 I have already
observed) he spoke the Language of Balnibarbi, said to me with a Sort of a
Smile, which usually ariseth from Pity to the Ignorant, that he was glad of any
Occasion to keep me among them, and desired my Permission to explain to the
Company what I had spoke. He did so; and they talked together for some time in
their own Language, whereof I understood not a Syllable, neither could I observe
by their Countenances what Impression my Discourse had made on them. After a
short Silence, the same Person told me, that his Friends and mine (so he thought
fit to express himself) were very much pleased with the judicious Remarks I had
made on the great Happiness and Advantages of immortal Life; and they were
desirous to know in a particular Manner, what Scheme of Living I should have
formed to myself, if it had fallen to my Lot to have been born a Struldbrugg.
    I answered, it was easy to be eloquent on so copious and delightful a
Subject, especially to me who have been often apt to amuse myself with Visions
of what I should do if I were a King, a General, or a great Lord: And upon this
very Case I had frequently run over the whole System how I should employ myself,
and pass the Time if I were sure to live for ever.
    That, if it had been my good Fortune to come into the World a Struldbrugg;
as soon as I could discover my own Happiness by understanding the Difference
between Life and Death, I would first resolve by all Arts and Methods whatsoever
to procure myself Riches: In the Pursuit of which, by Thrift and Management, I
might reasonably expect in about two Hundred Years, to be the wealthiest Man in
the Kingdom. In the second Place, I would from my earliest Youth apply myself to
the Study of Arts and Sciences, by which I should arrive in time to excel all
others in Learning. Lastly, I would carefully record every Action and Event of
Consequence that happened in the Publick, impartially draw the Characters of the
several Successions of Princes, and great Ministers of State; with my own
Observations on every Point. I would exactly set down the several Changes in
Customs, Language, Fashion of Dress, Dyet and Diversions. By all which
Acquirements, I should be a living Treasury of Knowledge and Wisdom, and
certainly become the Oracle of the Nation.
    I would never marry after Threescore, but live in an hospitable Manner, yet
still on the saving Side. I would entertain myself in forming and directing the
Minds of hopeful young Men,
