Roundabout Papers - Penn State University

ThackerayAnd now, you see, we arrive at really the most interestingpart of my travels in the country which I intendedto visit, viz. the manners and habits of the Gorillaschez eux. I give the heads of this narrative only,the full account being suppressed for a reason whichshall presently be given. The heads, then, of the chapters,are briefly as follows:—The author’s arrival in the Gorilla country. Its geographicalposition. Lodgings assigned to him up a gumtree.Constant attachment of the little prince. His royalhighness’s gratitude. Anecdotes of his wit, playfulness,and extraordinary precocity. Am offered a portion ofpoor Larkins for my supper, but decline with horror.Footman brings me a young crocodile: fishy but verypalatable. Old crocodiles too tough: ditto rhinoceros.Visit the queen mother—an enormous old Gorilla, quitewhite. Prescribe for her majesty. Meeting of Gorillas atwhat appears a parliament amongst them: presided overby old Gorilla in cocoanut-fibre wig. Their sports. Theircustoms. A privileged class amongst them. Extraordinarylikeness of Gorillas to people at home, both atCharleston, S. C., my native place; and London, England,which I have visited. Flat-nosed Gorillas and blue-nosedGorillas; their hatred, and wars between them. In a partof the country (its geographical position described) Isee several negroes under Gorilla domination. Welltreated by their masters. Frog-eating Gorillas across theSalt Lake. Bull-headed Gorillas—their mutual hostility.Green Island Gorillas. More quarrelsome than the Bullheads,and howl much louder. I am called to attend oneof the princesses. Evident partiality of H. R. H. for me.Jealousy and rage of large red-headed Gorilla. How shallI escape?Ay, how indeed? Do you wish to know? Is your curiosityexcited? Well, I do know how I escaped. I could tellthe most extraordinary adventures that happened tome. I could show you resemblances to people at home,that would make them blue with rage and you crackyour sides with laughter …. And what is the reason Icannot write this paper, having all the facts before me?151