Page:Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Lemuel Gulliver First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships.djvu/50

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10
A Voyage to Lilliput
Part 1

attempting to break my Bonds, but again, when I felt the smart of their Arrows upon my Face and Hands, which were all in Blisters, and many of the Darts still sticking in them, and observing likewise that the number of my Enemies encreased, I gave tokens to let them know that they might do with me what they pleased. Upon this the Hurgo and his Train withdrew with much Civility and chearful Countenances. Soon after I heard a general Shout, with frequent repetitions of the words, Peplom Selan, and I felt great numbers of the people on my Left side relaxing the cords to such a degree, that I was able to turn upon my Right. But before this, they had dawbed my Face and both my Hands with a sort of Ointment very pleasant to the Smell, which in a few minutes removed all the smart of their arrows. These Circumstances, added to the Refreshment I had received by their Victuals and Drink, which were very nourishing, disposed me to sleep. I slept about Eight hours, as I was afterwards assured ; and it was no wonder, for the Physicians, by the Emperor's Order, had mingled a sleepy Potion in the Hogsheads of Wine.

It seems that upon the first moment I was discovered sleeping on the ground after my Landing, the Emperor had early notice of it by an Express, and determined in Council that I should be tyed in the manner I have related (which was done in the Night while I slept), that Plenty of Meat and Drink should be sent me, and a Machine prepared to carry me to the Capital City.

This Resolution perhaps may appear very bold and dangerous, and I am confident would not be imitated by any Prince in Europe on the like occasion; however, in my opinion it was extremely Prudent as well as Generous. For supposing these People had endeavour'd to kill me with their Spears and Arrows while I was asleep, I should certainly have awaked with the first Sense of Smart, which might so far have rouzed my Rage and Strength, as to have enabled me to break the Strings wherewith I was tied ; after