was preparing to effect this, ambassadors from four adjacent
countries arrived, and voluntarily acknowledged allegiance to me. I now
possessed so many kingdoms, that I did not deem it worth my trouble to
ascertain the names of these; but included them all under the title of
the Martinianic "dominion."

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XV.

A SUDDEN CHANGE IN THE FORTUNES OF THE AUTHOR.

Having made so many and extraordinary warlike excursions, and added to
our fleet a number of Martinianic ships, we set sail for our own land,
into which we entered with a splendor exceeding the old Roman triumphs.
And really my deeds deserved all possible honors; for what heroic action
could be greater and more glorious than to change a despised nation, a
nation exposed to the insults of its weaker neighbors, to the
acknowledged and respected ruler of the whole subterranean world? What
could be more honorable to a man, than to reinstate the human race in
that dominion, which nature has given to it, over all other animals?

From this time a new period may be reckoned in history; a fifth monarchy
can be added to the glorious roll of splendid empires. To the Assyrian,
Persian, Greek and Roman empires, the Subterranean-Quamatic monarchy,
which unquestionably exceeds them all in magnificence and power, may not
be considered unworthy to be joined. I could not decline, for obvious
reasons, the title of Koble, or great, with which the conquered nations
saluted me.

I was hailed thereafter, by the following titles: "Niels the Great,
Ambassador of the Sun, Emperor in Quama and Mezendore, King of Tanaqui,
Alectoria, Arctonia, the Mezendoric and Martinianic dominions, Grand
Duke of Kispusianania, Ruler of Martinia, etc. etc."

----firmly founded, stood
The mighty empire; the favorite of fortune,
I seemed as firmly fixed; not one, alas!
May be deemed happy 'till his latest hour.

When I had reached this splendid and powerful height, greater than any
man should desire, I became, what men usually become, who are raised
from a simple state to great honor in the world. I forgot my former
condition, and inclined to vanity. Instead of exerting myself to retain
the favor of the people, I proved myself cruel and rigorous to all
classes. My subjects, whom I had formerly endeared by friendly and
polite conduct, I now regarded and treated as slaves. For this course, I
came soon to be despised; the love and