#calenture boy

[spilladabalia]

Hey Colossus - Calenture Boy

[florentium]

First Line Game

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). See if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag 10 of your favorite authors.

Thank you to @salty-wench​ and @owlsinathens​ for tagging me. This is incredibly humbling but also a little embarrassing as I’m fairly certain I’ve never written twenty fics, never mind completed them. But I’ll post what I have.

Going in chronological order: 

1. All Donated Blood, a Mad Max Fury Road fic about grief and medkink and also handjobs.

“The raider's mountain pass is charred and blackened by the crash.“

2. Odette in the Psikhushka, a Winter Soldier fic wherein ballet slippers are used for Cold War torture.

“He's not allowed to know why.“

3. Calenture, a Captain America fic where a summer heat wave in the 30s drives some boys to rash decisions.  

“July was the worst of it.”

4. A House Upon Rock, an Assassin’s Creed II fic about a noblewoman’s marriage of convenience.

“Maria was not a fool.”

5. Foxfire, a Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (called the rakugo anime for brevity) fic about performance, jealousy, about being in love with your best friend.

“Kikuhiko is not a brave man.“

6. A Whore’s Comfort, a Song of Ice and Fire fic about responsibility and a gay awakening.

“Satin is beautiful in ways Jon did not know a man could be.“

7. Autumn in Braavos, another Song of Ice and Fire fic that is a runaway plot monster but this part of it is a quiet slice of life with only a smattering of hijinks. 

“Hummingbirds nest in the inner courtyard of their house.”

8. The Shadowy Shore, yet another Song of Ice and Fire fic that is a complete divergence at this point.

“Despite everything, it is Pyke they return to.“

9. Love Cannot Protect, my unfinished Theonsa AU that is basically a fix-it for season eight of Game of Thrones because I’m still in pain.

“When Winterfell appears in the distance, Theon has to dismount his horse to keep from fainting.”

10. Untitled Thramsay opus, exactly what it says.

“"M'lord?" It's barely a gasp; Reek doesn't even hear himself.” 

11. Untitled Throbb angst, also exactly what it says.

“The chill night air breaks over the both of them as they stumble from the stone arch into the open yard, a cold so shocking it takes his breath away.”

And that’s me tapped out, y’all. I honestly don’t think I know ten writers on Tumblr, so please, anyone who’d like to do this, just imagine that I tagged you.

[unconventional-hero]

Chapter 7-- In Which Old Friends Meet.

Written by “Slug 5″

(In which old friends meet.)

* * * * *

“Yes, my dear, a monomaniac.” Mr. Reynolds was saying to his wife the night upon arriving from the theater.

“It’s strange, too,” he continued musingly, leaning back in his easy library chair, “He seemed as rational as any one before we arrived at the theater.”

“O, dear, how dreadful!” exclaimed his wife in a piping, horror-struck tone. “And to think of us having been so near him, James! How very providential that we were not hurt! And only to think if he should thrust himself upon us, James what would we do?”

“O! that is easily explained Emily, we could have him removed immediately. As none of our friends know of the affair there need be no embarrassment.”

After this assertion Mr. Reynolds seemed to be looking fixedly at the lamp and after a while continued as if to himself.

“Strange, too, that I should have taken such a fancy to him! As likely and whole-souled a young gentleman as ever I saw. He’s as honest as the day, too, and frank beyond measure.”

* * * * *

Meantime Jack sat on the brown steps of the McClure mansion and waited while in his heart a great tumult was raging, and he clenched his hard brown hands convulsively from time to time. “The villain! scamp! scoundrel! I’ll give him what he deserves-- I’ll-- ”

Up the broad street the breeze blew strong and fresh, fanning his feverish brow, and looking upward he beheld the heavens studded with stars and the gibbous moon playing at hide-and-seek with the clouds as she journeyed westward. It seemed to bring his childhood vividly before him. The grand old truths learned at his mother’s knee were wafted again to him-- borne on the evening breeze.

The patent of peace which bids us ever do unto other as we would ever wish them to do unto us, was working upon his mind-- was drumming at his heart despite his utmost efforts to dispel it.

The calenture of his thoughts soon became calmer and as he watched the street lamps far along, swaying and glittering and sparkling like a jeweled pendant he muttered half despairingly.

“No, if I were to go to them now with my story they would not believe me. I can show proofs-- stronger proofs than Jim-- but not yet-- not yet! I’ll enter the field fairly with Jim and if he wins-- O! God, help me to do all things under thy guidance! All things which seemeth right-- which are right!”

So deeply was he absorbed in his own thoughts that he did not hear the street door open-- did not see the ray of light fall across his shadow-- he only bowed his head dejectedly upon his hands.

Jim stepped lightly out upon the broad landing-- was passing down the steps and did not see the figure seated against a column in the shade of the deep facade. The muttered words, however, startled him-- he paused to listen and look about.

“Great Heavens!” he exclaims and springs suddenly backward. “The poor blubbering fool! Coming here to call on God to help him! As well call on the stone column yonder!” He thought derisively as a sardonic smile played about his mouth.

“He’s come here to watch me. I’ll out wit him-- I’ll pass on.” He creeps along in the shadow at the farthest side-- he has reached the last step--

“Jim!”

A firm hand grasps him by the shoulder-- he faces about and sees Jack looking down upon him-- he quails under the sharp scrutiny of those clear and soul-lit eyes.

“Well! Jack, is there any thing I can do for you? This is indeed unexpected. Quite a pleasure, I should say. Has any thing happened?”

“Anything! O, Jim! Jim! I never dreamed you would be false to me! You as I made my best friend.”

Jack’s tender heart enervates him and two large tears trickle down his cheek and fall upon Jim’s hand which is raised to shake off the firm grasp.

“But God will give you what you deserve. Yes, Jim, God will do it. I can not. Villain! speak! though you are.”

“Villain! dare I take such words from you Jack Morningstar, praying and canting about this God! You block head!”

He swings forward his clenched fist and hurls a blow at Jack who steps forward agile as a cat and catches it in both his own.

“Come! come, Jim this is not place for blows. I’ll grant a reprieve. I can not forget-- I may forgive-- come!”

Thrusting his hand through Jim’s arm they leave the steps and wend their way somewhat hurriedly down the avenue. A short distance is passed almost in silence then Jim turns boldly, throwing back his head defiantly.

“Why could you not leave me alone? Why did you come following me as though I were not capable of tending to my own affairs! You blockhead! Don’t you see you have only made yourself ridiculous?”

“Jim the right is never ridiculous. I can not stand meekly aside and watch you play this deception on one who is dearer than life to me. O! Jim you shall not do it?”

“Shall not, why man do you think I’m a dog to run at your bidding? Ha! Ha! my fine Jack you have reckoned without your host.”

The derisive laugh kindles into flame the quieted passion. Jack’s eyes are fairly ablaze.

“I will see Mr. McClure. I’ll show my father’s will. I’ll send for my banker. He’ll proclaim your villany. I’ll call up Betty and Mrs. Tucker. I will be heard. I will be believed in by Clyde-- Miss McClure!”

A momentary shade of fear passes over Jim’s face. He had not given Jack credit for so much strength of character. He surprised him. Hitherto he had been only a tool which he had used at his will. Now he realizes that he must play his hand well or Jack will be the winner in this game of cards.

“See here Morningstar, what’s the use of all this fuss. I’ll deal fair with you. Your bank notes will be forthcoming tomorrow. And here the precious picture you are so worried about.”

“It’s not the picture I care so much about; the bank notes you can keep. I do not want them. It’s the deceit Jim-- the deceit-- and the lost confidence.”

“Well, then, see here old fellow. It’s no use you going to McClure with your story. He’d think you was crazy. I’ve gained a foothold there. They never dream but I’m all that I represent myself. You shall have an equal stand with me. I’ll introduce you as my friend, Henry Ashton. There is to be a ball in a fortnight at Delmonico’s which will serve us well. You shall see the fashionable society of New York. As my friend you shall have every advantage. Come, what say you old fellow. Isn’t it better than making a stir about it?

“O, Jim, it’s not right-- not right!”

“Right! of course it’s right. We can explain it all in the end, don’t you see?”

“Is there no other way!”

“Yes, you can make a fuss about it and perhaps amount to nothing in the end. I’ll be blamed if I give you any more advantage!”

Jack was silent. He could not conscientiously think of introducing himself under a fictitious name to Clyde. Yet he agreed “perhaps it will be best for I must win Clyde’s love first.”

“Well, Jim,” he said at last after they had gone a few steps, “I’ll do it. But remember I shall not allow it to be carried any farther.”

“Give me your hand, old boy! There now you’ve forgiven me, haven’t you?” he said in his old winning, caressing way, always sure to work on Jack’s heart in the past.

Jack shook his head. “Not yet. Not yet, Jim. Wait a few weeks-- my heart is too sore tonight.”

[libidomechanica]

Had ever Izaak Walton sing died

Instead, saw the rest, and all that I did, and louing laid on a day! Know that that matter, yet new! Can revealed, alas! Make all the rusty nails and small: with band sit neatly more than Ill love away from the who looked   so you get no tailor helped us at length into the sixth year set, will finally to climb the sadder, more the orchard possesse him invisible when men may run. Theres life endure their congratulation. With brows bent, like spoon;   some slightly term I may chanced from a little knew we went thunder; every differing abroad arms were her by our fine screen.   Dull, that Boy, than Buonaparte—What untie

  and all sightless glittered loved philosophy? When sudden growth and such gentle feminine displeasing age in me? Whose gesture lifts the Queen of quean. For they glided fast,   wrapt in her old cracknelles, and then she sworn to prove his garden, careless witty, ere I loved his sight, to the guests; but Cloe noted her who call metals, but   starting partridges and rather missile, would not exactly there blood; titles, I consideration from the fruit the moone behind, to live in versed, and lights blushing new, seraglio guess.

But Juan, which girds asia, when river and the mighty woes. There we: they said ; but through he calentures fancy-fit his was wrinkled by, and the sable hour when Italy shone in looking other is less clouds are chiefly didnt fix into his wear   thats favourite pop song I probably drop on drop feet in early hour of night; and longer line, empty place Juanna; were but glowing through roads, easily, when to lay,   have but a wistfully to supposed with the found,   sparkled at the window    and plate   in his purposed over weight dreams with the happy vintage to myself can find,   and her highness had that not ask. S graveyard, the loved through divine ASTREA is our grief lay hid in the gale sweetly did my very few things are freckling, through of passion-flowers show of.   As after rummaging the dorm.

For Babas faults which is a rhyming at the truth has ever ring, windpipe-slitting quite quite discover, short; for ennui is a pleasants.   may dissipate.   Gloats, and every human so greatly entertain leaf to looked her cheeks as outline is lame, the who sins a stronger cast a golden fulness; and not to give it sweet of lead

  Or distant hills. The golden fruit;   the purposed, saving mind like a shades not in her with thee I should little to those Eyes to be serious though unfit,   and red. Its sheath: mark on which are understand.

[dealgemeneverwarring]

The twelfth episode of De Algemene Verwarring was broadcast on Monday November 18 on a cold evening in Kortrijk and you can listen to it by clicking on the Mixcloud link above. Pictured below is the Australian band These Immortal Souls with the legend Rowland S. Howard. So yeah I did an all Aussie band special last Monday but unfortunately the broadcast wasn’t recorded by the radio Quindo software, so I was not able to upload it on Mixcloud for your listening enjoyment. That’s why I decided to make a mixtape with all the music that I played in this episode #12 so you can at least discover the bands without my boring explications in-between sets. Instead of that, you can find some extra information below, in the playlist.  I hope that you all are interested to read this, and that you like the music too, of course. Enjoy!

Playlist:

Cosmic Psychos: Back At School (CD “Blokes You Can Trust” on Amphetamine Reptile Records, 1991)

There is no better way to start an Aussie special with a cracking punk rock song from these blokes you can trust. Still going strong, because the opening track of their most recent album that was released in 2018 has as a title “100 Cans Of Beer”. Santé!

Vintage Crop: Coming Up (LP V/A “New Center Of The Universe Vol. 3″ on Anti Fade, 2018)

Most punk song from this compilation that features some usual suspects such as Exek, The Shifters, Parsnip, Terry and The Stroppies, but also rather unknown names such as Gonzo, Permits, Billdozer (good name!) and Sleepyhead. Volumes 1 & 2 were only released on cassette and CD, so this is the first vinyl compilation. Vintage Crop are from Geelong.

Straight Arrows: Make Up Your Mind (7″ on Agitated Records, 2014)

Sydney based garage punk band. I actually played another song in the show from their split 7″ with French garage rockers The Creteens, but didn’t find a good quality mp3 from that song, so I downloaded this cracking track from their band camp page. They did a European tour earlier this year but unfortunately didn’t play in Belgium.

Cereal Killer: Your Punk Scene Can Suck It (LP “Beginning And End of Cereal Killer!” on Drunken Sailor Records, 2019)

Cereal Killer is an Australian hardcore punk band from Geelong, Victoria, and this is their first full length on vinyl. The band was brought to my attention by DJ Alexanderrr who brought one of their singles to a De Radio Is Gek Geworden episode and I’ve been looking for that 7″ since then.

The UV Race: Hot Dogs (7″ “Queens Of Punk” on Eighteen Records, 2014)

If you don’t dance to this song, you can not be my friend. Sorry.

The Stroppies: The Truth (7″ “It’s A Hit” on Hobbies Galore, 2017)

This is from the debut 7″ from this young Melbourne based indie/pop band who have recently released their debut full length called “Whoosh!” on Tough Love Records. We already played a song from that record a few weeks ago. “The Truth” is the very first song I ever heard from this band and it’s still one of my favorites.

The Scientists: I’m Looking For you (LP “The Scientists”, reissue on Numero Group, 2015, originally released in 1981 on EMI Custom Records)

Very first incarnation here of the band as a trio with Kim Salmon, Ian Sharples and James Baker. The band is mostly remembered as the swamp rock band it became after this debut album with core members Boris Sujdovic and Tony Thewlis, but I also very much like the jingly jangly punk sound of this self-titled debut album.

Lubricated Goat: Bad Times (LP V/A “Dope Guns & Fucking In The Streets Vol. 4 - 7″ on Amphetamine Reptile Records, 1990)

One of the more notorious bands on the AmRep roster with main man Stu “Spasm” Gray. Charles Tolnay from King Snake Roost was another member of this band. Apparently the band disbanded after Stu Spasm was stabbed in 1991, but later reformed with other members including some people from Cop Shoot Cop. 

Negative Gears: U.M. (12″ “Negative Gears” on Static Shock Records, 2019)

Very nice debut 12″ by this young Sydney based post punk band. A short record too, which makes me curious to hear more.

Repairs: Decay (7″ “Repairs” on Hozac Records, 2015)

Synth punk yeah! Based in Melbourne and not a very active band as they have just 4 releases in eight years, two cassettes and two seven inches. Last release was in 2017, so it’s about time for a new single, boys!

Carla Dal Forno: The Same Reply (LP “You Know What It’s Like” on Blackest Ever Black, 2016)

Carla Dal Forno was born in Melbourne but is currently based in London. This track is from her debut full length, but she also has a new album called “Look Up Sharp” on her very own label Kallista Records, and he’s playing this Friday 22/11 in Brussels at the Botanique. 

These Immortal Souls: Hey! Little Child (LP “Get Lost (Don’t Lie)” on Mute Records, 1987)

Apparently this band was formed in London after Rowland S. Howard, his brother Harry and Epic Soundtracks (from Swell Maps fame) were not invited for the recordings of the Crime & The City Solution album “Shine”. They recorded two full lengths, this is the first one and the second one was released in 1992. That last one is very hard to find, so hit me up. This track is an Alex Chilton cover, by the way.

The Triffids: Wide Open Road (LP “Born Sandy Devotional” on Megadisc, 1986)

My favorite song from The Triffids, but it’s not from my favorite album, which is “Calenture”. Probably because I saw them around that period (1988) at the Pukkelpop festival, where they must have made quite an impression on this young fellow that was discovering strange bands at that time... Their sound is polished and clean and not comparable at all to all those other wild Aussie bands I played in this episode, but yeah, I still do love them.

Naked On The Vague: Happy Endings (12″ “Twelve Dark Noons” on Sacred Bones Records, 2011)

Two-piece girl-boy act out of Sydney, Australia. Matthew P. Hopkins plays eerie bass and Lucy Cliché plays keyboards, and both do vocals. “Happy Endings” is a great track that contains elements of post punk and no-wave. They played Noisefest II which was a bit weird, but I still remember that show as a very good one, for a small but happy crowd.

HTRK: Into The Drama (LP “Venus In Leo” on Ghostly International, 2019)

Another duo: Jonnine Standish & Nigel Yang, with the opening track of their recently released new album. Their second record was produced by Rowland S. Howard who became a bit of a mentor of the band. 

Fabulous Diamonds: Wheel Of Fortune (LP “Plain Songs” on Alter, 2019)

After seven years of silence, Fabulous Diamonds are back with a new album on the British Alter label. Contrary to previous releases, there is not one rhythmic track on this record. It’s eerie, mysterious, strange and to be honest I had to listen a few times to completely get the feel of it. Definitely a new direction for the duo of Nisa Venerosa and Jarrod Zlatic. This Jarrod guy used to have band called Oh! Belgium!

Sozialistisches Patienten Kollektiv: Malaria Europa (The European Sickness) (LP “Leichenschrei” on Side Effects Records, 1982)

Legendary industrial band formed in Sydney. Original member and New Zealander Graeme Revell changed the band later into a synth pop band and made a career as a critically acclaimed soundtrack composer. Leichenschrei is one of the early loud and gnarly albums, excellent for ending this episode of De Algemene Verwarring. Hope you all are confused now.

[bottleimpmusic]

"Calenture Boy" by Hey Colossus http://ift.tt/2sp1JCp

[readbookywooks]

[The author sets out as captain of a ship. His men conspire against him, confine him a long time to his cabin, and set him on shore in an unknown land. He travels up into the country. The Yahoos, a strange sort of animal, described. The author meets two Houyhnhnms.] I continued at home with my wife and children about five months, in a very happy condition, if I could have learned the lesson of knowing when I was well. I left my poor wife big with child, and accepted an advantageous offer made me to be captain of the Adventurer, a stout merchantman of 350 tons: for I understood navigation well, and being grown weary of a surgeon's employment at sea, which, however, I could exercise upon occasion, I took a skilful young man of that calling, one Robert Purefoy, into my ship. We set sail from Portsmouth upon the 7th day of September, 1710; on the 14th we met with Captain Pocock, of Bristol, at Teneriffe, who was going to the bay of Campechy to cut logwood. On the 16th, he was parted from us by a storm; I heard since my return, that his ship foundered, and none escaped but one cabin boy. He was an honest man, and a good sailor, but a little too positive in his own opinions, which was the cause of his destruction, as it has been with several others; for if he had followed my advice, he might have been safe at home with his family at this time, as well as myself. I had several men who died in my ship of calentures, so that I was forced to get recruits out of Barbadoes and the Leeward Islands, where I touched, by the direction of the merchants who employed me; which I had soon too much cause to repent: for I found afterwards, that most of them had been buccaneers. I had fifty hands onboard; and my orders were, that I should trade with the Indians in the South-Sea, and make what discoveries I could. These rogues, whom I had picked up, debauched my other men, and they all formed a conspiracy to seize the ship, and secure me; which they did one morning, rushing into my cabin, and binding me hand and foot, threatening to throw me overboard, if I offered to stir. I told them, "I was their prisoner, and would submit." This they made me swear to do, and then they unbound me, only fastening one of my legs with a chain, near my bed, and placed a sentry at my door with his piece charged, who was commanded to shoot me dead if I attempted my liberty. They sent me own victuals and drink, and took the government of the ship to themselves. Their design was to turn pirates and, plunder the Spaniards, which they could not do till they got more men. But first they resolved to sell the goods the ship, and then go to Madagascar for recruits, several among them having died since my confinement. They sailed many weeks, and traded with the Indians; but I knew not what course they took, being kept a close prisoner in my cabin, and expecting nothing less than to be murdered, as they often threatened me. Upon the 9th day of May, 1711, one James Welch came down to my cabin, and said, "he had orders from the captain to set me ashore." I expostulated with him, but in vain; neither would he so much as tell me who their new captain was. They forced me into the long-boat, letting me put on my best suit of clothes, which were as good as new, and take a small bundle of linen, but no arms, except my hanger; and they were so civil as not to search my pockets, into which I conveyed what money I had, with some other little necessaries. They rowed about a league, and then set me down on a strand. I desired them to tell me what country it was. They all swore, "they knew no more than myself;" but said, "that the captain" (as they called him) "was resolved, after they had sold the lading, to get rid of me in the first place where they could discover land." They pushed off immediately, advising me to make haste for fear of being overtaken by the tide, and so bade me farewell. In this desolate condition I advanced forward, and soon got upon firm ground, where I sat down on a bank to rest myself, and consider what I had best do. When I was a little refreshed, I went up into the country, resolving to deliver myself to the first savages I should meet, and purchase my life from them by some bracelets, glass rings, and other toys, which sailors usually provide themselves with in those voyages, and whereof I had some about me. The land was divided by long rows of trees, not regularly planted, but naturally growing; there was great plenty of grass, and several fields of oats. I walked very circumspectly, for fear of being surprised, or suddenly shot with an arrow from behind, or on either side. I fell into a beaten road, where I saw many tracts of human feet, and some of cows, but most of horses. At last I beheld several animals in a field, and one or two of the same kind sitting in trees. Their shape was very singular and deformed, which a little discomposed me, so that I lay down behind a thicket to observe them better. Some of them coming forward near the place where I lay, gave me an opportunity of distinctly marking their form. Their heads and breasts were covered with a thick hair, some frizzled, and others lank; they had beards like goats, and a long ridge of hair down their backs, and the fore parts of their legs and feet; but the rest of their bodies was bare, so that I might see their skins, which were of a brown buff colour. They had no tails, nor any hair at all on their buttocks, except about the anus, which, I presume, nature had placed there to defend them as they sat on the ground, for this posture they used, as well as lying down, and often stood on their hind feet. They climbed high trees as nimbly as a squirrel, for they had strong extended claws before and behind, terminating in sharp points, and hooked. They would often spring, and bound, and leap, with prodigious agility. The females were not so large as the males; they had long lank hair on their heads, but none on their faces, nor any thing more than a sort of down on the rest of their bodies, except about the anus and pudenda. The dugs hung between their fore feet, and often reached almost to the ground as they walked. The hair of both sexes was of several colours, brown, red, black, and yellow. Upon the whole, I never beheld, in all my travels, so disagreeable an animal, or one against which I naturally conceived so strong an antipathy. So that, thinking I had seen enough, full of contempt and aversion, I got up, and pursued the beaten road, hoping it might direct me to the cabin of some Indian. I had not got far, when I met one of these creatures full in my way, and coming up directly to me. The ugly monster, when he saw me, distorted several ways, every feature of his visage, and stared, as at an object he had never seen before; then approaching nearer, lifted up his fore-paw, whether out of curiosity or mischief I could not tell; but I drew my hanger, and gave him a good blow with the flat side of it, for I durst not strike with the edge, fearing the inhabitants might be provoked against me, if they should come to know that I had killed or maimed any of their cattle. When the beast felt the smart, he drew back, and roared so loud, that a herd of at least forty came flocking about me from the next field, howling and making odious faces; but I ran to the body of a tree, and leaning my back against it, kept them off by waving my hanger. Several of this cursed brood, getting hold of the branches behind, leaped up into the tree, whence they began to discharge their excrements on my head; however, I escaped pretty well by sticking close to the stem of the tree, but was almost stifled with the filth, which fell about me on every side. In the midst of this distress, I observed them all to run away on a sudden as fast as they could; at which I ventured to leave the tree and pursue the road, wondering what it was that could put them into this fright. But looking on my left hand, I saw a horse walking softly in the field; which my persecutors having sooner discovered, was the cause of their flight. The horse started a little, when he came near me, but soon recovering himself, looked full in my face with manifest tokens of wonder; he viewed my hands and feet, walking round me several times. I would have pursued my journey, but he placed himself directly in the way, yet looking with a very mild aspect, never offering the least violence. We stood gazing at each other for some time; at last I took the boldness to reach my hand towards his neck with a design to stroke it, using the common style and whistle of jockeys, when they are going to handle a strange horse. But this animal seemed to receive my civilities with disdain, shook his head, and bent his brows, softly raising up his right fore-foot to remove my hand. Then he neighed three or four times, but in so different a cadence, that I almost began to think he was speaking to himself, in some language of his own. While he and I were thus employed, another horse came up; who applying himself to the first in a very formal manner, they gently struck each other's right hoof before, neighing several times by turns, and varying the sound, which seemed to be almost articulate. They went some paces off, as if it were to confer together, walking side by side, backward and forward, like persons deliberating upon some affair of weight, but often turning their eyes towards me, as it were to watch that I might not escape. I was amazed to see such actions and behaviour in brute beasts; and concluded with myself, that if the inhabitants of this country were endued with a proportionable degree of reason, they must needs be the wisest people upon earth. This thought gave me so much comfort, that I resolved to go forward, until I could discover some house or village, or meet with any of the natives, leaving the two horses to discourse together as they pleased. But the first, who was a dapple gray, observing me to steal off, neighed after me in so expressive a tone, that I fancied myself to understand what he meant; whereupon I turned back, and came near to him to expect his farther commands: but concealing my fear as much as I could, for I began to be in some pain how this adventure might terminate; and the reader will easily believe I did not much like my present situation. The two horses came up close to me, looking with great earnestness upon my face and hands. The gray steed rubbed my hat all round with his right fore-hoof, and discomposed it so much that I was forced to adjust it better by taking it off and settling it again; whereat, both he and his companion (who was a brown bay) appeared to be much surprised: the latter felt the lappet of my coat, and finding it to hang loose about me, they both looked with new signs of wonder. He stroked my right hand, seeming to admire the softness and colour; but he squeezed it so hard between his hoof and his pastern, that I was forced to roar; after which they both touched me with all possible tenderness. They were under great perplexity about my shoes and stockings, which they felt very often, neighing to each other, and using various gestures, not unlike those of a philosopher, when he would attempt to solve some new and difficult phenomenon. Upon the whole, the behaviour of these animals was so orderly and rational, so acute and judicious, that I at last concluded they must needs be magicians, who had thus metamorphosed themselves upon some design, and seeing a stranger in the way, resolved to divert themselves with him; or, perhaps, were really amazed at the sight of a man so very different in habit, feature, and complexion, from those who might probably live in so remote a climate. Upon the strength of this reasoning, I ventured to address them in the following manner: "Gentlemen, if you be conjurers, as I have good cause to believe, you can understand my language; therefore I make bold to let your worships know that I am a poor distressed Englishman, driven by his misfortunes upon your coast; and I entreat one of you to let me ride upon his back, as if he were a real horse, to some house or village where I can be relieved. In return of which favour, I will make you a present of this knife and bracelet," taking them out of my pocket. The two creatures stood silent while I spoke, seeming to listen with great attention, and when I had ended, they neighed frequently towards each other, as if they were engaged in serious conversation. I plainly observed that their language expressed the passions very well, and the words might, with little pains, be resolved into an alphabet more easily than the Chinese. I could frequently distinguish the word YAHOO, which was repeated by each of them several times: and although it was impossible for me to conjecture what it meant, yet while the two horses were busy in conversation, I endeavoured to practise this word upon my tongue; and as soon as they were silent, I boldly pronounced YAHOO in a loud voice, imitating at the same time, as near as I could, the neighing of a horse; at which they were both visibly surprised; and the gray repeated the same word twice, as if he meant to teach me the right accent; wherein I spoke after him as well as I could, and found myself perceivably to improve every time, though very far from any degree of perfection. Then the bay tried me with a second word, much harder to be pronounced; but reducing it to the English orthography, may be spelt thus, HOUYHNHNM. I did not succeed in this so well as in the former; but after two or three farther trials, I had better fortune; and they both appeared amazed at my capacity. After some further discourse, which I then conjectured might relate to me, the two friends took their leaves, with the same compliment of striking each other's hoof; and the gray made me signs that I should walk before him; wherein I thought it prudent to comply, till I could find a better director. When I offered to slacken my pace, he would cry HHUUN HHUUN: I guessed his meaning, and gave him to understand, as well as I could, "that I was weary, and not able to walk faster;" upon which he would stand awhile to let me rest.