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 spis'd by all Beasts, and by some reputed to be a Conjurer, since there were Beasts that affirm'd themselves to be more virtuous than him, yet were in no likelihood of recovering their human Form. He did not much mind their Aspersions, but employ'd himself chiefly in reclaiming such as he found most tractable. He observ'd that I was one of good natural Parts, and might probably arrive at Knowledge by shorter Methods than had been us'd with his Countrymen. The first Tryal which he made of me, was to make me perfect Master of their Language; and this he effected in a Night's Time, after the manner I shall relate. He took a large and correct Dictionary, and minc'd the Leaves of it; those he put into an Earthen Vessel half full of Water, and cover'd it so close that no Air could come into it; he plac'd the Vessel, with its upper Part parallel to the Horizon, upon a gentle Fire, where he let it remain thirty-nine Minutes. The Air which was inclos'd in the Vessel, being put into a violent Motion by the Heat of the Fire, together with the Motion of the Water, soon reduc'd the minc'd Leaves to a Consistence of Jelly. The Vessel had been cover'd so closely, to hinder any of the Letters from being carried off in Vapours, and that the Air in the upper part of the Vessel might act with the greater Force. He then set it by to cool, before he ventur'd to uncover it; and when it was perfectly cold, gave it to me to eat for Sowins with White-wine and Sugar. This serv'd me for Supper, and I was order'd to sleep as soon as I had taken it; he wou'd not leave me that Night, but watch'd me as I slept, and assur'd me in the Morning, that he was wonderfully delighted to hear me break Wind in my Sleep; sometimes with all the force of Rhetorick, sometimes in the Tone of a Grammarian.

When I awoke, I receiv'd a particular Account of what he had done, and thank'd him with all imaginable Expressions of Gratitude. But I was very desirous to know whether the Mules intended to slit my