Chap. III
My Gentleness and good Behaviour had gained so far on the Emperor and his Court, and indeed upon the Army and People in general, that I began to conceive hopes of getting my Liberty in a short time. I took all possible methods to cultivate this favourable disposition. The Natives came by degrees to be less apprehensive of any Danger from me. I would sometimes lie down, and let Five or Six of them dance on my hand. And at last the Boys and Girls would venture to come and play at Hide and Seek in my hair. I had now made a good progress in understanding and speaking their Language. The Emperor had a mind one day to entertain me with several of the Country Shows, wherein they exceed all Nations I have known, both for Dexterity and Magnificence. I was diverted with none so much as that of the Rope-dancers, performed upon a slender white Thread, extended about Two foot, and Twelve inches from the ground. Upon which I shall desire liberty, with the Reader's patience, to enlarge a little.
This Diversion is only practised by those persons who are Candidates for great Employments and high Favour at Court. They are trained in this Art from their youth, and are not always of noble Birth, or liberal Education. When a great
