Themusiccommenced，andIsawagreatnumberofthemostbeautifullittlecreaturesseizetheotherparty，andthrowthemwithgreatviolenceintosomethinglikeasnuff—box，whichtheyshutdown，andonethrewitawaywithincrediblevelocity;thenturningtome，hesaidtheywhomhehadsecuredwereapartyofdevils，whohadwanderedfromtheirproperhabitation;andthatthevehicleinwhichtheywereenclosedwouldflywithunabatingrapidityfortenthousandyears，whenitwouldburstofitsownaccord，andthedevilswouldrecovertheirlibertyandfaculties，asatthepresentmoment。Hehadnosoonerfinishedthisrelationthanthemusicceased，andtheyalldisappeared，leavingmeinastateofmindborderingontheconfinesofdespair。
　　WhenIhadrecomposedmyselfalittle，andlookingbeforemewithinexpressiblepleasure，IobservedthattheeagleswerepreparingtolightonthepeakofTeneriffe：theydescendedonthetopoftherock，butseeingnopossiblemeansofescapeifIdismounteddeterminedmetoremainwhereIwas。Theeaglessatdownseeminglyfatigued，whentheheatofthesunsooncausedthembothtofallasleep，nordidI
　　longresistitsfascinatingpower。Inthecooloftheevening，whenthesunhadretiredbelowthehorizon，Iwasrousedfromsleepbytheeaglemovingunderme;andhavingstretchedmyselfalongitsback，I
　　satup，andreassumedmytravellingposition，whentheybothtookwing，andhavingplacedthemselvesasbefore，directedtheircoursetoSouthAmerica。Themoonshiningbrightduringthewholenight，Ihadafineviewofalltheislandsinthoseseas。
　　AboutthebreakofdaywereachedthegreatcontinentofAmerica，thatpartcalledTerraFirma，anddescendedonthetopofaveryhighmountain。Atthistimethemoon，fardistantinthewest，andobscuredbydarkclouds，butjustaffordedlightsufficientformetodiscoverakindofshrubberyallaround，bearingfruitsomethinglikecabbages，whichtheeaglesbegantofeedonveryeagerly。Iendeavouredtodiscovermysituation，butfogsandpassingcloudsinvolvedmeinthethickestdarkness，andwhatrenderedthescenestillmoreshockingwasthetremendoushowlingofwildbeasts，someofwhichappearedtobeverynear：however，Ideterminedtokeepmyseat，imaginingthattheeaglewouldcarrymeawayifanyofthemshouldmakeahostileattempt。Whendaylightbegantoappear，IthoughtofexaminingthefruitwhichIhadseentheeagleseat，andassomewashangingwhichI
　　couldeasilycomeat，Itookoutmyknifeandcutaslice;buthowgreatwasmysurprisetoseethatithadalltheappearanceofroastbeefregularlymixed，bothfatandlean！Itastedit，andfounditwellflavouredanddelicious，thencutseverallargeslicesandputinmypocket，whereIfoundacrustofbreadwhichIhadbroughtfromMargate;tookitout，andfoundthreemusket—ballsthathadbeenlodgedinitonDovercliff。Iextractedthem，andcuttingafewslicesmore，madeaheartymealofbreadandcoldbeeffruit。Ithencutdowntwoofthelargestthatgrewnearme，andtyingthemtogetherwithoneofmygarters，hungthemovertheeagle’sneckforanotheroccasion，fillingmypocketsatthesametime。WhileIwassettlingtheseaffairsIobservedalargefruitlikeaninflatedbladder，whichIwishedtotryanexperimentupon：andstrikingmyknifeintooneofthem，afinepureliquorlikeHollandsginrushedout，whichtheeaglesobserving，eagerlydrankupfromtheground。IcutdownthebladderasfastasIcould，andsavedabouthalfapintinthebottomofit，whichItasted，andcouldnotdistinguishitfromthebestmountainwine。Idrankitall，andfoundmyselfgreatlyrefreshed。Bythistimetheeaglesbegantostaggeragainsttheshrubs。I
　　endeavouredtokeepmyseat，butwassoonthrowntosomedistanceamongthebushes。InattemptingtoriseIputmyhanduponalargehedgehog，whichhappenedtolieamongthegrassuponitsback：itinstantlyclosedroundmyhand，sothatIfounditimpossibletoshakeitoff。Istruckitseveraltimesagainstthegroundwithouteffect;
　　butwhileIwasthusemployedIheardarustlingamongtheshrubbery，andlookingup，Isawahugeanimalwithinthreeyardsofme;Icouldmakenodefence，butheldoutbothmyhands，whenitrusheduponme，andseizedthatonwhichthehedgehogwasfixed。Myhandbeingsoonrelieved，Irantosomedistance，whereIsawthecreaturesuddenlydropdownandexpirewiththehedgehoginitsthroat。WhenthedangerwaspastIwenttoviewtheeagles，andfoundthemlyingonthegrassfastasleep，beingintoxicatedwiththeliquortheyhaddrank。Indeed，Ifoundmyselfconsiderablyelevatedbyit，andseeingeverythingquiet，Ibegantosearchforsomemore，whichIsoonfound;andhavingcutdowntwolargebladders，aboutagalloneach，Itiedthemtogether，andhungthemovertheneckoftheothereagle，andthetwosmalleronesItiedwithacordroundmyownwaist。Havingsecuredagoodstockofprovisions，andperceivingtheeaglesbegintorecover，Iagaintookmyseat。Inhalfanhourtheyarosemajesticallyfromtheplace，withouttakingtheleastnoticeoftheirincumbrance。Eachreassumeditsformerstation;anddirectingtheircoursetothenorthward，theycrossedtheGulfofMexico，enteredNorthAmerica，andsteereddirectlyforthePolarregions，whichgavemethefinestopportunityofviewingthisvastcontinentthatcanpossiblybeimagined。
　　Beforeweenteredthefrigidzonethecoldbegantoaffectme;butpiercingoneofmybladders，Itookadraught，andfoundthatitcouldmakenoimpressiononmeafterwards。PassingoverHudson’sBay，IsawseveraloftheCompany’sshipslyingatanchor，andmanytribesofIndiansmarchingwiththeirfurstomarket。
　　BythistimeIwassoreconciledtomyseat，andbecomesuchanexpertrider，thatIcouldsitupandlookaroundme;butingeneralIlayalongtheeagle’sneck，graspingitinmyarms，withmyhandsimmersedinitsfeathers，inordertokeepthemwarm。
　　InthosecoldclimatesIobservedthattheeaglesflewwithgreaterrapidity，inorder，Isuppose，tokeeptheirbloodincirculation。InpassingBaffin’sBayIsawseverallargeGreenlandmentotheeastward，andmanysurprisingmountainsoficeinthoseseas。
　　WhileIwassurveyingthesewondersofnatureitoccurredtomethatthiswasagoodopportunitytodiscoverthenorth—westpassage，ifanysuchthingexisted，andnotonlyobtaintherewardofferedbygovernment，butthehonourofadiscoverypregnantwithsomanyadvantagestoeveryEuropeannation。ButwhilemythoughtswereabsorbedinthispleasingreverieIwasalarmedbythefirsteaglestrikingitsheadagainstasolidtransparentsubstance，andinamomentthatwhichIrodeexperiencedthesamefate，andbothfelldownseeminglydead。
　　Hereourlivesmustinevitablyhaveterminated，hadnotasenseofdanger，andthesingularityofmysituation，inspiredmewithadegreeofskillanddexteritywhichenabledustofallneartwomilesperpendicularwithaslittleinconveniencyasifwehadbeenletdownwitharope：fornosoonerdidIperceivetheeaglesstrikeagainstafrozencloud，whichisverycommonnearthepoles，than（theybeingclosetogether）Ilaidmyselfalongthebackoftheforemost，andtookholdofitswingstokeepthemextended，atthesametimestretchingoutmylegsbehindtosupportthewingsoftheother。Thishadthedesiredeffect，andwedescendedverysafeonamountainofice，whichIsupposedtobeaboutthreemilesabovethelevelofthesea。
　　Idismounted，unloadedtheeagles，openedoneofthebladders，andadministeredsomeoftheliquortoeachofthem，withoutonceconsideringthatthehorrorsofdestructionseemedtohaveconspiredagainstme。Theroaringofwaves，crashingofice，andthehowlingofbears，conspiredtoformascenethemostawfulandtremendous：butnotwithstandingthis，myconcernfortherecoveryoftheeagleswassogreat，thatIwasinsensibleofthedangertowhichIwasexposed。
　　Havingrenderedthemeveryassistanceinmypower，Istoodovertheminpainfulanxiety，fullysensiblethatitwasonlybymeansofthemthatIcouldpossiblybedeliveredfromtheseabodesofdespair。
　　Butsuddenlyamonstrousbearbegantoroarbehindme，withavoicelikethunder。Iturnedround，andseeingthecreaturejustreadytodevourme，havingthebladderofliquorinmyhands，throughfearI
　　squeezeditsohard，thatitburst，andtheliquorflyingintheeyesoftheanimal，totallydepriveditofsight。Itinstantlyturnedfromme，ranawayinastateofdistraction，andsoonfelloveraprecipiceoficeintothesea，whereIsawitnomore。
　　Thedangerbeingover，Iagainturnedmyattentiontotheeagles，whomIfoundinafairwayofrecovery，andsuspectingthattheywerefaintforwantofvictuals，Itookoneofthebeeffruit，cutitintosmallslices，andpresentedthemwithit，whichtheydevouredwithavidity。
　　Havinggiventhemplentytoeatanddrink，anddisposedoftheremainderofmyprovision，Itookpossessionofmyseatasbefore。
　　Aftercomposingmyself，andadjustingeverythinginthebestmanner，I
　　begantoeatanddrinkveryheartily;andthroughtheeffectsofthemountainwine，asIcalledit，wasverycheerful，andbegantosingafewversesofasongwhichIhadlearnedwhenIwasaboy：butthenoisesoonalarmedtheeagles，whohadbeenasleep，throughthequantityofliquorwhichtheyhaddrank，andtheyroseseeminglymuchterrified。Happilyforme，however，whenIwasfeedingthemIhadaccidentallyturnedtheirheadstowardsthesouth—east，whichcoursetheypursuedwitharapidmotion。InafewhoursIsawtheWesternIsles，andsoonafterhadtheinexpressiblepleasureofseeingOldEngland。ItooknonoticeoftheseasorislandsoverwhichIpassed。
　　Theeaglesdescendedgraduallyastheydrewneartheshore，intending，asIsupposed，toalightononeoftheWelshmountains;butwhentheycametothedistanceofaboutsixtyyardstwogunswerefiredatthem，loadedwithballs，oneofwhichtookplaceinabladderofliquorthathungtomywaist;theotherenteredthebreastoftheforemosteagle，whofelltotheground，whilethatwhichIrode，havingreceivednoinjury，flewawaywithamazingswiftness。
　　Thiscircumstancealarmedmeexceedingly，andIbegantothinkitwasimpossibleformetoescapewithmylife;butrecoveringalittle，I
　　oncemorelookeddownupontheearth，when，tomyinexpressiblejoy，I
　　sawMargateatalittledistance，andtheeagledescendingontheoldtowerwhenceithadcarriedmeonthemorningofthedaybefore。ItnosoonercamedownthanIthrewmyselfoff，happytofindthatIwasoncemorerestoredtotheworld。Theeagleflewawayinafewminutes，andIsatdowntocomposemyflutteringspirits，whichIdidinafewhours。
　　Isoonpaidavisittomyfriends，andrelatedtheseadventures。
　　Amazementstoodineverycountenance;theircongratulationsonmyreturninginsafetywererepeatedwithanunaffecteddegreeofpleasure，andwepassedtheeveningaswearedoingnow，everypersonpresentpayingthehighestcomplimentstomyCOURAGEandVERACITY。
　　THESECONDVOLUME
　　PREFACE
　　TOTHESECONDVOLUME
　　BaronMunchausenhascertainlybeenproductiveofmuchbenefittotheliteraryworld;thenumbersofegregioustravellershavebeensuch，thattheydemandedaveryGullivertosurpassthem。IfBarondeTottdauntlesslydischargedanenormouspieceofartillery，theBaronMunchausenhasdonemore;hehastakenitandswamwithitacrossthesea。Whentravellersaresolicitoustobetheheroesoftheirownstory，surelytheymustadmittosuperiority，andblushatseeingthemselvesout—donebytherenownedMunchausen：Idoubtwhetheranyonehitherto，Pantagruel，Gargantua，CaptainLemuel，orDeTott，hasbeenabletoout—doourBaroninthisspeciesofexcellence：andasatpresentourcuriosityseemsmuchdirectedtotheinteriorofAfrica，itmustbeedifyingtohavetherealrelationofMunchausen’sadventurestherebeforeanyfurtherintelligencearrives;forheseemstoadapthimselfandhisexploitstothespiritofthetimes，andrecountswhathethinksshouldbemostinterestingtohisauditors。
　　IdonotsaythattheBaron，inthefollowingstories，meansasatireonanypoliticalmatterswhatever。No;butifthereaderunderstandsthemso，Icannothelpit。
　　IftheBaronmeetswithaparcelofnegroshipscarryingwhitesintoslaverytoworkupontheirplantationsinacoldclimate，shouldwethereforeimaginethatheintendsareflectiononthepresenttrafficinhumanflesh？Andthat，ifthenegroesshoulddoso，itwouldbesimplejustice，asretaliationisthelawofGod！Ifweweretothinkthisareflectiononanypresentcommercialorpoliticalmatter，weshouldbetemptedtoimagine，perhaps，somepoliticalideasconveyedineverypage，ineverysentenceofthewhole。WhethersuchthingsareorarenottheintentionsoftheBaronthereadermustjudge。
　　Wehavehadnotonlywonderfultravellersinthisvileworld，butsplenetictravellers，andofthesenotafew，andalsoconspicuousenough。Itisapity，therefore，thattheBaronhasnotendeavouredtosurpassthemalsointhisspeciesofstory—telling。WhoisitcanreadthetravelsofSmellfungus，asSternecallshim，withoutadmiration？
　　TothinkthatapersonfromtheNorthofScotlandshouldtravelthroughsomeofthefinestcountriesinEurope，andfindfaultwitheverythinghemeets——nothingtopleasehim！Andtherefore，methinks，theTourtotheHebridesismoreexcusable，andalsoperhapsMr。
　　Twiss’sTourinIreland。Dr。Johnson，bredintheluxurianceofLondon，withmorereasonshouldbecomecrossandspleneticinthebleakanddrearyregionsoftheHebrides。
　　TheBaron，inthefollowingwork，seemstobesometimesphilosophical;
　　hisaccountofthelanguageoftheinteriorofAfrica，anditsanalogywiththatoftheinhabitantsofthemoon，showhimtobeprofoundlyversedintheetymologicalantiquitiesofnations，andthrownewlightupontheabstrusehistoryoftheancientScythians，andtheCollectanea。
　　HisendeavourtoabolishthecustomofeatinglivefleshintheinteriorofAfrica，asdescribedinBruce’sTravels，istrulyhumane。
　　Butfarbeitfrommetosuppose，thatbyGogandMagogandtheLordMayor’sshowhemeansasatireuponanypersonorbodyofpersonswhatever：or，byatediouslitigatedtrialofblindjudgesanddumbmatronsfollowingawildgoosechaseallroundtheworld，heshouldglanceatanytrialwhatever。
　　Nevertheless，ImustallowthatitwasextremelypresumptuousinMunchausentotellhalfthesovereignsoftheworldthattheywerewrong，andadvisethemwhattheyoughttodo;andthatinsteadoforderingmillionsoftheirsubjectstomassacreoneanother，itwouldbemoretotheirinteresttoemploytheirforcesinconcertforthegeneralgood;asifheknewbetterthantheEmpressofRussia，theGrandVizier，PrincePotemkin，oranyotherbutcherintheworld。ButthatheshouldbearoyalAristocrat，andtakethepartoftheinjuredQueenofFranceinthepresentpoliticaldrama，Iamnotatallsurprised;butIsupposehismindwasfiredbyreadingthepamphletwrittenbyMr。Burke。
　　CHAPTERXXI
　　/TheBaroninsistsontheveracityofhisformerMemoirs——FormsadesignofmakingdiscoveriesintheinteriorpartsofAfrica——HisdiscoursewithHilaroFrosticosaboutit——HisconversationwithLadyFragrantia——TheBarongoes，withotherpersonsofdistinction，toCourt;relatesananecdoteoftheMarquisdeBellecourt。/
　　AllthatIhaverelatedbefore，saidtheBaron，isgospel;andiftherebeanyonesohardyastodenyit，Iamreadytofighthimwithanyweaponhepleases。Yes，criedhe，inamoreelevatedtone，ashestartedfromhisseat，Iwillcondemnhimtoswallowthisdecanter，glassandallperhaps，andfilledwithkerren—wasser[akindofardentspiritdistilledfromcherries，andmuchusedinsomepartsofGermany]。Therefore，mydearfriendsandcompanions，haveconfidenceinwhatIsay，andpayhonourtothetalesofMunchausen。Atravellerhasarighttorelateandembellishhisadventuresashepleases，anditisveryunpolitetorefusethatdeferenceandapplausetheydeserve。
　　HavingpassedsometimeinEnglandsincethecompletionofmyformermemoirs，IatlengthbegantorevolveinmymindwhataprodigiousfieldofdiscoverymustbeintheinteriorpartofAfrica。Icouldnotsleepwiththethoughtsofit;IthereforedeterminedtogaineveryproperassistancefromGovernmenttopenetratethecelebratedsourceoftheNile，andassumetheviceroyshipoftheinteriorkingdomsofAfrica，or，atleast，thegreatrealmofMonomotapa。ItwashappyformethatIhadonemostpowerfulfriendatcourt，whomIshallcalltheillustriousHilaroFrosticos。Youperchanceknowhimnotbythatname;
　　butwehadalanguageamongourselves，aswellwemay，forinthecourseofmyperegrinationsIhaveacquiredpreciselyninehundredandninety—nineleashoflanguages。What！gentlemen，doyoustare？Well，I
　　allowtherearenotsomanylanguagesspokeninthisvileworld;butthen，haveInotbeeninthemoon？andtrustme，wheneverIwriteatreatiseuponeducation，Ishalldelineatemethodsofinculcatingwholedozensoflanguagesatonce，French，Spanish，Greek，Hebrew，Cherokee，&c。，insuchastyleaswillshameallthepedagoguesexisting。
　　HavingpassedawholenightwithoutbeingabletosleepforthevividimaginationofAfricandiscoveries，IhastenedtotheleveeofmyillustriousfriendHilaroFrosticos，andhavingmentionedmyintentionwithallthevigouroffancy，hegravelyconsideredmywords，andaftersomeawfulmeditationsthushespoke：/Olough，magenesat，istumfullanah，cumderakargosbelgarasaheseumbalgobartigostriangulissimus！/However，addedhe，itbehoveththeetoconsiderandponderwellupontheperilsandthemultitudinousdangersinthewayofthatwightwhothusadvancethinalltheperambulationofadventures：andverily，mostvaliantsireandBaron，Ihopethouwiltdemeanthyselfwithallthatlaudablegravityandprecautionwhich，asisrelatedinthethreehundredandforty—seventhchapteroftheProphilactics，isofmoreconsiderationthanallthemeritinthisterraqueousglobe。Yes，mosttrulydoIadvisetheeuntothygood，andspeakuntothee，mostvaliantMunchausen，withthegreatestesteem，andwishtheetosucceedinthyvoyage;foritissaid，thatintheinteriorrealmsofAfricatherearetribesthatcanseebutjustthreeinchesandahalfbeyondtheextremityoftheirnoses;andverilythoushouldestmoderatethyself，evensureandslow;theystumblewhowalkfast。ButweshallbringyouuntotheLadyFragrantia，andhaveheropinionofthematter。Hethentookfromhispocketacapofdignity，suchasdescribedinthemosthonourableandantiqueheraldry，andplacingituponmyhead，addressedmethus：——"Asthouseemestagaintorevivethespiritofancientadventure，permitmetoplaceuponthyheadthisfavour，asamarkoftheesteeminwhichIholdthyvalorousdisposition。"
　　TheLadyFragrantia，mydearfriends，wasoneofthemostdivinecreaturesinallGreatBritain，andwasdesperatelyinlovewithme。
　　Shewasdrawingmyportraituponapieceofwhitesatin，whenthemostnobleHilaroFrosticosadvanced。Hepointedtothecapofdignitywhichhehadplaceduponmyhead。"Idodeclare，Hilaro，"saidthelovelyFragrantia，"’tispretty，’tisinteresting;Iloveyou，andI
　　likeyou，mydearBaron，"saidshe，puttingonanotherplume："thisgivesitanairmoredelicateandmorefantastical。Idothus，mydearMunchausen，asyourfriend，yetyoucanrejectoracceptmypresentjustasyouplease;butIlikethefancy，’tisagoodone，andImeantoimproveit：andagainstwhateverenemiesyougo，Ishallhavethesweetsatisfactiontorememberyoubearmyfavouronyourhead！"
　　Isnatcheditwithtrepidation，andgracefullydroppingonmyknees，I
　　threetimeskisseditwithalltheraptureofromanticlove。"I
　　swear，"criedI，"bythybrighteyes，andbythelovelywhitenessofthinearm，thatnosavage，tyrant，orenemyuponthefaceoftheearthshalldespoilmeofthisfavour，whileonedropofthebloodoftheMunchausensdothcirculateinmyveins！IwillbearittriumphantthroughtherealmsofAfrica，whitherInowintendmycourse，andmakeitrespected，eveninthecourtofPresterJohn。"
　　"Iadmireyourspirit，"repliedshe，"andshallusemyutmostinterestatcourttohaveyoudespatchedwitheverypomp，andassoonaspossible;butherecomesamostbrilliantcompanyindeed，LadyCarolinaWilhelminaAmeliaSkeggs，LordSpigot，andLadyFaucet，andtheCountessofBelleair。"
　　Aftertheceremoniesofintroductiontothiscompanywereover，weproceededtoconsultuponthebusiness;andasthecausemetwithgeneralapplause，itwasimmediatelydeterminedthatIshouldproceedwithoutdelay，assoonasIobtainedthesovereignapprobation。"Iamconvinced，"saidLordSpigot，"thatiftherebeanythingreallyunknownandworthyofourmostardentcuriosity，itmustbeintheimmenseregionsofAfrica;thatcountry，whichseemstobetheoldestontheglobe，andyetwiththegreaterpartofwhichwearealmostutterlyunacquainted;whatprodigiouswealthofgoldanddiamondsmustnotlieconcealedinthosetorridregions，whentheveryriversonthecoastpourforthcontinualspecimensofgoldensand！’Tismyopinion，therefore，thattheBarondeservestheapplauseofallEuropeforhisspirit，andmeritsthemostpowerfulassistanceofthesovereign。"
　　Soflatteringanapprobation，youmaybesure，wasdelightfultomyheart，andwitheveryconfidenceandjoyIsufferedthemtotakemetocourtthatinstant。Aftertheusualceremoniesofintroduction，sufficeittosaythatImetwitheveryhonourandapplausethatmymostsanguineexpectationscoulddemand。Ihadalwaysatasteforthefashionable/jenesaisquoi/ofthemostelegantsociety，andinthepresenceofallthesovereignsofEuropeIeverfoundmyselfquiteathome，andexperiencedfromthewholecourtthemostflatteringesteemandadmiration。Iremember，oneparticularday，thefateoftheunfortunateMarquisdeBellecourt。TheCountessofRassinda，whoaccompaniedhim，lookedmostdivinely。"Yes，Iamconfident，"saidtheMarquisdeBellecourttome，"thatIhaveactedaccordingtothestrictestsentimentsofjusticeandofloyaltytomysovereign。Whatstrongerbreast—platethanaheartuntainted？andthoughIdidnotreceiveawordnoralook，yetIcannotthink——no，itwereimpossibletobemisrepresented。Consciousofmyownintegrity，Iwilltryagain——Iwillgoboldlyup。"TheMarquisdeBellecourtsawtheopportunity;
　　headvancedthreepaces，puthishanduponhisbreastandbowed。
　　"Permitme，"saidhe，"withthemostprofoundrespect，to————。"Histonguefaltered——hecouldscarcelybelievehissight，foratthatmomentthewholecompanyweremovingoutoftheroom。Hefoundhimselfalmostalone，desertedbyeveryone。"What！"saidhe，"anddidheturnuponhisheelwiththemostmarkedcontempt？Wouldhenotspeaktome？
　　Wouldhenotevenhearmeutterawordinmydefence？"Hisheartdiedwithinhim——notevenalook，asmilefromanyone。"Myfriends！Dotheynotknowme？Dotheynotseeme？Alas！theyfeartocatchthecontagionofmy————。Then，"saidhe，"adieu！——’tismorethanIcanbear。Ishallgotomycountryseat，andnever，neverwillreturn。
　　Adieu，fondcourt，adieu！——"
　　ThevenerableMarquisdeBellecourtstoppedforamomentereheenteredhiscarriage。Thricehelookedback，andthricehewipedthestartingtearfromhiseye。"Yes，"saidhe，"foronce，atleast，truthshallbefound——inthebottomofawell！"
　　Peacetothyghost，mostnoblemarquis！aKingofkingsshallpitythee;andthousandswhoareyetunbornshallowetheirhappinesstothee，andhavecausetoblessthethousands，perhaps，thatshallneverevenknowthyname;butMunchausen’sselfshallcelebratethyglory！
　　CHAPTERXXII
　　/PreparationsfortheBaron’sexpeditionintoAfrica——Descriptionofhischariot;thebeautiesofitsinteriordecorations;theanimalsthatdrewit，andthemechanismofthewheels。/
　　Everythingbeingconcluded，andhavingreceivedmyinstructionsforthevoyage，IwasconductedbytheillustriousHilaroFrosticos，theLadyFragrantia，andaprodigiouscrowdofnobility，andplacedsittinguponthesummitofthewhale’sbonesatthepalace;andhavingremainedinthissituationforthreedaysandthreenights，asatrialordeal，andaspecimenofmyperseveranceandresolution，thethirdhouraftermidnighttheyseatedmeinthechariotofQueenMab。Itwasaprodigiousdimension，largeenoughtocontainmorestowagethanthetunofHeidelberg，andglobularlikeahazel—nut：infact，itseemedtobereallyahazel—nutgrowntoamostextravagantdimension，andthatagreatwormofproportionableenormityhadboredaholeintheshell。ThroughthissameentranceIwasushered。Itwasaslargeasacoach—door，andItookmyseatinthecentre，akindofchairself—
　　balancedwithouttouchinganything，likethefanciedtombofMahomet。
　　Thewholeinteriorsurfaceofthenutshellappearedaluminousrepresentationofallthestarsofheaven，thefixedstars，theplanets，andacomet。Thestarswereaslargeasthosewornbyourfirstnobility，andthecomet，excessivelybrilliant，seemedasifyouhadassembledalltheeyesofthebeautifulgirlsinthekingdom，andcombinedthem，likeapeacock’splumage，intotheformofacomet——
　　thatis，aglobe，andabeardedtailtoit，diminishinggraduallytoapoint。Thisbeautifulconstellationseemedverysportiveanddelightful。Itwasmuchintheformofatadpole！and，withoutceasing，went，fullofplayfulgiddiness，upanddown，allovertheheavenontheconcavesurfaceofthenutshell。Onetimeitwouldbeatthatpartoftheheavensundermyfeet，andinthenextminutewouldbeovermyhead。Itwasneveratrest，butforevergoingeast，west，north，orsouth，andpaidnomorerespecttothedifferentworldsthaniftheyweresomanylanternswithoutreflectors。Someofthemhewoulddashagainstandpushoutoftheirplaces;othershewouldburnupandconsumetoashes：andothersagainhewouldsplitintofritters，andtheirfragmentswouldinstantlytakeaglobularform，likespilledquicksilver，andbecomesatellitestowhateverotherworldstheyshouldhappentomeetwithintheircareer。Inshort，thewholeseemedanepitomeofthecreation，past，present，andfuture;
　　andallthatpassesamongthestarsduringonethousandyearswasheregenerallyperformedinasmanyseconds。
　　Isurveyedallthebeautiesofthechariotwithwonderanddelight。
　　"Certainly，"criedI，"thisisheaveninminiature！"Inshort，Itookthereinsinmyhand。ButbeforeIproceedonmyadventures，Ishallmentiontherestofmyattendantfurniture。Thechariotwasdrawnbyateamofninebullsharnessedtoit，threeafterthree。InthefirstrankwasamosttremendousbullnamedJohnMowmowsky;therestwerecalledJacksingeneral，butnotdignifiedbyanyparticulardenomination。Theywereallshodforthejourney，notindeedlikehorses，withiron，orasbullockscommonlyare，todragonacart;butwereshodwithmen’sskulls。Eachoftheirfeetwas，hoofandall，crammedintoaman’shead，cutoffforthepurpose，andfastenedthereinwithakindofcementorpaste，sothattheskullseemedtobeapartofthefootandhoofoftheanimal。Withtheseskull—shoesthecreaturescouldperformastonishingjourneys，andslideuponthewater，orupontheocean，withgreatvelocity。Theharnesseswerefastenedwithgoldenbuckles，anddeckedwithstudsinasuperbstyle，andthecreatureswereriddenbyninepostillions，cricketsofagreatsize，aslargeasmonkeys，whosatsquatupontheheadsofthebulls，andwerecontinuallychirpingatamostinfernalrate，loudinproportiontotheirbodies。
　　Thewheelsofthechariotconsistedofupwardsoftenthousandsprings，formedsoastogivethegreaterimpetuositytothevehicle，andweremorecomplexthanadozenclockslikethatofStrasburgh。Theexternalofthechariotwasadornedwithbanners，andasuperbfestoonoflaurelthatformerlyshadedmeonhorseback。Andnow，havinggivenyouaveryconcisedescriptionofmymachinefortravellingintoAfrica，whichyoumustallowtobefarsuperiortotheapparatusofMonsieurVaillant，Ishallproceedtorelatetheexploitsofmyvoyage。
　　CHAPTERXXIII
　　/TheBaronproceedsonhisvoyage——ConvoysasquadrontoGibraltar——DeclinestheacceptanceoftheislandofCandia——HischariotdamagedbyPompey’sPillarandCleopatra’sNeedle——TheBaronout—
　　doesAlexander——Breakshischariot，andsplitsagreatrockattheCapeofGoodHope。/
　　Takingthereinsinmyhand，whilethemusicgaveageneralsalute，I
　　crackedmywhip，awaytheywent，andinthreehoursIfoundmyselfjustbetweentheIsleofWightandthemainlandofEngland。HereI
　　remainedfourdays，untilIhadreceivedpartofmyaccompaniment，whichIwasorderedtotakeundermyconvoy。’Twasasquadronofmen—
　　of—warthathadbeenalongtimepreparedfortheBaltic，butwhichwerenowdestinedfortheMediterranean。Bytheassistanceoflargehooksandeyes，exactlysuchasareworninourhats，butofagreatersize，somehundredweighteach，themen—of—warhookedthemselvesontothewheelsofthevehicle：and，infact，nothingcouldbemoresimpleorconvenient，becausetheycouldbehookedorunhookedinaninstantwiththeutmostfacility。Inshort，havinggivenageneraldischargeoftheirartillery，andthreecheers，Icrackedmywhip，awaywewent，helterskelter，andinsixjiffiesIfoundmyselfandallmyretinuesafeandingoodspiritsjustattherockofGibraltar。HereI
　　unhookedmysquadron，andhavingtakenanaffectionateleaveoftheofficers，Isufferedthemtoproceedintheirordinarymannertotheplaceoftheirdestination。Thewholegarrisonwerehighlydelightedwiththenoveltyofmyvehicle;andatthepressingsolicitationsofthegovernorandofficersIwentashore，andtookaviewofthatbarrenoldrock，aboutwhichmorepowderhasbeenfiredawaythanwouldpurchasetwiceasmuchfertilegroundinanypartoftheworld！
　　Mountingmychariot，Itookthereins，andagainmadeforward，inmadcareer，downtheMediterraneantotheisleofCandia。HereIreceiveddespatchesfromtheSublimePorte，entreatingmetoassistinthewaragainstRussia，witharewardofthewholeislandofCandiaformyalliance。AtfirstIhesitated，thinkingthattheislandofCandiawouldbeamostvaluableacquisitiontothesovereignwhoatthattimeemployedme，andthatthemostdeliciouswines，sugar，&c。，inabundancewouldflourishontheisland;yet，whenIconsideredthetradeoftheEastIndiaCompany，whichwouldmostprobablysufferbytheintercoursewithPersiathroughtheMediterranean，Iatoncerejectedtheproposal，andhadafterwardsthethanksoftheHonourabletheHouseofCommonsformyproprietyandpoliticaldiscernment。
　　HavingbeenproperlyrefreshedatCandia，Iagainproceeded，andinashorttimearrivedinthelandofEgypt。Thelandofthiscountry，atleastthatpartofitnearthesea，isverylow，sothatIcameuponitereIwasaware，andthePillarofPompeygotentangledinthevariouswheelsofthemachine，anddamagedthewholeconsiderably。
　　StillIdroveonthroughthickandthin，till，passingoverthatgreatobelisk，theNeedleofCleopatra，theworkgotentangledagain，andjoltedatamiserablerateoverthemudandswampygroundofallthatcountry;yetmypoorbullstrottedonwithastonishinglabouracrosstheIsthmusofSuezintotheRedSea，andleftatrack，anobscurechannel，whichhassincebeentakenbyDeTottfortheremainsofacanalcutbysomeofthePtolemiesfromtheRedSeatotheMediterranean;but，asyouperceive，wasinrealitynomorethanthetrackofmychariot，thecarofQueenMab。
　　Astheartistsatpresentinthatcountryarenothingwonderful，thoughtheancientEgyptians，’tissaid，weremostastonishingfellows，Icouldnotprocureanynewcoach—springs，orhaveapossibilityofsettingmymachinetorightsinthekingdomofEgypt;
　　andasIcouldnotpresumetoattemptanotherjourneyoverland，andthegreatmountainsofmarblebeyondthesourceoftheNile，IthoughtitmosteligibletomakethebestwayIcould，bysea，totheCapeofGoodHope，whereIsupposedIshouldgetsomeDutchsmithsandcarpenters，orperhapssomeEnglishartists;andmyvehiclebeingproperlyrepaired，itwasmyintentionthencetoproceed，overland，throughtheheartofAfrica。Thesurfaceofthewater，Iwellknew，affordedlessresistancetothewheelsofthemachine——itpassedalongthewaveslikethechariotofNeptune;andinshort，havinggottenupontheRedSea，wescuddedawaytoadmirationthroughthepassofBabelmandebtothegreatWesterncoastofAfrica，whereAlexanderhadnotthecouragetoventure。
　　Andreally，myfriends，ifAlexanderhadventuredtowardtheCapeofGoodHopehemostprobablywouldhaveneverreturned。ItisdifficulttodeterminewhethertherewerethenanyinhabitantsinthemoresouthernpartsofAfricaornot;yet，atanyrate，thisconqueroroftheworldwouldhavemadebutanonsensicaladventure;hismiserableships，notcontrivedforalongvoyage，wouldhavebecomeleaky，andfoundered，beforehecouldhavedoubledtheCape，andlefthisMajestyfairlybeyondthelimitsofthethenknownworld。YetitwouldhavebeenanaugustexitforanAlexander，afterhavingsubduedPersiaandIndia，tobewanderingtheLordknowswhere，toJuporAmmon，perhaps，oronavoyagetothemoon，asanIndianchiefoncesaidtoCaptainCook。
　　But，formypart，IwasfarmoresuccessfulthanAlexander;Idroveonwiththemostamazingrapidity，andthinkingtohaltonshoreattheCape，Iunfortunatelydrovetooclose，andshatteredtherightsidewheelsofmyvehicleagainsttherock，nowcalledtheTableMountain。
　　Themachinewentagainstitwithsuchimpetuosityascompletelyshiveredtherockinahorizontaldirection;sothatthesummitofthemountain，intheformofasemi—sphere，wasknockedintothesea，andthesteepmountainbecomingtherebyflattenedatthetop，hassincereceivedthenameoftheTableMountain，fromitssimilaritytothatpieceoffurniture。
　　Justasthispartofthemountainwasknockedoff，theghostoftheCape，thattremendousspritewhichcutssuchafigureintheLusiad，wasdiscoveredsittingsquatinanexcavationformedforhiminthecentreofthemountain。Heseemedjustlikeayoungbeeinhislittlecellbeforehecomesforth，orlikeabeaninabean—pod;andwhentheupperpartofthemountainwassplitacrossandknockedoff，thesuperiorhalfofhispersonwasdiscovered。Heappearedofabottle—
　　bluecolour，andstarted，dazzledwiththeunexpectedglareofthelight：hearingthedreadfulrattleofthewheels，andtheloudchirpingofthecrickets，hewasthunder—struck，andinstantlygivingashriek，sunkdowntenthousandfathomsintotheearth，whilethemountain，vomitingoutsomesmoke，silentlyclosedup，andleftnotatracebehind！
　　CHAPTERXXIV
　　/TheBaronsecureshischariot，&c。，attheCapeandtakeshispassageforEnglandinahomeward—boundIndiaman——Wreckeduponanislandofice，nearthecoastofGuinea——Escapesfromthewreck，andrearsavarietyofvegetablesupontheisland——MeetssomevesselsbelongingtothenegroesbringingwhiteslavesfromEurope，inretaliation，toworkupontheirplantationsinacoldclimateneartheSouthPole——ArrivesinEngland，andlaysanaccountofhisexpeditionbeforethePrivyCouncil——Greatpreparationsforanewexpedition——TheSphinx，GogandMagog，andagreatcompanyattendhim——TheideasofHilaroFrosticosrespectingtheinteriorpartsofAfrica。/
　　Iperceivedwithgriefandconsternationthemiscarriageofallmyapparatus;yetIwasnotabsolutelydejected：agreatmindisneverknownbutinadversity。WithpermissionoftheDutchgovernorthechariotwasproperlylaidupinagreatstorehouse，erectedatthewater’sedge，andthebullsreceivedeveryrefreshmentpossibleaftersoterribleavoyage。Well，youmaybesuretheydeservedit，andthereforeeveryattendancewasengagedforthem，untilIshouldreturn。
　　AsitwasnotpossibletodoanythingmoreItookmypassageinahomeward—boundIndiaman，toreturntoLondon，andlaythematterbeforethePrivyCouncil。
　　WemetwithnothingparticularuntilwearriveduponthecoastofGuinea，where，toourutterastonishment，weperceivedagreathill，seeminglyofglass，advancingagainstusintheopensea;theraysofthesunwerereflecteduponitwithsuchsplendour，thatitwasextremelydifficulttogazeatthephenomenon。Iimmediatelyknewittobeanislandofice，andthoughinsoverywarmalatitude，determinedtomakeallpossiblesailfromsuchhorribledanger。Wedidso，butallinvain，forabouteleveno’clockatnight，blowingaveryhardgale，andexceedinglydark，westruckupontheisland。Nothingcouldequalthedistraction，theshrieks，anddespairofthewholecrew，untilI，knowingtherewasnotamomenttobelost，cheereduptheirspirits，andbadethemnotdespond，butdoasIshouldrequestthem。Inafewminutesthevesselwashalffullofwater，andtheenormouscastleoficethatseemedtohemusinoneveryside，insomeplacesfallinginhideousfragmentsuponthedeck，killedonehalfofthecrew;uponwhich，gettinguponthesummitofthemast，Icontrivedtomakeitfasttoagreatpromontoryoftheice，andcallingtotheremainderofthecrewtofollowme，weallescapedfromthewreck，andgotuponthesummitoftheisland。
　　Therisingsunsoongaveusadreadfulprospectofoursituation，andtheloss，orrathericeification，ofthevessel;forbeingclosedinoneverysidewithcastlesoficeduringthenight，shewasabsolutelyfrozenoverandburiedinsuchamannerthatwecouldbeholdherunderourfeet，eveninthecentralsolidityoftheisland。Havingdebatedwhatwasbesttobedone，weimmediatelycutdownthroughtheice，andgotupsomeofthecablesofthevessel，andtheboats，which，makingfasttotheisland，wetoweditwithallourmight，determinedtobringhomeislandandall，orperishintheattempt。Onthesummitoftheislandweplacedwhatoakumanddregsofeverykindofmatterwecouldgetfromthevessel，which，inthespaceofaveryfewhours，onaccountoftheliquefyingoftheice，andthewarmthofthesun，weretransformedintoaveryfinemanure;andasIhadsomeseedsofexoticvegetablesinmypocket，weshortlyhadasufficiencyoffruitsandrootsgrowingupontheislandtosupplythewholecrew，especiallythebread—fruittree，afewplantsofwhichhadbeeninthevessel;andanothertree，whichboreplum—puddingssoveryhot，andwithsuchexquisiteproportionofsugar，fruit，&c。，thatweallacknowledgeditwasnotpossibletotasteanythingofthekindmoredeliciousinEngland：inshort，thoughthescurvyhadmadesuchdreadfulprogressamongthecrewbeforeourstrikingupontheice，thesupplyofvegetables，andespeciallythebread—fruitandpudding—fruit，putanalmostimmediatestoptothedistemper。
　　Wehadnotproceededthusmanyweeks，advancingwithincrediblefatiguebycontinualtowing，whenwefellinwithafleetofNegro—
　　men，astheycallthem。Thesewretches，Imustinformyou，mydearfriends，hadfoundmeanstomakeprizesofthosevesselsfromsomeEuropeansuponthecoastofGuinea，andtastingthesweetsofluxury，hadformedcoloniesinseveralnewdiscoveredislandsneartheSouthPole，wheretheyhadavarietyofplantationsofsuchmattersaswouldonlygrowinthecoldestclimates。AstheblackinhabitantsofGuineawereunsuitedtotheclimateandexcessivecoldofthecountry，theyformedthediabolicalprojectofgettingChristianslavestoworkforthem。ForthispurposetheysentvesselseveryyeartothecoastofScotland，thenorthernpartsofIreland，andWales，andwereevensometimesseenoffthecoastofCornwall。Andhavingpurchased，orentrappedbyfraudorviolence，agreatnumberofmen，women，andchildren，theyproceededwiththeircargoesofhumanfleshtotheotherendoftheworld，andsoldthemtotheirplanters，wheretheywerefloggedintoobedience，andmadetoworklikehorsesalltherestoftheirlives。
　　Mybloodrancoldattheidea，whileeveryoneontheislandalsoexpressedhishorrorthatsuchaniniquitoustrafficshouldbesufferedtoexist。But，exceptbyopenviolence，itwasfoundimpossibletodestroythetrade，onaccountofabarbarousprejudice，entertainedoflatebythenegroes，thatthewhitepeoplehavenosouls！However，weweredeterminedtoattackthem，andsteeringdownourislanduponthem，soonoverwhelmedthem：wesavedasmanyofthewhitepeopleaspossible，butpushedalltheblacksintothewateragain。Thepoorcreatureswesavedfromslaveryweresooverjoyed，thattheyweptaloudthroughgratitude，andweexperiencedeverydelightfulsensationtothinkwhathappinessweshouldshowerupontheirparents，theirbrothersandsistersandchildren，bybringingthemhomesafe，redeemedfromslavery，tothebosomoftheirnativecountry。
　　HavinghappilyarrivedinEngland，Iimmediatelylaidastatementofmyvoyage，&c。，beforethePrivyCouncil，andentreatedanimmediateassistancetotravelintoAfrica，and，ifpossible，refitmyformermachine，andtakeitalongwiththerest。Everythingwasinstantlygrantedtomysatisfaction，andIreceivedorderstogetmyselfreadyfordepartureassoonaspossible。
　　AstheEmperorofChinahadsentamostcuriousanimalasapresenttoEurope，whichwaskeptintheTower，anditbeingofanenormousstature，andcapableofperformingthevoyagewith/éclat/，shewasorderedtoattendme。ShewascalledSphinx，andwasoneofthemosttremendousthoughmagnificentfiguresIeverbeheld。Shewasharnessedwithsuperbtrappingstoalargeflat—bottomedboat，inwhichwasplacedanedificeofwood，exactlyresemblingWestminsterHall。Twoballoonswereplacedoverit，tackledbyanumberofropestotheboat，tokeepupaproperequilibrium，andpreventitfromoverturning，orfilling，fromtheprodigiousweightofthefabric。
　　Theinterioroftheedificewasdecoratedwithseats，intheformofanamphitheatre，andcrammedasfullasitcouldholdwithladiesandlords，asacouncilandretinueforyourhumbleservant。Nearlyinthecentrewasaseatelegantlydecoratedformyself，andoneithersideofmewereplacedthefamousGogandMagoginalltheirpomp。
　　TheLordViscountGosamerbeingourpostillion，wefloatedgallantlydowntheriver，thenobleSphinxgambollinglikethehugeleviathan，andtowingafterhertheboatandballoons。
　　Thusweadvanced，sailinggently，intotheopensea;beingcalmweather，wecouldscarcelyfeelthemotionofthevehicle，andpassedourtimeingranddebateuponthegloriousintentionofourvoyage，andthediscoveriesthatwouldresult。
　　"Iamofopinion，"saidmynoblefriend，HilaroFrosticos，"thatAfricawasoriginallyinhabitedforthegreaterpart，or，Imaysay，subjugatedbylionswhich，nexttoman，seemtobethemostdreadedofallmortaltyrants。Thecountryingeneral——atleast，whatwehavebeenhithertoabletodiscover，seemsratherinimicaltohumanlife;
　　theintolerabledrynessoftheplace，theburningsandsthatoverwhelmwholearmiesandcitiesingeneralruin，andthehideouslifemanyrovinghordesarecompelledtolead，inclinemetothink，thatifeverweformanygreatsettlementstherein，itwillbecomethegraveofourcountrymen。YetitisnearertousthantheEastIndies，andIcannotbutimagine，thatinmanyplaceseveryproductionofChina，andoftheEastandWestIndies，wouldflourish，ifproperlyattendedto。Andasthecountryissoprodigiouslyextensiveandunknown，whatasourceofdiscoverymustnotitcontain！Infact，weknowlessabouttheinteriorofAfricathanwedoofthemoon;forinthislatterwemeasuretheveryprominences，andobservethevarietiesandinequalitiesofthesurfacethroughourglasses——
　　"Forestsandmountainsonherspottedorb。
　　"ButweseenothingintheinteriorofAfrica，butwhatsomecompilersofmapsorgeographersarefancifulenoughtoimagine。Whatahappyevent，therefore，shouldwenotexpectfromavoyageofdiscoveryandcolonisationundertakeninsomagnificentastyleasthepresent！whatapride——whatanacquisitiontophilosophy！"
　　CHAPTERXXV
　　/CountGosamerthrownbySphinxintothesnowonthetopofTeneriffe——GogandMagogconductSphinxfortherestofthevoyage——TheBaronarrivesattheCape，anduniteshisformerchariot，&c。，tohisnewretinue——PassesintoAfrica，proceedingfromtheCapenorthwards——Defeatsahostoflionsbyacuriousstratagem——
　　Travelsthroughanimmensedesert——Hiswholecompany，chariot，&c。，overwhelmedbyawhirlwindofsand——Extricatesthem，andarrivesinafertilecountry。/
　　ThebraveCountGosamer，withapairofhell—firespurson，ridinguponSphinx，directedthewholeretinuetowardstheMadeiras。ButtheCounthadnosmallshareofanamiablevanity，andperceivinggreatmultitudesofpeople，Gascons，&c。，assembledupontheFrenchcoast，hecouldnotrefrainfromshowingsomesingularcapers，suchastheyhadneverseenbefore：butespeciallywhenheobservedallthemembersoftheNationalAssemblyextendthemselvesalongtheshore，asapieceofFrenchpoliteness，tohonourthisexpedition，withRousseau，Voltaire，andBeelzebubattheirhead;hesetspurstoSphinx，andatthesametimecutandcrackedawayashardashecould，holdinginthereinswithallhismight，strivingtomakethecreatureplungeandshowsomeuncommondiversion。Butsulkyandill—temperedwasSphinxatthetime：sheplungedindeed——suchadevilofaplunge，thatshedashedhiminonejerkoverherhead，andhefellprecipitatelyintothewaterbeforeher。ItwasintheBayofBiscay，alltheworldknowsaveryboisteroussea，andSphinx，fearinghewouldbedrowned，neverturnedtotheleftortherightoutofherway，butadvancingfurious，juststoopedherheadalittle，andsuppedthepoorcountoffthewater，intohermouth，togetherwiththequantityoftwoorthreetunsofwater，whichshemusthavetakeninalongwithhim，butwhichwere，tosuchanenormouscreatureasSphinx，nothingmorethanaspoonfulwouldbetoanyofyouorme。Sheswallowedhim，butwhenshehadgothiminherstomach，hislongspurssoscratchedandtickledher，thattheyproducedtheeffectofanemetic。Nosoonerwashein，butouthewassquirtedwiththemosthorribleimpetuosity，likeaballorashellfromthecalibreofamortar。Sphinxwasatthistimequitesea—
　　sick，andtheunfortunatecountwasdrivenforthlikeasky—rocket，andlandeduponthepeakofTeneriffe，plungedoverheadandearsinthesnow——/requiescatinpace！/
　　Iperceivedallthismischieffrommyseatintheark，butwasinsuchaconvulsionoflaughterthatIcouldnotutteranintelligibleword。
　　AndnowSphinx，deprivedofherpostillion，wentoninazigzagdirection，andgambolledawayafteramostdreadfulmanner。Andthushadeverythinggonetowreck，hadInotgiveninstantorderstoGogandMagogtosallyforth。Theyplungedintothewater，andswimmingoneachside，gotatlengthrightbeforetheanimal，andthenseizedthereins。Thustheycontinuedswimmingoneachside，liketritons，holdingthemuzzleofSphinx，whileI，sallyingforthastrideuponthecreature’sback，steeredforwardonourvoyagetotheCapeofGoodHope。
　　ArrivingattheCape，Iimmediatelygaveorderstorepairmyformerchariotandmachines，whichwereveryexpeditiouslyperformedbytheexcellentartistsIhadbroughtwithmefromEurope。Andnoweverythingbeingrefitted，welaunchedforthuponthewater：perhapsthereneverwasanythingseenmoregloriousormoreaugust。’TwasmagnificenttobeholdSphinxmakeherobeisanceonthewater，andthecricketschirpuponthebullsinreturnofthesalute;whileGogandMagog，advancing，tookthereinsofthegreatJohnMowmowsky，andleadingtowardsuschariotandall，instantlydisposedofthemtotheforepartofthearkbyhooksandeyes，andtackledSphinxbeforeallthebulls。Thusthewholehadamosttremendousandtriumphalappearance。InfrontfloatedforwardsthemightySphinx，withGogandMagogoneachside;nextfollowedinorderthebullswithcricketsupontheirheads;andthenadvancedthechariotofQueenMab，containingthecuriousseatandorreryofheaven;afterwhichappearedtheboatandarkofcouncil，overtoppedwithtwoballoons，whichgaveanairofgreaterlightnessandelegancetothewhole。Iplacedinthegalleriesundertheballoons，andonthebacksofthebulls，anumberofexcellentvocalperformers，withmartialmusicofclarionetsandtrumpets。Theysungthe"WateryDangers，"andthe"PompofDeepCerulean！"Thesunshonegloriousonthewaterwhiletheprocessionadvancedtowardtheland，underfivehundredarchesofice，illuminatedwithcolouredlights，andadornedinthemostgrotesqueandfancifulstylewithsea—weed，elegantfestoons，andshellsofeverykind;whileathousandwater—spoutsdancedeternallybeforeandafterus，attractingthewaterfromtheseainakindofcone，andsuddenlyunitingwiththemostfantasticalthunderandlightning。
　　Havinglandedourwholeretinue，weimmediatelybegantoproceedtowardtheheartofAfrica，butfirstthoughtitexpedienttoplaceanumberofwheelsunderthearkforitsgreaterfacilityofadvancing。
　　Wejourneyednearlyduenorthforseveraldays，andmetwithnothingremarkableexcepttheastonishmentofthesavagenativestobeholdourequipage。
　　TheDutchGovernmentattheCape，todothemjustice，gaveuseverypossibleassistancefortheexpedition。IpresumetheyhadreceivedinstructiononthatheadfromtheirHighMightinessesinHolland。
　　However，theypresenteduswithaspecimenofsomeofthemostexcellentoftheirCapewine，andshoweduseverypolitenessintheirpower。Astothefaceofthecountry，asweadvanced，itappearedinmanyplacescapableofeverycultivation，andofabundantfertility。
　　ThenativesandHottentotsofthispartofAfricahavebeenfrequentlydescribedbytravellers，andthereforeitisnotnecessarytosayanymoreaboutthem。ButinthemoreinteriorpartsofAfricatheappearance，manners，andgeniusofthepeoplearetotallydifferent。
　　Wedirectedourcoursebythecompassandthestars，gettingeverydayprodigiousquantitiesofgameinthewoods，andatnightencampingwithinaproperenclosureforfearofthewildbeasts。Onewholedayinparticularweheardoneveryside，amongthehills，thehorribleroaringoflions，resoundingfromrocktorocklikebrokenthunder。Itseemedasiftherewasageneralrendezvousofallthesesavageanimalstofalluponourparty。Thatwholedayweadvancedwithcaution，ourhuntersscarcelyventuringbeyondpistolshotfromthecaravanforfearofdissolution。Atnightweencampedasusual，andthrewupacircularentrenchmentroundourtents。Wehadscarceretiredtoreposewhenwefoundourselvesserenadedbyatleastonethousandlions，approachingequallyoneveryside，andwithinahundredpaces。Ourcattleshowedthemosthorriblesymptomsoffear，alltrembling，andincoldperspiration。Idirectlyorderedthewholecompanytostandtotheirarms，andnottomakeanynoisebyfiringtillIshouldcommandthem。Ithentookalargequantityoftar，whichIhadbroughtwithourcaravanforthatpurpose，andstreweditinacontinuedstreamroundtheencampment，withinwhichcircleoftarI
　　immediatelyplacedanothertrainorcircleofgunpowder，andhavingtakenthisprecaution，Ianxiouslywaitedthelions’approach。Thesedreadfulanimals，knowing，Ipresume，theforceofourtroop，advancedveryslowly，andwithcaution，approachingoneverysideofuswithanequalpace，andgrowlinginhideousconcert，soastoresembleanearthquake，orsomesimilarconvulsionoftheworld。Whentheyhadatlengthadvancedandsteepedalltheirpawsinthetar，theyputtheirnosestoit，smellingitasifitwereblood，anddaubedtheirgreatbushyhairandwhiskerswithitequaltotheirpaws。Atthatveryinstant，when，inconcert，theyweretogivethemortaldartuponus，Idischargedapistolatthetrainofgunpowder，whichinstantlyexplodedoneveryside，madeallthelionsrecoilingeneraluproar，andtaketoflightwiththeutmostprecipitation。Inaninstantwecouldbeholdthemscatteredthroughthewoodsatsomedistance，roaringinagony，andmovingaboutlikesomanyWill—o’—the—Wisps，theirpawsandfacesallonfirefromthetarandthegun—powder。I
　　thenorderedageneralpursuit：wefollowedthemoneverysidethroughthewoods，theirownlightservingasourguide，until，beforetherisingofthesun，wefollowedintotheirfastnessesandshotorotherwisedestroyedeveryoneofthem，andduringthewholeofourjourneyafterweneverheardtheroaringofalion，nordidanywildbeastpresumetomakeanotherattackuponourparty，whichshowstheexcellenceofimmediatepresenceofmind，andtheterrorinspiredintothesavageenemiesbyaproperandwell—timedproceeding。
　　Weatlengtharrivedontheconfinesofanimmeasurabledesert——animmenseplain，extendingoneverysideofuslikeanocean。Notatree，norashrub，norabladeofgrasswastobeseen，butallappearedanextremefinesand，mixedwithgold—dustandlittlesparklingpearls。
　　Thegold—dustandpearlsappearedtousoflittlevalue，becausewecouldhavenoexpectationofreturningtoEnglandforaconsiderabletime。Weobserved，atagreatdistance，somethinglikeasmokearisingjustoverthevergeofthehorizon，andlookingwithourtelescopesweperceivedittobeawhirlwindtearingupthesandandtossingitaboutintheheavenswithfrightfulimpetuosity。Iimmediatelyorderedmycompanytoerectamoundaroundusofagreatsize，whichwedidwithastonishinglabourandperseverance，andthenroofeditoverwithcertainplanksandtimber，whichwehadwithusforthepurpose。Ourlabourwasscarcelyfinishedwhenthesandcamerollinginlikethewavesofthesea;’twasastormandriverofsandunited。Itcontinuedtoadvanceinthesamedirection，withoutintermission，forthreedays，andcompletelycoveredoverthemoundwehaderected，andburiedusallwithin。Theintenseheatoftheplacewasintolerable;butguessing，bythecessationofthenoise，thatthestormwaspassed，wesetaboutdiggingapassagetothelightofdayagain，whichweeffectedinaveryshorttime，andascending，perceivedthatthewholehadbeensocompletelycoveredwiththesand，thatthereappearednohills，butonecontinuedplain，withinequalitiesorridgesonitlikethewavesofthesea。Wesoonextricatedourvehicleandretinuefromtheburningsands，butnotwithoutgreatdanger，astheheatwasveryviolent，andbegantoproceedonourvoyage。Stormsofsandofasimilarnatureseveraltimesattackedus，butbyusingthesameprecautionswepreservedourselvesrepeatedlyfromdestruction。Havingtravelledmorethanninethousandmilesoverthisinhospitableplain，exposedtotheperpendicularraysofaburningsun，withoutevermeetingarivulet，orashowerfromheaventorefreshus，weatlengthbecamealmostdesperate，when，toourinexpressiblejoy，webeheldsomemountainsatagreatdistance，andonournearerapproachobservedthemcoveredwithacarpetofverdureandgrovesandwoods。
　　Nothingcouldappearmoreromanticorbeautifulthantherocksandprecipicesintermingledwithflowersandshrubsofeverykind，andpalm—treesofsuchaprodigioussizeastosurpassanythingeverseeninEurope。Fruitsofallkindsappearedgrowingwildintheutmostabundance，andantelopesandsheepandbuffaloeswanderedaboutthegrovesandvalleysinprofusion。Thetreesresoundedwiththemelodyofbirds，andeverythingdisplayedageneralsceneofruralhappinessandjoy。
　　CHAPTERXXVI
　　/Afeastonlivebullsandkava——TheinhabitantsadmiretheEuropeanadventurers——TheEmperorcomestomeettheBaron，andpayshimgreatcompliments——TheinhabitantsofthecentreofAfricadescendedfromthepeopleofthemoonprovedbyaninscriptioninAfrica，andbytheanalogyoftheirlanguage，whichisalsothesamewiththatoftheancientScythians——TheBaronisdeclaredsovereignoftheinteriorofAfricaonthedeceaseoftheEmperor——Heendeavourstoabolishthecustomofeatinglivebulls，whichexcitesmuchdiscontent——TheadviceofHilaroFrosticosupontheoccasion——TheBaronmakesaspeechtoanAssemblyofthestates，whichonlyexcitesgreatermurmurs——HeconsultswithHilaroFrosticos。/
　　Havingpassedoverthenearestmountainsweenteredadelightfulvale，whereweperceivedamultitudeofpersonsatafeastoflivingbulls，whosefleshtheycutawaywithgreatknives，makingatableofthecreature’scarcase，serenadedbythebellowingoftheunfortunateanimal。Nothingseemedrequisitetoaddtothebarbarityofthisfeastbut/kava/，madeasdescribedinCook’svoyages，andattheconclusionofthefeastweperceivedthembrewingthisliquor，whichtheydrankwiththeutmostavidity。Fromthatmoment，inspiredwithanideaofuniversalbenevolence，Ideterminedtoabolishthecustomofeatinglivefleshanddrinkingofkava。ButIknewthatsuchathingcouldnotbeimmediatelyeffected，whateverinfuturetimemightbeperformed。
　　Havingrestedourselvesduringafewdays，wedeterminedtosetouttowardstheprincipalcityoftheempire。Thesingularityofourappearancewasspokenofalloverthecountryasaphenomenon。ThemultitudelookeduponSphinx，thebulls，thecrickets，theballoons，andthewholecompany，assomethingmorethanterrestrial，butespeciallythethunderofourfire—arms，whichstruckhorrorandamazementintothewholenation。
　　Weatlengtharrivedatthemetropolis，situatedonthebanksofanobleriver，andtheemperor，attendedbyallhiscourt，cameoutingrandprocessiontomeetus。Theemperorappearedmountedonadromedary，royallycaparisoned，withallhisattendantsonfootthroughrespectforhisMajesty。Hewasratherabovethemiddlestatureofthatcountry，fourfeetthreeinchesinheight，withacountenance，likeallhiscountrymen，aswhiteassnow！Hewasprecededbyabandofmostexquisitemusic，accordingtothefashionofthecountry，andhiswholeretinuehaltedwithinaboutfiftypacesofourtroop。Wereturnedthesalutebyadischargeofmusketry，andaflourishofourtrumpetsandmartialmusic。Icommandedourcaravantohalt，anddismounting，advanceduncovered，withonlytwoattendants，towardshisMajesty。Theemperorwasequallypolite，anddescendingfromhisdromedary，advancedtomeetme。"Iamhappy，"saidhe，"tohavethehonourtoreceivesoillustriousatraveller，andassureyouthateverythinginmyempireshallbeatyourdisposal。"
　　IthankedhisMajestyforhispoliteness，andexpressedhowhappyI
　　wastomeetsopolishedandrefinedapeopleinthecentreofAfrica，andthatIhopedtoshowmyselfandcompanygratefulforhisesteem，byintroducingtheartsandsciencesofEuropeamongthepeople。
　　Iimmediatelyperceivedthetruedescentofthispeople，whichdoesnotappearofterrestrialorigin，butdescendedfromsomeoftheinhabitantsofthemoon，becausetheprincipallanguagespokenthere，andinthecentreofAfrica，isverynearlythesame。Theiralphabetandmethodofwritingareprettymuchthesame，andshowtheextremeantiquityofthispeople，andtheirexaltedorigin。Iheregiveyouaspecimenoftheirwriting[/VideOtrckocsusdeOrig。Hung。/p。46]：——
　　Stregnah，dnaskoohtop。
　　ThesecharactersIhavesubmittedtotheinspectionofacelebratedantiquarian，anditwillbeprovedtothesatisfactionofeveryone，inhisnextvolume，whatanimmediateintercoursetheremusthavebeenbetweentheinhabitantsofthemoonandtheancientScythians，whichScythiansdidnotbyanymeansinhabitapartofRussia，butthecentralpartofAfrica，asIcanabundantlyprovetomyverylearnedandlaboriousfriend。Theabovewords，writteninourcharacters，are/Sregnahdnaskoohtop/;thatis，TheScythiansareofheavenlyorigin。
　　Theword/Sregnah/，whichsignifies/Scythians/，iscompoundedof/sreg/or/sre/，whenceourpresentEnglishwordsire，orsir：and/nah/，or/gnah/，knowledge，becausetheScythiansunitedtheessentialsofnobilityandlearningtogether：/dna/signifiesheaven，orbelongingtothemoon，from/duna/，whowasancientlyworshippedasgoddessofthatluminary。And/skooh—top/signifiestheoriginorbeginningofanything，from/skoo/，thenameusedinthemoonforapointingeometry，and/top/or/htop/，vegetation。ThesewordsareinscribedatthisdayuponapyramidinthecentreofAfrica，nearlyatthesourceoftheriverNiger;andifanyonerefuseshisassent，hemaygotheretobeconvinced。
　　Theemperorconductedmetohiscourtamidsttheadmirationofhiscourtiers，andpaiduseverypossiblepolitenessthatAfricanmagnificencecouldbestow。Heneverpresumedtoproceedonanyexpeditionwithoutconsultingus，andlookinguponusasaspeciesofsuperiorbeings，paidthegreatestrespecttoouropinions。HefrequentlyaskedmeaboutthestatesofEurope，andthekingdomofGreatBritain，andappearedlostinadmirationattheaccountIgavehimofourshipping，andtheimmensityoftheocean。WetaughthimtoregulatethegovernmentnearlyonthesameplanwiththeBritishconstitution，andtoinstituteaparliamentanddegreesofnobility。
　　Hismajestywasthelastofhisroyalline，andonhisdecease，withtheunanimousconsentofthepeople，mademeheirtothewholeempire。
　　Thenobilityandchiefsofthecountryimmediatelywaiteduponmewithpetitions，entreatingmetoacceptthegovernment。Iconsultedwithmynoblefriends，GogandMagog，&c。，andaftermuchconsultationitwasagreedthatIshouldacceptthegovernment，notasactualandindependentmonarchoftheplace，butasviceroytohisMajestyofEngland。
　　Inowthoughtithightimetodoawaythecustomofeatingoflivefleshanddrinkingofkava，andforthatpurposeusedeverypersuasivemethodtoweanthemajorityofthepeoplefromit。This，tomyastonishment，wasnottakeningoodpartbythenation，andtheylookedwithjealousyatthosestrangerswhowantedtomakeinnovationsamongthem。
　　Nevertheless，Ifeltmuchconcerntothinkthatmyfellow—creaturescouldbecapableofsuchbarbarity。Idideverythingthataheartfraughtwithuniversalbenevolenceandgoodwilltoallmankindcouldbecapableofdesiring。Ifirsttriedeverymethodofpersuasionandincitement。Ididnotharshlyreprovethem，butIinvitedfrequentlywholethousandstodine，afterthefashionofEurope，uponroastedmeat。Alas，’twasallinvain！mygoodnessnearlyexcitedasedition。
　　Theymurmuredamongthemselves，spokeofmyintentions，mywildandambitiousviews，asifI，Oheaven！couldhavehadanypersonalinterestedmotiveinmakingthemlivelikemen，ratherthanlikecrocodilesandtigers。Infine，perceivingthatgentlenesscouldbeofnoavail，wellknowingthatwhencomplaisancecaneffectnothingfromsomespirits，compulsionexcitesrespectandveneration，Iprohibited，underthepainoftheseverestpenalties，thedrinkingofkava，oreatingofliveflesh，forthespaceofninedays，withinthedistrictsofAngalinarandPaphagalna。
　　Butthiscreatedsuchanuniversalabhorrenceanddetestationofmygovernment，thatmyministers，andevenmyself，wereuniversallypasquinadoed;lampoons，satires，ridicule，andinsult，wereshowereduponthenameofMunchausenwhereveritwasmentioned;andinfine，thereneverwasagovernmentsomuchdetested，orwithsuchlittlereason。