ARTES
1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
LIBRARY
OF THE
{ UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN |
TUEBOR
SI QUERIS PENINSULAM ASKENAM
URCUMSPICE
GIFT OF
REGENT LLHUBBARD
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
PRI
3615
.PS
67
1848
+
THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
отг
PETER WILKINS;
CONTAINING AN ACCOUNT OF HIS VISIT
TO THE
FLYING ISLANDERS.
TAKEN FROM HIS OWN MOUTH, IN HIS PASSAGN YO
ENGLAND, FROM OFF CAPE HORN, IN AMERICA,
IN THE SHIP HECTOR.
Br R. S.
A PASSENGER IN THE HECTOR.
improved edition.
HARTFORD:
8. ANDRUS AND SON,
1848.
Ris,
Regent L. R. Hubbard
8-271-1923
ADVERTISEMENT.
In preparing the present edition of "The Ad-
ventures of Peter Wilkins," for the press, the
Editor has omitted certain gross passages, which,
however tolerable at the period when the work
was first published, are by no means suited to
the present improved state of public sentiment
and taste.
He has also ventured to omit several of the
minute and uninteresting details, and the long
dialogues and soliloquies in which the author is
rather too apt to indulge; retaining only such
parts of this beautiful and highly imaginative
romance as are calculated to interest the gen-
eral reader, and carefully excluding whatever
might offend the chastest mind.
INTRODUCTION.
It might he looked upon as impertinent in me, who am about
to give the life of another, to trouble the reader with any of
my own concerns, or the affairs that led me into the South
Seas. Therefore, I shall only acquaint him, that in my re-
turn on board the Hector, as a passenger, round Cape flora
for England, full late in the season, the wind and currents
setting strong against us, our ship drove inore southerly, by
several degrees, than the usual course, even to the Latitude
of 75 or 76; when the wind chopping about, we began to re-
sume our intended way. It was about the middle of June,
when the days are there at the shortest, on a vere starry and
moonlight night, that we observed at some distance a very
black cloud, but seemingly of no extraordinary size or height.
moving very fast towards us, and seeming to follow the ship
which then made great way. Every one on deck was very
curious in observing its motions; and perceiving it frequently
to divide, and presently to close again, and not to continue
long in any determined shape, our captain, who had
never before been so far to the southard as he then found
himself, had many conjectures what this phenomenon might
portend; and every one offering his own opinion, it seemed
at last to be generally agreed, that there might possibly be a
storm gathering in the air, of which this was the prognostic;
and by its following, and nearly keeping pace with us, we
were in great fear lest it should break upon and overwhelm
us, if not carefully avoided. Our commiander, therefore, as
it
approached nearer and nearer, ordered one of the ship's
guns to be fired, to try if the percussion of the air would dis-
perse it. This was no sooner done, then we heard a prodi-
gious flounce in the water, at but a small distance from the
ship, on the weather-quarter; and after a violent noise, or
cry in the air, the cloud, that upon our firing dissipated, seem-
ed to return again, but by degrees disappeared. Whilst we
were all very much surprised at this unexpected accident, I,
being naturally very curious and inquisitive into the causes
of all unusual incidents, begged the captain to send the brat,
to see, it possible, what it was that had fallen from the cloud,
and offered myself to make one in her. He was much against
this at first, as it would retard his voyage, now we were going
AS
7
INTRODUCTION.
smoothly before the wind. But in the midst of our debate
we plainly beard a voice calling out for help, in our own
tongue, like a person in great distress. I then insisted on go
ing, and not suffer a fellow creature to perish for the sake of
a trifling delay. In compliance with my resolute demand,
be slackened sail; and hoisting out the boat, myself and sev-
en others made to the cry, and soon found it to come from an
elderly man, labouring for life, with his arms across several
long poles, of equal size at both ends, very light, and tied to
each other in a very odd manner. The sailors at first were
very fearful of assisting or coming near him, crying to each
other, he must he a monster! and, perhaps, might overset the
boat and destroy them; hut bearing him speak English, I
was very angry with them for their foolist apprehensions
and caused them to clap their oars under him, and at length
we got him into the boat. He had an extravagant beard, and
also long blackish hair upon his head. As soon as he could
speak, (for he was almost spent) he very familiarly took me
by the hand, I having set myself close by him to observe him,
and squeezing it, thairked me kindly for my civility to him,
and likewise thanked all the sailors. I then asked him by
what possible accident he came there; but he shook his head
declining to satisfy my curiosity. Hereupon reflecting that
it might just then he troublesome for him to speak, and, that
we should have leisure enough in our voyage for him to re-
late, and me to hear, his story, (which, from the surprizing
manner of his falling amongst us, I could not but believe
would contain something very remarkable) I waved any far-
ther speech with him at that time.
We had him to the ship, and taking off his wet clothes, put
him to hed in my cabin; and I having a large provision of
stores on board, and no concern in the ship, grew very fond
of him, and supplied him with every thing he wanted. In our
frequent discourses together, he had several times dropped
loose hints of his past transactions, which but the more infla-
med me with impatience to hear the whole of them. About
this time, having just begun to double the Cape, our Captain
thought of watering at the first convenient place: and finding
the stranger had no money to pay his passage, and that he had
been from England no less than thirty-five years, despairing
of his reward for conducting him thither, he intimated to him
that he must expect to be put on shore to shift for humseif,
when we put in for water. This entirely sunk the stranger's
spirits, and gave me great concern; insomuch, that I fully re-
INTRODUCTION
7
solved, at the captain should really prove suck a brute, to
take the payment of his passage on myself.
As we came nearer the destined watering,the captain spoke
the plainer of his intentions, (for I had not yet hinted my des
sign´to him or any one else; ) and one morning the stranger
came into my cabin, with tears in his eyes, telling me, be ver-
dly believed the captain would be as good as his word, and set
him on shore which he very much dreaded. I did not
choose to tell him immediately what I designed in his favour,
but asked him if he could think of no way of satisfying the
captain, or any one else who might thereupon be induced to
engage for him; and farther, how he expected to live when
he should get to England, a man quite forgotten and penny-
less. Hereupon he told me he had, ever since his being on
board, considered his destitute condition, entertained a thought
of having his adventures written; which, as there was some-
thing so uncommon in them, he was sure the world would be
glad to know; and he had flattered himself with hopes of
raising somewhat by the sale of them to put him in a way of
living; but as it was plain now he should never see England
without my assistance, if I would answer for his
passage, and
write his life, he would communicate to me a faithful narra
tive thereof, which he believed would pay me to the full
any charge I might be at on his account. I was very well
pleased with this overture, not from the prospect of gain by
the copy, but from the expectation I had of being fully satis
fied in what I had so long desired to know; so I told him I
would make him easy in that respect. This quite transported
him: be caressed me, and called me his deliverer, and was
going open-mouthed to the captain to tell him so.
But I put
a stop to that; For, says I, though I insist upon hearing your
story, the captain may yet relent of his purpose, and not leave
you on shore; and if that should prove the case, I shall nei-
ther part with my money for you, nor you with your interest
in your adventures to me. Whereupon he agreed I was
right and desisted.
When we had taken in hest part of our water, and the boat
was going its last turn, the captain ordered up the strange man
as they called him, aud told him he must go on board the
boat, which was to leave him on shore with some few provis
ions. I happened to hear nothing of these orders, they were
so sudden, the poor pan was afraid, after all he should have
been hurried to land without my knowledge; but begging
very hard of the captain only for leave to speak with me ne-
fore he went, I was called, (though with some reluctance, for
A1
8
INTRODUCTION.
the captain disliked ine for the liberties I frequently took
with him, on account of his brutal behaviour.) 1 expostula
ted with the cruel wretch on the inhumanity of the action he
was about telling him, if he had resolved the poor man
should perish, it would have been better to have suffered him
to do so when he was at the last extremity, than to expose
him afresh, by this means, to a death as certain, in a more lin-
gering and miserable way. But the savage being resolved,
and nothing moved by what I said, I paid him part of the pas-
sage down, and agreed to pay the rest at our arrival in Eug-
land.
Thus having reprieved me poor man, the next thing was to
enter upon my new employ of amanuensis: and having a
long space of time before us, we allotted two hours every
morning for the purpose of writing down his life from his
own mouth; and frequently, when wind and weather kept
ns below, we spent some time of an afternoon in the same ex-
ercise, till we had quite completed it. But then there were
some things in it so indescribable by words, that if I had not
had some knowledge in drawing, our history had been very
incomplete. Thus it must have been, especially in the de-
scription of the Glums and Gazoreys therein mentioned. In
order to gain (that so I might communicate) a clear idea of
these, I made several drawings of them from his discourses
and accounts; and, at length, after divers trials, I made such
exact delineations, that he declared they could not have been
more perfect resememblances if I had drawn them from the
life. Upon a survey, he confessed the very persons them-
selves could not have been more exact. I also drew with my
pencil the figure of an aerial engagement, which, having
likewise had his approbation, I have given a draught of.
Then, having finished the work to our mutual satisfaction,
I locked it up, in order to peruse it at leisure, intending to
have presented it to him at our arrival in England, to dispose
of as he pleased, in such a way as might have conduced inost
to his profit; for I resolved, notwithstanding our agreement,
and the obligations he was under to me, that the whole of that
should be his own. But he, having been in a declining state
some time before we reached shore, died the very night we
Janded; and his funeral falling upon me, I thought I had the
greatest right to the manuscript, which, however, I had no
design to have parted with; but showing it to some judicious
friends I have by them been prevailed with not to conceal
from the world what may prove so very entertaining, and per-
haps useful.
THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
PETER WILKINS.
CHAP. I.
I was born at Penhale, in the county of Corn-
wall, on the twenty-first day of December, 1685,
about four months after my father, Peter Wilkins,
who was a zealous protestant of the church of
England, had been executed by Jefferys, in Som-
ersetshire, for joining in the design of raising the
Duke of nonmouth to the British throne. I was
namel, after my father and grandfather, Peter,
and was my father's only child by Alice his wife,
the daughter of John Capert, a clergyman in a
neighbouring village. My grandfather was a shop-
keeper at Newport, who, by great frugality, and
extraordinary application, had raised a fortune of
about one hundred and sixty pounds a year in
lands, and a considerable sum of ready money, all
of which at his death devolved upon my father, as
his only child; who being no less parsimonious
than my grandfather, and living upon his own es-
tate, had much improved it in value before his
marriage with my mother; but he coming to that
unhappy end, my mother, after my birth, placed all
her affection upon me, (her growing hope as she
called me) and used every method, in my minori-
ty, of increasing the store for my benefit.
$
A5
10
Adventures of
Į
!
!
+
In this manner she went on, till I grew too big,
as I thought, for confinement at the apron string,
being then about fourteen years of age; and having
met with so much indulgence from her, for that
reason found very little or no contradiction from any
body else; so I looked on myself as a person of
some consequence, and began to take all opportii-
mities of enjoying the company of iny neighbors,
who hinted, frequently, that the restraint I was un-
der was to great a curb upon an inclination like
mine of seeing the world; but my mother still im-
patient of any little absence, by excessive fond-
ness, and encouraging every inclination I seemed
to have, when she could be a partaker with me,
kept me within bounds of restraint till I arrived
at my sixteenth year.
About this time I got acquainted with a coun-
Jy gentleman, of a small paternal estate, which
nad been never the better for being in his hands,
and had some uneasy demands upon it. He soon
grew very fond of me, hoping, as I had reason af-
terwards to believe, by an union with my mother,
to set himself free from his entanglements. She
was then about thirty-five years old, and still cou-
tinued my father's widow, out of particular regard
to me, as I have all the reason in the world to be-
lieve. She was really a beautiful woman, and of
a sanguine complexion, but had always carried
herself with so much reserve, and given so little
encouragement to any of the other sex, that she
had passed her widowhood with very few solicita-
tions to alter her way of life. This gentleman ob-
serving my mother's conduct, in order to ingratiate
himself with her, had shown numberless instances
of regard for me; and, as he told my mother, had
observed many things in my discourse, actions, and
turn of mind, that presaged wonderful expectations
******
Peter Wilkins.
11
from me,
ted.
if my genius was but properly cultiva-
This discourse, from a man of very good parts,
and esteemed by every body an accomplished gen-
tleman, by degrees wrought upon my mother, and
more and more inflamed her with a desire of add-
ing what lustre she could to my applauded abilities,
and influenced her so far as to ask his advice in
what manner most properly to proceed with me.
My gentleman then had his desire, for he feared
not the widow, could he but properly dispose of
her charge; so having desired a little time to con-
sider of a matter of such importance, he soon after
told her he thought the most useful method of es-
tablishing me, would be at an academy, kept by a
very worthy and judicious gentleman, about thirty.
or more, miles from us, in Somersetshire; where it
I could but be admitted, the master taking in but
a stated number of students at a time, he did not in
the least doubt but I should fully answer the char-
acter he had given her of me, and outshine most
of my cotemporarics.
My mother, over anxious for my good, seeming
to listen to this proposal, my friend (as I call him)
proposed taking a journey himself to the academy,
to see if any place was vacant for my reception,
and learn the terms of my admission; and in three
days time returned with an engaging account of
the place, the master, the regularity of the schol-
ars, of an apartment secured for my reception, and
in short, whatever else might captivate my moth-
er's opinion in favor of its scheme; and, indeed,
though he acted principally from another motive,
as was plain afterwards, I cannot help thinking he
believed it to be the best way of disposing of a lad
sixteen years old, born to a pretty fortune, and
who, at that age, could but just read a chapter in
A6
12
Adventures of
the Testament; for he had before beat my mother
quite out of her inclination to a grammar-school in
the neighborhood, from a contempt, he said it would
bring upon me from lads much my juniors in years,
by being placed in the first rudiments of learning
with them.
Well, the whole concern of my mother's little
family was now employed in fitting me out for my
expedition; and as my friend had been so instru-
mental in bringing it about, he never missed a day
inquiring how preperations went on; and during
the process by humouring me, ingratiated himself
more and more with my mother, but without seem-
ing in the least to aim at it. In short, the hour of
my departure arrived; and though I had never been
master of above sixpence at one time, unless at a
fair or so, for immediate spending, my mother
thinking to make my heart easy at our seperation,
(which had it appeared otherwise, would have
broke her's, and spoiled all) gave me a double pis-
tole in gold, and a little silver in my pocket to pre-
vent my changing it.
Thus I, (the coach waiting for us at the door)
having been preached into a good liking of the
cheme by my friend, who now insisted upon ma-
king one of our company to introduce us, mounted
the carriage with more alacrity than could be ex-
pected for one who had never before been oeyond
the smoke of his mother's chimney; but thoughts
I had conceived, from my friend's discourse, of
liberty in the academic way, and the weight of so
much money in my pocket, as I then imagined
would scarce ever be exhausted, were prevailing
cordials to keep my spirits on the wing.-We
at an inn that night, near the master's house, and
the next day I was initiated; and, at parting with
me, my friend presented me with a guinea.
lay
Peter Willans.
13
When I found myself thus rich, I must say I heart-.
ily wished they were all fairly at home again that
I might have time to count my cash, and dispose
of such part of it as I had already appropriated to
several uses then in embryo.
The next morning left me master of my wishes,
for my mother came and took her last (though she
little thought it) leave of me, and smothering me
with her caresses and prayers for my well-doing,
in the height of her ardour put into my hand anoth-
er guinea, promising to see me again quickly; and
desiring me in the mean time, to be a very good
husband, and carefully use my store of money, she
bid me farewell.
I shall not trouble you with the reception I met
from my master, or his scholars, or tell you how
soon I made friends of all my companions, by some
trifling largesses which my stock enabled me to
bestow as occasion required; but I must inform
you, that, after sixteen years of idleness at home I
had but little heart to my nouns and pronoung
which now began to be crammed_upon me; and
being the eldest lad in the house, I sometimes re-
gretted the loss of the time past, and at other
times despaired of ever making a scholar of my
years; and was ashamed to stand like a great lub-
ber declining of hæc muliec, a woman, whilst my
school-fellows, and juniors by five years, were en-
gaged in the stories of Ovid, or the songs of Hor-
ace. I own these thoughts almost overcame me,
and threw me into a deep melancholy, of which
soon after by letter informed my mother; who (by
the advice, as I suppose, of my friend, by this time
her suiter) sent me word to mind my studies, and
I should want for nothing.
1
14
Adventures of
CHAPTER II.
I REMAINED at this school a whole year with-
out once being permitted to visit my mother a cir-
cumstance which caused me a great deal of unea-
siness. At the end of the year being in want of
money, I wrote to any mother for a reinittance and
received the follow.ng letter from my former friend.
“SON PETER,
+
"Your mother and I are much surprised you
should write for money, having so amply provided
for you; but as it is not many months to Christ-
mas, when possibly we may send for you home,
you must make yourself easy till then, as a school-
boy, with all necessaries found him, cannot have
much occasion for money.
Your loving father,
"J G."
Imagine, if it is possible, my consternation at
the receipt of this letter. I began to think I should
be tricked out of what my father and grandfather
had with so much pains and industry, for many
years been heaping up for me, and had a thousand
thoughts altogether jostling out each other, so
could resolve on nothing.
However I was obliged to submit; I was not
sent for home at Christmas,nor for two year's more;
when having gained the confidence of my preceptor,
he advised me to write a very obliging letter to my
new father, with my humble request, that he would
please to order me home the next recess of our
learning. I did so, under my masters dictation;
and not long, after received an answer to the fol-
lowing effect:
Peter Wilkins.
15
SON PETER,
'Your mother has been dead a good while; and
as to your request, it will be only expensive and
of little use; for a person who must live by his
studies cannot apply to them too closely.'
m².
On shewing this letter to my kind preceptor, he
advised me to go home, and offered to accompany
We accordingly went, and learnt from my
father in law that my father, just before entering
into the fatal rebellion by which he lost his life
had male a deed conveying to my mother his
whole estate, real and personal, without any
conditions, and that she had given the whole to
my father in law by her will. I was cut off com-
pletely from my lawful patrimony. My
My father in
jaw kindly offered to pay my board one year long-
er at school, and, said that I must then shift for
nyself.
CHAPTER III.
I RETURNED to school with my preceptor;
but could not content myself with my studies as be-
fore. On the contrary, I was continually resolving
plans for my future maintenance and conduct in life
At last I resolved to go to sea, and setting off se-
cretly one night, I pursued the road to Bristol.
After travelling two days I arrived at that place
about four o'clock in the afternoon. Having re-
freshed myself, I went the same evening to the Kay,
to enquire what ships were in the river, whither
bound and when they would depart. My busi-
ness was with the sailors,of whom there were at that
2
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}
16
Adventures of
time great numbers there; but I could meet with
no employ, though I gave out I would gladly enter
before the mast: after I had done the best I could
bet without success I returned to the little house
I had dined at, and went to bed very pensive. I
did not forget my prayers; but I could by no means
be roused to such devotion as I sometimes had en-
joyed. The next day I walked again to the Kay,
asking all I met, who looked like seafaring men
for employment; but could hear of none, there being
many waiting for births; and I feared my appear-
ance (which was not so mean as most of that sort
uf gentry is) would prove no small disappoint-
ment to my preferiment that way. At last,
being out of heart with my frequent repulses, I
went to a landing place just by, and as I asked
some sailors who were putting two gentlemen on
shore, if they wanted a hand on board their ship,
one of the gentlemen, whom I afterwards found to
be the master of a vessel bound for the coast of
Africa, turned back and looked earnestly on me.
Young man says he do you want employment
on board? I immediately made him a low bow,
and answered, Yes, Sir. Said he, there is no
talking in this weather, (for it then blew almost a
storm) but step into that tavern, pointing to the
place, and I will be with you presently-I went
thither, and not long after, came my future master.
He asked me many questions, but the first was,
whether I had been at sea. I told him no ; but
I did not doubt soon to learn the duty of a sailor.
He looked on my hand, and shaking his head told
me it would not do for I had too soft a hand. I
told him. I was determined for the sea, and that
my heart and hand would go together; and I ho
ped that my hand would soon harden though not
my heart. He then told me it was a pity to take
Peter Wilkins.
17
such a pretty young fellow before the mast; but if
I understood accounts´ tolerably, and could write a
good han 1, he would make me bis steward, and
make it worth my while. I answered in the affir-
mative, joyfully accepting his offer; but on his
asking me where my chest was (for, says he, if the
win I had not been so strong against me, I had fal-
len down the river this morning,) I looked very
hlank, and plainly told him I had no other stores
than I carried on my back. The captain smiled.
Says he, Young man I see you are a novice; why,
the meanest sailor in my ship has a chest, at least;
and perhaps something in it; come says he, my lad,
I like your looks; be diligent and honest, I will let
you have a little money to set you out, and deduct it
in your pay. He was then pulling out his purse
when I begged him, as he seemed to shew me so
great a kindness, that he would order somebody to
buy what necessaries he knew I should want for me
as I should be under as great a difficulty to know
what to get, and where to buy them, as I should for
want of them. He commended my prudence, and
said he would buy them, and send them on board
himself; so bid me trouble myself no more about
then, but go to the ship, in the return of his boat,
and stay there till he came; giving me a ticket to
the boat's crew to take me in. When I came to
the shore, the boat was gone off, and at a good dis-
tance; but I hailed them, and shewing my ticket,
they put back, and took me safe to the ship; hear-
tily glad that I was entered upon my new service.
B
18
Adventures of
CHAPTER IV.
I
BEING Once on board, and in pay, I thought 1
was a man for myself, and set about considering
how to behave; and nobody knowing as yet upou
what footing I came on board, they took me for a
passenger, as my dress did not at all bespeak me a
sailor; so every one as I sauntered about had some-
thing to say to me. By and by comes a pert young
fellow up; Sir, says he, your servant; what, I see
our captain has picked up a passenger at last-
Passenger? says I; you are pleased to be merry,
sir, I am no passenger.-Why, pray says he, what
may you be then?-Sir, says I, the captain's stew-
ard You impertinent puppy, says he, what an
answer you give me; you the captain's steward !
No, sir, that place, I can assure you is in better
hands! and away he turned.-I knew not what to
think of it, but was terribly afraid I should draw
nryself into some scrape. By and by, others asked
me, some one thing, some another, and I was very
cautious what answers 1 made them for fear of of-
fence; till a gravish sailor came and set down by
me; and after talking of the weather, and other
indifferent matters, Pray, says I, sir, who is that
gentleman that was so affronted at me, soon after
came on board ?-Oh, says he, a proud insignif-
icant fellow, the captain's steward; but don't mind
him, says he, he uses the captain himself as bad;
they have had high words just before the captain
went on shore; and had he used me as he did him, I
should made no ceremony of tipping hun overboard;
a rascal!-Says I, you surprise me; for the cap-
tain sent me on board to be his steward, and
agreed with me about it this afternoon.-Hush, says
he, I see how it will go, the captain if that's the
case, will discharge him when he comes on board:
Peter Wilkins.
19
and indeed I believe he would not have kept him
so long, but we have waited for a wind, and he
could not provide for himself.-The captain came
on board at night: and the first thing he did was to
demand the keys of Mr. Steward, which he gave
to me and ordered him on shore.
The next morning the captain went on shore him-
self; but the wind chopping round and standing
fair about noon, he returned then with my chest,
and before night we were got into sailing order,
and before the wind with a brisk gale. What
happened the first fourteen days of our passage I
know not, having been all that time so sick and
weak, I could scarcely keep life and soul together:
but after grew better and better. We prosecuted
our voyage, touching for about a week, at the Ma-
deiras in our way. The captaiu grew very fond
of me,
and never put me to hard duty, and 1 pas-
sed my time under his favor very pleasantly. One
evening, being within sixty leagues of the Cape of
Palmes, calm weather, but the little wind we had
against us, one of our men spied a sail, and gave
the captain notice of it. He, not suspecting danger
minded it little ; and we made what way the wind
would permit but night coming on, and the calm
continuing, about peep of day we perceived we
were infallibly fallen in with a French privateer;
who hoisting French colors called out to us to strike.
Our captain had scarce time to consider what to
do, they were so near us; but as he had twenty
two men on board, and eight guns he could bring
to, he called all hands upon deck, and telling them
the consequence of a surrender, asked them if they
would stand by him. One and all swore they
would fight the ship to the bottom, rather than to
fall into the privateer's hands. The captain im-
mediately gave the word for a clear deck, prepar-
ed his fire arms, and begged them to be active, and
20
Adventures of
obey orders; and perceiving the privateer out-num
bered our hands by abundance, he commanded all
the small arms to be brought on deck loaded, and
to run out as many of the ship's guns as she could
bring to one side; and to charge then all with
small shot, then stand to till he gave directions.-
The privateer being a light ship, and a small breeze
arising run up close to us; first firing one gun
then another, still calling out to us to strike; but
we neither returned fire nor answer, till he came
almost within pistol-shot of us, and seeing us a
small vessel, thought to board us directly; but
when our captain ordered a broadside, and imme-
diately all hands to come on deck; himself stand ·
ing there at the time of our first fire with his
fusee in his hand, and near him I stood with an-
other. We killed eight men and wounded several
others. The privateer then fired a broadside
through and through us. By this time our hands
were all on deck, and the privateer pushing, in
hopes to grapple and board is, we gave them a vol-
ley from thence that did good execution; and then
all hands to the ship's guns again, except four who
were left along with me to charge the small arms.
It is incredible how soon they had fired the great
guns, and were on deck again. The last fire be-
ing with ball racked the privateer miserably. Then
we fired the small arms, and away to the ship's
guns. This we did three times successively with-
out loss of a man, and I believe if we could have
held it once more, and no assistance had come to
the privateer, she would have sheered quite off:
but our captain spying a sail at some distance be-
hind the privateer, who lay to windward of us, and
seeing by his glass it was a Frenchman, was al-
most dismayed; the same sight put courage into
our enemies, who thereupon redoubled the attack,
and the first volley of their sinall arms shot our
Peter Wilkins.
21
:
captain in the breast, upon which he dropped dead
without stirring. I need not say that sight shocked
ine exceedingly. Indeed it disconcerted me the whole
action; and though our mate a man of good cour-
age and experience, did all that a brave man
could do to animate the men, they apparently droop-
ed, and the loss of the ship became inevitable: so
we struck, and the Frenchman boarded us.
During the latter part of the engagement, we had
two men killed, and five wounded, who died after-
wards of their wounds. We who were alive were
all ordered on board the Frenchman; who after ri-
Aing us, chained us two and two, and turned us in-
to the hold. Our vessel was then ransacked; and
the other privateer, who had suffered much the day
before in an engagement with an English twenty-
gun ship of war, coming up, the prize was sent by
her into port, where she herself was to refit. In
this condition did I, and fourteen of our crew lie
for six weeks; till the fetters on our legs had al-
most eaten, to the bone and the stench of the place
had well nigh suffocated us.
The Glorieux, (for that was the name of the
privateer who took us) saw nothing farther in five
weeks worth her notice, which very much discour-
aged the men; and consulting together, it was a-
greed to cruize more northward, between Sierra
Leon and Cape de Verde; but about noon the
next day, they spied a sail, coming west-north-west
with a fresh gale. The captain thereupon order-
ed all to be ready and lie by for her. But, though
she discerned us ahe kept her way, bearing on-
ly more southward; when the wind, shifting to
¡iorth east, she raw, for it, full before the wind, and
we after her with all thoral ve could crowd; and
though she was a very good ra 'lor, we gained up.
on her, being laden,and betört might come pretty
well up with her; but being▲ge. ship, and the
Adventures of
evening hazy, we did not chose to engage her till
morning. The next morning we found she was
slunk away; but we fetched her up, and hoisting
French colors, fired a shot, which she not answer-
ing, our captain run along-side of her and fired a
broadside; then slackening upon her, a hard en-
gagment ensued; the shot thumped so against our
ship, that we prisoners who had nothing to do in
the action, expected death one or other of us every
moment. The merchantman was so heavy loaded,
and drew so much water, that she was very un-
wieldly in action, so after a fight of two hours,
when most of her rigging and masts were cut and
wounde.l, she struck. Twelve men were sent on
board her, and her captain and several officers
were ordered on board us.
There were thirty-eight persons in her, inclu-
ding passengers; all of whom, except five, and
the like number which had been killed in the action
were sent chained into the hold to us, who had lain
there almost six weeks. This prize put Monsieur
into good heart, and determined him to return home
with her. But in two days
But in two days time, his new acquisi-
tion was found to have leaked so fast near the bot-
tom, that before they were aware of it, the water
was risen some feet. Several hands were em-
ployed to find out the leak; but all asserted it was
too low to be come at: and as the pumps, with all
the labor the prisoners who were the persons put
to it, could use, would not reduce it, but still in-
creased, they removed what goods they could into
the privateer; and before they could unload it, the
prize sunk.
The next thing they consulted upon was what to
do with the prisoners, who, by the loss of the prize,
were now grown too numerons to be trusted in the
privateer; fearing, too, as they were now
so far
out at sea by the great addition of mouths, they
·
23
Peter Wilkins.
might soon be brought to short allowance,
it was on both acconst, resolved to give us the
prize's boat, which they had saved, and turn us a-
drift to shift for ourselves. There were in all for-
ty-three of us lut the privateer having lost sever-
at of their own men in the two engagements, they
looked us over, and picking out two-and-twenty of
us, who were the most likely fellows for their
purpose, the remaining one-and-twenty were com-
mitted to the boat with about two days provision and
a small matter of ammunition, and turned out.

CHAPTER V.
AFTER remaining at sea three days in this destitute
condition, we were taken up by a Portuguese ship
bound to St. Salvador, on the coast of Africa, and
a few days after arrived safely in that port.
Here being destitute of money, I engaged in an
expedition into the interior and was made prisoner.
I pass over my sufferings among the negroes, because
I would not detain you from the more interesting
part of my adventures. Among my fellow prison-
ors was an African by the name of Glanlipze, a fel-
low of great courage and enterprise. I formed an
acquaintance with him and we concerted a plan for
our escape, which was effected principly by his
means. With him I wandered through the wil-
derness, passed the borders of several tribes hostile
to his own, and at last arrived at his own habita-
tion, where we found his wife and children; the
former having proved faithful and constant to him
during his absence of several years,
I passed my time with Glanlipze and his wile,
who Loth really loved me, with suficiently bodily
ť
24
Adventun cs of
}
1
7
quiet for about two years; my buisness was chiefly
in company with my patron, to cultivate a spot of
ground wherein we had planted grain and necessa-
ries for the family; and once or twice a week we
went a fishing, and sometimes hunted and shot
venison. These were our chief employments; for
as to excursions for slaves, which is a practice in
many of those countries, and what the natives get
money by, since our own slavery, Glanlipze and
I could not endure it.
*
Though I was tolerably easy in my external cir-
cumstances, yet my mind hankering after England
made iny life still unhappy, and that infelicity daily
increased. I saw the less probability of attaining
my desire. At length hearing of some European
sailors, who were under confinement for contraband
trade, at a Portuguese fort about two miles froin
Quamis, I resolved to go to see them; and if any
of them should be English, at least to inquire after
my native country. I went and found two Dutch-
men, who had been sailors in British pay several
years, three Scotchmen, an Irishman, and five En-
glishmen, but all had been long in English mer-
chants service. They were taken, as they told me
by a Portuguese vessel, together with their ship, as a
Dutch prize, under pretence of contraband - trade
The captain was known to be a Dutchman, though
he spoke good English, and was then in English pay
and bis vessel English; therefore they would have
it that he was a Dutch trader, and so seized his ship
in the harbour, with the prisoners in it. The cap-
tain, who was on the shore with several of his men,
was threatened to be laid in-irons, if he was taken
which obliged his men to abscond, and to fly over
land to an English factory, for assistance to cover
his ship and cargo; being afraid to appear and claim
it, amongst so many enemies, without an additional
force. They had been in confinement two months,
་
Peter Wilkins.
25
الله
I
and their ship confiscated and sold. In this miser-
able condition I left them, but returning once or
twice a week, for a fortnight or three weeks, to
visit them. These instances of regard, as they
thought them, created some confidence in me, so
that they conversed with me freely. Amongst other
discourse, they told me, one day, that one of their
crew, who went with the captain, had been taken
ill on the way, and being unable to proceed, was re-
turned; but as he talked good Portuguese. he was
not suspected to belong to them; and that he had
been to visit them; and would be there again
that day. I had a mind to see him, so staid
longer than I intended, and in about an hour's.
time he came. After he was seated, he asked who
was, and (privately) if I might be trusted. Be-
ing satisfied I might, for that I was a Cornish man
he began as follows, looking narrowly about to see
he was not overheard: My lads, says he, be of good
courage, I have hopes for you; be but men, and we
shall see better days yet. I wondered to what this
preface tended; when he told us, that since his re-
turn from the captain, as he spoke good Portuguese
and ind sailed on board Portuguese traders several
years, he mixed among that people, and particu-
larly among the crew of the Del Cruz, the ship
which had taken them; that ship had partly unloaded
and was taking other goods for a future voyage;
that he had informed himself of their strength, and
that very seldom more than three men and two boys
lay on board: that he had hired himself to the cap-
tain, and was to go on board the very next day.
Now, says he my lads, if you can break prison
any night after to-morrow, and come directly to the
ship, (telling them how she lay, for, says he, you
cannot mistake, you will find two or three boats
moored in the gut against the church) I will be
resuly to receive you, and we will get off with her,
B1
26
Adventures of
in lieu of our ship they have taken from us, for
there is nothing ready to follow us.
The prisoners listened to this discourse very at-
tentively; but scratched their heads fearing the
difficulty of it, and severer usage if they miscarried
and made several objections; but, at last, they all
swore to attempt in the night but one following.
Upon which the sailor went away, to prepare for
the reception on board. After he was gone, I sur-
veyed his scheme attentively in my own mind, and
found it not so difficult as I first imagined, if the
prisoners could but escape cleverly. So, before I
went away, I told them I approved of their pur-
pose; and as I was their countryman, I was re-
solved with their leaves, to risk my fortune with
them. At this they seemed much pleased, and all
embraced me. We then fixed the peremptory night
and I was to wait at the water-side, and get the
boats in readiness.
The prison they were in was a Portuguese fort,
which had been deserted ever since the building of
a much better on the other side of the river,
gun-shot lower. It was built with walls too thick
for naked men to storm; the captives were secure-
ly locked up every night; and two soldiers, or cen-
tinels, kept watch in an outer-room, who were re-
lieved from the main-guard in the body of the build-
ing
The expected night arrived; and a little before
midnight, as had heen concerted, one of the prisoners
cried out, he was so parched up he was on fire! The
centinels were both asleep; but the first that awak-
ed, called at the door, to know what was the mat-
The prisoner still crying out, I am on fire!
the rest begged the centinel to bring a bowl of wa-
ter for him, for they knew not what ailed him.
ter.
The good-natured fellow, without waking his
companion, brought the water, and having a lamp
Peter Wilkins.
27
in the guard room, opened the door; and when the
prisoners seizing his arms, and commanded him tɔ
silence; bound his hands behind him, and his feet
together, then serving the other in the same man-
ner, who was now just awake, and taking from
their swords and muskets, they matle the best of
their way over the fort-wall; which, being built
with buttresses on the inside, was easily surmount-
ed. Being got out, they were not long in finding
me,
who had before this time made the boats ready,
and was impatiently waiting for them; so in we
all got and made good speed to the ship, where we
were welcomed by our companion ready to re-
ceive us.
Under the pretence of being a new entered sailor,
he had carried some Madeira wine on board, and
treated the men and boys so freely that he had
thrown them into a dead sleep ; which was a wise
precaution. There being now therefore no fear of
disturbance or interruption, we drew up the two
boats, and set all hands to work to put the ship un-
der way; and plied it so closely, the wind favour-
ing us, that by eleven o'clock the next morning we
were out of sight of land; but we set the men and
boys adrift in one of the boats, nigh the mouth of
the river.
The first thing we did after we had made a long
run from shore was to consult what course to steer.
Now, as there was a valuable loading on board of
goods from Portugal and others taken in since,
some gave their opinion of sailing directly for India,
selling the ship and cargoe there, and returning by
some English vessel : but that was rejected; for
we did not doubt but notice would be given of our
escape all along the coast, and if we should fall into
the Portuguese's han is we could expect no mercy;
besides we had not people sufficient for such an
enterprise. Others again were for sailing the di-
B2
28
Alventures of
rectest course for England, but I told them, as our
opinions were different, and no time was to be lost,
my advice was to stretch southward, till we might
be quite out of fear of pursuit and then, whatever
comse we took, by keeping clear of all coasts, we
might hope to come safe off.
My proposal seened to please the whole crew; so
crowding all the sail we could, we pushed southward
very briskly before the wind for several days. We
now went upon examining our stores and found ve
had flour enough, plenty of fish, and salt provisions
but were scant of water and wood; of the first
whereof there was not half a ton, and but a very lit-
tle of the latter. This made us very uneasy: and
being none of us expert in navigation, farther than
the common working of the ship, and having no
chart on board that might direct us to the nearest
land, we were almost at our wits end, and came to
a short allowance of liquor. That we must get
water if we could, was indisputable; but where
to do it puzzled us, as we had determined not to
get in with the African shore, on any account what-
ever.
In this perplexity and under the guidance of
different opinions, (for we were all captains now)
we sometimes steered eastward, and sometimes
westward, for about nine days; when we espied a
little bluish cloud-like appearance to the south-west;
this continuing, we hoped it might be land, and
therefore made to it. Upon our nearer approach,
we found it to be as we judged, an island; lait, not
knowing its name, or whether it was inhabited, we
coasted round it two days to satisfy ourselves as to
this last particular. Seeing no living creature on
it during that time, and the shore being very brok-
en, we came to an anchor about two miles from it,
and sent ten of our crew in our best boat, with some
casks, to get water and cut wood. The boat re-
Peter Wilkins.
turned at night, with six men, and the casks filled
having left four behind, to go on with the cutting of
wood against next day. Accordingly next mʊru-
ing, the boat went off again and made two turns
with water and wood ere night, which was repeat-
ed for two or three days after. On the sixth she
went off for wood only, leaving none but me and
one Jolm Adams on board.
The boat had scarce reached the island this last
turn, before the day overcast, and there arose such
a storm of wind, thunder, lightning, and hail, as I
had never before seen. At last our cable broke
close to the anchor, and away we went with the
wind, full southward by west; and not having
strength to keep the ship upon a side wind, we were
forced to set her head right before it, and let her
drive. Our hopes was, every hour the storin would
abate; but it continued with equal violence for ma-
ny days; during all which time, neither Adams
nor I had any rest, for one or other of us was for-
ced, and sometimes both, to keep her right ho-
fore he wind, or she would certainly have overset.
When the storin abated, as it did by degrees, nei-
ther Adans nor I could tell where we were, or in
what part of the world.
I was sorry I had no better a sailor with me,
for neither Adams nor invself had ever made more
than one voyage till now, so that we were both un-
acquainted with the latitude and scarce knew the
use of the compass to any purpose; and being out
of all hope of ever reaching the island to our com-
panions, we neither knew which way to steer, nor
what to do: and, indeed, had we known where we
were, we two only could not have been able to nay-
igate the ship to any part we desired, or ever to get to
the island, unless such a wind as we had before
would of itself have driven us thither.
+
Whilst we were considering, day after day, what
to do, though the sea was now very calm and
30
Adventures of
smooth, the ship seemed to sail at as great a rate
as before, which we attributed to the velocity she
had acquired by the storm, or to currents that had
set that way by the violence of the winds. Con-
tenting ourselves with this, we expected all soon to
be right again; and as we had no prospect of ever
seeing our companions we kept the best look out
we could, to see for any vessel coming that course,
which might take us in; and resolved to rest all
our hopes upon that.
When we had sailed a good while after this
manner, we knew not whither, Adains called out,
I see land! My heart leapt within me for joy; and
we hoped, the current that seemed to carry is 80
fast, set in for some islands or rivers that lay be-
fore us.
But still we were exceedingly puzzled at
the ship's making such way; and the nearer we
approached the land, which was now very visible,
the more speed the ship made, though there was
no wind stirring. We had but just time to think
on this unexpected phenomenon, when we found
that what we had taken for land was a rock of an
extraordinary height, to which, as we advanced
nearer, the ship increased its motion; and all our
strength could not make her answer her rudder
any other way. This put us under the apprehen-
sion of being dashed to pieces immediately; and, in
less than half an hour, I verily thought my fears
had not been groundless. Poor Adams told me he
would try when the ship struck, if he could leap up-
on the rock, and ran to the head for that purpose :
but I was so fearful of seeing my danger, that I ran
under hatches, resolved to sink in the ship. We
had no sooner parted but I felt so violent a shock,
that I verily thought the ship had brought down the
whole rock upon her, and been thereby dashed to
pieces; so that I never more expected to see the
light.
Peter Wilkins.
31
I lay under this terror for at least half an hour,
waiting the ship's either filling with water, or bulg-
ing every moment. But finding neither motion in
her, nor any water rise, nor the least noise what-
soever, I ventured with an aching heart, from my
retreat, and stole up the hatch-way, as if an enemy
had been upon deck, peeping first one way, then
another. Here nothing presented but confusion;
the rock hung over the hatch-way, at about twenty
feet above my head, our fore-mast lay by the board
the main-mast yard-arm was down, and great part
of the main-mast snapped off with it, and almost
every thing upon deck was displaced. This sight
shocked me extremely; and calling for Adams, in
whom I hoped to find some comfort, I was too soon
convinced I had lost him.
CHAPTER VI.
AFTER I had stood a while in the utmost con
fusion of thought, and my spirits began to be a lit-
tle composed, I was resolved to see what damage
the hull of the ship had received. Accordingly I
looked narrowly, but could find none, only she was
immoveably fixed in a cleft of the rock, like a large
arch-way, and there stuck so fast, that though
upon fathoming, I could find no bottom, she never
moved in the least by the working of the water.
I now began to look upon Adams as a happy
man, being delivered by an immediate death from
such an inextricable scene of distress, and wished
myself with him a thousand times. I had a great
mind to have followed him into the other world;
yet I know not how it is, there is something so ab-
horrent to human nature in self-murder let the
32
Adventures of
condition what it will, that I was soon determined
on the contrary side. Now again I perceived that
the Almighty had given me a large field to expa-
tiate in upon the trial of his creatures, by bringing
them into imminent dangers, ready to overwhelm
them, and at the same time, as it were, hanging
out the flag of truce and mercy to them. These
thoughts brought me to my knees and I poured
out my soul to God in a strain of humiliating res-
ignation to his will, and earnest petitions for de
liverance or support in this distress. Having fin-
ished I found myself in a more composed frame.
I walked my ship, of which I was now both mas-
ter and owner, and employed myself in searching
how it was fastened to the rock, and where it res-
ted; but all to no purpose as to that particular.
I then struck a light, and went into the holl, to sec
what I could find useful, for we had never searched
the ship since we took her.
In the hold I found abundance of long iron bars,
which I suppose were brought out to be trafficked
with the blacks. I observed they lay all with one
end close to the head of the ship which I presumed
was occasioned by the violent shock they received
when she struck against the rock; but seeing one
short bar lying out beyond the rest, though touching
at the end one of the long bars, I thought to take it
up, and lay it on the heap with the others: but the
moment I had raised the end next the other bars,
it flew out of my hand with such violence, against
the head of the ship, and with such noise, as great-
ly surprised me and put me in fear it had broke
through the plank.
I just stayed to see no harm was done and ran
upon deck, with my hair stiff on my head; nor
could I conceive less than that some subtle virt
had done this prank mercly to torriše
Peter Wilkins.
33
It ran in my pate several days, and I durst upon
no account have gone into the hold again, though
my whole support had lain there; nay, it even
spoiled my rest, for fear something tragical should
befal me, of which this amazing incident was an
omen.
About a week after, as I was shifting myself,
(for I had not taken any clothes off since I came
there) and putting on a new pair of shoes which
I found on board, my own being very had, taking
out my iron buckles, I laid one of them upon a
broken piece of the mast that I sat upon; when, to
my astonishment, it was no sooner out of my hand,
but it flew to the rock, and stuck there. I
Cold not tell what to make of it; but was sorry
the Devil had got above deck. I then held several
other things, one after another, in ny hand, and
laid them down where I had laid the buckle, but
nothing stirred, till I took out the fellow of that
from the shoes; when letting it go, away it jumped
also to the rock.
קון
I mused on these phenomena for some time,
and could not forbear calling upon God to protect
me from the devil; who must, as I imagined, have
a hand in such unaccountable things as they then
seemed to me. But at length reason got the better
of these foolish apprehensions, and I began to think
there might be some natural cause of them, and
In order
next to be very desirous of finding it out.
to this, I set about making experiments. to try what
would run to the rock, and what would not.
went into the captain's cabin, and opened the cup-
board, of which the key was in the door, I took
out a pipe, a bottle, a pocket-book, a silver spoon,
a teacup, &c. and laid them successively near the
rock; when none of them answered; but the key
which I had brought out of the cupboard on my
finger, dropping off while I was thus employed, a
C
I
34
Adventures of
sooner was it disengaged, but away it went to it.
After that I tried several other pieces of iron ware
with the like success. Upon this, and the needle
of my compass standing stiff to the rock, I conciu-
led that this same rock contained a great quantity
of loadstone, or was itself one vast magnet, and
that our lading of iron was the cause of the ship's
violent course thereto, which I mentioned before.
This quite satisfied me, as to my notion of
spirits, and gave me a more undisturbed night's
rest than I had had before; so that now, having
nothing to affright me, I passed the time tolerably
well in my solitude, as it grew by degrees famil-
jar to me.
CHAPTER VII.
I WANTED to see the other side of the rock,
und at last resolved to try if I could not coast it
quite round; for, as I reasoned with myself, I
might possibly find some landing places, and per-
aps a convenient habitation on shore. But as I was
very uncertain wixit time that night take up, I de-
termined on having provisions, instruments of divers
kinds, and necessary utensils in plenty, to guard
against accidents as well as I could. I therefore
took another sea chest out of the hold of the ship,
and letting it into my boat, replenished it with a
stock of wine, brandy, oil, brea:l, and the like, suf-
ficient for a considerable voyage. I also filled a
large cask with water, and took a good quantity
of salt to cure what fish I should take by the way.
I carried two guns, two brace of pistols, and other
arms, with ammunition proportionable; also an
axe or two, a saw to cut wood if I should see any,
Peter Wilkins.
35
and a few other tools, which might be highly ser-
viceable if I could land. To all these I added an
old sail, to make a covering for my goods and ar-
tillery against the weather. Thus furnished and
equipped, having secured my hatches, on board, and
every thing that might spoil by wet, I set out, with
God's speed, on my expedition, committing myself
once more to Providence, and the main ocean, and
proceeding the same way I went the first time.
I did not sail extraordinary fast, but frequently
fished in proper places, and caught a great deal,
salting and drying the best of what I took. For
three weeks' time and more, I saw no entrance in-
to the island, as I call it, nor anything but the same
unscaleable rock. This uniform prospect gave me
so little hopes of landing, that I was almost of a
mind to have returned again. But, on mature de-
liberation, resolved to go forward a day or two
more, I had not proceeded twenty-four hours, when
just as it was becoming dark, I heard a great noise
as of a tall of water, whereupon I proposed to lie
by and wait for day, to see what it was; but the
stream insensibly drawing me on, I soon found my-
self in an eddy; and the boat drawing forward, be-
yond all my power to resist it, I was quickly suck-
ed under a low arch, where, if I had not fallen flat
in my boat, having barely light enough to see my
danger, I had undoubtedly been crushed to pieces,
or driven overboard. I could perceive the boat
to fall with incredible violence, as I thought, down
a precipice, and suddenly whirled round and round
with me, the water roaring on all sides, and dash-
ing against the rock with a most amazing
notae.
over
I expected every moment my poor little vessel
would be stared against the rock, and I
whelmed with waters; and for that reason never
once attempted to rise up, or look upon my perň
36
Adventures of
till after the commotion had in some measure ceas-
ed. At length finding the pertubation of the water
abate, and as if by degrees I came into a smoother
stream, I took courage just to lift up my affrighted
head; but guess, if you can, the horror which seized
me, on finding myself in the blackest of darkness,
unable to perceive the smallest glimmer of light.
However as my boat seemed to glide easily, I
roused myself, and struck a light; but if I had my
terrors before, what must I have now! I was quite
stupified at the treinendous view of an immense
arch over my head, to which I could see no bounds;
the stream itself as I judged, was about thirty yards
broad, but in some places wider in some narrower.
It was well for me I happened to have a tinder box
or though I had escaped hitherto, I must have at
last perished; for in the narrower parts of the
stream, where it ran swiftest, there were frequent-
ly such crags stood out from the rock, by reason
of the turnings and windings, and such sets of the
current against them, as, could I not have seen
to manage my boat, which I took great care to
keep in the middle of the stream, must have
thrown me on them, to my inevitable destruction.
Happy it was for me, also, I was so well vict
ualed, and that I had taken with me two bottles of
oil, (as I supposed, for I did not imagine I rid
any more,) or I had certainly been lost, not only
through hunger, for I was, to my guess, five weeks
in the vault or cavern, but for want of light, which
the oil furnished and without which all other con-
veniences could have been of no avail to me. I
was forced to keep my lamp always burning; so,
not knowing how long my residence was to be in
that place, or when I should get my discharge from
it, if ever, I was obliged to husband my oil with the
utmost frugality; and notwithstanding all my caution
Peter Wilkins.
37
it grew low, and was just spent, in little above half
the time I stayed there.
I had now cut a piece of my shirt, for a wick to
my
last drop of oil, which I twisted and lighted.
I burnt the oil in my brass tobacco-box, which I
had fitted pretty well to answer the purpose. Sit-
ting down, I had many black thoughts of what
must follow the loss of my light, which I considered
as near expiring, and that, I feared, forever. I am
here, thought I, like a poor condemned criminal,
who knows his execution is fixed for such a day,
nay, and an hour, and dies over and over in imag-
ination, and by the torture of his mind, till that
hour comes; that hour, which he so much dreads
and yet that very hour which releases him from all
farther dread! Thus do I-my last wick is kin-
dled my last drop of fuel is consuming!-and I
dled-ny
am every moment apprehending the shocks of the
rock, the suffocation of the water; and, in short,
thinking over my dying thoughts, till the snuff of
my lamp throws up its last curling, expiring flame,
and then my quietus will be presently signed, and
I released from my tormenting anxiety! Happy
minute! Come, then; I only wait for thee!
My spirits grew so low and feeble upon this, that
I had recourse to my brandy bottle to raise them;
but, as I was just going to take a sip, I reflected
that would only increase thirst, and, therefore, it
were better to take a little of my white Madeira,
so, putting my dram-bottle again into the chest,
I held up one of Madeira, as I fancied to the lamp,
and seeing it was white, (for I had red too,) I clap-
ped it eagerly to my mouth, when the first gulp
gave me a greater refreshment and more cheered
my heart, than all other liquors I had put together
could have done: insomuch, as I had almost leaped
over the boat's side for joy. It is oil! cried I,
aloud, It is oil! I set it down carefully, with inex-
38
Adventures of
pressible pleasure; and examining the rest of the
bottles I had taken for white Madeira, I found
two more of those to be filled with oil. Now, says
I, here is the counter part of my condemned prison-
er! For let but a pardon come, though at the
gallows, how soon does he forget he has been an un-
happy villain! And I, too, have scarce a notion
now, how a man, in my case, could feel such sorrow
as I have for want of a little oil.
After my first transport, I found myself grow se-
rious, reflecting upon the vigilance of providence
over us poor creatures, and the various instances
wherein it interposes to save or relieve us, in ca-
ses of the deepest distress, where our own foresight,
wisdom, and power, have utterly failed, and when
looking all around, we could discover no means of
deliverance. And I saw a train of circumstances
leading to the incident I have just mentioned,
which obliged me to acknowledge the superinten-
dance of Heaven over even my affairs; and as the
goodness of God had cared for me thus far, and
manifested itself to me now, in rescuing me, as it
were, from being swallowed up in darkness, I had
ground to hope he intended a complete deliverance
of me out of that dismal abyss, and would cause me
yet to praise him in the full brightness of day.
A series of these meditations brought me (at the
end of five weeks, as nearly as I could compute it
by my lainp) to a prodigious lake of water, border-
ed with a grassy down, about half a mile wide,
of the finest verdure I had ever seen: this again
was flanked with a wood or grove, rising like an
ampitheatre, of about the same breadth; and behind
and above all, appeared the naked rock to an im-
mense height.
Peter Wilkins.
39
CHAPTER VIII.
It is impossible to express my joy at the sight of
day once more. I got on the land as soon as possi-
ble, after my disinission from the cavern, and kneel
ing on the ground, returned hearty thanks to God
for my deliverance, begging at the same time, grace
to improve his inercies, and that I might continue
under his protection whatever should hereafter befall
me, and at last die on my own native soil.
I unloaded my vessel as well as I could, and haul-
ed her up on the shore; and, turning her upside
down, made a covering for my arms and baggage:
1 then sat down to contemplate the place, and eat a
most delightful meal on the grass, being quite a new
thing to me.
I walked over the green-sward to the wood, with
my gun in my hand, a brace of pistols in my girdle,
and my cutlass hanging before me; but, when Í
was just entering the wood looking behind me and
all around the plain, is it possible says I, that so
much art (for I did not then believe it was natural)
could have been bestowed upon this place, and no
mhabitant in it? Here are neither buildings, huts,
castle, nor any living creature to be seen!-It can-
not be, says I, that this place was made for nothing.
I then went a considerable way into the wood,
and inclined to have gone much farther, it being
very beautiful, but on second thoughts, judged it best
to content myself at present with only looking out a
safe retreat for that night; for however agreeable
the place then seemed, darkness was at hand, when
every thing about me would have more or less
of horror in it.
The wood, at its first entrance, was composed
of the most charming flowring shrubs that can be
imagined; each growing upon its own stem, at su
convenient a distance from the other, that
40
Adventures of
night fairly pass between them any way without
the least incommodity. Behind them grew num-
berless trees, somewhat taller, of the greatest vari-
ety of shapes, forms, and verdures, the eye ever be-
held; each also so far asunder as was necessary for the
spreading of their several branches, and the growth
of their delicious fruits, without a bush, briar or
shrub amongst them. Behind these and on higher
ground, grew an infinite number of very large, tall
trees, much loftier than the former, but interinixed
with some underwood, which grew thicker and
closer the nearer you approached the rock. I made
a shift to force my way through these as far as the
rock, which rose as perpendicular as a regular
building, having only here and there some crags
and unevennesses. There was, I observed, a space
all the way between the underwood and the rock
wide enough to drive a cart in; and, indeed, I
thought it had been left for that purpose.
الك
I walked along this passage a good way, having
tied a rag of the lining of my jacket at the place of
iny entrance, to know it again at my coming back,
which I intended to be ere it grew dark; but I
found so much pleasure in the walk, and surveying
a small natural grotto which was in the rock, that
the daylight forsook me unawares: whereupon I
resolved to put off my return unto the boat till the
next morning, and to take up my lodging for that
night in the cave.
I cut down a large bundle of underwood with my
cutlass, sufficient to stop up the mouth of the grotto
and laying me down to rest, slept as sound as if I
had been on board my ship; for I never had one
bours rest together since I shot the gulph till this.
Nature, indeed, could not have supported itself
thus long under much labour; but as I had nothing
to do but only keep the middle stream, I began to
be as used to guide myself in it with my eyes
es almost
Peter Wilkins.
41
closed, and my senses retired, as a higgler is to
drive his cart to market in his sleep.
The next morning I awaked sweetly refreshed;
and by the sight of my rag, found the way again
through the underwood to my boat. I raised that
up a little, took out some bread and checse, and,
having eat pretty heartily, laid me down to drink
at the lake, which looked as clear as crystal, ex-
pecting a most delicious draught; but I had forgot
it brought me from the sea, and my first gulph al-
most poisoned me. This was a sore disappoint-
ment, for I knew my water cask was nigh emptied;
and, indeed, turning up my boat again, I drew
out all that remained, and drank it, for I was much
athirst.
However, I did not despair; I was now so used
to God's providence, and had a sense of its opera-
tions so rivited in my mind, that though the vast
lake of salt water was surrounded by an impenetra-
ble rock or barrier of stone, I rested satisfied that
I should rather find even that yield me a fresh and
living stream, than that I should perish for want of
ít.
With this easy mind did I travel five or six
miles on the side of the lake, and sometimes step-
ped into the wood, and walked a little there, till
I had gone almost half the diameter of the lake,
which lay in a circular or rather an oval figure.
I had then thoughts of walking back, to be near my
boat and lodging, for fear I should be again benigh-
ted if I went much farther; but, considering I had
coine past no water, and possibly I might yet find
some if I went quite round the lake, I rather chose
to take up with a new lodging that night, than to
return; and I did not want for a supper, haring
brought out with me more bread and cheese than
had served for dinner, the remainder of which was
in the lining of my jacket. When it grew darkish,

1
42
Adventures of

I had some thoughts of eating; but I considered,
as I was then neither very hungry nor dry, if I
should eat it would but occasion drought, and I had
nothing to allay that with; so I contented myself
for that night to lay down supperless.
In the morning I set forward again upon my wa-
ter search, and hoped to compass the whole lake that
day. I had gone about seven iniles more, when,
at a little distance before me, I perceived a small
hollow or cut in the grass from the wood to the
lake; thither I hasted with all speed, and blessed
God for the supply of a fine fresh rill, which, dis-
tilling from several small clefts in the rock, had
collected itself into one stream, and cut its way
through the green sod to the lake.
I lay down with infinite pleasure, and swallowed
a most cheering draught of the precious liquid;
and, sitting on the brink, made a good
meal of what I had with me, and then drank
again. I had now got five-sixths of the lake's cir-
cumference to go back again to my boat, for I did
not suspect any passage over the cavern's mouth
where I came into the lake; and I could not, with-
out much trouble, consider, that, if I would have
this water for a constant supply, I must either come
a long way for it, or fix my habitation near it. I-
was just going back again, revolving these uneasy
thoughts in my breast, when this rose suddenly m
my mind, that, if I could possibly get over the
mouth of the cavern, I should not have above three
miles from my grotto to the water. Now, as I
could not get home that night, otherwise than by
crossing it, and as, if I lost my labor, I should be
but where I was, whereas if I should get over, it, it
would very much shorten my journey,I resolved to
try whether the thing was practible, first however,
looking out for a resting-place somewhere near any
water, if I should meet with a disappointinent
Peter Wilkins.
43
I then walked into the wood, where, meeting
with no place of retreat to my liking, I went to my
rill, and taking another sup, determined not to
leave that side of the lake till morning; but
having some time to spare,I walked about two miles
to view the inlet of the lake, and was agreeably
surprised, just over the mouth of the cavern, to see
a large stone arch like a bridge, as if it had been
cut out of the rock, quite across the opening, this
cheered me vastly, and pushing over it, I found a
path that brought me to my boat before night.
I then went up to my grotto, for the third night
in this most delightful place; and the next morning
early I launched my boat, and taking my watei
cask and a small dipping bucket with me, I rowed
away for the rill, and returned highly pleased with
a sulficiency of water, whereof I carried a bucket
and a copper-kettle full up with me to the grotto
Indeed, it was not the least part of my satisfaction
that I had this kettle with me; for though I was in
hopes, in my last voyage, I should have come to
some shore, where I could have landed and enjoyed
myself over some of my fish, and for that reason
had taken it, notwithstanding things did not turu
out just as I had schemed, yet my kettle proved the
inost useful piece of furniture I had.
Having now accquainted myself with the circum-
ference of the lake, and settled a comunication with
my rill, I began to think of commencing house-keep-
ing. In order thereto, I set about removing my
goods up to the grotto. By constant application,
in a few days I had gotten thither but my two
great chests and my water-cask; and how to drag
or drive any of those to it, I was entirely at a loss.
My water-cask was of the utmost importance to
me, and I had thoughts, sometimes, of sa pping it
close, and rolling it to the place; but the ascent
through the wood to the grotto was so steep, that
2.2
44.
Adventures of
besides the fear of staving it, which would have
been an irreparable loss, I judged it impossible to
accomplish it by my strength; so with a good deal
of discontent, I determined to remit both that and
the chests of future consideration.
CHAPTER IX.
HAVING Come to a full resolution of fixing my
residence at the grotto, and making that my capi-
tal seat, it is proper to give you some description
of it.
This grotto, then, was a full mile trom the lake,
in the rock which encompassed the wood. The
entrance was scarcely two feet wide, and about
nine feet high, rising, from the height of seven feet
upward, to a point in the middle. The cavity
was about fifteen feet long within, and about five
wide. Being obliged to lie lengthwise in it, full
six feet of it were taken up at the farther end for
my lodging only, as nothing could stand on the
side of my bed that would leave me room to come
at it. The remainder mine feet of the cave's
length were taken up, first, by my fire place, which
was the deepest side of the door-way, ranging
with my bed, (which I had set close to the rock
on one side) and took up near three feet in length;
and my furniture and provisions, of one sort or
other, so filled up
the rest,
that I had much ado to
between them into my bed.
In the chest which I had taken for a seat in the
boat, as aforesaid, upon breaking it open by the
water side, I found a mattrass, some shirts, shoes,
stockings, and several other useful things; a smal
case of bottles with cordials in them, some instru
creep
Peter Wilkins.
45
ments of surgery, plasters and salves; all which,
together with a large quantity of fish that I had sal-
tel, I carried to the grotto.
My habitation being thus already overcharged
and as I could not, however, bear the thoughts of
quitting it, or having any of my goods exposed to
the outside, I was naturally bent on contriving
how I should increase my accommodations. As
I had no prospects of enlarging the grotto itself, 1
could conceive no other way of effecting my desire,
but by the addition of an outer room. This thought
pleased ine very much, so that the next day I set
myself to plan out the building, and trace the foun-
dation of it.
I told you before there was about the space of a
cart-way between the wood and rock clear: but
this breadth, as I was building for life, (so I im-
agined) not appearing to me spacious enough for
my new apartinent, I considered how I should ex-
tend its bounds into the wood. Hereupon I set my-
self to observe what trees stood at a proper dis-
tance from my grotto, that might serve as they
stood, with a little management of hewing and the
like, to compose a noble doorway, posts, and sup-
porters; and I found, that upon cutting down three
of the nearest trees, I should answer my purpose
in
this respect; and that there were several others,
about twenty feet from the grotto, and running par-
allel with the rock, the situation of which was so
happily adapted to my intention, that I could
make them become as I fancied, an out-fence or
wall; so I took my axe, to cut down my nearest
rees; but as I was going to strike, a somewhat
different scheme presented to my imagination that
altered my resolution.
In conformity with this new plan, I fixed the
height of my intended ceiling, and sawed off my
nearest trees to that, sloping from the sides to the
16
Adventures of
middle, to support cross beams for the roof to
rest on, and left the trunks standing, by way of
pillars, both for the use and ornament of the struc-
ture. In short, I worked hard every day upon iny
building for a month, in which time I had cut all
my timber into proper length for my out-works and
covering; but was at a great stand how to fix my
side-posts, having no spade or mattock, and the
ground almost hard as flint, for to be sure it had
never been stirred since the creation. I then thought
I had the worst part of my job to get over; how-
ever, I went on, and having contrived, in most of
my upright side-quarters, to take the tops of the
trees, and leave on the lower parts of their cleft,
where they began to branch out and divide from
the main stem, I set one of them upright against
the rock, and laid one end of my long ceiling pie-
ces upon the cleft of it, and laid the other end upon
a tree on the same side, whose top I had also saw-
ed off with a proper cleft. I then went and did
the same on the other side; after this, I laid on a
proper number of cross-beams and tied all very
firmly together with the bark of young trees strip-
ped off in long thongs, which answered that pur-
pose very well. Thus I proceeded, crossing, join-
ing, and fastening all together, till the whole roof
was so strong and firm hat there was no stirring
any part of it; I then spread it over with small
loop wood, on which I raised a ridge of dried
grass and weeds, very thick, and thatched over the
whole with the leaves of a tree very much resem
bling those of a palm, but much thicker, and no
quite so broad; the entire surface I might say
was as smooth as a dye, and so ordered, by a gen
tle declivity every way as to carry off the wet.
Having covered in ny building, was next to fin-
ish and close the walls of it; the skeleton of these
was composed of sticks, crossing one another check-
Peter Wilkins.
47
erwise, and tied together: to fill up the voids, I
wow upon
them the longest and most pliable twigs
of the underwood I could find, leaving only a door-
way on one side, between two stems of a tree,
which dividing in the trunk, at about two feet from
the ground, grew from thence, for the rest of its
height, as if the branches were a couple of trees a
little distance from one another, which made a sort
of stileway to my room. When this was all done
I tempered up some earth by the lake side and mix-
ing it to a due consistence with mud, which I took
from the lake, applied as a plastering in this man-
ner: I divided it into pieces, which I rolled up of
the size of a football; these lumps I stuck close by
one another on the lattice, pressing them very hard
with my hands, which forced part of them quite
through the small twigs, and then I smoothed both
sides with the back of my saw, to about the thick-
ness of five or six inches; so that by this means I
had a wall round my new apartment a foot thick.
This plaster-work cost me some time, and a great
deal of labor, as I had a full mile to go to the lake
for
every load of stuff, and could carry but little at
once, it was so heavy; but there was neither wa-
ter for tempering, nor proper earth to make it
with, any nearer. At last, however, I completed
my building in every respect but a door, and for
this I was forced to use the lid of my sea-chest ;
which indeed, I would have chosen not to apply
that way, but I had nothing else that would do; and
there was, however, this conveniency, that it had
hinges ready fixed thereon.
I now began to enjoy myself in my new nabita-
tion, like the absolute and sole lord of the country,
for I had neither seeu man nor heast since my ar-
rival, save a few animals in the trees like our squir-
rels, and some water-rats about the lake; but there
4
48
Adventures of
were several strange kinds of birds I had neve
before seen, both on the lake and in the woods.
That which now troubled me most was, how get
my water nearer to me than the lake, for I had no
lesser vessel than the cask, which held above twen
ty gallons, and to bring that up was a fatigue intol-
erable. My next contrivance, therefore, was this:
I told you I had taken my chest-lid to make a
door for an auti-chamber, as I now began to call
it; so I resolved to apply the body of the chest al-
so to a purpose different from that it originally an-
swered. In order to this, I went to the lake where
the body of the chest lay, and sawed it through
within about three inches of the bottom. Of the
two ends, having rounded them as well as I could,
I made two wheels; and with one of the sides I
made two more. I burnt a hole through the mid-
dle of each; then preparing two axle-trees, I fas-
tened them, after setting on the wheels, to the bot
tom of the chest, with the nails I had drawn out of
it. Having finished this machine, on which I be-
stowed no small labor, I was hugely pleased with
it, and only wished I had a beast, if it were but an
ass, to draw it; however, that task I was satisfied
to perform myself, since there was no help for it :
so I made a good strong cord out of my fishing-
lines, and fixed that to drag it by. When all was
thus in readiness, filling my water-cask, I bound
it thereon, and so brought it to the grotto, with
such ease, comparatively as quite charmed me.
Having succeeded so well in the first essay,
sooner unloaded, but down went I again with my
cart, or truckle rather, to the lake, and brought
from thence on it my other chest, which I had left
entire.
-
1 no
I had now nothing remaining near the lake but
my boat, and had halfa mind to try to bring that
u oo; but having so frequent occasion for her to
Peter Wilkins.
49
get iny water in, which I used in greater abundance
now than 1 had done at first, a great part going to
supply my domestic uses, as well as for drinking,
I resolved against that, and sought for a convenient
dock to stow it in, as a preservative against wind
and weather, which I soon after effected: for hav-
ing pitched upon a swampy place, overgrown with
a sort of long flags or reeds, I soon cut a trench
from the lake, with a sort of spade or board that I
had chopped and sharpened for that use.
Thus having stowed my boat, and looked over
all my goods and sorted them, and taken a survey
of my provisions, I found I must soon be in want
of the last if I did not forthwith procure a supply;
br though I had victualled so well at setting out,
and had been very sparing ever since, yet, had it
not been for a great quantity of fish I took and sal-
ed in my passage to the gulf, I had been to seek
for food much sooner. Hereupon, I thought it quite
prudent to look out before I really wanted.
With this resolution, I acoutrel myself, as in my
first walk, with my instruments and arms; but in-
stead of travelling the lake side, I went along the
wood, and therein found great plenty of divers kinds
of fruits; though I could scarce persuade myself to
taste, or try the effects of them, being so much un-
like our own, or any I had seen elsewhere. I ob-
served amongst the shrubs abundance of a fruit,
or whatever else you may call it, which grew like a
ram's horn; sharp at the point next the twig it
was fastened to, and circling round and round, one
fold upon another, which gradually increased to the
size of my wrist in the middle, and then as gradu-
ally decreased till it terminated in a point again at
the contrary extreme; all which spiral, if it were
fairly extended in length, might be a yard or an ell
bag. I surveyed this strange vegetable very atten-
tively; it han a rind, or crust which I could not
D
50
Adventures of
break with my hand, but taking my knife, and ma
king an opening therewith in the shell, there issued
out a sort of milky liquor in great quantity, to at
least a pint and a half, which having tasted, I found
as sweet as honey, and very pleasant; however, I
could not persuade myself any more than just to
taste it. I then found on the large trees several
kinds of fruits, like pears or quinces, but most of
them exceeding hard and rough, and quite disa-
greeable; so I quitted my hopes of tl.em.
About three miles from my grotto, I met with a
large space of ground full of a low plant, growing
only with a single woody stalk about half a foot
high and from thence issued a round head, about a
foot or ten inches in diameter, but quite flat, about
three quarters of an inch thick, and just like a
cream-cheese, standing upon its edge; these grew
so close together that, upon the least wind stirring,
their heads rattled against each other very musical-
ly; for though the stalks were so very strong that
they would not easily either bend or break, yet the
fanning of the wind upon the broad heads twisting
the stalks, so as to let the heads strike each other
they made a most agreeable sound.
I stood some time admiring this shrub, and then
cutting up one of them, I found it weighed about
two pounds; they had a tough green rind, or cov-
ering, very smooth, and the inside full of a stringy
pulp quite white. In short, I made divers other
trials of berries, roots, herbs, and what else I could
find, but received little satisfaction from any of
them, for fear of bad qualities. I returned back
ruminating on what things I had seen, resolving to
take my cart the next walk, and bring it home load-
ed with different kinds of thein, in order to make
my trials thereof at leisure; but my cart being too
flat, and wanting sides, I considered it would carry
very little, and that what it would otherwise bear,
Peter Wilkins.
51
on that account must tumble and roll off; so I made
a fire, and turned smith; for with a great deal to
do, breaking off the wards of a large key I had,
an making it red-hot, I by degrees fashioned it
into a kind of spindle, and therewith making holes
quite round the bottom of my cart, in them I stuck
up sticks, about two feet high, that I had tapered
at the end to fit them,
Having thus qualified my cart for a load, I pro-
ceeded with it to the wood, and cutting a small
quantity of each species of green, berry, fruit and
flower, that I could find, and packing them several-
ly in parcels, I returned at night heavy laden, and
held a counsel with myself what use they could
most properly be applied to.
I had amongst my goods, as I said, a copper
kettle, which held about a gallon; this I set over
my fire, and boiled something by turns, of every
sort in it, watching all the while, and with a stick
stirring and raising up one thing and then another
and to feel when they were boiled tender: but of
upwards of twenty greens which I thus dressed, on
ly one proved eatable, all the rest becoming more
stringy, tough, and insipid, for the cooking. The
one I have excepted, was a round, thick, woolly-
leafed plant, which boiled tender, and tasted as
well as spinnage; I therefore preserved soine leaves
of this, to know it again by; and, for distinction,
called it by the name of that herb.
I then began upon my fruits of the pear and
quince kind, at least eight different sorts; but I
found I could inake nothing of them, for they were
most of them as tough and crabbed after stewing
as before, so I laid them aside. Lastly 1 boiled my
ram's horn and cream-cheese, as I called them,
together. Upon tasting the latter of these, it was
become so watery and inspid, I laid it aside as
useless. I then cut the other, and tasted the juice,
C2
52
Adventures of
:
1.
which proved, so exceeding pleasant, that I took a
large gulph or two of it, and tossed it into the ket-
tle again.
Having now gone through the several kinds of
my exotics, I had a mind to re-examine them af-
ter cooling; but could make nothing of any of my
greens but the spinage. I tried several berries and
nuts too; but, save a few sorts of nuts, they were
all very tasteless. Then I began to review the
fruits, and could find but two sorts that I had the
least hopes from, I then laid the best by, and
threw the others away. After this process, which
took me up near a whole day, and clearing my
house of good-for-nothings, I returned to re-exam-
ine iny cheese, that was grown cold, and was so
dry and hard I could not get my teeth into it, up-
on which I was going to skim it away out of my grot-
to, saying, Go, thou worthless! (for I always spoke
aloud my thoughts to myself) I say, I was just des-
patching it when I checked my hands, and, as I could
make no impression with my teeth, had a mind to
try what my knife could do. Accordingly I began
at the edge of the quarter, for I had boiled but a
quarter of it; but the rind was grown so hard and
brittle that my knife slipping, and raking along
the cut-edge of it, scraped off some powder as
white as possible; I then scraped it backward and
forward some time, till I found it would all scrape
away in this powder, except the rind; upon
which I laid it aside again for farther experiment.
During this review, my kettle and ram's horn
had been boiling, till hearing it blubber very loud,
and seeing there was but little liquor in it, I whip-
ped it off the fire, for fear of burning its bottom
but took no farther notice of it till about two hours
after; when returning to the grotto, I went to
wash out my kettle, but could scarce get my ram's-
horn from the bottom; and when I did it brought
}
*
ལ
Peter Wilkins.
53
up with it a sort of pitchy substance, though not so
black, and several gummy threads hanging to it,
drawn out to a great length. I wondered at this,
and thought the shell of the ram's horn had melted
or some such thing; till venturing to put a little of
the stuff on my tongue, it proved to my thinking
as good a treacle as I had ever tasted.
This new discovery pleased me very much. I
scraped all the sweet thing up, and laid it near
my grotto, in a large leaf of one of the trees, (about
two feet long, and broad in proportion) to prevent
its running about. In getting this curiosity out of
my kettle, I found in it a small piece of my cheese,
which I suppose had been broke off in stirring; and
biting it, (for it was soft enough) I think it was
the most luscious aud delicate morsel I ever put
into my lips. This unexpected good fortune put
me on trying the best of my pears again; so setting
on my kettle, with very little water, and putting
some of my treacle into it, and two of the bes
ears quartered, I found that upon a little boiling
they also became an excellent_dainty.
Having succeeded so well, I was quite ripe for
another journey with my cart; which I according-
ly undertook, taking my rout over the stone-bridge,
to see what the other side of the lake produced.
In travelling through the trees, I met, amongst other
things, with abundance of large gourds, which,
climbing the trees, displayed their fruit to the
height of twenty or thirty feet above the ground.
I cut a great many of these, and some very large
ones of different hues and forms; which of them-
selves making a great load, with some few new
sorts of berries and greens, were the gathering of
that day. But I must tell you, I was almost foil-
ed in getting them home; for coming to my stone-
bridge, it rose so steep, and was so much ruggeder
than the grass or wood-ground, that I was at a set
51
Adventures of
upon the first entrance, and terribly afraid I should
either break my wheels or pull off my axle-trees.
Hereupon I was forced to unload, and carry my
cargo over in my arms to the other side of the
bridge; whither having then, with less fear but
much caution, drawn my cart, I loaded again, and
got safe home.
I was mightily pleased with the acquisitions of
this journey; for, thought I, I shall have several
convenient family-utensils; so spent the next day
or two in scooping my gourds and cleaning away
the pulp.
I
When I had done this, finding the rinds to be
very weak and yielding, I made a good fire. and
setting them round it at a moderate distance to dry,
I went about something else without doors: but,
alas! my hopes were ill-founded; for coming home
to turn my gourds, and see how dry they were,
found them all warped, and turned into a variety of
uncouth shapes. This put me to a stand; but,
however, I recovered some pieces of them for
use, as the bottom parts of most of them, after par-
ing away the sides, would hold something, though
they by no means answered my first purpose.
Well thought I, what if I have lost my gourds,
I have gained experience. I will dry them with
the guts in, and having stiffened their rinds in their
proper dimensions, then try to cleanse them. So,
next morning, (for I was very eager at it,) I set
out with my cart for another load; and having
handed them over the bridge, got safe with them to
the grotto. These by proper management proved
exceedingly valuable to me; answering, in one way
or other, the several uses of plates, bottles, pans,
and divers other vessels.
I now got a large quantity of the vegetable ram's-
horn, and filled a great many of my gourds with
the treacle it yielded; I also boiled and dried a
Peter Wilkins.
55
Large parcel of my cheeses, and hung them up for
use, for I had now for some time made all my
bread of the latter, scraping and bruising the flour,
and mixing it with my treacle and water; and this,
indeel, made such a sweet and nourishing bread,
that I could even have lived wholly upon it but I
afterwards very much improved it, by putting the
milky juice of the ram's-horn, unboiled, to my
flour, in a small quantity, and then baking it on
the hearth, covered over with embers.
This detracted nothing from the sweetness and
mellownes of my bread, but made it much lighter
than the treacle alone would have done.
Finding there was no fear of starving, but so
far from it, that from day to day I found out some-
thing new to add to, my repast, either in substan-
tials or by way of desert, I set me down very well
contented with my ondition. I had nothing to
do but to lay up store against sickness and the
fark weather; which last I expectedwould soon
je upon me, as the days were now exceeding short.
Indeed, though I had now been here six months, 1
nad never seen the sun since I first entered the gulph;
and though there was very little rain, and but few
clouds, yet the brightest day-light never exceeded
that of half an hour after sunset in the summer-
time in England, and little more than just redden-
ed the sky. For the first part of my time here,
there was but little, if any difference between day
and night; but afterwards, what I might call the
night, or lesser degree of light, took up more
hours than the greater, and went on gradually in-
creasing as the time, so that I perceived total dark-
ness approached, such as I had on board my ship
the year before.
56
Adventures of
CHAPTER X.
I HAD now well stored my grotto with all sorts
of winter provisions; and feeling the weather grow
cold, I expected, and waited patiently for, the
total darkness. I went little abroad, and employed
myself within doors, endeavoring to fence against the
approaching extremity of the cold. For this pur-
pose, I prepared a quantity of rushes; which be
ing very dry, I spread them smoothly on the floor
of my bed-chamber a good thickness, and over
them I laid my mattrass. Then I made a double
sheet of the boat's awning, or sail, that I had
brought to cover my goods; and having skewered
together several of the jackets and clothes I found
in the chest, of them I made a coverlid; so that I
lay very commodiously, and made very long nights
of it now the dark season was set in.
As I lay awake one night, or day, I know not
which, I very plainly heard the sound of several
human voices, and sometimes very loud; but
though I could easily distinguish the articulation, I
could not understand the least word that was said;
nor did the voices seem at all to me like such as I
had any where heard before, but much softer and
more musical. This startled me, and I rose im-
mediately, slipping on my clothes, and taking my
gun in my hand, (which I always kept charged,
being my constant travelling companion) and my
cutlass. Thus equipped, I walked into my anti-
chamber, where I heard the voices much plainer,
till after some little time, they by degrees died
quite away. After watching here, and harkening
a good while, hearing nothing, I walked back in-
to the grotto, and laid me down again on my berl.
I was inclined to open the door of my anti-cham-
ber, but I own I was afraid; besides, I consider-
Peter Wilkins.
57
ed that if I did, I could discover nothing at a dis-
tance, by reason of the thick and gloomy wood
that enclosed me.
I had a thousand different surmises about the
meaning of this odd incident; and could not con-
ceive how any human creatures should be in my
kingdom (as I called it) but myself and I never
yet see them, or any trace of their habitation.
But then again I reflected, that though I had sur-
rounded the whole lake, yet I had not traced the
out-bounds of the wood next the rock, where might
be innumerable grottos like mine; nay, perhaps,
some as spacious as that I sailed through to the lake;
and that though I had not perceived it, yet this
beautiful spot might be very well peopled. But,
says I again, if there be any such beings as I
a fancying here, surely they don't skulk in their
dens, like savage beasts, by day-light, and only pa-
trole for prey by night! if 50, shall probably be-
come a delicious morsel for them ere long, if they
meet with me. This kept me more within doors
than before, and I hardly ever stirred out but for
water or firing. At length, hearing no voices, nor
seeing any one, I began to be more composed in ny
mind and at last grew persuaded that it was all a
mere delusion, and only a fancy of mine, without
any real foundation; and sometimes, though I was
sure I was fully awake when I heard them, I per-
suaded myself I had rose in my sleep, upon a
dream of voices, and recollected with myself the
various stories I had heard, when a boy; of walk-
ing in one's sleep, and the suprising effects of it; so
the whole notion was now blown over.
I had not enjoyed my tranquility above a week,
before my fears were roused afresh, hearing the
sane sound of voices twice the same night, but not
many minutes at a time. What gave me must
pain was, that they were at such a distance, as I
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53
Adventures of
judged by the languor of the sound, that if I had
opened my door, I could not have seen the utterers
through the trees, and I was resolved not to venture
out; but then I determined, if they should come
again any thing near my grotto, to open the door,
see who they were, and stand upon my defence,
whatever came of it: for, says I, my entrance is so
narrow and high, that more than one cannot come
at a time; and I can with ease despatch twenty of
them before they can secure me, if they should
be savages; but if they prove sensible human crea-
tures, it will be a great benefit to me to join my-
self to their society. Thus had I formed a scheme,
but I heard no more of them for a great while;
so at length, begining to grow ashamed of my fears,
I became tranquil again.
The day now returning, and with it my labors
I applied to my usual callings; but my mind ran
strangely upon viewing the rock quite round, that
is, the whole circuit of my dominions; for thinks
I, there may possibly be an outlet through the
rock into some other country, from whence the per-
sons I heard may come. As soon therefore as the
days grew towards the longest, I prepared for my
progress. Having lived so well at home since my
settlement, I did not care to trust only to what I
could pick up in the woods for my subsistence du-
ring this journey, which would not only take up time
in procuring, but perhaps not agree with me; so I
resolved to carry a supply with ine, proportionate to
the length of my perambulation. Hereupon con-
sidering, that though my walk round the like was
finished in two days, yet as now intended to go
round by the rock, the way would be much longer,
and perhaps more troublesome than that was; I
resolved to load the cart with a variety of food.
bread and fruits especially, and draw that with me.
Thus provided, I sallied forth with great chcer-
Peter Wilkins.
59
fulness, ard proceeded in the main easily; thongh
in some places I was forced to make way with my
hatchet, the ground was so over-run with underwood.
I very narrowly viewed the rock as I went, bottom
and sides, all the way, but could see nothing like a
assage through it, or indeed any more than one
pening, or inlet, which I entered for about thirty
pards, but it was not above three feet wide, and ter-
minated in the solid rock.
After some days travel, (making all the observa-
tions I could on the several plants, shrubs, and
trees, which I met with, particularly where any of
these occurred to me entirely new,) finding myself
a little faintish, I had a mind for a sup of ram's-
horn juice; so I cut me oue, but upon opening it
found therein a pithy pulp, and no ways fit to taste.
I supposed by this I was too early for the milk, it
being three months later the last year when I cut
them. Hereon, seeing one upon another shrub
which by its rusty color I judged might have
hung all winter, I opened that, and found it full of
milk; but putting some of it into my mouth, it was
as sour as any vinegar I ever tasted in my life.
So, thinks I, (and said so too; for, as I told you
before, I always spoke out,) here's sauce for some-
thing when I want it; and this gave me a hint to
store myself with these gourds, to hang by for vin-
egar the next winter.
By this time I had come almost to my rill, when
I entered upon a large plot of ground miserably over-
run with weeds, matted together very thick.
thick. These
choaked up my wheels in such a manner that I could
neither free them with my hands, nor get either
backwards or forwards, they binding my cart down
like so many cords; so that I was obliged to cut
my way hack again with my hatchet, and take a
sweep round in the wood, on the outside of these
weeds.
ᏟᏮ
60
Adventures of
In all my life I never saw any thing of its size
for it was no thicker than a whip-cord, so strong
as this weed; and what raised my wonder was the
length of it, for I drew out pieces of it near fifty
feet long, and even they were broken at the end, so
that it might be as long again for anght Iknow, for
it was so matted and twisted together, that it was
a great trial of patience to untangle it; but that
that which was driest, and to me looked the rot-
tenest and weakest, I found to be much the stron-
gest. Upon examination of its parts I discovered
it to be composed of an infinite number of small
threads, spirally overlaying and unfolding one anoth-
er.
As I saw but few things that I could not find a
use for, so this I perceived would serve all the com-
mon purposes of pack-thread; a thing I was often
in want of.
This inclined me to take a load of it home with
me. Indeed, the difficulty of getting a quantity
in the condition I desired it, puzzled me a little;
for, says I, if I cut up a good deal of it with my
hatchet, as I first designed, I shall only have small
lengths good for little, and to get it in pieces of
any considerable length so as to be of service, will
require much time and labor. But reflecting how
much I needed it, and of what benefit it would be,
I resolved to make a trial of what I could do; so
without more hesitation, I went to work, and cut-
ting a fibre close to its root, I extricated that thread
from all its windings, just as one does an entangled
whip-cord. When I had thus disengaged a suffi-
cient length, I cut that off; and repeating the like
operation, in about three hour's time, but with no
little toil, I made up my load of different lengths
just to my liking. Having finished this task, I fil-
led the gourd, brought for that purpose, with water;
and having first viewed the whole remaining part
Peter Wilkins.
61
of the rock I returned over the stone bridge home
again.
This journey, though it took me up several days
and was attended with some fatigue bad yet given
me great satisfaction; for now I was persuaded I
could not have one rival, or enemy to fear in my
whole dominions. And from the impossibility, as
I supposed, of there being any, or of the ingress of
any, unless by the same passage I entered at, and
by which I was well assured they could never re-
turn, I grew contented, and blamed myself for
the fully of my imaginary voices, as I called them
then, and took it for a distemper of the fancy on-
ly.
The next day I looked over my load of matweed,
having given it that name, and separated the dif
ferent lengths from each other. I then found I had
several pieces between forty and fifty feet long, of
which I resolved to get a good number more, to
make me a drag-net, that I might try for some fish
in the lake. A day or two after, therefore, I brought
home another load of it. Then I picked out a
smooth level spot upon the green-sward, and having
prepared a great number of short wooden pegs,
strained a line of the matweed about ten feet long
tying it at each end to a peg, and stuck a row of
pegs along by that line, about two inches asunder;
I next strained another line of the same length, par-
allel to that, at the distance of forty feet from it, and
stuck pegs thereby, corresponding to the former
row; and from each peg on one side, to the oppo-
site peg on the other, I tied a like length of my mat-
line, quite through the whole number of pegs; when
the work looked like the inside of a harpsichord.
I afterwards drove pegs in like manner along the
whole length of the two outermost lines, and tied
shorter lines to them, so that the whole affair rep-
resented the squares of a racket; the corners of

62
Adventures of
each of which squares I tied very tight with smal-
ler pieces of the line, till I had formed a complete
net of forty feet long and ten wide.
When I had finished my net, as I thought, I
wrapped several stones in rags, and fastened thein
to the bottom to sink it, and some of the smallest
unscooped dry gourds to the top, to keep that part
buoyant. I now longed to begin my new trade, and
carried the net to my boat with that intention; but
after two or three hauls, I found it would not an-
swer for want of length; (though by chance I
caught a blackish fish without scales, a little big-
ger than whiting, but much longer, which stuck by
the gills in it;) so I left the net in the boat, resol-
ving to make an addition to it with all speed; and
returning to my grotto, I supped on the fish I had
taken, and considered how to pursue my enterprise
with better effect.
I provided me with another large parcel of line;
and having brought two more lengths to perfection,
I joined all together, and fixed one end on shore,
by a pole I had cut for that purpose, I laun-
ched my boat, with the other end in it, taking a
sweep the length of tay net round to my stick again,
and getting on shore, hauled up my net by both
ends together. I now found I had mended my in-
strument, and taken a proper way of applying it:
for by this means, in five hauls, I caught about six-
teen fish of three or four different sorts, and one
shell-fish, almost like a lobster, but without great
claws, and with a very small short tail; which
made me think, as the body was thrice as long as a
lobster's in proportion, that it did not swim back-
wards, like that creature, but only crawled for-
wards, (it having lobster-like legs, but much shor-
ter and stronger) and that the legs all standing so
forward, its tail was, by its motion, to keep the
inder part of the body from dragging upon the
Peter Wilkins.
65
-
groun, as I observed it did when the creature
walked on land, it then frequently flacking its short
tail.
These fish made me rich in provisions. Some
of them I eat fresh, and the remainder I salted
down. But of all the kinds, my lobster was the
most delicious food, and made me almost three
incals.
Thus finding there were fish to be had, though
my present tackle seemed suitable enough to iny
family, yet I could not rest, till I had improved my
fishery by enlarging my net; for as it was, even
with iny late addition, I must either sweep little or
no compass of ground, or it would have no bag be-
hind me. Upon this I set to work, and shortly
doubled the dimensions of it. I had then a
mind to to try it at the mouth of my rill; so taking
it with me the next time I crossed the lake for wa-
ter, and fastening it to my pole, close by the right
side of the rill, I swept a long compass round to
the left, and closing the ends, attempted to draw it
up in the hollow cut of the rill. But by the time I
nad gathered up two thirds of the net, I felt a re-
sistance that quite amazed me. In short, I was
not able to stand against the force I felt.
apon sitting down in the rill, and clapping my fee
to the two sides of it, I exerted all my strength, till
finally I became conqueror, and brought up so
shocking a monster, that I was just rising to run
for my life on the sight of it. But recollecting that
the creature was hampered, and could not make so
much resistance on the land as in the water, I ven-
tured to drag the net up as far from the rill as my
strength and breath would permit me; and then
running to the boat for my gun, I returned to the
net, to examine my prize. Indeed, I had not in-
stantly resolution enough to survey it; and when at
length I assumed courage enough to do so, I could
5
Where-
61
Adventures of
MA
/
not perfectly distinguish the parts, they were so dis-
composed; but taking hold of one end of the, net,
I endeavored to disentangle the thing, and then
drawing the net away, a most surprizing sight pre-
sented itself: the creature reared upright, about
three feet high, covered all over with long black
shaggy hair, like a bear, which hung down from
his head and neck quite along his back and sides.
He had two fins, very, broad and large, which, as
he stood erect, looked like arms, and those he wa-
ved and whirled about with incredible velocity;
and though I wondered at first at it, I found after-
wards it was the motion of these fins that kept him
upright; for I perceived when they ceased their
motion he fell flat on his belly. He had two very
large feet, which he stood upon, but could not run,
and but barely walk on them, which made me in
the less haste to despatch him; and after he had
stood upon his feet about four minutes, clapping his
fins to his sides he fell upon his belly.
When I found he could not attack me,
I was
moving closer to him; but, upon sight of my stir-
ring, up he rose again and whirled his fius about as
before, so long as he stood. And now, I viewed
him round, and found he had no tail at all, and that
his hinder fins, or feet, very much resembled a
large frog's, but were at least ten inches broad,
and eighteen long, from heel to toe; and his legs
were so short that when he stood upright his
breech bore upon the ground. His belly, which he
kept towards me, was of an ash color, and very
broad, as was also his breast. His eyes were smali
and blue, with a large black sight in the middle,
and rather of an oval than round make. He had a
long snout like a boar, and vast teeth. Thus having
surveyed him near half an hour living, I made him
rise up once more and shot him in the breast. He
fell, and giving a loud howl, or groan, expired
Peter Wilkıns.
65
I had then time to see what else I had caught;
and turning over the net, found a few of the same
fish I had taken before, and some others of a flat-
tish make, an one little lump of flesh unformed;
which last, by all I could make of it, seemed to be
either a spawn or young one of that I had shot.
The great creature was so heavy, I was afraid
I must have cut him in pieces to get him to the
boat; but with much ado, having stowed the rest,
I tumbled bin on board. I then, filled my water-
cask, and rowed homewards. Being got to land.
I was obliged to bring down my cart, to carry my
great beast-fish, as I termed him up to the grotto.
When I had got him thither, I had a notion of first
tasting, and then, if I liked his flesh, of salting him
down, and drying him: so, having flayed him, and
taken out the guts and entrails, I broiled a piece
of him; but it made such a blaze, that most of the
fat ran into the fire, and the flash proved so dry and
rauk, that I could no ways endure it.
I then began to be sorry I had taken so much
pains for no profit, and had endangered my net into
the bargain, (for that had got a crack or two in the
scuffle) and was thinking to throw away my large
but worthless acquisition.
However, as I was now prone to weighing all
things, before I threw it away, I resolved to con-
sider a little; whereupon I changed my mind.
Says I, here is a good warm skin, which, when
dry, will make me a rare cushion. Again, I have
for a long while had no light besides that of the
day; but now, as this beast's fat makes such a
blaze in the fire, and issues in so great a quantity
from such a small piece as I broiled, why may not
I boil a good tallow or oil out of it? and if I can
I have not made so bad a hand of my time as
thought for.
In short I went immediately to work upon the
E
&
瀑
​-
66
Adventures of
subject, (for I never let a project cool after I had
once started it) and boiled as much of the flesh as
the kettle would hold, and letting it stand to cool,
I found it turned out a very good oil for burning;
though I confess, I thought it would rather have
made tallow. This success quickened my industry,
and I repeated the operation till I got about ten
quarts of this stuff, which very well rewarded my
labor. After I had extracted as much oil as I
could from the heast-fish, the creature having strong-
ly impressed my imagination, I conceived a new
fancy in relation to it; and that was, having heard
him make a deep howling groan at his death, I en-
deavored to persuade myself, and at last verily be-
lieved, that the voices I had so often heard, in the
dark weather, proceeded from numbers of these
creatures, diverting themselves in the lake, or spur-
ting together on the shore: and this thought, in its
turn, contributed to ease my apprehensions in that
respect.
CHAPTER XI.
ONE night I heard the voice again, I determined
to go forth and face the beings from whom they
proceeded at all risks, but I had scarce got my
gun in my hand, to pursue my resolution of showing
myself to those who uttered them, when I felt such
a thump upon the roof of my anti-chamber, as
shook the whole fabric, and set me all over a trè-
mour; I then heard a sort of shriek, and a rustle
near the door of my apartments all which togeth-
er seemed very terrible. But I lraving before de-
termined to see what and who it was, resolutely
opened my door and leaped out. I saw nobody;
Peter Wilkins.
67
all was quite silent, and nothing that I could per-
ceive but my own fears a moving. I went softly to
the corner of the building, and there looking down
by the glimmer of my lamp; which stood in the
window, I saw something in human shape lying
at my feet. I gave the word, who is there? Still
no one answered. My heart was ready to force
away through my side. I was for a while fixed to
the earth like a statue. At length, recovering, I
stepped in, fetched my lamp, and returning, saw a
most beautiful female lying apparently in a state
of insensibility on the ground. Upon viewing her
other parts, (for I had never yet removed my eyes
from her face) I found she had a sort of brown chap-
let, like lace, round her head, under and about
which her hair was tucked up and twined; and
she seemed to me to be clothed in a thin hair-col-
oured silk garment, which upon trying to raise her,
I found to be quite warm, and therefore hoped there
was life in the body it contained. I then took her
into my arms, and treading a step or two back-
wards with her, I put out my lamp; however, hav-
ing her in my arms, I conveyed her through the
door-way in the dark into my grotto; here I laid
her upon my bed, and then ran out for my lamp.
I re-entered my grotto, shut my door, and light-
d my lamp, when going to the fair being, I thought
I saw her eyes stir a little. I then set the lamp
farther off, for fear of offending them if she should
look up; and warming the last glass I had re-
served of my Madeira, I carried it to her, but she
never stirred. I now supposed the fall had abso-
lutely killed her and was prodigiously grieved;
when lying my hand on her breast I perceived the
fountain of life had some motion. This gave me
infinite pleasure; so, not despairing, I dipped my
finger in the wine, and moistened her lips with it
two or three times, and imagined they opened a
**
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little. Upon this I bethought me, and taking a
tea-spoon, I gently poured a few drops of the wine
by that means into her mouth. Finding she swal-
lowed it, I poured in more and more till I brought her
to herself so well as to be able to sit up. All this I
did by a glimmering light, which the lamp afforded
from a distant part of the room, where I had pla-
ced it, as I have said, out of her sight.
I then spoke to her, and asked divers ques-
tions; in return of which, she uttered a language
I had no idea of, though in the most musical tone,
and with the sweetest accent I ever heard. It
grieved me I could not understand her. However,
thinking she might like to be on her feet I went to
lift her off the bed, when she felt to my touch in
the oddest manner imaginable; for, while in one
respect, it was as though she had been cased up
in whalebone, it was at the same time as soft and
warm as if she had been naked.
I then took her in my arins and carried her into
my anti-chamber again, where I would fain have
entered into conversation, but found she and I
could make nothing of it together, unless we could
understand one another's speech.
You may imagine we stared heartily at each
other, and I doubted not but she wondered as
much as I by what means we came so near each
other. I offered her every thing in my grotto,
which I thought might please her; some of which
she greatfully received, as appeared by her looks
and behaviour. But she avoided my lamp and
always placed her back toward it. I observing
that, and ascribing it to her modesty in my compa-
ny, let her have her will, and took care to set it
in such a position myself as seemed agreeable to
her, though it deprived me of a prospect I very
much admired.
After we had sat a good while, now and then,
Peter Wilkins.
69
I may say, chattering to one another, she got up,
and took a turn or two about the room. When I
saw her in that attitude, her grace and motion
perfectly charmed me, and her shape was incom-
parable; but the strangeness of her dress put me
to my trumps, to conceive either what it was, or
how it was put on.
Well, we supped together, and I set the best of
every thing I had before her, nor could either of us
forbear speaking in our own tongue, though we
were sensible neither of us understood the other.
After supper I gave her some of my cordials, for
which she showed great tokens of thankfulness,
an often, in her way, by signs and gestures,
which were very far from being
being insignifi-
cant, expressed her gratitude for my kindness.
When supper had been some time over, I showed
her my bed, and made signs for her to go to it; but
she seemed very shy of that till I showed her where
I meant to lie myself, by pointing to myself, then
to that, and again pointing to her and to my bed.
When at length, I had made this matter intelligible
to her, she lay down very composedly; and after
I had taken care of my fire, and set the things I
had been using for supper in their places, I laid
myself down too; for I could have no suspicious
thoughts, or fear of danger, from a form so excel-
lent.
I treated her for some time with all the respect
imaginable, and never suffered her to do the least
part of my work. It was very inconvenient to
both of us only to know each other's meaning by
signs; but I could not be otherwise than pleased
to see, that she endeavoured all in her power to
learn to talk like me. Indeed, I was not be-
hind-hand with her in that respect, striving all I
could to imitate her. What I all the while won-
dered at was, she never showed the least disquiet
10
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at her confinement; for I kept my door shut at
first, through fear of loosing her, thinking she
would have taken an opportunity to run away
from me; for little did I then think she could
fly.
CHAPTER XII.
AFTER my new love had been with me a fort
night, finding my water ran low, I was greatly
troubled at the thought of quitting her any time,
to go for more; and having hinted it to her, with
seeming uneasiness, she could not for a while fa-
thom my meaning; but when she saw me much con-
fused, she came at length, by the many signs I
made, to imagine it was my concern for her
which made me so; whereupon she expressively
enough signified I might be easy, for she did not
fear anything happening to her in my absence.
On this, as well as I could declare my meaning, I
entreated her not to go away before my return.
As soon as she understood what I signified to her,
by actions, she sat down, with her arms across,
leaning her head against the wall, to assure
she would not stir. However, as I had before
nailed a cord to the outside of the door, I tied
that for caution's sake to the tree, for fear of the
worst: but I believe she had not the least design
of removing.
me
I took my boat, net, and water-cask, as usual,
desirous of bringing her home a fresh fish dinner
and succeeded so well as to catch enough for several
good meals, and to spare.
What remained I salt-
ed, and found she liked better than the fresh, after
a few days salting; though she did not so well ap-
Peter Wilkins.
71
prove of that I had formerly pickled and dried.
As my salt
grew very low, though I had been as
sparing of it as possible, I now resolved to try
making some; and the next summer I effected it.
Thus we spent the remainder of the winter to-
gether, till the days began to be light enough for
me to walk abroad a little in the middle of them;
for I was now under no apprehensions of her leav-
ing me, as she had so many opportunities of doing
but never once attempted it.
80,
I must here make one reflection upon our con-
duct, which you will almost think incredible, viz
that we two, of different sexes, not wanting our
peculiar desires, fully inflamed with love to each
other, and no outward obstacle to prevent our wish-
es, should have been together, under the same roof
alone for five months, conversing together from
morning to night, (for by this time she pretty well
understood English, and I her language) and yet I
should never have clasped her in my arms, or have
shewn any farther amorous desires to her, than what
the deference I had all along paid her could give
her room to surmise. Nay, I can affirm, that I
did not even then know that the covering she wore
was not the work of an art, but the work of nature,
for I really took it for silk; though it must be pre-
mised that I had never seen it by any other light
than of my lamp. Indeed, the modesty of her car.
riage, and sweetness of her behaviour to me, had
struck into me such a dread of offending her, that
though nothing upon earth could be more capable of
exciting passion than her charms, I could have died
rather than have attempted only to salute her with-
out acural invitation.
When the weather cleared up a little, by the
lengthening of day-light, I took courage one after-
noon to invite her to walk with me to the lake; but
she sweetly excused herself from it, whilst there
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f
was such a frighiful glare of light, as she said; but,
looking out at the door, told me, if I would not go
out of the wood, she would accompany me: so we
agreed to take a turn only there. I first went my-
self over the stile of the door, and thinking it
rather too high for her, I took her in my arms and
lifted her over. But even when I had her in this
manner, I knew not what to make of her clothing,
it sat so true and close; but seeing her by a stead-
ier and truer light in the grove, though a heavy,
gloomy one, than my lamp had afforded, I begged
she would let me know of what silk or other com.
position her garment was made. She smiled, and
asked me if mine was not the same under my jack-
-No lady, says I, I have nothing but my skin
under my clothes.-Why, what do you mean? re-
plies she, somewhat tartly; but, indeed, I was
afraid something was the matter, by that nasty
covering you wear, that you might not be seen.
Are not you a glumm?-Yes, says I, fair creature.
(Here, though you may conceive she spoke part
English, part her own tongue, and I the same, as
we best understood each other, yet I shall give you
our discourse, word for word, in plain English.)
Then, says she, I am afraid you must have been a
very bad man, and have been crashee, which 1
should be very sorry to hear.-I told her I believed
we were none of us so good as we might be, but
I hoped my faults had not at most exceeded other
men's; but I had suffered abundance of hard-
ships in my time; and at last Providence having
settled me in this spot, from whence I had no pros-
pect of ever departing, it was none of the least of
its mercies to bring to my knowledge and company
the most exquisite piece of all his works in her,
which I should acknowledge as long as I lived.-
She was surprised at this discourse, and asked me,
(if I did not mean to impose upon her, and was in-

t
Peter Wilkins
73
delan ingerashee glumm) why I should tell her
I had no prospect of departing from hence. Have
not you, says she, the same prospect that I or any
other person has of departing? Sir, added she,
you dont do well, and really I fear you are slit,
or you would not wear this nasty cumbersome coat,
(taking hold of my jacket-sleeve,) if you were not
afraid of showing the signs of a bad life upon
your natural clothing.
}
I coull not for my heart imagine what way
there was to get out of my dominions. But cer-
ainly, thought I, there must be some or other, or
she would not be so peremptory. And as to my
jacket, and showing myself in my natural clothing,
I profess she made me blush; and, but for shame,
I would have stripped to my skin to have satisfi-
ed her. But, madam, says I, pray pardon me,
for you are really mistaken; I have examined
every nook and corner of this new world, in which
we now are, and can find no possible outlet; nay
even by the same way I came in, I am sure it is
imposible to get out again.-Why, says she, what
out lets have you searched for, or what way can you
expect to get out, but the way you came in? And
why is that impossible to return by again; If you are
not slit, is not the air open to you? Will not the
sky admit you to parole in it, as well as other
people? I tell you sir, I fear you have been slit
for your crimes; and though you have been so good
to me, that I cant help loving of you heartily for it,
yet if I thought you had been slit, I would not,
nay I could not, stay a moment longer with you;
no, though it should break my heart to leave you.
I found myself now in a strange quandary, long-
ing to know what she meant by being slit; and had
a nundred strange notions in my head whether I
was slit or not; for though I knew what the word
naturally signified well enough, yet in what man-
DI
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"
ner, or by what figure of speech she applied it to me
I had no idea of. But seeing her look a little an-
grily upon me, Pray madam, says I, don't be of-
fended, if I take the liberty to ask you what you
mean by the word crashee, so often repeated by you;
for I am an utter stranger to what you mean by it.-
Sir, says she, pray answer ine first, how you came
here?Madam, replied I, if you will please to
take a walk to the verge of the wood, I will show
you the very passage.-Sir, says she, I perfectly
know the range of the rocks all round, and by the
least description without going to see them, can tell
from which you descended.-In truth, said I, most
charming lady, I descended from no rock at all;
nor would I for a thousand worlds attempt what
could not be accomplished by my destruction.-Sir,
says she, in some anger, it is false, and you impose
upon me. I will declare to you, says I, madam,
what I tell you is strictly true; I never was near
the summit of any of the surrounding rocks, or any
thing like it; but as you are not far from the verge
of the wood, be so good as to step a little farther
and I will show you my entrance in hither.-Well,
says she, now this odious dazzle of light is lessened,
I don't care if I do go with you.
}
When we came far enough to see the bridge,
There, madam, says I, there is my entrance, where
the sea pours into this lake from yonder cavern.-
It is not possible, says she; this is another untruth;
and as I see you would deceive me, and are not
to be believed, farewell: I. must be gone.-But,
hold, says she, let me ask you one thing more;
that is, by what means did you come through thai
cavern? You could not have used to have come
over the rock?-Bless me, madam! says I, do you
think I and my boat could fly! come over the rock?
did you say. No, madam; I sailed from the great
sea the main ocean, in my boat, through that
Peter Wilkins.
75
cavern into this very lake here.-What do you
mean by your boat? says she. You seem to make
two things of your boat you say you sailed with
and yourself. I do so, replied I: for, madam, I
take myself to be good flesh and blood, but my boat
is inade of wood and other materials. Is it so ?
says she. And, pray, where is this boat that is
made of wood and other materials? under your
jacket? Lord, madam! says I, you put me in fear
that you was angry; but now I hope you only joke
with me. What, put a boat under my jacket! no
madam; my boat is in the lake. What, more un-
truths! says she. No, madam, I replied; if you
would be satisfied of what I say (every word of
which is as true as that my boat is now in the
lake) pray walk with me thither, and make your
own eyes judges of what sincerity I speak with. T
this she agreed, it growing dusky; but assured me
if I did not give her good satisfaction, I should see
her no more.
We arrived at the lake; and going to iny wet-
dock, Now, madam, says I, pray satisfy yourself
whether I spake true or no.
She looked at my
boat, but could not yet frame a proper notion of it.
Says I, Madam, in this very boat I sailed from the
main ocean through that cavern into this lake: and
shall at last think myself the happiest of all men, if
you continue with me, love me and credit me ;
and I promise you I'll never deceive you, but think
my life happily spent in your service. I found she
was hardly content yet to believe what I told her
of my
boat to be true; till I stepped into it, and
pushing from the shore, took my oars in my hand,
and sailed along the lake by her, as she walked on
the shore. At last, she seemed so well reconciled
to me and my boat, that she desired I would take
her in. I immediately did so, and we sailed a
good way; and as we returned to my dock, I de-
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scribed to her how I procured the water we drank
and brought it to shore in that vessel.
Well, says she, I have sailed as you call it, ma-
ny a mile in my life time, but never in such a thing
as this. I own it will serve very well where one
has a great many things to carry from place to
place; but to be laboring thus at an oar, when one
intends pleasure in sailing, is, in my mind, a most
ridiculous piece of slavery. Why, pray madam,
how would you have me sail? for getting into the
boat only, will not carry us this way or that with-
out using some force. But, says she, pray where
did you get this boat, as you call it? O, madam !
says I, that is too long and fatal a story to begin
upon now this boat was made many thousand
miles from hence, among a people coal-black, a
quite different sort from us; and, when I first had
it, I little thought of seeing this country; but I will
make a faithful relation of all to you when we come
home. Indeed I began to wish heartily we were
there, for it grew into the night; and having stroll-
ed so far without my gun, I was afraid of what I
had before seen and heard, and fiinted our return;
but I found my motion was disagreeable to her, and
so I dropped it.
I now perceived, and wondered at it, that the
later it grew, the more agreeable it seemed to her;
and as I had now brought her into good humour
again, by seeing and sailing in my boat, I was not
willing to prevent its increase. I told her, if she
pleased, we would land, and when I had docked
my boat, I would accompany her where and as long
as she liked. As we talked and walked by the
lake, she made a little run before me and jumped
into it. Perceiving this, I cried out; whereupon
she merrily called upon me to follow her.
light was then so dim, as prevented my having
more than a confused sight of her when she jumped
The
Peter Wilkins.
77
in; and looking earnestly after her, I could dis-
cern nothing more than a small boat in the water,
which skimmed along at so great a rate that I al-
most lost sight of it presently; but running along
the shore for fear of loosing her, I met her gravely
walking to meet me; and then had entirely lost
sight of the boat upon the lake. This, says she,
accosting me with a smile, is my way of sailing,
which, I perceive, by the fright you were in, you
are altogether unacquainted with; and, as you tell
me you came from so many thousand miles off, it is
not impossible you may be made different from me
but, surely, we are the part of creation which has
most care bestowed upon it; and I suspect, from
all your discourse, to which I have been very at-
tentive, it is possible you may be no more able to
fly than to sail as I do. No, charming creature,
says I, that I cannot, I'll assure you. She then
stepping to the edge of the lake, for the advantage
of a descent before her, sprung up into the air, and
away she went, farther than my eyes could follow
her..
I was quite astonished. So, says I, then all is over
all a delusion which I have so long been in!
a mere phantom ! Better had it been for me
never to have seen her, than thus to lose her again'
But what could I expect had she staid for it is
plain she is no human composition. But, says 1
she felt like flesh, too, when I lifted her out at the
door! I had but very little time for reflection; for,
in about ten minutes after she had left me in this
mixture of grief and amazement, she alighted just
by me on her feet.
Her return, as she plainly saw, filled me with a
transport not to be concealed; and which, as she
afterwards told me, was very agreeable to her. In-
deed, I was some moments in such an agitation of
mind from these unparallelled incidents, that I was
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like one thunder-struck; but coming presently to
myself, and clasping her in my arms with as much
love and passion as I was capable of expressing,
and for the first time with any desire, Are you re-
turned again, kind angel, said I, to bless a wretch
who can only be happy in adoring you! can it be,
that you, who have so many advantages over me,
should quit all the pleasures that nature has formed
you for, and all your friends and relations, to take
an asylum in my arms? But I here make
you a
tender of all I have to bestow-my love and con-
stancy. Come, come, says she, no more raptures;
I find you are a worthier man than I thought I had
reason to take you for, and I beg your pardon for
my distrust, whilst I was ignorant of your imper-
fections; but now I verily believe all you have said
is true; and I promise you, as you have seemed so
much to delight in me, I will never quit you till
death or other as fatal accident shall part us.
we will now if you choose go home; for I know
you have been sometime uneasy in this gloom,
though agreeable to me: for, giving my eyes the
pleasure of looking eagerly on you, it conceals my
blushes from your sight.
But
In this manner, exchanging mutual endearments
and soft speeches, hand in hand, we arrived at the
grotto; where we that night consummated our nup-
tials, without farther ceremony than mutual solenn
engagements to each other; which are, in truth,
the essence of marriage, and all that was there and
then in our power.
NOTE. For the explanation of the terins Glumm, Crash-
ee, and other similar oues which occur in the course of the
narrative, the reader is referred to the glossary at the end of
the volume.-Ed.
Peter Wilkins.
79
CHAPTER XIII.
YOUWARKEE and I having no other company
than one another's we talked together almost from
morn to night, in order to learn each other's dialect.
But how compliable soever she was in all other
respects, I could not persuade her to go out with me to
fetch water, or to the lake, in the day time. It being
now the light season, I wanted her to be more
abroad; but she excused herself, telling me her
people never came into those luminous parts of the
country during the false glare, as they called it,
bat kept altogether at home, where their light was
more moderate and steadier; and that the place
where I resided was not frequented by them for
half the year and other times only upon parties of
pleasure, it not being worth while to settle hab-
itations where they could not abide always.
said, nornnbdsgrsutt was the finest region in the
world, where her king's court was, and a vast
kingdom. I asked her twice or thrice more to name
the country to me, but not all the art we could use,
hers in dictating, and mine in endeavouring to pro-
nounce it, would render me conqueror of that her
monosyllable,(for as such it sounded from her sweet
lips;) so I relinquished the name to her tel-
ling her whenever she had any more occasion
to mention the place, I desired it might be under
the style of Doorbt Swangeanti, which she promis-
ed; but wondered, as she could speak the other so
glibly, as she called it, I could not do so too.
She
I told her, that the light of my native country
was far stronger than any I had seen since y
arrival at graundevolet, (for that, I found by her,
6
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Adventures of
was the name my dominions went by;) and that
we had a sun or ball of fire which rolled over our
heads every day with such a light and such a heat
that it would sometimes almost scorch one it was
so hot, and was of such brightness that the eye
could not look at it without danger of blindness.
She was heartily glad, she said, she was not born
in so wretched a land; and did not believe there
was any so good as her own.-I thought no ben-
efit could arise from my combatting these innocent
prejudices, so I let them alone.
She had often lamented to me the difference of
our eye-sight, and the trouble it was to her that
she could not at all times go about with me, till it
gave me a good deal of uneasiness to see her con-
cern. At last I told her, that though I believed it
would be impossible to reduce my sight to the
standard of hers, yet I was persuaded
persuaded I could
bring hers, to bear the strongest light I had ever
scen in this country. She was mightily pleased
with the thought of that, aud said she wished I
might, for she was sensible of no grief like being
obliged to stay at home when I went abroad on
my business and was resolved to try my experi-
ment if I pleased, and in the mean time should
heartily pray for the success. I hit on the follow-
ing invention.
I rummaged over all my old things, and by good
luck found an old crape hatband. With this
crape, some felt and some peices of the rind of
the ram's-horn fruit, I contrived to form a pair
of spectacles which enabled my wife to bear the
strongest light of the country.
Peter Wilkins.
81
CHAPTER XIV.
THE next summer brought me a yacom as fair
as albaster. My wife was delivered without the
usual assistance, and had as favourable a labour as
could be. When Youwarkee had gathered strength
again, she proved an excellent nurse to my Pedro,
(for that was the name I gave him) so that he
soon grew a charming child, able to go in his
twelvemonth, and spoke in his twentieth. This
and two other lovely boys I had by her in three
years; every one of which she brought up with
the breast, and they thrived delicately.
As my boy Pedro grew up, though he had the
graundee, yet it was of less dimensions than it
ought to have been to be useful to him, so that it was
visible he could scarce meet before, whereas it
ought to have reached from side to side both ways.
I turned over my board, but could find nothing
that would do; or, at least, that we knew how to
fit him with. I had described my own country
vest for lads to Youwarkee, and she formed a tol-
erable idea of it, but we had no tackle to alter
any thing with. O, my dear, says I, had I but
been born with the graundee, I need not be now
packing my brains to get my child clothes. What
do you mean by that? says she.-Why, says I, I
1,
would have flown to my ship, (for I had long be-
fore related to her all my sea adventures, till the
vessel's coming to the magnetical rock) and have
brought some such things from thence, as you,
now wanting them in this country, can have no no-
tion of. She seemned mighty inquisitive to under-
stand how a ship was made. what it was most
F
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F
like to, how a person who never saw one might
know it only by the description, and how one
might get into it; abundance of the like questions.
She then inquired what sorts of things those nee-
dles and several other utensils were, which I had
at times been speaking of; and in what part of
a ship they usually kept such articles. And I, to
gratify her curiosity, as I perceived she took a
pleasure in hearing me, answered all her questions
to a scruple; not then conceiving the secret pur-
posé of all this inquisitiveness.
About two days after this, having been out two
or three hours in the morning, to cut wood, at
coming home I found Padro crying, ready to break
his heart, and his little brother Tommy hanging to
him, and crawling about the floor after him: the
youngest pretty baby was fast asleep upon one of
the beast-fish skins, in a corner of the room. I
asked Pedro for his mother; but the poor infant
had nothing farther to say to the matter, than Main-
mý run away, I cry! I inquired where she was gone,
never before missing her from our habitation.
However, I waited patiently till bed-time, but no
wife. I grew very uneasy then; yet as my chil
dren were tired and sleepy, I thought I had best go
to bed with them, and make quiet; so, giving all
three their suppers, we lay down together. They
slept; but my mind was too full to permit the clo-
sure of my eyes. A thousand different chimeras
swam in my imagination relating to my wife.
One while I fancied her carried away by her kins-
folks; then that, she was gone of her own accord
to make peace with her father. But that thought
would not fix, being put aside by her constant ten-
derness to her children, and regard to me; whom I
was sure she would not have left without notice
But alas! says I, she may even now be near me,
'but taken so ill she cannot get home, or she may
+
Peter Wilkins.
83
have died suddenly in the wood. I lay tumbling
and tossing in great anxiety, not able to find
any excusable occasion she could have of so long
absence. And then, thinks I, if she should
either be dead, or have quite left me, which will
be of equally bad consquences to me, what can I
do with three poor helpless infants? If they were
a little more grown up, they might be helpful to me,
and to each other; but at their
their age, how shall
I ever rear them without the tenderness of a moth-
er? And see them pine away before my face, and
not know how to help them, will distruct me.
Finding I could neither sleep nor lie still, I rose,
intending to search all the woods about, and call to
her, that if any accident had prevented sight of her,
she night at least hear ine. But upon opening the
door, an I just stepping out, how agreeably was I
surprised to meet her coming in, with something
on her arm. My dear Youwarkee, says I, where
have you been? What has befallen you to keep
you out so long? The poor children have been at
their wits end to find you; and I, my dear, have
been inconsolable, and was now, almost distracted,
coming in search of you. Youwarkee looked very
blank, to think what concern she had given ine
and the children. My dearest Peter, says she,
kissing me, pray forgive me the only thing I ever
dil to offend you, and the last cause you shall ev-
er have, by my good will, to complain of me; but
walk within dors, and I will give you a farther ac-
count of my absence. Don't you remember what
delight I took the other day to hear you talk of your
ship? Yes, says I, you did so; but what of that?
Nay, pray, says she, forgive me, for I have been to
see it. That's impossible, says I; and truly this
was the first time I ever thought she went about to
deceive me. I do assure you, says she, I have
and a wonderful thing it is! but if you distrust me,
D6
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Adventures of
and what I say, I have brought proof of it; step
out with me to the verge of the wood, and satisfy
yourself. But pray, says I, who presented you
with this upon your arm? I vow, says she, I had
forgot this yes, this will, I believe, confirm to you
what I have said. I turned it over and over; and
.ooking wistfully upon her, says I, this waistcoat,
indeed is the very fellow to one that lay in the
captain's locker in the cabin. Say not the very
fellow, says she, but rather say the very same, for
I'll assure you it is so; and had you been with me,
we might have got so many things for ourselves and
the children, we should never have wanted more,
though we had lived these hundred years; but as it
is, I have left something without the wood for you
to bring up. When we had our talk out she, hear-
ing the children stir, took them up, and was going
as she always did, to get their breakfasts. Hold,
says I, this journey must have fatigued you too
much already, lay yourself to rest, and leave every
thing else to me. My dear, says she, you seein
to think this flight tiresome, but you are mistaken;
I am more weary with walking to the lake and
back again, than with all the rest. Oh, says she,
if you had but the graundee, flying would rest you,
after the greatest labor; for the parts which are
moved with exercise on earth, are all at rest in
flight; as, on the contrary, the parts used in flight
are when on earthly travel. The whole trouble of
flight is in mounting from the plain ground; but
when once you are on the graundee, at a proper
height, all the rest is play, a mere trifle; you
need only think of your way, and incline to it, your
graundee directs you as readily as your fect obey
you on the ground, without thinking of every step
you take it does not require labor, as your boat
dloes, to keep you a-going.
After we had composed ourselves we walked to
Peter Wilkins.
85
verge
the of the wood, to see what cargo my wife
had brought from the ship. I was astonished at
the bulk of it; and seeing, by the outside, it con-
sisted of clothes, I took it with much ado upon my
shoulders, and carried it home. But upon opening
it, I found far more treasure than I could have im-
agined; for there was a hammer, a great many
spikes and nails, three spoons, about five plates of
pewter, four knives and a fork, a small china punch-
bowl, two chocolate cups, a paper of needles, and
several of pins, a parcel of course thread, a pair of
shoes, and abundance of such other things as she
had heard me wish for and describe; besides as
much linen and woollen, of one sort or an other, as
made a good package for all the other things; with
a great tin porridge-pot, of about two gallons, ti-
ed to the outside; and all these as nicely stowed
as if she had been bred a packer.
When I had viewed the bundle, and poised the
weight, how was it possible, my dear Youwarkee,
said I, for you to bring all this? You could never
carry them in your hands. No, no, replied she, I
carried them on my back. Is it possible, says I,
for your graundee to bear yourself and all this
weight too in the air, and to such an height as the
top of these rocks? You will always, replies she,
make the height a part of your difficulty in flying;
but you are deceived, for as the first stroke (I have
heard you say often) in fighting is half the battle, so
it is in flying; get but once fairly on the wind,
nothing can hurt you afterward. My method, let
me tell you, was this; I climbed to the highest
part of the ship, where I could stand clear, having
first put up my burden, which you have there; and
then getting that on my back near my shoulders, I
took the two cords you see hang loose to it in my
two hands, and, extending my graundee, leaped off
flatwise with my face towards the water; when in-
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Adventures of
stantly playing two or three good strokes with my
graundee, I was out of danger; now, if I had
found the bundle too heavy to make my first strokes
with, I should directly have turned on my back,
dropped my bundle, and floated in my graundee to
the ship again, as you once saw me float on the
lake. Says I, you must have flown a prodigious
distance to the lake, for I was several days sailing,
I believe three weeks, from my ship, before I reach-
ed the gulph; and after that could be little less
than five weeks (as I accounted for it) and at a great
rate of sailing too under the rock, before I reached
the lake; so that the ship must be a monstrous way
off. No, no, says she, your ship lies but over yon
cliff, that rises as it were with two points; and as
to the rock itself, it is not broader than our lake is
long; but what made you so tedious in your pas-
sage was, many of the windings and turnings in the
cavern returning into themselves again; so that you
might have gone round and round till this time, if
the tide had not luckily struck you into the direct
passage; this, says she, I have beard from some of
my countrymen, who have flown up it, but could
never get quite through.
I wish with all my heart, says I, fortune had
brought me first to light in this country; or (but
for your sake I could almost say) had never
brought me into it at all; for to be a creature of
the least significancy, of the whole race but one,
is a melancholy circumstance. Fear not, says
she, my love, for you have a wife that will hazard all
for you, though you are restrained; and as my in-
clinations and affections are so much yours, that
I need but know your desires to execute them as
far as my power extends, surely you, who can act
by another, may be content to forego the trouble
of your own pe formance. I perceive, indeed, con-
inued she you want nightily to go to your ship,
Peter Wilkins.
87
and are more uneasy now you know it is safe, than
you was before; but that being past my skill to arist
you in, if you will command your deputy to go back-
wards and forwards in your stead, I am ready to
obey you.
Thus ended our conversation about the ship for
that time. But it left not my mind so soon: for a
stronger hankering after it pursued me now than ev-
er since
my wife's flight, but to no purpose.
We sat us down, and sorted out our cargo piece by
piece; and having found several things proper for
the children, my wife longed to enter upon some
piece of work towarks clothing Pedro in the manner
she had heard me talk of, and laid hard at me to
show her the use of the needles, thread, and other
things she had brought. Indeed, I must say she
proved very tractable; and from the little instruc-
tion I was able to give her, soon outwrought my
knowledge; for I could only show ber that the thread
went through the needle, and both through the cloth
to hold it togetner; but for any thing else I was as
ignorant as she. In much less time than I could
have imagined, she had clothed my son Pedro, and
made a sort of mantle for the youngest. But now,
seeing us so smart, (for I took upon me sometimes to
wear the green waistcoat she had brought under my
dirty jacket) she began to be ashamed of herself, as
she said, in our fine company; and afterward (as I
shall soon acquaint you) got into our fashion.
Seeing the advantages of ber flight to the ship,
and that so many conveniences arose from it, she
was frequently at me to let her go again. I should
as much have wished for another return of goods as
she, but I could by no means think of parting with
my factor; for I knew her eagerness to please me
and that she would stick at nothing to perform it.
And, thinks I, should any accident happen to her,
bg over-loading, or otherwise and I should lose her,
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Adventures of
1
all the other commodities of the whole world put
together would not compensate her loss. But as
she so earnestly desired it, and assured me she would
run no hazards, I was prevailed on at length, by
her incessant iinportunities, to let her go: though
under certain restrictions, which she promised me
to comply with. At first, I insisted upon it that
she should take a tour quite round the rock, setting
out the same way I had last gone with my boat;
and, if possible, find out the gulf, which I told her
she could not mistake, by the reason of the noise
the fall of water made ; and desired her to remark
the place, so as I might know within-side where it
was without. And then I told her she might re-
view and search every hole in the ship as she pleas-
ed; and if there were any small things she had a
mind to bring from it, she was welcome, provided
the bundle she should make up was not above a
fourth part either of the bulk or weight of the last.
All which she having engaged punctually to observe,
she bid me not expect her till I saw her, and she
would return as soon as possible. I then went
with her to the confines of the wood, (for I told
her I desired to see her mount) and she, after we
had embraced, bidding me to stand behind her,
took her flight.
CHAPTER XV.
I HAD ever since our marriage been desirous of
seeing Youwarkee fly but this was the first oppor-
tunity I had of it; and indeed the sight was wor-
thy of all the attention I paid it; for I desired her
slowly to put herself in proper order for it, that I
might make my observation the more accurately;
Peter ilkins.
39
and shall now give you an account of the whole ap-
paratus, though several parts of the description
were taken from subsequent views; for it would
have been impossible to have made just remarks of
every thing at that once, especially as I only view-
ed her back parts then.
I told you before, I had seen her graundee open,
and quite extended, as low as her middle; but that
being in the grotto by lamp-light, I could not take
50 just a survey as now, when the sort of light we
ever had was at the brightest.
She first threw up two long branches or ribs of
the whale-bone, as I called it before, (and indeed
for several of its properties, as toughness, elastici-
ty, and pliableness, nothing I have ever seen can
so justly be compared to it) which were jointed be-
hind to the upper bone of the spine, and which when
not extended, lie bent over the shoulders on each
side of the neck forwards, from whence, by nearer
and nearer approaches, they just meet at the lower
rim of the belly in a sort of point; but when exten-
ded, they stand their whole length above the shoul-
ders, not perpendicularly, but spreading outwards,
with a web of the softest and most pliable and
springy membrane that can be imagined, in the in-
terstice between them, reaching from their root or
joint on the back up above the hinder part of the
head, and near half-way their own length; but when
closed, the membrane falls down in the middle up-
on the neck, like an handkerchief. There are also
two other ribs rising as it were from the same root,
which, when open run horizontally, but not so long
as the others. These are filled up in the interstice
between them and the upper ones with the same
membrane; and on the lower side of this is also a
deep flag of the membrane, so that the arms can
be either above or below it in flight, and are al-
ways above it when closed This last rib, when
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shut, flaps under the upper one, and also falls down
with it before to the waist, but is not joined to the
ribs below. Along the whole spine-bone runs a
strong, flat, broad, gristly cartilage, to which are
joined several other of these ribs; all which open
horizontally, and are filled in the interstices with
the above inembrane, and are jointed to the ribs
of the person just where the plane of the back begins
to turn towards the breast and belly; and when shut
wrap the whole body round to the joints on the con-
trary side, folding neatly one side over the other.
At the lower spine are two more ribs extended hor-
izontally when open, jointed again to the hips, and
long enough to meet the joint on the contrary side
across the belly; and from the hip-joint, which is
on the outermost edge of the hip-bone, runs a plia-
ble cartilage quite down to the outside of the thighs
and leg to the ancle; from which there branch out
divers other ribs horizontally also when open, but
when closed, they encompass the whole thigh and
leg, rolling inwards cross the back of the leg and
thigh, till they reach and just cover the cartilage.
The interstices of these are also filled up with the
same membrane. From the two ribs which join to
the lower spine-bone, there hangs down a sort of
short apron, very full of plaits, from hip-joint to hip-
joint, and reaches below the buttocks, half way or
more to the hams. This has also several smaller
limber ribs in it. Just upon the lower spine-joint,
and above the apron as I call it, there are two
other long branches, which when close, extend
upon the back from the point they join at below to
tae shoulders, where each rib has a clasper, which
reaching over the shoulders, just under the fold of
the upperinost branch or ribs, hold up the two ribs
flat to the back like a V, the interstices of which
are also filled up with the aforesaid membrane.
This last piece in flight, falls down almost to the
Peter Wilkins.
91
ancles, where the two claspers lapping under each
leg within-side, hold very fast; and then also the
short apron is drawn up, by the strength of the ribs
in it, between the thighs forward, and covers as far
as the rim of the belly. The whole arms are cov-
ered from the thighs to the wrist with the same
delicate membrane, fastened to ribs of proportion
able dimensions, and jointed to a cartilage on the
outside in the same manner as on the legs.
It is very surprising to feel the difference of these
ribs when open and when closed; for, closed, they
are as pliable as the finest whalebone, or more so,
but, when extended, are as strong and stiff as a
bone. They are tapering from the roots, and áre
broader or narrower, as best suits the places they
occupy, and the stress they are put to, up to their
points, which are almost as small as a hair. The
memhrane between them is the most elastic thing 】
ever met with, occurying no more space, when the
ribs are closed, than from rib to rib, as flat and
smooth as possible; but when extended in some
postures, will dilate itself surprisingly. This will
be better comprehended by the plates, where you
will see several glumms and gawreys in different
attitudes, than expressed by words.*
As soon as my wife had expanded the whole of
graundee, being upon plain ground, she stooped for-
ward, moving with a heavy wriggling motion at
first, which put me into some pain for her; but
after a few strokes, beginning to rise a little, she
cut through the air like lightning, and was soon
over the edge of the rock, and out of my sight.
It is the most amazing thing in the world to ob-
-erve the large expansion of this graundee, when
*We have thought it proper to retain the words of the
original edition, although the plan of the present work ex-
cludes many plates.
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Adventures of
open; and, when closed, (as it all is in a moment
upon the party's descent) to see it sit so close and
compact to the body, as no tailor can come up to it
and then the several ribs lie so justly disposed in
the several parts, that instead of being, as one would
imagine, a disadvantage to the shape, they make
the body and limbs look extremely elegant; and by
the different adjustment of their lines on the body
and limbs, the whole, to my fancy, somewhat re-
sembles the dress of the old Roman warriors in
their buskins; and, to appearance, seems much
more noble than any fictitious garb I ever saw, or
can frame a notion of to myself.
Though these people, in height, shape, and limb
very much reseinble the Europeans, there is yet
this difference, that their bodies are rather broader
and flatter, and their limbs, though as long and
well shaped, are seldom so thick as ours. And this
I observed generally in all I saw of them during a
long time among them afterwards; but their skin,
for beauty and fairness, exceeds ours very much.
My wife having now taken her second flight, I
went home, and never left my children till her re-
turn; this was three days after our parting. I
was in bed with my little ones when she knocked
at the door, I soon let her in, and we received
each other with a glowing welcome. The news
she brought me was very agreeable. She told me
she first went and pried into every nook in the ship
where she had seen such things, could we get at
them, as would make us very happy. Then she set
out the way I told her to go, in order to find the
gulph. She was much afraid she should not have
discovered it, though she flew very slow, that she
might be sure to hear the waterfall, and not over-
shoot it. It was long ere she came at it; but
when she did she perceived she might have spared
most of her trouble, had she set out the other way
Peter Wilkins.
93
fut, after she had flown almost round the island,
and not before, she began to hear the fall, and upon
coming up to it, found it to be not above six in-
ute's flight from the ship. She said the entrance
was very narrow, and, she thought, lower than I
represented it; for she could scarce discern any
space between the surface of the water and the
arch-way of the rock. I told her that might hap-
pen from the rise or fall of the sea itself. But I
was glad to hear the ship was no further from the
gulph; for my head was never free from the thoughts
of my ship and cargo. She then told me she had
left a small bundle for me without the wood, and
went to look after her children. I brought up the
bundle; and though it was not near so large as the
other, I found several useful things in it, wrapped
ap in four or five yards of dark blue woollen cloth
which I knew no name for, but which was thin
and light, and about a yard wide. I asked her
where she met with this stuff; where there was
more of it, under a thing like our bed, in a cloth
like our sheet, which she cut open, and took it out
of.—Well, says I, and what will you do with this?
-Why, I will make me a coat, like yours, says
she, for I don,t like to look different from my dear
husband and children.-No, Youwarkee, replied I,
you must not do so; if you make such a jacket as
mine, there will be no distinction between glumm
and gawrey; the gowen praave, in my country,
would not on any account go dressed like a glumm;
for they wear a fine flowing garment, called a gown
that sits tight about the waist, and hangs down
from thence in folds, like your barras, almost to
the ground, so that you can hardly discern their
feet, and no other part of their body but their hands
and face, and about as much of their necks and
breasts as you see in your graundee.
Youwarkes seemed highly delighted with this
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Adventures of
new fancied dress, and worked day aud night at it
against the cold weather. Whilst she employed
herself thus, I was busied in providing my winter
stores, which I was forced to do alone now, her-
self and children taking up all my wife's time.
About a fortnight after she had begun mantuama-
king, she presented herself to me one day as I came
from work in her new gown; and, truly, consider-
ing the scanty description I had given her of such
a garment, it appeared in good comely dress.
Though it had not one plait about the body, it sat
very tight thereto, and yet hung down full enough
for a countess; for she would have put it all in
(all the stuff she had) had there beeen as much
more of it. I could see no opening before, so ask-
ed her how she got it on.
She told me she had
laid along on the ground and crept through the
plaits at the bottom, and sewed the body round her
after she had got her hands and arms through the
sleeves. I wondered at her contrivance; and
smiling, showed her how she should put it on, and
also how to pin it before; and after she had done
that, and I had turned up about half a yard of
sleeve, which then hung down to her finger ends, I
kissed her, and called her my country-woman; of
which, and her new gown. she was very proud
for a long time.
CHAPTER XVI.
I HAD now lived here almost fourteen years,
and besides the three sons before mentionel, hal
three girls and one boy.-Pedro, my eldest, had the
graundee, but too small to be useful; my second
son Tommy had it complete, so had my three daugh-
Peter Wilkins.
95
ters, but Jemuy and David, the youngest sons, none
at all. My eldest daughter I named Patty, because
I always fancied that name as it was the name of
a young lady in England for whom I had enter-
tained a very great regard in my younger days.-
My second daughter my wife desired might be cal-
led by her sister's name Hallycarnie; and my
youngest I named Sarah, after my mother. I put
you to the trouble of writing down the names, for
as I shall hereafter have frequent occasion to men-
tion the children severally, it will be pleasanter for
myself and you to call them by their several names
of distinction, than to call them my second son, or
my eldest daughter, and so forth.
My wife now took great delight in exercising
Tommy and Patty (who were big enough to be trus-
ted) in flight, and would often skim round the
whole island with them before I could walk half
through the wood. And she would teach them al-
so to swim or sail, I know not which to call it, fot
sometimes you would see them dart out of the air
as if they would fall on their faces into the lake,
when coming near the surface they would stretch
their legs in an horizontal posture, and in an in
stant turn on their backs, and then you could see
nothing from the bank, to all appearance, but a
loat sailing along, the graundee rising at their head,
feet and sides, so like the sides and ends of a boat,
that you could not discern the face or any part of
the body. I own I often envied them this exess
cise, which they seemed to perform with more
ease than I could only shake my leg or stir au
arm.
Though we had perpetually swangeans about us,
and the voices, as I used to call thein, I could nev-
er once prevail on my wife to show herself, or to
claim any acquaintance with her country folks.
And what is very remarkable in my children is
7
3
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Adventures of
that my three daughters and Tommy, who had the
full graundce, had exactly their mother's sight,
Jemmy and David had just my sight, and Pedro's
sight was between both, though he was never much
affected with any light; but I was obliged to make
spectacles for Tommy and all my daugthers when
they came to go abroad.
At this period Youwarkee proposed to visit her
father's country, to which proposal having had
such full experience of her tenderness and fidelity,
I made no objection, and accordingly she set off ac-
companied by Tommy, Patty, and Hallycarnie.
During my absence I employed myself in instruc-
ting my other children and my usual routine of em-
ployment. I was reflecting with some uneasiness
on the length of time, since I had been separated
from my wife and the helpless condition my re-
maining children would be left in should she never
return, and endeavoring to solace myself by com-
mitting them to the care of Providence.
One day I was sitting by myself in my tent upon
one of the trees I had turned into benches, when I
heard a musical voice call, Peter! Peter! I started.
What's this? say's I. It is not Youwarkee's voice!
What can this mean! Listening, I heard it again.
but at so great a distance I could but just perceive
the sound. Be it where it will, says I, I will face
it! Thus speaking, I went out of the tent, and
harkened very attentively, but could hear nothing.
I then ran for my gun and walked through the
wood as fist as I could to the plain: but still I
neither saw nor heard anything. I was then in
hopes of seeing somebody on the lake, but no one
appeared: for I was fully determined to make my-
self known to whomsoever I should meet; and, if
possible, to gain some intelligence of my wife,
But after so many fruitless pains, my hopes being
at an end, I was returning, when I heard, Peter!
Peter Wilkins.
97
heard_me)
Peter! again at a great distance, the sound coming
from a different quarter, than at first. Upon this I
stopped, and heard it repeated; and it was as if
the speaker approached nearer and nearer.-Here-
upon I stepped out of the wood, (for I had just re-
entered it upon my return home) when I saw two
persons upon the swangean just over my head. I
cried out, Who's that? And they immediately
called again, Peter! Peter!-Ors clam gee, says I;
that is, here am I.-On this they directly took a
small sweep round, (for they had overshot me be-
fore they heard me) and alighted just by me;
when I perceived them to be my wive's countrymen
being dressed like her, with only broader chaplets
about their heads, as she had told me the glumms
all wore. After a short obeisance, they asked me
if I was the gluun Peter, barcatt to Youwarkee!
I answered, I was -They then told me they camo
with a message from Pendlehamby, colamb of Arn-
drumnstake, my goppa, and from Youwarkee his
daughter. I was vastly rejoiced to see them, and to
hear the name of my wife. But though I longed to
know their message, I trembled to think of their
mentioning it as one of them was just going to do
for fear of hearing something very displeasing; so I
begged them to go through the wood with me to the
grotto where we should have more leisure and con-
venience for talk, and where at the same time, they
might take some refreshment. But though I had
thus put off their message, I could not for bear in-
quiring by the way after the health of my goppa
and my wife and children, how they got to Arduino-
stake, and how they found their relations and friends
They told me all were well: and that Youwarkee,
as she did on me, desired I would think on her
with true affection. I found this was the phrase of
the country. As for the rest, I hoped it would
turn out well at last, though I dreaded to hear it
G
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Adventures of
Being arrived at the grotto, I desired my guests
to sit down, and take such refreshment as I could
prepare them. When they were seated, I went
to work in order to provide them a repast.
Seeing my fire piled up very high, and burning
fierce, and the children about it, they wondered
where they were got, and who they had come to,
and turned their faces from it; but I setting some
chairs, so that the light might not strike on
their eyes, they liked the warmth well enough;
though, I remarked, the light did not affect them
so much as it had done Youwarkee.
Whilst I was cooking, the poor children got all
up in a corner, and stared at the strangers, not
being able to conceive where they came from; and
by degrees crept all backwards into my bed-cham-
ber, and hid themselves? for they had never befor
scen any body but my own family.
I observed that one of my guests paid more than
ordinary respect to the other; and though their
graundees made no distinction between them, yet
there was something I thought more noble in the
address and behavior of the latter; and taking no-
tice that he was also the chiefspokesman, judged it
proper to pay my respects to him in a somewhat
more distinguishing manner, though so as not to
offend the other if I should happen to be mistaken.
I first presented a cann of my Madeira, and
took care, as if by accident, to give it to Mr. Up-
permost, as I thought him, who drank half of it,
and would have given the remainder to his compan-
ion, but I begged him to drink it all up, and his
friend should be served with some presently:
he did so, and thanked me by lifting his hand to
his chin. I then gave the other a cann of the same
liquor, which he drank, and returned thanks as his
companion had before. I then took a cann my-
self, and telling them I begged leave to use the
Peter Wilkins.
99
ceremony of my own country to them, I drank,
wishing their own health, and that of all relations
at Arndruninstake. He that I took for the supe-
rior fell a laughing heartily: Ha, ha, ha: says he,
this is the very way my sister does every day at
Arndrumnstake.-Your sister, sir! says I, pray
has she ever been in Europe or England?-Well!
says he, I have plainly discovered myself, which I
did not intend to do yet; but, truly, brother Peter,
I mean none other than your own wife Youwarkee.
The moment I knew who he was, I rose np,
and taking him by the right hand, lifted it to my
lips and kissed it. He likewise immediately stood
up, and we embraced each other with great ten-
derness. I then begged him, as I had so worthy
and near a relation of my wife's with me, that he
would not delay the happiness I hoped for in a
narrative from his mouth, how it fared with my
father, wife, and children, and all their kinsfolks
and friends, whom I had so often heard mentioned
by my dearest Youwarkee, and so earnestly de-
sired to see.
My brothor Quangrollart (for that he told me
was his name) was preparing to gratify my impa
tience; but seeing I had set the entertainment on
the table, which consisted chiefly of bread, several
sorts of pickles and preserves, with some cold salt-
ed fish, he said that eating would but interrupt the
thread of his discourse; and therefore, with my
leave, he would defer the relating of what I de
sired for a little while; which we all thinking
most proper, I desired him and his friend (who
might be another brother for aught I knew) to re-
fresh themselves with the poor modicum I was able
to provide them. Whilst my brother Quangrol-
lart was looking upon and handling his plate,
being what he had never before seen, his friend had
got the handle of one of the knives in his mouth,
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Adventures of
}
coun-
biting it with all his force; but finding he could
make nothing of that end, he tried the other, and
got champing the blade. Perceiving what he was
at, though I could not help laughing, I rose, and
begging pardon, took the knife from him; telling
him I believed he was not acquainted with the use
of that instrument, which was one of my
try implements; and that the design of it,
which was called a knife, and of that other, (poin-
ting to it) called a fork, was the one to reduce the
food into pieces proper for chewing, and the other
to convey it to the mouth without daubing the fin-
gers, which must happen in handling the food it-
self; and I then showed him what use I put them
to by helping each of them therewith to somewhat
and by cutting a piece for myself, and putting it to
my
mouth with the fork.
They both smiled, and looked very well pleased
and then I told them that the plate was the only
thing that need be daubed and when that was ta-
ken away the table remained clean. So, after I
had helped each of them for the first time, I told
them to help themselves where they liked best: and
to say the truth they did so more dexterously than
I could have expected.
During our repast we had many sketches of the
observations they made in their flight, and of the
places where they rested, and I could plainly per-
ceive that neither of them had been at this arkoe
before, by hinting that if they had not taken such
a course they had missed me.
I took particular notice which part of my enter-
tainment they eat most of, in order to bring a fresh
supply of that when wanted; and I found that
though they eat heartily of my bread preserves,
and tasted almost of every thing else, they never
once touched the fish; which put me upon desiring
I might help them to some. At this they looked at
Peter Wilkins.
101
each other, which I readily knew the meaning of,
and excused theinselves, and expressing great sat-
isfaction in what they had gotten. I took, how-
ever, a piece of fish on my own plate, and eating
very heartily of it, my brother desired me to give
him a bit of it, I did so and took care to cut it free
from bones as I could, and for greater security
cautioning him, in case there should be any to pick
them out, and not swallow them. He no sooner
put a piece to his mouth, but, Rosig, says he to
his friend, this is padsi. I thought, indeed, I had
puzzled my brother, when I gave him the fish, but
by what he said of it, he puzzled me; for I knew
not what he meant by padsi, my wife having told
me they had no fish, or else I should have taken
that word for their name of it. However, I cut
Rosig a slice; and he agreeing it was padsi, they
both eat heartily of it.
While we were at dinner my brother told nie
be thought he saw some of my children just now:
for his sister had informed him she had five more
at home; and he asked me why they did not ap-
pear and eat with us. I excused their coming,
fearing they would only be troublesome; and said,
when we had done they should have some meat.
But he would not be put off, and entreated me to
admit them. So I called them by their names,
and they came, all but Dicky, who was asleep in
his hammock. I told them that the gentleman,
pointing to Quangrollart, was their uncle, their
mother's brother, and ordered them to pay their
obeisance to him, which they severally did. I
then made them salute Rosig. This last would
have had them sit down at table, but I positively
forbade them, and giving each of them something,
they carried it to their chests and eat it.
When we had done, the children helped me to
clear the table, and were retiring out of the room;
E3
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Adventures of
but then I recalled them and desired their uncle to
excuse their stay, for as he promised news of their
mamma and her family, it would be the height of
pleasure to them to hear him. He was much pleas-
ed with this motion, desiring by all means they
might be
present while he told his story. Where-
upon I ordered them to their chests, while he de
livered his narrative.
CHAPTER XVII.
HAVING set on the table some brandy and Ma-
deira, and each of us having taken one glass, I
showed by the attentiveness of my aspect and pos-
ture, how desirous I was he should proceed to what
he had promised. Observing this, he went on in
the following manner: brother Peter, says, he, my
sister Youwarkee, as I don't doubt you will be
glad to hear of her first, arrivedl safely at Arndrumn-
stake, the third day after she left you, and after a
very severe flight to the dear little Hallycarnie,
who was a full day and a night on her graundec ;
and at last would not have been able to have reach-
ed Battringdrigg but for my sister's assistance, who
taking her sometimes on her back for a short
flight, by those refreshments enabled her to perform
it; but from Battrindrigg, after some hours rest,
they came to the White Mountains from whence
after a short stay, they arrived at Arndrumnstake.
They alighted at our coovett, but were opposed
at their entrance by the guards, to whom they did
not choose to discover themselves, till notice was
given to my father; who upon hearing that some
strangers desired admittance to him, sent me to
bring them if they were proper persons, or else
Peter Wilkins.
103
give orders for such other reception as was suitable
to them.
When I came to the guard I found three gaw.
reys and a glumboss, whose appearance and be-
haviour; I must own, prejudiced me very much in
their favour. I then asked from whence they
came, and their business with the colamb. You-
warkee told me they came not about business of
public concern, relating to the colamb's office, but
out of a dutiful regard, as relations, to kiss his
knees. My father, said I, shall know it immedia-
tely; but first, pray inform me of
your name?
Your father! replied Youwarkee; are you my
brother Quangrollart? My name is so, says I but
I have only one sister, now with my father, and
how I can be your brother I am unable to guess.
Have you never had another sister? says she.
Yes, says I, but she is long since dead; her name
was Youwarkee. At my mentioning her name,
she fell on my neck in tears, crying, my dear broth-
er, I am that dead sister Youwarkee, and these
with me are some of my children, for I have five
more; but pray, how does my father and sister?
I started back at this declaration, to view her and
the children, fearing it was some gross imposition,
not the least knowing or remembering any thing of
her face, after so long an absence; but I desired
thèm to walk in till I told my father.
The guard observing the several passages between
us, were amazed to think who it could be that so
familiarly embraced me, especially as they saw I
only played a passive part.
When I went in, I did not think proper direct-
ly to inform my father what had happened; but
calling my sister Hallycarnie, I let her into the
circunstances of this odd affair, and desired her
advice what to do: for, says I, surely this must
Ur so ne imposter; and as my father has scarce
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Adventures of
subdued his sorrow for my sister's loss, if this gaw-
rey should prove a deceiver, it will only revive his
affliction, and may prove at this time extremely
dangerous to him; therefore let us consider what
had best be done in the matter.
Hallycarnie, who had attentively weighed all I
had said, seeined to think it was some cheat, as well
as I did; for we could neither of us conceive that
any thing but death or being slit, could have kept
Youwarkce so long from the knowledge of her re-
lations; and that neither of them could be the case
was plain, if this person was Youwarkee. Be-
sides, says, Hallycarnie, she cannot surely be so
much altered in fifteen years, but you must have
known her; and yet, now I think, it is possible,
you being so much younger may have forgotten
her; whilst we have been talking of her, I have so
well recollected her, that I think I could hardly be
imposed upon by any deceiver.
I then desired her to go with me to the stran-
gers, and see if she could make any discovery.
She did so, and had no sooner entered the ebb,
but Youwarkee, called out, My dear sister Hally-
carnie! and she as readily recollecting Youwarkee,
they in transport embraced each other; and then
your wife presenting to us her three children,it proved-
the tenderest scene except the following, I ever saw.
My father having kept his chamber some time
with a fever, and though he was pretty well recov-
cred, having not yet been out of it we consulted
how we might introduce our sister and children to
him with as little surprise as might be, for fear of a
relapse by too great a hurry of his spirits. At
length we concluded I should go tell him that
some strangers had arrived, desiring to see
him; but on inquiry, finding their business was
too trifling to trouble him upon, I had despatched
them; I was then to say, how like one of them
Peler Wilkins.
105
was to my sister Youwarkee; and whilst I was
speaking, Hallycarnie was to enter, and keep up
the discourse, till we should find a proper opportu-
nity of discovery. I went in, therefore, as had
been agreed; and, upon mentioning the name of
Youwarkee, my father fetched a deep sigh, and
turned away from ine in tears.
from ine in tears. At that instant
Hallycarnie came in as by accident. Sir, says she,
what makes you so sad? are you worse to-day?-0!
says he, I have heard a name that will never be out
of
my heart till I am in hoximo.-What, I suppose
my sister?-'Tis true, replied he, the same.-Says
she I fancied so, for I have just seen a stranger as
like her as two doors could be, and would have
sworn it was she, if that had been possible. 1
thought my brother had been so imprudent as to
mention her to yoù; and I think he did not do well
to rip up an old sore he knew was almost healed,
and make it break out afresh.-Ah! no child, says
my father, that sore never has nor can be healed.
O Great Iinage! why can't I by some means of
other ascertain what end she came to !
*
Sir, says my sister, I think you are much to blame
for these exclamations, after so long absence: for,,
if she be dead, what use are they of? and if she be
not, all may be well, and you may still see her
again.-O never, never! says my father; but could
I be sure she was alive, I would take a swangean,
and never close my graundee, till I found her, or
dropt dead in the search-And suppose you could
meet with her, sir, says 1, the very sight would
overcome you and be dangerous.-No, believe me,
boy, says he, I should then be fully easy and com-
posed; and were she to come in this moment, 1
should suffer no surprise, but pleasure.-No surprise
sir ? says I-Not if she were alive and well, says
heThen sir, savs Hallycarnie, will you excuse
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Adventures of
me if I introduce her? and went out directly with
out staying for an answer.
When she was gone, Quangrollart, says my fa-
ther, sternly, what is the meaning of yours and your
sister's playing thus upon my weakness? It is what
I can upon no account forgive. It looks as if you
were weary of me, and wanted to break my heart.
To what purpose is all this prelude of yours, to in-
troluce me to somebody who, by her likeness to my
daughter, may expose me to your scoff and railery?
This is a disobedience I never expected from either
of vou.
The Great Image attend me! sir, says I, you
have inuch mistaken me; but I will not leave you in
doubt, even till Hallycarnie's return. You shall
sce Youwarkee with her; for all our discourse, I'll
asure you, has but been concerted to prepare you
for her reception, with three of her children.-And
am I then, said he in a transport, still to be blessed?
You are, sir, says I, assure yourself you are.
By this time we heard them coming, but my poor
father had not power to go to meet thein; and upon
Youwarkee's nearer approach, to fall at his knees,
his limbs failing him he sunk, and without speaking
a word, fell backwards in a couch, which stood
behind him; and being quite motionless, we con-
cluded him to be stone-dead. On this the women
became entirely helpless screaming only, and wring-
ing their hands in extravagant postures. But I
having a little more presence of mind called for the
callenter; who, by holding his nose, pinching his
feet, and other applications, in a little time brought
him to his senses again.
You may more easily conceive than I describe,
both the confusion we were all in during my father's
disorder, and the congratulations upon his
ry; so, as I can give but a defective account of
these, I shall pass them by, and come to our inore
recove-
Peter Wilkins.
107
serious discourse, after my father and
your wife
had, without speaking a word, wept themselves
quite dry on each other's necks.
My father, then looking upon the three children,*
(who were also crying to see their mother cry)
And who are these? says he.-These, sir, says
Youwarkee, are three of eight of your grandchil-
dren. And where is
your barkett? says he.-At
home with the rest, sir replied she, who are some
of them too small to come so far yet; but sir, says
she, pray excuse my answering you any more ques-
tions, till you are a little recovered from the com-
motion I perceive my presence has brought upon
your spirits; and as rest, the callanter says, will be
exceedingly proper, I will retire with my sister till
you are better able to bear company. My father
was with much difficulty prevailed with "to-part
with her out of his sight; but the callanter pres-
sing it, we were all dismissed, and he laid down to
rest.
My brother would have gone on, but I told him,
as it grew near time to repose, and he and Rosig
must needs be fatigued with so long a flight, if they
pleased, (as I had already heard the most valuable
part of all he could say, in that my father had re-
ceived my wife and children so kindly, and that he
left them all well) we would defer his father rela-
tion till the next day; which they both agreeing to,
I laid them in my own bed, I sleeping in a spare
hainmock.
The next day my brother informed me that my
father Pendlehamby would come to visit me with
my wife.
I then prepared a tent for the accom-
modation of my father and his attendants; but was
so little satisfied with it, that I almost resolved to
burn it.
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Adventures of
CHAPTER XVIII.
QUANGROLLART's visit lasted several dayɛ, du-
ring which, I shewed him the whole of my terri-
tory and made him acquainted with my manner of
life, and received a particular account of the man-
ners and customs of his own country, which I have
occasion hereafter to describe to you inore fully
from my own observation. He informed me, that
your Tommy and my daughter Hallycarnie were
provided for at court having been introduced by my
father in law. He then departed with his coin-
panions, bearing many messages of love to my
wife and children.
Pe-
One day I was standing with my sou
dro at the door of my habitation, 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, boy, says I, do you see any thing?-We
heard it again. Hark! says Pedro, it comes
from that end of the lake-While we were listen-
ing 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 mamina.-No, says I,
Pedro, I don't expect her before I hear from her.—
Why, then, says Pedro, here they come; I can
discern three of them. If 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 mak-
Peter Wilkins.
109
ing signs for then to alight, they settled just before
and told me that Pendlehamby and Youwar-
kce would be with me by light next day.
me,
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 ebeer before them, and with overhasto
to do more than one thing at once, I even left un-
doue what I might have done.
I asked them who came with my father; 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, what 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
to distinguish them from ordinary messengers;
then one of them showed it me, for I had before
taken it for a long staff in his hand: But, says he,
you will hear them much louder tomorrow, and
longer before they come to you.
Having entertained them to their content, sent
them to rest, not choosing to ask any questions;
for I avoided anticipating the pleasure of hearing
the news from Youwarkee herself. The boys and
I prepared what provisious of fowl and fish we
could in the time, to be ready cold against they
came, and then laid down ourselves.
CHAPTER XIX.
My mind ran all night upon settling the formal-
ity 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 hav-
ing dressed myelf, Pedro, Jemmy and David, we
110
Adventures of
!
marched to the plain; myself carrying a chair,
and each of them a stool. I was dressed in a cin-
namon-coloured gold-button coat, a red waiscoat,
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
ipy 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; but to keep rather a
half-pace backwarder than me; and then sitting
down in my chair, I ordered Pedro to his stool on
iny right hand, and Jemmy to his on the left, and
David to the left of Jemmy.
I then sent two of the messengers to meet them,
with instructions to let Yonwarkee 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 appear-
ance 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
concert, serenading in their hoarsest voices, we
could just perceive, by the light of dawn gliding on
the edge of the rock, a black stream rising above
the summit of it, seemingly about forty paces broad;
when the noise increasing very much, the
arose broader and broader; and then you might
perceive rows of poles, with here and there a stream-
er; and as soon as ever the main body appeared
stream
弩
​Peter Wilkins.
111
above the rock, there was such an universal shout
as rent the air, and echoing from the opposite rock
returning the salute to them again. This was suc-
cceded with a 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, still blowing, left
room for the next ranks, about twenty abreast, to
come forward beneath them; each of which divid-
ing in the middle, alighted in ranks at about twen-
ty paces distant from my right and left, making a
line before me, at the farther end of which Pendle-
hamby 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 the loss of my beard, was thunder-struck when
she saw me, not being able to observe any visage
I had for my great wig and hat; but putting a
goorl face upon the matter and not doubting but if
the person she saw was not me, she would soon find
her husband, for she knew the children by their
clothes, she came forward at her father's right
hand. I sitting as a great lord, till they came with-
in about thirty paces of me; and then gravely ris-
ing 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,
embraced his right knee; who raising me up ein-
braced ine, Then- retiring three steps, and com-
ing forward again, I embraced Youwarkee some
tine; during which the children observed my pat-
tern with Pendlehamby, who took them up and
kissed them.
$
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Adventures
I whispered Youwarkee to know it 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
Youwarkce and Hallycarnie on each side, and my-
self on the left of Hallycarnie.
After expressing the great honor done me by Pen-
dlehamby in this visit, I told him I had a little grot-
to about half a mile thro' the wood, to which if he
pleased to command, we would retire; for I had on-
ly 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 Hal-
lycarnie 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 go-
ing on in a set speech I had studied for the
purpose;
but he refused to hear me, telling me I was mistak-
en, 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 say-
ing, 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 Maderia,
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 has come
you ? I will promise you, but for fear of surpris-
ing my father, I had disowned
had disowned you for a husband.
Dear Youwarkee, says I, do you approve my dress,
for this is the English fashion? This Peter; says
to
D5
Peter Wilkins.
113
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 women in the arkoe
but my daughter; for surely you have no child as
tall as that, pointing to my wife.-No, sir, says 1,
that is a friend. Is she come to you, says he, in
iny daughter's absence? O, 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 spoke in his
own tongue, and Youwarkee looking at me, as if
she did 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 grand daddy, my
dear Dicky! the old gentleman smoked her out.-
I'll be slit, says he, if that is not Youwarkee '
-Its impossible! says Hallycarnie-Indeed, sister
says Youwarkee, you are mistaken! and my fa-
ther protesting he had not the least suspicion of her,
till she spoke in his tongue, rose, and kissing her
H
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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 thris
number of people to eat you up; they have thei
subsistence with them; and he would by no means
suffer to allow any. I then desired to know if
there were any officers or others to whom he should
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 incom-
mode 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 pur-
posely crected a tent, which would with grøst case
accommodate a greater number; and as the were
of distinction, with his leave I insisted upon pro-
viding 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 on 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, asked me
how it was made. I told him in few words as I
could; but he understood so little of it, that any
thing 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 fa-
ther's leave for what I offered; whereupon he
stroked his chin.
I then asked him if he had any clever fellows un-
Peter Wilkins.
115
der 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.
CHAPTER XX.
I APPEARED before them, in the morning, in
my old jacket, an old hat with brims indented al-
most to the crown, a flannel night-cap, and check-
ered 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 farther
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 rising, we want
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 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 pitch-
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ed upon a spot to begin my operation; when row-
ing 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 shelv-
ing bank, I could not lift it to the level myself;
which my hrother, who had not seen the sport be-
fore, perceiving, though not one of the rest stirred,
lent me a hand, and we got it up.
You cannot imagine what surprise appeared in
overy face
upon opening the net, and seeing all the
fish naked: they drew up by degrees closer and
eloser, for I let the fish lie soine time for their ob-
servation but seeing the large fish, upon handling
them flap their tails, 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 expec-
ted 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 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 satis-
faction, for I could now take as many fish at one
Peter Wilkins.
117
could before have done at ten. I had
draught a
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 extreines, 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 mat-line in circles round the
strained lines from top to bottom, about two inches
listance 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
in a
hole in the net, and gathered the small end
purse, tying it up tight; and by this means I now
scarce lost any fish which once were within the
sweep of my net.
up
Having had so good success, I had a design of
returning, but thought as I could now so easily en-
tertain a multitude I might as well take another haul
or two, and make a handsome treat for the soldiery:
then coming up to my rill's mouth, I fixed my im-
plements 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 inad, 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
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Adventures of
he
up
sooner had he got loose, than
rose, whirled
his wings, and at the same instant uttered such a
groan that the whole company retreated again,
thinking ine somewhat more than a man, to face so
dreadful an enemy. I entreated them to come and
view it, but Snding no arguments could bring them
nearer, I got him between me and the water and
shot him dead.
Upon the report of my gun, the whole field war
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 1
had caused; and laying down my gun, my brother
though at a distance when I shot, knowing what
I was at, 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 once more.
My father and the colambs, who were the first
that dared to 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
Peter Wilkins.
119
i
it, one or two more of them came up, and we ship-
ped 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 de-
sign, and if I had followed them the fish might have
escaped before my return, was obliged to do as I
did, which was without any possibility of hurting
them. Itut as I had given them such a fright,
hoped they would this one day give me an opporta-
nity of complimenting their guards with a fish-din-
ner, if we could any way contrive to dress it; as
it must be done close to a 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. I de-
sired him to order them to attend me, and I woull
justruct them at my landing place : and then I
crossed over with my booty.
Finding the Mount Alkoe men waiting for my
landing, I asked if they could bear the siglit of fire;
they told me they were used to much greater light
and flame than I had ever seen, they believed.
Very good, said I; then get into my boat, three of
you, and hand the fish to the shore. I found they
were more afraid of the fish than the fire, for no
one stirred till I got in and tossed out several smail
ones, and taking up a large one, help me, some-
body, says I, they looking a little at one another,
one venturing to take it, when they all fell to work
and dispatched the whole lading presently
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 reat
I
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Adventures of
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 pie-
ces and with sticks that I will send you, turn them
over and over, walk ing round the fire, and with the
forked end of the stick toss the least off first, and
afterwards the greater: but be sure to 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. In this manner go on, till either they have
enough, or the fish are gone, and then come to me
at the grotto for your reward.
I then set abundance of them at work to carry
wood to be laid in six heaps two hundred paces
from each other, and told them how to pile it. 1
then prepared six long taper sticks with forkeri ends
and ordered more hands to divide the fish equally
to the piles. I sent others with salt and bread;
and ordered them to let me know when all was rea-
dy.
While these preparations were nraking, my tent-
visiters had all dined, and my cart had returned
with the beast fish, which the company desired
might be brought in, and every one passed his
judgment upon it and a long dissertation we had
on the marvellous works of Colwar. I let them go
on with their show, though I could have disproved
most of their conclusions from the little knowledge
that I had of things; but I never was knight er-
rant enough to oppose my sentiments to a multitude
already prepossessed on the other side of the ques-
tion, for this reason because I have ever observed
Peter Wilkins.
121
that where several have imbibed the same ridicu-
lous principle in infancy, they never want arguments
though ever 30 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 per-
son; 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 can re-
nove it, he adopts it 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 invi-
.ed the company to go see it, telling them in iny
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 noth-
ing 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
ench fire surrounded with a circle of men at the dis-
tance 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 an 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 another's face; when a fotuth
FI
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Adventures of
fifth and sixth pulling it in pieces, ran away with
it; and to see the different postures, courses, and
groupes, during this excercise and running feast,
was the most agreeable farce my guests had ever
scen; and to the great saving of my liquors, kept
us out in the wood for full three hours, not a soul
stirring till the feast was over.
on the
We spent best part of this evening in discourse
passages of the day, the remarks on which,
not being concluded till bed-time, my adventures
were put off 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 un-
willing they should think me a conjuror, agreed to
make them masters of that part of the mystery of
powder and ball.
CHAPTER XXI.
THIS being the fifth morning, I cleaned up my
best gun, and prepared my balls and we 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
Peter Wilkins.
123
it should be all gone upon flashing only; for they
said it was a little nut, using the same word to ex-
press both nut and seed. I then desired one of
then to put in some powder and snap it himself,
but having prevailed with him to try the experi-
ment, if I had not through caution held my hand
upon the barrel, the gun had been upon the earth,
for the monent it flashed he let go and ran.
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 said I you shall
see that what I tell you is true. They told me they
desired nothing more than that I would let 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 a rag stop it
down close. Now, says I, you see by the length
of this stick that the rag and powder take 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 any thing? Now look again, says 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 commu-
nicates 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, handle this round ball, (giving them a
bullet to handle) you feel how heavy it is-now can
I
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Adventures of
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, if the
force of the fire made by this powder can throw a
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 part of
the rock, about breast high with some mud, and
first to observe about it, if the rock was any where
fresh broken or not; who, returning, reported that
the rock was all of a color and sound, but some-
what ragged all about the mud. Did you lay the
mud smooth? says I. He replied yes. Then lif-
ting up my gun, I perceived they were creeping off,
so I took it down again, and calling, reasoned
with them upon their fears.
their fears. What mischief, says
I, can you apprehend from this gun
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 spirit and stand by me; I shall take care not
to hurt you.
It looks as if you distrust my love to
you, for this gun can do nothing but what I di-
rect.
I
By such like persuasions, rough and smooth, I
prevailed upon the major part of the colambs and
officers to stand near me and 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 immediate-
ly; 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
Peter Wilkins.
125
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 sliver 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 him-
self, till it had been buzzed about a good while and
at last it came to my ears, that a common soldier
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 me? And if you
can make it hit that rock, why not I, when you
have told me how you manage it?
it? Are
Are you not
he man that first helped me up with the fish yes-
terday? said I. He told me yes.
I was prodigiously pleased with this fellow's spir-
it, and, says I, my friend if you will, and I live,
you shall hit it before you have done. I then show-
ed 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, hold 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
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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 him so
modest and sincere, and besides, so generous in his
spirit, I asked him to which colamb he belonged.
He told me to colamb Pendlehamby. To my fath-
er? Then I am sure I shall not be denied.
I took him with me to my father, who was not
yet come to the rock. Sir, says I, there is a favor
I will beg of you. Son, says he, what is it you
can ask, that I can refuse you? Says I, this man
belongs to your guard; now there is something so
noble and daring in his spirit, yet so meek in his
deportment, that if you will load me with obliga-
tion, it is to make him an officer; he is not deser-
ving of so ill a state as a private.
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 1, is a put off.
Pray sir, says I, what can a man of courage, sense
and a cool teinper, 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) inme-
diately 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 fil-
gay! Then Nasgig raising himself on his knees,
made obeisance to my father, and standing up, stro-
ked his chin; and my father taking him by the
hand, in token of equality, the ceremony ceased.
Now, son, says my father, let ne hear your re-
quest? 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
Peter Wilkins.
127
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 apprized, or ever imagined, he
knew more of military affairs than themselves.
My father then asked him if he knew how to be-
have as a cluff; but he made as little difficulty of
that as the other, going through the several parts
of the duty in all the different branches, in peace
and war, at home and abroad, Son, says my fath-
er, it 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 a Nas
gig was not to be met with very often; but wher
they were found, they ought to be cherished accor
dingly.
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 publickly 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 re-
tentive of knowledge, so no man is less ostentatious
of it. He covets knowledge, not from the pros-
pect of gain, but merely for its own sake; the very
knowing, being his recompense; and if I may pre
sume to give you a hint, how properly to bestow
your favors, let it be on persons like this; for the
vain knowing man, who is always showing it, as he
for the most part labors 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;
9
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Adventures of
and as his rise is his aim, if he could inrent any
more expeditious method than that, he would not
pretermit any ill act, that might advance him ac-
cording to his lust of rising. But the man who
aims at perfection, from his natural inclination,
inust 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, 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 labors 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 oth-
ers, 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 honorable.
Great sir, says Nasgig, I am too sensible of
the honor already done me, to think any post where-
in I may continue to serve you either too mean or
too hazardous for me; and as valour is no where
so conspicuous as in the greatest dangers, I shail
esteem my blood spent to great advantage in any
enterprise where my duty under your command
Peter Wilkins.
129
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 af-
fection 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 to-
ken of friendship, and his word for the 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 morn-
ing, 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 hoine, 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 not do good without my powder. I then,
at his request, described what I had heard of our
method of fighting in battle in Europe; and men-
tioning 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 balls hit the head or vitals, it
is commonly mortal-0, 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 Glanlipze, and so on; when I repeated his
1
130
Alcalars of
speech to me on a former occasion, and told them
it had made such an impression upon me that I
had endeavored to make it the leading thought of
my mind, und 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 interrup-
ting, but told me, though he understood what Glan-
lipze 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 him 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 him-
self would know what we would have him know.
And pausing here a little, to consider the ea-
siest method of demonstrating this to their senses,
they told me they had gone as far as their conjec-
tures could carry them, but could conclude on noth-
ing so probable as sending it by a messenger. I
told them, that in part was the way; but my mes-
senger should not know the message he carried.
That gravelled them quite, and they were unani-
mous 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 arri-
val 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 mean-
ing to my father, after the manner you see on this
table, and make a little distance between each
word, which is the same thing you do in speaking;
2
Peter Wilkins.
131
for there, if you run one word into another, and
don't give each its proper sound, who can under-
stand you ? For though you speak what contains
all the words, yet, without the proper sound and
distinction, it is only confusion. Do you under-
stand 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 Arndrumn-
stake. Honoured sir, and so I read on: herc,
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; 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 doue, 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 hon-
oured, and so on, as you say, let who will make
them; but have you not set down there the word
Arndrunnstake? 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
stroke 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 a 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 let-
ters, would only have perplexed the affair more, so
132
Adventures of
I told him the readiest for dispatch; that as every
word consisted of one or more distinct sounds, and
as some of the saine 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
make up any word, in the manner we please;
therefore he, by seeing those three sounds together,
knows I mean Arndrumnstake, and can speak it as
well, though he never heard the word spoken togeth-
as if he heard me speak it to him.-I have some
little notion of what you mean, says he, but not
lear enough to express myself upon it; and so go
on! go on! And pray what did you do about the
reeds.
er,
I then resumed 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 sig-
nal for the second colamb to move, so that each
Peter Wilkins.
133
colamb was a quarter of a mile before the other.
My father was the last but two; but I shall nev-
er forget his tenderness at parting with his daugh-
ter and grand-children, 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 resembled
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 broad-
sword; and showing him the use of it, with ma-
ny expressions of gratitude on his part, and respect
on mine, he took flight after the rest.
CHAPTER XXII.
FOR the first few days after our company left us,
Youwarkee could not forbear a tear now and then
for the loss of her father and sister; but I endeav-
oured 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 hav-
ing a clear stage again, it cost us several days to
set ourselves, and put our 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.
Long days began to draw near, again, when one
morning I heard the gripsack. I waked Youwar-
kee, and told her of it; and we both got up, and
were going to the level, when we met six glumins
in the wood, with a gripsack before them, com-
ing to the grotto. The trumpeter, it seems, had
been there before; but the others, who seemed to
134
Adventures of
be of 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 Geori-
getti's palace, with an invitation to me and
Youwarkee, to spend some time at his court. I
let them know the 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 lay myself at their master's feet
and after some other discourse, one of them pres-
sed 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 jour-
ney, 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 abil
ity to perform such a journey equal to my inclina
tion to take it, that I should in the least hesitate at
obeying his master. Sir, says he, you make ine
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.
me
We were very facetious; and they talked of the
number of visitors I had had here; and they men-
tioned several facts which had happened, and,
amongst the rest, that of Nasgig, who they said,
since his return, had been introduced by Pendle-
hamby to the king, and was, for his great prudence
and penetration, become Georigetta's great favor-
ite. They told me war was upon the point of
Peter Wilkins.
135
breaking out, and several other pieces of news,
winch, 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 first spokesman, and
knew, I found, as much as I could tell him, that
second fright was from seeing death the conse-
quence 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
then to shun it less.
The same person then desired me to show hun
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 1, having but
a few balls left, did not recommend the gun to the
rest.
A little before bedtime, the strangers told me,
ney believed I should see Nasgig next morning.
presently thought there was somewhat more than
ordinary in this visit, but could no ways 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
hia
136
Adventures of
CHAPTER XXIII.
WE were waked by the trumpet giving notice
of Nasgig's coming; I did not care to enquire of
the strangers into the particulars of his embassy;
for be it what it will, thinks 1, Nasgig is so much
my
friend that I can know the motives of it from
him, or I am much deceived, he is too honest
to impose npon me.
But I had little time for
thought, for upon our entering the level, we found
him and his train, of at least an hundred persons,
just alighting before us.
We embraced, and professed the particular
pleasure fortune had done us in once more meet-
ing together. When we arived 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 me
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 1,
1, pray be with me,
open
and tell me what yon 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 mes-
sengers 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 im-
mediate message? for I hear you are in great favor
at court, and would never have come hither with
Peler Wilkins
137
this retinue in so much ceremony on a trifling ac- -
count.
My dear Peter, says Nasgig, know that your
fame has reached far and near since I saw you be-
fore: and our state, though a large and populous
one, and once of mighty power and twice of pres-
ent extent, by the revolt of the western part of it,
who chose themselves a king, has been so misera-
bly 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 an
usurped power, set up against our lawful sovereign
Now these things were foretold long enough be
fore they actually began to be transacted; but all
being then at peace, and no prospect of what ha
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 men-
tion foretold? By a very ancient and grave ragan,
Bays he --How long ago? says I.-O, 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 pe-
culiar, says he, and the ragan delivered it so pos-
tively, that his successors have ever since pronoun-
ced 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 expec-
ted 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
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Adventures of
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, ac-
cording 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 mouchrratt cannot get over. And I am
sure, did you apply half the thought to accomplish
it, you seen 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 favor, so my downfall as
absolutely attends your refusal.
Dear Nasgig, says I, you know
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 pro-
ject founded upon an old wife's tale, in such a chi-
mera as all men of sense would laugh a
there was no way of destroying me, but
as it
ith a
Peter Wilkins.
139
guard of an 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 per-
formed, 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 gen-
erously 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.
O, 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 in-
tended 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
ine 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
80 apply it to myself, that it must necessarily mean
140
Adventures of
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! 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, get 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 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 re-
ligion I proposed to you; and which Begsurbeck,
here present, would have advanced; and now I
must tell you what you have brought upon your-
selves. As for Beg-urbeck, he shall reign the long-
est and most prosperously of all your former and
future kings; but in twice his time out-run, the
west shall be divided from the east, and bring sor-
row, confusion, and slaughter, till the waters of
the earth shall produce a glumin, with hair round
his head, swimining and flying without the grain-
dee; who with unknown fire and smoke, shall de-
stroy the traitor of the west, settle the ancient lin-
its of the monarchy, by common consent establish
Peter Wilkins.
141
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 king-
dom shall not know till then, and shall afterwards
want; and then shall return to the waters again.
Take care, says he, you miss aot the opportunity
when it may be had; for once lost, it shall never,
never more return; and then wo, wo, wo, to my
poor country!-The ragan having said this, ex-
pired.
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 moucheratt, that the
people night learn it by heart; that they and their
children being perfect in it, might not fail of apply-
ing 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.-'T is 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, they told his majesty
what they had heard and seen at Graundevolet,
and the story was conveyed through the whole
reahn: but every man has not the faculty of dis-
tinction. Now, one of the ragans, when he had
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Adventures of
heard of you, applying you to the 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 fol
lowing effect:
May it please your majesty-and you the honora.
ole colambs-the reverend ragans and the 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 great-
est splendor, 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 af-
ter Begsursbeck's death, that is, about twice his
reign of ninety years out-run, 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 for our
deliverance.
Our prediction foretells the past evils, their in-
crease and continuance, till the waters of the earth
shall produce a glum. Here I must appeal to
the honorable colambs present, if the waters have not
done so in the person of glumin Peter of Graun-
devolet, as they have received it from his own re-
port.
All the colabs then rising, and making rever-
ence 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
*
Peter Wilkins.
143
respect agrees with this 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 ob-
serve any hair on the forepart of his head; but I
answered, that when I left you, I well remembered
your having short stubs of hair upon your cheeks
and chin; which I had no sooner mentioned, than
your father arose, and told the assembly, that tho'
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 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 col-
ambs, that glumin 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 inust be fulfil-
led; for every word must have a meaning, and that
indeed he must do if ever he comes hither. I there-
fore 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 pre-
diction: 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 col-
ambs for his making unknown fire and smoke.
Thus far, says the ragan, we have succeeded
happily towards a discovery of the person; but iL
10
144
Adventures of
15
ends not here with
the death of the traitor; but
such other benefits are to acrue as are mentioned in
the following part of the prediction; they are bles-
sings 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 pompuous 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 com-
mitted to me, with orders to prepare a conveyance
for you, which I cannot attempt to do; but shall re-
fer myself to your more solid judgment in the contri
vance 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 re-
dound 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 thẻ ab-
olition 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•
1
I then called in Youwarkee, told her the whole
affair of the prediction, which she had often heard,
and could have repeated. I told her that the king
Peter Wilkins.
145
and states had pitched on me as the pereon inten-
ded by their prediction, and that Nasgig was sent
to fetch me over: And indeed, says I, Youwarkee,
if this be a true prediction, it seems very applica-
ble 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 intelli-
gible 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?—0, 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 dan-
gers 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 predic-
tion the plainer the more I thought of it; and that
above all,, the change of religion was uppermost;
for if I can reduce a state from the misery and bon-
dage of idolitry, to a true sense of the Supreme Be-
ing, and seemingly by his own direction, shall I
fear to risk my own life for it; or, will he suf
fer me to perish till somewhat at least is done tow-
ards it? And how do I know but the whole ten-
dency of my life has been by impulse hither for this
very purpose? My dear Youwarkee, says I, fear
nothing I will go.
I calle 1 Nasgig, and told him my solution, and
K
146
Adventures of
that he had nothing now to do but prepare a meani
of conveying me. He said he begged leave to re
fer that to me, for my own thoughts would sug
gest to me both the easiest and the safest means.
I wanted to venture on the back of some strong
glummn; when Nasgig told me no one could en-
dure my weight so long a flight. But what charm-
ed me inost 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 be
tween two or four glummns, which he believed 1
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 imagi-
ning 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 my-
self without any 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 al
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 im-
ngine how I could divide so small a body as mine
intu eight different weights, for it seemed impos-
sible 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 pitch-
ed upon a strong board my wife had sent me froin
the ship about twelve feet long, and a foot and
half broad: upon the middle of which I nailed
Peter Willoins.
147
down one of my chairs; then I took one cord of
about thirty four feet long, making hand-loops 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 the 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 high-
er and forwarder than the short rope ones, that they
and their ropes would be quite out of the other's
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 suddđen 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
night possibly buoy me up till the gluinms could de-
scend 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 then 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,
th, says 1, to the eight bearers, nount on your
148
Adventures of
graundees, and come round beltind 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 or one side than
the other; and you see 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 long-
ed to try it myself; so, shifting places with the
lumm, 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 Nas-
gig was, I hallooed and called him; who, knowing
my voice ran to the skirt of the wood; and sce
ing 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 seem-
ed to carry me with, says he, Are
you all
sure you can carry him safe to Battrindrigg? 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.
J
Nasgig alighting, and viewing my contrivance,
This Peter, says he, is but a very plain thing-lt
is so, says I, but it is as far as ny ingenuity could
reach-Al 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.
L
Peter Wilkins
149
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 the fewest inconveniencies; 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 en-
terprise, was glad it was no longer; and immedi-
ately despatched a trumpet express with notice that
on the fourth day he should be at the height of Bat-
trindrig, 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 Swangeanti, (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, You-
warkee shall stay here with the children, and if I
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150
Adventures of
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
nave more lasks to shift in carrying them, for
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 the want of fresh
bands.
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 ab
matters with my wife, and taking leave of her and
the children, I charged them not to stir out of the
rotto till I was gone: and leaving them all in tears
I
set out with heavy heart for the level, where
the whole convoy and my two machines waited
for me.
CHAPTER XXIV.
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 under-
take to carry me; when not a man but proffered
his service, and desired to have the post of honor
as they called it. I told them my question was on-
ly in case of necessity to know whom I might de-
pend 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 fil-
gays? They all answering together, I, I, I!
Nasgig, says I, you and I must come to a capitu-
Peter Wilkins.
151
lation before I go and your honor 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 be-
fore; to quit my country, my family, my every
convenience 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 ny 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 honor for this I will
not stir a step farther.
Nasgig paused for an answer, for though my bear-
ers 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. Aud
this, I thought, would make the men more zealous
my service.
in
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 de-
flection from the perpendicular. We shifted but
twice till we came to Battrindrigg: the manner of
which I directed as I sat in my chair; for I order.
ed 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
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Adventures of
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 obser-
ving me to eye him more than the rest, in a brava-
do would not be relieved before we arrived at Bat-
trindrigg arkoe; and I afterwards took him into
my family.
season,
As it was now somewhat advanced into the light
I had hopes of a tolerable good prospect;
but had it been quite light, I should never have
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 high-
est 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 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 labor 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 exces-
sively 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 Battrindrigg:
when I thought I had returned to my own arkoe,
Peter Wilkins.
153
it was so like it but much larger.
Here we rested
four hours; I opened my chest and gave each of
my bearers a drop of brandy. Nasgig and I also
just wetted our mouths, and eat a piece of preserve
to moisten as; 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
frusts, 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 arkue
the young glumns and gawrey came in vast flights
separately, to divert themselves on the fine lakes
of water, and from thence wen! sometimes as far
as my arkoe, for that purpose; but that was sel-
dom.
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, we arrived
in about six hours more to the height of the White
Mountains, which Nasgig told me were the con-
fines 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 kind of fruits I had ever seen;
and these trees seemed most of them to grow out of
the very stone itself, not a peck of dirt being to be
collected near them. Without-side of these moun-
tains, 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
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154
Adventures of
were unusual things to me in that country, they tol
ne, the largest was the burning mountain Alkoe;
his 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 ter-
ritories. 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 neighboring
forge when a boy and knew all their tools, and re-
solved to get all the information I could of that
country some other time; for our company draw-
ing 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 talk with them,
that I feared if I asked questions by the way neg-
lect their duty, and let me drop.
When we came near our journey's end, Nasgig
asked me where I would like to alight. I toll
him I thought at my father's; for though I caine
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 go-
ing 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 no-
Peter Wilkins.
155
"
7

«
body. 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 iny 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 satis-
fy 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 dis-
gusted 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 coine near me, for fear of
mischief. This was no sooner said than done, and
all spreading into two vast semi-circles, met in a
train just behind my chair.
Nasgig hal 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 oth-
ers, and on a foundation he should scarce, in iny
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 hin
to alight in the palace garden, where you may have
the pleasure of viewing him in his machine.
The king returning, ordered all the columbs; who
waited my arrival, to assemble in council again;
and, as I went over the city, I was surprized to see
all the rocks 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
G6
t
156
Adventures of
7
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 BRegsurbeck. 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 rams-horn,
and 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 be-
come 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, co-
riously carved, into a very spacious room, lighted
with an infinite number of globe-lamps; where he
desired me to sit down on a round stone pelestal
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 excercises,
in alto-relievo, very bold; with other devices in-
terspersed. I sat down, having first paid my sub-
mission 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: Migh-
%
Peter Wilkins.
157
ty king-and you honorable 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, anoth-
er 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 honorable colambs, congrat-
ulate your arrival in Normbdsgrsutt, and have
cominanded 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.
"Ihe king then told me the great pleasure I had
done him and the colambs, in my so speedy arrival
upon their message: but said he would give me no
further 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 lodg
ings, 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 lighu
as in the audience room. The stair-case, if I may
call it so, it answering the same purpose, was most
beautifully carved, both sides and top: at length 1
came into a very large gallery, at least four-score
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 nar-
row, but most neatly wrought, into an oval room;
in the middle of this room, on the right hand, was
another sarall neat arch-way; entering throngh
158
Adventures of
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 doffe;
and presently up came four fellows with great matts
as I took them for by my globe light, full of some-
thing, which by their so easily carrying ao great a
Balk. I perceived was very light. They pitched it
down upon ny 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 high-
er to the sides and head, I went to feel what it
was: but laying 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 be-
fore, 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
sinooth 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 quit.
round, top and sides, without any veat-hole for the

Peter Wilkins.
159
7
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 enclo-
sed, 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 caine
a train of servants with as much victuals as an
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 eata-
bles, 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
twigwork.
The servants all retired into the gallery, except
my bash. I asked him if any body 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 my-
self 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 favor-
ites when at court.-And pray, said I are you the
person to attend me?-He was, he said, the prin-
11
160
Adventures of
[
*
الله
}
at
cipal to wait on my person; but there were
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 has become of
my baggage and my chair? I found, though he
guessed at my baggage, he was puzzled at the name
of chair; My seat, says L.-O, I understand you
says he.
he. Then
Then pray, will you go bring me word
of them, and see them brought safe up into the gal
lery. He tripped away on my errand. So, thinks
I, now I am fairly rid of you, but I had scarce
turned any of the 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 à
stranger here and as different countries have dif-
ferent 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 agaiu.
Quilly began with this, and run on to that, which
was a fine dish; and the other few but the king
have at their table; And here says he, is a dish of
padsi; and there-IIold, hold says I, Quilly!
let's try these first, before you proceed; for I re-
membered, at my grotto, they all eat my fish for
padsi, and I cut a slice of it, (for 1 always car-
ried my slasp-knife in my pocket, and they had no
such thing there) and laying it on a round cake 1
took for iny, I tasted it, and found it so to my ap-
prehension in the palate: but it did not flake or
look 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 weru
not all cut, and with what: (for I understood they
A
Peler Wilkins.
161
hud no knives, showing him mine:) he said the
cook cut it with a sharp stone. I then asked him
the names of several other things, and at last he
caine to crullmott; which having heard of before,
I now tasted, and could have sworn it had been a
bashed fowl. I asked him if crullmotts were very
common: he told me yes, towards the bottom of
the mountains there were abundance of crullmott-
trees.—No, no, says I, not trees: I mean fowls,
birds.—I dont 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, if your
fowls do, sure your fish do'nt grow on trees too!-
We have none of thein, 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 padsil call fish.
Ay, 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 picking, made up a very good meal: and put-
ting my knife into my pocket, desired something
to drink. My bash asked me what I pleased to
have; I told him, any thing to take a good draught
of. Then he filled me a bott of wine, very well
tasted, though too sweet for incals; but putting
some water to 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
caine more servants than dishes, who took all at
once, but some wine and water 1 desired might re-
main.
I told Quilly I thought there were two beds: who
are they for? says 1.--Que for you and one for me,
L
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Adventures of
{
ち
​says he; for we bashes never leave the king's fa-
vorites.-Pray, Quilly, says I, what is the inean-
ing that, to the several rooms I have been in, there
is never a door?-Door! says he, I dont know
that. What! says I, don't you shut your rooms at
night? No, no! shut at night! I never heard of
that!-1 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
arise? 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 rise and lie down together about the same
time?-O, 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 lic 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 strain-
ed every muscle as much as the hardest labor: 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 in-
clination 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 ne in proportion to the celebrity of
the flight, and to my ownapprehensions, and being
upon that exercise near thirty hours, and without
Peter Wilkins.
163
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 my
self.
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 put-
ting on my flannel nightcap, I laid me down.
CHAP. XXV.
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, mat-
ters not; and when I waked it was past nine, so
that I know that I 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 begged him to
despatch my break fast as soon as possible, and let
me have some water for my hands; he ordered the
gallery waiters and every thing came immedi-
ately.
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 pre-
sented me a towel, which looked like an unbleach-
擘
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Adventures of
ed 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 lamp-light 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
stair-case, through which Quilly led me into a large
guard-room, wherein were above an hundred glumins
posted in ranks with their pikes in hand, sonie
headed with sharp-pointed stones, others with mult-
angular stones, others with stone globes. Passing
through these, we entered another gallery as long
as that to my apartment; and then under arch we
came into a small square room, carved exceedingly
fine on the right and left of which were two other
archways leading into most noble rooms; but we
only saw thein, passing quite across 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 any body stir, I employed
myself in examining the magnificence of the place,
and could, as I then thought, have feasted my eyes
with variety for 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 brea Ith of the rooin, and
covered with the most delightful carvings, from
Peter Wilkins.
165
whence hung globe-lights innumerable, but seem-
ingly without order, which I thought appeared
the inore beautiful on that account. In the centre
of the room hung a prodigions 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 south-
ern constellations. The arch-ways were covered
with the finest devices imaginable, gigantic glumms
supporting on each side of the pediments. At every
ten paces, all along the sides and ends, arose col-
umns, each upon a broad square base, admirably
carved; these reached to the oornice or base of the
arched ceiling, quite round the room. On the
pannels between each column were carved the
different battles and most remarkable achievments
of Begsubeck himself. Over the arch I entered
at, was the statue of Begsurbeck, and over the op-
posite arch the old prophetic ragan. In the mid-
dle 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 arch-ways, 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 staid here a full hour and half, wondering why
nobody came to me; at length turning myself
about, I saw two glumms coming towards me, and
hav.ng received their compliments, they desired me
to walk in to the king. We passed through another
middling room, and taking up a matt at the farther
side of it, I was conducted in where his majesty
was sit ing with another glumin. They both arose
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33
at iny 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 ince, 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.
the boskee. I declared
I had never seen any thing like it for grandeur and
magnificence before; but the beauty of the sculp-
ture, and disposition of the lights, were most ex-
quisite.
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 fingers under the caul, and was pulling my
hair down: when I turning about my head, Glumin
Peter, says the king, don't be uneasy, the ragan
will do you no hurt, it is only to satisfy his curi-
osity; and I chose to have the ragan here, that we
may more leisurely advise with you what course to
I have
take in the present exigencies of my state.
fully heard the story of your travels from my
colambs, and
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
I
(meaning my wig) grew upon my head or not.
told him no, it was a covering only, to put on oc-
casionally; 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 Puly
Peter Wilkins.
167
Puly! says the ragan, rising up, and smitting 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?-O, says he, we made the image.
And, pray, says I, can't you break
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 any
body die that way?—No, says he, no que ever
durst prestune to do it.-Then, perhaps, said I, up-
în trial, the punishment you speak of might not be
the consequence of such an attempt. Pray, says I,
what makes Collwar have so groat a kindness for
that image?-Because, says he, it is his
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 among 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 ou that head to a fitter
opportunity.
Most admirable Peter, says the king, you are
the glum we depend upon to fulfil au ancient
prediction delivered by a venerable ragan. If you
will, Ragan I. O. shall repeat it to you, and there-
in you will be able to discern yourself plainly de-
scribed, in not only similar, but the express words
I myself, from your story, should describe you in.
In good earnest, I had from divers eircumstar -
ces concluded that I might be the person; and re-
solved, as I thought I had the best hauddle in the
world for it from the precüction, to do what I count
168
Adventures of
?
u the affair of religion, by fair means or stratagem,
(for I was sensible my own single force would not
do st) before I began to show nyself 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 de-
sign if his proposals had been approved of.
I told the king I would excuse the ragan the rep-
etition of the prediction, as I had partly been in-
formed of it by Nasgig; and that conceiving my-
self, as he did, to be the person predicted of by the
ragan, I had the more readily set out on this ex-
pedition, 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 bles-
sing 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 he would proceed to
action and ordered the ragan to let it be for the
sixth day, and in the mean time that he and his
brethren should, day and night, implore the image
to guide their deliberations.
Nasgig then coming in, I told him he was now
under my command, and must take six hundred
glumms with him to graundevelot;, 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 di-
rect 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
ty. I desired him to tell Youwarkce I hoped
ea short time to send for her, and all the family,
uver to me. And now Nasgig, says 1. my orders
Peter Wilkins.
169
are finished. Then I took iny leave of him, and
he set out for Graundevelot.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE tenth day Nasgig arrived, whilst I hap-
pened 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.
I then intro luced Nasgig to the king as the per-
son 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, and
his management of it so prudent, he should from
thenceforth take him into his peculiar confidence
and esteein,
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
hegin. Ask my father, says the king, do you con-
duet 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 thʊu-
sand. Then, says I, take you six only, besides
the bearers of me and the artillery; and pick ne
out fifty of the best men you have, as a guard for
my person, and send them to me.
I showed these men my cutlassses 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
H¹
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Adventures of
1
7,
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, in
cluding officers, with each a gripsack, in ten doub-
le 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 ammuni
ion, 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.
1 consulted with Nasgig, how the rebel General
Harlokin's army lay, that I might avoid the revol-
tea towns, rather choosing to take them in my re-
turn; 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 can-
non, and having pitched them, which I did by
several flat stones, one on another to a proper el-
evation, I loaded them, and also my small arms,

Peter Wilkins.
171
1
consisting of six muskets, and three brace of pis-
tols, 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 Ï
sat in that, with my muskets three on each side, a
pistol in my right hand, and five more in my gir
dle. In this manner I wisted 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
cannon with ball, but small sized stones, about six-
ty in each; and seeing the length of their line, I
spread my cannon's 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 iny can-
non; and I then 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 ordinance 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 turu fast enough to fly, being stopped by those
behind them, not only hindered those behind from
turning about, but clogged np their own passage
H2
my
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Adventures of
Seeing them in such a prodigious cluster, I so suc-
cessfully fired two more pieces, that I brought down
double the number of the first shot; and then giving
the word to fall on, my cut-lass guard and the pike-
men did prodigious execution. But fearing the
main body should advance before we had got in or
der again, I commanded them to fall back to their
former stations and let the enemy go off.
This did me more good in event, than if I had
killed twice as many for they not only never re-
turned 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 fulfiled, for
that their companions had died by fire and smoke.
This report struck terror into each wing, that every
one shifted for himself, and never appeared more.
The main battle, consisted of about ten thousand
men, knowing not 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 en-
emy sunk to their pitch. When they came nearer,
I asked Nasgig who led them, if it was Harlokin.
He told me no, his general, but that he was be-
hind; 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 im-
diately 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 a
the advantage he could, so that they suddenly did
not strike or push; but sometimes one, then the
Peter Wilkıns.
173
t
other, was uppermost, and whirling expeditiously
round, met almost breast to breast: when the gen-
eral who had not a pike, but pike staff, 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 lower
ing after him. But Nasgig springing forward be-
neath him, and rising as 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,
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, de-
scending had taken another severe cut at him.
Immediately upon this defeat, Nasgig again took
his place behind ine, our army shouting to the skies;
but no sooner had the general dropt, but on came
Harlokin, with majesty and terror mixt 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 sov-
ereign, 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 imposter, and send
thee lifeless. back to the fond king that sent the
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 jus-
tify the truth of our prediction. And then, level-
H3

A
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Adventures of
ling a musket at him. I shot him through the very
heart, that he fell dead within twenty paces
of we;
but perceiving another to take his room, notwith-
standing 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 seperating, 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 coul} return
as I found afterwards, most of the revolting prov-
inces had sent their deputies, who themselves car-
lied the first news of the defeat, to beg to be receiv-
ed into mercy: all of whom were detained there
till my return with Harlokin's head.
At iny return to Brandleguarp, I was met by the
king, the colambs, and almost the whole holy 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 enquired of
Nasgig what it meant, who told me it must cor-
tainly be a sweecuan, or he knew not what it was.
I asking again what he meant by that, he told ine
it was a particular method of rejoicing he had
heard of, but never seen; wherein, if the king
gues 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 Begsburbeck's time there were two of them,
but there had been none since.
When we met them, I perceived they had op-
ened into two lines or ranks of a prodigious length;
at the farther end of which was the king with in-
numerable lights about him; the whole looking
like a prodigious avenue, or vista of lights by unded
al the farther end, where the king was, with a pyra-
Peter Wilkins
175

mid light This had the most solemn and mag-
nificient effect on the eye, that any thing of light
could possibly have; but as we passed through the
ranks, each of the spectators having two lights,
onc was given to each soldier of the whole army,
And then to look backward, as well as forward,
tic beauty of the scene was inexpressible. We
marched all the way amidst the shouts of the peo-
ple, and the sounds of the gripsacks, guing very
slowly between the ranks; and at length arriving
at the pyramid, where the king was, I heard abun
dance of sweet voices, chaunting ny actions in
triomphal songs: but I could take little notice of
these, or of my son with his flagelet amongst them,
for the extravagant appearance of the pyramid
which seemned to reach the very sky. For, first,
there was a a long line of a full half a 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 beis, it ended in one
single light. These all hovering, kept their sta-
tions: while the king darted a little space forward
to meet me, and congratulate any success; then
turning, and preceding me, the whole pyramid
turned, and marched before us, singing all the wa,,
to the city; the pyramid changing several times
into divers forms, as into sqaures, 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 chased upon it and followed
us into Brandleguarp. While we passed the city
to the pallace, the whole body of people kept hor-
erig, till the king and myself were alighted; and
19
H4
176
Adventures of
དྷྭ;
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 be-
neficence; for he had proclaimed a feast, and open
house-keeping to the people for six days. The
king, the colambs, ragans, and great offices of
state, with myself, had a inagnificent entertain-
ment prepared up 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 Nas-
gig, who opened the way to victory, by the slaugh-
ter of Harlokin's general. Nasgig then rose, de-
Bring 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 gen-
erals 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 sep-
arate ones from the king, and the rest, I told them
it was the highest felicity to me to be made an in-
>trument by the great Collwar, in freeing so migh-
ty a kingdom and considerable people from the
*
Peter Wilkins.
177
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 dis-
tressed state you must have fallen under the power
of an usurper, who, claiming all as his own by way
of conquest, would have reduced you to a misera-
ble servitude. But, says I, there is, and I am sor-
ry 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 disor-
ders? 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 crea-
tures 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 be-
gotten? Did you great men, by any superior merit
before your births, procure a title to the high sta-
tions 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 en-
emy to distress you, will you distress one another?
Consider, you great ones, and act upon this disin-
terested 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,
every
nor every one a begge remember, I would only
M
178
Adventures of
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
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.
an
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 rose to testify their con-
sents.
The king refering it to me, and the Colambs
consenting, I ordered freedom to be proclaimed
hrough the city; so that every one appeared at
their usual duties, to serve their own masters for a
month, and then 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, that we
all meet at the mouch to-morrow, to render Coll-
Peter Wilkins.
179
war thanks for the late, and implore future favour.
And this passed without any contradiction.
We spent the sixth-day feast in every gaiety im-
aginable, and especially in dancing, of which they
were fond, in their way; but it was not so agreea
ble to me as in my own country way, there being
too much antic in it. New deputies daily arrived
from the revolted towas; and several little repub-
lics, not claimed by Georgetti 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.
When this great victory had been obtained, and
the kingdom was now settled, my next care was
to bring my wife to Georigetti's court. The king
accordingly, at my desire sent messengers after her
and we were soon established in great peace and
the prosperity, honoured, and patronized by the king,
and our society sought by the first people of country.
1
CHAPTER XXVII.
AFTER this I lived at Brandleguarp ten
years, and my children were all provided for by
the king but Dickey, 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 every thing
I had put my hand to prosper, and not an evil eye
the three kingdoms cast at me : but about my eley-
enth or twelfth year, my wife falling into a linger-
ing disorder, at the end of two years it carried her
off. This was the first real affliction I had suffer-
H6
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SZ
4
+
37
180
Adventures of
ed 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 frequent-
ly tell me were mine.
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
surprized those about me, but even myself, to res
the same genius, without any visible natural decay,
in so short a time, from the most sprightly and en-
enterprizing, become the most phlegmatic and in-
active.
My lonings after my native country, ever since
'my wife's death, redoubled upon me, and I had for-
med several scemes of getting thither.
At length, being tired and uneasy, I resolved, as
I was acustomed 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 worst 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 meth-
od to put it in practice; so 1 contrived the poles
from which you took me, being a sort of hollow
crae the Swangeantines make their spears of, ex-
ceeding 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

Peter Witkins.
181
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 tco 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 his-
tory 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 said, will in some measure recompense both
four expense and labou?
EXPLANATION
Of names and things mentioned in this
work, translated from the language
of the Flying Islanders.
Abb, a room.
A.
Arndrumstake, Pendlehamby's colarnoat.
Arkoe, water surrounded with wood.
Barkat, a husband.
B.
Barras, a leathern apron, or flap behind.
Bash, a valet de chambre.
Battringdrigg, the name of an arkoe
Pegsurbeck, an old king of Sass Doorpt Swen
geanti.
Born Isles, islands to the right hand.
Boskee, a very grand room, or saloon
Bott, a goard.
Bougee, lie dowa
Brandleguarp, chief city of Sass Doorpt Swan
geanti.
C.
Callentar, a doctor, or surgeon
Cloff, a captain.
Colamb, a governor.
Colambat, a government.
Golapet, a bag for provison.
Collwar, God.
Coovett, a mansion-house or seat
184
LARLANATION.
Crashdoorpt, Quangrollart's colambat, a country
of the slit.
Crashe, slit.
Crullmot, a fruit tasting like a fowl.
D.
David, Peter's fourth son.
Doorpt Swangeanti, the lady of flight
Doors, a sort of Apples.
Dossee, a soft thing.
E.
Emina, a rock.
F.
Felbanko, Oniwhesk's nephew.
Filgay, a freeman
Filus, a rib of the graundee.
G.
Gadsi, governor of Mount Alkoe.
Gauingrunt, a revolted town in the west.
Gawrey, a flying woman.
Georigetti, king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
Glanlipze, an African who escaped with Peter.
Glumim, a flying man.
Glumm Boss, a young man.
Goppa, a father-in-law
Gorpell, an ensign.
Gowren, women
Graundee, the glumm's wings and dress.
Gripsack, a trumpet.
Graundevolet, Peter's arkoe,
Guine, the leather between the filuses of the graun-
dee.
H.
Hallycarnie, Youwaikee's sister, also her second
daughter.
Harlokin, prince of the rebels.
Hoximo, a place to bury the dead.
Hunkum, marriage.
EXPLANATION.
185
་
I.
J
I. O., the chief ragan
Jahamel, the king's sister.
Jemmy, Peter's second son.
L.
Lallio, first king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.
Lask, a slave.
Laskmett, slavery.
Lasmeel, Peter's scholar.
M.
Maleck, Peter's man from Mount Alkoe.
Mindruck, the devil.
A'ouch, a church.
Moucheratt, an assembly of the states.
Mont Alkoe, a kingdom taking name from a burn-
ing mountain.
N.
Nasgig, a common soldier, made a general at the
request of Peter.
Normnbdsgrsutt, ancient name of Youwarkee'
country.
0.
Ors clamm gee, here am I.
P.
Padsi, a fruit tasting like dish.
Palang, a town.
Parky, sweet.
Patty, Peter's eldest daughter.
Pedro, Peter's eldest son.
Peter, the author.
Pendlelamby. Youwarkee's father, the Colamb of
Arndrumstake.
Puly, an image.
Praave, modest.
Q.
uagrollart, Youwarkee's brother, colamb of
Crashdoorpt.
125
EXPLANATION
Quilly, Pe'er's bash.
kagan, a priest.
Razy, mighty.
R.
Richard, Peter's fitth son.
Roppin, marmalade.
Rosig, Quangrollart's companion.
8.
Sary, Peter's youngest daughter.
Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, 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.
Stygee,Oniwhoskee's daughter.
Sweecoe, an insect giving a strong light in the
dark.
Sweecoan, a flight with sweecoes.
Swanyean, flight.
T.
Tommy, Peter's second son
Yacom, a man child.
Y.
Youk, capital of the west.
Youwarkee, Peter's wifo.
Z.
Zaps lords
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