, then turned to a deep blue; at
Five and Forty it grew coal black, and as large as an English Shilling; but
never admitted any farther Alteration. He said these Births were so rare, that
he did not believe there could be above Eleven Hundred Struldbrugs of both Sexes
in the whole Kingdom, of which he computed about Fifty in the Metropolis, and
among the rest a young Girl born about three Years ago. That, these Productions
were not peculiar to any Family, but a meer Effect of Chance; and the Children
of the Struldbruggs themselves, were equally mortal with the rest of the People.
    I freely own myself to have been struck with inexpressible Delight upon
hearing this Account: And the Person who gave it me happening to understand the
Balnibarbian Language, which I spoke very well, I could not forbear breaking out
into Expressions perhaps a little too extravagant. I cryed out as in a Rapture;
Happy Nation, where every Child hath at least a Chance for being immortal! Happy
People who enjoy so many living Examples of antient Virtue, and have Masters
ready to instruct them in the Wisdom of all former Ages! But, happiest beyond
all Comparison are those excellent Struldbruggs, who being born exempt from that
universal Calamity of human Nature, have their Minds free and disingaged,
without the Weight and Depression of Spirits caused by the continual
Apprehension of Death. I discovered my Admiration that I had not observed any of
these illustrious Persons at Court; the black Spot on the Forehead, being so
remarkable a Distinction, that I could not have easily overlooked it: And it was
impossible that his Majesty, a most judicious Prince, should not provide himself
with a good Number of such wise and able Counsellors. Yet perhaps the Virtue of
those Reverend Sages was too strict for the corrupt and libertine Manners of a
Court. And we often find by Experience, that young Men are too opinionative and
volatile to be guided by the sober Dictates of their Seniors. However, since the
King was pleased to allow me Access to his Royal Person, I was resolved upon the
very first Occasion to deliver my Opinion to him on this Matter freely, and at
large by the Help of my Interpreter; and whether he would please to take my
Advice or no, yet in one Thing I was determined, that his Majesty having
frequently offered me an Establishment in this Country, I would with great
Thankfulness accept the Favour, and pass my Life here in the Conversation of
those superiour Beings the Struldbruggs, if they would please to admit me.
    The Gentleman to whom I addressed my Discourse, because (as
