 I told the Emperor, that
my good Fortune had thrown this Boat in my Way, to carry me to some Place from
whence I might return into my native Country; and begged his Majesty's Orders
for getting Materials to fit it up; together with his Licence to depart; which,
after some kind Expostulations, he was pleased to grant.
    I did very much wonder, in all this Time, not to have heard of any Express
relating to me from our Emperor to the Court of Blefuscu. But I was afterwards
given privately to understand, that his Imperial Majesty, never imagining I had
the least Notice of his Designs, believed I was only gone to Blefuscu in
Performance of my Promise, according to the Licence he had given me, which was
well known at our Court; and would return in a few Days when that Ceremony was
ended. But he was at last in pain at my long absence; and, after consulting with
the Treasurer, and the rest of that Cabal; a Person of Quality was dispatched
with the Copy of the Articles against me. This Envoy had Instructions to
represent to the Monarch of Blefuscu, the great Lenity of his Master, who was
content to punish me no further than with the Loss of mine Eyes: That I had fled
from Justice, and if I did not return in two Hours, I should be deprived of my
Title of Nardac, and declared a Traitor. The Envoy further added; that in order
to maintain the Peace and Amity between both Empires, his Master expected, that
his Brother of Blefuscu would give Orders to have me sent back to Lilliput,
bound Hand and Foot, to be punished as a Traitor.
    The Emperor of Blefuscu having taken three Days to consult, returned an
Answer consisting of many Civilities and Excuses. He said, that as for sending
me bound, his Brother knew it was impossible; that although I had deprived him
of his Fleet, yet he owed great Obligations to me for many good Offices I had
done him in making the Peace. That however, both their Majesties would soon be
made easy; for I had found a prodigious Vessel on the Shore, able to carry me on
the Sea, which he had given order to fit up with my own Assistance and
Direction; and he hoped in a few Weeks both Empires would be freed from so
insupportable an Incumbrance.
    With this Answer the Envoy returned to Lilliput, and the Monarch of Blefuscu
related to me all that had past; offering me at the same time (but under the
strictest Confidence) his gracious Protection, if I would continue
