hich separates the human from the
monikin region. Profiting by this feeling of security, I now began to
revive the intercourse with the strangers, which had been partially
interrupted by the novel and disagreeable circumstances of a sea life.

The Lady Chatterissa and her companion, as is much the case with females
at sea, rarely left the gynecee; but as we drew near the equator, the
philosopher and the young peer passed most of their time on deck, or
aloft. Dr. Reasono and I spent half of the mild nights in discussing
subjects connected with my future travels; and as soon as we were well
clear of the rain and the thunder and lightning of the calm latitudes,
Captain Poke, Robert, and myself began to study the language of
Leaphigh. The cabin-boy was included in this arrangement, Noah
intimating we should find it convenient to take him on shore with
us, since a wish to conceal my destination had induced me to bring
no servant along. Luckily for us, the monikin ingenuity had greatly
diminished the labor of the acquisition. The whole language was spoken
and written on a system of decimals, which rendered it particularly
easy, after the elementary principles were once acquired. Thus, unlike
most human tongues, in which the rule usually forms the exception,
no departure from its laws was ever allowed, under the penalty of the
pillory. This provision, the captain protested, was the best rule
of them all, and saved a vast deal of trouble; for, as he knew
by experience, a man might be a perfect adept in the language of
Stunin'tun, and then be laughed at in New York for his pains. The
comprehensiveness of the tongue was also another great advantage;
though, like all other eminent advantages or excessive good, it was
the next-door neighbor to as great an evil. Thus, as my Lord Chatterino
obligingly explained, "we-witch-it-me-cum" means "Madam, I love you from
the crown of my head to the tip of my tail; and as I love no other half
as well, it would make me the happiest monikin on earth, if you would
consent to become my wife, that we might be models of domestic propriety
before all eyes, from this time henceforth and forever." In short, it
was the usual and most solemn expression for asking in marriage; and,
by the laws of the land, was binding on the proposer until as
formally declined by the other party. But, unluckily, the word
"we-switch-it-me-cum" means "Madam, I love you from the crown of my head
to the tip of my tail; and, i