“The Author informed of a Design to accuse him of High Treason, makes his Escape to Blefuscu. His Reception there."
Gullivers time spent among the Lilliputians did little for his knowledge of their criminal law, which led him to commit many offenses unwittingly. Among these include:
• Peeing on the Queens apartment, in the palace.
• Refusing to seize remaining Blefuscian navy, execute traitors and subject Blefuscians to slavery.
• Treating Blefuscian ambassadors with kindness
• Wishing to visit the Blefuscian empire
He fled to Blefuscu, where he was received warmly.
“Article I – Whereas, by a statute made in the rain, of his imperial majesty, Calin Deffar Plune, is enacted that whoever shall make water within the precincts of the royal palace, shall be liable to the pains and penalties of high treason: notwithstanding, the said Quinibus Flestrin, in open breach of the said law under the color of extinguishing the fire kindled in the apartment of his majesty’s most dear imperial consort, did maliciously, treacherously, and devilishly, by discharge of his urine, put out the said fire, kindled in the said apartment, lying and being within the precincts of said royal palace; against the statute in that case provided, &c, against the duty, &c.”
This article of treason is significant in many ways. It represents Swiftes view of the irrationality and frivolity of the British Government. For example, the prohibition of peeing in the palace is a truly silly law. This chapter is also significant because it summarizes a premise that’s strong in Swifte’s political beliefs, “No good deed goes unpunished”. Despite Gullivers obvious good intentions, he is convicted of treason for disrespect of the queen, despite potentially saving the kingdom from a fiery end.
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