The author departs from Lagado and arrives at Maldonada. No ship is ready. He takes a short voyage to Glubbdubdrib. His reception by the Governor.
The continent of which this kingdom is a part extends, I believe, eastward toward those unknown regions of America west of California. To the north, the Pacific Ocean lies only a hundred and fifty miles from Lagado. This proximity allows for a busy port with significant commerce involving the great island of Luggnagg. Since Luggnagg maintains a strict alliance with the Emperor of Japan, I realized that traveling this way offered the most reliable route back to Europe. Consequently, after taking leave of my noble protector—who graciously provided me with a generous parting gift—I hired a guide and two mules to carry my baggage toward the coast.
My journey to the port of Maldonada was entirely uneventful. Upon my arrival, however, I was disappointed to find that no ships were bound for Luggnagg, nor were any expected for some time. While I waited, I made the acquaintance of a local gentleman who suggested an intriguing diversion. He explained that since the next vessel would not be ready for a month, I might enjoy a trip to Glubbdubdrib, the "Island of Sorcerers," located about five leagues to the southwest. He and a friend even offered to accompany me, providing a small, convenient boat for the voyage.
Glubbdubdrib, as the name suggests, is an island inhabited by a tribe of magicians. It is a fertile land, governed by the head of this tribe, whose power passes down to the eldest son. The Governor resides in a magnificent palace set within a three-thousand-acre park, enclosed by a substantial stone wall twenty feet high.
The most extraordinary aspect of the Governor’s household, however, is his staff. Through his mastery of necromancy, he has the power to call anyone he chooses from the dead. These spirits are bound to serve him for twenty-four hours, after which they cannot be summoned again for three months.
When we reached the island and requested an audience, we were immediately granted entrance. As we walked through the palace gates, we passed rows of guards whose appearance made my skin crawl; there was an eerie, supernatural quality in their expressions that I cannot easily describe. We were led through several apartments until we reached the throne room. After we performed the necessary ceremonies, the Governor asked me about my travels in the local language, which he understood perfectly.
To put me at ease, he dismissed all his attendants with a simple flick of his finger. To my absolute astonishment, they vanished in an instant, like visions in a dream. Although the Governor assured me I was in no danger, I remained deeply unsettled until I noticed that my companions, who were used to such displays, were completely unconcerned. Eventually, I regained my composure and shared my adventures with him, though I could not help glancing nervously behind me at the spots where the spectres had stood. I later dined with the Governor, served by a new set of ghosts, and found myself becoming less terrified as the evening progressed.
I spent ten days on the island, and before long, I grew so accustomed to the presence of spirits that my curiosity eventually outweighed my fear. The Governor kindly offered me a rare privilege: I could call up any person from history, from the beginning of the world to the present, and ask them any question I liked. He guaranteed they would tell the truth, for lying is a talent of no use in the afterworld.
I thanked his highness for such a remarkable favour. We stood in a room overlooking the vast park, and because I have always been fascinated by scenes of ancient grandeur, I first asked to see Alexander the Great. With a motion of the Governor’s hand, the King appeared in the field below. When he was brought into the room, I struggled to understand his Greek, but he clearly assured me that he had not been poisoned, as historians often claim; rather, he had died of a fever brought on by excessive drinking.
Next, I saw Hannibal crossing the Alps. He informed me, quite bluntly, that he had never used vinegar to melt the rocks, contrary to the famous myths. I then watched Caesar and Pompey leading their troops, and I requested to see the ancient Roman Senate in one room and a modern assembly in another. The contrast was devastating: the Romans appeared as a collection of heroes and demigods, while the modern group looked like a pack of pickpockets and ruffians.
Finally, at my request, Caesar and Brutus approached us. I was struck with a profound sense of respect for Brutus. In every line of his face, I could see perfect integrity, courage, and a genuine love for humanity. I was pleased to see that he and Caesar were on excellent terms; in fact, Caesar confessed to me that his own greatest actions were nothing compared to the glory Brutus achieved by opposing him.
It would be tedious to list the many illustrious people I summoned to satisfy my curiosity. I spent my time observing those who had destroyed tyrants and restored liberty to oppressed nations. I left the island with a deep sense of satisfaction, having finally seen the true face of history, stripped of the lies of historians.