I return'd him many Thanks for his Humanity, but told him I durst not attribute to my self the Character he gave me; that I was a Lover of Truth, and would not, on any Account, disguise the real Motive which sent me on an Undertaking I look'd upon impossible to go thro' with, and which I very unwillingly embark'd in: But since, contrary to my Expectations, Providence has guided me to this Terrestrial Paradice, I should esteem my self extreamly happy, if I might be permitted to ask such Questions as my Curiosity might prompt me to.
He answer'd, that nothing I desir'd to know should be kept from me. We soon reach'd the House, which was regular, neat, and convenient. We all sat down in an inner Hall, and he who spoke English, desired I would give an Account, both of the Motives, the Manner, and Accidents of my Journey, which I did as succinctly as possible, interpreting the Credentials, when I gave them.
He was astonish'd at the Account I gave him of the Cacklogallinians, and said, if my Account was not back'd with ocular Demonstration, he should take their Story for the Ravings of a distemper'd Brain.
"I find, said he, you begin to be drowzy; I would therefore have you and your rational Fowls (as you call them) repose your selves, while I in the Vernacular Language, repeat to my Companions the Wonders I have heard from you."
We were indeed very sleepy, and I was heartily glad of the Proposal, as were also the Cacklogallinians, when I mention'd it to them. They, as well as my self, were provided each of them with a Bed, in very handsome and commodious Rooms. These Beds were so very soft, that I seem'd to lye on a Couch of Air. When we awak'd, the Selenites came into my Chamber, and told me it was time to take some Nourishment; that they had provided Corn for my Companions, and desir'd I would sit down to Supper with them, it being their usual time.
"Why, Sir, said I, to our English Interpreter, do you sup by Day-light? You mistake, said he, it is now Night; your World to the Inhabitants of this Hemisphere (which is always turn'd to it, this Planet moving in an Epicycle) reflects so strong the Sun's Light, that your Error is excusable. What then, said I, do those of the other Hemisphere for Light? They have it, said he, from the Planets."
I went with them into a Parlour, where, after a Hymn was sung, we sat down to a Table cover'd with Sallets and all sorts of Fruits.
"You must, said the Selenite, content your self with what we can offer you, which is nothing but the spontaneous Products of the Earth: We cannot invite you to other, since the eating any thing that has had Life, is look'd upon with Abhorrence, and never known in this World: But I am satisfied you will easily accommodate your self to our Diet, since the Taste of our Fruits is much more exquisite than yours, since they fully satisfy, and never cloy:"
Which I found true by Experience, and I was so far from hankering after Flesh, that even the Thoughts of it were shocking and nauseous to me.
We drank the most delicious Wine, which they press'd from the Grape into their Cups, and which was no way intoxicating. After Supper, the Selenite address'd himself to me in Words to this Effect.