_Peter goes to his father's--Traverses the Black Mountain--Takes a

flight to Mount Alkoe--Gains the miners--Overcomes the governor's

troops--Proclaims Georigetti king--Seizes the governor--Returns him the

government--Peter makes laws with the consent of the people, and returns

to Brandleguarp with deputies._

NO further project being ripe for execution, I took a journey home with

my father to Arndrumnstake, and he would take all the children with him.

Youwarkee and I stayed about six weeks, leaving all the children with my

father.

Upon my return, I frequently talked with Maleck about his country; who

they originally were, and how long it had been inhabited, and what other

countries bordered thereon, and how they lay. He told me his countrymen

looked upon themselves to be very ancient, but they were not very

numerous; for the old stock was almost worn out by the hardships they

had undergone; that about three hundred years before, he said, as he

had it from good report, there were a people from beyond the sea, or,

as they called themselves, from the Little Lands, had strangely overrun

them; and he had heard say they would have overrun this country too,

but they thought it would not answer. He said, "when those people first

came, they began to turn up the earth to a prodigious depth; and now,"

says he, "bringing some nasty hard earth of several sorts, they put it

into great fires till it runs about like water, and then beat it about

with great heavy things into several shapes; and some of it, sir," says

he, "looks just like that stuff that lay at the bottom of your ship, and

some almost white, and some red; for when I was a boy I was to have been

sent to work amongst them, as my father did; but it having killed him, I

came hither, as many more have done, to avoid it."--"And what do they

do with it," says I, "when they have beat it about as you say?"--"Then,"

says he, "they carry it a long way to the sea."--"What then?" says

I.--"Why, then the Little-landers take it, and swim over the sea with

it."--"And what do they do with it?" says I.--"Why," says he, "there are

other people who take it from them, and go away with it."--"Why do they

let them take it?" says I.--"Because," says he, "they give them clothes

for it."--"Do they want clothes," says I, "more than you?" He told me

they had no graundee.--"And what other countries have you hereabout?"--

"There is one country," says he, "north of Alkoe, where they say there

is just such another people as the Little-landers, and they get some of

the things from Mount Alkoe."--"What do they do with them?" says I.--"I

don't know," says he; "they fetch a great deal; but they won't let

anybody come into their country."--"Is there nobody inhabits between the

Mountain Alkoe and the sea?" He told me no, the Little-landers would not

let them.

Having got what information I could from Maleck, and also from a

countryman or two of his he had brought to me, I considered it all over;

And, thinks I, if I could but get Mount Alkoe to submit (for they had

told me they were only governed by a deputy from the Little Lands) to

see the work done, I might, by intercepting the trade to the sea, turn

the profit of the country my own way, and make it pass through our

hands.

I next inquired of those who brought the fruits from the Great Forest,

what sort of land they had there, and found, by their description, it

was a light mould, and in many places well covered with grass and herbs;

and by all the report I could hear, must be a fruitful country, well

managed; and being a flat country and not encompassed on that side with

the Black Mountain, was much higher than Doorpt Swangeanti. This news

put me upon searching the truth of it; and I made the tour of the Black

Mountain and the Great Forest, alighting often to make my observations.

The forest is a little world of wood without end, with here and there

a fine lawn very grassy; and indeed the wood-grounds bear it very well,

the trees not standing in crowds, but at a healthy distance from each

other. I went abundantly farther than any one had before been, but saw

no variation in the woody scene; and coming round westward home, I had a

view of hoximo; which is nothing but a narrow cleft in the earth, on

the top of the Black Mountain, of a most extraordinary depth; for upon

dropping a stone down, you shall hear it strike and hum for a long time

before all is quiet again; and laying my ear over the cleft, whilst

I ordered one of my attendants to throw a large stone down, after the

usual thumps and humming, I imagined I heard it dash in water, so that

it is not impossible it may reach to the sea; which is at least six or

seven miles below it. Into this hole all dead bodies are precipitated,

from the king to the beggar; for four glumms holding by the ankles and

wrists of the deceased, fly with them to hoximo and throw them down,

whilst the air is filled with the lamentations of the relations of the

deceased, and of such others as are induced to follow the corpse for

the sake of the wines, on such occasions plentifully distributed to all

comers by the gentry, and in the best proportion they are able by even

the meanest amongst them.

After a stay of about fourteen days at home, I fixed my next trip for

Mount Alkoe; and having told Maleck my design, he said he would go with

me with all his heart, but feared I should get no Brandleguarpine to

bear me; for he told me they had an old tradition that Mindrack lived

there, and would not go for all the world; which has been the greatest

security that country has had, for this would have devoured them else,

says he.

I spoke to the king, to Nasgig, and the ragans, and found them all

unanimous that the mountain Alkoe was the habitation of Mindrack, and

that the noises which had been heard there were his servants beating bad

men. Says I to myself, Here is one of the usefullest projects upon earth

spoiled by an unaccountable prepossession; what must be done to overcome

this prejudice?

I told Maleck I found what he said to be too true, as to the people of

Brandleguarp: "But," says I, "are there not enough of your countrymen

here to carry me thither?" He believing there were, I ordered him to

contract with them; but it vexed me very much to be obliged to take

these men. However, though I resolved to go, yet I chose to reason the

ragans into the project if I could; thinking they would soon bring the

people over.

I called several of the ragans together, and said: "Because you are a

wiser and more thinking people than the vulgar, I have applied myself

to your judgments in the affair of Mount Alkoe. Now, consider with

yourselves whether you have any real reason beyond a prepossession, for

thinking these people fiends, or devil's servants, as you call them,

without further examination; for according to my comprehension, they

only, understanding the nature of several sorts of earth, reduce them by

labour and fire to solid substances for the use of mankind; and the

want of these things is the reason of your living as you do, without

a hundredth part of the benefits of life. These sort of people, these

noises and these operations, which you hear and see carried on at Alkoe,

are to be heard and seen in my country; and we deal and traffic with

their labours, from one end of the world to the other; and we who are

with them the happiest, without them should be the most miserable of

people. Did not some of you see, at my entertainment, what I called my

knives and forks and spoons, my pistols, cutlasses, and silver cup?

All these, and infinitely more, are the produce of these poor men's

industry. Now," says I, "if we settle a communication with these

people, your dues will be all paid in these curious things; you will

have your people employed in working them, and have strangers applying

to you to serve them with what they want; who in return will give you

what you want; and you will find yourselves known and respected in the

world." Finding some of these arguments applied to the men had staggered

them a little, I applied to their senses. Says I, "It still appears to

me that you have your prejudices hanging on you; but what will you say

if I go thither and return safe? will you be afraid to follow me another

time?" They persuaded me from it, as a dangerous experiment; but said,

if I did return, they would not think there was so much in it as they

suspected.

Maleck having chose me out fourscore of his countrymen, in about a

month's time I trained them up to the knowledge of my pistols and

cutlasses, and the management of them; and taking a chest with me for

the arms and other necessaries, we sallied up to the Black Mountain. I

rested there; and there Nasgig and Lasmeel overtook me, saying that when

they found me obstinate to go, they could not in their hearts leave me,

happen what would. This put new spirits into me, and we consulted how

the noises lay, and agreed to engage first upon the skirts of them,

where the smokes were most straggling. I charged six guns and all my

pistols, which I kept in my chest, and ordered them to alight with me

about a hundred paces from the first smoke they saw; then ordered three

of them to carry my guns after me, and twelve of them to take pistols

and follow me; but not to fire till I gave orders. The remainder I left

with the baggage.

We marched up to the smoke, which issued out of a low archway just at

the foot of the mountain. It was very light there with the flames of the

volcano; and entering the arch, a fellow ran at me with a red-hot iron

bar; him I shot dead: and seeing two more and a woman there, who stood

with their faces to the wall of the hut or room, as unwilling to be

seen, I ordered Maleck to speak to them in a known tongue, and tell

them we were no enemies, nor intended them any hurt; and that their

companion's fate was owing to his own rashness in running first at me

with the hot bar; and that if they would show themselves good-natured

and civil to us, we should be so to them; but if they offered to resist

openly, or use any manner of treachery towards us, they might depend

upon the same fate their companion had just suffered.

Upon hearing this, they approached us; and showing great tokens of

submission, I delivered my gun to Maleck, and bade them go on with their

work, ordering all the guns out of the shop for fear of a spark. I then

perceived they were direct forges, but made after another manner

from ours, their wind being made by a great wheel, like a wheel of a

water-mill, which worked with the fans or wings in a large trough, and

caused a prodigious issue of air through a small hole in the back of the

fireplace. They were then drawing out iron bars.

I gave each of these men, and also to the woman, a dram of brandy; which

they swallowed down very greedily, and looked for more, and seemed very

pleasant. I then inquired into the trade--by whom and how it was carried

on; and they told me just as Maleck had done. I then asked where the

mines lay; and one of them looking full at me said, "Then you know what

we are about."--"Yes," says I, "very well."--He told me the mine was (in

his language as Maleck interpreted it) about a quarter of a mile off,

and directed me to it. I ordered them to go on with their work, telling

them, though I left a guard over them, it was only that they might not

raise their neighbours to disturb me; though if they did, I should serve

them all as I had done their companion; and left four men with pistols

at the archway.

I proceeded to the iron mine, but supposed the men were all within, for

I saw nobody; but there were many large heaps of ore lying, which I felt

of; and, being vastly heavy, I supposed it might be rich in metal.

I returned to my men at the arch, and asked them what other mines there

might be in that country, and of what other metals; but Maleck not

knowing the metals themselves, was not able to interpret the names they

called them by. I then showed them an English halfpenny, a Portuguese

piece of silver money, and my gold watch; and asking if they had any of

those, they pointed to the halfpenny and silver piece, but shook their

heads at the watch. I then showed them a musket-ball, and they said they

had a great deal of that.

I desired them to show me the way to the copper-mine (pointing my finger

to the halfpenny), and told them if they would go with me, they should

have some more (pointing to my brandy); and they readily agreed, if I

would stand by them for leaving their work. I believe it might be two

miles farther on the right to the copper-mine; and as these men had the

graundee, I expected they would have flown by me; but I found they had a

light chain round their graundee which prevented them; so I walked too,

and having made them my friends by being familiar with them, I desired

they would go in, and let the headman of the works know that a stranger

desired to speak with him and view his works, and to inform him how

peaceable I was if he used me civilly, but that I could strike him dead

at once if he did not.

I do not know how they managed, or what report they made; but the

man came to me very courteously, and I bade Maleck ask if he came in

friendship, as I did to him; and he giving me that assurance, I went

in with him, taking Nasgig and Maleck with me, and leaving our firearms

without. I ordered them both, as I did myself, to carry their cutlasses,

sheathed in their hands, for fear of a surprise. We saw a great quantity

of copper ore and several melting-vats, being just at the mouth of the

mine, the mine running horizontally into the side of the mountain, and,

as they said, was very rich. I gave the headman a little brandy, and

two or three more of them, who had been industrious in showing and

explaining things to me.

I desired the foreman to walk out with me; and asking how long he had

been in that employ, he told me he was a native of the Born Isles, and

was brought thither young, where he first wrought in the iron, then in

the silver, and now in this mine: that he had been there twenty years,

and never expected to be delivered from his miserable slavery; but as he

was now overseer of that work, he did pretty well, though nothing like

freedom. He told me they expected several new slaves quickly, for the

mines killed those they did not agree with so fast they were very thinly

wrought at present, and that the governor was gone to the isles to get

more men. I was glad to hear this. "And, pray," says I, "where does the

governor reside?" He (pointing to the place) told me. "And what guard,"

says I, "may he keep?"--"About four hundred men; but nobody durst molest

him," says he; "for he tortures them in such a manner, never killing

them, that not the least thing can be done against his will."

After we had talked a good while on the misery of slavery, and finding

him a man fit for my purpose, I asked him if he would go with me to

Brandle-guarp: "For," said I, "there are certainly good mines in those

mountains; and if you will overlook them, you shall be free, and have

whatever you desire." He shook his head, saying, how could he expect to

be free where all the rest were slaves. "And besides," says he, "they

are in such commotions among themselves, that it is said the State will

be torn to pieces."--"You are mistaken," says I, "very much; I myself

have settled peace amongst them, and killed the usurper."--"Is it

possible?" says he; "and are you the man it was said they expected to

come out of the sea?"--"The very same," says I: "and as to slavery,

there is not a slave in the kingdom; nor shall be here, if you will

hearken to me."--"That would be a good time indeed," says he.--"Well,"

says I, "my friend, I promise you it shall be so; only observe this,

that when I come to reduce the governor, do none of you miners assist

him." He promised he would let the other miners secretly know it, and

all should be as I wished; but desired me to be expeditious, for the

governor was expected every day.

I went from him to the other mines, and my guides with me; who seeing me

so well received at the copper-mine and reporting it to the others, it

caused my proceedings to go on smoothly, and my offers to be readily

embraced wherever I came.

Having prepared matters thus, I set Maleck and his countrymen upon the

natives, to treat with them about submission to Georigetti, on promise

of freedom; who being assured of what I had done at Brandleguarp, and

in hopes of like liberty, readily came into it; so that the only thing

remaining was, before the governor's return, to attack the soldiery.

Having, therefore, renewed my engagements with the miners, and believing

myself upon as good terms with the natives as I could wish, I was

advised by Nasgig and Lasmeel to return for cannon and a large army

before I attacked the soldiery: but I, who had all my life rode upon

the spur, having considered that an opportunity once lost is never to be

regained; and though I could have wished for some cannon, I valued the

men but for show: I therefore formed my resolves to march with the

force I had next morning, and pitch upon a plain just by the governor's

garrison, in order, if I could, to draw his men out. I did so, and it

answered; for upon the first news of my coming, they appeared with a

sort of heavy-headed weapons, which hurling round, they threw upwards

aslope, in order to light upon the backs of their enemies in flight, and

beat them down; but they could not throw them above thirty paces.

I sat still in my chair, with a gun in my hand, and Maleck with another

at my elbow, with four more lying by me, ready to be presented; Lasmeel

standing by to charge again as fast as we fired. I ordered a party

of twenty of my men with cutlasses to attack the van of the enemy, by

rushing impetuously upon them, they coming but thin against me; for I

was not willing to employ my pieces till I could do more execution. They

began the attack about a hundred yards before me, not very high in

the air; and my cutlass-men having avoided the first flight of their

weapons, fell upon them with such fury, that chopping here a limb and

there a graundee, which, disabling their flight, was equally pernicious,

they fell by scores before me: but I seeing those in the rear, which

made a body of near three hundred, coming very swift and close in treble

ranks, one above the other, hoping to bear down my handful of men with

their numbers, I ordered my men all to retire behind me, and not till

the enemy were passed over my head to fall on them. Maleck and I, as

they came near, each firing a piece together, and whipping up another,

and then another, in an instant they fell round us roaring and making

a horrid yell. This the rest seeing, went over our men's heads, not

without many falling from the cuts of my men; and those who escaped were

never heard of more.

The miners, who from their several stations had beheld the action, came

singing and dancing from every quarter round me, and if I had not drawn

my men close in a circle about me, would probably, out of affection,

have done me more hurt than two of the governor's armies; for against

these common gratitude denied the use of force; and they crowding every

one but to touch me, they said, for fear of being pressed to death

myself, as some of them almost were, I ordered them to be let in through

my men at one side of the ring, and, passing by and touching me, to be

let out on the other side; and this quieted them, but kept me in penance

a long time.

We then marched in a body all into the town, where we were going to

proclaim Georigetti King of Mount Alkoe, when a surly fellow, much wiser

than the rest, as he thought, being about to harangue the people against

being too hasty in it, was knocked down and trod to death for his pains;

and we went on with the proclamation, giving general liberty to all

persons without exception.

The next thing to be considered was how to oppose the governor when he

came; and for that purpose I inquired into the manner of his coming, the

road he came, and his attendants; and being informed that a hundred of

his guards who had not the graundee waited for him at the sea-side, and

that he had got no other guard, except a few friends and the slaves

he went for, and that the slaves always came first, six in a rank tied

together, under convoy of a few of his guards, I went in person to view

the route he came, and seeing a very convenient post in a thick wood

through which they were to pass, from whence we might see them before

they came near us, I posted a watch on the sea side of the wood, and

myself and men lay on the hither side of it, just where the governor's

party must come out of it again: so that my watch giving notice of their

approach, we might be ready to fall on at their coming out of our side

of the wood.

When we had waited three days, our watch brought word they were coming;

so we kept as close as possible, letting the slaves and guards march on,

who came by about two hours' march before the governor: but so soon as

he approached I drew up my men on the plain within the wood in ranks,

ordering them to lie close on their bellies till they saw me rise, and

then to rise, follow me, and obey orders.

Several of the first ranks having passed the wood, just as the governor

had entered the open country, I rose and bade Maleck call aloud that if

any of them stirred or lifted up a weapon he was a dead man; and

then seeing one of the foremost running, I fetched him down with a

musket-shot, bidding Maleck tell the rest that if they submitted and

laid down their weapons they were safe; but if they refused, I would

serve them all as I had done him who fled. This speech, with the terror

of the gun, fixed every man to his place like a statue.

I then went forward to the governor, and by Maleck, my interpreter,

asked him who they all were with him: he told me his slaves. I then made

him call every man before him and give him freedom; which finding no way

to avoid (for I looked very stern), he did, and I had enough to do to

quiet my new freemen, who I thought would have devoured me for joy. I

asked him whither he was going; he said to his government.--"Under whom

do you hold it?" says I.--"Under the zaps of the isles," says he. I then

told him that whoever held that government for the future, must receive

it from the hands of Georigetti, the king of that country, to whom all

the natives and miners had already engaged their fidelity. I told him

both natives and foreigners had been all declared free.

The governor seemed much dejected, and told me he hoped I would not use

him or his company ill. I told him that depended entirely on his own and

their good behaviour. I asked him who his friends were that were with

him; he said they were some of the zap's relations, who were come to see

the method of the government and inspect the mines.

Ordering all the governor's guards and friends to go before, and all my

own, but Maleck, to keep backwards some paces, I entered into discourse

with him about the state of the isles, and the country of Alkoe;

and finding him a judicious person, and not a native of the isles, I

thought, with some management, he might prove a useful person to me,

but did not like the character I had heard of his severity: so I plainly

told him that only one thing prevented my making him a greater man than

ever he was; which was, I had been informed he had a roughness in his

nature which drove him to extremities with the poor slaves, which

I could not bear. "Sir," says he, "whatever a man is in his natural

temper, where slavery abounds it is necessary to act, or at least

be thought to do so, in a merciless manner. I am intrusted with the

government of a land of only slaves; who have no more love, nor are

they capable of any, for me, than the herbs of the ground have. I am to

render an account to my masters of their labours; they work by force,

and would not stir a step without it, or the fear of correction; for

which reason the rod must be ever held over them; and though I seldom

let it fall, when I do the suffering of one is too long remembered to

permit others quickly to subject themselves to the like punishment: and

this method I judged to be the most mild, as the death or sufferings of

one but seldom, must, though ever so severe, be milder than the frequent

execution of numbers. And as to my appearing severe to them, my post

required it; for mercy to slaves being interpreted into fear, arms them

with violence against you."

I could not gainsay this, especially as he told me he was glad that I

had freed them all: "For no man," says he, "but if he were to choose,

would rather reign by love (which he may in a free country, but it is

impracticable in one of slaves) than by fear, which alone will keep the

latter in subjection."

I asked him whether, as he knew the nature of the country, and the

business of the governor, he could become faithful to my master

Georigetti. He told me he had ever been faithful to his masters the

zaps, and would till he was sure (without suspecting in the least my

veracity) all was true that I was pleased to tell him; for nothing could

satisfy his conscience but being an eye-witness of it, and then being

discharged from any further capacity of serving them in an open way, he

should be free to choose his own master; of all whom, Georigetti should

to him be most preferable; but begged me not to interpret his desire

of retaining fidelity to his old masters till he could no longer serve

them, into an implication of assisting them by either open or concealed

practices; for, wherever he engaged, he would be true to the utmost.

At the end of six days (for I travelled on foot with them) we arrived

at the governor's palace, which we found without a guard, and all the

slaves he had sent before him at liberty; so I ordered my men to supply

the usual guard, and took my lodging in the governor's apartment.

As Gadsi (for that was the governor's name) was not confined, or any of

his friends, he came into my apartment, and told me since he had found

all things answered my report, if I pleased, he would quit the palace to

me, and everything belonging to the government. I told him he said well.

He did so, taking with him only some few things, his own property. So

soon as he was without the territory of the palace, I sent for him and

his friends back again. He could not help being dejected at his return,

fearing some mischief. "Gadsi," says I, "this palace and this country,

which I now hold for my master Georigetti, I deliver in custody to

you as his governor; and now charge you to make acknowledgment of your

fidelity to him." Then taking it from him in terms of my own proposing,

I delivered him the regalia, of his government, charging him to maintain

freedom: "But," says I, "let no man eat who will not work, as the

country and the produce are the king's."

I then summoned an assembly of the people, and sent notice to all the

miners to attend me. I told them all that the king desired of them was

to make themselves happy: "And as the mines at present," says I, "are

the only employment of this country, I would have it agreed by your own

consent--for I will force nothing upon you--that every man amongst you,

from sixteen to sixty, shall work every third week at the mines and

other duties of the government; and two weeks out of three shall be your

own to provide in for your families: and if I live to come back again,

you shall each man have so much land of his own as shall be sufficient

for his family; and I will make it my business to see for seeds to

improve it with. And this week's work in three, and if afterwards it can

be done with less in four, shall be an acknowledgment to the king for

his bounty to you. Do you agree to this?" They all, with one voice,

cried out, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree amongst yourselves, and

part into proper divisions for carrying on the work; that is, into four

parts, one for each sort of metal; and then again, each of those four

into three parts; and on every seventh day in the morning, let those who

are to begin meet those who are leaving off work; so that there be clear

six days' work, and one of going and returning. Do you all agree to

this?"--All cried, "We do!"--"Then," says I, "whoever neglects his

duty, unless through sickness, or by leave of the governor, shall work

a double week. Do you agree to this?"--"We do!"--"Then all matters of

difference between you shall be decided by the governor; and in case

of any injury or injustice, or wrong judgment in the governor, by

Georigetti. Do you agree?"--"We do!"--"Then," says I, "agree upon ten

men, two for the natives, and two for each mineral work, to send with me

to Brandleguarp, to petition Georigetti to confirm these laws, till you

shall make others yourselves, and to acknowledge his sovereignty. Do you

agree?"--"We do!"

I then told them that as those who had been slaves were now free,

they might, if they pleased, return home; but as I should make it my

endeavour to provide so well for them in all the comforts of life, I

believed most of them would be of opinion their interests would keep

them where they were. And, above all things, recommending a hearty

union between the new freemen and the natives, and to marry amongst each

other, and to continue in love amongst themselves, and duty to the king

and his governor; and promising speedily to return and settle what was

wanting, I dismissed the assembly and set out for Brandleguarp with

the ten deputies; but I left Lasmeel behind with the governor, and two

servants with him, to give me immediate notice in case any disturbance

should happen in my absence.

[Illustration: 5264]

[Illustration: 0265]

CHAPTER XXI.

_Peter arrives with the deputies--Presents them to the king--They

return--A colony agreed to be sent thither--Nas gig made

governor--Manner of choosing the colony--A flight-race, and the intent

of it--Walsi wins the prize, and is found to be a gawry._

AS we alighted at the palace late at night, I kept the deputies with me

till next morning, when I went to the king, desiring them to stay in my

apartment till I had received his majesty's orders for their admission.

The king was but just up when I came in; and seeing me, embraced me,

saying: "Dear father, I am glad to meet you again alive; your stay has

given me the utmost perplexity; and could I have prevailed with any of

my servants to have followed you, I had sent before this time to have

known what was become of you."

I told his majesty, the greatest pleasure of my life consisted in the

knowledge of his majesty's esteem for me; and he might depend upon it,

I would take care of myself from a double motive whilst I was in his

dominions; the one, from the natural obligation of my own preservation,

and the other, equally compulsive, of continuing serviceable to his

majesty, till I had made him more famous than his ancestor, the great

Begsurbeck.

I told his majesty, as a small token of my duty and affection to him, I

was come to make him a tender of the additional title of King of Mount

Alkoe.--"Father," says he, "we shall never be able to get a sufficient

number of my subjects to go thither; for though your safe return may be

some encouragement, yet whilst their old apprehensions subsist (and I

know not what will alter them) we can do no good; and indeed were they

free to go, and under no suspicion of danger, it would cost abundance of

men to conquer Mount Alkoe."

"Great sir," said I, "you mistake me: I told you I came to make you

a tender of it; I have proclaimed you king there, and freedom to the

people; I have held an assembly of the kingdom, placed a governor, taken

the engagement of himself and subjects to you, settled laws amongst them

for your benefit, the full third part of all their labour; have brought

ten deputies, two from each denomination of people among them; and they

only wait your command to be admitted, to beg your acceptance of their

submission, and pray your royal protection."

"Father," says the king, "you amaze me! but as it is your doing, let

them come in."

The deputies being received, and heard by Maleck, their interpreter,

very graciously, the king told them, in a very favourable speech, that

whatever his father had done, or should do, they might accept as done by

himself; and commanded them to remind the governor, for whom he had the

highest esteem, to observe the laws, without the least deviation, till

his father should make such further additions as were consistent with

his own honour and their future freedom; and having feasted them in

a most magnificent manner, they returned, highly satisfied with the

honours they had received.

This transaction being immediately noised abroad, all the colambs came

themselves; and the great cities, by their deputies, sent his majesty

their compliments upon the occasion; and there was nothing but mirth and

rejoicing throughout the whole kingdom. And those who had refused going

with me, as Maleck told me, hung their heads for shame and sorrow that

they had missed the opportunity of bearing a part in the expedition.

I demonstrated to the king that the only way to preserve that kingdom

was to settle a large colony on the plains, between the mountain and the

sea, to intercept clandestine trade, and make a stand against any force

that might be sent from the Little Lands to recover the mines. And I

promised to be present at the settlement, and an assistant in it.

Most of the colambs, as I said, being at court upon this complimentary

affair, the king summoned them for their advice on my proposals, and

told them he had ordered me to lay before them my thoughts on the

affairs of that kingdom; and after many compliments and encomiums had

passed on me, I told them the necessity of the colony, the commodity

that would arise from it, how I intended to manage it, and what prospect

I had of introducing amongst them several extraordinary conveniences

they had never before had.

The colambs, who, for want of practice this way, knew but little of the

matter, thinking, nevertheless, that in the general turn of things they

must somehow come in for a share, approved of all I said. I desired them

then to settle out of what part of the people, and how to be nominated,

such choice of the colony as should be made for the new settlement; but

found them much at a loss to fix on any method of doing it. So I told

them I believed it would be the best way to issue an order for such as

would willingly go, to repair to a particular rendezvous; and in case

sufficient should not appear voluntarily, to issue another order that

the colambs, out of their several districts, should complete the number,

so as to make a body of 12,000 men of arms, besides women and children;

and that such a territory should be allotted to each, with so much

wood-grounds, in common to all, as would suffice for their subsistence;

all which passed the vote.

I then told them that this large people must have a head, or governor,

to keep them to their duties, and to determine matters of property, and

all disputes amongst them. Here they one and all nominated me; but I

told them I apprehended I could be more useful other ways, having too

many things in my head for the general good, to confine myself to

any particular province; but if they would excuse me in presuming to

recommend a person, it should be Nasgig. And immediately Nasgig being

sent for, and accepting it, they conferred it upon him.

All things, as I judged, went on in so smooth a way, in reference to

the new colony, that I was preparing, with the assistance of the proper

officer, expresses to be sent with the king's gripsacks into the

several provinces, with notice of these orders, and an appointment for a

rendezvous. But while this was doing, abundance of people came crowding

about me to be informed whether I thought it safe for them to go; and

I believe I had fully satisfied all their scruples, when by some

management of the ragans, who, having so long declared Mount Alkoe to

be inhabited by Mindrack, did not care the people should all of a sudden

find out they had deceived them, there was a report ran current, that

though I and my bearers, who were all Mount Alkoe men, returned safe,

yet if any of the Brandleguarpines had gone, they would never have come

back again. This rumour coming to my ears, and fearing whitherto it

might grow, I had no small prospect of a disappointment, and I thereupon

stopped issuing the orders till I had considered what farther to do in

the affair. At length, being persuaded I had already satisfied abundance

of their scruples, and in order to dissipate the doubts of others, and

to familiarise them in some measure to the country and people of Mount

Alkoe, I proposed a prize to be flown for, and gave notice of it for six

days all about the country, both to those of Mount Alkoe, and those of

Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, that whoever, except those who were with me

in the late expedition, should make the most speedy flight to the

governor's of Mount Alkoe, to carry a message and bring me an answer

from Lasmeel, should have one of my pistols, with a quantity of powder,

and so many balls; and the person who should be second, should have

a cutlass and belt. The time being fixed, very few had entered in the

first two or three days; but on the third day came several over from

Alkoe to enter, which the Brandleguarpines seeing, and having equal

inclination to the prize, after half a dozen of them had entered on the

fourth morning, before noon on the fifth I had near sixty of them on my

list, besides the Alkoe men, making in all about one hundred.

The time of starting was fixed for the sixth morning, from off the rock

on the back-side of the palace, upon my firing a pistol.

This unusual diversion occasioned a prodigious confluence of spectators;

for scarce a person in Brandleguarp, except those who were either too

young or too old for flight, but were upon one or other of the rocks;

even the king himself and all his court were there, with infinite

numbers from all distant parts.

I had despatched a letter by one of my old bearers to Lasmeel some days

before, to inform him of it, that he might get two letters ready wrote,

one to deliver to the first, and another to the second messenger, but

not to take farther notice of the rest. Now, my flight-race being for

the equal benefit of both the kingdoms, it happened, as I was in hopes

it would, that so many of the Mount Alkoans coming over to me to be

entered, and staying with me till the flight began, and such vast

numbers of persons meeting of both nations upon the Black Mountain, to

see them go and return, and several of the Swangeantines going, out

of bravado, quite through with the flyers; the intercourse of the two

nations was that day so great, and the discourse they had with

the natives and miners so stripped the Swangeantines of their old

apprehensions of danger from Mount Alkoe, that in three days after

the whole dread of the place was vanished, and he would then have been

thought mad who had attempted to revive it.

The time being come, I set my flyers in a row on the outer edge of the

rock; and having given notice that no one should presume to rise till

the flyers were on the graundee, and at such a distance, I then let the

flyers know I should soon give fire; which I had no sooner done but down

they all dropped as one man, as it were, headlong from the edge of the

mountain, and presently the whole field were after them. They skimmed

with incredible swiftness across the face of the plain, between the rock

and the mountain; the force of which descent swung them as it were up

the mountain's side in an almost upright posture, till seeming to sweep

the edge of the mountain with their bellies, they slid over its surface

till they were lost in the body of the Swangean, our rocks echoing the

shouts of the mountaineers. I fired my pistol, by my watch, at nine

o'clock in the morning, but had no occasion to inquire when it was

thought they would return, for every one was passing his opinion upon

it. Some said it could not be till midnight, or very near it; and

others, that it would be almost next morning. However, we went to

dinner, and coming again about six o'clock by my watch, I was told

by the people on the rock, as the general opinion (for it was then

topfull), that they could not yet be expected for a long time; and the

major part concluded they could not be half-way home yet; when, on a

sudden, we heard a prodigious shout from the mountain, which growing

nearer and nearer to us, and louder and louder, in a few moments came

a slim young fellow, and nimbly alighting on the rock, tripped briskly

forward, as not being able to stop himself at once from the violence of

the force he came with, and delivered me a letter from Lasmeel as I was

sitting in my chair. I gave him joy of the prize, and ordered him to

come to my apartment so soon as I got home, and he should have it. I

then asked him where he had left the other flyers; he told me he knew

nothing of them since he came past the forges in his return; for there

he met them going to Lasmeel.--"Why that," says I, "must be a great way

on this side the governor's." He told me about an hour's flight. I then

told him, as he must be strained with so hard a flight, it would be

better if he lay down, and called on me in the morning. He thanked me,

and after he had told me his name was Walsi, he said he would take my

advice, and springing up as light as air, went off, the rock being

quite thronged with those who had followed from the mountain to see the

victor.

When Walsi came in, it was just seven o'clock by my watch; so that,

according to the best computation by miles I could make from their

descriptions of things, I judged he had flown at little more or less

than at the rate of a mile a minute.

I stayed till near nine o'clock upon the rock, where it being cold and

the time tedious, I was taking Quilly home with me, and designed that

Maleck should wait for the coming of the second; but hearing again a

shout from the mountain I resolved to see the second come in myself. The

noise increasing, I presently saw the whole air full of people very near

me, for I had retired near two hundred paces from the edge of the rock

to give room to the flyers to alight, and expected nothing less than to

be borne down by them; when I spied two competitors, one just over the

back of the other, the uppermost bearing down upon the other's graundee,

their heads being just equal; so that the under man perceiving it

impossible to sink lower for the rock, or to mount higher for the man

above him, and as darting side-ways would lose time, and fearing to

brush his belly against the rock, he slackened, just to job up his head

in his antagonist's stomach; which giving the upper man a smart check

with the pain, and the under one striking at that instant one bold

stroke with his graundee, he fell just with his head at my feet, and the

other man upon him, with his head in the under man's neck.

Thus they lay for a considerable time, breathless and motionless, save

the working of their lungs, and heaving of their breasts; when each

asked me if he was not the first, and the under man giving me a letter,

I told them "No, Walsi had been in almost two hours ago." They both said

it was impossible; they were sure no glumm in the Doorpt could outfly

either of them. I ordered them both to call on me in the morning, and

I would see they should have right done to their pretensions. The under

man had but just told me his name was Naggitt, when another arrived,

who, seeing Naggitt before him, told me he was sure he was second; but

on seeing the other also he gave it up.

I would stay no longer, it being now so late; but the next morning I was

informed that all the rest had stopped at the mountain but two, who were

obliged to give out before, being overstrained, and unable to hold it.

The next morning Walsi was the first at my apartment, when I happened to

be with the king; and speaking of his business to Quilly, he ordered

him to stay in my gallery till I came back; and Quilly presently after

seeing Youwarkee, told her the victor at the flight-race was waiting for

me in the gallery. Youwarkee, who had great curiosity to see him, having

heard how long he came in before the rest, stepped into the gallery,

and taking a turn or two there, fell into discourse with him about his

flight. And as women are very inquisitive, she distinguished, by the

flyer's answers, speech, shape, and manner of address, that it was

certainly a gawry she was talking with; though she had endeavoured to

disguise herself by rolling in her hair, and tying it round her head

with a broad chaplet, like a man; and by the thinness of her body, and

flatness of her breasts, might fairly enough have passed for one, to

a less penetrating eye than Youwarkee's. But Youwarkee putting some

questions to her, and saying she was more like a gawry than a glumm,

she put the poor girl--for so it was--to the blush, and at last she

confessed the deceit; but upon her knees begged Youwarkee not to mention

it, for it would be her undoing.

This confession gave Youwarkee a fair opportunity of asking how she came

to be an adventurer for this sort of prize. The girl, finding there was

no remedy, frankly confessed she had a strong affection for a glumboss,

who was a very stout glumm, she said, but somewhat too corpulent for

speedy flight; who ever since the prize had been proposed, could rest

neither night nor day, to think he was not so well qualified to put

in for it as others, especially one Naggitt, who he well knew made his

addresses to her, and also was an adventurer. "Had it been a matter of

strength, valour, or manhood," says he, "I had had the best of chances

for it; but to be under a natural incapacity of obtaining so glorious a

prize, as even the king himself is not master of such another, I cannot

bear it." She then said he had told her he was resolved to give in his

name and do his utmost, though he died in the flight. "What!" said he,

"shall I see Naggitt run away with it, and perhaps with you too, when he

has that to lay at your feet which no glumm else can boast of? No; I'll

overcome, or never come home without it!"--"I must confess, madam," says

Walsi, "as I knew his high spirit could never bear to be vanquished,

I was afraid he would be as good as his word, and come to some unlucky

end; and told him that though he need not have feared being conqueror in

anything else, had it been proposed, yet in flight there were so many,

half glumms as they were, who from their effeminate make and size, and

little value for anything else, would certainly be in before him; that

it was unworthy of a thorough glumm to contend with them for what could

be obtained only by those who had no right to or share in anything more

excellent; and that he must therefore not think of more than his fatigue

for his pains. But as he had set his heart so much upon it, I would

enter, and try to get it for him, as from my size and make, I believed

few would have a better chance for it than myself. And, thanks to

Collwar, madam," says she, "I hope to make him easy in it, if you will

but please to conceal your knowledge of who and what I am."

Youwarkee was mightily pleased with her story, and promised she would;

but engaged her to come again to her apartment so soon as she was

possessed of the prize.

When I returned, hearing Walsi waited for me, I called him in, read the

letter he brought, and finding it Lasmeel's, I looked over my list for

Walsi's name, for I set them all down as they entered; and finding it

the very last name of all, and that it was entered but on the morning

the race was flown: "So," says I, "Walsi, I find the last at entering is

the first at returning; but I see you have been there, by what Lasmeel

has sent me; though there were some last night who questioned it, by

your so speedy return. Here," says I, "take the prize, and see they are

only used in the service of your country;" and then I dismissed her.

My two competitors appeared next for the cutlass, and had each of them

many arguments to prevail with me in favour of him; but I told them I

must do justice, and that though the difference was so small between

them, yet certainly Naggitt was the nearest me at the time they

both ceased flight, his face lying on my foot; so that as they both

complained of foul play, and were therefore equal in that respect,

Naggitt in justice must have it. And I gave it him with these words,

however: "Take it, Naggitt, as certainly yours by the law of the race,

but with a diffidence in myself who best deserves it."

I own I pitied the other man's case very much, as I should Naggitt's,

had the other won it; but seeing the other turning away, and hearing him

say, "But by half a head; when I had strove so hard!" as in a sort of

dejection, I told them they were both brave glumms, and of intrepid

resolution; and gave him also one, with the like instruction as to

Walsi.

Walsi went from me, as she had promised, to Youwarkee, who wanted more

discourse with her; for in an affair of love her gentle heart could

have dwelt all day upon the repetition of any circumstances which would

create delight in the enamoured. Walsi sat on thorns, wanting to be

gone; but Youwarkee asking question upon question, Walsi got up and

begged she would excuse her, she would come and stay at any other time.

"But," says she, "madam, when the man one loves is in pain--for I am

sure he is on the rack for fear of a discovery, till he sees me--if you

ever loved yourself, you can't blame me for pressing to relieve him."

When she was gone, Youwarkee finding me alone, was so full of Walsi's

adventure she could not be silent; but after twenty roundabout speeches

and promises that I was to make, not to be angry with anybody, or undo

anything I had done that day, and I know not what, out came the story. I

was prodigiously pleased with it, and wished I had taken more notice

of her. Says Youwarkee, "I endeavoured to keep her till you had done,

that you might have seen her."--"And why did not you?" says I.--"My

dear," says Youwarkee, "had you seen the poor creature's uneasiness

till she got off with it, yourself could not have had the heart to have

deferred that pleasure you would have perceived she expected when she

came home; nor could you in conscience have detained her."

[Illustration: 0280]

CHAPTER XXII.

_The race reconciles the two kingdoms--The colony proceeds--Builds a

city--Peter views the country at a distance--Hears of a prophecy of

the King of Norbon's daughter Stygee--Goes thither--Kills the king's

nephew--Fulfils the prophecy by engaging Stygee to Georigetti--Returns._

THIS race, notwithstanding all that the ragans could say to keep up

their credit, and to prevent the people's perceiving what fools they

had made of them, had so good and sudden an effect on the people's

prejudices, that upon issuing the first proclamation, there was no

occasion for the second; for at least twenty-five thousand men appeared

voluntarily at the rendezvous of the old slaves, whose masters, though

they were declared free, had used divers devices to oppress them, and

render even their freedom a sort of slavery, besides women and children;

so that we had now only to pick and choose those who would be likeliest

to be of service to the new colony.

Nasgig and I differed now about the choice of persons. He, as a soldier,

was for taking mostly single young men, and I for taking whole families,

though some were either too old or too young for war. And upon farther

consideration he agreed with me; for I told him young men would leave

a father, mother, or mistress, behind them, which would either cause a

hankering after home, and consequently the bad example of desertion,

or else create an uneasy spirit, and perhaps a general distaste to the

settlement. So we chose those whole families where they offered, which

had the most young men in them, first; then others in like order; after

that, man by man, asking them severally if any woman they liked would go

with them, and if so, we took her, till we had about thirteen thousand

fighting men, besides old men, women, and children; and then, marching

by the palace, the king ordered ten days' stores for every mouth, and

with this we took our flight; but as I was always fearful of a concourse

in the air, Nasgig led them, and I brought up the rear.

Besides the above number of people, I believe we could not have less

than ten thousand volunteers to the Black Mountain; some to take leave

of their friends, and others out of curiosity, to see our flight. I took

three pieces of cannon with me, and proper stores.

Our first stage, after a short halt on the Black Mountain, was to the

governor's palace, where Gadsi received us with great respect. I told

him my errand, which he approved: "For," says he, "countryman, it is now

as much my interest to keep my old masters out, as ever it was to serve

them when in; and you have taken the only method in the world to do it

effectually." I consulted him where I should fix my colony; and, by his

advice, fixed it on this side the wood, with some scattering habitations

behind the wood, as watch-houses, to give notice of an enemy, having the

wood for shelter, before they could reach the town, and, at the worst,

the town for a retreat.

I found by Gadsi, that the ships from the Little Lands were soon

expected, for that he said the zaps knew nothing yet of the change of

government, nor could, till the ships returned. He asked me, as there

was now a good lading, whether I thought fit to let them have it upon

proper terms. I told him I would not hinder their having the metals, or

endeavour to stop their trade in the least, but should be glad to treat

with them about it myself.

I gave the forgemen descriptions for making shovels, spades, pick-axes,

hammers, and abundance of other iron implements I should want in the

building the new town: all which we got ready and carried with us. We

then took flight, and alighted on the spot of our intended city; and

having viewed the ground some miles each way, we drew the outlines, and

set a great number of hands to cutting down trees, digging holes, and

making trenches for the foundations. In short, we were all hands at it,

and the women fetched the provisions; but I was obliged to show them

every single step they were to take, towards the new erections; and, I

must say, it was with great pleasure I did it, they seldom wanting to be

told twice, having as quick an apprehension of what they heard or saw,

as any people I had ever met with.

The whole city, according to our plan, was to consist of several long

straight streets, parallel to each other, with gardens backwards each

way, and traverse-passages at proper distances, to cross each street,

from one to the other, quite through the whole city.

While this work was in hand, I took a progress to view the other country

Maleck had told me of. We had not taken a very long flight, before we

saw at a distance several persons of that country travelling to Mount

Alkoe for metals. I had a great mind to have some talk with them about

their kingdom, and ordered my bearers to go to them; they told me they

durst not, for one of them would kill ten men. I did not choose to force

them to it, for fear of some mischief; but observing which way they

came, and that they came in several small bodies, of six or eight

together, and that there was a little wood and some bushes between me

and them, I ordered my bearers to sink beneath the trees out of their

sight, and to ground me just at the foot of the wood; for I resolved to

know something more of them before we parted.

I lay perdue till they arrived within sixty paces of me; then asking

Maleck if he knew their language, and he telling me he did, having often

conversed with them at the mines, I bid him greet them, and tell them I

was a friend, and be sure to stand by me. There were seven of them, and

many more at different distances. I showed myself, and Maleck spoke to

them, when two or three of the hindermost ran quite away; one stood and

looked very surly, but the rest, who had stood with him, turning to run,

I bid Maleck tell him if he did not call them back I would kill them. He

that stood then called to them, but they mending their pace upon it, I

let fly, and shot one in the shoulder, who dropping, I was afraid I had

killed him. I then went up to the other, who had not stirred even at the

report of the gun, seeming quite terrified. I took him by the hand and

kissed it, which made him recover himself a little, and he took mine and

kissed it.

I bid Maleck tell him I was a great traveller, and only wanted to talk

with him; but seeing the man I had shot stir, I went to him, and told

him I was sorry I had hurt him, which I should not have attempted had he

not shown a mistrust of me by running away, for I could not bear that:

this I said to keep the other with me. I saw I had hurt his shoulder,

but being at a great distance, the ball had not entered the blade-bone,

but stopping there, had fallen out; so tying my handkerchief over it, I

told him I hoped it would soon be well.

I inquired into their country, its name, the intent of their journey

this way, their trades, the fruits, birds, and beasts of the country.

The man I had shot, I found, was in pain, which gave me no little

concern; so I chiefly applied myself to the other, who told me the name

of his country was Norbon, a large kingdom, and very populous, he said,

in some parts of it, and was governed by Oniwheske, an old and good

king. "He has only one daughter," says he, "named Stygee; so that I am

afraid when he dies it will go to a good-for-nothing nephew of his, a

desperate debauched man, who will probably ruin us, and destroy that

kingdom which has been in the Oniwheske family these fifteen hundred

years."--"Won't his daughter have the kingdom," says I, "after his death,

or her children?"--"Children," says he, "no, that's the pity; all would

be well if she had but children, and the state continue fifteen hundred

years longer in the same good family."--"How is it possible for any one

to know that?" says I. "You may know how long it has, but how long it

will last, is mere guess-work."--"No," says he, "this very time, and the

present circumstances of our kingdom, were foretold at the birth of the

first king we ever had, who was of the present royal family."--"How so?"

says I.--"Why," says he, "before we had any king, we had a very good old

man, who lived retired in a cave by the sea; and to him everybody under

their difficulties repaired for advice. This old man happening to be

very ill, everybody was under great affliction for fear they should lose

him; when flocking to his assistance, he told them they need not fear

his death till the birth of a king who should reign fifteen hundred

years. At hearing this all persons then present apprehended that his

disorder had turned his brain; but he persisted in it, and recovered.

"After a few years, a great number of persons being about him, he told

them he must now depart, for that their king was born, and pointed to

a sucking child a poor woman had then in her arms. It caused a great

wonder in his audience at the thoughts of that poor child ever becoming

a king; but he told them it was so decreed, and farther, that as he was

to die the next day, if they would gather all together, he would let

them know what was to come in future times.

"When they were met, the woman and child being amongst them, he told

them that child was their king, and that his loins should produce them

a race of kings for fifteen hundred years, during which time they should

be happily governed; but then a female inhabitant of the skies

should claim the dominion, and, together with the kingdom, be utterly

destroyed, unless a messenger from above, with a crown in each hand,

should procure her a male of her own kind; and then the kingdom should

remain for the like number of years to her posterity. Now," says he,

"the time will expire very soon, and as no one has been, or it is

believed will ever come, with two such crowns, the princess Stygee,

though she undoubtedly will try for it, has little hopes of succeeding

her father; for her cousin Felbamko pretends, as no woman ever reigned

with us, he is the right heir, and will have the kingdom."--"Pray," says

I, "what do you mean by an inhabitant of the air?"--"Oh," says he,

"she flies."--"And do most of your country folks fly?" says I; "for

I perceive you don't."--"No," says he, "no one but the princess

Stygee."--"How comes that about?" says I.--"Her mother, when she was

with child with her," says he, "being one day in a wood near the palace,

and having straggled from her company, was attacked by a man with a

graundee, who, not knowing her, clasped her within his graundee, and

would have debauched her; but perceiving her cries had brought some

of her servants to her assistance, he quitted her and went off: this

accident threw her into such a fright, that it was a long time

before she recovered; and then was delivered of a daughter with a

graundee."--"My friend," says I, "your meeting with me will be a very

happy affair for your kingdom. I am the man the princess expects: go

back to the princess and let her and her father know I will be with them

in six days, and establish his dominions in the princess."

The fellow looked at me, thinking I joked, but never offered to stir a

foot. "Why don't you go?" says I. "And for the good news you bear to the

princess, I'll see you shall be made one of the greatest men in Norbon."

The man smiled still, but could not conceive I was in earnest. I asked

him then how long he should be in going to the palace; he said, "Three

days at soonest."--"Deliver but your message right," says I, "and I'll

assure you it shall be the better for you." The man seeing me look

serious, did at length believe me, and promised he would obey me

punctually; but he had not seen how I came to the place he met me at,

for I had ordered my bearers into the wood with my chair before I showed

myself.

He arrived, as I afterwards found, at the palace, the fourth morning

very early; and passing the guard in a great heat, with much ado was

introduced to the king, and discharged himself of my message. His

majesty, giving no credit to him, thought he had been mad; but he

affirming it to be true, and telling the king at what a distance I had

knocked down his companion, and made a great hole in his back, only

holding up a thing I had in my hand, which made a great noise, Oniwheske

ordered his daughter to come before him, who having herself heard the

man's report, and being very willing to believe it, with the king's

leave, desired that the messenger might be detained till the appointed

day, and taken care of; and that preparation should be made for the

reception of the stranger, in case it should be true.

The noise of my coming, and my errand, excited every one's curiosity

to see me arrive; and the day being come, I hovered over the city a

considerable time, to be sure of grounding right. The king and his

daughter, on the rumour of my appearing, came forth to view me and

receive me at my alighting. The people were collected into a large

square, on one side of the palace, and standing in several clusters at

different places, I judged where the king might seem most likely to be,

and ordered my bearers to alight there; but I happened upon the most

unlucky post, as it might have proved, and at the same time the most

lucky I could have found there; for I had scarce raised myself from my

chair, but Felbamko pushing up to me through the throng, and lifting up

a large club he had in his hand, had certainly despatched me, if I had

not at the instant drawn a pistol from my girdle, and shot him dead

upon the spot; insomuch that the club, which was then over my head, fell

gently down on my shoulder.

I did not then know who it was I had killed, but for fear of a fresh

attempt, I drew out another pistol and my cutlass, and inquiring at

which part of the square the king was, I walked directly up to him, he

not as yet knowing what had happened. His majesty and his daughter

met me, and welcomed me into his dominions. I fell at the king's feet,

telling him I brought a message, which I hoped would excuse my entering

his majesty's dominions without the formality of obtaining his leave.

When we came to the palace, the king ordered some refreshments to be

given me and my servants; and then that I should be conducted to the

room of audience.

The report of Felbamko's death had reached the palace before us, and

that it was by my hand; this greatly surprised the whole court, but

proved agreeable news to Stygee.

At my entrance into the room of audience, the king was sitting at the

farther end of it against the wall, with his daughter on his right hand;

and a seat was placed for me at his left, but nearer to the middle

of the room side-ways, on which I was ordered to sit down. There were

abundance of the courtiers present, and above me was a seat ordered for

one of them, who I found afterwards was one of the religious.

His majesty asked me aloud how it happened that the first moment of my

entering his dominions I should dip my hands in blood, and that, too, of

one of his nearest relations.

I then got up to make my answer, but his majesty ordering me to my seat

again, I told him that as it was most certain I knew no one person in

his kingdom, so it could not be supposed I could have an ill design

against any one, especially against that royal blood, into whose hands

I then came to render myself; but the truth was that what I had done

was in preservation of my own life, for that the person slain had rushed

through the crowd upon me with a great club, intending to murder me, and

that whilst the blow was over my head, I killed him in such position,

that by his fall the club rested on my shoulder, but was then too weak

to hurt me.

The king asking if that was the real case, several from the lower end of

the room said they were informed it was, and one in particular said he

saw the transaction, and I had declared it faithfully. "Then," says the

king, "you are acquitted; and, now, what brings you hither? relate your

business."

"Great sir," says I, "it is my peculiar happiness to be appointed by

Providence as the proposer of a marriage for the princess Stygee your

daughter, with a potent neighbouring monarch, having already been

enabled to perform things past belief for his honour. Know then,

great sir, I am a native of the north, and through infinite perils and

hardships at last arrived in the dominions of Georigetti, where I have

given peace to his State by the death of the usurper Harlokin. I have

also just conquered the kingdom of Mount Alkoe for my master, and am

here come to make your daughter an offer of both crowns, and also of all

that is my master's, with his person in marriage."

The old priest then rose, and said: "May it please your majesty, we are

almost right; but what has always staggered me is, how the person should

come, for the messenger to us on this errand is to come from above.

Now this person has not the graundee, and therefore could not come from

thence. As for the rest, I understand the prince from whom he brings

this offer to your daughter has the graundee, and so is a male of her

own kind; and I understand the two kingdoms in his possession to be the

two crowns in the messenger's hands; but, I say, what I stick at is his

coming from above."

"What!" says Stygee, "did not you see him come?"--"No," says he.--"Oh,"

says she, "he came in the air, and was a long time over the city before

he descended."--"That's impossible," says the old priest, "for he is

smooth like us."--"Indeed, sir," says she, "I saw him, and so did most

of the court." The king and nobles then attesting this truth: "Sir,"

says the priest to the king, "it is completed, and your majesty must do

the rest."

"I little expected," says the king, "to see this day; and now, daughter,

as this message was designed for you, you only can answer it. But

still I must say it surpasses my comprehension, that in the decree of

Providence it should be so ordered that the very hand which brings

the accomplishment of what has been so long since foretold us, should,

without design, have first destroyed all that could have rendered the

marriage state uncomfortable to you."

Stygee then declared she submitted to fate and her father's will.

I stayed here a week to view the country and the sea, which I heard was

not far off. Here were many useful beasts for food and burden, fowls

also in plenty, and fish near the sea-coasts, and the people eat flesh,

so that I thought myself amongst mankind again. I made all the remarks

the shortness of the time would allow, and then taking my leave

departed.

I returned to the colony, where I heard that the Little-landers had been

on the coast; but I not being there, or any lading ready, they were gone

away again; however, they had detained two of them. I was pleased with

that, but sorry they were returned empty.

I examined the prisoners, and by giving them liberty and good usage they

settled amongst us; and the next fleet that came, the sailors to a

man were all my own the moment they could get to shore. This, though I

thought it would have spoiled our trade at first, brought the islanders

and me to the following compromise, and upon this occasion. Their ships

having laid on our coasts one whole season for want of hands to carry

them back, I came to an agreement with their commanders (for they were

all willing to return), that such a number of them should be left as

hostages with me till the return of a number of my own men, which I

should lend them to navigate their ships home; and I sent word to the

zaps that as it might be beneficial to us both to keep the trade still

on foot, to prevent the like inconveniences for the future, I would buy

their shipping, paying for them in metals, and agree to furnish them

yearly with such a quantity of my goods at a stated price, and would

send them by my own people; which they approving, the trade went on in

a very agreeable and profitable manner, and we in time built several new

vessels of our own, and employed abundance of hands in the trade, and

had plenty of handicraftsmen of different occupations, each of whom

I obliged to keep three natives under him, to be trained up in his

business.

[Illustration: 5294]

[Illustration: 0295]

CHAPTER XXIII.

_A discourse on marriage between Peter and Georigetti--Peter proposes

Stygee--The king accepts it--Relates his transactions at Norbon--The

marriage is consummated--Account of the marriage-ceremony--Peter goes

to Norbon--Opens a free trade to Mount Alkoe--Gets traders to settle at

Norbon--Convoys cattle to Mount Alkoe._

AT my return to Sass Doorpt Swangeanti, I went directly to the king,

and giving him an account of the settlement, and my proceedings thereon,

he told me his whole kingdom would not be an equivalent for the services

I had done him. I begged of him to look on them in no other light than

as flowing from my duty; but if, when I should be no more, he or his

children would be gracious to my family, it was all I desired.

"This, father," says the king, "I can undertake for myself; but who's to

come after me, nobody knows, for I shall never marry. No! Yaccom-bourse

has given me a surfeit of womankind; and unless the states will settle

the kingdom on you, to which I will consent, it will probably be torn to

pieces again by different competitors, for I am the last of the line of

Begsurbeck, and of all the blood-royals; and indeed who is so proper

to maintain it flourishing as he who has brought it to the present

perfection?"

"Great sir," says I, "my ambition rises no higher than to abound in good

deeds whilst I live, and to perfect my children in the same principle;

and this, I hope, will entitle them to a support when I am gone. But,"

says I, "why is your majesty so averse from marriage, merely on account

of a woman you could not expect to be true to you?"--"Not expect it!"

says he; "what stronger tie upon earth could she have had to be true

than my affection, and all that my kingdom could afford her?"--"Weak

things all, sir," says I.--"Why, what could she have had?" said he,

in some warmth.--"Honour, sir," says I, "and virtue, both which she

abandoned to become yours; and those once lost, how could you expect her

to be true?"--"You are too hard for me, father," says he; "but they

are all alike, and I don't believe there's a grain of honour in any of

them."--"In any of them like Yaccombourse, I admit, sir," says I; "but

think not so of others, for no part of our species abounds more with

it, or is more tender of it, than a good woman; and take my word for it,

sir, there is more real sincerity in an ordinary wife than in the most

extraordinary mistress. We are all biassed naturally by interest, and

as there can be but one real interest between the man and wife, so the

interest of a mistress is, and ever will be, to accommodate herself;

for 'tis all one to her with whom she engages, so she can raise but

the market by a change. Now if your majesty could find an agreeable and

virtuous wife, one deserving of your royal person and bed, and perhaps

with a kingdom for her dowry, a partner fit to share your cares as well

as glory, would it not be a great pleasure to you to be possessed of'

such a mate, and to see heirs arising under your joint tuition, to

convey down your royal blood to the latest posterity? Would not this, I

say, be a grateful reflection to you in your declining years?"

"Truly, father," says the king, "as you have painted it, the prospect

could not fail to please, and under the circumstances you have put it,

it would meet my approbation; but where is such a thing as a woman of

this character to be found? I fear only in the imagination."

"Sir," says I, after a seeming muse for some time, "what should you

think of Oniwheske, the king of Norbon's daughter? he has but that one

child, I hear."--"Dear father, have done," says his majesty; "to what

purpose should you mention her? We but barely know that there is such

a State, we have never had any intercourse; and, besides, as you say he

has but one child, can you suppose she will ever marry, to leave so fine

a kingdom, and live here?"--"But, sir," says I, "now we are supposing,

suppose she should, with her father's consent, be willing to marry

you, would you have her for your queen?"--"To make any doubt of that,

father," says he, "is almost to suppose me a fool."--"Then, sir," says

I, "her father has consented, and she too; and if I durst have presumed

so far, or had known your mind sooner, she would I believe have ventured

with me to have become yours, but you might have slighted her, and

crowned heads are not to be trifled with; but since you are pleased

to show your approbation of it, I can assure you, sir, her person will

yield to none in your majesty's dominions; for, sir, I have been there,

and have seen her, and she is your own, and her kingdom too, upon

demand."

"Father," says the king, looking earnestly at me, "I have been

frequently, since I knew you first, in doubt of my own existence. My

life seems a dream to me; for if existence is to be judged of by one's

faculties only, I have been in such a delusion of them ever since, that

as I find myself unable to judge with certainty of any other thing, so

I am subject to doubt whether I really exist. Are these things possible

that you tell me, father?"

I then told him the whole affair, and advised him by all means to accept

the offer, and marry the princess out of hand.

His majesty, when I had brought him thoroughly to believe me, was

as eager to consummate the marriage, as I was to have him; but then,

whether he should go to her, or she come to him, was the question.

I told him it was a thing unusual for a sovereign to quit his own

dominions for a wife; but would advise an embassy to her father, with

notice that his majesty would meet and espouse her on the frontiers of

the two kingdoms.

The ambassadors returning with an appointment of time and place, it was

not above a month before I had settled Stygee on the thrones of Sass

Doorpt Swangeanti and Mount Alkoe, with the reversion of the kingdom of

Norbon, without a competitor.

I shall here give you an account of the marriage ceremony. The king

being arrived on the borders, Stygee, who had waited but a few hours

at the last village in Norbon, advanced to his majesty on the very

division, as they called it, of the two kingdoms, a line being drawn to

express the bounds of each. The king and Stygee having talked apart from

the company a little space, each standing hand in hand, on their own

respective ground, the chief ragan advanced, and began the ceremony.

He first asked each party aloud, if he and she were willing to be united

in body and affections, and would engage to continue so their whole

lives to which each party having answered aloud in the affirmative,

"Show me then a token!" says he; and immediately each expanding the

right side of their graundees, laid it upon the other's left side, so

that they appeared then but as one body, standing hand in hand, encased

round with the graundee. The ragan then having descanted upon the duties

of marriage, concluded the ceremony with wishing them as fruitful as

Perigen and Philella. So soon as it was over, and the gripsacks and

voices had finished an epithalamium, the bride and bridegroom taking

wing, were conducted to Brandleguarp, amidst the acclamations of an

infinite number of Georigetti's subjects.

The king had made vast preparations for the reception of the princess

Stygee; and nothing was to be heard or seen but feastings and rejoicing

for many days; and his majesty afterwards assured me of his entire

satisfaction in my choice of his bride, without whom he confessed,

that notwithstanding the many other blessings I had procured him, his

happiness must have been incomplete.

Intending another flight to Norbon, I was charged with the king and

queen's compliments to Oniwheske; which having executed, I opened a free

trade to Mount Alkoe; and hearing that small vessels came frequently on

the Norbonese coast, to carry off the iron and other metal from thence

unwrought, and paid part of their return in wrought metals, I ordered

some of the next that came to be stopped and brought to me; and the

day before I had fixed for my departure, notice was sent that twelve of

those traders were stopped, and in custody at the sea-side. I longed to

see them, but then considering that it would take up more time to bring

them to Apsilo the capital, where I was, than I should take in going to

them and returning, I resolved to go and examine them myself.

They told me they traded with small vessels to Norbon for metals, which

they carried home, and wrought great part of it themselves, sending it

to and dispersing it in several islands at a distance; and also sold

the unwrought to several people who carried it they knew not whither

in great ships. They said they kept abundance of hands at work in the

trade. I asked if their artificers wrought it for their own profit,

or their masters'. They told me for masters, themselves being all

slaves.--"And are you all slaves?" says I.--They told me "Yes, all but

one," pointing to him. I then ordered him to be secured and removed; and

told them if they would procure some hands to settle at Norbon and Mount

Alkoe, they should all be made free, have lands assigned them, and have

other privileges, and I did not doubt in time would become the richest

men in the country; for I understood by them they were acquainted with

the use of money. I asked them what other commodities they brought to

Norbon in exchange.

They said clothes for the people, both what they received in exchange

from others who bought their iron, and some of a coarser sort of their

own making. I found in my discourse I had with them, that out of my

eleven men there were persons of four different occupations; so I

promised those who would stay with me their freedoms, good houses, and

other rewards: and sending three hands home with the vessel, and a full

freight, according to the value of the cargo they brought, I ordered

them to engage as many as they could of their countrymen of distinct

trades, to come and settle with me; and to be sure, if they had any

grain, corn, roots, plants, or seeds, usually eaten for food, to bring

all they could get with them, and they should have good returns for

them; and as to those good hands that settled here, they should be

allowed all materials to work for their own profit the first year,

and after that they should also work for themselves, allowing the king

one-tenth of the clear profit. This took so far with them, that it was

with the utmost difficulty I got any of them to carry the ship back, for

fear they should not be able to return.

Before I parted from them, I assigned the eight who were left all proper

conveniences, and recommended them to the king's protection; and I

ordered the owner, then in custody, to be conducted to Mount Alkoe, and

from thence to Brandleguarp; where, treating him kindly and giving him

liberty, I made my proper use of him.

The king having lent me a convoy to conduct my prisoner, and given me a

license for as many cattle of the sorts I chose as I pleased to drive to

Georigetti's dominions, I made them drive a great number of sheep of the

finest wool I ever saw, and very large also; a great number of creatures

not unlike an ass for shape, but with two upright horns and short ears,

which gave abundance of rich milk; and also some swine. All these were

drove to, and distributed at my new colony, where I let them remain till

I had provided a proper receptacle for them at Doorpt Swangeanti, near

the woods; when I brought many over the Black Mountain, and distributed

there, with directions how to manage them; and in about seven years'

time we held a little beast-market near Brandle-guarp twice a year,

where the spare cattle were brought up, and preserved in salt till the

next market; for I had some years before made large salt-works near

the sea at Mount Alkoe, which employed abundance of hands, and was now

become a considerable trade.

We had iron, copper, and silver money, which went very current; and had

butter and cheese from the farms near the woods, as plenty as we had the

fruits before, great numbers of families having settled there; and there

was scarce a family but was of some occupation or other.

By the accounts I received from the mines, from time to time, it was

prodigious to hear what vast quantities of metals were prepared in

one year now, by little above one-third of the hands that were usually

employed in them before; for now the men's ambition was to leave a

good week's work done at their return, for an example to those who were

coming; and the overseers told me they would sing and work with the

greatest delight imaginable, whilst they pleased themselves with telling

one another how they intended to spend the next fourteen days.

[Illustration: 5304]

[Illustration: 0305]

CHAPTER XXIV.

_Peter looking over his books finds he has got a Latin Bible--Sets

about a translation--Teaches some of the ragans letters--Sets up a paper

manufacture--Makes the ragans read the Bible--The ragans teach others to

read and write--A fair kept at the Black Mountain--Peter's reflection on

the Swangeantines._

ALL things being now so settled that they would go on of themselves,

and having no further direct view in my head, I spent my time with

my wife; and looking over my books one day to divert myself, with the

greatest joy imaginable I found that the Bible I had taken to be in the

Portuguese tongue was a Latin one. It was many years since I had

thought of that language; but on this occasion, by force of memory and

recollection, and with some attention, consideration, and practice, I

found it return to me in so plentiful a manner that I fully resolved to

translate my Bible into the Swangeantine tongue.

I sent directly for Lasmeel to be my amanuensis, and to work we went

upon the translation.

We began at the creation, and descending to the flood, went on to the

Jewish captivity in Egypt and deliverance by Moses, leaving out the

genealogies and all the Jewish ceremonies and laws, except the Ten

Commandments. I translated the books of Samuel and Kings, down to the

Babylonish captivity. I then translated such parts of the Prophets as

were necessary to introduce the Messiah, and discover Him; the books of

Psalms, Job, and the Proverbs, and with the utmost impatience hasted to

the New Testament. But then considering that when I had done, as only

Lasmeel and myself could read it, in case of our deaths, the translation

must die with us, I chose out six of the junior ragans, and two of the

elder, to learn letters; and in less than twelve months I had brought

them all to read mine and Lasmeel's writings perfectly well.

I instructed these ragans at spare hours, whilst I went on with my

translation; but finding my paper grow low, having had a great supply of

coarse linen, and a sort of calicoes from the isles, in return for our

metals, I set up a manufactory from that, and some gums of the trees,

which we boiled with it to a pulp in iron pans, and beating it to

pieces, made a useful paper which would bear ink tolerably. But I could

find nothing to make ink of, though I sent over all the country to

search for every herb and fruit not commonly used; till at last I found

an herb and flower on it, which, if taken before the flower faded,

would, by boiling thoroughly, become blue; this, by still more boiling

in a copper pan till it was dry and burnt hard to the bottom, in some

measure answered my purpose, and I fixed upon it as the best I could

obtain from all my experiments.

When the ragans were masters of their pens, I set six of them to copy

what Lasmeel had finished, and the other two to teach their brethren;

and in two years' time, by a pretty constant application (for I made

them transcribe it perfectly fair and intelligible), we finished our

translation, and two fair copies.

I then ordered the ragans to read a portion of it to the people

constantly, in the mouch; they, from the novelty of the story, at first

grew so exceeding fond of it, that upon the proper expositions of it I

taught the ragans afterwards to make, they began to apply it seriously

to religious purposes.

My writing ragans were very fond of their knowledge of letters; and

trade and commerce now increasing, which put every one more or less

in want of the same knowledge, they made a great profit of it,

by instructing all who applied to them. This increase of writing

necessarily provided a maintenance for several persons who travelled

to Norbon for quills, and sold them to the Swangeantines at extravagant

rates; till the Norbonese hearing that, brought them themselves to the

foot of the mountain, where the Swangeantines bought them, as they did

several other commodities which one country had and the other wanted,

especially iron wares of almost every denomination: so that the

mountain, being so excessively high, was the barrier; for the

Norbonese finding that difficulty in ascending and descending which the

Swangeantines with their graundees did not, there was a constant market

of buyers and sellers on the Mount Alkoe side of the Black Mountain,

which by degrees grew the general mart of the three kingdoms.

I have often reflected with myself, and have been amazed to think, that

so ingenious and industrious a people as the Swangeantines have since

appeared to be, and who, till I came amongst them, had nothing more than

bare food, and a hole to lie in, in a barren rocky country, and then

seemed to desire only what they had, should in ten years' time be

supplied not only with the conveniences, but superfluities of life; and

that they should then become so fond of them, as rather willingly to

part with life itself than be reduced to the state I found them in.

And I have as often, on this occasion, reflected on the goodness of

Providence, in rendering one part of mankind easy under the absence of

such comforts as others could not rest without; and have made it a great

argument for my assent to well-attested truths above my comprehension.

"For," says I, "to have affirmed, at my first coming, either that these

things could have been made at all, or when done could have been of any

additional benefit to these people, would have been so far beyond their

imaginations, that the reporter of so plain a truth, as they now find

it, would have been looked upon as a madman or an impostor; but

by opening their views by little and little, and showing them the

dependence of one thing upon another, he that should now affirm the

inutility of them, would be observed in a much worse light." And yet,

without any embellishments of art, how did this so great a people live

under the protection of Providence? Let us first view them at a vast

distance from any sort of sustenance, yet from the help of the graundee

that distance was but a step to them. They were forced to inhabit the

rocks, from an utter incapacity of providing shelter elsewhere, having

no tool that would either cut down timber for a habitation, or dig up

the earth for a fence, or materials to make one; but they had a liquor

that would dissolve the rock itself into habitations. They had neither

beast nor fish, for food or burthen; but they had fruits equivalent

to both, of the same relish, and as wholesome, without shedding blood.

Their fruits were dangerous till they had fermented in a boiling heat;

and they had neither the sun, nor any fire, nor the knowledge how to

propagate or continue it. But they had their hot springs always boiling,

without their care or concern. They had neither the skins of beasts, the

original clothing, nor any other artificial covering from the weather;

but they were born with that warm clothing the graundee, which being of

a considerable density, and full of veins flowing with warm blood, not

only defended their flesh from all outward injuries, but was a most

soft, comely, and warm dress to the body. They lived mostly in the dark

rock, having less difference of light with the change of seasons than

other people have; but either by custom or make, more light than what

Providence has sent them in the sweecoe is disagreeable: so that where

little is to be obtained, Providence, by confining the capacity, can

give content with that; and where apparent wants are, we may see, by

these people, how careful Providence is to supply them; for neither the

graundee, the sweecoes, nor their springs, are to be found where those

necessaries can be supplied by other means.

Amongst my other considerations, I have often thought that if I had gone

to the top of the Black Mountains northward of Brandleguarp, in the very

lightest time, I might have seen the sun; but these mountains were so

elevated, that our lightest time was only the gilded glimmering of their

tops, having never seen so much light on them as totally to eclipse all

the stars, of which we had always the same in view, but in different

positions.

[Illustration: 0311]

CHAPTER XXV.

_Peter's children provided for--Youwarkee's death--How the king

and queen spent their time--Peter grows melancholy--Wants to get to

England--Contrives means--Is taken up at sea._

I HAD now been at Brandleguarp ten years, and my children were all

provided for by the king but Dickey, as fast as they were qualified for

employment, and such as were fit for it were married off to the best

alliances in the country; so that I had only to sit down and see

everything I had put my hand to prosper, and not an evil eye in the

three kingdoms cast at me: but about my eleventh or twelfth year, my

wife falling into a lingering disorder, at the end of two years it

carried her off. This was the first real affliction I had suffered for

many years, and so soured my temper, that I became fit for nothing, and

it was painful to me even to think of business.

The king's marriage had produced four children, three sons and a

daughter, which he would frequently tell me were mine.

Old Oniwheske was dead, and the king and queen divided their whole time

equally between Brandleguarp and Apsillo; but he was building a palace

at my new colony, which by this time was grown to a vast city, and was

called Stygena, in compliment to the queen; and this new palace was

designed to receive the court one-third of the year, as it lay almost

at equal distance between both his other palaces. This method, which

his majesty took, at my persuasion, on the death of Oniwheske, though it

went against the grain at first, was now grown so habitual to him, and

he saw his own interest so much in it in the love and esteem it procured

him from the people, that at last he wanted no spur to it.

My melancholy for the death of my wife, which I hoped time would wear

off, rather gained ground upon me; and though I was as much regarded as

ever by the whole court, yet it grew troublesome to me even to be asked

my advice; and it not only surprised those about me, but even myself,

to see the same genius, without any visible natural decay, in so short

a time, from the most sprightly and enterprising, become the most

phlegmatic and inactive.

My longings after my native country, ever since my wife's death,

redoubled upon me, and I had formed several schemes of getting thither;

as first, I had formed a project of going off by the islands, as I had

so many small vessels at command there, and to get into the main ocean

and try my fortune that way; but upon inquiry I found that my vessels

could not get to sea, or elsewhere, but to the zaps' islands, by reason

of the many rocks and sandbanks which would oppose me, unless I went

through the zaps' country, which, in the light they had reason to view

me, I was afraid to do. Then I had thoughts of going from the coast of

Norbon; but that must have been in one of the foreign vessels, and they

coming from a quite different quarter than I must go, in all probability

if I had put to sea any way they were unacquainted with, they having

no compass, we must have perished; for the more I grew by degrees

acquainted with the situation of Doorpt Swangeanti, the stronger were

my conjectures that my nearest continent must be the southern coast of

America; but still it was only conjecture. At length, being tired and

uneasy, I resolved, as I was accustomed to flight, and loved it, I would

take a turn for some days; carry me where it would, I should certainly

light on some land, whence at first I could but come back again. I then

went to see if my chair, board, and ropes, were sound, for I had not

used them for several years past; but I found them all so crazy, I durst

not venture in them, which disappointment put off my journey for some

time. However, as I had still the thought remaining, it put me on

seeking some other method to put it in practice; so I contrived

the poles from which you took me, being a sort of hollow cane the

Swangeantines make their spears of, but exceeding strong and springy,

which, interwoven with small cords, were my seat, and were much lighter

than my chair; and these buoyed me up when your goodness relieved me.

I had taken Mount Alkoe bearers, as I knew I must come to a country

of more light; and I now find, if I had not fallen, I must soon have

reached land, if we could have held out, for we were come too far to

think of returning, without a resting-place: and what will become of my

poor bearers, I dread to think; if they attempted to return, they must

have dropt, for they had complained all the last day and night, and had

shifted very often. If in your history you think fit to carry down the

life of a poor old man any farther, you will as well know what to say of

me as I can tell you; and I hope what I have hitherto said will in some

measure recompense both your expense and labour.

FINIS.

A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF PERSONS AND THINGS MENTIONED IN THE TWO VOLUMES.

_Abb_, a room.

_Apsillo_, capital of Norbon.

_Arco_, a man who committed the first murder.

_Arhoe_, water surrounded with wood.

_Amdrumnstake_, Pendlehamby's colambat.

_Barbarsa_, Georigetti's favourite.

_Barkett_, a husband.

_Barras_, a leathern apron, or flap behind.

_Bash_, a valet de chambre.

_Battringdrigg_, the name of an arkoe.

_Begsurbeck_, an old king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.

_Born Isles_, islands to the right hand.

_Boskee_, a very grand room or saloon.

_Bott_, a gourd.

_Bougee_, lie down.

_Brandleguarp_, chief city of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.

_Calentar_, a doctor or surgeon.

_Cluff_, a captain.

_Colamb_, a governor.

_Colambat_, a government.

_Colapet_, a bag for provision.

_Collwarr_, God.

_Covett_, a mansion-house or seat.

_Crashdoorpt_, Quangrollart's colambat, or country of the slit.

_Crashee_, slit.

_Crullmott_, a fruit tasting like a fowl.

_David_, Peter's fourth son.

_Doorpt Swangeanti_, the land of flight.

_Doors_, a sort of apples.

_Dossee_, a soft thing.

_Emina_, a rock.

_Felbamko_, Oniwheske's nephew.

_Filgay_, a freeman.

_Filus_, a rib of the graundee.

_Gadsi_, governor of Mount Alkoe.

_Gauingrunt_, a revolted town in the west.

_G awry_, a flying woman.

_Georigetti_, king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.

_Glanlepze_, an African who escaped with Peter.

_Glumm_, a flying man.

_Glumm Boss_, a young man.

_Goppo_, a father-in-law.

_Gorpell_, an ensign.

_Gowren_, women.

_Graundee_, the glumms' wings and dress.

_Graundevolet_, Peter's arkoe.

_Gripsack_, a trumpet.

_Gume_, the leather between the filuses of the graundee.

_Hallycarnie_, Youwarkee's sister, also her second daughter.

_Harlokin_, prince of the rebels.

_Hoximo_, a place to bury the dead.

_Hunkum_, marriage.

_Jahamel_, the king's sister.

_Jemmy_, Peter's second son.

_Lallio_, first king of Sass Doorpt Swangeanti.

_Lask_, a slave.

_Laskmett_, slavery.

_Lasmeel_, Peter's scholar.

_Maieck_, Peter's man from Mount Alkoe.

_Mindrack_, the devil.

_Mouch_, a church.

_Moucherait_, an assembly of the states.

_Mount Alkoe_, a kingdom taking name from a burning mountain.

_Nasgig_, a common soldier, made a general at the request of Peter.

_Kicor_, a creature of Barbarsa, the king's favourite.

_Norbon_, the name of the north country.

_Normnbdsgrsutt_, ancient name of Youwarkee's country.

_Onitvheske_, king of Norbon.

_Ors clamm gee_, here am I.

_Padsi_, a fruit tasting like fish.

_Palang_, a town.

_Parky_, sweet.

_Patty_, Peter's eldest daughter, also his first wife.

_Pedro_, Peter's eldest son.

_Pendlehamby_, Youwarkee's father, the colamb of Arndrumn-stake.

_Perigene_, the first-born man.

_Peter_, the author.

_Philella_, the first-born woman.

_Puly_, an image.

_Praave_, modest.

_Quangrollart_, Youwarkee's brother, colamb of Crashdoorpt.

_Quilly_, Peter's bash.

_Ragan_, a priest.

_Razy_, mighty.

_Richard_, Peter's fifth son.

_Roppin_, marmalade.

_Rossig_, Quangrollart's companion.

_Sary_, Peter's youngest daughter.

_Sass Doorpt Sivangeanti_, Peter's new name given to Georigetti's

dominions.

_Slip the graundee_, drawing the graundee tight to the body, by a

running noose on a line.

_Stapps_, minutes.

_Sty gee_, Oniwheske's daughter.

_Swangean_, flight.

_Sweecoan_, a flight with sweecoes.

_Sweecoe_, an insect giving a strong light in the dark.

_Telamine_, a woman whose husband committed the first murder.

_Tommy_, Peter's second son.

_Yaccombourse_, the king's mistress.

_Yacom_, a man-child.

_Youh_, capital of the west.

_Youwarkey_, Peter's wife.

_Zaps_, lords.

THE END.