of darkness, I ventured at low water, as we called
it when the ship was aground, to ramble with the Captain,
and a few of the other officers, with lights in our
hands; we met with people of all nations, to the amount
of upwards of ten thousand; they were going to hold
a council how to recover their liberty; some of them
having lived in this animal’s stomach several
years; there were several children here who had never
seen the world, their mothers having lain in repeatedly
in this warm situation. Just as the chairman
was going to inform us of the business upon which we
were assembled, this plaguy fish, becoming thirsty,
drank in his usual manner; the water poured in with
such impetuosity, that we were all obliged to retreat
to our respective ships immediately, or run the risk
of being drowned; some were obliged to swim for it,
and with difficulty saved their lives. In a few
hours after we were more fortunate, we met again just
after the monster had evacuated. I was chosen
chairman, and the first thing I did was to propose
splicing two main-masts together, and the next time
he opened his mouth to be ready to wedge them in, so
as to prevent his shutting it. It was unanimously
approved. One hundred stout men were chosen upon
this service. We had scarcely got our masts properly
prepared when an opportunity offered; the monster opened
his mouth, immediately the top of the mast was placed
against the roof, and the other end pierced his tongue,
which effectually prevented him from shutting his
mouth. As soon as everything in his stomach was
afloat, we manned a few boats, who rowed themselves
and us into the world. The daylight, after, as
near as we could judge, three months’ confinement
in total darkness, cheered our spirits surprisingly.
When we had all taken our leave of this capacious
animal, we mustered just a fleet of ninety-five ships,
of all nations, who had been in this confined situation.
We left the two masts in his mouth, to prevent others
being confined in the same horrid gulf of darkness
and filth. Our first object was to learn what
part of the world we were in; this we were for some
time at a loss to ascertain: at last I found,
from former observations, that we were in the Caspian
Sea! which washes part of the country of the Calmuck
Tartars. How we came here is was impossible to
conceive, as this sea has no communication with any
other. One of the inhabitants of the Cheese Island,
whom I had brought with me, accounted for it thus:—that
the monster in whose stomach we had been so long confined
had carried us here through some subterraneous passage;
however, we pushed to shore, and I was the first who
landed. Just as I put my foot upon the ground
a large bear leaped upon me with its fore-paws; I
caught one in each hand, and squeezed him till he
cried out most lustily; however, in this position
I held him till I starved him to death. You may
laugh, gentlemen, but this was soon accomplished,
as I prevented him licking his paws. From hence