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On my return to this my native State, as soon as it was noised abroad
that I had met with extraordinary adventures, and made a most wonderful
voyage, crowds of people pressed eagerly to see me. I at first met their
inquiries with a cautious silence, which, however, but sharpened their
curiosity. At length I was visite... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
There was, indeed, a short suspension to this cruel distrust. An old
friend coming to see me one day, and admiring a beautiful crystal which
I had brought from the Moon, insisted on showing it to a jeweller, who
said that it was an unusually hard stone, and that if it were a diamond,
it would be worth upwards of 150,0... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
During the reign of Louis the XIVth, the king of Siam having received
an ambassador from that monarch, was accustomed to hear, with wonder
and delight, the foreigner's descriptions of his own country: but the
minister having one day mentioned, that in France, water, at one time
of the year, became a solid substance, t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
It is unquestionably true, that if travellers sometimes impose on the
credulity of mankind, they are often also not believed when they speak
the truth. Credulity and scepticism are indeed but different names for
the same hasty judgment on insufficient evidence: and, as the old woman
readily assented that there might b... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I was born in the village of Huntingdon, on Long-Island, on the 11th day
of May, 1786. Joseph Atterley, my father, formerly of East Jersey, as it
was once called, had settled in this place about a year before, in
consequence of having married my mother, Alice Schermerhorn, the only
daughter of a snug Dutch farmer in t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
It was not until the first trance of bliss was over, that I began to
think seriously on the course of life I was to pursue. From the time
that my mind had run on love and matrimony, I had lost all relish for
serious study; and long before that time, I had felt a sentiment bordering
on contempt for the pursuits of my f... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
On the whole, our voyage was comparatively pleasant and prosperous, until
the 24th of October; when, off the mouths of the Ganges, after a fine
clear autumnal day, just about sunset, a small dark speck was seen in
the eastern horizon by our experienced and watchful captain, who, after
noticing it for a few moments, pr... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
At dawn we found ourselves in full view of a coast, which, though not
personally known to the captain, he pronounced by his charts to be a
part of the Burmese Empire, and in the neighbourhood of Mergui, on the
Martaban coast. The leak had now increased to an alarming extent, so
that we found it would be impossible to ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The reader is, no doubt, aware that the Burman Empire lies beyond the
Ganges, between the British possessions and the kingdom of Siam; and
that the natives nearly assimilate with those of Hindostan, in language,
manners, religion, and character, except that they are more hardy and
warlike.
I was transported very rapid... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The only outlet from this village was by passing down the valley along
the settlements, and following the course of the stream; so that there
was no other injunction laid on me, than not to extend my rambles far
in that direction. Sing Fou's household consisted of his wife, whom I
rarely saw, four small children, and ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
From the first evening that I joined the party which I saw clambering up
the path that led to the Hermit's cell, I found myself strongly attached
to this venerable man, and the more so, from the mystery which hung
around his history. It was agreed that he was not a Burmese. None deemed
to know certainly where he was b... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I learnt from him that he was born and bred at Benares, in Hindostan;
that he had been intended for the priesthood, and had been well instructed
in the literature of the east. That a course of untoward circumstances,
upon which he seemed unwilling to dwell, had changed his destination,
and made him a wanderer on the f... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
CHAPTER II.
_The Brahmin's illness--He reveals an important secret to Atterley--
Curious information concerning the Moon--The Glonglims--They plan a
voyage to the Moon._
About this period, one afternoon in the month of March, when I repaired
to the hermitage as usual, I found my venerable friend stretched on his
hum... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The good old man here closed his eyes, with an expression of patient
resignation, and rather as if he courted sleep than felt inclined to it:
and, after shutting the door of his cell, I repaired to his little
garden, to pass the allotted two hours. Left to my meditations, when
I thought that I was probably about to be... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
When I arose, I found the good Brahmin up, and, though much weakened by
his disease, able to walk about. He told me that the Mirvoon, uneasy at
my not returning as usual in the evening, had sent in search of me, and
that the servant, finding me safe, was content to return without me. He
advised me, however, not to rep... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"This metal, when separated and purified, has as great a tendency to
fly off from the earth, as a piece of gold or lead has to approach it.
After making a number of curious experiments with it, we bethought
ourselves of putting it to some use, and soon contrived, with the aid
of it, to make cars and ascend into the ai... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I listened to this recital with astonishment; and doubted at first,
whether the Brahmin's late severe attack had not had the effect of
unsettling his brain: but on looking in his face, the calm self-possession
and intelligence which it exhibited, dispelled the momentary impression.
I was all impatience to know the adv... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The Brahmin then added: "Though our party are the only voyagers of which
authentic history affords any testimony, yet it is probable, from obscure
hints in some of our most ancient writings in the Sanscrit, that the
voyage has been made in remote periods of antiquity; and the Lunarians
have a similar tradition. While,... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Be that as it may," said he, "whether the voyage has been made in former
times or not, is of little importance: it is sufficient for us to know
that it has been effected in our time, and can be effected again. I am
anxious to repeat the voyage, for the purpose of ascertaining some facts,
about which I have been latel... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
Having thus formed our plan of operations, we the next day proceeded to
put them in execution. The coppersmith agreed to undertake the work
we wanted done, for a moderate compensation; but we did not think it
prudent to inform him of our object, which he supposed was to make some
philosophical experiment. It was fort... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
But to return. A small circular window, made of a single piece of thick
clear glass, was neatly fitted on each of the six sides. Several pieces
of lead were securely fastened to screws which passed through the bottom
of the machine; as well as a thick plank. The screws were so contrived,
that by turning them in one di... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
At our first shock on leaving the earth, my fears were at their height; but
after about two hours, I had tolerably well regained my composure, to which
the returning light of day greatly contributed. By this time we had a full
view of the rising sun, pouring a flood of light over one half of the
circular landscape bel... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
While I slept, the good Brahmin had contrived to manage both stop-cocks
himself. The time of my waking would have been about 11 o'clock at night,
if we had continued on the earth; but we were now in a region where there
was no alternation of day and night, but one unvarying cloudless sun. Its
heat, however, was not in... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
When the Brahmin saw that I had overcome my first surprise, and had
acquired somewhat of his own composure, he manifested a disposition
to beguile the time with conversation. "Look through the telescope,"
said he, "a little from the sun, and observe the continent of Africa,
which is presenting itself to our view." I t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"I have been much perplexed by that question," said he. "When I regard
the great masses of mankind, I think there seems to be among them some
characteristic differences. I see that the Europeans have every where
obtained the ascendancy over those who inhabit the other quarters of
the globe. But when I compare individu... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Perhaps, however, you will say they are so engrossed with the animal
wants of hunger and thirst, that they are incapable of attending to any
thing else. Be it so. But in the interior they are placed in parallel
circumstances with the natives of Europe: they are engaged in struggles
for territory and dominion--for the... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Nay," replied he, "I am very far from denying the influence of moral
causes on national character. The history of every country affords
abundant evidence of it. I mean only to say, that though it does much,
it does not do every thing. It seems more reasonable to impute the changes
in national character to the mutable... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
By this time the whole Mediterranean Sea, which, with the Arabian Gulf,
was seen to separate Africa from Europe and Asia, was full in our view.
The political divisions of these quarters of the world were, of course,
undistinguishable; and few of the natural were discernible by the naked
eye. The Alps were marked by a... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
When the coast of my own beloved country first presented itself to my
view, I experienced the liveliest emotions; and I felt so anxious to see
my children and friends, that I would gladly have given up all the
promised pleasures of our expedition. I even ventured to hint my feelings
to the Brahmin; but he, gently rebu... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"In all other countries," said I, "civilization and population have
gone hand in hand; and the necessity of an increasing subsistence
for increasing numbers, has been the parent of useful arts and of
social improvement. In every successive stage of their advancement,
such countries have equally felt the evils occasion... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Your reasoning about the natives of Spanish America appears very
probable," said the Brahmin; "but is it not equally applicable to your
own country ?"
I reminded him of the peculiar advantages of our government. He shook
his head.
"No, Atterley," said he, "do not deceive yourself. The duration of every
species of pol... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The Brahmin, after musing a while, replied: "The difference is far less
than you imagine. Perhaps, on balancing their respective pleasures and
pains, the superior gain of the islander will be reduced to nothing: for,
as to the simplest source of gratification, that of palatable food, if
nature produces it more liberal... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"You think, then," said I, "that the native of Kamtschatka has the
advantage?"
"No," he rejoined, "I do not mean to say that, for the evils of his
situation are likewise very great; but they are more manifest, and
therefore less necessary to be brought to your notice."
It was now, by our time-pieces, about two o'clock... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"That is not quite so certain," said he: "we know not of what the interior
of the earth is composed, any more than we could distinguish the contents
of an egg, by penetrating one hundredth part of its shell. But we see,
that if one drop of water be united with another, they form one large
drop, as spherical as either ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Upon that subject," said he, "the Lunarian sages are much divided.
Many hypotheses have been suggested on the subject, some of which are
very ingenious, and all very fanciful: but the two most celebrated, and
into which all the others are now merged, are those of Neerlego and
Darcandarca; the former of whom, in a tre... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Do you think, father," said I, "that animal, or even vegetable life,
could possibly exist in such a disruption as is supposed?"
"Why not?" said he: "you are not to imagine that the shock would be felt
in proportion to the mass that was moved. On the contrary, while it would
occasion, in some parts, a great destructio... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Alas!" said he, "my country and my countrymen, how different you are in
many respects from what I should wish you to be! And yet I do not love
you the less. Perhaps I love you the more for your faults, as well as
for your misfortunes.
"Our lot," continued he, "is a hard one. That quarter of the world has
sent letters... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I asked him whether he thought if his countrymen were to shake off the
yoke of the English, they could maintain their independence?
"Undoubtedly," said he. "Who would be able to conquer us?"
I suggested to him that they might tempt the ambition of Russia; and
cautiously inquired, whether the abstinence from animal foo... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Women," said he, "are brought up from their infancy, to regard our sex
as their superiors, and to believe that their greatest merit consists in
entire devotion to their husbands. Under this feeling, and having, at
the same time, their attention frequently turned to the chance of such a
calamity, they are better prepa... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
After enjoying my surprise for a moment, the Brahmin observed: "We have,
while you were asleep, passed the middle point between the earth's and the
moon's attraction, and we now gravitate less towards our own planet than
her satellite. I took the precaution to move you, before you fell by your
own gravity, from what w... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
After gazing at the magnificent spectacle, with admiration and delight,
for half an hour, the Brahmin loosed one of the balls of the lunar metal,
for the purpose of checking our velocity. At this time he supposed we
were not more than four thousand miles, or about twice the moon's
diameter, from the nearest point of h... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"In our second voyage," said he, "we were glad to get foothold any where;
for, not having lightened our machine sufficiently, we came down, with a
considerable concussion, on a barren field, remote from any human
habitation, and suffered more from hunger and cold, for nearly three days,
than we had done from the peril... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
CHAPTER VI.
_Some account of Morosofia, and its chief city Alamatua--Singular
dresses of the Lunar ladies--Religious self denial--Glouglim miser and
spendthrift._
My feelings, at the moment I touched the ground, repayed me for all I
had endured. I looked around with the most intense curiosity; but nothing
that I saw... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The inhabitants subsist chiefly on a vegetable diet; live about as long
as they do on the earth, notwithstanding the great difference of climate,
and other circumstances; and, in short, do not, in their manners, habits,
or character, differ more from the inhabitants of our planet, than some of
these differ from one an... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
After a frugal, but not unpalatable repast, and a few hours' sleep,
the Brahmin took me round the city and a part of its environs, to make me
acquainted with the public buildings, streets, shops, and the appearance
of the inhabitants. I soon found that our arrival was generally known
and that we excited quite as much ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
But the most remarkable thing of all, was the whim of the ladies in
the upper classes, of making themselves as much like birds as possible;
in which art, it must be confessed, they were wonderfully successful.
The dress used for this purpose, consisted of a sort of thick cloak,
covered with feathers, like those of the... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
After we arose from this strange scene, and had withdrawn to our chamber,
I expressed my surprise to my companion at this contrariety in the tastes
of the Terrestrials and Lunarians: whereupon he told me, that the
difference was rather apparent than real.
"These people," said he, "belong to a sect of Ascetics in this ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The lookers on told us the blacksmith had been for years engaged in this
business of nail-making; he worked with little intermission, scarcely
allowing himself time for necessary sleep or refreshment; that all the
fruits of his incessant labour were disposed of in the manner we had
just seen; and that he had already t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"I apprehend," said the Brahmin, "that my gay acquaintance yonder
continues as he formerly was. The man in brown, who so unseasonably
interrupted his pleasantry, is an officer of justice, and has probably
taken him before a magistrate, to answer some one of his numerous
creditors. You must know," added he, "that the p... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Is he also a Glonglim?" I asked.
"Assuredly: what man, in his entire senses, could act so irrationally?"
"There is nothing on earth that exceeds this," said I.
"No," said the Brahmin; "human folly is every where the same."
CHAPTER VII.
_Physical peculiarities of the Moon-Celestial phenomena--Further
description of t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
From the length of time that the sun is above the horizon, the continued
action of his rays, in those climates where they fall vertically, or nearly
so, would be intolerable, if it was not for the high mountains, from whose
snow-clad summits a perpetual breeze derives a refreshing coolness, and for
the deep glens and ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
Such are the most striking natural appearances on one side of this
satellite. On the other there is some difference. The sun pursues the same
path in the corresponding latitudes of both hemispheres; but being without
any moon, they have a dull and dreary night, though the light from the
stars is much greater than with... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The carriages are drawn altogether by dogs, which are the largest animals
they have, except the zebra, and a small buffalo. This diminution of
gravity is, however, of some disadvantage to them. Many of their tools are
not as efficient as ours, especially their axes, hoes, and hammers. On the
other hand, when a person ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The expected guests at length arrived; and various questions of morals and
legislation were started, in which the disputants seemed sometimes as if
they would have laid aside the character of philosophers, but for the
seasonable interposition of the Brahmin. Wigurd, our host, often laboured
with his accustomed zeal, t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"But," added he, "you have not yet been sufficiently prepared for this
disinterested operation. As ye have proved this night that ye are not yet
purged of the feelings and prejudices of a vicious education, I will
perform this office for you all, and set you an example, by which ye may
hereafter profit. To begin, then... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
By a skilful use of these weapons of controversy, he could attack or defend
with equal success. If any custom or institution which he had denounced,
was justified by his adversaries, on the ground of its expediency, he
immediately retorted on them its repugnancy to sincerity, truth, and
unsophisticated nature; and if ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
To compensate their want of this natural advantage, the inhabitants of
Moriboozia are abundantly supplied with a petroleum, or bituminous liquid,
which is found every where about their lakes, or on their mountains, and
which they burn in lamps, of various sizes, shapes, and constructions. They
have also numerous volca... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
He maintained that the number of our senses was greater than that commonly
assigned to us. That we had, for example, a sense of acids, of alkalies, of
weight, and of heat. That acid substances acted upon our bodies by a
peculiar set of nerves, or through some medium of their own, was evident
from this, that they set t... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
He told me he had been fifteen years perfecting this great work, in which
time it had been twice blown up by accidents, arising from the carelessness
or mismanagement of the workmen; but that he now expected it would repay
him for the time and money he had expended. He had once, he said, intended
to use the expansive ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"You perceive," he added, "the drawer missing. That contained substances
offensive to the sight or smell, which my maid, conducted to it by her
nose, conceived to be some animal curiosities I had been collecting, in a
state of putrefaction and decay, and did not hesitate to throw them into
the fire. I afterwards found... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I could not see this rash Glonglim attempt to climb that dangerous ladder,
without feeling alarm for his safety. At first all seemed to go on very
well; but just as he was about to lay hold of the gaudy prize, there arose
a sudden squall, which threw both him and his supporters into confusion,
and the whole living pyr... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
A modest, pensive looking girl, apparently about seventeen, was timidly
holding forth her hand for examination, at the time we entered.
Avarabet, (for that was the name of this philosopher,) uttered two or
three words, with a significant shake of his head, upon which I saw the
rising tear in her eyes. She withdrew her... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"When I was here before, I remember a physician, who acquired great
celebrity by affecting to cure diseases by examining a lock of the
patient's hair; and, not content with merely pronouncing on the nature
of the disease, and suggesting the remedy, he would enter into an
elaborate, and often plausible course of reason... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
It was now our turn to submit our hands to Avarabet for examination. He
discovered signs of the loftiest virtues and most heroic enterprise in
the Brahmin; and, near the bottom of one of his nails, a deep-rooted
sorrow, which would leave him only with his life. A transient shade of
gloom on the Brahmin's countenance w... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
This adventure created great tumult in the crowd, a few enjoying the
jest, but the greater number manifesting ill-will and resentment towards
the sportsman. The Brahmin and I took advantage of the confusion, to
withdraw unnoticed by the bystanders. After remaining at our lodgings
long enough to take rest and refreshme... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"And how does your neighbour bear this in the mean time?" said the
Brahmin.
"Oh, for that matter," said the other, "he is not at all behindhand, and
I lose nearly as many cattle as I get. But it gives me much more
pleasure to kill one of his buffaloes or llamas, than it does pain me
when he kills one of mine. I consid... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The proprietor, having pondered a while upon my friend's remarks, in a
tone of exultation said,--"Do you think, then, I could ever prevail on
my people to forbear, when they saw a likely flock, from laying violent
hands on it; or could I resist so favourable an opportunity of revenge?
Nay, more; if we were then tamely... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
He was very communicative of his modes of cultivation and management,
but chiefly prided himself on his success in improving the size of his
cattle. He informed us that he had devoted sixteen years of his life to
this object, and had then in his farm-yard a buffalo nearly as heavy as
three of the ordinary size. His pr... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"But who has the skill," quickly rejoined the other, "of which I can
boast? and who would take the same trouble, although they had
the skill?"
"But stop here a moment," said our host, "till I go to see how my last
improved oil-cake is relished by my cattle."
The Brahmin then turning to me, said,--"This gentleman may, ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Our party were greatly amused at the disputations of a learned society
in Europe, in which they undertook to give a mathematical demonstration
that they could not be thrown from a volcano of the earth, nor from the
moon, but were suddenly formed in the atmosphere. I should as soon
believe that a loaf of bread could b... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
He informed us that he had been ten years in completing this ingenious
machine; and certainly, when it was in full operation, I never saw
exultation and delight so strongly depicted in any human face. The
various sounds and sights, that met the ear and eye, in rapid
succession, still farther worked on his feelings, an... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
As soon as I was dressed, I walked out into a large garden, and, as the
sun was not yet so high as to make it sultry, was enjoying the balmy
sweetness of the air, and the flowering shrubs, which in beauty and
fragrance almost exceeded those of India, when I saw a servant run by
the garden wall, enter the stable, and b... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"How little like a man of sense you speak," said the other; "how readily
you have chimed in with the prejudices of the vulgar! I should have
expected better things from you: but the sway of empiricism is destined
yet to have a long struggle before it receives its final overthrow. I
have attacked it with success in man... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Will you listen to me for one moment?" says Dr. Dridrano, the youngest
of the three gentlemen. "It may be presumption for one of my humble
pretensions to set myself in opposition to persons of your age,
experience, and celebrity; but I am bound, by the sacred duties of the
high functions I have undertaken to perform,... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
Dr. Shuro, who had manifested his impatience at this long harangue, by
frequent interruptions, and which Dridrano's show of deference could
scarcely keep down, hastily replied: "You have manifestly taken the hint
of your theory from me; and because I have advanced the doctrine that
disease is an unit, you come forward... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Not so," said his opponent, angrily; "but if you are not more guarded
in your expressions, I shall make use of yours, in a way you
won't like."
Upon which they proceeded to blows, Dridrano all the while bellowing, "I
beg, my worthy seniors, for the honour of science, that you
will forbear!"
The noise of the dispute h... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Thus," he continued, "we have been regarded by one class of theorists
as an hydraulic engine, composed of various tubes fitted with their
several fluids, the laws and functions of which have been deduced from
calculations of velocities, altitudes, diameters, friction, &c. Another
class considered man as a mere chemic... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The master now made his appearance, and learning our errand, was very
communicative. He descanted on the advantages of this manual, and ocular
mode of teaching the science of numbers, and gave us practical
illustrations of its efficacy, by examining his pupils in our presence.
He told the first boy he called up, and w... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
Having understood that there was an academy in the neighbourhood, in
which youths of maturer years were instructed in the fine arts, we were
induced to visit it; but there being a vacation at that time, we could
see neither the professors nor students, and consequently could gain
little information of the course of di... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
CHAPTER XII.
_Election of the Numnoonce, or town-constable--Violence
of parties--Singular institution of the Syringe Boys--The
prize-fighters--Domestic manufactures._
When we got back to the city, we found an unusual stir and bustle among
the citizens, and on inquiring the cause, we understood they were about
to ele... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Yes; but I was the butcher's friend too. I never abused him. You'll
never catch me supporting a man I have once abused."
"But I catch you abusing the man you once supported, which is rather
worse. The difference between us is this:--you professed to be friendly
to both; I professed to be hostile to both: you stuck to... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I wondered to see men submit to such indignity; but was told that the
custom had the sanction of time; that these boys were brought up in the
church, and were regularly trained to this business. "Besides," added my
informer, "the custom is not without its use; for it points out the
candidates at once to a stranger, an... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Nor is that all," said the Brahmin, "as the judges assign the victory
according to certain rules and precedents, the reasons of which are
known only to themselves, if known at all, and which are often
sufficiently whimsical--as sometimes a small scratch in the head avails
more than a disabling blow in the body. The b... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
When we had nearly reached our lodgings, we heard a violent altercation
in the house, and on entering, we found our landlord and his wife
engaged in a dispute respecting their domestic economy, and they both
made earnest appeals to my companion for the correctness of their
respective opinions. The old man was in favou... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
He denied that sewing would affect his daughters' health, unless,
perhaps, they followed it exclusively as an occupation; but, as they
would have it in their power to consult their inclinations and
convenience in this matter, they might take it up when the occasion
required, and lay it down whenever they found it irks... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The Brahmin did not, as I expected, join me in laughing at the scene we
had just witnessed; but, after some musing, observed: "There is much
truth in what each of these parties say. I blame them only for the
course they take towards each other. Their dispute is, in fact, of a
most frivolous and unmeaning character; fo... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The Brahmin, who was desirous of showing me what was most remarkable in
this country, during the short time we intended to stay, thought this a
favourable time to visit Okalbia, or the Happy Valley. The Okalbians are
a tribe or nation, who live separated from the rest of the Lunar world,
and whose wise government, pr... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
They have little or no commerce with any other people, the valley
producing every vegetable production, and the mountains every mineral,
which they require; and in fact, they have no foreign intercourse
whatever, except when they visit, or are visited from curiosity. Though
they have been occasionally bullied and thre... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"And can these prudential restraints be generally practised? What a
virtuous people! Love for one another brings the two sexes
together--love for their offspring makes them separate!"
"I see," said the magistrate, smiling, "you are under an error. No
separation takes place, and none is necessary."
"How, then, am I to ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"They always pursue some profession or trade, by the profits of which
they support themselves. We have nothing but intellect and ingenuity to
export; for though our country produces every thing, there is no
commodity that we can so well spare. Their talents find them employment
every where; and the necessity they are ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
Our Washington then presented himself to my mind, and for a moment I
began to question his claim to the unexampled honours bestowed on him by
his countrymen, until I recollected that he was as distinguished by his
respect for the laws, and his sound views of national policy, as for his
military services.
I then inquir... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
There was no denying this statement of facts: but I could not help
exclaiming,--"Surely there is nothing certain in the universe; or
rather, truth is one thing in the moon, and another thing on the earth."
CHAPTER XIV.
_Farther account of Okalbia--The Field of Roses--Curious superstition
concerning that flower--The p... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Then I think you often exclude a witness who is under a small bias, and
admit another who is under a great one. You allow a man to give
testimony in a case in which the fortune or character of his father,
brother or child is involved, but reject him in a case in which he is
not interested to the amount of a greater s... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Have you, then, no parties?" said I.
"Oh yes; we are not without our political parties and disputes; and we
sometimes wrangle about very small matters--such as, what amount of
labour shall be bestowed on the public roads--the best modes of
conducting our schools and colleges--the comparative merits of the
candidates ... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The Brahmin, having diverted himself a while with my surprise and
disappointment, then informed me, that the rose had ever been regarded
in Morosofia, as the symbol of female purity, delicacy, and sweetness;
which notion had grown into a popular superstition, that whenever a
marriage is consummated on the earth, one o... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I told the Brahmin that the same opinion prevailed in my country. That
the vulgar also believe the moon, according to its age, to have
particular effects on the flesh of slaughtered animals; and that all
sailors distinguish between a wet and a dry day, according to the
position of the crescent.
We then inquired of the... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
"Why do we like," he continued, "the smell of a beef-steak, or of a cup
of tea, except for the pleasure we receive from their taste?"
I mentioned, as an exception to his theory, the codfish, which is
esteemed a very savoury dish by my countrymen, but which no one ever
regarded as very fragrant. But he repelled my obje... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
The fair was held in a large square piece of ground in one of the
suburbs, set apart for that purpose; and on each of its four sides a
long low building, or rather roof, supported on massy white columns,
extended about six hundred yards in length, and was thirty yards wide.
Immediately within this arcade were arranged... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
When I had become more familiar with this mixed multitude of sights and
sounds, I endeavoured to take a closer survey of some of the objects
composing the medley. The first thing which attracted my particular
notice, was a profusion of oaths and imprecations, which proceeded from
one of the curtained booths. I paid th... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 | |
I saw several other matches played, in which great sums were betted,
great skill was exhibited, and occasionally much unfairness practised.
There was one man in the crowd, whose extraordinary good fortune I could
not but admire. He went about from table to table, sometimes betting
high and sometimes low, but was gener... | A Voyage to the Moon: With Some Account of the Manners and Customs, Science and Philosophy, of the People of Morosofia, and Other Lunarians | Tucker, George | 1775 | 1861 | ['en'] | 42 | {'Space flight to the moon -- Fiction', 'Science fiction'} | PG10005 |
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