 Difference between the Size of
those People, and us in Europe, is no great matter for Admiration, nor at all
equal in Proportion, (if I rightly remember) to Salisbury Steeple. But, not to
detract from a Nation to which during my Life I shall acknowledge myself
extremely obliged; it must be allowed, that whatever this famous Tower wants in
Height, is amply made up in Beauty and Strength. For the Walls are near an
hundred Foot thick, built of hewn Stone, whereof each is about forty Foot
square, and adorned on all Sides with Statues of Gods and Emperors cut in Marble
larger than the Life, placed in their several Niches. I measured a little Finger
which had fallen down from one of these Statues, and lay unperceived among some
Rubbish; and found it exactly four Foot and an Inch in Length. Glumdalclitch
wrapped it up in a Handkerchief, and carried it home in her Pocket to keep among
other Trinkets, of which the Girl was very fond, as Children at her Age usually
are.
    The King's Kitchen is indeed a noble Building, vaulted at Top, and about six
hundred Foot high. The great Oven is not so wide by ten Paces as the Cupola at
St. Paul's: For I measured the latter on purpose after my Return. But if I
should describe the Kitchen-grate, the prodigious Pots and Kettles, the Joints
of Meat turning on the Spits, with many other Particulars; perhaps I should be
hardly believed; at least a severe Critick would be apt to think I enlarged a
little, as Travellers are often suspected to do. To avoid which Censure, I fear
I have run too much into the other Extream; and that if this Treatise should
happen to be translated into the Language of Brobdingnag, (which is the general
Name of that Kingdom) and transmitted thither; the King and his People would
have Reason to complain; that I had done them an Injury by a false and
diminutive Representation.
    His Majesty seldom keeps above six hundred Horses in his Stables: They are
generally from fifty four to sixty Foot high. But, when he goes abroad on solemn
Days, he is attended for State by a Militia Guard of five hundred Horse, which
indeed I thought was the most splendid Sight that could be ever beheld, till I
saw part of his Army in Battalia: whereof I shall find another Occasion to
speak.
 

                                    Chap. V.

Several Adventures that happened to the Author. The Execution of a Criminal. The
Author shews his Skill in Navigation.
 
I should have lived happy enough in that Country
