Page:Surprising adventures, miraculous escapes, and wonderful travels, of the renowned Baron Munchausen.pdf/3

 suspicion that it might probably communicate with some unexplored subterranean cavern in the hill; but having no line, I was at a loss how to proceed. After revolving the matter in my thoughts for some time, I resolved to drop a stone down, and listen to the echo; which I had no sooner done, than I heard a rustling below, and suddenly a monstrous eagle put up its head right opposite my face; and rising up with irresistible 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 extremity to the other. —As it arose with a regular ascent, my seat was perfectly easy, and I enjoyed the prospect below with inexpressible pleasure. —It hovered ever Margate for some time, then directed it 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. It instantly re-ascended, and flew over over the sea towards Calais; but so very high that the Channel 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 slighting 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. —After resting a few minutes, it took wing and proceeded —In three days I saw the rock of Gibralter very distinctly —The day being clear, notwithstanding my degree of elevation,