 always so rapt in Speculation,
that the Mistress and Lover may proceed to the greatest Familiarities before his
Face, if he be but provided with Paper and Implements, and without his Flapper
at his Side.
    The Wives and Daughters lament their Confinement to the Island, although I
think it the most delicious Spot of Ground in the World; and although they live
here in the greatest Plenty and Magnificence, and are allowed to do whatever
they please: They long to see the World, and take the Diversions of the
Metropolis, which they are not allowed to do without a particular Licence from
the King; and this is not easy to be obtained, because the People of Quality
have found by frequent Experience, how hard it is to persuade their Women to
return from below. I was told, that a great Court Lady, who had several
Children, is married to the prime Minister, the richest Subject in the Kingdom,
a very graceful Person, extremely fond of her, and lives in the finest Palace of
the Island; went down to Lagado, on the Pretence of Health, there hid her self
for several Months, till the King sent a Warrant to search for her; and she was
found in an obscure Eating-House all in Rags, having pawned her Cloths to
maintain an old deformed Footman, who beat her every Day, and in whose Company
she was taken much against her Will. And although her Husband received her with
all possible Kindness, and without the least Reproach; she soon after contrived
to steal down again with all her Jewels, to the same Gallant, and hath not been
heard of since.
    This may perhaps pass with the Reader rather for an European or English
Story, than for one of a Country so remote. But he may please to consider, that
the Caprices of Womankind are not limited by any Climate or Nation; and that
they are much more uniform than can be easily imagined.
    In about a Month's Time I had made a tolerable Proficiency in their
Language, and was able to answer most of the King's Questions, when I had the
Honour to attend him. His Majesty discovered not the least Curiosity to enquire
into the Laws, Government, History, Religion, or Manners of the Countries where
I had been; but confined his Questions to the State of Mathematicks, and
received the Account I gave him, with great Contempt and Indifference, though
often rouzed by his Flapper on each Side.
 

                                   Chap. III.

A Phænomenon solved by modern Philosophy and Astronomy. The Laputians great
Improvements in the latter. The King's Method of
