Page:A trip to the moon (IA triptomoon00mcde).pdf/73



Was born in Balzil, a City of Poronis, which is a Kingdom in the Northern Parts of the Moon: My Father enjoy'd a moderate Fortune, just sufficient for the Maintenance of a numerous Family; for he had four Sons, and three Daughters. My eldest Brother being the greatest Blockhead of the Family, was made a Merchant: In him was the old Proverb verify'd, that Fools have Fortune; for he became very rich. My second Brother and I were sent to School, and were design'd for a liberal Education. In my tender Years I discover'd the Marks of a comprehensive Mind; and was not a little proud of the Praise and Caresses of my Friends: This Humour so far prevail'd with me, that I thought myself perfectly knowing in many Things, which I was an utter Stranger to. I mightily affected Solitude, and was found often alone in the Fields, when my School-Fellows were assembled in Town at their Diversions. It happen'd one Day, as I was taking my Walk, I was wholly taken up in representing a long Scene of Prosperity to my Imagination, which I hop'd would befal me. So far was I trans ported with these Thoughts, that I had wander'd insensibly into a Wood at a good Distance from my Father's: Night was approaching, and I could not