ble presents. By the Captain's advice, I was
persuaded to go by land to Calais, and there take passage for England:
when, as it happened, I got a young English gentleman, a merchant's son
at Lisbon, to accompany me, together with two English, and two
Portuguese gentleman: so that with a Portuguese servant, an English
sailor, and my man Friday, there were nine of us in number.

Thus armed and equipped, we set out, and came to Madrid, when the summer
decaying, we hasted to Navarre, where we were informed that there was
scarcely any passing, be reason of the prodigious quantity of snow; so
that we were obliged to abide near twenty days at Pamoeluria, and at
last to take a guide to conduct us safe towards Tholouse. And now twelve
other gentlemen joining with us, together with their servants, we had a
very jolly company. Away our guide led us by frightful mountains, and
through so many intricate mazes and windings, that we insensibly passed
them, which, as we travelled along, ushered us into the prospect of the
fruitful and charming provinces of Languedoc and Galcoigne.

But now came on two adventures, both tragical and comical. First, our
guide was encountered by three wolves and a bear, who set upon him and
his horse, and wounded him in three places; upon which my man, riding up
to his assistance, shot one of them dead upon the spot, which made the
others retire into the woods. But the pleasantest adventure was, to
behold my man attack the bear. 'Tis such a creature, that if you let him
alone, he will never meddle with you, and this my man very well knew,
and so begging leave of me in broken English, he told us, _he would make
good laugh_. 'Why, you silly fool,' said I, 'he'll eat you up at a
mouthful.' _Eatee me up,_ replied he, by way of scorn, _me not only
eatee him, but make much good laugh._ Upon which, pulling off his boots,
he claps on his pumps, and running after the monstrous beast, he called
out, that he wanted to discourse with him, and then throwing stones on
purpose to incense him, the beast turns about in fury, and, with
prodigious strides, shuffles after him. But though he was not swift
enough to keep up pace with Friday, who made up to us as it were for
help; yet being angry, 'You dog,' said I, 'immediately take horse, and
let us shoot the creature.' But he cried, _Dear master, no shoot, me
make you laugh much._ And so he turned about, making signs to follow,
while the bear ran after, till coming to a great