Gulliver's Boat and Departure from Blefuscu

The practical steps Gulliver takes to build a boat and leave Blefuscu, including the help of the emperor and the final voyage to England.

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Discovery of the Boat

The Overturned Vessel The Sight of the Boat While walking on the northeast coast, Gulliver sees something that looks like a boat overturned in the sea. He wades and swims to it, and confirms it is a real boat, likely driven from a ship by a tempest. The Retrieval He returns to the city and asks the emperor of Blefuscu to lend him twenty of the tallest vessels and three thousand seamen. With their help, he tows the boat to the shore. He then turns it upright and finds it only slightly damaged. The Significance This boat is his ticket home. He is determined to leave the land of giants and return to England. The discovery is a turning point.

Fitting Out the Boat

The Preparation The Emperor's Permission Gulliver asks the emperor for materials to fit up the boat and for license to depart. The emperor, after some expostulation, grants it. He is eager to be rid of the burden. The Work Five hundred workmen make two sails by quilting thirteen folds of linen. Gulliver makes ropes and cables by twisting their strongest threads. He finds a great stone for an anchor. He also cuts down timber for oars and masts, with the help of the king's ship-carpenters. The Provisions He stocks the boat with the carcasses of a hundred oxen and three hundred sheep, bread and drink, and six live cows and two bulls, as well as sheep and lambs. He intends to propagate the breed in England.

The Departure and Voyage

The Final Farewell The Leave-Taking Gulliver sends to receive the emperor's commands and takes his leave. The emperor and royal family come out of the palace. Gulliver lies on his face to kiss the emperor's hand. The emperor presents him with fifty purses of two hundred sprugs each and his picture at full length. The Sailing He sets sail on September 24, 1701, at six in the morning. He steers northeast by his pocket-compass. He reaches an uninhabited island, rests, and continues. On the second day, he spies a sail and heads toward it. The Rescue The ship proves to be an English merchantman. He is taken aboard. The captain, John Biddle, is skeptical until Gulliver shows his cattle and gold. They arrive in the Downs on April 13, 1702. Gulliver returns to his family.

three days after arrival in Blefuscu, about 1701

September 1701, about a month

24 September 1701