Part 20

I own I deserv’d all those Misfortunes, which I afterwards experienc’d. It had doubtless been more glorious, and more worthy of a Christian Monarch, to have guided a gross and barbarous People to the Knowledge of the true God, rather than to have proceeded from Conquest to Conquest, and to have shed such Torrents of innocent Blood. And, indeed, it had been easy for me to have converted the whole Empire; for there was a Time when all my Determinations were revered like Oracles. But unmindful of God, and of myself, I dream’d of nothing but the vain Splendor of a Court, and the Increase of my Power. Moreover, being now given up to a deprav’d and reprobate Mind, I chose to aggravate and inflame these Discontents, rather than remove them, as if the Offences of my Injustice were to be rectify’d by my Cruelty. To all the Remonstrances of my Friends I still urg’d,

_Necessity, the Tyrant’s hellish Plea_.

So that Misfortune on Misfortune came thick upon me, and I fell into such Disgrace and Wretchedness, that from my Example, all Mortals may learn what a Vicissitude there is in human Affairs, and how short is the Duration of arbitrary Power and Violence.

My Subjects Aversion increas’d with the Severity of my Government, and when they perceiv’d that the Vices, to which I abandon’d myself, but ill agreed with that divine Original I boasted, and were utterly irreconcilable with my Character, as Embassador of the Sun, they began to examine every thing with more Attention, particularly the Circumstance of my Arrival into these Parts, and the Condition I was in when I landed upon their Coast. They now saw, that all the great Things I had done, were owing more to the Savageness of the _Quamites_, than to any extraordinary Abilities of my own, especially as they found, after that Mist of Ignorance was dispell’d, that I had actually committed many Errors in the Course of my Government. Above all my Conduct was highly censur’d by the _Kispucians_, a judicious and penetrating People. They had observ’d in my publick Edict a Multitude of Things so crude and indigested, as betray’d the grossest Ignorance in Politicks. Nor was the Censure unjust: For as my academical Tutors and Instructors never dream’d of Crowns and Scepters for me, they gave me an Education more adapted to a private Station, than that of a Sovereign; and my Studies, which extended no farther than to some little System of Divinity, and a few metaphysical Terms, were by no Means equal to my present Elevation, where I had the Charge of two Empires, and almost twenty Kingdoms upon my Hands. The _Martinians_ had also remark’d, that the Ships of War I had built, were so rude and clumsy, that in an Engagement they were of no manner of use against a regular and well appointed Fleet, and that all my naval Glory was to be ascrib’d solely to the Invention of Cannon. All these cutting Remarks they industriously dispers’d, and at the same Time call’d to Remembrance the Manner of my first Appearance in this Country, namely, how I had escap’d from a Shipwreck, and being ready to perish with Hunger, was taken up by the Inhabitants all in tatter’d Garments, an Equipage surely very unsuitable to an Embassador of the Sun. Add to this, that these same _Martinians_, being excellent natural Philosophers, had now given the _Quamites_ a Tincture of Astronomy, enough to know that the Sun was an inanimate Body, plac’d in the Centre of the Heavens by the Almighty, to give Light and Heat to all Creatures, and that as it was a Globe of Fire, it could of Consequence be no proper Habitation for a mortal Man.

With these and other such unlucky Discourses, was I from Day to Day distracted. But they were mere Murmurs; since nobody through fear of my Power dar’d talk thus with any Degree of Openness. And in Reality, I was a long Time ignorant that the Malevolence of my Subjects had rose to such a Pitch, as to question my Condition, till at length I was convinc’d of it by a Book compos’d in the _Canaliscan_ Tongue, and publish’d with this Title, +The happy Shipwreck+. For I observ’d before, that the _Canaliscans_ were perfect Artists at Satyr and Reproaches, which were all the Weapons they wag’d War with. The Book in Question comprehended all those Accusations, of which I have just now given a Detail, and was wrote in a Stile the most severe and sarcastical, that can well be imagin’d, according to the Genius of the _Canaliscans_, who excel in this Manner of Writing.

But such was the Weakness of my Mind at this Juncture, such my vain Presumption and Confidence of my own Power, that no Advices or Remonstrances whatever could make me change my Conduct, or bring me to my Senses. The most wholesome Counsels instead of checking, contributed only to inflame my Cruelty. Wherefore those whom I had most Reason to suspect, I put to the Torture to discover the Author of this Libel. But all endur’d their Torture with an astonishing Firmness, insomuch, that this Cruelty produced no other Effect, than to irritate the Spirits of my People still more against me. Thus my Fate would have it, and I run headlong to my Destruction.

In this State of Affairs I determin’d to sacrifice the surviving Prince _Hicoba_. I open’d my Design to the High Chancellor _Kalac_, in whom I plac’d great Confidence. He promised me all Obedience and Assistance, and strait withdrew on Pretence of contriving the Means of putting this Scheme in Execution. But detesting the Villany in his Heart, he discover’d the Plot to the Prince. Both of them retir’d into the Citadel, which was well fortify’d and there the Chancellor harangu’d the Guards, and in the most pathetick Manner laid open their present Condition. His Discourse, together with the Tears of the young Prince which added considerable Weight to it, produc’d the desir’d Effect. The Soldiers run to their Arms, and vow’d they would die to save their Prince. Upon this the dexterous Chancellor did not give their Ardour Time to cool, but persuaded them immediately to swear Allegiance to their Prince, and then out of hand sent private Messengers to those whom he knew to be exasperated against me, exhorting them to take Arms against a Tyrant, who attempted the Extinction of the whole Royal Progeny. Upon this all the Disaffected rose and join’d with the Garison. While I was expecting the Return of the Chancellor, a Messenger brought me the News of this grand Insurrection. My Friend _Tomopoloko_ advis’d me by all Means to retreat to _Tanachin_. There, says he, we can quickly raise an Army, and bring these Mutineers to Reason. These Words produc’d in me various Agitations of Mind, and Hope and Fear alternately govern’d me each Moment. At length in Compliance with his Admonition I fled from _Quama_, and that with little or no Difficulty, as the Bulk of the _Quamites_ were yet unacquainted with the Reasons of this Sedition. Soon after this, I return’d with an Army of forty thousand Soldiers, the greatest Part of which were _Tanachites_, expecting a considerable Augmentation from such _Quamites_ as continued in their Duty. But I deceiv’d myself egregiously: For instead of those Auxiliaries I flatter’d myself with, I met a Herald who brought me Letters from the Prince, to acquaint me, that War was declar’d against me as an Usurper and Invader, and that my Wife and Son were Prisoners of State. Soon after the Departure of the Herald, I beheld the _Quamitic_ Army advancing with my young Rival at their Head. As they had a fine Artillery, I would not run the Risque of an Engagement, till I was reinforc’d with fresh Troops: Therefore I made a Stop, and entrench’d myself in the best Manner I could. But when I perceiv’d that my own Soldiers deserted to the Enemy, who besides expected hourly new Supplies, I took Advice of my General Officers, and resolv’d to engage directly; nor did _Tomopoloko_ oppose this Resolution. We fought upon the same Plain, where some Years ago in a decisive Battle the _Tanachites_ were entirely routed. The Enemy’s Cannon now threw our Ranks into great Disorder, and it griev’d me to the Soul to be baffled by my own Invention, and be conquer’d by those very Arms I myself had devis’d. For a while however my Soldiers sustained the Attack of the rebellious Army, till a Ball took off _Tomopoloko_. Then every one lost his Courage, and we all turn’d our Backs and fled to the Woods and Mountains. I, for my Part, climb’d to the Top of a Rock, from whence I descended into the Valley on the other Side. There I paus’d a while to curse my Fate, or rather my Folly, and to pour out my Soul in Tears and Sighs. But, alas! it was all too late. So great was the Disorder of my Spirits, that I forgot to throw off my Diadem, which was the very thing that in all likelihood must have discover’d me. After I had sat trembling for half an Hour in that Valley, I heard the Voices of some Persons climbing the Rock, and roaring out Vengeance against me if they found me. I then look’d all round me for a Place to conceal myself in. There was hard by a deep Wood overgrown with Trees and Bushes. I presently enter’d into it, and having pick’d out something like a Path, I walk’d on till I came to a Cave. Here I stopp’d some Moments to take Breath. By and by I crept into the Cave, like a Serpent, upon my Belly, and as I perceiv’d it to be very deep and shelving, yet of easy Descent, I resolv’d to penetrate to the Bottom of it. But I had scarce walk’d a Quarter of a Mile, when all on a Sudden I tumbled down, and as if Thunder drove me, was hurry’d headlong through the thickest Darkness, till at last a faint glimmering Light dawn’d in upon me. With the Increase of that Light the Force of my Motion was proportionably diminish’d, so that by little and little, and in the gentlest Manner, like a Person rising out of the Water, I found myself among some Mountains, which to my unutterable Amazement, I observ’d to be the very same from whence some Years ago I was hurry’d down into the subterranean World. The Reason of that Abatement of my Motion, I found after some Reflection to be owing to the Quality of our Atmosphere, which is much denser, and consequently resists more than the subterranean Atmosphere. Unless it were so, the same Thing would have happen’d to me in my Ascent, as in my Descent, and in all likelihood I must then have been carry’d aloft through the Air as far as the Region of the Moon. Yet I submit this Hypothesis to the maturer Examination of Philosophers.

CHAP. XVI.

_The_ +Author’s+ _Return into his own Country_.

I lay for a considerable Time among the Mountains, almost destitute of Sense. For my late violent Motion, together with that strange Metamorphosis from a Founder of a fifth Monarchy, into a famish’d Bachelor of Arts, had occasion’d very great Disorders in my Brain. And, in Truth, my Adventure was so singular and so poetical, that it might well shock the Frame of the soundest Head. In this Condition I began to ask myself, whether what I saw was a Reality, or whether it was not some visionary Deception. But my Distraction abating, and returning by Degrees to my Senses, my Astonishment gave Place to Grief and Indignation. And, indeed, turn over the Annals of remote Antiquity, as well as those of modern Date, and you will not be able to find a parallel Adventure with mine, unless perhaps in the Case of _Nebuchadnezzar_, who from the greatest Monarch in the World, was transform’d into a wild Creature, and liv’d like one of the Beasts of the Field. Much the same Freaks of Fortune I experienc’d. For in a few Hours two mighty Empires were wrested from me, together with almost twenty Kingdoms, the Shadows and faint Images of which now only remain’d. Lately I was a Monarch; and now the Utmost of my Hopes was to procure the Mastership of some little School for my Subsistence. Lately I was call’d the Embassador of the Sun; and now I fear’d Necessity would drive me to become the Servant of some Bishop or Dean. But a few Days ago Glory, Hope, Victory and Success attended my Steps; and now Care and Misery, Tears and Lamentations are all my Companions. In short, I resembled those Summer Herbs, which suddenly spring up, and as suddenly die away; and to say all in one Word, Sorrow, Rage, Anxiety, Disappointment, and Despair, rais’d such a Conflict in my Breast, that sometimes I resolv’d to end my Being with my Sword, sometimes I determin’d to plunge again into the Cavern to try if I could not succeed better in a second Expedition. But a Regard for my immortal Soul, and the Principles of the Christian Religion, restrained me from these mad Attempts.

I now endeavour’d to descend the Mountain by that narrow Path which leads to _Sandwic_. But my Imagination was so disturb’d, that I stumbled almost every Step I took: For the whole Powers of my Mind were taken up in contemplating upon the fifth Monarchy. This Idea so constantly haunted me, that it almost unhing’d my Understanding. And indeed the Loss of so much Dignity and Power, could never be recompenc’d by any Advantages which my own Country could bestow. For suppose they should make me Governor of _Bergen_, or what is more, Lord-Lieutenant of _Norwey_, yet, alas! what Compensation, what Comfort would this be to the Monarch and Founder of so many Empires and Kingdoms? However, I resolv’d not to refuse a Thing of that Kind, in case it should be offer’d me.

After I had got half way down the Hill, I saw at a little Distance some Children, to whom I beckon’d and made Signs to come to my Assistance, pronouncing aloud at the same Time these Words, _Jeru Pikal Salim_, which in the _Quamitic_ Language signifies, _Shew me the Way_. But the Boys, at the Sight of a Man cloath’d in a foreign Habit, and with a Diadem upon his Head embroider’d with Rays like those of the Sun, ran down the Mountain as fast as they could, and soon gaining the Start of me, (for I Was forc’d to drag my weary and wounded Feet but slowly after me) they got to _Sandwic_ an Hour before me, where they alarm’d the whole Village, vowing and protesting that they had seen the _Wandring Jew_ among the Mountains, his Head all glittering with Rays, and by his Groans expressing great Uneasiness of Mind. The Inhabitants enquiring how they knew it was the _Wandring Jew_, they readily answer’d, that I myself had told my Name and Country. This Mistake I guess’d must proceed from those Words of mine misinterpreted, _Jeru Pikal Salim_, which indeed have some Affinity in Sound to that Conceit of the Children. All the Village was now in an Uproar, and nobody doubted the Truth of the Fact, especially as there had been but very lately a Story cook’d up about this Wanderer, who was said to have appear’d not long since at _Hamburgh_.

About Evening I arriv’d at _Sandwic_, where I found a Mob of the Inhabitants gather’d together, from a natural Curiosity implanted in all Men to see strange Sights. They stood at the Foot of the Mountain to meet me, but as soon as ever they heard me speak, they all took to their Heels as if they were seiz’d with a Panic, except one old Man, who having more Courage than the rest, would not move out of his Place. To this Man I address’d myself, and begg’d to know if he would have the Goodness to entertain a Stranger. He ask’d me who I was? and whence I came? To which I reply’d with a deep Sigh, that the Day was too far spent to begin my Story, but that if he would receive me into his House, I should relate to him such a Series of Adventures, as were not to be parallel’d in all History, and which must consequently stagger human Belief. The old Man, who was a Lover of Novelty, took me by the Hand, and led me to his House; and as we went, he rally’d the ridiculous Fears of the Populace, who are frighten’d at a strange Face as much as at a Comet. As soon as I was within the House, I begg’d the Favour of some cold Water to assuage my Thirst. Instead of which a Cup of Ale was brought me by my Host himself, because his Wife and Maids were all afraid to venture themselves near me. Having drank off my Liquor, and slack’d my Thirst, I spoke to my good Host in the following Terms: “You see before you a Man, who has experienc’d the most cruel Reverses of Fate, and who has been the Bubble and Sport of Fortune to a Degree beyond all mortal Men. It is indeed an undoubted Truth, that in a Moment of Time the greatest Affairs may be disconcerted and thrown into Confusion; yet nevertheless what has happened to me surpasses all Credibility.” To which my Host reply’d, _That this must be the Condition of those who wander for such a Length of Time; for_, continued he, _what Vicissitudes, what Misfortunes may not happen to a Man in a Course of Sixteen hundred Years Peregrination?_ I could not comprehend the Meaning of this, and therefore I ask’d him what he meant by those Sixteen hundred Years? _If_, return’d he, _any Credit is to be given to History, it is now Sixteen hundred Years since_ Jerusalem _was destroy’d: I doubt not, most venerable Sir, but that about the Time of that memorable Action, you was even then something advanc’d in Years; for if what is related concerning you be true, we may refer the Date of your Nativity to the Reign of_ Tiberius. At these Words I was silent for a considerable Time, and thought the old Man doated; but at last I told him, that his Language requir’d an _OEdipus_ to unriddle it. With that he brought me a Print of the Temple of _Jerusalem_, and ask’d me, whether I thought it differ’d very much from the Original? In spite of all my Grief, I could not help bursting into a Laugh, and ask’d him the Meaning of this odd puzzling Discourse. He reply’d, _Whether I am in an Error, or not, I cannot say: But the Inhabitants of this Place aver, that you are that famous_ Jew, _who ever since the Days of Christ have been condemn’d to wander over the World. But yet, methinks, the nearer I survey you, the more I discover in your Face the Features of an old Friend of mine, who some twelve Years ago perish’d on the Top of this Mountain._ At these Words, the Mist before my Eyes was dissipated, and I knew my old Friend _Abeline_, whose House in _Bergen_ I us’d to frequent. I flew into his Arms immediately, and tenderly embrac’d him. And do I live to hold thee thus, my _Abeline_, said I? I scarce believe my Eyes and Senses. Yes, I am _Klimius_, return’d in a manner from the Grave. I am that very _Klimius_, who about twelve Years since descended into that Cavern. My Friend, confounded at this unexpected Turn, stood like one thunder-struck; at length he cry’d out, Yes! it is he! I see my _Klimius_! I hear his Voice!

_Sic oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora ferebat._

But tho’ no Twin can be more like his Brother, than you are like my _Klimius_, yet I neither can nor dare believe my Senses; for Miracles are ceas’d, and the Dead rise not now: I must have therefore stronger and more convincing Proofs, e’er I can give Credit to what you tell me. Hereupon, at once to conquer his Incredulity, I gave him a succinct Detail of all that had pass’d between us formerly. This remov’d every Doubt; and straitway he embrac’d me with Tears of Joy, and cry’d out, It is, it is the very Man, whose Ghost I thought I had seen! But explain to me, pursued he, in what Part of the World you have lost yourself all this Time, and in what Country you procur’d that wonderful Dress you have on. Then I proceeded to recount to him every Particular which had happen’d to me, and he heard me with profound Attention, till I came to that Part of my History concerning the Planet _Nazar_, and Trees endu’d with Speech and Reason: At this, he lost all Patience: “Not all the Absurdities, says he, which Dreams convey to us, not all the Follies which Madness produces, or all the Nonsense which Drunkenness utters, can equal these Visions of yours; I should rather chuse to believe with the Vulgar, that you must have fallen into the Hands of Witches or Hobgoblins; for how idle soever such Tales are, yet they have an Appearance of Truth, if put in Competition with this subterranean Journey of yours.” I begg’d and intreated of him to have but a Moment’s Patience more, till I had finish’d my Recital; upon which, as I observ’d he kept Silence, I proceeded to relate all that had happened to me below, the sundry Accidents and Reverses of Fortune I had experienc’d, and how I had been the Founder of the fifth and greatest Monarchy that ever was. All these Things increas’d the Suspicion he had entertained, that I was bewitch’d, or had had some Commerce with Magicians of evil Spirits; and that being abused with their diabolical Delusions, I had embraced a Cloud instead of _Juno_. In order to try how far the Force of these Charms and Incantations had spread, or to what a Length my Extravagance would run, my Friend began to interrogate me concerning the State of the _Happy_, and that of the _Damn’d_ in the other World; concerning the _Elysian_ Fields, and divers other Matters of that Kind. I soon perceiv’d the sly Design of these Questions, and told my Friend, that I, for my Part, could hardly blame his Incredulity, since my Narration appear’d too fabulous to Command a ready Assent: However, it was not my Fault; for that in Reality my Adventures were so marvellous, as to baffle all human Belief. I solemnly protest to you, continued I, that I have not added or supply’d one Jot or Tittle from my own Invention, but that I have recounted every thing simply and ingenuously in the Order they happened to me. My Friend persisting in his Incredulity, desir’d that I would compose my Mind, and take a few Days Rest and Refreshment, in which Time he told me he hop’d these Commotions in my Brain would by degrees subside and die away.