Chapter IV: Part 4

"As to the second Objection, I anwer, that the Subtlety of the Air I
look upon no Obstacle; for the Air near the Earth, especially in dry
Places, where there are no impure Exhalations, by the intense Heat
of the Sun, it is perhaps as thin, and as much rarified, as the
Ætherial. This I suppose from the Tenuity of the Air on the top of
the Mountain _Tenera_, where 'tis said none can inhabit on that
account. But I have my self flown to the top of this Mountain, and
carry'd with me a wet Spunge, thro' which I drew my Breath for some
time, but by Degrees I became habituated to this Tenuity, and
respired with Ease; nay, after staying there some few Days, I found
the denser Air, on my Descent, caus'd a Difficulty in my
Respiration: From whence I concluded, that, by Degrees, the thinnest
Air may become Natural; and as I felt no Hunger while on the
Mountain, I may suppose the same Air we breathe may also nourish us.
And this is no vain Imagination, for the _Aker_ (that is, Viper) we
see live by the Spirit included in the Air, which is the Principle
of Life in all; but in case I am out in this Conjecture, we may
carry Provisions with us.

"As to the resting our selves, I affirm from the Principles of sound
Philosophy, that when once out of the Reach of the magnetick Power
of the Earth, we shall no longer gravitate, for what we call
Gravity, is no other than Attraction, consequently we may repose our
selves in the Air, if there is Occasion, which I believe there will
not; for as we shall then have no Weight to exhaust the Spirits,
there can be no Need of refreshing them either with Meat or Sleep."

The Minister rose up, and said he was fully satisfied with his Answers; the only Thing gave him Uneasiness, was the Length of Time I said was requisite to make this Journey.

"My Lord, _replied the Projector_, I can't agree that such a Time is
necessary; for being above the Attraction of the Earth, which is the
only laborious Part of our Passage, we may go with an inconceivable
Swiftness, especially when we come within the Attraction of the
Moon, which will certainly be encreas'd by the Weight of Provisions,
which we shall by way of Precaution carry with us, and which will be
no Burthen after we have pass'd the Atmosphere; so that what Weight
a Thousand _Cacklogallinians_ can hardly raise to that Heighth, one
might support, the rest of the Journey."

His Excellency perceiv'd by my Countenance I was not satisfied, and therefore bid me take Heart, he wou'd send a Number of _Palanquins_ with us, and if we found the second Region impervious by Reason of the Cold, we shou'd have the Liberty to return.

The only Talk now in Town was our designed Journey to the Moon, for which a great many of the swiftest Flyers were inlifted with Promises of great Reward. _Palanquins_ were made sharp at each End, to cut the Air; the warmest Mantles and Hoods were made for the Bearers, and the Projector's and my _Palanquin_ were close, and lined with Down.

A Company was erected, Shares sold of the Treasure we were to bring back; and happy was he who could first subscribe. These Subscriptions were sold at 2000 _per Cent._ Advantage, and in less than two Months, the Time spent in preparing for our Journey, I saw at least Five Hundred Lacqueys, who had fallen into the Trade of buying and selling these Subscriptions in their gilt _Palanquins_, and Train of Servants after them. The _Squabbaws_, the _Vultuaquilians_, the Minister, and some of the Grand Council, shared amongst them Fifty Millions of _Spasma_'s, ready Money, for what they sold of this chimerical Treasure.

This open'd my Eyes, and I found I had been very short-sighted, in condemning the Minister for giving Ear to a Project so contrary to Reason: But when I saw the noblest Families, and such whose Ruine was necessary to his own Support, sell their Estates to buy Shares, I look'd upon him as the wisest Minister in the known World; and was lost in Wonder, when I confider'd the Depth of his Designs.

I took the Liberty, once to mention my Astonishment to him, with all the Deference due to his exalted Quality, and with the Praises he justly deserved. He answer'd me, that he fear'd I saw farther than was either convenient, or safe for me, if my Taciturnity did not equal my Penetration. This he spoke in a Tone which gave me Apprehension of Danger; I threw my self at his Feet, and begg'd he would rather kill me, than suspect my Zeal for his Service; that what I had taken the Liberty of saying to his Excellency, I had never the Imprudence to mention to any other; and that I hop'd the Experience he had of me would assure him of my Secrecy. _Learn_, said he, _that Ministers work like Moles, and it's as dangerous to shew them you can enter into their Views, as to attempt their Lives: I have a Confidence in you; but had any other held me the same Discourse, I would have put it out of his Power to have repeated it to a third Person._

The Author begins his Journey to the MOON.

All things necessary being provided, and the _Palanquins_ of Provisions being sent before to join us at the Mountain _Tenera_, I had an Audience of Leave of his Imperial Majesty and his _Squabbaws_; after which, I went to receive my last Instructions from his Excellency. He gave me a Paper, with Orders not to open it, till I was arrived at the Mountain, which was about a Thousand Miles from the City. He having wish'd me a good Journey, said he had given Orders to six lusty _Cacklogallimans_ to obey those I should give them; that he depended on my Fidelity and Prudence, and therefore, as I would find, had reposed a great Trust in me. I made him a suitable Answer, and retired to my Apartment in the Palace, where I found the Projector, who told me we were to set out the next Morning before Day. I asked him, in Case we succeeded in our Journey, and found the Riches we coveted, how we should bring away any Quantity?

"If, _said he_, that happens, we shall, in a second Journey, be
provided with Vehicles, if there is Occasion; but I propose to
extract such a Quantity of the Soul of Gold, which I can infuse into
Lead at our Return, that we may be rich enough to pave the Streets
with that valuable Metal; for a Grain will, infused into Lead, make
an Ounce of pure Gold. Now, if a Penny-weight of the Soul will make
Twenty four Ounces, or Two Pound of Gold, consider what immense
Treasure we may bring back with us, since the _Palanquineers_ can
fly with Five Hundred Weight in a _Palanquin_."

The next Morning we set forward at about Three o' Clock, and reach'd the Mountain in about Forty six Hours. We first refresh'd our selves, and when I was alone, I open'd my Instructions, which ran thus:

As Experience proves you are not to be led by chimerical Notions,
and that your Capacity and Fidelity render you fit to undertake the
most difficult and secret Affairs, his Imperial Majesty thought none
so fit as yourself to be entrusted in the Management of the present
Scheme; which that you may do to his Majesty's Satisfaction, and
your own Interest and Credit, you are to observe the following
Instructions.

"You are to order _Volatilio_, the first Proposer of the Journey now
undertaken, to go to the Top of the Hill a Day before you, and from
thence to acquaint you with the Nature of the Air; and if you find
it practicable, you are to follow him. If you gain the Summit, and
that the Air is too thin for Respiration, you are to descend again,
dispatch an Express to his Majesty, and clap _Volatilio_ in Irons,
then dispatch away one of the six Messengers whom I ordered to
attend you: They, _Volatilio_, and the whole Caravan, are to obey
you, till you have pass'd the Atmosphere, when you and they are to
follow the Directions of _Volatilio_, in what regards the Way only;
but, in Case that you can respire on the Top of the Mountain, order
_Volatilio_ to precede you a Day's Ascent, return the next, and
immediately dispatch a second Messenger with the Account he gives,
and continue on the Mountain for farther Instructions, before you
proceed, should it prove practicable. I need not tell you the
Publick must be amused with Hopes of Success, tho' you have Reason
to despair of it; nor need I even hint to you what Method you ought
to take. I wish you Health, and that your Conduct may answer my
Expectations."

I acted pursuant to these Instructions, and sent _Volatilio_ forward, who reach'd the Top of the Hill; but finding the Air too thin to continue there, without the Help of humected Spunges, he therefore sent those back he carried with him to the mid Space of the Mountain, and an Express to me, by which he informed me what he had done; that he resolved to continue there a natural Day, and then join me where he had sent his Followers, to which Place he desired I would ascend, and defer the dispatching any Express to his Majesty, till he saw me again.

I ascended to the Mid-space, and found a vast Alteration in the Air, which even here was very sensibly rarified.

My Projector came to me at his appointed Time, and told me he did not question the Success of our Enterprize, since he imagined the Air above the second Region rather denser than that near the Earth, and hoped the Cold was not more intense than on the Mountain's Top; and that if this prov'd so, we cou'd breathe and support the Cold with little Difficulty. I answer'd, that it was natural to conclude the Air next the Earth more dense than that above it, as the weightiest always descends the first.

"That Reason, _said he_, is not conclusive, for the Air immediately
encompassing the Earth, is more sensible of its attractive Power,
than that at a greater Distance, as you may be satisfied, in placing
two Pieces of Iron, one near, and the other at a Distance from the
Loadstone; the nearest Piece will be strongly attracted, while that
at a greater Distance is but weakly affected. Now supposing the Air
only of an equal Density thro'out when we have left the Earth,
(which, by the Reflection of Heat from the Mountains, rarifies the
circumambient Air, and renders it more subtle than that above it) we
may respire without Pain; for in less than Six Hours I, by Degrees,
withdrew my Spunge."

I dispatch'd an Express with the Account I had received, and set forward, resolving to wait for further Instructions on the top of the Mountain. I was at a good Distance from the Summit, when I was obliged, by the Thinness of the Air, to have Recourse to my wet Spunge, and was Four and Twenty Hours before I could intirely remove it. The _Cacklogallinians_ found less Difficulty than I in their Respiration, but more in supporting the rigid Cold, especially at Night, when the Damps fell. We staid here Eight Days, that the Subtlety of the Air might become habitual to us.

On the seventh Day, the Messenger return'd with Credentials for _Volatilio_ and my self, to the Potentate in whose Dominions we might happen, and Orders to proceed on our Journey. This Messenger told me, that on the Contents of my Letter being publish'd, the Town was illuminated throughout, and such a Number of Coaches and _Palanquins_ bespoke, that he believed, at our Return, we should find none out of them but the Ostriches. Our Credentials ran thus.

"HIPPOMENE-CONNUFERENTO, Emperor and absolute Monarch of the greatest
Empire in the Terrestrial Globe, Disposer of Kingdoms, Judge of
Kings, Dispenser of Justice, Light of the World, Joy of the Sun,
Darling of Mortals, Scourge of Tyrants, and Refuge of the Distress'd,
to the Puissant Monarch of that Kingdom in the Moon, to which our
Ambassadors shall arrive: Or, To the Mighty and Sole Lord of that
beautiful Planet, sends Greeting.

"Dearly Beloved Brother, and most Mighty Prince, as it has been long
doubted by our Ancestors, as well as by those of our Time, whether
the Moon were, or were not inhabited, We, who have ever encouraged
those who seek the universal Good of Mortals, supposing it possible,
if that Planet were possess'd by such, that an Intercourse between
the two Worlds might be of mutual Advantage to both, have sent our
two Ambassadors, _Volatilio_ and _Probusomo_, to attempt a Passage
to your World, and to assure you, if they succeed, of the great
Desire we have of entertaining with you a reciprocal Friendship, of
giving all possible Demonstrations of our Affection, and to invite
you to send to our World your Ambassadors, with whom we may consult
our common Interest. So recommending ours to your Protection, we
heartily bid you farewell.

"Given at our Court, _&c._"

According to the Orders we receiv'd, _Volatilio_ took his Flight in an oblique Ascent, without a _Palanquin_, but wrapt up as warm as possible, accompanied by two Servants. He parted with great Alacrity, and we soon lost Sight of him. Some Half a Score, in Complaisance, took a Flight of three Hours to see him part of his Way towards his Discovery.

He went off at break of Day, to avoid those Vapours which the Heat of the Sun exhales, and which by Night would have rendered his Passage, he thought, impossible; for he hoped, in a small Space to gain beyond the Heighth they rise to. At the Return of those who convoy'd him, I sent away an Express, to acquaint the Emperor with their Report, which was, That they found no sensible Alteration as to the Rarefaction of the Air, and that the Cold was rather less intense. This News at Court made every one run mad after Shares, which the Proprietors sold at what Rate they pleas'd.

The next Day in the Even, we saw _Volatilio_ on his Return: His first Salutation was,

Courage my Friend, I have pas'd the Atmosphere, and, by Experience,
have found my Conjecture true; for being out of the magnetick Power
of the Earth, we rested in the Air, as on the solid Earth, and in an
Air extreamly temperate, and less subtle than what we breathe.

I sent again this Account to Court, but the Courtiers having no more Shares to sell, gave out, that _Volatilio_ did not return as he promis'd, and it was expected, that I despair'd of the Undertaking, and believ'd him lost.

This was such a Damp to the Town; that Shares fell to Half Value, and none of the Courtiers would buy, sell they cou'd not, having (I mean those let into the Secret) already dispos'd of all by their Agents, tho' they pretended the contrary.

The Express return'd, with private Orders for me to confirm this Report, which I was oblig'd to do, and stay eight Days longer, as the publick Instructions to us both commanded.

This was a great Mortification to _Volatilio_, and, I own, the Report he made had rais'd my Curiosity so much, that I was uneasy at this Delay; but we were to obey, and not to enquire into the Reasons of it.

The Messenger returning, told me, that my last Letter had fallen the Shares to five _per Cent._ under _Par_, nothing but Lamentations eccho'd thro' the Streets, and it was impossible to give an Idea of the Change it had occasion'd. The Letter the Minister sent me order'd me to write him Word, that _Volatilio_ was returned, had found no Obstacles, and that I was preparing to depart. That the Court had bought up a vast Number of Shares, and that he took Care of my Interest in particular; that I need stay for no farther Instructions, but make the best of my Way.

I gave Notice to the Caravan, that we would set forward the next Morning, which we accordingly did, and as near as I could compute, we flew that Day, 180 Miles. What surpriz'd me was, that in less than an Hour and half's Ascent, _Volatilio_, who would not go in his _Palanquin_, folded his Wings, and came to me on Foot, and told me I might get out and stretch my Limbs. My _Palanquineers_ stood still, and confirm'd what he said; and more, that they had not for a Quarter of an Hour past been sensible of my Weight, which had lessen'd by Degrees, so as not to be felt at all.

I left my _Palanquin_, and found what _Volatilio_ had conjectur'd, and his Report verified; for I could with as much Ease lift a _Palanquin_ of Provisions, which did not on Earth weigh less than 500 Weight, as I could on our Globe raise a Feather. The Cold was very much abated, and I found my Spirits rais'd.

I would here have sent back half the _Palanquin_-Bearers, but _Volatilio_ was of Opinion we should keep them a Day longer; for, perhaps, said he, we may send them all (except those which carry you) away; for if the Universal Spirit included in the Air should suffice for our Nourishment, we have no Business with Provisions.

I approv'd his Reason, and we proceeded on, sure of falling first into the Attraction of the Moon, it being the nearest Planet to us.

I shall not detain the Reader with my Observations in this aerial Journey; _Gallileus_, who by his Writings gives me room to believe he had, before me, visited this Planet, whatever were his Reasons for not owning it, having left nothing, which is not mentioned in his _Systema Mundi_.

I observ'd only, which I take Notice of for those who have not read him, that when the Moon has but a small Part of his Body enlighten'd, that the Earth, the other Moon, has a proportionable Part of its Hemisphere visibly darken'd; I mean a Part in proportion to that of the Moon which is enlighten'd; and that both these Moons, of which ours is much the larger, mutually participate the same Light of the Sun, and the same Obscurity of the Eclipses, and mutually assist each other: For when the Moon is in Conjunction with the Sun, and its _pars superior_ receives all the Light, then its inferior Hemisphere is enlighten'd by the Earth's reflecting the Rays of the Sun, otherwise it would be intirely dark; and when those two Planets are in Opposition, then that Part of the Earth which is deprived of the Rays of the Sun, is enlighten'd by a full Moon.

The next Day _Volatilio_ was for sending back the Provisions, but I judg'd it proper not to go forward, but to stay the Space of a natural Day, in the same Situation, because in that time, or in no other in the Journey, we should require Sustenance, and also because their Return would be easier, than if we carried them still forward.

This was agreed to, and none of us finding any Appetite, Weakness, or Sinking of our Spirits, dismiss'd all but those who carried my _Palanquin_, and proceeded forward with an incredible Swiftness.

We were about a Month before we came into the Attraction of the Moon, in all which time none of us had the least Inclination to Sleep or Meat, or found our selves any way fatigued, nor, till we reach'd that Planet, did we close our Eyes; the Attraction was so great, that it was all the Bearers and _Volatilio_ could do to prevent our being dash'd to Pieces on a Mountain; we descended with that inconceivable Swiftness, that I apprehended it impossible, in our Return, to avoid that Misfortune in the World we left; since the Attraction, if its Virtue was augmented in proportion to its Magnitude, must be much stronger.

This Thought made me very uneasy for those who return'd. I spoke of it to _Volatilio_ who bid me apprehend nothing; for, said he, the Magnetick Virtue of the Load-stone is so far from being in Proportion to its Size, that the very large ones have less attractive Power than those which are middling.

When I had recover'd from the Fright, which the Rapidity of our Descent had put me into, I view'd the circumjacent Country with equal Wonder and Delight; Nature seem'd here to have lavish'd all her Favours; on whatsoever Side I turn'd my Eye, the most ravishing Prospect was offer'd to my Sight. The Mountain yielded a gradual Descent to most beautiful Meadows, enamell'd with Cowslips, Roses, Lilies, Jessamines, Carnations, and other fragrant Flowers, unknown to the Inhabitants of our Globe, which were as grateful to the Smell, as entertaining to the Eye. The chrystal Rivulets which smoothly glided thro' these inchanting Meads, seem'd so many Mirrors reflecting the various Beauties of those odoriferous Flowers which adorn'd their Banks. The Mountain, which was of considerable Height, afforded us a great Variety in our Prospect, and the Woods, Pastures, Meads, and small Arms of the Sea, were intermingled with that surprizing Beauty and Order, that they seem'd rather dispos'd by Art, than the Product of Nature; the Earth it self yielded a grateful and enlivening Scent, and is so pure, that it does not sully the Hands. The Cedars, which cloath'd the middle Part of the Summit, were streight, tall, and so large, that seven Men would hardly fathom the Bowl of one; round these twin'd the grateful Honey-suckle, and encircling Vine, whose purple Grapes appearing frequent from among the Leaves of the wide extended Branches, gave an inconceivable Pleasure to the Beholder. The Lily of the Valley, Violet, Tuberose, Pink, Julip and Jonquil, cloath'd their spacious Roots, and the verdant Soil afforded every salutiferous Herb and Plant, whose Vertues diffus'd thro' the ambient Air (without the invenom'd and the griping Fist of the _Cacklogallinian_ Empiricks) Preservatives to the blessed Inhabitants of the Lunar World.

The Heavens here were ever serene; no Thunder-bearing Cloud obscur'd the Sky; the whispering Zephyrs wanton'd in the Leaves, and gently bore along the enchanting Musick of the feather'd Choir: The Sea here knew no Storms, nor threatning Wave, with Mountain swell, menaced the Ships, which safely plough'd the peaceful Bosom of the Deep. _Æolus_ and all his boisterous Sons were banish'd from these happy Seats, and only kindly Breezes fann'd the fragrant Air. In short, all was ravishing, and Nature seem'd here to have given her last Perfection to her Works, and to rejoice in her finish'd Labours.

I found my Spirits so invigorated by the refreshing Odours, of this Paradice, so elated with the Serenity of the Heavens, and the Beauties which every where entertained and rejoiced my Sight, that in Extasy I broke out into this grateful Soliloquy.

O Source of Wisdom, Eternal Light of the Universe! what Adorations
can express the grateful Acknowledgments of thy diffusive Bounty!
Who can contemplate the beauty of thy Works, the Product of thy
single _Fiat_, and not acknowledge thy Omnipotence, Omniscience, and
extensive Goodness! What Tongue can refrain from singing thy Praise!
What Heart so hard, but must be melted into Love! Oh Eternal
Creator, pity my Weakness, and since I cannot speak a Gratitude
adequate to thy Mercies, accept the Fulness of my Heart, too
redundant for Expression.

As I spoke this, in the _Cacklogallinian_ Tongue, _Volatilio_ came up to me, and said,

"Alas! _Probusomo_, how can a finite Being return Praises adequate to
infinite Mercies! Let us return such as we are capable of; let the
Probity of our Lives speak our Gratitude; by our Charity for each
other endeavour to imitate the Divine Goodness, and speak our Love
to him, by that we shew to Mortals, the Work of his Divine Will,
however they may differ from us, and from one another, in their
Species. I am glad I am not deceived in my Opinion of you. I
believed from the Observation I made of your Life in a corrupt and
dissolute Court, that you fear'd the first Being of Beings, and for
that Reason chose you Companion of this hitherto unattempted
Journey; for I expected a Blessing would attend my Undertaking,
while such a one was embark'd with me: For to the Shame of our
Nation, we own a Deity in Words, but deny him in our Actions: We
acknowledge this Divine Being must be pure and just, and that our
Lives (as he must abominate all Impurity and Injustice) ought to be
conformable to his Attributes, wou'd we hope his Favour and
Protection, notwithstanding we act diametrically opposite, as the
most ready Method to procure our Happiness."

Finding our selves press'd by Hunger, we descended the Mountain, at the Foot of which we found a Plantation of Olive Trees, and abundance of Pear, standing Apricock, Nectarn, Peach, Orange, and Lemon Trees, interspers'd. We satisfied our craving Appetites with the Fruit we gather'd, and then getting into my _Palanquin_, _Volatilio_ leading the Way, we went in Search of the Inhabitants. Our Flight was little better than a Soar, that we might with more Advantage view the Country.

After a couple of Hours, he saw a House, but of so great a Height, and so very large, I who was short-sighted in Comparison of the _Cacklogallinians_, took it for a great Hill; I told him my Opinion, but he assured me I was mistaken. We therefore urg'd forward, and I alighted not far from this Palace, for I could term it no other, from the Largeness and Beauty of its Structure. We had been discover'd, as I had reason to believe, some Time, and a Number of People about Thirty, at our alighting, immediately encompass'd me. The gigantick Make of these Inhabitants struck me with a panick Fear, which I also discover'd in the Eyes of the _Cacklogallinians_.

They were of different Statures, from Thirty to an Hundred and Fifty Foot high, as near as I cou'd guess; some of them were near as thick as long, some proportionable, and others shap'd like a Pine, being no thicker than my self, tho' tall of an Hundred Foot.

I resolv'd however to conceal, if possible, the Terror I was in, and coming out of my _Palanquin_, I went to salute the Company, when I observ'd they retired from me in proportion as I advanced, and like a Vapour, or an _Ignis fatuus_, the Air being mov'd by my Motion, drove those which were directly opposite still before me.

I stood still, they did the same; if I was astonish'd at their Make, and at what other things I had observ'd, I was more so, when I saw one of the tallest, dwindle in the Twinkling of an Eye, to a Pigmy, fly into the Air without Wings, and carry off a Giant in each Hand by the Hair of the Head.

They were all differently dress'd at their first Appearance; some like Generals in Armour, some were in Ecclesiastical, and some in Gowns not unlike our Barristers at Law. Some were dress'd as fine as Imagination could make 'em, but with the quickness of Thought, these Dresses were all changed, who was cover'd with Rags one Moment, the next was in Purple, with a Crown on his Head; the Beau in Rags; the Priest assum'd the Air and Dress of a Bully, and the General was turn'd into a demure Figure resembling a _Quaker_.

I was struck dumb with Amazement, and while I was considering with my self what this should mean, I observ'd a Man riding up to us, mounted on a Lion; when he came to the others, I found him of the common Size with the Inhabitants of our Globe; he had on his Head a Crown of Bays, which in an Instant chang'd to a Fool's Cap, and his Lion to an Ass. He drew from his Breast a Rowl like a Quire of Written Paper, which using as a Sword, he set upon the others, and dispers'd them. Some ran over the Sea, as on dry Ground; others flew into the Air, and some sunk into the Earth. Then alighting from his Ass, he opened the Jaws of the Animal, went down his Throat, and they both vanish'd.

After I had recover'd my Fright, I told _Volatilio_, that I fear'd this Planet was inhabited by evil Spirits. He answered, that what we had seen, was sufficient to induce us to believe so. We look'd for the House, which we saw rise into the Air, and vanish in Flame and Smoke, which strengthen'd our Opinion. However, we resolv'd to go forward, when one of the _Palanquineers_ said he saw a House on the left, and People of my Size and Species making towards us.

We determin'd therefore to wait their Arrival, which was in less than a Quarter of an Hour. They accosted me very courteously, as I could gather from their Gestures, tho' they seem'd surprized at the Size of the _Cacklogallinians_. I was not less amaz'd at the Beauty of their Persons, and the Becomingness of their Dress, either of which I can give no just Idea of. Let it suffice, that I seem'd both in my own, and in the Eyes of the _Cacklogallinians_, something of the same Species, but frightfully ugly.

These People are neither a corporeal, nor an aerial Substance, but (I know not how otherwise to express my self) between both. They spoke to me in a Language I did not understand, but the Tone of their Voices, and the Smoothness of their Syllables, were divinely harmonious. I bow'd my Body to the Ground three times, and offer'd my Credentials, which one of them took, but by the shaking of his Head, I found understood nothing of the Contents. _Volatilio_ then address'd himself to them, which made them look on one another, as People who hardly believed their Senses. As I had address'd these _Selenites_ in the _Cacklogallinian_ Language, I had a Mind to try, if speaking in those of the _Europeans_ (for I understood, beside my own, the _French_ and _Spanish_) I should have any better Success. I therefore spoke in _English_, and, to my great Joy, one of the Company answer'd me. He ask'd me, Whether I came from the World? if so, how I durst undertake so perilous a Journey? I told him, I would satisfy his Curiosity in answering all his Questions, but desired he would give me some Time; for I had been so terrified by Phantoms, since my Arrival, that I was hardly capable of Recollection.

While I was speaking, a Man on Horseback ran full speed upon me with a drawn Sabre, to cleave me down; but the _Selenite_ waving his Hand, he soon vanish'd.

"You need, _said he_, apprehend nothing from these Shades; they are
the Souls of the Inhabitants of your World, which being loos'd from
the Body by Sleep, resort here, and for the short Space allotted
them, indulge the Passions which predominate, or undergo the
Misfortunes they fear while they are in your Globe. Look ye, _said
he_, yonder is a Wretch going to the Gallows, and his Soul feels the
same Agony, as if it was a real Sentence to be executed on him. Our
Charity obliges us, when we see those imaginary Ills, to drive the
Soul back to its Body, which we do, by waving our Hand in the Air,
and the agonizing Dreamer wakes. We do also retain them by a Virtue
peculiar to the _Selenites_, and as they sometimes administer a
great deal of Diversion, we do it for our Entertainment, which is
the Reason of those long Naps of two or three Days, nay, of as many
Weeks, which cause the Wonder of your World. The Souls of your
impure Dreamers never reach beyond the middle Region. But we delay
too long inviting you to our Habitations, where you shall have all
possible Care taken of you. But by what Art have you taught Fowls
articulate Sounds? and where could you possibly find them of that
Size?"

I told him they were rational Beings, but that the Story was now too long to tell him; he presented me to the rest of the Company, and, at my Request, the _Cacklogallinians_ were humanly treated, whom otherwise they had look'd upon as overgrown dunghill Fowls. _Volatilio_ did not appear much surpriz'd at this, who had once esteem'd me a Prodigy of Nature. As we walk'd to the House, one of the _Selenites_ address'd me in the _Spanish_ Language, with the known Affiability and Gravity of that Nation.

"Sir, _said he_, I cannot consider you as other, than the bravest and
wisest of all Mortals, who could find the Way to reach our World,
and had the Courage to undertake the Journey; for it's certain, none
cloath'd in Flesh ever (before you) made so bold an Attempt, or at
least succeeded in it: Tho' I have read the Chimera's of _Dominick
Gonzales_. While you stay amongst us, you may depend upon our
treating you with all the Respect answerable to so great Merit, and
in every thing endeavour, as far as the Power we have will permit,
that the Design of your Journey may not be frustrated, which I am
apt to believe, is no other than to extend your Knowledge."

I return'd him many Thanks for his Humanity, but told him I durst not attribute to my self the Character he gave me; that I was a Lover of Truth, and would not, on any Account, disguise the real Motive which sent me on an Undertaking I look'd upon impossible to go thro' with, and which I very unwillingly embark'd in: But since, contrary to my Expectations, Providence has guided me to this Terrestrial Paradice, I should esteem my self extreamly happy, if I might be permitted to ask such Questions as my Curiosity might prompt me to.

He answer'd, that nothing I desir'd to know should be kept from me. We soon reach'd the House, which was regular, neat, and convenient. We all sat down in an inner Hall, and he who spoke _English_, desired I would give an Account, both of the Motives, the Manner, and Accidents of my Journey, which I did as succinctly as possible, interpreting the Credentials, when I gave them.

He was astonish'd at the Account I gave him of the _Cacklogallinians_, and said, if my Account was not back'd with ocular Demonstration, he should take their Story for the Ravings of a distemper'd Brain.

"I find, _said he_, you begin to be drowzy; I would therefore have
you and your rational Fowls (as you call them) repose your selves,
while I in the _Vernacular_ Language, repeat to my Companions the
Wonders I have heard from you."

We were indeed very sleepy, and I was heartily glad of the Proposal, as were also the _Cacklogallinians_, when I mention'd it to them. They, as well as my self, were provided each of them with a Bed, in very handsome and commodious Rooms. These Beds were so very soft, that I seem'd to lye on a Couch of Air. When we awak'd, the _Selenites_ came into my Chamber, and told me it was time to take some Nourishment; that they had provided Corn for my Companions, and desir'd I would sit down to Supper with them, it being their usual time.

"Why, Sir, _said I_, to our _English_ Interpreter, do you sup by
Day-light? You mistake, _said he_, it is now Night; your World to
the Inhabitants of this Hemisphere (which is always turn'd to it,
this Planet moving in an Epicycle) reflects so strong the Sun's
Light, that your Error is excusable. What then, _said I_, do those
of the other Hemisphere for Light? They have it, _said he_, from the
Planets."

I went with them into a Parlour, where, after a Hymn was sung, we sat down to a Table cover'd with Sallets and all sorts of Fruits.

"You must, _said the Selenite_, content your self with what we can
offer you, which is nothing but the spontaneous Products of the
Earth: We cannot invite you to other, since the eating any thing
that has had Life, is look'd upon with Abhorrence, and never known
in this World: But I am satisfied you will easily accommodate
your self to our Diet, since the Taste of our Fruits is much more
exquisite than yours, since they fully satisfy, and never cloy:"

Which I found true by Experience, and I was so far from hankering after Flesh, that even the Thoughts of it were shocking and nauseous to me.

We drank the most delicious Wine, which they press'd from the Grape into their Cups, and which was no way intoxicating. After Supper, the _Selenite_ address'd himself to me in Words to this Effect.

"I have acquainted my Friends here present, who are come to pass some
Days with me, both with the Contents of the _Cacklogallinian_
Emperor's Letter, and the Reasons which mov'd this Prince to desire
an Intercourse between the two Worlds, and we will all of us wait on
you to our Prince's Court, tho' strictly speaking, we neither have,
nor need a Governour; and we pay the distant Respect due to your
Princes to the eldest among us, as he is the nearest to eternal
Happiness. But that I may give you some Idea, both of this World,
and its Inhabitants, you must learn, that Men in yours are endued
with a Soul and an Understanding; the Soul is a material Substance,
and cloathes the Understanding, as the Body does the Soul; at the
Separation of these two, the Body is again resolved into Earth, and
the Soul of the Virtuous is placed in this Planet, till the
Understanding being freed from it by a Separation we may call Death,
tho' not attended with Fear or Agony, it is resolved into our Earth,
and its Principle of Life, the Understanding, returns to the Great
Creator; for till we have here purg'd off what of Humanity remains
attach'd to the Soul, we can never hope to appear before the pure
Eyes of the Deity.

"We are here, _said he_, in a State of Ease and Happiness, tho' no
way comparable to that we expect at our Dissolution, which we as
earnestly long for, as you Mortals carefully avoid it. We forget
nothing that pass'd while we were cloath'd in Flesh, and Inhabitants
of your Globe, and have no other Uneasiness, than what the
Reflection of our Ingratitude to the Eternal Goodness, while in
Life, creates in us, which the Eternal lessens in proportion to our
Repentance, which is here very sincere. This will cease your Wonder
at hearing the Sublunary Languages.

"We have here no Passions to gratify, no Wants to supply, the Roots
of Vice, which under no Denomination is known among us; consequently
no Laws, nor Governours to execute them, are here necessary.

"Had the _Cacklogallinian_ Prince known thus much, he would have been
sensible how vain were his Expectations of getting from us the Gold
he thirsts after: For were we to meet with the purest Veins of that
Metal, by removing only one Turf, not a _Selenite_ would think it
worth his while.

"This is a Place of Peace and Tranquillity, and this World is exactly
adapted to the Temper of its Inhabitants: Nature here is in an
Eternal Calm; we enjoy an everlasting Spring; the Soil yields
nothing noxious, and we can never want the Necessaries of Life,
since every Herb affords a salubrious Repast to the _Selenites_.

"We pass our Days without Labour, without other Anxiety, than what I
mention'd, and the longing Desire we have for our Dissolution, makes
every coming Day encrease our Happiness.

"We have not here, as in your World, Distinction of Sexes; for know,
all Souls are masculine (if I may be allow'd that Term, after what
I've said) however distinguish'd in the Body; and tho' of late Years
the Number of those which change your World for this (especially of
the _European_ Quarter) is very small; yet we do not apprehend our
World will be left unpeopled."

"You say, _replied I_, that none but the virtuous Soul reaches these
blissfull Seats; what then becomes of the Vicious? and how comes it,
that the Soul, when loosed by Sleep, I suppose without Distinction,
retires hither?"

"The Decrees, _said he_, of the Almighty are inscrutable, and you
ask me Questions are not in my Power to resolve you."

"Have not, _said I_, the _Cacklogallinians_ Souls, think you, since
they're endued with Reason?" "If they have, _said he_, they never
are sent hither."

I repeated this Discourse to the _Cacklogallinians_, which made _Volatilio_ extreamly melancholly.

Happy Men! _said he,_ to whose Species the divine Goodness has been
so indulgent! Miserable _Cacklogallinians_! if destin'd, after
bearing the Ills of Life, to Annihilation. Let us, _Probusomo_,
never think of returning, but beg we may be allow'd to end our Days
with these Favourites of Heaven.

I interpreted this to the _Selenite_, who shook his Head, and said it was, he believ'd, impossible. That he did not doubt but Providence would reward the Virtuous of his Species; that his Mercy and Justice were without Bound, which ought to keep him from desponding.

The next Day a great Number of _Selenites_ came to see me, and entertain'd me with abundance of Candour. I seeing no Difference in Dress, nor any Deference paid to any, as distinguish'd by a superior Rank, I took Liberty to ask my _English Selenite_, if all the Inhabitants were upon a Level, and if they had no Servants nor Artificers?

"We have, _said he_, no Distinctions among us; who in your World
begg'd Alms, with us, has the same Respect as he who govern'd a
Province: Tho', to say Truth, we have but few of your sublunary
Quality among us. We have no Occasion for Servants; we are all
Artificers, and none where Help is necessary, but offers his with
Alacrity. For Example, would I build a House, every one here, and
as many more as were wanting, would take a Pleasure to assist me."

He told me, that the next Day they intended to present me to _Abrahijo_, the oldest _Selenite_.

Accordingly, we set out at Sun-rising, and entered a Bark about a League from the House, and having pass'd about four Leagues on a River which ran thro' a Valley beautiful beyond Description, we went ashore within an Hundred Yards _Abrahijo_'s Place of Abode.

When we came in, the venerable old Man, whose compos'd and chearful Countenance spoke the Heaven of his Mind, rose from his Chair, and came to meet us; he was of a great Age, but free from the Infirmities which attend it in our World.

The _English Selenite_ presented me to him with few Words, and he received me with Tenderness.

After he was inform'd of my Story, he spoke to me by our Interpreter, to this Effect.

"My Son, I hope you will reap a solid Advantage from the perilous
Journey you have made, tho' your Expectation of finding Riches among
us is frustrated. All that I have to give you, is my Advice to
return to your World, place your Happiness in nothing transitory;
nor imagine that any Riches, but those which are Eternal, which
neither _Thief can carry away, nor Rust corrupt_, are worthy of your
Pursuit. Keep continually in your Eye the Joys prepared for those
who employ the Talents they are entrusted with, as they ought:
Reflect upon the little Content your World can afford you: Consider
how short is Life, and that you have but little Time to spare for
Trifles, when the grand Business, the securing your eternal Rest,
ought to employ your Mind. You are there in a State of Probation,
and you must there chuse whether you will be happy or miserable; you
will not be put to a second Trial; you sign at once your own
Sentence, and it will stand irrevocable, either for or against you.
Weigh well the Difference between a momentary and imperfect, and an
eternal and solid Happiness, to which the Divine Goodness invites
you; nay, by that Calmness, that Peace of Mind, which attends a
virtuous Life, bribes you to make Choice of, if you desire to be
among us, be your own Friend, and you will be sure to have those
Desires gratify'd. But you must now return, since it was never
known, that gross Flesh and Blood ever before breath'd this Air, and
that your Stay may be fatal to you, and disturb the Tranquillity of
the _Selenites_. This I prophesy, and my Compassion obliges me to
warn you of it."

I made him a profound Reverence, thank'd him for his charitable Admonition, and told him I hoped nothing should win me from the Performance of a Duty which carry'd with it such ineffable Rewards. That if no greater were promised, than those indulged to the _Selenites_, I would refuse no Misery attending the most abject Life, to be enrolled in the Number of the Inhabitants of that happy Region.

"I wish, _replied he_, the false Glare of the World does not hinder
the Execution of these just Resolutions: But that I may give you
what Assistance is in our Power, in hopes of having you among us, we
will shew the World unmask'd; that is, we will detain some time the
Souls of Sleepers, that you may see what Man is, how false, how
vain, in all he acts or wishes. Know, that the Soul loos'd by Sleep,
has the Power to call about it all the Images which it would employ,
can raise imaginary Structures, form Seas, Lands, Fowls, Beasts, or
whatever the rational Faculty is intent upon. You shall now take
some Refreshment, and after that we will both divert and instruct
you."

The Table was spread by himself and the other _Selenites_, the _Cacklogallinians_ and my self invited, and I observ'd it differ'd nothing, either in Quality or Quantity, from that of my _English_ Host.

After a solemn Adoration of the ineffable Creator, each took his Place; having finish'd our Meal, at which a strict Silence was observed, _Abrahijo_ took me by the Hand, and led me into a neighbouring Field, the Beauty of which far excell'd that of the most labour'd and artificial Garden among us.

"Here, _said he_, observe yon Shade; I shall not detain it, that you
may see the Care and Uneasiness attending Riches."

The Shade represented an old withered starv'd Carcass, brooding over Chests of Money. Immediately appeared three ill-look'd Fellows; Want, Despair, and Murder, were lively-pictur'd in their Faces; they were taking out the Iron Bars of the old Man's Window, when all vanish'd of a sudden. I ask'd the Meaning of it; he told me, the Terror the Dream of Thieves put him into, had awaken'd him; and the Minute he slept again, I should see again his Shade. Hardly had _Abrahijo_ done speaking, when I again saw the old Man, with a young well-dress'd Spark standing by him, who paid him great Respect. I heard him say very distinctly,

"Sir, do you think I am made of Money, or can you imagine the
Treasure of a Nation will supply your Extravagance? The Value I have
for you on Account of your Father, who was my good Friend, has made
me tire all my Acquaintance, by borrowing of them to furnish your
Pockets: However, I'll try, if I cannot borrow One Thousand more for
you, tho' I wish your Estate will bear it, and that I don't out of
my Love to you, rashly bring myself into Trouble. You know I am
engaged for all; and if the Mortgage you have given should not be
valid, I am an undone Man. I can't, I protest, raise this Money
under Fifteen _per Cent_, and it's cheap, very cheap, considering
how scarce a Commodity it is grown. It's a Pity so generous a young
Gentleman should be straiten'd. I don't question a Pair of Gloves
for the Trouble I have. I know you too well to insist on't: I am old
and crazy, Coach-hire is very dear, I can't walk, God help me, and
my Circumstances won't afford a Coach. A Couple of Guineas is a
Trifle with you: I'll get you the Thousand Pound, if I can, at
Fifteen _per Cent._ but if my Friend should insist on Twenty (for
Money is very hard to be got with the best Security) must I refuse
it? Yes; I can't suffer you to pay such an exorbitant Premium; it is
too much, too much in Conscience; I can't advise you to it."

The young Gentleman answer'd, he was sensible of his Friendship, and left all to him.

"Well, well, _said the Miser_, come again two Hours hence, I'll see
what's to be done."

He went away, t'other barr'd the Door after him, and falls to rummaging his Bags, and telling out the Sum to be lent to the young Gentleman: When, on a sudden, his Doors flew open, and a Couple of Rogues bound him in his Bed, and went off laden with Baggs. Soon after, a meagre Servant comes in, and unbinds him; he tears his Hair, raves, stamps, and has all the Gestures of a Madman; he sends the Servant out, takes a Halter, throws it over a Beam, and going to hang himself, vanishes.

Soon after, he appeared again with Officers, who hurry the young Gentleman to Goal. He follows him, gets his Estate made over to him, and then sets his Prisoner at Liberty: The Scene of the Goal vanishes, and he's in a noble Mansion-Seat with the young Gentleman in Rags, who gives him Possession, and receives a Trifle from him for that Consideration. He turns away all the Servants, and in a Palace he is alone roasting an Egg over a Handful of Fire for his Dinner. His Son comes in, as he is by himself, goes to murder him, and he vanishes again. He returns to our Sight, digging in his Garden, and hiding Money, for Soldiers appear in the neighbouring Village: He has scarce buried it, when they rifle his House; this makes us lose him again for a little Space. His Coachman comes to him, tells him his Son is kill'd; he answers,

"No matter, he was a great Expence, I shall save at least Forty
Pounds a Year by his Death, it's a good Legacy, _Tom_."

He tells him a Lord offer'd him Five Hundred Pounds to carry off his young Lady, but that he refused it, and thought himself obliged to acquaint him with his Lordship's Design.

"You are a Fool, _replies the old Man_; take the Money, I'll consent,
we'll snack it--Quit of another. My Lord shan't have a Groat with
her. What a Charge are Children! This Lord is the best Friend I have,
to take her off my Hands. To be sure bring the Money, carry her to
my Lord, and bring the Money; go take Time by the Fore-lock, he may
recant, then so much Money's lost. Go, run to my Lord, tell him
you'll do it."

Here he thrust the Fellow out, and appear'd with a smiling Countenance. A Man comes in, and tells him the Exchequer is shut up, Stocks are fallen, a War declar'd, and a new Tax laid on Land; he beats his Breast, groans aloud, and vanishes.

"By this Wretch, _said Abrahijo_, you see the Care and Anxiety wait
on the Miserable. The Love of Gold in him has extinguish'd Nature;
nay, it predominates over Self-love; for he hastens his End, by not
allowing his Body either Rest, or sufficient Nourishment, only that
he may encrease the Number of his Coffers."

Another Shade appear'd with a great Crowd of People, huzzaing, a _Venditor_, a _Venditor_; he goes before them, steps into every Shop, enquires after the Health of each Family, kisses the Wives, and out of his thrusts Gold into their Mouths. Here he bows to a Tinker, there embraces a Cobler, shakes a Scavinger by the Hand, stands bare-headed, and compliments an Ale-Wife, invites a Score of Shoemakers, Taylors, Pedlars, Weavers, and Hostlers, to do him the Honour of their Company to Dinner.

The Scene changes; he's at Court, the Ministers repay him his servile Cringes by theirs; one comes up to him, and says, he hopes, when the Bill comes into the House, he will favour him with his Vote for its passing: He answers, he shall discharge the Trust reposed in him, like a Man of Honour, in forwarding what is for the Good of his Country, and opposing the contrary, tho' the Consequence were his own Ruin: That he begg'd his Lordship's Pardon, if he dissented from him in Opinion, and did not think what he required warrantable in a Man of Honour.