Page:Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Lemuel Gulliver First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships.djvu/49

CHAP. 1 people below to stand out of the way, crying aloud, Borach Mivola, and when they saw the Vessels in the air, there was an universal shout of Hekinah Degul. I confess I was often tempted, while they were passing backwards and forwards on my body, to seize Forty or Fifty of the first that came in my reach, and dash them against the ground. But the remembrance of what I had felt, which probably might not be the worst they could do, and the Promise of Honour I made them, for so I interpreted my submissive behaviour, soon drove out these Imaginations. Besides, I now consider'd myself as bound by the Laws of Hospitality to a People who had treated me with so much Expence and Magnificence. However, in my thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the Intrepidity of these diminutive Mortals, who durst venture to mount and walk upon my Body, while one of my Hands was at liberty, without trembling at the very sight of so prodigious a Creature as I must appear to them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more demands for Meat, there appeared before me a Person of high Rank from his Imperial Majesty. His Excellency having mounted on the small of my Right Leg, advanced forward up to my Face, with about a Dozen of his Retinue. And, producing his Credentials under the Signet Royal, which he applyed close to mine Eyes, spoke about Ten minutes, without any signs of Anger, but with a kind of determinate Resolution; often pointing forwards, which, as I afterwards found, was towards the Capital City, about Half a mile distant, whither it was agreed by his Majesty in Council that I must be conveyed. I answered in few Words, but to no purpose, and made a sign with my Hand that was loose, putting it to the other (but over his Excellency's Head, for fear of hurting him or his Train) and then to my own Head and Body, to signify that I desired my Liberty. It appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his head by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to shew that I must be carried as a Prisoner. However, he made other Signs to let me understand that I should have Meat and Drink enough, and very good Treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of