Chapter XVII

Cacambo argues that the hemisphere they are in offers no advantage over others and suggests they return to Europe by the shortest route.

Candide refutes Cacambo's proposal by listing dangers in every potential destination: war in his homeland, persecution in Portugal, and constant danger in their current location, while also expressing reluctance to leave Cunegonde.

Cacambo proposes heading to Cayenne where French traders might help them, appealing to divine providence.

The passage describes the extreme difficulties of travel—rivers, precipices, robbers, and starvation—yet the travelers survive on wild fruits and find hope near cocoa trees.

Cacambo suggests they use a canoe to travel downriver, reasoning that rivers always lead to inhabited places and they will encounter either pleasant or novel things.

Candide agrees to the plan and expresses trust in divine will.

The travelers experience a harrowing journey through the river, including passage through dangerous rock formations and rapids, before discovering an extensive fertile plain bounded by mountains.

Candide remarks that the cultivated, beautiful country surpasses his homeland Westphalia.

Candide and Cacambo observe children playing with quoits made of gold, emeralds, and rubies, leading them to mistakenly believe these are royal children.

Candide attempts to return the gold and jewels to the supposed royal tutor, who smiles at the gesture and dismisses them as worthless.

Despite the schoolmaster's indifference, Candide and Cacambo gather up the gold, rubies, and emeralds for themselves.

Candide concludes that the royal children must be exceptionally well-educated if they are taught to despise gold and precious stones.

The travelers approach an elegant European-style building where they hear pleasant music and cooking aromas, and Cacambo recognizes the language as Peruvian.

Cacambo volunteers to interpret and suggests they enter what appears to be a public house or inn.

The travelers are served an elaborate meal featuring exotic dishes prepared from unusual animals, served in crystal dishes, by elegantly dressed attendants.

The travelers note that other patrons—merchants and wagon drivers—are remarkably polite and courteous in their inquiries.

When Candide and Cacambo attempt to pay with gold pieces, the landlord laughs and explains that the gold is worthless ('pebbles from highroads') and that the government funds all commercial establishments, so payment is unnecessary.

Cacambo translates the landlord's remarks, leaving both travelers equally astonished by what they have learned.

The travelers reason together that this hidden country where all goes well must be the legendary place where everything is good, contrasting it with Candide's experience in Westphalia.