, we should turn back again; others were for
leaving the ship there, and marching up into the heart of the
country, to explore the inhabitants. Whilst we were thus disputing
a violent storm arose, and driving our ship towards the land, split
it in pieces. We picked up our arms, and what little things we
could lay hold on, and with difficulty swam ashore.

Such were the adventures which befell us during our voyage, at sea,
in the islands, in the air, in the whale, amongst the heroes, in the
land of dreams, and lastly, amongst the Bucephali, and the
Onoscileae. What we met with on the other side of the world, shall
be related in the ensuing books. {149}

ICARO-MENIPPUS. A DIALOGUE.

This Dialogue, which is also called by the commentators [Greek], or,
"Above the Clouds," has a great deal of easy wit and humour in it,
without the least degree of stiffness or obscurity; it is equally
severe on the gods and philosophers; and paints, in the warmest
colours, the glaring absurdity of the whole pagan system.

MENIPPUS AND A FRIEND.

MENIPPUS.

Three thousand stadia {153} from the earth to the moon, my first
resting-place; from thence up to the sun about five hundred
parasangas; and from the sun to the highest heaven, and the palace
of Jupiter, as far as a swift eagle could fly in a day.

FRIEND.

What are you muttering to yourself, Menippus, talking about the
stars, and pretending to measure distances? As I walk behind you, I
hear of nothing but suns and moons, parasangas, stations, and I know
not what.

MENIPPUS.

Marvel not, my friend, if I utter things aerial and sublime; for I
am recounting the wonders of my late journey.

FRIEND.

What! tracing your road by the stars, as the Phoenicians {154} do!

MENIPPUS.

Not so, by Jove! I have been amongst the stars themselves.

FRIEND.

You must have had a long dream, indeed, to travel so many leagues in
it.

MENIPPUS.

It is no dream, I assure you; I am just arrived from Jupiter.

FRIEND.

How say you? Menippus let down from heaven?

MENIPPUS.

Even so: this moment come from thence, where I have seen and heard
things most strange and miraculous. If you doubt the truth of them,
the happier shall I be to have seen what is past belief.

FRIEND.

How is it possible, most heavenly and divine Menippus, that a mere
mortal, like me, should dispute the veracity of one who has been
carried above the clouds: one, to speak in the language