The author of it was not only left unpunished, but was overwhelmed with the general applause, for the originality and boldness of his attempt. The Martinians are used to console themselves on such occasions, by repeating the following couplet: "The project ended in defeat; The notion was, however, neat." When I had thoroughly studied the character of this people, I determined to take advantage of their weaknesses, and by some outrageous proposal, to gain their respect, and thereby better my condition. I revealed my intention to a shrewd old monkey, who encouraged me in these words: [Illustration] Who would succeed in Martinianic land, Must quit the useful, to propose the grand; Hazard those deeds, that to the gallows pave, Thy fortune's made! Here's honor for the knave. After due deliberation, my choice became fixed upon that ornament for the head, called wigs by us. I had previously noticed that the land contained a multitude of goats; with the hair of these creatures I proposed to manufacture my wigs. My step-father had been engaged in the trade, and as I had, with the inquisitiveness of youth, observed the process, I could bungle at it. I made a goat's-hair wig for myself, and adorned with it, presented myself to the president. This dignitary was astonished at the new and uncommon decoration. He seized it from my head, and placing it on his own, hastened in a very undignified manner to the mirror. So enraptured was he at the sight of the pompous protuberance, that he shrieked out: "Divine art, how like a God am I!"--he sent immediately for her Grace to partake in his joy. She was not less pleased than her lord. She embraced him, kissed him, and assured him that she had never seen him more handsome. The president addressed himself to me with much less haughtiness than usual. "O Kakidoran!" he exclaimed, "if this discovery of yours pleases the Council as well as it does me, your fortune is made. You may hope for the most honorable reward the State can give." I gracefully thanked his Excellency, and immediately wrote a petition, which I requested him to lay before the Council.