the same
170
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
cause, and cited precedents to prove con-
trary opinions? Whether they were a rich
or a poor corporation? Whether they re-
ceived any pecuniary reward for pleading,
or delivering their opinions? And particu-
larly, whether they were ever admitted as
meinbers in the lower senate ?'
•
(
He fell next upon the management of
our treasury; and said, he thought my
memory had failed me, because I computed
our taxes at about five or six millions
a-year, and when I came to mention the
issues, he found they sometimes amounted
to more than double; for the notes he had
taken were very particular in this point,
because he hoped, as he told me, that the
knowledge of our conduct might be useful
to him, and he could not be deceived in his
calculations. But, what I td nim were
true, he was still at a loss how a kingdom
could run out of its estate, like a private
person.' He asked me, who were our
creditors; and where we found money to
pay them ?' He wondered to hear me talk
of such chargeable and expensive wars;
'that certainly we must be a quarrelsome
people, or live among very bad neighbours,
and that our generals must needs be richer
than our kings.' He asked, 'what busi-
ness we had out of our own islands, unless
upon the score of trade, or treaty, or to
defend the coasts with our fleet ?' Above
all, he was amazed to hear me talk of a
mercenary standing army, in the midst of
peace, and among a free people. He said,
if we were governed by our own consent,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAC, 171
in the persons of our representatives, he
could not imagine of whom we were afraid,
or against whom we were to fight; and
would hear my opinion, whether a private
man's house might not be better defended
by himself, his children, and family, than
by half a dozen rascals, picked up at a ven-
ture in the streets for small wages, who
might get a hundred times more by cutting
their throats ?'
C
He laughed at my odd kind of arith-
metic,' as he was pleased to call it, in
reckoning the numbers of our people, by a
computation drawn from the several sects
among us, in religion and politics.' He
said, he knew no reason why those, who
entertain opinions prejudicial to the public,
should be obliged to change, or should not
be obliged to conceal theri. And as it was
tyranny in any government to require the
first, so it was weakness not to enforce the
second: for a man may be allowed to keep
poisons in his closet, but not to vend them
about for cordials.
>
He observed, that among the diver-
sions of our nobility and gentry, 1 had
mentioned gaming: he desired to know at
what age this entertainment was usually
taken up, and when it was laid down; how
much of their time it employed: whether
it ever went so high as to affect their for-
tunes; whether mean vicious people, by
their dexterity in that art, might not arrive
at great riches, and sometimes keep our
very nobles in dependence, as well as habi-
tuate them to vile companions; wholly
172
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
take them from the improvement of their
minds, and force them, by the losses they
received, to learn and practise that in-
famous dexterity upon others.'
He was perfectly astonished with the
historical account I gave him of our affairs
during the last century; protesting it was
only a heap of conspiracies, rebellions,
murders, massacres, revolutions, banish-
ments, the very worst effects that avarice,
faction, hypocrisy, perfidiousness, cruelty,
rage, madness, hatred, envy, lust, malice,
and ambition, could produce.
His majesty, in another audience, was at
the pains to recapitulate the sum of all I
had spoken; compared the questions he
made with the answers I had given; then
taking me into his hands, and stroking me
gently, delivered himself in these words,
which I shall never forget, nor the manner
he spoke them in: "My little friend Gril-
drig, you have made a most admirable
panegyric upon your country; you have
clearly proved, that ignorance, idleness,
and vice, are the proper ingredients for
qualifying a legislator; that laws are best
explained, interpreted, and applied, by
those whose interest and abilities lie in
perverting, confounding, and cluding them.
I observe among you some lines of an in-
stitution, which in its original might have
been tolerable, but these half erased, and
the rest wholly blurred and blotted by cor-
ruptions. It does not appear, from all you
have said, how any one perfection is re-
quired toward the procurement of any one
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 173
station among you; much less, that men
arc ennobled on account of their virtue ;
that priests are advanced for their picty or
learning; soldiers, for their conduct or
valour; judges, for their integrity; sena-
tors, for the love of their country;
counsellors for their wisdom. As for your-
self," continued the king, "who have
spent the greatest part of your life in
travelling, I am well disposed to hope you
may hitherto have escaped many vices of
your country. But by what I have gather-
ed from your own relation, and the answers
1 have with much pains wrung and ex-
torted from you, I cannot but conclude the
bulk of your natives to be the most per-
nucious race of little odious vermin that
nature ever suffered to crawl upon the
surface of the earth.' 11
CHAPTER VII.
The Author's love of his country. He makes
a proposal of much advantage to the King,
which is rejected. The King's great ignor-
ance in politics. The learning of that
country very imperfect and confined. The
laws, and military affairs, and parties in
the state.
NOTHING but an extreme love of truth
could have hindered me from concealing
this part of my story. It was in vam tó
discover my resentments, which were
171
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
always turned into ridicule; and I was
forced to rest with patience, while my noble
and beloved country was so injuriously
treated. I am as heartily sorry as any of
my readers can possibly be, that such an
occasion was given: but this prince hap-
pened to be so curious and inquisitive upon
every particular, that it could not consist
either with gratitude or good manners, to
refuse giving him what satisfaction I was
able. Yet thus much I may be allowed to
say in my own vindication, that I artfully
cluded many of his questions, and gave to
every point a more favourable turn, by
many degrees, than the strictness of truth
would allow. For I have always borne
that laudable partiality to my own country,
which Dionysius Halicarnassensis, with so
much justice, recommends to an historian;
I would hide the frailties and deformities
of my political mother, and place her
virtues and beauties in the most advanta-
geous light. This was my sincerc endea-
Your in those many discourses I had with
that monarch, although it unfortunately
failed of success,
But great allowances should be given to
a king, who lives wholly secluded from the
rest of the world, and must therefore be
altogether unacquainted with the manners
and customs that most prevail in other
nations the want of which knowledge
will ever produce many prejudices, and a
certain narrowness of thinking, from which
we, and the politer countries of Europe,
are wholly exempted. And it would be
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 175
hard indeed, if so remote a prince's notions
of virtue and vice were to be offered as a
standard for all mankind.
To confirm what I have now said, and
further to show the miserable effects of a
confined education, I shall here insert a
passage, which will hardly obtain belief.
In hopes to ingratiate myself further into
his najesty's favour, I told him of 'an
invention, discovered between three and
four hundred years ago, to make a certain
powder, into a heap of which, the smallest
spark of fire falling, would kindle the whole
in a moment although it were as big as a
mountain, and make it all fly up in the air
together, with a noise and agitation greater
than thunder. That a proper quantity of
this powder rammed into a hollow tube of
brass or iron, according to its bigness,
would drive a ball of iron or lead, with
such violence and speed, as nothing was
able to sustain its force. That the largest
balls thus discharged, would not only de-
stroy whole ranks of an army at once, but
batter the strongest walls to the ground;
sink down ships, with a thousand men in
cach, to the bottom of the sea; and when
linked together by a chain, would cut
through masts and rigging, divide hundreds
of bodies in the middle, and lay all waste
before them. That we often put this pow-
der into large hollow balls of iron, and
discharged them by an engine into some
city we were besieging, which would rip
up the pavements, tear the houses to pieces,
burst and throw splinters on every side,
176
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
dashing out the brains of all who came
near. That I knew the ingredients very
well, which were cheap and common; I
understood the manner of compounding
them, and could direct his workmen how
to make those tubes, of a size proportion-
able to all other things in his majesty's
kingdom, and the largest need not be above
a hundred feet long; twenty or thirty of
which tubes, charged with the proper
quantity of powder and balls, would batter
down the walls of the strongest town in his
dominions, in a few hours, or destroy the
whole metropolis, if ever it should pretend
to dispute his absolute commands. This I
humbly offered to his majesty, as a small
tribute of acknowledgment, in turn for so
many marks that I had received, of his
royal favour and protection.'
The king was struck with horror at the
description I had given of those terrible
engines, and the proposal I had made.
'He was amazed, how so impotent and
grovelling an insect as I' (these were his
expressions) 'could entertain such inhu-
man ideas, and in so familiar a manner, as
to appear wholly unmoved at all the scenes
of blood and desolation, which I had paint-
ed, as the common effects of those destruc-
tive machines; whereof,' he said,
evil genius, enemy to mankind, must have
been the first contriver. As for himself,
he protested, that although few things
delighted him so much as new discoveries
in art or in nature, yet he would rather
lose half his kingdom, than be privy to
some
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 177
such a secret; which he commanded me,
as I valued my life, never to mention any
more."
A strange effect of narrow principles
and views ! that a prince possessed of every
quality which procures veneration, love,
and esteem; of strong parts, great wisdom,
and profound learning, endowed with ad-
mirable talents, and almost adored by his
subjects, should, from a nice unnecessary
scraple, whereof in Europe we can have no
conception, let slip an opportunity put into
his hands that would have made him abso-
lute master of the lives, the liberties, and
the fortunes of his people. Neither do I
say this, with the least intention to detract
from the many virtues of that excellent
king, whose character, I am sensible, will,
on this account, be very much lessened in
the opinion of an English reader: but I
take this defect among them to have risen
from their ignorance, by not having hither-
to reduced politics into a science, as the
more acute wits of Europe have done.
For, I remember very well, in a discourse
one day with the king, when I happened
"there were several thousand books
among us written upon the art of govern-
ment," it gave him (directly contrary to
my intention) a very mean opinion of our
understandings. He professed both to
abominate and despise all mystery, refine-
ment, and intrigue, either in a prince or a
minister. He could not tell what I meant
by secrets of state, where an enemy, or
some rival nation, were not in the case,
VUL. I.
M
to say,
178 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
He confined the knowledge of governing
within very narrow bounds, to common
sense and reason, to justice and lenity, to
the speedy determination of civil and
criminal causes; with some other obvious
topics, which are not worth considering.
And he gave it for his opinion, "that who-
ever could make two ears of corn, or two
blades of grass to grow upon a spot of
ground, where only one grew before,
would deserve better of mankind, and do
more essential service to his country, than
the whole race of politicians put together."
The learning of this people is very de-
fective; consisting only in morality, poetry,
and mathematics, wherein they must be
allowed to excel. But the last of these is
wholly applied to what may be useful in
life, to the improvement of agriculture, and
all mechanical arts; so that among us, it
would be little esteemed. And as to ideas,
entities, abstractions, and transcendentals,
I could never drive the least conception
of them into their heads.
No law in that country must exceed in
wards the number of letters in their alpha-
bet, which consists only of two and twenty.
But indeed few of them extend even to
that length. They are expressed in the
most plain and simple terms, wherein
those people are not mercurial enough to
discover above one interpretation: and to
write a comment upon any law, is a capital
crime. As to the decision of civil causes,
or proceedings against criminals, their pre-
cedents are so few, that they have little

VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 179
reason to boast of any extraordinary skill
in either.
They have had the art of printing, as
well as the Chinese, time out of mind: but
their libraries are not very large; for that
of the king, which is reckoned the largest,
does not amount to above a thousand vol-
umes, placed in a gallery of twelve hundred
feet long, whence I had liberty to borrow
what books I pleased. The queen's joiner
had contrived in one of Glumdalclitch's
rooms, a kind of wooden machine five-and-
twenty feet high, formed like a standing
ladder; the steps were each fifty feet long:
it was indeed a moveable pair of stairs, the
lowest end placed at ten feet distance from
the wall of the chamber. The book I had
a mind to read, was put up leaning against
the wall: I first mounted to the upper step
of the ladder, and turning my face towards
the book, began at the top of the page, and
so walking to the right and left about eight
or ten paces, according to the length of the
lines, till I had gotten a little below the
level of mine eyes, and then descending
gradually till I came to the bottom: after
which I moupted again, and began the
other page in the same manner, and so
turned over the leaf, which I could easily
do with both my hands, for it was as thick
and stiff as a pasteboard, and in the largest
folios not above eighteen or twenty feet
long.
Their style is clear, masculine, and
smooth, but not florid; for they avoid
nothing more than multiplying unneces-
M 2
180
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
sary words, or using various expressions.
I have perused many of their books, especi-
ally those in history and morality. Among
the rest, I was much diverted with a little
old treatise, which always lay in Glumdal-
clitch's bedchamber, and belonged to her
governess, a grave elderly gentlewoman,
who dealt in writings of morality and de-
votion. The book treats of the weakness
of human kind, and is in little esteem,
except among the women and the vulgar.
However, I was curious to see what an
author of that country could say upon such
a subject. This writer went through all
the usual topics of European moralists,
showing "how diminutive, contemptible,
and helpless an animal was man in his own
nature; how unable to defend himself
from inclemencies of the air, or the fury
of wild beasts: how much he was excelled
by one creature in strength, by another in
speed, by a third in foresight, by a fourth
in industry." He added, "that nature
was degenerated in these latter declining
ages of the world, and could now produce
only small abortive births, in comparison
of those in ancient times," He said "it
was very reasonable to think, not only that
the species of men were originally much
larger, but also that there must have been
giants in former ages; which, as it is
asserted by history and tradition, so it has
been confirmed by huge bones and skulls,
casually dug up in several parts of the
kingdom, far exceeding the common
dwindled race of men in our days." He
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 181
argued, that the very laws of nature
absolutely required we should have been
made, in the beginning, of a size more
large and robust; not so liable to destruc-
tion from every little accident, of a tile
falling from a house, or a stone cast from
the hand of a boy, or being drowned in a
little brook." From this way of reasoning,
the author drew several moral applications,
useful in the conduct of life, but needless
here to repeat. For my own part, I could
not avoid reflecting how universally this
talent was spread, of drawing lectures in
morality, or indeed rather matter of dis-
content and repining, from the quarrels
we raise with nature. And I believe, upon
a strict inquiry, those quarrels might be
shown as ill-grounded among us as they are
among that people. *
As to their military affairs, they boast
that the king's army consists of a hundred
and seventy-six thousand foot, and thirty-
two thousand horse: if that may be called
an army, which is made up of tradesmen
in the several cities, and farmers in the
country, whose commanders are only the
nobility and gentry, without pay or reward.
They are indeed perfect enough in their
exercises, and under very good discipline,
• The author's real to justify Providence has
before been remarked; and these quarrels with
nature, or in other words with God, could not
have been more forcibly reproved than by showing
that the complaints upon which they are founded
would be equally specious among beings of such
astonishing superiority of stature and strength.-
H.
M 3
182 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
wherein I saw no great merit; for how
should it be otherwise, where every farmer
is under the command of his own landlord,
and every citizen under that of the princi-
pal men in his own city, chosen after the
manner of Venice, by ballot?
I have often seen the militia of Lorbrul-
grud drawn out to exercise, in a great
field near the city of twenty miles square.
They were in all not above twenty-five
thousand foot, and six thousand horse;
but it was impossible for me to compute
their number, considering the space of
ground they took up. A cavalier, mount-
ed on a large steed, might be about ninety
feet high. I have seen this whole body of
horse, upon a word of command, draw
their swords at once, and brandish them in
the air. Imagination can figure nothing
so grand, so surprising, and so astonishing!
it looked as if ten thousand flashes of light-
ning were darting at the same time from
every quarter of the sky.
I was curious to know how this prince,
to whose dominions there is no access from
any other country, came to think of armies,
or to teach his people the practice of mili-
tary discipline. But I was soon informed,
both by conversation and reading their
historics; for, in the course of many ages,
they have been troubled with the same
disease to which the whole race of mankind
is subject; the nobility often contending
for power, the people for liberty, and the
king for absolute dominion. All which,
however happily tempered by the laws of
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 183
that kingdom, have been sometimes vio-
lated by each of the three parties, and have
more than once occasioned civil wars; the
last whereof was happily put an end to, by
this prince's grandfather, in a general
composition; and the militia, then settled
with common consent, has been ever since
kept in the strictest duty.
CHAPTER VIII.
The King and Queen make a progress to the
frontiers. The Author attends them. The
manner in which he leaves the country
very particularly related. He returns to
England.
I пAD always a strong impulse that I should
some time recover my liberty, though it
was impossible to conjecture by what
means, or to form any project with the
least hope of succeeding. The ship in
which I sailed, was the first ever known
to be driven within sight of that coast, and
the king had given strict orders, "that if
at any time another appeared, it should be
taken ashore, and with all its crew and
passengers brought in a tumbril to Lor.
brulgrud." He was strongly bent to get me
a woman of my own size, by whom I might
propagate the breed: but I think I should
ratlier have died than undergone the dis.
grace of leaving a posterity to be kept in
cages, like tame canary birds, and perhaps,
M +
181
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
in time, sold about the kingdom, to persons
of quality, for curiosities. I was indeed
treated with much kindness: I was the
favourite of a great king and queen, and
the delight of the whole court; but it was
upon such a foot as ill became the dignity
of humankind. I could never forget those
domestic pledges I had left behind me. 1
wanted to be among people, with whom I
could converse upon even terms, and walk
about the streets and fields without being
afraid of being trod to death like a frog or
a young puppy. But my deliverance came
sooner than I expected, and in a manner
not very common; the whole story and
circumstances of which I shall faithfully
relate.
I had now been two years in this coun-
try; and about the beginning of the third,
Glumdalelitch and 1 attended the king and
queen, in a progress to the south coast of
the kingdom. I was carried, as usual, in
my travelling-box, which as I have already
described, was a very convenient closet, of
twelve feet wide. And 1 had ordered a
hammock to be fixed, by silken ropes from
the four corners at the top, to break the
jolts, when a servant carried me before
him on horseback, as I sometimes desired;
and would often sleep in my hammock,
while we were upon the road. On the
roof of my closet, not directly over the
middle of the hammock, I ordered the
joiner to cut out a hole of a foot square, to
give me air in hot weather, as I slept;
which hole I shut at pleasure with a board
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 185
that drew backward and forward through
a groove.
I
When we came to our journey's end,
the king thought proper to pass a few
days at a palace he has near Flanflasnic, a
city within eighteen English miles of the
sea-side. Glumdalclitch and I were much
fatigued: I had gotten a small cold, but the
poor girl was so ill as to be confined to her
chamber. I longed to see the occan, which
must be the only scene of my escape, if
ever it should happen. I pretended to be
worse than I really was, and desired leave
to take the fresh air of the sea, with a
page, whom I was very fond of, and who
had sometimes been trusted with me.
shall never forget with what unwillingness
Glumdalclitch consented, nor the strict
charge she gave the page to be careful of
me, bursting at the same time into a flood
of tears, as if she had some forboding of
what was to happen. The boy took me out
in my box, about half an hour's walk from
the palace, towards the rocks on the sea-
shore. I ordered him to set me down,
and lifting up one of my sashes, cast many
a wistful melancholy look towards the sea,
I found myself not very well, and told the
page that I had a mind to take a nap in my
hammock, which I hoped would do me
good. I got in, and the boy shut the
window close down, to keep out the cold.
I soon fell asleep, and all I can conjecture
is, while I slept, the page, thinking no
danger could happen, went among the
rocks to look for birds' eggs, having before
186
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
observed him from my window searching
about, and picking up one or two in the
clefts. Be that as it will, I found myself
suddenly awaked with a violent pull upon
the ring, which was fastened at the top of
my box for the conveniency of carriage. I
felt my box raised very high in the air,
and then borne forward with prodigious
speed. The first jolt had like to have
shaken me out of my hammock, but after-
ward the motion was easy enough. I
called out several times, as loud as I could
raise my voice, but all to no purpose. I
looked towards my windows, and could see
nothing but the clouds and sky. I heard a
uoise just over my head, like the clapping
of wings, and then began to perceive the
woful condition I was in; that some cagle
had got the ring of my box in his beak,
with an intent to let it fall on a rock, like
a tortoise in a shell, and then pick out my
body, and devour it. for the sagacity and
smell of this bird enables him to discover
his quarry at a great distance, though
better concealed than I could be within a
two-inch board.
In a little time, 1 observed the noise and
flutter of wings to increase very fast, and
my box was tossed up and down, like a
sign in a windy day. I heard several bangs
or buffets, as I thought given to the cagle
(for such I am certain it must have been
that held the ring of my box in his beak),
and then, all on a sudden, felt myself
falling perpendicularly down, for above a
minute, but with such incredible swiftness,
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG, 187
that I almost lost my breath. My fall was
stopped by a terrible squash, that sounded
louder to my cars than the cataract of
Niagara; after which, I was quite in
the dark for another minute, and then my
box began to rise so high, that I could see
light from the tops of the windows. I now
perceived I was fallen into the sea. My
box, by the weight of my body, the goods
that were in, and the broad plates of iron
fixed for strength at the four corners of
the top and bottom, floated about five feet
deep in water. I did then, and do now
suppose, that the eagle which flew away
with my box was pursued by two or three
others, and forced to let me drop, while he
defended himself against the rest, who
hoped to share in the prey. The plates of
iron fastened at the bottom of the box
(for those were the strongest) preserved
the balance while it fell, and hindered it
from being broken on the surface of the
water. Every joint of it was well grooved;
and the door did not move on hinges, but
up and down like a sasb, which kept my
closet so tight that very little water came
in. I got with much difficulty out of my
hammock, having first ventured to draw
back the slip-board on the roof already
mentioned, contrived on purpose to let in
* This cataract is produced by the fall of a con-
flux of water (formed of the four vast lakes of
Canada) from a rocky precipice, the perpendicular
height of which is one hundred and thirty-seven
feet; and it is said to have been heard fifteen
leagues.-H.
188
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
air, for want of which I found myself al-
most stifled.
How often did I then wish myself with
my dear Glumdalelitch, from whom one
single hour had so far divided me! And I
may say with truth, that in the midst of
my own misfortunes I could not forbear
lamenting my poor nurse, the grief she
would suffer for my loss, the displeasure
of the queen, and the ruin of her fortune.
Perhaps many travellers have not been
under greater difficulties and distress than
I was at this juncture, expecting every
moment to see my box dashed to pieces, or
at least overset by the first violent blast, or
rising wave. A breach in one single pane
of glass would have been immediate death:
nor could any thing have preserved the
windows, but the strong lattice wires
placed on the outside, against accidents in
travelling. I saw the water ooze in at
several crannies, although the leaks were
not considerable, and I endeavoured to
stop them as well as I could. I was not
able to lift up the roof of my closet, which
otherwise I certainly should have done,
and sat on the top of it; where I might at
least preserve myself some hours longer,
than by being shut up (as I may call it)
in the hold. Or if I escaped these dangers
for a day or two, what could I expect, but
a miserable death of cold and hunger? I
was four hours under these circumstances,
expecting, and indeed wishing, every mo-
ment to be my last.
I have already told the reader that there
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 189
were two strong staples fixed upon that
side of my box which had no window, and
into which the servant, who used to carry
me on horseback, would put a leathern belt,
and buckle it about his waist. Being in
this disconsolate state, I heard, or at least
thought I heard, some kind of grating
noise on that side of m; box where the
staples were fixed; and soon after I began
to fancy that the box was pulled or towed
along the sea; for I now and then felt a
sort of tugging, which made the waves
rise near the tops of my windows, leaving
me almost in the dark. This gave me
some faint hopes of relief, although I was
not able to imagine how it could be brought
about. I ventured to unscrew one of my
chairs, which were always fastened to the
floor; and having made a hard shift to
screw it down again, directly under the
slipping-board that I had lately opened, I
mounted on the chair, and putting my
mouth as near as I could to the hole, I
called for help in a loud voice, and in all
the languages I understood. I then
fastened my handkerchief to a stick I
usually carried, and, thrusting it up the
hole, waved it several times in the air,
that if any boat or ship were near, the sea-
men might conjecture some unhappy
mortal to be shut up in the box.
I found no effect from all I could do, but
plainly perceived my closet to be moved
along; and in the space of an hour, or
better, that side of the box where the
staples were, and had no windows, struck
190 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
against something that was hard. I ap-
prehended it to be a rock, and found myself
tossed more than ever. I plainly heard a
noise upon the cover of my closet, like
that of a cable, and the grating of it as it
passed through the ring. I then found
myself hoisted up, by degrees, at least
three feet higher than I Was before.
Whereupon I again thrust up my stick
and handkerchief calling for help till I
was almost hoarse. In return to which, I
heard a great shout repeated three times,
giving me such transports of joy, as are
not to be conceived but by those who feel
them. I now heard a trampling over my
head, and somebody calling through the
hole with a loud voice, in the English
tongue, 'If there be any body below, let
them speak.' I answered, I was an
Englishman, drawn by ill fortune into the
greatest calamity that ever any creature
underwent, and begged, by all that was
moving, to be delivered out of the dungeon
I was in.' The voice replied, I was safe,
for my box was fastened to their ship; and
the carpenter should immediately come
and saw a hole in the cover, large enough
to pull me out.' I answered, that was
needless, and would take up too much
time; for there was no more to be done,
but let one of the crew put his finger into
the ring, and take the box out of the sca
into the ship, and so into the captain's
cabin.'* Some of them, upon hearing me
<
£
* There are several little incidents which show
the author to have had a deep knowledge of human
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 191
talk so wildly, thought I was mad: others
laughed, for indeed it never came into my
head, that I was now got among people of
my own stature and strength. The car-
penter came, and in a few minutes sawed
a passage about four feet square, then let
down a small ladder, upon which I mount-
ed, and thence was taken into the ship in a
very weak condition.
The sailors were all in amazement, and
asked me a thousand questions, which I
had no inclination to answer. I was equal-
ly confounded at the sight of so many
pigmics, for such 1 took them to be, after
having so long accustomed mine eyes to
the monstrous objects I had left. But the
captain, Mr. Thomas Wilcocks, an honest
worthy Shropshire man, observing I was
ready to faint, took me into his cabin,
gave me a cordial to comfort me, and made
me turn in upon his own bed, advising me
to take a little rest, of which I had great
need. Before I went to sleep, I gave him
to understand that I had some valuable
furniture in my box, too good to be lost; a
fine hammock, a handsome field-bed, two
chairs, a table, and a cabinet; that my
closet was hung on all sides, or rather
nature; and I think this is one. Although the
principal advantages enumerated by Gulliver in the
beginning of this chapter, of mingling again among
his countrymen, depended on their being of the
same size with himself, yet this is forgotten in his
ardour to be delivered and he is afterwards
betrayed into the same absurdity, by his zeal to
preserve his furniture.-H.
192
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
quilted, with silk and cotton: that if he
would let one of the crew bring my closet
into his cabin, I would open it there before
him, and show him my goods. The captain,
hearing me utter these absurdities, con-
cluded I was raving; however (I suppose
to pacify me) he promised to give order as
I desired, and going upon deck, sent some
of his men down into my closet, whence
(as I afterwards found) they drew up all
my goods, and stripped off the quilting;
but the chairs, cabinet, and bedstead, being
screwed to the floor, were much damaged
by the ignorance of the seamen, who tore
them up by force. Then they knocked off
some of the boards for the use of the ship,
and when they had got all they had a mind
for, let the hull drop into the sea, which
by reason of many breaches made in the
bottom and sides, sunk to rights. And,
indeed, I was glad not to have been a
spectator of the havoc they made; be-
cause I am confident it would have sensi-
bly touched me, by bringing former
passages into my mind, which I would
rather have forgot.
I slept some hours, but perpetually dis-
turbed with dreams of the place I had left,
and the dangers I had escaped. However,
upon waking, I found myself much re-
covered. It was now about eight o'clock
at night, and the captain ordered supper
immediately, thinking I had already fasted
too long. He entertained me with great
kindness, observing me not to look wildly,
or talk inconsistently: and, when we were
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 193
left alone, desired I would give him a
relation of my travels, and by what acci-
dent I came to be set adrift, in that mon-
strous wooder. chest. He said, 'that about
twelve o'clock at noon, as he was looking
through his glass, he spied it at a distance,
and thought it was a sail, which he had a
mind to make, being not much out of his
course, in hopes of buying some biscuit,
his own beginning to fall short. That upon
coming nearer, and finding his error, he
sent out his long-boat to discover what it
was; that his men came back in a fright,
swearing they had seen a swimming house.
That he laughed at their folly, and went
himself in the boat, ordering his men to
take a strong cable along with them. That
the weather being calm, he rowed round
me several times, observed my windows
and wire lattices that defended them.
That he discovered two staples upon one
side, which was all of boards, without any
passage for light. He then commanded
his men to row up to that side, and fasten-
ing a cable to one of the staples, ordered
them to tow thy chest, as they called it,
toward the ship. When it was there, he
gave directions to fasten another cable to
the ring fixed in the cover, and to raise up
my chest with pulleys, which all the sailors
were not able to do above two or three feet.
He said, they saw my stick and handker.
chief thrust out of the hole, and concluded
that some unhappy man must be shut up
in the cavity.' I asked, 'whether he or
the crew had seen any prodigious birds in
N
194
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the air, about the time he first discovered
me. To which he answered, 'that dis-
coursing this matter with the sailors while
I was asleep, one of them said, he had
observed three eagles flying towards the
north, but remarked nothing of their being
larger than the usual size:' which I sup-
pose must be imputed to the great height
they were at; and he could not guess the
reason of my question. I then asked the
captain, how far he reckoned we might
be from land?' He said, by the best
computation he could make, we were at
least a hundred leagues.' I assured him,
'that he must be mistaken by almost half,
for I had not left the country whence I
came above two hours before I dropped
into the sea.' Whereupon he began again
to think that my brain was disturbed, of
which he gave me a hint, and advised me
to go to bed in a cabin he had provided. I
assured him, 'I was well refreshed with
his good entertainment and company, and
as much in my senses as ever I was in my
life.' He then grew serious, and desired
to ask me freely, whether I were not
troubled in my mind by the consciousness
of some enormous crime, for which I was
punished, at the command of some prince,
by exposing me in that chest; as great
criminals, in other countries, have been
forced to sea in a leaky vessel, without
provisions for although he should be
sorry to have taken so ill a man into his
ship, yet he would engage his word to set
me safe ashore, in the first port where we
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 195
arrived.' He added, that his suspicions
were much increased by some very absurd
speeches I had delivered at first to his
sailors, and afterwards to himself, in rela-
tion to my closet or chest, as well as by my
odd looks and behaviour while I was at
supper.'
I begged his patience to hear me tell my
story, which I faithfully did, from the last
time I left England, to the moment he
first discovered me. And as truth always
forces its way into rational minds, so this
honest worthy gentleman, who had some
tincture of learning, and very good sense,
was immediately convinced of my candour
and veracity. But further to confirm all
I had said, I entreated him to give order
that my cabinet should be brought, of
which I had the key in my pocket; for he
had already informed me how the seamen
disposed of my closet. 1 opened it in
his own presence, and showed him the
small collection of rarities I made in the
country from which I had been so strange-
ly delivered. There was the comb I had
contrived out of the stumps of the king's
beard, and another of the same materials,
but fixed into a paring of her majesty's
thumb-nail, which served for the back.
There was a collection of needles and pins,
from a foot to half a yard long; four wasp
stings, like joiner's tacks; some combings
of the queen's hair; a gold ring, which one
day she made me a present of in a most
obliging manner, taking it from her little
finger, and throwing it over my head like a
196
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
collar. I desired the captain would pleasc
to accept this ring in return for his civili
ties; which he absolutely refused.
1
showed him a corn that I had cut off, with
my own hand, from a maid of honour':
toe; it was about the biguess of a Kentish
pippin, and grown so hard, that when I
returned to England, I got it hollowed
into a cup, and set in silver. Lastly, 1
desired him to see the breeches I had ther
on, which were made of a mouse's skin.
I could force nothing on him but a foot-
man's tooth, which I observed him to ex.
amine with great curiosity, and found he
had a fancy for it. He received it with
abundance of thanks, more than such a
trifle could deserve. It was drawn by an
unskilful surgeon, in a mistake, froin one
of Glumdalelitch's men, who was afflicted
with the tooth-ach, but it was as sound as
any in his head. I got it cleaned, and put
it into my cabinet. It was about a foot
long, and four inches în diameter.
C
The captain was very well satisfied with
this plain relation I had given him, and
said,' he hoped, when we returned to
England, I would oblige the world by
putting it on paper, and making it public.'
My answer was, that I thought we were
overstocked with books of travels that
nothing could now pass which was not
extraordinary; wherein I doubted some
authors less consulted truth, than their
own vanity, or interest, or the diversion of
ignorant readers; that my story could
contain little beside common events, with-
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 197
out those ornamental descriptions of strange
plants, trees, birds, and other animals; or
of the barbarous customs and idolatry of
savage people, with which most writers
abound. However, I thanked him for his
good opinion, and promised to take the
matter into my thoughts.'
He said he wondered at one thing very
much, which was, to hear me speak so
loud;' asking me whether the king or
queen of that country were thick of hear-
ing?' I told him, it was what I had been
used to for above two years past, and that
I admired as much at the voices of him
and his men, who seemed to me only to
whisper, and yet I could hear them well
enough. But, when I spoke in that coun-
try, it was like a man talking in the streets,
to another looking out from the top of a
steeple, unless when I was placed on a
table, or held in any person's hand.' Ι
told him, I had likewise observed an-
other thing, that when I first got into the
ship, and the sailors stood all about me, 1
thought they were the most little con-
temptible creatures I had ever beheld.'
For indeed, while I was in that prince's
country, I could never endure to look in a
glass after mine eyes had been accustomed
to such prodigious objects, because the
comparison gave me so despicable a con-
ceit of myself. The captain said, that
while we were at supper, he observed me
to look at every thing with a sort of wonder,
and that I often seemed hardly able to con-
tain my laughter, which he knew not well
C
198
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
<
how to take, but imputed it to some dis-
order in my brain.' I answered, it was
very true; and I wondered how I could
forbear, when I saw his dishes of the size
of a silver three-pence, a leg of pork hardly
a mouthful, a cup not so big as a nut-
shell;' and so I went on, describing the
rest of his household-stuff and provisions,
after the same manner. For, although
the queen had ordered a little équipage of
all things necessary for me, while I was in
her service, yet my ideas were wholly
taken up with what I saw on every side of
me, and I winked at my own littleness, as
people do at their own faults. The captain
understood my raillery very well, and
merrily replied with the old English pro-
verb,
that he doubted mine eyes were
bigger than my belly, for he did not ob-
serve my stomach so good, although I had
fasted all day;' and, continuing in his
mirth, protested he would have gladly
given a hundred pounds, to have seen my
chest in the eagle's bill, and afterwards in
its fall from so great a height into the sea ;
which would certainly have been a most
astonishing object, worthy to have the
description of it transmitted to future
ages and the comparison of Phaeton
was so obvious, that he could not forbear
applying it, although I did not much
admire the conceit.
The captain having been at Tonquin,
was, in his return to England, driven
north-eastward to the latitude of 44
degrees, and longitude of 143. But meet-
VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG. 199
ing a trade-wind two days after I came on
board him, we sailed southward a long
time, and coasting New Holland, kept our
course west-south-west, and then south-
south-west, till we doubled the Cape of
Good Hope. Our voyage was very pros-
perous, but I shall not trouble the reader
with a journal of it. The captain called
in at one or two ports, and sent in his
long-boat for provisions and fresh water;
but I never went out of the ship, till we
came into the Downs, which was on the
third day of June, 1706, about nine months
after my escape. I offered to leave my
goods in security for payment of my
freight : but the captam protested he
would not receive one farthing. We took
a kind leave of each other, and I made
him promise he would come to see me at
my house in Redriff. I hired a horse and
guide for five shillings, which I borrowed
of the captain.
As I was on the road, observing the
littleness of the houses, the trees, the
cattle, and the people, I began to think
myself in Lilliput. I was afraid of tramp-
ling on every traveller I met, and often
called aloud to have them stand out of the
way, so that I had like to have gotten one
or two broken heads for my impertinence.
When I came to my own house, for
which I was forced to inquire, one of the
servants opening the door, I bent down to
go in, (hke a goose under a gate,) for fear
of striking my head. My wife ran out to
embrace me, but I stooped lower than her
£300
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
knees, thinking she could otherwise never
be able to reach my mouth. My daughter
kneeled to ask my blessing, but I could not
see her till she arose, having been so long
used to stand with my head and eyes crect
to above sixty feet; and then I went to
take her up with one hand by the waist. I
looked down upon the servants, and one or
two friends who were in the house, as if
they had been pigmics and I a giant. I
told my wife, she had been too thrifty,
for I found she had starved herself and her
daughter to nothing.' In short, I behaved
myself so unaccountably, that they were
all of the captain's opinion when he first
saw me, and concluded I had lost my wits.
This I mention as an instance of the great
power of habit and prejudice.
In a little time, I and my family and
friends came to a right understanding :
but my wife protested 'I should never go
to sea any more;' although my evil destiny
so ordered, that she had not power to
hinder me, as the reader may know here-
after. In the mean time, I here conclude
the second part of my unfortunate voyages,
END OF VOL. I.


GULLIVER'STravels
.
into
Several Remote Nations
of the
RLD
BY
JONATHAN SWIFT. D.D.
VOL. II.
LONDON. PUBLISHED BY JONES C
1826
UNIVERTTY
EDITION
GULLIVER'S
TRAVELS.
BY
JONATHAN SWIFT, D. D.
IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOLUME SECOND.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED BY JONES & COMPANY,
3, ACTON PLACK, KINGSLAND Road.
1826.
GLASGOW:
ANDREW DUNCAN,
Printer to the University.
CONTENTS
OF
THE SECOND VOLUME
PART III.
TO LAPUTA, BALNIBARBI,
JUGGNAGG, GLUBBDUBDRIB, AND JA-
VOYAGE
FAN.
Page
Chap. 1. The Author sets out on his
third voyage. Is taken by pirates.
The malice of a Dutchman, His
arrival at an island. He is received
into Laputa
Chap. 2. The humours and disposi
tions of the Laputians described.
An account of their learning. Of
the king and his court. The Au-
thor's reception there. The inhabi-
tants subject to fear and disquie-
tudes. An account of the women
Chap. 3. A phenomenon solved by mo-
dern philosophy and astronomy.
The Laputians' great improvements
in the latter. The King's method
of suppressing insurrections
Chap. 4. The Author leaves Laputa ;
•
1
9
22
iv
CONTENTS.
Page
is conveyed to Balnibarbi; arrives
at the metropolis. A description of
the metropolis, and the country ad-
joining. The Author hospitably re-
ceived by a great Lord. His con-
versation with that Lord
Chap. 5. The Author permitted to see
the grand academy of Lagado. The
academy largely described.

The
arts wherein the professors employ
themselves
·
Chap. 6. A further account of the aca-
demy. The Author proposes some
improvements, which are honour-
ably received
Chap. 7. The Author leaves Lagado,
arrives at Maldonada. No ship
ready. He takes a short voyage to
Glubbdubdrib. His reception by
the governor
•
Chap. 8. A further account of Glubb-
dubdrib. Ancient and modern his-
tory corrected
Chap. 9. The Author returns to Mal-
donada. Sails to the kingdom of
Luggnagg. The Author confined.
Ile is sent for to court. The manner
of his admittance. The King's great
lenity to his subjects
Chap. 10. The Luggnaggians com-
A particular description
of the Struldbrugs, with many con-
versations between the Author and
some eminent persons upon that
subject
mended.
20
38
45
57
699
63
72
77
CONTENTS.
Chap. 11. The Author leaves Lugg-
nagg, and sails to Japan. From
thence he returns in a Dutch ship to
Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam
to England
PART IV,
Page
DU
A VOYAGE TO THE COUNTRY OF THE
HOUYHNHNMS.
Chap. 1. The Author sets out as cap-
tain of a ship. His men conspire
against him, confine him a long
time to his cabin, and set him on
shore in an unknown land. He
travels up into the country. The
Yahoos, a strange sort of animal,
described. The Author meets two
Houyhnhnms
Chap. 2. The Author conducted by a
Houyhnhnm to his house. The
nouse described. The Author's re.
ception. The food of the Houy-
nnhnms. The Author in distress
for want of meat. Is at last re-
lieved. His manner of feeding in this
country
Chap. 3. 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
96
106
VI
CONTENTS.
Page
curiosity to see the Author. He
gives his master a short account of
his voyage
Chap. 4. The Houyhnhnm's notion of
truth and falschood. The Author's
discourse disapproved by his master.
The Author gives a more particular
account of himself, and the acci-
dents of his voyage
Chap. 5 The Author, at his master's
command, informs him of the state
of England. The causes of war
among the princes of Europe The
Author begins to explain the Eng-
lish constitution
115
123
131
Chap. 6. A continuation of the state of
England under Queen Anne. The
character of a first minister of state
in European courts
•
Chap. 7. The Author's great love of
his native country. His master's ob-
servations upon the constitution and
administration of England, as de-
scribed by the Author, with paral
lel cases and comparisons. His mas-
ter's observations upon human na-
ture
Chap. 8. The Author rclates several
particulars of the Yahoos. The
great virtues of the Houyhnhnms.
The education and exercise of their
youth. Their general assembly
Chap. 9. A grand debate at the gene-
ral assembly of the Houyhnhnms,
and how it was determined. The
·
111
151

162
CONTENTS.
rii
Page
learning of the Houyhnhnms. Their
buildings. Their manner of buri-
als. The defectiveness of their lan-
guage
Chap. 10. The Author's economy, and
happy life, among the Houyhnhnms.
His great improvement in virtue by
conversing with them. Their con-
versations. The Author has notice
given him by his master, that he
must depart from the country. He
falls into a swoon for grief; but sub-
mits. He contrives and finishes a
canoe by the help of a fellow-ser-
vant, and puts to sea at a venture
Chap. 11. The Author's dangerous voy-
age. 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 civili-
ties of the captain. The Author ar-
rives at England
Chap. 12. The Author's veracity. His
design in publishing this work.
His
censurc of those travellers who
swerve from the truth. The Au-
thor clears himself from any sinister
ends in writing. An objection an-
swered. The method of planting
colonies. His native country com-
mended. The right of the crown to
those countries described by the Au-
thor, is justified. The difficulty of
170
178
189
viii
CONTENTS.
conquering them. The Author takes
his last leave of the reader; pro-
poses his manner of living in fu-
ture; gives good advice, and con-
cludes
Page
201
A
VOYAGE
TO LAPUTA, BALNIBARBI, LUGGNAGG,
GLUBBDUBDRIB, AND JAPAN.*
PART III.
CHAPTER I.
The Author sets out on his third voyage. Is
taken by pirates. The malice of a Dutch-
man. His arrival at an island. He is
received into Laputa.
I HAD not been at home above ten days,
when captain William Robinson, a Cornish
man, commander of the Hopewell, a stout
ship of three hundred tons, came to my
house. I had formerly been surgeon of
Dr. Swift seems to have borrowed several
hints, in his Voyage to Laputa, from a novel writ-
ten by the learned Dr. Francis Godwin, bishop of
Llandaff, called 'Man in the Moon, or a Discourse
of a Voyage thither, by Domingo Gonsales, 1638,'
8vo. This philosophic romance, which has been
several times printed, shows that Bishop Godwin
had a creative genius. His Nuncius Inanimatus,
which contains instructions to convey secret intel-
ligence, is very scarce. He died in April 1633.-
N.
VOL. II.
A
*
2 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
เ
another ship, where he was master and a
fourth part owner, in a voyage to the
Levant. He had always treated me more
like a brother, than an inferior officer;
and hearing of my arrival, made me a
visit, as I apprehended only out of friend-
ship, for nothing passed more than what
is usual after long absences. But repeating
his visits often, expressing his joy to find
me in good health, asking, whether I
were now settled for life,' adding," that he
intended a voyage to the East Indies in
two months,' at last he plainly invited me,
though with some apologies, to be surgeon
of the ship; that I should have another
surgeon under me, beside our two mates;
that my salary should be double to the
usual pay; and that having experienced
my knowledge in sea-affairs to be at least
equal to his, he would enter into any en-
gagement to follow my advice, as much as
if I had shared in the command.'
He said so many other obliging things,
and I knew him to be so honest a man,
that I could not reject this proposal; the
thirst I had of seeing the world, notwith-
standing my past misfortunes, continuing
as violent as ever. The only difficulty that
remained, was to persuade my wife, whose
consent however I at last obtained, by the
prospect of advantage she proposed to her
children.
We set out the 5th day of August, 1706,
and arrived at Fort St. George the 11th of
-April, 1707. We staid there three weeks
to refresh our crew, many of whom were
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 3
sick. From thence we went to Tonquin,
where the captain resolved to continue
some time, because many of the goods he
intended to buy, were not ready, nor could
he expect to be despatched in several
months. Therefore, in hopes to defray
some of the charges he must be at, he
bought a sloop, loaded it with several sorts
of goods, wherewith the Tonquinese usual-
ly trade to the neighbouring islands, and
putting fourteen men on board, whereof
three were of the country, he appointed
me master of the sloop, and gave me power
to traffic, while he transacted his affairs at
Tonquin.
+
We had not sailed above three days,
when a great storm arising, we were driven
five days to the north-north-east, and then
to the east; after which we had fair
weather, but still with a pretty strong gale
from the west. Upon the tenth day we
were chased by two pirates, who soon over-
took us; for my sloop was so deep laden,
that she sailed very slow, neither were we
in a condition to defend ourselves.
We were boarded about the same time
by both the pirates, who entered furiously
at the head of their men; but finding us
all prostrate upon our faces (for so I gave
order), they pinioned us with strong ropes,
and setting a guard upon us, went to search
the sloop.
I observed among them a Dutchman,
who seemed to be of some authority,
though he was not commander of either
ship. He knew us by our countenances to
A 2
4 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
be Englishmen, and jabbering to us in his
own language, swore we should be tied
back to back and thrown into the sea. I
spoke Dutch tolerably well; I told him
who we were, and begged him, in consid-
eration of our being Christians and Protes
tants, of neighbouring countries in strict
alliance, that he would move the captains
to take some pity on us. This inflamed
his rage; he repeated his threatenings,
and turning to his companions, spoke with
great vehemence in the Japanese lan-
guage, as I suppose, often using the word
Christianos.
The largest of the two pirate ships was
commanded by a Japanese captain, who
spoke a little Dutch, but very imperfectly.
He came up to me, and after several
questions, which I answered in great
humility, he said, we should not die."
I made the captain a very low bow, and
then, turning to the Dutchman, said, 'I
was sorry to find more mercy in a Heathen,
than in a brother Christian.' But I had
soon reason to repent those foolish words:
for that malicious reprobate, having often
endeavoured in vain to persuade both the
captains that I might be thrown into the
sea (which they would not yield to, after
the promise made me that I should not
die), however prevailed so far, as to have
a punishment inflicted on me, worse, in
all human appearance, than death itself.
My men were sent by an equal division
into both the pirate ships, and my sloop
new manned. As to myself, it was deter-
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 5
mined that I should be set adrift in a small
canoe, with paddles and a sail, and four
days' provisions; which last, the Japanese
captain was so kind to double out of his
own stores, and would permit no man to
search me. I got down into the canoe,
while the Dutchman, standing upon the
deck, loaded me with all the curses and
mjurious terms his language could afford.
About an hour before we saw the pirates,
I had taken an observation, and found we
were in the latitude of 46 N. and longitude
of 13. When I was at some distance from
the pirates, I discovered, by my pocket-
glass, several islands to the south-east. I
set up my sail, the wind being fair, with a
design to reach the nearest of those islands,
which I made a shift to do, in about three
hours. It was all rocky: however I got
many birds' eggs; and striking fire, I
kindled some heath and dry sea-weed, by
which I roasted my eggs I ate no other
supper, being resolved to spare my provi
sions as much as I could. 1 passed the
night under the shelter of a rock, strewing
soine heath under me, and slept pretty
well.
The next day I sailed to another island,
and thence to a third and fourth, some.
times using my sail, and sometimes my
paddles. But, not to trouble the reader
with a particular account of my distresses,
let it suffice, that on the fifth day I arrived
at the last island in my sight, which lay
south-south-east to the former.
This island was at a greater distance
A 3
6 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
than I expected, and I did not reach it in
less than five hours. I encompassed it
almost round, before I could find a con-
venient place to land in; which was a
small creek, about three times the wide-
ness of my canoe. I found the island to
be all rocky, only a little intermingled
with tufts of grass, and sweet-smelling
herbs. I took out my small provisions,
and after having refreshed myself, I sc-
cured the remainder in a cave, whereof
there were great numbers; I gathered
plenty of eggs upon the rocks, and got a
quantity of dry sea-weed, and parched
grass, which I designed to kindle the next
day, and roast my eggs as well as I could,
for I had about me my flint, steel, match,
and burning-glass. I lay all night in the
cave where I had lodged my provisions.
My bed was the same dry grass and sea-
weed which I intended for fuel. I slept
very little, for the disquiets of my mind
prevailed over my weariness, and kept me
awake. I considered how impossible it
was to preserve my life in so desolate a
place, and how miserable my end must be:
yet found myself so listless and desponding,
that I had not the heart to rise; and be-
fore I could get spirits enough to creep out
of my cave, the day was far advanced. I
walked a while among the rocks the sky
was perfectly clear, and the sun so hot,
that I was forced to turn my face from it:
when all on a sudden it became obscure,
as I thought, in a manner very different
from what happens by the interposition of
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 7
a cloud. I turned back, and perceived a
vast opaque body between me and the sun
moving forwards towards the island: it
seemed to be about two miles high, and
hid the sun six or seven minutes; but I
did not observe the air to be much colder,
or the sky more darkened, than if I had
stood under the shade of a mountain. As
it approached nearer over the place where
1 was, it appeared to be a firm substance,
the bottom flat, smooth, and shining very
bright, from the reflection of the sea below.
I stood upon a height about two hundred
yards from the shore, and saw this vast
body descending almost to a parallel with
me, at less than an English mile distance.
I took out my pocket perspective, and
could plainly discover numbers of people
moving up and down the sides of it, which
appeared to be sloping; but what those
people were doing I was not able to distin-
guish.
The natural love of life gave me some
inward motion of joy, and I was ready to
entertain a hope that this adventure might,
some way or other, help to deliver me
from the desolate place and condition I
was in. But at the same time the reader
can hardly conceive my astonishment, to
behold an island in the air, inhabited by
men, who were able (as it should seem) to
raise or sink, or put it into progressive
motion, as they pleased. But not being at
that time in a disposition to philosophise
upon this phenomenon, I rather chose to
observe what course the island would take,
A 4

8
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
because it seemed for a while to stand still.
Yet soon after, it advanced nearer, and I
could see the sides of it encompassed with
several gradations of galleries, and stairs,
at certain intervals, to descend from one
to the other. In the lowest gallery, 1 be-
held some people fishing with long angling
rods, and others looking on. I waved my
cap (for my hat was long since worn out)
and my handkerchief toward the island;
and upon its nearer approach, I called and
shouted with the utmost strength of my
voice; and then looking circumspectly, I
beheld a crowd gather to that side which
was most in my view. I found by their
pointing toward me and to each other, that
they plainly discovered me, although they
made no return to my shouting. But I
could see four or five men running in great
haste, up the stairs, to the top of the island,
who then disappeared. I happened rightly
to conjecture, that these were sent for
orders to some person in authority, upon
this occasion.
The number of people increased, and, in
less than half an hour, the island was
moved and raised in such a manner, that
the lowest gallery appeared in a parrallel
of less than a hundred yards' distance from
the height where I stood. I then put
myself in the most supplicating postures,
and spoke in the humblest accent, but
received no answer. Those who stood
nearest over against me, seemed to be
persons of distinction, as I supposed by
their habit. They conferred earnestly
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 9
with each other, looking often upon me.
At length one of them called out in a clear,
polite, smooth dialect, not unlike in sound
to the Italian: and therefore I returned
an answer in that language, hoping at
least that the cadence might be more
agreeable to his ears. Although neither
of us understood the other, yet my meaning
was easily known, for the people saw the
distress I was in.
They made signs for me to come down
from the rock, and go towards the shore,
which I accordingly did; and the flying
island being raised to a convenient height,
the verge directly over me, a chain was let
down from the lowest gallery, with a scat
fastened to the bottom, to which I fixed
myself, and was drawn up by pulleys,
CHAPTER II.
The humours and dispositions of the La.
putians described. An account of their
learning. Of the King and his Court.
The Author's reception there. The in-
habitants subject to fear and disquietudes.
An account of the women.
AT my alighting, I was surrounded with a
crowd of people, but those who stood
nearest secmed to be of better quality.
They beheld me with all the marks and
circumstances of wonder; neither indeed
was I much in their debt, having never

10 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
till then seen a race of mortals so singular
in their shapes, habits, and countenances.
Their heads were all reclined, either to the
right, or the left; one of their eyes turned
inward, and the other directly up to the
zenith.* Their outward garments were
adorned with the figures of suns, moons,
and stars; interwoven with those of fiddles,
flutes, harps, trumpets, guitars, harpsi
chords, and many other instruments of
music, unknown to us in Europe. I ob-
served, here and there, many in the habit
of servants, with a blown bladder, fastened
like a flail to the end of a stick, which
they carrica in their hands. In each
bladder was a small quantity of dried peas,
or little peebles, as I was afterwards in-
formed. With these bladders, they now
and then flapped the mouths and cars of
those who stood near them, of which
practice I could not then conceive the
meaning. It seems the minds of those
people are so taken up with intense specu-
lations, that they neither can speak, nor
attend to the discourses of others, without
being roused by some external taction upon
the organs of speech and hearing; for
which reason, those persons who are able
to afford it always keep a flapper (the
original is climenole) in their family, as one
of their domestics; nor ever walk abroad,
or make visits, without him. And the
By this description the author intended to
ridicule those who waste life in speculative
sciences, the powers of whose minds are as absurd-
ly employed as the eyes of the Laputians.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 11
business of this officer is, when two, three,
or more peisons are in company, gently to
strike with his bladder the mouth of him
who is to speak, and the right ear of him
or them to whom the speaker addresses
himself. This flapper is likewise employed
diligently to attend his master in his
walks, and upon occasion to give him a
soft flap on his eyes; because he is always
so wrapped up in cogitation, that he is in
manifest danger of falling down every
precipice, and bouncing his head against
every post; and in the streets, of justling
others, or being justled himself into the
kennel.
It was necessary to give the reader this
information, without which he would be
at the same loss with me to understand
the proceedings of these people, as they
conducted me up the stairs to the top of
the island, and from thence to the royal
palace. While we were ascending, they
forgot several times what they were about,
and left me to myself, till their memories
were again roused by their flappers; for
they appeared altogether unmoved by the
sight of my foreign habit and counte-
nance, and by the shouts of the vulgar,
whose thoughts and minds were more dis-
engaged,
At last we entered the palace, and pro-
ceeded into the chamber of presence, where
I saw the king seated on his throne,
attended on each side by persons of prime
quality. Before the throne, was a large
table filled with globes and spheres, and
12
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
mathematical instruments of all kinds.
His majesty took not the least notice of us,
although our entrance was not without
sufficient noise, by the concourse of all
persons belonging to the court. But he
was then deep in a problem; and we
attended at least an hour, before he could
solve it. There stood by him, on each side,
a young page with flaps in their hands,
and when they saw he was at leisure, one
of them gently struck his mouth, and the
other his right car; at which he startled
like one awaked on the sudden, and look-
ing towards me and the company I was in,
recollected the occasion of our coming,
whereof he had been informed before. He
spoke some words, whereupon immediate-
ly a young man with a flap came up to my
side, and flapped me gently on the right
ear; but I made signs, as well as I could,
that I had no occasion for such an instru-
ment; which, as I afterwards found, gave
his majesty, and the whole court, a very
mean opinion of my understanding. The
king, as far as I could conjecture, asked
me several questions, and I addressed
myself to him in all the languages I had.
When it was found I could neither under.
stand nor be understood, I was conducted
by his order to an apartment in his palace
(this prince being distinguished above all
his predecessors for his hospitality to
strangers), where two servants were ap-
pointed to attend me. My dinner was
brought, and four persons of quality,
whom I remembered to have seen very
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 13
near the king's person, did me the honour
to dine with me. We had two courses, of
three dishes each. In the first course,
there was a shoulder of mutton cut into
an equilateral triangle, a piece of beef into
a rhomboides, and a pudding into a cycloid.
The second course was two ducks trussed
up in the form of fiddles; sausages and pud-
dings resembling flutes and hautboys, and a
breast of veal in the shape of a harp. The
servants cut our bread into cones, cylinders,
parallelograms, and several other mathe-
matical figures.
While we were at dinner, I made bold
to ask the names of several things in their
language, and those noble persons, by the
assistance of their flappers, delighted to
give me answers, hoping to raise my
admiration of their great abilities, if I
could be brought to converse with them.
I was soon able to call for bread and drink,
or whatever else I wanted.
After dinner my company withdrew, and
a person was sent to me by the king's
order, attended by a flapper. He brought
with him pen, ink, and paper, and three
or four books giving me to understand by
signs, that he was sent to teach me the
language. We sat together four hours, in
which time I wrote down a great number
of words in columns, with the translations
over against them; I likewise made a shift
to learn several short sentences; for my
tutor would order one of my servants to
fetch something, to turn about, to make a
bow, to sit, or to stand, or walk, and the
11
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
like. Then I took down the sentence in
writing. He showed me also, in one of his
books, the figures of the sun, moon, and
stars, the zodiac, the tropics, and polar
circles, together with the denominations of
many plains and solids. He gave me the
names and descriptions of all the musical
instruments, and the general terms of art
in playing on each of them. After he had
left me, I placed all my words, with their
interpretations, in alphabetical order. And
thus, in a few days, by the help of a very
faithful memory, I got some insight into
their language.
The word, which I interpret the flying
or floating island, is in the original Laputa,
whereof I could never learn the truc
etymology. Lap, in the old obsolete lan-
guage, signifies high; and untuh, a gover-
nor; from which they say, by corruption,
was derived Laputa, from Lapuntuh. But
I do not approve of this derivation, which
seems to be a little strained. I ventured
to offer to the learned among them a
conjecture of my own, that Laputa was
quasi lap outed; lap, signifying properly,
the dancing of the sun-beams in the sea,
and outed, a wing; which, however, I
shall not obtrude, but submit to the
judicious reader.
Those to whom the king had entrusted
me, observing how ill I was clad, ordered a
tailor to come next morning, and take
measure for a suit of clothes. This opera.
tor did his office after a different manner
from those of his trade in Europe.
He
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 15
first took my altitude by a quadrant, and
then, with rule and compasses, described
the dimensions and outlines of my whole
body, all which he entered upon paper;
and in six days brought my clothes very ill
made, and quite out of shape, by happening
to mistake a figure in the calculation.
But my comfort was, that I observed
such accidents very frequent, and little
regarded.
During my confinement for want of
clothes, and by an indisposition that held
me some days longer, I much enlarged my
dictionary; and when I went next to court,
was able to understand many things the
king spoke, and to return him some kind
of answers. His majesty had given orders,
that the island should move north-east and
by cast, to the vertical point over Lagado,
the metropolis of the whole kingdom
below, upon the firm earth. It was about
ninety leagues distant, and our voyage
lasted four days and a half. I was not in
the least sensible of the progressive motion
made in the air by the island. On the
second morning, about eleven o'clock, the
king himself in person, attended by his
nobility, courtiers, and officers, having
prepared all their musical instruments,
played on them for three hours without
intermission, so that I was quite stunned
with the noise; neither could I possibly
guess the meaning, till my tutor informed
me. He said, 'that the people of their
island had their ears adapted to hear
the music of the spheres, which always
16
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
played at certain periods, and the court
was now prepared to bear their part, in
whatever instrument they most excelled.
In our journey towards Lagado, the
capital city, his majesty ordered that the
island should stop over certain towns and
villages, from whence he might receive the
petitions of his subjects. And to this
purpose, several packthreads were let
down, with small weights at the bottom
On these packthreads the people strung
their petitions, which mounted up directly,
like the scraps of paper fastened by school
boys at the end of the string that holds
their kite. Sometimes we received wine
and victuals from below, which were drawn
up by pulleys.
The knowledge I had in mathematics,
gave me great assistance in acquiring their
phraseology, which depended much upon
that science, and music; and in the latter
I was not unskilled. Their ideas are
perpetually conversant in lines and figures.
If they would, for example, praise the
beauty of a woman, or any other animal,
they describe it by rhombs, circles, paral-
lelograms, ellipses, and other geometrical
terms, or by words of art drawn from
music, needless here to repeat. I observed
in the king's kitchen all sorts of mathe-
matical and musical instruments, after the
figures of which they cut up the joints
that were served to his majesty's table.
Their houses are very ill built, the walls
bevil, without one right angle in any
apartment: and this defect arises from the
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 17
contempt they bear to practical geometry,
which they despise as vulgar and mechanic;
those instructions they give being too re-
fined for the intellects of their workmen,
which occasions perpetual mistakes. And
although they are dexterous enough upon
a piece of paper, in the management of the
rule, the pencil, and the divider, yet in the
common actions and behaviour of life, I
have not seen a more clumsy, awkward,
and unhandy people, nor so slow and per-
plexed in their conceptions upon all other
subjects, except those of mathematics and
music. They are very bad reasoners, and
vehemently given to opposition, unless
when they happen to be of the right
opinion, which is seldom their case.
Imagination, fancy, and invention, they
are wholly strangers to, nor have any
words in their language, by which those
ideas can be expressed; the whole compass
of their thoughts and mind being shut up
within the two forementioned sciences.
Most of them, and especially those who
deal in the astronomical part, have great
faith in judicial astrology, although they
are ashamed to own it publicly. But what
I chiefly admired, and thought altogether
unaccountable, was the strong disposition
I observed in them towards news and
politics, perpetually inquiring into public
affairs, giving their judgments in matters
of state, and passionately disputing every
inch of a party opinion. I have indeed
observed the same disposition among most
of the mathematicians I have known in
VOL. II.



B
J
>
18 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
Europe, although I could never discover
the least analogy between the two sciences;
unless those people suppose, that because
the smallest circle has as many degrees as
the largest, therefore the regulation and
managcinent of the world require no more
abilities than the handling and turning of
a globe; but I rather take this quality to
spring from a very common infirmity of
human nature, inclining us to be most
curious and conceited in matters where we
have least concern, and for which we are
least adapted by study or nature.
These people are under continual dis-
quietudes, never enjoying a minute's peace
of mind; and their disturbances procced
from causes which very little affect the rest
of mortals. Their apprehensions arise
from several changes they dread in the
celestial bodies: for instance, that the
earth, by the continual approaches of the
sun towards it, must, in course of time, be
absorbed, or swallowed up; that the face
of the sun, will, by degrees, be encrusted
with its own effluvia, and give no more.
light to the world; that the earth very
narrowly escaped a brush from the tail of
the last comet, which would have infalli.
bly reduced it to ashes; and that the next,
which they have calculated for one-and-
thirty years hence, will probably destroy
us. For if, in its perihelion, it should
approach within a certain degree of the
sun (as by their calculations they have rea.
son to dread) it will receive a degree of
heat ten thousand times more intense than
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 19
that of red hot glowing iron; and in its
absence from the sun, carrying a blazing
tail ten hundred thousand and fourteen
miles long; through which, if the earth
should pass at the distance of one hundred
thousand miles from the nucleus, or main
body of the comet, it must in its passage
be set on fire, and reduced to ashes: that
the sun, daily spending its rays without
any nutriment to supply them, will at last
be wholly consumed and annihilated: which
must be attended with the destruction of
this carth, and of all the planets that
receive their light from it. *
They are so perpetually alarmed with
the apprehensions of these, and the like
impending dangers, that they can neither
sleep quietly in their beds, nor have any
relish for the common pleasures and
amusements of life. When they meet an
acquaintance in the morning. the first
question is about the sun's health, how he
looked at his setting and rising, and what
hopes they have to avoid the stroke of the
approaching comet. This conversation
they are apt to run into with the same
temper that boys discover in delighting to
hear terrible stories of spirits and hobgob.
lins, which they greedily listen to, and dare
not go to bed for fear.
The women of the island have abundance
of vivacity: they contemn their husbands,
and are exceedingly fond of strangers;
All these were suppositions of persons eminent
in their time for mathematical knowledge.-H.
B 2
20
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
whereof there is always a considerable
number from the continent below, attend-
ing at court, either upon affairs of the
several towns and corporations, or their
own particular occasions, but are much
despised, because they want the same
endowments. Among these the ladies
choose their gallants: but the vexation is,
that they act with too much case and
security; for the husband is always so rapt
in speculation, that the mistress and lover
may proceed to the greatest familiarities
before his face, if he be but provided with
paper and implements, and without his
flapper at his side.
The wives and daughters lament their
confinement to the island, although I think
it the most delicious spot of ground in the
world; and although they live here in the
greatest plenty and magnificence, and are
allowed to do whatever they please, they
long to see the world, and take the diver-
sions of the metropolis, which they are not
allowed to do without a particular license
from the king; and this is not easy to be
obtained, because the people of quality
have found, by frequent experience, how
hard it is to persuade their women to
return from below. I was told that a
great court lady, who had several children,
is married to the prime minister, the
richest subject in the kingdom, a very
graceful person, extremely fond of her,
and lives in the finest palace of the island.
-went down to Lagoda on the pretence
of health, there hid herself for several
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 21
months, till the king sent a warrant to
search for her; and she was found in an
obscure eating-house all in rags, having
pawned her clothes to maintain an old
deformed footman, who beat her every
day, and in whose company she was taken,
much against her will. And although her
husband received her with all possible
kindness, and without the least reproach,
she soon after contrived to steal down
again, with all her jewels, to the same
gallant, and has not been heard of since.
But
This may perhaps pass with the reader
rather for an European or English story,
than for one of a country so remote.
he may please to consider, that the
caprices of womankind are not limited by
any climate or nation, and that they are
much more uniform, than can be casily
imagined.
In about a month's time, I had made a
tolerable proficiency in their language,
and was able to answer most of the king's
questions, when I had the honour to attend
him. His majesty discovered not the least
curiosity to inquire into the laws, govern-
ment, history, religion, or manners of the
countries where I had been; but confined
his questions to the state of mathematics,
and received the account I gave him with
great contempt and indifference, though
often roused by his flapper on cach side.
B3
22 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
CHAPTER III.
A phenomenon solved by modern philosophy
and astronomy. The Laputians' great
improvements in the latter. The King's
method of suppressing insurrection.
I DESIRED leave of this prince to see the
curiosities of the island, which he was
graciously pleased to grant, and ordered my
tutor to attend me. I chiefly wanted to
know, to what cause in art or in nature it
owed its several motions, whereof I will
now give a philosophical account to the
reader.
The flying or floating island is exactly
circular, its diameter 7897 yards, or about
four miles and a half, and consequently
contains ten thousand acres. It is three
hundred yards thick. The bottom, or
under surface, which appears to those who
view it below, is one even regular plate of
adamant, shooting up to the height of
about two hundred yards. Above it lie
the several minerals in their usual order,
and over all is a coat of rich mould, ten or
twelve feet deep. The declivity of the
upper surface, from the circumference to
the centre, is the natural cause why all the
dews and rains, which fall upon the island,
are conveyed in small rivulets toward the
middle, where they are emptied into four
large basins, each of about half a mile in
circuit, and two hundred yards distant
from the centre.
From these basins the
}
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 23
water is continually exhaled by the sun in
the daytime, which effectually prevents
their overflowing. Besides, as it is in the
power of the monarch to raise the island
above the region of clouds and vapours, he
can prevent the falling of dews and rain
whenever he pleases. For the highest
clouds cannot rise above two miles, as
naturalists agree, at least they were never
known to do so in that country.
At the centre of the island there is a
chasin about fifty yards in diameter,
whence the astronomers descend into a
large dome, which is therefore called flan-
dona gagnole, or the astronomer's cave,
situated at the depth of a hundred yards
beneath the upper surface of the adamant.
In this cave are twenty lamps continually
burning, which, from the reflection of the
adamant, cast a strong light into every
part. The place is stored with great
variety of sextants, quadrants, telescopes,
astrolabes, and other astronomical instru-
ments. But the greatest curiosity, upon
which the fate of the island depends, is a
loadstone of a prodigious size, in shape
resembling a weaver's shuttle. It is in
length six yards, and in the thickest part
at least three yards over. This magnet is
sustained by a very strong axle of adamant
passing through its middle, upon which it
plays, and is poised so exactly that the
weakest hand oan turn it. It is hooped
round with a hollow cylinder of adamant,
four feet deep, as many thick, and twelve
yards in diameter, placed horizontally,
B4
24
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
and supported by eight adamantine feet,
each six yards high. In the middle of the
concave side, there is a groove twelve
inches deep, in which the extremities of
the axle are lodged, and turned round as
there is occasion.
The stone cannot be removed from its
place by any force, because the hoop and
its feet are one continued piece with that
body of adamant which constitutes the
bottom of the island.
By means of this loadstone, the island is
made to rise and fall, and move from one
place to another. For, with respect to
that part of the earth over which the
monarch presides, the stone is endued at
one of its sides with an attractive power,
and at the other with a repulsive. Upon
placing the magnet erect, with its attract-
ing end towards the earth, the island
descends; but when the repelling extremi-
ty points downwards, the island mounts
directly upwards. When the position of
the stone is oblique, the motion of the
island is so too: for in this magnet, the
forces always act in lines parallel to its
direction.
By this oblique motion, the island is
conveyed to different parts of the monarch's
dominions. To explain the manner of its
progress, let 4 B represent a line drawn
cross the dominions of Balnibarbi, let the
line cd represent the loadstone, of which
let d be the repelling end, and c the at.
tracting end, the island being over C: let
the stone be placed in position c d, with its
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 25
repelling end downwards; then the island
will be driven upwards obliquely towards
D. When it is arrived at D, let the stone
be turned upon its axle, till its attracting
end points towards E, and then the island
will be carried obliquely towards E;
where, if the stone be again turned upon
its axle till it stands in the position E F,
with its repelling point downwards, the
island will rise obliquely towards F, where,
by directing the attracting end towards G,
the i-land may be carried to G, and from
G to H by turning the stone so as to make
its repelling extremity to point directly
downward. And thus, by changing the
situation of the stone, as often as there is
occasion, the island is made to rise and
fall by turns in an oblique direction, and
by those alternate risings and fallings
(the obliquity being not considerable) is
conveyed from one part of the dominions
to the other.
But it must be observed, that this island
cannot move beyond the extent of the
dominions below, nor can it rise above the
height of four miles. For which the
astronomers (who have written large sys-
tems concerning the stone) assign the
following reason: that the magnetic virtue
does not extend beyond the distance of
four miles, and that the mineral, which
acts upon the stone in the bowels of the
earth, and in the sea about six leagues
distant from the shore, is not diffused
through the whole globe, but terminated
with the limits of the king's dominions;
26
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
and it was easy, from the great advantage
of such a superior situation, for a prince
to bring under his obedience whatever
country lay within the attraction of that
magnet.
When the stone is put parallel to the plane
of the horizon, the island stands still; for
in that case the extremities of it, being at
equal distance from the earth, act with
equal force, the one in drawing down-
wards, the other in pushing upwards, and
consequently no motion can ensue.
This loadstone is under the care of cer-
tain astronomers, who, from time to time,
give it such positions as the monarch
directs. They spend the greatest part of
their lives in observing the celestial bodies,
which they do by the assistance of glasses,
far excelling ours in goodness. For, al-
though their largest telescopes do not
exceed three feet, they magnify much
more than those of a hundred with us,
and show the stars with greater clearness.
This advantage has enabled them to extend
their discoveries much further than our
astronomers in Europe; for they have
made a catalogue of ten thousand fixed
stars, whereas the largest of ours do not
contain above one third part of that num-
ber. They have likewise discovered two
lesser stars, or satellites, which revolve
about Mars; whereof the innermost is
distant from the centre of the primary
planet exactly three of his diameters, and
the outermost, five; the former revolves
in the space of ten hours, and the latter in
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 27
twenty-one and a half; so that the squares
of their periodical times are very near in
the same proportion with the cubes of their
distance, from the centre of Mars; which
evidently shows them to be governed by
the same law of gravitation that influences
the other heavenly bodies.
They have observed ninety-three dif
ferent comets, and settled their periods
with great exactness. If this be true (and
they affirm it with great confidence) it is
much to be wished, that their observations
were made public, whereby the theory of
comets, which at present is very lame and
defective, might be brought to the same
perfection with other parts of astronomy.
The king would be the most absolute
prince in the universe, if he could but
prevail on a ministry to join him; but
these having their estates below on the
continent, and considering that the office
of a favourite has a very uncertain tenure,
would never consent to the enslaving of
their country.
If any town should engage in rebellion
or mutiny, fall into violent factions, or
refuse to pay the usual tribute, the king
has two methods of reducing them to
obedience. The first and the mildest
course is, by keeping the island hovering
over such a town, and the lands about it,
whereby he can deprive them of the benefit
of the sun and the rain, and consequently
afflict the inhabitants with dearth and
diseases and if the crime deserve it, they
are at the same time pelted from above
28
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
with great stones against which they have
no defence but by creeping into cellars or
caves, while the roofs of their houses are
beaten to pieces. But if they still con-
tinue obstinate, or offer to raise insurrec-
tions, he proceeds to the last remedy, by
letting the island drop directly upon their
heads, which makes a universal destruction
both of houses and men. However, this is
an extremity to which the prince is seldom
driven, neither indeed is he willing to put
it in execution; nor dare his ministers
advise him to an action, which, as it would
render them odious to the people, so it
would be a great damage to their own
estates, which all lie below; for the island
is the king's demesne.
But there is still indeed a more weighty
reason, why the kings of this country have
been always averse from executing so
terrible an action, unless upon the utmost
necessity. For, if the town intended to be
destroyed should have in it any tall rocks,
as it generally falls out in the larger cities,
a situation probably chosen at first with a
view to prevent such a catastrophe; or if
it abound in high spires, or pillars of stone,
a sudden fall might endanger the bottom
or under surface of the island, which, al-
though it consist, as I have said, of one
entire adamant, two hundred yards thick,
might happen to crack by too great a shock,
or burst by approaching too near the fires
from the houses below, as the backs, both
of iron and stone, will often do in our
chimneys. Of all this the people are well
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 29
apprised, and understand how far to carry
their obstinacy, where their liberty or
property is concerned. And the king,
when he is highest provoked, and most
determined to press a city to rubbish,
orders the island to descend with great
gentleness, out of a pretence of tenderness
to his people, but, indeed, for fear of
breaking the adamantine bottom; in which
case, it is the opinion of all their philoso-
phers, that the loadstone could no longer
hold it up, and the whole mass would fall
to the ground.
By a fundamental law of this realm,
neither the king, nor either of his two
eldest sons, are permitted to leave the
island; nor the queen, till she is past child-
bearing.
CHAPTER IV.
The Author leaves Laputa; is conveyed to
Balnibarbi; arrives at the metropolis.
A description of the metropolis, and the
country adjoining. The Author hospitably
received by a great Lord. His conversa.
tion with that Lord.
ALTHOGUH I cannot say that I was ill
treated in this island, yet I must confess I
thought myself too much neglected, not
without some degree of contempt; for
neither prince nor people appeared to be
curious in any part of knowledge, except
30
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
as I waved the scimitar to and fro in my
hand. His majesty, who is a most magna-
nimous 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 pil-
lars; by which he meant my pocket pis-
tols. 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, hap-
pened to escape wetting in the sea (an in-
convenience 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 as-
tonishment here was much greater than at
the sight of the 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 sci-
mitar, 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
* He who does not find himself disposed to ho-
nour this magnanimity, should reflect, that a right
to judge of moral and intellectual excellence is,
with great absurdity and injustice, arrogated by
him who admires, in a being six feet high, any
qualities that he despises in one whose stature does
not exceed six inches.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT. 31
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.
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 hand-
kerchief and journal-book. My scimitar,
pistols, and pouch, were conveyed in car-
riages to his majesty's stores; but the rest
my goods were returned me.
of
I then
I had, as I before observed, one private
pocket, which escaped their search, where-
in 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 con-
sequence 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.
32
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
under the general name of Balniharbi;
and the metropolis, as I said before, is
called Lagado. I felt some little satisfac-
tion in finding myself on firm ground. I
walked to the city without any concern,
being clad like one of the natives, and suf-
ficiently instructed to converse with them.
I soon found out the person's house to
whom I was recommended, presented any
letter from his friend the grandee in the
island, and was received with much kind-
ness. This great lord, whose name was
Munodi, ordered me an apartment in his
own house, where I continued during my
stay, and was entertained in a most hospi-
table manner.
The next morning after my arrival, he
took me in his chariot to see the town,
which is about half the bigness of London;
but the houses very strangely built, and
most of them out of repair. The people in
the streets walked fast, looked wild, their
eyes fixed, and were generally in rags.
We passed through one of the town gates,
and went about three miles into the coun-
try, where I saw many labourers working
with several sorts of tools in the ground,
but was not able to conjecture what they
were about: neither did I observe any ex-
pectation either of corn or grass, although
the soil appeared to be excellent. I could
not forbear admiring at these odd ap-
pearances, both in town and country; and
I made bold to desire my conductor, that
he would be pleased to explain to me,
what could be meant by so many busy
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 33
heads, hands, and faces, both in the streets
and the fields, because I did not discover
any good effects they produced; but, on
the contrary, I never knew a soil so un-
happily cultivated, houses so ill contrived
and so ruinous, or a people whose counte-
nances and habit expressed so much misery
and want.
This lord Munodi was a person of the
first rank, and had been some years gover-
nor of Lagado; but, by a cabal of minis-
ters, was discharged for insufficiency.
However, the king treated him with ten-
derness, as a well-meaning man, but of a
low contemptible understanding.
When I gave that free censure of the
country and its inhabitants, he made no
further answer than by telling me,' that I
had not been long enough among them to
form a judgment; and that the different
nations of the world had different cus-
toms;' with other common topics to the
same purpose. But, when we returned to
his palace, he asked me how I liked the
building, what absurdities I observed, and
what quarrel I had with the dress or looks
of his domestics.' This he might safely
do; because every thing about him was
magnificent, regular, and polite. I an.
swered, that his excellency's prudence,
quality, and fortune, had exempted him
from those defects, which folly and beggary
had produced in others.' He said, if I
would go with him to his country-house,
about twenty miles distant, where his
estate lay, there would be more leisure for
VOL. 11.
C


3-4
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
C
this kind of conversation.' I told his ex-
cellency that I was entirely at his dis-
posal;' and accordingly we set out next
morning.
*
During our journey he made me observe
the several methods used by farmers in
managing their lands, which to me were
wholly unaccountable; for, except in some
very few places, I could not discover onc
ear of corn or blade of grass. But, in three
hours' travelling, the scene was wholly al-
tered; we came into a most beautiful
country; farmers' houses, at small dis.
tances, neatly built; the fields enclosed,
containing vineyards, corn-grounds, and
meadows. Neither do I remember to have
seen a more delightful prospect. His ex-
cellency observed my countenance to clear
up; he told me with a sigh, that there
his estate began, and would continue the
same, till we should come to his house :
that his countrymen ridiculed and despised
him, for managing his affairs no better,
and for setting so ill an example to the
kingdom; which, however, was followed
by very few, such as were old, and wilful,
and weak like himself.
We came at length to the house, which
was indeed a noble structure, built accord-
ing to the best rules of ancient architec-
ture. The fountains, gardens, walks,
avenues, and groves, were all disposed
with exact judgment and taste. I gave
duc praises to every thing I saw, whereof
his excellency took not the least notice till
after supper; when, there being no third
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 35
companion, he told me with a very melan-
choly air that he doubted he must throw
down his houses in town and country, to
rebuild them after the present mode; de-
stroy all his plantations, and cast others
into such a form as modern usage required,
and give the same directions to all his
tenants, unless he would submit to incur
the censure of pride, singularity, affecta-
tion, ignorance, caprice, and perhaps in-
crease his majesty's displeasure; that the
adiniration I appeared to be under would
cease or diminish, when he had informed
me of some particulars which probably I
never heard of at court; the people there
being too much taken up in their own
speculations, to have regard to what passed
here below.'
The sum of his discourse was to this
effect: 'that about forty years ago, certain
persons went up to Laputa, either upon
business or diversion, and, after five
months' continuance, came back with a
very little smattering in mathematics, but
full of volatile spirits acquired in that airy
region that these persons, upon their re-
turn, began to dislike the management of
every thing below, and fell into schemes of
putting all arts, sciences, languages, and
inechanics, upon a new foot. To this end,
they procured a royal patent_for erecting
an academy of projectors in Lagado; and
the humour prevailed so strongly among
the people, that there is not a town of any
consequence in the kingdom without such
an academy. In these colleges the profes ·
C 2
36 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
sors contrive new rules and methods of
agriculture and building, and new instru-
ments, and tools for all trades and manu-
factures; whereby, as they undertake,
one man shall do the work of ten; a palace
may be built in a week, of materials so
durable as to last for ever without repair.
ing. All the fruits of the earth shall come
to maturity at whatever season we think
fit to choose, and increase a hundred fold
more than they do at present; with in-
numerable other happy proposals. The
only inconvenience is, that none of these
projects are yet brought to perfection: and
in the mean time, the whole country lies
miserably waste, the houses in ruins, and
the people without food or clothes. By all
which, instead of being discouraged, they
are fifty times more violently bent upon
prosecuting their schemes, driven equally
on by hope and despair: that as for him-
self, being not of an enterprising spirit, he
was content to go on in the old forms, to
live in the houses his ancestors had built,
and act as they did, in every part of life,
without innovation: that some few other
persons of quality and gentry had done the
same, but were looked on with an eye of
contempt and ill-will, as enemies to art,
ignorant, and ill common-wealth's men,
preferring their own case and sloth before
the general improvement of their country.'
His lordship added 'that he would not,
by any further particulars, prevent the
pleasure I should certainly take in viewing
the grand academy, whither he was re-

A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 37
solved I should go.' He only desired me
to observe a ruined building, upon the side
of a mountain about three miles distant,
of which he gave me this account: that
he had a very convenient mill within half
a mile of his house, turned by a current
from a large river, and sufficient for his
own family, as well as a great number of
his tenants; that about seven years ago,
a club of those projectors came to him
with proposals to destroy this mill, and
build another on the side of that mountain,
on the long ridge whereof a long canal
must be cut, for a repository of water, to
be conveyed up by pipes and engine to
supply the mill: because the wind and air
upon a height agitated the water, and
thereby made it fitter for motion; and be-
cause the water, descending down a decli-
vity, would turn the mill with half the
current of a river, whose course is more
upon a level.' He said, 'that being then
not very well with the court, and pressed
by many of his friends, he complied with
the proposal; and after employing a hun-
dred men for two years, the work miscar-
ried, the projectors went off, laying the
blame entirely upon him, railing at him
ever since, and putting others upon the
same experiment, with equal assurance of
success, as well as equal disappointment,'
In a few days we came back to town;
and his excellency, considering the bad
character he had in the academy, would
not go with me himself, but recommended
me to a friend of his, to bear me company
C 3
38
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
thither. My lord was pleased to represent
me as a great admirer of projects, and a
person of much curiosity and easy belief;
which, indeed, was not without truth; for
I had myself been a sort of projector in
my younger days.
CHAPTER V.
The Author permitted to see the grand aca-
demy of Lagado. The academy largely
described. The arts wherein the professors
employ themselves.
Tuus academy is not an entire single build-
ing, but a continuation of several houses
on both sides of a strect, which growing
waste was purchased and applied to that use.
I was received very kindly by the war-
den, and went for many days to the aca-
demy. Every room has in it one or more
projectors; and I believe I could not be in
fewer than five hundred rooms.
The first man I saw was of a meagre
aspect, with sooty hands and face, his hair
and beard long, ragged,and singed in several
places. His clothes, shirt, and skin, were
all of the same colour. He has been eight
years upon a project for extracting sun-
beams out of cucumbers, which were to be
put in phials hermetically sealed, and let
out to warm the air in raw inclement sum-
mers. He told me, he did not doubt, that,
in eight years more, he should be able to
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 39
C
supply the governor's gardens with sun-
shine, at a reasonable rate: but he com-
plained that his stock was low, and en-
treated me to give him something as an
encouragement to ingenuity, especially since
this had been a very dear season for cu-
cumbers.' I made him a small present,
for my lord had furnished me with moncy
on purpose, because he knew their practice
of begging from all who go to see them.
(
I went into another chamber, but was
ready to haster back, being almost over-
come with a horrible stink. My conductor
pressed me forward, conjuring me in a
whisper to give no offence, which would
be highly resented;' and therefore I durst
not so much as stop my nose. The projec-
tor of this cell was the most ancient student
of the academy; his face and beard were
of a pale yellow; his hands and clothes
daubed over with filth. When I was
presented to him, he gave me a close em-
brace; a compliment I could well have
excused. His employment, from his first
coming into the academy, was an operation
to reduce human excrement to its original
food, by separating the several parts, re-
moving the tincture which it receives from
the gall, making the odour exhale, and
scumming off the saliva. He had a weekly
allowance, from the society, of a vessel
filled with human ordure, about the big.
ness of a Bristol barrel.
I saw another at work to calcine ice into
gunpowder; who likewise showed me a
treatise he had written concerning the
CA
10
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
malleability of fire, which he intended to
publish.
There was a most ingenious architect,
who had contrived a new method for build-
ing houses, by beginning at the roof, and
working downward to the foundation;
which he justified to me, by the like prac-
tice of those two prudent insects, the bee
and the spider.
There was a man born blind, who had
several apprentices in his own condition:
their employment was to mix colours for
painters, which their master taught them
to distinguish, by feeling and smelling. It
was indeed my misfortune to find them at
that time not very perfect in their lessons,
and the professor himself happened to be
generally mistaken. This artist is much
encouraged and esteemed by the whole
fraternity.
In another apartment I was highly
pleased with a projector who had found a
device of ploughing the ground with hogs,
to save the charges of ploughs, cattle, and
labour. The method is this: in an acre
of ground you bury, at six inches' distance
and eight deep, a quantity of acorns, dates,
chesnuts, and other mast or vegetables,
whereof these animals are fondest; then
you drive six hundred or more of them
into the field, where, in a few days, they
will root up the whole ground in search of
their feed, and make it fit for sowing, at
the same time manuring it with their
dung: it is truc, upon experiment they
found the charge and trouble very great,
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 41
and they had little or no crop. However
it is not doubted, that this invention may
be capable of great improvement.
<
I went into another room, where the
walls and ceiling were all hung round with
cobwebs, except a narrow passage for the
artist to go in and out. At my entrance,
he called aloud to me, 'not to disturb his
webs,' He lamented the fatal mistake the
world had been so long in, of using silk-
worms, while we had such plenty of
domestic insects who infinitely excelled
the former, because they understood how
to weave, as well as spin.' And he pro-
posed further, that by employing spiders,
the charge of dyeing silks should be
wholly saved; whereof I was fully con-
vinced, when he showed me a vast number
of flies most beautifully coloured, where-
with he fed his spiders, assuring us that
the webs would take a tincture from them ;
and as he had them of all hues, he hoped
to fit every body's fancy, as soon as he
could find proper food for the fies, of cer-
tain gums, oils, and other glutinous mat-
ter, to give a strength and consistence to
the threads.'
There was an astronomer, who had un-
dertaken to place a sun-dial upon the great
weathercock on the town-house, by adjust-
ing the annual and diurnal motions of the
earth and sun, so as to answer and coin-
cide with all accidental turnings of the
wind.
I was complaining of a small fit of the
colic, upon which my conductor led me


42
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
into a room where a great physician re-
sided, who was famous for curing that
disease, by contrary operations from the
same instrument. He had a large pair of
bellows, with a long slender muzzle of
ivory this he conveyed eight inches up
the anus, and drawing in the wind, he af-
firmed he could make the guts as lank as
a dried bladder. But when the disease
was more stubborn and violent, he let in
the muzzle while the bellows were full of
wind, which he discharged into the body
of the patient; then withdrew the instru-
ment to replenish it, clapping his thumb
strongly against the orifice of the funda-
ment; and this being repeated three or
four times, the adventitious wind would
rush out, bringing the noxious along with
it, (like water put into a pump), and the pa-
tient recovered. I saw him try both ex-
periments upon a dog, but could not dis-
cern any effect from the former. After
the latter the animal was ready to burst,
and made so violent a discharge as was
very offensive to me and my companion.
The dog died on the spot, and we left the
doctor endeavouring to recover him, by
the same operation.
I visited many other apartments, but
shall not trouble my reader with all the
curiosities I observed, being studious of
brevity.
I had hitherto seen only one side of the
academy, the other being appropriated
to the advancers of speculative learning,
of whom I shall say something, when I
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 43
have mentioned one illustrious person
more, who is called among them the uni-
versal artist.' He told us he had been
thirty years employing his thoughts for
the improvement of human life.' He had
two large rooms full of wonderful curiosi-
ties, and fifty men at work. Some were
condensing air into a dry tangible sub-
stance, by extracting the nitre, and letting
the aqucous or fluid particles percolate;
others softening marble, for pillows and
pincushions; others petrifying the hoofs of
a living horse, to preserve them from
foundering. The artist himself was at
that time busy upon two great designs;
the first, to sow land with chaff, wherein
he affirmed the true seminal virtue to be
contained, as he demonstrated by several
experiments, which I was not skilful
enough to comprehend. The other was,
by a certain composition of gums, minerals,
and vegetables, outwardly applied, to pre-
vent the growth of wool upon two young
lambs; and he hoped, in a reasonable time
to propagate the breed of naked sheep, all
over the kingdom.
We crossed a walk to the other part of
the academy, where, as I have already
said, the projectors in speculative learning
resided.
The first professor I saw, was in a very
large room, with forty pupils about him,
After salutation, observing me to look
earnestly upon a frame, which took up the
greatest part of both the length and breadth
of the room, he said, 'Perhaps I might

+1
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.

wonder to see him employed in a project
for improving speculative knowledge, by
practical and mechanical operations. But
the world would soon be sensible of its
usefulness; and he flattered himself, that
a more noble exalted thought never sprang
in any other man's head. Every one
knew how laborious the usual method is
of attaining to arts and sciences; whereas,
by his contrivance, the most ignorant per.
son, at a reasonable charge, and with a
little bodily labour, might write books in
philosophy, poetry, politics, laws, mathe-
matics, and theology, without the least
assistance from genius or study.' He then
led me to the frame, about the sides where-
of all his pupils stood in ranks. It was
twenty feet square, placed in the middle of
the room. The superficies was composed
of several bits of wood, about the bigness
of a die, but some larger than others.
They were all linked together by slender
wires. These bits of wood were covered,
on every square, with paper pasted on
them; and on these papers were written
all the words of their language, in their
several moods, tenses, and declensions;
but without any order. The professor
then desired me to observe; for he was
going to set his engine at work.
The pu-
pils, at his command, took each of them
hold of an iron handle, whereof there were
forty fixed round the edges of the frame;
and giving them a sudden turn,
whole disposition of the words was entirely
changed. He then commanded six-and-

the
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 45
thirty of the lads, to read the several lines
softly, as they appeared upon the frame;
and where they found three or four words
together that might make part of a sen-
tence, they dictated to the four remaining
boys, who were scribes. This work was
repeated three or four times; and at every
turn, the engine was so contrived, that
the words shifted into new places, as the
square bits of wood moved upside down.
Six hours a day the young students were
employed in this labour; and the professor
showed me several volumes in large folio,
already collected, of broken sentences,
which he intended to piece together, and
out of those rich materials, to give the
world a complete body of all arts and
sciences; which, however, might be still
improved, and much expedited, if the
public would raise a fund for making and
employing five hundred such frames in
Lagado, and oblige the managers to con-
tribute in common their several collections.
He assured me 'that this invention had
employed all his thoughts from his youth;
that he had emptied the whole vocabulary
into his frame, and made the strictest com-
putation of the general proportion there is
in books between the numbers of particles,
nouns, and verbs, and other parts of
speech.'
I made my humblest acknowledgment
to this illustrious person, for his great
communicativeness; and promised, "if
ever 1 had the good fortune to return to
my native country, that I would do him

46
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
justice, as the sole inventor of this wonder-
ful machine;' the form and contrivance of
which I desired leave to delineate on paper,
as in the figure here annexed. I told him,
although it were the custom of our learned
in Europe to steal inventions from cach
other, who had thereby at least this ad-
vantage, that it became a controversy
which was the right owner; yet I would
take such caution, that he should have the
honour entire, without a rival.'
We next went to the school of languages,
where three professors sat in consultation
upon improving that of their own country.
The first project was, to shorten dis-
course, by cutting polysyllables into one,
and leaving out verbs and participles; be-
cause, in reality, all things imaginable are
but nouns.
<
The other project was, a scheme for en-
tirely abolishing all words whatsoever;
and this was urged as a great advantage in
point of health, as well as brevity. For it
is plain, that every word we speak is, in
some degree, a diminution of our lungs by
corrosion; and consequently contributes to
the shortening of our lives. An expedient
was therefore offered, that since words
are only names for things, it would be more
convenient for all men to carry about them
such things as were necessary to express a
particular business they are to discourse
on.' And this invention would certainly
have taken place, to the great ease as well
as health of the subject, if the women, in
conjunction with the vulgar and illiterate,
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 47
had not threatened to raise a rebellion un-
less they might be allowed the liberty to
speak with their tongues, after the manner
of their forefathers; such constant irrecon-
cileable enemies to science are the common
people. However, many of the most
learned and wise adhere to the new scheme
of expressing themselves by things; which
has only this inconvenience attending it,
that if a man's business be very great, and
of various kinds, he must be obliged, in
proportion, to carry a greater bundle of
things upon his back, unless he can afford
one or two strong servants to attend him.
I have often beheld two of those sages al-
most sinking under the weight of their
packs, like pedlers among us; who, when
they met in the street, would lay down
their loads, open their sacks, and hold con-
versation for an hour together; then put
up their implements, help each other to
resume their burdens, and take their
leave.
But for short conversations, a man may
carry implernents in his pockets, and under
his arms, enough to supply him; and in
his house, he cannot be at a loss. There-
fore the room where company meet who
practise this art, is full of all things, ready
at hand, requisite to furnish matter for
this kind of artificial converse.
Another great advantage proposed by
this invention was, that it would serve as a
universal language, to be understood in all
civilised nations, whose goods and utensils
are generally of the same kind, or nearly
48
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
resembling, so that their uses might easily
be comprehended. And thus ambassadors
would be qualified to treat with foreign
princes, or ministers of state, to whose
tongues they were utter strangers.
I was at the mathematical school, where
the master taught his pupils after a me-
thod scarce imaginable to us in Europe
The proposition, and demonstration, were
fairly written on a thin wafer, with ink
composed of a cephalic tincture. This, the
student was to swallow upon a fasting
stomach, and for three days following eat
nothing but bread and water. As the wa-
fer digested, the tincture mounted to his
brain, bearing the proposition along with
it.
But the success has not hitherto been
answerable, partly by some error in the
quantum or composition, and partly by the
perverseness of lads, to whom this bolus is
so nauseous, that they generally steal aside,
and discharge it upwards, before it can
operate; neither have they been yet per-
suaded to use so long an abstinence, as the
prescription requires.
CHAPTER VI.
A further account of the academy. The
Author proposes some improvements, which
are honourably received.
IN the school of political projectors, I was
but ill entertained; the professors appear.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 49
ing, in my judgment, wholly out of their
senses; which is a scene that never fails to
make me melancholy. These unhappy
people were proposing schemes for persuad-
ing monarchs to choose favourites upon
the score of their wisdom, capacity, and
virtue; of teaching ministers to consult the
public good; of rewarding merit, great abi-
litics, emment services; of instructing prin-
ces to know their truc interest, by placing
it on the same foundation with that of their
people; of choosing for employments, per-
sons qualified to exercise them; with many
other wild impossible chimeras, that never
entered before into the heart of man to
conceive; and confirmed in me the old ob-
servation, that there is nothing so extra-
vagant and irrational, which some phi-
losophers have not maintained for truth,'
C
But, however, I shall so far do justice
to this part of the academy, as to acknow-
ledge that all of them were not so vision-
ary. There was a most ingenious doctor,
who seemed to be perfectly versed in the
whole nature and system of government.
This illustrious person had very usefully
employed his studies, in finding out effec-
tual remedies for all diseases and corrup-
tions, to which the several kinds of public
administration are subject, by the vices or
infirmities of those who govern, as well as
by the licentiousness of those who are to
obey. For instance; whereas all writers
and reasoners have agreed, that there is a
strict universal resemblance between the
natural and the political body; can there
VOL. II.
D
50 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
be any thing more evident, than that the
health of both must be preserved, and the
diseases cured, by the same prescriptions?
It is allowed, that senates and great coun-
cils are often troubled with redundant,
ebullient, and other peccant humours;
with many discases of the head, and more
of the heart; with strong convulsions,
with grievous contractions of the nerves
and sinews in both hands, but especially
the right; with spleen, flatus, vertigos,
and deliriums; with scrofulous tumours,
full of fetid purulent matter; with sour
frothy ructations; with canine appetites,
and crudeness of digestion, beside many
others needless to mention. This doctor
therefore proposed, that upon the meeting
of the senate, certam physicians should
attend at the three first days of their sit-
ting, and at the close of cach day's debate
feel the pulses of every senator; after
which, having maturely considered and
consulted upon the nature of the several
maladies, and the methods of cure, they
should on the fourth day return to the se.
nate house, attended by their apothecaries
stored with proper medicines; and before
the members sat, administer to each of
them lenitives, aperients, abstersives, cor-
rosives, restringents, palliatives, laxatives,
cephalalgics, icterics, apophlegmatics, ac-
oustics, as their several cases required;
and, according as these medicines should
operate, repeat, alter, or omit them, at
the next meeting.'
This project could not be of any great
VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 51
expense to the public; and might in my
poor opinion, be of much use for the des-
patch of business, in those countries where
senates have any share in the legislative
power; beget unanimity, shorten debates,
open a few mouths that are now closed,
and close many more that are now open ;
curb the petulancy of the young, and cor-
rect the positiveness of the old; rouse the
stupid, and damp the pert.
C
Again because it is a general complaint,
that the favourites of princes are troubled
with short and weak memories; the same
doctor proposed, that whoever attended
a first minister, after having told his busi-
ness, with the utmost brevity and the
plainest words, should, at his departure,
give the said minister a tweak by the nose,
or a kick on the belly, or tread on his corns,
or lug him thrice by both ears, or run a
pin into his breech; or pinch his arm black
and blue, to prevent forgetfulness; and at
every ievee day, repeat the same operation,
till the business were done, or absolutely
refused,'
C
He likewise directed, that every sen-
ator in the great council of a nation, after
he had delivered his opinion and argued in
the defence of it, should be obliged to give
his vote directly contrary; because if that
were done, the result would infallibly ter-
minate in the good of the public.'
When parties in a state are violent, he
offered a wonderful contrivance to recon-
cile them. The method is this: you take
a hundred leaders of each party; you dis-
D2
52
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
<
pose them into couples of such whose
heads are nearest of a size; then let two
nice operators saw off the occiput of each
couple at the same time, in such a manner,
that the brain may be equally divided. Let
the occiputs, thus cut off, be interchanged,
applying each to the head of his opposite
party-man. It seems indeed to be a work
that requires some exactness, but the pro-
fessor assured us, that if it were dexter-
ously performed, the cure would be infal-
lible. For he argued thus: that the two
half brains being left to debate the mat-
ter between themselves within the space of
one skull, would soon come to a good un-
derstanding; and produce that moderation,
as well as regularity of thinking, so much
to be wished for in the heads of those, who
imagine they come into the world only to
watch and govern its motion; and as to
the difference of brains, in quantity or
quality, among those who are directors in
faction, the doctor assured us, from his
own knowledge, that it was a perfect
trifle.'
I heard a very warm debate between
two professors, about the most commodious
and effectual ways and means of raising
money, without grieving the subject. The
first affirmed, the justest method would
be, to lay a certain tax upon vices and
folly; and the sum fixed upon every man
to be rated, after the fairest manner, by
a jury of his neighbours.' The second
was of an opinion directly contrary; to
tax those qualities of body and mind, for
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 53
which men chiefly value themselves; the
rate to be more or less, according to the
degrees of excelling; the decision whereof
should be left entirely to their own breast,'
The highest tax was upon men who are
the greatest favourites of the other sex,
and the assessments, according to the
number and nature of the favours they
have received; for which, they are allow.
ed to be their own vouchers. Wit, valour,
and politeness, were likewise proposed to
be largely taxed, and collected in the same
manner, by every person's giving his own
word for the quantum of what he pos-
sessed. But as to honour, justice, wis-
dom, and learning, they should not be tax-
ed at all; because they are qualifications
of so singular a kind, that no man will
either allow them in his neighbour or value
them in himself.
The women were proposed to be taxed
according to their beauty and skill in dress-
ing, wherein they had the same privilege
with the men, to be determined by their
own judgment. But constancy, chastity,
good sense, and good nature, were not
rated, because they would not bear the
charge of collecting.
To keep senators in the interest of the
crown, it was proposed that the members
should raffle for employments; every man
first taking an oath, and giving security,
that he would vote for the court, whether
he won or not; after which, the losers
had, in their turn, the liberty of raffling
upon the next vacancy. Thus, hope and
D3
54
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
expectation would be kept alive; none
would complain of broken promises, but
impute their disappointments wholly to for
tune, whose shoulders are broader and
stronger than those of a ministry.
Another professor showed me a large pa-
per of instructions for discovering plots
and conspiracies against the government.
He advised great statesmen to examine
into the diet of all suspected persons ;
their times of eating; upon which side
they lay in bed; with which hand they
wipe their posteriors; take a strict view
of their excrements, and, from the colour,
the odour, the taste, the consistence, the
crudeness, or maturity of digestion, form
a judgment of their thoughts and designs ;
because men are never so serious, thought-
ful, and intent, as when they are at stoul,
which he found by experience; for, in such
conjunctures, when he used, merely as a
trial, to consider which was the best way
of murdering the king, his ordure would
have a tincture of green but quite differ-
ent, when he thought only of raising an
insurrection, or burning the metropolis.
The whole discourse was written with
great acuteness, containing many observa-
tions, both curious and useful for politi-
cians; but, as I conceived, not altogether
complete. This I ventured to tell the au-
thor, and offered, if he pleased, to supply
him with some additions. He received
my proposition with more compliance than
is usual among writers, especially of
the projecting species; professing he
C
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 55
would be glad to receive further infor-
mation.'
I told him, 'that in the kingdom of Trib-
nia, by the natives called Langden, where
I had sojourned some time in my travels,
the bulk of the people consist in a manner
wholly of discoverers, witnesses, inform-
crs, accusers, prosecutors, evidences,
swearers, together with their several sub-
servient and subaltern instruments, all un-
der the colours, the conduct, and the pay
of ministers of state, and their deputies.
The plots, in that kingdom, are usually
the workmanship of those persons who
desire to raise their own characters of pro-
found politicians; to restore new vigour to
a crazy administration; to stifle or divert
general discontents; to fill their coffers
with forfeitures; and raise or sink the
opinion of public credit, as either shall
best answer their private advantage. It is
first agreed and settled among them, what
suspected persons shall be accused of a
plot; then, effectual care is taken to se-
cure all their letters and papers, and put
the owners in chains. These papers are
delivered to a set of artists, very dexte
rous in finding out the mysterious meanings
of words, syllables, and letters: for in-
stance, they can discover a close stool, to
signify a privy council; a flock of geese,
a senate; a lame dog, an invader; the
plague, a standing army; a buzzard, a
See the proceedings against Dr. Atterbury,
Bishop of Rochester, in the State Trials, vol. vi.
H.
D
56
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
1
prime minister; the gout, a high priest;
a gibbet, a secretary of state; a chamber
pot, a committee of grandecs; a sieve, a
court lady; a broom, a revolution;
mouse-trap, an employment; a bottom-
less pit, a treasury; a sink, a court; a
cap and bells, a favourite; a broken reed,
a court of justice; an empty tun, a gen-
eral; a running sore, the administration.
When this method fails, they have two
others more effectual, which the learned
among them call acrostics and anagrams.
First, they can decipher all initial letters
into political meanings. Thus N, shall
signify a plot; B, a regiment of horse
L, a fleet at sca; or, secondly, by trans-
posing the letters of the alphabet in any
suspected paper, they can lay open the
deepest designs of a discontented party.
So, for example, if I should say, in a let-
ter to a friend, 'Our brother Tom has just
got the piles,' a skilful decipherer would
discover, that the same letters that com-
pose this sentence, may be analysed into
the following words, Resist-a plot is
brought home-The tour.' And this is
the anagrammatic method.'
The professor made me great acknow-
ledgments for communicating these obser-
vations, and promised to make honourable
mention of me in his treatise.
I saw nothing in this country that could
invite me to a longer continuance, and
began to think of returning home to Eng-
land.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 57
CHAPTER VII.
The Author leaves Lagado, arrives at Mal-
donada. No ship ready. He takes a
short voyage to Glubbdubdrib.
ception by the Governor,
His rc-
and
The continent, of which this kingdom is a
part, extends itself, as I have reason to be-
heve, castward, to that unknown tract of
America westward of California;
north, to the Pacific Ocean, which is not
above a hundred and fifty miles from La-
gado; where there is a good port, and
much commerce with the great island of
Luggnagg, situated to the northwest about
29 degrees north latitude, and 140 longi-
tude. This island of Luggnagg stands
south-castward of Japan, about a hundred
leagues distant. There is a strict alliance
between the Japanese emperor and the
king of Luggnagg; which affords frequent
opportunities of sailing from one island to
the other. I determined therefore to di-
rect my course this way, in order to my
return to Europe. I hired two mules, with
a guide, to show me the way, and carry my
small baggage. I took leave of my noble
protector, who had shown me so much fa-
vour and made me a generous present at
my departure.
My journey was without any accident or
adventure worth relating. When I arriv-
ed at the port of Maldonada (for so it is
called) there was no ship in the harbour
59
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
bound for Luggnagg, nor likely to be in
some time. The town is about as large as
Portsmouth. I soon fell into some ac-
quaintance, and was very hospitably re-
ceived. A gentleman of distinction said
to me, 'that since the ships bound for
Luggnagg could not be ready in less than
a month, it might be no disagreeable
amusement for me to take a trip to the
little island of Glubbdubdrib, about five
leagues off to the south-west.' He offered
himself and a friend to accompany me, and
that I should be provided with a small con-
venient bark for the voyage.
Glubbdubdrib, as nearly as I can inter-
pret the word, signifies the island of sorcer-
ers or magicians. It is about one third as
large as the Isle of Wight, and extremely
fruitful it is governed by the head of a
certain tribe, who are all magicians. This
tribe marries only among each other, and
the eldest in succession is prince or gover-
nor. He has a noble palace, and a park of
about three thousand acres, surrounded by
a wall of hewn stone twenty feet high. lu
this park are several small enclosures for
cattle, corn, and gardening.
The governor and his family are served
and attended by domestics of a kind some-
what unusual. By his skill in necromancy,
he has a power of calling whom he pleases
from the dead, and commanding their ser-
vice for twenty-four hours, but no longer ;
nor can he call the same persons up again
in less than three months, except upon
very extraordinary occasions.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 59
When we arrived at the island, which
was about eleven in the morning, one of
the gentlemen who accompanied me went
to the governor, and desired admittance
for a stranger, who came on purpose to
have the honour of attending on his high-
ness. This was immediately granted, and
we all three entered the gate of the palace
between two rows of guards, armed and
dressed after a very antic manner, and
something in their countenances that made
my flesh creep with a horror I cannot ex-
press. We passed through several apart-
ments, between servants of the same sort,
ranked on each side as before, till we came
to the chamber of presence; where, after
three profound obeisances, and a few genc-
ral questions, we were permitted to sit on
three stools, near the lowest step of his
highness's throne. He understood the lan-
guage of Balnibarbi, although it was diffe-
rent from that of this island. He desired
me to give him some account of my tra-
vels; and, to let me see that I should be
treated without ceremony, he dismissed all
his attendants with a turn of his finger; at
which, to my great astonishment, they van-
ished in an instant, like visions in a dream
when we awake on a sudden. I could not
recover myself in some time, till the gover-
nor assured me, that I should receive no
hurt:' and observing my two companions
to be under no concern, who had been
often entertained in the same manner, I
began to take courage, and related to his
highness a short history of my several ad-
00
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ventures; yet not without some hesitation,
and frequently looking behind me to the
place where I had seen those domestic
spectres. I had the honour to dine with
the governor, where a new set of ghosts
served up the meat, and waited at table. I
now observed myself to be less terrified
than I had been in the morning. I stayed
till sunset, but humbly desired his highness
to excuse me for not accepting his invita-
tion of lodging in the palace. My two
friends and I lay at a private house in the
town adjoining, which is the capital of this
little island; and the next morning we re-
turned to pay our duty to the governor, as
he was pleased to command us.
After this manner we continued in the
island for ten days, most part of every day
with the governor, and at night in our
lodging. I soon grew so familiarized to the
sight of spirits, that after the third or
fourth time they gave me no emotion at
all; or, if I had any apprehensions left, my
curiosity prevailed over them. For his
highness the governor ordered me to call
up whatever persons I would choose to
name, and in whatever numbers, among
all the dead from the beginning of the
world to the present time, and command
them to answer any questions I should
think fit to ask; with this condition, that
my questions must be confined within the
compass of the times they lived in. And
one thing I might depend upon, that they
would certainly tell me the truth, for lying
was a talent of no use in the lower world,"
;
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 61
I made my humble acknowledgments to
his highness for so great a favour. We
were in a chamber, from whence there was
a fair prospect into the park. And because
my first inclination was to be entertained
with scenes of pomp and magnificence, I
desired to see Alexander the Great at the
head of his army, just after the battle of
Arbela: which, upon a motion of the go-
vernor's finger, immediately appeared in a
large field, under the window where we
stood. Alexander was called up into the
room: it was with great difficulty that I
understood his Greek, and had but little
of my own. He assured me upon his
honour that he was not poisoned, but
died of a bad fever by excessive drink-
ing.'t
Next, I saw Hannibal passing the Alps,
who told me, he had not a drop of vine-
gar in his camp. '‡
A bint from Gulliver that we have lost the
true Greek idiom.-Orrery.
In this passage there is a peculiar beauty,
though it is not discovered at a hasty view. The
appearance of Alexander with a victorious army
immediately after the battle of Arbela, produces
only a declaration that he died by drunkenness ;-
thus inadequate and ridiculous in the eye of rea-
son is the ultimate purpose for which Alexander
with his army marched into a remote country,
subverted a mighty empire, and deluged a nation
with blood: he gained no more than an epithet to
his name, which, after a few repetitions, was no
longer regarded even by himself. Thus the pur-
pose of his resurrection appears to be at least
equally important with that of his life, upon
which it is a satire not more bitter than just.-H.
Livy, the Roman historian, has related, that
62
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
I saw Cæsar and Pompey at the head of
their troops, just ready to engage. I saw
the former, in his last great triumph. I
desired that the senate of Rome might ap-
pear before me, in one large chamber, and
a modern representative in counterview,
in another. The first seemed to be an as-
sembly of heroes and demi-gods; the other,
a knot of pedlars, pickpockets, highway-
men, and bullies.
The governor, at my request, gave the
sign for Cæsar and Brutus to advance to-
wards us. I was struck with a profound
veneration at the sight of Brutus, and
could casily discover the most consummate
virtue, the greatest intrepidity and firm-
ness of mind, the truest love of his coun-
try, and general benevolence of mankind,
in every lincament of his countenance. I
observed, with much pleasure, that these
two persons were in good intelligence with
each other; and Cæsar freely confessed to
me, 'that the greatest actions of his own
life were not equal, by many degrees, to
the glory of taking it away.' I had the
honour to have much conversation with
Brutus; and was told, that his ancestors
Junius, Socrates, Epaminondas, Cato the
younger, Sir Thomas More, and him.
C
Hannibal burnt a great pile of wood upon a rock
that stopped his passage, and when it was thus
heated poured vinegar upon it, by which it was
made so soft as to be easily cut through.-H.
I am in some doubt whether Caio the censor
can fairly claim a rank among so choice a group
of ghosts.-Orrery. This note of his lordship is
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 63
self, were perpetually together :' a sextum-
virate, to which all the ages of the world
cannot add a seventh.
It would be tedious to trouble the reader
with relating what vast numbers of illus-
tricuc persons were called up, to gratify
that insatiable desire I had to see the
world in every period of antiquity placed
before me. I chiefly fed mine eyes with
beholding the destroyers of tyrants and
usurpers, and the restorers of liberty to op-
pressed and injured nations. But it is im.
possible to express the satisfaction I re
ceived in my own mind, after such a man-
ner, as to make it a suitable entertainment
to the reader.
CHAPTER VIII.
A further Account of Glubbdubdrıb. An
cient and modern history corrected. ·
HAVING a desire to see those ancients who
were most renowned for wit and learning,
I set apart one day on purpose. I pro-
posed that Homer and Aristotle might ap-
pear at the head of all their commenta-
tors; but these were so numerous, that
some hundreds were forced to attend in
an encomium on the judgment of our author, who
knew that Cato the censor and Cato the younger
were very different persons, and for good reason
preferred the latter.~ II.
64
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
1
the court, and outward rooms of the pa-
lace. I knew, and could distinguish those
two heroes, at first sight, not only from the
crowd, but from each other. Homer was
the taller and comelier person of the two,
walked very erect for one of his age, and
his eyes were the most quick and piercing
I ever beheld. Aristotle stooped much,
and made use of a staff His visage was
meagre, his hair lank and thin, and his
voice hollow.* I soon discovered that both
of them were perfect strangers to the rest
of the company, and had never seen or
heard of them before; and I had a whisper
from a ghost who shall be nameless, that
these commentators always kept in the
most distant quarters from their principals,
in the lower world, through a conciousness
of shame and guilt, because they had so
horribly misrepresented the meaning of
those authors to posterity. I introduced
Didymus and Eustathius to Homer, and
prevailed on him to treat them better than
perhaps they deserved, for he soon found
they wanted a genius to enter into the spirit
of a poet. But Aristotle was out of all pa-
* This description of Aristotle is fine, and, în a
few words, represents the true nature of his works.
By not having the immortal spirit of Homer, he was
unable to keep his body ercct'; and his staff, which
feebly supported him, like his commucntators, made
this defect more conspicuous. He wanted not some
useful qualities, but these real ornaments, like his
hair, were thin and ungraceful.—Orrery. In this
the noble commentator seems to be mistaken, for it
cannot be believed that Aristotle's real ornaments,
however few, were ungraceful.—H.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 65
tience with the account I gave him of
Scotus and Ramus, as I presented them to
him; and he asked them, whether the
rest of the tribe were as great dunces as
themselves?'
I then desired the governor to call up
Descartes and Gassendi, with whom I pre-
railed to explain their systems to Aristotle.
This great philosopher freely acknowledged
his own mistakes in natural philosophy,
because he proceeded in many things upon
conjecture, as all men must do; and he
found, that Gassendi, who had made the
doctrine of Epicurus as palatable as he
could, and the vortices of Descartes, were
equally to be exploded. He predicted the
same fate to attraction, whereof the pres-
ent learned are such zealous asserters. He
said, that new systems of nature were
but new fashions, which would vary in
every age; and even those, who pretend to
demonstrate them from mathematical prin-
ciples, would flourish but a short period of
time, and be out of vogue when that was
determined.'
<
I spent five days in conversing with
many others of the ancient learned. I
saw most of the first Roman emperors. I
prevailed on the governor to call up Helio-
gabalus's cooks to dress us a dinner, but
they could not show us much of their skill,
for want of materials. A helot of Agesi-
laus made us a dish of Spartan broth, but
I was not able to get down a second spoon-
ful.
The two gentlemen, who conducted me
VOL. II.
E
66
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
to the island, were pressed by their private
affairs to return in three days, which I
employed in seeing some of the modern
dead, who had made the greatest figure,
for two or three hundred years past, in our
own and other countries of Europe; and
having been always a great admirer of old
illustrious families, I desired the governor
would call up a dozen or two of kings,
with their ancestors in order for eight or
nine generations. But my disappointment
was grievous and unexpected. For, in-
stead of a long train with royal diadems, I
saw in one family two fiddlers, three spruce
courtiers, and an Italian prelate. In an-
other, a barber, an abbot, and two cardi-
nals. I have too great a veneration for
crowned heads, to dwell any longer on so
nice a subject. But as to counts, marquis-
ses, dukes, carls, and the like, I was not
so scrupulous. And I confess, it was not
without some pleasure, that I found myself
able to trace the particular features, by
which certain families are distinguished,
up to their originals. I could plainly dis-
cover whence one family derives a long
chin; why a second has abounded with
knaves for two generations, and fools for
two more; why a third happened to be
crack-brained, and a fourth to be sharpers;
whence it came, what Polydore Virgil
says of a certain great house, Nec vir for-
tis, nec fœmina casta; how cruelty, false-
hood, and cowardice, grew to be character-
istics, by which certain families are distin-
guished as much as by their coats of arms;
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 67
who first brought the pox into a noble
house, which has lineally decended in scro-
fulous tumours to their posterity. Neither
could I wonder at all this, when I saw
such an interruption of lineages, by pages,
lackeys, valets, coachmen, gamesters, fid-
dlers, players, captains, and pickpockets.
I was chiefly disgusted with modern his-
tory. For having strictly examined all
the persons of greatest name in the courts
of princes, for a hundred years past, I
found how the world had been misled by
prostitute writers, to ascribe the greatest
exploits in war, to cowards; the wisest
counsel, to fools; sincerity, to flatterers;
Roman virtue, to betrayers of their coun-
try; piety, to atheists; chastity, to sod-
omnites; truth, to informers: how many
innocent and excellent persons had been
condemned to death or banishment, by the
practising of great ministers upon the cor-
ruption of judges, and the malice of fac-
tions: how many villains had been exalt-
ed to the highest places of trust, power,
dignity, and profit: how great a share in
the motions and events of courts, councils,
and senates, might be challenged by bawds,
whores, pimps, parasites, and buffoons.
How low an opinion I had of human wis-
dom and integrity, when I was truly infor-
med of the springs and motives of great
enterprises and revolutions in the world,
and of the contemptible accidents to which
they owed their success !
Here I discovered the roguery and ig-
norance of those who pretend to write an-


E 2
69
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ccdotes, or secret history; who send so
many kings to their graves with a cup of
poison; will repeat the discourse between
a prince and chief minister, where no wit-
ness was by; unlock the thoughts and cab-
inets of ambassadors and secretaries of
state; and have the perpetual misfortune
to be mistaken. Here I discovered the
true causes of many great events that
have surprised the world; how a whore
can govern the back-stairs, the back-stairs
a council, and the council a senate.
general confessed, m my presence, *that
he got a victory purely by the force of cow-
ardice and ill conduct,' and an admiral,
<
A
that, for want of proper intelligence, he
beat the enemy, to whom he intended to
betray the Acet.' Three kings protested
to me, that in their whole reigns they
never did once prefer any person of merit,
unless by mistake, or treachery of some
minister in whom they confided: neither
would they do it if they were to live
again' and they showed, with great
strength of reason, 'that the royal throne
could not be supported without corruption,
because that positive, confident, restiff
temper, which virtue infused into a man,
was a perpetual clog to public business.'
I had the curiosity to inquire in a parti-
cular manner, by what methods great
· numbers had procured to themselves high
titles of honour, and prodigious estates;
and I confined my inquiry to a very mo-
dern period: however, without grating
upon present times, because I would be
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 69
sure to give no offence even to foreigners;
for I hope the reader need not be told,
that I do not in the least intend my own
country, in what I say upon this occasion.
A great number of persons concerned
were called up; and, upon a very slight
examination, discovered such a scene of in-
famy, that I cannot reflect upon it with-
out some seriousness. Perjury, oppression,
subornation, fraud, pandarism, and the
like infirmities, were among the most ex-
cusable arts they had to mention; and for
these I gave, as it was reasonable, great
allowance. But when some confessed
they owed their greatness and wealth to
sodomy, or incest; others, to the prosti-
tuting of their own wives and daughters;
others, to the betraying of their country
or their prince; some, to poisoning;
more to the perverting of justice, in order
to destroy the innocent: I hope I may be
pardoned, if these discoveries inclined me
a little to abate of that profound venera-
tion, which i am naturally apt to pay to
persons of high rank, who ought to be
treated with the utmost respect due to
their sublime dignity, by us their inferi-
ors.
I had often read of some great services
done to princes and states, and desired to
see the persons by whom those services
were performed. Upon inquiry I was told,
'that their names were to be found on no
record, except a few of them, whom his-
tory has represented as the vilest of rogues
and traitors. As to the rest, 1 had never
E 3
70
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
<
once heard of them. They all appeared
with dejected looks, and in the meanest
habit; most of them telling me, they died
in poverty and disgrace, and the rest on a
scaffold or a gibbet.'
Among others, there was one person,
whose case appeared a little singular. He
had a youth about eighteen years old stand-
ing by his side. He told me he had for
many years been commander of a ship;
and in the sea-fight at Actium had the
good fortune to break through the enemy's
great line of battle, sink three of their
capital ships, and take a fourth, which was
the sole cause of Antony's fight, and of
the victory that ensued; that the youth
standing by him, his only son, was killed
in the action.' He added, "that upon the
confidence of some merit, the war being
at an end, he went to Rome, and solicited
at the court of Augustus to be preferred to
a greater ship, whose commander had
been killed; but, without any regard to his
pretensions, it was given to a boy who had
never seen the sea, the son of Libertina,
who waited on one of the emperor's mis-
tresses. Returning back to his own vessel,
he was charged with neglect of duty, and
the ship given to a favourite page of Pub-
licola, the vice-admiral; whereupon he
retired to a poor farm at a great distance
from Rome, and there ended his life.' I
was so curious to know the truth of this
story, that I desired Agrippa might be call-
ed, who was admiral in that fight. He
appeared, and confirmed the whole ac-
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 71
count; but with much more advantage to
the captain, whose modesty had extenuated
or concealed a great part of his merit.
I was surprised to find corruption grown
so high and so quick in that empire, by
the force of luxury so lately introduced;
which made me less wonder at many par-
allel cases in other countries, where vices
of all kinds have reigned so much longer,
and where the whole praise, as well as pil-
lage, has been engrossed by the chief com-
mander, who perhaps had the least title to
either.
As every person called up made exactly
the same appearance he had done in the
world, it gave me melancholy reflections to
observe, how much the race of human kind
was degenerated among us, within these
hundred years past; how the pox, under
all its consequences and denominations,
had altered every lineament of an English
countenance; shortened the size of bodies,
unbraced the nerves, relaxed the sinews
and muscles, introduced a sallow complex-
ion, and rendered the flesh loose and ran-
cid.
I descended so low, as to desire some
English yeomen of the old stamp might be
summoned to appear; once so famous for
the simplicity of their manners, diet, and
dress; for justice in their dealings; for
their true spirit of liberty; for their valour,
and love of their country. Neither could
I be wholly unmoved, after comparing the
living with the dead, when I considered
how all these pure native virtues were pros-
E 1
72
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
tituted for a piece of money by their grand-
children; who, in selling their votes and
managing at elections, have acquired every
vice and corruption that can possibly be
learned in a court.
CHAPTER IX.
Sails to
The Author
The
The Author returns to Maldonada.
the kingdom of Luggnagg.
confined. He is sent for to court.
manner of his admittance. The King's
great lenity to his subjects.
THE day of our departure being come, I
took leave of his highness, the governor of
Glubbdubdrib, and returned with my two
companions to Maldonada, where, after a
fortnight's waiting, a ship was ready to sail
for Luggnagg. The two gentlemen, and
some others, were so generous and kind
as to furnish me with provisions, and sec
me on board. I was a month in this voy-
age. We had one violent storm, and were
under a necessity of steering westward to
get into the trade-wind, which holds for
above sixty leagues. On the 21st of April,
1708, we sailed into the river of Clumegnig,
which is a sea-port town, at the south east
point of Luggnagg. We cast anchor with-
in a league of the town, and made a signal
for a pilot. Two of them came on board
in less than half an hour, by whom we
were guided between certain shoals and
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 73
rocks, which are very dangerous in the
passage, to a large basin, where a fleet may
ride in safety within a cable's length of the
town-wall.
Some of our sailors, whether out of
treachery or inadvertence, had informed
the pilots that I was a stranger, and a
great travelier;' whereof these gave notice
to a custom-house officer, by whom I was
examined very strictly upon my landing.
This officer spoke to me in the language of
Balnıbarbi, which, by the force of much
commerce, is generally understood in that
town, especially by scamen and those em-
ployed in the customs. I gave him a short
account of some particulars, and made my
story as plausible and consistent as I could;
but I thought it necessary to disguise my
country, and call myself a Hollander; be-
cause my intentions were for Japan, and I
knew the Dutch were the only Europeans
permitted to enter into that kingdom. I
therefore told the officer, that having
been shipwrecked on the coast of Balnibar-
bi, and cast on a rock, I was received up
into Laputa, or the flying island (of which
he had often heard), and was now endeav-
ouring to get to Japan, whence I might
find a convenience of returning to my own
country. The officer said, I must be
confined till he could receive orders from
court, for which he would write imme-
diately, and hoped to receive an answer in
a fortnight.' I was carried to a convenient
lodging with a centry placed at the door;
however, I had the liberty of a large
74
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
garden, and was treated with humanity
enough, being maintamed all the time at
the king's charge. I was invited by several
persons, chiefly out of curiosity, because it
was reported that I came from countries
very remote of which they had never
heard,
I hired a young man, who came in the
same ship, to be an interpreter; he was a
native of Luggnagg, but had lived some
years at Maldonada, and was a perfect mas-
ter of both languages. By his assistance,
I was able to hold a conversation with
those who came to visit me; but this con-
sisted only of their questions, and my an-
swers.
The despatch came from court about the
time we expected. It contained a warrant
for conducting me and my retinue to Tral-
dragdubh, or Trildrogdrih (for it is pro-
nounced both ways as near as I can re-
member), by a party of ten horse.
All my
retinue was that poor lad for an interpreter,
whom I persuaded into my service, and,
at my humble request, we had cach of us a
mule to ride on. A messenger was despatch-
ed half a day's journey before us, to give
the king notice of my approach; and to
desire, that his majesty would please to
appoint a day and hour, when it would be
his gracious pleasure that I might have the
honour to lick the dust before his footstool.'
This is the court style, and I found it to
be more than matter of form: for, upon
my admittance two days after my arrival,
I was commanded to crawl upon iny belly,
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 15
and lick the floor as I advanced; but, on
account of my being a stranger, care was
taken to have it made so clean, that the
dust was not offensive. However, this was
a peculiar grace, not allowed to any but
persons of the highest rank, when they de-
sire an admittance. Nay, sometimes the
floor is strewed with dust on purpose, when
the person to be admitted happens to have
powerful enemies at court; and I have seen
a great lord with his mouth so crammed,
that when he had crept to the proper dis-
tance from the throne, he was not able to
speak a word. Neither is there any rem-
edy; because it is capital for those, who
receive an audience to spit or wipe their
mouths in his majesty's presence. There
is indeed another custom, which I cannot
altogether approve of: when the king has
a mind to put any of his nobles to death in
a gentle indulgent manner, he commands
the floor to be strewed with a certain brown
powder of a deadly composition, which,
being licked up, infallibly kills him in twen-
ty-four hours. But in justice to this
prince's great clemency, and the care he
has of his subjects' lives (wherein it were
much to be wished that the monarchs of
Europe would imitate him), it must be
mentioned for his honour, that strict or-
ders are given to have the infected parts of
the floor well washed after every such exe-
cution, which, if his domestics_neglect,
they are in danger of incurring his royal
displeasure. I myself heard him give di-
rections, that one of his pages should be
76
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
whipped, whose turn it was to give notice
about washing the floor after an execution,
but maliciously had omitted it; by which
neglect a young lord of great hopes, com-
ing to an audience, was unfortunately
poisoned, although the king at that time
had no design against his life. But this
good prince was so gracious as to forgive
the poor page his whipping, upon promise
that he would do so no more, without
special orders.
To return from this digression, when I
had crept within four yards of the throne,
I raised myself gently upon my knees, and
then striking my forehead seven times
against the ground, I pronounced the fol-
lowing words, as they had been taught me
the night before, Inckpling gloffthrobb squut
serumm blhiop mlashnalt zivin tnodbalkuff
hsthiophad gurdlubh asht. This is the com-
pliment, established by the laws of the land,
for all persons admitted to the king's pre-
sence. It may be rendered into English
thus: May your celestial majesty outlive
the sun, eleven moons and a half!'
C
To
this the king returned some answer, which,
although I could not understand, yet I re-
plied as I had been directed: Flute drin
yalerick dwuldom prastrad mirpush, which
properly signifies, My tongue is in the
mouth of my friend;' and by this expres-
sion was meant, that I desired leave to
bring my interpreter; whereupon the
young man, already mentioned, was accor-
dingly introduced; by whose intervention
I answered as many questions as his ma-
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 77
jesty could put in above an hour. I spoke
in the Balnibarbian tongue, and my inter-
preter delivered my meaning in that of
Luggnagg
The king was much delighted with my
company, and ordered his bliffmarklub, or
high-chamberlain, to appoint a lodging in
the court for me and my interpreter; with
a daily allowance for my table, and a large
purse of gold for my common expenses.
I staid three months in this country, out
of perfect obedience to his majesty; who
was pleased highly to favour me, and made
me very honourable offers. But I thought
it more consistent with prudence and jus-
tice to pass the remainder of my days with
my wife and family.

CHAPTER X

The Luggnaggians commended. A parti-
cular description of the Struldbrugs,
with many conversations between the Äu-
thor and some eminent persons upon that
subject.
THE Luggnaggians are a polite and gene-
rous people; and although they are not
without some share of that pride which is
peculiar to all Eastern countries, yet they
show themselves courteous to strangers, es-
pecially such who are countenanced by the
court. I bad many acquaintance, and
among persons of the best fashion; and
78
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
being always attended by my interpreter,
the conversation we had was not disagree-
able.
One day, in much good company, I was
asked by a person of quality, whether I
had seen any of their struldbrugs, or im-
mortals ?' I said, 'I had not;' and desired
he would explain to me what he meant
by such an appellation, applied to a mortal
creature. He told me that sometimes,
though very rarely, a child happened to be
born in a family, with a red circular spot
in the forehead, directly over the left eye-
brow, which was an infallible mark that it
should never die.' The spot, as he des-
cribed it, was about the compass of a sil
ver three pence, but in the course of time
grew larger, and changed its colour; for
at twelve years old it became green, so
continued till five and twenty, then turned
to a deep blue: at five and forty it grew
coal black, and as large as an English shil-
ling; but never admitted any further al-
teration.' He said, 'these births were so
rare, that he did not believe there could
be above eleven hundred struldbrugs, of
both sexes, in the whole kingdom; of
which he computed about fifty in the me-
tropolis, and among the rest, a young girl
born about three years ago: that these
productions were not peculiar to any fami-
ly, but a mere effect of chance; and the
children of the struldbrugs themselves were
equally mortal with the rest of the people.'
I freely own myself to have been struck
with inexpressible delight, upon hearing

A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 79
this account: and the person who gave it
me happening to understand the Balnibar-
bian language, which I spoke very well, I
could not forbear breaking out into expres
sions, perhaps a little too extravagant. I
cried out, as in a rapture, Happy nation,
where every child has at least a chance for
being immortal! Happy people, who en-
joy so many living examples of ancient
virtue, and have masters ready to instruct
them in the wisdom of all former ages!
but happiest, beyond all comparison, are
those excellent struldbrugs, who, being born
exempt from that universal calamity of
human nature, have their minds free and
disengaged, without the weight and depres-
sion of spirits caused by the continual
apprehensions of death.` ´I discovered my
admiration, that I had not observed any of
these illustrious persons at court; the
black spot on the forehead being so re-
markable a distinction, that I could not
have easily overlooked it and it was im-
possible that his majesty, a most judicious
prince, should not provide himself with a
good number of such wise and able coun-
sellors. Yet perhaps the virtue of those
reverend sages was too strict for the corrupt
and libertine manners of a court: and we
often find by experience, that young men
are too opinionated and volatile, to be
guided by the sober dictates of their se-
niors. However, since the king
king was
pleased to allow me access to his royal per-
son, I was resolved, upon the very first
occasion, to deliver my opinion to him on
80 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
this matter freely and at large, by the help
of my interpreter; and whether he would
please to take my advice or not, yet in one
thing I was determined, that his majesty
having frequently offered me an establish-
ment in this country, I would, with great
thankfulness, accept the favour, and pass
my life here in the conversation of those
superior beings the struldbrugs, if they
would please to admit me.'
6
The gentleman to whom I addressed my
discourse, because (as I have already ob
served) he spoke the language of Balni-
barbi, said to me, with a sort of a smile
which usually arises from pity to the igno-
rant, that he was glad of any occasion to
keep me among them, and desired my
permission to explain to the company what
I had spoke.' He did so, and they talked
together for some time in their own lan-
guage, whereof I understood not a syllable,
neither could I observe by their counte-
nances, what impression my discourse had
made on them. After a short silence, the
same person told me,' that his friends and
mine (so he thought fit to express himself)
were very much pleased with the judicious
remarks I had made on the great happiness
and advantages of immortal life, and they
were desirous to know, in a particular
manner, what scheme of having I should
have formed to myself, if it had fallen to
my lot to have been born a struldbrug.'
I answered, it was easy to be cloquent
on so copious and delightful a subject, es-
pecially to me, who had been often apt to

A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 81
amuse myself with visions of what I should
do, if I were a king, a general, or a great
lord: and upon this very case, I had fre-
quently run over the whole system how I
should employ myself, and pass the time,
if I were sure to live for ever.
C
That, if it had been my good fortune to
come into the world a struldbrug, as soon
as I could discover my own happiness, by
understanding the difference between life
and death, I would first resolve, by all arts
and methods whatsoever, to procure my-
self riches in the pursuit of which, by
thrift and management, I might reasonably
expect, in about two hundred years, to be
the wealthiest man in the kingdom. In
the second place, I would, from my earliest
youth, apply myself to the study of arts
and sciences, by which I should arrive in
time to excel all others in learning. Lastly,
I would carefully record every action and
event of consequence, that happened in the
public, impartially draw the characters of
the several successions of princes and great
ministers of state, with my own observa-
tions on every point. I would exactly set
down the several changes in customs, lan-
guage, fashions of dress, diet, and diver-
sions; by all which acquirements, I should
be a living treasure of knowledge and wis-
dom, and certainly become the oracle of
the nation.
"I would never marry after threescore,
but live in a hospitable manner, yet still on
the saving side. I would entertain myself
in forming and directing the minds of hope-
VOL. II.


F
82
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ful young men, by convincing them, from
my own remembrance, experience, and
observation, fortified by numerous ex.
amples, of the usefulness of virtue in pub-
lic and privato life. But my choice and
constant companions should be a set of my
own immortal brotherhood; among whom,
I would elect a dozen from the most an-
cient, down to my own contemporaries.
Where any of these wanted fortunes, I
would provide them with convenient lodges
round my own estate, and have some of.
them always at my table; only mingling a
few of the most valuable among you mor-
tals, whom length of time would harden
me to lose with little or no reluctance, and
treat your posterity after the same man-
ner; just as a man diverts himself with
the annual succession of pinks and tulips
in his garden, without regretting the loss
of those which withered the preceding
year.
'These struldbrugs and I would mutually
communicate our observations and me-
morials, through the course of time; re-
mark the several gradations by which cor-
ruption steals into the world, and oppose it
in every step, by giving perpetual warning
and instruction to mankind; which, added
to the strong influence of our own example,
would probably prevent that continual de-
generacy of human nature, so justly com-
plained of in all ages.
Add to this, the pleasure of seeing the
various revolutions of states and empires;
the changes in the lower and upper world;
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 63
ancient cities in ruins, and obscure villages
become the seats of kings; famous rivers
lessening into shallow brooks; the ocean
leaving one coast dry, and overwhelming
another; the discovery of many countries
yet unknown; barbarity overrunning the
politest nations, and the most barbarous
become civilised. I should then see the
discovery of the longitude, the perpetual
motion, the universal medicine, and many
other great inventions, brought to the ut-
most perfection.
'What wonderful discoveries should we
make in astronomy, by outliving and con-
firming our own predictions; by observing
the progress and returns of comets, with
the changes of motion in the sun, moon,
and stars!'
I enlarged upon many other topics,
which the natural desire of endless life,
and sublunary happiness, could easily fur-
nish me with. When I had ended, and
the sum of my discourse had been inter-
preted, as before, to the rest of the com-
pany, there was a good deal of talk among
them in the language of the country, not
without some laughter at my expense.
At last, the same gentleman who had been
my interpreter, said, 'he was desired by
the rest to set me right in a few mistakes,
which I had fallen into through the com-
mon unbecility of human nature, and up-
on that allowance was less answerable for
them. That this breed of struldbrugs was
peculiar to their country, for there were
no such people either in Balnibarbi or Ja-
F 2
91
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
pan, where he had the honour to be am-
bassador from his majesty, and found the
natives in both those kingdoms very hard
to believe that the fact was possible: and
it appeared from my astonishment when
he first mentioned the matter to ine, that
I received it as a thing wholly new, and
scarcely to be credited. That in the two
kingdoms above-mentioned, where during
his residence he had conversed very much,
he observed long life to be the universal
desire and wish of mankind. That who-*
ever had one foot in the grave was sure to
hold back the other as strongly as he
could. That the oldest had still hopes of
living one day longer, and looked on death
as the greatest evil, from which nature al-
ways prompted him to retreat. Only in
this island of Luggnagg the appetite for
living was not so eager, from the continual
cxample of the struldbrugs before their
eyes.
'That the system of living contrived by
me, was unreasonable and unjust; because
it supposed a perpetuity of youth, health,
and vigour, which no man could be so
foolish to hope, however extravagant he
may be in his wishes. That the question
therefore was not, whether a man would
To this it may possibly be objected, that the
perpetuity of youth, health, and vigour, would be
less a prodigy than the perpetuity of life in a body
subject to gradual decay, and might therefore be
hoped without greater extravagance of folly; but
the sentiment here expressed is that of a being to
whom immortality though not perpetual youth was
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 85
choose to be always in the prime of youth
attended with prosperity and health; but
how he would pass a perpetual life, under
all the usual disadvantages which old age
brings along with it; for although few
men will avow their desires of being im-
mortal, upon such hard conditions, yet in
the two kingdoms before mentioned, of
Balnıbarbi and Japan, he observed that
every man desired to put off death some
time longer, let it approach ever so late :
and he rarely heard of any man who died
willingly, except he were incited by the
extremity of grief or torture.
And he ap-
pealed to me, whether in those countries
I had travelled, as well as my own, I had
not observed the same general disposi-
tion.'*
familiar, and in whom the wish of perpetual youth
only would have been extravagant, because that
only appeared from facts to be impossible.-H.
If it be said, that although the folly of desiring
life to be prolonged under the disadvantages of old
age, is here finely cxpoud, yet the deare of terres-
trial immortality, upon terms on which alone in
the nature of things it is possible, an exemption
from disease, accident, and decay, is tacitly al-
lowed. It may be answered, that as we grow old
by imperceptible degrees, so for the most part we
grow old without repining; and every man is ready
to profess himself willing to die, when he shall be
overtaken by the decrepitude of age in some futurc
period: yet when every other eye sees that this pe-
riod is arrived, he is still tenacious of life, and mur-
murs at the condition upon which he received his
existence. To reconcile old age therefore to the
thoughts of a dissolution, appears to be all that
was necessary in a moral winter for practical
purposes.-H.
F 3
86
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
After this preface, he gave me a parti-
cular account of the struldbrugs among
them. He said, 'they commonly acted
like mortals till about thirty years old;
after which, by degrees, they grew melan-
choly and dejected, increasing in both till
they came to fourscore. This he learned
from their own confession: for otherwise,
there not being above two or three of that
species born in an age, they were too few
to form a general observation by. When
they came to fourscore years, which is
reckoned the extremity of living in this
country, they had not only all the follies
and infirmitics of other old men, but many
more which arose from the dreadful pros-
pect of never dying. They were not only
opinionative, peevish, covetous, morose,
vain, talkative; but incapable of friend-
ship, and dead to all natural affection,
which never descended below their grand-
children. Envy, and impotent desires, are
their prevailing passions. But those ob.
jects against which their envy seems prin-
cipally directed, are the vices of the young-
er sort and the deaths of the old. By re-
flecting on the former, they find themselves
cut off from all possibility of pleasure; and
whenever they see a funeral, they lament
and repine that others have gone to a har
bour of rest, to which they themselves nc-
ver can hope to arrive. They have no re-
membrance of any thing but what they
learned and observed in their youth and
middle-age, and even that is very imper-
fect; and for the truth or particulars of
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 87
any fact, it is safer to depend on common
tradition, than upon their best recollec-
tions. The least miserable among them,
appear to be those who turn to dotage, and
entirely lose their memories; these meet
with more pity and assistance, because
they want many bad qualities which
abound in others.
'If a struldbrug happen to marry one of
his own kind, the marriage is dissolved of
course, by the courtesy of the kingdom, as
soon as the younger of the two comes to be
fourscore; for the law thinks it a reason-
able indulgence, that those who are con-
demned, without any fault of their own, to
a perpetual continuance in the world,
should not have their misery doubled by
the load of a wife.
As soon as they have completed the
term of eighty years, they are looked on as
dead in low; their heirs immediately suc-
ceed to their estates; only a small pittance
is reserved for their support; and the poor
ones are maintained at the public charge.
After that period, they are held incapable
of any employment of trust or profit; they
cannot purchase lands, or take leases;
neither are they allowed to be witnesses in
any cause, either civil or criminal, not
even for the decison of meers and bounds.
At ninety, they lose their teeth and
hair; they have at that age no distinction
of taste, but eat and drink whatever they
can get, without relish or appetite. The
diseases they were subject to still continue,
without increasing or diminishing. In
F4
$9
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
talking, they forget the common appella-
tion of things, and the names of persons,
even of those who are their nearest friends
and relations. For the same reason, they
never can amuse themselves with reading,
because their memory will not serve to
carry them from the beginning of a sen-
tence to the end; and by this defect, they
are deprived of the only entertainment,
whereof they might otherwise be capable.

C
The language of this country being el-
ways upon the flux, the struldbrugs of one
age do not understand those of another;
neither are they able, after two hundred
years, to hold any conversation (farther
than by a few general words) with their
neighbours the mortals; and thus they lie
under the disadvantage of living like
foreigners in their own country.'
<
This was the account given me of the
struldbrugs, as near as I can remember.
I afterwards saw five or six of different
ages, the youngest not above two hundred
years old, who were brought to me at seve-
ral times by some of my friends; but al-
though they were told, that I was a great
traveller, and had seen all the world,' they
had not the least curiosity to ask me a
question; only desired 'I would give them
slumskudask, or a token of remembrance;
which is a modest way of begging, to avoid
the law, that strictly forbids it, because
they are provided for by the public, al-
though indeed with a very scanty allow-
ance.
They are despised and hated by all sorts
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 89
of people. When one of them is born, it
is reckoned ominous, and their birth is re-
corded very particularly so that you may
know their age by consulting the register,
which, however, has not been kept above
a thousand years past, or at least has been
destroyed by time or public disturbances.
But the usual way of computing how old
they are, is by asking them what kings or
great persons they can remember, and then
consulting history; for infallibly the last
prince in their mind did not begin his
reign after they were fourscore years old.
They were the most mortifying sight I
ever beheld; and the women more horrible
than the men. Besides the usual deform-
ities in extreme old age, they acquired an
additional ghastliness, in proportion to
their number of years, which is not to be
described; and among half a dozen, I soon
distinguished which was the eldest, al-
though there was not above a century or
two between them.
The reader will easily believe, that from
what I had heard and seen, my keen appetite
for perpetuity of life was much abated.
I grew heartily ashamed of the pleasing
visions I had formed; and thought no
tyrant could invent a death, in which I
would not run with pleasure, from such a
life. The king heard of all that had pass-
ed between me and my friends upon this
occasion, and rallied me very pleasantly,
wishing I could send a couple of struld-
brugs to my own country, to arm our
90
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
people against the fear of death; but
this, it seems, is forbidden by the funda.
mental laws of the kingdom, or else I
should have been well content with the
trouble and expense of transporting them.
I could not but agree, that the laws of this
kingdom relative to the struldbrugs were
founded upon the strongest reasons, and
such as any other country would be under
the necessity of enacting, in the like cir-
cumstances. Otherwise, as avarice is the
necessary consequent of old age, those im.
mortals would in time become proprietors
of the whole nation, and engross the civil
power, which, for want of abilities to
manage, must end in the ruin of the pub.
lic.
CHAPTER XI.
The Author leaves Luggnagg, and sails to
Japan. From thence he returns in a Dutch
ship to Amsterdam, and from Amsterdam
to England.
I THOUGHT this account of the struldbrugs
might be some entertainment to the reader,
because it seems to be a little out of the
Perhaps it may not be wholly useless to re-
mark, that the sight of a struldbrug would no
otherwise arm those against the fear of death, who
have no hope beyond it, than a man is armed
against the fear of breaking his limbs, who jumps
out of a window when his house is on fire.-H.
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 91
common way; at least I do not remember
to bave met the like in any book of travels
that has come to my hands: and if I am
deceived, my excuse must be, that it is ne-
cessary for travellers who describe the same
country, very often to agree in dwelling on
the same particulars, without deserving
the censure of having borrowed or tran-
scribed from those who wrote before
them.
There is indeed a perpetual coinmerce
between this kingdom and the great empire
of Japan and it is very probable, that the
Japanese authors may have given some ac-
count or the struldbrugs; but my stay in
Japan was so short, and I was so entirely a
stranger to the language, that I was not
qualified to make any mnquiries. But I
hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be
curious and able enough to supply my de-
fects.
His majesty having often pressed me to
accept some employment in his court, and
finding me absolutely determined to returu
to my native country, was pleased to give
me his license to depart; and honoured me
with a letter of recommendation, under
his own hand, to the emperor of Japan.
He likewise presented me with four hun-
dred and forty-four large pieces of gold
(this nation delighting in even numbers),
and a red diamond, which I sold in Eng-
land for eleven hundred pounds.
On the 6th of May, 1709, I took a solemn
leave of his majesty, and all my friends.
This prince was so gracious as to order a
92
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
guard to conduct me to Glanguenstald,
which is a royal port to the south-west part
of the island. In six days I found a vessel
ready to carry me to Japan, and spent fif
teen days in the voyage. We landed at a
small port-town called Xamoschi, situated
on the south-east part of Japan; the town
lies on the western point, where there is a
narrow strait leading northward into a
long arm of the sea, upon the north-west
part of which, Yedo the metropolis stands.
At landing I showed the custom-house
officers my letter from the king of Lugg-
nagg to his imperial majesty. They knew
the seal perfectly well; it was as broad as
the palm of my hand. The impression was,
A king lifting up a lame beggar from the
carth. The magistrates of the town, hear-
ing of my letter, received me as a public
minister; they provided me with carriages
and servants, and bore my charges to Yedo,
whero I was admitted to an audience, and
delivered my letter, which was opened
with great ceremony, and explained to the
emperor by an interpreter, who then gave
me notice, by his majesty's order, that I
should signify my request, and, whatever
it were, it should be granted, for the sake
of his royal brother of Luggnagg.' This
interpreter was a person employed to trans-
act affairs with the Hollanders: he soon
conjectured, by my countenance, that I
was a European, and therefore repeated
his majesty's commands in Low Dutch,
which he spoke perfectly well. I answered,
as I had before determined, that I was a
C
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 93
Dutch merchant, shipwrecked in a very
remote country, whence I had travelled by
sea and land to Luggnagg, and then took
shipping for Japan; where I knew my
countrymen often traded, and with some
of these I hoped to get an opportunity of
returning into Europe: I therefore most
humbly entreated his royal favour, to give
order that I should be conducted in safety
to Nangasac.' To this 1 added another
petition, that for the sake of my patron
the king of Luggnagg, his majesty would
condescend to excuse my performing the
ceremony imposed on my countrymen, of
trampling upon the crucifix: because I
had been thrown into his kingdom by my
misfortunes, without any intention of trad-
ing.' When this latter petition was inter-
preted to the emperor, he seemed a little
surprised; and said, he believed I was
the first of my countrymen who ever made
any scruple in this point; and that he
began to doubt, whether I was a real Hol-
lander, or not; but rather suspected I
must be a christian. However, for the
reasons I had offered, but chiefly to gratify
the king of Luggnagg by an uncommon
mark of his favour, he would comply
with the singularity of my humour; but
the affair must be managed with dexerity,
and his officers should be commanded to
let me pass, as it were by forgetfulness;
for he assured me, that if the secret
should be discovered by my countrymen
the Dutch, they would cut my throat in
the voyage.' I returned my thanks, by

94
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the interpreter, for so unusual a favour
and some troops being at that time of
their march to Nangasac, the commanding
officer had orders to convey me safe thi
ther, with particular instructions about th
business of the crucifix,
On the 9th day of June, 1709, I arrived
at Nangasac, after a very long and trou
blesome journey. I soon fell into the com
pany of some Dutch sailors belonging t
the Amboyna of Amsterdam, a stout ship
of 450 tons. I had lived long in Holland
pursuing my studies at Leyden, and
spoke Dutch well. The seamen soon kner
whence I came last: they were curiou
to inquire into my voyages and course o
life. 1 made up a story as short and pro
bable as I could, but concealed the greates
part. I knew many persons in Holland
I was able to invent names for my parents
whom I pretended to be obscure people in
the province of Guelderland. Ι πουλ
have given the captain (one Theodoru
Vangrult) what he pleased to ask for m
voyage to Holland; but understanding
was a surgeon, he was contented to tak
half the usual rate, on condition that
would serve him in the way of my calling
Before we took shipping, I was ofte
asked by some of the crew, whether
had performed the ceremony above men
tioned ?' I evaded the question by genera
answers; 'that I had satisfied the empe
ror and court in all particulars.'
ever, a malicious rogue of a skipper wen
to an officer, and pointing to me, tol
<
How
A VOYAGE TO LAPUTA, &c. 95
him, I had not yet trampled on the cru-
cifix; but the other, who had received in-
structions to let me pass, gave the rascal
twenty strokes on the shoulders with a
bamboo; after which I was no more
troubled with such questions.
Nothing happened worth mentioning in
this voyage.
We sailed with a fair wind
to the Cape of Good Hope, where we
staid only to take in fresh water. On the
10th of April, 1710, we arrived safe at
Amsterdam, having lost only three men
by sickness in the voyage, and a fourth,
who fell from the foremast into the sea,
not far from the coast of Guinea.
From Amsterdam I soon after set sail for
England, in a small vessel belonging to
that city.
On the 16th of April we put in at the
Downs. I landed next morning, and saw
once more my native country, after an
absence of five years and six months com-
plete. I went straight to Redriff, where 1
arrived the same day at two in the after-
noon, and found my wife and family in
good health.
A
VOYAGE
TO THE COUNTRY OF
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
PART IV.
CHAPTER I.
The Author sets out as captain of a skip.
His men conspire against him, confine
him a long time to his cabin, and set him
on shore in an unknown land. He travels
up into the country. The Yahoos, a
strange sort of animal, described.
Author meets two Houyhnhnms.
The
I CONTINUED at home with my wife and
children about five months, in a very hap-
py condition, if I could have learned the
lesson of knowing when I was well. I left
my poor wife big with child, and accepted
an advantageous offer made me to be cap-
tain of the Adventure, a stout merchant-
man of 350 tons: for I understood naviga-
tion well, and being grown weary of a
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
97
surgeon's employment at sea, which, how-
ever, I could exercise upon occasion, 1
took a skilful young man of that calling,
one Robert Purefoy, into my ship. We
set sail from Portsmouth, upon the 7th day
of September, 1710; on the 14th we met
with captain Pocock, of Bristol, at Tene.
riffe, who was going to the bay of Cam-
pechy to cut logwood. On the 16th, he
was parted from us by a storm; I heard
since my return, that his ship foundered,
and none escaped but one cabin boy. He
was an honest man, and a good sailor, but
a little too positive in his own opinions,
which was the cause of his destruction, as
it has been with several others; for if he
had followed my advice, he might have
been safe at home with his family at this
time, as well as myself.
I had several men died in my ship of
calentures, so that I was forced to get re-
cruits out of Barbadoes and the Leeward
Islands, where I touched, by the direction
of the merchants who employed me; which
I had soon too much cause to repent; for
I found afterwards, that most of them had
been buccaneers. I had fifty hands on
board; and my orders were, that I should
trade with the Indians in the South-Sea,
and make what discoveries I could. These
rogues, whom I had picked up, debauched
my other men, and they all formed a con-
spiracy to seize the ship, and secure me;
which they did one morning, rushing into
• Certain pirates, that infested the West Indies,
were so called-H.

VOL. II,
G
98
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
my cabin, and binding me hand and foot.
threatening to throw me overboard, if f
offered to stir. I told them, I was their
prisoner, and would submit.' This they
inade me swear to do, and then they un-
bound me, only fastening one of my legs
with a chain, near my bed, and placed a
sentry at my door with his piece charged,
who was commanded to shoot me dead if
I attempted my liberty. They sent me
down victuals and drink, and took the
government of the ship to themselves.
Their design was to turn. pirates and plun-
der the Spaniards, which they could not
do till they got more men. But first they
resolved to sell the goods in the ship, and
then go to Madagascar for recruits, several
among them having died since my confine-
ment. They sailed many weeks, and
traded with the Indians; but I knew not
what course they took, being kept a close
prisoner in my cabin, and expecting no-
thing less than to be murdered, as they of-
ten threatened me.
Upon the 9th day of May, 1711, one
James Welch came down to my cabin, and
said he had orders from the captain to set
me ashore.' I expostulated with him, but
in vain; neither would he so much as tell
me who their new captain was. They
forced me into the long-boat, letting me
put on my best suit of clothes, which were
as good as new, and take a small bundle of
linen, but no arms, except my hanger ;
and they were so civil as not to search my
pockets, into which I conveyed what mo.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
ney I had, with some other little neces-
saries. They rowed about a league, and
then set me down on a strand. I desired
them to tell me what country it was. They
all swore, 'they knew no more than my-
self;' but said, 'that the captain (as they
called him) was resolved, after they had
sold the lading, to get rid of me in the first
place where they could discover land.'
They pushed off immediately, advising me
to make haste for fear of being overtaken
by the tide, and so bade me farewell.
In this desolate condition I advanced
forward, and soon got upon firm ground,
where I sat down on a bank to rest myself,
and consider what I had best do. When Í
was a little refreshed, I went up into the
country, resolving to deliver myself to the
first savages I should meet, and purchase
my life from them by some bracelets, glass
zings, and other toys, which sailors usually
provide themselves with in those voyages,
and whereof I had some about me. The
land was divided by long rows of trees, not
regularly planted, but naturally growing;
there was great plenty of grass, and several
fields of oats. I walked very circumspectly,
for fear of being surprised, or suddenly
shot with an arrow from behind, or on
either side. I fell into a beaten road,
where I saw many tracts of human feet,
and some of cows, but most of horses.
At
last I beheld several animals in a field, and
one or two of the same kind sitting in trees.
Their shape was very singular and de-
formed, which a little discomposed me, so
G2
100
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
that I lay down behind a thicket to observe
them better. Some of them coming for-
ward near the place where I lay, gave me
an opportunity of distinctly marking their
form. Their heads and breasts were co-
vered with a thick hair, some frizled, and
others lank; they had beards like goats,
and a long ridge of hair down their backs,
and the fore parts of their legs and feet;
but the rest of their bodies was bare, so
that I might see their skins, which were of
a brown buff colour. They had no tails,
nor any hair at all on their buttocks, ex-
cept about the anus; which, I presume,
nature had placed there to defend them, as
they sat on the ground; for this posture
they used, as well as lying down, and of
ten stood on their hind feet. They climbed
high trees as nimbly as a squirrel, for they
had strong extended claws before and be-
hind, terminating in sharp points, and
hooked. They would often spring, and
bound, and leap, with prodigious agility.
The females were not so large as the
males; they had long lank hair on their
head, but none on their faces, nor any thing
more than a sort of down on the rest of
their bodies, except about the anus and
pudenda. The dugs hung between their
fore fect, and often reached almost to the
ground as they walked. The hair of both
sexes was of several colours, brown, red,
black, and yellow. Upon the whole, Í
never beheld, in all my travels, so disagree-
able an animal, or one against which I na-
turally conceived so strong an antipathy;
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
101
so that thinking I had seen enough, full of
contempt and aversion, I got up, and pur-
sued the beaten road, hoping it might di-
rect me to the cabin of some Indian. I
had not got far, when I met one of these
creatures full in my way, and coming up
directly to me. The ugly monster, when
he saw me, distorted several ways every
feature of his visage, and stared, as at an
object he had never seen before; then ap-
proaching nearer, lifted up his fore-paw,
whether out of curiosity or mischief I
could not tell; but I drew my hanger, and
gave him a good blow with the flat side of
it, for I durst not strike with the edge,
fearing the inhabitants might be provoked
against me, if they should come to know
that I had killed or maimed any of their
cattle. When the beast felt the smart, he
drew back, and roared so loud, that a herd
of at least forty came flocking about me
from the next field, howling and making
odious faces; but I ran to the body of a
tree, and leaning my back against it, kept
them off by waving my hanger. Several
of this cursed brood, getting hold of the
branches behind, leaped up into the tree,
whence they began to discharge their ex-
crements on my head: however, I escaped
pretty well by sticking close to the stem of
the tree, but was almost stifled with the
filth, which fell about me on every side.
In the midst of this distress, I observed
them all to run away on a sudden as fast
as they could; at which I ventured to
leave the tree and pursue the road, woll-
G3
10%
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
dering what it was that could put them
into this fright. But looking on my left
hand, I saw a horse walking softly in the
field; which my persecutors having soon-
er discovered, was the cause of their fight.
The horse started a little, when he came
near me, but soon recovering himself,
looked full in my face with manifest to-
kens of wonder. He viewed my hands
and feet, walking round me several times.
I would have pursued my journey, but he
placed himself directly in the way, yet
looking with a very mild aspect, never of-
fering the least violence. We stood gazing
at each other for some time; at last I took
the boldness to reach my hand towards his
neck with a design to stroke it, using the
common style and whistle of jockeys, when
they are going to handle a strange horse.
But this animal seemed to receive my
civilities with disdain, shook his head, and
bent his brows, softly raising up his right
fore-foot to remove my hand. Then he
neighed three or four times, but in so dif-
ferent a cadence, that I almost began to
think he was speaking to himself, in some
language of his own.
While he and I were thus employed an-
other horse came up; who applying himself
first in a very formal manner, they gently
struck each other's right hoof before, neigh-
ing several times by turns, and varying the
sound, which seemed to be almost arti-
culate. They went some paces off, as if it
were to confer together, walking side by
side, backward and forward, like persons
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
103
deliberating upon some affair of weight,
but often turning their eyes towards me, as
it were to watch that I might not escape.
I was amazed to sec such actions and be.
haviour in brute beasts; and concluded
with myself, that if the inhabitants of this
country were endued with a proportionable
degree of reason, they must needs be the
wisest people upon earth. This thought
gave me so much comfort, that I resolved
to go forward, until I could discover some
house or village, or meet with any of the
natives, leaving the two horses to discourse
together as they pleased. But the first,
who was a dapple gray, observing me to
steal off, neighed after me in so expressive
a tone, that I fancied myself to understand
what he meant; whereupon I turned back,
and came near to him to expect his farther
commands; but concealing my fear as
much as I could; for I began to be in
some pain how this adventure might ter-
minate; and the reader will casily believe
I did not much like my persent situation.
The two horses came up close to me,
looking with great carnestness upon my
face and hands. The gray steed rubbed
my hat all round with his right fore-hoot,
and discomposed it so much, that I was
forced to adjust it better by taking it off,
and settling it again; whereat, both he
and his companion (who was a brown_bay)
appeared to be much surprised; the latter
felt the lappet of my coat, and finding it to
hang loose about me, they both looked
with new signs of wonder. He stroked my
Ꮐ .
104
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
right hand, seeming to admire the softness
and colour; but he squeezed it so hard
between his hoof and his pastern, that I
was forced to roar; after which they both
touched me with all possible tenderness,
They were under great perplexity about
my shoes and stockings, which they felt
very often, neighing to each other, and
using various gestures, not unlike those of
a philosopher, when he would attempt to
solve some new and difficult phenomenon.
Upon the whole, the behaviour of these
animals was so orderly and rational, so
acute and judicious, that I at last con-
cluded they must needs be magicians, who
had thus metamorphosed themselves upon
some design, and seeing a stranger in the
way, resolved to divert themselves with
him; or, perhaps, were really amazed at
the sight of a man so very different in ha-
bit, feature, and complexion, from those
who might probably live in so remote a
climate. Upon the strength of this reason-
ing, I ventured to address them in the fol-
lowing manner : Gentlemen, if you be
conjurers, as I have good cause to believe,
you can understand my language; there-
fore I make bold to let your worships
know that I am a poor distressed English-
man, driven by his misfortunes upon your
coast; and I entreat one of you to let me
ride upon his back, as if he were a real
horse, to some house or village where I can
be relieved. In return of which favour, I
will make you a present of this knife and
bracelet; taking them out of my pocket.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
105
The two creatures stood silent while I
spoke, seeming to listen with great atten-
tion, and when I had ended, they neighed
frequently towards each other, as if they
were engaged in serious conversation. 1
plainly observed that their language ex-
pressed the passions very well, and the
words might, with little pains, be resolved
into an alphabet more easily than the
Chinese.
I could frequently distinguish the word
Yahoo, which was repeated by each of
them several times: and although it was
impossible for me to conjecture what it
meant, yet while the two horses were busy
in conversation, I endeavoured to practise
this word upon my tongue; and as soon
as they were silent, I boldly pronounced
Yahoo in a loud voice, imitating at the
same time, as near as I could, the neigh.
ing of a horse; at which they were both
Visibly surprised; and the gray repeated
the same word twice, as if he meant to
teach me the right accent; wherein 1 spoke
after him as well as I could, and found
myself perceivably to improve every time,
though very far from any degree of per-
fection. Then the bay tried me with a
second word, much harder to be pronoun-
ced; but reducing it to the English ortho-
graphy, may be spelt thus, Houyhnhnm.
I did not succeed in this so well as in the
former; but after two or three farther
trials, I had better fortune; and they both
appeared amazed at my capacity.
After some further discourse, which I
106 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
then conjectured might relate to me, the
two friends took their leaves, with the
same compliment of striking each other's
hoof; and the gray made inc signs that 1
should walk before him; wherein I thought
it prudent to comply, till I could find a
better director. When I offered to slack-
en my pace, he would cry hhuun khuun :
I guessed his meaning, and gave him to
understand, as well as I could, that I was
weary, and not able to walk faster;' upon
which he would stand awhile to let me
rest.
CHAPTER II.
The Author conducted by a Houyhnhnm to
Lis house. The house described. The Au
thor's reception. The food of the Hony-
hnhnmns. The Author in distress for want
of meat Is at last relieved. His manner
of feeding in this country.
HAVING travelled abont three miles, we
came to a long kind of building, made of
timber stuck in the ground, and wattled
across; the roof was low, and covered
with straw. I now began to be a little
comforted; and took out some toys, which
travellers usually carry for presents to the
savage Indians of America, and other
parts, in hopes the people of the house
would be thereby encouraged to receive
me kindly. The horse made me a sign to
go in first; it was a large room with a
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
107
smooth clay floor, and a rack and manger,
extending the whole length on one side.
There were three nags and two marés, not
eating, but some of them sitting down up-
on their hams, which I very much won-
dered at; but wondered more to see the
rest employed in domestic business; these
seemed but ordinary cattle; however, this
confirmed my first opinion, that a people
who could so far civilise brute animals,
must needs excel in wisdom all the nations
of the world. The gray came in just after,
and thereby prevented any ill treatment
which the others might have given me.
He neighed to them several times in a
style of authority, and received answers.
Beyond this room there were three
others, reaching the length of the house,
to which you passed through three doors,
opposite to cach other, in the manner of a
vista; we went through the second room.
towards the third. Here the gray walked
in first, beckoning me to attend : I waited
in the second room, and got ready my pre-
sents for the master and mistress of the
house; they were two knives, three brace-
lets of false pearls, a small looking-glass,
and a bead necklace. The horse neighed
three or four times, and I waited to hear
some answers in a human voice, but I
heard no other returns than in the same
dialect, only one or two a little shriller
than his. I began to think that this house
must belong to some person of great note
among them, because there appeared so
much ceremony before I could gain ad-
IUS
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
:
mittance. But, that a
But, that a man of quality
should be served all by horses, was beyond
my comprehension; I feared my brain
was disturbed by niy sufferings and mis-
fortunes: I roused myself, and looked
about me in the room where I was left
alone this was furnished like the first,
only after a more elegant manner. I rub.
bed my eyes often, but the same objects
still occurred. I pinched my arms and sides
to awake myself, hoping I might be in a
dream. I then absolutely concluded, that
all these appearances could be nothing else
but necromancy and magic. But I had no
time to pursue these reflections; for the
gray horse came to the door, and made
me a sign to follow him into the third
room where I saw a very comely mare,
together with a colt and foal, sitting on
their haunches upon mats of straw, not un-
artfully made, and perfectly neat and
clean.
The mare soon after my entrance rose
from her mat, and coming up close, after
having nicely observed my hands and face,
gave me a most contemptuous look; and
turning to the horse, I heard the word
Yahoo often repeated betwixt them; the
meaning of which word I could not then
comprehend, although it was the first I
had learned to pronounce; but I was soon
better informed, to my everlasting morti-
fication; for the horse, beckoning to me
with his head, and repeating the hhuun,
khuun, as he did upon the road, which I
understood was to attend him, led me out

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
109
into a kind of court, where was another
building, at some distance from the house.
Here we entered, and I saw three of those
detestable creatures, which I first met
after my landing, feeding upon roots, and
the flesh of some animals, which I after-
wards found to be that of asses and dogs,
and now and then a cow, dead by accident
or disease. They were all tied by the
neck with strong withes fastened to a
beam; they held their food between the
claws of their fore fect, and tore it with
their teeth.
The master horse ordered a sorrel nag,
one of his servants, to untie the largest of
these animals, and take him into the
yard. The beast and I were brought close
together, and by our countenances dili-
gently compared both by master and scr-
vant, who thereupon repcated several
times the word Yahoo. My horror and
astonishment are not to be described, when
I observed in this abominable animal, a
perfect human figure: the face of it in-
deed was flat and broad, the nose depresscal,
the lips large, and the mouth wide; but
these differences are common to all savage
nations, where the lineaments of the coun-
tenance are distorted, by the natives suf
fering their infants to lie grovelling on the
earth, or by carrying them on their backs,
nuzzling with their
their face against the
mothers' shoulders. The fore-feet of the
Yahoo differed from my hands in nothing
else but the length of the nails, the coarse-
ness and brownness of the palms, and the
110
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
hairiness on the backs. There was the
same resemblance between our feet, with
the same differences; which I knew very
well, though the horses did not, because of
my shoes and stockings; the same in every
part of our bodies except as to hairiness
and colour, which I have already described.
The great difficulty that seemed to stick
with the two horses, was to see the rest of
my body so very different from that of a
Yahoo, for which 1 was obliged to my
clothes, wherof they had no conception.
The sorrel nag offered me a root, which he
held (after their manner, as we shall de-
scribe in its proper place) between his hoof
and pastern; I took it in my hand, and,
having smelt it, returned it to him again
as civilly as I could. He brought out of
the Yahoos' kennel a piece of ass's flesh, but
it smelt so offensively that I turned from it
with loathing: he then threw it to the
Yahoo, by whom it was greedily devoured.
He afterwards showed me a wisp of hay,
and a fetlock full of oats; but I shook my
head, to signify that neither of these were
food for me. And indeed I now appre-
hended that I must absolutely starve, if I
did not get to some of my own species; for
as to those filthy Yahoos, although there
were few greater lovers of mankind at that
time than myself, yet I confess I never
saw any sensitive being so detestable on all
accounts; and the more I came near them
the more hateful they grew, while I stay-
ed in that country. This the master horse
observed by my behaviour, and therefore
THE HOUYHNHNMS,
111
sent the Yahoo back to his kennel. He
then put his fore-hoof to his mouth, at
which was much surprised, although he
did it with ease, and with a motion that
appeared perfectly natural; and made
other signs, to know what I would eat;
but I could not return him such an answer
as he was able to apprehend; and if he
had understood me, I did not see how it
was possible to contrive any way for find-
ing myself nourishment. While we were
thus engaged, I observed a cow passing by,
whereupon I pointed to her, and expressed
a desire to go and milk her. This had its
effect; for he led me back into the house,
and ordered a mare-servant to open a
room, where a good store of milk lay in
carthen and wooden vessels, after a very
orderly and cleanly manner. She gave me
a large bowlful, of which I drank very
heartily, and found myself well refreshed.
About noon, I saw coming towards the
house a kind of vehicle drawn like a sledge
by four Yahoos. There was in it an old
steed, who seemed to be of quality; he
alighted with his hind-feet forward, hav-
ing by accident got a hurt in his left forc-
foot. He came to dine with our horse,
who received him with great civility.
They dined in the best room, and had oats
boiled in milk for the second course, which
the old horse eat warm, but the rest cold.
Their mangers were placed circular in the
middle of the room, and divided into seve-
ral partitions, round which they sat on
their haunches, upon bosses of straw.
la
112
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the middle was a large rack, with angles
answering to every partition of the man-
ger; so that each horse and mare eat their
own hay, and their own mash of oats and
milk, with much decency and regularity.
The behaviour of the young colt and foal
appeared very modest, and that of the
master and mistress extremely cheerful
and complaisant to their guest. The gray
ordered me to stand by him; and much
discourse passed between him and his
friend concerning me, as I found by the
stranger's often looking on me, and the
frequent repetition of the word Yahoo.
I happened to wear my gloves, which
the master gray observing, seemed per-
plexed, discovering signs of wonder what I
had done to my fore-feet: he put his hoof
three or four times to them, as if he would
signify, that I should reduce them to their
former shape, which I presently did, pull-
ing off both my gloves, and putting them
into my pocket. This occasioned farther
talk, and I saw the company was pleased
with my behaviour, whereof I soon found
the good effects. I was ordered to speak
the few words I understood; and while
they were at dinner, the master taught me
the names for oats, milk, fire, water, and
some others; which I could readily pro-
nounce after him, having from my youth
a great facility in learning languages.
When dinner was done, the master horse
took me aside, and by signs and words
made me understand the concern he was
in that I had nothing to eat. Oats in their
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
113
tongue are called hlunnh. This word I
pronounced two or three times; for al-
though I had refused them at first, yet,
upon second thoughts, I considered that I
could contrive to make of them a kind of
bread, which might be sufficient, with
milk, to keep me alive, till I could make
iny escape to some other country, and to
creatures of my own species. The horse
immediately ordered a white mare servant
of his family to bring me a good quantity
of oats in a sort of wooden tray. These 1
heated before the fire, as well as I could,
and rubbed them till the husks came of
which I made a shift to winnow from the
grain I ground and beat them between
two stones, then took water, and made
them into a paste or cake, which I toasted
at the fire, and eat warm with milk. It
was at first a very insipid dict, though com-
mon enough in many parts of Europe, but
grew tolerable by time; and having been
often reduced to hard fare in my life, this
was not the first experiment I had made
how casily nature is satisfied. And I can-
not but observe, that I never had one
hour's sickness while I stayed in this is-
land. It is true, I sometimes made a shift
to catch a rabbit, or bird, by springes made
of Yahoo's hairs; and I often gathered
wholesome herbs, which I boiled, and cat
as salads with my bread; and now and
then, for a rarity, I made a little butter,
and drank the whey. I was at first at a
great loss for salt, but custom soon recon-
ciled me to the want of it; and I am con.
VOL. II.
H
114 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
!
fident, that the frequent use of salt among
us is an effect of luxury, and was first in-
troduced only as a provocative to drink,
except where it is necessary for preserving
flesh in long voyages, or in places remote
from great markets; for we observe no
animal to be fond of it but man, and as to
myself, when I left this country, it was a
great while before I could endure the taste
of it in any thing 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 person-
ally concerned whether we fare well or ill.
However, it was necessary to mention this
matter, lest the world should think it im-
possible that I could find sustenance for
three years in such a country, and among
such inhabitants.
When it grew towards evening, the mas-
ter 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 my.
self with my own clothes, slept very sound.
But I was in a short time better accommo-
dated, as the reader shall know hereafter,
when I come to treat more particularly
about my way of living.
THE HOUYHNHNMS. 115
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 de-
sirous 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 cor-
rected my bad accent, by desiring those of
the family to pronounce it often. In this
employment, a sorrel nag, one of the un-
der-servants, was very ready to assist me.
The
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.
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
H 2
116
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
He was convinced (as he afterwards told
me) that I must be a Yahoo; but my
teachableness, civility, and cleanliness, as-
tonished him; which were qualities alto-
gether opposite to those animals.
He was
most perplexed about my clothes, reason-
ing 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 al-
phabet, 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 inhabi-
tants 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 tolera-
ble 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 visi-
ble), with some appearance of cunning,
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
117
and the strongest disposition to mischief,
were observed to be the most unteachable
of all brutes.' I answered, that I caine
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 1 brought him to under-
stand 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."
C
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 di-
rect his own mare, his colt, and foal, and
the servants of the family, to take all op-
portunities 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
H 3
118
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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 advan-
tages 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 diffe-
rent covering from others of my kind.
They were astonished to observe me with.
out the usual hair or skin, except on my
head, face, and hands; but I discovered
that secret to my master upon an acci.
dent which happened about a fortnight be.
fore.
I have already told the reader, that every
night, when the family were gone to bed,
it was my custom to strip, and cover my-
self 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 mes-
sage 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, goings soon as I was dressed to pay
THE HOUYHNHNMS
119
C
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 valet 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
Yohoos; 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 condi-
tion, and must be supplied by some contri-
vance 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,
He said, my dis-
course 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 him-
self nor family were ashamed of any parts
of their bodies; but, however, I might do
as I pleased.' Whereupon I first unbut
H 4
120
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
toned 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 perform-
ance with great signs of curiosity and ad-
iniration. He took up all my clothes in
Ius 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 ny 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, aŭ
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 se-
cret of my having a false covering to my
body, might be known to none but him-
self, at least as long as my present clothing
should last; for, as to what the sorrel nag,
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
121
his valet, had observed, his honour might
command him to conceal it,'
All this my master very graciously con-
sented 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
mean time, he desired ' I would go on with
my utmost diligence to learn their lan-
guage, because he was more astonished
ut 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.'
C
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 auswered as well as 1
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
122
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
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 ex-
plained, 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 whi.
ther, till he delivered me from the perse-
cution of those execrable Yahoos." He
asked me, who made the ship, and how it
was possible that the Houyhnhnms of my
country would leave it to the management
of brutes?' My answer was, 'that I durst
proceed no further in my relation, unless
he would give me his word and honour
that he would not be offended, and then I
would tell him the wonders I had so often
promised.' He agreed; and I went on by
assuring him, that the ship was made by
creatures like myself; who, in all the coun
tries I had travelled, as well as in my own,
were the only governing rational animals;
and that upon my arrival hither, I was as
much astonished to see the Houyhnhnms
act like rational beings, as he, or his
friends, could be, in finding soine marks of
reason in a creature he was pleased to call
a Yahoo; to which I owned my resem-
blance in every part, but could not account
for their degenerate and brutal nature.' I
said farther, that if good fortune ever
restored me to my native country, to re-
late my travels hither, as I resolved to do,
every body would believe, that I said the
thing that was not, that I invented the
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
123
story out of my own head; and (with all
possible respect to himself, his family, and
friends, and under his promise of not being
offended) our countrymen would hardly
think it probable that a Houyhnhnm should
be the presiding creature of a nation, and a
Yahoo the brute.'
CHAPTER IV.
The Houyhnhnm's notion of truth and
falsehood. The Author's discourse dis-
approved by his master. The Author gives
a more particular account of himself, and
the accidents of his voyage.
My master neard me with great appear-
ances of uneasiness in his countenance;
because doubting, or not believing, are so
httle known in this country, that the in-
habitants cannot tell how to behave them-
selves under such circumstances: and I
remember, in frequent discourses with my
master concerning the nature of manhood
in other parts of the world, having occasion
to talk of lying and false representation, it
was with much difficulty that he compre-
hended what I meant, although he had
otherwise a most acute judgment. For he
argued thus: that the use of speech was
to make us understand one another, and to
receive information of facts; now, if any
one said the thing which was not, these ends
121 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
were defeated, because I cannot properly
be said to understand him; and I am so far
from receiving information, that he leaves
me worse than in ignorance, for I am led
to believe a thing black, when it is white,
and short, when it is long' And these
were all the notions he had concerning that
faculty of lying, so perfectly well under-
stood, and so universally practised, among
human creatures
To return from this digression. When I
asserted that the Yahoos were the only go.
verning animals in my country, which my
master said was altogether past his concep-
tion, he desired to know, whether we
had Houyhnhnms among us, and what was
their employment 2" I told him, we had
great numbers; that in summer they
grazed in the fields, and in winter were
kept in houses with hay and oats, where
Yahoo servants were employed to rub their
skins smooth, comb their manes, pick their
feet, serve them with food, and make their
beds.' 'I understand you well,' said my
master: it is now very plain, from all you
have spoken, that whatever share of reason
the Yahoos pretend to, the Houyhnhnms
are your masters; I heartily wish our
Yahoos would be so tractable. I begged
'his honour would please to excuse me
from proceeding any further, because I
was very certain that the account he ex-
pected from me would be highly displeas
ing.' But he insisted in commanding me
to let him know the best and the worst. I
told him he should be obeyed.' I owned
<
<
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
125
that the Houyhnhnms among us, whom
we called horses, were the most generous
and comely animal we had; that they ex-
celled in strength and swiftness; and
when they belonged to persons of quality,
were employed in travelling, racing, or
drawing chariots; they were treated with
much kindness and care, till they fell into
diseases, or became foundered in the feet;
bu: then they were sold, and used to all
kind of drudgery till they died; after
which their skins were stripped, and sold
for what they were worth, and their bodies
left to be devoured by dogs and birds of
prey. But the common race of horses had
not so good fortune, being kept by farmers
and carriers, and other mean people, who
put them to greater labour, and fed them
worse.' I described, as well as I could,
our way of riding; the shape and use of
a bridle, a saddle, a spur, and a whip; of
harness and wheels. 1 added, that we
fastened plates of a certain hard substance,
called iron, at the bottom of their feet, to
preserve their hoofs from being broken by
the stony ways, on which we often tra-
velled.'
C
My master, after some expressions of
great indignation, wondered how
how we
dared to venture upon a Houyhnhnm's
back; for he was sure, that the weakest ser-
vant in his house would be able to shake off
the strongest Yahoo; or by lying down,
and rolling on his back, squeeze the brute to
death. I answered 'that our horses were
trained up, from three or four years old,
126 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
to the several uses we intended them for ;
that if any of them proved intolerably vi-
cious, they were employed for carriages;
that they were severely beaten, while they
.were young, for any mischievous tricks:
that the males, designed for the common
use of riding or draught, were generally
castrated about two years after their birth,
to take down their spirits, and make them
more tame and gentle; that they were in-
deed sensible of rewards and punishments;
but his honour would please to consider, that
they had not the least tincture of reason,
any more than the Yahoos in this country.
It put me to the pains of many circum-
locutions, to give my master a right idea
of what I spoke; for their language does
not abound in variety of words, because
their wants and passions are fewer than
among us. But it is impossible to ex-
press his noble resentment at our savage
treatment of the Houyhnhnm race; parti-
cularly after I had explained the manner
and use of castrating horses among us, to
hinder them from propagating their kind,
and to render them more servile. He
said, if it were possible there could be
any country where Yahoos alone wero en-
dued with reason, they certainly must be
the governing animal; because reason in
time will always prevail against brutal
strength. But, considering the frame of
our bodies, and especially of mine he
thought no creature of equal bulk was
so ill-contrived for employing that reason
in the common offices of life;' whereupon
THE HOUYHNINMA
1.7
he desired to know whether those among
whom I lived resembled me or the Yahoos
of his country. I assured him, that I was
as well shaped as most of my age; but the
younger, and the females, were much more
soft and tender, and the skins of the latter
generally as white as milk.' He said, 'I
differed indeed from other Yahoos, being
much more cleanly, and not altogether so
deformed; but, in point of real advan-
tage, he thought 1 differed for the worse:
that my nails were of no use either to
my fore or binder feet; as to my fore
feet, he could not properly call them by
that name, for he never observed me
to walk upon them; that they were too
soft to bear the ground; that I gener-
ally went with them uncovered nei-
ther was the covering I sometimes wore
on them of the same shape, or so strong as
that on my feet behind: that I could not
walk with any security, for if either of my
hinder feet slipped, I must inevitably fall.'
He then began to find fault with other
parts of my body: 'the flatness of my
face, the prominence of my nose, mine
eyes placed directly in front, so that I
could not look on either side, without
turning my head: that I was not able to
feed myself, without lifting one of my
fore-feet to my mouth and therefore na-
ture had placed those joints to answer that
necessity. He knew not what could be
the use of those several clefts and divisions
in my feet behind; that these were too
soft to bear the hardness and sharpness of
128
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
stones, without a covering made from the
skin of some other brute; that my whole
body wanted a fence against heat and
cold, which I was forced to put on and off
every day, with tediousness and trouble:
and lastly, that he observed every animal in
this country naturally to abhor the Yahoos,
whom the weaker avoided, and the
stronger drove from them. So that, sup-
posing us to have the gift of reason, lie
could not see how it were possible to cure
that natural antipathy, which every crea-
ture discovered against us; nor conse-
quently how we could tame and render
them serviceable. However, he would,'
as he said, 'debate the matter no farther,
because he was more desirous to know my
own story, the country where I was born,
and the several actions and events of my
life, before I came hither.'
I assured him, 'how extremely desirous
I was that he should be satisfied on every
point; but I doubted much, whether it
would be possible for me to explain myself
on several subjects, whereof his honour
could have no conception; because I saw
nothing in his country to which I could
resemble them; that, however I would
do my best, and strive to express myself
by similitudes, humbly desiring his assist-
ance when I wanted proper words;' which
he was pleased to promise me.
I said, 'my birth was of honest parents,
in an island called England; which was
icmote from his country, as many days'
journey as the strongest of his honour's
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
129
servants could travel in the annual course.
of the sun that I was bred a surgeon,
whose trade it is to cure wounds and hurts
in the body, gotten by accident or violence;
that my country was governed by a female
man, whom we called queen; that I left
it to get riches, whereby I might maintain
myself and family, when I should return;
that, in my last voyage, I was commander
of the ship, and had about fifty Yahoos un-
der me, many of which died at sea, and I
was forced to supply them by others picked
out from several nations; that our ship
was twice in danger of being sunk, the
first time by a great storm, and the second
by striking against a rock. Here my mas-
ter interposed, by asking me, 'how I could
persuade strangers, out of different coun-
tries, to venture with me, after the losses
I had sustained, and the hazards I had
run.' I said, 'they were fellows of des-
perate fortunes, forced to fly from the
places of their birth on account of their po-
verty or their crimes. Some were undone.
by lawsuits; others spent all they had in
drinking, whoring, and gaming; others
fled for treason; many for murder, theft,
poisoning, robbery, perjury, forgery, coin-
ing false money, for committing rapes, or
sodomy; for flying from their colours, or
deserting to the enemy; and most of them
had broken prison; none of these durst re-
turn to their native countries, for fear of
being banged, or of starving in a jail; and
therefore they were under the necessity of
seeking a livelihood in other places.

VOL. II,
Ι
130
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
During this discourse, my master was
pleased to interrupt me several times. I
had made use of many circumlocutions in
describing to him the nature of the several
crimes for which most of our crew had
been forced to fly their country. This la-
bour took up several days' conversation,
before he was able to comprehend me. He
was wholly at a loss to know what could be
the use or necessity of practising those
vices. To clear up which, I endeavoured
to give some ideas of the desire of power
and riches; of the terrible effects of lust,
intemperance, malice, and envy. All this
I was forced to define and describe by put-
ting cases and making suppositions. After
which, like one whose imagination was
struck with something never seen or heard
of before, he would lift up his eyes with
amazement and indignation. Power, go-
vernment, war, law, punishment, and a
thousand other things, had no terms,
wherein that language could express them;
which made the difficulty almost insuper-
able, to give my master any conception of
what I meant. But being of an excellent
understanding, much improved by contem-
plation and converse, he at last arrived at
2 competent knowledge of what human
nature, in our parts of the world, is capable
to perform; and desired I would give him
some particular account of that land which
we call Europe, but especially of my own
country.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
131
CHAPTER V.
The Author, at his master's commands, in-
forms him of the state of England. The
causes of war among the princes of Fu.
rope. The Author begins to explam the
English constitution.
THE reader may please to observe, that
the following extract of many conversations
I had with my master, contains a summary
of the most material points, which were
discoursed at several times for above two
years; his honour often desiring fuller sa-
tisfaction, as I farther improved in the
Houyhnhnm tongue. I laid before him, as
well as I could, the whole state of Europe;
I discoursed of trade and manufactures, of
arts and sciences; and the answers I gave
to all the questions he made, as they arose
upon several subjects, were a fund of con-
versation not to be exhausted. But I shall
here only set down the substance of what
passed between us concerning my own
country, reducing it in order as well as I
can, without any regard to time or other
circumstances, while I strictly adhere to
truth. My only concern is, that 1 shall
hardly be able to do justice to my master's
arguments and expressions, which must
needs suffer by my want of capacity, as
well as by a translation into our barbarous
English.
In obedience therefore to his honour's
commands, I related to him the revolution
under the prince of Orange; the long war
12
132 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
with France, entered into by the said
prince, and renewed by his successor, the
present queen ; wherein the greatest
powers of Christendom were engaged, and
which still continued: I computed at his
request, 'that about a million of Yahoos
might have been killed in the whole pro-
gress of it; and perhaps a hundred or more
cities taken, and five times as many ships
burnt or sunk.'
<
He asked me, what were the usual
causes or motives that made one country
go to war with another?' I answered
they were innumerable; but I should on-
ly mention a few of the chief. Sometimes
the ambition of princes, who never think
they have land or people enough to go-
vern; sometimes the corruption of minis-
ters, who engage their master in a war, in
order to stifle or divert the clamour of the
subjects against their evil administration.
Difference in opinions has cost many mil-
lions of lives; for instance, whether flesh
be bread, or bread be flesh; whether the
juice of a certain berry be blood or wine, *
whether whistling be a vice or a virtue; †
whether it be better to kiss a post, or throw
it into the fire; what is the best colour
for a coat, whether black, white, red, or
gray; and whether it should be long or
short, narrow or wide, dirty or clean, with
many more. Neither are any wars so
§
• Transubstantiation.-II. † Church music.-H.
Kissing a cross.-H.
$ The colour and make of sacred vestments and
different orders of popish ecclesiastics.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
133
furious and bloody, or of so long a conti-
nuance, as those occasioned by difference
in opinion, especially if it be in things in-
different.
'Sometimes the quarrel between two
princes is to decide which of them shall
dispossess a third of his dominions, where
neither of them pretend to any right:
sometimes one prince quarrels with an-
other, for fear the other should quarrel
with him: sometimes a war is entered up-
on, because the enemy is too strong; and
sometimes, because he is too weak: some.
times our neighbours want the things
which we have, or have the things which
we want, and we both fight, till they take
ours, or give us theirs. It is a very justi-
fiable cause of a war, to invade a country
after the people have been wasted by fa-
mine, destroyed by pestilence, or embroiled
by factions among themselves. It is justi-
fiable to enter into war against our near-
est ally, when one of his towns lies convc-
ment for us, or a territory of land, that
would render our dominions round and
compact. If a prince sends forces into a
nation, where the people are poor and ig-
norant, he may lawfully put half of them
to death and make slaves of the rest, in or-
der to civilize and reduce them from their
barbarous way of living. It is a very king-
ly, honourable, and frequent practice, when
one prince desires the assistance of another,
to secure him against an Invasion, that the
assistant, when he has driven out the inva-
der, should seize on the dominions himself,
I 3
134
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
and kill, imprison, or banish, the prince he
came to relieve. Alliance by blood, or
marriage, is a frequent cause of war be.
tween princes; and the nearer the kin-
dred is, the greater their disposition to
quarrel: poor nations are hungry, and rich
nations are proud: and pride and hunger
will ever be at variance. For these reasons,
the trade of a soldier is held the most
honourable of all others; because a soldier
is a Yahoo hired to kill, in cold blood, as
many of his own species, who have never
offended him, as possibly he can.
There is likewise a kind of beggarly
princes in Europe, not able to make war
by themselves, who hire out their troops to
richer nations, for so much a day to each
man; of which they keep three-fourths to
themselves, and it is the best part of their
maintenance; such are those in many
northern parts of Europe.'
What you have told me,' said my mas-
ter, upon the subject of war, does indeed
discover most admirably the effects of that
reason you pretend to: however, it is hap-
py that the shame is greater than the dan-
ger; and that nature has left you utterly
incapable of doing much mischief. For,
your mouths lying flat with your faces, you
can hardly bite each other to any purpose,
unless by consent. Then as to the claws
upon your feet before and behind, they are
so short and tender, that one of our Yahoos
would drive a dozen of yours before him.
And therefore, in recounting the numbers
of those who have been killed in battle, 1
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
135
cannot but think you have said the thing
which is not.'
I could not forbear shaking my head,
and smiling a little at his ignorance. And
being no stranger to the art of war, I gave
him a description of cannons, culverins,
muskets, carabines, pistols, bullets, powder,
swords, bayonets, battles, sieges, retreats,
attacks, undermines, countermines, bom-
baraments, sea fights, ships sunk with a
thousand men, twenty thousand killed on
each side, dying groans, limbs flying in the
air, smoke, noise, confusion, trampling to
death under horses' feet, flight, pursuit,
victory; fields strewed with carcases, left
for food to dogs and wolves, and birds of
prey; plundering, stripping, ravishing,
burning, and destroying. And to set forth
the valour of my own dear countrymen, I
assured him, that I had seen them blow
up a hundred enemies at once in a siege,
and as many in a ship; and beheld the
dead bodies drop down in pieces from the
clouds, to the great diversion of the spec-
tators.' *
<
* It would perhaps be impossible, by the most
laboured argument, or forcible elequence, to show
the absurd Injustice and horrid cruelty of war so
effectually, as by this simple exhilation of them in a
new light; with war, including every species of im-
quity and every art of destruction, we become fa-
aliar, by degrees, under specious terms, which
are seldom cxamined, because they are learned at
an age in which the mind implicitly receives and
retains whatever is impressed thus it happens,
that when one man murders another to gratify his
Just, we shudder; but when one man murders a
million to gratify his vanity, ve approve and we ad-
I 1
136 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
I was going on to more particulars,
when my master commanded me silence.
He said, 'whoever understood the nature
of Yahoos, might easily believe it possible
for so vile an animal to be capable of every
action I had named, if their strength and
cunning equalled their malice. But as my
discourse had increased his abhorrence of
the whole species, so he found it gave him
a disturbance in his mind, to which he was
wholly a stranger before. He thought his
ears, being used to such abominable words,
might, by degrees, admit them with less
detestation: that although he hated the
Yahoos of this country, yet he no more
blamed them for their odious qualities,
than he did a gnnayh (a bird of prey) for
its cruelty, or a sharp stone for cutting his
hoof. But when a creature pretending to
reason could be capable of such emormities,
he dreaded lest the corruption of that fa-
culty might be worse than brutality itself.
He seemed therefore confident, that, in-
stead of reason, we were only possessed of
some quality, fitted to increase our natural
mire, we envy and we applaud. If, when this and
the preceding pages are read, we discover with as-
tonishment, that when the same events have oc
curred in history we felt no emotion, and aquiesced
in wars which we could not but know to have been
commenced for such causes, and carried on by
such means; let not him be censured for too much
debasing his species, who has contributed to their
felicity and preservation, by stripping off the veil
of custom and prejudice, and bolding up in their
native deformity the vices by which they become
wretched, and the arts by which they are destroyed.
-H.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
137
vices; as the reflection from a troubled
stream returns the image of an ill shapen
body, not only larger but more distorted'
He added, that he had heard too much
upou the subject of war, both in this and
some former discourses. There was an-
other point, which a little perplexed him
at present. I had informed him, that
some of our crew left their country on ac-
count of being ruined by law; that I had
already explained the meaning of the
word; but he was at a loss how it should
come to pass, that the law, which was in-
tended for every man's preservation, should
be any man's ruin. Therefore he desired
to be further satisfied what I meant by
law, and the dispensers thereof, according
to the present practice in my own coun-
try: because he thought nature and rea-
son were sufficient guides for a reasonable
animal, as we pretended to be, in showing
us what he ought to do, and what to avoid.'
I assured his honour, that the law was
a science, in which I had not much con-
versed, further than by employing advo-
cates in vain, upon some injustices that
had been done me: however, I would give
him all the satisfaction I was able.'
I said, 'there was a society of men among
us, bred up from their youth in the art of
proving, by words multiplied for the pur-
pose, that white is black, and black is
white, according as they are paid. To this
society all the rest of the people are slaves.
For example, if my neighbour has a mind
to my cow, he has a lawyer to prove that
138
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
he ought to have my cow from me. [
must then hire another to defend my right,
it being against all rules of law that any
man should be allowed to speak for him-
self. Now, in this case, I, who am the
right owner, lie under two great disadvan-
tages: first, my lawyer, being practised al-
most from his cradle in defending falsehood,
is quite out of his element when he would
be an advocate for justice, which is an un-
natural office he always attempts with
great awkwardness, if not with ill will.
The second disadvantage is, that my law.
yer must proceed with great caution,
or else he will be reprimanded by the
judges, and abhorred by his brethren, as
one that would lessen the practice of the
law. And therefore I have but two mie-
thods to preserve my cow. The first is, to
gain over my adversary's lawyer with a
double fee, who will then betray his client
by insinuating that he has justice on bis
side. The second way is for my lawyer to
make my cause appear as unjust as he can,
by allowing the cow to belong to my ad-
versary and this, if it be skillfully done,
will certainly bespeak the favour of the
bench. Now your honour is to know, that
these judges are persons appointed to de-
cide all controversies of property, as well as
for the trial of criminals, and picked out
from the most dexterous lawyers, who are
grown old or lazy; and having been bias-
sed all their lives against truth and equity,
lie under such a fatal necessity of favour-
ing fraud, perjury, and oppression, that I




THE HOUYHNHNMS.
139
have known some of them refuse a large
bribe from the side where justice lay,
rather than injure the faculty, by doing
any thing unbecoming their nature or
their office.
It is a maxim among these lawyers,
that whatever has been done before, may
legally be done again: and therefore they
take special care to record all the decisions
formerly made against common justice,
and the general reason of mankind. These,
under the name of precedents, they pro-
duce as authorities to justify the most ini-
quitous opinions; and the judges never
fail of directing accordingly.
C
In pleading, they studiously avoid en-
tering into the merits of the cause; but
are loud, violent, and tedious, in dwelling
upon all circumstances which are not to
the purpose.
For instance, in the case al-
ready mentioned; they never desire to
know what claim or title my adversary has
to my cow; but whither the said cow were
red or black; her horns long or short;
whether the field I graze her in be round
or square; whether she was milked at
home or abroad; what discases she is sub-
ject to, and the like; after which they
consult precedents, adjourn the cause from
time to time, and in ten, twenty, or thirty
years, come to an issue.
It is likewise to be observed, that this
society has a peculiar cant and jargon of
their own, that no other mortal can under-
stand, and wherein all their laws are writ-
ten, which they take special care to mul-
140 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
tiply; whereby they have wholly con-
founded the very essence of truth and
falsehood, of right and wrong; so that it
will take thirty years to decide, whether
the field, left me by my ancestors for six
generations, belongs to me, or to a stranger
three hundred miles off.
In the trial of persons accused for
crimes against the state, the method is
much more short and commendable: the
judge first sends to sound the disposition of
those in power, after which he can easily
hang or save a criminal, strictly preserving
all due forms of law.'
4
Here my master interposing, said, it was
a pity, that creatures endowed with such
prodigious abilities of mind, as these law-
yers, by the description I gave of them,
must certainly be, were not rather encou-
raged to be instructors of others in wisdom
and knowledge.' In answer to which I as-
sured his honour, that in all points of
their own trade, they were usually the
most ignorant and stupid generation among
us, the most despicable in common conver-
sation, avowed enemies to all knowledge
and learning, and equally disposed to per-
vert the general reason of mankind, in
every other subject of discourse as in that
of their own profession.'

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
141
CHAPTER VI.
1 continuation of the state of England un-
der Queen Anne. The character of a
first minister of state in European courts.
My master was yet wholly at a loss to un-
derstand what motives could incite this
race of lawyers to perplex, disquiet, and
weary themselves, and engage in a confed-
cracy of injustice, merely for the sake of
injuring their fellow-animals; neither
could he comprehend what I meant in say-
ing, they did it for hire. Whereupon I
was at much pains to describe to him the
use of money, the materials it was made
of; and the value of the metals;
'that
when a Yahoo had got a great store of this
precious substance, he was able to purchase
whatever he had a mind to, the finest
clothing, the noblest houses, great tracts of
land, the most costly meats and drinks;
and have his choice of the most beautiful
females. Therefore since money alone
was able to perform all these feats, our
Yahoos thought they could never have
enough of it to spend, or to save, as they
found themselves inclined, from their na-
tural bent, either to profusion or avarice.
That the rich man enjoyed the fruit of the
poor man's labour, and the latter were a
thousand to one in proportion to the for-
mer. That the bulk of our people were
forced to live miserably, by labouring every
day for small wages, to make a few live
plentifully.'
112
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
I enlarged myself much on these, and
many other particulars to the same pur-
pose; but his honour was still to seek; for
he went upon a supposition, that all ani-
mals had a title to their share in the pro-
ductions of the earth, and especially those
who presided over the rest. Therefore he
desired I would let him know, what these
costly meats were, and how any of us hap-
pened to want them ?' Whereupon I enu-
merated as many sorts as came into my
head, with the various methods of dressing.
them, which could not be done without
sending vessels by sea to every part of the
world, as well for liquors to drink as for
sauces and innumerable other convenien-
ces. I assured him that this whole globe
of earth must be at least three times gone
round, before one of our better female Ya-
hoos could get her breakfast, or a cup to
put it in.' He said that must needs be a
miserable country, which cannot furnish
food for its own inhabitants. But what he
chiefly wondered at was, how such vast
tracts of ground as I described should be
wholly without fresh water, and the people
put to the necessity of sending over the sea
for drink.' I replied that England (the
dear place of my nativity) was computed
to produce three times the quantity of
food more than its inhabitants are able to
consume, as well as liquors extracted from
grain, or pressed out of the fruit of certain
trees, which made excellent drink; and the
same proportion in every other convenience
of life. But, in order to feed the luxury
THE HOUYINHNMS.
113
and intemperance of the males, and the va
nity of the females, we sent away the great-
est part of our necessary things to other
countries, whence in return we brought the
materials of discases, folly, and vice, to
spend among ourselves. Hence it follows
of necessity, that vast numbers of our
people are compelled to seck their liveli-
hood by begging, robbing, stealing, cheat-
ing, pimping, flattering, suborning, for-
swearing, forging, gaming, lying, fawning,
hectoring, voting, scribbling, star-gazing,
poisoning, whoring, canting, libelling, free-
thinking, and the like occupations' every
one of which terms I was at much pains
to make him understand.
"That wine was not imported among us
from foreign countries, to supply the want
of water or other drinks, but because it
was a sort of liquid, which made us merry
by putting us out of our senses, diverted
all melancholy thoughts, begat wild extra-
vagant imaginations in the brain, raised
our hopes and banished our fears, suspend-
ed every office of reason for a time, and
deprived us of the use of our limbs, till we
fell into a profound sleep; although it
must be confessed, that we always awaked
sick and dispirited; and that the use of
this liquor filled us with diseases, which
made our lives uncomfortable and short.
'But beside all this, the bulk of our
people supported themselves by furnishing
the necessities or conveniences of life, to
the rich, and to each other. For instance,
when I am at home, and dressed as 1
J11
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ought to be, I carry on my body the work-
manship of a hundred tradesmen; the
building and furniture of my house em-
ploy as many more, and Ave times the
number to adorn my wife.'
I was going on to tell him of another
sort of people, who get their livelihood by
attending the sick, having, upon some oc-
casions, informed his honour, that many
of my crew had died of diseases. But here
it was with the utmost difficulty that I
brought him to apprehend what I meant,
He could easily conceive, that a Houy-
hnhnm grew weak and heavy a few days
before his death, or by some accident
might hurt a limb; but that nature, who
works all things to perfection, should suf-
fer any pains to breed in our bodies,
he thought impossible, and desired to
know the reason of so unaccountable an
evil.'
I told him we fed on a thousand things,
which operated contrary to each other;
that we eat when we were not hungry,
and drank without the provocation of
thirst; that we sat whole nights drinking
strong liquors, without eating a bit, which
disposed us to sloth, inflamed our bodies,
and precipitated or prevented digestion.
That prostitute female Yahoos acquired a
certain malady, which bred rottenness in
the bones of those who fell into their cm-
braces; that this, and many other diseases,
were propagated from father to son; so
that great numbers came into the world
with complicated maladies upon them;
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
115
that it would be enaless to give him a
catalogue of all diseases incident to human
bodies, for they would not be fewer than
five or six hundred, spread over every
limb and joint-in short, every part, ex-
ternal and intestine, having diseases appro-
priated to itself. To remedy which, there
was a sort of people bred up among us in
the profession, or pretence, of curing the
sick. And because I had some skill in the
faculty, I would, in gratitude to his ho-
nour, let him know the whole mystery and
method by which they proceed.
"Their fundamental is, that all diseases
arise from repletion; whence they con-
clude, that a great evacuation of the body
is necessary, either through the natural
passage or upwards at the mouth. Their
next business is from herbs, minerals,
gums, oils, shells, salts, juices, seaweed,
excrements, barks of trees, serpents, toads,
frogs, spiders, dead men's flesh and bones,
birds, beasts, and fishes, to form a composi-
tion, for smell and taste, the most abomin-
able, nauseous, and detestable, they can
possibly contrive, which the stomach im-
mediately rejects with loathing, and this
they call a vomit; or else, from the same
store-house, with some other poisonous
additions, they command us to take in at
the orifice above or below (just as the phy-
sician then happens to be disposed) a medi-
cine equally annoying and disgustful to the
bowels; which, relaxing the belly, drives
down all before it; and this they call a
purge, or a clyster. For nature (as the
VOL. II.
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116
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
physicians allege) having intended the su-
perior anterior orifice only for the intro-
mission of solids and liquids, and the in-
ferior posterior for ejection; these artists
ingeniously considering, that in all diseases
nature is forced out of her seat, therefore,
to replace her in it, the body must be
treated in a manner directly contrary, by
uterchanging the use of each orifice;
forcing solids and liquids in at the anus,
and making evacuations at the mouth.
'But, besides real discases, we are sub-
ject to many that are only imaginary, for
which the physicians have invented ima-
ginary cures; these have their several
names, and so have the drugs that are pro-
per for them; and with these our female
Yahoos are always infested.
One great excellency in this tribe, is
their skill at prognostics, wherein they sel-
dom fail; their predictions in real diseases,
when they rise to any degree of malignity,
generally portending death, which is al
ways in their power, when recovery is
not: and therefore, upon any unexpected
signs of amendment, after they have pro.
nounced their sentence, rather than be ac.
cused as false prophets, they know how to
approve their sagacity to the world, by a
seasonable dose
They are likewise of special use to hus-
bands and wives who are grown weary of
their mates; to eldest sons, to great minis-
ters of state, and often to princes.'
I had formerly, upon occasion, discoursed
with my master upon the nature of govern.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
117
ment in general, and particularly of our
own excellent constitution, deservedly the
wonder and envy of the whole world. But
having here accidentally mentioned a mi-
mister of state, he commanded me some
time after to inform him, 'what species of
Yahoo I particularly meant by that appel-
lation.'
I told him, 'that a first or chief minister
of state, who was the person I intended to
describe, was a creature wholly exempi
from joy and grief, love and hatred, pity
and anger; at least makes use of no other
passions, but a violent desire of wealth,
power, and titles; that he applies his word
to all uses, except to the indication of his
mind; that he never tells a truth but with
an intent that you should take it for a
lie; nor a lie, but with a design that you
should take it for a truth; that those he
speaks worst of behind their backs are in
the surest way of preferment; and when-
ever he begins to praise you to others, or to
yourself, you are from that day forlorn.
The worst mark you can receive is a pro-
mise, especially when it is confirmed with
an oath after which, every wise man re-
tires, and gives over all hopes.
The
'There are three methods, by which a
man may rise to be chief minister.
first is, by knowing how with prudence, to
dispose of a wife, a daughter, or a sister :
the second, by betraying or undermining
his predecessor: and the third is, by a fu-
rious zeal, in public assemblies, against the
corruptions of the court. But a wise
K 2
148
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
prince would rather choose to employ
those who practise the last of these me.
thods; because such zealots prove always
the most obsequious and subservient to the
will and passions of their master. That
these ministers, having all employments at
their disposal, preserve themselves in
power, by bribing the majority of a senate
or great council; and at last, by an expe-
dient, called an act of indemnity (whereof
I described the nature to him), they secure
themselves from after-reckonings, and re-
tire from the public laden with the spoils
of the nation.
The palace of a chief minister is a sc-
minary to breed up others in his own
trade: the pages, lackeys, and porter, by
imitating their master, become ministers
of state in their several districts, and learn
to excel in the three principal ingredients,
of insolence, lying, and bribery. Accord-
ingly, they have a subaltern court paid to
them by persons of the best rank; and
sometimes, by the force of dexterity and
impudence, arrive, through several grada-
tions, to be successors to their lord.
He is usually governed by a decayed
wench, or favourite footman, who are the
tunnels through which all graces are con-
veyed, and may properly be called, in the
last resort, the governors of the king-
dom'
One day in discourse, my master, having
heard me mention the nobility of my coun-
try, was pleased to make me a compliment
which I could not pretend to deserve:
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
149
that he was sure I must have been born
of some noble family, because I far exceed-
ed in shape, colour, and cleanliness, all the
Yahoos of his nation, although I seemed to
fail in strength and agility, which must be
imputed to my different way of living from
those other brutes; and besides I was not
only endowed with the faculty of speech,
but likewise with some rudiments of rea-
son, to a degree that with all his acquaint-
ance I passed for a prodigy.'
He made me observe, that among the
Houyhnhnms, the white, the sorrel, and the
iron-gray, were not so exactly shaped as
the bay, the dapple-gray, and the black;
nor born with equal talents of mind, or a
capacity to improve them; and therefore
continued always in the condition of scr-
vants, without ever aspiring to match
out of their own race, which in that coun-
try would be reckoned monstrous and un-
natural.'
I made his honour my most humble ac-
knowledgments for the good opinion he
was pleased to conceive of me; but assured
him at the same time, that my birth was
of the lower sort, having been born of
plain honest parents, who were just able to
give me a tolerable education: that nobi
lity, among us, was altogether a different
thing from the idea he had of it; that our
young noblemen are bred from their child-
hood in idleness and luxury; that as soon
as years will permit, they consume their
vigour, and contract odious diseases among
lewd females; and when their fortunes

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150
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
are almost ruined, they marry some woman
of mean birth, disagreeable person, and
unsound constitution (merely for the sake
of money), whom they hate and despise.
That the productions of such marriages
are generally scrofulous, rickety, or de-
formed children; by which means the
family seldom continues above three gene-
rations, unless the wife takes care to pro-
vide a healthy father, among her neigh-
bours or domestics, in order to improve
and continue the breed. That a weak
discased body, a meagre countenance, and
sallow complexion, are the true marks of no-
ble blood; and a healthy robust appearance
is so disgraceful in a man of quality, that
the world concludes his real father to have
been a groom or a coachman. The imper-
fections of his mind run parallel with those
of his body, being a composition of spleen,
dulness, ignorance, caprice, sensuality,
and pride.
'Without the consent of this illustrious
body, no law can be enacted, repealed, or
altered: and these nobles have likewise the
decision of all our possessions, without ap-
peal.'

THE HOUYHNHNMS
151
CHAPTER VII.
The Author's great love of his native coun-
try. His master's observations upon the
constitution and administration of Eng-
land, as described by the Author, with
parallel cases and comparisons.
HIS
master's observations upon human nature.
TnE reader may be disposed to wonder
how I could prevail on myself to give so
free a representation of my own species,
among a race of mortals who are already
too apt to conceive the vilest opinion of
humankind, from that entire congruity
between me and their Yahoos. But I must
freely confess, that the many virtues of
those excellent quadrupeds, placed in op-
posite view to human corruptions, had so
far opened my eyes and enlarged my un-
derstanding, that I began to view the ac-
tions and passions of man in a very difle-
rent light, and to think the honour of my
own kind not worth managing; which,
besides, it was impossible for me to do,
before a person of so acute a judgment as
my master, who daily convinced me of a
thousand faults in myself, whereof I had
not the least perception before, and which,
with us, would never be numbered even
among human infirmities. I had likewise
learned, from his example, an utter detes-
tation of all falsehood or disguise; and
truth appeared so amiable to me, that I
K +
152
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
determined upon sacrificing every thing
to it.
Let me deal so candidly with the reader
as to confess that there was yet a much
stronger motive for the freedom I took in
my representation of things. I had not
yet been a year in this country before I
contracted such a love and veneration for
the inhabitants, that I entered on a firm
resolution never to return to humankind,
but to pass the rest of my life among the
admirable Houyhnhnms, in the contempla-
tion and practice of every virtue; where I
could have no example or incitement to
vice. But it was decreed by fortune, my
perpetual enemy, that so great a felicity
should not fall to my share. However, it
is now some comfort to reflect, that in
what I said of my countrymen, I exten-
uated their faults as much as I durst be-
fore so strict an examiner; and upon
every article gave as favourable a turn as
the matter would bear. For, indeed, who
is there alive that will not be swayed by
his bias and partiality to the place of his
birth?
I have related the substance of several
conversations I had with my master, dur-
ing the greatest part of the time I had the
honour to be in his service; but have, in-
deed, for brevity sake, omitted much more
than is here set down.
When I had answered all his questions,
and his curiosity seemed to be fully satisfied,
he sent for me one morning carly, and com-
manded me to sit down at some distance
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
153
(an honour which he had never before
conferred upon me.) He said, 'he had
been very seriously considering my whole
story, as far as it related both to myself
and my country: that he looked upon us
as a sort of animals, to whose share, by
what accident he could not conjecture,
some small pittance of reason had fallen,
whereof we made no other use, than by its
assistance to aggravate our natural cor-
ruptions, and to acquire new ones, which
nature had not given us; that we disarm-
ed ourselves of the few abilities she had
bestowed; had been very successful in
multiplying our criginal wants, and seemed
to spend our whole lives in vain endea
vours to supply them by our own inven-
tions. That as to myself, it was manifest I
had neither the strength nor agility of a
common Yahoo; that I walked infirmly
on my hinder feet; had found out a con-
trivance to make my claws of no use or
defence, and to remove the hair from my
chin, which was intended as a shelter from
the sun and the weather. Lastly, that I
could neither run with speed, nor climb
trees like my brethren,' as he called them,
'the Yahoos in his country.
· That our institutions of government
and law were plainly owing to our gross
defects in reason, and by consequence in
virtue; because reason alone is sufficient
to govern a rational creature; which was
therefore a character we had no pretence
to challenge, even from the account I had
given of my own people; although he
154 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
manifestly perceived, that, in order to
favour them, I had concealed many particu-
lars, and often said the thing which was not.
C
He was the more confirmed in this
opinion, because he observed, that as I
agreed in every feature of my body with
other Yahoos, except where it was to my
real disadvantage in point of strength,
speed, and activity, the shortness of my
claws, and some other particulars where
nature had no part; so from the represen-
tation I had given him of our lives, our
manners, and our actions, he found as near
a resemblance in the disposition of our
minds.' He said, the Yahoos were known.
to hate one another, more than they did
any different species of animals; and the
reason usually assigned was, the odiousness
of their own shapes, which all could see in
the rest, but not in themselves. He had
therefore begun to think it not unwise in us
to cover our bodies, and by that invention
conceal many of our deformities from each
other, which would else be hardly supporta-
ble. But he now found he had been mistaken,
and that the dissensions of those brutes in
his country were owing to the same cause
with ours, as I had described them.
if,' said he, 'you throw among five Yahovs
as much food as would be sufficient for
fifty, they will, instead of cating peaceably,
fall together by the ears, cach single one
impatient to have all to itself; and there-
fore a servant was usually employed to
stand by while they were feeding abroad,
and those kept at home were tied at a dis-
For
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
155
tance from each other: that if a cow died
of age or accident, before a Houyhnhnm
could secure it for his own Yahoos, those
in the neighbourhood would come in herds
to scize it, and then would ensue such a
battle as I had described, with terrible
wounds made by their claws on both sides,
although they seldom were able to kill one
another, for want of such convenient in-
struments of death as we had invented.
At other times, the like battles have been
fought between the Yahoos of several
neighbourhoods, without any visible cause;
those of one district watching all opportu
nities to surprise the next, before they are
prepared. But if they find their project
las miscarried, they return home, and, for
want of enemics, engage in what I call a
civil war among themselves.
That in some fields of his country there
are certain shining stones of several co-
lours, whereof the Yahoos are violently
fond and when part of these stones is
fixed in the earth, as it sometimes happens,
they will dig with their claws for whole
days to get them out; then carry them
away, and hide them by heaps in their ken-
nels; but still looking round with great
caution, for fear their comrades should
find out their treasure.' My master said,
'he never could discover the reason of
this unnatural appetite, or how these stones
could be of any use to a Yahoo; but now
he believed it might proceed from the same
principle of avarice which I had ascribed
to mankind. That he had once, by way
156
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
of experiment, privately removed a heap
of these stones from the place where one
of his Yahoos had buried it; whereupon
the sordid animal, missing his treasure,
by his loud lamenting brought the whole
herd to the place, there miserably howled,
then fell to biting and tearing the rest;
began to pine away, would neither eat, nor
sleep, nor work, till he ordered a servant
privately to convey the stones into the
same hole, and hide them as before ;
which, when his Yahoo had found, he
presently recovered his spirits and good
humour, but took good care to remove
them to a better hiding place, and has ever
since been a very serviceable brute.'
My master further assured me, which I
also observed myself, that in the fields
where the shining stones abound, the fier-
cest and most frequent battles are fought,
occasioned by perpetual inroads of the
neighbouring Yahoos.'
He said, 'it was common, when two Ya-
hoos discovered such a stone in a field, and
were contending which of them should be
the proprietor, a third would take the ad-
vantage, and carry it away from them
both; which my master would needs con-
tend to have some kind of resemblance with
our suits at law; wherein I thought it for
our credit not to undeceive him; since the
decision he mentioned was much more
equitable than many decrees among us:
because the plaintiff and defendant there
lost nothing beside the stone they contend-
ed for: whereas our courts of equity
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
157
would never have dismissed the cause,
while either of them had any thing left.
My master, continuing his discourse,
said, 'there was nothing that rendered the
Yahoos more odious, than their undistin-
guishing appetite to devour every thing
that came in their way, whether herbs,
roots, berries, the corrupted flesh of ani.
mals, or all mingled together: and it was
peculiar in their temper, that they were
fonder of what they could get by rapine or
stealth, at a greater distance, than much
better food provided for them at home. If
their prey held out, they would eat till
they were ready to burst; after which,
nature bad pointed out to them a certain
root that gave them a general evacua-
tion.

C
There was also another kind of root,
very juicy, but somewhat rare and difficult
to be found, which the Yahoos sought for
with much eagerness, and would suck it
with great delight; it produced in them
the same effects that wine has upon us. It
would make them sometimes hug, and
sometimes tear one another; they would
howl, and grin, and chatter, and reel, and
tumble, and then fall asleep in the mud.'
I did indeed observe that the Yahous
were the only animals in this country sub-
ject to any diseases; which, however,
were much fewer than horses have among
us, and contracted not by any ill treatment
they meet with, but by the nastiness and
greediness of that sordid brute. Neither
has their language any more than a gene
153
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ral appellation for those maladies, which is
borrowed from the name of the beast, and
called hnca yahoo, or Yahoo's evil; and the
cure prescribed is a mixture of their own
dung and urine, forcibly put down the Ya.
hoo's throat. This I have since often
known to have been taken with success,
and do here freely recommend it to my
countrymen for the public good, as an ad-
mirable specific against all discases pro-
duced by repletion.
<
As to learning, government, arts,
manufactures, and the like,' my master
confessed, he could find little or no re-
semblance between the Yahoos of that
country and those in ours. For he only
meant to observe what parity there was in
our natures. He had heard, indeed, some
curious Houyhnhnms observe, that in most
herds there was a sort of ruling Yahoo (as
among us there is generally some leading
or principal stag in a park), who was al
ways more deformed in body, and mis-
chievous in disposition, than any of the
rest. That this leader had usually a fa-
vourite as like himself as he could get,
whose employment was to lick his master's
feet and posteriors, and drive the female
Yahoos to his kennel;* for which he was
now and then rewarded with a piece of
ass's flesh. This favourite is hated by the
whole herd, and therefore, to protect him-
self, keeps always near the person of his
leader. He usually continues in office till
0 Flattery and pimping -H.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
159
a worse can be found; but the very mo-
ment he is discarded, his successor, at the
head of all the Yahoos in that district,
young and old, male and female, come in a
body, and discharge their excrements upon
him from head to foot. But how far this
might be applicable to our courts, and fa-
vourites, and ministers of state, my master
said I could best determine.'
I durst make no return to this malicious
insinuation, which debased human under-
standing below the sagacity of a common
hound, who has judgment enough to dis-
tinguish and follow the cry of the ablest
dog in the pack, without being ever mis-
taken.

C
<
My master told me, there were some
qualities remarkable in the Yahoos, which
he had not observed me to mention, or at
least very slightly, in the accounts I had
given of humankind,' He said, those
animals, like other brutes, had their females
in common; but in this they differed, that
the she Yahoo would admit the males
while she was pregnant; and that the hes
would quarrel and fight with the females,
as fiercely as with each other; both which
practices were such degrees of infamous
brutality, as no other sensitive creature
ever arrived at.
Another thing he wondered at in the
Yahoos, was their strange disposition to
nastiness and dirt; whereas there appears
to be a natural love of cleanliness in all
other animals.' As to the two former ac-
cusations, I was glad to let them pass with-
A
160
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
out any reply, because I had not a word to
offer upon them in defence of my species,
which otherwise I certainly had done from
my own inclinations. But I could have
casily vindicated humankind from the im-
putation of singularity upon the last article,
if there had been any swine in that coun-
try (as unluckily for me there were not),
which, although it may be a sweeter quad-
ruped than a Yahoo, cannot, I humbly con-
ceive, in justice, pretend to more clean-
liness; and so his honour himself must
have owned, if he had seen their filthy way
of feeding, and their custom of wallowing
and sleeping in mud.
My master likewise mentioned another
quality, which his servants had discovered
in several Yahoos, and to him was wholly
unaccountable. He said, a fancy would
sometimes take a Yahoo to retire into a
corner, to lie down, and howl, and groan,
and spurn away all that came near him,
although he were young and fat, wanted
neither food nor water, nor did the servant
imagine what could possibly ail him. And
the only remedy they found was, to set
him to hard work, after which he would
infallibly come to himself. To this I was
silent out of partiality to my own kind;
yet here I could plainly discover the true
seeds of spleen, which only seizes on the
lazy, the luxurious, and the rich; who,
if they were forced to undergo the same
regimen, I would undertake for the cure.
His honour had further observed, that
a female Yahoo would often stand behind
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
161
a bank or a bush, to gaze on the young
males passing by, and then appear, and
hide, using many antic gestures and grima-
ces, at which time it was observed that she
had a most offensive smell; and when any
of the males advanced, would slowly retire,
looking often back, and with a counterfeit
show of fear, run off into some convenient
place, where she knew the male would fol-
low her,
C At other times, if a female stranger
came among them, three or four of her
own sex would get about her, and stare,
and chatter, and grin, and smell her all
over; and then turn off with gestures, that
seemed to express contempt and disdain.'
Perhaps my master might refine a little
in these speculations, which he had drawn
from what he observed himself, or had
been told him by others; however, I could
not reflect without some amazement, and
much sorrow, that the rudiments of lewd-
ness, coquetry, censure, and scandal, should
have place by instinct in womankind.
I expected every moment that my mas-
ter would accuse the Yahoos of those un-
natural appetites in both sexes, so common
among us. But Nature, it seems, has not
been so expert a school-mistress; and these
politer pleasures are entirely the produc
tions of Art and Reason on our side of the
globe.
VOL. II.
I
162 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
CHAPTER VIII.
The Author relates several particulars of
the Yahoos. The great virtues of the
Houyhnhnms. The education and cre, cise
of their youth. Their general assembly.
As I ought to have understood human na.
ture much better than I supposed it pos-
sible for my master to do, so it was easy to
apply the character he gave of the Yahoos
to myself and my countrymen; and I be-
lieved I could yet make further discoveries,
from my own observation. I therefore of
ten begged his honour to let me go among
the herds of Yahoos in the neighbourhood;
to which he always very graciously con-
sented, being perfectly convinced that the
hatred I bore these brutes would never suf
fer me to be corrupted by them; and his
honour ordered one of his servants, a
strong sorrel nag, very honest and good-
natured, to be my guard; without whose
protection I durst not undertake such ad-
ventures. For 1 have already told the
reader how much I was pestered by these
odious animals, upon my first arrival; and
I afterwards failed very narrowly three or
four times of falling into their clutches,
when I happened to stray at any distance
without my hanger. And I have reason to
believe they had some imagination that I
was of their own species, which I often as-
sisted myself by stripping up my sleeves,
and showing my naked arms and brets
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
163
in their sight, when my protector was with
me. At which times they would approach
as near as they durst, and imitate my ac-
tions after the manner of monkeys, but
over with great signs of hatred; as a tame
jackdaw with cap and stockings is always
persecuted by the wild ones, when he hap-
pens to be got among them,
They are prodigiously nimble from their
infancy. However, I once caught a young
male of three years old, and endeavoured,
by all marks of tenderness, to make it
quict; but the little imp fell a squalling,
and scratching, and biting with such vio-
lence, that I was forced to let it go; and it
was high time, for a whole troop of old
ones came about us at the noise, but find-
ing the cub was safe (for away it ran), and
my sorrel nag being by, they durst not
venture near us. I observed the young
animal's flesh to smell very rank, and the
stink was somewhat between a weasel and
a fox, but much more disagreeable. I
forgot another circumstance (and perhaps
I might have the reader's pardon if it were
wholly omitted), that while I held the
odious vermin in my hands, it voided its
filthy excrements of a yellow liquid sub-
stance all over my clothes; but by good
fortune there was a small brook hard by,
where I washed myself as clean as I could;
although I durst not come into my mas-
ter's presence until I were sufficiently
aired.
By what I could discover, the Yahoos ap-
pear to be the most unteachable of all ani.
1
L 2
161
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
mals their capacity never reaching high-
er than to draw or carry burdens. Yet I
am of opinion, this defect arises chiefly
from a perverse, restiff disposition. For
they are cunning, malicious, treacherous,
and revengeful. They are strong and
hardy, but of a cowardly spirit, and by
consequence insolent, abject, and cruel.
It is observed, that the red haired of both
sexes are more libidinous and mischievous
than the rest, whom yet they much exceed
in strength and activity.
The Houyhnhnms keep the Yahoos for
present use in buts not far from the house;
but the rest are sent abroad to certain
fields, where they dig up roots, eat several
kinds of herbs, and search about for car-
rion, or sometimes catch weasels and luhi-
muhs (a sort of wild rat), which they
greedily devour. Nature has taught them
to dig deep holes with their nails on the
side of a rising ground, wherein they lie by
themselves; only the kennels of the fe-
males are larger, sufficient to hold two or
three cubs.
They swim from their infancy like frogs,
and are able to continue long under water,
where they often take fish, which the fe
males carry home to their young. And,
upon this occasion, I hope the reader will
pardon my relating an odd adventure.
Being one day abroad with my protector
the sorrel nag, and the weather exceeding
hot, I entreated him to let me bathe in a
river that was near. He consented, and I
immediately stripped myself stark naked,

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
165
It
I
and went down softly into the stream.
happened that a young female Yahoo,
standing behind a bank, saw the whole
proceeding, and inflamed by desire, as the
nag and I conjectured, came running with
all speed, and leaped into the water, within
five yards of the place where I bathed.
was never in my life so terribly frightened.
The nag was grazing at some distance, not
suspecting any harm. She embraced me
after a most fulsome manner. I roared as
loud as I could, and the nag came gallop-
ing towards me, whereupon she quitted
her grasp, with the utmost reluctancy, and
leaped upon the opposite bank, where she
stood gazing and bowling all the time I
was putting on my clothes.
This was a matter of diversion to my
master and his family, as well as of morti.
fication to myself. For now I could no
longer deny that I was a real Yahoo in
every limb and feature, since the females
had a natural propensity to me, as one of
their own species; neither was the hair of
this brute of a red colour (which might
have been some excuse for an appetite a
little irregular), but black as a sloe, and
her countenance did not make an appear-
ance altogether so hideous as the rest of
her kind; for I think she could not be
above eleven years old.
Having lived three years in this country
the reader I suppose will expect that
should, like other travellers, give him some
account of the manners and customs of its
L3
166
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
inhabitants, which it was indeed my prin-
cipal study to learn.
;
1;
As these noble Houyhnhnms are endow
ed by nature with a general disposition to
all virtues, and have no conceptions or
ideas of what is evil in a rational creature ;
so their grand maxim is, to cultivate reason,
and to be wholly governed by it. Neither
is reason among them a point problemati-
cal, as with us, where men can argue with
plausibility on both sides of the question
but strikes you with immediate conviction
as it must needs do, where it is not ming-
led, obscured, or discoloured, by passion
and interest. I remember it was with ex-
treme difficulty that I could bring my
master to understand the meaning of the
word opinion, or how a point could be dis-
putable; because reason taught us to af-
firm or deny only where we are certain ;
and beyond our knowledge we cannot do
either. So that controversies, wranglings,
disputes, and positiveness, in false or du-
bious propositions, are evils unknown
among the Houyhnhnms. In the like man-
ner, when I used to explain to him our sc-
veral systems of natural philosophy, he
would laugh, that a creature pretending to
reason, should value itself upon the know.
ledge of other people's conjectures, and in
things where that knowledge, if it were
certain, could be of no use.' Wherein he
agreed entirely with the sentiments of So-
crates, as Plato delivers them; which I
mention as the highest honour I can do
that prince of philosophers. I have often
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
167
since reflected, what destruction such doc-
trine would make in the libraries of Eu-
rope; and how many paths of fame would
be then shut up in the learned world.
Friendship and benevolence are the two
principal virtues among the Houyhnhnms ;
and these not confined to particular objects,
but universal to the whole race. For a
stranger from the remotest part is equally
treated with the nearest neighbour; and
wherever he goes, looks upon himself as at
home. They preserve decency and civility
in the highest degrees, but are altogether
ignorant of ceremony. They have no
fondness for their colts or foals, but the
care they take in educating them proceeds
entirely from the dictates of reason.
And
I observed my master to show the same af-
fection to his neighbour's issue, that he
had for his own. They will have it that
nature teaches them to love the whole spe-
cies, and it is reason only that makes a dis-
tinction of persons, where there is a supe-
rior degree of virtue.
When the matron Houyhnhnms have
produced one of each sex, they no longer
accompany with their consorts, except they
lose one of their issue by some casualty,
which very seldom happens; but in such
a case they meet again; or when the like
accident befalls a person whose wife is past
bearing, some other couple bestow on him
one of their own colts, and then go together
again until the mother is pregnant. This
caution is necessary, to prevent the coun-
try from being overburdened with num.
LA
168
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
bers. But the race of inferior Houyhnhnms,
bred up to be servants, is not so strictly
limited upon this article; these are al-
lowed to produce three of each sex, to be
domestics in the noble families.
In their marriages, they are exactly care-
ful to choose.such colours as will not make
any disagreeable mixture in the breed.
Strength is chiefly valued in the male, and
comeliness in the female; not upon the ac
count of love, but to preserve the race
from degenerating; for where a female
happens to excel in strength, a consort is
chosen, with regard to comeliness.
Courtship, love, presents, jointures, set-
tlements have no place in their thoughts;
or terms whereby to express them in their
language. The young couple meet, and
are joined, merely because it is the deter-
mination of their parents and friends; it is
what they see done every day, and they
look upon it as one of the necessary actions
of a reasonable being. But the violation
of marriage, or any other unchastity, was
never heard of, and the married pair pass
their lives with the same friendship and
inutual benevolence, that they bear to all
others of the same species who come in
their way; without jealousy, fondness,
quarrelling, or discontent.
In educating the youth of both sexes,
their method is admirable, aud highly de-
serves our imitation. These are not suf
fored to taste a grain of oats, except upon
certain days, till eighteen years old; nor
milk, but very rarely; and in summer they
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
169
graze two hours in the morning, and as
many in the evening, which their parents
likewise observe; but the servants are not
allowed above half that time, and a great
part of their grass is brought home, which
they eat at the most convenient hours,
when they can be best spared from work.
Temperance, industry, exercise, and
cleanliness, are the lessons equally enjoined
to the young ones of both sexes: and my
master thought it monstrous in us, to give
the females a different kind of education
from the males, except in some articles of
domestic management; whereby, as he
truly observed, one half of our natives
were good for nothing but bringing chil-
dren into the world; and to trust the care
of our children to such uscless animals, he
said, was yet a greater instance of bru-
tality.
But the Houyhnhums train up their youth
to strength, speed, and hardiness, by exer-
cising them in running races up and down
steep hills, and over hard stony grounds;
and when they are all in a sweat, they are
ordered to leap over head and ears into a
pond or river. Four times a year the
youth of a certain district meet to show
their proficiency in running and leaping,
and other feats of strength and agility;
where the victor is rewarded with a song
in his or her praise. On this festival, the
servants drive a herd of Yahoos into the
field, laden with hay, and oats, and milk,
for a repast to the Houyhnhnms; after
which, these brutes are immediately driven
170
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
back again, for fear of being noisome to
the assembly.
Every fourth year, at the vernal equinox,
there is a representative council of the
whole nation, which meets in a plain about
twenty miles from our house, and con-
tinues about five of six days. Here they
inquire into the state and condition of the
several districts; whether they abound or
be deficient in hay or oats, or cows, or Ya-
hoos; and wherever there is any want
(which is but seldom) it is immediately
supplied by unanimous consent aud contri-
bution. Here likewise the regulation of
children is settled as for instance, if a
Houyhnhnm has two males, he changes one
of them with another that has two females:
and when a child has been lost by any
casualty, where the mother is past breed-
ing, it is determined what family in the
district shall breed another to supply the
loss.
CHAPTER IX.
A grand debate at the general assembly of
the Houyhnhnms, and how it was deter-
mined. The learning of the Houyhnhnms.
Their buildings. Their manner of buri-
als. The defectiveness of their language.
ONE of these grand assemblies was held in
my time, about three months before my
THE HOUYHNHNMS,
171
departure, whither my master went as the
representative of our district. In this
council was resumed their old debate, and
indeed the only debate that ever happened
in their country; whereof my master, after
his return, give me a very particular ac-
count.
C
The question to be debated was, whe-
ther the Yahoos should be exterminated
from the face of the earth? One of the
members for the affirmative offered several
arguments of great strength and weight,
alleging, that as the Yahoos were the
most filthy, noisome, and deformed animal
which nature ever produced, so they were
the most restiff and indocible, mischievous
and malicious; they would privately suck
the teats of the Houyhnhnms' cows, kill
and devour their cats, trample down their
oats and grass, if they were not continually
watched, and commit a thousand other ex-
travagancies.' He took notice of a genc-
ral tradition, that Yahoos had not been
always in their country; but that many
ages ago, two of these brutes appeared to-
gether upon a mountain; whether pro-
duced by the heat of the sun upon corrupt-
ed mud and slime, or from the ooze and
froth of the sea, was never known: that
these Yahoos engendered, and their brood,
in a short time, grew so numerous as to
overrun and infest the whole nation; that
the Houyhnhnms, to get rid of this evil,
made a general hunting, and at last en-
closed the whole herd; and destroying the
elder, every Houyhnhnm kept two young
172
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
ones in a kennel, and brought them to such
a degree of tameness, as an animal, so sa-
vage by nature, can be capable of acquir-
ing; using them for draught and car-
riage that there seemed to be much truth
in this tradition, and that those creatures
could not be yinhniamshy (or aborigines of
the land), because of the violent hatred the
Houyhnhnms, as well as all other animals,
bore them, which, although their evil dis-
position sufficiently deserved, could never
have arrived at so high a degree, if they
had been aborigines; or else they would
have long since been rooted out: that the
inhabitants, taking a fancy to use the ser-
vice of the Yuhous, had very imprudently
neglected to cultivate the breed of asses,
which are a comely animal, casily kept,
more tame and orderly, without any offen-
sive smell; strong enough for labour, al-
though they yield to the other in agility of
body; and if their braying be no agreeable
sound, it is far preferable to the horrible
howlings of the Yahoos.
Several others declared their sentiments
to the same purpose, when my master pro-
posed an
an expedient to the assembly,
whereof he had indeed borrowed the hint
from me. 'He approved of the tradition
mentioned by the honourable member who
spoke before, and affirmed, that the two
Yahoos said to be seen first among them,
had been driven thither over the sea; that
coming to land, and being forsaken by their
companions, they retired to the moun-
tains, and degenerating by degrees, became
THE HOUYIINHNMS.
173
in process of time much more savage than
those of their own species in the country
whence these two originals came. The
reason of this assertion was, that he had
now in his possession a certain wonderful
Yahoo (meaning myself) which most of
them had heard of, and many of them had
seen. He then related to them how he
first found me; that my body was all co-
vered with an artificial composure of the
skins and hairs of other animals: that I
spoke in a language of my own, and had
thoroughly learned theirs; that I had re-
lated to him the accidents which brought
me thither; that when he saw me without
my covering, I was an exact Yahoo in
every part, only of a whiter colour, less
hairy, and with shorter claws. He added,
how I had endeavoured to persuade him,
that in my own and other countries, the
Yahoos acted as the governing, rational ani-
mal, and held the Houyhnhnms in servi-
tude; that he observed in me all the quali
ties of a Yahoo, only a little more civilised
by some tincture of reason, which, how-
ever, was in a degree as far inferior to the
Houyhnhnm race, as the Yahoos of their
country were to me: that among other
things, I mentioned a custom we had of
castrating Houyhnhnms when they were
young, in order to render them tame;
that the operation was easy and safe;
that it was no shame to learn wisdom from
brutes, as industry is taught by the ant,
and building by the swallow (for so I tran-
slate the word lyhannh, although it be a

171
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
nuch larger fowl); that this invention
might be practised upon the younger Ya-
hoos here, which besides rendering them
tractable and fitter for use, would in an age
put an end to the whole species, without
destroying life: that in the mean time the
Houyhnhms should be exhorted to cultivate
the breed of asses, which as they are in
all respects more valuable brutes, so they
have this advantage, to be fit for service
at five years old, which the others are not
till twelve.'
This was all my master thought fit to
tell me, at that time, of what passed in
the grand council. But he was pleased to
conceal one particular, which related per-
sonally to myself, whereof I soon felt the
unhappy effect, as the reader will know in
its proper place, and whence I date all the
succeeding misfortunes of my life.
The Houyhnhums have no letters, and
consequently their knowledge is all tradi.
tional. But there happening few events of
any moment among a people so well unit-
ed, naturally disposed to every virtue,
wholly governed by reason, and cut off
from all commerce with other nations ;
the historical part is easily preserved with-
out burdening their memories. I have
already observed that they are subject to
no discases, and therefore can have no
need of physicians. However, they have
excellent medicines, composed of herbs, to
cure accidental bruises and cuts in the pas-
tern or frog of the foot, by sharp stones, as

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
175
well as other maims and hurts in the se-
veral parts of the body.
They calculate the year by the revolu-
tion of the sun and moon, but use no
subdivisions into weeks. They are well
enough acquainted with the motions of
those two luminaries, and understand the
nature of eclipses; and this is the utmost
progress of their astronomy.
In poetry, they must be allowed to excel
all other mortals; wherein the justness of
their similes, and the minuteness as well
as exactness of their descriptions, are in-
deed inimitable. Their verses abound
very much in both of these, and usually
contain either some exalted notions, of
friendship and benevolence, or the praises
of those who were victors in races and
other bodily exercises. Their buildings,
although very rude and simple, are not in-
convenient, but well contrived to defend
them from all injuries of cold and heat.
They have a kind of tree, which at forty
years old loosens in the root, and falls with
the first storm; it grows very straight, and
being pointed like stakes with a sharp
stone (for the Houyhnhnms know not the
use of iron), they stick them erect in the
ground, about ten inches asunder, and
then weave in oat straw, or sometimes
wattles, between them. The roof is made
after the same manner, and so are the
doors.
The Houyhnhnms use the hollow part,
between the pastern and the hoof of their
fore-foot, as we do our hands, and this
176
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
with greater dexterity than I could at first
imagine. I have seen a white mare of our
family thread a needle ( which I lent her
on purpose) with that joint. They milk
their cows, reap their oats, and do all the
work which requires hands, in the same
manner. They have a kind of hard flints,
which, by grinding against other stones,
they form into instruments, that serve in-
stead of wedges, axes, and hammers
With tools made of these flints, they like-
wise cut their hay, and reap their oats,
which there grow naturally in several
fields; the Yahoos draw home the sheaves
in carriages, and the servants tread them
in certain covered huts to get out the
grain, which is kept in stores. They make
a rude kind of earthen and wooden vessels,
and bake the former in the sun.
If they can avoid casualties, they die
only of old age, and are buried in the ob-
scurest places that can be found, their
friends and relations expressing neither
joy nor grief at their departure; nor does
the dying person discover the least regret
that he is leaving the world, any more
than if he were upon returning home from
a visit to one of his neighbours. I re-
member my master having once made an
appointment with a friend and his family
to come to his house, upon some affair of
importance on the day fixed, the mis-
tress and her two children came very late;
she made two excuses, first for her hus-
band, who, as she said, happened that very
morning to lhnuwah. The word is strong-
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
177
ly expressive in their language, but not
casily rendered into English; it signifies,
'to retire to his first mother Her excuse
for not coming sooner, was, that her hus-
band dying late in the morning, she was a
good while consulting her servants about a
convenient place where his body should be
laid; and I observed, she behaved herself
at our house as cheerfully as the rest: she
died about three months after.
They live generally to seventy, or seven-
ty-five years, very seldom to fourscore:
some weeks before their death, they feel a
gradual decay; but without pain. During
this time they are much visited by their
friends, because they cannot go abroad
with their usual case and satisfaction.
However, about ten days before their
death, which they seldom fail in comput-
ing, they return the visits that have been
made them by those who are nearest in the
neighbourhood, being carried in a conve-
nient sledge drawn by Yahoos; which ve-
hicle they use, not only upon this occasion,
but when they grow old, upon long jour-
neys, or when they are lamed by any ac-
cident: and therefore when the dying
Houyhnhnms return those visits, they take
a solemn leave of their friends, as if they
were going to some remote part of the
country, where they designed to pass the
rest of their lives.
I know not whether it may be worth ob-
serving, that the Houyhnhnms have no
word in their language to express any
thing that is evil, except what they borrow
VOL. II.
M
178
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
from the deformities or ill qualities of the
Yahoos. Thus they denote the folly of a
servant, an omission of a child, a stone
that cuts their feet, a continuance of foul
or unseasonable weather, and the like, by
adding to each the epithet of Yahoo. For
¡instance, hhum Yahoo ; whnaholm Yahoo,
ynthmndwihlma Yahoo, and an ill-contrived
house ynholmhnmrohlnw Yahoo.
I could, with great pleasure, enlarge fur-
ther upon the manners and virtues of this
excellent people; but intending in a short
time to publish a volume by itself, expressly
upon that subject, I refer the reader thi
ther; and, in the mean time, proceed to
relate my own sad catastrophe.
CHAPTER X.
The Author's economy, and happy life,
among the Ilouyhnhnms. His great im
provement in virtue by conversing with
them. Their conversations. The Author
has notice given him by his master, that
he must depart from the country. He
falls into a swoon for grief; but submits.
He contrives and finishes a canoe by the
help of a fellow-servant, and puts to sea
at a venture,
I HAD settled my little economy to my own
heart's content. My master had ordered a
room to be made for me, after their man-
her, about six yards from the house: the
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
179
sides and floors of which I plastered with
clay, and covered with rush-mats of my
own contriving; I had beaten hemp,
which there grows wild, and made of it a
sort of ticking; this I filled with the fea-
thers of several birds I had taken with
springes made of Yahoos' hairs, and ✶ were
excellent food. I had worked two chairs
with my knife, the sorrel nag helping me
in the grosser and more laborious part.
When my clothes were worn to rags, I
made myself others with the skins of rab-
bits, and of a certain beautiful animal,
about the same size, called nnuhnoh, the
skin of which is covered with a fine down.
Of these I also made very tolerable stock-
ings. I soled my shoes with wood, which
I cut from a tree, and fitted to the upper-
leather; and when this was worn out, I
supplied it with the skins of Yahoos dried
in the sun. I often got honey out of hol-
low trees, which I mingled with water, or
ate with my bread. No man could more
verify the truth of these two maxims,
'That nature is very easily satisfied;' and,
'That necessity is the mother of inven-
tion.' I enjoyed perfect health of body,
and tranquillity of mind; I did not feel
* It should be, and 'which were excellent
food. This sentence is faulty in other respects;
but there, as well as in many other passages of
these Voyages, the author has intentionally made
use of inaccurate expression, and studied negli-
gence in order to make the style more like that of
a seafaring man: on which account they have
been passed over in silence, where such intention
was obvious.—S,
M 2
180
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
the treachery or inconstancy of a friend,
nor the injuries of a secret or open enemy.
I had no occasion of bribing, flattering, or
pimping, to procure the favour of any
great man, or of his minion. I wanted no
fence against fraud or oppression here
was neither physician to destroy my body,
nor lawyer to ruin my fortune; no in-
former to watch my words and actions, or
forge accusations against me for hire: here
were no gibers, censurers, backbiters, pick-
pockets, highwaymen, housebreakers, at-
torneys, bawds, buffoons, gamesters, politi-
cians, wits, splenetics, tedious talkers, con-
trovertists, ravishers, murderers, robbers,
virtuosos; no leaders, or followers, of
party and faction; no encouragers to vice,
by seducement or examples; no dungeon,
axes, gibbets, whipping-posts, or pillories;
no cheating shopkeepers or mechanics; no
pride, vanity, or affectation; no fops, bul-
lies, drunkards, strolling whores, or poxes;
no ranting, lewd, expensive wives; no stu-
pid, proud pedants; no importunate, over-
bearing, quarrelsome, noisy, roaring,
empty, conceited, swearing companions;
no scoundrels raised from the dust upon
the merit of their vices, or nobility thrown
into it on account of their virtues; no
lords, fiddlers, judges, or dancing-masters.
I had the favour of being admitted to se-
veral Houyhnhnms, who came to visit or
dine with my master; where his honour
graciously suffered me to wait in the room,
and listen to their discourse, Both he and
his company would often descend to ask
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
181
I
me questions, and receive my answers.
had also sometimes the honour of attend-
ing my master in his visits to others. I
never presumed to speak, except in answer
to a question; and then I did it with in-
ward regret, because it was a loss of so
much time for improving myself; but I
was infinitely delighted with the station of
an humble auditor in such conversations,
where nothing passed but what was useful,
expressed in the fewest and most signifi
cant words where, as I have already said,
the greatest decency was observed, without
the least degree of ceremony; where no
person spoke without being pleased him-
self, and pleasing his companions; where
there was no interruption, tediousness,
heat, or difference of sentiments. They
have a notion, that when people are met
together, a short silence does much im-
prove conversation: this I found to be
true; for during those little intermissions
of talk, new ideas would arise in their
minds, which very much enlivened the
discourse. Their subjects are generally on
friendship and benevolence, on order and
economy; sometimes upon the visible ope-
rations of nature, or ancient traditions;
upon the bounds and limits of virtue; upon
the unerring rules of reason, or upon some
determinations to be taken at the next
great assembly and often upon the va-
rious excellences of poetry. I may add,
without vanity, that my presence often
gave them sufficient matter for discourse,
because it afforded my master an occasion
M3
192
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
of letting his friends into the history of me
and my country, upon which they were all
pleased to descant, in a manner not very
advantageous to humankind: and for that
reason I shall not repeat what they said;
only I may be allowed to observe, that his
hodour, to my great admiration, appeared
to understand the nature of Yahoos much
better than myself. He went through all
our vices and follies, and discovered many,
which I had never mentioned to him, by
only supposing what qualities a Yahoo of
their country, with a small proportion of
reason, might be capable of exerting; and
concluded, with too much probability,
" how vile as well as miserable such a crea-
ture must be.'
1 freely confess, that all the little know-
ledge I have of any value, was acquired by
the lectures I received from my master,
and from hearing the discourses of him
and his friends; to which I should be
prouder to listen, than to dictate to the great-
est and wisest assembly in Europe. I ad-
mired the strength, comeliness, and speed
of the inhabitants; and such a constella-
tion of virtues, in such amiable persons,
produced in me the highest veneration.
At first, indeed, I did not feel that natural
awe, which the Yahoos and all other ani-
mals bear toward them; but it grew upon
me by degrees, much sooner than I ima-
gined, and was mingled with a respectful
love and gratitude, that they would con-
descend to distinguish me from the rest of
my specics.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
183
When I thought of my family, my
friends, my countrymen, or the human
race in general, I considered them, as they
really were, Yahoos in shape and disposi-
tion, perhaps a little more civilized," and
qualified with the gift of speech; but
making no other use of reason, than to
improve and multiply those vices, whereof
their brethren in this country had only the
share that nature allotted them. When
I happened to behold the reflection of my
own form in a lake or fountain, I turned
away my face in horror and detestation of
myself; and could better endure the sight
of a common Yahoo, than of my own per-
By conversing with the Houyhnhnms,
and looking upon them with delight, I fell
to imitate their gait and gesture, which is
now grown into a habit; and my friends
often tell me, in a blunt way, that I trot
like a horse;' which, however, I take for
a great compliment: neither shall I dis-
own, that in speaking I am apt to fall into
the voice and manners of the Houyhnhnms,
and hear myself ridiculed on that account,
without the least mortification.
son
In the midst of all this happiness, and
when I looked upon myself to be fully set-
tled for life, my master sent for me one
morning a little earlier than his usual
hour. I observed by his countenance that
he was in some perplexity, and at a loss
how to begin what be had to speak. After
a short silence, he told me he did not
know how I would take what he was going
to say that in the last general assembly,
M 4
181
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
when the affair of the Yahoos was entered
upon, the representatives had taken offence
at his keeping a Yahoo (meaning myself)
in his family, more like a Houyhnhnm than
a brute animal; that he was known fre-
quently to converse with me, as if he could
receive some advantage or pleasure in my
company; that such a practice was not
agreeable to reason or nature, or a thing
ever heard of before among them; the
assembly did therefore exhort him either
to employ me like the rest of my species,
or command me to swim back to the place
whence I came: that the first of these ex-
pedients was utterly rejected by all the
Houyhnhnms who had ever seen me at his
house or their own; for they alleged, that
because I had some rudiments of reason,
added to the natural gravity of those ani-
mals, it was to be feared I might be able
to seduce them into the woody and moun-
tainous parts of the country, and bring
them in troops by night to destroy the
Houyhnhnms' cattle, as being naturally of
the ravenous kind, and averse from labour.'
My master added, that he was daily
pressed by the Houyhnhnms of the neigh-
bourhood, to have the assembly's exhorta-
tion executed, which he could not put off
much longer. He doubted it would be
impossible for me to swim to another coun-
try; and therefore wished I would con-
trive some sort of vehicle, resembling those
I had described to him, that might carry
me on the sea; in which work 1 should
have the assistance of his own servants, as
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
185
well as those of his neighbours.'
<
He con-
cluded, that for his own part, he could
have been content to keep me in his ser-
vice as long as 1 lived; because he found I
had cured myself of some bad habits and
dispositions, by endeavouring as far as my
inferior nature was capable, to imitate the
Houynnhams.
>
I should here observe to the reader, that
a decree of the general assembly in this
country, is expressed by the word hnhloayn,
which signifies an exhortation, as near as
I can render it: for they have no concep-
tion how a rational creature can be com.
pelled, but only advised, or exhorted; be-
cause no person can disobey reason, with-
out giving up his claim to be a rational
creature.
I was struck with the utmost grief and
despair at my master's discourse; and be-
ing unable to support the agoníes I was
under, I fell into a swoon at his feet.
When I came to myself, he told me that
he concluded I had been dead:' for these
people are subject to no such imbecilities of
nature. I answered in a fait voice, that
death would have been too great a happi-
ness that although I could not blame the
assembly's exhortation, or the urgency of
his friends; yet, in my weak and corrupt
judgment, I thought it might consist with
reason to have been less rigorous: that I
could not swim a league, and probably the
nearest land to theirs might be distant
above a hundred: that many materials,
necessary for making a small vessel to
186 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
carry me off, were wholly wanting in this
country; which, however, I would at-
tempt, in obedience and gratitude to his
honour, although I concluded the thing to
be impossible, and therefore looked on my-
self as already devoted to destruction :
that the certain prospect of an unnatural
death was the least of my evils; for,
supposing 1 should escape with life by some
strange adventure, how could I think with
temper of passing my days among Yahoos,
and relapsing into my old corruptions, for
want of examples to lead and keep me
within the paths of virtue; that I knew
too well upon what solid reasons all the
determinations of the wise Houyhnhnms
were founded, not to be shaken by argu-
ments of mine, a miserable Yahoo; and
therefore, after presenting him with my
humble thanks for the offer of his servants'
assistance in making a vessel, and desiring
a reasonable time for so difficult a work, I
told him I would endeavour to preserve a
wretched being; and if ever I returned to
England, was not without hopes of being
useful to my own species, by celebrating
the praises of the renowned Houyhnhnms,
and proposing their virtues to the imitation
of mankind."
My master, in a few words, made me a
very gracious reply; allowed me the space
of two months to finish my boat; and or-
dered the sorrel nag, my fellow-servant
(for so at this distance I may presume to
call him), to follow my instruction; be-
cause I told my master, 'that his help

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
187
would be sufficient, and I knew he had a
tenderness for me.'
In his company, my first business was to
go to that part of the coast where my re-
bellious crew had ordered me to be set on
shore. I got upon a height, and looking
on every side into the sea, fancied I saw a
small island toward the north east; I took
out my pocket glass, and could then clearly
distinguish it above five leagues off, as Í
computed; but it appeared to the sorrel
nag to be only a blue cloud; for as he had
no conception of any country beside his
own, so he could not be as expert in distin-
guishing remote objects at sea, as we who
so much converse in that element.
After I had discovered this island, I con-
sidered no further; but resolved it should,
if possible, be the first place of my ban-
ishment, leaving the consequence to for.
tune.
I returned home, and consulting with
the sorrel nag, we went into a copse at
some distance, where I with my knife, and
he with a sharp flint, fastened very artifi-
cially after their manner to a wooden han-
dle, cut down several oak wattles, about
the thickness of a walking-staff, and some
larger pieces. But I shall not trouble the
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 to-
198 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
gether 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 land
in a stock of boiled flesh, of rabbits and
fowls, and took with me two vessels, one
filled with milk and the other with wa
ter.
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 possi-
bly make it, I had it drawn on a carriage
very gently by Yahoos to the sca-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 mas-
ter 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 it without vanity) partly out of kind-
ness, 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 bear-
ing 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 pro-
strate myself to kiss his hoof, he did' me
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
159
the honour to raise it gently to my mouth.
I am not ignorant how much I have been
censured for mentioning this last particu-
lar. Detractors are pleased to think it im-
probable, that so illustrious a person
should descend to give se 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 fa-
vours 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 na-
tives. Is seized and carried by force into
a Portuguese ship. The great civilities of
the captain. The Author arrives at Eng-
land.
I BEGAN this desperate voyage on Febru-
ary 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
190
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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 cut of sight; and I often heard
the sorrel nag (who always loved me) cry-
ing out, Hnuy illa nyha majah Yahoo,'
'Take care of thyself, gentle Yahoo.
My design was, if possible, to discover
some small island uninhabited, yet suffi-
cient by my labour to furnish me with the
necessarics of life, which I would have
thought a greater happiness, than to be
first minister in the politest court of Eu-
rope; 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, 1 could at
least enjoy my own thoughts, and reflect
with delight on the virtues of those inimi-
table Houyhnhnms, without an opportunity
of degenerating into the vices and corrup-
tions of my own species.
The reader may remember what I re-
lated, when my crew conspired against me,
and confined me to my cabin; how I con-
tinued there several weeks without know.
ing 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 be-
lieve us to be about 10 degress southward
of the Cape of Good Hope, or about 45
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
101
degrees southern latitude, as I gathered
fioin some general words I overheard
among them, bemg I supposed to the south-
east in their intended voyage to Madagas-
car. And although this were little better
than conjecture, yet I resolved to steer my
course castward, hoping to reach the south-
west coast of New Holland, and perhaps
some such island as I desired lying west-
ward 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, 1
could plainly discover land to the east, ex.
tending from south to north. I lay all
night in my canoe; and repeating my voy-
age carly in the morning, I arrived in
seven hours to the south-east point of New
Holland. This confirmed me in the opin-
ion I have long entertained, that the maps
and charts place this country at least three
degrees more to the cast than it really is;
which thought I communicated many
years ago to my worthy friend, Mr. Her-
man 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

192 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS,
being discovered by the natives. 1 con-
tinued three days feeding on oysters and
limpets, to save my own provision; and I
fortunately found a brook of excellent wa-
ter, which gave me great relief.
On the fourth day, venturing out early a
little too far, I saw twenty or thirty na-
tives 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,
1 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 look-
ing about for a secure landing-place, I saw
a sail to the north-north-east, which ap-
pearing every minute more visible, I was
in some doubt whether I should wait for
them or not; but at last my detestation of
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
193
the Yahoo race prevailed: and turning my
canoe, I sailed and paddled towards 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 na-
tive 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 ad-
mired to hear me answer them in their
own tongue, and saw by my complexion I
VOL. II
N
19.1
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
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 coun-
try and ours were at peace. I therefore
hoped they would not treat me as an enc-
my, 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 unna-
tural; for it appeared to me as monstrous
as if a dog or a cow should speak in Eng-
land, 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 or-
ders; in the mean time, unless I would
give my solemn oath not to fly, they would

THE HOUYHNHNMS
195
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 im-
paired my reason. In two hours the boat,
which went loaden with vessels of water,
returned, with the captain's command to
fetch me on board. 1 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
cat or drink; said, 'I should be used as
well as himself;' and spoke so many oblig-
ing things, that I wondered to find such
civilities from a Yahoo. However, 1 re-
mained 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 of the
scamen prevented me, and having in
N 2
196
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
formed the captain, I was chained to my
cabin.
After dinner, Don Pedro came to me,
and desired to know my reason for so des-
perate an attempt; assured me, 'he only
meant to do me all the service he was
able;' and spoke so very movingly, that at
last I descended to treat him like an ani-
mal which, bad some little portion of rea-
son. I gave him a very short relation of
my voyage; of the conspiracy against me.
by my own men; of the country where
they set me on shore, and of my five years'
residence there; all which he looked upon
as if it were a dream or a vision; whercat
I took great offence; for I had quite for-
got the faculty of lying, so peculiar to Ya.
hoos, in all countries where they preside,
and, consequently, the disposition of sus-
pecting truth in others of their own spe.
cies. I asked him, whether it were the
custom in his country to say the thing
which was not?' I assured him, 'I had
almost forgot what he meant by falsehood,
and if 1 had lived a thousand years in
Houyhnhnmland, I should never have heard
a lic from the meanest servant; that I was
altogether indifferent whether he believed
me or not; but, however, in return for his
favours, I would give so much allowance
to the corruption of his nature, as to an-
swer any objection he might please to
make, and then he might easily discover
the truth.'
4
The captain, a wise man, after many
endeavours to catch me tripping in some
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
197
part of my story, at last began to have a
better opinion of my veracity.
But he
added, ' that since I professed so inviolable
an attachment to truth, I must give him
my word and honour to bear him company
in this voyage, without attempting any
thing against my life; or else he would
continue me a prisoner till we arrived at
Lisbon.' I gave him the promise he
required; but at the same time protested,
'that I would suffer the greatest hardships,
rather than return to live among Yahoos.'
Our voyage passed without any consider-
able accident. In gratitude to the captain,
I sometimes sat with him at his earnest
request, and strove to conceal my anti-
pathy against human kind, although it
often broke out; which he suffered to
pass without observation. But the great-
est part of the day I confined myself to
my cabin, to avoid seeing any of the crew.
The captain had often entreated me to
strip myself of my savage dress, and offered
to lend me the best suit of clothes he had.
This I would not be prevailed on to accept,
abhorring to cover myself with any thing
that had been on the back of a Yahoo. I
only desired he would lend me two clean
shirts, which, having been washed since
he wore them, I believed would not so
much defile me. These I changed every
second day, and washed them myself.
We arrived at Lisbon, Nov. 5, 1715. At
our landing, the captain forced me to co-
ver myself with his cloak, to prevent the
rabble from crowding about me.
I was

N 3
198
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
to
conveyed to his own house; and at my
earnest request he led me up to the high-
est room backwards. I conjured him
conceal from all persons what I had told
him of the Houyhnhnms; because the
least hint of such a story would not only
draw numbers of people to see me, but
probably put me in danger of being im
prisoned, or burnt by the inquisition.
The captain persuaded me to accept a suit
of clothes newly made; but I would not
suffer the tailor to take my measure; how-
ever, Don Pedro being almost of my size,
they fitted me well enough. He accoutred
me with other necessaries, all new, which
I aired for twenty-four hours before I
would use them.
The captain had no wife, nor above three
servants, none of which were suffered to
attend at meals; and his whole deportment
was so obliging, added to very good human
understanding, that I really began to tole-
rate his company. He gained so far upon
me, that I ventured to look out of the
back window. By degrees I was brought
into another room, whence I peeped into
the street, but drew my head back in a
fright. In a week's time he seduced me
down to the door. I found my terror
gradually lessened, but my hatred and con-
tempt seemed to increase. I was at last
bold enough to walk the street in his com-
pany, but kept my nose well stopped with
rue, or sometimes with tobacco.
In ten days, Don Pedro, to whom I had
given some account of my domestic affairs,
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
199
put it upon me, as a matter of honour and
conscience, that I ought to return to my
native country, and live at home with my
wife and children.' He told me, there
was an English ship in the port just ready
to sail, and he would furnish me with all
things necessary.' It would be tedious to
repeat his arguments, and my contradic-
tions. He said, it was altogether impos-
sible to find such a solitary island as I de-
sired to live in; but I might command in
my own house, and pass my time in a man-
ner as recluse as I pleased.'
I complied at last, finding I could not
do better. I left Lisbon the 24th day of
November, in an English merchantman,
but who was the master I never inquired.
Don Pedro accompanied me to the ship,
and lent me twenty pounds. He took kind
leave of me, and embraced me at parting,
which I bore as well as I could. During
this last voyage I had no commerce with
the master or any of his men; but, pre-
tending I was sick, kept close in my cabin.
On the fifth of December, 1715, we cast
anchor in the Downs, about nine in the
morning, and at three in the afternoon I
got safe to my house at Redriff.
My wife and family received me with
great surprise and joy, because they con-
cluded me certainly dead; but I must
frecly confess the sight of them filled me
only with hatred, disgust, and contempt;
and the more, by reflecting on the near al-
liance I had to them. For although, since
my unfortunate exile from the Houyhnhnm
N 4
200
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
country, I had compelled myself to tole-
rate the sight of Yahoos, and to converse
with Don Pedro de Mendez, yet my me-
mory and imagination were perpetually
filled with the virtues and ideas of those
exalted Houyhnhnms. And when I began
to consider that, by copulating with one
of the Yahoo species I had become a pa-
rent of more, it struck me with the utmost
shame, confusion, and horror.
As soon as I entered the house, my wife
took me in her arms, and kissed me; at
which, having not been used to the touch
of that odious animal for so many years, I
fell into a swoon for almost an hour. At
the time I am writing, it is five years since
my last return to England: during the
first year, I could not endure my wife or
children in my presence; the very smell of
them was intolerable; much less could I
suffer them to eat in the same room. To
this hour they dare not presume to touch
my bread, or drink out of the same cup,
neither was I ever able to let one of them
take me by the hand. The first money 1
laid out was to buy two young stone-horses,
which I keep in a good stable; and next to
them, the groom is my greatest favourite;
for I feel my spirits revived by the smell
he contracts in the stable. My horses un-
derstand me tolerably well; I converse
with them at least four hours every day.
They are strangers to bridle or saddle;
they live in great amity with me, and
friendship to each other.
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
201
CHAPTER XII.
The
The Author's veracity. His design in pub-
lishing this work. His censure of those
travellers who swerve from the truth.
The Author clears himself from any sinis-
ter ends in writing. An objection an-
swered. The method of planting colonies.
Ilis native country commended.
right of the crown to those countrice
described by the Author, is justified. The
difficulty of conquering them. The Author
takes his last leave of the reader ; proposes
his manner of living for the future; gives
good advice, and concludes.
Thus, gentle reader, I have given thee a
faithful bistory of my travels for sixteen
years and above seven months: wherein I
have not been so studious of ornament as
of truth. I could, perhaps, like others,
have astonished thee with strange impro-
bable tales; but I rather chose to relate
plain matter of fact, in the simplest man-
ner and style; because my principal de-
sign was to inform, and not to amuse thee.
It is easy for us who travel into remote
countries, which are seldom visited by
Englishmen or other Europeans, to form
descriptions of wonderful animals both at
sca and land. Whereas a traveller's chief
aim should be to make men wiser and bet-
ter, and to improve their minds by the bad,
as well as good example, of what they de-
liver concerning foreign places.
202
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
I could heartily wish a law was enacted,
that every traveller, before he were per
mitted to publish his voyages, should be
obliged to make oath before the Lord High
Chancellor, that all he intended to print
was absolutely true to the best of his know.
ledge; for then the world would no longer
be deceived, as it usually is, while some
writers, to make their works pass the bet-
ter upon the public, impose the grossest
falsities on the unweary reader. I have
perused several books of travels with great
delight in my younger days: but having
since gone over most parts of the globe,
and been able to contradict many fabulous
accounts from my own observation, it has
given me a great disgust against this part
of reading, and some indignation to see the
credulity of mankind so impudently abus-
ed. Therefore, since my acquaintance
were pleased to think my poor endeavours
might not be unacceptable to my country,
I imposed on myself as a maxim never to
be swerved from, that I would strictly ad-
here to truth; neither indeed can I be ever
under the least temptation to vary from it,
while I retain in my mind the lectures and
example of my noble master and the other
illustrious Houyhnhnms of whom I had so
long the honour to be an humble hearer.
·Nec si miserum Fortuna Sinoncm
Finxit, vanum etiam, mendacemque im-
proba finget.
I know very well, how little reputation
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
203
is to be got by writings, which require nei-
ther genius nor learning, nor indeed any
other talent, except a good memory, or an
exact journal. I know likewise, that
writers of travels, like dictionary-makers,
are sunk into oblivion by the weight and
bulk of those who come last, and therefore
lie uppermost. And it is highly probable,
that such travellers, who shall hereafter
visit the countries described in this work
of mine, may, by detecting my errors (if
there be any), and adding many new dis-
coveries of their own, justle me out of
vogue, and stand in my place, making the
world forget that ever I was an author.
This indeed would be too great a mortifica-
tion, if I wrote for fame: but as my sole
intention was the public good, I cannot be
altogether disappointed. For who can
read of the virtues I have mentioned in
the glorious Houyhnhnms, without being
ashamed of his own vices, when he con-
siders himself as the reasoning, governing
animal of his country? I shall say no-
thing of those remote nations where Ya.
hoos preside; among which the least cor-
rupted are the Brobdingnagians; whose
wise maxims in morality and government
it would be our happiness to observe. But
I forbear descanting further, and rather
leave the judicious reader to his own re-
marks and application.
I am not a little pleased, that this work
of mine can possibly meet with no censu-
rers for what objections can be made
against a writer, who relates only plain
201 GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
facts, that happened in such distant coun-
tries, where we have not the least inte-
rest, with respect either to trade or nego-
tiations? I have carefully avoided every
fault, with which common writers of tra-
vels are often too justly charged. Besides,
1 meddle not the least with any party, but
write without passion, prejudice, or ill-will
against any man, or number of men, what-
soever. I write for the noblest end, to inform
and instruct mankind; over whom I may,
without breach of modesty, pretend to
some superiority, from the advantages I
received by conversing so long among
the most accomplished Houyhnhnms.
write without any view to profit or praise.
I never suffer a word to pass that may
look like reflection, or possibly give the
least offence, even to those who are most
ready to take it. So that I hope I may
with justice pronounce myself an author
perfectly blameless; against whom the
tribes of Answerers, Considerers, Obser-
vers, Reflectors, Detectors, Remarkers,
will never be able to find matter for ex-
crcising their talents.
I
I confess, it was whispered to me, 'that
I was bound in duty, as a subject of Eng-
land, to have given in a memorial to a se-
cretary of state at my first coming over;
because, whatever lands are discovered by
a subject, belong to the crown.' But I
doubt, whether our conquests, in the coun-
tries I treat of, would be as easy as those
of Ferdinando Cortez over the naked
Americans. The Lilliputians, 1 think, are
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
203
hardly worth the charge of a ficct and
army to reduce them; and I question
whether it might be prudent or safe to at-
tempt the Brobdingnagians; or whether an
English army would be much at their ease,
with the Flying Island over their heads.
The Houyhnhnms indeed appear not to be
so well prepared for war, a science to which
they are perfect strangers, and especially
against missive weapons. However, sup
posing myself to be a minister of state, I
could never give my advice for invading
them. Their prudence, unanimity, unac-
quaintedness with fear, and their love of
their country, would amply supply all de-
fects in the military art. Imagine twenty
thousand of them breaking into the midst
of an European army, confounding the
ranks, overturning the carriages, battering
the warriors' faces into mummy by terrible
yerks from their hinder hoofs; for they
would well deserve the character given to
Augustus, Recalcitrat undique tutus. But,
instead of proposals for conquering that
magnanimous nation, I rather wish they
were in a capacity, or disposition, to sond
a sufficient number of their inhabitants
for civilizing Europe, by teaching us the
first principles, of honour, justice, truth,
temperance, public spirit, fortitude, chas-
tity, friendship, benevolence, and fidelity.
The names of all which virtues are still re-
tained among us in most languages, and
are to be met with in modern, as well as
ancient authors; which I am able to as-
sert from my own small reading.

206
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
But I had another reason, which made
me less forward to enlarge his majesty's
dominions by my discoveries. To say the
truth, I had conceived a few scruples with
relation to the distributive justice of
princes upon those occasions. For instance,
a crew of pirates are driven by a storm
they know not whither; at length a boy
discovers land from the topmast; they go
on shore to rob and plunder; they see a
harmless people, are entertained with kind-
ness; they give the country a new name;
they take formal possession of it for their
king; they set up a rotten plank, or a
stone, for a memorial; they murder two or
three dozen of the natives, bring away a
couple more, by force, for a sample; rc-
turn home, and get their pardon. Here
commences a new dominion acquired with
a title by divine right.
divine right. Ships are sent
with the first opportunity; the natives
driven out or destroyed; their princes
tortured to discover their gold; a free li-
cense given to all acts of inhumanity and
lust, the carth reeking with the blood of
its inhabitants: and this execrable crew of
butchers, employed in so pious an expedi.
tion, is a modern colony, sent to convert
and civilize an idolatrous and barbarous
people!
But this description, I confess, does by
no means affect the British nation, who
may be an example to the whole world for
their wisdom, care, and justice in planting
colonies their liberal endowments for the
advancement of religion and learning;

THE HOUYHNHNMS.
207
their choice of devout and able pastors to
propagate Christianity; their caution in
stocking their provinces with people of so-
ber lives and conversations from this the
mother kingdom; their strict regard to the
distribution of justice, in supplying the
civil administration through all their colo-
nies with officers of the greatest abilities,
utter strangers to corruption; and, to
crown all, by sending the most vigilant and
virtuous governors, who have no other
views than the happiness of the people
over whom they preside, and the honour
of the king their master.
But as those countries, which I have
described, do not appear to have any de-
sire of being conquered and enslaved,
murdered or driven out, by colonies; nor
abound either in gold, silver, sugar or to-
bacco; I did humbly conceive, they were
by no means proper objects of our zeal, our
valour, or our interest. However, if those
whom it more concerns, think fit to be of
another opinion, I am ready to depose,
when I shall be lawfully called, that no
European did ever visit those countries
before me. I mean, if the inhabitants
ought to be believed, unless a dispute may
arise concerning the two Yahoos, said to
have been seen many years ago upon a
mountain in Houyhnhnmland.
But, as to the formality of taking pos
session in my sovereign's name, it never
came once into my thoughts; and if it
had, yet, as my affairs then stood, I should
perhaps, in point of prudence and self-pre-
208
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS
servation, have put it off to a better oppor.
tunity,
Having thus answered the only objection
that can ever be raised against me as a
traveller, I here take a final leave of all
my courteous readers, and return to enjoy
my own speculations in my little garden at
Redriff; to apply those excellent lessons of
virtue, which 1 learned among the Houy-
hnhnms; to instruct the Yahoos of my
own family, as far as I shall find them
docible animals; to behold my figure often
in a glass, and thus, if possible, habituate
myself by time to tolerate the sight of a
human creature; to lament the brutality
of Houyhnhnms, in my own country, but
always treat their persons with respect, for
the sake of my noble master, his family,
his friends, and the whole Houyhnhnm
race, whom these of ours have the honour
to resemble in all their lineaments, how-
ever their intellectuals came to degenerate.
I began last week to permit my wife
to sit at dinner with me, at the furthest
end of a long table; and to answer (but
with the utmost brevity) the few questions
I asked her. Yet, the smell of a Yahoo
continuing very offensive, I always keep
my nose well stopped with rue, lavender,
or tobacco leaves. And, although it be
hard for a man late in life to remove old
habits, I am not altogether out of hopes,
in some time, to suffer a neighbour Yahoo
in my company, without the apprehensions
I am yet under of his teeth or his claws.
My reconcilement to the Yahoo kind in
THE HOUYHNHNMS.
209
general might not be so difficult, if they
would be content with those vices and fol
lies only, which nature has entitled them
to. I am not in the least provoked at the
sight of a lawyer, a pickpocket, a colonel,
a fool, a lord, a gamester, a politician, a
whoremonger, a physician, an evidence, a
suborner, an attorney, a traitor, or the
like; this is all according to the due course
of things: but when I behold a lump of
deformity and diseases, both in body and
mind, smitten with pride, it immediately
breaks all the measures of my patience;
neither shall I be ever able to comprehend
how such an animal, and such a vice, could
tally together. The wise and virtuous
Houyhnhnms, who abound in all excellen-
ces that can adorn a rational creature,
have no name for this vice in their lan-
guage; which has no terms to express any
thing that is evil, except those whereby
they describe the detestable qualities of
their Yahoos; among which they were not
able to distinguish this of pride, for want
of thoroughly understanding human na-
ture, as it shows itself in other countries
where that animal presides. But I, who
had more experience, could plainly observe
some rudiments of it among the wild Ya-
hoos.
But the Houyhnhnms, who live under
the government of reason, are no more
proud of the good qualities they possess,
than I should be for not wanting a leg or
an arm; which no man in his wits would
Doast of, although he must be miserable
VOL. II.
0

210
GULLIVER'S TRAVELS.
without them. I dwell the longer upon
this subject from the desire I have to make
the society of an English Yahoo by any
means not insupportable; and therefore I
here entreat those, who have any tincture
of this absurd vice, that they will not pre-
sume to come in my sight.
THE END.

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