sail to the north-north-east, which appearing every minute more
visible, I was in some doubt whether I should wait for them or not;
but at last my detestation of the YAHOO race prevailed: and
turning my canoe, I sailed and paddled together to the south, and
got into the same creek whence I set out in the morning, choosing
rather to trust myself among these barbarians, than live with
European YAHOOS. I drew up my canoe as close as I could to the
shore, and hid myself behind a stone by the little brook, which, as
I have already said, was excellent water.
The ship came within half a league of this creek, and sent her long
boat with vessels to take in fresh water (for the place, it seems,
was very well known); but I did not observe it, till the boat was
almost on shore; and it was too late to seek another hiding-place.
The seamen at their landing observed my canoe, and rummaging
it all over, easily conjectured that the owner could not be far off.
Four of them, well armed, searched every cranny and lurking-hole,
till at last they found me flat on my face behind the stone.
They gazed awhile in admiration at my strange uncouth dress; my
coat made of skins, my wooden-soled shoes, and my furred
stockings; whence, however, they concluded, I was not a native of
the place, who all go naked. One of the seamen, in Portuguese, bid
me rise, and asked who I was. I understood that language very
well, and getting upon my feet, said, "I was a poor YAHOO
banished from the HOUYHNHNMS, and desired they would
please to let me depart." They admired to hear me answer them in
their own tongue, and saw by my complexion I must be a
European; but were at a loss to know what I meant by YAHOOS.
and HOUYHNHNMS; and at the same time fell a-laughing at my
strange tone in speaking, which resembled the neighing of a
horse. I trembled all the while betwixt fear and hatred. I again
desired leave to depart, and was gently moving to my canoe; but
they laid hold of me, desiring to know, "what country I was of?
whence I came?" with many other questions. I told them "I was
born in England, whence I came about five years ago, and then
their country and ours were at peace. I therefore hoped they would
not treat me as an enemy, since I meant them no harm, but was a
poor YAHOO seeking some desolate place where to pass the
remainder of his unfortunate life."
When they began to talk, I thought I never heard or saw any thing
more unnatural; for it appeared to me as monstrous as if a dog or a
cow should speak in England, or a YAHOO in
HOUYHNHNMLAND. The honest Portuguese were equally
amazed at my strange dress, and the odd manner of delivering my
words, which, however, they understood very well. They spoke to
me with great humanity, and said, "they were sure the captain
would carry me GRATIS to Lisbon, whence I might return to my
own country; that two of the seamen would go back to the ship,
inform the captain of what they had seen, and receive his orders;
in the mean time, unless I would give my solemn oath not to fly,
they would secure me by force. I thought it best to comply with
their proposal. They were very curious to know my story, but I
gave them very little satisfaction, and they all conjectured that my
misfortunes had impaired my reason. In two hours the boat, which
went laden with vessels of water, returned, with the captain's
command to fetch me on board. I fell on my knees to preserve my.
liberty; but all was in vain; and the men, having tied me with
cords, heaved me into the boat, whence I was taken into the ship,
and thence into the captain's cabin.
His name was Pedro de Mendez; he was a very courteous and
generous person. He entreated me to give some account of myself,
and desired to know what I would eat or drink; said, "I should be
used as well as himself;" and spoke so many obliging things, that I
wondered to find such civilities from a YAHOO. However, I
remained silent and sullen; I was ready to faint at the very smell of
him and his men. At last I desired something to eat out of my own
canoe; but he ordered me a chicken, and some excellent wine, and
then directed that I should be put to bed in a very clean cabin. I
would not undress myself, but lay on the bed-clothes, and in half
an hour stole out, when I thought the crew was at dinner, and
getting to the side of the ship, was going to leap into the sea, and
swim for my life, rather than continue among YAHOOS. But one
of the seamen prevented me, and having informed the captain, I
was chained to my cabin.
After dinner, Don Pedro came to me, and desired to know my
reason for so desperate an attempt; assured me, "he only meant to
do me all the service he was able;" and spoke so very movingly,
that at last I descended to treat him like an animal which had some
little portion of reason. I gave him a very short relation of my
voyage; of the conspiracy against me by my own men; of the
country where they set me on shore, and of my five years
residence there. All which he looked upon as if it were a dream or
a vision; whereat I took great offence; for I had quite forgot the.
faculty of lying, so peculiar to YAHOOS, in all countries where
they preside, and, consequently, their disposition of suspecting
truth in others of their own species. I asked him, "whether it were
the custom in his country to say the thing which was not?" I
assured him, "I had almost forgot what he meant by falsehood,
and if I had lived a thousand years in HOUYHNHNMLAND, I
should never have heard a lie from the meanest servant; that I was
altogether indifferent whether he believed me or not; but,
however, in return for his favours, I would give so much
allowance to the corruption of his nature, as to answer any
objection he would please to make, and then he might easily
discover the truth."
The captain, a wise man, after many endeavours to catch me
tripping in some part of my story, at last began to have a better
opinion of my veracity. But he added, "that since I professed so
inviolable an attachment to truth, I must give him my word and
honour to bear him company in this voyage, without attempting
any thing against my life; or else he would continue me a prisoner
till we arrived at Lisbon." I gave him the promise he required; but
at the same time protested, "that I would suffer the greatest
hardships, rather than return to live among YAHOOS."
Our voyage passed without any considerable accident. In
gratitude to the captain, I sometimes sat with him, at his earnest
request, and strove to conceal my antipathy against human kind,
although it often broke out; which he suffered to pass without
observation. But the greatest part of the day I confined myself to
my cabin, to avoid seeing any of the crew. The captain had often.
entreated me to strip myself of my savage dress, and offered to
lend me the best suit of clothes he had. This I would not be
prevailed on to accept, abhorring to cover myself with any thing
that had been on the back of a YAHOO. I only desired he would
lend me two clean shirts, which, having been washed since he
wore them, I believed would not so much defile me. These I
changed every second day, and washed them myself.
We arrived at Lisbon, Nov. 5, 1715. At our landing, the captain
forced me to cover myself with his cloak, to prevent the rabble
from crowding about me. I was conveyed to his own house; and at
my earnest request he led me up to the highest room backwards. I
conjured him "to conceal from all persons what I had told him of
the HOUYHNHNMS; because the least hint of such a story would
not only draw numbers of people to see me, but probably put me
in danger of being imprisoned, or burnt by the Inquisition." The
captain persuaded me to accept a suit of clothes newly made; but I
would not suffer the tailor to take my measure; however, Don
Pedro being almost of my size, they fitted me well enough. He
accoutred me with other necessaries, all new, which I aired for
twenty-four hours before I would use them.
The captain had no wife, nor above three servants, none of which
were suffered to attend at meals; and his whole deportment was so
obliging, added to very good human understanding, that I really
began to tolerate his company. He gained so far upon me, that I
ventured to look out of the back window. By degrees I was
brought into another room, whence I peeped into the street, but
drew my head back in a fright. In a week's time he seduced me.
down to the door. I found my terror gradually lessened, but my
hatred and contempt seemed to increase. I was at last bold enough
to walk the street in his company, but kept my nose well stopped
with rue, or sometimes with tobacco.
In ten days, Don Pedro, to whom I had given some account of my
domestic affairs, put it upon me, as a matter of honour and
conscience, "that I ought to return to my native country, and live
at home with my wife and children." He told me, "there was an
English ship in the port just ready to sail, and he would furnish me
with all things necessary." It would be tedious to repeat his
arguments, and my contradictions. He said, "it was altogether
impossible to find such a solitary island as I desired to live in; but
I might command in my own house, and pass my time in a manner
as recluse as I pleased."
I complied at last, finding I could not do better. I left Lisbon the
24th day of November, in an English merchantman, but who was
the master I never inquired. Don Pedro accompanied me to the
ship, and lent me twenty pounds. He took kind leave of me, and
embraced me at parting, which I bore as well as I could. During
this last voyage I had no commerce with the master or any of his
men; but, pretending I was sick, kept close in my cabin. On the
fifth of December, 1715, we cast anchor in the Downs, about nine
in the morning, and at three in the afternoon I got safe to my house
at Rotherhith. (7).
My wife and family received me with great surprise and joy,
because they concluded me certainly dead; but I must freely
confess the sight of them filled me only with hatred, disgust, and
contempt; and the more, by reflecting on the near alliance I had to
them. For although, since my unfortunate exile from the
HOUYHNHNM country, I had compelled myself to tolerate the
sight of YAHOOS, and to converse with Don Pedro de Mendez,
yet my memory and imagination were perpetually filled with the
virtues and ideas of those exalted HOUYHNHNMS. And when I
began to consider that, by copulating with one of the YAHOO
species I had become a parent of more, it struck me with the
utmost shame, confusion, and horror.
As soon as I entered the house, my wife took me in her arms, and
kissed me; at which, having not been used to the touch of that
odious animal for so many years, I fell into a swoon for almost an
hour. At the time I am writing, it is five years since my last return
to England. During the first year, I could not endure my wife or
children in my presence; the very smell of them was intolerable;
much less could I suffer them to eat in the same room. To this
hour they dare not presume to touch my bread, or drink out of the
same cup, neither was I ever able to let one of them take me by the
hand. The first money I laid out was to buy two young stone-horses,
which I keep in a good stable; and next to them, the groom
is my greatest favourite, for I feel my spirits revived by the smell
he contracts in the stable. My horses understand me tolerably
well; I converse with them at least four hours every day. They are
strangers to bridle or saddle; they live in great amity with me and
friendship to each other...
[The author's veracity. His design in publishing this work. His
censure of those travellers who swerve from the truth. The author
clears himself from any sinister ends in writing. An objection
answered. The method of planting colonies. His native country
commended. The right of the crown to those countries described
by the author is justified. The difficulty of conquering them. The
author takes his last leave of the reader; proposes his manner of
living for the future; gives good advice, and concludes.]
Thus, gentle reader, I have given thee a faithful history of my
travels for sixteen years and above seven months: wherein I have
not been so studious of ornament as of truth. I could, perhaps, like
others, have astonished thee with strange improbable tales; but I
rather chose to relate plain matter of fact, in the simplest manner
and style; because my principal design was to inform, and not to
amuse thee.
It is easy for us who travel into remote countries, which are
seldom visited by Englishmen or other Europeans, to form
descriptions of wonderful animals both at sea and land. Whereas a
traveller's chief aim should be to make men wiser and better, and
to improve their minds by the bad, as well as good, example of
what they deliver concerning foreign places..
I could heartily wish a law was enacted, that every traveller,
before he were permitted to publish his voyages, should be
obliged to make oath before the Lord High Chancellor, that all he
intended to print was absolutely true to the best of his knowledge;
for then the world would no longer be deceived, as it usually is,
while some writers, to make their works pass the better upon the
public, impose the grossest falsities on the unwary reader. I have
perused several books of travels with great delight in my younger
days; but having since gone over most parts of the globe, and been
able to contradict many fabulous accounts from my own
observation, it has given me a great disgust against this part of
reading, and some indignation to see the credulity of mankind so
impudently abused. Therefore, since my acquaintance were
pleased to think my poor endeavours might not be unacceptable to
my country, I imposed on myself, as a maxim never to be swerved
from, that I would strictly adhere to truth; neither indeed can I be
ever under the least temptation to vary from it, while I retain in
my mind the lectures and example of my noble master and the
other illustrious HOUYHNHNMS of whom I had so long the
honour to be an humble hearer.
-NEC SI MISERUM FORTUNA SINONEM FINXIT, VANUM
ETIAM, MENDACEMQUE IMPROBA FINGET.
I know very well, how little reputation is to be got by writings
which require neither genius nor learning, nor indeed any other
talent, except a good memory, or an exact journal. I know
likewise, that writers of travels, like dictionary-makers, are sunk.
into oblivion by the weight and bulk of those who come last, and
therefore lie uppermost. And it is highly probable, that such
travellers, who shall hereafter visit the countries described in this
work of mine, may, by detecting my errors (if there be any), and
adding many new discoveries of their own, justle me out of
vogue, and stand in my place, making the world forget that ever I
was an author. This indeed would be too great a mortification, if I
wrote for fame: but as my sole intention was the public good, I
cannot be altogether disappointed. For who can read of the virtues
I have mentioned in the glorious HOUYHNHNMS, without being
ashamed of his own vices, when he considers himself as the
reasoning, governing animal of his country? I shall say nothing of
those remote nations where YAHOOS preside; among which the
least corrupted are the BROBDINGNAGIANS; whose wise
maxims in morality and government it would be our happiness to
observe. But I forbear descanting further, and rather leave the
judicious reader to his own remarks and application.
I am not a little pleased that this work of mine can possibly meet
with no censurers: for what objections can be made against a
writer, who relates only plain facts, that happened in such distant
countries, where we have not the least interest, with respect either
to trade or negotiations? I have carefully avoided every fault with
which common writers of travels are often too justly charged.
Besides, I meddle not the least with any party, but write without
passion, prejudice, or ill-will against any man, or number of men,
whatsoever. I write for the noblest end, to inform and instruct
mankind; over whom I may, without breach of modesty, pretend
to some superiority, from the advantages I received by conversing.
so long among the most accomplished HOUYHNHNMS. I write
without any view to profit or praise. I never suffer a word to pass
that may look like reflection, or possibly give the least offence,
even to those who are most ready to take it. So that I hope I may
with justice pronounce myself an author perfectly blameless;
against whom the tribes of Answerers, Considerers, Observers,
Reflectors, Detectors, Remarkers, will never be able to find matter
for exercising their talents.
I confess, it was whispered to me, "that I was bound in duty, as a
subject of England, to have given in a memorial to a secretary of
state at my first coming over; because, whatever lands are
discovered by a subject belong to the crown." But I doubt whether
our conquests in the countries I treat of would be as easy as those
of Ferdinando Cortez over the naked Americans. The
LILLIPUTIANS, I think, are hardly worth the charge of a fleet
and army to reduce them; and I question whether it might be
prudent or safe to attempt the BROBDINGNAGIANS; or whether
an English army would be much at their ease with the Flying
Island over their heads. The HOUYHNHNMS indeed appear not
to be so well prepared for war, a science to which they are perfect
strangers, and especially against missive weapons. However,
supposing myself to be a minister of state, I could never give my
advice for invading them. Their prudence, unanimity,
unacquaintedness with fear, and their love of their country, would
amply supply all defects in the military art. Imagine twenty
thousand of them breaking into the midst of an European army,
confounding the ranks, overturning the carriages, battering the
warriors' faces into mummy by terrible yerks from their hinder.
hoofs; for they would well deserve the character given to
Augustus, RECALCITRAT UNDIQUE TUTUS. But, instead of
proposals for conquering that magnanimous nation, I rather wish
they were in a capacity, or disposition, to send a sufficient number
of their inhabitants for civilizing Europe, by teaching us the first
principles of honour, justice, truth, temperance, public spirit,
fortitude, chastity, friendship, benevolence, and fidelity. The
names of all which virtues are still retained among us in most
languages, and are to be met with in modern, as well as ancient
authors; which I am able to assert from my own small reading.
But I had another reason, which made me less forward to enlarge
his majesty's dominions by my discoveries. To say the truth, I had
conceived a few scruples with relation to the distributive justice of
princes upon those occasions. For instance, a crew of pirates are
driven by a storm they know not whither; at length a boy
discovers land from the topmast; they go on shore to rob and
plunder, they see a harmless people, are entertained with
kindness; they give the country a new name; they take formal
possession of it for their king; they set up a rotten plank, or a
stone, for a memorial; they murder two or three dozen of the
natives, bring away a couple more, by force, for a sample; return
home, and get their pardon. Here commences a new dominion
acquired with a title by divine right. Ships are sent with the first
opportunity; the natives driven out or destroyed; their princes
tortured to discover their gold; a free license given to all acts of
inhumanity and lust, the earth reeking with the blood of its.
inhabitants: and this execrable crew of butchers, employed in so
pious an expedition, is a modern colony, sent to convert and
civilize an idolatrous and barbarous people!
But this description, I confess, does by no means affect the British
nation, who may be an example to the whole world for their
wisdom, care, and justice in planting colonies; their liberal
endowments for the advancement of religion and learning; their
choice of devout and able pastors to propagate Christianity; their
caution in stocking their provinces with people of sober lives and
conversations from this the mother kingdom; their strict regard to
the distribution of justice, in supplying the civil administration
through all their colonies with officers of the greatest abilities,
utter strangers to corruption; and, to crown all, by sending the
most vigilant and virtuous governors, who have no other views
than the happiness of the people over whom they preside, and the
honour of the king their master.
But as those countries which I have described do not appear to
have any desire of being conquered and enslaved, murdered or
driven out by colonies, nor abound either in gold, silver, sugar, or
tobacco, I did humbly conceive, they were by no means proper
objects of our zeal, our valour, or our interest. However, if those
whom it more concerns think fit to be of another opinion, I am
ready to depose, when I shall be lawfully called, that no European
did ever visit those countries before me. I mean, if the inhabitants
ought to be believed, unless a dispute may arise concerning the
two YAHOOS, said to have been seen many years ago upon a
mountain in HOUYHNHNMLAND..
But, as to the formality of taking possession in my sovereign's
name, it never came once into my thoughts; and if it had, yet, as
my affairs then stood, I should perhaps, in point of prudence and
self-preservation, have put it off to a better opportunity.
Having thus answered the only objection that can ever be raised
against me as a traveller, I here take a final leave of all my
courteous readers, and return to enjoy my own speculations in my
little garden at Redriff; to apply those excellent lessons of virtue
which I learned among the HOUYHNHNMS; to instruct the
YAHOOS of my own family, is far as I shall find them docible
animals; to behold my figure often in a glass, and thus, if possible,
habituate myself by time to tolerate the sight of a human creature;
to lament the brutality to HOUYHNHNMS in my own country,
but always treat their persons with respect, for the sake of my
noble master, his family, his friends, and the whole
HOUYHNHNM race, whom these of ours have the honour to
resemble in all their lineaments, however their intellectuals came
to degenerate.
I began last week to permit my wife to sit at dinner with me, at the
farthest end of a long table; and to answer (but with the utmost
brevity) the few questions I asked her. Yet, the smell of a YAHOO
continuing very offensive, I always keep my nose well stopped
with rue, lavender, or tobacco leaves. And, although it be hard for
a man late in life to remove old habits, I am not altogether out of.
hopes, in some time, to suffer a neighbour YAHOO in my
company, without the apprehensions I am yet under of his teeth or
his claws.
My reconcilement to the YAHOO kind in general might not be so
difficult, if they would be content with those vices and follies only
which nature has entitled them to. I am not in the least provoked at
the sight of a lawyer, a pickpocket, a colonel, a fool, a lord, a
gamester, a politician, a whoremonger, a physician, an evidence, a
suborner, an attorney, a traitor, or the like; this is all according to
the due course of things: but when I behold a lump of deformity
and diseases, both in body and mind, smitten with pride, it
immediately breaks all the measures of my patience; neither shall
I be ever able to comprehend how such an animal, and such a
vice, could tally together. The wise and virtuous
HOUYHNHNMS, who abound in all excellences that can adorn a
rational creature, have no name for this vice in their language,
which has no terms to express any thing that is evil, except those
whereby they describe the detestable qualities of their YAHOOS,
among which they were not able to distinguish this of pride, for
want of thoroughly understanding human nature, as it shows itself
in other countries where that animal presides. But I, who had
more experience, could plainly observe some rudiments of it
among the wild YAHOOS.
But the HOUYHNHNMS, who live under the government of
reason, are no more proud of the good qualities they possess, than
I should be for not wanting a leg or an arm; which no man in his
wits would boast of, although he must be miserable without them..
I dwell the longer upon this subject from the desire I have to make
the society of an English YAHOO by any means not
insupportable; and therefore I here entreat those who have any
tincture of this absurd vice, that they will not presume to come in
my sight.
(1) A stang is a pole or perch; sixteen feet and a half.
(2) An act of parliament has been since passed by which some
breaches of trust have been made capital.
(3) Britannia. -SIR W. SCOTT.
(4) London. -SIR W. SCOTT.
(5) This is the revised text adopted by Dr. Hawksworth (1766).
The above paragraph in the original editions (1726) takes another
form, commencing:-"I told him that should I happen to live in a
kingdom where lots were in vogue," &c. The names Tribnia and
Langdon an not mentioned, and the "close stool" and its
signification do not occur.
(6) This paragraph is not in the original editions..
(7) The original editions and Hawksworth's have Rotherhith here,
though earlier in the work, Redriff is said to have been Gulliver's
home in England.
visible, I was in some doubt whether I should wait for them or not;
but at last my detestation of the YAHOO race prevailed: and
turning my canoe, I sailed and paddled together to the south, and
got into the same creek whence I set out in the morning, choosing
rather to trust myself among these barbarians, than live with
European YAHOOS. I drew up my canoe as close as I could to the
shore, and hid myself behind a stone by the little brook, which, as
I have already said, was excellent water.
The ship came within half a league of this creek, and sent her long
boat with vessels to take in fresh water (for the place, it seems,
was very well known); but I did not observe it, till the boat was
almost on shore; and it was too late to seek another hiding-place.
The seamen at their landing observed my canoe, and rummaging
it all over, easily conjectured that the owner could not be far off.
Four of them, well armed, searched every cranny and lurking-hole,
till at last they found me flat on my face behind the stone.
They gazed awhile in admiration at my strange uncouth dress; my
coat made of skins, my wooden-soled shoes, and my furred
stockings; whence, however, they concluded, I was not a native of
the place, who all go naked. One of the seamen, in Portuguese, bid
me rise, and asked who I was. I understood that language very
well, and getting upon my feet, said, "I was a poor YAHOO
banished from the HOUYHNHNMS, and desired they would
please to let me depart." They admired to hear me answer them in
their own tongue, and saw by my complexion I must be a
European; but were at a loss to know what I meant by YAHOOS.
and HOUYHNHNMS; and at the same time fell a-laughing at my
strange tone in speaking, which resembled the neighing of a
horse. I trembled all the while betwixt fear and hatred. I again
desired leave to depart, and was gently moving to my canoe; but
they laid hold of me, desiring to know, "what country I was of?
whence I came?" with many other questions. I told them "I was
born in England, whence I came about five years ago, and then
their country and ours were at peace. I therefore hoped they would
not treat me as an enemy, since I meant them no harm, but was a
poor YAHOO seeking some desolate place where to pass the
remainder of his unfortunate life."
When they began to talk, I thought I never heard or saw any thing
more unnatural; for it appeared to me as monstrous as if a dog or a
cow should speak in England, or a YAHOO in
HOUYHNHNMLAND. The honest Portuguese were equally
amazed at my strange dress, and the odd manner of delivering my
words, which, however, they understood very well. They spoke to
me with great humanity, and said, "they were sure the captain
would carry me GRATIS to Lisbon, whence I might return to my
own country; that two of the seamen would go back to the ship,
inform the captain of what they had seen, and receive his orders;
in the mean time, unless I would give my solemn oath not to fly,
they would secure me by force. I thought it best to comply with
their proposal. They were very curious to know my story, but I
gave them very little satisfaction, and they all conjectured that my
misfortunes had impaired my reason. In two hours the boat, which
went laden with vessels of water, returned, with the captain's
command to fetch me on board. I fell on my knees to preserve my.
liberty; but all was in vain; and the men, having tied me with
cords, heaved me into the boat, whence I was taken into the ship,
and thence into the captain's cabin.
His name was Pedro de Mendez; he was a very courteous and
generous person. He entreated me to give some account of myself,
and desired to know what I would eat or drink; said, "I should be
used as well as himself;" and spoke so many obliging things, that I
wondered to find such civilities from a YAHOO. However, I
remained silent and sullen; I was ready to faint at the very smell of
him and his men. At last I desired something to eat out of my own
canoe; but he ordered me a chicken, and some excellent wine, and
then directed that I should be put to bed in a very clean cabin. I
would not undress myself, but lay on the bed-clothes, and in half
an hour stole out, when I thought the crew was at dinner, and
getting to the side of the ship, was going to leap into the sea, and
swim for my life, rather than continue among YAHOOS. But one
of the seamen prevented me, and having informed the captain, I
was chained to my cabin.
After dinner, Don Pedro came to me, and desired to know my
reason for so desperate an attempt; assured me, "he only meant to
do me all the service he was able;" and spoke so very movingly,
that at last I descended to treat him like an animal which had some
little portion of reason. I gave him a very short relation of my
voyage; of the conspiracy against me by my own men; of the
country where they set me on shore, and of my five years
residence there. All which he looked upon as if it were a dream or
a vision; whereat I took great offence; for I had quite forgot the.
faculty of lying, so peculiar to YAHOOS, in all countries where
they preside, and, consequently, their disposition of suspecting
truth in others of their own species. I asked him, "whether it were
the custom in his country to say the thing which was not?" I
assured him, "I had almost forgot what he meant by falsehood,
and if I had lived a thousand years in HOUYHNHNMLAND, I
should never have heard a lie from the meanest servant; that I was
altogether indifferent whether he believed me or not; but,
however, in return for his favours, I would give so much
allowance to the corruption of his nature, as to answer any
objection he would please to make, and then he might easily
discover the truth."
The captain, a wise man, after many endeavours to catch me
tripping in some part of my story, at last began to have a better
opinion of my veracity. But he added, "that since I professed so
inviolable an attachment to truth, I must give him my word and
honour to bear him company in this voyage, without attempting
any thing against my life; or else he would continue me a prisoner
till we arrived at Lisbon." I gave him the promise he required; but
at the same time protested, "that I would suffer the greatest
hardships, rather than return to live among YAHOOS."
Our voyage passed without any considerable accident. In
gratitude to the captain, I sometimes sat with him, at his earnest
request, and strove to conceal my antipathy against human kind,
although it often broke out; which he suffered to pass without
observation. But the greatest part of the day I confined myself to
my cabin, to avoid seeing any of the crew. The captain had often.
entreated me to strip myself of my savage dress, and offered to
lend me the best suit of clothes he had. This I would not be
prevailed on to accept, abhorring to cover myself with any thing
that had been on the back of a YAHOO. I only desired he would
lend me two clean shirts, which, having been washed since he
wore them, I believed would not so much defile me. These I
changed every second day, and washed them myself.
We arrived at Lisbon, Nov. 5, 1715. At our landing, the captain
forced me to cover myself with his cloak, to prevent the rabble
from crowding about me. I was conveyed to his own house; and at
my earnest request he led me up to the highest room backwards. I
conjured him "to conceal from all persons what I had told him of
the HOUYHNHNMS; because the least hint of such a story would
not only draw numbers of people to see me, but probably put me
in danger of being imprisoned, or burnt by the Inquisition." The
captain persuaded me to accept a suit of clothes newly made; but I
would not suffer the tailor to take my measure; however, Don
Pedro being almost of my size, they fitted me well enough. He
accoutred me with other necessaries, all new, which I aired for
twenty-four hours before I would use them.
The captain had no wife, nor above three servants, none of which
were suffered to attend at meals; and his whole deportment was so
obliging, added to very good human understanding, that I really
began to tolerate his company. He gained so far upon me, that I
ventured to look out of the back window. By degrees I was
brought into another room, whence I peeped into the street, but
drew my head back in a fright. In a week's time he seduced me.
down to the door. I found my terror gradually lessened, but my
hatred and contempt seemed to increase. I was at last bold enough
to walk the street in his company, but kept my nose well stopped
with rue, or sometimes with tobacco.
In ten days, Don Pedro, to whom I had given some account of my
domestic affairs, put it upon me, as a matter of honour and
conscience, "that I ought to return to my native country, and live
at home with my wife and children." He told me, "there was an
English ship in the port just ready to sail, and he would furnish me
with all things necessary." It would be tedious to repeat his
arguments, and my contradictions. He said, "it was altogether
impossible to find such a solitary island as I desired to live in; but
I might command in my own house, and pass my time in a manner
as recluse as I pleased."
I complied at last, finding I could not do better. I left Lisbon the
24th day of November, in an English merchantman, but who was
the master I never inquired. Don Pedro accompanied me to the
ship, and lent me twenty pounds. He took kind leave of me, and
embraced me at parting, which I bore as well as I could. During
this last voyage I had no commerce with the master or any of his
men; but, pretending I was sick, kept close in my cabin. On the
fifth of December, 1715, we cast anchor in the Downs, about nine
in the morning, and at three in the afternoon I got safe to my house
at Rotherhith. (7).
My wife and family received me with great surprise and joy,
because they concluded me certainly dead; but I must freely
confess the sight of them filled me only with hatred, disgust, and
contempt; and the more, by reflecting on the near alliance I had to
them. For although, since my unfortunate exile from the
HOUYHNHNM country, I had compelled myself to tolerate the
sight of YAHOOS, and to converse with Don Pedro de Mendez,
yet my memory and imagination were perpetually filled with the
virtues and ideas of those exalted HOUYHNHNMS. And when I
began to consider that, by copulating with one of the YAHOO
species I had become a parent of more, it struck me with the
utmost shame, confusion, and horror.
As soon as I entered the house, my wife took me in her arms, and
kissed me; at which, having not been used to the touch of that
odious animal for so many years, I fell into a swoon for almost an
hour. At the time I am writing, it is five years since my last return
to England. During the first year, I could not endure my wife or
children in my presence; the very smell of them was intolerable;
much less could I suffer them to eat in the same room. To this
hour they dare not presume to touch my bread, or drink out of the
same cup, neither was I ever able to let one of them take me by the
hand. The first money I laid out was to buy two young stone-horses,
which I keep in a good stable; and next to them, the groom
is my greatest favourite, for I feel my spirits revived by the smell
he contracts in the stable. My horses understand me tolerably
well; I converse with them at least four hours every day. They are
strangers to bridle or saddle; they live in great amity with me and
friendship to each other...
[The author's veracity. His design in publishing this work. His
censure of those travellers who swerve from the truth. The author
clears himself from any sinister ends in writing. An objection
answered. The method of planting colonies. His native country
commended. The right of the crown to those countries described
by the author is justified. The difficulty of conquering them. The
author takes his last leave of the reader; proposes his manner of
living for the future; gives good advice, and concludes.]
Thus, gentle reader, I have given thee a faithful history of my
travels for sixteen years and above seven months: wherein I have
not been so studious of ornament as of truth. I could, perhaps, like
others, have astonished thee with strange improbable tales; but I
rather chose to relate plain matter of fact, in the simplest manner
and style; because my principal design was to inform, and not to
amuse thee.
It is easy for us who travel into remote countries, which are
seldom visited by Englishmen or other Europeans, to form
descriptions of wonderful animals both at sea and land. Whereas a
traveller's chief aim should be to make men wiser and better, and
to improve their minds by the bad, as well as good, example of
what they deliver concerning foreign places..
I could heartily wish a law was enacted, that every traveller,
before he were permitted to publish his voyages, should be
obliged to make oath before the Lord High Chancellor, that all he
intended to print was absolutely true to the best of his knowledge;
for then the world would no longer be deceived, as it usually is,
while some writers, to make their works pass the better upon the
public, impose the grossest falsities on the unwary reader. I have
perused several books of travels with great delight in my younger
days; but having since gone over most parts of the globe, and been
able to contradict many fabulous accounts from my own
observation, it has given me a great disgust against this part of
reading, and some indignation to see the credulity of mankind so
impudently abused. Therefore, since my acquaintance were
pleased to think my poor endeavours might not be unacceptable to
my country, I imposed on myself, as a maxim never to be swerved
from, that I would strictly adhere to truth; neither indeed can I be
ever under the least temptation to vary from it, while I retain in
my mind the lectures and example of my noble master and the
other illustrious HOUYHNHNMS of whom I had so long the
honour to be an humble hearer.
-NEC SI MISERUM FORTUNA SINONEM FINXIT, VANUM
ETIAM, MENDACEMQUE IMPROBA FINGET.
I know very well, how little reputation is to be got by writings
which require neither genius nor learning, nor indeed any other
talent, except a good memory, or an exact journal. I know
likewise, that writers of travels, like dictionary-makers, are sunk.
into oblivion by the weight and bulk of those who come last, and
therefore lie uppermost. And it is highly probable, that such
travellers, who shall hereafter visit the countries described in this
work of mine, may, by detecting my errors (if there be any), and
adding many new discoveries of their own, justle me out of
vogue, and stand in my place, making the world forget that ever I
was an author. This indeed would be too great a mortification, if I
wrote for fame: but as my sole intention was the public good, I
cannot be altogether disappointed. For who can read of the virtues
I have mentioned in the glorious HOUYHNHNMS, without being
ashamed of his own vices, when he considers himself as the
reasoning, governing animal of his country? I shall say nothing of
those remote nations where YAHOOS preside; among which the
least corrupted are the BROBDINGNAGIANS; whose wise
maxims in morality and government it would be our happiness to
observe. But I forbear descanting further, and rather leave the
judicious reader to his own remarks and application.
I am not a little pleased that this work of mine can possibly meet
with no censurers: for what objections can be made against a
writer, who relates only plain facts, that happened in such distant
countries, where we have not the least interest, with respect either
to trade or negotiations? I have carefully avoided every fault with
which common writers of travels are often too justly charged.
Besides, I meddle not the least with any party, but write without
passion, prejudice, or ill-will against any man, or number of men,
whatsoever. I write for the noblest end, to inform and instruct
mankind; over whom I may, without breach of modesty, pretend
to some superiority, from the advantages I received by conversing.
so long among the most accomplished HOUYHNHNMS. I write
without any view to profit or praise. I never suffer a word to pass
that may look like reflection, or possibly give the least offence,
even to those who are most ready to take it. So that I hope I may
with justice pronounce myself an author perfectly blameless;
against whom the tribes of Answerers, Considerers, Observers,
Reflectors, Detectors, Remarkers, will never be able to find matter
for exercising their talents.
I confess, it was whispered to me, "that I was bound in duty, as a
subject of England, to have given in a memorial to a secretary of
state at my first coming over; because, whatever lands are
discovered by a subject belong to the crown." But I doubt whether
our conquests in the countries I treat of would be as easy as those
of Ferdinando Cortez over the naked Americans. The
LILLIPUTIANS, I think, are hardly worth the charge of a fleet
and army to reduce them; and I question whether it might be
prudent or safe to attempt the BROBDINGNAGIANS; or whether
an English army would be much at their ease with the Flying
Island over their heads. The HOUYHNHNMS indeed appear not
to be so well prepared for war, a science to which they are perfect
strangers, and especially against missive weapons. However,
supposing myself to be a minister of state, I could never give my
advice for invading them. Their prudence, unanimity,
unacquaintedness with fear, and their love of their country, would
amply supply all defects in the military art. Imagine twenty
thousand of them breaking into the midst of an European army,
confounding the ranks, overturning the carriages, battering the
warriors' faces into mummy by terrible yerks from their hinder.
hoofs; for they would well deserve the character given to
Augustus, RECALCITRAT UNDIQUE TUTUS. But, instead of
proposals for conquering that magnanimous nation, I rather wish
they were in a capacity, or disposition, to send a sufficient number
of their inhabitants for civilizing Europe, by teaching us the first
principles of honour, justice, truth, temperance, public spirit,
fortitude, chastity, friendship, benevolence, and fidelity. The
names of all which virtues are still retained among us in most
languages, and are to be met with in modern, as well as ancient
authors; which I am able to assert from my own small reading.
But I had another reason, which made me less forward to enlarge
his majesty's dominions by my discoveries. To say the truth, I had
conceived a few scruples with relation to the distributive justice of
princes upon those occasions. For instance, a crew of pirates are
driven by a storm they know not whither; at length a boy
discovers land from the topmast; they go on shore to rob and
plunder, they see a harmless people, are entertained with
kindness; they give the country a new name; they take formal
possession of it for their king; they set up a rotten plank, or a
stone, for a memorial; they murder two or three dozen of the
natives, bring away a couple more, by force, for a sample; return
home, and get their pardon. Here commences a new dominion
acquired with a title by divine right. Ships are sent with the first
opportunity; the natives driven out or destroyed; their princes
tortured to discover their gold; a free license given to all acts of
inhumanity and lust, the earth reeking with the blood of its.
inhabitants: and this execrable crew of butchers, employed in so
pious an expedition, is a modern colony, sent to convert and
civilize an idolatrous and barbarous people!
But this description, I confess, does by no means affect the British
nation, who may be an example to the whole world for their
wisdom, care, and justice in planting colonies; their liberal
endowments for the advancement of religion and learning; their
choice of devout and able pastors to propagate Christianity; their
caution in stocking their provinces with people of sober lives and
conversations from this the mother kingdom; their strict regard to
the distribution of justice, in supplying the civil administration
through all their colonies with officers of the greatest abilities,
utter strangers to corruption; and, to crown all, by sending the
most vigilant and virtuous governors, who have no other views
than the happiness of the people over whom they preside, and the
honour of the king their master.
But as those countries which I have described do not appear to
have any desire of being conquered and enslaved, murdered or
driven out by colonies, nor abound either in gold, silver, sugar, or
tobacco, I did humbly conceive, they were by no means proper
objects of our zeal, our valour, or our interest. However, if those
whom it more concerns think fit to be of another opinion, I am
ready to depose, when I shall be lawfully called, that no European
did ever visit those countries before me. I mean, if the inhabitants
ought to be believed, unless a dispute may arise concerning the
two YAHOOS, said to have been seen many years ago upon a
mountain in HOUYHNHNMLAND..
But, as to the formality of taking possession in my sovereign's
name, it never came once into my thoughts; and if it had, yet, as
my affairs then stood, I should perhaps, in point of prudence and
self-preservation, have put it off to a better opportunity.
Having thus answered the only objection that can ever be raised
against me as a traveller, I here take a final leave of all my
courteous readers, and return to enjoy my own speculations in my
little garden at Redriff; to apply those excellent lessons of virtue
which I learned among the HOUYHNHNMS; to instruct the
YAHOOS of my own family, is far as I shall find them docible
animals; to behold my figure often in a glass, and thus, if possible,
habituate myself by time to tolerate the sight of a human creature;
to lament the brutality to HOUYHNHNMS in my own country,
but always treat their persons with respect, for the sake of my
noble master, his family, his friends, and the whole
HOUYHNHNM race, whom these of ours have the honour to
resemble in all their lineaments, however their intellectuals came
to degenerate.
I began last week to permit my wife to sit at dinner with me, at the
farthest end of a long table; and to answer (but with the utmost
brevity) the few questions I asked her. Yet, the smell of a YAHOO
continuing very offensive, I always keep my nose well stopped
with rue, lavender, or tobacco leaves. And, although it be hard for
a man late in life to remove old habits, I am not altogether out of.
hopes, in some time, to suffer a neighbour YAHOO in my
company, without the apprehensions I am yet under of his teeth or
his claws.
My reconcilement to the YAHOO kind in general might not be so
difficult, if they would be content with those vices and follies only
which nature has entitled them to. I am not in the least provoked at
the sight of a lawyer, a pickpocket, a colonel, a fool, a lord, a
gamester, a politician, a whoremonger, a physician, an evidence, a
suborner, an attorney, a traitor, or the like; this is all according to
the due course of things: but when I behold a lump of deformity
and diseases, both in body and mind, smitten with pride, it
immediately breaks all the measures of my patience; neither shall
I be ever able to comprehend how such an animal, and such a
vice, could tally together. The wise and virtuous
HOUYHNHNMS, who abound in all excellences that can adorn a
rational creature, have no name for this vice in their language,
which has no terms to express any thing that is evil, except those
whereby they describe the detestable qualities of their YAHOOS,
among which they were not able to distinguish this of pride, for
want of thoroughly understanding human nature, as it shows itself
in other countries where that animal presides. But I, who had
more experience, could plainly observe some rudiments of it
among the wild YAHOOS.
But the HOUYHNHNMS, who live under the government of
reason, are no more proud of the good qualities they possess, than
I should be for not wanting a leg or an arm; which no man in his
wits would boast of, although he must be miserable without them..
I dwell the longer upon this subject from the desire I have to make
the society of an English YAHOO by any means not
insupportable; and therefore I here entreat those who have any
tincture of this absurd vice, that they will not presume to come in
my sight.
(1) A stang is a pole or perch; sixteen feet and a half.
(2) An act of parliament has been since passed by which some
breaches of trust have been made capital.
(3) Britannia. -SIR W. SCOTT.
(4) London. -SIR W. SCOTT.
(5) This is the revised text adopted by Dr. Hawksworth (1766).
The above paragraph in the original editions (1726) takes another
form, commencing:-"I told him that should I happen to live in a
kingdom where lots were in vogue," &c. The names Tribnia and
Langdon an not mentioned, and the "close stool" and its
signification do not occur.
(6) This paragraph is not in the original editions..
(7) The original editions and Hawksworth's have Rotherhith here,
though earlier in the work, Redriff is said to have been Gulliver's
home in England.