 could not very perfectly understand them. I then gave up my
Silver and Copper Money, my Purse with nine large Pieces of Gold, and some
smaller ones; my Knife and Razor, my Comb and Silver Snuff-Box, my Handkerchief
and Journal Book. My Scymiter, Pistols, and Pouch, were conveyed in Carriages to
his Majesty's Stores; but the rest of my Goods were returned me.
    I had, as I before observed, one private Pocket which escaped their Search,
wherein there was a Pair of Spectacles (which I sometimes use for the Weakness
of mine Eyes) a Pocket Perspective, and several other little Conveniences; which
being of no Consequence to the Emperor, I did not think my self bound in Honour
to discover; and I apprehended they might be lost or spoiled if I ventured them
out of my Possession.
 

                                   Chap. III.

The Author diverts the Emperor and his Nobility of both Sexes, in a very
uncommon Manner. The Diversions of the Court of Lilliput described. The Author
hath his Liberty granted him upon certain Conditions.
 
My Gentleness and good Behaviour had gained so far on the Emperor and his Court,
and indeed upon the Army and People in general, that I began to conceive Hopes
of getting my Liberty in a short Time. I took all possible Methods to cultivate
this favourable Disposition. The Natives came by Degrees to be less apprehensive
of any Danger from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let five or six of them
dance on my Hand. And at last the Boys and Girls would venture to come and play
at Hide and Seek in my Hair. I had now made a good Progress in understanding and
speaking their Language. The Emperor had a mind one Day to entertain me with
several of the Country Shows; wherein they exceed all Nations I have known, both
for Dexterity and Magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as that of the
Rope-Dancers, performed upon a slender white Thread, extended about two Foot,
and twelve Inches from the Ground. Upon which, I shall desire Liberty, with the
Reader's Patience, to enlarge a little.
    This Diversion is only practised by those Persons, who are Candidates for
great Employments, and high Favour, at Court. They are trained in this Art from
their Youth, and are not always of noble Birth, or liberal Education. When a
great Office is vacant, either by Death or Disgrace, (which often happens) five
or six of those Candidates petition the Emperor to entertain his Majesty and the
Court with a Dance on the Rope; and whoever jumps
