Gulliver began this desperate voyage at nine in the morning on February 15, 1715. The wind was very favourable, but at first he used only his paddles. He would soon tire, and the wind might change, so he put up his little sail. With the help of the tide he made about a league and a half an hour.
His master and friends stayed on the shore until he was almost out of sight. Again and again Gulliver heard the sorrel nag cry out. “Hnuy illa nyha, majah Yahoo.” It meant “Take care of thyself, gentle Yahoo.” Gulliver writes that the nag always loved him.
His plan was to find a small uninhabited island. One where his own labour could supply what he needed would be enough. He thought that a greater happiness than being first minister at the most polished court in Europe. So horrible was the thought of going back to live among Yahoos, under their government.