Sentence Examples

1. I answered, as I had before determined, that I was a Dutch merchant, shipwrecked in a remote country, whence I traveled by sea and land to Luggnagg, and then took shipping for Japan, where I knew my countrymen often traded, and with some of these I hoped to get an opportunity of returning into Europe.
2. In speaking, they pronounce through the nose and throat, and their language approaches nearest to the High Dutch or German, of any I know in Europe but it is much more graceful and significant.
3. The largest of the two pirate ships was commanded by a Japanese captain who spoke a little Dutch, but very imperfectly.
4. made almost the same observation when he said that if he were to speak to his horse, it should be in High Dutch.
5. But I hope the Dutch, upon this notice, will be curious and able enough to supply my defects.
6. I spoke Dutch tolerably well I told him who we were, and begged him, in consideration of our being Christians and Protestants, of neighboring countries in strict alliance, that he would move the captains to take some pity on us.
7. I gave him a short account of some particulars, and made my story as plausible and consistent as I could but I thought it necessary to disguise my country, and call myself a Hollander, because my intentions were for Japan, and I knew the Dutch were the only Europeans permitted to enter into that kingdom.
8. However, for the reasons I had offered, but chiefly to gratify the king of Luggnagg by an uncommon mark of his favor, he would comply with the singularity of my humor but the affair must be managed with dexterity, and his officers should be commanded to let me pass as it were by forgetfulness for he assured me that if the secret should be discovered by my countrymen, the Dutch, they would cut my throat on the voyage.
9. I had lived long in Holland, pursuing my studies at Leyden, and I spoke Dutch well.
10. In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection.