Thus armed and equipped, we set out, and came to Madrid, when the summer decaying, we hasted to Navarre, where we were informed that there was scarcely any passing, be reason of the prodigious quantity of snow; so that we were obliged to abide near twenty days at Pamoeluria, and at last to take a guide to conduct us safe towards Tholouse.  And now twelve other gentlemen joining with us, together with their servants, we had a very jolly company.  Away our guide led us by frightful mountains, and through so many intricate mazes and windings, that we insensibly passed them, which, as we travelled along, ushered us into the prospect of the fruitful and charming provinces of Languedoc and Galcoigne.

But now came on two adventures, both tragical and comical.  First, our guide was encountered by three wolves and a bear, who set upon him and his horse, and wounded him in three places; upon which my man, riding up to his assistance, shot one of them dead upon the spot, which made the others retire into the woods.  But the pleasantest adventure was, to behold my man attack the bear.  ’Tis such a creature, that if you let him alone, he will never meddle with you, and this my man very well knew, and so begging leave of me in broken English, he told us, he would make good laugh.  ‘Why, you silly fool,’ said I, ’he’ll eat you up at a mouthful.’ Eatee me up, replied he, by way of scorn, me not only eatee him, but make much good laugh. Upon which, pulling off his boots, he claps on his pumps, and running after the monstrous beast, he called out, that he wanted to discourse with him, and then throwing stones on purpose to incense him, the beast turns about in fury, and, with prodigious strides, shuffles after him.  But though he was not swift enough to keep up pace with Friday, who made up to us as it were for help; yet being angry, ‘You dog,’ said I, ’immediately take horse, and let us shoot the creature.’  But he cried, Dear master, no shoot, me make you laugh much. And so he turned about, making signs to follow, while the bear ran after, till coming to a great oak, he ascended in a minute, leaving his gun, at the bottom of it.  Nor did the bear make any difficulty of it, but ascended like a cat, though his weight was very great.  You must consider I was not a little amazed at the folly of my man, as not perceiving any thing to occasion our laughter, till such time as we rode up nearer, and beheld the bear mounted upon the oak, on the beginning of the same branch, to which Friday clung at the farther end, where the bear durst not come.  Hereupon Friday cried out, Now master, me make much laugh, me make bear dance. Upon which he fell a shaking the bough, which made the creature look behind him, to see how he could retreat.  Then as if the bear had understood his stammering English, Why you no come farther, Mr. Bear said he, pray, Mr. Bear come farther; and then indeed we all burst into a laughter; especially