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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins,
-Volume II, by Robert Paltock
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
-whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of
-the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org.  If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-
-
-Title: The Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, Volume II
-
-Author: Robert Paltock
-
-Commentator: A. H. Bullen
-
-Release Date: May 2, 2016 [EBook #51968]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PETER WILKINS, II ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger from page images generously
-provided by the Internet Archive
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS.
-
-By Robert Paltock
-
-With A Preface By A. H. Bullen
-
-Vol. II (of II)
-
-London: Reeves & Turner, 196 Strand.
-
-1884.
-
-[Illustration: 0001]
-
-[Illustration: 0007]
-
-
-
-
-LIFE and ADVENTURES OF PETER WILKINS
-
-A Cornish Man
-
-Relating particularly,
-
-His Shipwreck near the South Pole; his wonderful Passage thro' a
-subterraneous Cavern into a kind of new World; his there meeting with a
-Gawry or flying woman, whose Life he preserv'd, and afterwards married
-her; his extraordinary Conveyance to the Country of Glums and Gawrys, or
-Men and Women that fly. Likewise a Description of this strange Country,
-with the Laws, Customs, and Manners of its Inhabitants, and the Author's
-remarkable Transactions among them.
-
-Taken from his own Mouth, in his Passage to England from off Cape Horn
-in America, in the ship Hector.
-
-With an INTRODUCTION, giving an Account of the surprizing Manner of his
-coming on board that Vessel, and his Death on his landing at Plymouth in
-the Year 1739.
-
-Illustrated with several Cuts, clearly and distinctly representing the
-Structure and Mechanism of the Wings of the Glums and Gawrys, and the
-Manner in which they use them either to swim or fly.
-
-By R. S. a Passenger in the Hector.
-
-In Two Volumes.
-
-[Illustration: 0011]
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS OF VOL. II.
-
-CHAPT I.
-
-A discourse on light--Quangrollart explains the word crashee--Believes a
-fowl is a fruit--Gives a further account of Youwarkee's reception by
-her father, and by the king--Tommy and Hallycarnie provided for at
-court--Youwarkee and her father visit the colambs, and are visited--Her
-return put off till next winter, when her father is to come with her
-
-CHAPT II.
-
-The author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry--They are surprised
-at them--He takes them a-fishing--They wonder at his cart, and at his
-shooting a fowl--They are terribly frightened at the firing of the
-gun--He pacifies them
-
-CHAPT III.
-
-Peter prepares for his father's reception--Arguments about his
-beard--Expects his wife--Reflections on her not coming--Sees a messenger
-on the rock--Has notice of Pendlehamby's arrival and prepares a treat
-
-CHAPT IV.
-
-Peter settles the formality, of his father's reception--Description
-of their march and alighting--Receives his father--Conducts him to
-the grotto--Offers to beg pardon for his marriage--Is prevented by
-Pendlehamby--Youwarkee not known in her English habit--Quarters the
-officers in the tent
-
-CHAPT V.
-
-The manner of their dinner--Believe the fish and fowl to be
-fruits--Hears his brother and the colambs are coming--Account of their
-lying--Peter's reflections on the want of the graundee--They view
-the arkoe--Servants harder to please than their masters--Reasons for
-different dresses the same day
-
-CHAPT VI.
-
-Quangrollart arrives with the colambs--Straitened for
-accommodation--Remove to the tent--Youwarkee not known--Peter relates
-part of his travels--Dispute about the beast-fish skins
-
-CHAPT VII.
-
-Go a-fishing--Catch a beast-fish--Afraid of the gun--How Peter altered
-his net--A fish-dinner for the guards--Method of dressing and eating it
-
-CHAPT VIII.
-
-A shooting proposed--All afraid of the gun but one private guard--His
-behaviour--Pendlehamby at Peter's request makes him a general--Peter's
-discourse thereon--Remainder of his story--The colambs return
-
-CHAPT IX.
-
-Peter finds his stores low--Sends Youwarkee to the ship--Receives an
-invitation to Georigetti's court
-
-CHAPT X.
-
-Nasgig comes with a guard to fetch Peter--Long debate about his
-going--Nasgig's uneasiness at Peter's refusal--Relates a prediction to
-him, and proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court--Peter consents to
-go--Prepares a machine for that purpose
-
-CHAPT XI.
-
-Peter's speech to the soldiery--Offers them freedom--His journey--Is met
-by the king--The king sent back, and why--Peter alights in the king's
-garden--His audience--Description of his supper and bed
-
-CHAPT XII.
-
-The king's apartments described--Peter is introduced to the king--A
-moucheratt called--His discourse with the king about religion
-
-CHAPT XIII.
-
-Peter's reflections on what he was to perform--Settles the method
-of it--His advice to his son and daughter--Globe-lights living
-creatures--Takes Maleck into his service--Nasgig discovers to Peter a
-plot in court--Revolt of Gauingrunt
-
-CHAPT XIV.
-
-Hold a moucheratt--Speeches of ragans and colambs--Peter settles
-religion--Informs the king of a plot--Sends Nasgig to the ship for
-cannon
-
-CHAPT XV.
-
-The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot--They
-are impeached by Peter at a moucheratt--Condemned and executed--Nicor
-submits, and is released
-
-CHAPT XVI.
-
-Nasgig returns with the cannon--Peter informs him of the
-execution--Appoints him a guard--Settles the order of his march against
-Harlokin--Combat between Nasgig and the rebel general--The battle--Peter
-returning with Harlokin's head is met by a sweecoan--A public
-festival--Slavery abolished
-
-CHAPT XVII.
-
-A visitation of the revolted provinces proposed by Peter--His new name
-of the country received--Religion settled in the west--Slavery abolished
-there--Lasmeel returns with Peter--Peter teaches him letters--The king
-surprised at written correspondence--Peter describes the make of a beast
-to the king
-
-CHAPT XVIII.
-
-Peter sends for his family--A rising of former slaves on that
-account--Takes a view of the city--A description of it, and of the
-country--Hot and cold springs
-
-CHAPT XIX.
-
-Peter sends for his family--Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account of the
-peopling of that country--Their policy and government--Peter's
-discourse on trade--You-warkee arrives--Invites the king and nobles to a
-treat--Sends to Graundevolet for fowls
-
-CHAPT XX.
-
-Peter goes to his father's--Traverses the Black Mountain--Takes a
-flight to Mount Alkoe--Gains the miners--Overcomes the governor's
-troops--Proclaims Georigetti king--Seizes the governor--Returns him the
-government--Peter makes laws with the consent of the people, and returns
-to Brandleguarp with deputies
-
-CHAPT XXI.
-
-Peter arrives with the deputies--Presents them to the king--They
-return--A colony agreed to be sent thither--Nasgig made governor--Manner
-of choosing the colony--A flight-race, and the intent of it--Walsi wins
-the prize and is found to be a gawry
-
-CHAPT XXII.
-
-The race reconciles the two kingdoms--The colony proceeds--Builds a
-city--Peter views the country at a distance--Hears of a prophecy of
-the king of Norbon's daughter Stygee--Goes thither--Kills the king's
-nephew--Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to Georigetii--Returns
-
-CHAPT XXIII.
-
-A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetii--Peter proposes
-Stygee--The king accepts it--Relates his transactions at Norbon--The
-marriage is consummated--Account of the marriage ceremony--Peter goes
-to Norbon--Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe--Gets traders to settle at
-Norbon--Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe
-
-CHAPT XXIV.
-
-Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible--
-
-Sets about a translation--Teaches some of the ragans letters--Sets up
-a paper manufacture--Makes the ragans read the Bible--The ragans teach
-others to read and write--A fair kept at the Black Mountain--Peter's
-reflections on the Swangeantines
-
-CHAPT XXV.
-
-Peter's children provided for--Youwarkee's death--How the king and
-queen spent their time--Peter grows melancholy--Wants to get to
-England--Contrives means--Is taken up at sea
-
-[Illustration: 5016]
-
-[Illustration: 0017]
-
-
-
-
-A GENUINE ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE OF PETER WILKINS.
-
-
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-_A discourse on light--Quangrollart explains the word crashee--Believes
-a fowl is a fruit--Gives a further account of Youwarkeds reception by
-her father, and by the king--Tommy and Hallycarnie provided for at
-court--Youwarkee and her father visit the colambs, and are visited--Her
-return put off till next winter, when her father is to come with her._
-
-THE next day I prepared again of the best of everything for my new
-guests. I killed three fowls, and ordered Pedro (who was as good a cook
-almost as myself) to get them ready for boiling, whilst we took a walk
-to the lake. Though we went out in the clearest part of the morning, I
-heard no complaint of the light. I took the liberty to ask my brother if
-the light did not offend him; for I told him my wife could not bear so
-much without spectacles.--"What is that spectacle?" says he.--"Something
-I made your sister," says I, "to prevent the inconvenience of too much
-light upon her eyes."--He said the light was scarce at all troublesome
-to him, for he had been in much greater, and was used to it; and that
-the glumms, who travelled much abroad, could bear more light than the
-gawrys, who stayed much at home: these stirring but little out unless
-in large companies, and that of one another, and very rarely admitted
-glumms amongst them before marriage. For his own part, he said, he
-had an office at Crashdoorpt, * which, though he executed chiefly by
-a deputy, obliged him to reside there sometimes for a long season
-together; that being a more luminous country than Arndrumnstake, light
-was become familiar to him; for it was very observable that some who
-had been used to it young, though they might in time overcome it, yet at
-first it was very uneasy.
-
-     * The country of the Slits.
-
-I was upon the tenter whilst he spoke, lest, before he had done, a
-question I had a thousand times thought to have asked my wife, should
-slip out of my head, as it had so often done before, and was what I had
-for years desired to be resolved in; viz., what the meaning of the word
-slit was, when applied to a man. So, on his pausing, I said that his
-mention of Crashdoorpt reminded me of inquiring what crashee meant, when
-applied to a glumm or gawry. "It would be no hard task," he said, "to
-satisfy me in respect of that, as I already understood the nature of the
-graundee;" whereupon he went on thus: "Slitting is the only punishment
-we use to incorrigible criminals: our method is, where any one has
-committed a very heinous offence, or, which is the same thing, has
-multiplied the acts of offence, he has a long string tied round his
-neck, in the manner of a cravat; and then two glumms, one at each
-end, take it in their hands, standing side by side with him; two more
-standing before him, and two behind him; all which in that manner take
-flight, so that the string keeps the criminal in the middle of them:
-thus they conduct him to Crashdoorpt, which lies farther on the other
-side of Arndrumnstake than this arkoe does on this side of it, and is
-just such an arkoe as ours, but much bigger within the rocks. When they
-come to the covett they alight, where my deputy immediately orders
-the malefactor to be slit, so that he can never more return to
-Normnbdsgrsutt, or indeed by any means get out of that arkoe, but must
-end his days there. The method of slitting is thus: The criminal is laid
-on his back with his graundee open, and after a recapitulation of his
-crimes, and his condemnation, the officer with a sharp stone slits the
-gume * between each of the filuses ** of the graundee, so that he can
-never fly more. But what is still worse to new-comers, if they are not
-very young, is the light of the place, which is so strong that it is
-some years before they can overcome it, if ever they do."
-
-This discourse gave me a great pleasure; thereupon I repeated the
-dialogue that had passed between me and Youwarkee about my being slit,
-and how we had held an argument a long time, without being able to come
-at one another's meaning. "But pray, brother," says I, "how comes that
-light country to agree so well with you?"--"Why," says he, "the colambat
-*** of Crashdoorpt is reckoned one of the most honourable employments
-in the state, by reason of the hazard of it, and the person accepting it
-must be young: it was, by my father's interest at court, given to me at
-nine years of age; my friend Rosig has followed my fortune in it ever
-since, being much about my age, and has a post under me there: in short,
-by being obliged to be so much there, and from so tender an age too, I
-have pretty well inured myself to any light."
-
-     * The membrane.
-
-     ** Ribs.
-
-     *** Government.
-
-By this time we had got home again to dinner, which Pedro had set out
-as elegantly as my country could afford, consisting of pickles and
-preserves, as usual, a dish of hard eggs, and boiled fowls with spinage.
-
-My guests, as I expected, stared at the fowls, but never offered to
-touch them, or seemed in the least inclined to do so. I was afraid they
-would be cold, and begged them to let me help them. I put a wing on each
-of their plates, and a leg on my own; but perceiving they waited to see
-how I managed it, I stuck in my fork, cut off a slice, dipped it in the
-salt, and put it in my mouth. Just as I did they did, and appeared very
-well pleased with the taste. "I never in my life," says Rosig, "saw a
-crullmott*of this shape before;" and laid hold of a leg (taking it for
-a stick I had thrust in, as he told me afterwards), intending to pull
-it out; but finding it grew there, "Mr. Peter," says he, "you have the
-oddest-shaped crullmotts that ever I saw; pray what part of the woods do
-they grow in?"--"Grow in?" says I.--"Aye," says he, "I mean whether your
-crullmott-trees are like ours or not?"--"Why," says I, "these fowls
-are about my yard and the wood too."--"What!" says he, "is it a running
-plant like a bott?" **--"No, no," says I, "a bird that I keep tame about
-my house; and these (showing him the eggs) are the eggs of these birds,
-and the birds grow from them."--"Pr'ythee," says Quangrollart, "never
-let's inquire what they are till we have dined; for my brother Peter
-will give us nothing we need be afraid of."
-
-     * A fruit like a melon.
-
-     ** A gourd.
-
-It growing into the night by that time we rose from table, I set a bowl
-of punch before them, made with my treacle and sour ram's-horn juice,
-which they pulled off plentifully. After some bumpers had gone round,
-I desired my brother to proceed where he left off, in the account of my
-wife's reception with her father.
-
-"When my father," says he, "had recovered himself by some hours' repose,
-the first thing he did was to order my sister Youwarkee to be called;
-who, coming into his presence, he took her from her knees, kissed her,
-and ordered all to depart but myself and Hallycarnie. Then bidding us
-sit down, says he to your wife, 'Daughter, your appearance, whom I have
-so long lamented as dead, has given me the truest cordial I could have
-received, and I hope will add both to my health and years. I have heard
-you suspect my anger for some part of your past conduct (for he had
-hinted so to her sister and me), which you justly enough imagined may
-be censured; but, my dear life, I am this day, what I did not expect any
-more to be, a father of a new-born child; and not of one only, but of
-many; and this day, I say, daughter, shall not be spent in sorrow and
-excuses, or anything to interrupt our mutual felicity; neither will
-I ever hereafter permit you to forget my forgiveness, or attempt to
-palliate any of your proceedings; for know, child, that a benevolence
-freely bestowed is better than twice its value obtained by petition: I,
-therefore, as in presence of the Great Image, your brother and sister,
-at this instant erase from my mind for ever what thoughts I may have had
-prejudicial to the love I ever bore you, as I will have you to do all
-such as may cloud the unreserved complacency you used to appear with
-before me. And now, Quangrollart,' says he, 'let the guard be drawn out
-before my covett, and let the whole country be entertained for seven
-days; proclaim liberty to all persons confined; and let not the least
-sorrow appear in any face throughout my colambat.'
-
-"I retired immediately, and gave the necessary orders for the speedy
-despatch of my father's commands, which indeed were performed to the
-utmost; and nothing for seven days was to be heard through the whole
-district of Arndrumnstake but joy and the name of Youwarkee.
-
-"My father, so soon as he had despatched the above orders, sent for the
-children before him, whom he kissed and blessed, frequently lifting up
-his eyes in gratitude to the Great Image for the unexpected happiness he
-enjoyed on that occasion; and then he ordered Youwarkee to let him know
-what had befallen her in her absence, and where she lived, and with
-whom.
-
-"Youwarkee was setting out with some indirect excuses; but my father
-absolutely forbid her, and charged her only to mention plain facts,
-without flourishes. So she began with her swangean, and the accidental
-fall she had, your taking her in after it, and saving her life. She told
-him your continued kindness so wrought upon her, that she found herself
-incapable of disesteeming you, but never showed her affection, till,
-having examined every particular of your life, and finding you a worthy
-man, she could not avoid becoming your wife; and she said the reasons
-why she always declined being seen by her friends in their swangeans,
-was for fear she should be forced from you, though she longed to see
-us; and that at last she was to come by your consent, and that, had it
-rested there only, she might have come much sooner, for that you would
-often have had her show herself to her friends, when you heard them,
-having strong desires yourself to be known to them.
-
-"My father, upon hearing this, was so charmed with your tenderness and
-affection to his daughter, that you already rival his own issue in
-his esteem, and he is persuaded he can never do enough for you or your
-children.
-
-"The noise of Youwarkee's return, and my father's rejoicing, soon spread
-over all Normnbdsgrsutt; and King Georigetti sent express to my father,
-to command him to attend with your wife and children at Brandleguarp,
-his capital. Thither accordingly we all went with a grand retinue, and
-stayed twenty days. The king took great delight, as well as the ladies
-of the court, to hear Youwarkee and her children talk English, and in
-being informed of you and your way of life; and so fond was Yaccombourse
-(who, though not the king's wife, is instead of one) of my nephew Tommy,
-that, upon my father's return, she took him to herself, and assured
-my sister he should continue near her person till he was qualified for
-better preferment. The king's sister Jahamel would also have taken Patty
-into her service; but she begged to be permitted to attend her mother
-to Arndrumnstake; so Hallycarnie, her sister, who chose to continue with
-Jahamel, was received in her room.
-
-"Upon my father's return to Arndrumnstake, he found no less than fifteen
-expresses from several colambs, desiring to rejoice with him on the
-return of his daughter, with particular invitations to him and her to
-spend some time with them. My father, though he hates more pomp than
-is necessary to support dignity, could do no less than severally visit
-them, with Youwarkee, attended by a grand retinue, spending more or less
-days with each; hoping when that was over, he should have some little
-time to spend in retirement with his daughter before her departure, who
-now began to be uneasy for you, who, she said, would suffer the greatest
-concern in her absence: but upon their return from those visits, at
-about the end of four months' progress, they found themselves in as
-little likelihood of retirement as the first day; for the inferior
-colambs were continually posting away, one after another, to perform
-their respects to my father, and all the inferior magistrates of smaller
-districts sending to know when they might be permitted to do the same.
-Poor Youwarkee, who saw no end of it, expressed her concern for you in
-so lively a manner to my father, that finding he could by no means put
-a stop to the goodwill of the people, and not bearing the thoughts of
-You-warkee's departure till she had now received all their compliments,
-he resolved to keep her with him till the next winter set in in these
-parts, and then to accompany her himself to Graundevolet. In the
-meanwhile, that you might not remain in an uneasy suspense what was
-become of my sister, he ordered me to despatch messengers express to
-inform you of the reasons of her stay; but I told him, if he pleased,
-I would execute that office myself, with my friend Rosig, with which he
-was very well pleased, and enjoined me to assure you of his affection,
-and that he himself was debtor to you for the love and kindness you had
-shown his daughter.
-
-"Thus, brother," says Quangrollart, "I hope I have acquitted myself of
-my charge to your satisfaction, and it only now remains that I return
-you my acknowledgments for your hearty welcome to myself and friend;
-which (with concern I speak it) I am afraid I shall not have an
-opportunity to return at Arndrumnstake, the distance being so immensely
-great and you not having the graundee. To-morrow morning my friend and I
-will set out on our return home."
-
-Quangrollart having done, I told him I could not but blush at the load
-of undeserved praises he had laid on me; but as he had received his
-notion of my merits from a wife too fond to let my character sink for
-want of her support, it would be sufficient if himself could conceive
-of, and also represent me at his return, in no worse a light than other
-men; and though it gave me pain to think of losing my wife so long, yet
-his account of her health and the company he assured me she would return
-in, would doubly compensate my loss; and I begged of him, if it might
-be with any convenience, he would let some messenger come the day before
-her, to give me notice of their approach. As to their departure on the
-morrow, I told them I could by no means think of that, as I had proposed
-to catch them a dinner of fresh fish in the lake, and to show them my
-boat, and how and where I came into this arkoe, believing, by what I had
-observed, it would be no small novelty to them. So, having engaged them
-one day more, we parted for that night to rest.
-
-[Illustration: 5027]
-
-[Illustration: 0028]
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-_The Author shows Quangrollart and Rosig his poultry--They are surprised
-at them--He takes them a-fishing--They wonder at his cart, and at his
-shooting a fowl--They are terribly frightened at the firing of the
-gun--Wilkins pacifies them._
-
-
-I WAS heartily sorry to lose my brother thus quickly, and still more so
-to find it would be a long time yet ere I should see my wife; however, I
-was resolved to behave as cheerfully as possible, and to omit nothing
-I could do, the few remaining hours of Quangrollart's stay with me, to
-rivet myself thoroughly in his esteem, and to dismiss him with a most
-cordial affection to me and the rest of my children here with him. I
-rose early in the morning, to provide a good breakfast for my guests,
-and considering we should be in the air most part of that day, I treated
-them with a dish of hot fish-soup, and set before them on the table a
-jovial bottle of brandy and my silver can; this last piece I chose to
-show them, as a specimen of the richness of my household furniture, and
-the grandeur of my living, concealing most of my other curiosities
-till Pendlehamby my father-in-law's arrival, for I thought it would
-be imprudent not to have somewhat new of this kind to display at his
-entertainment.
-
-After a plenteous meal, we set out on our pleasurable expedition, having
-told Pedro what to get for dinner, and that I believed we should not
-return till late.
-
-We first took a turn in the wood, but I did not lead them near my tent,
-because I did not choose my wife should hear of that till she came.
-I then showed them my farmyard and poultry, which they were strangely
-surprised at, and wondered to see so many creatures come at my call, and
-run about my legs only upon a whistle, though before there were only two
-or three to be seen. They asked me a hundred questions about the fowl,
-which I answered, and told them these were some such as they had eaten,
-and called crullmotts, the day before. I afterwards carried them to hear
-the music of those plants that I call my cream-cheese, which, as there
-happened to be a small breeze stirring, made their usual melody.
-
-When we had diverted ourselves some time in the wood, we went to the
-wet-dock, where I showed them my boat. At first view they wondered what
-use it was for; to satisfy them in that I stepped in, desiring them
-to follow me; but seeing the boat's agitation, they did not choose to
-venture till I assured them they might come with the greatest safety;
-at length, with some persuasion and repeated assurances, I prevailed on
-them to trust themselves with me.
-
-We first rowed to the bridge, where I informed them by what accident
-I was drawn down the stream on the other side of the rock, and after a
-tedious and dangerous passage, discharged safe in the lake through that
-opening.
-
-I then told them how surprised I had been, just before I knew Youwarkee,
-with the sight of her country-folks, first on the lake, and then taking
-flight from that bridge, and what had been my thoughts, and how great my
-terrors on that occasion.
-
-After we had viewed the bridge, I took them to my rill (for by this
-time they were reconciled to the boat, and would help me to row it),
-and showed them how I got water. I then landed them to see the method of
-fishing, for which purpose I laid my net in proper order, and fixing it
-as usual, I brought it round out at the rill, and had a very good haul,
-with which I desired them to help me up; for though I could easily have
-done it myself, I had a mind to let them have a hand in the sport,
-with which they were pleased. I perceived, however, the fish were not
-agreeable to them, for when any one came near their hands, they avoided
-touching it: notwithstanding, having got the net on shore, I laid it
-open; but to see how they stared at the fish, creeping backwards, and
-then at me and the net, it made me very merry to myself, though I did
-not care to show it.
-
-I drew up at that draught twenty-two fishes in all, of which a few were
-near an ell long, several about two feet, and some smaller. When they
-saw me take up the large ones in my arms, and tumble them into the
-boat, they both, unrequested, took up the small ones, and put them in
-likewise; but dropping them every time they struck their tails, the fish
-had commonly two or three falls ere they came to the boat.
-
-I asked them how they liked that sport, and they told me, it was
-somewhat very surprising that I should know just where the fish were, as
-they could see none before I pulled them up, and yet they did not hear
-me whistle. I perceived by this they imagined I could whistle the fish
-together as well as the fowls, and I did not undeceive them, being well
-enough pleased they should think me excellent for something, as I really
-thought they were on account of the graundee.
-
-Upon our return, when I had docked my boat, as there were too many fish
-to carry up by hand to the grotto, I desired them to take a turn upon
-the shore till I fetched my cart for them. I made what haste I could,
-and brought one of my guns with me, which I determined, upon some
-occasion or other, to fire off; for I took it they would be more
-surprised at the explosion of that than at anything they had yet seen.
-Having loaded my fish, and marched backwards, they eyed my cart very
-much, and wondered what made the wheels move about so, taking them for
-legs it walked upon, till I explained the reason of it, and then they
-desired to draw it, which they did with great eagerness, one at a time,
-the other observing its motions.
-
-As we advanced homewards, there came a large water-fowl, about the size
-of a goose, flying across us. I bid them look at it, which they did.
-Says my brother, "I wish I had it!"
-
-"If you have a mind for it," says I, "I'll give it you."
-
-"I wish you would," says he, "for I never saw anything like it in my
-life!"
-
-"Stand still then," says I; and stepping two or three yards before
-them, I fired, and down it dropped. I then turned about to observe what
-impression the gun had made on them, and could not help laughing to see
-them so terrified. Rosig, before I could well look about, had got fifty
-paces from me, and my brother was lying behind the cart of fish. I
-called and asked them what was the matter, and desired them to come to
-me, telling them they should receive no harm, and offered my brother
-the gun to handle; but he, thanking me as much as if he had, retired to
-Rosig.
-
-Finding they made a serious affair of it (for I saw them whispering
-together), I was under some apprehension for the consequences of my
-frolic. Thinks I, if under this disgust they take flight, refusing to
-hear me, and report that I was about to murder them, or tell any other
-pernicious story to my father of me, I am absolutely undone, and shall
-never see Youwarkee more. So I laid down the gun by the fish, and
-moving slowly towards them, expostulated with them upon their disorder;
-assuring them that though the object before them might surprise them, it
-was but a common instrument in my country, which every boy used to
-take birds with; and protested to them that the gun of itself could do
-nothing without my skill directing it, and that they might be sure I
-should never employ that but to their service. This, and a great deal
-more, brought us together again; and when we came to reasoning coolly,
-they blamed me for not giving them notice. Says I, "There was no room
-for me to explain the operation of the gun to you whilst the bird was
-on the wing, for it would have been gone out of my reach before I could
-have made you sensible of that, and so have escaped me; which, as you
-desired me to get it you, I was resolved it should not do. But for
-yourselves, surely you could have no diffidence in me; that is highly
-unbecoming of man to man, especially relations; and, above all, a
-relation to whom you have brought the welcomest news upon earth, in the
-love of my dear father, and his reconciliation to my wife."
-
-At last, by degrees, I brought them to confess that it was only a
-groundless sudden terror which suppressed their reason for a while,
-but that what I said was all very true; and as their serious reflection
-returned, they were satisfied of it. I then stepped for the bird, and
-brought it to them; it was a very fine-feathered creature, and they were
-very much delighted with the beauty of it, and desired it might be laid
-upon the cart and carried home.
-
-All the way we went afterwards to the grotto, nothing was to be heard
-from them but my praises, and what a great and wise man brother Peter
-was. "And no wonder now, sister Youwarkee," says Quangrollart, "once
-knowing him, could never leave him." It was not my business to gainsay
-this, but only to receive it with so much modesty as might serve to
-heighten their good opinion of me; and I found, upon my wife's return,
-that Quangrollart had painted me in no mean colours to his father.
-
-I once more had the pleasure of entertaining them with the old fare,
-and some of the fresh fish, part boiled and part fried, which last they
-chose before the boiled. We made a very cheerful supper, talking over
-that day's adventures, and of their ensuing journey home, after which we
-retired to rest, mutually pleased. We all arose early the next morning.
-We took a short breakfast, after which Quangrollart and Rosig stuck
-their chaplets with the longest and most beautiful feathers of the bird
-I shot, thinking them a fine ornament. Being now ready for departure,
-they embraced me and the children, and were just taking flight, when it
-came into my head, that as the king's mistress had taken Tommy into
-her protection, it might possibly be a means of ingratiating him in her
-favour if I sent him the flageolet (for I had, in my wife's absence,
-made two others near as good, by copying exactly after it). I therefore
-desired to know if one of them would trouble himself with a small piece
-of wood I very much wanted to convey to my son. Rosig answered,
-"With all his heart; if it was not very long he would put it into his
-colapet." * So I stepped in, and fetching the flageolet, presented it to
-Rosig. My brother seeing it look oddly, with holes in it, desired (after
-he had asked if it was not a little gun) to have the handling of it. It
-was given him, and he surveyed it very attentively. Being inquisitive
-into the use of it, I told him it was a musical instrument, and played
-several tunes upon it; with which he and his companion were in raptures.
-I doubt not they would have sat a week to hear me if I would have gone
-on; but I desiring the latter to take care of its safety, he put it in
-his colapet, and away they went.
-
-     * A bag they always carry round the neck.
-
-[0036]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-_Peter prepares for his father's reception--Arguments about his
-beard--Expects his wife--Reflections on her not coming--Sees a messenger
-on the rock--Has notice of Pendlehambys arrival, and prepares a treat._
-
-
-THE news my late visitors had brought me set my mind quite at ease; and
-now having leisure to look into my own affairs, with the summer before
-me, I began to consider what preparations I must make against the return
-of my wife; for, according to the report I had heard, I concluded there
-would be a great number of attendants; and as her father would no doubt
-pique himself upon the grandeur of his equipage, if his followers should
-see nothing in me but a plain dirty fellow, I should be contemned, and
-perhaps my wife, through my means, be slighted, or at least lose that
-respect the report of me had in a great measure procured her.
-
-The first thing therefore that I did, was to look into my chests again,
-wherein I knew there were many of the Portuguese captain's clothes, and
-take out such as would be most suitable to the occasion, and lay them
-all by themselves. I found a blue cloth laced coat, double-breasted,
-with very large gold buttons, and very broad gold button-holes, lined
-with white silk; a pair of black velvet breeches, a large gold-laced
-hat, and a point neckcloth with two or three very good shirts, two
-pair of red-heeled shoes, a pair of white and another of scarlet silk
-stockings, two silver-hilted swords, and several other good things; but
-upon examination of these clothes, and by a letter or two I found in
-the pockets of some of them, directed to Captain Jeremiah Vauclaile,
-in Thread-needle Street, London, I judged these belonged to the English
-captain, taken by the Portuguese ship in Africa. I immediately tried
-some of them on, and thought they became me very well, and laid all
-those in particular chests, to be ready when the time came, and set them
-into one of my inner rooms.
-
-Upon examining the contents of another chest, I found a long scarlet
-cloak laced, a case of razors, a pair of scissors, and shaving-glass, a
-long-wig and two bob-wigs, and laid them by; for I was determined, as
-I might possibly have no other opportunity, to make myself appear as
-considerable as I could.
-
-When I had digested in my mind upon what occasions I would appear in
-either of them, and laid them in proper order, Pedro and I went several
-days to work with the net, and caught abundance of fish, which I salted
-and dried; and we cut a great quantity of long grass to dry, and spread
-in my tent for the lower gentry, and made up a little cock of it; we
-also cut and piled up a large parcel of firewood; and as I had now about
-thirty of the best fish-skins, each of which would cover four chairs, I
-nailed them on for cushions to my chairs, and the rest I sewed together,
-and made rugs of them.
-
-I had observed that my brother Quangrollart, and Rosig, neither of them
-had beards, and as they were quite smooth-chinned, I conjectured that
-none of their countrymen had any: So, says I, if that is the case, as I
-have now both scissors and razors, I will e'en cut off mine, to be like
-them. I then set up my glass, taking my scissors in hand; but had not
-quite closed them for a snip, when I considered that as I was not of
-their country, and was so different from them in other respects, whether
-it would not add to my dignity to appear with my beard before them. This
-I debated some time, and then determined in favour of my beard; but as
-this question still ran in my mind, and I wavered sometimes this way,
-sometimes that, I some days after prepared again for execution, and took
-a large slip off; when, says I, how can I tell whether I can shave after
-all? I have not tried yet, and if I can't, how much more ridiculous
-shall I look with stubbed hair here and there, than with this comely
-beard? I must say, I never in my life had so long a debate with myself,
-it holding upwards of two months, varying almost every time I thought of
-it; till one day, dressing myself in a suit I had not before tried on,
-and looking in the glass: It can never be, says I, that this grave
-beard should suit with these fine clothes; no, I will have it off, I
-am resolved. I had no sooner given another good snip, than spying the
-cloak, I had a mind to see how I looked in that. Aye, says I, now I see
-I must either wear this beard or not this cloak. How majestic does it
-look! So sage, so grave, it denotes wisdom and solidity; and if they
-already think well of me, don't let me be fool enough to relinquish my
-claim to that for a gay coat. I had no sooner fixed on this, than I took
-up all the implements to put again into the chest; and the last of them
-being the glass, I would have one more look before I parted with it; but
-my beard made such a horrid, frightful figure, with the three great cuts
-in it, that though it grieved me to think I must part with it just
-when I had come to a resolution to preserve it, I fell to work with my
-scissors, and off it came; and after two or three trials I became very
-expert with my razor.
-
-Winter coming on, as I knew I must soon have more occasion than ever for
-a stock of provision, from the increase of mouths I expected, I laid in
-a stock for a little army; and when the hurry of that was over, I kept
-a sharp look-out upon the level, in expectation of my company, and had
-once a mind to have brought my tent thither to entertain them in; but
-it was too much trouble for the hands I had, so I dropped the design. I
-took one or other of the children with me every day, and grew more and
-more uneasy at hearing nothing of them; and as uncertain attendance
-naturally breeds thoughtfulness, and the hours in no employ pass so
-leisurely as in that, my mind presaged numberless intervening accidents
-that might, if not entirely prevent their coming, at least postpone it.
-
-Thinks I (and that I fixed for my standard), Youwarkee, I am sure, would
-come if she could; but then, says I, here is a long flight, and to be
-undertaken by an old man too (for I thought my father-in-law much older
-than I afterwards found him), who is now quiet and safe at home; and
-having his daughter with him, is no doubt desirous of continuing so:
-now, what cares he for my uneasiness? He can find one pretence or other,
-no doubt, of drilling on the time till the dark weather is over; and
-then, forsooth, it will be too late to come; and thus shall I be hung
-up in suspense for another year. Or what if my brother, as he called
-himself, for he may be no more a brother of mine than the Pope's, for
-ought I know, came only on a pretence to see how I went on; and not
-finding, for all his sham compliments to me, his sister married to his
-father's liking, should advise him not to send my wife back again;
-and so all the trouble I have had on their account should only prove a
-standing monument of my foolish credulity! Nay, it is not impossible,
-but as I have already had one message to inform me Tommy and Hallycarnie
-are provided for, as much as to say in plain English I shall see them no
-more, so I may soon have another by some sneaking puppy or other, whom
-I suppose I am to treat for the news, to tell me my wife and Patty are
-provided for too, and I am to thank my kind benefactors for taking so
-great a charge off my hands. Am I? No! I'll first set my tent, clothes,
-chairs, and all other mementoes of my stupidity on fire, and by
-perishing, what's left of us, in the blaze, exterminate at once the
-wretched remains of a deserted family. I hate to be made a fool of!
-
-I had scarce finished my soliloquy, when I heard a monstrous sort of
-groan or growl in the air, like thunder at a distance. "What's that,
-Pedro?" says I.--"I never heard the like before, daddy!" says he.--"Look
-about, boy," says I, "do you see anything?"--We heard it again. "Hark!"
-says Pedro, "it comes from that end of the lake."--While we were
-listening to the third sound, says Pedro, "Daddy, yonder is something
-black upon the rock, I did not see just now."--"Why, it moves," says I,
-"Pedro; here is news, good or bad."--"Hope the best, daddy," says Pedro;
-"I wish it may be mammy."--"No," says I, "Pedro, I don't expect her
-before I hear from her."--"Why, then," says Pedro, "here they come; I
-can plainly discern three of them. If my brother Tommy should be there,
-daddy!"--"No," says I, "Pedro, no such good news; they tell me Tommy's
-provided for, and that's to suffice for the loss of my child: and yet,
-Pedro, if I could get you settled in England in some good employ, I
-should consent to that: but what Tommy's to be I know not."
-
-By this time the three persons were so near that, seeing us, they called
-out "Peter!" and I making signs for them to alight, they settled just
-before me, and told me that Pendlehamby and Youwarkee would be with me
-by light next day.
-
-I had no sooner heard this, but so far was I from firing my tent, that
-I invited them to my grotto, set the best cheer before them, and with
-overhaste to do more than one thing at once, I even left undone what I
-might have done.
-
-I asked them who came with my father; and they told me about two hundred
-guards: that knocked me up again, as I had but prepared for about sixty;
-thinks I, My scheme is all untwisted. I then asked them what loud noise
-it was, and if they heard it just before I saw them over the rock.
-They told me they heard only the gripsack they brought with them to
-distinguish them from ordinary messengers; and then one of them showed
-it me, for I had before only taken it for a long staff in his hand:
-"but," says he, "you will hear them much louder to-morrow, and longer,
-before they come to you."
-
-Having entertained them to their content, I sent them to rest, not
-choosing to ask any questions; for I avoided anticipating the pleasure
-of hearing all the news from Youwarkee herself. However, the boys and
-I prepared what provisions of fowl and fish we could in the time, to be
-ready cold against they came, and then laid down ourselves.
-
-[Illustration: 5043]
-
-[Illustration: 0044]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-_Peter settles the formality of his father's reception-Description of
-their march, and alighting; receives his father--Conducts him to
-his grotto--Offers to beg pardon for his mandate--Is prevented by
-Pendlehamby--Youwarkee not known in the English habit--Quarters the
-officers in the tent._
-
-
-MY mind ran so all night upon the settling the formality with which I
-should receive Pendlehamby, that I got little or no rest. In the morning
-I spread my table in as neat a manner as I could, and having dressed
-myself, Pedro, Jemmy, and David, we marched to the plain; myself
-carrying a chair, and each of them a stool. I was dressed in a
-cinnamon-coloured gold-button coat, scarlet waistcoat, velvet breeches,
-white silk stockings, the campaign-wig flowing, a gold-laced hat and
-feather, point cravat, silver sword, and over all my cloak; as for my
-sons, they had the clothes my wife made before she went.
-
-When we heard them coming, I marshalled the children in the order they
-were to sit, and charged them to do as they saw me do, but to keep
-rather a half-pace backwarder than me; and then sitting down in my
-chair, I ordered Pedro to his stool on my right hand, and Jemmy to his
-on my left, and David to the left of Jemmy.
-
-I then sent two of the messengers to meet them, with instructions to
-let Youwarkee know where I waited for them, that they might alight at a
-small distance before they came to me. This she having communicated to
-her father, the order ran through the whole corps immediately when and
-where to alight.
-
-It will be impossible for me by words to raise your ideas adequate to
-the grandeur of the appearance this body of men made coming over the
-rock; but as I perceive your curiosity is on the stretch to comprehend
-it, I shall faintly aim at gratifying you.
-
-After we had heard for some time a sound as of distant rumbling thunder,
-or of a thousand bears in consort, serenading in their hoarsest voices,
-we could just perceive by the clearness of the dawn gilding on the edge
-of the rock, a black stream arise above the summit of it, seemingly
-about forty paces broad; when the noise increasing very much the stream
-arose broader and broader; and then you might perceive rows of poles,
-with here and there a streamer; and as soon as ever the main body
-appeared above the rock, there was such a universal shout as rent the
-air, and echoing from the opposite rock returned the salute to them
-again. This was succeeded with a most ravishing sound of voices in song,
-which continued till they came pretty near me; and then the first line,
-consisting of all the trumpets, mounting a considerable height, and
-still blowing, left room for the next ranks, about twenty abreast,
-to come forward beneath them; each of which dividing in the middle,
-alighted in ranks at about twenty paces distant from my right and left,
-making a lane before me, at the farther end of which Pendlehamby and his
-two daughters alighted with about twenty of his guards behind them, the
-remainder, consisting of about twenty more, coming forward over my head,
-and alighting behind me; and during this whole ceremony, the gripsacks
-sounded with such a din, it was astonishing.
-
-Poor Youwarkee, who knew nothing of my dress, or of the loss of my
-beard, was thunderstruck when she saw me, not being able to observe any
-visage I had for my great wig and hat; but putting a good face upon
-the matter, and not doubting but if the person she saw was not me,
-she should soon find her husband, for she knew the children by their
-clothes, she came forward at her father's right hand, I sitting as great
-as a lord, till they came within about thirty paces of my seat; and then
-gravely rising, I pulled off my hat and made my obeisance, and again at
-ten steps forwarder; so that I made my third low bow close at the feet
-of Pendlehamby, the children all doing the same. I then kneeling with
-one leg, embraced his right knee; who raising me up, embraced me. Then
-retiring three steps, and coming forward again, I embraced Youwarkee
-some time; during which the children observed my pattern with
-Pendlehamby, who took them up and kissed them.
-
-I whispered Youwarkee to know if any more of her relations were in
-the train, to whom I ought to pay my compliments; she told me only her
-sister Hallycarnie, just behind her father. I then saluted her, and
-stepping forward to the old gentleman's left hand, I ushered him through
-the lines of guards to my chair; where I caused him to sit down with
-Youwarkee and Hallycarnie on each side, and myself on the left of
-Hallycarnie.
-
-After expressing the great honour done me by Pendlehamby in this visit,
-I told him I had a little grotto about half a mile through the wood, to
-which, if he pleased to command, we would retire; for I had only placed
-that seat to relieve him immediately upon his descent.
-
-Pendlehamby rose, and all the gripsacks sounded, he leading Youwarkee in
-his right hand, and I Hallycarnie in mine.
-
-At the grotto, my father being seated, taking Youwarkee in my hand, we
-paid our obedience to him. I would have asked his pardon for taking his
-daughter to wife without his leave, and was going on in a set speech I
-had studied for the purpose; but he refused to hear me, telling me I was
-mistaken, he had consented. I was replying I knew he had been so good as
-to pass it over, but that would not excuse--when he again interrupted
-me by saying, "If I approve it and esteem you, what can you desire
-more!"--So, finding the subject ungrateful, I desisted.
-
-I then gave each of them a silver can of Madeira, and Youwarkee retired.
-I soon made an excuse to follow her to learn if she was pleased with
-what I had done. Says she, "My dearest, what is come to you? I will
-promise you, but for fear of surprising my father, I had disowned you
-for my husband."--"Dear Youwee," says I, "do you approve my dress, for
-this is the English fashion?"--"This, Peter," says she, "I perceived
-attracted all eyes to you, and indeed is very showy, and I approve it
-in regard to those we are now to please; but you are not to imagine I
-esteem you more in this than your old jacket; for it is Peter I love
-in this and all things else; but step in again, I shall only dress, and
-come to you."
-
-My wife, being dressed in her English gown, just crossed the room where
-my father sat, to see Dicky, who was in another side-room. I was then
-sitting by, and talking with him. "Son," says my father, "I understood
-you had no other woman in this arkoe but my daughter; for surely you
-have no child so tall as that," pointing to my wife.--"No, sir," said
-I, "that is a friend."--"Is she come to you," says he, "in my daughter's
-absence?"--"Oh, sir," says I, "she is very well known to my wife."
-
-Whilst we were talking in comes Youwarkee with the child in her arms,
-which she kept covered to the wrists with her gown-sleeve, to hide her
-graundee; and playing with the child, talked only in English to it.
-"Is this your youngest son?" says my father.--I told him yes.--"Pray,
-madam," says I, "bring the child to my father."--"Madam," says he, "you
-have a fine baby in your arms; has his mother seen him since she came
-home?" He speaking this in his own tongue, and Youwarkee looking at me
-as if she could not understand him, I interpreted it to her. My sister
-then desired to see the child, but I was forced again to interpret there
-too. In short, they both talked with my wife near half an hour, but
-neither of them knew her; till at last, saying in her own language,
-"That is your granddaddy, my dear Dicky!" the old gentleman smoked
-her out.--"I'll be slit," says he, "if that is not Youwarkee!"--"It's
-impossible!" says Hallycarnie.--"Indeed, sister," says Youwarkee, "you
-are mistaken!" and my father protesting he had not the least suspicion
-of her, till she spoke in his tongue, rose and kissing her and the
-child, desired her to appear in that habit during his stay.
-
-I asked Pedro what provision had been made for the guards: "Son," says
-my father, "I bring not this number of people to eat you up; they have
-their subsistence with them," and he would by no means suffer me to
-allow them any. I then desired to know if there were any officers
-or others to whom he would have shown any particular marks of
-distinction.--"Son," says the old glumm, "you seem to have studied
-punctilios; and though I should be sorry to incommode you for their
-sakes, if you could procure some shelter and sleep-room for about twenty
-of them who are superiors, ten at a time, while the rest are on duty, I
-should be glad." I told him I had purposely erected a tent, which
-would with great ease accommodate a greater number; and as they were
-of distinction, with his leave I insisted upon providing for them; to
-which, with some reluctance, I procured his consent.
-
-When Pendlehamby was refreshed, he would go with me to see the officers'
-quarters, and showing him my tent, he having never seen such a thing
-before, was going to climb up the outside of it, taking it for earth.
-"Hold, sir," said I, "you cannot do so!" Then taking him to the front of
-it, I turned aside the blue cloth and desired him to walk in; at which
-he seemed wonderfully pleased, and asked me how it was made. I told
-him in as few words as I could; but he understood so little of it, that
-anything else I had said might have done as well. He mightily approved
-it; and calling the chief officer, I desired he would command my house,
-and that provision should be supplied to his quarters daily; at which
-he hesitating, I assured him I had my father's leave for what I offered;
-whereupon he stroked his chin.
-
-I then asked him if he had any clever fellows under him to serve them,
-and dress their provisions; but he hoped, he said, they were ready
-dressed, as his men knew little of that matter; but for any other piece
-of service, as many as I pleased should be at my command.
-
-[Illustration: 5051]
-
-[Illustration: 0052]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-_The manner of their dinner--Believe the fish and fowl to be
-fruits--Hears his brother and the colambs are coming--Account of their
-lying--Peter's reflections on the want of the graundee--They view
-the arkoe--Servants harder to please than their masters--Reason for
-different dresses the same day._
-
-
-PENDLEHAMBY having a mind to view my arkoe, took a long walk with
-Hallycarnie in the wood till dinner-time; and he having before told me
-that some of his guards always waited on him at meals, I ordered their
-dinner before his return, sending a large dish of cold fowls, cut into
-joints, into the tent, to be spread on clean leaves I had laid on the
-chests; and setting a sufficient quantity of bread and fish there also,
-I desired the officers present to refresh themselves now, and the rest
-when relieved should have a fresh supply. I saw there was an oddity in
-their countenances, which at first I did not comprehend; but presently
-turning about to the superior, "Sir," says I, "though this food may look
-unusual to you, it is what my island affords, and you will be better
-reconciled to it after tasting." So taking a piece of fowl and dipping
-it in the salt, I ate a bit myself, and recommended another to him; who,
-eating it, they all fell to without further scruple, above all things
-commending the salt as what they had never tasted the like of before,
-though they thought they had both of the fish and fowl.
-
-I then told them where my supply of water came from, and that they must
-furnish themselves with that by their own men.
-
-Upon the return of my father and sister, the gripsack sounded for
-dinner; when four officers on duty entering, desired, as their posts, to
-have the serving up of the dishes. One of them I perceived, having set
-on the first dish, never stirred from behind Pendlehamby; but upon his
-least word or sign, ordered the others what to do or bring, which he
-only presented to my father; and he frequently gave him a piece from his
-own plate; but the other officers served at the table promiscuously.
-
-After dinner I brought in a bowl of punch; when begging leave to proceed
-in my country method, I drank to my father's health. "So, daughter,"
-says he to my wife, "we are at the old game again. Son," says he, "this
-is no novelty to me, Youwarkee constantly drinking to the health of her
-dear Peter, and the children at Graundevolet, and obliging us to pledge
-her, as she called it; but I thank you, and will return your civility;"
-so taking a glass, "son and daughter," says he, "long life, love, and
-unity attend you and my grandchildren!" Youwarkee and I both rising till
-he had done, returned him our thanks.
-
-When we had sat some time, "Son," says my father, "you and your wife
-having lived so retired, I fear my company and attendants must put you
-to an inconvenience; now, as my son intends you a visit also, in company
-with several of my brother colambs, if we shall be too great a load upon
-you, declare it, for they will be at Battringdrigg arkoe to-morrow, to
-know whether it will be agreeable for them to proceed.
-
-"You know, son," says my father, "the mouth is a great devourer, and
-that the stock your family cannot consume in a year, by multiplying
-their numbers, may be reduced in a day: now freely let me know (for you
-say you provided for us) how your stock stands, that you may not only
-pleasure us, but we not injure you."
-
-I told him, as for dried fish I had a vast quantity, and that my fowls
-were so numerous I knew not my stock; as to bread, I had a great deal,
-and might have almost what more I would; and then for fresh fish, the
-whole province of Arndrumnstake could not soon devour them; but for
-my pickles and preserves, I had neither such large quantities, nor
-conveniences to bestow them if I had.
-
-"If this be the case, son," says my father, "I may send your brother
-word to proceed;" and despatched ten messengers with a gripsack to
-hasten his son's arrival.
-
-It now began to be time for rest, and the old gentleman growing pretty
-mellow with the punch, which, by the heavy pulls he took at it, I
-perceived was no disagreeable entertainment to him, I conducted him to
-his repose; and disposing of the rest of the family, Youwarkee and I,
-with great impatience, retired.
-
-You may imagine I was sincerely glad to find myself once more alone with
-my Youwarkee; when, after a transport of mutual endearments, I desired
-to know how Pendlehamby first received her; which she told me, with
-every circumstance, in so affecting a manner that the tears forced
-passage from mine eyes in perfect streams; and I loved the dear man ever
-after as my own father.
-
-She told me Tommy was in great favour at court before her brother
-returned from me; but ever since I sent him the flageolet he had been
-caressed above measure, and would soon be a great man; that Hallycarnie
-was a constant attendant on Jahamel both in her diversions and
-retirement; and, she did not doubt, would in time marry very well; as
-for Patty, she said her father intended, with my leave, to adopt her as
-his own child.
-
-My wife slept very sound after her journey; but my hurry of spirits
-denying me that refreshment, I never so much as now lamented the want of
-the graundee.--"For," thinks I, "now I have once again tasted the sweets
-of society, how shall I ever relish a total desertion of it, which in a
-few days must be the case, when all this company are fled, and myself am
-reduced to my old jacket and water-cart again! Now, if I was as
-others here are, I might make a better figure than they by my superior
-knowledge of things, and have the world my own; nay, I would fly to
-my own country, or to some other part of the world, where even the
-strangeness of my appearance would procure me a good subsistence. But,"
-says I, "if with my graundee I should lose my sight, or only be able to
-live in the dark in England, why, I should be full as bad as I am here!
-for nobody would be able to keep me company abroad, as my hours for the
-air would be theirs of retirement; and then, at home, it would be much
-the same; no one would prefer my company in a dark room in the daytime,
-when they could enjoy others in the light of the sun; then how should
-I be the better for the graundee, unless I fixed a resolution of living
-here, or hereabouts? and then to get into company, I must retire to
-still darker regions, which my eyes are no ways adapted to: in short,
-I must be quite new moulded, new made, and new born too, before I can
-attain my desires. Therefore, Peter," says I, "be content; you have been
-happy here in your wife and children without these things; then never
-make yourself so wretched as to hope for a change which can never
-possibly happen, and which, perhaps, if obtained, might undo you; but
-intend only what you can compass, by weighing all circumstances, and
-your felicity will lie in very narrow bounds, free from two of the
-greatest evils a man can be beset by, hopes and fears; two inseparable
-companions, and deadly enemies to peace; for a man is destroyed by
-hope through fear of disappointment."--This brought me a show of peace
-again.--"Surely," says I, "I am one of the most unaccountable amongst
-mankind! I never can reflect till I am worn down with vexation. O
-Glanlepze! Glanlepze!" says I, "I shall never forget thy speech after
-engaging the crocodile, that everything was to be attained by resolution
-by him that takes both ends of a thing in his view at once, and fairly
-deliberates what may be given and taken from end to end. Surely," says
-I, "this ought to be engraven on brass, as I wish it was on my heart; it
-would prevent me many painful hours, help me with more ease to compass
-attainable ends, and to rest contented under difficulties insuperable:
-and if I live to rise again, I will place it where it shall never be
-more out of my sight, and will enforce it not only more and more on
-myself, but on my children."
-
-With this thought I dropped to sleep, and with this I awaked again, and
-the first thing I did was to find a proper place to write it, which,
-having fixed for the door of my cupboard, I took a burnt stick for my
-pencil, and wrote as follows:--"He that is resolved to overcome, must
-have both ends of an object in view at once, and fairly deliberate what
-may be given and taken from end to end; and then pursue the dictates
-of cool reason." This I wrote in English, and then in the Doorpt
-Swangeantine tongue; and having read it twice or thrice over, I went for
-water and fish, and returned before the family were up.
-
-I took care to-day also that the officers should be as well served as
-possible, and where an accommodation must be wanting, I rather chose to
-let it fall on my father than on them; for I had ever observed it to be
-an easier thing to satisfy the master than the man; as the master weighs
-circumstances, and from a natural complacency in himself, puts a humane
-construction upon that error or omission which the servant wholly
-attributes to slight and neglect.
-
-My company being abroad, about the time I expected their return I
-dressed myself as the day before, only without my cloak, and in a black
-bob-wig, and took a turn to meet them.
-
-Pendlehamby spying me first among the trees, "Daughter Youwarkee," says
-he, "you have a husband, I think, for every day in the week. Who's this?
-my son Peter! Why, he is not the same man he was yesterday." She told
-him she had heard me say we changed our apparel almost every day in
-England; nay, sometimes twice or thrice the same day.--"What!" says
-Pendlehamby, "are they so mischievous there they are fearful of being
-known in the latter by those who saw them in the former part of the
-day?"
-
-By this time I was come up, and after paying due compliments, says
-Youwarkee--"My father did not know you, my dear, you are so altered
-in your other wig; and I told him in your country they not only
-change wigs, but their whole clothing, two or three times a day
-sometimes."--"Son," says my father, "if it be so, I cannot guess at the
-design of a man's making himself unlike himself."--"Oh, sir," says I,
-"it is owing to the different functions he is to perform that day: as,
-suppose, in the morning he is to pursue business with his inferiors, or
-meet at our coffee-houses to hear and chat over the news of the day, he
-appears in a light easy habit proper for despatch, and comes home dirty;
-then, perhaps, he is to dine with a friend at mid-day, before whom, for
-respect's sake, not choosing to be seen in his dirty dress, he puts on
-something handsomer; and after spending some time there, he has, it may
-be, an appointment at court, at play, or with his mistress, in all which
-last cases, if he has anything better than ordinary, it is a part of
-good breeding to appear in that; but if the very best was to be used in
-common, it might soon become the worst, and not fit for a nice man to
-stir abroad in."--"The different custom of countries you have told me
-of," says my father, "is surprising: here are we born with our clothes
-on, which always fit, be we ever so small or large; nay, are never
-the worse for constant wearing; and you must be eternally altering and
-changing colour, shape, and habit. But," says he, "where do they get all
-these things? Does every man make just what he likes?"--"No," says I,
-"there are a particular set of men whose business it is to make for all
-the rest."--"What!" says he, "I suppose their lasks make them?"--"No,
-sir, they are filgays," says I. "It is their trade, they do it for a
-livelihood, being paid by them they work for. A suit of their clothes,"
-says I, taking up the flap of my coat, "will cost what we call twelve
-or fourteen pounds in money."--"I don't understand you," says he.--"Why,
-sir," says I, "that is as much as will provide one moderate man with all
-the necessary things of life for two months."--"Then," says he, "these
-nice men must be very rich."--"No, sir," said I, "there you are under
-a mistake; for if a man, very rich, and who is known to be so, neglects
-his habit, it is taken to be his choice; but one who is not known to be
-rich, and is really not so, is, by appearing gay sometimes, thought to
-be so; for he comes little abroad, and pinches miserably at home, first
-to get that gay suit, and then acts on the same part to preserve it,
-till some lucky hit may help him to the means of getting another, as it
-frequently happens, by a good marriage; for though he is but seldom seen
-in public, yet always appearing so fine when he is, the ladies, whose
-fancies are frequently more tickled with show than sense, admitting him
-only at first as a companion, are at last, if worth anything, taken in
-the toils he is ever spreading for them; and, becoming his wife,
-produce a standing fund to make him a rich man in reality, which he but
-personated before."
-
-Pendlehamby could not well understand all I said; and I found by him
-that all the riches they possessed were only food and slaves; and as I
-found afterwards when amongst them, they know the want of nothing else;
-but I am afraid I have put them upon another way of thinking, though I
-aimed at what we call civilising of them.
-
-[Illustration: 5061]
-
-[Illustration: 0062]
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-_Quangrollart arrives with the colambs--Straitened for
-accommodation--Remove to the tent--Youwarkee not known--Peter relates
-paid of his travels--Dispute about the beast-fish skins._
-
-
-SLEEPING longer than usual, I was awakened next morning by a gripsack
-from Quangrollart; upon hearing of which I roused immediately, thinking
-they were at my door; but the messenger told me they could not be there
-in what I understood by his signs to be about two hours, for they have
-no such measure for time as hours; so I dressed at leisure, and then
-went to Youwarkee and waked her. "Youwee," says I, "your brother will
-be here presently, and I having a mind you should appear as my
-countrywoman, would have you dress yourself."
-
-We walked down to the level, and but just saved our distance; for the
-van of them were within the arkoe before we arrived, and with such a
-train after them as seemed to reach the whole length of the arkoe. The
-regularity and order of their flight was admirable, and the break of the
-trumpets so great, sounding all the way they came (for we had not only
-one set of them, but at least thirty, there being so many colambs and
-petty princes in the train, each with fifty attendants), that I wondered
-how they could bear it. As the principals alighted, which was at least
-a hundred paces from me, the gripsacks still kept wing, sounding as long
-as we stayed.
-
-This was a very tedious ceremony, for the guards alighting with their
-colambs, ranged just as Pendlehamby's had done, but reached as far as
-the eye could see. As they moved towards us, You-warkee and I, having
-stood still some time, moved slowly forward to meet them.
-
-It would have surprised you to have seen the deference they paid us;
-and I believe the guards took us for something above the mortal race.
-You-warkee showed no part of her graundee, having on sleeves down to her
-wrists, white silk stockings and red-heeled shoes; so that none of them
-knew her for one of them.
-
-The first that we met was my brother, to whom we had only an opportunity
-of paying our compliments _en passant_ before another graundee came up,
-who was succeeded by another and another, to the number of thirty; some
-out of respect to my father and brother, and some out of mere curiosity
-to see me; and as fast as each had paid his salutes, he passed us, till
-we found we had no more to meet, when we turned about, and fell in with
-the company.
-
-When we came to the grotto, I was very much put to it for room, we
-scarce being able to stand upright by each other, much less to sit down;
-which my father perceiving, "My dear friends," says he, "had my son
-known in time of so much good company, he would have been better
-provided with seats for us all; but considering all we see is the labour
-only of his own hands, we should rather admire at the many conveniences
-we see here, than be uneasy there are no more. And, son," says he,
-"as we are now so large a body, I propose we adjourn to the officers'
-quarters and let them take ours." I returned my father thanks for the
-hint, and led the way, the rest following, where we found room enough
-and to spare.
-
-Though Youwarkee was with us all dinner-time helping the guests, we had
-no sooner done, "But," says Quangrollart aloud, "Brother Peter, are we
-not to see my sister?" I not hearing perfectly what he said, though I
-perceived he spoke to me, "Sir," says I.--"My sister Youwarkee!" says
-he, "why won't she appear? Here are several of her good friends as well
-as myself will be glad to see her." My father then laughed so heartily
-that the rest taking notice of it, my poor brother was put to the blush.
-"Son," says my father, "don't you know your own sister?"--"We have not
-seen her yet," says one of the colambs, "or any lady but your daughter
-Hallycarnie and that attendant." My brother then seeing how it was came
-up to salute my wife; but even then had his scruples, till he saw her
-smile, and then begged pardon for his oversight, as did all the colambs
-upon saluting her; my brother declaring that, as she was somewhat behind
-me on the level, he had only paid her the respect of his chin, taking
-her for some one attending me. The colamb following my brother, assured
-her the little regard shown her by Quangrollart, who, he thought,
-should know best where to bestow his respects, was the reason of his
-taking no more notice of her; and each confessing his mistake arose from
-too nearly copying the steps of his immediate predecessor, they all made
-excuse, and the mistake made us very merry, till they proposed taking
-a turn in the woods, it being a great novelty to them, they said; but I
-begged they would leave me behind to prepare for their return.
-
-Having refreshed themselves after they came home, Quangrollart (being
-put upon it by some of the colambs) told me I could not render a more
-acceptable favour to the whole company than to relate to them an account
-of my adventures; "for though," says he, "I told them last night what I
-remembered to have heard from you, yet the variety was so great I could
-not deliver the facts in order as I heard them, but was obliged to take
-here a piece and there another, as they occurred to me, making rather
-several stories of it than a continued series of facts."
-
-All the colambs immediately seconded the motion, and desired me to
-begin. I then ordering a clear table and a bowl of punch, and having
-drank all the company's healths, began my narration, hoping to have
-finished it before bedtime; but they pressing me to be very particular,
-and frequently one or other requiring explanations upon particular
-facts, and then one making a remark upon something which another
-answered, and a third replied to, they got the talk out of my hands so
-long that, having lost themselves in the argument, and forgot what I
-said last, they begged my pardon and desired me to go on; when one, who
-in contemplation of one fact had lost best part of another, prayed me to
-go on from such an incident, and another from one before that; so that
-I was frequently obliged to begin half-way back again. This method not
-only spun out my story to a very great length, but instead of its being
-finished that evening, as I had proposed, it was scarce well begun
-before bedtime drew on; so I just having brought them to Angola, told
-them, as it grew late, if they pleased, I would finish the remainder
-next night, which they agreed to.
-
-Quangrollart then asked my father if he had been fishing since he came;
-but he told him he knew not what he meant. Then all the company desired
-I would show them what that was. I told them they might command me as
-they pleased; so we appointed the next morning for that exercise. "But,
-gentlemen," says I, "your lodging to-night gives me the greatest pain;
-for I know not what I shall do about that. I have a few beast-fish skins
-which are very soft and hairy, but not a sufficiency for so many friends
-as I would at present be proud to oblige; but I can lay them as far as
-they will go upon as much dry reeds and grass as you please." I then
-sent a servant to Youwarkee for the skins; after which, they one and
-all crying out if they had but good dry reeds they desired no better
-lodging, I despatched hands to bring away a large parcel of them to the
-tent, which they did in a trice. Then waiting on those few who lay at
-the grotto to their quarters, and having sent Youwarkee to her sister,
-I returned to the tent to take up my own lodging with those I had left
-there.
-
-I had not yet entered the tent when I heard a perfect tumult within,
-every one talking so loud, and all together, that I verily thought they
-had fallen out and were going to handicuffs. However, I resolved to go
-in amongst them and try to compose their difference; when just entering,
-and they spying me, several ran to me with each a skin in his hand, the
-rest following as fast as they could. "Gentlemen," says I, "I hoped
-to have found you all at rest."--"So we should have been," says one
-of them, "but for these what you call 'ems."--"It is my unspeakable
-misfortune," says I, "that I have no more at your service, and am sorry
-that I should cause them to be brought, since each of you cannot have
-one." Says one of them, "I don't want one, I have seen enough of it."--
-"Then, gentlemen," says I, "it is possible there may be so many more of
-that colamb's mind that there may be sufficient for those who desire
-them." They neither knew what to make of me nor I of them all this
-while; till an old colamb perceiving our mistake, "Mr. Peter," says he,
-"we have only had a dispute."--"I am sorry at my heart for it," says I,
-"but I perceived you were very warm before I entered, and am in great
-hopes of compromising matters to all your satisfactions."--"I was
-going," says the same colamb, "to tell you we had a dispute about what
-these things were, nothing else." I was then struck on a heap, being
-quite ashamed they should think I suspected they had been quarrelling
-for the skins; and how to come off I knew not. "You'll excuse me, sir,"
-says I, "for expressing a concern that you could not each have one to
-examine into at the same time, that one of you need not have waited to
-make your remarks till the other had done."--"No occasion, no occasion
-for that, Mr. Peter," said they all together; "we shall have leisure
-enough to examine them to-morrow; but we want to know what they are, and
-where they grow."--"Gentlemen," says I, "each of these is the clothing
-of a particular fish. And where do they grow?" said they. "In the lake,"
-says I; "they are a living creature, who inhabit that great water; I
-often catch them when I am fishing, the same exercise we shall go upon
-to-morrow."
-
-I had much ado to persuade them they did not grow on trees, which I was
-then much more surprised at than some time after, that I returned their
-visit; but having satisfied them, and given them some possible hopes
-they might see one alive next day, they were very well contented, and we
-all lay down to rest.
-
-[Illustration: 5069]
-
-[Illustration: 0070]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-_Go afishing--Catch a beast-fish--Afraid of the gun--How Peter altered
-his net--Fish dinner for the guards--Method of dressing and eating it._
-
-
-I APPEARED before them in the morning, in my old jacket, and an old
-hat with brims indented almost to the crown, a flannel nightcap,
-and chequered shirt. "How now, son!" says my father, "what have we
-here?"--"Sir," says I, "this will show you the use of our English
-fashion I mentioned the other day, and the necessity of it. You see me
-in this indifferent habit, because my next business requires it; but
-when I come back, and have no further dirty work to do, I shall then
-dress, as near as I can, to qualify me for your company."
-
-"Are you for moving, gentlemen?" says my brother; "I believe it is
-time." They then all arising we went to the lake, where getting into my
-boat, and telling them that any six of them might go with me, they never
-having seen such a thing before, and not much liking the looks of it,
-all made excuses, till my brother assuring them it was very safe, and
-that he had sailed in it the last trip, three or four of them, with my
-father, and Hallycarnie, who was very desirous of seeing me fish, got
-in, and we sailed a great way up the lake, taking my gun as usual with
-me.
-
-It gave me exceeding delight to see the whole body of people then in the
-arkoe on the graundee; some hovering over our heads, and talking with
-us; others flying this way, others that, till I had pitched upon a spot
-to begin my operation; when rowing to shore, and quitting my boat, the
-whole body of people settled just by me, staring at me and my net, and
-wondering what I was doing. I then taking a sweep as usual, got some of
-the soldiers to assist me to shore with it; but when the cod of the net
-landed, and the fish began to dash with their tails at the water's edge,
-away ran all my soldiers, frighted out of their wits to think what was
-coming: but it being a large hale, and a shelving bank, I could not lift
-it to the level myself; which my brother, who had seen the sport before,
-perceiving, though not one of the rest stirred, lent me a hand, and we
-got it up.
-
-You cannot imagine what surprise appeared in every face upon opening the
-net, and seeing all the fish naked. They drew up by degrees closer and
-closer, for I let the fish lie some time for their observation; but
-seeing the large fish, upon my handling them, flap their tails, they
-very expeditiously retired again. I then tossed several of them into the
-boat; but two of them being very large, and rough-scaled ugly fish,
-I did not think I could lift them myself, so desired assistance, but
-nobody stirred. I expected some of the colambs would have ordered their
-men to have helped me, but they were so terrified with seeing me handle
-them, that they could not have the conscience to order their men on so
-severe a duty, till a common man came to me, and taking the tail, and I
-the head, we tossed them both into the boat.
-
-I went higher up the lake than usual, in hopes of a beast-fish to show
-them; but though I could not meet with one, I had several very great
-hauls, and took three or four of my lobsters, very large ones. This was
-the second trial I had made of my net since I had altered it, and it
-gave me great satisfaction, for I could now take as many fish at one
-draught as I could before have done at ten. I had found that though my
-net was very long, yet for want of a bag, or cod, to enclose the fish,
-many that were included within its compass would, whilst I drew round,
-swim to the extremes, and so get out, for want of some inlet to enter
-at; for which reason I sawed off the top of a tree at about ten feet
-from the ground, and drawing a circle of six feet diameter round the
-tree, on the ground, I stuck it round with small pegs, at two inches'
-distance. Then I drove the like number of nails round the top of the
-trunk of the tree, and straining a length of mat-line from each peg on
-the ground to a correspondent nail on the tree, I tied my matline in
-circles round the strained lines, from top to bottom, about two inches'
-distance at the bottom, but at a less distance where the strained lines
-grew nearer to each other towards the top; and having secured all the
-ends, by some line twisted round them, I cut a hole in the middle of
-my net, and tied the large ground-end over the hole in the net, and
-gathered the small end up in a purse, tying it up tight; and by this
-means I now scarce lost any fish which once were within the sweep of my
-net.
-
-Having had so good success, I had a design of returning, but thought,
-as I could now so easily entertain a multitude, I might as well take
-another haul or two, and make a handsome treat for the soldiery. Then
-coming up to my drill's mouth, I fixed my implements for a draught
-there, and beginning to draw up, I found great resistance in the net,
-and got two or three to help me; but, coming near shore, when the
-company saw the net tumble and roll, and rise and fall, they all ran as
-if they were mad, till I called them and told the colambs it was only
-one of the fish whose skins I had shown them; upon which, by that time I
-had discharged the fish from the net, they were all round me again; but
-no sooner had he got loose, than up he rose, whirled his wings, and at
-the same instant uttered such a groan that my whole company retreated
-again, thinking me somewhat more than a man, who could face so dreadful
-an enemy. I entreated them to come and view it; but finding no arguments
-could bring them nearer, I edged round till I got him between me and the
-water, and shot him dead.
-
-Upon the report of my gun the whole field was in the air, darting
-and screaming, as I have often seen a flight of rooks do on the same
-occasion; and I am apt to believe some of them never returned again, but
-went directly home.
-
-I was a little concerned to see the confusion I had caused; and laying
-down my gun, my brother, who though at a distance when I shot,
-knowing what I was at, and coming up to me, it put the rest upon their
-consideration; and they alighted one by one, at a distance, till they
-were all on the level again.
-
-My father and the colambs, who were the first that durst approach,
-wondered what I had done, and how the fish came to be dead, and whence
-so much fire and smoke proceeded, for they were sure I brought none
-with me, and asked me abundance of questions; but as I knew I must
-have occasion for answering to the same thing twenty times over, had I
-entered upon an explanation there, I deferred giving them satisfaction
-till we came home, when all at once might be capable of hearing what was
-said. So I told them the most necessary thing at present was to stow the
-fish in the boat; for it was the largest I had ever taken, and I could
-not wholly do it myself. I made several efforts for help, but in vain,
-till the same soldier who had helped me with one of the first fish, came
-to my relief, and desiring my orders what to do, assisted me; and the
-rest seeing the difficulty we both had to manage it, one or two more of
-them came up, and we shipped it on board.
-
-I then called the colambs to me, telling them I was sorry I had given
-such a general disturbance to them, by shooting the fish; but as they
-kept at too great a distance from me to have notice of my design, and if
-I had followed them the fish might have escaped before my return, I was
-obliged to do as I did, which was without any possibility of hurting
-them. But, as I had given them such a fright, I hoped they would this
-one day give me an opportunity of complimenting their guards with a
-fish-dinner, if we could any way contrive to dress it; for whoever did
-that must be able to bear the close light of a large fire. They all
-shook their heads but my brother, who told me he had in his retinue
-six men from Mount Alkoe, purposely retained for their strong sight, to
-attend him always to Crashdoorpt, who, he believed, for the benefit
-of the rest, would undertake the cookery if I would show them how. I
-desired he would give them orders to attend me on the other side of the
-lake, and I would instruct them at my landing; and then I crossed over
-with my booty.
-
-Finding the Mount Alkoe men waiting for my landing, I asked if they
-could bear the sight of fire. They told me they were used to much
-greater light and flames than I had ever seen, they believed.--"Very
-good," said I; "then get into my boat, three of you, and hand out that
-fish to the shore."--I found they were more afraid of the fish than
-of the fire, for not one of them stirred till I got in and tossed out
-several small ones; and then taking up a large one, "Help me, somebody!"
-says I, they looking a little at one another, till one of them venturing
-to take it, the rest fell heartily to work, and despatched the whole
-lading presently. I then laid a small parcel upon my cart, for our own
-eating and the officers', and sending them to the grotto, I gave the
-cooks their charge.
-
-"Now," says I, "my lads, do you serve all the rest of the fish as I do
-this," cutting it open at the same time, and throwing away the guts,
-"and I will send each of you such an instrument as I use here," pointing
-to my knife. "I shall order six large heaps of wood to the level, to
-be piled up there. When you have done the fish, do you set fire to the
-heaps, and let them burn till the flame is over and the coals are clear;
-then lay on your fish, and if any are too large to be manageable, cut
-them in proper pieces, and with sticks, which I will send you, turn them
-over and over, walking round the fire, and with the forked end of the
-stick toss the least off first, and afterwards the greater; but be sure
-throw the fish as far as ever you can from the fire, amongst the men,
-that they may not be obliged to come too near it: and in this manner go
-on, till either they have enough, or your fish are gone; and when you
-have done, come to the grotto for your reward."
-
-I then set abundance of hands to work to carry wood, to be laid in six
-heaps, two hundred paces from each other, and told them how to pile it.
-I then prepared six long taper sticks with forked ends, and ordered more
-hands to divide the fish equally to the piles. I sent others with salt
-and bread; and I ordered them to let me know when all was ready.
-
-While these preparations were making, my tent-visitors had all dined,
-and my cart had returned with the beast-fish, which the company desired
-might be brought in, when every one passed his judgment upon it, and a
-long dissertation we had on the marvellous works of Collwar. I let
-them go on with their show, though I could have disproved most of their
-conclusions from the little knowledge I had of things; but I never was
-knight-errant enough to oppose my sentiments to a multitude already
-prepossessed on the other side of the question; for this reason, because
-I have ever observed that where several have imbibed the same ridiculous
-principle in infancy, they never want arguments, though ever so
-ridiculous, to support it; and as no one of them can desert it without
-impeaching the judgment of the rest, they encourage each other in their
-obstinacy, and quite out-vote a single person; and then, the laugh
-beginning on the strongest side, nothing is so difficult as to get it
-out of their hands. But when a single man in the wrong hears a just
-argument from a single antagonist which he cannot contradict, he imbibes
-its force, and whilst that lasts, as nothing but a better argument,
-with better reasons, can remove it, he from thenceforth adapts his
-adversary's reasons for his own, to oppose against his own former
-opinion.
-
-In the height of our disputations on the beast-fish, came news that the
-broil was going to begin; and as I expected very good diversion at it, I
-invited the company to go see it, telling them, in my opinion, it would
-exceed the sport in taking them. We passed through the wood till we came
-amongst the shrubs, where I placed them to be out of harm's way; and
-the fire, which was now nothing but cinders, was of no inconvenience to
-them. They were pleased with it to perfection; for, first, the six men
-who walked round the fires, by the glowing light of the embers and the
-shining of their graundees, looked like men on fire; then, to see each
-fire surrounded with a circle of men at the diameter of near two hundred
-paces, as close as they could well stand, by a more distant shine of the
-fire, had a very pleasing effect; but when the broilers began to throw
-the fish about (for each man stood with some salt and a cut of bread
-in his hand), to see a body of a hundred men running for it, and whilst
-they were stooping and scrambling for that, to see a hot fish fall on
-the back of one, which was whipped off by another, who, scalding his
-mouth with it, threw it in the face of a third; when a fourth, fifth,
-and sixth, pulling it in pieces, ran away with it; and to see the
-different postures, courses, and groups, during this exercise and
-running feast, was the most agreeable farce my guests had ever seen in
-their lives; and, to the great saving of my liquors, kept us in the wood
-for full three hours, not a soul stirring till the feast was over.
-
-We spent best part of this evening in discourse on the passages of
-the day, the reflections on which not being concluded till bedtime,
-my adventures were postponed till the next night; but we had first
-concluded upon a shooting for the next morning (for they were all
-extremely desirous of knowing how I did it), at a time they should have
-opportunity of seeing me and making remarks; and I, being unwilling they
-should think me a conjuror, agreed to make them masters of part of the
-mystery of powder and ball.
-
-[Illustration: 0080]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-_A shooting proposed--All afraid of the gun but one private
-guard--His behaviour---Pendlehamby, at Peter's request, makes him a
-general--Peter's discourse thereon--Remainder of his story--The colambs
-return._
-
-
-THIS being the fifth morning, I cleaned up my best gun, and prepared my
-balls, and we all took a walk towards the bridge, every one admiring my
-gun as we went; but I could get none of them to carry it, and we had at
-least five hundred questions proposed about it. I told them they need
-not be afraid of it, for it was only wood and iron; but they knew
-nothing of iron. I then showed them how I made it give fire, by snapping
-the cock; they thought it was very strange. I then put a little powder
-in the pan, and made it flash, and showing them the empty pan, they
-would not be persuaded but I had taken away the powder before the flash,
-or else, they said, it was impossible that should be all gone upon
-flashing only; for they said it was a little nut, using the same word
-to express both nut and seed. I then desired one of them to put in some
-powder and snap it himself; but having prevailed with him to try the
-experiment, if I had not through caution held my hand upon the barrel,
-the gun had been on the ground, for the moment it flashed, he let go and
-ran for it.
-
-I had a great inclination to gain the better of their prejudices, and
-used abundance of arguments to prove the gun as innocent a thing as a
-twig I took up; and that it was the powder which, when set on fire,
-the flame thereof wanting more room than the powder itself did, forced
-itself, and all that opposed it, out of the mouth of the gun with such
-fury as to make the noise they heard; and being just come to the rock,
-"Now," says I, "you shall see that what I tell you is true." They told
-me they desired nothing more than that I would make them understand it,
-for it was the strangest thing they had ever seen. "Well, then," says
-I, "observe; I put in this much powder only, and with this rag I stop it
-down close. Now," says I, "you see by the length of this stick that the
-rag and powder take up the space only of a finger's depth on the inside
-of the gun." They saw that plainly they said; "But how could that kill
-anything?"--"Now, look again," says I, "I put in a little more powder,
-as I did before when I made a flash, and you see there is a little hole
-from this powder through the side of the gun to the powder within. Do
-you observe that this communicates with that through this hole?"--"Yes,"
-said they, they did.--"Now," says I, "when I put fire to this, it sets
-fire to that within, which fire turning to flame, and wanting room,
-bursts out at the mouth of the gun; and to show you with what force it
-comes out, here handle this round ball," giving them a bullet to handle;
-"you feel how heavy it is: now, can any of you throw this ball as far
-as that rock?" for I stood a good hundred paces from it.--They told me
-No.--"And don't you think," says I, "that if the force of the fire made
-by this powder can throw this ball to that rock, that force must be
-very great?"--They said, they thought it must, but believed it to be
-impossible.--"But," says I, "if it not only throws it to the rock but
-beats out a piece of the stone, must not that be much more violent?"
-They agreed it must.--Then putting in the ball, "Now," says I, "we will
-try." I then ordered one to daub a part of the rock, about breast high,
-with some mud, and first to observe about it if the rock was anywhere
-fresh broken, or not; who, returning, reported that the rock was all of
-a colour and sound, but somewhat ragged all about the mud.--"Did you lay
-the mud on smooth?" says I. He replied, "Yes."--Then lifting up my
-gun, I perceived they were creeping off; so I took it down again, and
-calling, reasoned with them upon their fears. "What mischief," says I,
-"can you apprehend from this gun in my hand! Should I be able to hurt
-you with it, are you not all my friends or relations--could I be willing
-to do it? If the gun of itself could hurt, would I handle it as I do?
-For shame! be more courageous; rouse your reason, and stand by me; I
-shall take care not to hurt you. It looks as if you mistrust my love to
-you, for this gun can do nothing but what I direct it to." By such like
-persuasions, rough and smooth, I prevailed upon the major part of the
-colambs and officers to stand near me to see me fire, and then I shot;
-but though my words had engaged them to stand it, I had no sooner
-snapped but the graundees flew all open, though they closed again
-immediately; and then we fell to question and answer again. I desired
-them to walk to the rock; and sent the person who put up the mark
-before, to see and show us exactly what alteration there was. He told
-us there was a round hole in the mud, pointing to it, which he did
-not leave there, and taking away the mud, a thick shiver of the rock
-followed it. They then all agreed that the ball must have made both the
-hole in the mud and also splintered the rock, and stood in amaze at it,
-not being able to comprehend it: but, by all the art I had, I could not
-prevail with a man of them to fire the gun himself, till it had been
-buzzed about a good while, and at last came to my ears, that a common
-soldier behind said he should not be afraid of it if the gentleman would
-show him how.
-
-I then ordered the fellow to me, and he told me, with a composed look,
-that it had always been his way of thinking, that what he saw another do
-he could do himself, and could not rest till he had tried. "And, sir,"
-says he, "if this gun, as you call it, does not hurt you, why should it
-hurt me? And if you can make it hit that rock, why should not I, when
-you have told me how you manage it?"--"Are not you the man that first
-helped me up with the large fish yesterday?" says I. He told me he was.
-
-I was prodigiously pleased with the fellow's spirit, "And," says I, "my
-friend, if you will, and I live, you will hit it before you have done."
-I then showed him the sight of the gun, and how to hold it; and being
-perfect in that, "Now," says I, "shut your left eye, and observe with
-your right, till this knob and that notch are exactly even with each
-other and the middle of that mark; and when they are so, pull this bit
-with your fore-finger, holding the gun tight to your shoulder." He so
-exactly pursued my directions that he hit the very middle of the mud;
-and then, without any emotion, walked up with the gun in his hand, as I
-had done before; and turning to me very gravely, "Sir," says he, "it is
-hit." I told him the best marksman on earth could not be sure of coming
-so near his mark. He stroked his chin, and giving me the gun again, was
-walking to his place; but I stopped him, and seeing something so modest
-and sincere in his countenance and behaviour, and so generous in his
-spirit, I asked him to which colamb he belonged. He told me to colamb
-Pendlehamby.--"To my father?" says I; "then sure I shall not be denied."
-
-I took him with me to my father, who was not yet come up to the rock.
-"Sir," says I, "there is a favour I would beg of you."--"Son," says
-he, "what is it you can ask that I can refuse you?" Says I, "'This man
-belongs to your guards; now there is something so noble and daring in
-his spirit, and yet so meek and deserving in his deportment, that if you
-will load me with obligation, it is to make him an officer; he is not
-deserving of so ill a station as a private man."
-
-My father looking at me, "Son," says he, "there is something to be done
-before he can be qualified for what you require." This, thinks I, is a
-put-off. "Pray, sir," says I, "what can a man of courage, sense, and a
-cool temper, want to qualify him for what I ask?"--"'Something," says
-he, "which none but myself can give; and that, at your desire, I will
-supply him with." Then, my father calling him, "Lask Nasgig, bonyoe,"
-says he; that is, Slave Nasgig, lie down. Nasgig (for that was his name)
-immediately fell on his face, with his arms and hands straight by
-his sides; when my father, setting his left foot on Nasgig's neck,
-pronounced these words: "Lask, I give thee life, thou art a filgay!"
-Then Nasgig, raising himself on his knees, made obeisance to my father,
-and standing up, stroked his chin; and my father taking him by the hand
-in token of equality, the ceremony ceased.
-
-"Now, son," says my father, "let me hear your request."--"It is only,
-sir," said I, "preferment for the deserving, equal to his merit." My
-father asked him if he understood the duty of a gorpell. He did not
-reply yes, but beginning, gave a compendious sort of history of his
-whole duty; at which all the colambs were very much surprised, for
-even his comrades were not apprised, or ever imagined, he knew more of
-military affairs than themselves. My father then asked him if he knew
-how to behave as a duff; but he made as little difficulty of that as
-the other, going through the several parts of duty in all the different
-branches, in peace and war, at home and abroad. "Son," says my father,
-"it is a mystery to me you should have found out more in an hour than I
-myself could in half an age; for this man was born in my palang, of my
-own lask, and has been mine and my father's these forty years. I shall
-be glad if you will look on the rest of my lasks, and give me your
-opinion; I may have more as deserving." I told him such as Nasgig were
-not to be met with very often; but when they were found, ought to be
-cherished accordingly.
-
-"Sir," says I, "nature works upon the same sort of materials divers
-ways; on some in sport, and some in earnest; and if the necessary
-qualifications of a great man are impressed on our mass, it is odds but
-we improve regularly into one, though it may never be publicly known, or
-even to ourselves, till a proper occasion; for as a curious genius
-will be most inquisitive after, and is most in the end retentive of
-knowledge, so no man is less ostentatious of it. He covets knowledge,
-not from the prospect of gain, but merely for its own sake; the very
-knowing being his recompense: and if I may presume to give you a hint
-how properly to bestow your favours, let it be on persons like this; for
-the vain, knowing man, who is always showing it, as he for the most part
-labours for it, to show out with, and procure his rise by it, were it
-not for the hopes of that, would not think knowledge worth attaining;
-and as his rise is his aim, if he could invent any more expeditious
-method than that, he would not pretermit any ill act that might advance
-him according to his lust of rising. But the man who aims at perfection,
-from his natural inclination, must, to attain his end, avoid all ill
-courses, as impediments to that perfection he lusts after; and that,
-by Nasgig's worth being so little known, I'll answer for it is his
-character. And this being true, yourself will deduce the consequence,
-which is the fitter man to bear place; for with me it is a maxim, he
-that labours after truth for truth's sake (and that he surely must
-who proposes no worldly view in it) can't arrive at his ends by false
-methods, but is always the truest friend to himself and others, the
-truest subject to his lord, and the most faithful servant to his God."
-
-My father then turning to me, "Son," says he, "you have enlightened me
-more than ever I was before, and have put me on a new way of thinking,
-for which I am to return you many thanks." And the whole company doing
-the same, says my father, "I lost a brave general officer lately, who
-was destined to the western wars which are breaking out, and have been
-long debating in my mind to whom I should commit his corps; and but for
-the hazard of the enterprise, I would have now given it to Nasgig; but
-shall be loth to lose him so soon after I am acquainted with his
-worth, so will think of some other post nearer my person for him, less
-dangerous, though perhaps not so honourable."
-
-"Great sir," says Nasgig, "I am too sensible of the honour already done
-me, to think any post wherein I may continue to serve you either too
-mean or too hazardous for me; and as valour is nowhere so conspicuous
-as in the greatest dangers, I shall esteem my blood spent to great
-advantage in any enterprise where my duty under your command leads me.
-I therefore rather humbly request this dangerous post, that I may either
-lose my life in your service, or live to see you justified in your
-advancement of me by the whole nation. For what can I do, or how can
-I demonstrate my affection to your person and pleasure, in an inactive
-state?"
-
-Here the whole level rang with applause to Nasgig.
-
-My father then giving his hand to Nasgig, in token of friendship, and
-his word for investiture in the command of that vacant post, the whole
-level again resounded with, "Long live Pendlehamby, and his servant
-Nasgig!"
-
-This being the last day of my company's stay, for they had agreed to go
-homewards next morning, some of them moved to return the sooner, that
-they might have time to hear out my story. So that our stay was very
-little longer.
-
-In our return home, Nasgig singled me out to return his acknowledgments
-for my favour; and viewing my gun told me they had no such thing growing
-in his country. I told him if he had it, it would do no good without my
-powder. I then, at his request, described what I had heard of our method
-of fighting in battle in Europe; and mentioning our cannon, he said he
-supposed they killed every man they hit. "No," says I, "not so bad as
-that. Sometimes they hit the flesh only, and that is commonly cured;
-sometimes break a leg or arm, and that may in time be cured--some so
-well as to be useful again, and others are cut off, and healed up again;
-but if the ball hits the head or vitals, it is commonly mortal."--"Oh,"
-says he, "give me the head or vitals, then; no broken limbs for me."
-
-After dinner, at their request, I went on with my story, at repairing
-the castle, and my escape with Glanlepze, and so on to the crocodile;
-when I repeated his speech to me on that account, and told them it had
-made such an impression upon me that I had endeavoured to make it the
-leading thought of my mind, and had set it down upon one of my doors at
-the grotto that it might the oftener be in my sight when any difficulty
-arose.
-
-One of the colambs begged pardon for interrupting, but told me, though
-he understood what Glanlepze meant, he could not tell how I could set
-what he said down at my grotto, or have it in my sight, and desired me
-to explain that. I would have told my guest I took it down in writing,
-if that would not have puzzled the cause more; but to go the nearest way
-I could, I told him we had a method in my country of conveying to a man
-at a great distance whatever we have a mind to say to him, and in such
-a manner that nobody but himself would know what we would have him
-know. And pausing here a little to consider the easiest method of
-demonstrating this to their senses, they told me they had gone as far
-as their conjectures could carry them, but could conclude on nothing so
-improbable as sending it by a messenger. I told them that in part was
-my way, but my messenger should not know the message he carried. That
-gravelled them quite, and they were unanimous that was what could not
-be done. By this time I had sent for a wood-coal, to write with upon my
-deal table, and kneeling down to the table, I began to write, "Honoured
-sir, I send this to gain by your answer to it an account of your arrival
-at Arndrumnstake." I then called them all to me. "Now," says I, "suppose
-I want to know how my father gets back to Arndrumnstake, my way is
-this--I set down so many words as will express my meaning to my father,
-after the manner you see on this table, and make a little distance
-between each word, which is the same thing as you do in speaking; for
-there, if you run one word into another, and don't give each its proper
-sound, who can understand you? For though you speak what contains all
-the words, yet without the proper sound and distinction it is only
-confusion. Do you understand that?" They told me they did. "Then," says
-I, "these are the words I would have my father know, I being at this
-arkoe, and he at Arndrumnstake. Honoured sir," and so I read on. "Here,"
-says I, "you must take us to be countrymen, and that he and I understand
-both the same method. Now look, this word, which ends where you see the
-gap, stands for _honoured_, and this next for _sir_, the next for _I_,
-and so on; and we both using the same method, and seeing each other's
-words, are able to open our minds at a distance." I was now in hopes
-I had done, and was going on with my story: "But," says one of
-the colambs, "Mr. Peter, though this is a matter that requires
-consideration, I plainly see how you do it, by agreeing that all these
-strokes put into this form shall stand for the word honoured, and so on,
-as you say, let who will make them; but have not you set down there the
-word Arndrumnstake?"--"Yes," says I.--"Why then," says he, "none of your
-countrymen could understand what that means."--"No," says I, smiling;
-"but they could."--Says he, "You say you agree what strokes shall stand
-for one word, and what for another; but then how could your countrymen,
-who never knew what strokes you would set down for Arndrumnstake, know
-that your strokes meant that very country? for that you could not have
-agreed upon before either of you knew there was any such place."
-
-I was at a loss, without spending more words than I was willing about
-it, how to answer this close reasoner; and talking of syllables and
-letters would only have perplexed the affair more, so I told him the
-readiest for despatch; that as every word consisted of one or more
-distinct sounds, and as some of the same sounds happened in different
-words, we did not agree so much upon making our strokes stand for
-several words, as for several sounds; and those sounds, more or less of
-them, added together, made the particular words. "As, for example,"
-says I, "_Arn_ is one sound, _drumn_ is another sound, and _stake_ is
-another; now, by our knowing how to set down these several sounds by
-themselves, we can couple them, and apply them to the making up any
-word, in the manner we please; and therefore he, by seeing those three
-sounds together, knows I mean _Arndrumnstake_, and can speak it as well,
-though he never heard the whole word spoken together, as if he heard me
-speak to him."--"I have some little notion of what you mean," says he,
-"but not clear enough to express myself upon it; and so go on! go on!
-And pray what did you do about the reeds?"
-
-I then resuming my discourse where I left off, completed my narration
-that night; but I could perceive the water in my father's eyes when I
-came to the account of Youwarkee's fall and the condition I took her up
-in.
-
-When I had done, they adjusted the order of their flight, for avoiding
-confusion, one to go so long before another, and the junior colambs to
-go first.
-
-In the morning nothing was to be heard but the gripsacks: the men were
-all ranged in order to go off with their respective colambs; and after
-all compliments passed, the junior colamb arising, walked half-way to
-the wood, where his gripsack standing to wait for him, preceded him
-to the level, the next gripsack standing ready to sound as soon as the
-first removed; and this was the signal for the second colamb to move, so
-that each colamb was a quarter of a mile before the other.
-
-My father was the last but two; but I shall never forget his tenderness
-at parting with his daughter and grandchildren, and I may say with
-myself too; for by this time he had a high opinion of me. Patty went
-with my father, she so much resembling my wife, that my father said he
-should still have his two daughters in his sight, having her with him.
-
-At parting, I presented Nasgig with a broadsword; and showing him the
-use of it, with many expressions of gratitude on his part, and respect
-on mine, he took flight after the rest.
-
-[Illustration: 5094]
-
-[Illustration: 0095]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-_Peter finds his stores low--Sends Youwarkee to the ship--Receives an
-invitation to Georigetti's court._
-
-
-FOR the first few days after our company had left us, Youwarkee could
-not forbear a tear now and then for the loss of her father and sister;
-but I endeavoured not to see it, lest I should, by persuading her to the
-contrary, seem to oppose what I really thought was a farther token of
-the sweetness of her disposition; but it wore off by degrees, and having
-a clear stage again, it cost us several days to settle ourselves and
-put our confused affairs in order; and when we had done we blessed
-ourselves that we could come and go, and converse with the pleasing
-tenderness we had hitherto always done.
-
-She told me nothing in the world but her concern for so tender a father,
-and the fear of displeasing me if she disobliged him, should have kept
-her so long from me; for her life had never been so sweet and serene as
-with me and her children; and if she was to begin it again, and choose
-her settlement and company, it should be with me in that arkoe. I told
-her though I was entirely of her opinion for avoiding a life of hurry,
-yet I loved a little company, if for nothing else but to advance topics
-for discourse, to the exercise of our faculties; but I then agreed it
-was not from mere judgment I spoke, but from fancy. "But, Youwee," says
-I, "it will be proper for us to see what our friends have left us, that
-we don't want before the time comes about again." Then she took her
-part, and I mine; and having finished, we found they would hold out
-pretty well, and that the first thing to be done was to get the oil of
-the beast-fish.
-
-When we came to examine the brandy and wine, I found they had suffered
-greatly; so I told Youwarkee, when she could spare time, she should make
-another flight to the ship. "And," says I, "pray look at all the small
-casks of wine or brandy, or be they what they will, if they are not
-above half-full, or thereabouts, they will swim, and you may send them
-down." I desired her to send a fire-shovel and tongs, describing them
-to her: "And there are abundance of good ropes between decks, rolled
-up, send them," says I, "and anything else you think we want, as plates,
-bowls, and all the cutlasses and pistols," says I, "that hang in the
-room by the cabin: for I would, me-thinks, have another cargo, as it may
-possibly be the last, for the ship can't hold for ever."
-
-Youwarkee, who loved a jaunt to the ship mightily, sat very attentive
-to what I said, and told me, if I pleased, she would go the next day; to
-which I agreed.
-
-She stayed on this trip till I began to be uneasy for her, being gone
-almost four days, and I was in great fear of some accident; but she
-arrived safe, telling me she had sent all she could any ways pack up;
-and any one who had seen the arrival of her fleet would had taken it for
-a good ship's cargo, for it cost me full three weeks to land and draw
-them up to the grotto; and then we had such a redundancy of things, that
-we were forced to pile them upon each other to the top of the room.
-
-It began to draw towards long days again, when one morning, in bed, I
-heard the gripsack. I waked Youvarkee, and told her of it; and-we both
-got up, and were going to the level, when we met six glumms in the wood,
-with a gripsack before them, coming to the grotto. The trumpeter, it
-seems, had been there before; but the others, who seemed to be of
-a better rank, had not. We saluted them, and they us; and Youwarkee
-knowing one of them, we desired them to walk to the grotto.
-
-They told us they came express from Georigetti's palace, with an
-invitation to me and Youwarkee to spend some time at his court. I
-let them know what a misfortune I lay under in not being born with a
-graundee, since Providence had pleased to dispose of me in a part of the
-world where alone it could have been of such infinite service to me,
-or I should have taken it for the highest honour to have laid myself at
-their master's feet: and after some other discourse, one of them pressed
-me to return his master my answer, for they had but a very little time
-to stay. I told them they saw plainly, by baring my breast to them, that
-I was under an absolute incapacity for such a journey, and gratifying
-the highest ambition I could have in the world; for I was pinned down to
-my arkoe, never more to pass the barrier of that rock. One of them
-then asking, if I should choose to go if it was possible to convey me
-thither, I told him he could scarce have the least doubt, was my ability
-to perform such a journey equal to my inclination to take it, that I
-should in the least hesitate at obeying his master. "Sir," says he,
-"you make me very happy in the regard you show my master; and I must
-beg leave to stay another day with you." I told him they did me great
-honour; but little thought what it all tended to.
-
-We were very facetious; and they talked of the number of visitors I
-had had here; and they mentioned several facts which had happened, and,
-amongst the rest, that of Nasgig, who, they said, since his return,
-had been introduced by Pendlehamby to the king, and was, for his great
-prudence and penetration, become Georigetti's great favourite. They told
-me war was upon the point of breaking out, and several other pieces of
-news, which, as they did not concern me, I was very easy about.
-
-The next morning they desiring to walk, and view what was most
-remarkable in my arkoe, and above all to see me fire my gun, which they
-had heard so much of; I gratified them at a mark, and hit the edge of
-it, and found them quite staunch, without the least start at the report.
-I paid them a compliment upon it, and told them how their countrymen
-had behaved, even at a second firing: "But," says he who was the chief
-spokesman, and knew, I found, as much as I could tell him, "that second
-fright was from seeing death the consequence of the first; and though
-you had then to do mostly with soldiers, you must not think they choose
-death more than others, though their duty obliges them to shun it less."
-
-The same person then desired me to show him how to fire the gun; which
-I did, and believe he might hit the rock somewhere or other; but he did
-not seem to admire the sport, and I, having but few balls left, did not
-recommend the gun to the rest.
-
-A little before bedtime the strangers told me they believed I should see
-Nasgig next morning. I presently thought there was somewhat more than
-ordinary in this visit, but could noways dive to the bottom of it.
-
-Just before they went to rest, they ordered the trumpeter to be early
-on the rock next morning; and upon the first sight of Nasgig's corps, to
-sound notice of it, for us to be ready to receive him.
-
-[Illustration: 0100]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-_Nasgig comes with a guard to fetch Peter--Long debate about his
-going--Nasgig's uneasiness at Peter's refusal--Relates a prediction to
-him, and proceedings thereon at Georigetti's court--Peter consents to
-go--Prepares a machine for that purpose._
-
-
-WE were waked by the trumpet giving notice of Nasgig's coming; I
-did not care to inquire of the strangers into the particulars of his
-embassy; "for be it what it will," thinks I, "Nasgig is so much my
-friend that I can know the motives of it from him, and, or I am much
-deceived, he is too honest to impose upon me." But I had but little
-time for thought, for upon our entering the level, we found him and his
-train, of at least a hundred persons, just alighting before us.
-
-We embraced, and professed the particular pleasure fortune had done us
-in once more meeting together. When we arrived at the grotto, he told
-me he was assured I had been informed of the occasion of his visit; and
-that it would be the greatest honour done to his country that could be
-imagined. He then laid his hand on my beard, which was now of about five
-months' growth, having never shaved it since my father went, and told
-he was glad to see that.--"And are you not so to see me?" says I.--"Yes,
-surely," says he, "for I prize that for your sake."--"But," says I,
-"pray be open with me, and tell me what you mean by my being informed of
-the occasion of your coming?"--"Why," says he, "of Georigetti's message
-to you, as it will be of such infinite service to our country: and,"
-says he, "if you had not consented to it, the messengers had returned
-and stopped me."--"True," says I, "one of the messengers told me the
-king would be glad to see me; which as I, so well as he, knew it was
-impossible he should, in return to his compliment, I believe I might say
-what a happiness it would be to me if I could wait on him. But pray what
-is your immediate message? for I hear you are in great favour at court,
-and would never have come hither with this retinue in so much ceremony
-on a trifling account."
-
-"My dear Peter," says Nasgig, "know that your fame has reached far and
-near since I saw you before; and our state, though a large and populous
-one, and once of mighty power and twice its present extent, by the
-revolt of the western part of it, who chose themselves a king, has
-been so miserably harassed by wars, that the revolters, who are
-ever fomenting discontent and rebellion amongst us, will, by the
-encroachments they daily make on us, certainly reduce us at last to a
-province under their government; which will render us all slaves to a
-usurped power, set up against our lawful sovereign. Now these things
-were foretold long enough before they actually began to be transacted;
-but all being then at peace, and no prospect of what has since happened,
-we looked not out for a remedy, till the disease became stubborn and
-incurable."--"Pray," says I, "by whom were the things you mention
-foretold?"--"By a very ancient and grave ragan," says he.--"How long
-ago?" says I.--"Oh, above four times the age of the oldest man living,"
-says he.--"And when did he say it would happen?" says I.--"That," says
-he, "was not quite so clear then."--"But how do you know," says I, "that
-he ever said any such thing?"--"Why, the thing itself was so peculiar,"
-says he, "and the ragan delivered it so positively, that his successors
-have ever since pronounced it twelve times a year publicly, word for
-word, to put the people in mind of it, and from whom they must hope for
-relief; and now the long-expected time being come, we have no hopes but
-in your destruction of the tyrant-usurper."--"I destroy him!" says I:
-"if he is not destroyed till I do it, I fear your state is but in a
-bad case."--"My good friend Peter," says he, "you or nobody can do
-it."--"Pugh," says I, "Nasgig, I took you for a man of more sense,
-notwithstanding the prejudices of education, than to think, because you
-have seen me kill a beast-fish that could not come to hurt me at the
-distance of twenty paces, that I can kill your usurper at the distance
-he is from me."--"No, my good friend," says Nasgig, "I know you take
-me to have more judgment than to think so."--"Why, what else can I do,"
-says I, "unless he will come hither to be killed by me?"--"Dear Peter,"
-says he, "you will not hear me out."--"I will," says I, "say on."--"You,
-as I said before, being the only person that can, according to our
-prediction, destroy this usurper and restore peace among us, my master
-Georigetti, and the whole state of Normnbdsgrsutt, were going to send
-a splendid embassy to you; but your father advising to repose the
-commission wholly in me, they all consented to it, and I am come to
-invite you over to Brandleguarp for that purpose. I know you will tell
-me you have not the graundee, and cannot get thither: but I am assured
-you have what is far better; the wisdom you have will help you to
-surmount that difficulty, which our whole moucheratt cannot get over.
-And I am sure did you apply half the thought to accomplish it you seem
-to do to invent excuses against it, you would easily overcome that. And
-now, dear friend," continues he, "refuse me not; for as my first rise
-was owing to your favour, so my downfall as absolutely attends your
-refusal."
-
-"Dear Nasgig," says I, "you know I love you, and could refuse you
-nothing in my power; but for me to be mounted in the air, I know not
-how, over these rocks, and then drowned by a fall into the sea, which
-is a necessary consequence of such a mad attempt; and all this in
-prosecution of a project founded upon an old wife's tale, is such a
-chimera as all men of sense would laugh at; as if there was no way of
-destroying me, but with a guard of a hundred men to souse me into the
-wide ocean. A very pretty conqueror of rebels I should prove, truly,
-kicking for life till the next wave sent me to the bottom."
-
-Nasgig looked then so grave, I almost thought I should have heard no
-more of it; but after a short pause, "Peter," says he, "I am sorry you
-make so light of sacred things; a thing foretold so long ago by a holy
-ragan, kept up by undoubted tradition ever since, in the manner I have
-told you; in part performed, and now waiting your concurrence for its
-accomplishment; but if I cannot prevail with you, though I perish at
-my return, I dread to think you may be forced without thanks to perform
-what generously to undertake will be your greatest glory."
-
-"Pray," says I, "Nasgig (for now I perceive you are in earnest), what
-may this famous prediction be?"
-
-"Ah, Peter!" says Nasgig, "to what purpose should I relate so sacred
-a prediction to one who, though the most concerned in it, makes such a
-jest of it?"
-
-His mentioning me as concerned in it, raised my curiosity once more to
-desire a relation of it. "Why should I relate it," says he, "if you
-are resolved not to fulfil it?"--I told him I had no resolution against
-anything that related to my own good, or that of my friends. "But the
-greatest question with me," says I, "is, whether I am at all concerned
-in it."--"Oh clearly, clearly!" says he, "there is no doubt of it; it
-must mean you or nobody."--I told him I must judge by the words of it
-that I was the person intended by it; and till that was apparent to my
-reason, it would be difficult to procure my consent to so perilous
-an undertaking.--"And," says he, "will you, upon hearing it, judge
-impartially, and go with me if you can take the application to
-yourself?"--"I cannot go quite so far as that," says I; "but this I'll
-promise you, I'll judge impartially, and if I can so apply it to myself,
-that it must necessarily mean me, and no other, and if you convince me I
-may go safely, I will go."
-
-Nasgig was so rejoiced at this, he was at a loss how to express himself.
-"My dear Peter," says he, "you have given me new life! our state is
-free! our persons free! we are free! we are free! And, Peter," says he,
-"now I have given vent to my joy, you shall hear the prediction.
-
-"You must know, this holy ragan lived four ages ago; and from certain
-dreams and revelations he had had, set himself to overturn our
-country-worship of the Great Image; and by his sanctity of life, and
-sound reasonings, had almost effected it under the assistance of
-Begsurbeck, then our king, who had fully embraced his tenets; but the
-rest of the ragans opposing him, and finding he could not advance his
-scheme, he withdrew from the ragans to a close retirement for several
-years; and just before his death, sending for the king and all the
-ragans, he told them he should certainly die that day, and that he could
-not die at peace till he had informed them what had been revealed to
-him; desiring them to take notice of it, not as a conjecture of his own,
-but a certain verity which should hereafter come to pass. Says he, 'you
-know you have rejected the alteration in your religion I proposed to
-you; and which Begsurbeck, here present, would have advanced; and now I
-must tell you what you have brought upon yourselves. As for Begsurbeck,
-he shall reign the longest and most prosperously of all your former and
-future kings; but in twice his time outrun, the west shall be divided
-from the east, and bring sorrow, confusion, and slaughter, till the
-waters of the earth shall produce a glumm, with hair round his head,
-swimming and flying without the graundee; who, with unknown fire and
-smoke, shall destroy the traitor of the west, settle the ancient limits
-of the monarchy, by common consent establish what I would have taught
-you, change the name of this country, introduce new laws and arts, add
-kingdoms to this state, and force tributes from the bowels of the earth
-of such things as this kingdom shall not know till then, and shall never
-afterwards want; and then shall return to the waters again. Take care,'
-says he, 'you miss not the opportunity when it may be had; for once
-lost, it shall never, never more return; and then, woe, woe, woe to my
-poor country!'--The ragan having said this, expired.
-
-"This prediction made so great an impression on Begsurbeck, that he
-ordered all the ragans singly before him, and heard them repeat it;
-which having done, and made himself perfect in it, he ordered it to
-be pronounced twelve times in the year on particular days, in the
-moucherait, that the people might learn it by heart; that they and their
-children being perfect in it, might not fail of applying it, when the
-man from the waters should appear with proper description.
-
-"Thus, Peter," says he, "has this prediction been kept up in our
-memories as perfectly as if it had but just been pronounced to
-us."--:"'Tis very true," says I, "here may have been a prediction, and
-it may have been, as you say, handed down very exactly from Begsurbeck's
-days till now; but how does that affect me? how am I concerned in it?
-Surely, if any marks would have denoted me to be the man, some of the
-colambs who have so lately left me, and were so long with me, would have
-found them out in my person, or among the several actions of my life
-I recounted to them."--"Upon the return of the colambs from you,"
-says Nasgig, "they told his majesty what they had heard and seen at
-Graundevolet, and the story was conveyed through the whole realm: but
-every man has not the faculty of distinction. Now, one of the ragans,
-when he had heard of you, applying you to the prediction, and that to
-you, soon found our deliverer in you; and at a public moucheratt,
-after first pronouncing the prediction, declared himself thereon to the
-following effect:
-
-"'May it please your majesty--and you the honourable colambs--the
-reverend ragans--and people of this state,' says he, 'you all know that
-our famous king Begsurbeck, who reigned at the time of this prediction,
-did live sixty years after it in the greatest splendour, and died at the
-age of one hundred and twenty years, having reigned full ninety of them;
-and herein you will all agree with me, no king before or since has done
-the like. You all likewise know, that within two hundred years after
-Begsurbeck's death, that is, about twice his reign of ninety years
-outrun, the rebellion in the west began, which has been carried on ever
-since; and our strength diminishing as theirs increases, we are now no
-fair match for them, but are fearful of being undone. So far you will
-agree matters have tallied with the prediction; and now, to look
-forward to the time to come, it becomes us to lay hold of the present
-opportunity for our relief, for that, once slipped, will never return;
-and if I have any skill in interpretations, now is the time of our
-deliverance.
-
-"'Our prediction foretells the past evils, their increase and
-continuance, till the waters of the earth shall produce a glumm. Here
-I must appeal to the honourable colambs present, if the waters have
-not done so in the person of glumm Peter of Graundevolet, as they have
-received it from his own report.'
-
-"All the colambs then rising, and making reverence to the king, declared
-it was most true.
-
-"'The next part,' says the ragan, 'is, he is to be hairy round his head;
-and how his person in this respect agrees with the prediction, I beg
-leave to be informed by the colambs.'
-
-"The colambs then rising, declared that having seen and conversed with
-him, they could not observe any hair on the fore part of his head; but I
-answered that when I left you I well remembered your having short stubbs
-of hair upon your cheeks and chin; which I had no sooner mentioned than
-your father arose and told the assembly that though he did not mind
-it whilst he was with you, yet he remembered that his daughter, a year
-before, had told him that you had hair on your face before as long as
-that behind.
-
-"This again putting new life into the ragan, he proceeded--'Then let
-this,' says he, 'be put to the trial by an embassy to glumm Peter; and
-if it answers, there will be no room to doubt the rest. Then,' says the
-ragan, 'it is plain by the report of the colambs, that glumm Peter has
-not the graundee.
-
-"'As to the next point, he is to swim and fly. Now I am informed he
-swims daily in a thing he calls a boat.'--To which the colambs all
-agreed.--'And now,' says he, 'that he flies too, that must be fulfilled;
-for every word must have a meaning, and that indeed he must do if ever
-he comes hither. I therefore advise that a contrivance be somehow found
-out for conveying glumm Peter through the air to us, and then we shall
-answer that part of the prediction; and I think, and do not doubt, but
-that may be done.
-
-"'Now,' says he, 'let us see the benefit predicted to us upon the
-arrival of glumm Peter. Our words are: "Who, with unknown fire and
-smoke, shall destroy the traitor of the west." What can be plainer than
-this? For I again appeal to the colambs for his making unknown fire and
-smoke.
-
-"'Thus far,' says the ragan, 'we have succeeded happily towards a
-discovery of the person; but it ends not here with the death of the
-traitor; but such other benefits are to accrue as are mentioned in the
-following part of the prediction: they are blessings yet to come, and
-who knows the end of them?
-
-"'I hope,' says the ragan, 'I have given satisfaction in what I have
-said, and shall now leave it to the care of those whose business it is
-to provide that none of those woes pronounced against us may happen, by
-missing the time which, when gone, will never return.'
-
-"The assembly were coming to a resolution of sending you a pompous
-embassy, but your father prevailed for sending me only; 'For,' says he,
-'my son thinks better of him than of the rest of our whole race.' So
-this important affair was committed to me, with orders to prepare a
-conveyance for you, which I cannot attempt to do; but shall refer myself
-to your more solid judgment in the contrivance of it."
-
-I had sat very attentive to Nasgig, and from what he had declared, could
-not say but there was a very great resemblance between myself and the
-person predicted of. "But then," says I, "they are idolaters: Providence
-would not interpose in this affair, when all the glory of its success
-must redound to an idol. But," says I, "has not the same thing often
-happened from oracular presages, where the glory must redound to the
-false deity? But what if, as is predicted, their religion is to be
-changed to the old ragan's plan, and that will be to the abolition of
-idolatry? I know not what to say; but if I thought my going would gain a
-single soul to the eternal truth, I would not scruple to hazard my life
-in the attempt."
-
-I then called in Youwarkee, told her the whole affair of the prediction,
-which she had often heard, I found, and could have repeated. I told her
-that the king and states had pitched on me as the person intended by
-their prediction, and that Nasgig was sent to fetch me over: "And
-indeed," says I, "Youwee, if this be a true prediction, it seems very
-applicable to me as far as I can see."--"Yes, truly," says she, "so it
-does, now I consider it in the light you say the ragan puts it."--
-
-"Why," says I, "prophecies and predictions are never so plain as to
-mention names; but yet, upon the solution, they become as intelligible
-as if they did, the circumstances tallying so exactly. But what would
-you have me do? Shall I, or shall I not, go?"--"Go!" says she, "how can
-you go?"--"Oh," says I, "never fear that. If this is from above, means
-will soon be found; Providence never directs effects without means."
-
-Youwarkee, whose head ran only on the dangers of the undertaking, had
-a violent conflict with herself; the love of me, of her children, and of
-her country, divided her so, she was not capable of advising. I pressed
-her opinion again, when she told me to follow the dictates of my own
-reason; "And but for the dread of losing you, and for my children's
-sakes," says she, "I should have no choice to make when my country is at
-stake: but you know best."
-
-I told Youwarkee that I really found the prediction the plainer the more
-I thought of it; and that, above all, the change of religion was the
-uppermost; for if I can reduce a State from the misery and bondage of
-idolatry to a true sense of the Supreme Being, and seemingly by His own
-direction, shall I fear to risk my own life for it? or, will He suffer
-me to perish till somewhat at least is done towards it? And how do I
-know but the whole tendency of my life has been by impulse hither for
-this very purpose? "My dear Youwee," says I, "fear nothing, I will go."
-
-I called Nasgig, and told him my resolution, and that he had nothing now
-to do but prepare a means of conveying me.--He said he begged to refer
-that to me, for my own thoughts would suggest to me both the safest and
-easiest means.
-
-I wanted to venture on the back of some strong glumm; when Nasgig told
-me no one could endure my weight so long a flight. But what charmed me
-most was, the lovely Youwarkee offered to carry me herself if she could:
-"And if I can't hold out," says she, "my dear, we can but at last drop
-both together." I kissed the charming creature with tears in my eyes,
-but declined 'the experiment.
-
-I told Nasgig I wanted to divide my weight between two or four glumms,
-which I believed I could easily do; and asked if each could hold out
-with a fourth part of my weight.--He told me there was no doubt of that;
-but he was afraid I should drop between their graundees, he imagining I
-intended to lie along on their backs, part of me on each of them, or
-should bear so much on them as to prevent their flight. I told him I did
-not purpose to dispose of myself in the manner he presumed, but if two
-or four could undoubtedly bear my weight so long a flight, I would order
-myself without any other inconvenience to my bearers than their burden.
-He made light of my weight between four, as a trifle, and said he would
-be one with all his heart.--"Nay," says I, "if four cannot hold out, can
-eight?" He plainly told me, as he knew not what I meant, he could say
-nothing to it, nor could imagine how I could divide so small a body as
-mine into eight different weights, for it seemed impossible, he said, to
-him; but if I would show him my method, he would then give me his
-opinion.
-
-I then, leaving him, took out my tools: I pitched upon a strong board my
-wife had sent me from the ship, about twelve feet long, and a foot and
-a half broad, upon the middle of which I nailed down one of my chairs;
-then I took one cord of about thirty-four feet long, making handloops
-at each end, and nailed it down in the middle to the under-side of my
-board, as near as I could to the fore-end of it, and I took another cord
-of the same length and make, and this I nailed within three feet of the
-farther end of my board. I then took a cord of about twenty feet long,
-and nailed about three feet before the foremost, and a fourth of the
-same length, at the farther end of my board; by which means the first
-and third ropes being the longest and at such a distance from the short
-ropes, the glumms who held them would fly so much higher and forwarder
-than the short-rope ones, that they and their ropes would be quite out
-of the others' way, which would not have happened if either the ropes
-had been all of one length, or nearer to or farther from one another;
-and then considering that if I should receive a sudden jerk or twitch,
-I might possibly be shook off my chair, I took a smaller rope to tie
-myself with fast to the chair, and then I was sure if I fell into the
-sea I should at least have the board and chair with me, which might
-possibly buoy me up till the glumms could descend to my assistance.
-
-Having carried the machine down to the level with the help of two
-of Nasgig's men, he being out on a walk, and having never seen it, I
-ordered one of the men to sit upon the chair, and eight more to hold by
-the loops and rise with him; but, as I found it difficult at their first
-rising, not being able to mount all equally, to carry the board up even,
-and the back part rising first, the front pitched against the ground
-and threw the fellow out of the chair, I therefore bade them stop, and
-ordering eight others to me, said I, "Hold each of you one of these
-ropes as high as you can over your heads; then." says I to the eight
-bearers, "mount on your graundees, and come round behind him in the
-chair gently, two and two, and take each of you a loop, and hover with
-it till you are all ready, and then rise together, keeping your eye on
-the board that it rises neither higher at one end nor one side than the
-other, and see you all feel your weight alike; then fly across the lake
-and back again." They did so, and with as much ease, they told me, as if
-they had nothing in their hands; and the man rode with so much state and
-composure, he said, that I longed to try it myself; so, shifting places
-with the glumm, I mounted the chair, and tying myself round, I asked if
-any one knew which way Nasgig walked. One of them pointing to where he
-saw him just before in the wood, I ordered them to take me up as before,
-and go that way.
-
-Upon coming to the place where I expected Nasgig was, I hallooed and
-called him; who, knowing my voice, ran to the skirt of the wood; and
-seeing me mounted in my flying chair, I jokingly told him I was going,
-if he had any commands; but he mounting immediately came up to me, and
-viewing me round, and seeing the pleasure the men seemed to carry
-me with, says he, "Are you all sure you can carry him safe to
-Battringdrigg?"--They all replied, "Yes, with ease."--"This then," says
-he, "is your doom: if you perform it not, every one shall be slit; but
-if you carry the deliverer safe, you are filgays every man of you!" he
-verily thinking I was then going off; but I undeceived him, by ordering
-them to turn about and set me down where I was taken up.
-
-Nasgig alighting and viewing my contrivance, "This, Peter," says he, "is
-but a very plain thing."--"It is so," says I, "but it is as far as my
-ingenuity could reach."--"Ah, Peter!" says he "say not so, for if the
-greatest difficulties, as I and all my nation thought it would be to
-convey you to them, are so plain and easy to you, what must lesser
-things be? No, Peter, I did not call it plain because it might be easily
-done when it was seen, but in respect to the head that formed it; for
-the nearest way to attain one's end is always the best, and attended
-for the most part with fewest inconveniences; and I verily think, Peter,
-though we believe the rise or fall of our State wholly depends on you,
-you must have stayed at Graundevolet but for your own ingenuity. Well,
-and when shall we set out?" says he.--I told him it would take up some
-time to settle the affairs of my family, and to consider what I had best
-take with me; and required at least three days, being as little as I
-could have told him for that purpose.
-
-Nasgig, who as he was an honest man, and for making the best for his
-patrons, was sorry it was so long, though he, imagining at the same time
-it was short enough for one who was to go on such an enterprise, was
-glad it was no longer; and immediately despatched a trumpet express
-with notice, that on the fourth day he should be at the height of
-Battringdrigg, and that having myself formed a machine for that purpose,
-I would accompany him.
-
-I began next to consider what part I had to act at Doorpt Svangeanti
-(for I neither could nor would call it by any other name when I came
-thither), and what it was they expected from me. I am, says I, to kill
-a traitor; good, that may be, but then I must take a gun and ammunition;
-and why not some pistols and cutlasses? If I cannot use them all, I can
-teach others who may. I will take several of them, and all my guns but
-two, and I will leave a pair of pistols; I may return and want them. I
-will take my two best suits of clothes, and other things suitable; for
-if I am to perform things according to this prediction, it may be a long
-time before I get back again. Thinks I, Youwarkee shall stay here with
-the children, and if I like my settlement I can send for her at any
-time. I then began to see the necessity of making at least one more
-machine to carry my goods on. And says I, as they will be very weighty,
-I must have more lasks to shift in carrying them, for I will retain
-sixteen for my own body-machine, in order to relieve each other; and as
-the distance is so great, I will not be stinted for want of fresh hands.
-
-Being come to this resolution, I called Nasgig, and ordered eight
-fresh lasks to attend my baggage; these he soon singled out: so,
-having settled all matters with my wife, and taken leave of her and the
-children, I charged them not to stir out of the grotto till I was gone;
-and leaving them all in tears, I set out with a heavy heart for the
-level, where the whole convoy and my two machines waited for me.
-
-[Illustration: 5119]
-
-[Illustration: 0120]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-_Peter's speech to the soldiery--Offers them freedom--His journey--Is
-met by the king--The king sent back, and why--Peter alights in the
-king's garden--His audience--Description of his supper and bed._
-
-
-WHEN we came to the level, I desired Nasgig to draw all his men into
-a circle as near as they could stand. I then asked them who would
-undertake to carry me: when not a man but proffered his service, and
-desired to have the post of honour, as they called it. I told them my
-question was only in case of necessity to know whom I might depend upon,
-for my bearers were provided, saving accidents. "But, my friends," says
-I, "as you are equally deserving for the offered service, as if you were
-accepted, are any of you desirous of being filgays?" They all answering
-together, "I, I, I!"--"Nasgig," says I, "you and I must come to
-a capitulation before I go, and your honour must be pledged for
-performance of articles."
-
-I began with telling them what an enemy I was to slavery: "And," says I
-to Nasgig, "as I am about to undertake what no man upon earth ever did
-before: to quit my country, my family, my every conveniency of life, for
-I know not what, I know not where, and from whence I may never return;
-I must be indulged, if I am ever so fortunate as to arrive safe in your
-country, in the satisfaction of seeing all these my fellow-travellers as
-happy as myself: for which reason I must insist upon every man present
-alighting with me in safety, being made free the moment we touch the
-ground; and unless you will engage your honour for this, I will not stir
-a step farther."
-
-Nasgig paused for an answer, for though my bearers were his own lasks,
-and he could dispose of them at pleasure, yet as the rest were the
-king's, he knew not how far he might venture to promise for them; but
-being desirous to get me over the rock, fearing I might still retract
-my purpose, he engaged to procure their freedom of the king. And this, I
-thought, would make the men more zealous in my service.
-
-I then permitting them to take me up, we were over the rock as quick as
-thought, and when I had a little experienced the flight, I perceived I
-had nothing to fear; for they were so dexterous on the graundee, that
-I received not the least shock all the way, or scarce a wry position,
-though every quarter of an inch at hand made a considerable deflection
-from the perpendicular. We shifted but twice till we came to
-Battringdrigg, the manner, of which I directed as I sat in my chair; for
-I ordered the new man to hover over him he was to relieve, and reaching
-down his hand to meet the others which were held up with a rope, the old
-bearer sunk beneath the chair, and the reliever took his course. This we
-did one by one, till all were changed; but there was one, a stout young
-fellow, at the first short rope on my right hand, who observing me to
-eye him more than the rest, in a bravado would not be relieved before
-we arrived at Battringdrigg arkoe; and I afterwards took him into my
-family.
-
-As it was now somewhat advanced into the light season, I had hopes of
-a tolerable good prospect; but had it been quite light, I should have
-never been the better for it. I had been upon very high mountains in the
-inland parts of Africa, but was never too high to see what was below
-me before, though very much contracted; but here, in the highest of our
-flight, you could not distinguish the globe of the earth but by a sort
-of mist, for every way looked alike to me; then sometimes on a cue
-given, from an inexpressible height my bearers would dart as it were
-sloping like a shooting star, for an incredible distance, almost to the
-very surface of the sea, still keeping me as upright as a Spaniard on my
-seat. I asked them the reason of their so vast descent, when I perceived
-the labour they had afterwards to attain the same height again. They
-told me they not only eased their graundees by that descent, but could
-fly half as far again in a day, as by a direct (they meant horizontal)
-flight; for though it seemed laborious to mount so excessive high, yet
-they went on at the same time at a great rate; but when they came
-to descend again, there was no comparison in their speed. And, on my
-conscience, I believe they spoke true, for in their descents I think no
-arrow could have reached us.
-
-In about sixteen hours, for I took my watch with me, we alighted on the
-height of Battringdrigg: when I thought I had returned to my own arkoe,
-it was so like it, but much larger. Here we rested for hours; I opened
-my chest, and gave each of my bearers a drop of brandy. Nasgig and I
-also just wetted our mouths, and ate a piece of preserve to moisten
-us; the rest of the lasks sitting down, and feeding upon what they had
-brought with them in their colapets; for their method is, when they
-take long flights, to carry a number of hard round fruits, flat like my
-cream-cheeses, but much less, which containing a sort of flour they eat
-dry; then drinking, which swells, and fills them as much as a good meal
-of anything else would. Here we met with abundance of delightful pools
-of water on the vast flat of the rocks. They told me, in that arkoe
-the young glumms and gawrys came in vast flights separately, to divert
-themselves on the fine lakes of water, and from thence went sometimes as
-far as my arkoe for that purpose; but that was but seldom.
-
-When we had sufficiently rested, they shut their colapets, which
-sometimes hung down from their necks, and were sometimes swung round to
-their backs, and crossing the arkoe and another large sea, but nothing
-comparable to the first, arrived in about six hours more to the height
-of the White Mountains, which Nasgig told me were the confines of
-Georigetti's territories. But, thinks I, it may belong to whom it will
-for the value of it; for nothing could be more barren than all the top
-of it was; but the inside of it made amends for that, by the prodigious
-tall and large trees it abounded with, full of the strangest kinds of
-fruits I had ever seen; and these trees, most of them, seemed to grow
-out of the very stone itself, not a peck of dirt being to be collected
-near them. Without-side of these mountains, it was scarce darker than
-at my arkoe; for I made all the observation my time would allow me; when
-spying at a vast distance several lights, which were unusual things to
-me in that country, they told me the largest was the burning mountain
-Alkoe: this I remembered to have heard the name of upon some former
-occasion, though I could not recollect what; and that the rest were
-of the same sort, but smaller. I asked if they were in Georigetti's
-territories. They said no, they belonged to another king formerly, whose
-subjects were as fond of fire as Georigetti's were of avoiding it;
-and that many of them worked with it always before them, and made an
-insufferable noise by it.
-
-At hearing the above relation, an impression struck my fancy, that they
-might be a sort of smiths or workers in iron, or other metals; and I
-wished myself with them, for I had a mighty notion of that work, having
-been frequently at a neighbouring forge when a boy, and knew all their
-tools, and resolved to get all the information I could of that country
-some other time; for our company drawing to their posts, and preparing
-to set forward again, I could have no more talk now; and you must know,
-I had observed so many idle rascals before I left England, who could
-neither strike a stroke nor stir a foot whilst you talked with them,
-that I feared if I asked questions by the way, they should in answering
-me neglect their duty, and let me drop.
-
-When we came near our journey's end, Nasgig asked me where I would
-please to alight I told him I thought at my father's; for though I came
-on a visit to the king, it would not show respect to go before him just
-off a journey. But I might have spared me the trouble of settling that
-point; for we were not gone far from the Black Mountain, it going by
-that name within side, though it is called the White without, before we
-heard the gripsacks, and a sort of squeaking or screaming music, very
-loud. Nasgig told me the king was in flight. I asked him how he knew
-that, for I could see nobody. He knew it, he said, by the gripsack, and
-the other music, which never played but on that occasion; and presently
-after, I thought the whole kingdom were on the graundee, and was going
-to order my bearers back to the mountain, for fear of the concourse.
-Thinks I, they will jostle me down out of civility, and I shall break my
-neck to gratify their curiosity. So I told Nasgig if he did not somehow
-stop the multitude, I would turn back for the mountain, for I would
-never venture into that crowd of people.
-
-Nasgig sprung away to the king and informed him; but the king, fearing
-the people should be disgusted at his sending them back, gave orders
-for the whole body to file off to the right and left, and taking a vast
-sweep each way, to fall in behind me; but upon no account to come near
-me, for fear of mischief. This was no sooner said than done, and all
-spreading into two vast semicircles, met in a train just behind my
-chair.
-
-Nasgig had also persuaded the king to retreat back to the palace,
-telling him it was not with me as with them, who could help themselves
-in case of accident; but as I was under the guidance of others, and on a
-foundation he should scarce, in my condition, have ventured upon, he was
-sure I should be better satisfied with his intended respect only, than
-to receive it there: "But," says he, "that your majesty may see his
-contrivance, I will cause him to alight in the palace garden, where you
-may have the pleasure of viewing him in his machine."
-
-The king returning, ordered all the colambs, who waited my arrival, to
-assemble in council again; and as I went over the city, I was surprised
-to see all the rock of which it consisted quite covered with people,
-besides prodigious numbers in the air, all shouting out peals of welcome
-to me; and as we were then but little above their heads, every one
-had something to say of me; one wondering what I had got on; another
-swearing he saw hair on my face as long as his arm; and in general,
-every one calling on the Image for my safety.
-
-The king was present when I alighted in the garden; and himself taking
-me from my chair, I bent on one knee to kiss his hand; but he took me
-in his arms, called me his father, and told me he hoped I would make his
-days equal in glory to his great ancestor Begsurbeck. We complimented
-some time before he took me into a small refectory in the garden,
-and gave me some of his sort of wine, which I found was loaded with
-ram's-horn, and some dried and moist sweetmeats. He then told me I had
-a piece of ceremony to go through, after which he hoped to have me to
-himself. I told him, whatever forms of State were customary, they become
-necessary, and I should obey him.
-
-His majesty then called one of the persons in waiting, and telling him
-he was going to the room of audience, ordered him to conduct me thither
-forthwith.
-
-Following my guide, after a long walk through a sort of piazza, we
-entered under a stately arch, curiously carved, into a very spacious
-room, lighted with infinite numbers of globe-lamps, where he desired me
-to sit down on a round stone pedestal covered with leaves, and all round
-the sides were running foliages exquisitely wrought; on the walls were
-carved figures of glumms in several actions, but chiefly in battle, or
-other warlike exercises, in alto-relievo, very bold, with other devices
-interspersed. I sat down, having first paid my submission to the throne,
-and to the several colambs who sat on the king's right and left, down
-the sides of the room.
-
-The person then who introduced me, going into the middle of the room,
-spoke to this effect: "Mighty king--and you honourable lords his
-colambs--here is present the glumm Peter of Graundevolet; I wait your
-commands where to dispose him."
-
-Then the king and all the colambs arising, another person stepped forth,
-and looking at me, for I was standing, "Glumm Peter of Graundevolet,"
-says he, "I am to signify to you that the mighty king Georigetti, and
-all his honourable colambs, congratulate your arrival in Normnbdsgrsutt,
-and have commanded me to give you rank according to your merit." Then
-the king and colambs sat down, and I was led to the king's right hand,
-and placed on the same stone with, but at some small distance from, his
-majesty.
-
-The king then told me the great pleasure I had done him and his colambs,
-in my so speedy arrival upon their message; but said he would give me no
-farther trouble now than to know how I chose to be served; and desired
-me to give orders to a bash he would send to me, for whatever I wanted;
-and then giving orders to a bash to show me my lodgings, I was permitted
-to retire to refresh myself.
-
-I was then conducted to my apartment, up a sloping flight of stone, very
-long, with a vast arch over my head; I believed it might be fifty paces
-long at least, but being a very broad easy ascent, and smooth, it was
-not in the least fatiguing. All the way I went were the same sorts of
-globe lights as in the audience-room. The staircase, if I may call it
-so, it answering the same purpose, was most beautifully carved, both
-sides and top. At length I came into a very large gallery, at least
-fourscore paces long, and about twenty broad; on each side of which
-hung the same globes. At the farther end of this gallery I entered by
-an arch, very narrow, but most neatly wrought, into an oval room; in the
-middle of this room, on the right hand, was another small neat archway;
-entering through which about ten paces, there were two smaller arches to
-the right and left, and within them, with an easy ascent of about three
-paces, you came to a flat trough of stone, six or seven feet long, and
-about the same width; these, I understood by my bash, were the beds to
-lie on.
-
-I asked him if they were used to lie on the bare stone. He told me some
-did, but he had orders to lay me on doffee; and presently up came four
-fellows with great mats, as I took them for by my globe light, full of
-something, which, by their so easily carrying so great bulk, I perceived
-was very light. They pitched it down upon my stone bedstead, and first
-with great sticks, and then with small switches having beat it soundly,
-retired.
-
-Whilst I was looking about at the oddity of the place, I found my bash
-was gone too. "So," says I, "all gone! I suppose they intend I shall now
-go to bed." I then went into my bed-chamber, for there were globe lights
-there too, and observing my bed lay full four feet above the stone, and
-sloping higher to the sides and head, I went to feel what it was; but
-laying my hand upon it, it was so soft I could feel no resistance till I
-had pressed it some way; and it lay so light, that a fly must have sunk
-upon it.--"Well," thinks I, "what if I never lay thus before, I believe
-I have lain as bad!"
-
-I then took a turn into my oval room again, and observed the floor,
-sides, and all was stone, as smooth as possible, but not polished; and
-the walls and ceiling, and in short every place where they could be
-ornamented, were as well adorned with carvings as can be conceived.
-
-Though nobody came near me yet, I did not care to be too inquisitive all
-at once, but I longed to know what they burnt in the globes, which gave
-so steady a light, and yet seemed to be enclosed quite round, top and
-sides, without any vent-hole for the smoke to evaporate. Surely, thinks
-I, they are a dullish glass, for they hung almost above my touch, and
-must be exceeding hot with the fire so enclosed, and have some small
-vent-hole though I can't see it. Then standing on tiptoe to feel, it
-struck quite cold to my finger; but I could only reach to touch that, or
-any of the rest, being all of one height.
-
-Whilst I was musing thus, I heard the sound of voices coming along the
-gallery; and presently came a train of servants with as much victuals as
-a hundred men could eat, and wines proportionable; they set it down at
-the upper end of the oval room, on a flat of stone, which on making the
-room had been left in the upper bend of the oval quite across it, about
-table high, for that purpose. These eatables, such as were liquid, or
-had sauces to them, were served up in a sort of grey stone bowls; but
-the dry were brought in neat wooden baskets of twig-work.
-
-The servants all retiring into the gallery, except my bash, I asked him
-if anybody was to eat with me: he told me no.--"I wonder," says I, "they
-should send me so much, then." He replied it was the allowance of my
-apartment by his majesty's orders; which silenced me.
-
-I believe there were twenty different things on the table, insomuch that
-I did not know where to begin, and heartily wished for an excuse to get
-rid of my bash, who stood close at my elbow, that I might have smelt and
-tasted before I helped myself to anything, for I knew not what any one
-thing was.
-
-In this perplexity, I asked my bash what post he was in under his
-majesty. He said, one of the fifty bashes appointed to be near the
-king's favourites when at court. "And pray," said I, "are you the person
-to attend me?" He was, he said, the principal to wait on my person;
-but there were at least sixty others, who had different offices in this
-apartment. "I would be glad," said I, "to know your name, that I may the
-more readily speak to you." He told me his name was Quilly. "Then, pray,
-Quilly," says I, "do you know what is become of my baggage and chair?"
-I found, though he guessed at my baggage, he was puzzled at the name of
-chair. "My seat," says I. "Oh, I understand you," says he. "Then, pray,
-will you go bring me word of them, and see them brought safe up into the
-gallery?" He tripped away on my errand. So thinks I, now I am fairly rid
-of you! but I had scarce turned any of my viands over, before I found
-he had but stepped into the gallery, to send some of the idle
-fellows-in-waiting there. And this putting me to a nonplus, "Quilly,"
-says I, "you know I am a stranger here; and as different countries have
-different ways and customs, as well of dressing their eatables as other
-things, and these dishes being dressed contrary to my custom, I shall
-be glad if you will name some of them to me, that I may know them when I
-see them again."
-
-Quilly began with this, and ran on to that, which was a fine dish; and
-the other few but the king have at their tables. "And here," says he,
-"is a dish of padsi; and there----"
-
-"Hold, hold," says I, "Quilly, let's try these first before you
-proceed;" for I remembered, at my grotto, they all eat my fish for
-padsi, and I cut a slice of it; for I always carried my clasp-knife in
-my pocket, and they had no such thing there; and laying it on a round
-cake I took for my trencher, I tasted it, and found it so, to my
-apprehension, in the palate; but it did not look or flake like fish, as
-I observed by the slices they had cut it into; for all the victuals were
-in long slices ready to bite at. I asked him if these things were not
-all cut, and with what; for I understood they had no knives, showing him
-mine. He said the cook cut it with a sharp stone. I then asked him the
-name of several other things, and at last he came to crullmott, which
-having heard of before, I now tasted, and could have sworn it had been a
-hashed fowl. I asked him if crullmotts were very common; he told me
-yes, towards the bottoms of the mountains there were abundance
-of crullmott-trees.--"No, no," says I, "not trees; I mean fowls,
-birds."--"I don't know what they are," said he; "but these crullmotts
-grow on very large trees." Indeed, I did not know yet what I was at.
-"But," says I, "if your fowls do, sure your fish don't grow on trees
-too!"--"We have none of them," says he, "in this country."--"Why,"
-says I, "it is but this moment I tasted one."--"I don't know," said he,
-"where the cook got it."--"Why, here," says I, "what you call padsi
-I call fish."--"Aye, padsi," says he, "'grows upon a bush in the same
-woods."--"Well done," says I, "this is the first country I was ever in
-where the fish and fowl grew on trees. It is ten to one but I meet with
-an ox growing on some tree by the tail before I leave you."
-
-I had by this time, out of these two and some other pickings, made up a
-very good meal; and putting my knife into my pocket, desired something
-to drink. My bash asked me what I pleased to have. I told him, anything
-to take a good draught of. Then he filled me a bott of wine, very well
-tasted, though too sweet for meals; but putting some water to it, it did
-very well.
-
-My messengers being returned, and having set all my things in the
-gallery, I desired Quilly to let the victuals be taken away; upon which
-there came more servants than dishes, who took all at once, but some
-wine and water I desired might remain.
-
-I told Quilly I saw there were two beds. "Who are they for?" says
-I.--"One for you and one for me," says he; "for we bashes never leave
-the king's favourites."--"Pray, Quilly," says I, "what is the
-meaning that to the several rooms I have been in, there is never a
-door?"--"Door," says he, "I don't know that."--"What!" says I, "don't
-you shut your rooms at night?"--"No, no. Shut at night! I never heard
-of that."--"I believe," says I, "Quilly, it is almost bed-time; is it
-not?"--"No, no," says Quilly, "the gripsack has not sounded."--"How do
-you know," says I, "in this country, when you shall lie down, and when
-rise? for my wife has told me you have no clocks."
-
-"No; no clocks," says he.--"Then," says I, "does every one rise and
-lie down when they please? or do you all lie down and all rise together
-about the same time?"--"Oh," says Quilly, "you will hear the gripsack
-presently. There are several glumms who take it by turns to sound it for
-the rest, and then we know it is time to lie down; and when they sound
-it again, we know it is time to rise." And afterwards I found these
-people guessed the time (being twelve hours between sound and sound)
-so well, that there were but few minutes' variation at any time between
-them and my watch; and I set my watch to go from their soundings at six
-o'clock.
-
-I found myself pretty much fatigued after my journey; for though I had
-only to sit still, yet the excessive velocity of such an unusual motion
-strained every muscle as much as the hardest labour; for you may imagine
-I could not at first be without my fears upon ever so small a variation
-of my chair, which, though I could not possibly by my own inclination
-one way or other rectify, yet a natural propensity to a perpendicular
-station involuntarily biasses one to incline this or that way, in order
-to preserve it; and then at first my breath being ready to fail me, in
-proportion to the celerity of the flight, and to my own apprehensions,
-and being upon that exercise near thirty hours, and without sleep for
-almost forty, you may judge I wanted rest; so I told Quilly I would lie
-down, and ordered him not to disturb me till I waked of myself.
-
-I could not prevent the officiousness of my valet to put me to bed,
-and cover me with the down, or whatever it was; for having no sheets,
-I pulled off nothing but my coat, wig, and shoes, and putting on my
-flannel night-cap, I laid me down.
-
-[Illustration: 0137]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-_The king's apartments described--Is introduced to the king--A
-moucheratt called--His discourse with the king about religion._
-
-
-I HAVE known some travellers so peculiar in their taste as not to be
-able to sleep in a strange lodging. But, thanks to my kind stars, that
-did not prove my case; for having looked on my watch when I went to bed,
-as I call it, and finding it was down, I wound it up, and observed it
-began to go at about three o'clock--whether day or night, matters not;
-and when I waked it was past nine, so that I know I had slept eighteen
-hours; and finding that a very reasonable refreshment, and myself very
-hungry, I called Quilly to get me my breakfast.
-
-Quilly told me his majesty had been to visit me, but would not have me
-disturbed. I, begging him to despatch my breakfast as soon as possible,
-and let me have some water for my hands, he ordered the gallery-waiters,
-and everything came immediately.
-
-My breakfast was a brown liquid, with a sort of seeds or grain in it,
-very sweet and good; but the fear of the king's return before I was
-ready for him, prevented my inquiring into what it was. So, having
-finished it, and washed my hands, Quilly presented me a towel, which
-looked like an unbleached coarse linen, but was very soft and spongy;
-and I found afterwards was made of threads of bark stripped from some
-tree. I put on my brown suit, sword, and long wig, and sent Quilly to
-know when it was his majesty's pleasure I should wait upon him.
-
-I had been so much used to lamplight in my grotto, that the lights of
-this gloomy mansion did not seem so unusual a thing to me as they
-would have done to a stranger. The king sent me word he would admit me
-immediately, and Quilly was my conductor to his majesty's apartment.
-
-We passed through the gallery, at the farther end of which was a very
-beautiful arch, even with the staircase, through which Quilly led me
-into a large guard-room, wherein were above a hundred glumms, posted in
-ranks, with their pikes in hand, some headed with sharp-pointed stone,
-others with multangular stone, and others with stone globes. Passing
-through these, we entered another gallery as long as that to my
-apartment; then under another arch we came into a small square room,
-carved exceeding fine; on the right and left of which were two other
-archways, leading into most noble rooms. But we only saw them, passing
-quite cross the little room, through an arch that fronted us into a
-small gallery of prodigious height; at the farther end of which Quilly,
-turning aside a mat, introduced and left me in the most beautiful place
-in the universe, where, neither seeing nor hearing anybody stir, I
-employed myself in examining the magnificence of the place, and could,
-as I then thought, have feasted my eye with variety for a twelvemonth.
-I paced it over one hundred and thirty of my paces long, and ninety-six
-broad. There were arches in the middle of each side, and in the middle
-of each end; the arch ceiling could not be less than the breadth of the
-room, and covered with the most delightful carvings, from whence hung
-globe-lights innumerable, but seemingly without order, which I thought
-appeared the more beautiful on that account. In the centre of the
-room hung a prodigious cluster of the same lights, so disposed as to
-represent one vast light; and there were several rows of the same lights
-hung round the room, one row above another, at proper distances. These
-lights represented to me the stars, with the moon in the middle of them;
-and after I came to be better acquainted with the country, I perceived
-the lights were to represent the southern constellations. The archways
-were carved with the finest devices imaginable, gigantic glumms
-supporting on each side the pediments.
-
-At every ten paces all along the sides and ends, arose columns, each
-upon a broad square base, admirably carved; these reached to the cornice
-or base of the arched ceiling quite round the room. On the panels
-between each column were carved the different battles and most
-remarkable achievements of Begsurbeck himself. Over the arch I entered
-at, was the statue of Begsurbeck, and over the opposite arch the old
-prophetic ragan. In the middle of the room stood a long stone table
-lengthwise, most exquisitely carved, almost the length of the room,
-except where it was divided in the middle about the breadth of the
-archways, in order for a passage from one arch to the other. In short,
-to describe this one room particularly would make a volume of itself.
-
-I stayed here a full hour and a half, wondering why nobody came to me;
-at length turning myself about, I saw two glumms coming towards me, and
-having received their compliments, they desired me to walk in to the
-king. We passed through another middling room, and taking up a mat at
-the farther side of it, I was conducted in where his majesty was sitting
-with another glumm. They both arose at my entrance, and calling me their
-father, and leading me, one by each hand, obliged me to sit down between
-them.
-
-After some compliments about my journey, and accommodation since, the
-king told me I had not waited so long without, but he had some urgent
-despatches to make; and as he chose to have me in private with him, he
-imagined, he said, I would be able to divert myself in the boskee. I
-declared I had never seen anything like it for grandeur and magnificence
-before; but the beauty of the sculpture, and disposition of the lights,
-were most exquisite.
-
-All this while I felt the other glumm handling my long wig, and feeling
-whether it grew to my head, or what it was; for he had by this time got
-his finger under the caul, and was pulling my hair down; when I turning
-about my head, "Glumm Peter," says the king, "don't be uneasy, the ragan
-will do you no hurt, it is only to satisfy his curiosity; and I chose
-to have the ragan here, that we may more leisurely advise with you what
-course to take in the present exigencies of my State. I have fully heard
-the story of your travels from my colambs, and we have returned
-thanks to the Great Image for bringing you, after so many hazards and
-deliverances, safe to my dominions for our defence."
-
-The ragan desired to know whether all that hair (meaning my wig) grew
-upon my head or not. I told him no, it was a covering only, to put on
-occasionally; but that hair did grow on my head, and pulling off my wig
-I showed them. The ragan then asked me if I had hair of my own growing
-under that too (meaning my beard, which he then had in his hand,
-for their glumms have no beards); but I told him that grew there of
-itself.--"O parly Puly!" says the ragan, rising up, and smiting his
-hands together, "It is he! It is he!"
-
-"Pray," says I, "ragan, who is this Puly you speak of?"--"It is the
-image," says he, "of the great Collwar."--"Who is that?" says I.--"Why,
-he that made the world," says he.--"And, pray," says I, "what did his
-image make?"--"Oh," says he, "we made the image."--"And, pray," says
-I, "can't you break it again?"--"Yes," says he, "if we had a mind to be
-struck dead, we might; for that would be the immediate consequence
-of such an attempt; nay, of but holding up a finger against it in
-contempt."--"Pray," says I, "did ever anybody die that way?"--"No,"
-says he, "no one ever durst presume to do it."--"Then, perhaps," said I,
-"upon trial, the punishment you speak of might not be the consequence
-of such an attempt. Pray," says I, "what makes Collwar have so great a
-kindness for that image?"--"Because," says he, "it is his very likeness,
-and he gives him all he asks for us; for we only ask him. Why," says he,
-"it is the image that has brought you amongst us."
-
-I did not then think it a proper time to advance the contrary to the
-person I then had to do with, as I was sure it would have done no
-good; for a priest is only to be convinced by the strongest party: so I
-deferred my argument on that head to a fitter opportunity.
-
-"Most admirable Peter," says the king, "you are the glumm we depend upon
-to fulfil an ancient prediction delivered by a venerable ragan. If you
-will, Ragan I. O. shall repeat it to you, and therein you will be able
-to discern yourself plainly described, in not only similar, but the
-express words I myself, from your story, should describe you in."
-
-In good earnest, I had from divers circumstances concluded that I might
-be the person; and resolved, as I thought I had the best handle in the
-world for it from the prediction, to do what I could in the affair of
-religion, by fair means or stratagem (for I was sensible my own single
-force would not do it), before I began to show myself in their cause, or
-else to desert them; and having had a small hint from Nasgig of what the
-old ragan's design was in part, and which I approved of, I purposed to
-add what else was necessary as part of his design, if his proposals had
-been approved of.
-
-I told the king I would excuse the ragan the repetition of the
-prediction, as I had partly been informed of it by Nasgig; and that
-conceiving myself, as he did, to be the person predicted of by the
-ragan, I had the more readily set out on this expedition, which nothing
-but the hopes of performing so great a good could have prevailed with
-me to undertake; and I did not doubt, with God's blessing, to accomplish
-it.
-
-The king grew exceeding joyous at what I said, and told me he would
-call a moucheratt, at which all his colambs should attend, to have their
-advice, and then we would proceed to action; and ordered the ragan
-to let it be for the sixth day, and in the meantime that he and his
-brethren should, day and night, implore the Image to guide their
-deliberations.
-
-The ragan being gone, I told the king I had something to impart to him,
-in which it was my duty to obtain his majesty's sentiments before I
-appeared publicly at the moucheratt. He desired me to proceed: I told
-him I had been some time considering the old ragan's prediction, with
-the occasion of it; "and," says I, "it is plain to me that all these
-mischiefs have befallen you for neglect of the ragan's proposal
-concerning religion; as I understand your great ancestor would have come
-into it, and would have had his people done so too, but for the ragans,
-who hindered it.
-
-"You find," says I, "by your traditional history, that Begsurbeck
-lived long, and reigned gloriously; and I would aim at making you as
-prosperous as he was, and infinitely more happy, not only in outward
-splendour here, but in great glory hereafter."
-
-Perceiving that my discourse had quickened the king's attention, says I,
-"I must let your majesty know it is the old ragan's plan I must proceed
-upon in every branch of it."--"Why," says the king, "he would have
-abolished our worship of the Image."--"And so would I," says I; "nay,
-not only would, but must and will, before I engage myself in your
-deliverance; and then, with the only assistance of the great Collwar,
-whom I adore, and whom you must too, if you expect any service from me,
-I don't doubt to prevail.
-
-"Your majesty sees," says I, "in few words, I have been very plain with
-you; and I desire you, in as concise and plain a manner, to answer me,
-what are your thoughts on this head? for I can say no more till I hear
-them."
-
-The king seeing me so peremptory: "Glumm Peter," says he, looking about
-to see no one was near, "I have too much sense to imagine our Image can
-do either good or hurt; for if it could have done us good, why would it
-not in our greatest distress, now near two hundred years past? For my
-own part, I put no trust in it, nor did my famous ancestor the great
-Begsurbeck; but here is my difficulty, where to choose another object
-of worship; for I perceive by myself, mankind must, through natural
-impulse, look to somewhat still above them, as a child does to his
-father, from whom he hopes for and expects succour in his difficulties;
-and though the father be not able to assist him, still he looks to him;
-and therefore, I say, we must have another before we can part with this,
-or the people, instead of the part who have been in the defection, will
-all desert me; for they are easy now in hopes of help from the Image,
-and every little gleam of success is attributed to it; but for the
-disadvantages we receive, the ragans charge them on the people's not
-praying and paying sufficiently; which they, poor souls, knowing in
-their consciences to be true enough, are willing rather, as they are
-bid, to take the blame upon themselves, than to suffer the least to fall
-on the Image.
-
-"All this," says the king, "I am sensible of; but should I tell them so,
-my life must pay for it; for the ragans would bring some message from
-the Image against me, to desert or murder me; and then happy would be
-the first man who could begin the mischief, which the rest would soon
-follow."
-
-This so frank and unexpected declaration gave me great confidence in the
-king; and I told him, if that was his opinion, he might leave the rest
-to me. I would so manage it, that the thing should be brought about
-by my means; and I would then satisfy all his scruples, and make him
-a flourishing prince. But I could not help reflecting with myself, how
-nearly this distant prince, and his State, copied some of my neighbours
-in Europe.
-
-[Illustration: 0147]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-_Peters reflections on what he was to perform--Settles the method
-of it--His advice to his son and daughter--Globe-lights living
-creatures--Takes Maleck into his service--Nasgig discovers to Peter a
-plot in court--Revolt of Gauingrunt._
-
-
-HAVING now fully entered into the spirit of the business with my own
-good liking, I was determined to push it vigorously, or perish in the
-attempt. "Have I," says I, "so large a field before me now to manifest
-my Maker in to a whole nation, and under His own call, and to fulfil
-their own prediction too; and shall I shrink at the possible danger? Or
-may there not rather be no probability of danger in it? The nation is in
-distress, the readier therefore to try any remedy for help: their Image
-has stood idle two hundred years; there has been an old prophecy, or at
-least if not true, as firmly believed to be true as if it was so; and
-this, in regard to the people, answers in all respects as well. But why
-should it not be true? It is better attested by the frequent repetition,
-from the original delivery to this time, than are many traditions I have
-heard of amongst us Christians, which have come out spick and span new
-from the repositories of the learned, of twelve or fifteen hundred years
-old, little the worse for lying by; though they are not pretended to
-have seen light all that time, and are undoubted verities the moment
-they receive the grand sanction. Then if any means but fraud or force
-can gain so large a territory to the truth, and I am the only person
-can introduce it, shall not I endeavour it? Yes, surely; but I am not
-excluded all advantages neither, for all the works of Providence are
-brought to pass by appointed means: and indeed, were it otherwise, what
-could we call Providence? For a peremptory fiat, and it is over, may
-work a miracle, it is true, but will not exhibit the proceedings of
-Providence. Therefore let me consider, in a prudential way, how to
-proceed to the execution of what I am to set about--and guide me,
-Providence! I beseech you, to the end."
-
-Upon the best deliberation I could take, I came to the following
-resolutions: First, to insist on the abolition of the Image-worship, and
-to introduce true religion by the fittest means I could find opportunity
-for.
-
-Secondly, as the revolters had been one people with those I would serve,
-and had this prediction amongst them too, and were interested in it,
-in hopes of its distant accomplishment; so if they came properly to the
-knowledge that the person predicted of had appeared, and was ready for
-execution of his purposes, it must stagger their fidelity to their new
-master; and, therefore, I would find means to let them know it.
-
-Thirdly, that I would not march till I was in condition not easily to
-be repulsed, for that would break both the hopes and hearts of my party,
-and destroy my religious scheme, and, therefore, I would get some of my
-cannon.
-
-Fourthly, that I would go to the war in my flying-chair, and train up a
-guard for my person with pistols and cutlasses.
-
-These resolutions I kept to myself till the moucheratt was over, to see
-first how matters would turn out there.
-
-Whilst I waited for the approaching moucheratt, my son Tommy, and
-daughter Hallycarnie, paid their duties to me. It is strange how soon
-young minds are tainted by bad company. I found them both very glad to
-see me, for everybody, they said, told them I was to be their deliverer.
-They had both got the prophecy by heart, and mentioned the Image with
-all the affection of natural subjects. The moment Tommy spoke of it to
-me, "Hold," says I, "young man. What's become of those good principles
-I took so much pains to ground you in? Has all my concern for your
-salvation been thrown away upon you? Are you become a reprobate? What!
-an apostate from the faith you inherited by birthright? Is the God I
-have so often declared to you a wooden one? Answer me, or never see my
-face more."
-
-The child was extremely confounded to see me look so severe, and hear me
-speak so harsh to him. "Indeed, father," says he, "I did not willingly
-offend, or design to show any particular regard to the Image, for,
-thanks to you, I have none; but what I said was only the common
-discourse in everybody's mouth; I meant neither good nor harm by it."
-
-"Tommy," says I, "it is a great fault to run into an error, though
-in company of multitudes; and where a person's principle is sound at
-bottom, and founded upon reason, no numbers ought to shake it. You are
-young, therefore hearken to me; and you, Hallycarnie, whatever you shall
-see done by the people of this country, in the worship of this idol,
-don't you imitate it, don't you join in it. Keep the sound lessons I
-have preached to you in mind; and upon every attempt of the ragans, or
-any other, to draw you aside to their worship, or even to speak or act
-the least thing in praise of this idol, think of me and my words, pay
-your adoration to the Supreme Father of spirits only, and to no wooden,
-stone, or earthen deity whatsoever."
-
-The children wept very heartily, and both promised me to remember and to
-do as I had taught them.
-
-Being now in my oval chamber, and alone with my children, I had a
-mind to be informed of some things I was almost ashamed to ask Quilly.
-"Tommy," says I, "what sort of fire do they keep in these globes? and
-what are they made of?"--"Daddy," says he, "yonder is the man shifting
-them, you may go and see." Being very curious to see how he did it, I
-went to him. As I came near him, he seemed to have something all fire
-on his arm. "What has the man got there?" says I. "Only sweecoes," says
-Tommy. By this time I came up to him; "Friend," says I, "what are you
-about?"--"Shifting the sweecoes, sir," says he, "to feed them."--"What
-oil do you feed with?" says I.--"Oil!" says he, "they won't eat oil;
-that would kill them all."--"Why," says I, "my lamp is fed with oil."
-
-Tommy could scarce forbear laughing himself; but for fear the servant
-should do so too, pulled me by the sleeve, and desired me to say no
-more. So turning away with him, "Daddy," says he, "it is not oil that
-gives this light, but sweecoes, a living creature. He has got his basket
-full, and is taking the old ones out to feed them, and putting new ones
-in. They shift them every half day and feed them."--"What!" says I, "are
-all these infinite number of globes I see living creatures?"--"No,"
-says he, "the globes are only the transparent shell of a bott, like our
-calibashes. The light comes from the sweecoe within."--"Has that man,"
-says I, "got any of them?"--"Yes," says he, "you may see them. The king
-and the colambs, and indeed every man of note, has a place to breed
-and feed them in."--"Pray, let us go see them," says I, "for that is a
-curiosity indeed."
-
-Tommy desired the man to show me the swee-coes; so he set down his
-basket, which was a very beautiful resemblance of a common higler's
-basket, with a handle in the middle, and a division under it, with flaps
-on each side to lift up and down. It was made of straw-coloured small
-twigs, neatly compacted, but so light as scarce to be of any weight.
-Opening one of the lids, I could make very little distinction of
-substances, the bottom seeming all over of a white colour. I looking
-surprised at the light, the man took out one, and would have put it into
-my hand, but perceiving me shy of it, he assured me it was one of the
-most innocent things in the world. I then took it, and surveying it, it
-felt to my touch as smooth and cold as a piece of ice. It was about as
-long as a large lobworm, but much thicker. The man seeing me admire the
-brightness of its colour, told me it had done its duty, and was going to
-be fed, but those which were going upon duty were much clearer; and
-then opening the other lid, those appeared far exceeding the others in
-brightness, and thickness too. I asked what he fed them with. He said,
-"Leaves and fruit; but grass, when he could get it, which was not often,
-they were very fond of."
-
-Having dismissed my children, I sent for Nasgig, to gain some
-intelligences I wanted to be informed of. The moment I saw him it came
-into my mind to inquire after my new filgays. He said the king granted
-my request at the first word. I told him then he had saved his honour
-with me, and I was obliged to him. "But," says I, "you told me my
-bearers should be free too."--"They are so," says he.--"Then there is
-one thing I want," says I, "and that is to see the second bearer on my
-right hand, who came through without shifting. I have a fancy for that
-fellow," says I, "to be about my person. I like him; and if you can give
-him a good word, I should be glad to treat with him about it."
-
-"My friend Peter," says he, "you are a man of penetration, though it ill
-becomes me to say so in regard of persons; but I can say that for him,
-if he likes you as well as you seem to like him, he is the trustiest
-fellow in the world; but as he knows his own worth, he would not be so
-to everybody, I can tell you that."--"I don't fear his disliking me,"
-says I, "for I make it my maxim to do as I would be done by; and if he
-is a man of honour, as you seem to say, he would do the same, and we
-shall be soon agreed."--"But," says Nasgig, "it being now the fourth day
-since he was freed, he may be gone home perhaps, for he is not of our
-country, but of Mount Alkoe. If Quilly can find him, he will come." So
-he ordered Quilly to send for Maleck of Mount Alkoe, with orders to come
-to me.
-
-We descended from one discourse to another, and at length to King
-Georigetti's affairs, when Nas-gig, giving a sigh, "Ah, Peter!" says he,
-"we shall loiter away our time here till the enemy are upon our
-backs. There is venom in the grass; I wish my good master is not
-betrayed."--"By whom?" says I.--"By those he little suspects," says
-he.--"Why," says I, "they tell me you are much in his favour; if so, why
-do you suffer it?"--"I believe," says Nasgig, "I am in his favour, and
-may continue in it, if I will join in measures to ruin him, but else
-I shall soon be out of it."--"You tell me riddles," says I.--"These
-things," says he, "a man talks with his head in his teeth. There is
-danger in them, Peter; there is danger!"--"You don't suspect me," says
-I, "do you?"--"No," says he, "I know your soul too well; but there are
-three persons in these dominions who will never let my master rest till
-out of his throne, or in hoximo. I am but lately in favour, but have
-made as many observations, perhaps, as those who have been longer about
-the king."
-
-"Nasgig," says I, "your concern proceeds from an honest heart. Don't
-stifle what you have to say; if I can counsel you with safety, I'll do
-it; if not, I'll tell you so."
-
-"Peter," says he, "Georigetti was the only son of a well-beloved father,
-and ascended his throne ten years ago on his decease: but Harlokin, the
-prince of the revolters, whose head is never idle, finding that whispers
-and base stories spread about did not hurt Georigetti, or withdraw his
-subjects' affections, has tried a means to make him undo himself."--"As
-how?" says I.--"Why," said he, "by closely playing his game he has got
-one of his relations into the king's service, than whom he could never
-have chosen a fitter instrument. He, by degrees, feeding the king's
-humour, and promising mountains, has pushed into the best places into
-the kingdom. His name is Barbarsa, a most insolent man, who has had the
-assurance to corrupt the king's mistress, and has prevailed and
-brought her over to his interest."--"Oh perfidy!" says I, "is it
-possible?"--"Yes," says he; "and more than that, has drawn in, till
-now, an honest man called Nicor; and it has been agreed between them to
-protract this war, till by their stratagems in procuring the revolt
-of Gauingrunt, a very large and populous province, and now the barrier
-between us and the rebels, and two or three more places, they shall
-have persuaded Georigetti to fly; and then Barbarsa is to be king, and
-Yaccom-bourse his queen. A union is then to be struck between him
-and Harlokin, and peace made, by restoring some of the surrendered
-provinces; and upon the death of the first of them, or their issue,
-childless, the survivor, or his issue, is to take the whole. They laugh
-at your uniting the dominions, and the old prediction."
-
-"These," said I, "Nasgig, are serious things, and, as you say, are not
-lightly to be talked of; but, Nasgig, know this, he that conceals them
-is a traitor. Can you prove this?"--"I have heard them say so," says
-Nasgig.--"How!" says I, "and not discover it!"--"I am as anxious for
-that as you can be," says he; "but for me to be cashiered, slit, and
-sent to Crashdoorpt, only for meaning well, without power to perfect my
-good intentions, where will be the benefit to my master or me?"--"When
-and where did you hear this?" says I.--"Several and several times," says
-he, "in my own bed."--"In your own bed?" says I.--"I'll tell you," says
-he; "it so happens that when I rest at the palace, as I am bound to do
-when on duty, there is a particular bed for me: now, as the whole palace
-is cut out of one solid rock, though Yaccom-bourse's apartment at the
-entrance is at a prodigious distance from the entrance to mine, yet my
-bed, and one in an inner apartment of hers, stand close together; the
-partition, indeed, is stone, but either from the thinness of it, or some
-flaw in it, I have not yet discovered, I can plainly hear every word
-that is spoken. And there it is, in their hours of dalliance, when they
-use this bed, that I hear what I have now told you."--"Say nothing of
-it," says I, "but leave the issue to me."
-
-By this time the messenger returned with Maleck, and he and I soon
-agreeing, I took him into my service.
-
-I went to bed as usual, but could get no rest, Nasgig's story engrossing
-my whole attention; I was resolved, however, to be better informed
-before I acquainted the king of it; but rising pretty early next
-morning, the king came into my chamber, leaning upon Barbarsa, to
-tell me that he had received an express that Gauingrunt had revolted.
-"Peter," says he, "behold a distressed monarch; nay, an undone
-monarch!"--"Great sir," says Barbarsa, "you afflict yourself too much;
-here is Mr. Peter come to assist you, and he will settle all your
-concerns, never fear." I eyed the man, and (though prejudice may hang an
-honest person) found him a villain in his heart; for even while he was
-forcing a feeling tone of affliction, he was staring at my laced hat and
-feather that lay on the seat, by which I was sure nothing could be at
-a greater distance than his heart and tongue. His sham concern put me
-within a moment of seizing him in the king's presence; but his majesty,
-at that instant speaking, diverted me.
-
-Before the king left me, I told him, having certain propositions to make
-to the moucheratt next day, it was possible they might require time to
-consider them; wherefore it would be proper, at this critical time, to
-let them meet every other day, business or none, till this affair was
-over. The king ordered Barbarsa to see it was so, and then we parted.
-
-[Illustration: 0158]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-_Hold a moucheratt--Speeches of ragans and colambs--Peter settles
-religion--Informs the king of a plot--Sends Nasgig to the ship for
-cannon_.
-
-
-ATTENDING at the moucheratt to-day, I happened to be seated within two
-paces of the idol. There was the most numerous assembly that had ever
-been seen; and when all was quiet, the king opened with signifying the
-revolt of Gauingrunt, the approach of the enemy, and no forces in the
-field to stop them. This he set forth in terms so moving, that the whole
-assembly were melted into sighs; till one of the colambs rising up,
-says he: "His majesty has set forth the state of his affairs in such
-a manner, and I am satisfied a true one, that it becomes us all to be
-vigilant. We all seem to have, and I believe have, great faith in
-the remedy this day to be proposed to us, in answer to our ancient
-prediction; and as I doubt not but glumm Peter is the man, so I doubt
-not but through his management we shall still receive help; but let
-us consider if we might not have prevented these pressing evils, and
-especially this last, by speedier preparations against them. What
-province, or member of a State, will not revolt to a numerous host just
-ready to devour them, if they can receive no assistance from their head?
-for, to my certain knowledge, his majesty had ordered this almost a year
-ago, and not a man gone yet. Can we expect Peter to go singly to fight
-an army? Did your prediction say he should go alone? No, he shall slay;
-that is, he and his army; what is done by them being always attributed
-to their general. Inquire, therefore, into your past conduct, send
-Peter, your general, and trust to the Great Image."
-
-His majesty then said, if there had been any remissness in executing his
-commands, he believed it was done with a view to his service; but a more
-proper opportunity might be found for an inquiry of that nature. As for
-the present moucheratt, it was called solely to propose to Peter the
-execution of the remaining part of the prediction; or, at least, such
-part of it as seems now, or never, to wait its accomplishment.
-
-Here arose a ragan, and told the assembly, in the name of himself and
-brethren, that the prediction had never yet been applicable to any one
-person till glumm Peter arrived; and that his sagacity of itself was a
-sufficient recommendation of him to the guidance of the enterprise; and
-requested that glumm Peter might forthwith be declared protector of the
-army, and set forward with it, that the State might receive safety, and
-the Great Image its proper honour.
-
-I could now hold out no longer; but, standing up, made my speech in
-the following manner, or very near it: "Mighty king--you, reverend
-ragans--and honourable colambs--with the good people of this august
-assembly--I am come hither, led by the force of your own prediction, at
-the request of his majesty and the states, at the peril of my life, to
-accomplish things said to be predicted of me, glumm Peter. If, then,
-you have a prediction, if, then, your prediction describes me, and the
-circumstances of these times, it consisting of several parts, they ought
-seriously to be weighed, that I may know when and where I am to begin my
-operation, and when and where to leave off; for in predictions the whole
-is to be accomplished as much as any member of it.
-
-"It is said I shall destroy the traitor of the ancient limits of your
-monarchy. Are you willing, therefore, that should be done? yea, or nay?"
-Then every one answered, "Yea."--"And by common consent establish
-what the old ragan would have taught you?" Here the king rose up; but
-Barbarsa giving him a touch (for every one waited to be guided by the
-voice of the ragans), he sat down again; and no one answering Yea, west;
-"I am ready to enter upon it and settle the question."
-
-I again put the same question, and told them, as it was their own
-concern, I would have an answer before I proceeded. One of the ragans
-then rose, and said that part of the prediction was too loose to be
-relied on, for it was to settle what he would have taught: "Now, who
-knows," says he, "what he would have taught?" The assembly paused a
-considerable time, and just as I was opening my mouth to speak, an
-ancient and venerable ragan rose: says he, "I am sorry, at my years,
-to find that truth wants an advocate; my age and infirmities might well
-have excused me from speaking in this assembly, so many of my brethren
-being present, younger and better qualified for that purpose than
-myself; but as we are upon a sacred thing, and lest, as I find none of
-them care to declare the truth, I should also be thought to consent
-to its suppression if I sat silent and suffered it to be hid under a
-quibble, I must beg to be heard a few words. My brother, who spoke last,
-says the words are too loose which say, 'and by common consent establish
-what I would have taught;' but I beg leave to think it far otherwise,
-for we all know what he would have taught, and the memory of that hath
-been as exactly kept as the prediction; for how could our ancestors have
-opposed his doctrine, but from hearing and disapproving it? And we all
-know, not only the prediction, but the doctrine, hath been punctually
-handed down to us; though, woe be to us! we have not proclaimed it as
-we have done the prediction; and let me tell you, when you, my brethren,
-severally come to my years, and have but a single step farther to
-hoximo, you will wish you had taught it, as I do, who believe and
-approve it." The poor old man, having spoke as long as his breath and
-spirits would permit him, sat down, and I again resumed the question,
-as I now thought, on a much better foundation than before, and was
-immediately told by another ragan that there would be no end to the
-assembly if we considered every point at once, for we might next go upon
-what countries we should conquer, and of whom to demand tribute; which
-would be debating about the fruit before the seed was sown. But his
-opinion was, to go on and quell the rebellion, and restore the monarchy,
-and then go upon the other points.
-
-I told them, if they had made so light of the prediction as not to
-declare publicly, since they knew it, what the ragan would have taught,
-it ill became me to be more zealous in their own concerns than they were
-themselves; and I should imagine there was very little truth in any
-part of it, and would never hazard my life for their sakes who would not
-speak the truth to save the kingdom, and desired leave of the states for
-my departure; for I was not a person, I told them, to be cajoled into
-anything. I undertook it at first voluntarily; and no man could, or
-should, compel me to it: my life they might take, but my honour they
-should never stain, though I was assured I could easily, with their
-concurrence, complete all that related to them.
-
-The senior colamb immediately rising, desired me to have a little
-patience, and not to leave the assembly (for I was going out) till I had
-heard him.
-
-"Here is," says he, "this day a thing started, which, I think, every
-whit as much concerns us all, and the body, and every member of the
-people to know, as it does Peter; and I am surprised, unless the present
-ragans believe what their predecessor would have taught to be better
-than what they now teach (for nothing else can make us consent to it),
-that they should scruple to let us know it, and keep us ignorant, who
-are worshippers as well as themselves, of any matter which so nearly
-concerns us to know. I am for obliging the ragans to declare the truth.
-If this be a true prediction, all the relatives to it are true, and I
-insist that we hear it."
-
-This speech emboldened several others; and all the populace siding with
-the colambs out of curiosity, cried out to know it.
-
-Perceiving the ragans still hush, I rose; and beckoning the populace to
-silence, "Mighty king--you, honourable colambs--and you, good people,"
-says I--"for it is to you I now speak, hear me with attention. You
-think, perhaps, that the suppression of the truth by your ragans
-(charged to their teeth by the most reverend of their whole body, whose
-infirmities rendering him unable, though his will is good, to declare
-this secret to you) will prevent the knowledge of that truth your old
-ragan would have taught, but you are mistaken; and that you may know I
-don't come here at a venture to try if I can relieve you, but with an
-assurance of doing it if you consent, I must let you know from me
-what the ragan would have taught. The ragan would have demolished this
-trumpery piece of dirt, this grimalkin, set out with horrid face and
-colour to fright children; this," I say, "he would have demolished,
-being assured it could neither do good nor hurt, give joy or grief
-to any man, or serve any other purpose whatsoever, but to procure a
-maintenance to a set of men who know much better than they dare to tell
-you. Can any of you believe this stupid piece of earth hears me?" Some
-of the ragans cried, "Yes!"--"And that he can revenge any affront I
-shall give him?" Again, "Yes, to be sure!"--"Let him then, if he dare,"
-says I, whipping out my cutlass, and with the backside of it striking
-his head off. "This," says I, "O glumms, is what the ragan knew, and
-what I defy them to deny. Now," says I, "I will further show you to whom
-the old ragan would have taught you to make your petitions and pay your
-adorations; and that is to the Supreme Being, Maker of heaven and
-earth, of us and all things; who provides for us meat and drink, and
-all things, by causing the earth, which He has made, to produce things
-necessary for our use; that Being, whom you have heard of by the name
-of Collwar, and are taught at present to be afraid to speak to. And
-I appeal to your own hearts if many of you have ever thought of him.
-Again," says I, "let anything in the shape of man, that gives himself
-leave to consider at all, only tell me if what he can make, and does
-make, with his own hands, hath not more occasion to depend on him as its
-maker than he on that? Why, then, should not we depend upon and pray to
-our Maker?
-
-"You very greatly mistake me, O glumms," says I, "if you imagine I would
-have all those reverend men turned out of employment as useless. No, I
-find they know too much of what is valuable; and therefore those who are
-willing to continue in the service of the mouch, and faithfully to teach
-you the old ragan's doctrine, and such farther lights of the great Being
-as they shall hereafter receive, let them continue your ragans still,
-and let others be chosen and trained up in that doctrine."
-
-Here the poor old man got up again with much difficulty. "Mr. Peter,"
-says he, "you are the-man predicted of; you have declared the old
-ragan's mind, and all my brethren know it."
-
-Finding I had the populace on my side (for I did not doubt the king and
-the colambs), I put the question to the ragans: "Reverend ragans," says
-I, "you see your prediction this day about to be fulfilled; for if it
-is a true one, no force of man can withstand it. You see your Image
-disgraced; you see, and I appeal to you all for the truth of it, that
-what the ragan would have taught has, without your assistance, been
-disclosed. I therefore would have you the first to break the bondage of
-idolatry and turn to the true Collwar, as it will be so much glory to
-you. Will you, and which of you, from henceforth serve Collwar, and no
-longer worship an idol? Such of you as will do so, let them continue
-in the mouch: if none of you will, it shall be my business to qualify a
-sufficient number of true ragans to form a succession for that purpose.
-The issue of this great affair depends upon your answers." They waited
-some time for a spokesman to begin, and so soon as he was able to get
-up, the poor old ragan said, "I will continue in it, and do all the good
-I can: and blessed be the day this prediction is fulfilled to succeeding
-generations! I have lived long enough to have seen this." Then the
-rest of the ragans, one by one, followed his example. And thus, with
-prodigious acclamations, both the ragans and people ended the great
-affair of religion.
-
-I now more and more believed the truth of the prediction, and told them
-I should have occasion for seven hundred men before I set out against
-the rebels; and desired that they might be commanded by Nasgig. This was
-readily granted. I then told them, as I purposed to act nothing without
-their concurrence, I desired the colambs would remain in the city till I
-set out, that they might be readily called together.
-
-I then desired I might be quite private from company till I departed.
-
-I took Nasgig home with me; and when we came there, "My dear friend,"
-says he, "what have you done to-day! You have crushed a power hitherto
-immovable; and I shall never more think anything too difficult for you
-to attempt."--"Nasgig," says I, "I am glad it is over. And now," says
-I, "you must enter on a new employ: but first, can you provide me
-fifty honest, faithful glumms for a particular expedition? they must
-be sensible, close, and temporising." He said he would, and come to me
-again.
-
-I then desired a private audience with the king; who, on seeing me,
-began upon my success at the moucheratt. I told his majesty, if I alone,
-and a stranger, could gain such influence there, I might have had much
-more if he had joined me, especially as he had told me he gave no credit
-to the Image; and that I expected he would have appeared on my side.
-"Ah, Peter!" says he, "monarchs neither see, hear, nor perceive with
-their own eyes, ears, or understandings. I would willingly have done it;
-but Barbarsa prevented me, by assuring me it would be my ruin; and as he
-is my bosom friend, what reproaches must I have suffered if it had gone
-amiss! Nay, I will tell you that he and Nicor are of opinion that your
-coming hither, which is looked upon by us all as such a blessing, will
-one day undo me; 'for,' say they, 'though he may perform what you expect
-from him, it is not to be supposed he should suffer it to redound to
-you.' 'No,' say they, 'if he can do these great things, he can soon set
-you aside.' Thus, though I have no doubt of you, is my spirit wasting
-within me through perpetual fears and jealousies; and I cannot get these
-men, who, knowing all my secrets, are feared by me, into my own way of
-thinking."
-
-"Mighty sir," says I, "don't think I came hither to possess, but redress
-a kingdom. I lived far more to my ease in my grotto than I can in this
-palace; but I now desire you," drawing my sword and putting it into his
-hand, "to pierce this heart's blood and make yourself easy in my death,
-rather than, suffering me to survive, live in distrust of me. No, great
-king," says I, "it is not that I would injure you; but though I have
-been so short a time in your dominions, I find there are those who
-would, and will too, unless you exert the monarch, and shake off those
-harpies which, lying always at your ear, are ever buzzing disquiet and
-mischief to you."--"Peter," says he, "what do you mean? sure I have no
-more traitors in my State!"--"Your majesty has," says I.--"How can you
-prove it?" says he. "But pray inform me who they are?"--"I came not
-hither, great king," says I, "to turn informer, but reformer; and so far
-as that is necessary in order to this, I will give you satisfaction.
-I only desire you will wholly guide yourself by my direction for three
-days, and you shall be able to help yourself to all the information you
-can require without ray telling you. In the meantime, appear no more
-thoughtful than usual, or in any other way alter your accustomed
-habits.".
-
-Nasgig having sent me the fifty men, I asked them if they were to be
-trusted, and if they could carefully and artfully execute a commission
-I had to charge them with. They assuring me they would, I told them I
-would let them into my design, which would be the best instructions I
-could give them, and left the management alone to them.
-
-My confidence in them made them twice as diligent as all the particular
-directions in the world would have done; so I only told them I had a
-mind the revolted towns and also the enemy's army should know that the
-person so long ago predicted of was now at Brandleguarp, and had, as
-the first step towards reducing them and killing the traitor Harlokin,
-already altered their religion to the old ragan's plan; and that they
-had now nothing to expect but destruction to themselves as soon as I
-appeared against them with my unknown fire and smoke, which I always
-had with me; and that the thing was looked upon to be as good as done
-already at Brandleguarp; and then to slip away again unperceived. They
-all promised me exact performance, and went off.
-
-Nasgig then coming in, I told him he was now under my command, and must
-take six hundred glumms with him to Graundevolet; tell Youwarkee to show
-him my ship, and then he must bring me the things I had described to her
-by the name of cannon. He must bring them by ropes, as I was brought;
-and bring powder, which she would direct him to, and the heavy balls
-which lay in the room with the powder. I told him if he thought he
-should not have men enough he must take more; and must be as expeditious
-as was consistent with safety. I desired him to tell Youwarkee I hoped
-in a short time to send for her and all the family over to me. "And now,
-Nasgig," says I, "my orders are finished; but," says I, "the king! I
-must assist that good man. I therefore want to know the particular times
-Barbarsa and Yaccombourse usually meet."--"That," says he, "is every
-night when she is not with the king; for he is excessively fond of her,
-and seldom lies without her; but whenever he does, Barbarsa is admitted
-to her."--"And how can I know," says I, "when she will or will not lie
-with the king?"
-
-"When she is to lie with him," says he, "the king never sups without
-her."--"-Now," says I, "you must show me your lodging, that I may find
-it in your absence; and give orders to the guard to let me, and whoever
-comes with me, enter at any time." He then took me to his chamber; but I
-passed through so many rooms, galleries, and passages, that I was sure
-I should never find it again, so I asked him if Maleck knew the way?
-and he assuring me he did, I took my leave of him, and he set out for
-Graundevolet.
-
-[Illustration: 5171]
-
-[Illustration: 0172]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-_The king hears Barbarsa and Yaccombourse discourse on the plot--They
-are impeached by Peter at a moucherait--Condemned and executed--Nicor
-submits, and is released._
-
-
-I HAD now several important irons in the fire, and all to be struck
-whilst hot; there was the securing religion, sowing sedition amongst the
-enemy, tripping up the heels of two ministers and a she-favourite, and
-transporting artillery in the air some hundred leagues; either of which
-failing might have been of exceeding bad consequence; but as the affair
-of the ministers now lay next at hand, I entered upon that in the
-following manner.
-
-The king coming to me the next day, as by appointment, and having
-assured me he had hinted nothing to any one, no, not to Barbarsa or
-Yaccom-bourse, told me that Barbarsa had given orders for stopping
-Nasgig and his men; and had persuaded him not to be in such haste in
-suffering me to do as I pleased, but to show his authority and keep me
-under. Says I, "Your majesty's safety is so near my heart, that even
-want of confidence in me shall not make me decline my endeavours to
-serve you. But have you suffered him to stop Nasgig?"--"No," says he,
-"Nasgig was gone some time before he sent."--"Oh, sir!" says I, "you do
-not half know the worth of that man! but you shall hereafter, and will
-reward him accordingly. But now, sir," says I, "to what we meet upon;
-if you will, as I told you, but comply with me for three days, without
-asking questions, I will show you the greatest traitors in your
-dominions, and put them into your power too." He promised me again he
-would. "Then, sir," says I, "you must not send to Yaccombourse to sup
-with you to-night."--"Nor lie with me?"--"No," says I.--"Pray, what
-hurt can arise to my affairs from her?" says he.--"Sir," says I, "you
-promised me to ask no questions."--"Agreed, agreed!" says he.--"Then,"
-says I, "please to meet me at Nasgig's lodgings without being perceived,
-if you can; at least without notice taken."--"Good," says he.--"And when
-you are there, see or hear what you will, you must not say a word till
-you are retired again." All which the king engaging to perform, we
-parted till evening.
-
-I called Maleck, and asked if he knew the way to Nasgig's lodging. He
-told me, very well: and, the time being come, he conducted me thither,
-where I had not waited long before the king came, most of the court
-being in bed. I desired the king to stay in the outer room till I went
-into the bedchamber two or three times, and I thought we must have put
-it off till another night: but listening once again, I found they were
-come, so I called the king, and led him to the place, entreating him,
-whatever he heard, to keep his patience or he would ruin all. We first
-heard much amorous discourse between Barbarsa and Yaccombourse, and then
-the ensuing dialogue.
-
-_Yac_. My dearest Barbarsa, what was all that uproar at the moucheratt
-the other day?
-
-_Bar_. Nothing, my love, but that mad fellow Peter, who sets up for a
-conjuror, and wants us all to dance to his pipe.
-
-_Yac_. I heard he overcame the ragans at an argument about the Image.
-
-_Bar_. Why, I don't know how that was, but it was the doating old ragan
-did their business; and truly the king's fingers itched to be on
-Peter's side, but I gave him a judicious nod, and you know he durst not
-displease so dear a friend as I am; ha, ha, ha! Am not I a sad fellow,
-my love, to talk so of my king?
-
-_Yac_. He that wants but one step to a throne, is almost a king's fellow
-
-_Bar_. And that but a short one too, my dear Yaccee; but I must get rid
-of that Nasgig, though I think I have almost spoiled him with the king,
-too. I don't love your thinking rascals: that fellow thinks more than I
-do, Yaccee.
-
-_Yac_. He'll never think to so good purpose, I believe. But how goes
-cousin Harlokin on? I find Gauingrunt is gone over.
-
-_Bar_. And so shall Bazin, Istell, Pezele, and Ginkatt too, my dear; for
-I am at work there. And then good-night, my poor King Georigetti; thou
-shalt be advised to fly, and I'll keep the throne warm for thee.--I
-don't see but King Barbarsa and Queen Yaccombourse sound much better
-than Georigetti. Well, my dear, whenever we come to sovereignty, which
-now cannot be long, if Nicor has but played his part well, for I have
-not had an account of his success yet; I say, when we come into power,
-never let us be above minding our own affairs, or suffer ourselves to be
-led by the nose, as this poor insignificant king does. For, in short,
-he may as well be a king of mats, as a king of flesh, if he will not use
-his faculties, but suffer me to make a fool of him thus; and I should
-be a fool indeed to neglect it, when he thinks it the greatest piece of
-service I can do him.
-
-_Yac_. Come, come, my dear! let us enjoy ourselves like king and queen
-till we come to the dignity.
-
-
-Finding a pause, the king, who had admirably kept his temper, even
-beyond imagination, stole into the outer room. "Peter," says he,
-"I thank you; you have shown me myself. What fools are we kings! In
-endeavouring to make others happy, how miserable do we make ourselves!
-How easily are we deceived by the designing flattery of those
-below us!--Ungrateful villain!--Degenerate strumpet!--I hate you
-both.--Peter," says he, "give me your sword; I'll destroy them both
-immediately."
-
-"Hold, sir," says I, "your majesty has heard sufficient to found a true
-judgment upon; but kings should not be executioners, or act by passion
-or revenge; but as you would punish that in others, so carefully avoid
-it yourself. You who are in so exalted a station, as always to have
-it in your power to punish a known crime in individuals, have not that
-necessity to prompt you to a violent act that private persons have, to
-whom it may be difficult to obtain justice. Therefore my advice is, that
-you summon the colambs to-morrow, when Barbarsa and Nicor cannot fail
-to attend; and I would also desire Yaccombourse to be there, you having
-great proposals to make to the states which you shall want her to hear.
-I will in the meantime prepare the servants under Quilly, and order
-Maleck with another posse to attend, as by your command, to execute
-your orders given by me, and I myself will impeach those bad persons in
-public; and Nicor, if he will not ingenuously confess what commission
-he was charged with from Barbarsa, shall be put to the torture I direct,
-till he discovers it."
-
-The king was very well pleased with this method; so I ordered Quilly, as
-from the king, to bring all my servants to the assembly, appointing him
-his place, and Maleck to select me fifty stout persons and to wait to
-execute my orders on a signal given. So soon as the assembly met, I told
-them, since I had concerned myself in their affairs, I had made it my
-business to search into the cause of their calamities; and finding some
-of the traitors were now approached, not only near to, but even into the
-capital city, his majesty had therefore ordered me to ask their advice,
-what punishment was adequate, in their judgments, to the crime
-of conspiring against him and the State, and holding treasonable
-correspondence with his enemies under the show of his greatest friends.
-
-I stopped, and looked at Barbarsa; he turned as pale as ashes and was
-rising to speak, when the senior colamb declared, if any such thing
-could be made appear, the common punishment of Crash-doorpt was too
-trivial; but they deserved to be dropped alive either to hoximo or Mount
-Alkoe. The several colambs all declaring the same to be their judgment,
-and even those to be too mild for their deserts, I then stepped up to
-Barbarsa, who sat at the king's left hand, as did Yaccombourse at his
-right, and telling them and Nicor they were all prisoners of state, I
-delivered Barbarsa and Yaccombourse in custody to Quilly and his men,
-and Nicor to Maleck and his men, ordering them into separate apartments,
-with strict commands that neither should speak to the other upon pain of
-the last pronounced judgment.
-
-Barbarsa would have spoke, and called out to the king, begging him not
-to desert so faithful a servant for the insinuations of so vile a man
-as Peter; but the king only told him the vile man could be made appear
-presently, and he hoped he would meet his deserts.
-
-I then stood up and told the assembly the whole of what we heard, how
-it first came to be discovered, and that the king himself had been an
-ear-witness of it, which the king confirming, the whole assembly rang
-with confusion, and revenge and indignation appeared in every face.
-
-I then proposed, as we yet knew not what that secret commission was
-which Nicor was charged with, having enough against the rest, that
-Nicor might be brought forth; and upon refusal to answer, be put to the
-torture.
-
-Nicor appearing before the assembly, I told him I was commanded by the
-king to ask him what commission he was charged with by Barbarsa, and
-to whom. I told him the safest way for his life, his honour, and his
-country, was to make a true confession at first, or I had authority to
-put him to the torture; for, as for slitting and banishment, as they
-were too slight to atone for this offence, he might rest satisfied his
-would be of another sort, if he hesitated at delivering the thing in its
-full truth.
-
-My prelude terrifying him, he openly confessed that his last commission
-was to several towns, as from the king, and with his gripsack, to order
-their submission to Harlokin, the king not being in any condition to
-relieve them; and that as soon as they had submitted, Harlokin would be
-let into this city, which could not stand against him.
-
-He also declared that it had been agreed, and the boundaries settled,
-how far Barbarsa, who was to be declared king and marry Yaccombourse,
-should govern, and how far Harlokin; that Barbarsa was to be styled King
-of the East, and Harlokin King of the West; and that either of them, on
-the other's dying childless, was to inherit the whole monarchy.
-
-The king declaring this to be all true, and that by my procurement
-he heard it all mentioned but the last night between Barbarsa and
-Yaccombourse as they were solacing themselves in bed, the whole assembly
-ordered them to be brought out, carried with cords about their necks,
-and precipitated into Mount Alkoe.
-
-I then begged they might be suffered to speak for themselves before
-execution; and acquainting them severally with the evidence, I first
-asked Barbarsa what he had to say against his sentence. He declared his
-ambition, and the easiness of his master's temper, had instigated him
-to attempt what had been charged upon him; having, as he thought, a fair
-opportunity of so doing.--I then asked Yaccombourse the same question;
-she answered me, her ambition had been her sole governor from a child,
-and I had done my worst in preventing the progress of that; and whatever
-else I could do was not worth her notice; "But to have reigned,"
-says she, with some emotion, "was worth the lives of millions, and
-overbalanced everything!"
-
-I pleaded hard for Nicor, as I perceived him to be only the favourite's
-favourite, and not in the scrape for his own views, more than what he
-might merit from his new master; and as he had declared the truth, and
-I believed I might make further use of him, I obtained that he might
-be only committed to me, and that I might have liberty of pardoning or
-slitting as I saw fit; and, as I expected, he afterwards proved very
-useful to me and my designs, and I pardoned him.
-
-Before the assembly rose, a party of the natives of Mount Alkoe were
-ordered to convey Yaccombourse and Barbarsa to the mountain, slip their
-graundees, and drop them there; and thus ended the lives of these two
-aspiring persons.
-
-When I came home, I called Nicor before me. "You know," says I, "Nicor,
-you are obliged to me for this moment of your life; but I don't remind
-you of it for any return I want to myself; but as you are sensible my
-endeavours are to serve this State, I offer you life and freedom upon
-condition you employ your utmost diligence to repair your past conduct,
-by a free declaration of everything in your power that may be for the
-benefit of the kingdom, as you know the springs by which all these bad
-movements have been set at work; and I desire your opinion how best to
-counteract the schemes formed, and redress the evils."
-
-Nicor being fully convinced of his error, and having lost his patron,
-was very submissive; and declared he believed none of the provinces
-would have gone over to Harlokin, unless they had thought it was the
-king's order Barbarsa had acted by, which, by bearing his gripsack, they
-made no doubt of. He advised to send expresses with the king's gripsack
-to such places as had lately submitted, and to such as were about it,
-to put a stop to them. I told him I had done that; "But not by the
-gripsack," says he, "and unless they see and hear that, they will give
-no credit to the message." He then gave me some particular hints in other
-affairs of no mean consequence; and seeing him truly under concern, and,
-to my thinking, sincere in what he said, I told him I was an absolute
-enemy to confinement, and if any person of repute would engage he should
-be forthcoming upon all occasions that I might have recourse to him, I
-would let him have his liberty.
-
-Poor Nicor, as it commonly happens to great men in disgrace, finding
-himself abandoned by all his friends, after trying everybody, dropping
-some tears, told me next morning he was highly sensible of what a dye
-his offences had been, for that not one amongst all his former friends
-would even look upon him in his present circumstances, wherefore he must
-submit to fate.
-
-Nicor having borne a good character before seduced by Barbarsa, and
-knowing that an obliged enemy often becomes the sincerest friend, I
-pressed him again to try his friends. He told me everybody was shy of
-engaging in such an affair; and that he had rather suffer himself, than
-meanly to entreat any one into an unwilling compliance.--"Come, Nicor,"
-says I, "will you be your own security to me? May I take your own
-word?"--He said he could not expect that; for as the terror of slitting
-lay over him, and in my hands too, he could not answer but he might
-deceive me in case he should conceive I had a design against him; which
-I myself, too, might have from a mistaken motive.
-
-"Why, then, Nicor," says I, "you are free; now use your own discretion.
-I think you will never cause my judgment to be impeached for what I have
-done; but if you do, I can't condemn myself for it, and hope I shall
-have no reason to repent it."
-
-Nicor fell at my feet, embraced them, and was so overcome with my
-generosity to him, that I could with difficulty prevail on him to rise
-again; saying he was now more than ever ashamed to see my face. I told
-him I had not done with him, but would use him henceforth as my
-friend, and ordered him to call upon me daily, for I might have several
-occasions for him; and, truly, next to Nasgig, he proved the usefullest
-man in the kingdom.
-
-[Illustration: 5183]
-
-[Illustration: 0184]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-_Nasgig returns with the cannon--Peter informs him of the
-execution--Appoints him a guard--Settles the order of his march against
-Harlokin--Combat between Nasgig and the rebel general--The battle--Peter
-returning with Harlokids head, is met by a Sweecoan--A public
-festival--Slavery abolished._
-
-
-THE tenth day Nasgig arrived, whilst I happened to be in the king's
-garden; and hearing the trumpet coming before, I called out to him to
-give Nasgig notice where I was, and to desire him to alight there.
-
-After ceremonies past, and I had inquired after my wife and children,
-and his answers had informed me of their healths, "Well," says Nasgig,
-"my friend, am I to live or die?"--"Explain yourself," says I.--"Nay, I
-only mean," says he, "have you discovered me to the king?"--"Pardon me,"
-says I, "dear Nasgig, I must own the truth, I have."--"Then," says he,
-"I suppose his majesty has no more commands for me?"--"No," says I,
-"it is not so bad as that neither."--"But, pray," says he, "what says
-Barbarsa to it?"--"Oh, nothing at all!" says I; "quite quiet."--"Nor
-Yaccombourse? Did you discover her baseness to the king?"--"Yes," says
-I, "and the king behaved like a king upon the occasion."--"And where
-are they now?" says he.--"Only in Mount Alkoe," says I.--"Mount Alkoe!"
-replies he, "what do you mean by that? How can they be in Mount Alkoe?
-Did they go of their own accords?"--"They fled off, I suppose,
-with ropes about their necks," says I, "as your criminals go to
-Crashdoorpt."--"Are they slit too?" says he.--"No," says I, "but slipt,
-I'll assure you. Come, my good friend, I'll let you into the history of
-it." And then I told all that had happened, and the king's satisfaction
-at the judgment of the moucheratt "And now," says I, "Nasgig, you may
-call yourself the favourite, I promise you, for his majesty enjoys
-himself but to greet you on your return: but have a care of power; most
-grow giddy with it, and the next thing to that is a fall."--"Pray," says
-he, "what is become of Nicor? Is he under the same condemnation?"--"No,"
-says I, "Nicor is now by my means absolutely free, and no two greater
-than he and I." I told him then my proceedings with him; he was glad of
-it; for, he said, Nicor he believed was honest at bottom.
-
-By this time up came the cannon; and truly had my countrymen but the
-graundee to convey their cannon at so easy an expense from place to
-place, the whole world would not stand before us. They brought me five
-cannon, and three swivel guns, and a larger quantity of ammunition than
-I had spoken for.
-
-I introduced Nasgig to the king upon his return, as the person to whose
-conduct the safe arrival of my cannon was owing. His majesty embracing
-him, told him the service he had done him was so great in the affair
-of Barbarsa, and his management of it so prudent, he should from
-thenceforth take him into his peculiar confidence and esteem.
-
-Nasgig thanked his majesty for his acceptance of that act of his duty,
-and desired to know when he pleased the operations for the campaign
-should begin.--"Ask my father," says the king; "do you conduct the war,
-and let him conduct you."
-
-Then Nasgig desired to know what number of troops would be requisite.
-I asked him what number the enemy had; he said about thirty
-thousand.--"Then," says I, "take you six only, besides the bearers of me
-and the artillery; and pick me out fifty of the best men you have, as a
-guard for my person, and send them to me."
-
-I showed these men my cutlasses and pistols, and showed them the use
-and management of them: "And," says I, "as our enemies fight with pikes,
-keep you at a distance first, and when you would assault, toss by the
-pike with your hand, and closing in, have at the graundee; and this
-edge" (showing them the sharpness of it) "will strip it down from
-shoulder to heel; you need strike but once for it, but be sure come near
-enough; or," says I, "if you find it difficult to turn aside the pike,
-give it one smart stroke with this; it will cut it in two, and then the
-point being gone, it will be useless."
-
-"These instructions," says I, "if rightly observed, will make us
-conquerors."
-
-The next thing was to settle the order of my march, which I did in the
-following manner; and, taking leave of the king, I set out.
-
-First, ten companies of one hundred men, including officers, with each a
-gripsack, in ten double lines, fifty abreast.
-
-Secondly, four hundred bearers of the cannon, with two hundred to the
-right, the like to the left, as relays.
-
-Thirdly, two hundred men with the ammunition, stores, hatchets, and
-other implements.
-
-Fourthly, fifty body-guards, in two lines.
-
-Fifthly, myself, borne by eight, with twelve on the right, and as many
-on the left, for relays.
-
-Sixthly, two thousand men in columns, on each side the cannon and me,
-fifty in a line, double lines.
-
-Seventhly, one thousand men in the rear, fifty in a line, double lines.
-
-I consulted with Nasgig how Harlokin's army lay, that I might avoid the
-revolted towns, rather choosing to take them in my return; for my design
-was to encounter Harlokin first, and I did not doubt, if I conquered
-him, but the towns would surrender of course.
-
-When we arrived within a small flight of his army, I caused a halt at
-a proper place for my cannon, and having pitched them, which I did by
-several flat stones, one on another to a proper elevation, I loaded
-them, and also my small-arms, consisting of six muskets and three
-brace of pistols, and placing my army, two thousand just behind me, two
-thousand to my right, and the same number to my left, I gave a strict
-command for none of them to stir forwards without orders, which Nasgig,
-who stood just behind me, was to give. I then sent a defiance to
-Harlokin by a gripsack, who sent me word he fought for a kingdom, and
-would accept it; and, as I heard afterwards, he was glad I did, for
-since the intelligence I had scattered in his army, they had in great
-numbers deserted him, and he was afraid it would have proved general. I
-then putting the end of a match into a pistol-pan with a little powder,
-by flashing lighted it; and this I put under my chair, for I sat in
-that, with my muskets three on each side, a pistol in my right hand, and
-five more in my girdle. In this manner I waited Harlokin's coming, and
-in about an hour we saw the van of his army, consisting of about five
-thousand men, who flew in five layers, one over another. I had not
-loaded my cannon with ball, but small-sized stones, about sixty in
-each; and seeing the length of their line, I spread my cannons' mouths
-somewhat wider than their breeches, and then taking my observation by
-a bright star, for there was a clear dawn all round the horizon, I
-observed, as I retired to my chair, how that star answered to the
-elevation of my cannon; and when the foremost ranks, who, not seeing my
-men stir, were approaching almost over me, to fall on them, and had come
-to my pitch, I fired two pieces of my ordnance at once, and so mauled
-them, that there dropped about ninety upon the first discharge, together
-with their commander; the rest being in flight and so close together,
-not being able to turn fast enough to fly, being stopped by those behind
-them, not only hindered those behind from turning about, but clogged
-up their own passage. Seeing them in such a prodigious cluster, I so
-successfully fired two more pieces, that I brought down double the
-number of the first shot; and then giving the word to fall on, my
-cutlass-guard and the pikemen did prodigious execution. But fearing the
-main body should advance before we had got in order again, I commanded
-them to fall back to their former stations, and to let the remainder of
-the enemy go off.
-
-This did me more good in the event than if I had killed twice as many;
-for they not only never returned themselves, but flying some to the
-right, some to the left, and passing by the two wings of their own army,
-consisting of six thousand men each, they severally reported that
-they were all that was left of the whole van of the army; and that the
-prediction would certainly be fulfilled, for that their companions had
-died by fire and smoke. This report struck such terror into each wing,
-that every one shifted for himself, and never appeared more.
-
-The main battle, consisting of about ten thousand men, knowing nothing
-of what had happened to the wings--for Harlokin had ordered the wings to
-take a great compass round to enclose us--hearing we were but a handful,
-advanced boldly; and as I had ordered my men not to mount too high, the
-enemy sunk to their pitch. When they came near, I asked Nasgig who led
-them; if it was Harlokin. He told me no, his general, but that he was
-behind; and Nasgig begging me to let him try his skill with the general,
-I consented, they not being yet come to the pitch of my cannon. Nasgig
-immediately took the graundee, and advancing singly with one of my
-cutlasses in his hand, challenged the general in single combat. He, like
-a man of honour, accepting it, ordered a halt, and to it they went, each
-emulous of glory, and of taking all the advantage he could, so that they
-suddenly did not strike or push; but sometimes one, then the other
-was uppermost, and whirling expeditiously round, met almost breast to
-breast; when the general, who had not a pike, but a pikestaff headed
-with a large stone, gave Nasgig such a stroke on his head that he
-reeled, and sunk considerably, and I began to be in pain for him, the
-general lowering after him. But Nasgig springing forward beneath him,
-and rising light as air behind the general, had gained his height again
-before the general could turn about to discern him, and then plunging
-forward, and receiving a stroke across his left arm, at the same time
-he gave the general such a blow near the outside of the shoulder as slit
-the graundee almost down to his hip, and took away part of the flesh of
-the left arm, upon which the general fell fluttering down in vast pain
-very near me; but not before Nasgig, in his fall, descending, had taken
-another severe cut at him.
-
-[Illustration: 0192]
-
-[Illustration: 0191]
-
-Immediately upon this defeat Nasgig again took his place behind me, our
-army shouting to the skies; but no sooner had the general dropped,
-but on came Harlokin, with majesty and terror mixed in his looks, and
-seeming to disdain the air he rode on, waved his men to the attack
-with his hand. When he came near enough to hear me, I called him vile
-traitor, to oppose the army of his lawful sovereign, telling him, if he
-would submit, he should be received to mercy. "Base creeping insect,"
-says Harlokin, "if thou hast aught to say to me worth hearing, meet me
-in the air! This hand shall show thee soon who'll most want mercy; and
-though I scorn to stoop to thee myself, this messenger shall satisfy the
-world thou art an impostor, and send thee back lifeless to the fond
-king that sent thee hither." With that he hurled a javelin pointed with
-flint, sharp as a needle, at me; but I avoiding it, "This, then," says
-I, "if words will not do, shall justify the truth of our prediction."
-And then levelling a musket at him, I shot him through the very heart,
-that he fell dead within twenty paces of me. But perceiving another
-to take his room, notwithstanding the confusion my musket made amongst
-them, I ran to my match, and giving fire to two more pieces of ordnance
-at the same time, they fell so thick about me, that I had enough to
-do to escape being crushed to death by them; and the living remainder
-separating, fled quite away, and put an end to the war. I waited in the
-field three days, to see if they would make head again; but they were so
-far from it, that before I could return, as I found afterwards, most of
-the revolting provinces had sent their deputies, who themselves carried
-the first news of the defeat, to beg to be received into mercy; all of
-whom were detained there till my return with Harlokin's head.
-
-At my return to Brandleguarp I was met by the king, the colambs, and
-almost the whole body of the people; every man, woman, and child, with
-two sweecoe lights in their hands, which unusual sight in the air gave
-me great alarm, till I inquired of Nasgig what it meant, who told me it
-must certainly be a sweecoan, or he knew not what it was. I asking
-again what he meant by that, he told me it was a particular method of
-rejoicing he had heard of, but never seen; wherein, if the king goes
-in triumph, all the people of Brandleguarp, from fifteen to sixty, are
-obliged to attend him with sweecoes. He said it was reported amongst
-them that in Begsurbeck's time there were two of them, but there had
-been none since.
-
-When we met them, I perceived they had opened into two lines or ranks
-of a prodigious length; at the farther end of which was the king, with
-innumerable lights about him, the whole looking like a prodigious avenue
-or vista of lights, bounded at the farther end, where the king was, with
-a pyramid light. This had the most solemn and magnificent effect on the
-eye that anything of light could possibly have; but as we passed through
-the ranks, each of the spectators having two lights, one was given to
-each soldier of the whole army. And then to look backward, as well as
-forward, the beauty of the scene was inexpressible. We marched all the
-way amidst the shouts of people, and the sounds of the gripsacks, going
-very slowly between the ranks; and at length arriving at the pyramid
-where the king was, I heard abundance of sweet voices, chanting my
-actions in triumphal songs; but I could take little notice of these,
-or of my son with his flageolet amongst them, for the extravagant
-appearance of the pyramid, which seemed to reach the very sky. For,
-first, there was a long line of a full half-mile, which hovered at even
-height with the two side ranks; in the centre of that, and over it,
-was the king single; over him another line, shorter than the first,
-and again over that, shorter and shorter lines; till, at a prodigious
-height, it ended in one single light *These all hovering, kept their
-stations; while the king darted a little space forward to meet me,
-and congratulate my success; then turning and preceding me, the whole
-pyramid turned, and marched before us, singing all the way to the city,
-the pyramid changing several times into divers forms, as into squares,
-half-moons, with the horns sometimes erect and again reversed, and
-various other figures. And yet amongst this infinite number of globes
-there was not the least glaring or offensive light, but only what was
-agreeable to the people themselves. As the rear of the army entered the
-lines, they closed upon it, and followed us into Brandleguarp. While we
-passed the city to the palace, the whole body of people kept hovering
-till the king and myself were alighted, and then every one alighted
-where he best could. All the streets and avenues to the palace were
-blocked up with people, crowding to receive the king's beneficence; for
-he had proclaimed a feast and open housekeeping to the people for six
-days. The king, the colambs, ragans, and great officers of state, with
-myself, had a magnificent entertainment prepared us in Begsurbeck's
-great room; and his majesty, after supper, being very impatient to know
-how the battle went, I told him the only valorous exploit was performed
-by my friend Nasgig, who opened the way to victory by the slaughter of
-Harlokin's general. Nasgig then rose, desiring only that so much might
-be attributed to him as fortune had accidentally thrown into his scale;
-for it might have been equally his fate as the general's to have fallen.
-"But except that skirmish," says he, "and some flying cuts at the van,
-we have had no engagement at all, nor have we lost a single man; Peter
-only sitting in his chair, and commanding victory. He spake aloud but
-thrice, and whispered once to them, but so powerfully that, having
-at the two first words laid above three hundred of the enemy at their
-lengths, and brought Harlokin to his feet, with a whisper, at the third
-word he concluded the war. The whole time, from the first sight of
-the enemy to their total defeat, took not up more space than one might
-fairly spend in traversing his majesty's garden. In short, sir," says
-Nasgig, "your majesty needs no other defence against public or private
-enemies, as I can see, than Peter; and my profession, whilst he is with
-us, can be of little use to the State."
-
-After these compliments from Nasgig, and separate ones from the king and
-the rest, I told them it was the highest felicity to me to be made
-an instrument by the great Collwar in freeing so mighty a kingdom and
-considerable a people from the misery of a tyrannical power. "You live,"
-says I, "so happily under the mild government of Georigetti, that it is
-shocking but to think into what a distressed state you must have fallen
-under the power of a usurper, who, claiming all as his own by way of
-conquest, would have reduced you to a miserable servitude. But," says I,
-"there is, and I am sorry to see it, still amongst you an evil that you
-great ones feel not, and yet it cries for redress. Are we not all, from
-the king to the meanest wretch amongst us, formed with the same members?
-Do we not all breathe the same air? inhabit the same earth? Are we
-not all subject to the same disorders? and do we not all feel pain and
-oppression alike? Have we not all the same senses, the same faculties?
-and, in short, are we not all equally creatures of, and servants to, the
-same master, the great Collwar? Would not the king have been a slave but
-for the accident of being begotten by one who was a king? and would
-not the poorest creature amongst us have been the king had he been so
-begotten? Did you great men, by any superior merit before your births,
-procure a title to the high stations in which you are placed? No, you
-did not. Therefore give me leave to tell you what I would have done. As
-every man has equal right to the protection of Collwar, why, when you
-have no enemy to distress you, will you distress one another? Consider,
-you great ones, and act upon this disinterested principle; do to
-another, what you, in his place, would have him do to you; dismiss your
-slaves, let all men be what Collwar made them, free. But if this unequal
-distinction amongst you, of man and man, is still retained, though you
-are at present free from the late disaster, it shall be succeeded with
-more, and heavier. And now, that you may know I would not have every
-man a lord, nor every one a beggar, remember I would only have every
-serving-man at liberty to choose his own master, and every master his
-own man; for he that has property and benefits to bestow will never want
-dependants, for the sake of those benefits to serve him, as he that has
-them not must serve for the sake of obtaining them. But then let it be
-done with free-will; he that then serves you will have an interest in
-it, and do it, for his own sake, with a willing mind; and you, who are
-served, will be tenderer and kinder to a good servant, as knowing by a
-contrary usage you shall lose him. I desire this may now be declared to
-be so, or your reasons, if any there are, against it."
-
-One of the ragans said he thought I spoke what was very just, and would
-be highly acceptable to Collwar.
-
-Then two of the colambs rose to speak together, and after a short
-compliment who should begin, they both declared they only arose to
-testify their consents.
-
-The king referring it to me, and the colambs consenting, I ordered
-freedom to be proclaimed through the city; so that every one appeared at
-their usual duties, to serve their own masters for a month, and then to
-be at liberty to come to a fresh agreement with them, or who else they
-pleased.
-
-"This, sir," says I to the king, "will now be a day of joy indeed to
-those poor hearts who would have been in no fear of losing before, let
-who would have reigned; for can any man believe a slave cares who is
-uppermost? he is but a slave still. But now," says I, "those who were
-so before may by industry gain property; and then their own interest
-engages them to defend the State.
-
-"There is but one thing more I will trouble you with now--and that,"
-says I to the ragans, "is, that we all meet at the mouch to-morrow, to
-render Collwar thanks for the late, and implore future favour." And this
-passed without any contradiction.
-
-When we met, the poor ragans were at a great loss for want of their
-image, not knowing what to do or say; for their practice had been to
-prostrate themselves on the ground, making several odd gestures; but
-whether they prayed, or only seemed to do so, no one knew.
-
-While the people were gathering, I called to a ragan, seeing him out of
-character. "Suppose," said I "(for I see you want your image), you and
-your brethren had received a favour of the king, and you was deputed
-by them to thank him, you would scarce be at a loss to express your
-gratitude to him, and tell him how highly you all esteemed his benefits,
-hoping you should retain a just sense of them, and behave yourselves as
-dutiful subjects for the future, and then desire him to keep you still
-in his protection. And this," says I, "as you believe in such a Being as
-Collwar, who understands what you say, you may with equal courage do
-to Him, keeping but your mind intent upon Him, as if you saw Him
-present."--"Indeed," says he, "I believe you are right, we may so; but
-it is a new thing, and you must excuse us if we do it not so well at
-first."
-
-I found I had a very apt scholar, for after he had begun, he made a
-most extraordinary prayer in regular order, the people standing very
-attentive. It was not long, but he justly observed the points I hinted
-to him.
-
-When he had done, another and another went on, till we had heard ten of
-them, and in every one something new, and very _à propos;_ and several
-of them afterwards confessed they never had the like satisfaction in
-their lives, for they had new hearts and new thoughts, they said.
-
-We spent the sixth-day feast in every gaiety imaginable, and especially
-of dancing, of which they were very fond in their way; but it was not so
-agreeable to me as my own country way, there being too much antic in it.
-New deputies daily arrived from the revolted towns, and several little
-republics, not claimed by Georigetti before, begged to be taken under
-his protection; so that in one week the king saw himself not only
-released from the dread of being driven from his throne, but courted
-by some, submitted to by others, and almost at the summit of glory a
-sovereign can attain to.
-
-[Illustration: 5202]
-
-[Illustration: 0203]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-_A visitation of the revolted provinces proposed by Peter--His new name
-of the country received--Religion settled in the west--Slavery abolished
-there--Lasmeel returns with Peter--Peter teaches him letters--The king
-surprised at written correspondence--Peter describes the make of a beast
-to the king._
-
-
-THE festival being over, the colambs begged leave to depart; but the
-king, who now did nothing without me, consulted with me if it was yet
-proper. I told him, as things had so long been in confusion in the west,
-that though the provinces had made their submission, yet the necessity
-of their circumstances, and the general terror, might have caused them
-only to dissemble till their affairs were composed again, and that as it
-was more than probable some relations of the deceased Harlokin, or other
-popular person, might engage them in another revolt, I thought it would
-not be improper to advise with his colambs about the establishment of
-the present tranquillity, and not by too great a security, give way to
-future commotions; and as all the colambs were then present, it might be
-proper to summon them once more.
-
-When they were met, the king declared the more particular satisfaction
-he took in that meeting than he had heretofore done, when they had been
-put to it for means to secure their lives and properties: "For
-now," says he, "our deliberations must turn upon securing our new
-acquisitions, and on settling those provinces which, till now, have
-never fallen under my power. But," says he, "I shall refer it to Peter
-to propose to you what at present seems most necessary for you to
-consider of; and that adjusted, shall dismiss you."
-
-I told them that as the too sudden healing of wounds in the body
-natural, before the bottom was clean and uncorrupt, made them liable to
-break out again with greater malignity, so wounds in the body political,
-if skinned over only, without probing and cleansing the source and
-spring from whence they arose, would rankle and fret within till a
-proper opportunity, and then burst forth again with redoubled violence.
-I would therefore propose a visitation of the several provinces; an
-inquiry into their conduct; an examination into the lives and principles
-of the colambs, the inferior officers, and magistrates; and either
-to retain the old, or appoint new, as there should be occasion. This
-visitation I would have performed by his majesty--"and so many of you,
-the honourable colambs," says I, "as he shall see fit should attend him
-in royal state, that his new subjects may see his majesty, and hear his
-most gracious words; and being sensible of his good disposition towards
-them, may be won, by his equity and justice, to a zealous submission to
-his government, which nothing but the perception of their own senses
-can establish in the heart This, I don't doubt, will answer the end I
-propose, and consolidate the peace and happiness of Norm--Normns--I must
-say Doorpt Swangeanti."
-
-Hearing me hesitate at the word Normndbsgrsutt, and call it Doorpt
-Swangeanti, the whole assembly rang with Doorpt Swangeanti! and, at
-last, came to a resolution that the west being now again united to the
-east, the whole dominions should be called Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, or
-the Great Flight Land.
-
-They approved the visitation, and all offered to go with the king, but
-insisted I should be of the party, which agreeing to do, I chose me out
-two of the most knowing ragans to teach the new religion amongst them,
-for in every project I had my view to advance religion.
-
-Some were for having the deputies released, and despatched with notice
-of the king's intentions; but I objecting that they might disrelish
-their confinement, and possibly raise reports prejudicial to our
-proceedings, it was thought better to take them with us, and go
-ourselves as soon as possible.
-
-We set out with a prodigious retinue, first to the right, in order to
-sweep round the whole country, and take all the towns in our way, and
-occasionally enter the middle parts, as the towns lay commodious.
-
-We were met by the magistrates and chief officers of each district, at
-some distance from each city, with strings about their necks, and the
-crashee instrument borne before them in much humility. His majesty said
-but little to them on the way, but ordered them to precede him to the
-city, and conduct him to the colamb's house; when he was commanded to
-surrender his employment to his majesty, as did all the other officers
-who held posts under him. Then an examination was taken of their lives,
-characters, and behaviour in their stations; and finding most of them
-had behaved well to the government they had lived under (for their
-plea was, they had found things under a usurpation, and being so, that
-government was natural to them, having singly no power to alter it);
-upon their perfect submission to the king, and solemn engagement to
-advance and maintain his right, they received their commissions anew
-from his majesty's own mouth. But where any one had been cruel or
-oppressive to the subjects, or committed any notorious crime, or breach
-of trust (for the meanest persons had liberty to complain), he was
-rejected, and for the most part sent to Crashdoorpt, to prevent the ill
-effects of his disgrace.
-
-We having displaced but five colambs and a few inferior officers, the
-moderation and justice of our proceedings gave the utmost satisfaction
-both to the magistrates and people.
-
-Having observed at Brandleguarp abundance of the small images my
-wife had spoken of, and thinking this a proper opportunity to show my
-resentment against them, I ordered several of the ragans of the west
-before me, and asked what small images they had amongst them. One, who
-spoke for the rest, told me, very few, he believed; for he had scarce
-had any brought to him to be blessed. "Where," says I, "is your Great
-Image?" He told me, "At Youk."--"And have not the people here many small
-ones?"--"Very few," says he; "for they have not been forced upon
-us long."--"How forced upon you!" says I; "don't the people worship
-them?"--"A small number now do," says he.--"Pray speak out," says I.
-"When might you not worship them?"--"Never, that I know of," says he,
-"in our state, till about ten years ago, when Harlokin obliged us to
-it."--"What! did you worship them before?" says I.--"No," says he,
-"never since it has been a separate kingdom; for we would follow the old
-ragan's advice of worshipping Collwar, which they not admitting of, the
-State was divided between us who would and them who would not come
-into the ragan's doctrine: and though Harlokin was a zealous
-image-worshipper, yet all he could do would not bring the people
-heartily into it, for Collwar never wanted a greater majority." This
-pleased me prodigiously, being what was never hinted to me before; and I
-resolved not to let my scheme be a loser by it.
-
-As we were to visit Youk in about eight days, I summoned the ragans and
-people to meet at the mouch; there recounting the great things done by
-Collwar in all nations. "This I could make appear," says I, "by many
-examples; but as you have one even at your own towns, I need go no
-farther.
-
-"I must begin in ancient times, when, I presume, you all worshipped
-an idol; have you any tradition before this?"--They said, "No."--"This
-image," says I, "was worshipped in Begsurbeck's days, when an old ragan,
-whose mind Collwar had enlightened with the truth, would have withdrawn
-your reverence from the image to the original Collwar himself; you would
-not consent: he threatens you, but promises success to Begsurbeck, who
-did consent; and he had it to an old age. Then those who would also
-consent, were so far encouraged as to be able to form an independent
-kingdom. Could nobody yet see the cause? was it not apparent Collwar was
-angry with the east, that would not follow the old ragan, and cherished
-the west, who would?
-
-"But, to be short, let us apply the present instance, and sure it will
-convince us who is right, who wrong.
-
-"So long as the west followed Collwar, they flourished, and the east
-declined; but no sooner had the west degenerated under the command of
-Harlokin, and the east by my means had embraced Collwar, but the tables
-were turned: the east is found weighty, and the west kicks the beam.
-These things whoso sees not, is blind indeed: therefore let publication
-be made for the destruction of all small images, and let the harbourers
-of them, contrary to this order, be slit; and for myself, I will destroy
-this mother-monster. Take you, holy ragans, care to destroy the brood."
-And having said this, I hacked the new idol to pieces.
-
-I ordered proclamation for abolishing slavery, under the restrictions
-used at Brandleguarp: and thus having composed the west, and given a
-general satisfaction, we returned, almost the whole west accompanying
-us, till the east received us; and never was so happy a union, or more
-present to testify it, since the creation, I believe.
-
-I ordered several of the principal men's sons to court, in order for
-employments, and to furnish our future colambs; and this I did, as
-knowing each country would rather approve of a member of their own
-body for their head than a stranger; and, in my opinion, it is the most
-natural union. And then breeding them under the eye of the king eight or
-ten years, or more, they are, as it were, naturalised to him too, and in
-better capacity to serve both king and country.
-
-As my head was constantly at work for the good of this people, I
-turned the most trifling incidents into some use or other; and made
-the narrowest prospects extend to the vastest distances. I shall here
-instance in one only. There was at Youk a private man's son, whom by
-mere accident I happened to ask some slight question of; and he giving
-me, with a profound respect and graceful assurance, a most pertinent
-answer; that, and the manner of its delivery, gave me a pleasure, which
-upon farther discourse with him, was, contrary to custom, very much
-increased; for I found in him an extensive genius, and a desire for my
-conversation. I desired his father to put him under my care, which the
-old man, as I was then in so great repute, readily agreed to; and his
-son desiring nothing more, I took him with me to Brandleguarp. I soon
-procured him a pretty post but of small duty, for I had purposed other
-employment for him, but of sufficient significancy to procure him
-respect. I took great delight in talking with him on different subjects,
-and observed by his questions upon them, which often puzzled me, or his
-answers to them, he had a most pregnant fancy and surprising solidity,
-joined to a continual and unwearied application. I frequently mentioning
-books, writing, and letters to him, and telling him what great things
-might be attained that way, his inquisitive temper, and the schemes
-he had formed thereon, put me upon thinking of several things I should
-never have hit upon without him. I considered all the ways I could
-contrive to teach him letters; and letting him into my design, he asked
-me how I did to make a letter. I described a pen to him, and told him I
-put a black liquor into it, and as I drew that along upon a flat white
-thing we made use of, called paper, it would make marks which way ever I
-drew it, into what shape I pleased. "Why then," says he, "anything that
-will make a mark upon another thing as I please, will do."--"True,"
-says I, "but what shall we get that will make a black mark?"--We were
-entering further into this debate; but the king sending for me, I left
-him unsatisfied. I stayed late with the king that night, so did not
-see Lasmeel (for that was his name) till next night, wondering what was
-become of him. I asked him then where he had been all the day. He told
-me he had been looking for a pen and paper. I laughed, and asked him if
-he had found them.--"Yes," says he, "or something that will do as well:"
-so he opened one side of his graundee, and showed me a large flat leaf,
-smooth and pulpy, very long and wide, and about a quarter of an inch
-thick, almost like an Indian fig-leaf.--"And what am I to do with this?"
-says I.--"To mark it," says he, "and see where you mark."--"With what?"
-says I.--"With this," says he, putting his hand again into his graundee,
-and taking out three or four strong sharp prickles. I looked at them
-both; and clapping him on the head, "Lasmeel," says I, "if you and I
-were in England, you should be made a privy-councillor."--"What! won't
-it do, then?" says he.--I told him we would try.--"I thought," says he,
-"it would have done very well; for I marked one all about, and though I
-could not see much at first, by that time I had made an end, that I did
-first was quite of a different colour from the leaf, and I could see it
-as plain as could be." I told him as he was of an age to comprehend what
-I meant, I would take another method with him than with a child; so I
-reasoned from sentences backwards to words, and from them to syllables,
-and so on to letters. I then made one, the vowel A, told him its sound,
-and added a consonant to it, and told him that part of the sound of each
-distinct letter put together, as the two letters themselves were, made
-another sound, which I called a syllable; and that joining two or more
-of them together made a word, by putting the same letters together as
-made the sounds of those syllables which made that word. Then setting
-him a copy of letters, which with very little difficulty were to
-be drawn upon the leaf, and telling him their sounds, I left him to
-himself; and when he had done, though I named them but twice over, his
-memory was so strong as to retain the sounds, as he called them, of
-every one but F, L, and Q.
-
-In two months' time I made him master of anything I wrote to him; and
-as he delighted in it, he wrote a great deal himself, so that we kept
-an epistolary correspondence, and he would set down all the common
-occurrences of the day, as what he heard and saw, with his remarks on
-divers things.
-
-One day, as the king and I were walking in the gardens, and talking
-of the customs of my country, and about our wars, telling him how our
-soldiers fought on horseback, the king could not conceive what I meant
-by a horse. I told him my wife had said there were neither beasts nor
-fishes in the country; which I was very much surprised at, considering
-how we abounded with both: "And therefore," says I, "to tell your
-majesty that a horse is a creature with four legs, you must naturally
-believe it to be somewhat like a man with four legs."--"Why, truly,"
-says he, "I believe it is; but has it the graundee?" I could not forbear
-smiling, even at his majesty, and wanted to find some similitude to
-compare it to, to carry the king's mind that way; for else he would
-sooner, I thought, conceive it like a tree or a mountain than what
-it really was; and as I was musing, it came into my head I had given
-Lasmeel a small print of a horse, which I found in one of the captain's
-pockets at Graundevolet, and believing it to be the stamp of a
-tobacco-paper, had kept it to please the children with; so I told the
-king I believed I could show him the figure of a horse. He told me it
-would much oblige him.
-
-Seeing several of the guards waiting at the garden arch, I looked, and
-at last found one of Lasmeel's leaves in the garden, and cutting one of
-them up with my knife, I took the point of that, and wrote to Lasmeel
-to send me by the bearer the picture of a horse I gave him, that I
-might show it the king. And calling one of the guards, "Carry that to
-Lasmeel," says I; "he is, I believe, in my apartment, and bring me an
-answer directly." Then falling into discourse again with the king, and
-presently turning at the end of the walk, I saw the same guard again.
-Says I "You cannot have brought me an answer already."--"You have not
-told me," says he, "what to bring you an answer to."--"Nor shall I,"
-says I; "do as you are bid;" for I perceived then what the fellow stuck
-at. He walked off with the leaf, but very discontentedly. The king said
-he wondered how I could act such a contradiction. "This, father," says
-he, "is not what I expected from you; to order a man to bring an answer
-without giving him a message." I desired his patience only till the man
-came back. Presently says the king, "Here he comes!--Well," says he,
-"what answer?"--"Sir," says the fellow, "I have only had the walk for
-my pains: for he sent it back again, and a little white thing with
-it."--"Ha, ha!" says the king, "I thought so.--Come, father, own you
-have once been in the wrong; for I am sure you intended to give him
-a message, but having forgot it, would not submit to be told of your
-mistake by a guard." I looked very grave, reading what Lasmeel had
-wrote; which was to tell me he had obeyed my orders by sending the
-horse, for he was just then drawing it out upon a leaf.
-
-"Come, come," says the king, "give the man his message, father, and
-let him go again."--"Sir," says I, "there is no need of that, he has
-punctually obeyed me; and Lasmeel was then at the table in my oval
-chamber with a leaf, and this picture in my hand, before him."
-
-The king was ready to sink when I said so, and showed the print. "Truly,
-father," says he, "I have been to blame to question you; for though
-these things are above my comprehension, I am not to think anything
-beyond your skill." I made no reply to it; but showing the king the
-picture, the guard sneaked off; and glad he was, I believe, he could do
-so.
-
-I went then upon the explanation of my horse, and answering fifty
-questions about him, at last he asked what his inside was: "Exactly the
-same as your majesty's," said I.--"And can he eat and breathe too?" says
-he.--"Just as you can," says I.--"Well," says he, "I would never have
-believed there had been such a creature: what would I give for one of
-them!"--I set forth the divers other uses we put them to, besides the
-wars; and by the picture, with some supposed alterations, I described a
-cow, a sheep, and numberless other quadrupeds; my account of which gave
-him great pleasure.
-
-[Illustration: 0216]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-_Peter sends for his family--A rising of former slaves on that
-account--Takes a view of the city--Description of it, and of the
-country--Hot and cold springs._
-
-
-HAVING now some leisure time on my hands to consider over my own
-affairs, I had thoughts of transporting my family, with all my effects,
-to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, but yet had no mind to relinquish all thought
-of my ship and cargo; for the greatest part of this was still remaining,
-I having had but the pickings through the gulf. I once had a mind to
-have gone myself; but considering the immense distance over sea, though
-I had once come safe, I thought I ought not to tempt Providence, where
-my presence was not absolutely necessary.
-
-Nasgig, to whose care and conduct any enterprise might be trusted,
-offered his service to go and execute any commands I should give him.
-His only difficulty, he said, was that it would be impossible for him to
-remember the different names of many things, which he had no idea of, to
-convey the knowledge of them to his mind when he saw them; but barring
-that, he doubted not to give me satisfaction. I told him I would send
-an assistant with him, who could remember whatever I once told him; and
-that I might not burden his memory with names only, Lasmeel should carry
-his memory with him, and that he, Nasgig, should only have the executive
-part.
-
-Lasmeel, who had sat waiting an opportunity to put in for a share in the
-adventure, having a longing desire to see the ship, told Nasgig he had
-a peculiar art of memory, so as to remember whatever he would as long
-as he pleased, and that if he carried that with him, they need fear no
-mistakes.
-
-The king having granted me as many of his guards as I pleased, for the
-carriage of my things, we appointed them to be ready on the fourth day;
-when Nasgig and Lasmeel set out with them.
-
-I ordered Lasmeel, however, to be with me the next morning, that we
-might set down proper instructions; which I told him would be very long,
-and that he must bring a good number of leaves with him.
-
-When Lasmeel entered my chamber next morning, he informed me that the
-whole city was in an uproar, especially those who had been freed by me.
-"What!" says I, "have they so soon forgot their subjection, to misapply
-their liberty already? But step and bring me word what's the matter, and
-order some of the ringleaders hither to me." Lasmeel upon inquiry found
-that it had been given out I was going to leave the country, and they
-all said, wherever I went they were determined to go and settle with me;
-for if I left them, they should be reduced to slavery again. However, he
-brought some of them to me, and upon my telling them I thanked them for
-their affection to me, but blamed them for showing it in so tumultuous a
-manner, and that I was so far from intending to leave them, that I was
-sending for my family and effects in order to settle amongst them, they
-rejoiced very much, and told me they would carry the good news to their
-companions, and disperse immediately. But I was now in more perplexity
-than before, for they having signified my designs to the rest, they
-rushed into the gallery in such numbers that they forced me up to my
-very chamber. I told them this was an unprecedented manner of using a
-person they pretended a kindness for; and told them if they made use of
-such risings to express their gratitude to me, it would be the direct
-means to oblige me to leave them: "For," says I, "do you think I can be
-safe in a kingdom where greater deference is paid to me than to the
-crown?" They begged my pardon, they said, and would obey me in anything;
-but the present trouble was only to offer their services to fetch my
-family and goods, or to do anything else I should want them for; and if
-I would favour them in that, they would retire directly. I told them
-when I had considered of it they should hear from me; and this again
-quieted them.
-
-This disturbance not only took up much of my time, which I could have
-better employed, but put me to a non-plus how to come off with them;
-till I sent Maleck to tell them though I set a great value upon their
-esteem, yet after what had passed, it would be the most unadvisable
-thing in nature for me to accept their kindness; for having before
-requested a body of men of the king, as he had graciously granted them,
-it would be preferring them to the king, should I now relinquish his
-grant and make use of their offer; and after this I heard no more of it.
-
-I had scarce met with a more difficult task than to fix exact rules for
-the conduct of my present undertaking, there being so many things to be
-expressed, wherein the least perplexity arising, might have caused both
-delay and damage; for I was not only forced to set down the things I
-would have brought, but the manner and method of packing and securing
-them; but as Lasmeel could read my writing to Pedro at home, and
-Youwarkee on board, it would be a means, though far from an expeditious
-one, of bringing matters into some order; and after I had done as I
-thought, I could have enumerated many more things, and was obliged to
-add an _et cætera_ to the end of my catalogue; and while they were ready
-for flight, I added divers other particulars and circumstances. Nay,
-when they were even upon the graundee, I recollected the most material
-thing of all; for my greatest concern was, having broke up so many of my
-chests, to find package for the things; I say, even so late as that, I
-bethought me of the several great water-casks I had on board, that would
-hold an infinite number of small things, and would be slung easily; so I
-stopped them and set down that, and they were no sooner out of sight and
-hearing, but remembering twenty more, I was then forced to trust them to
-my _et cætera_.
-
-I had sent my own flying-chair to bring the boys who had not the
-graundee, with orders for Pedro to sit tied in the chair, with Dicky
-tied in his arms; Jemmy to sit tied to the board before the chair, and
-David behind: so I hoped they would come safe enough; and then my wife
-and Sally were able to help themselves.
-
-Having despatched my caravan, and being all alone, I called Quilly the
-next morning, and telling him I had thoughts of viewing the country, I
-bade him prepare to go with me.
-
-I had now been here above six months, and yet upon coming to walk
-gravely about the city, I found myself as much a stranger to the
-knowledge of the place as if that had been the first day of my arrival,
-though I had been over it several times in my chair.
-
-This city is not only one of, but actually the most curious piece
-of work in the world, and consists of one immense entire stone of a
-considerable height, and it may be seven miles in length, and near as
-broad as it is long. The streets and habitable part of it are scooped,
-as it were, out of the solid stone, to the level with the rest of the
-country, very flat and smooth at bottom, the rock rising perpendicular
-from the streets on each side.
-
-[Illustration: 8221]
-
-The figure of the city is a direct square; each side about six miles
-long, with a large open circle in the centre of the square, about a
-mile in diameter, and from each of the sides of the outer streets to the
-opposite side runs another street, cutting the centre of the circle as
-in the figure.
-
-Along the whole face of the rock, bounding the streets and the circle,
-there are archways; those in the circle, and the four cross streets, for
-the gentry and better people; and those in the outer streets, for the
-meaner; and it is as easy to know as by a sign where a great man lives,
-by the grandeur of his entrance, and lavish distribution of the pillars,
-carving, and statues about his portico, within and without: for as they
-have no doors, you may look in, and are not forbid entrance; and though
-it should look odd to an English reader, that an Englishman should
-speak with pleasure of a land of darkness, as that almost was, yet I am
-satisfied whoever shall see it after me will be persuaded, that for
-the real grandeur of their entrances, and for the magnificence of the
-apartments and sculpture, no part of the universe can produce the like;
-and though within doors there is no other manner of light than the
-sweecoes, yet that, when you are once used to it, is so agreeable and
-free from all noisome savour, that I never once regretted the loss of
-the sun within doors, though I often have when abroad; but then that
-would be injurious to the proper inhabitants, though they can no more
-see in total darkness than myself.
-
-I have been over some of these private houses, which contain, it may
-be, thirty rooms, great and small, some higher, some lower, full of
-sweecoe-lights, and extremely well proportioned and beautiful.
-
-The king's palace, with all the apartments, stands in, and takes up,
-one full fourth part of the square of the whole city; and is, indeed, of
-itself a perfect city.
-
-There is no great man's house without one or more long galleries for
-the ladies to divert themselves at divers sports in, particularly at one
-like our bowls on a bowling-green, and at somewhat like nine-holes, at
-which they play for wines, and drink a great deal, for none of them will
-intoxicate.
-
-In my walk and survey of the city, one of the colambs being making a
-house to reside in when at Brandleguarp, I had the curiosity to go in.
-I saw there abundance of botts stand filled with a greenish liquor, and
-asked Quilly what that was. He said it was what the stone-men used in
-making houses. I proceeded farther in, where I saw several men at work,
-and stayed a good while to observe them. Each man had a bott of this
-liquor in his left hand, and stood before a large bank of stone, it may
-be 30 feet high, reaching forward up to the ceiling of the place, and
-ascending by steps from bottom to top; the workmen standing some on one
-step, some on another, pouring on this liquor with their left hands, and
-with their right holding a wooden tool, shaped like a little spade. I
-observed wherever they poured on this water, a smoke arose for a little
-space of time, and then the place turned white, which was scraped off
-like fine powder with the spade-handle; and then pouring new liquor, he
-scraped again, working all the while by sweecoe-lights.
-
-Having my watch in my pocket, I measured a spot of a yard long, about a
-foot high, and a foot and a half on the upper flat, to see how long he
-would be fetching down that piece; and he got it away in little above
-two hours. By this means I came to know how they made their houses;
-for I had neither seen any tool I thought proper, nor even iron itself,
-except my own, since I came into the country. Upon inquiry, I found that
-the scrapings of this stone, and a portion of common earth, mixed with a
-water they have, will cement like plaster; and they use it in the small
-ornamental work of their buildings. I then went farther into this house,
-where I saw one making the figure of a glumm by the same method; but it
-standing upright in the solid rock against the wall, the workman held
-his liquor in an open shell, and dipping such stuff as my bed was made
-of, bound up in short rolls, some larger, some less, into the liquor,
-he touched the figure, and then scraped till he had reduced it into a
-perfect piece.
-
-It is impossible to imagine how this work rids away; for in ten months'
-time after I saw it, this house was completed, having a great number
-of fine, large, and lofty rooms in it, exquisitely carved to all
-appearance.
-
-My wonder ceased as to the palace, when I saw how easily this work was
-done; but sure there is no other such room in the world as Begsurbeck's,
-that I described above.
-
-The palace, as I said before, taking up one quarter of the city, opens
-into four streets by four different arches; and before one of the sides,
-which I call the front, is a large triangle, formed by the entrance
-out of one of the cross streets, and the two ends of the front of
-the palace. Along the lower front of it, all the way runs a piazza of
-considerable height, supported by vast round columns, which seemed to
-bear up the whole front of the rock, over which was a gallery of equal
-length, with balustrades along it, supported with pillars of a yet finer
-make, and over that a pediment with divers figures, and other work, to
-the top of the rock, which being there quite even for its whole length,
-was enclosed with balustrades between pedestals all the way, on which
-stood the statues of their ancient kings, so large as to appear equal to
-the life. The other two sides of the triangle were dwellings for divers
-officers belonging to the palace. Under the middle arch of the piazza
-was the way into the palace, through a long, spacious arched passage,
-whose farther end opened into a large square; on each side of this
-passage were large staircases, if I may so call them, by which you
-ascend gradually, and without steps, into the upper apartments.
-
-The next morning we took another walk, for I told Quilly I had a mind to
-take a prospect of the country. We then went out at the back arch of the
-palace, as we had the day before at one of the sides, there being a like
-passage through the rock from that we went out at, to an opposite arch
-leading into the garden. I say, we went out at the back arch, and after
-passing a large quadrangle with lodgings all round it, we ascended
-through a cut in the rock to a large flat, where we plainly saw the
-Black Mountain with its top in the very sky, the sides of which afforded
-numberless trees, though the ground within view afforded very little
-verdure, or even shrubs. But the most beautiful sight from the rock
-was to see the people come home loaded from the mountain, and from the
-woods, with, it may be, forty pound weight each on their backs; and
-mounting over the rock, to see them dart along the streets to their
-several dwellings, over the heads of thousands of others walking in all
-parts of the streets, while others were flying other ways. It was very
-pleasant to see a man walking gravely in one street, and as quick as
-thought to see him over the rock, settled in another, perhaps two miles
-distant.
-
-The near view of the country seeming so barren, naturally led me to ask
-Quilly from whence they got provision for so many people as the city
-contained, which, to be sure, could not be less than three hundred
-thousand. He told me that they had nothing but what came from the Great
-Forest on the skirts of the mountain. "But for the grain of it, and some
-few outward marks," says I, "I could have sworn I had eaten some of my
-country beef the other day at the king's table."--"I don't know what
-your beef, as you call it, is; but I am sure we have nothing here but
-the fruit of some tree or shrub, that ever I heard of."--"I wonder,"
-says I, "Quilly, how your cooks dress their victuals. I have eaten many
-things boiled, and otherwise dressed hot, but have seen no rivers, or
-water, since I came into this country, except for drinking, or washing
-my hands, and I don't know where that comes from. And another thing,"
-says I, "surprises me, though I see no sun as we have to warm the air,
-you are very temperate in the town, and it is seldom cold here; but I
-neither see fire nor smoke."--"We have," says Quilly, "several very good
-springs under the palace, both of hot water and cold, and I don't know
-what we should do with fires; we see the dread of them sufficiently at
-Mount Alkoe. Our cooks dress their fruits at the hot springs."--"That is
-a fancy," said I; "they cannot boil them there."--"I am sure we have no
-other dressing," says he.--"Well, Quilly," says I, "we will go home the
-way you told me of, and to-morrow you shall show me the springs; but,
-pray, how come you to be so much afraid of Mount Alkoe? I suppose your
-eyes won't bear the light; is not that all?"--"No, no," says Quilly,
-"that is the country of bad men. Some of us have flown over there
-accidentally, when the mountain has been cool, as it is sometimes for
-a good while together, and have heard such noises as would frighten any
-honest man out of his senses, for there they beat and punish bad men."
-I could not make much of his story, nor did I inquire further, for I had
-before determined, if possible, to get over thither. As we were now come
-into the garden, I ordered Quilly to get ready my dinner, and I would
-come in presently.
-
-We went next morning to view the springs, and indeed it was a sight
-well worth considering. We were in divers offices under the rock (Quilly
-carrying two globe-lights before me), in which were springs of very
-clear water, some of hot, and some of cold, rising within two or three
-inches of the surface of the floor. We then went into the kitchen, which
-was bigger than I ever saw one of our churches, and where were a great
-number of these springs, the hot all boiling full speed day and night,
-and smoking like a caldron, the water rising through very small chinks
-in the stone into basons, some bigger, some less; and they had several
-deep stone jars to set anything to boil in. But what was the most
-surprising was, you should see a spring of very cold water within a few
-feet of one of hot, and they never rise higher or sink lower than they
-are. I talked with the master cook, an ingenious man, about them; and he
-told me they lie in this manner all over the rocky part of the country,
-and that the first thing any one does in looking out for a house, is
-to see for the water, whether both hot and cold may be found within the
-compass he designs to make use of; and finding that, he goes on, or else
-searches another place. And he told me where this convenience was not
-in great plenty the people did not inhabit, which made the towns all so
-very populous. He said, too, that those warm springs made the air more
-wholesome about the towns than in other parts where there were none of
-them. I thanked him for his information, which finished my search for
-that time.
-
-[Illustration: 0229]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIX.
-
-_Peter sends for his family--Pendlehamby gives a fabulous account of the
-peopling of that country--Their policy and government--Peter's
-discourse on trade--Youwarkee arrives--Invites the king and nobles to a
-treat--Sends to Graundevolet for fowls._
-
-
-THE days hanging heavy on my hands till the arrival of my family, I
-sent Pendlehamby word that as I had sent for my family and effects in
-order to settle in this country, and expected them very soon, I should
-be glad of his, my brother, and sister's company, to welcome them on
-their arrival.
-
-My father came alone, which gave me an opportunity of informing myself
-in the rise and policy of the State, as I purposed to take several
-farther steps in their affairs, if they might prove agreeable and
-consistent; for hitherto, having had only slight sketches or hints of
-things, I could form no just idea of the whole of their laws, customs,
-and government. Explaining myself, therefore, to him, I begged his
-instructions in those particulars.
-
-"Son Peter," says my father, "you have already done too much in a short
-time to leave any room to think you can do no more: and as you have
-hitherto directed your own proceedings with such incredible success,
-neither the king nor colambs will interpose against your inclination,
-but give you all the advices in our powers; and I shall esteem your
-selecting me for that purpose no small honour.
-
-"Know, then, that this State, by the tradition of our ragans, has
-subsisted eleven thousand years; for, before that time, the great
-mountain Emina, then not far from the Black Mountain, but now fallen and
-sunk in the sea, roaring and raging in its own bowels for many ages, at
-last burst asunder with great violence, and threw up numberless unformed
-fleshy masses to the very stars; two of which happening in their passage
-to touch the side of the Black Mountain (for all the rest fell into the
-sea and were lost) lodged there, and lying close together as they grew,
-united to each other till they were joined in one; and, in process of
-time, by the dews of heaven, became a glumm and a gaw-ry; but being so
-linked together by the adhesion of their flesh, they were obliged both
-to move which way either would. Living thus a long time in great love
-and fondness for each other, they had but one inclination, lest both
-should be sufferers upon the least disagreement.
-
-"In process of time they grew tired of each other's constant society,
-and one willing to go here and the other there, bred perpetual disorders
-between them; for prevention whereof for the future they agreed to cut
-themselves asunder with sharp stones. The pain indeed was intolerable
-during the operation; but, however, they effected it, and the wounds
-each received were very dangerous, and a long time before they were
-perfectly healed; but at length, sometimes agreeing, sometimes not,
-they begat a son, whom they called Perigen, and a daughter they called
-Philella. These two, as they grew up, despising their parents, who lived
-on the top of the mountain, ventured to descend into the plains, and
-living upon the fruits they found there, sheltered themselves in this
-very rock. Meantime, the old glumm and gawry, having lived to a great
-age, were so infirm that neither of them was able to walk for a long
-time; till one day, being near each other, and trying to rise by
-the assistance of each other, they both got up, and leaning upon and
-supporting each other, they also walked commodiously. This mutual
-assistance kept them in good humour a great while, till one day, passing
-along near hoximo, they both fell in.
-
-"Perigen and Philella had several children in the plains; who, as they
-grew up, increasing, spread into remote parts, and peopled the country.
-At last, one of them being a very passionate man, at the instigation
-of his wife, became the first murderer, by slaying his father. This so
-enraged the people, that the murderer and his wife, in abhorrence of the
-fact, were conveyed to Mount Alkoe, where was then only a very narrow
-deep pit, into which they were both thrown headlong; but the persons who
-carried them thither, had scarce retired from the mouth of the pit, when
-it burst out with fire, raging prodigiously, and has kept burning
-ever since. Arco and Telamine (the murderer and his wife) lived seven
-thousand years in the flames; till having with their teeth wrought a
-passage through the side of the mountain, they begat a new generation
-about the foot of the mountain; and having brought fire with them,
-resolved to keep it burning ever after in memory of their escape; and
-power being given them over bad men, they and their progeny are now
-wholly employed in beating and tormenting them.
-
-"A great while after Arco and Telamine were thus disposed of, the people
-of this country multiplying, it happened one year that all the fruits
-were so dry that the people, not able to live any longer upon the
-moisture of them only, as they had always done before, and fearing all
-to be consumed with drought, one of their ragans praying very much, and
-promising to make an image to Collwar and preserve it for ever, if he
-would send them but moisture, in one night's time the earth cast up
-such a flood that they were forced to mount on the rocks for fear of
-drowning. But the next day it all sunk away again, except several little
-bubbles which remained in many places for a long time, and the people
-lived only on the moisture they sucked from the stone where those
-bubbles settled for many years; for they found that the water arose to
-the height of the surface, and no higher; and where they found most
-of those chinks and bubbles they settled and formed cities, living
-altogether in holes of the rock; till one Lallio, having found out the
-art of crumbling the rock to dust by a liquor he got from the trees, and
-working himself a noble house in the rock, in the place where our palace
-now stands, he told them if they would make him their king, they should
-each have such a house as his own. To this they agreed, and then he
-discovered the secret to them.
-
-"This Lallio directed the cutting out this whole city, divided the
-people into colonies where the waters were most plenty; and while half
-the people worked at the streets and houses, the other half brought them
-provisions. In short, he grew so powerful that no one durst dispute his
-commands; all which authority he transmitted to his successors, who,
-finding by the increase of the people and the many divisions of them
-that they grew insolent and ungovernable, they appointed a colamb in
-every province, as a vice-king, with absolute authority over all causes,
-except murder and treason, which are referred to the king and colambs in
-moucheratt.
-
-"As we had no want but of victuals and habitations, the king, when he
-gave a colambat, gave also the lands and the fruits thereof, together
-with all the hot and cold springs, to the colamb, who again distributed
-parcels to the great officers under him, and they part of theirs to the
-meaner officers under them, for their subsistence, with such a number of
-the common people as was necessary in respect to the dignity of the post
-each enjoyed, who for their services are fed by their masters.
-
-"In all cases of war, the king lays before the moucheratt the number
-of his own troops he designs to send; when each colamb's quota being
-settled at such a proportion of the whole, he forthwith sends his number
-from out of his own lasks, and also from the several officers under
-him; so that every man, let the number be ever so great, can be at the
-rendezvous in a very few days.
-
-"We have but three professions, besides the ragans and soldiery, amongst
-us, and these are cooks, house-makers, and pike-makers, of which every
-colamb has several among his lasks; and these, upon the new regulations,
-will be the only gainers, as they may work where they please, and
-according to their skill will be their provision; but how the poor
-labourers will be the better for it, I cannot see."
-
-"Dear sir," says I, "there are, you see, amongst lasks, some of such
-parts, that it is great pity they should be confined from showing them;
-and my meaning in giving liberty is in order for what is to follow; that
-is, for the introduction of arts amongst you. Now, every man who has
-natural parts will exert them when any art is laid before him; and he
-will find so much delight in making new discoveries that, did no profit
-attend it, the satisfaction of the discovery to a prying genius
-would compensate the pains; but I propose a profit also to the
-artificer."--"Why, what profit," says my father, "can arise but food,
-and perhaps a servant of their own to provide it for them?"
-
-"Sir," says I, "the man who has nothing to hope loses the use of one of
-his faculties; and if I guess right, and you live ten years longer, you
-shall see this State as much altered as the difference has been between
-a lask and a tree he feeds on. You shall all be possessed of that which
-will bring you fruits from the woods without a lask to fetch it. Those
-who were before your slaves shall then take it as an honour to be
-employed by you, and at the same time shall employ others dependent on
-them; so as the great and small shall be under mutual obligations to
-each other, and both to the truly industrious artificer; and yet every
-one content only with what he merits."
-
-"Dear son," says my father, "these will be glorious days indeed! But,
-come, come, you have played a good part already; don't, by attempting
-what you can't master, eclipse the glory so justly due to you."--"No,
-sir," says I, "nothing shall be attempted by me to my dishonour; for I
-shall ever remember my friend Glanepze. Sir," says I, "see here."
-(showing him my watch).--"Why, this," says he, "hung by my daughter's
-side at Graundevolet."--"It did so," says I; "and, pray, what did you
-take it for?"--"A bott," says he.--"I thought so," says I; "but as you
-asked no questions, I did not then force the knowledge of it upon you.
-But put it to your ear."--He did so. "What noise is that?" says he. "Is
-it alive?"--"No," says I, "it is not; but it is as significant. If I ask
-it what time of the day it is, or how long I have been going from this
-place to that, I look but in its face, and it tells me presently."
-
-My father, looking upon it a good while, and perceiving that the minute
-hand had got farther than it was at first, was just dropping it out
-of his hand, had I not caught it. "Why, it is alive," says he; "it
-moves!"--"Sir," says I, "if you had dropped it, you had done me an
-inexpressible injury."--"Oh ho," says he, "I find now how you do your
-wonders; it is something you have shut up here that assists you; it is
-an evil spirit!" I laughing heartily, he was sorry for what he had said,
-believing he had shown some ignorance. "No, sir," says I, "it is no
-spirit, good or evil, but a machine made by some of my countrymen, to
-measure time with."--"I have heard," says he, "of measuring an abb, or
-the ground, or a rock; but never yet heard of measuring time."--"Why,
-sir," says I, "don't you say three days hence I will do so; or such a
-one is three years old? Is not that a measuring of time by so many
-days or years?"--"Truly," says he, "in one sense I think it is."--"Now,
-sir," says I, "how do you measure a day?"--"Why, by rising and lying
-down," says he.--"But suppose I say I will go now, and come again, and
-have a particular time in my head when I will return, how shall I do to
-make you know that time?"--"Why, that will be afterwards, another time,"
-says he; "or I can think how long it will be."--"But," says I, "how can
-you make me know when you think it will be?"--"You must think too,"
-says he.--"But then," says I, "we may deceive each other, by thinking
-differently. Now this will set us to rights:" then I described the
-figures to him, telling him how many parts they divided the day into,
-and that by looking on it I could tell how many of such parts were
-passed; and that if he went from me, and said he would come one, or two,
-or three parts hence, I should know when to expect him. I then showed
-him the wheels, and explained where the force lay, and why it went no
-faster or slower, as well as I could; and from my desire of teaching,
-insensibly perfected myself more and more in it. So that beginning to
-have a little idea of it, he wished he had one. "And," says he, "will
-you teach all our people to make such things?"--"Then they would be
-disregarded, sir," says I.--"It is impossible," says he.--"I'll tell
-you, sir, how I mean," said I. "I can, hereafter, show you a hundred
-things as useful as this; now, if everybody was to make these, how would
-other things be made? Besides, if everybody made them, nobody would
-want them; and then what would anybody get by them, besides the pleasing
-their own fancy? But if only twenty men make them in one town, all
-the rest must come to them; and they who make these, must go to one of
-twenty others, who make another thing that these men want, and so on;
-by which means, every man wanting something he does not make, it will be
-the better for every maker of everything."
-
-"Son," says my father, "excuse me; I am really ashamed, now you have
-better informed me, I asked so foolish a question." I told him we had
-a saying in my country, that everything is easy when it is known. "I
-think," says he, "a man might find everything in your country."
-
-Two days after, my wife and daughter Sally came very early; but sure no
-joy could be greater than ours at sight of each other. I embraced
-them both over and over, as did my father, especially Sally, who was a
-charming child. They told me I might expect everything that evening,
-for they left them alighting at the height of Battringdrigg; for though
-they came out the last, yet the body of the people with their baggage
-could not come so fast as they did. And little Sally said, "We stayed
-and rested ourselves, purely, daddy, at Battringdrigg, before the crowd
-came; but as soon as mammy had seen all my brothers safe, who came
-before the rest, and kissed Dicky, we set out again."
-
-About seven hours after arrived the second convoy from abroad, that ever
-entered that country. I had too much to do with my wife and children
-that night, to spare a thought to my cargo; so I only set a guard over
-them; for though I had now been married about sixteen years, Youwarkee
-was ever new to me.
-
-I was now obliged to the king again, for some additional conveniences to
-my former apartment; and the young ones were mightily pleased to have so
-much more room than we had at home, and to see the sweecoes; but finding
-themselves waited upon in so elegant a manner, and by so many servants
-(for with our new rooms, we had all the servants belonging to them),
-they thought themselves in a paradise to the grotto, where all we wanted
-we were forced to help ourselves to.
-
-The next day Tommy came to see us, the king having given him a very
-pretty post, since the death of Yaccombourse; and Hallycarnie, with
-the Princess Jahamel, her mistress, who was mightily pleased to see
-Youwarkee in her English dress, and invited her and the children to her
-apartment.
-
-It was but a few months since my wife saw the children; yet she scarce
-knew them, they were so altered; for the two courtiers behaved with so
-much politeness, that their brothers and Sally looked but with an
-ill eye upon them, finding all the fault, and dropping as many little
-invidious expressions on them as possible. But I sharply rebuked them:
-"We were all made chiefly," I told them, "to please our Maker, and that
-could be done only by the goodness of the heart; and if their hearts
-were more pure, they were the best children; but if they liked their
-brothers' and sisters' outward behaviour better than their own, they
-might so far imitate them."
-
-When we were settled in our new apartment, I unpacked my chairs and
-tables, and set out my side-board, and made such a figure as had never
-before been seen in that part of the world. I wanted now some shoes for
-Pedro, his own being almost past wear, for the young ones never had worn
-any, but could find none; till applying to Lasmeel, and showing him what
-I wanted, he pointed to one of the great water-casks; but as there were
-eleven of them, big and little, I knew not where to begin; till, having
-invited the king and several of the ministers to dine with me, I was
-forced to look over my goods for several other things I should want.
-
-In my search, I found half a ream of paper, a leathern ink-bottle, but
-no ink in it, some quills, and books of accounts, and several other
-things relative to writing. The prize gave me courage to attempt the
-other casks; but I found little more that I immediately wanted. In
-the last cask were several books, two of them romances, six volumes
-of English plays, two of devotion; the next were either Spanish or
-Portuguese, and the last looked like a Bible; but just opening it, and
-taking it to be of the same language, I put them all in again, thinking
-to divert myself with them some other time. I here found some more
-paper, and so many shoes, as, when I had fellowed them, served me as
-long as I stayed in the country.
-
-Having, as I said before, invited the king to eat with me, I was sorry
-I had not ordered my fowls to be brought; and Youwarkee said she thought
-to have done it, but I had not wrote for them. I told her I would send
-Maleck for some of them, I was resolved; for I should pique myself on
-giving the king a dish he had never before tasted. So I called Maleck,
-telling him he must take thirty men with him to Graundevolet: "And carry
-six empty chests with you," says I, "and put eight of my fowls in each
-chest, and bring them with all expedition."--"Where do they lie, sir?"
-says he.--"You will find them at roost," says I, "when it is dark."--"I
-never was there," says he, "and don't know the way."--"What," says
-I, "never at Graundevolet!"--"Yes," says he, "but not at roost."--I
-laughed, saying, "Maleck, did not you see fowls when you was there?"
-He said he did not know; what were they like?--"They are a bird," says
-I.--"And what sort of a thing is that?" says he. Youwee hearing us in
-this debate, "Maleck," says she, "did not you see me toss down little
-nuts to something that you stared at? you saw them eat the nuts."--"Oh
-dear," says he, "I know it very well, with two legs and no arms."--"The
-same," says I, "Maleck; do you go look for a little house, almost by my
-grotto, and at night you will find these things stand on sticks in that
-house. Take them down gently, and come away with them in the chests."
-Maleck performed his business to a hair; but instead of forty-eight,
-brought me sixty, telling me he found the chests would hold them very
-well; and I kept them afterwards in the king's garden.
-
-[Illustration: 5242]
-
-[Illustration: 0243]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XX.
-
-_Peter goes to his father's--Traverses the Black Mountain--Takes a
-flight to Mount Alkoe--Gains the miners--Overcomes the governor's
-troops--Proclaims Georigetti king--Seizes the governor--Returns him the
-government--Peter makes laws with the consent of the people, and returns
-to Brandleguarp with deputies._
-
-
-NO further project being ripe for execution, I took a journey home with
-my father to Arndrumnstake, and he would take all the children with him.
-Youwarkee and I stayed about six weeks, leaving all the children with my
-father.
-
-Upon my return, I frequently talked with Maleck about his country; who
-they originally were, and how long it had been inhabited, and what other
-countries bordered thereon, and how they lay. He told me his countrymen
-looked upon themselves to be very ancient, but they were not very
-numerous; for the old stock was almost worn out by the hardships they
-had undergone; that about three hundred years before, he said, as he
-had it from good report, there were a people from beyond the sea, or,
-as they called themselves, from the Little Lands, had strangely overrun
-them; and he had heard say they would have overrun this country too,
-but they thought it would not answer. He said, "when those people first
-came, they began to turn up the earth to a prodigious depth; and now,"
-says he, "bringing some nasty hard earth of several sorts, they put it
-into great fires till it runs about like water, and then beat it about
-with great heavy things into several shapes; and some of it, sir," says
-he, "looks just like that stuff that lay at the bottom of your ship, and
-some almost white, and some red; for when I was a boy I was to have been
-sent to work amongst them, as my father did; but it having killed him, I
-came hither, as many more have done, to avoid it."--"And what do they
-do with it," says I, "when they have beat it about as you say?"--"Then,"
-says he, "they carry it a long way to the sea."--"What then?" says
-I.--"Why, then the Little-landers take it, and swim over the sea with
-it."--"And what do they do with it?" says I.--"Why," says he, "there are
-other people who take it from them, and go away with it."--"Why do they
-let them take it?" says I.--"Because," says he, "they give them clothes
-for it."--"Do they want clothes," says I, "more than you?" He told me
-they had no graundee.--"And what other countries have you hereabout?"--
-"There is one country," says he, "north of Alkoe, where they say there
-is just such another people as the Little-landers, and they get some of
-the things from Mount Alkoe."--"What do they do with them?" says I.--"I
-don't know," says he; "they fetch a great deal; but they won't let
-anybody come into their country."--"Is there nobody inhabits between the
-Mountain Alkoe and the sea?" He told me no, the Little-landers would not
-let them.
-
-Having got what information I could from Maleck, and also from a
-countryman or two of his he had brought to me, I considered it all over;
-And, thinks I, if I could but get Mount Alkoe to submit (for they had
-told me they were only governed by a deputy from the Little Lands) to
-see the work done, I might, by intercepting the trade to the sea, turn
-the profit of the country my own way, and make it pass through our
-hands.
-
-I next inquired of those who brought the fruits from the Great Forest,
-what sort of land they had there, and found, by their description, it
-was a light mould, and in many places well covered with grass and herbs;
-and by all the report I could hear, must be a fruitful country, well
-managed; and being a flat country and not encompassed on that side with
-the Black Mountain, was much higher than Doorpt Swangeanti. This news
-put me upon searching the truth of it; and I made the tour of the Black
-Mountain and the Great Forest, alighting often to make my observations.
-
-The forest is a little world of wood without end, with here and there
-a fine lawn very grassy; and indeed the wood-grounds bear it very well,
-the trees not standing in crowds, but at a healthy distance from each
-other. I went abundantly farther than any one had before been, but saw
-no variation in the woody scene; and coming round westward home, I had a
-view of hoximo; which is nothing but a narrow cleft in the earth, on
-the top of the Black Mountain, of a most extraordinary depth; for upon
-dropping a stone down, you shall hear it strike and hum for a long time
-before all is quiet again; and laying my ear over the cleft, whilst
-I ordered one of my attendants to throw a large stone down, after the
-usual thumps and humming, I imagined I heard it dash in water, so that
-it is not impossible it may reach to the sea; which is at least six or
-seven miles below it. Into this hole all dead bodies are precipitated,
-from the king to the beggar; for four glumms holding by the ankles and
-wrists of the deceased, fly with them to hoximo and throw them down,
-whilst the air is filled with the lamentations of the relations of the
-deceased, and of such others as are induced to follow the corpse for
-the sake of the wines, on such occasions plentifully distributed to all
-comers by the gentry, and in the best proportion they are able by even
-the meanest amongst them.
-
-After a stay of about fourteen days at home, I fixed my next trip for
-Mount Alkoe; and having told Maleck my design, he said he would go with
-me with all his heart, but feared I should get no Brandleguarpine to
-bear me; for he told me they had an old tradition that Mindrack lived
-there, and would not go for all the world; which has been the greatest
-security that country has had, for this would have devoured them else,
-says he.
-
-I spoke to the king, to Nasgig, and the ragans, and found them all
-unanimous that the mountain Alkoe was the habitation of Mindrack, and
-that the noises which had been heard there were his servants beating bad
-men. Says I to myself, Here is one of the usefullest projects upon earth
-spoiled by an unaccountable prepossession; what must be done to overcome
-this prejudice?
-
-I told Maleck I found what he said to be too true, as to the people of
-Brandleguarp: "But," says I, "are there not enough of your countrymen
-here to carry me thither?" He believing there were, I ordered him to
-contract with them; but it vexed me very much to be obliged to take
-these men. However, though I resolved to go, yet I chose to reason the
-ragans into the project if I could; thinking they would soon bring the
-people over.
-
-I called several of the ragans together, and said: "Because you are a
-wiser and more thinking people than the vulgar, I have applied myself
-to your judgments in the affair of Mount Alkoe. Now, consider with
-yourselves whether you have any real reason beyond a prepossession, for
-thinking these people fiends, or devil's servants, as you call them,
-without further examination; for according to my comprehension, they
-only, understanding the nature of several sorts of earth, reduce them by
-labour and fire to solid substances for the use of mankind; and the
-want of these things is the reason of your living as you do, without
-a hundredth part of the benefits of life. These sort of people, these
-noises and these operations, which you hear and see carried on at Alkoe,
-are to be heard and seen in my country; and we deal and traffic with
-their labours, from one end of the world to the other; and we who are
-with them the happiest, without them should be the most miserable of
-people. Did not some of you see, at my entertainment, what I called my
-knives and forks and spoons, my pistols, cutlasses, and silver cup?
-All these, and infinitely more, are the produce of these poor men's
-industry. Now," says I, "if we settle a communication with these
-people, your dues will be all paid in these curious things; you will
-have your people employed in working them, and have strangers applying
-to you to serve them with what they want; who in return will give you
-what you want; and you will find yourselves known and respected in the
-world." Finding some of these arguments applied to the men had staggered
-them a little, I applied to their senses. Says I, "It still appears to
-me that you have your prejudices hanging on you; but what will you say
-if I go thither and return safe? will you be afraid to follow me another
-time?" They persuaded me from it, as a dangerous experiment; but said,
-if I did return, they would not think there was so much in it as they
-suspected.
-
-Maleck having chose me out fourscore of his countrymen, in about a
-month's time I trained them up to the knowledge of my pistols and
-cutlasses, and the management of them; and taking a chest with me for
-the arms and other necessaries, we sallied up to the Black Mountain. I
-rested there; and there Nasgig and Lasmeel overtook me, saying that when
-they found me obstinate to go, they could not in their hearts leave me,
-happen what would. This put new spirits into me, and we consulted how
-the noises lay, and agreed to engage first upon the skirts of them,
-where the smokes were most straggling. I charged six guns and all my
-pistols, which I kept in my chest, and ordered them to alight with me
-about a hundred paces from the first smoke they saw; then ordered three
-of them to carry my guns after me, and twelve of them to take pistols
-and follow me; but not to fire till I gave orders. The remainder I left
-with the baggage.
-
-We marched up to the smoke, which issued out of a low archway just at
-the foot of the mountain. It was very light there with the flames of the
-volcano; and entering the arch, a fellow ran at me with a red-hot iron
-bar; him I shot dead: and seeing two more and a woman there, who stood
-with their faces to the wall of the hut or room, as unwilling to be
-seen, I ordered Maleck to speak to them in a known tongue, and tell
-them we were no enemies, nor intended them any hurt; and that their
-companion's fate was owing to his own rashness in running first at me
-with the hot bar; and that if they would show themselves good-natured
-and civil to us, we should be so to them; but if they offered to resist
-openly, or use any manner of treachery towards us, they might depend
-upon the same fate their companion had just suffered.
-
-Upon hearing this, they approached us; and showing great tokens of
-submission, I delivered my gun to Maleck, and bade them go on with their
-work, ordering all the guns out of the shop for fear of a spark. I then
-perceived they were direct forges, but made after another manner
-from ours, their wind being made by a great wheel, like a wheel of a
-water-mill, which worked with the fans or wings in a large trough, and
-caused a prodigious issue of air through a small hole in the back of the
-fireplace. They were then drawing out iron bars.
-
-I gave each of these men, and also to the woman, a dram of brandy; which
-they swallowed down very greedily, and looked for more, and seemed very
-pleasant. I then inquired into the trade--by whom and how it was carried
-on; and they told me just as Maleck had done. I then asked where the
-mines lay; and one of them looking full at me said, "Then you know what
-we are about."--"Yes," says I, "very well."--He told me the mine was (in
-his language as Maleck interpreted it) about a quarter of a mile off,
-and directed me to it. I ordered them to go on with their work, telling
-them, though I left a guard over them, it was only that they might not
-raise their neighbours to disturb me; though if they did, I should serve
-them all as I had done their companion; and left four men with pistols
-at the archway.
-
-I proceeded to the iron mine, but supposed the men were all within, for
-I saw nobody; but there were many large heaps of ore lying, which I felt
-of; and, being vastly heavy, I supposed it might be rich in metal.
-
-I returned to my men at the arch, and asked them what other mines there
-might be in that country, and of what other metals; but Maleck not
-knowing the metals themselves, was not able to interpret the names they
-called them by. I then showed them an English halfpenny, a Portuguese
-piece of silver money, and my gold watch; and asking if they had any of
-those, they pointed to the halfpenny and silver piece, but shook their
-heads at the watch. I then showed them a musket-ball, and they said they
-had a great deal of that.
-
-I desired them to show me the way to the copper-mine (pointing my finger
-to the halfpenny), and told them if they would go with me, they should
-have some more (pointing to my brandy); and they readily agreed, if I
-would stand by them for leaving their work. I believe it might be two
-miles farther on the right to the copper-mine; and as these men had the
-graundee, I expected they would have flown by me; but I found they had a
-light chain round their graundee which prevented them; so I walked too,
-and having made them my friends by being familiar with them, I desired
-they would go in, and let the headman of the works know that a stranger
-desired to speak with him and view his works, and to inform him how
-peaceable I was if he used me civilly, but that I could strike him dead
-at once if he did not.
-
-I do not know how they managed, or what report they made; but the
-man came to me very courteously, and I bade Maleck ask if he came in
-friendship, as I did to him; and he giving me that assurance, I went
-in with him, taking Nasgig and Maleck with me, and leaving our firearms
-without. I ordered them both, as I did myself, to carry their cutlasses,
-sheathed in their hands, for fear of a surprise. We saw a great quantity
-of copper ore and several melting-vats, being just at the mouth of the
-mine, the mine running horizontally into the side of the mountain, and,
-as they said, was very rich. I gave the headman a little brandy, and
-two or three more of them, who had been industrious in showing and
-explaining things to me.
-
-I desired the foreman to walk out with me; and asking how long he had
-been in that employ, he told me he was a native of the Born Isles, and
-was brought thither young, where he first wrought in the iron, then in
-the silver, and now in this mine: that he had been there twenty years,
-and never expected to be delivered from his miserable slavery; but as he
-was now overseer of that work, he did pretty well, though nothing like
-freedom. He told me they expected several new slaves quickly, for the
-mines killed those they did not agree with so fast they were very thinly
-wrought at present, and that the governor was gone to the isles to get
-more men. I was glad to hear this. "And, pray," says I, "where does the
-governor reside?" He (pointing to the place) told me. "And what guard,"
-says I, "may he keep?"--"About four hundred men; but nobody durst molest
-him," says he; "for he tortures them in such a manner, never killing
-them, that not the least thing can be done against his will."
-
-After we had talked a good while on the misery of slavery, and finding
-him a man fit for my purpose, I asked him if he would go with me to
-Brandle-guarp: "For," said I, "there are certainly good mines in those
-mountains; and if you will overlook them, you shall be free, and have
-whatever you desire." He shook his head, saying, how could he expect to
-be free where all the rest were slaves. "And besides," says he, "they
-are in such commotions among themselves, that it is said the State will
-be torn to pieces."--"You are mistaken," says I, "very much; I myself
-have settled peace amongst them, and killed the usurper."--"Is it
-possible?" says he; "and are you the man it was said they expected to
-come out of the sea?"--"The very same," says I: "and as to slavery,
-there is not a slave in the kingdom; nor shall be here, if you will
-hearken to me."--"That would be a good time indeed," says he.--"Well,"
-says I, "my friend, I promise you it shall be so; only observe this,
-that when I come to reduce the governor, do none of you miners assist
-him." He promised he would let the other miners secretly know it, and
-all should be as I wished; but desired me to be expeditious, for the
-governor was expected every day.
-
-I went from him to the other mines, and my guides with me; who seeing me
-so well received at the copper-mine and reporting it to the others, it
-caused my proceedings to go on smoothly, and my offers to be readily
-embraced wherever I came.
-
-Having prepared matters thus, I set Maleck and his countrymen upon the
-natives, to treat with them about submission to Georigetti, on promise
-of freedom; who being assured of what I had done at Brandleguarp, and
-in hopes of like liberty, readily came into it; so that the only thing
-remaining was, before the governor's return, to attack the soldiery.
-Having, therefore, renewed my engagements with the miners, and believing
-myself upon as good terms with the natives as I could wish, I was
-advised by Nasgig and Lasmeel to return for cannon and a large army
-before I attacked the soldiery: but I, who had all my life rode upon
-the spur, having considered that an opportunity once lost is never to be
-regained; and though I could have wished for some cannon, I valued the
-men but for show: I therefore formed my resolves to march with the
-force I had next morning, and pitch upon a plain just by the governor's
-garrison, in order, if I could, to draw his men out. I did so, and it
-answered; for upon the first news of my coming, they appeared with a
-sort of heavy-headed weapons, which hurling round, they threw upwards
-aslope, in order to light upon the backs of their enemies in flight, and
-beat them down; but they could not throw them above thirty paces.
-
-I sat still in my chair, with a gun in my hand, and Maleck with another
-at my elbow, with four more lying by me, ready to be presented; Lasmeel
-standing by to charge again as fast as we fired. I ordered a party
-of twenty of my men with cutlasses to attack the van of the enemy, by
-rushing impetuously upon them, they coming but thin against me; for I
-was not willing to employ my pieces till I could do more execution. They
-began the attack about a hundred yards before me, not very high in
-the air; and my cutlass-men having avoided the first flight of their
-weapons, fell upon them with such fury, that chopping here a limb and
-there a graundee, which, disabling their flight, was equally pernicious,
-they fell by scores before me: but I seeing those in the rear, which
-made a body of near three hundred, coming very swift and close in treble
-ranks, one above the other, hoping to bear down my handful of men with
-their numbers, I ordered my men all to retire behind me, and not till
-the enemy were passed over my head to fall on them. Maleck and I, as
-they came near, each firing a piece together, and whipping up another,
-and then another, in an instant they fell round us roaring and making
-a horrid yell. This the rest seeing, went over our men's heads, not
-without many falling from the cuts of my men; and those who escaped were
-never heard of more.
-
-The miners, who from their several stations had beheld the action, came
-singing and dancing from every quarter round me, and if I had not drawn
-my men close in a circle about me, would probably, out of affection,
-have done me more hurt than two of the governor's armies; for against
-these common gratitude denied the use of force; and they crowding every
-one but to touch me, they said, for fear of being pressed to death
-myself, as some of them almost were, I ordered them to be let in through
-my men at one side of the ring, and, passing by and touching me, to be
-let out on the other side; and this quieted them, but kept me in penance
-a long time.
-
-We then marched in a body all into the town, where we were going to
-proclaim Georigetti King of Mount Alkoe, when a surly fellow, much wiser
-than the rest, as he thought, being about to harangue the people against
-being too hasty in it, was knocked down and trod to death for his pains;
-and we went on with the proclamation, giving general liberty to all
-persons without exception.
-
-The next thing to be considered was how to oppose the governor when he
-came; and for that purpose I inquired into the manner of his coming, the
-road he came, and his attendants; and being informed that a hundred of
-his guards who had not the graundee waited for him at the sea-side, and
-that he had got no other guard, except a few friends and the slaves
-he went for, and that the slaves always came first, six in a rank tied
-together, under convoy of a few of his guards, I went in person to view
-the route he came, and seeing a very convenient post in a thick wood
-through which they were to pass, from whence we might see them before
-they came near us, I posted a watch on the sea side of the wood, and
-myself and men lay on the hither side of it, just where the governor's
-party must come out of it again: so that my watch giving notice of their
-approach, we might be ready to fall on at their coming out of our side
-of the wood.
-
-When we had waited three days, our watch brought word they were coming;
-so we kept as close as possible, letting the slaves and guards march on,
-who came by about two hours' march before the governor: but so soon as
-he approached I drew up my men on the plain within the wood in ranks,
-ordering them to lie close on their bellies till they saw me rise, and
-then to rise, follow me, and obey orders.
-
-Several of the first ranks having passed the wood, just as the governor
-had entered the open country, I rose and bade Maleck call aloud that if
-any of them stirred or lifted up a weapon he was a dead man; and
-then seeing one of the foremost running, I fetched him down with a
-musket-shot, bidding Maleck tell the rest that if they submitted and
-laid down their weapons they were safe; but if they refused, I would
-serve them all as I had done him who fled. This speech, with the terror
-of the gun, fixed every man to his place like a statue.
-
-I then went forward to the governor, and by Maleck, my interpreter,
-asked him who they all were with him: he told me his slaves. I then made
-him call every man before him and give him freedom; which finding no way
-to avoid (for I looked very stern), he did, and I had enough to do to
-quiet my new freemen, who I thought would have devoured me for joy. I
-asked him whither he was going; he said to his government.--"Under whom
-do you hold it?" says I.--"Under the zaps of the isles," says he. I then
-told him that whoever held that government for the future, must receive
-it from the hands of Georigetti, the king of that country, to whom all
-the natives and miners had already engaged their fidelity. I told him
-both natives and foreigners had been all declared free.
-
-The governor seemed much dejected, and told me he hoped I would not use
-him or his company ill. I told him that depended entirely on his own and
-their good behaviour. I asked him who his friends were that were with
-him; he said they were some of the zap's relations, who were come to see
-the method of the government and inspect the mines.
-
-Ordering all the governor's guards and friends to go before, and all my
-own, but Maleck, to keep backwards some paces, I entered into discourse
-with him about the state of the isles, and the country of Alkoe;
-and finding him a judicious person, and not a native of the isles, I
-thought, with some management, he might prove a useful person to me,
-but did not like the character I had heard of his severity: so I plainly
-told him that only one thing prevented my making him a greater man than
-ever he was; which was, I had been informed he had a roughness in his
-nature which drove him to extremities with the poor slaves, which
-I could not bear. "Sir," says he, "whatever a man is in his natural
-temper, where slavery abounds it is necessary to act, or at least
-be thought to do so, in a merciless manner. I am intrusted with the
-government of a land of only slaves; who have no more love, nor are
-they capable of any, for me, than the herbs of the ground have. I am to
-render an account to my masters of their labours; they work by force,
-and would not stir a step without it, or the fear of correction; for
-which reason the rod must be ever held over them; and though I seldom
-let it fall, when I do the suffering of one is too long remembered to
-permit others quickly to subject themselves to the like punishment: and
-this method I judged to be the most mild, as the death or sufferings of
-one but seldom, must, though ever so severe, be milder than the frequent
-execution of numbers. And as to my appearing severe to them, my post
-required it; for mercy to slaves being interpreted into fear, arms them
-with violence against you."
-
-I could not gainsay this, especially as he told me he was glad that I
-had freed them all: "For no man," says he, "but if he were to choose,
-would rather reign by love (which he may in a free country, but it is
-impracticable in one of slaves) than by fear, which alone will keep the
-latter in subjection."
-
-I asked him whether, as he knew the nature of the country, and the
-business of the governor, he could become faithful to my master
-Georigetti. He told me he had ever been faithful to his masters the
-zaps, and would till he was sure (without suspecting in the least my
-veracity) all was true that I was pleased to tell him; for nothing could
-satisfy his conscience but being an eye-witness of it, and then being
-discharged from any further capacity of serving them in an open way, he
-should be free to choose his own master; of all whom, Georigetti should
-to him be most preferable; but begged me not to interpret his desire
-of retaining fidelity to his old masters till he could no longer serve
-them, into an implication of assisting them by either open or concealed
-practices; for, wherever he engaged, he would be true to the utmost.
-
-At the end of six days (for I travelled on foot with them) we arrived
-at the governor's palace, which we found without a guard, and all the
-slaves he had sent before him at liberty; so I ordered my men to supply
-the usual guard, and took my lodging in the governor's apartment.
-
-As Gadsi (for that was the governor's name) was not confined, or any of
-his friends, he came into my apartment, and told me since he had found
-all things answered my report, if I pleased, he would quit the palace to
-me, and everything belonging to the government. I told him he said well.
-He did so, taking with him only some few things, his own property. So
-soon as he was without the territory of the palace, I sent for him and
-his friends back again. He could not help being dejected at his return,
-fearing some mischief. "Gadsi," says I, "this palace and this country,
-which I now hold for my master Georigetti, I deliver in custody to
-you as his governor; and now charge you to make acknowledgment of your
-fidelity to him." Then taking it from him in terms of my own proposing,
-I delivered him the regalia, of his government, charging him to maintain
-freedom: "But," says I, "let no man eat who will not work, as the
-country and the produce are the king's."
-
-I then summoned an assembly of the people, and sent notice to all the
-miners to attend me. I told them all that the king desired of them was
-to make themselves happy: "And as the mines at present," says I, "are
-the only employment of this country, I would have it agreed by your own
-consent--for I will force nothing upon you--that every man amongst you,
-from sixteen to sixty, shall work every third week at the mines and
-other duties of the government; and two weeks out of three shall be your
-own to provide in for your families: and if I live to come back again,
-you shall each man have so much land of his own as shall be sufficient
-for his family; and I will make it my business to see for seeds to
-improve it with. And this week's work in three, and if afterwards it can
-be done with less in four, shall be an acknowledgment to the king for
-his bounty to you. Do you agree to this?" They all, with one voice,
-cried out, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree amongst yourselves, and
-part into proper divisions for carrying on the work; that is, into four
-parts, one for each sort of metal; and then again, each of those four
-into three parts; and on every seventh day in the morning, let those who
-are to begin meet those who are leaving off work; so that there be clear
-six days' work, and one of going and returning. Do you all agree to
-this?"--All cried, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "whoever neglects his
-duty, unless through sickness, or by leave of the governor, shall work
-a double week. Do you agree to this?"--"We do!"--"Then all matters of
-difference between you shall be decided by the governor; and in case
-of any injury or injustice, or wrong judgment in the governor, by
-Georigetti. Do you agree?"--"We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree upon ten
-men, two for the natives, and two for each mineral work, to send with me
-to Brandleguarp, to petition Georigetti to confirm these laws, till you
-shall make others yourselves, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. Do you
-agree?"--"We do!"
-
-I then told them that as those who had been slaves were now free,
-they might, if they pleased, return home; but as I should make it my
-endeavour to provide so well for them in all the comforts of life, I
-believed most of them would be of opinion their interests would keep
-them where they were. And, above all things, recommending a hearty
-union between the new freemen and the natives, and to marry amongst each
-other, and to continue in love amongst themselves, and duty to the king
-and his governor; and promising speedily to return and settle what was
-wanting, I dismissed the assembly and set out for Brandleguarp with
-the ten deputies; but I left Lasmeel behind with the governor, and two
-servants with him, to give me immediate notice in case any disturbance
-should happen in my absence.
-
-[Illustration: 5264]
-
-[Illustration: 0265]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXI.
-
-_Peter arrives with the deputies--Presents them to the king--They
-return--A colony agreed to be sent thither--Nas gig made
-governor--Manner of choosing the colony--A flight-race, and the intent
-of it--Walsi wins the prize, and is found to be a gawry._
-
-
-AS we alighted at the palace late at night, I kept the deputies with me
-till next morning, when I went to the king, desiring them to stay in my
-apartment till I had received his majesty's orders for their admission.
-
-The king was but just up when I came in; and seeing me, embraced me,
-saying: "Dear father, I am glad to meet you again alive; your stay has
-given me the utmost perplexity; and could I have prevailed with any of
-my servants to have followed you, I had sent before this time to have
-known what was become of you."
-
-I told his majesty, the greatest pleasure of my life consisted in the
-knowledge of his majesty's esteem for me; and he might depend upon it,
-I would take care of myself from a double motive whilst I was in his
-dominions; the one, from the natural obligation of my own preservation,
-and the other, equally compulsive, of continuing serviceable to his
-majesty, till I had made him more famous than his ancestor, the great
-Begsurbeck.
-
-I told his majesty, as a small token of my duty and affection to him, I
-was come to make him a tender of the additional title of King of Mount
-Alkoe.--"Father," says he, "we shall never be able to get a sufficient
-number of my subjects to go thither; for though your safe return may be
-some encouragement, yet whilst their old apprehensions subsist (and I
-know not what will alter them) we can do no good; and indeed were they
-free to go, and under no suspicion of danger, it would cost abundance of
-men to conquer Mount Alkoe."
-
-"Great sir," said I, "you mistake me: I told you I came to make you
-a tender of it; I have proclaimed you king there, and freedom to the
-people; I have held an assembly of the kingdom, placed a governor, taken
-the engagement of himself and subjects to you, settled laws amongst them
-for your benefit, the full third part of all their labour; have brought
-ten deputies, two from each denomination of people among them; and they
-only wait your command to be admitted, to beg your acceptance of their
-submission, and pray your royal protection."
-
-"Father," says the king, "you amaze me! but as it is your doing, let
-them come in."
-
-The deputies being received, and heard by Maleck, their interpreter,
-very graciously, the king told them, in a very favourable speech, that
-whatever his father had done, or should do, they might accept as done by
-himself; and commanded them to remind the governor, for whom he had the
-highest esteem, to observe the laws, without the least deviation, till
-his father should make such further additions as were consistent with
-his own honour and their future freedom; and having feasted them in
-a most magnificent manner, they returned, highly satisfied with the
-honours they had received.
-
-This transaction being immediately noised abroad, all the colambs came
-themselves; and the great cities, by their deputies, sent his majesty
-their compliments upon the occasion; and there was nothing but mirth and
-rejoicing throughout the whole kingdom. And those who had refused going
-with me, as Maleck told me, hung their heads for shame and sorrow that
-they had missed the opportunity of bearing a part in the expedition.
-
-I demonstrated to the king that the only way to preserve that kingdom
-was to settle a large colony on the plains, between the mountain and the
-sea, to intercept clandestine trade, and make a stand against any force
-that might be sent from the Little Lands to recover the mines. And I
-promised to be present at the settlement, and an assistant in it.
-
-Most of the colambs, as I said, being at court upon this complimentary
-affair, the king summoned them for their advice on my proposals, and
-told them he had ordered me to lay before them my thoughts on the
-affairs of that kingdom; and after many compliments and encomiums had
-passed on me, I told them the necessity of the colony, the commodity
-that would arise from it, how I intended to manage it, and what prospect
-I had of introducing amongst them several extraordinary conveniences
-they had never before had.
-
-The colambs, who, for want of practice this way, knew but little of the
-matter, thinking, nevertheless, that in the general turn of things they
-must somehow come in for a share, approved of all I said. I desired them
-then to settle out of what part of the people, and how to be nominated,
-such choice of the colony as should be made for the new settlement; but
-found them much at a loss to fix on any method of doing it. So I told
-them I believed it would be the best way to issue an order for such as
-would willingly go, to repair to a particular rendezvous; and in case
-sufficient should not appear voluntarily, to issue another order that
-the colambs, out of their several districts, should complete the number,
-so as to make a body of 12,000 men of arms, besides women and children;
-and that such a territory should be allotted to each, with so much
-wood-grounds, in common to all, as would suffice for their subsistence;
-all which passed the vote.
-
-I then told them that this large people must have a head, or governor,
-to keep them to their duties, and to determine matters of property, and
-all disputes amongst them. Here they one and all nominated me; but I
-told them I apprehended I could be more useful other ways, having too
-many things in my head for the general good, to confine myself to
-any particular province; but if they would excuse me in presuming to
-recommend a person, it should be Nasgig. And immediately Nasgig being
-sent for, and accepting it, they conferred it upon him.
-
-All things, as I judged, went on in so smooth a way, in reference to
-the new colony, that I was preparing, with the assistance of the proper
-officer, expresses to be sent with the king's gripsacks into the
-several provinces, with notice of these orders, and an appointment for a
-rendezvous. But while this was doing, abundance of people came crowding
-about me to be informed whether I thought it safe for them to go; and
-I believe I had fully satisfied all their scruples, when by some
-management of the ragans, who, having so long declared Mount Alkoe to
-be inhabited by Mindrack, did not care the people should all of a sudden
-find out they had deceived them, there was a report ran current, that
-though I and my bearers, who were all Mount Alkoe men, returned safe,
-yet if any of the Brandleguarpines had gone, they would never have come
-back again. This rumour coming to my ears, and fearing whitherto it
-might grow, I had no small prospect of a disappointment, and I thereupon
-stopped issuing the orders till I had considered what farther to do in
-the affair. At length, being persuaded I had already satisfied abundance
-of their scruples, and in order to dissipate the doubts of others, and
-to familiarise them in some measure to the country and people of Mount
-Alkoe, I proposed a prize to be flown for, and gave notice of it for six
-days all about the country, both to those of Mount Alkoe, and those of
-Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, that whoever, except those who were with me
-in the late expedition, should make the most speedy flight to the
-governor's of Mount Alkoe, to carry a message and bring me an answer
-from Lasmeel, should have one of my pistols, with a quantity of powder,
-and so many balls; and the person who should be second, should have
-a cutlass and belt. The time being fixed, very few had entered in the
-first two or three days; but on the third day came several over from
-Alkoe to enter, which the Brandleguarpines seeing, and having equal
-inclination to the prize, after half a dozen of them had entered on the
-fourth morning, before noon on the fifth I had near sixty of them on my
-list, besides the Alkoe men, making in all about one hundred.
-
-The time of starting was fixed for the sixth morning, from off the rock
-on the back-side of the palace, upon my firing a pistol.
-
-This unusual diversion occasioned a prodigious confluence of spectators;
-for scarce a person in Brandleguarp, except those who were either too
-young or too old for flight, but were upon one or other of the rocks;
-even the king himself and all his court were there, with infinite
-numbers from all distant parts.
-
-I had despatched a letter by one of my old bearers to Lasmeel some days
-before, to inform him of it, that he might get two letters ready wrote,
-one to deliver to the first, and another to the second messenger, but
-not to take farther notice of the rest. Now, my flight-race being for
-the equal benefit of both the kingdoms, it happened, as I was in hopes
-it would, that so many of the Mount Alkoans coming over to me to be
-entered, and staying with me till the flight began, and such vast
-numbers of persons meeting of both nations upon the Black Mountain, to
-see them go and return, and several of the Swangeantines going, out
-of bravado, quite through with the flyers; the intercourse of the two
-nations was that day so great, and the discourse they had with
-the natives and miners so stripped the Swangeantines of their old
-apprehensions of danger from Mount Alkoe, that in three days after
-the whole dread of the place was vanished, and he would then have been
-thought mad who had attempted to revive it.
-
-The time being come, I set my flyers in a row on the outer edge of the
-rock; and having given notice that no one should presume to rise till
-the flyers were on the graundee, and at such a distance, I then let the
-flyers know I should soon give fire; which I had no sooner done but down
-they all dropped as one man, as it were, headlong from the edge of the
-mountain, and presently the whole field were after them. They skimmed
-with incredible swiftness across the face of the plain, between the rock
-and the mountain; the force of which descent swung them as it were up
-the mountain's side in an almost upright posture, till seeming to sweep
-the edge of the mountain with their bellies, they slid over its surface
-till they were lost in the body of the Swangean, our rocks echoing the
-shouts of the mountaineers. I fired my pistol, by my watch, at nine
-o'clock in the morning, but had no occasion to inquire when it was
-thought they would return, for every one was passing his opinion upon
-it. Some said it could not be till midnight, or very near it; and
-others, that it would be almost next morning. However, we went to
-dinner, and coming again about six o'clock by my watch, I was told
-by the people on the rock, as the general opinion (for it was then
-topfull), that they could not yet be expected for a long time; and the
-major part concluded they could not be half-way home yet; when, on a
-sudden, we heard a prodigious shout from the mountain, which growing
-nearer and nearer to us, and louder and louder, in a few moments came
-a slim young fellow, and nimbly alighting on the rock, tripped briskly
-forward, as not being able to stop himself at once from the violence of
-the force he came with, and delivered me a letter from Lasmeel as I was
-sitting in my chair. I gave him joy of the prize, and ordered him to
-come to my apartment so soon as I got home, and he should have it. I
-then asked him where he had left the other flyers; he told me he knew
-nothing of them since he came past the forges in his return; for there
-he met them going to Lasmeel.--"Why that," says I, "must be a great way
-on this side the governor's." He told me about an hour's flight. I then
-told him, as he must be strained with so hard a flight, it would be
-better if he lay down, and called on me in the morning. He thanked me,
-and after he had told me his name was Walsi, he said he would take my
-advice, and springing up as light as air, went off, the rock being
-quite thronged with those who had followed from the mountain to see the
-victor.
-
-When Walsi came in, it was just seven o'clock by my watch; so that,
-according to the best computation by miles I could make from their
-descriptions of things, I judged he had flown at little more or less
-than at the rate of a mile a minute.
-
-I stayed till near nine o'clock upon the rock, where it being cold and
-the time tedious, I was taking Quilly home with me, and designed that
-Maleck should wait for the coming of the second; but hearing again a
-shout from the mountain I resolved to see the second come in myself. The
-noise increasing, I presently saw the whole air full of people very near
-me, for I had retired near two hundred paces from the edge of the rock
-to give room to the flyers to alight, and expected nothing less than to
-be borne down by them; when I spied two competitors, one just over the
-back of the other, the uppermost bearing down upon the other's graundee,
-their heads being just equal; so that the under man perceiving it
-impossible to sink lower for the rock, or to mount higher for the man
-above him, and as darting side-ways would lose time, and fearing to
-brush his belly against the rock, he slackened, just to job up his head
-in his antagonist's stomach; which giving the upper man a smart check
-with the pain, and the under one striking at that instant one bold
-stroke with his graundee, he fell just with his head at my feet, and the
-other man upon him, with his head in the under man's neck.
-
-Thus they lay for a considerable time, breathless and motionless, save
-the working of their lungs, and heaving of their breasts; when each
-asked me if he was not the first, and the under man giving me a letter,
-I told them "No, Walsi had been in almost two hours ago." They both said
-it was impossible; they were sure no glumm in the Doorpt could outfly
-either of them. I ordered them both to call on me in the morning, and
-I would see they should have right done to their pretensions. The under
-man had but just told me his name was Naggitt, when another arrived,
-who, seeing Naggitt before him, told me he was sure he was second; but
-on seeing the other also he gave it up.
-
-I would stay no longer, it being now so late; but the next morning I was
-informed that all the rest had stopped at the mountain but two, who were
-obliged to give out before, being overstrained, and unable to hold it.
-
-The next morning Walsi was the first at my apartment, when I happened to
-be with the king; and speaking of his business to Quilly, he ordered
-him to stay in my gallery till I came back; and Quilly presently after
-seeing Youwarkee, told her the victor at the flight-race was waiting for
-me in the gallery. Youwarkee, who had great curiosity to see him, having
-heard how long he came in before the rest, stepped into the gallery,
-and taking a turn or two there, fell into discourse with him about his
-flight. And as women are very inquisitive, she distinguished, by the
-flyer's answers, speech, shape, and manner of address, that it was
-certainly a gawry she was talking with; though she had endeavoured to
-disguise herself by rolling in her hair, and tying it round her head
-with a broad chaplet, like a man; and by the thinness of her body, and
-flatness of her breasts, might fairly enough have passed for one, to
-a less penetrating eye than Youwarkee's. But Youwarkee putting some
-questions to her, and saying she was more like a gawry than a glumm,
-she put the poor girl--for so it was--to the blush, and at last she
-confessed the deceit; but upon her knees begged Youwarkee not to mention
-it, for it would be her undoing.
-
-This confession gave Youwarkee a fair opportunity of asking how she came
-to be an adventurer for this sort of prize. The girl, finding there was
-no remedy, frankly confessed she had a strong affection for a glumboss,
-who was a very stout glumm, she said, but somewhat too corpulent for
-speedy flight; who ever since the prize had been proposed, could rest
-neither night nor day, to think he was not so well qualified to put
-in for it as others, especially one Naggitt, who he well knew made his
-addresses to her, and also was an adventurer. "Had it been a matter of
-strength, valour, or manhood," says he, "I had had the best of chances
-for it; but to be under a natural incapacity of obtaining so glorious a
-prize, as even the king himself is not master of such another, I cannot
-bear it." She then said he had told her he was resolved to give in his
-name and do his utmost, though he died in the flight. "What!" said he,
-"shall I see Naggitt run away with it, and perhaps with you too, when he
-has that to lay at your feet which no glumm else can boast of? No; I'll
-overcome, or never come home without it!"--"I must confess, madam," says
-Walsi, "as I knew his high spirit could never bear to be vanquished,
-I was afraid he would be as good as his word, and come to some unlucky
-end; and told him that though he need not have feared being conqueror in
-anything else, had it been proposed, yet in flight there were so many,
-half glumms as they were, who from their effeminate make and size, and
-little value for anything else, would certainly be in before him; that
-it was unworthy of a thorough glumm to contend with them for what could
-be obtained only by those who had no right to or share in anything more
-excellent; and that he must therefore not think of more than his fatigue
-for his pains. But as he had set his heart so much upon it, I would
-enter, and try to get it for him, as from my size and make, I believed
-few would have a better chance for it than myself. And, thanks to
-Collwar, madam," says she, "I hope to make him easy in it, if you will
-but please to conceal your knowledge of who and what I am."
-
-Youwarkee was mightily pleased with her story, and promised she would;
-but engaged her to come again to her apartment so soon as she was
-possessed of the prize.
-
-When I returned, hearing Walsi waited for me, I called him in, read the
-letter he brought, and finding it Lasmeel's, I looked over my list for
-Walsi's name, for I set them all down as they entered; and finding it
-the very last name of all, and that it was entered but on the morning
-the race was flown: "So," says I, "Walsi, I find the last at entering is
-the first at returning; but I see you have been there, by what Lasmeel
-has sent me; though there were some last night who questioned it, by
-your so speedy return. Here," says I, "take the prize, and see they are
-only used in the service of your country;" and then I dismissed her.
-
-My two competitors appeared next for the cutlass, and had each of them
-many arguments to prevail with me in favour of him; but I told them I
-must do justice, and that though the difference was so small between
-them, yet certainly Naggitt was the nearest me at the time they
-both ceased flight, his face lying on my foot; so that as they both
-complained of foul play, and were therefore equal in that respect,
-Naggitt in justice must have it. And I gave it him with these words,
-however: "Take it, Naggitt, as certainly yours by the law of the race,
-but with a diffidence in myself who best deserves it."
-
-I own I pitied the other man's case very much, as I should Naggitt's,
-had the other won it; but seeing the other turning away, and hearing him
-say, "But by half a head; when I had strove so hard!" as in a sort of
-dejection, I told them they were both brave glumms, and of intrepid
-resolution; and gave him also one, with the like instruction as to
-Walsi.
-
-Walsi went from me, as she had promised, to Youwarkee, who wanted more
-discourse with her; for in an affair of love her gentle heart could
-have dwelt all day upon the repetition of any circumstances which would
-create delight in the enamoured. Walsi sat on thorns, wanting to be
-gone; but Youwarkee asking question upon question, Walsi got up and
-begged she would excuse her, she would come and stay at any other time.
-"But," says she, "madam, when the man one loves is in pain--for I am
-sure he is on the rack for fear of a discovery, till he sees me--if you
-ever loved yourself, you can't blame me for pressing to relieve him."
-
-When she was gone, Youwarkee finding me alone, was so full of Walsi's
-adventure she could not be silent; but after twenty roundabout speeches
-and promises that I was to make, not to be angry with anybody, or undo
-anything I had done that day, and I know not what, out came the story. I
-was prodigiously pleased with it, and wished I had taken more notice
-of her. Says Youwarkee, "I endeavoured to keep her till you had done,
-that you might have seen her."--"And why did not you?" says I.--"My
-dear," says Youwarkee, "had you seen the poor creature's uneasiness
-till she got off with it, yourself could not have had the heart to have
-deferred that pleasure you would have perceived she expected when she
-came home; nor could you in conscience have detained her."
-
-[Illustration: 0280]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXII.
-
-_The race reconciles the two kingdoms--The colony proceeds--Builds a
-city--Peter views the country at a distance--Hears of a prophecy of
-the King of Norbon's daughter Stygee--Goes thither--Kills the king's
-nephew--Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to Georigetti--Returns._
-
-
-THIS race, notwithstanding all that the ragans could say to keep up
-their credit, and to prevent the people's perceiving what fools they
-had made of them, had so good and sudden an effect on the people's
-prejudices, that upon issuing the first proclamation, there was no
-occasion for the second; for at least twenty-five thousand men appeared
-voluntarily at the rendezvous of the old slaves, whose masters, though
-they were declared free, had used divers devices to oppress them, and
-render even their freedom a sort of slavery, besides women and children;
-so that we had now only to pick and choose those who would be likeliest
-to be of service to the new colony.
-
-Nasgig and I differed now about the choice of persons. He, as a soldier,
-was for taking mostly single young men, and I for taking whole families,
-though some were either too old or too young for war. And upon farther
-consideration he agreed with me; for I told him young men would leave
-a father, mother, or mistress, behind them, which would either cause a
-hankering after home, and consequently the bad example of desertion,
-or else create an uneasy spirit, and perhaps a general distaste to the
-settlement. So we chose those whole families where they offered, which
-had the most young men in them, first; then others in like order; after
-that, man by man, asking them severally if any woman they liked would go
-with them, and if so, we took her, till we had about thirteen thousand
-fighting men, besides old men, women, and children; and then, marching
-by the palace, the king ordered ten days' stores for every mouth, and
-with this we took our flight; but as I was always fearful of a concourse
-in the air, Nasgig led them, and I brought up the rear.
-
-Besides the above number of people, I believe we could not have less
-than ten thousand volunteers to the Black Mountain; some to take leave
-of their friends, and others out of curiosity, to see our flight. I took
-three pieces of cannon with me, and proper stores.
-
-Our first stage, after a short halt on the Black Mountain, was to the
-governor's palace, where Gadsi received us with great respect. I told
-him my errand, which he approved: "For," says he, "countryman, it is now
-as much my interest to keep my old masters out, as ever it was to serve
-them when in; and you have taken the only method in the world to do it
-effectually." I consulted him where I should fix my colony; and, by his
-advice, fixed it on this side the wood, with some scattering habitations
-behind the wood, as watch-houses, to give notice of an enemy, having the
-wood for shelter, before they could reach the town, and, at the worst,
-the town for a retreat.
-
-I found by Gadsi, that the ships from the Little Lands were soon
-expected, for that he said the zaps knew nothing yet of the change of
-government, nor could, till the ships returned. He asked me, as there
-was now a good lading, whether I thought fit to let them have it upon
-proper terms. I told him I would not hinder their having the metals, or
-endeavour to stop their trade in the least, but should be glad to treat
-with them about it myself.
-
-I gave the forgemen descriptions for making shovels, spades, pick-axes,
-hammers, and abundance of other iron implements I should want in the
-building the new town: all which we got ready and carried with us. We
-then took flight, and alighted on the spot of our intended city; and
-having viewed the ground some miles each way, we drew the outlines, and
-set a great number of hands to cutting down trees, digging holes, and
-making trenches for the foundations. In short, we were all hands at it,
-and the women fetched the provisions; but I was obliged to show them
-every single step they were to take, towards the new erections; and, I
-must say, it was with great pleasure I did it, they seldom wanting to be
-told twice, having as quick an apprehension of what they heard or saw,
-as any people I had ever met with.
-
-The whole city, according to our plan, was to consist of several long
-straight streets, parallel to each other, with gardens backwards each
-way, and traverse-passages at proper distances, to cross each street,
-from one to the other, quite through the whole city.
-
-While this work was in hand, I took a progress to view the other country
-Maleck had told me of. We had not taken a very long flight, before we
-saw at a distance several persons of that country travelling to Mount
-Alkoe for metals. I had a great mind to have some talk with them about
-their kingdom, and ordered my bearers to go to them; they told me they
-durst not, for one of them would kill ten men. I did not choose to force
-them to it, for fear of some mischief; but observing which way they
-came, and that they came in several small bodies, of six or eight
-together, and that there was a little wood and some bushes between me
-and them, I ordered my bearers to sink beneath the trees out of their
-sight, and to ground me just at the foot of the wood; for I resolved to
-know something more of them before we parted.
-
-I lay perdue till they arrived within sixty paces of me; then asking
-Maleck if he knew their language, and he telling me he did, having often
-conversed with them at the mines, I bid him greet them, and tell them I
-was a friend, and be sure to stand by me. There were seven of them, and
-many more at different distances. I showed myself, and Maleck spoke to
-them, when two or three of the hindermost ran quite away; one stood and
-looked very surly, but the rest, who had stood with him, turning to run,
-I bid Maleck tell him if he did not call them back I would kill them. He
-that stood then called to them, but they mending their pace upon it, I
-let fly, and shot one in the shoulder, who dropping, I was afraid I had
-killed him. I then went up to the other, who had not stirred even at the
-report of the gun, seeming quite terrified. I took him by the hand and
-kissed it, which made him recover himself a little, and he took mine and
-kissed it.
-
-I bid Maleck tell him I was a great traveller, and only wanted to talk
-with him; but seeing the man I had shot stir, I went to him, and told
-him I was sorry I had hurt him, which I should not have attempted had he
-not shown a mistrust of me by running away, for I could not bear that:
-this I said to keep the other with me. I saw I had hurt his shoulder,
-but being at a great distance, the ball had not entered the blade-bone,
-but stopping there, had fallen out; so tying my handkerchief over it, I
-told him I hoped it would soon be well.
-
-I inquired into their country, its name, the intent of their journey
-this way, their trades, the fruits, birds, and beasts of the country.
-
-The man I had shot, I found, was in pain, which gave me no little
-concern; so I chiefly applied myself to the other, who told me the name
-of his country was Norbon, a large kingdom, and very populous, he said,
-in some parts of it, and was governed by Oniwheske, an old and good
-king. "He has only one daughter," says he, "named Stygee; so that I am
-afraid when he dies it will go to a good-for-nothing nephew of his, a
-desperate debauched man, who will probably ruin us, and destroy that
-kingdom which has been in the Oniwheske family these fifteen hundred
-years."--"Won't his daughter have the kingdom," says I, "after his death,
-or her children?"--"Children," says he, "no, that's the pity; all would
-be well if she had but children, and the state continue fifteen hundred
-years longer in the same good family."--"How is it possible for any one
-to know that?" says I. "You may know how long it has, but how long it
-will last, is mere guess-work."--"No," says he, "this very time, and the
-present circumstances of our kingdom, were foretold at the birth of the
-first king we ever had, who was of the present royal family."--"How so?"
-says I.--"Why," says he, "before we had any king, we had a very good old
-man, who lived retired in a cave by the sea; and to him everybody under
-their difficulties repaired for advice. This old man happening to be
-very ill, everybody was under great affliction for fear they should lose
-him; when flocking to his assistance, he told them they need not fear
-his death till the birth of a king who should reign fifteen hundred
-years. At hearing this all persons then present apprehended that his
-disorder had turned his brain; but he persisted in it, and recovered.
-
-"After a few years, a great number of persons being about him, he told
-them he must now depart, for that their king was born, and pointed to
-a sucking child a poor woman had then in her arms. It caused a great
-wonder in his audience at the thoughts of that poor child ever becoming
-a king; but he told them it was so decreed, and farther, that as he was
-to die the next day, if they would gather all together, he would let
-them know what was to come in future times.
-
-"When they were met, the woman and child being amongst them, he told
-them that child was their king, and that his loins should produce them
-a race of kings for fifteen hundred years, during which time they should
-be happily governed; but then a female inhabitant of the skies
-should claim the dominion, and, together with the kingdom, be utterly
-destroyed, unless a messenger from above, with a crown in each hand,
-should procure her a male of her own kind; and then the kingdom should
-remain for the like number of years to her posterity. Now," says he,
-"the time will expire very soon, and as no one has been, or it is
-believed will ever come, with two such crowns, the princess Stygee,
-though she undoubtedly will try for it, has little hopes of succeeding
-her father; for her cousin Felbamko pretends, as no woman ever reigned
-with us, he is the right heir, and will have the kingdom."--"Pray," says
-I, "what do you mean by an inhabitant of the air?"--"Oh," says he,
-"she flies."--"And do most of your country folks fly?" says I; "for
-I perceive you don't."--"No," says he, "no one but the princess
-Stygee."--"How comes that about?" says I.--"Her mother, when she was
-with child with her," says he, "being one day in a wood near the palace,
-and having straggled from her company, was attacked by a man with a
-graundee, who, not knowing her, clasped her within his graundee, and
-would have debauched her; but perceiving her cries had brought some
-of her servants to her assistance, he quitted her and went off: this
-accident threw her into such a fright, that it was a long time
-before she recovered; and then was delivered of a daughter with a
-graundee."--"My friend," says I, "your meeting with me will be a very
-happy affair for your kingdom. I am the man the princess expects: go
-back to the princess and let her and her father know I will be with them
-in six days, and establish his dominions in the princess."
-
-The fellow looked at me, thinking I joked, but never offered to stir a
-foot. "Why don't you go?" says I. "And for the good news you bear to the
-princess, I'll see you shall be made one of the greatest men in Norbon."
-The man smiled still, but could not conceive I was in earnest. I asked
-him then how long he should be in going to the palace; he said, "Three
-days at soonest."--"Deliver but your message right," says I, "and I'll
-assure you it shall be the better for you." The man seeing me look
-serious, did at length believe me, and promised he would obey me
-punctually; but he had not seen how I came to the place he met me at,
-for I had ordered my bearers into the wood with my chair before I showed
-myself.
-
-He arrived, as I afterwards found, at the palace, the fourth morning
-very early; and passing the guard in a great heat, with much ado was
-introduced to the king, and discharged himself of my message. His
-majesty, giving no credit to him, thought he had been mad; but he
-affirming it to be true, and telling the king at what a distance I had
-knocked down his companion, and made a great hole in his back, only
-holding up a thing I had in my hand, which made a great noise, Oniwheske
-ordered his daughter to come before him, who having herself heard the
-man's report, and being very willing to believe it, with the king's
-leave, desired that the messenger might be detained till the appointed
-day, and taken care of; and that preparation should be made for the
-reception of the stranger, in case it should be true.
-
-The noise of my coming, and my errand, excited every one's curiosity
-to see me arrive; and the day being come, I hovered over the city a
-considerable time, to be sure of grounding right. The king and his
-daughter, on the rumour of my appearing, came forth to view me and
-receive me at my alighting. The people were collected into a large
-square, on one side of the palace, and standing in several clusters at
-different places, I judged where the king might seem most likely to be,
-and ordered my bearers to alight there; but I happened upon the most
-unlucky post, as it might have proved, and at the same time the most
-lucky I could have found there; for I had scarce raised myself from my
-chair, but Felbamko pushing up to me through the throng, and lifting up
-a large club he had in his hand, had certainly despatched me, if I had
-not at the instant drawn a pistol from my girdle, and shot him dead
-upon the spot; insomuch that the club, which was then over my head, fell
-gently down on my shoulder.
-
-I did not then know who it was I had killed, but for fear of a fresh
-attempt, I drew out another pistol and my cutlass, and inquiring at
-which part of the square the king was, I walked directly up to him, he
-not as yet knowing what had happened. His majesty and his daughter
-met me, and welcomed me into his dominions. I fell at the king's feet,
-telling him I brought a message, which I hoped would excuse my entering
-his majesty's dominions without the formality of obtaining his leave.
-
-When we came to the palace, the king ordered some refreshments to be
-given me and my servants; and then that I should be conducted to the
-room of audience.
-
-The report of Felbamko's death had reached the palace before us, and
-that it was by my hand; this greatly surprised the whole court, but
-proved agreeable news to Stygee.
-
-At my entrance into the room of audience, the king was sitting at the
-farther end of it against the wall, with his daughter on his right hand;
-and a seat was placed for me at his left, but nearer to the middle
-of the room side-ways, on which I was ordered to sit down. There were
-abundance of the courtiers present, and above me was a seat ordered for
-one of them, who I found afterwards was one of the religious.
-
-His majesty asked me aloud how it happened that the first moment of my
-entering his dominions I should dip my hands in blood, and that, too, of
-one of his nearest relations.
-
-I then got up to make my answer, but his majesty ordering me to my seat
-again, I told him that as it was most certain I knew no one person in
-his kingdom, so it could not be supposed I could have an ill design
-against any one, especially against that royal blood, into whose hands
-I then came to render myself; but the truth was that what I had done
-was in preservation of my own life, for that the person slain had rushed
-through the crowd upon me with a great club, intending to murder me, and
-that whilst the blow was over my head, I killed him in such position,
-that by his fall the club rested on my shoulder, but was then too weak
-to hurt me.
-
-The king asking if that was the real case, several from the lower end of
-the room said they were informed it was, and one in particular said he
-saw the transaction, and I had declared it faithfully. "Then," says the
-king, "you are acquitted; and, now, what brings you hither? relate your
-business."
-
-"Great sir," says I, "it is my peculiar happiness to be appointed by
-Providence as the proposer of a marriage for the princess Stygee your
-daughter, with a potent neighbouring monarch, having already been
-enabled to perform things past belief for his honour. Know then,
-great sir, I am a native of the north, and through infinite perils and
-hardships at last arrived in the dominions of Georigetti, where I have
-given peace to his State by the death of the usurper Harlokin. I have
-also just conquered the kingdom of Mount Alkoe for my master, and am
-here come to make your daughter an offer of both crowns, and also of all
-that is my master's, with his person in marriage."
-
-The old priest then rose, and said: "May it please your majesty, we are
-almost right; but what has always staggered me is, how the person should
-come, for the messenger to us on this errand is to come from above.
-Now this person has not the graundee, and therefore could not come from
-thence. As for the rest, I understand the prince from whom he brings
-this offer to your daughter has the graundee, and so is a male of her
-own kind; and I understand the two kingdoms in his possession to be the
-two crowns in the messenger's hands; but, I say, what I stick at is his
-coming from above."
-
-"What!" says Stygee, "did not you see him come?"--"No," says he.--"Oh,"
-says she, "he came in the air, and was a long time over the city before
-he descended."--"That's impossible," says the old priest, "for he is
-smooth like us."--"Indeed, sir," says she, "I saw him, and so did most
-of the court." The king and nobles then attesting this truth: "Sir,"
-says the priest to the king, "it is completed, and your majesty must do
-the rest."
-
-"I little expected," says the king, "to see this day; and now, daughter,
-as this message was designed for you, you only can answer it. But
-still I must say it surpasses my comprehension, that in the decree of
-Providence it should be so ordered that the very hand which brings
-the accomplishment of what has been so long since foretold us, should,
-without design, have first destroyed all that could have rendered the
-marriage state uncomfortable to you."
-
-Stygee then declared she submitted to fate and her father's will.
-
-I stayed here a week to view the country and the sea, which I heard was
-not far off. Here were many useful beasts for food and burden, fowls
-also in plenty, and fish near the sea-coasts, and the people eat flesh,
-so that I thought myself amongst mankind again. I made all the remarks
-the shortness of the time would allow, and then taking my leave
-departed.
-
-I returned to the colony, where I heard that the Little-landers had been
-on the coast; but I not being there, or any lading ready, they were gone
-away again; however, they had detained two of them. I was pleased with
-that, but sorry they were returned empty.
-
-I examined the prisoners, and by giving them liberty and good usage they
-settled amongst us; and the next fleet that came, the sailors to a
-man were all my own the moment they could get to shore. This, though I
-thought it would have spoiled our trade at first, brought the islanders
-and me to the following compromise, and upon this occasion. Their ships
-having laid on our coasts one whole season for want of hands to carry
-them back, I came to an agreement with their commanders (for they were
-all willing to return), that such a number of them should be left as
-hostages with me till the return of a number of my own men, which I
-should lend them to navigate their ships home; and I sent word to the
-zaps that as it might be beneficial to us both to keep the trade still
-on foot, to prevent the like inconveniences for the future, I would buy
-their shipping, paying for them in metals, and agree to furnish them
-yearly with such a quantity of my goods at a stated price, and would
-send them by my own people; which they approving, the trade went on in
-a very agreeable and profitable manner, and we in time built several new
-vessels of our own, and employed abundance of hands in the trade, and
-had plenty of handicraftsmen of different occupations, each of whom
-I obliged to keep three natives under him, to be trained up in his
-business.
-
-[Illustration: 5294]
-
-[Illustration: 0295]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXIII.
-
-_A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetti--Peter proposes
-Stygee--The king accepts it--Relates his transactions at Norbon--The
-marriage is consummated--Account of the marriage-ceremony--Peter goes
-to Norbon--Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe--Gets traders to settle at
-Norbon--Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe._
-
-
-AT my return to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, I went directly to the king,
-and giving him an account of the settlement, and my proceedings thereon,
-he told me his whole kingdom would not be an equivalent for the services
-I had done him. I begged of him to look on them in no other light than
-as flowing from my duty; but if, when I should be no more, he or his
-children would be gracious to my family, it was all I desired.
-
-"This, father," says the king, "I can undertake for myself; but who's to
-come after me, nobody knows, for I shall never marry. No! Yaccom-bourse
-has given me a surfeit of womankind; and unless the states will settle
-the kingdom on you, to which I will consent, it will probably be torn to
-pieces again by different competitors, for I am the last of the line of
-Begsurbeck, and of all the blood-royals; and indeed who is so proper
-to maintain it flourishing as he who has brought it to the present
-perfection?"
-
-"Great sir," says I, "my ambition rises no higher than to abound in good
-deeds whilst I live, and to perfect my children in the same principle;
-and this, I hope, will entitle them to a support when I am gone. But,"
-says I, "why is your majesty so averse from marriage, merely on account
-of a woman you could not expect to be true to you?"--"Not expect it!"
-says he; "what stronger tie upon earth could she have had to be true
-than my affection, and all that my kingdom could afford her?"--"Weak
-things all, sir," says I.--"Why, what could she have had?" said he,
-in some warmth.--"Honour, sir," says I, "and virtue, both which she
-abandoned to become yours; and those once lost, how could you expect her
-to be true?"--"You are too hard for me, father," says he; "but they
-are all alike, and I don't believe there's a grain of honour in any of
-them."--"In any of them like Yaccombourse, I admit, sir," says I; "but
-think not so of others, for no part of our species abounds more with
-it, or is more tender of it, than a good woman; and take my word for it,
-sir, there is more real sincerity in an ordinary wife than in the most
-extraordinary mistress. We are all biassed naturally by interest, and
-as there can be but one real interest between the man and wife, so the
-interest of a mistress is, and ever will be, to accommodate herself;
-for 'tis all one to her with whom she engages, so she can raise but
-the market by a change. Now if your majesty could find an agreeable and
-virtuous wife, one deserving of your royal person and bed, and perhaps
-with a kingdom for her dowry, a partner fit to share your cares as well
-as glory, would it not be a great pleasure to you to be possessed of'
-such a mate, and to see heirs arising under your joint tuition, to
-convey down your royal blood to the latest posterity? Would not this, I
-say, be a grateful reflection to you in your declining years?"
-
-"Truly, father," says the king, "as you have painted it, the prospect
-could not fail to please, and under the circumstances you have put it,
-it would meet my approbation; but where is such a thing as a woman of
-this character to be found? I fear only in the imagination."
-
-"Sir," says I, after a seeming muse for some time, "what should you
-think of Oniwheske, the king of Norbon's daughter? he has but that one
-child, I hear."--"Dear father, have done," says his majesty; "to what
-purpose should you mention her? We but barely know that there is such
-a State, we have never had any intercourse; and, besides, as you say he
-has but one child, can you suppose she will ever marry, to leave so fine
-a kingdom, and live here?"--"But, sir," says I, "now we are supposing,
-suppose she should, with her father's consent, be willing to marry
-you, would you have her for your queen?"--"To make any doubt of that,
-father," says he, "is almost to suppose me a fool."--"Then, sir," says
-I, "her father has consented, and she too; and if I durst have presumed
-so far, or had known your mind sooner, she would I believe have ventured
-with me to have become yours, but you might have slighted her, and
-crowned heads are not to be trifled with; but since you are pleased
-to show your approbation of it, I can assure you, sir, her person will
-yield to none in your majesty's dominions; for, sir, I have been there,
-and have seen her, and she is your own, and her kingdom too, upon
-demand."
-
-"Father," says the king, looking earnestly at me, "I have been
-frequently, since I knew you first, in doubt of my own existence. My
-life seems a dream to me; for if existence is to be judged of by one's
-faculties only, I have been in such a delusion of them ever since, that
-as I find myself unable to judge with certainty of any other thing, so
-I am subject to doubt whether I really exist. Are these things possible
-that you tell me, father?"
-
-I then told him the whole affair, and advised him by all means to accept
-the offer, and marry the princess out of hand.
-
-His majesty, when I had brought him thoroughly to believe me, was
-as eager to consummate the marriage, as I was to have him; but then,
-whether he should go to her, or she come to him, was the question.
-I told him it was a thing unusual for a sovereign to quit his own
-dominions for a wife; but would advise an embassy to her father, with
-notice that his majesty would meet and espouse her on the frontiers of
-the two kingdoms.
-
-The ambassadors returning with an appointment of time and place, it was
-not above a month before I had settled Stygee on the thrones of Sass
-Doorpt Swangeanti and Mount Alkoe, with the reversion of the kingdom of
-Norbon, without a competitor.
-
-I shall here give you an account of the marriage ceremony. The king
-being arrived on the borders, Stygee, who had waited but a few hours
-at the last village in Norbon, advanced to his majesty on the very
-division, as they called it, of the two kingdoms, a line being drawn to
-express the bounds of each. The king and Stygee having talked apart from
-the company a little space, each standing hand in hand, on their own
-respective ground, the chief ragan advanced, and began the ceremony.
-
-He first asked each party aloud, if he and she were willing to be united
-in body and affections, and would engage to continue so their whole
-lives to which each party having answered aloud in the affirmative,
-"Show me then a token!" says he; and immediately each expanding the
-right side of their graundees, laid it upon the other's left side, so
-that they appeared then but as one body, standing hand in hand, encased
-round with the graundee. The ragan then having descanted upon the duties
-of marriage, concluded the ceremony with wishing them as fruitful as
-Perigen and Philella. So soon as it was over, and the gripsacks and
-voices had finished an epithalamium, the bride and bridegroom taking
-wing, were conducted to Brandleguarp, amidst the acclamations of an
-infinite number of Georigetti's subjects.
-
-The king had made vast preparations for the reception of the princess
-Stygee; and nothing was to be heard or seen but feastings and rejoicing
-for many days; and his majesty afterwards assured me of his entire
-satisfaction in my choice of his bride, without whom he confessed,
-that notwithstanding the many other blessings I had procured him, his
-happiness must have been incomplete.
-
-Intending another flight to Norbon, I was charged with the king and
-queen's compliments to Oniwheske; which having executed, I opened a free
-trade to Mount Alkoe; and hearing that small vessels came frequently on
-the Norbonese coast, to carry off the iron and other metal from thence
-unwrought, and paid part of their return in wrought metals, I ordered
-some of the next that came to be stopped and brought to me; and the
-day before I had fixed for my departure, notice was sent that twelve of
-those traders were stopped, and in custody at the sea-side. I longed to
-see them, but then considering that it would take up more time to bring
-them to Apsilo the capital, where I was, than I should take in going to
-them and returning, I resolved to go and examine them myself.
-
-They told me they traded with small vessels to Norbon for metals, which
-they carried home, and wrought great part of it themselves, sending it
-to and dispersing it in several islands at a distance; and also sold
-the unwrought to several people who carried it they knew not whither
-in great ships. They said they kept abundance of hands at work in the
-trade. I asked if their artificers wrought it for their own profit,
-or their masters'. They told me for masters, themselves being all
-slaves.--"And are you all slaves?" says I.--They told me "Yes, all but
-one," pointing to him. I then ordered him to be secured and removed; and
-told them if they would procure some hands to settle at Norbon and Mount
-Alkoe, they should all be made free, have lands assigned them, and have
-other privileges, and I did not doubt in time would become the richest
-men in the country; for I understood by them they were acquainted with
-the use of money. I asked them what other commodities they brought to
-Norbon in exchange.
-
-They said clothes for the people, both what they received in exchange
-from others who bought their iron, and some of a coarser sort of their
-own making. I found in my discourse I had with them, that out of my
-eleven men there were persons of four different occupations; so I
-promised those who would stay with me their freedoms, good houses, and
-other rewards: and sending three hands home with the vessel, and a full
-freight, according to the value of the cargo they brought, I ordered
-them to engage as many as they could of their countrymen of distinct
-trades, to come and settle with me; and to be sure, if they had any
-grain, corn, roots, plants, or seeds, usually eaten for food, to bring
-all they could get with them, and they should have good returns for
-them; and as to those good hands that settled here, they should be
-allowed all materials to work for their own profit the first year,
-and after that they should also work for themselves, allowing the king
-one-tenth of the clear profit. This took so far with them, that it was
-with the utmost difficulty I got any of them to carry the ship back, for
-fear they should not be able to return.
-
-Before I parted from them, I assigned the eight who were left all proper
-conveniences, and recommended them to the king's protection; and I
-ordered the owner, then in custody, to be conducted to Mount Alkoe, and
-from thence to Brandleguarp; where, treating him kindly and giving him
-liberty, I made my proper use of him.
-
-The king having lent me a convoy to conduct my prisoner, and given me a
-license for as many cattle of the sorts I chose as I pleased to drive to
-Georigetti's dominions, I made them drive a great number of sheep of the
-finest wool I ever saw, and very large also; a great number of creatures
-not unlike an ass for shape, but with two upright horns and short ears,
-which gave abundance of rich milk; and also some swine. All these were
-drove to, and distributed at my new colony, where I let them remain till
-I had provided a proper receptacle for them at Doorpt Swangeanti, near
-the woods; when I brought many over the Black Mountain, and distributed
-there, with directions how to manage them; and in about seven years'
-time we held a little beast-market near Brandle-guarp twice a year,
-where the spare cattle were brought up, and preserved in salt till the
-next market; for I had some years before made large salt-works near
-the sea at Mount Alkoe, which employed abundance of hands, and was now
-become a considerable trade.
-
-We had iron, copper, and silver money, which went very current; and had
-butter and cheese from the farms near the woods, as plenty as we had the
-fruits before, great numbers of families having settled there; and there
-was scarce a family but was of some occupation or other.
-
-By the accounts I received from the mines, from time to time, it was
-prodigious to hear what vast quantities of metals were prepared in
-one year now, by little above one-third of the hands that were usually
-employed in them before; for now the men's ambition was to leave a
-good week's work done at their return, for an example to those who were
-coming; and the overseers told me they would sing and work with the
-greatest delight imaginable, whilst they pleased themselves with telling
-one another how they intended to spend the next fourteen days.
-
-[Illustration: 5304]
-
-[Illustration: 0305]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXIV.
-
-_Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible--Sets
-about a translation--Teaches some of the ragans letters--Sets up a paper
-manufacture--Makes the ragans read the Bible--The ragans teach others to
-read and write--A fair kept at the Black Mountain--Peter's reflection on
-the Swangeantines._
-
-
-ALL things being now so settled that they would go on of themselves,
-and having no further direct view in my head, I spent my time with
-my wife; and looking over my books one day to divert myself, with the
-greatest joy imaginable I found that the Bible I had taken to be in the
-Portuguese tongue was a Latin one. It was many years since I had
-thought of that language; but on this occasion, by force of memory and
-recollection, and with some attention, consideration, and practice, I
-found it return to me in so plentiful a manner that I fully resolved to
-translate my Bible into the Swangeantine tongue.
-
-I sent directly for Lasmeel to be my amanuensis, and to work we went
-upon the translation.
-
-We began at the creation, and descending to the flood, went on to the
-Jewish captivity in Egypt and deliverance by Moses, leaving out the
-genealogies and all the Jewish ceremonies and laws, except the Ten
-Commandments. I translated the books of Samuel and Kings, down to the
-Babylonish captivity. I then translated such parts of the Prophets as
-were necessary to introduce the Messiah, and discover Him; the books of
-Psalms, Job, and the Proverbs, and with the utmost impatience hasted to
-the New Testament. But then considering that when I had done, as only
-Lasmeel and myself could read it, in case of our deaths, the translation
-must die with us, I chose out six of the junior ragans, and two of the
-elder, to learn letters; and in less than twelve months I had brought
-them all to read mine and Lasmeel's writings perfectly well.
-
-I instructed these ragans at spare hours, whilst I went on with my
-translation; but finding my paper grow low, having had a great supply of
-coarse linen, and a sort of calicoes from the isles, in return for our
-metals, I set up a manufactory from that, and some gums of the trees,
-which we boiled with it to a pulp in iron pans, and beating it to
-pieces, made a useful paper which would bear ink tolerably. But I could
-find nothing to make ink of, though I sent over all the country to
-search for every herb and fruit not commonly used; till at last I found
-an herb and flower on it, which, if taken before the flower faded,
-would, by boiling thoroughly, become blue; this, by still more boiling
-in a copper pan till it was dry and burnt hard to the bottom, in some
-measure answered my purpose, and I fixed upon it as the best I could
-obtain from all my experiments.
-
-When the ragans were masters of their pens, I set six of them to copy
-what Lasmeel had finished, and the other two to teach their brethren;
-and in two years' time, by a pretty constant application (for I made
-them transcribe it perfectly fair and intelligible), we finished our
-translation, and two fair copies.
-
-I then ordered the ragans to read a portion of it to the people
-constantly, in the mouch; they, from the novelty of the story, at first
-grew so exceeding fond of it, that upon the proper expositions of it I
-taught the ragans afterwards to make, they began to apply it seriously
-to religious purposes.
-
-My writing ragans were very fond of their knowledge of letters; and
-trade and commerce now increasing, which put every one more or less
-in want of the same knowledge, they made a great profit of it,
-by instructing all who applied to them. This increase of writing
-necessarily provided a maintenance for several persons who travelled
-to Norbon for quills, and sold them to the Swangeantines at extravagant
-rates; till the Norbonese hearing that, brought them themselves to the
-foot of the mountain, where the Swangeantines bought them, as they did
-several other commodities which one country had and the other wanted,
-especially iron wares of almost every denomination: so that the
-mountain, being so excessively high, was the barrier; for the
-Norbonese finding that difficulty in ascending and descending which the
-Swangeantines with their graundees did not, there was a constant market
-of buyers and sellers on the Mount Alkoe side of the Black Mountain,
-which by degrees grew the general mart of the three kingdoms.
-
-I have often reflected with myself, and have been amazed to think, that
-so ingenious and industrious a people as the Swangeantines have since
-appeared to be, and who, till I came amongst them, had nothing more than
-bare food, and a hole to lie in, in a barren rocky country, and then
-seemed to desire only what they had, should in ten years' time be
-supplied not only with the conveniences, but superfluities of life; and
-that they should then become so fond of them, as rather willingly to
-part with life itself than be reduced to the state I found them in.
-And I have as often, on this occasion, reflected on the goodness of
-Providence, in rendering one part of mankind easy under the absence of
-such comforts as others could not rest without; and have made it a great
-argument for my assent to well-attested truths above my comprehension.
-"For," says I, "to have affirmed, at my first coming, either that these
-things could have been made at all, or when done could have been of any
-additional benefit to these people, would have been so far beyond their
-imaginations, that the reporter of so plain a truth, as they now find
-it, would have been looked upon as a madman or an impostor; but
-by opening their views by little and little, and showing them the
-dependence of one thing upon another, he that should now affirm the
-inutility of them, would be observed in a much worse light." And yet,
-without any embellishments of art, how did this so great a people live
-under the protection of Providence? Let us first view them at a vast
-distance from any sort of sustenance, yet from the help of the graundee
-that distance was but a step to them. They were forced to inhabit the
-rocks, from an utter incapacity of providing shelter elsewhere, having
-no tool that would either cut down timber for a habitation, or dig up
-the earth for a fence, or materials to make one; but they had a liquor
-that would dissolve the rock itself into habitations. They had neither
-beast nor fish, for food or burthen; but they had fruits equivalent
-to both, of the same relish, and as wholesome, without shedding blood.
-Their fruits were dangerous till they had fermented in a boiling heat;
-and they had neither the sun, nor any fire, nor the knowledge how to
-propagate or continue it. But they had their hot springs always boiling,
-without their care or concern. They had neither the skins of beasts, the
-original clothing, nor any other artificial covering from the weather;
-but they were born with that warm clothing the graundee, which being of
-a considerable density, and full of veins flowing with warm blood, not
-only defended their flesh from all outward injuries, but was a most
-soft, comely, and warm dress to the body. They lived mostly in the dark
-rock, having less difference of light with the change of seasons than
-other people have; but either by custom or make, more light than what
-Providence has sent them in the sweecoe is disagreeable: so that where
-little is to be obtained, Providence, by confining the capacity, can
-give content with that; and where apparent wants are, we may see, by
-these people, how careful Providence is to supply them; for neither the
-graundee, the sweecoes, nor their springs, are to be found where those
-necessaries can be supplied by other means.
-
-Amongst my other considerations, I have often thought that if I had gone
-to the top of the Black Mountains northward of Brandleguarp, in the very
-lightest time, I might have seen the sun; but these mountains were so
-elevated, that our lightest time was only the gilded glimmering of their
-tops, having never seen so much light on them as totally to eclipse all
-the stars, of which we had always the same in view, but in different
-positions.
-
-[Illustration: 0311]
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XXV.
-
-_Peter's children provided for--Youwarkee's death--How the king
-and queen spent their time--Peter grows melancholy--Wants to get to
-England--Contrives means--Is taken up at sea._
-
-
-I HAD now been at Brandleguarp ten years, and my children were all
-provided for by the king but Dickey, as fast as they were qualified for
-employment, and such as were fit for it were married off to the best
-alliances in the country; so that I had only to sit down and see
-everything I had put my hand to prosper, and not an evil eye in the
-three kingdoms cast at me: but about my eleventh or twelfth year, my
-wife falling into a lingering disorder, at the end of two years it
-carried her off. This was the first real affliction I had suffered for
-many years, and so soured my temper, that I became fit for nothing, and
-it was painful to me even to think of business.
-
-The king's marriage had produced four children, three sons and a
-daughter, which he would frequently tell me were mine.
-
-Old Oniwheske was dead, and the king and queen divided their whole time
-equally between Brandleguarp and Apsillo; but he was building a palace
-at my new colony, which by this time was grown to a vast city, and was
-called Stygena, in compliment to the queen; and this new palace was
-designed to receive the court one-third of the year, as it lay almost
-at equal distance between both his other palaces. This method, which
-his majesty took, at my persuasion, on the death of Oniwheske, though it
-went against the grain at first, was now grown so habitual to him, and
-he saw his own interest so much in it in the love and esteem it procured
-him from the people, that at last he wanted no spur to it.
-
-My melancholy for the death of my wife, which I hoped time would wear
-off, rather gained ground upon me; and though I was as much regarded as
-ever by the whole court, yet it grew troublesome to me even to be asked
-my advice; and it not only surprised those about me, but even myself,
-to see the same genius, without any visible natural decay, in so short
-a time, from the most sprightly and enterprising, become the most
-phlegmatic and inactive.
-
-My longings after my native country, ever since my wife's death,
-redoubled upon me, and I had formed several schemes of getting thither;
-as first, I had formed a project of going off by the islands, as I had
-so many small vessels at command there, and to get into the main ocean
-and try my fortune that way; but upon inquiry I found that my vessels
-could not get to sea, or elsewhere, but to the zaps' islands, by reason
-of the many rocks and sandbanks which would oppose me, unless I went
-through the zaps' country, which, in the light they had reason to view
-me, I was afraid to do. Then I had thoughts of going from the coast of
-Norbon; but that must have been in one of the foreign vessels, and they
-coming from a quite different quarter than I must go, in all probability
-if I had put to sea any way they were unacquainted with, they having
-no compass, we must have perished; for the more I grew by degrees
-acquainted with the situation of Doorpt Swangeanti, the stronger were
-my conjectures that my nearest continent must be the southern coast of
-America; but still it was only conjecture. At length, being tired and
-uneasy, I resolved, as I was accustomed to flight, and loved it, I would
-take a turn for some days; carry me where it would, I should certainly
-light on some land, whence at first I could but come back again. I then
-went to see if my chair, board, and ropes, were sound, for I had not
-used them for several years past; but I found them all so crazy, I durst
-not venture in them, which disappointment put off my journey for some
-time. However, as I had still the thought remaining, it put me on
-seeking some other method to put it in practice; so I contrived
-the poles from which you took me, being a sort of hollow cane the
-Swangeantines make their spears of, but exceeding strong and springy,
-which, interwoven with small cords, were my seat, and were much lighter
-than my chair; and these buoyed me up when your goodness relieved me.
-I had taken Mount Alkoe bearers, as I knew I must come to a country
-of more light; and I now find, if I had not fallen, I must soon have
-reached land, if we could have held out, for we were come too far to
-think of returning, without a resting-place: and what will become of my
-poor bearers, I dread to think; if they attempted to return, they must
-have dropt, for they had complained all the last day and night, and had
-shifted very often. If in your history you think fit to carry down the
-life of a poor old man any farther, you will as well know what to say of
-me as I can tell you; and I hope what I have hitherto said will in some
-measure recompense both your expense and labour.
-
-FINIS.
-
-
-
-
-A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS MENTIONED IN THE TWO VOLUMES.
-
-
-_Abb_, a room.
-
-_Apsillo_, capital of Norbon.
-
-_Arco_, a man who committed the first murder.
-
-_Arhoe_, water surrounded with wood.
-
-_Amdrumnstake_, Pendlehamby's colambat.
-
-_Barbarsa_, Georigetti's favourite.
-
-_Barkett_, a husband.
-
-_Barras_, a leathern apron, or flap behind.
-
-_Bash_, a valet de chambre.
-
-_Battringdrigg_, the name of an arkoe.
-
-_Begsurbeck_, an old king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
-
-_Born Isles_, islands to the right hand.
-
-_Boskee_, a very grand room or saloon.
-
-_Bott_, a gourd.
-
-_Bougee_, lie down.
-
-_Brandleguarp_, chief city of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
-
-_Calentar_, a doctor or surgeon.
-
-_Cluff_, a captain.
-
-_Colamb_, a governor.
-
-_Colambat_, a government.
-
-_Colapet_, a bag for provision.
-
-_Collwarr_, God.
-
-_Covett_, a mansion-house or seat.
-
-_Crashdoorpt_, Quangrollart's colambat, or country of the slit.
-
-_Crashee_, slit.
-
-_Crullmott_, a fruit tasting like a fowl.
-
-_David_, Peter's fourth son.
-
-_Doorpt Swangeanti_, the land of flight.
-
-_Doors_, a sort of apples.
-
-_Dossee_, a soft thing.
-
-_Emina_, a rock.
-
-_Felbamko_, Oniwheske's nephew.
-
-_Filgay_, a freeman.
-
-_Filus_, a rib of the graundee.
-
-_Gadsi_, governor of Mount Alkoe.
-
-_Gauingrunt_, a revolted town in the west.
-
-_G awry_, a flying woman.
-
-_Georigetti_, king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
-
-_Glanlepze_, an African who escaped with Peter.
-
-_Glumm_, a flying man.
-
-_Glumm Boss_, a young man.
-
-_Goppo_, a father-in-law.
-
-_Gorpell_, an ensign.
-
-_Gowren_, women.
-
-_Graundee_, the glumms' wings and dress.
-
-_Graundevolet_, Peter's arkoe.
-
-_Gripsack_, a trumpet.
-
-_Gume_, the leather between the filuses of the graundee.
-
-_Hallycarnie_, Youwarkee's sister, also her second daughter.
-
-_Harlokin_, prince of the rebels.
-
-_Hoximo_, a place to bury the dead.
-
-_Hunkum_, marriage.
-
-_Jahamel_, the king's sister.
-
-_Jemmy_, Peter's second son.
-
-_Lallio_, first king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
-
-_Lask_, a slave.
-
-_Laskmett_, slavery.
-
-_Lasmeel_, Peter's scholar.
-
-_Maieck_, Peter's man from Mount Alkoe.
-
-_Mindrack_, the devil.
-
-_Mouch_, a church.
-
-_Moucherait_, an assembly of the states.
-
-_Mount Alkoe_, a kingdom taking name from a burning mountain.
-
-_Nasgig_, a common soldier, made a general at the request of Peter.
-
-_Kicor_, a creature of Barbarsa, the king's favourite.
-
-_Norbon_, the name of the north country.
-
-_Normnbdsgrsutt_, ancient name of Youwarkee's country.
-
-_Onitvheske_, king of Norbon.
-
-_Ors clamm gee_, here am I.
-
-_Padsi_, a fruit tasting like fish.
-
-_Palang_, a town.
-
-_Parky_, sweet.
-
-_Patty_, Peter's eldest daughter, also his first wife.
-
-_Pedro_, Peter's eldest son.
-
-_Pendlehamby_, Youwarkee's father, the colamb of Arndrumn-stake.
-
-_Perigene_, the first-born man.
-
-_Peter_, the author.
-
-_Philella_, the first-born woman.
-
-_Puly_, an image.
-
-_Praave_, modest.
-
-_Quangrollart_, Youwarkee's brother, colamb of Crashdoorpt.
-
-_Quilly_, Peter's bash.
-
-_Ragan_, a priest.
-
-_Razy_, mighty.
-
-_Richard_, Peter's fifth son.
-
-_Roppin_, marmalade.
-
-_Rossig_, Quangrollart's companion.
-
-_Sary_, Peter's youngest daughter.
-
-_Sass Doorpt Sivangeanti_, Peter's new name given to Georigetti's
-dominions.
-
-_Slip the graundee_, drawing the graundee tight to the body, by a
-running noose on a line.
-
-_Stapps_, minutes.
-
-_Sty gee_, Oniwheske's daughter.
-
-_Swangean_, flight.
-
-_Sweecoan_, a flight with sweecoes.
-
-_Sweecoe_, an insect giving a strong light in the dark.
-
-_Telamine_, a woman whose husband committed the first murder.
-
-_Tommy_, Peter's second son.
-
-_Yaccombourse_, the king's mistress.
-
-_Yacom_, a man-child.
-
-_Youh_, capital of the west.
-
-_Youwarkey_, Peter's wife.
-
-_Zaps_, lords.
-
-
-THE END.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life and Adventures of Peter
-Wilkins, Volume II, by Robert Paltock
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