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:
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.