Page:Travels into Several Remote Nations of the World by Lemuel Gulliver First a Surgeon, and then a Captain of Several Ships.djvu/55

Chap. II

The Emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the Nobility, come to see the Author in his Confinement. The Emperor's Person and Habit described. Learned Men appointed to teach the Author their Language. He gains Favour by his mild Disposition. His Pockets are search'd, and his Sword and Pistols taken from him.

When I found myself on my feet, I looked about me, and must confess I never beheld a more entertaining Prospect. The Countrey round appeared like a continued Garden, and the inclosed Fields, which were generally Forty foot square, resembled so many Beds of Flowers. These Fields were intermingled with Woods of half a Stang, and the tallest Trees, as I could judge, appeared to be Seven foot high. I viewed the Town on my Left hand, which looked like the painted Scene of a City in a Theatre.

The Emperor was already descended from the Tower, and advancing on Horse-back towards me, which had like to have cost him dear; for the Beast, though very well trained, yet wholly unused to such a Sight, which appeared as if a Mountain moved before him, reared up on his hinder Feet: But that Prince, who is an excellent Horseman, kept his Seat, till his Attendants ran in, and held the Bridle, while his Master had time to dismount. When he alighted, he surveyed me round with great admiration, but kept without the length of my Chain. He ordered his Cooks and Butlers, who were already prepared, to give me Victuals and Drink, which they pushed forward in a sort of Vehicles upon Wheels till I could