Remember it.

Did proceed to--" The single syllable helped Methuselah's memory.

"-- Did proceed to stealthily pluck the bough, and, having shown the same to Fire and Water, the guardians of the Taboo, did boldly challenge to single combat the bodily tenement of the god, with spear and hatchet, provided for me in accordance with ancient custom by Fire and Water.

In which combat, Heaven mercifully befriending me against my enemy, I did coom out conqueror; and was thereupon proclaimed Too-Keela-Keela myself, with ceremonies too many and barbarous to mention, lest I raise your gorge at them.

But that which is most important to tell you for your own guidance and safety, O mariner, is this--that being the sole and only end I have in imparting this history to so strange a messenger--that after you have by craft plucked the sacred branch, and by force of arms over-cootn Too-Keela-Keela, it is by all means needful, whether you will or not, that submitting to the hateful and gentile custom of this people--of this people--Pretty Poll! Pretty Poll! God save--God save the king! Death to the nineteenth year of the reign of all arrant knaves and roundheads." He dropped his head on his breast, and blinked his white eyelids more feebly than ever.