Good evening. Welcome to the Just Sleep podcast. I'm Tasia, your host.

Every week, I will read you an old story to help you relax, put the stressful day behind you, and drift off to sleep.

Occasionally, we will run ads in order to cover the costs of the production of the podcast.

Rest assured, there will be no ads during or after the story.

If you prefer an ad-free and intro-free show, you can join Just Sleep Premium.

Visit just sleeppodcast.com slash support for more information.

Tonight, I continue the story,

Gulliver's Travels, by Jonathan Swift.

So lie down, close your eyes,

and let me read you a story.

Chapter 4

Mildengo

The metropolis of Lilliput described, together with the Emperor's Palace,

a conversation between the author and a principal secretary concerning the affairs of that empire,

the author's offers to serve the Emperor in his wars.

The first request I made, after I had obtained my liberty, was that I might have licensed to see Mildendo, the metropolis,

which the emperor easily granted me, but with a special charge to do no hurt either to the

inhabitants or to their houses. The people had notice, by proclamation, of my design to visit the town.

The wall which encompassed it is two feet and a half high,

and at least 11 inches broad, so that a coach and horses may be driven very safely rounded,

and it is flanked with strong towers at 10 feet distance. I stepped over the great western gate and passed very gently and saddling through the two principal streets only in my short waistcoat for fear of

damaging the roofs and eaves at the houses with the skirt of my coat. I walked with the utmost

...