“When this method fails, they have two others
more effectual, which the learned among them call
acrostics and anagrams. First, they can decipher
all initial letters into political meanings.
Thus N, shall signify a plot; B, a regiment of horse;
L, a fleet at sea; or, secondly, by transposing the
letters of the alphabet in any suspected paper, they
can lay open the deepest designs of a discontented
party. So, for example, if I should say, in a
letter to a friend, ‘Our brother Tom has just
got the piles,’ a skilful decipherer would discover,
that the same letters which compose that sentence,
may be analysed into the following words, ’Resist
-, a plot is brought home—The tour.’
And this is the anagrammatic method.”
The professor made me great acknowledgments for communicating
these observations, and promised to make honourable
mention of me in his treatise.
I saw nothing in this country that could invite me
to a longer continuance, and began to think of returning
home to England.
[The author leaves Lagado: arrives at Maldonada.
No ship ready. He takes a short voyage to Glubbdubdrib.
His reception by the governor.]
The continent, of which this kingdom is apart, extends
itself, as I have reason to believe, eastward, to
that unknown tract of America westward of California;
and north, to the Pacific Ocean, which is not above
a hundred and fifty miles from Lagado; where there
is a good port, and much commerce with the great island
of Luggnagg, situated to the north-west about 29 degrees
north latitude, and 140 longitude. This island
of Luggnagg stands south-eastward of Japan, about
a hundred leagues distant. There is a strict
alliance between the Japanese emperor and the king
of Luggnagg; which affords frequent opportunities
of sailing from one island to the other. I determined
therefore to direct my course this way, in order to
my return to Europe. I hired two mules, with
a guide, to show me the way, and carry my small baggage.
I took leave of my noble protector, who had shown
me so much favour, and made me a generous present
at my departure.
My journey was without any accident or adventure worth
relating. When I arrived at the port of Maldonada
(for so it is called) there was no ship in the harbour
bound for Luggnagg, nor likely to be in some time.
The town is about as large as Portsmouth. I
soon fell into some acquaintance, and was very hospitably
received. A gentleman of distinction said to
me, “that since the ships bound for Luggnagg
could not be ready in less than a month, it might be
no disagreeable amusement for me to take a trip to
the little island of Glubbdubdrib, about five leagues
off to the south-west.” He offered himself
and a friend to accompany me, and that I should be
provided with a small convenient bark for the voyage.
