ions about the business of the crucifix.

On the 9th day of June, 1709, I arrived at Nangasac, after a very long
and troublesome journey. I soon fell into the company of some Dutch
sailors belonging to the Amboyna, of Amsterdam, a stout ship of 450 tons.
I had lived long in Holland, pursuing my studies at Leyden, and I spoke
Dutch well. The seamen soon knew whence I came last: they were curious
to inquire into my voyages and course of life. I made up a story as
short and probable as I could, but concealed the greatest part. I knew
many persons in Holland. I was able to invent names for my parents, whom
I pretended to be obscure people in the province of Gelderland. I would
have given the captain (one Theodorus Vangrult) what he pleased to ask
for my voyage to Holland; but understanding I was a surgeon, he was
contented to take half the usual rate, on condition that I would serve
him in the way of my calling. Before we took shipping, I was often asked
by some of the crew, whether I had performed the ceremony above
mentioned? I evaded the question by general answers; "that I had
satisfied the Emperor and court in all particulars." However, a
malicious rogue of a skipper went to an officer, and pointing to me, told
him, "I had not yet trampled on the crucifix;" but the other, who had
received instructions to let me pass, gave the rascal twenty strokes on
the shoulders with a bamboo; after which I was no more troubled with such
questions.

Nothing happened worth mentioning in this voyage. We sailed with a fair
wind to the Cape of Good Hope, where we staid only to take in fresh
water. On the 10th of April, 1710, we arrived safe at Amsterdam, having
lost only three men by sickness in the voyage, and a fourth, who fell
from the foremast into the sea, not far from the coast of Guinea. From
Amsterdam I soon after set sail for England, in a small vessel belonging
to that city.

On the 16th of April we put in at the Downs. I landed next morning, and
saw once more my native country, after an absence of five years and six
months complete. I went straight to Redriff, where I arrived the same
day at two in the afternoon, and found my wife and family in good health.

PART IV. A VOYAGE TO THE COUNTRY OF THE HOUYHNHNMS.

CHAPTER I.

The author sets out as captain of a ship. His men conspire against him,
confine him a long time to his cabin, and set him on shore in an unknown
land. He travels u