Mr. Drybones' "Travels to Sicily," which I had read with great pleasure, induced me to pay a visit to Mount Etna; my voyage to this place was not attended with any circumstances worth relating. One morning early, three or four days after my arrival, I set out from a cottage where I had slept, within six miles of the foot of the mountain, determined4 to explore the internal parts, if I perished in the attempt. After three hours' hard labour I found myself at the top; it was then, and had been for upwards5 of three weeks, raging: its appearance in this state has been so frequently noticed by different travellers, that I will not tire you with descriptions of objects you are already acquainted with. I walked round the edge of the crater6, which appeared to be fifty times at least as capacious as the Devil's Punch-Bowl near Petersfield, on the Portsmouth Road, but not so broad at the bottom, as in that part it resembles the contracted part of a funnel7 more than a punch-bowl. At last, having made up my mind, in I sprang feet foremost; I soon found myself in a warm berth8, and my body bruised9 and burnt in various parts by the red-hot cinders10, which, by their violent ascent11, opposed my descent: however, my weight soon brought me to the bottom, where I found myself in the midst of noise and clamour, mixed with the most horrid12 imprecations; after recovering my senses, and feeling a reduction of my pain, I began to look about me. Guess, gentlemen, my astonishment13, when I found myself in the company of Vulcan and his Cyclops, who had been quarrelling, for the three weeks before mentioned, about the observation of good order and due subordination, and which had occasioned such alarms for that space of time in the world above. However, my arrival restored peace to the whole society, and Vulcan himself did me the honour of applying plasters to my wounds, which healed them immediately; he also placed refreshments14 before me, particularly nectar, and other rich wines, such as the gods and goddesses only aspire16 to. After this repast was over Vulcan ordered Venus to show me every indulgence which my situation required. To describe the apartment, and the couch on which I reposed17, is totally impossible, therefore I will not attempt it; let it suffice to say, it exceeds the power of language to do it justice, or speak of that kind-hearted goddess in any terms equal to her merit.
Vulcan gave me a very concise18 account of Mount Etna: he said it was nothing more than an accumulation of ashes thrown from his forge; that he was frequently obliged to chastise19 his people, at whom, in his passion, he made it a practice to throw red-hot coals at home, which they often parried with great dexterity20, and then threw them up into the world to place them out of his reach, for they never attempted to assault him in return by throwing them back again. "Our quarrels," added he, "last sometimes three or four months, and these appearances of coals or cinders in the world are what I find you mortals call eruptions21." Mount Vesuvius, he assured me, was another of his shops, to which he had a passage three hundred and fifty leagues under the bed of the sea, where similar quarrels produced similar eruptions. I should have continued here as an humble22 attendant upon Madam Venus, but some busy tattlers, who delight in mischief23, whispered a tale in Vulcan's ear, which roused in him a fit of jealousy24 not to be appeased25. Without the least previous notice he took me one morning under his arm, as I was waiting upon Venus, agreeable to custom, and carried me to an apartment I had never before seen, in which there was, to all appearance, a well with a wide mouth: over this he held me at arm's length, and saying, "Ungrateful mortal, return to the world from whence you came," without giving me the least opportunity of reply, dropped me in the centre. I found myself descending26 with an increasing rapidity, till the horror of my mind deprived me of all reflection. I suppose I fell into a trance, from which I was suddenly aroused by plunging27 into a large body of water illuminated28 by the rays of the sun!!
I could, from my infancy29, swim well, and play tricks in the water. I now found myself in paradise, considering the horrors of mind I had just been released from. After looking about me some time, I could discover nothing but an expanse of sea, extending beyond the eye in every direction; I also found it very cold, a different climate from Master Vulcan's shop. At last I observed at some distance a body of amazing magnitude, like a huge rock, approaching me; I soon discovered it to be a piece of floating ice; I swam round it till I found a place where I could ascend30 to the top, which I did, but not without some difficulty. Still I was out of sight of land, and despair returned with double force; however, before night came on I saw a sail, which we approached very fast; when it was within a very small distance I hailed them in German; they answered in Dutch. I then flung myself into the sea, and they threw out a rope, by which I was taken on board. I now inquired where we were, and was informed, in the great Southern Ocean; this opened a discovery which removed all my doubts and difficulties. It was now evident that I had passed from Mount Etna through the centre of the earth to the South Seas: this, gentlemen, was a much shorter cut than going round the world, and which no man has accomplished31, or ever attempted, but myself; however, the next time I perform it I will be much more particular in my observations.
I took some refreshment15, and went to rest. The Dutch are a very rude sort of people; I related the Etna passage to the officers, exactly as I have done to you, and some of them, particularly the Captain, seemed by his grimace32 and half-sentence to doubt my veracity; however, as he had kindly33 taken me on board his vessel34, and was then in the very act of administering to my necessities, I pocketed the affront35.
I now in my turn began to inquire where they were bound? To which they answered, they were in search of new discoveries; "and if," said they, "your story is true, a new passage is really discovered, and we shall not return disappointed." We were now exactly in Captain Cook's first track, and arrived the next morning in Botany Bay. This place I would by no means recommend to the English government as a receptacle for felons36, or place of punishment; it should rather be the reward of merit, nature having most bountifully bestowed38 her best gifts upon it.
We stayed here but three days; the fourth after our departure a most dreadful storm arose, which in a few hours destroyed all our sails, splintered our bowsprit, and brought down our topmast; it fell directly upon the box that enclosed our compass, which, with the compass, was broken to pieces. Every one who has been at sea knows the consequences of such a misfortune: we now were at a loss where to steer39. At length the storm abated40, which was followed by a steady, brisk gale41, that carried us at least forty knots an hour for six months! [we should suppose the Baron has made a little mistake, and substituted months for days] when we began to observe an amazing change in everything about us: our spirits became light, our noses were regaled with the most aromatic42 effluvia imaginable: the sea had also changed its complexion43, and from green became white!! Soon after these wonderful alterations44 we saw land, and not at any great distance an inlet, which we sailed up near sixty leagues, and found it wide and deep, flowing with milk of the most delicious taste. Here we landed, and soon found it was an island consisting of one large cheese: we discovered this by one of the company fainting away as soon as we landed: this man always had an aversion to cheese; when he recovered, he desired the cheese to be taken from under his feet: upon examination we found him perfectly45 right, for the whole island, as before observed, was nothing but a cheese of immense magnitude! Upon this the inhabitants, who are amazingly numerous, principally sustain themselves, and it grows every night in proportion as it is consumed in the day. Here seemed to be plenty of vines, with bunches of large grapes, which, upon being pressed, yielded nothing but milk. We saw the inhabitants running races upon the surface of the milk: they were upright, comely46 figures, nine feet high, have three legs, and but one arm; upon the whole, their form was graceful47, and when they quarrel, they exercise a straight horn, which grows in adults from the centre of their foreheads, with great adroitness48; they did not sink at all, but ran and walked upon the surface of the milk, as we do upon a bowling-green.
Upon this island of cheese grows great plenty of corn, the ears of which produce loaves of bread, ready made, of a round form like mushrooms. We discovered, in our rambles49 over this cheese, seventeen other rivers of milk, and ten of wine.
After thirty-eight days' journey we arrived on the opposite side to that on which we landed: here we found some blue mould, as cheese-eaters call it, from whence spring all kinds of rich fruit; instead of breeding mites51 it produced peaches, nectarines, apricots, and a thousand delicious fruits which we are not acquainted with. In these trees, which are of an amazing size, were plenty of birds' nests; amongst others was a king-fisher's of prodigious52 magnitude; it was at least twice the circumference53 of the dome54 of St. Paul's Church in London. Upon inspection55, this nest was made of huge trees curiously56 joined together; there were, let me see (for I make it a rule always to speak within compass), there were upwards of five hundred eggs in the nest, and each of them was as large as four common hogsheads, or eight barrels, and we could not only see, but hear the young ones chirping57 within. Having, with great fatigue58, cut open one of these eggs, we let out a young one unfeathered, considerably59 larger than twenty full-grown vultures. Just as we had given this youngster his liberty the old kingfisher lighted, and seizing our captain, who had been active in breaking the egg, in one of her claws, flew with him above a mile high, and then let him drop into the sea, but not till she had beaten all his teeth out of his mouth with her wings.
Dutchmen generally swim well: he soon joined us, and we retreated to our ship. On our return we took a different route, and observed many strange objects. We shot two wild oxen, each with one horn, also like the inhabitants, except that it sprouted60 from between the eyes of these animals; we were afterwards concerned at having destroyed them, as we found, by inquiry61, they tamed these creatures, and used them as we do horses, to ride upon and draw their carriages; their flesh, we were informed, is excellent, but useless where people live upon cheese and milk. When we had reached within two days' journey of the ship we observed three men hanging to a tall tree by their heels; upon inquiring the cause of their punishment, I found they had all been travellers, and upon their return home had deceived their friends by describing places they never saw, and relating things that never happened: this gave me no concern, as I have ever confined myself to facts.
As soon as we arrived at the ship we unmoored, and set sail from this extraordinary country, when, to our astonishment, all the trees upon shore, of which there were a great number very tall and large, paid their respects to us twice, bowing to exact time, and immediately recovered their former posture62, which was quite erect63.
By what we could learn of this CHEESE, it was considerably larger than the continent of all Europe!
After sailing three months we knew not where, being still without compass, we arrived in a sea which appeared to be almost black: upon tasting it we found it most excellent wine, and had great difficulty to keep the sailors from getting drunk with it: however, in a few hours we found ourselves surrounded by whales and other animals of an immense magnitude, one of which appeared to be too large for the eye to form a judgment64 of: we did not see him till we were close to him. This monster drew our ship, with all her masts standing65, and sails bent66, by suction into his mouth, between his teeth, which were much larger and taller than the mast of a first-rate man-of-war. After we had been in his mouth some time he opened it pretty wide, took in an immense quantity of water, and floated our vessel, which was at least 500 tons burthen, into his stomach; here we lay as quiet as at anchor in a dead calm. The air, to be sure, was rather warm, and very offensive. We found anchors, cables, boats, and barges67 in abundance, and a considerable number of ships, some laden68 and some not, which this creature had swallowed. Everything was transacted69 by torch-light; no sun, no moon, no planet, to make observations from. We were all generally afloat and aground twice a-day; whenever he drank, it became high water with us; and when he evacuated70, we found ourselves aground; upon a moderate computation, he took in more water at a single draught71 than is generally to be found in the Lake of Geneva, though that is above thirty miles in circumference. On the second day of our confinement72 in these regions of darkness, I ventured at low water, as we called it when the ship was aground, to ramble50 with the Captain, and a few of the other officers, with lights in our hands; we met with people of all nations, to the amount of upwards of ten thousand; they were going to hold a council how to recover their liberty; some of them having lived in this animal's stomach several years; there were several children here who had never seen the world, their mothers having lain in repeatedly in this warm situation. Just as the chairman was going to inform us of the business upon which we were assembled, this plaguy fish, becoming thirsty, drank in his usual manner; the water poured in with such impetuosity, that we were all obliged to retreat to our respective ships immediately, or run the risk of being drowned; some were obliged to swim for it, and with difficulty saved their lives. In a few hours after we were more fortunate, we met again just after the monster had evacuated. I was chosen chairman, and the first thing I did was to propose splicing73 two main-masts together, and the next time he opened his mouth to be ready to wedge them in, so as to prevent his shutting it. It was unanimously approved. One hundred stout74 men were chosen upon this service. We had scarcely got our masts properly prepared when an opportunity offered; the monster opened his mouth, immediately the top of the mast was placed against the roof, and the other end pierced his tongue, which effectually prevented him from shutting his mouth. As soon as everything in his stomach was afloat, we manned a few boats, who rowed themselves and us into the world. The daylight, after, as near as we could judge, three months' confinement in total darkness, cheered our spirits surprisingly. When we had all taken our leave of this capacious animal, we mustered75 just a fleet of ninety-five ships, of all nations, who had been in this confined situation.
We left the two masts in his mouth, to prevent others being confined in the same horrid gulf76 of darkness and filth77. Our first object was to learn what part of the world we were in; this we were for some time at a loss to ascertain78: at last I found, from former observations, that we were in the Caspian Sea! which washes part of the country of the Calmuck Tartars. How we came here it was impossible to conceive, as this sea has no communication with any other. One of the inhabitants of the Cheese Island, whom I had brought with me, accounted for it thus:—that the monster in whose stomach we had been so long confined had carried us here through some subterraneous passage; however, we pushed to shore, and I was the first who landed. Just as I put my foot upon the ground a large bear leaped upon me with its fore-paws; I caught one in each hand, and squeezed him till he cried out most lustily; however, in this position I held him till I starved him to death. You may laugh, gentlemen, but this was soon accomplished, as I prevented him licking his paws. From hence I travelled up to St. Petersburg a second time: here an old friend gave me a most excellent pointer, descended79 from the famous bitch before-mentioned, that littered while she was hunting a hare. I had the misfortune to have him shot soon after by a blundering sportsman, who fired at him instead of a covey of partridges which he had just set. Of this creature's skin I have had this waistcoat made (showing his waistcoat), which always leads me involuntarily to game if I walk in the fields in the proper season, and when I come within shot, one of the buttons constantly flies off, and lodges80 upon the spot where the sport is; and as the birds rise, being always primed and cocked, I never miss them. Here are now but three buttons left. I shall have a new set sewed on against the shooting season commences.
When a covey of partridges is disturbed in this manner, by the button falling amongst them, they always rise from the ground in a direct line before each other. I one day, by forgetting to take my ramrod out of my gun, shot it straight through a leash81, as regularly as if the cook had spitted them. I had forgot to put in any shot, and the rod had been made so hot with the powder, that the birds were completely roasted by the time I reached home.
Since my arrival in England I have accomplished what I had very much at heart, viz., providing for the inhabitant of the Cheese Island, whom I had brought with me. My old friend, Sir William Chambers82, who is entirely83 indebted to me for all his ideas of Chinese gardening, by a description of which he has gained such high reputation; I say, gentlemen, in a discourse84 which I had with this gentlemen, he seemed much distressed85 for a contrivance to light the lamps at the new buildings, Somerset House; the common mode with ladders, he observed, was both dirty and inconvenient86. My native of the Cheese Island popped into my head; he was only nine feet high when I first brought him from his own country, but was now increased to ten and a half: I introduced him to Sir William, and he is appointed to that honourable87 office. He is also to carry, under a large cloak, a utensil88 in each coat pocket, instead of those four which Sir William has very properly fixed89 for private purposes in so conspicuous90 a situation, the great quadrangle.
He has also obtained from Mr. PITT the situation of messenger to his Majesty's lords of the bed-chamber, whose principal employment will now be, divulging91 the secrets of the Royal household to their worthy92 Patron.
SUPPLEMENT
Extraordinary flight on the back of an eagle, over France to Gibraltar, South and North America, the Polar Regions, and back to England, within six-and-thirty hours.
About the beginning of his present Majesty's reign93 I had some business with a distant relation who then lived on the Isle94 of Thanet; it was a family dispute, and not likely to be finished soon. I made it a practice during my residence there, the weather being fine, to walk out every morning. After a few of these excursions I observed an object upon a great eminence95 about three miles distant: I extended my walk to it, and found the ruins of an ancient temple: I approached it with admiration96 and astonishment; the traces of grandeur97 and magnificence which yet remained were evident proofs of its former splendour: here I could not help lamenting98 the ravages99 and devastations of time, of which that once noble structure exhibited such a melancholy100 proof. I walked round it several times, meditating101 on the fleeting102 and transitory nature of all terrestrial things; on the eastern end were the remains103 of a lofty tower, near forty feet high, overgrown with ivy104, the top apparently105 flat; I surveyed it on every side very minutely, thinking that if I could gain its summit I should enjoy the most delightful106 prospect107 of the circumjacent country. Animated108 with this hope, I resolved, if possible, to gain the summit, which I at length effected by means of the ivy, though not without great difficulty and danger; the top I found covered with this evergreen109, except a large chasm110 in the middle. After I had surveyed with pleasing wonder the beauties of art and nature that conspired111 to enrich the scene, curiosity prompted me to sound the opening in the middle, in order to ascertain its depth, as I entertained a suspicion that it might probably communicate with some unexplored subterranean112 cavern113 in the hill; but having no line I was at a loss how to proceed. After revolving114 the matter in my thoughts for some time, I resolved to drop a stone down and listen to the echo: having found one that answered my purpose I placed myself over the hole, with one foot on each side, and stooping down to listen, I dropped the stone, which I had no sooner done than I heard a rustling115 below, and suddenly a monstrous116 eagle put up its head right opposite my face, and rising up with irresistible117 force, carried me away seated on its shoulders: I instantly grasped it round the neck, which was large enough to fill my arms, and its wings, when extended, were ten yards from one extremity118 to the other. As it rose with a regular ascent, my seat was perfectly easy, and I enjoyed the prospect below with inexpressible pleasure. It hovered119 over Margate for some time, was seen by several people, and many shots were fired at it; one ball hit the heel of my shoe, but did me no injury. It then directed its course to Dover cliff, where it alighted, and I thought of dismounting, but was prevented by a sudden discharge of musketry from a party of marines that were exercising on the beach; the balls flew about my head, and rattled120 on the feathers of the eagle like hail-stones, yet I could not perceive it had received any injury. It instantly reascended and flew over the sea towards Calais, but so very high that the Channel seemed to be no broader than the Thames at London Bridge. In a quarter of an hour I found myself over a thick wood in France, where the eagle descended very rapidly, which caused me to slip down to the back part of its head; but alighting on a large tree, and raising its head, I recovered my seat as before, but saw no possibility of disengaging myself without the danger of being killed by the fall; so I determined to sit fast, thinking it would carry me to the Alps, or some other high mountain, where I could dismount without any danger. After resting a few minutes it took wing, flew several times round the wood, and screamed loud enough to be heard across the English Channel. In a few minutes one of the same species arose out of the wood, and flew directly towards us; it surveyed me with evident marks of displeasure, and came very near me. After flying several times round, they both directed their course to the south-west. I soon observed that the one I rode upon could not keep pace with the other, but inclined towards the earth, on account of my weight; its companion perceiving this, turned round and placed itself in such a position that the other could rest its head on its rump; in this manner they proceeded till noon, when I saw the rock of Gibraltar very distinctly. The day being clear, notwithstanding my degree of elevation121, the earth's surface appeared just like a map, where land, sea, lakes, rivers, mountains, and the like were perfectly distinguishable; and having some knowledge of geography, I was at no loss to determine what part of the globe I was in.
Whilst I was contemplating122 this wonderful prospect a dreadful howling suddenly began all around me, and in a moment I was invested by thousands of small, black, deformed123, frightful124 looking creatures, who pressed me on all sides in such a manner that I could neither move hand or foot: but I had not been in their possession more than ten minutes when I heard the most delightful music that can possibly be imagined, which was suddenly changed into a noise the most awful and tremendous, to which the report of cannon125, or the loudest claps of thunder could bear no more proportion than the gentle zephyrs126 of the evening to the most dreadful hurricane; but the shortness of its duration prevented all those fatal effects which a prolongation of it would certainly have been attended with.
The music commenced, and I saw a great number of the most beautiful little creatures seize the other party, and throw them with great violence into something like a snuff-box, which they shut down, and one threw it away with incredible velocity127; then turning to me, he said they whom he had secured were a party of devils, who had wandered from their proper habitation; and that the vehicle in which they were enclosed would fly with unabating rapidity for ten thousand years, when it would burst of its own accord, and the devils would recover their liberty and faculties128, as at the present moment. He had no sooner finished this relation than the music ceased, and they all disappeared, leaving me in a state of mind bordering on the confines of despair.
When I had recomposed myself a little, and looking before me with inexpressible pleasure, I observed that the eagles were preparing to light on the peak of Teneriffe: they descended on the top of the rock, but seeing no possible means of escape if I dismounted determined me to remain where I was. The eagles sat down seemingly fatigued129, when the heat of the sun soon caused them both to fall asleep, nor did I long resist its fascinating power. In the cool of the evening, when the sun had retired130 below the horizon, I was roused from sleep by the eagle moving under me; and having stretched myself along its back, I sat up, and reassumed my travelling position, when they both took wing, and having placed themselves as before, directed their course to South America. The moon shining bright during the whole night, I had a fine view of all the islands in those seas.
About the break of day we reached the great continent of America, that part called Terra Firma, and descended on the top of a very high mountain. At this time the moon, far distant in the west, and obscured by dark clouds, but just afforded light sufficient for me to discover a kind of shrubbery all around, bearing fruit something like cabbages, which the eagles began to feed on very eagerly. I endeavoured to discover my situation, but fogs and passing clouds involved me in the thickest darkness, and what rendered the scene still more shocking was the tremendous howling of wild beasts, some of which appeared to be very near: however, I determined to keep my seat, imagining that the eagle would carry me away if any of them should make a hostile attempt. When daylight began to appear, I thought of examining the fruit which I had seen the eagles eat, and as some was hanging which I could easily come at, I took out my knife and cut a slice; but how great was my surprise to see that it had all the appearance of roast beef regularly mixed, both fat and lean! I tasted it, and found it well flavoured and delicious, then cut several large slices and put in my pocket, where I found a crust of bread which I had brought from Margate; took it out, and found three musket-balls that had been lodged131 in it on Dover cliff. I extracted them, and cutting a few slices more, made a hearty132 meal of bread and cold beef fruit. I then cut down two of the largest that grew near me, and tying them together with one of my garters, hung them over the eagle's neck for another occasion, filling my pockets at the same time. While I was settling these affairs I observed a large fruit like an inflated133 bladder, which I wished to try an experiment upon: and striking my knife into one of them, a fine pure liquor like Hollands gin rushed out, which the eagles observing, eagerly drank up from the ground. I cut down the bladder as fast as I could, and saved about half a pint134 in the bottom of it, which I tasted, and could not distinguish it from the best mountain wine. I drank it all, and found myself greatly refreshed. By this time the eagles began to stagger against the shrubs135. I endeavoured to keep my seat, but was soon thrown to some distance among the bushes. In attempting to rise I put my hand upon a large hedgehog, which happened to lie among the grass upon its back: it instantly closed round my hand, so that I found it impossible to shake it off. I struck it several times against the ground without effect; but while I was thus employed I heard a rustling among the shrubbery, and looking up, I saw a huge animal within three yards of me; I could make no defence, but held out both my hands, when it rushed upon me, and seized that on which the hedgehog was fixed. My hand being soon relieved, I ran to some distance, where I saw the creature suddenly drop down and expire with the hedgehog in its throat. When the danger was past I went to view the eagles, and found them lying on the grass fast asleep, being intoxicated136 with the liquor they had drank. Indeed, I found myself considerably elevated by it, and seeing everything quiet, I began to search for some more, which I soon found; and having cut down two large bladders, about a gallon each, I tied them together, and hung them over the neck of the other eagle, and the two smaller ones I tied with a cord round my own waist. Having secured a good stock of provisions, and perceiving the eagles begin to recover, I again took my seat. In half an hour they arose majestically137 from the place, without taking the least notice of their incumbrance. Each reassumed its former station; and directing their course to the northward138, they crossed the Gulf of Mexico, entered North America, and steered139 directly for the Polar regions, which gave me the finest opportunity of viewing this vast continent that can possibly be imagined.
Before we entered the frigid140 zone the cold began to affect me; but piercing one of my bladders, I took a draught, and found that it could make no impression on me afterwards. Passing over Hudson's Bay, I saw several of the Company's ships lying at anchor, and many tribes of Indians marching with their furs to market.
By this time I was so reconciled to my seat, and become such an expert rider, that I could sit up and look around me; but in general I lay along the eagle's neck, grasping it in my arms, with my hands immersed in its feathers, in order to keep them warm.
In those cold climates I observed that the eagles flew with greater rapidity, in order, I suppose, to keep their blood in circulation. In passing Baffin's Bay I saw several large Greenlandmen to the eastward141, and many surprising mountains of ice in those seas.
While I was surveying these wonders of nature it occurred to me that this was a good opportunity to discover the north-west passage, if any such thing existed, and not only obtain the reward offered by government, but the honour of a discovery pregnant with so many advantages to every European nation. But while my thoughts were absorbed in this pleasing reverie I was alarmed by the first eagle striking its head against a solid transparent142 substance, and in a moment that which I rode experienced the same fate, and both fell down seemingly dead.
Here our lives must inevitably143 have terminated, had not a sense of danger, and the singularity of my situation, inspired me with a degree of skill and dexterity which enabled us to fall near two miles perpendicular144 with as little inconveniency as if we had been let down with a rope: for no sooner did I perceive the eagles strike against a frozen cloud, which is very common near the poles, than (they being close together) I laid myself along the back of the foremost, and took hold of its wings to keep them extended, at the same time stretching out my legs behind to support the wings of the other. This had the desired effect, and we descended very safe on a mountain of ice, which I supposed to be about three miles above the level of the sea.
I dismounted, unloaded the eagles, opened one of the bladders, and administered some of the liquor to each of them, without once considering that the horrors of destruction seemed to have conspired against me. The roaring of waves, crashing of ice, and the howling of bears, conspired to form a scene the most awful and tremendous: but notwithstanding this, my concern for the recovery of the eagles was so great, that I was insensible of the danger to which I was exposed. Having rendered them every assistance in my power, I stood over them in painful anxiety, fully37 sensible that it was only by means of them that I could possibly be delivered from these abodes145 of despair.
But suddenly a monstrous bear began to roar behind me, with a voice like thunder. I turned round, and seeing the creature just ready to devour146 me, having the bladder of liquor in my hands, through fear I squeezed it so hard, that it burst, and the liquor flying in the eyes of the animal, totally deprived it of sight. It instantly turned from me, ran away in a state of distraction147, and soon fell over a precipice148 of ice into the sea, where I saw it no more.
The danger being over, I again turned my attention to the eagles, whom I found in a fair way of recovery, and suspecting that they were faint for want of victuals149, I took one of the beef fruit, cut it into small slices, and presented them with it, which they devoured150 with avidity.
Having given them plenty to eat and drink, and disposed of the remainder of my provision, I took possession of my seat as before. After composing myself, and adjusting everything in the best manner, I began to eat and drink very heartily151; and through the effects of the mountain wine, as I called it, was very cheerful, and began to sing a few verses of a song which I had learned when I was a boy: but the noise soon alarmed the eagles, who had been asleep, through the quantity of liquor which they had drank, and they rose seemingly much terrified. Happily for me, however, when I was feeding them I had accidentally turned their heads towards the south-east, which course they pursued with a rapid motion. In a few hours I saw the Western Isles152, and soon after had the inexpressible pleasure of seeing Old England. I took no notice of the seas or islands over which I passed.
The eagles descended gradually as they drew near the shore, intending, as I supposed, to alight on one of the Welsh mountains; but when they came to the distance of about sixty yards two guns were fired at them, loaded with balls, one of which took place in a bladder of liquor that hung to my waist; the other entered the breast of the foremost eagle, who fell to the ground, while that which I rode, having received no injury, flew away with amazing swiftness.
This circumstance alarmed me exceedingly, and I began to think it was impossible for me to escape with my life; but recovering a little, I once more looked down upon the earth, when, to my inexpressible joy, I saw Margate at a little distance, and the eagle descending on the old tower whence it had carried me on the morning of the day before. It no sooner came down than I threw myself off, happy to find that I was once more restored to the world. The eagle flew away in a few minutes, and I sat down to compose my fluttering spirits, which I did in a few hours.
I soon paid a visit to my friends, and related these adventures. Amazement153 stood in every countenance154; their congratulations on my returning in safety were repeated with an unaffected degree of pleasure, and we passed the evening as we are doing now, every person present paying the highest compliments to my COURAGE and VERACITY.
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baron
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| n.男爵；(商业界等)巨头，大王 | |
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virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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3
veracity
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| n.诚实 | |
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4
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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5
upwards
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| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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6
crater
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| n.火山口，弹坑 | |
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7
funnel
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| n.漏斗；烟囱；v.汇集 | |
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8
berth
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| n.卧铺，停泊地，锚位；v.使停泊 | |
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9
bruised
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| [医]青肿的，瘀紫的 | |
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10
cinders
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| n.煤渣( cinder的名词复数 )；炭渣；煤渣路；煤渣跑道 | |
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11
ascent
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| n.(声望或地位)提高；上升，升高；登高 | |
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12
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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13
astonishment
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| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
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14
refreshments
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| n.点心,便餐;(会议后的)简单茶点招 待 | |
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15
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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16
aspire
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| vi.(to，after)渴望，追求，有志于 | |
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17
reposed
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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18
concise
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| adj.简洁的，简明的 | |
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19
chastise
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| vt.责骂，严惩 | |
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20
dexterity
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| n.(手的)灵巧，灵活 | |
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21
eruptions
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| n.喷发，爆发( eruption的名词复数 ) | |
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22
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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23
mischief
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| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
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24
jealousy
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| n.妒忌，嫉妒，猜忌 | |
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25
appeased
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| 安抚，抚慰( appease的过去式和过去分词 )； 绥靖（满足另一国的要求以避免战争） | |
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26
descending
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| n. 下行 adj. 下降的 | |
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27
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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28
illuminated
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| adj.被照明的；受启迪的 | |
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29
infancy
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| n.婴儿期；幼年期；初期 | |
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30
ascend
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| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
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31
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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32
grimace
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| v.做鬼脸，面部歪扭 | |
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33
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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34
vessel
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| n.船舶；容器，器皿；管，导管，血管 | |
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35
affront
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| n./v.侮辱，触怒 | |
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36
felons
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| n.重罪犯( felon的名词复数 )；瘭疽；甲沟炎；指头脓炎 | |
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37
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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38
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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39
steer
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| vt.驾驶，为…操舵；引导；vi.驾驶 | |
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40
abated
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| 减少( abate的过去式和过去分词 )； 减去； 降价； 撤消（诉讼） | |
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41
gale
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| n.大风，强风，一阵闹声（尤指笑声等） | |
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42
aromatic
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| adj.芳香的，有香味的 | |
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43
complexion
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| n.肤色；情况，局面；气质，性格 | |
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44
alterations
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| n.改动( alteration的名词复数 )；更改；变化；改变 | |
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45
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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46
comely
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| adj.漂亮的，合宜的 | |
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47
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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48
adroitness
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49
rambles
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| （无目的地）漫游( ramble的第三人称单数 )； （喻）漫谈； 扯淡； 长篇大论 | |
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50
ramble
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| v.漫步，漫谈，漫游；n.漫步，闲谈，蔓延 | |
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51
mites
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| n.（尤指令人怜悯的）小孩( mite的名词复数 )；一点点；一文钱；螨 | |
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52
prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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53
circumference
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| n.圆周，周长，圆周线 | |
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54
dome
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| n.圆屋顶，拱顶 | |
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55
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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56
curiously
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| adv.有求知欲地；好问地；奇特地 | |
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57
chirping
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| 鸟叫，虫鸣( chirp的现在分词 ) | |
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58
fatigue
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| n.疲劳，劳累 | |
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59
considerably
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| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
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60
sprouted
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| v.发芽( sprout的过去式和过去分词 )；抽芽；出现；（使）涌现出 | |
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61
inquiry
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| n.打听，询问，调查，查问 | |
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62
posture
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| n.姿势，姿态，心态，态度；v.作出某种姿势 | |
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63
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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64
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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65
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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66
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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67
barges
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| 驳船( barge的名词复数 ) | |
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68
laden
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| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
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69
transacted
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| v.办理（业务等）( transact的过去式和过去分词 )；交易，谈判 | |
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70
evacuated
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| 撤退者的 | |
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71
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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72
confinement
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| n.幽禁，拘留，监禁；分娩；限制，局限 | |
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73
splicing
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| n.编接（绳）；插接；捻接；叠接v.绞接( splice的现在分词 )；捻接（两段绳子）；胶接；粘接（胶片、磁带等） | |
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75
mustered
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|
| v.集合，召集，集结（尤指部队）( muster的过去式和过去分词 )；（自他人处）搜集某事物；聚集；激发 | |
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76
gulf
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| n.海湾；深渊，鸿沟；分歧，隔阂 | |
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77
filth
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| n.肮脏，污物，污秽；淫猥 | |
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78
ascertain
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| vt.发现，确定，查明，弄清 | |
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79
descended
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| a.为...后裔的，出身于...的 | |
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80
lodges
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| v.存放( lodge的第三人称单数 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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81
leash
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| n.牵狗的皮带，束缚；v.用皮带系住 | |
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82
chambers
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| n.房间( chamber的名词复数 )；（议会的）议院；卧室；会议厅 | |
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83
entirely
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| ad.全部地，完整地；完全地，彻底地 | |
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84
discourse
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| n.论文，演说；谈话；话语；vi.讲述，著述 | |
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85
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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86
inconvenient
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| adj.不方便的，令人感到麻烦的 | |
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87
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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88
utensil
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| n.器皿，用具 | |
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89
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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90
conspicuous
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|
| adj.明眼的，惹人注目的；炫耀的，摆阔气的 | |
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91
divulging
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| v.吐露，泄露( divulge的现在分词 ) | |
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92
worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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93
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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94
isle
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| n.小岛，岛 | |
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95
eminence
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| n.卓越，显赫；高地，高处；名家 | |
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96
admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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97
grandeur
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| n.伟大，崇高，宏伟，庄严，豪华 | |
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98
lamenting
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| adj.悲伤的，悲哀的v.（为…）哀悼，痛哭，悲伤( lament的现在分词 ) | |
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99
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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100
melancholy
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| n.忧郁，愁思；adj.令人感伤（沮丧）的，忧郁的 | |
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101
meditating
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| a.沉思的，冥想的 | |
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102
fleeting
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| adj.短暂的，飞逝的 | |
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103
remains
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| n.剩余物，残留物；遗体，遗迹 | |
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104
ivy
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| n.常青藤，常春藤 | |
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105
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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106
delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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107
prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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108
animated
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| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
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109
evergreen
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| n.常青树；adj.四季常青的 | |
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110
chasm
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| n.深坑，断层，裂口，大分岐，利害冲突 | |
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111
conspired
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| 密谋( conspire的过去式和过去分词 )； 搞阴谋； （事件等）巧合； 共同导致 | |
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112
subterranean
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| adj.地下的，地表下的 | |
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113
cavern
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| n.洞穴，大山洞 | |
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114
revolving
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| adj.旋转的，轮转式的；循环的v.（使）旋转( revolve的现在分词 )；细想 | |
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115
rustling
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| n. 瑟瑟声，沙沙声 adj. 发沙沙声的 | |
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116
monstrous
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| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
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117
irresistible
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| adj.非常诱人的，无法拒绝的，无法抗拒的 | |
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118
extremity
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| n.末端，尽头；尽力；终极；极度 | |
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119
hovered
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| 鸟( hover的过去式和过去分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫 | |
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120
rattled
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| 慌乱的，恼火的 | |
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121
elevation
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| n.高度；海拔；高地；上升；提高 | |
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122
contemplating
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| 深思，细想，仔细考虑( contemplate的现在分词 )； 注视，凝视； 考虑接受（发生某事的可能性）； 深思熟虑，沉思，苦思冥想 | |
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123
deformed
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| adj.畸形的；变形的；丑的，破相了的 | |
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124
frightful
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| adj.可怕的；讨厌的 | |
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125
cannon
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| n.大炮，火炮；飞机上的机关炮 | |
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126
zephyrs
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| n.和风，微风( zephyr的名词复数 ) | |
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127
velocity
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| n.速度，速率 | |
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128
faculties
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| n.能力( faculty的名词复数 )；全体教职员；技巧；院 | |
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129
fatigued
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| adj. 疲乏的 | |
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130
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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lodged
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| v.存放( lodge的过去式和过去分词 )；暂住；埋入；（权利、权威等）归属 | |
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132
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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133
inflated
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| adj.（价格）飞涨的；（通货）膨胀的；言过其实的；充了气的v.使充气（于轮胎、气球等）( inflate的过去式和过去分词 )；（使）膨胀；（使）通货膨胀；物价上涨 | |
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134
pint
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| n.品脱 | |
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135
shrubs
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| 灌木( shrub的名词复数 ) | |
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136
intoxicated
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| 喝醉的，极其兴奋的 | |
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137
majestically
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| 雄伟地； 庄重地； 威严地； 崇高地 | |
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138
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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139
steered
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| v.驾驶( steer的过去式和过去分词 )；操纵；控制；引导 | |
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140
frigid
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| adj.寒冷的，凛冽的；冷淡的；拘禁的 | |
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141
eastward
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| adv.向东；adj.向东的；n.东方，东部 | |
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142
transparent
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| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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143
inevitably
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| adv.不可避免地；必然发生地 | |
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144
perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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145
abodes
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| 住所( abode的名词复数 )； 公寓； （在某地的）暂住； 逗留 | |
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146
devour
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| v.吞没；贪婪地注视或谛听，贪读；使着迷 | |
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147
distraction
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| n.精神涣散，精神不集中，消遣，娱乐 | |
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148
precipice
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| n.悬崖，危急的处境 | |
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149
victuals
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| n.食物；食品 | |
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150
devoured
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| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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151
heartily
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| adv.衷心地，诚恳地，十分，很 | |
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152
isles
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| 岛( isle的名词复数 ) | |
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153
amazement
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| n.惊奇，惊讶 | |
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154
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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