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 been for the wonderful Adventure which we met with.

Our Boat had no sooner struck against the Rock, but it open'd, and discover'd a large and lightsome Apartment: A very uncouth Figure came speedily to the Opening of the Rock, and pull'd us all in, to know what we wanted. As soon as we got safe in, he clos'd the Rock, and told us, in the Language of Quqns, that had he taken us into his Lodging to save us from being drown'd. Before we had given him an Account of our coming thither, he pitch'd upon the old Mathematician to speak for us, expecting that he would declare the Truth. Indeed he related Matters of Fact just as they happen'd; and our Treatment would have been more favourable than it was, had not he ventur'd to explain in his own Terms the Manner of sinking and raising the Boat. Our Host was confounded at this new Doctrine, and took us for Conjurerers [sic]: Upon which he order'd us to be chain'd, to prevent our doing any Mischief, and set a Guard to prevent our drawing Figures, which sat heavier upon the old Man than his Chains.

When we were thus confin'd, I had Leisure to observe the Place we were in, as well as the Behaviour of those that were at work in it; for there were several employed in Spinning, and working at Anvils. The Light which we had, was made by Pieces of stinking Fish, hung up and down; but I could by no Means guess at what they were working. At length I prevail'd upon a gentle Youth, that was set to watch us, to give me an Account of their Manner of working. He told me, that those at the Wheels were spinning Sonnets, Odes, Epigrams, and all the easier Kinds of Poetry. I was surpriz'd at this Relation, till he explain'd to me the Manner of their Spinning. They first took the Letters of their Alphabet, and set them down in all the