a pair o f large loose breasts of the same brown complexion, but encompassed,
by way o f ornament, with brass rings; round her waist
she wore a girdle, and on her feet a pair of half-boots.
“ Her first aspect really struck me with dread; but though a fury in
appearance, she addressed me with mingled pity and reserve in the; following
terms: ‘ O thou poor man! what hard destiny can have brought
thee hither, to a place never visited by any one before ? This is the
first time I ever beheld a stranger. Thou miserable creature! how
didst thou come, and whither wilt thou go ? Dost thou not perceive
what houses and habitations we have, and with how much difficulty
we go to church ? ’
r“ I entreated her to point out some way by which I might continue
my journey in any direction, so as not to be forced to return the way
I came, jjj Nay, man,’ said she, ‘ thou hast only to go the same way,
back again ; for the river overflows so much, it is not possible for thee
to proceed farther in this direction. From us thou hast no assistance
to expect in the prosecution o f .thy journey, as my husband, who might
have helped thee, is ill. Thou mayest inquire for our next neighbour,
who lives about a mile off, and perhaps i f thou shouldest meet with
him, he may give thee some assistance; but I really believe it will
scarcely be in his power.*
“ I inquired how far it was to Sorsele. ‘ That we do not know,’
replied she; ‘ but in the present state of the roads it is at least seven
days’ journey from hence, as my husband has told me.’ |
“ My strength and health being by this time materially impaired by
wading through such an extent of marshes, laden with my apparel and
luggage, for the Laplander had enough to do to carry,the boat; by
walking for whole nights together; by not having for a long time tasted
any boiled meat; by drinking a great quantity of water, as nothing
else was to be had; and by eating nothing but fish, unsalted and
crawling with vermin: I must have perished but for a piece of dried
and salted rein-deer’s flesh, given me by my kind, hostess, the clergyman’s
wife at Lycksele. This food, however, without bread, proved
unwholesome and indigestible. How I longed.once mor;e to meet with
people that fed on spoon meat! I inquired o f this woman whether*
she could give me any thing to eat. She replied, ‘ Nothing but fish.’
I looked at the fresh fish, as it was called, but perceiving its mouth to
be full o f maggots, 1 had no appetite to touch i t ; but though it thus
abated my hunger, it did not recruit my strength. I asked if I could
have any rein-deer tongues, which are commonly dried for sale, and
served up even. at the tables o f the great; but was answered in the
negative. e Have you no cheese made o f rein-deer s milk ? said I.
‘ Yes,’ replied she, ‘ but it is a mile off.’ ‘ I f it were here, would you
allow me to buy some ?’ * I have no desire, answered the good
woman, ‘ that thou shouldest die in my country for want of food.’ On
arriving at her hut I perceived three cheeses lying under a shed without
the walls, and took the smallest of them, which she, after some consultation,
allowed me to purchase.
“ I was at last obliged to return the way I came, though very unwillingly,
heartily wishing it might never be my fate to see this place
again. It was as bad as a visit to Acheron. I f I could have run up
the bed of the river like a Laplander, I might have gone on, but that
was impossible.”