Page:A trip to the moon (IA triptomoon00mcde).pdf/94

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

[ 88 ]

fled, till they were tired of destroying them; and then they went to their Store to plunder it.

I promis'd my Assistance; and accordingly, when the Festival was come, I cover'd my Face and Head with a Cap made of strong Bark, only I left Holes in it for my Mouth and Eyes, and placed myself with a Club in my Hand by the Store. The Birds of Prey arriv'd, and after a great Fight went to visit the Store: They did not come all at once, but in small Companies; most of which I destroy'd, though they made what Resistance they could, and the rest fled away. I number'd near an Hundred that I had kill'd, to the great Joy of the Parrots, who spent the Remainder of the Day in praising me for the Victory, and proffering me their Service in any thing they were able to perform. I thank'd them, and promis'd to make use of their Assistance in going to mine own Country; which they, with some Relunctance to part with me, at length consented to:

I first with sharp Flints, and a Knife which I had in my Pocket, cut down as many small Trees, as I, with much Labour and Difficulty, made a pretty large Boat of, not unlike those made use of in the North of Ireland, save that it was not covered with Skins, instead of which I made use of Gum, of which there was great Plenty, with which I daub'd it all over, so that it would keep out the Water, and bear me without Danger. When this was finish'd, I twisted as many Twigs together as serv'd me instead of several Ropes: These I fastened tothe Stem of my Boat, and begg'd of the King, that he would lend me as many of his Subjects as would be able to draw my Boat to the nearest Country that was inhabited by Men.

At length he comply'd, and allow'd us a sufficient Quantity of Provision for our Voyage. We put off early in the Morning, after Abundance ofCeremony