backwards and forwards on my body, to seize forty or fifty of the
first that came in my reach, and dash them against the ground. But the
remembrance of what I had felt, which probably might not be the worst
they could do, and the promise of honour I made them--for so I
interpreted my submissive behaviour--soon drove out these imaginations.
Besides, I now considered myself as bound by the laws of hospitality, to
a people who had treated me with so much expense and magnificence.
However, in my thoughts I could not sufficiently wonder at the
intrepidity of these diminutive mortals, who durst venture to mount and
walk upon my body, while one of my hands was at liberty, without
trembling at the very sight of so prodigious a creature as I must appear
to them. After some time, when they observed that I made no more demands
for meat, there appeared before me a person of high rank from his
imperial majesty. His excellency, having mounted on the small of my
right leg, advanced forwards up to my face, with about a dozen of his
retinue; and producing his credentials under the signet royal, which he
applied close to my eyes, spoke about ten minutes without any signs of
anger, but with a kind of determinate resolution, often pointing
forwards, which, as I afterwards found, was towards the capital city,
about half a mile distant; whither it was agreed by his majesty in
council that I must be conveyed. I answered in few words, but to no
purpose, and made a sign with my hand that was loose, putting it to the
other (but over his excellency's head for fear of hurting him or his
train) and then to my own head and body, to signify that I desired my
liberty. It appeared that he understood me well enough, for he shook his
head by way of disapprobation, and held his hand in a posture to show
that I must be carried as a prisoner. However, he made other signs to
let me understand that I should have meat and drink enough, and very good
treatment. Whereupon I once more thought of attempting to break my
bonds; but again, when I felt the smart of their arrows upon my face and
hands, which were all in blisters, and many of the darts still sticking
in them, and observing likewise that the number of my enemies increased,
I gave tokens to let them know that they might do with me what they
pleased. Upon this, the _hurgo_ and his train withdrew, with much
civility and cheerful countenances. Soon after I heard a general shout,
with frequent repetiti