Gulliver's Travels into Several Remote Regions of the World Read online

  GULLIVER'S TRAVELS

  Into Several Remote Regions of the World

  by

  JONATHAN SWIFT, D.D.

  Edited with Introduction and Notes by Thomas M. BallietSuperintendent of Schools, Springfield, Mass.

  With Thirty-Eight Illustrations and a Map

  PART I

  A VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT

  PART II

  A VOYAGE TO BROBDINGNAG

  "HE COMMANDED HIS GENERALS TO DRAW UP THE TROOPS." P. 42.]

  D.C. Heath & Co., PublishersBoston New York Chicago

  1900

  PREFACE.

  And lo! the book, from all its end beguiled, A harmless wonder to some happy child.

  LORD LYTTON.

  Gulliver's Travels was published in 1726; and, although it was by nomeans intended for them, the book was soon appropriated by the children,who have ever since continued to regard it as one of the most delightfulof their story books. They cannot comprehend the occasion which provokedthe book nor appreciate the satire which underlies the narrative, butthey delight in the wonderful adventures, and wander full of open-eyedastonishment into the new worlds through which the vivid and logicallyaccurate imagination of the author so personally conducts them. Andthere is a meaning and a moral in the stories of the Voyages to Lilliputand Brobdingnag which is entirely apart from the political satire theyare intended to convey, a meaning and a moral which the youngest childwho can read it will not fail to seize, and upon which it is scarcelynecessary for the teacher to comment.

  For young children the book combines in a measure the interest of_Robinson Crusoe_ and that of the fairy tale; its style is objective,the narrative is simple, and the matter appeals strongly to the childishimagination. For more mature boys and girls and for adults the interestis found chiefly in the keen satire which underlies the narrative. Itappeals, therefore, to a very wide range of intelligence and taste, andcan be read with profit by the child of ten and by the young man orwoman of mature years.

  This edition is practically a reprint of the original (1726-27). Thepunctuation and capitalization have been modernized, some archaismschanged, and the paragraphs have been made more frequent. A few passageshave been omitted which would offend modern ears and are unsuitable forchildren's reading, and some foot-notes have been added explainingobsolete words and obscure expressions.

  As a reading book in school which must be adapted to the average mind,these stories will be found suitable for classes from the fifth or sixthschool year to the highest grade of the grammar school.

  THOMAS M. BALLIET.

  CONTENTS.

  VOYAGE TO LILLIPUT.

  CHAPTER I.

  The Author gives some account of himself and family--His firstinducements to travel--He is shipwrecked, and swims for his life--Getssafe on shore in the country of Lilliput--Is made a prisoner, andcarried up the country

  CHAPTER II.

  The emperor of Lilliput, attended by several of the nobility, comes tosee the Author in his confinement--The emperor's person and habitsdescribed--Learned men appointed to teach the Author their language--Hegains favor by his mild disposition--His pockets are searched, and hissword and pistols taken from him

  CHAPTER III.

  The Author diverts the emperor, and his nobility of both sexes, in avery uncommon manner--The diversions of the court of Lilliputdescribed--The Author has his liberty granted him upon certainconditions

  CHAPTER IV.

  Mildendo, the metropolis of Lilliput, described, together with theemperor's palace--A conversation between the Author and a principalsecretary concerning the affairs of that empire--The Author's offers toserve the emperor in his wars

  CHAPTER V.

  The Author, by an extraordinary stratagem, prevents an invasion--A hightitle of honor is conferred upon him--Ambassadors arrive from theemperor of Blefuscu, and sue for peace

  CHAPTER VI.

  Of the inhabitants of Lilliput; their learning, laws, and customs; themanner of educating their children--The Author's way of living in thatcountry--His vindication of a great lady

  CHAPTER VII.

  The Author, being informed of a design to accuse him of high treason,makes his escape to Blefuscu--His reception there

  CHAPTER VIII.

  The Author, by a lucky accident, finds means to leave Blefuscu; andafter some difficulties, returns safe to his native country

  * * * * *

  LIST OF FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS.

  "He commanded his generals to draw up the troops" Map of Lilliput and Blefuscu "I lay all this while ... in great uneasiness" "Producing his credentials" "These gentlemen made an exact inventory" "Her imperial majesty was pleased to smile very graciously upon me" "And created me a _nardac_ upon the spot" "Three hundred tailors were employed" "The happiness ... of dining with me" "He desired I would hear him with patience" "I set sail ... at six in the morning"

  AND TWENTY-THREE SMALLER ONES IN THE TEXT.