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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11866 ***
+
+Editorial notes:    Daniel Defoe's tale of Robinson Crusoe was first
+                    published in 1719. Numerous--almost countless--
+                    versions were published subsequently. Several are
+                    available in Project Gutenberg's library, including
+                    our e-books #521, 561, 5902, 6328, 6936, and 11239
+                    (https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/521 etc.). Various
+                    tales have been included in the different versions,
+                    usually under the names of "The Adventures of
+                    Robinson Crusoe," "The Further Adventures of
+                    Robinson Crusoe," and "Robinson Crusoe's Vision of
+                    the Angelic World." Even an account of the
+                    adventures of Alexander Selkirk, who was marooned
+                    for four years on an island in the Pacific Ocean,
+                    has been incorporated into some versions of the
+                    Robinson Crusoe stories. All of these tales are
+                    incorporated into this e-book taken from an 1801
+                    edition.
+
+                    Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
+                    file which includes the original illustrations.
+                    See 11866-h.htm or 11866-h.zip:
+                    (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/11866/11866/11866.htm)
+                    or
+                    (https://www.gutenberg.org/files/11866/11866.zip)
+
+
+Transcriber's Note: Several pages (23, 90, 134, and 224-226) of the
+                    original book were unavailable for scanning. Page
+                    images of the identical text were subsequently
+                    made available by the University of Florida Baldwin
+                    Library of Historical Children's Literature and
+                    have been added to this e-book. The page images can
+                    be seen by the reader at
+                    http://www.uflib.ufl.edu/UFDC/UFDC.aspx?s=defoe&m=hd1J&i=53904
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+LIFE
+
+AND MOST
+
+SURPRISING ADVENTURES
+
+OF
+
+ROBINSON CRUSOE,
+
+OF YORK, MARINER.
+
+WHO LIVED EIGHT AND TWENTY YEARS IN AN
+UNINHABITED ISLAND, ON THE COAST OF
+AMERICA, NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE
+GREAT RIVER OROONOQUE,
+
+Including an Account of
+
+HIS DELIVERANCE THENCE, AND HIS AFTER
+SURPRISING ADVENTURES.
+
+WITH
+
+HIS VISION OF THE ANGELIC WORLD.
+
+AN IMPROVED EDITION,
+
+Illustrated with eight Engravings, from Original designs.
+
+To which is annexed,
+
+THE REMARKABLE HISTORY OF
+
+ALEXANDER SELKIRK;
+
+Who lived four years and four months in a state of Solitude,
+on the Island of Juan Fernandez, in the Pacific Ocean,
+
+1801
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+FRONTISPIECE.
+
+
+
+[Illustration: I Was Wrapt Up In Contemplation And Often Lifted
+Up My Hands, With The Profoundest Humility, To
+The Divine Powers, For Saving My Life, When The
+Rest Of My Companions Were All Drowned.
+_Dr. and Eng. by A. Carse; Edin_.]
+
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+If ever the story of any private man's adventures in the world were
+worth making public, and were acceptable when published, the Editor of
+this account thinks this will be so.
+
+The wonders of this man's life exceed all that (he thinks) is to be
+found extant; the life of one man being scarce capable of a
+greater variety.
+
+The story is told with modesty, with seriousness, and with a religious
+application of events to the uses to which wise men always apply them,
+viz. to the instruction of others by this example, and to justify and
+honour the wisdom of Providence in all the variety of our circumstances,
+let them happen how they will.
+
+The editor believes this narrative to be a just history of fact; neither
+is their any appearance of fiction in it: and though he is well aware
+there are many, who on account of the very singular preservations the
+author met with, will give it the name of romance; yet in which ever of
+these lights it shall be viewed, he imagines, that the improvement of
+it, as well as the diversion, as to the instruction of the reader, will
+be the same; and as such, he thinks, without farther compliment to the
+world, he does them a great service in the publication.
+
+
+
+THE
+
+LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
+OF
+
+ROBINSON CRUSOE.
+
+
+I was born at York, in the year 1632, of a reputable family. My father
+was a native of Bremen, who by merchandizing at Hull for some time,
+gained a very plentiful fortune. He married my mother at York, who
+received her first breath in that country: and as her maiden name was
+Robinson, I was called _Robinson Kreutznaer_: which not being easily
+pronounced in the English tongue, we are commonly known by the name
+of Crusoe.
+
+I was the youngest of three brothers. The eldest was a lieutenant
+colonel in Lochart's regiment, but slain by the Spaniards: what became
+of the other, I could never learn.
+
+No charge or pains were wanting in my education.--My father designed me
+for the law; yet nothing would serve me but I must go to sea, both
+against the will of my father, the tears of my mother, and the
+entreaties of friends. One morning my father expostulated very warmly
+with me: What reason, says he, have you to leave your native country,
+where there must be a more certain prospect of content and happiness, to
+enter into a wandering condition of uneasiness and uncertainty? He
+recommended to me Augur's wish, "Neither to desire poverty nor riches:"
+that a middle state of life was the most happy, and that the high
+towering thoughts of raising our condition by wandering abroad, were
+surrounded with misery and danger, and often ended with confusion and
+disappointment. I entreat you, nay, I command you, (says he) to desist
+from these intentions. Consider your elder brother, who laid down his
+life for his honour, or rather lost it for his disobedience to my will.
+If you will go (added he) my prayers shall however be offered for your
+preservation; but a time may come, when, desolate, oppressed, or
+forsaken, you may wish you had taken your poor despised father's
+counsel.--He pronounced these words with such a moving and paternal
+eloquence, while floods of tears ran down his aged cheeks, that it
+seemed to stem the torrent of my resolutions. But this soon wore, off,
+and a little after I informed my mother, that I could not settle to any
+business, my resolutions were so strong to see the world; and begged she
+would gain my father's consent only to go one voyage; which, if I did
+not prove prosperous, I would never attempt a second. But my desire was
+as vain as my folly in making. My mother passionately expressed her
+dislike of this, proposal, telling me, "That as she saw I was bent upon
+my own destruction, contrary to their will and my duty, she would say no
+more; but leave me to do whatever I pleased."
+
+I was then, I think, nineteen years old, when one time being Hull; I met
+a school-fellow of mine, going along with his father, who was master of
+a ship, to London; and acquainted him with my wandering desires; he
+assured me of a free passage, and a plentiful share of what was
+necessary. Thus, without imploring a blessing, or taking farewell of my
+parents, I took shipping on the first of September 1651. We set sail
+soon after, and our ship had scarce left the Humber astern, when there
+arose so violent a storm, that, being extremely sea-sick, I concluded
+the judgment of God deservedly followed me for my disobedience to my
+dear parents. It was then I called to mind, the good advice of my
+father; how easy and comfortable was a middle state of life; and I
+firmly resolved, if it pleased God to set me on dry land once more, I
+would return to my parents, implore their forgiveness, and bid a final
+adieu to my wandering inclinations.
+
+Such were my thoughts while the storm continued: but these good
+resolutions decreased with the danger; more especially when my companion
+came to me, clapping me on the shoulder: "What, Bob!" said he, "sure you
+was not frightened last night with scarce a capful of wind?"--"And do
+you" cried I, "call such a violent storm a capful of wind?"--"A storm,
+you fool you," said he, "this is nothing; a good ship and sea-room
+always baffles such a foolish squall of wind as that: But you're a fresh
+water sailor: Come boy, turn out, see what fine weather we have now, and
+a good bowl of punch will drown all your past sorrows." In short, the
+punch was made, I was drunk and in one night's time drowned both my
+repentance and my good resolutions, forgetting entirely the vows and
+promises I made in my distress: and whenever any reflections would
+return on me, what by company, and what by drinking, I soon mastered
+those fits, as I deridingly called them. But this only made way for
+another trial, whereby I could not but see how much I was beholden to
+kind Providence.
+
+Upon the sixth day we came to an anchor in Harwich road, where we lay
+wind bound with some Newcastle ships; and there being good anchorage,
+and our cables found, the seamen forgot their late toil and danger, and
+spent the time as merry as if they had been on shore. But on the eight
+day there arose a brisk gale of wind, which prevented our tiding it up
+the river; and still increasing, our ship rode forecastle in, and
+shipped several large seas.
+
+It was not long before horror seized the seamen themselves, and I heard
+the master express this melancholy ejaculation, "Lord have mercy upon
+us, we shall be all, lost and undone!" For my part, sick unto death, I
+kept my cabin till the universal and terribly dreadful apprehensions of
+our speedy fate made me get upon deck; and there I was affrighted
+indeed. The sea went mountains high: I could see nothing but distress
+around us; two ships had cut their masts on board, and another was
+foundered; two more that had lost their anchors, were forced out to the
+mercy of the ocean; and to save our lives we were forced to cut our
+foremast and mainmast quite away.
+
+Who is their so ignorant as not to judge of my dreadful condition? I was
+but a fresh-water sailor and therefore it seemed more terrible. Our ship
+was very good, but over-loaded; which made the sailors often cry out,
+"She would founder!" Words I then was ignorant of. All this while the
+storm continuing, and rather increasing, the master and the most sober
+part of his men went to prayers, expecting death every moment. In the
+middle of the night one cried out, "We had sprung a leak;" another,
+"That there was four feet water in the hold." I was just ready to expire
+with fear, when immediately all hands were called to the pump; and the
+men forced me also in that extremity to share with them in their labour.
+While thus employed, the master espying some light colliers, fired a gun
+as a signal of distress; and I, not understanding what it meant, and
+thinking that either the ship broke, or some dreadful thing happened,
+fell into a swoon. Even in that common condition of woe, nobody minded
+me, excepting to thrust me aside with their feet, thinking me dead, and
+it was a great while before I recovered.
+
+Happy it was for us, when, upon the signal given, they ventured out
+their boats to save our lives. All our pumping had been in vain, and
+vain had all our attempts been, had they not come to our ship's side,
+and our men cast them a rope over the stern with a buoy to it, which
+after great labour they got hold of, and we hauling them up to us got
+into their boat, and left our ship which we perceived sink within less
+than a quarter of an hour; and thus I learned what was meant by
+_foundering at sea._ And now the men incessantly laboured to recover
+their, own ship; but the sea ran so high, and the wind blew so hard,
+that they thought it convenient to hale within shore; which, with great
+difficulty and danger, at last we happily effected landing at a place
+called _Cromer_, not far from Winterton lighthouse; from whence we all
+walked to Yarmouth, where, as objects of pity, many good people
+furnished us with necessaries to carry us either to Hull or London.
+
+Strange, after all this, like the prodigal son, I did not return to my
+father; who hearing of the ship's calamity, for a long time thought me
+entombed in the deep. No doubt but I should have _shared on his fatted
+calf_, as the scripture expresseth it; but my ill fate still pusheth me
+on, in spite of the powerful convictions of reason and conscience.
+
+When we had been at Yarmouth three days, I met my old companion, who had
+given me the invitation to go on board along with his father. His
+behaviour and speech were altered, and in a melancholy manner asked me
+how I did, telling his father who I was, & how I had made this voyage
+only for a trial to proceed further abroad. Upon which the old gentleman
+turning to me gravely, said, "Young man, you ought never to go to sea
+any more, but to take this for a certain sign that you never will
+prosper in a sea-faring condition." "Sir" answered I, "will you take the
+same resolution?" "It is a different case," said he, "it is my calling,
+and consequently my duty; but as you have made this voyage for a trial,
+you see what ill success heaven has set before your eyes; and perhaps
+our miseries have been on your account, like _Jonah_ in the ship of
+_Tarshish_. But pray what are you, and on what account did you go to
+sea?" Upon which I very freely declared my whole story: at the end of
+which he made this exclamation: "Ye sacred powers: what had I committed,
+that such a wretch should enter into my ship to heap upon me such a
+deluge of miseries!" But soon recollecting his passion, "Young man" said
+he, "if you do not go back, depend upon it, wherever you go, you will
+meet with disasters and disappointments till your father's words are
+fulfilled upon you." And so we parted.
+
+I thought at first to return home; but shame opposed that good motion,
+as thinking I should be laughed at by my neighbours and acquaintance. So
+strange is the nature of youth, who are not ashamed to sin, but yet
+ashamed to repent; and so far from being ashamed of those actions for
+which they may be acounted fools, they think it folly to return to their
+duty, which is the principal mark of wisdom. In short I travelled up to
+London, resolving upon a voyage, and a voyage I soon heard of, by my
+acquaintance with a captain who took a fancy to me, to go to the coast
+of Guinea. Having some money, and appearing like a gentleman, I went on
+board, not as a common sailor or foremast man; nay, the commander agreed
+I should go that voyage with him without any expence; that I should be
+his messmate and companion, and I was very welcome to carry any thing
+with me, and make the best merchandise I could.
+
+I blessed my happy fortune, and humbly thanked my captain for this
+offer; and acquainting my friends in Yorkshire, forty pounds were sent
+me, the greatest part of which my dear father and mother contributed to,
+with which I bought toys and trifles, as the captain directed me. My
+captain also taught me navigation, how to keep an account of the ship's
+course, take an observation, and led me into the knowledge of several
+useful branches of the mathematics. And indeed this voyage made me both
+a sailor and a merchant; for I brought home five pounds nine ounces of
+gold-dust for my adventure which produced, at my return to London,
+almost three hundred pounds. But in this voyage I was extremely sick,
+being thrown into a violent calenture through the excessive heat,
+trading upon the coast from the latitude of fifteen degrees north, even
+to the line itself.
+
+But alas! my dear friend the captain soon departed this life after his
+arrival. This was a sensible grief to me; yet I resolved to go another
+with his mate, who had now got command of the ship. This proved a very
+unsuccessful one; for though I did not carry quite a hundred pounds of
+my late acquired wealth, (so that I had two hundred pounds left, which I
+reposed with the captain's widow, who was an honest gentlewoman) yet my
+misfortunes in this unhappy voyage were very great. For our ship sailing
+towards the Canary islands, we were chased by a Salee rover; and in
+spite of all the haste we could make by crowding as much canvas as our
+yards could spread, or our masts carry, the pirate gained upon us, to
+that we prepared ourselves to fight. They had eighteen guns, and we had
+but twelve. About three in the afternoon there was a desperate
+engagement, wherein many were killed and wounded on both sides; but
+finding ourselves overpowered with numbers, our ship disabled and
+ourselves too impotent to have the least hopes of success, we were
+forced to surrender; and accordingly were all carried prisoners into the
+port of Salee. Our men were sent to the Emperor's court to be sold
+there, but the pirate captain taking notice of me, kept me to be his
+own slave.
+
+In this condition, I thought myself the most miserable creature on
+earth, and the prophecy of my father came afresh into my thoughts.
+However, my condition was better than I thought it to be, as will soon
+appear. Some hopes indeed I had that my new patron would go to sea
+again, where he might be taken by a Spanish or Portuguese man of war,
+and then I should be set at liberty. But in this I was mistaken; for he
+never took me with him, but left me to look after his little garden, and
+do the drudgery of his house, and when he returned from sea, would make,
+me lie in the cabin, and look after the ship. I had no one that I could
+communicate my thoughts to, which were continually meditating my escape;
+no Englishman, Irishman, or Scotchman here but myself; and for two years
+I could see nothing practicable, but only pleased myself with the
+imagination.
+
+After some length of time, my patron, as I found, grew; so poor that he
+could not fit out his ship as usual; and then he used constantly, once
+or twice a week, if the weather was fair, to go out a fishing, taking me
+and a young Moresco Boy to row the boat; and to much pleased was he with
+me for my dexterity in catching the fish, that he would often send me
+with a Moor, who was one of his kinsemen, and the Moresco youth, to
+catch a dish of fish for him.
+
+One morning, as we were at the sport, there arose such a thick fog that
+we lost sight of the shore; and rowing we knew not which way, we
+laboured all the night, and in the morning found ourselves in the ocean,
+two leagues from land. However, we attained there at length, and made
+the greater haste, because our stomachs were exceedingly sharp and
+hungry. In order to prevent such disasters for the future, my patron
+ordered a carpenter to build a little state room or cabin in the middle
+of the long-boat, with a place behind it to steer and hale home the
+main-sheet, with other conveniences to keep him from the weather, as
+also lockers to put in all manner of provisions, with a handsome
+shoulder of mutton sail, gibing over the cabin.
+
+In this he frequently took us out a fishing: and one time inviting two
+or three persons of distinction to go with him, made provision
+extraordinary, providing also three fusees with powder and shot, that
+they might have some sport at fowling along the sea-coast. The next
+morning the boat was made clean, her ancient and pendants on, and every
+thing ready: but their minds altering, my patron ordered us to go a
+fishing, for that his guests would certainly sup with him that night.
+
+And now I began to think of my deliverance indeed. In order to this I
+persuaded to Moor to get some provisions on board, as not daring to
+meddle with our patron's: and he taking my advice, we stored ourselves
+with rusk biscuit, and three jars of water. Besides, I privately
+conveyed into the boat a bottle or brandy, some twine, thread, a hammer,
+hatchet, and a saw; and, in particular, some bees wax, which was a great
+comfort to me, and served to make candles. I then persuaded Muley (for
+so was the Moor called) to procure some powder and shot, pretending to
+kill sea curlues, which he innocently and readily agreed to. In short,
+being provided with all things necessary, we sailed out, resolving for
+my own part to make my escape, though it should cost me my life.
+
+When we had passed the castle, we fell a fishing; but though I knew
+there was a bite, I dissembled the matter, in order to put out further
+to sea. Accordingly we ran a league further; when giving the boy the
+helm, and pretending to stoop for something, I seized Muley by surprise
+and threw him overboard. As he was an excellent swimmer, he soon arose
+and made towards the boat; upon which I took out a fusee, and presented
+at him: "Muley" said I, "I never yet designed to do you any harm, and
+seek nothing now but my redemption. I know you are able enough to swim
+to shore, and save your life: but if you are resolved to follow me to
+the endangering of mine, the very moment you proceed, I will shoot you
+through the head." The harmless creature at these words, turned himself
+from me, and I make no doubt got safe to land. Them turning to the boy
+Xury, I perceived he trembled at the action: but I put him out of all
+fear, telling him, that if he would be true and faithful to me, I would
+do well by him. "And therefore," said I, "you must stroke your face to
+be faithful: and, as the Turks have learned you, swear by Mahomet, and
+the beard of your father, or else I will throw you into the sea also."
+So innocent did the child then look, and with such an obliging smile
+consented, that I readily believed him, and from that day forward began
+to love him entirely.
+
+We then pursued our voyage: and least they should think me gone to the
+Straits' mouth, I kept to the southward to the truly Barbarian coast;
+but in the dusk of the evening, I changed my course, and steering
+directly S. and by E. that I might keep near the shore: and, having a
+fresh gale of wind, with a pleasant smooth sea, by three o'clock next
+day I was one hundred and fifty miles beyond the Emperor of Morocco's
+dominions. Yet still having the dreadful apprehensions of being retaken,
+I continued sailing for five days successively, till such time as the
+wind shifting to the southward, made me conclude, that if any vessel was
+in the chase of me, they would proceed no farther. After so much fatigue
+and thought, I anchored at the mouth of a little river, I knew not what
+or where: neither did I then see, any people. What I principally wanted
+was fresh water; and I was resolved about dusk to swim ashore. But no
+sooner did the gloomy clouds of night begin to succeed the declining
+day, when we heard such barking, roaring, and howling of wild creatures,
+that one might have thought the very strongest monsters of nature, or
+infernal spirits had their residence there. Poor Xury, almost dead with
+fear, entreated me not to go on shore that night. "Supposing I don't,
+Xury," said I, "and in the morning we should see men who are worse than
+those we fear, what then?" "O den we may give dem de shoot gun," replied
+Xury, laughing, "and de gun make dem all run away."
+
+The wit and broken English which the boy had learned among the captives
+of our nation, pleased me entirely: and, to add to his cheerfulness I
+gave him a dram of the bottle: we could get but little sleep all the
+night for those terrible howlings they made; and, indeed, we were both
+very much affrighted, when, by the rollings of the water, and other
+tokens, we justly concluded one of these monsters made towards our boat.
+I could not see till it came within two oars length, when taking my
+fusee, I let fly at him. Whether I hit him or no, I cannot tell; but he
+made towards the shore, and the noise of my gun increased the
+stupendious noise of the monsters.
+
+The next morning I was resolved to go on shore to get fresh water, and
+venture my life among the beasts or savages should either attack me.
+Xury said, he would take one of the jars and bring me some. I asked him
+why he would go and not I? The poor boy answered, "If wild mans come
+they eat me, you go away." A mind scarcely now to be imitated, so
+contrary to self-preservation, the most powerful law of Nature. This
+indeed increased my affection to the child. "Well, dear Xury," said I,
+we will both go ashore, both kill wild mans, and they "shall eat neither
+of us." So giving Xury a piece of rusk-bread to eat, and a dram, we
+waded ashore, carrying nothing with us but our arms, and two jars for
+water. I did not go out of sight of the boat, as dreading the savages
+coming down the river in their canoes; but the boy seeing a low descent
+or vale about a mile in the country, he wandered to it: and then running
+back to me with great precipitation, I thought he was pursued by some
+savage or wild beast; upon which I approached, resolving to perish or
+protect him from danger. As he came nearer to me, I saw something
+hanging over his shoulders, which was a creature he had shot like a
+hare, but different in colour, and longer legs; however, we were glad of
+it, for it proved wholesome, and nourishing meat: but what added to our
+joy was, my boy assured me there was plenty of water, and that he _see
+no wild mans. _And greater still was our comfort when we found fresh
+water in the creek where we were when the tide was out, without going so
+far up into the country.
+
+In this place I began to consider that the Canary and Cape de Verde
+islands lay not for off: but having no instrument, I knew not what
+latitude, or when to stand off to sea for them; yet my hopes were, I
+should meet some of the English trading vessels, who would relieve and
+take us in.
+
+The place I was in was no doubt that wild country, inhabited only by a
+few, that lies between the Emperor of Morocco's dominions and the
+Negroes. It is filled with wild beasts and the Moors use it for hunting
+chiefly.--From this place I thought I saw the top of the mountain
+Teneriff in the Canaries: which made me try twice to attain it: but as
+often was I drove back, and so forced to pursue my fortune along shore.
+
+Early one morning we came to an anchor under a little point of land, but
+pretty high; and the tide beginning to flow, we lay ready to go further
+in--But Xury, whose youthful and penetrating eyes were sharper then
+mine, in a soft tone, desired me to keep far from land, lest we should
+be devoured, "For look yonder, mayter," said he, "and see de dreadful
+monster fast asleep on de side of de hill." Accordingly looking where he
+pointed, I espied a fearful monster indeed. It was a terrible great lion
+that lay on shore, covered as it were by a shade of a piece of the hill.
+"Xury," said I, "you shall go on shore and kill him." But the boy looked
+amazed: "Me kill him!" says he, "he eat me at one mouth:" meaning one
+mouthful. Upon which I bid him lie still, and charging my biggest gun
+with two slugs, and a good charge of powder, I took the best aim I could
+to shoot him through the head, but his leg lying over his nose, the slug
+broke his knee-bone. The lion awaking with the pain, got up, but soon
+fell down, giving the most hideous groan I ever heard: but taking my
+second piece, I shot him through the head, and then he lay struggling
+for life. Upon this Xury took heart and desired my leave to go on shore.
+"Go then," said I. Upon which taking a little gun in one hand, he swam
+to shore with the other, and coming close to the lion, put a period to
+his life, by shooting him again through the head.
+
+But this was spending our ammunition in vain, the flesh not being good
+to eat. Xury was like a champion, and comes on board for a hatchet, to
+cut of the head of his enemy: but not having strength to perform it, he
+cut off and brought me a foot. I bethought me, however, that his skin
+would be of use. This work cost Xury and me a whole day: when spreading
+it on the top of our cabin, the hot beams of the sun effectually dried
+it in two days time, and it afterwards served me for a bed to lie on.
+
+And now we sailed southerly, living sparingly on our provisions, and
+went no oftener on shore than we were obliged for fresh water. My design
+was to make the river Gambia or Senegal, or any where about the Cape de
+Verde, in hopes to meet some European ship. If Providence did not so
+favour me, my next course was to seek for the islands, or lose my life
+among the Negroes. And in a word, I put my whole stress upon this,
+"Either that I must meet with some ship or certainly perish."
+
+One day as we were sailing along, we saw people stand on the shore
+looking at us: we could also perceive they were black and stark naked. I
+was inclined to go on shore, but Xury cried, "No, no:" however, I
+approached nearer, and I found they run along the shore by me a good
+way. They had no weapons in their hands, except one, who held a long
+stick, which Xury told me was a lance, with which they could kill at a
+great distance. I talked to them by signs and made them sensible I
+wanted something to eat: they beckoned to me to stop my boat, while two
+of them ran up into the country, and in less than half an hour came
+back, and brought with them two pieces of dried flesh, and some corn,
+which we kindly accepted; and to prevent any fears on either side, they
+brought the food to the shore, laid it down, then went and stood a great
+way off till we fetched it on board, and then came close to us again.
+
+But while we were returning thanks to them, being all we could afford,
+two mighty creatures came from the mountains: one as it were pursuing
+the other with great fury, which we were the rather inclined to believe
+as they seldom appear but in the night: and both these swiftly passing
+by the Negroes, jumped into the sea, wantonly swimming about, as tho'
+the diversion of the waters had put a stop to their fierceness. At last
+one of them coming nearer to my boat than I expected or desired, I shot
+him directly through the head; upon which he sunk immediately, and yet
+rising again, would have willingly made the shore: but between the wound
+and the strangling of the water, he died before he could reach it.
+
+It is impossible to express the consternation the poor Negroes were in
+at the firing of my gun; much less can I mention their surprise, when
+they perceived the creature to be slain by it. I made signs to them to
+draw near it with a rope, and then gave it them to hale on shore. It was
+a beautiful leopard, which made me desire its skin: and the Negroes
+seeming to covet the carcase, I freely gave it to them. As for the other
+leopard, it made to shore, and ran with prodigious swiftness out of
+sight. The Negroes having kindly furnished me with water, and with what
+roots and grains their country afforded, I took my leave, and, after
+eleven days sail, came in sight of the Cape de Verde, and those islands
+called by its name. But the great distance I was from it, and fearing
+contrary winds would prevent my reaching them, I began to grow
+melancholy and dejected, when, upon a sudden, Xury cried out, "Master!
+Master! a ship with a sail!" and looked as affrighted as if it was his
+master's ship sent in search of us. But I soon discovered she was a
+Portuguese ship, as I thought bound to the coast of Guinea for Negroes.
+Upon which I strove for life to come up to them. But vain had it been,
+if through their perspective glasses they had not perceived me and
+shortened their sail to let me come up. Encouraged at this, I set up my
+patron's ancient, and fired a gun, both as signals of distress; upon
+which they very kindly lay to, so that in three hours time I came up
+with them. They spoke to me in Portuguese, Spanish, and French, but
+neither of these did I understand; till at length a Scots sailor called,
+and then I told him I was an Englishman, who had escaped from the Moors
+at Sallee: upon which they took me kindly on board, with all my effects.
+
+Surely none can express the inconceivable joy I felt at this happy
+deliverance! who from being a late miserable and forlorn creature was
+not only relieved, but in favour with the master of the ship, to whom,
+in return for my deliverance, I offered all I had. "God forbid," said
+he, "that I should take any thing from you. Every thing shall be
+delivered to you when you come to Brazil. If I have saved your life it
+is no more than I should expect to receive myself from any other, when
+in the same circumstances I should happen to meet the like deliverance.
+And should I take from you what you have, and leave you at Brazil, why,
+this would be only taking away a life I had given. My charity teaches me
+better. Those effects you have will support you there, and provide you a
+passage home again." And, indeed, he acted with the strictest justice in
+what he did, taking my things into his possession, and giving me an
+exact inventory, even to my earthen jars. He bought my boat of me for
+the ship's use, giving me a note of eighty pieces of eight, payable at
+Brazil; and if any body offered more, he would make it up. He also gave
+me 60 pieces for my boy Xury. It way with great reluctance I was
+prevailed upon to sell the child's liberty, who had served me so
+faithfully; but the boy was willing himself; and it was agreed, that
+after ten years he should be made free, upon his renouncing
+Mahometanism, and embracing Christianity.
+
+Having a pleasant voyage to the Brazils, we arrived in the Bay de Todos
+los Santos, or All Saints Bay, in twenty-two days after. And here I
+cannot forget the generous treatment of the captain. He would take
+nothing for my passage, gave me twenty ducats for the leopard's skin,
+and thirty for the lion's. Every thing he caused to be delivered, and
+what I would sell he bought. In short I made about 220 pieces of my
+cargo; and with this stock I entered once more, as I may say into the
+scene of life.
+
+Being recommended to an honest planter, I lived with him till such time
+as I was informed of the manner of their planting and making sugar; and
+seeing how well they lived, and how suddenly they grew rich, I was
+filled with a desire to settle among them, and resolved to get my money
+remitted to me, and to purchase a plantation.
+
+To be brief, I bought a settlement next door to an honest and kind
+neighbour, born at Lisbon, of English parents, whose plantation joining
+to mine, we improved it very amicably together. Both our stocks were
+low, and for two years we planted only for food: but the third year we
+planted some tobacco, and each of us dressed a large piece of ground the
+ensuing year for planting canes. But now I found how much I wanted
+assistance, and repented the loss of my dear boy Xury.
+
+Having none to assist me, my father's words came into my mind; and I
+used to ask myself, if what I sought was only a middle station of life,
+why could it not as well be obtained in England as here? When I pondered
+on this with regret, the thoughts of my late deliverance forsook me. I
+had none to converse with but my neighbour; no work to be done but by my
+own hands; it often made me say, my condition was like to that of a man
+cast upon a desolate island. So unhappy are we in our reflections, so
+forgetful of what good things we receive ourselves, and so unthankful
+for our deliverance from these calamities that others endure.
+
+I, was in some measure settled, before the captain who took me up
+departed from the Brazils. One day I went to him, and told him what
+stock I had in London, desiring his assistance in getting it remitted;
+to which the good gentleman readily consented, but would only have me
+send for half my money, lest it should miscarry; which, if it did, I
+might still have the remainder to support me: and so taking letters of
+procuration of me, bid me trouble myself no farther about it.
+
+And indeed wonderful was his kindness towards me; for he not only
+procured the money I had drawn for upon my captain's widow, but sent me
+over a servant with a cargo proportionable to my condition. He also sent
+me over tools of all sorts, iron-work, and utensils necessary for my
+plantation, which proved to be of the greatest use to me in my business.
+
+Wealth now accumulating on me, and uncommon success crowning my
+prosperous labours, I might have rested happy in that middle state of
+life my father had so often recommended, yet nothing would content me,
+such was my evil genius, but I must leave this happy station, for a
+foolish ambition in rising; and thus, once more, I cast myself into the
+greatest gulph of misery that ever poor creature fell into. Having lived
+four years in Brazil, I had not only learned the language, but
+contracted acquaintance with the most eminent planters, and even the
+merchants of St. Salvadore; to whom, once, by way of discourse, having
+given account of my two voyages to the coast of Guinea and the manner of
+trading there for mere trifles, by which we furnish our plantations with
+Negroes, they gave such attention to what I said, that three of them
+came one morning to me, and told me they had a secret proposal to make.
+After enjoining me to secrecy (it being an infringement on the powers of
+the Kings of Portugal and Spain) they told me they had a mind to fit out
+a ship to go to Guinea, in order to stock the plantation with Negroes,
+which as they could not be publicly sold, they would divide among them:
+and if I would go their supercargo in the ship, to manage the trading
+part, I should have ah equal share of the Negroes, without providing any
+stock. The thing indeed was fair enough, had I been in another
+condition. But I, born to be my own destroyer, could not resist the
+proposal, but accepted the offer upon condition of their looking after
+my plantation. So making a formal will, I bequeathed my effects to my
+good friend the captain, as my universal heir; but obliged him to
+dispose of my effects as directed, one half of the produce to himself,
+and the other to be shipped to England.
+
+The ship being fitted out, and all things ready, we set sail the first
+of September, 1659, being the same day eight-years I left my father and,
+mother in Yorkshire. We sailed northward upon the coast, in order to
+gain Africa, till we made Cape Augustine; from whence going farther into
+the ocean, out of sight of land, we steered as though we were bound for
+the isle Fernand de Norenba, leaving the islands on the east; and then
+it was that we met with a terrible tempest, which continued for twelve
+days successively, so that the wind carried us wheresoever they pleased.
+In this perplexity one of our men died, and one man and a boy were
+washed overboard. When the weather cleared up a little, we found
+ourselves eleven degrees north latitude, upon the coast of Guinea. Upon
+this the captain gave reasons for returning; which I opposed,
+counselling him to stand away for Barbadoes, which as I supposed, might
+be attained in fifteen days. So altering our course, we sailed
+north-west and by west, in order to reach the Leeward Islands; but a
+second storm succeeding, drove us to the westward; so that we were
+justly afraid of falling into the hands of cruel savages, or the paws of
+devouring beasts of prey.
+
+In this great distress, one of our men, early in the morning cried out,
+_Land, land!_ which he had no sooner cried out, but our ship struck upon
+a sand bank, and in a moment the sea broke over her in such a manner
+that we expected we should all have perished immediately. We knew
+nothing where we were, or upon what land we were driven; whether an
+island or the main, inhabited or not inhabited; and we could not so much
+as hope that the ship would hold out many minutes, without breaking in
+pieces, except the wind by a miracle should turn about immediately.
+While we stood looking at one another, expecting death every moment, the
+mate lay a hold of the boat, and with the help of the rest got her flung
+over the ship's side, and getting all into her, being eleven of us,
+committed ourselves to God's mercy and the wild sea. And now we saw that
+this last effort would not be a sufficient protection from death; so
+high did the sea rise, that it was impossible the boat should live. As
+to making sail, we had none; neither if we had, could we make use of
+any. So that when we had rowed, or rather were driven about a league and
+a half, a raging wave, like a lofty mountain, came rolling astern of us,
+and took us with such fury, that at once it overset the boat. Thus being
+swallowed up in a moment, we had hardly time to call upon the tremendous
+name of God; much less to implore, in dying ejaculations, his infinite
+mercy to receive our departing souls.
+
+Men are generally counted insensible, when struggling in the pangs of
+death; but while I was overwhelmed with water, I had the most dreadful
+apprehensions imaginable. For the joys of heaven and the torments of
+hell, seemed to present themselves before me in these dying agonies, and
+even small space of time, as it were, between life and death. I was
+going I thought I knew not whither, into a dismal gulf unknown, and as
+yet unperceived, never to behold my friends, nor the light of this world
+any more! Could I even have thought of annihilation, or a total
+dissolution of soul as well as body, the gloomy thoughts of having no
+further being, no knowledge of what we hoped for, but an eternal
+_quietus_, without life or sense: even that, I say, would have been
+enough to strike me with horror and confusion! I strove, however, to the
+last extremity, while all my companions were overpowered and entombed in
+the deep: and it was with great difficulty I kept my breath till the
+wave spent itself, and retiring back, left me on the shore half dead
+with the water I had taken in. As soon as I got on my feet, I ran as
+fast as I could, lest another wave should pursue me, and carry me back
+again. But for all the haste I made, I could not avoid it: for the sea
+came after me like a high mountain, or furious enemy; so that my
+business was to hold my breath, and by raising myself on the water,
+preserve it by swimming. The next dreadful wave buried me at once twenty
+or thirty feet deep, but at the same time carried me with a mighty force
+and swiftness toward the shore: when raising myself, I held out as well
+as possible, till at length the water having spent itself, began to
+return, at which I struck forward, and feeling ground with my feet, I
+took to my heels again. Thus being served twice more, I was at length
+dashed against a piece of a rock, in such a manner as left me senseless;
+but recovering a little before the return of the wave, which, no doubt,
+would then have overwhelmed me, I held fast by the rock till those
+succeeding waves abated; and then fetching another run, was overtaken by
+a small wave, which was soon conquered. But before any more could
+overtake me, I reached the main land, where clambering up the cliffs of
+the shore, tired and almost spent I sat down on the grass, free from the
+dangers of the foaming ocean.
+
+No tongue can express the ecstasies and transports that my soul felt at
+the happy deliverance. It was like a reprieve to a dying malefactor,
+with a halter about his neck, and ready to be turned off. I was wrapt up
+in contemplation and often lifted up my hands, with the profoundest
+humility, to the Divine Powers, for saving, my life, when the rest of my
+companions were all drowned. And now I began to cast my eyes around, to
+behold what place I was in and what I had next to do. I could see no
+house nor people; I was wet, yet had no clothes to shift me; hungry and
+thirsty, yet had nothing to eat or drink; no weapon to destroy any
+creature for my sustenance; nor defend myself against devouring beasts;
+in short, I had nothing but a knife, a tobacco pipe, and a box half
+filled with tobacco. The darksome night coming on upon me, increased my
+fears of being devoured by wild creatures; my mind was plunged in
+despair, and having no prospect, as I thought, of life before me, I
+prepared for another kind of death then what I had lately escaped. I
+walked about a furlong to see if I could find any fresh water, which I
+did, to my great joy: and taking a quid of tobacco to prevent hunger, I
+got up into a thick bushy tree, and seating myself so that I could not
+fall, a deep sleep overtook me, and for that night buried my sorrows in
+a quiet repose.
+
+It was broad day the next morning before I awaked; when I not only
+perceived the tempest was ceased, but law the ship driven almost as far
+as the rock before-mentioned, which the waves had dashed me against, and
+which was about a mile from the place where I was. When I came down from
+my apartment in the tree, I perceived the ship's boat two miles distant
+on my right-hand, lying on shore, as the waves had cast her. I thought
+to have got to her; but there being an inlet of water of about half a
+mile's breadth between it and me, I returned again towards the ship, as
+hoping to find something for my more immediate subsistence. About noon,
+when the sea was calm, that I could come within a quarter of a mile of
+her, it was to my grief I perceived, that, if we had kept on board all
+our lives had been saved. These thoughts, and my solitude drew tears
+from my eyes, though all in vain. So resolving to get to the ship, I
+stripped and leapt into the water, when swimming round her, I was afraid
+I should not get any thing to lay hold of; but it was my good fortune to
+espy a small piece of rope hang down by the fore chains, so low that, by
+the help of it, though with great difficulty, I got into the forecastle
+of the ship. Here I found that the ship was bulged, and had a great deal
+of water in her hold: her stern was lifted up against a bank, and her
+head almost to the water. All her quarter and what was there, was free
+and dry. The provisions I found in good order, with which I crammed my
+pockets, and losing no time, ate while I was doing other things: I also
+found some rum, of which I took a hearty dram: and now I wanted for
+nothing except a boat, which indeed was all, to carry away what was
+needful for me.
+
+Necessity occasions quickness of thought. We had several spare yards, a
+spare topmast or two, and two or three large spars of wood. With these I
+fell to work, and flung as many of them overboard as I could manage,
+tying every one of them with a rope, that they might not drive away.
+This done, I went down to the ship's side, and tyed four of them fast
+together at both ends, in form of a raft, and laying two or three short
+pieces of plank upon them crosswise, I found it would bear me, but not
+any considerable weight. Upon which I went to work again, cutting a
+spare topmast into three lengths, adding them to my raft with a great
+deal of labour and pains. I then considered what I should load it with,
+it being not able to bear a ponderous burden. And this I soon thought
+of, first laying upon it all the planks and boards I could get; next I
+lowered down three of the seamen's chests, after I had filled them with
+bread, rice, three Dutch cheeses, five pieces of dried goat's flesh, and
+some European corn, what little the rats had spared: and for liquors, I
+found several cases of bottles belonging to our skipper, in which were
+some cordial waters, and four or five gallons of rack, which I stowed by
+themselves. By this time the tide beginning to flow, I perceived my
+coat, waistcoat, and shirt, swim away, which I had left on the shore; as
+for my linen breeches and stockings, I swam with them to the ship; but I
+soon found clothes enough, though I took no more than I wanted for the
+present. My eyes were chiefly on tools to work with; and after a long
+search, I found out the carpenter's chest, which I got safe down on my
+raft. I then looked for arms and ammunition, and in the great cabin
+found two good fowling pieces, two pistols, several powder horns filled,
+a small bag of shot, and two old rusty swords. I likewise found three
+barrels of powder, two of which were good, but the third had taken
+water, also two or three broken oars, two saws, an ax, and a hammer. I
+then put to sea, and in getting to shore had three encouragements. 1. A
+smooth calm sea. 2. The tide rising and letting in to shore. 3. The
+little wind there was blew towards the land. After I had sailed about a
+mile, I found the raft to drive a little distance from the place where I
+first landed; and then I perceived a little opening of the land, with a
+strong current of the tide running into it: upon which I kept the middle
+of the stream. But great was my concern, when on a sudden the fore part
+of my raft ran a ground, so that had I not, with great difficulty, for
+near half an hour, kept my back straining against the chests to keep my
+effects in their places, all I had would have gone into the sea. But
+after some time, the rising of the water caused the raft to float again,
+and coming up a little river with land on both sides, I landed in a
+little cove, as near the mouth as possible, the better to discover a
+sail, if any such providentially passed that way.
+
+Not far off, I espied a hill of stupendous height, surounded with lesser
+hills about it, and thither I was resolved to go and view the country
+that I might see what part was best, to fix my habitation. Accordingly,
+arming myself with a pistol a fowling piece, powder and ball, I ascended
+the mountain. There I perceived I was in an island, encompassed by the
+sea; no distant lands to be seen but scattering rocks that lay to the
+west: that it seemed to be a barren place, and, as I thought, inhabited
+only by wild beasts. I perceived abundance of fowls, but ignorant of
+what kind, or whether good for nourishment; I shot one of them at my
+return, which occasioned a confused screaming among the other birds, and
+I found it, by its colours and beak, to be a kind of a hawk, but its
+flesh was perfect carrion.
+
+When I came to my raft, I brought my effects on shore, which work spent
+that day entirely; and fearing that some cruel beasts might devour me in
+the night time while I slept, I made a kind of hut or barricade with the
+chests and boards I had brought onshore. That night I slept very
+comfortably; and the next morning my thoughts were employed to make a
+further attempt on the ship, and bring away what necessaries I could
+find, before another storm should break her to pieces. Accordingly I got
+on board as before, and prepared a second raft far more nice then the
+first, upon which I brought away the carpenter's stores, two or three
+bags full of nails, a great jack-screw, a dozen or two of hatchets, and
+a grind-stone. I also took away several things that belonged to the
+gunner, particularly two or three iron crows, two barels of
+musket-bullets, another fowling-piece, a small quantity of powder, and a
+large bagful of small shot. Besides these, I took all the men's clothes
+I could find, a spare fore topsail, a hammock, and some bedding; and
+thus completing my second cargo, I made all the haste to shore I could,
+fearing some wild beast might destroy what I had there already. But I
+only found a little wild cat sitting on one of the chests, which seeming
+not to fear me or the gun that I presented at her, I threw her a piece
+of biscuit, which she instantly ate, and departed.
+
+When I had gotten these effects on shore, I went to work in order to
+make me a little tent with the sail and some poles which I had cut for
+that purpose; and having finished it, what things might be damaged by
+the weather I brought in, piling all the empty chests and calks in a
+circle, the better to fortify it against any sudden attempt of man or
+beast. After this, I blocked up the doors with some boards, and an empty
+chest, turned the long way out. I then charged my gun and pistol, and
+laying my bed on the ground, slept as comfortably, till next morning, as
+though I had been in a christian country.
+
+Now, though I had enough to subsist me a long time, yet despairing of a
+sudden deliverance, or that both ammunition and provision might be spent
+before such a thing happened, I coveted as much as I could; and so long
+as the ship remained in that condition, I daily brought away one
+necessary or other; particularly the rigging, sails, and cordage, some
+twine, a barrel of wet powder, some sugar, a barrel of meal, 3 calks of
+rum, &, what indeed was most welcome to me, a whole hogshead of bread.
+
+The next time I went I cut the cables in pieces, carried off a hawser
+whole, with a great deal of iron work, and made another raft with the
+mizen and sprit-sail-yard; but this being so unwieldy, by the too heavy
+burden I had upon it, and not being able so dextrously to guide it, as
+the former, both my cargo and I were overturned. For my part, all the
+damage I sustained was a wet skin; and, at low water, after much labour
+in diving, I got most of the cables, and some pieces of iron.
+
+Thirteen days I had now been in the island, and eleven times on board,
+bringing away all that was possible, and, I believe, had the weather
+been calm, I should have brought away the whole ship piece by piece. As
+I was going the twelfth time, the wind began to rise; however, I
+ventured at low water, and rummaging the cabin, in a locker I found
+several razors, scissors, and some dozens of knives and forks; and in
+another thirty-six pounds in pieces of eight, silver and gold. _Ah!
+simple vanity_ said I _whom this world so much dotes on, where is now
+thy virtue, thy excellency to me? You cannot procure me one thing
+needful, nor remove me from this desolate island to a place of plenty.
+One of these knives, so meanly esteemed, is to me more preferable than
+all this heap. E'en therefore remain where thou art to sink in the deep
+as unregarded, even as a creature whose life is not worth preserving._
+Yet, after all this exclamation, I wrapt it up in a piece of canvas,
+and began to think of making another raft, but I soon perceived the wind
+began to arise, a fresh gale blowing from the shore, and the sky
+overcast with clouds and darkness; so thinking a a raft to be in yaw, I
+let myself into the water with what things I had about me, and it was
+with much difficulty I got ashore, when soon after it blew a
+fearful storm.
+
+That night I slept very contentedly in my little tent, surrounded with
+all my effects; but when I looked out in the morning no more ship was to
+be seen. This much surprised me for the present; yet, when I considered
+I had lost no time, abated no pains and had got every thing useful out
+of her, I comforted myself in the best manner, and entirely submitted to
+the will of Providence.
+
+My next thoughts were, how I should defend and secure myself from
+savages and wild beasts, if any such were in the island. At one time I
+thought of digging a cave, at another I was for erecting a tent; and, at
+length, I resolved to do both: The manner or form of which will not, I
+hope, be unpleasing to describe.
+
+When I considered the ground where I was, that it was moorish, and had
+no fresh water near it, my resolutions were to search for a soil healthy
+and well watered, where I might not only be sheltered from the sun's
+scorching heat, but be more conveniently situated, as well to be secured
+from wild men and beasts of prey, as more easily to discover any distant
+sail, should it ever happen.
+
+And, indeed, it was not long before I had my desire. I found a little
+plain near a rising hill, the front towards which being as steep as a
+house side, nothing could descend on me from the top. On the side of
+this rock, was a little hollow place, resembling the entrance or door of
+a cave. Just before this place; on the circle of the green, I resolved
+my tent should stand. This plain did not much exceed a hundred yards
+broad, and about twice as long, like a delightful green, before my door,
+with a pleasing, though an irregular descent every way to the low
+grounds by the sea-side, lying on the N. W. side of the hill, so that it
+was sheltered from the excessive heat of the sun. After this, I drew a
+semi-circle, containing ten yards in a semi-diameter, and twenty yards
+in the whole, driving down two rows; of strong stakes, not 6 inches from
+each other. Then with the pieces of cable which I had cut on board, I
+regularly laid them in a circle between the piles up to their tops,
+which were more than five feet out of the earth, and after drove another
+row of piles looking within side against them, between two or three feet
+high, which made me conclude it a little impregnable castle against men
+and beasts. And for my better security I would have no door, but entered
+in and came out by the help of a ladder, which I also made.
+
+[Illustration: Robinson Crusoe building his castle. _Dr. & Eng. by A.
+Carse, Edin._]
+
+Here was my fence and fortress, into which I carried all my riches,
+ammunition, and stores. After which, working on the rock, what with dirt
+and stones I dug out, I not only raised my ground two feet, but made a
+little cellar to my mansion-house; and this cost me many days labour and
+pains. One day in particular a shower of rain falling, thunder and
+lighting ensued, which put me in terror lest my powder should take fire,
+and not only hinder my necessary subsistence, by killing me food, but
+even blow up me and my habitation. To prevent which, I fell to making
+boxes and bags, in order to separate it, having by me near 150lb.
+weight. And thus being established as king of the island, every day I
+went out with my gun to see what I could kill that was fit to eat. I
+soon perceived numbers of goats but very shy, yet having watched them
+narrowly, and seeing I could better shoot off the rocks than when in the
+low grounds, I happened to shoot a she-goat suckling a young kid; which
+not thinking its dam slain, stood by her unconcerned; and when I took
+the dead creature up, the young one followed me even to the inclosure. I
+lifted the kid over the pales, and would willingly have kept it alive;
+but finding it could not be brought to eat, I was forced to slay it also
+for my subsistence.
+
+Thus entered into as strange a scene of life as ever any man was in, I
+had most melancholy apprehensions concerning my deplorable condition:
+and many times the tears would plentifully run down my face, when I
+considered how I was debarred from all communications with human kind.
+Yet while these disponding cogitations would seem to make me accuse
+Providence, other good thoughts would interpose and reprove me after
+this manner: Well, supposing you are desolate, it is not better to be so
+than totally perish? Why, were you singled out to be saved and the rest
+destroyed? Why should you complain, when not only your life is
+preserved, but the ship driven into your reach, in order to take what
+was necessary out of her for your subsistence? But to proceed, it was,
+by the account I kept, the 30th of September, when I first landed on
+this island. About twelve days after, fearing lest I should lose my
+reckoning of time, nay, even forget the Sabbath days, for want of pen,
+ink, and paper, I carved with a knife upon a large post, in great
+letters; and set it up: in the similitude of a cross, on the seashore
+where I landed, I CAME ON SHORE, _Sept._ 30 1659. Every day I cut a
+notch with my knife on the sides of the square post, and this on the
+Sabbath was as long again as the rest; and every first day of the month
+as long again as that long one. In this manner I kept my calendar,
+weekly, monthly or yearly reckoning of time. But had I made a more
+strict search (as afterwards I did) I needed not have set up this mark;
+for among the parcels belonging to the gunner, carpenter, and captain's
+mate, I found those very things I wanted; particularly pens, ink, and
+paper. So I found two or three compasses, some mathematical
+instruments, dials, perspective glasses, books of navigation, three
+English Bibles, and several other good books, which I carefully put
+up.--Here I cannot but call to mind our having a dog and two cats on
+board, whom I made inhabitants with me in my castle. Though one might
+think I had all the necessities that were desirable, yet still I found
+several things wanting. My ink was daily wasting; I wanted needles,
+pins, and thread to mend or keep my clothes together; and particularly a
+spade, pickax, or shovel, to remove the earth. It was a year before I
+finished my little bulwark; and having some intervals of relaxation,
+after my daily wandering abroad for provision, I drew up this plan,
+alternately, as creditor and debtor, to remind me of the miseries and
+blessings of my life, under so many various circumstances.
+
+E V I L
+
+I am cast upon a desolate island, having no hopes, no prospects of a
+welcome deliverance.
+
+Thus miserably am I singled out from the enjoyment or company of all
+mankind.
+
+Like an hermit (rather should I say a lonely anchorite) am I forced from
+human conversation.
+
+My clothes after some time will be worn out; and then I shall have none
+to cover me.
+
+When my ammunition is wasted, then shall I remain without any defence
+against wild men and beasts.
+
+I have no creature, no soul to speak to; none to beg assistance from.
+Some comfort would it be to resound my woes where I am understood, and
+beg assistance where I might hope for relief.
+
+GOOD
+
+But yet I am preserved, while my companions are perished in the raging
+ocean.
+
+Yet set apart to be spared from death. And he, who has so preserved me,
+can deliver me from this condition.
+
+However, I have food to eat, and even a happy prospect of subsistence
+while life endures.
+
+At present I enjoy what is absolutely needful; and the climate is so
+hot, that had I never so many, I would hardly wear them.
+
+Yet if it does, I see no danger of any hurt to me, as in Africa; And
+what if I had been cast away, upon that coast.
+
+Is there not God to converse to, and is not he able to relieve thee?
+Already has he afforded thee sustenance, and put it in thy power to
+provide for thyself till he sends thee a deliverance.
+
+And now easing my mind a little by these reflections, I began to render
+my life as easy as possible.
+
+I must here add, to the description I have given of my habitation, that
+having raised a turf wall against the outside of it, I thatched it so
+close as might keep it from the inclemency of the weather; I also
+improved it within, enlarged my cave, and made a passage and door in the
+rock, which came out beyond the pale of my fortification. I next
+proceeded to make a chair and a table, and so began to study such
+mechanical arts as seemed to me practicable. When I wanted a plank or
+board I hewed down a tree with my hatchet, making it as thin with my ax
+as possible, and then smooth enough with an adz to answer my designs:
+yet though I could make no more this way than one board out of a tree,
+in length of time I got boards enough to shelter all my stores, every
+thing being regularly placed, and my guns securely hanging against the
+side of the rock. This made it a very pleasant sight to me, as being the
+result of vast labour and diligence; which leaving for a while, and me
+to the enjoyment of it, I shall give the reader an account of my Journal
+from the day of my landing, till the fixing and settling of my
+habitation, as heretofore shown.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+JOURNAL.
+
+_September 30, 1659_. I unhappy Robinson Crusoe, having suffered
+shipwreck, was driven on this desolate island, which I named the
+_Desolate Island of Despair_, my companions being swallowed up in the
+tempestous ocean. The next day I spent in consideration of my unhappy
+circumstances, having no prospect but of death, either to be starved
+with hunger, or devoured with beasts or merciless savages.
+
+_Oct. 1_. That morning, with great comfort, I beheld the ship drove
+ashore. Some hopes I had, that when the storm was abated I might be able
+to get some food and necessaries out of her, which I conceived were not
+damaged, because the ship did stand upright. At this time I lamented the
+loss of my companions, and our misfortune in leaving the vessel. When I
+perceived the ship as it were lay dry, I waded through the sands, then
+swam aboard, the weather being very rainy, and with scarcely any wind.
+
+To the 14th of this month, my time was employed in making voyages, every
+tide getting what I could out of the ship. The weather very wet and
+uncertain.
+
+_Oct. 20_. My raft and all the goods thereon were overset: yet I
+recovered most again at low water.
+
+_Oct. 25_. It blew hard, and rained night and day, when the ship went in
+pieces, so that nothing was seen of her but the wreck at low water. This
+day I secured my goods from the inclemency of the weather.
+
+_Oct. 26_. I wandered to see where I could find a place convenient for
+my abode. I fixed upon a rock in the evening, marked out a half-moon,
+intending to erect a wall, fortified with piles, lined within with
+pieces of cables, and covered with turf.
+
+_Nov. 1_. I erected my tent under a rock, and took up my lodgings very
+contentedly in a hammock that night.
+
+_Nov._ 2. This day I fenced myself in with timber, chests, and boards.
+
+_Nov._ 3. I shot two wild fowl, resembling ducks, which were good to
+eat, and in the afternoon made me a table.
+
+_Nov._ 4. I began to live regularly. In the morning I allowed myself two
+or three hours to walk out with my gun; I then worked till near eleven
+o'clock, and afterwards refreshed myself, with what I had to eat. From
+twelve to two I would lie down to sleep. Extremely sultry weather. In
+the evening go to work again.
+
+_Nov._ 5. Went out with my gun and dog, shot a wild cat with a soft skin,
+but her flesh was good for nothing. The skins of those I killed, I
+preserved. In my return, I perceived many wild birds, and was terrified
+by some seals which made off to sea.
+
+_Nov._ 6. Completed my table.
+
+_Nov._ 7. Fair weather. I worked till the 12th, but omitted the 11th,
+which, according to my calculation, I supposed to be Sunday.
+
+_Nov._ 13. Rain in abundance, which, however, much cooled the air; with
+thunder and lightening, caused in me a terrible surprise. The weather
+clearing, I secured my powder in separate parcels.
+
+_Nov._ 14--16. I made little boxes for my powder, lodging them in
+several places. I also shot a large fowl, which proved excellent meat.
+
+_Nov._ 17. I began to dig in the rock, yet was obliged to desist for
+want of a pickax, shovel, and wheel-barrow. Iron crows I caused to
+supply the place of the first; but with all my art I could not make a
+wheel-barrow.
+
+_Nov._ 18. It was my fortune to find a tree, resembling what Brazilians
+call an iron tree. I had like to have spoiled my ax with cutting it,
+being very hard and exceedingly heavy; yet with much labour & industry,
+I made a sort of a spade out of it.
+
+_Nov._ 21. These tools being made, I daily carried on my business;
+eighteen days I allowed for enlarging my cave, that it might serve me,
+not only for a warehouse, but kitchen, parlour, and cellar. I commonly
+lay in the tent, unless the weather was rainy that I could not lie dry.
+So wet would it be at certain seasons, that I was obliged to cover all
+within the pale with long poles, in the form of rafters, leaning against
+the rock, and loaded them with flags and large leaves of trees,
+resembling a thatch.
+
+_Dec._ 10. No sooner did I think my habitation finished, but suddenly a
+great deal of the top broke in, so that it was a mercy I was not buried
+in the ruins. This occasioned a great deal of pains and trouble to me,
+before I could make it firm and durable.
+
+_Dec_ 17. I nailed up some shelves and drove nails and staples in the
+wall and posts to hang things out of the way.
+
+_Dec_ 20. Every thing I got into its place, then made a sort of a
+dresser, and another table.
+
+_Dec._ 24. 25. Rain in abundance.
+
+_Dec._ 26. Very fair weather.
+
+_Dec._ 27. I chanced to light on some goats, shot one and wounded
+another. I led it home in a string, bound up its leg, and cured it in a
+little time; at length it became so tame and familiar as to feed before
+the door, and follow me where I pleased. This put me in mind to bring up
+tame creatures, in order to supply me with food after my ammunition
+was spent.
+
+_Dec._ 28, 29, 30. The weather being excessively hot, with little air,
+obliged me for the most part, to keep within doors.
+
+_Jan_ 1. Still sultry, however, obliged by necessity, I went out with my
+gun, and found a great store of goats in the valleys; they were
+exceedingly shy, nor could my dog hunt them down.
+
+_Jan._ 3 to 14. My employment this time was to finish the wall before
+described, and search the island. I discovered a kind of pigeons like
+our house-pigeons in a nest among the rocks. I brought them home, nursed
+them till they could fly, and then they left me. After this, I shot
+some, which proved excellent food. Some time I spent vainly in
+contriving to make a cask; I may well say it was vain, because I could
+neither joint the staves; nor fix the heads, so as to make it tight: So,
+leaving that, took some goat's tallow I had about me, and a little okum
+for the wick, and provided myself with a lamp, which served me instead
+of candles.
+
+But now a very strange event happened. For being in the height of my
+search, what should come into my hand, but a bag, which was used to hold
+corn (as I supposed) for the fowls; so immediately resolving to put
+gunpowder in it, I shook all the hulks and dirt upon one side of the
+rock, little expecting what the consequences would be. The rain had
+fallen plentifully a few days before; and about a month after, to my
+great amazement something began to lock out very green and flourishing;
+and when I came to view it more nicely, every day as it grew, I found
+about ten or twelve ears of green barley appeared in the very same shape
+and make as that in England.
+
+I can scarce express the agitations of my mind at this sight. Hitherto I
+had looked upon the actions of this life no otherwise than only as the
+events of blind chance and fortune. But now the appearance of this
+barley, flourishing in a barren soil, and my ignorance in not conceiving
+how it should come there, made me conclude _that miracles were not yet
+ceased:_ nay, I even thought that God had appointed it to grow there
+without any seed, purely for my sustenance in this miserable and
+desolate island. And indeed such great effect this had upon me, that it
+often made me melt into tears, through a grateful sense of God's
+mercies; and the greater still was my thankfulness, when I perceived
+about this little field of barley some rice stalks, also wonderfully
+flourishing.
+
+While thus pleased in mind, I concluded there must be more corn in the
+island; and therefore made a diligent search narrowly among the rocks;
+but not being able to find any, on a sudden it came into my mind, how I
+had shaken the husks of corn out of the bag, and then my admiration
+ceased, with my gratitude to the Divine Being, _as thinking it was but
+natural_, and not to be conceived a miracle; though even the manner of
+its preservation might have made me own it as a wonderful event of God's
+kind providence.
+
+It was about the latter end of June when the ears of this corn ripened,
+which I laid up very carefully together with 20 or 30 stalks of rice,
+expecting one day I should reap the fruit of my labour; yet four years
+were expired before I could allow myself to eat any barley-bread, and
+much longer time before I had any rice. After this, with indefatigable
+pains and industry for three or four months, at last I finished my wall
+on the 14th, of April, having no way to go into it, but by ladder
+against the wall.
+
+_April_ 16. I finished my ladder, and ascended it; afterwards pulled it
+up, then let it down on the other side, and descended into my new
+habitation, where I had space enough, and so fortified that nothing
+could attack me, without scaling the walls.
+
+But what does all human pains and industry avail, if the blessing of God
+does not crown our labours? Or who can stand before the Almighty, when
+he stretcheth forth his arm? For one time as I was at the entrance of my
+cave, there happened such a dreadful earthquake, that not only the roof
+of the cave came rumbling about my ears, but the posts seemed to crack
+terribly at the same time. This put me in great amazement; and running
+to the ladder, and getting over the wall, I then plainly knew it was an
+earthquake, the place I stood on sustaining three terrible shocks in
+less than three minutes. But judge of my terror when I saw the top of a
+great rock roll into the sea; I then expected the island would be
+swallowed up every moment: And what made the scene still more dreadful,
+was to see the sea thrown into the most violent agitations and disorders
+by this tremendous accident.
+
+For my part I stood like a criminal at the place of execution ready to
+expire. At the moving of the earth, I was, as it were, sea-sick; and
+very much afraid lest the rock, under which was my fence and habitation,
+should overwhelm it and myself in a lasting tomb.
+
+When the third dreadful shock had spent itself, my spirits began to
+revive; yet still I would not venture to ascend the ladder, but
+continued fitting, not knowing what I should do. So little grace had I
+then, as only to say _Lord have mercy upon me!_ and no sooner was the
+earthquake over, but that pathetic prayer left me.
+
+It was not long after, when a horrible tempest arose, at the same time
+attended with a huricane of wind. The sea seemed mountains high, and the
+waves rolled so impetously, that nothing could be perceived but froth
+and foam. Three hours did this storm continue, and in so violent a
+manner, as to tear the very trees up by the roots, which was succeeded
+by abundance of rain. When the tempest was over I went to my tent: but
+the rain coming on in a furious manner, I was obliged to take shelter in
+the cave, where I was forced to cut a channel through my fortification
+to let the water out. It continued raining all that night, and some time
+the next day. These accidents made me resolve, as soon as the weather
+cleared up, to build me a little hut in some open place, walled round to
+defend me from wild creatures and savages; not doubting but at the next
+earthquake, the mountain would fall upon my habitation and me, and
+swallow up all in its bowels.
+
+_April_ 16--20. These days I spent in contriving how and in what manner
+I should fix my place of abode. All this while I was under the most
+dreadful apprehensions. When I looked round my habitation, every thing I
+found in its proper place. I had several resolutions whether I should
+move or not; but at length resolved to stay where I was, till I found
+out a convenient place where I might pitch my tent.
+
+_April_ 22. When I began to put my resolutions in practice, I was stopt
+for want of tools and instruments to work with. Most of my axes and
+hatchets were useless, occasioned by cutting the hard timber that grew
+on the island. It took me up a full week to make my grind-stone of use
+to me, and at last I found out a way to turn it about with my foot, by
+help of a wheel and a string.
+
+_April_ 28--29. These days were spent in grinding my tools.
+
+_April_ 30. My bread falling short, I allowed myself but one biscuit a
+day.
+
+_May_ 1. As I walked along the sea shore I found a barrel of gunpowder,
+and several pieces of the wreck, the sea had flung up. Having secured
+those, I made to the ship, whose stern was torn off, and washed a great
+distance ashore; but the rest lay in the sands. This I suppose was
+occasioned by the earthquake. I now resolved to keep my old place of
+abode; and also to go to the ship that day, but then found it
+impossible.
+
+_May_ 3. This day I went on board, and with my saw sawed off one of the
+beams, which kept her quarter-deck. I then cleared the sand till flood.
+
+_May_ 4. I caught some fish, but they were not wholesome, The same day I
+also catched a young dolphin.
+
+_May 5._ 'This day I also repaired to the wreck, and sawed another
+piece of timber, and when the flood came, I made a float of three great
+planks, which were driven ashore by the tide.
+
+_May 6, 7, 8, 9._ These days I brought off the iron bolts, opened the
+deck with the iron crow, and carried two planks to land, having made a
+way into the very middle of the wreck.
+
+_May 10, 11, 12, 13, 14._ All this time I spent in bringing off great
+quantities of iron and timber.
+
+_May 15._ Took with me two hatchets on purpose to cut off some lead from
+the roll, but all in vain, for it lay too low under water.
+
+_May 16._ I omitted going to the wreck this day, for employing myself in
+looking for pigeons, I outstaid my time.
+
+_May 17._ I perceived several pieces of the wreck driven ashore, which I
+found belonged to the head of the ship.
+
+_May 24._ To this day I worked on the wreck, and with great difficulty
+loosened some things so much with the crow, that at the first flowing
+tide several casks floated out, and many of the seamen's chests, yet
+that day nothing came to land but pieces of timber, and a hogshead which
+had some Brazil pork in it. I continued working to the 15th of June;
+(except necessary times for food and rest) and had I known how to have
+built a boat, I had timber and planks enough; I had also near 100 weight
+of sheet lead.
+
+_June 16._ As I was wandering towards the sea-side, I found a large
+tortoise or turtle, being the first I had seen on the island, though, as
+I afterwards found, there were many on the other side of it.
+
+_June 17._ This day I spent in cooking it, found in her threescore eggs,
+and her flesh the most savoury and pleasant I ever tasted in my life.
+
+_June 18._ I staid within this day, there being a continual rain; and it
+was somewhat more chilly and cold than usual.
+
+_June 19._ Exceedingly bad, being taken with a trembling and shivering.
+
+_June 20._ Awake all night, my head racked with pain and feverish.
+
+_June 21._ Sick unto death, and terrified with the dismal apprehensions
+of my condition. Prayed to God more frequently, but very confusedly.
+
+_June 22._ Something better, but still uneasy in my mind.
+
+_June 23._ Again relapsed much as before.
+
+_June 24._ Mended a second time.
+
+_June 25._ A violent ague for seven hours, cold and hot fits succeeded
+with faint sweats.
+
+_June 26._ Better, but very weak, yet I scrambled out, shot a she-goat,
+brought it home and broiled some of it; I would willingly have stewed
+it, and made some broth, but had no pod.
+
+_June 27_ All this day I was afflicted with an ague; thirsty, yet I
+could not help myself to water: Prayed to God in these words: _Lord, in
+pity look upon me: Lord, have mercy upon me: have mercy upon me!_ After
+this I fell asleep, which I found had much refreshed me when I awaked. I
+fell fast asleep a second time, and fell into this strange and terrible
+sort of dream.
+
+Methought I was sitting on the same spot of ground at the outside of the
+wall where I sat when the storm blew after the earthquake; and that I
+saw a man descending from a great black cloud, and alight upon the
+ground. He was all over as bright as a flash of fire that a little
+before surrounded him; his countenance inconceivably terrible; the earth
+as it were trembled when he stept upon the ground, and flashes of fire
+seemed to fill all the air. No sooner I thought him landed upon the
+earth, but with a long spear, or other weapon, he made towards me; but
+first ascending a rising ground, his voice added to my amazement, when I
+thought I heard him pronounce these dreadful words, _Unhappy wretch!
+seeing all these things have not brought thee to repentance, thou shalt
+immediately die._ In pronouncing this dreadful sentence, I thought he
+went to kill me with the spear that was in his hand.
+
+Any body may think it impossible for me to express the horrors of my
+mind at this vision: and even when I awaked, this very dream made a deep
+impression upon my mind. The little divine knowledge I had, I received
+from my father's instructions, and that was worn out by an uninterrupted
+series of sea-faring impiety for eight years space. Except what sickness
+forced from me, I do not remember I had one thought of lifting up my
+heart towards God, but rather had a certain stupidity of soul, not
+having the least sense or fear of the Omnipotent Being when in distress,
+nor of gratitude to him for his deliverances. Nay, when I was on the
+desperate expedition on the desert African shore, I cannot remember I
+had one thought of what would become of me, or to beg his consolation
+and assistance in my sufferings and distress. When the Portugal captain
+took me up and honorably used me, nay, farther, when I was even
+delivered from drowning by escaping to this island, I never looked upon
+it as a judgment, but only said I was an unfortunate dog, and that's
+all. Indeed some secret transports of soul I had, which was not through
+grace but only a common flight of joy, that I was yet alive, when my
+companions were all drowned, and no other joy could I conceive but what
+is common with the sailors over a bowl of punch, after they have escaped
+the greatest dangers.
+
+The likelihood of wanting for neither food nor conveniences, might have
+called upon me for a thankful acknowledgment to Providence. Indeed, the
+growth of my corn touched with some sense, but that soon wore off again.
+The terrible earthquake pointed to me, as it were, the finger of God,
+but my dreadful amazement continued no longer than its duration. But
+now, when my spirits began to sink under the burden of a strong
+distemper, and I could leisurely view the miseries of death present
+themselves before my eyes, then my awakened conscience began to reproach
+me with my past life, in which I had so wickedly provoked the justice of
+God to pour down his vengeance upon me.
+
+Such reflections as these oppressed me even in the violence of
+distemper. Some prayers I uttered, which only proceeded from the fear of
+death. But when I considered my father's advice and prophecy, I could
+not forbear weeping; for he told me, _That if I did persist in my folly,
+I should not only be deprived of God's blessing, but have time enough to
+reflect upon my despising his instructions, and this, in a wretched
+time, when none could help me_. And now concluding it to be fulfilled,
+having no soul in the island to administer any comfort to me, I prayed
+earnestly to the Lord, that he would help me in this great calamity. And
+this, I think, was the first time I prayed in sincerity for many years.
+But now I must return to my journal.
+
+_June_ 28. Something refreshed with sleep, and the fit quite off, I got
+up. My dream still occasioned in me a great consternation; and, fearing
+that the ague might return the succeeding day, I concluded it time to
+get something to comfort me. I filled a case bottle with water, and set
+it within reach of my bed; and, to make it more nourishing and less
+chilly, I put some rum in it. The next thing I did was to broil me a
+piece of goat's flesh, of which I ate but little. I was very weak;
+however, walked about, dreading the return of my distemper; and at night
+I supped on three of the turtle's eggs, which I roasted and ate, begging
+God's blessing therewith.
+
+After I had eaten, I attempted to walk again out of doors with my gun;
+but was so weak, that I sat down, and looked at the sea, which was
+smooth and calm. While I continued here, these thoughts came into
+my mind.
+
+In what manner is the production of the earth and sea, of which I have
+seen so much? From whence came myself, and all other creatures living,
+and of what are they made?
+
+Our beings were assuredly created by some almighty invisible Power, who
+framed the earth the sea, and air, and all therein. But what is
+that Power?
+
+Certainly it must follow that God has created it all. Yet, said I, if
+God has made all this he must be the Ruler of them all, and what is
+relating thereto; for certainly the Power that makes, must indisputably
+have a power to guide and direct them. And if this be so, (as certainly
+it must) nothing can happen without his knowledge and appointment. Then,
+surely, if nothing happens without God's appointment, certainly God has
+appointed these my sufferings to befal me. And here I fixed my firm
+belief that it was his will that it should be so; and then proceeded to
+enquire, why should God deal with me in this manner? Or what have I done
+thus to deserve his indignation.
+
+Here conscience flew in my face, reprehending me as a blasphemer; crying
+with a loud and piercing voice, _Unworthy wretch! how dare you ask what
+you have done? Look on your past life, and see what you have left
+undone? Ask thyself, why thou wert not long ago in the merciless hands
+of death? Why not drowned in Yarmouth roads, or killed in the fight,
+when the ship was taken by the Sallee man of war? Why not entombed in
+the bowels of wild beasts on the African coast, or drowned here when all
+thy companions suffered shipwreck in the ocean._
+
+Struck dumb with these reflections, I rose up in a pensive manner, being
+so thoughtful that I could not go to sleep; and fearing the dreadful
+return of my distemper, it caused me to remember, that the Brazilians
+use tobacco for almost all diseases. I then went to my chest in older to
+find some, where Heaven, no doubt, directed me to find a cure for both
+soul and body; for there I found one of the Bibles, which, till this
+time, I had neither leisure nor inclination to look into, I took both
+the tobacco and that out of the chest, and laid them on the table.
+Several experiments did I try with the tobacco: First, I took a piece or
+leaf, and chewed it; but it being very green and strong, almost
+stupified me. Next I steeped it in some rum an hour or two, resolving
+when I went to bed to take a dole of it: and, in the third place, I
+burnt some over a pan of fire, holding my nose over it as long as I
+could endure it without suffocation.
+
+In the intervals of this operation, though my head was giddy and
+disturbed by the tobacco, I took up the Bible to read. No sooner did I
+open it, but there appeared to me these words _Call on me in the day of
+trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me_.
+
+At first this sentence made a very deep impression on my heart, but it
+soon wore off again, when I considered the word _deliver_ was foreign to
+me. And as the children of Israel said, when they were promised flesh to
+eat, _Can God spread a table in the wilderness?_ in like manner I began
+to say, _Can God himself deliver me from this desolate island?_ However,
+the words would still return to my mind, and afterwards made a greater
+impression upon me. As it was now very late, and the tobacco had dazed
+my head, I was inclined to sleep: but before I would lie down I fell on
+my knees, and implored the promise that God had made to me in the Holy
+Scriptures, that _if I called upon him in the day of trouble he would
+deliver me._ With much difficulty I afterwards drank the rum wherein I
+had steeped the tobacco, which flying into my head, threw me into such a
+profound sleep, that it was three o'clock the next day before I awaked;
+or rather, I believe, I slept two days, having certainly lost a day in
+my account, and I could never tell any other way. When I got up, my
+spirits were lively and cheerful; my stomach much better, being very
+hungry; and, in short, no fit returned the next day, which was the 29th,
+but I found myself much altered for the better.
+
+The 30th, I went abroad with my gun, but not far, and killed a sea-fowl
+or two, resembling a brand goose, which, however, I cared not to eat
+when I brought them home, but dined on two more of the turtle's eggs. In
+the evening I renewed my medicine, excepting that I did not take so
+large a quantity, neither did I chew the leaf, or hold my head over the
+smoke: but the next day, which was the 1st of _July_, having a little
+return of the cold fit, I again took my medicine as I did the
+first time.
+
+_July_ 3. The fit quite left me, but very weak. In this condition, I
+often thought of these words, _I will deliver thee_; and while, at some
+times, I would think of the impossibility of it, other thoughts would
+reprehend me for disregarding the deliverances I had received, even from
+the most forlorn and distressed condition. I asked myself, what regard
+have I had to God for his abundant mercies? Have I done my part_: He has
+delivered me, but I have not glorified him:_--as if I had said, I had
+not owned and been thankful for these as deliverances, and how could I
+expect greater? So much did this sensibly touch my heart, that I gave
+God thanks for my recovery from weakness in the most humble prostration.
+
+_July_ 4. This morning I began seriously to ponder on what is written in
+the New Testament, resolving to read a chapter every morning and night
+as long an my thoughts would engage me. As soon as I set about this work
+seriously, I found my heart deeply affected with the impiety of my past
+life; these words that I thought were spoken to me in my dream revived,
+_All these things have not brought thee to repentance._ After this, I
+begged of God to assist me with his Holy Spirit in returning to my duty.
+One day in perusing the Scriptures, I came to these words, _He is
+exalted a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance and to give
+remission_: Immediately I laid down the book, and with uplifted hands to
+Heaven, loudly cried, _O blessed Jesus, thou son of David, Jesus, thou
+exalted Prince and Saviour, give we repentance!_ And now indeed I prayed
+with a true sense of my condition, and a more certain hope, founded on
+the word of God. Now I had a different sense of these words, _Call on me
+and I will deliver thee_, that is from the dreadful load of guilt which
+oppressed my sinful soul, and not from a solitary life, which might
+rather be called, a blessing, seeing I wanted neither food nor raiment,
+when compared living amongst the human race, surrounded with so much
+oppression, misery, and affliction; in a word, I came to this
+conclusion, that a deliverance from sin was a much greater blessing,
+than a deliverance from affliction. But again I proceed to my journal.
+
+To the 14th of _July_, I walked about with my gun, little and little at
+a time, having been reduced to the greatest extremity of weakness. The
+applications and experiments I used were perfectly new: neither could I
+recommend them to any one's practice. For though it carried off the fit,
+it very much weakened me, and I had frequently convulsions in my nerves
+and limbs for some time. From this I learned, that going abroad in rainy
+weather, especially when it was attended with storms and hurricanes of
+wind, was most pernicious to health. I had now been about ten months in
+the island; and as I never had seen any of the human kind, I therefore
+accounted myself as sole monarch; and as I grew better, having secured
+my habitation to my mind, I resolved to make a tour round my kingdom, in
+order to make new discoveries.
+
+The 15th of _July_, I began my journey; I first went to the creek, where
+I had brought my rafts on shore; and travelling farther, found the tide
+went no higher than two miles up, where there was a little brook of
+running water, on the banks of which were many pleasant savannahs or
+meadows, plain, smooth, and covered with grass. On the rising parts,
+where I supposed the water did not reach, I perceived a great deal of
+tobacco growing to a very strong stalk. Several other plants I likewise
+found, the virtues of which I did not understand. I searched a long time
+for the Cassava root, which I knew the Indians in that climate made
+their bread of, but all in vain. There were several plants of aloes,
+though at that time I knew not what they were; likewise I saw several
+sugar canes, but imperfect for want of cultivation. With these few
+discoveries, I came back that night, and slept contentedly in my
+little castle.
+
+The next day, being the 16th, going the same way, but farther then the
+day before, I found the country more adorned with woods and trees. Here
+I perceived different fruits in great abundance. Melons in plenty lay on
+the ground, and clusters of grapes, ripe and very rich, spread over the
+trees. You may imagine I was glad of this discovery, yet ate very
+sparingly, lest I should throw myself into a flux or fever. The grapes I
+found of excellent use; for when I had dried them in the sun, which
+preserved them as dried raisins are kept, they proved very wholesome and
+nourishing, and served me in those seasons when no grapes were to
+be had.
+
+The night drawing on apace, I ascended up a tree, and slept very
+comfortably, though it was the first time I had lain out of my
+habitation. And when the morning came, I proceeded with great pleasure
+on my way, travelling about four miles, as I imagined, by the length of
+the valley, directing my course northward, there being a ridge of hills
+on the south and north side of me. At the end of this valley, I came to
+an opening, where the country seemed to descend to the west; there I
+found a little spring of fresh water, proceeding out of the side of the
+hill, with its chrystal streams running directly east. And, indeed, here
+my senses were charmed with the most beautiful landscape nature could
+afford; for the country appeared flourishing, green, and delightful,
+that to me it seemed like a planted garden. I then descended on the side
+of that delicious vale, when I found abundance of cocoa, orange, lemon,
+and citron trees, but very wild and barren at that time. As for the
+limes, they were delightful and wholesome, the juice of which I after
+used to mix in water, which made it very cooling and refreshing. And now
+I was resolved to carry home and lay up a store of grapes, limes, and
+lemons, against the approaching wet season. So laying them up in
+separate parcels, and then taking a few of each with me, I returned to
+my little castle, after having spent three days in this journey. Before
+I got home, the grapes were so bruised that they were utterly spoiled;
+the limes indeed were good, but of those I could bring only a few.
+
+_July 19_. Having prepared two bags, I returned thither again, but, to
+my great surprise, found all the grapes spread about, trod to pieces,
+and abundance eaten, which made me conclude there were wild beasts
+thereabouts. To prevent this happening again, I gathered a large
+quantity of the grapes, and hung them upon the out branches of the tree,
+both to keep them unhurt, and that they might cure and dry in the sun;
+and having well loaded myself with limes and lemons, I returned once
+more to my old place of residence.
+
+And now contemplating on the fruitfulness of this valey, and
+pleasantness of its situation, its security from storms, and the
+delightfulness of the adjacent woods, I concluded I was settled in the
+worst part of the country, and therefore was thinking to remove my
+habitation.
+
+But when I considered again, that though it was pleasant, it was off
+from the sea-side, where there was a possibility, some time or other, a
+ship might either be driven or sail by; and that to inclose myself among
+hills and woods must certainly put an end to my hopes of deliverance; I
+resolved to let my castle remain where Providence had first assigned it.
+Yet so ravished was I with this place, that I made me a little kind of
+bower, surrounding it with a double hedge, as high as I could reach,
+well staked and filled with bullrushes: and having spent a great part of
+the month of _July_, I think it was the first of _August_ before I began
+to enjoy my labour.
+
+_Aug. 3._ Perceiving my grapes to be dry, I took them from the trees,
+and they proved excellent good raisins of the sun: the most of which I
+carried to my cave; and happy for me I did so; by which I saved the best
+part of my winter food.
+
+_Aug_. 14. This day it began to rain; and though I had made me a tent
+like the other, yet having no shelter of a hill to keep me from storms,
+nor a cave behind me to retreat to, I was obliged to return to my old
+castle. The rain continued more or less every day, till the middle of
+_October;_ and sometimes so violently, that I could not stir out of my
+cave for several days. This season I found my family to increase; for
+one of my cats that ran away from me, and which I thought had been dead,
+returned about _August_, with three kittens at her heels, like herself,
+which I thought strange, because both my cats were females, and the wild
+cats of the island seemed to be of a different kind from our European
+cats; but from these cats proceeded such numbers, that I was forced to
+kill and destroy them as I would do wild beasts and vermin.
+
+To the 26th of this month, I could not stir out, it raining incessantly;
+when beginning to want food, I was compelled to venture twice, the first
+of which I shot a goat, and afterwards found a very large tortoise. The
+manner of my regulating my food was thus: a bunch of raisins served me
+for my breakfast; a piece of goat's flesh or turtle boiled for my
+dinner, and two or three turtle's eggs for my supper. While the rain
+lasted, I daily worked two or three hours at enlarging my cave, and by
+degrees worked it on towards one side, till I came to the outside of the
+hill, and made a door or way out, which came beyond my fence or wall,
+and so I came in and out this way. But after I had done this, I was
+troubled to see myself thus exposed; though I could not perceive any
+thing to fear, a goat being the biggest creature I had seen upon
+this island.
+
+_Sept_. 30. Casting up my notches on my post, which amounted to 365, I
+concluded this to be the anniversary of my landing; and, therefore,
+humbly prostrating myself on the ground, confessing my sins,
+acknowledging God's righteous judgments upon me, and praying to Jesus
+Christ to have mercy upon me, I fasted for twelve hours till the going
+down of the sun; and then eating a biscuit and a bunch of grapes, laid
+me on the bed, and with great comfort took my night's repose. Till this
+time I never had distinguished the Sabbath-day; but now made a longer
+notch than ordinary for the days of rest, and divided the weeks as well
+as I could, though I found I had lost a day or two in my account. My ink
+failing soon after, I omitted in my daily memorandum things of an
+indifferent nature, & contented myself to write down only the most
+remarkable events of my life. The rainy and dry seasons appeared now
+regular to me, and experience taught me how to provide for them; yet, in
+one thing I am going to relate, my experience very much failed me. You
+may call to mind what I have mentioned of some barley and rice which I
+had saved; about thirty stalks of the former, and twenty of the latter;
+and at that time, the sun being in its southern position, going from
+me, together with the rains, made me conclude it a very proper season to
+sow it. Accordingly I dug up a piece of ground, with my wooden spade,
+and dividing it into two parts, sowed about two thirds of my seed,
+preserving by me about a handful of each. And happy it was I did so; for
+no rains falling, it was choaked up, and never appeared above the earth
+till the wet season came again, and then part of it grew, as if it had
+been newly sown.
+
+I was resolved all to make another trial; and seeking for a moister
+piece of ground near my bower, I there sowed the rest of my seed in
+February, a little before the vernal equinox; which having the rainy
+months of March and April to water it, yielded a noble crop, and sprang
+up very pleasantly. I had still saved part of the seed, not daring to
+venture all; and by the time I found out the proper seasons to sow it
+in, and that I might expect every year two seed-times and two harvests,
+my stock amounted to above half a peck of each sort of grain.
+
+No sooner were the rains over, but the stakes which I had cut from the
+trees, shot out like willows the first year after lopping their heads. I
+was ignorant of the tree I cut them from; but they grew so regularly
+beautiful, that they made a most lively appearance, and so flourished in
+three year's time, that I resolved to cut more of them; and these soon
+growing made a glorious fence, as afterwards I shall observe.
+
+And now I perceived that the seasons of the year might generally be
+divided, not into summer and winter, as in Europe, but into wet and dry
+seasons, as in this manner:
+
+     / February,\
+Half<  March,    >  Rainy, sun coming near the Equinox.
+     \ April,   /
+
+      / April,  \
+     |  May,     |
+Half<   June,     > Dry, sun getting north of the Line.
+     |  July,    |
+      \ August, /
+
+     / August,   \
+Half<  September, >  Wet, the sun being then come back.
+     \ October,  /
+
+      / October,  \
+     |  November,  |
+Half<   December,   >  Dry, sun running south of the Line.
+     |  January,   |
+      \ February, /
+
+
+The wet seasons would continue longer or shorter, as the winds happened
+to blow. But having found the ill consequences of being abroad in the
+rain, I took care beforehand to furnish myself with provisions; and
+during the wet months sat within doors as much as possible. At this time
+I contrived to make many things that I wanted, though it cost me much
+labour and pains, before I could accomplish them. The first I tried was
+to make a basket; but all the twigs I could get proved so brittle, that
+I could not then perform it. It now proved of great advantage to me that
+when a boy, I took great delight in standing at a basket-maker's in the
+same town where my father lived, to view them at work; and like other
+boys, curious to see the manner of their working these things and very
+officious to assist, I perfectly learned the method of it, and wanted
+nothing but the tools. And it coming into my mind that the twigs of that
+tree of which I made my stakes, might be as tough as a fallow willow, or
+osiers, growing in England, I resolved to make an experiment, and went
+the next day to my country-seat, and found some fit for my turn; and
+after cutting down a quantity with my hatchet, I dried them in my pale,
+and, when fit to work with, carried them to my cave, where I employed
+myself in making several sorts of baskets, insomuch that I could put in
+whatsoever I pleased. It is true, they were not cleverly made, yet they
+served my turn upon all occasions.
+
+But still I wanted two necessary things. I had no cask to hold my
+liquor, except two rundlets almost full of rum, a few bottles of an
+ordinary size, and some square case bottles, neither had I a pot to boil
+any thing in, only a large kettle unfit to make broth, or stew a bit of
+meat: I wanted, likewise at the beginning of this dry season a tobacco
+pipe; but for this I afterwards found an expedient.
+
+I kept myself employed in planting my second row of stakes, But
+remembering that when I travelled up to the brook, I had a mind to see
+the whole island, I now resumed my intention, and taking my dog, gun,
+hatchet, two biscuit cakes, a great bunch of raisins, with a larger
+quantity of powder and shot than usual, I began my journey. Having
+passed the vale where my bower stood, I came within view of the sea
+lying to the west when it being a clear day, I fairly descried land,
+extending from the W. to the S.W. about ten or fifteen leagues, as I
+concluded; but could not say whether it was an island or a
+continent.--Neither could I tell what this place might be; only thought
+it was part of America, & where I might have been in a miserable
+condition, had I landed. Again I considered that if this was the Spanish
+coast, certainly, one time or other, I should see some ship pass by; and
+if it was not, then it must be the savage coast, between the Spanish
+country and Brazil, which abounds with cannibals or man-eaters.
+
+As I proceeded forward I found this side of the island much more
+pleasant than mine; the fields fragrant adorned with sweet flowers &
+verdant grass, together with several very, fine woods. There were
+parrots in plenty, which made me long for one to be my companion; but
+it was with great difficulty I could knock one down with my stick; and I
+kept him at home some years before I could get him to call me by
+my name.
+
+In the low grounds, I found various sorts of hares and foxes, as I took
+them to be, but much different from those in England. Several of these I
+killed, but never ate them; neither indeed had I any occasion; for
+abounding with goats, pigeons, turtle, and grapes, I could defy
+Leadenhall market to furnish me a better table. In this journey I did
+not travel above two miles a-day, because I took several turns and
+windings, to see what discoveries I could make, returning weary enough
+to the place where I designed to rest all night, which was either in a
+tree, or in a place which I surrounded with stakes, that no wild
+creature might suddenly surprise me. When I came to the sea shore, I was
+amazed to see the splendour of it. Its strand was covered with shells of
+the most beautiful fish, and constantly abounding with innumerable
+turtles, and fowls of many kinds, which I was ignorant of, except those
+called penguins. I might have shot as many as I pleased, but was sparing
+of my ammunition, rather choosing to kill a she-goat, which I did with
+much difficulty, on account of the flatness of the country.
+
+Now though this journey produced me the most pleasing satisfaction, yet
+my habitation was so much to my liking, that I did not repine at my
+being seated on the worst part of the island. I continued my journey,
+travelling about twelve miles further towards the east, where I set a
+great pile on the shore for a mark, concluding that my next journey
+should bring me to the other side of the island, east from my castle,
+and so round till I came to my post again. As I had a constant view of
+the country, I thought I could not miss my way; but scarce had I
+travelled three miles, when I descended into a very large valley, so
+surrounded with hills covered with wood, that I having no guide but the
+sun, nor even this, unless I knew will the position of the sun at the
+time of day; and to add to my misfortune, the weather proving very hazy,
+I was obliged to return to my post by the sea-side, and so backwards the
+same way I came. In this journey my dog surprised a kid and would have
+killed it, had I not prevented him. As I had often been thinking of
+getting a kid or two, and so raising a breed of tame goats to supply me
+after my ammunition was spent, I took this opportunity of beginning: and
+having made a collar for this little creature, with a string made of
+rope-yarn, I brought it to my bower, and there inclosed and left him;
+and, having spent a month in this journey, at length I returned to my
+habitation.
+
+Nobody can doubt of my satisfaction, when I returned to my little
+castle, and reposed myself in my hammock. After my journey I rested
+myself a week, which time I employed in, making a cage for my pretty
+Poll. I now began to consider the poor kid I had left in the bower, and
+I immediately went to fetch it home. When I came there I found the young
+creature almost starved; I gave it some food, and tied it as before: but
+there was no occasion, for it followed me like a dog; and, as I
+constantly fed it, it became so loving, gentle, and fond, that it
+commenced one of my domestics, and would never leave me.
+
+The rainy season of the autumnal equinox being now come, I kept the 30th
+of September in the most solemn manner, as usual, it being the third
+year of my abode in the island. I spent the whole day in acknowledging
+God's mercies, in giving him thanks for making this solitary life as
+agreeable, and less sinful, than that of human society; and for the
+communications of his grace to my soul, in supporting, comforting, and
+encouraging me to depend, upon his Providence, and hope for his eternal
+presence in the world to come.
+
+Indeed, I often did consider how much more happy I was in this fate of
+life, than in that accursed manner of living formerly used; and
+sometimes when hunting, or viewing the country, the anguish of my soul
+would break out upon me, and my very heart would sink within me, to
+think of the woods, the mountains, the desarts I was in; and how I was a
+prisoner locked up within the eternal bars and bolts of the ocean, in an
+uninhabited wilderness, without hopes, and without redemption: In this
+condition I would often wring my hands, and weep like a child: And even
+sometimes, in the middle of my work, this fit would take me; and then I
+would sit down and sigh, looking on the ground for an hour or two
+together, till such time as my grief got vent in a flood of tears.
+
+One morning as I was sadly employed in this manner, I opened my Bible,
+when I immediately fixed my eyes upon these words, _I will never leave
+thee, nor forsake thee!_ Surely, thought I, these words are directed to
+me, or else why should they appear just at a moment when I am bemoaning
+my forlorn condition? and if God does not forsake, what matters it,
+since he can me more happy in this state of life, than if I enjoyed the
+greatest splendour in the world? But while I was going to return God
+thanks for my present state, something seemed to shock my mind, as if it
+had thus said: _Unworthy wretch; can you pretend to be thankful for a
+condition, from which you would pray to be delivered_? Therefore I
+stopt:--and tho' I could not say, I thanked the Divine Majesty for
+being there, yet I gave God thanks for placing in my view my former
+course of life, and granting me a true knowledge of repentance. And
+whenever I opened or read the Bible, I blessed kind Providence, that
+directed my good friend in England to send it among my goods without
+any order, and for assisting me to save it from the power of the
+raging ocean.
+
+And now beginning my third year, my several daily employments were
+these: _First_, My duty to Heaven, and diligently reading the Holy
+Scriptures, which I did twice or thrice every day: _Secondly_, Seeking
+provision with my gun, which commonly took me up, when it did not rain,
+three hours every morning: _Thirdly_, The ordering, curing, preserving,
+and cooking what I killed, or catched for my supply which took me up
+great part of the day: for, in the middle of the day, the sun being in
+its height, it was so hot, that I could not stir out; so that I had only
+but four hours in the evening to work in: and then the want of tools, of
+assistance, and skill, wasted a great deal of time to little purpose. I
+was no less than two and forty days making a board fit for a long shelf,
+which two sawyers with their tools and saw-pit, would have cut off the
+same tree in half a day. It was a large tree, as my board was to be
+broad. I was three days in cutting it down and two more in lopping off
+the boughs, and reducing it to a piece of timber. This I hacked and
+hewed off each side, till it became light to move; then I turned it,
+made one side of is smooth and flat as a board from end to end, then
+turned it downward, cutting the other side, till I brouht the plank to
+be about three inches thick, and smooth on both sides. Any body may
+judge my great labour and fatigue in such a piece of work; but this I
+went through with patience, as also many other things that my
+circumstances made necessary for me to do.
+
+The harvest months, November and December, were now at hand, in which I
+had the pleasing prospect of a very good crop. But here I met with a new
+problem; for the goats and hares, having tasted of the outshoot of the
+blade, kept it to short that it had not strengthen to shoot up into a
+stalk. To prevent this, I enclosed it with a hedge, and by day shot some
+of its devourers; and my dog which I had tied to the field-gate, keeping
+barking all night; so frightened those creatures, that I got entirely
+rid of them.
+
+But no sooner did I get rid of these, than other enemies appeared, to
+wit, whole flocks of several sorts of birds, who only waited till my
+back was turned, to ruin me: so much did this provoke me, that I let
+fly, and killed three of the malefactors; and afterwards served them as
+they do notorious thieves in England, hung them up in chains as a terror
+to others. And, indeed, to good an effect had this that they not only
+forsook the corn, but all that part of the island, so long as these
+criminals hung there.
+
+My corn having ripened apace, the latter end of December, which was my
+second harvest, I reaped it with a scythe, made of one of my broad
+swords. I had no fatigue in cutting down my my first crop it was so
+slender. The ears I carried home in a basket, rubbing it with my hands,
+instead of threshing it: and when the harvest was over, found my half
+peck of seed produced near two bushels of rice, and two bushels and a
+half of barley. And now I plainly foresaw, that by God's goodness, I
+should be furnished with bread; but yet I was concerned, because I knew
+not how to grind or make meal of my corn, nor bread, neither knew how to
+bake it. I would not however, taste any of the crop, but resolved to
+preserve it against next season, and, in the mean while, use my best
+endeavours to provide myself with other food.
+
+But where were my labours to end? The want of a plough to turn up the
+earth, or shovel to dig it, I conquered by making me a wooden spade. The
+want of a harrow I supplied myself, with dragging over the corn a great
+bough of a tree. When it was growing I was forced to fence it; when ripe
+to mow it, carry it home, thrash it, part it from the chaff, and save
+it. And, after all, I wanted a mill to grind it, sieve to dress it, yest
+and salt to make it into bread, and an oven to bake it. This set my
+brains to work to find some expedient for every one of these necessaries
+against the next harvest.
+
+And now having more seed, my first care was to prepare me more land. I
+pitched upon two large flat pieces of ground near my castle, for that
+purpose, in which sowed my seed, and fenced it with a good hedge. This
+took me up three months: by which time the wet season coming on, and the
+rain keeping me within doors, I found several occasions to employ
+myself; and, while at work, used to divert myself in talking to my
+parrot, learning him to know and speak his own name _Poll_ the first
+welcome word I ever heard spoke in the island. I had been a long time in
+contriving how to make earthen vessels, which I wanted extremely; and
+when I considered the heat of the climate, I did not doubt but if I
+could find any such clay, I might botch up a pot, strong enough, when
+dried in the sun, to bear handling, and to hold any thing that was dry,
+as corn, meal, and other things.
+
+To be short, the clay I found; but it would occasion the most serious
+person to smile, to see what aukward ways I took, and what ugly
+misshapen things I made; how many either fell out or cracked by the
+violent heat of the sun, and fell in pieces when they were removed; so
+that I think it was two months time before I could perfect any thing:
+and even then but two clumsy things in imitation of earthen jars. These,
+however, I very gently placed in wicker baskets, made on purpose for
+them, and between the pot and the baskets, stuffed it full of rice and
+barley straw, and these I presume would hold my dried corn, and perhaps
+the meal when the corn was bruised. As for the smaller thing, I made
+them with better success, such as little round pots, flat dishes,
+pitchers, and pipkins, the fun baking them very hard.
+
+Yet still I wanted one thing absolutely necessary, and that was an
+earthen pot, not only to hold my liquid, but also to bear the fire,
+which none of these could do. It once happened that as I was putting out
+my fire, I found therein a broken piece of one of my vessels burnt as
+hard as a rock, and red as a tile. This made me think of burning some
+pots; and having no notion of a kiln, or of glazing them with leaf, I
+fixed three large pipkins, and two or three pots in a pile one upon
+another. The fire I piled round the outside, and dry wood on the top,
+till I saw the pots in the inside red hot, and found out that, they were
+net crackt at all: and when I perceived them perfectly red, I let one of
+them stand in the fire about five or six hours, till the clay melted by
+the extremity of the heat, and would have run to glass, had I suffered
+it; upon which I slacked my fire by degrees, till the redness abated;
+and watching them till the morning, I found I had three very good
+pipkins, and two earthen pots, as well burnt and fit for my turn as I
+could desire.
+
+No joy could be greater than mine at this discovery. For after this, I
+may say, I wanted for no fort of earthen ware. I filled one of my
+pipkins with water to boil me some meat, which it did admirably well,
+and with a piece of kid I made me some good broth, as well as my
+circumstances would afford me at that time.
+
+The next concern I had was to get me a stone-morter to beat some corn
+in, instead of a mill to grind it. Here indeed I was at a great loss, as
+not being fit for a stone-cutter; and many days I spent to find out a
+great stone big enough to cut hollow and make fit for a morter, and
+strong enough to bear the weight of a pestil, and that would break the
+corn without filling it with sand. But all the stones of the island
+being of a mouldering nature, rendered my search fruitless; and then I
+resolved to look out for a great block of hard wood, which having found,
+I formed it with my ax and hammer, and then, with infinite labour, made
+a hollow in it, just as the Indians of Brazil make their canoes. When I
+had finished this, I made a great pestil of iron wood, and then laid
+them up against my succeeding harvest.
+
+My next business was to make me a sieve, to sift my meal and part it
+from the bran and husk. Having no fine thin canvas to search the meal
+through, I could not tell what to do. What linen I had was reduced to
+rags: I had goat's hair, enough, but neither tools to work it, nor did I
+know how to spin it: At length I remembered I had some neckcloths of
+calico or muslin of the sailors, which I had brought out of the ship,
+and with these I made three small sieves proper enough for the work.
+
+I come now to consider the baking part. The want of an oven I supplied
+by making some earthen pans very broad but not deep. When I had a mind
+to bake, I made a great fire upon the hearth, the tiles of which I had
+made myself; and when the wood was burnt into live coals, I spread them
+over it, till it became very hot; then sweeping them away, I set down my
+loaves, and whelming down the earthen pots upon them, drew the ashes and
+coals all around the outsides of the pots to continue the heat; and in
+this manner I baked my barley loaves, as well as if I had been a
+complete pastry-cook, and also made of the rice several cakes
+and puddings.
+
+It is no wonder that these things took me up the best part of a year,
+since what intermediate time I had was bestowed in managing my new
+harvest and husbandry; for in the proper season I reaped my corn,
+carried it home, and laid it up in the ear in my large baskets, til I
+had time to rub, instead of thrashing it. And now, indeed, my corn
+increased so much, that it produced me twenty bushels of barley, and as
+much rice, that I not only began to use it freely, but was thinking how
+to enlarge my barns, and resolved to sow as much at a time as would be
+sufficient for me for a whole year.
+
+All this while, the prospect of land, which I had seen from the other
+side of the island, ran in my mind. I still meditated a deliverance from
+this place, though the fear of greater misfortunes might have deterred
+me from it.--For, allowing that I had attained that place, I run the
+hazard of being killed and eaten by the devouring cannibals: and if they
+were not so, yet I might be slain, as other Europeans had been, who fell
+into their hands. Notwithstanding all this, my thoughts ran continually
+upon that shore. I now wished for my boy Xury, and the long boat, with
+the shoulder of mutton sail: I went to the ship's boat that had been
+cast a great way on the shore in the late storm. She was removed but a
+little; but her bottom being turned up by the impetuosity and fury of
+the waves and wind, I fell to work with all the strength I had, with
+levers and rollers I had cut from the wood, to turn her, and repair the
+damages she had sustained. This work took me up three or four weeks,
+when finding my little strength all in vain, I fell to undermining it by
+digging away the sand, and so to make it fall down, setting pieces of
+wood to thrust and guide it in the fall. But after this was done, I was
+still unable to stir it up, or to get under it, much less to move it
+forward towards the water, and so I was forced to give it over.
+
+This disapointment, however did not frighten me. I began to think
+whether it was not possible for me to make a canoe or perigua, such as
+the Indians make of the trunk of a tree, But here I lay under particular
+inconveniencies; want of tools to make it, and want of hands to move it
+in the water when it was made. However, to work I went upon it, stopping
+all the inquiries I could make, with this very simple answer I made to
+myself, _Let's first make it, I'll warrant I'll find some way or other
+to get it along when it is done_.
+
+I first cut down a cedar tree, which was five feet ten inches diameter
+at the lower part next the stump, and four feet eleven inches diameter
+at the end of twenty-two feet, after which it lessened for a space, and
+then parted into branches. Twenty days was I a hacking and hewing this
+tree at the bottom, fourteen more in cutting off the branches and limbs,
+and a whole month in shaping it like the bottom of the boat. As for the
+inside, I was three weeks with a mallet and chissel, clearing it in such
+a manner, as that it was big enough to carry twenty-six men, much bigger
+than any canoe I ever saw in my life, and consequently sufficient to
+transport me and all my effects to that wished-for shore I so
+ardently desired.
+
+Nothing remained now, but, indeed, the greatest difficulty to get it
+into the water, it lying about one hundred yards from it. To remedy the
+first inconvenience, which was a rising hill between the boat and the
+creek, with wonderful pains and labour I dug into the bowels of the
+earth, and made a declivity. But when this was done, all the strength I
+had was as insufficient to remove it, as it was when I attempted to
+remove the boat. I then proceeded to measure the difference of ground,
+resolving to make a canal, in order to bring the water to the canoe,
+since I could not bring the canoe to the water. But as this seemed to be
+impracticable to myself alone, under the space of eleven or twelve
+years, it brought me into some sort of consideration: so that I
+concluded this also to be impossible, and the attempt altogether vain. I
+now saw, and not before, _what stupidity it is to begin a work before we
+reckon its costs, or judge rightly our own abilities to go through with
+its performance_.
+
+In the height of this work my fourth year expired, from the time I was
+cast on this island, At this time I did not forget my anniversary; but
+kept it with rather greater devotion than before. For now my hopes being
+frustrated, I looked upon this world as a thing had nothing to do with;
+and very well might I say as Father Abraham said unto Dives, _Between
+thee and me there is a gulph fixed._ And indeed I was separated from its
+wickedness too, having neither the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
+eye, nor the pride of life; I had nothing to covet, being lord, king and
+emperor over the whole country I had in possession, without dispute and
+without control: I had loadings of corn, plenty of turtles, timber in
+abundance, and grapes above measure. What was all the rest to me? the
+money I had lay by me as despicable dross, which I would freely have
+given for a gross of tobacco pipes, or a hard mill to grind my corn: in
+a word the-nature and experience of these things dictated to me this
+just reflection: _That the good things of this world are no farther
+good to us, than they are for our use; and that whatever we may heap up
+to give to others, we can but enjoy as much as we use, and no more._
+
+These thoughts rendered my mind more easy than usual. Every time I sat
+down to meat, I did it with thankfulness, admiring the providential hand
+of God, who in this wilderness had spread a table to me. And now I
+considered what I enjoyed, rather than what I wanted, compared my
+present condition with what I at first expected it should be; _how I
+should have done, if I had got nothing out of the ship, that I must have
+perished before I had caught fish or turtles; or lived, had I found
+them, like a mere savage, by eating them raw, and pulling them in pieces
+with my claws, like a beast_. I next compared my station to that which I
+deserved: _how undutiful I had been to my parents; how destitute of the
+fear of God; bow void of every thing that was good; and how ungrateful
+for those abundant mercies I had received from Heaven, being fed as it
+were, by a miracle, even as great as Elijah's being fed by ravens; and
+cast on a place where there is no venomous creatures to poison or devour
+me_; in short making God's tender mercies matter of great consolation, I
+relinquished all sadness, and gave way to contentment.
+
+As long as my ink continued, which with water I made last as long as I
+could, I used to minute down the days of the month on which any
+remarkable event happened.--And,
+
+First, I observed, _that the same day I forsook my parents and friends,
+and ran away to Hull, in order to go to sea, the same day afterwards in
+the next year, I was taken and made a slave by the Sallee rovers_.
+
+_That the very day I escaped out of the wreck of the ship in Yarmouth
+roads, a year after on the same day, I made my escape from Sallee in my
+patron' fishing boat_.
+
+_And on the 30th of September, being the day of the year I was born on,
+on that day twenty-six years after, was I miraculously saved, and cast
+ashore on this island_.
+
+The next thing that wasted after my ink, was the biscuit which I had
+brought out of the ship, and though I allowed myself but one cake a day,
+for above a twelvemonth, yet I was quite out of bread for near a year,
+before I got any corn of my own.
+
+In the next place, my clothes began to decay, and my linen had been gone
+long before. However, I had preserved about three dozen of the sailors
+chequered shirts, which proved a great refreshment to me, when the
+violent beams of the sun would not suffer me to bear any of the seamen's
+heavy watch coats, which made me turn taylor, and, after a miserable
+botching manner, convert them to jackets. To preserve my head, I made
+me a cap of goat-skins, with the hair outwards to keep out the rain;
+which indeed served me so well, that afterwards I made me a waistcoat
+and opened-kneed breeches of the fame: And then I contrived a sort of an
+umbrella, covering it with skins, which not only kept out the heat of
+the sun, but rain also. Thus being easy, and settled in my mind, my
+chief happiness was to converse with God, in most heavenly and
+comfortable ejaculations.
+
+For five years after this I cannot say any extraordinary thing occured
+to me. My chief employment was to cure my raisins, and plant my barley
+and rice, of both which I had a year's provision beforehand. But though
+I was disapointed in my first canoe, I made it, at intermediate times,
+my business to make a second, of much inferior size; and it was
+two-years before I had finished it. But as I perceived it would no way
+answer my design of sailing to the other shore, my thoughts were
+consigned to take a tour round the island, to see what further
+discoveries I could make. To this intent, after having moved her to the
+water, and tried how she would sail, I fitted up a little raft to my
+boat, and made a sail of the ships sail that by me. I then made lockers
+or boxes at the end of it, to put in necessaries, provision, and
+ammunition, which would preserve them dry, either from rain or the spray
+of the sea; and in the inside of the boat, I cut me a long hollow place
+to lay my gun in, and to keep it dry made a flag to hang over it. My
+umbrella I fixed in a step in the stern, like a mast, to keep the heat
+of the sun off me. And now resolving to see the circumference of my
+little kingdom, I victualled my ship for the voyage, putting in two
+dozen of my barley-bread loaves, an earthen pot-full of parched rice, a
+little bottle of rum, half a goat, powder and shot, and two watch coats.
+It was the _6th_ of November, in the _6th_ year of my reign, or
+captivity, that I set out in this voyage; which was much longer than I
+expected, being obliged to put further out, by reason of the rocks that
+lay a great way in the sea. And indeed so much did these rocks surprise
+me, that I was for putting back, fearing that if I ventured farther it
+would be out of my power to return in this uncertainty I came to an
+anchor just off shore, to which I waded with my gun on my shoulder, and
+then climbing up a hill, which overlooked that point, I saw the full
+extent of it, and so resolved to run all hazards.
+
+In this prospect from the hill, I perceived a violent current running to
+the east, coming very close to the point; which I the more carefully
+observed, thinking it dangerous, and that when I came to it, I might be
+drove into the sea by its force, and not able to return to the island;
+and certainly it must have been so, had I not made this observation; for
+on the other side was the like current, with this difference, that it
+set off at a greater distance; and I perceived there was a strong eddy
+under the land; so that my chief business was to work out of the first
+current, and conveniently get into the eddy. Two days I staid here, the
+wind blowing very briskly E.S.E. which being contrary to the current,
+leaves a great breach of the sea upon the point; so it was neither fit
+for me to keep too near the shore, on account of the breach; nor stand
+at too great a distance, for fear of the streams. That night the wind
+abating, it grew so calm, that I ventured out; & here I may be a
+monument to all rash and ignorant pilots; for I was no sooner come to
+the point and not above the boat's length from shore, but I was going
+into a deep water, with a current like a mill, which drove my boat along
+so violently, that it was impossible for me to keep near the edge of it,
+but forced me more and more out from the eddy to the left of me; and all
+I could do with my paddle were useless, there being no wind to help me.
+
+Now I began to look upon myself as quite lost, since as, the current ran
+on both sides of the island, I was very certain they must join again,
+and then I had no hope but of perishing for want in the sea, after what
+provision I had was spent, or before, if a storm should happen to arise.
+
+Who can conceive the present anguish of my mind at this calamity? with
+longing eyes did I look upon my little kingdom, and thought the island
+the pleasantest place in the universe. _Happy, thrice happy desert_,
+said I, _shall I never see thee more?_ _Wretched creature! wither am I
+going? Why did I murmur at my lonesome condition, when now I would give
+the whole world to be thither again?_ While I was thus complaining, I
+found myself to be driven about two leagues into the sea; however, I
+laboured till my strength was far spent, to keep my boat as far north as
+possibly I could, to that side of the current where the eddy lay on.
+About noon I perceived a little breeze of wind spring up from the S.S.E.
+which overjoyed my heart; and was still more elated, when, in about half
+an hour it blew a gentle fine gale. Had any thick weather sprung up, I
+had been left another way; for having no compass onboard, I should never
+have found the way to steer towards the island, if once it had
+disappeared; but it proving the contrary, I set up my mast again, spread
+my sail, and stood away northward, as much as I could, to get rid of the
+current. And no sooner did the boat begin to stretch away, but I
+perceived by the clearness of the water, a change of the current was
+near; for, where it was strong, the water was foul; and where it was
+clear the current abated. To the east, I soon saw about half a mile, a
+breach of the sea upon, some rocks, which caused it again to separate;
+and as the main force of it drove away more southwardly, leaving the
+rocks to the north-east, so the other came back by the repulse of the
+rocks making a sharp eddy, which returned back again to the north-west
+with a very swift stream.
+
+They who have experienced what it is to be reprieved upon the ladder, or
+to be saved from thieves, just going to take away their lives, or such
+as have been in the like calamities with my own, may guess my present
+excess of joy, how heartily I ran my boat into the stream of this eddy,
+and how joyfully I spread my sail to the refreshing wind, standing
+cheerfully before it, with a smart tide under foot. By the assistance of
+this eddy, I was carried above a league home again, when being in the
+wake of the island, betwixt the two currents, I found the water to be in
+a sort of a stand. About four o'clock in the afternoon, I reached within
+a league of the island, and perceived the points of the rock, which
+caused this disaster, stretching out, as I observed before, to the
+southward, which throwing off the current more southwardly had
+occasioned another eddy to the north. But having a fair brisk gale, I
+stretched across this eddy, and in an hour came within a mile of the
+shore, where I soon landed to my unspeakable comfort; and after an
+humble prostration, thanking God for my deliverance, with a resolution
+to lay all thoughts of escaping aside, I brought my boat safe to a
+little cove, and laid me down to take a welcome repose. When I awoke I
+was considering how I might get my boat home; and coasting along the
+shore, I came to a good bay, which ran up to a rivulet or brook, where
+finding a safe harbour, I stowed her as safe as if she had been in a
+dry-dock made on purpose for her.
+
+I now perceived myself not far from the place where before I had
+travelled on foot; so taking nothing with me except my gun and umbrella,
+I began my journey, and in the evening came to my bower, where I again
+laid me down to rest. I had not slept long before I was awakened in
+great surprise, by a strange voice that called me several times. _Robin,
+Robin, Robinson Crusoe, poor Robin! Where are you, Robinson Crusoe?
+Where are you? Where have you been_?
+
+So fast was I asleep at first, that I did not awake thoroughly: but half
+asleep and half awake, I thought I dreamed that somebody spoke to me.
+But, as the voice repeated _Robinson Crusoe_ several times, being
+terribly affrighted, I started up in utmost confusion; and, no sooner
+were my eyes fully open, but I beheld my pretty Poll sitting on the top
+of the hedge, and soon knew that it was he that called me; for just in
+such bewailing language I used to talk and teach him; which he so
+exactly learned that he would sit upon my finger and lay his bill close
+to my face, and cry, _Poor Robinson Crusoe, where are you? where have
+you been? how came you here_? and such like prattle I had constantly
+taught him. But even though I knew it to be the parrot, it was a great
+while before I could adjust myself; being amazed how the creature got
+thither, and that he should fix about that place; and no where else.
+But now being assured it could be no other than my honest Poll, my
+wonder ceased, and reaching out my hand, and calling familiarly Poll,
+the creature came to me, and perched upon my thumb as he was wont,
+constantly prating to me with _Poor Robinson Crusoe, and how did I come
+here, and where had I been?_ as if the bird was overjoyed to see me; and
+so I took him home along with me.
+
+I was now pretty well cured of my rambling to sea; yet I could wish my
+boat, which had cost me so much trouble and pains, on this side the
+island once more, but which indeed was impracticable. I therefore began
+to lead a very retired life, living near a twelvemonth in a very
+contented manner, wanting for nothing except conversation. As to
+mechanic labours, which my necessities obliged me to, I fancied I could,
+upon occasion, make a tolerable carpenter were the poor tools I had to
+work withal but good. Besides, as I improved in my earthen ware, I
+contrived to make them with a wheel, which I found much easier and
+better, making my work shapely, which before was rude and ugly. But I
+think I was never so elevated with my own performance or project, than
+for being able to make a tobacco-pipe, which though it proved an awkward
+clumsy thing, yet it was very sound, and carried the smoke perfectly
+well, to my great satisfaction.
+
+I also improved my wicker ware, making me abundance of necessary
+baskets, which though not very handsome, were very handy and convenient
+to fetch things home in, as also for holding my stores, barley, rice,
+and other provisions.
+
+My powder beginning to fail, made me examine after what manner I should
+kill the goats or birds to live on after it was all gone. Upon which I
+contrived many ways to ensnare the goats, and see if I could catch them
+alive, particularly a she-goat with young. At last I had my desire, for
+making pitfalls and traps baited with barley and rice, I found one
+morning, in one of them, an old he-goat, and in the other three kids,
+one male, the other two females.
+
+So boisterous was the old one, that I could not bring him away. But I
+forgot the old proverb, _That hunger will tame a lion_: For had I kept
+him three or four days without provisions, and then given him some
+water, with a little corn, he would have been as tame as a young kid.
+The other creatures I bound with strings together; but I had great
+difficulty before I could bring them to my habitation. It was some time
+before they would feed; but throwing them sweet corn it so much tempted
+them, that they began to be tamer. From hence I concluded, that if I
+designed to furnish myself with goat's flesh, when my ammunition was
+spent, the tamely breeding them up, like a flock of sheep, about my
+settlement, was the only method I could take. I concluded also I must
+separate the wild from the tame, or else they would always run wild as
+they grew up; and the best way for this, was to have some inclosed piece
+of ground, well fenced, either with a hedge or pale, to keep them so
+effectually, that those within might not break out, or those without
+break in. Such an undertaking was very great for one pair of hands; but
+as there was an absolute necessity for doing it, my first care was to
+find a convenient piece of ground where there was likely to be herbage
+for them to eat, water to drink, and cover to keep them from the sun.
+
+Here again, I gave another instance of my ignorance and inexperience,
+pitching upon a piece of meadow land so large, that had I inclosed it,
+the hedge or pale must have been at least two miles about. Indeed had it
+been ten miles, I had time enough to do it in; but then I did not
+consider that my goats would be as wild in so much compass, as if they
+had had the whole island, and consequently as difficult for me to catch
+them. This thought came into my head, after I had carried it on, I
+believe, about fifty yards; I therefore altered my scheme, and resolved
+to inclose a piece of ground about one hundred and fifty yards in
+length, and one hundred in breadth, sufficient enough for as many as
+would maintain me, till such time as my flock increased, and then I
+could add more ground. I now vigorously prosecuted my work, and it took
+me about three months in hedging the first piece; in which time I
+tethered the three kids in the best part of it, feeding them as near me
+as possible, to make them familiar: and indeed I very often would carry
+some ears of barley or a handful of rice, and feed them out of my hands;
+by which they grew so tame, that when my inclosure was finished, and I
+had let them loose they would run after me for a handful of corn. This
+indeed answered my end; and in a year and half's time I had a flock of
+about twelve goats, kids and all; and in two years after, they amounted
+to forty-three, besides what I had taken and killed for my sustenance.
+After which I inclosed five several pieces of ground to feed them in,
+with pens to drive them into, that I might take them as I had occasion.
+
+In this project I likewise found additional blessings; for I not only
+had plenty of goat's flesh, but milk too, which in my beginning I did
+not so much as think of. And, indeed, though I had never milked a cow,
+much less a goat, or seen butter or cheese made, yet, after some essays
+and miscarriages, I made the both, and never afterwards wanted.
+
+How mercifully can the omnipotent Power comfort his creatures, even in
+the midst of their greatest calamities? How can be sweeten the bitterest
+providences, and give us reason to magnify him in dungeons and prisons?
+what a bounteous table was here spread in a wilderness for me, where I
+expected nothing thing at first but to perish for hunger.
+
+Certainly a Stoic would have smiled to see me at dinner. There sat my
+royal majesty, and absolute prince and ruler of my kingdom, attended by
+my dutiful subjects, whom, if I pleased, I could either hang, draw,
+quarter, give them liberty, or take it away. When I dined, I seemed a
+king eating alone, none daring to presume to do so till I had done.
+_Poll_, as if he had been my principal court favorite, was the only
+person, permitted to talk with me. My old but faithful dog, now grown
+exceedingly crazy, and who had no species to multiply his kind upon,
+continually sat on my right hand; while my two cats sat on each side of
+the table, expecting a bit from my hand, as a principal mark of my royal
+favour. These were not the cats I had brought from the ship; they had
+been dead long before, and interred near my habitation by mine own hand.
+But one of them, as I suppose, generating with a wild cat, a couple of
+their young I had made tame; the rest ran wild into the woods, and in
+time grew so impudent as to return and plunder me of my stores, till
+such time as I shot a great many, and the rest left me without troubling
+me any more. In this plentiful manner did I live, wanting for nothing
+but conversation. One thing indeed concerned me, the want of my boat; I
+knew not which way to get her round the island. One time I resolved to
+go along the shore by land to her; but had any one in England met such a
+figure, it would either have affrighted them, or made them burst into
+laughter; nay, I could not but smile myself at my habit, which I think
+in this place will be very proper to describe.
+
+The cap I wore on my head, was great, high, and shapeless, made of a
+goat's skin, with a flap of pent-house hanging down behind, not only to
+keep the sun from me, but to shoot the rain off from running into my
+neck, nothing being more pernicious than the rain falling upon the flesh
+in these climates. I had a short jacket of goat's skin, whose hair hung
+down such a length on each side, that it reached down to the calves of
+my legs. As for shoes and stockings, I had none, but made a semblance of
+something, I know not what to call them; they were made like buskins,
+and laced on the sides like spatterdashes, Barbarously shaped like the
+rest of my habit. I had a broad belt of goat's skin dried, girt round me
+with a couple of thongs, instead of buckles; on each of which, to supply
+the deficiency of sword and dagger, hung my hatchet and saw. I had
+another belt, not so broad, yet fastened in the same manner, which hung
+over my shoulder, and at the end of it, under my left arm, hung two
+pouches, made of goat's skin, to hold my powder and shot. My basket I
+carried on my back, and my gun on my shoulder; and over my head a great
+clumsy ugly goat's skin umbrella; which, however, next to my gun, was
+the most necessary thing about me. As for my face, the colour was not
+so swarthy as the Mulattoes, or might have been expected from one who
+took to little care of it, in a climate within nine or ten degrees of
+the equinox. At one time my beard grew so long that it hung down about a
+quarter of a yard; but as I had both razors scissors in store, I cut it
+all off, and suffered none to grow, except a large pair of Mahometan
+whiskers, the like of which I had seen wore by some Turks at Sallee, not
+long enough indeed to hang a hat upon, but of such a monstrous size, as
+would have amazed any in England to have seen.
+
+But all this was of no consequence here, there being none to observe my
+behavior or habit. And so, without fear and without controul, I
+proceeded on my journey, the prosecution of which took me up five or six
+days. I first travelled along the sea shore, directly to the place where
+I first brought my boat to an anchor, to get upon the rocks; but now
+having no boat to take care of, I went overland a nearer way to the same
+height that I was before upon; when looking forward to the point of the
+rock, which lay out, and which I was forced to double with my boat, I
+was amazed to see the sea so smooth and quiet, there being no ripling
+motion, nor current, any more than in other places. This made me ponder
+some time to guess the reason of it, when at last I was convinced that
+the ebb setting from the west, and joining with the current of water
+from some great river on shore, must be the occasion of these rapid
+streams; & that, consequently, as the winds blew more westwardly, or
+more southwardly, so the current came he nearer, or went the farther
+from the shore. To satisfy my curiosity, I waited there till evening,
+when the time of ebb being made, I plainly perceived from the rock the
+current again as before, with the difference that it ran farther off,
+near half a league from the shore, whereas in my expedition, it set
+close upon it, furiously hurrying me and my canoe along with it, which
+at another time would not have done. And now I was convinced, that, by
+observing the ebbing and flowing of the tide I might easily bring my
+boat round the island again. But when I began to think of putting it in
+practice, the remembrance of the late danger, struck me with such
+horror, that I changed my resolution, and formed another, which was more
+safe, though more laborious; and this was to make another canoe, and to
+have one for one side of the island, and one for the other.
+
+I had now two plantations in the island; the first my little
+fortification, fort, or castle, with many large and spacious
+improvements; for by this time I had enlarged the cave behind me with
+several little caves, one with another, to hold my baskets, corn, and
+straw. The piles with which I made my wall were grown so lofty and great
+as obscured my habitation. And near this commodious and pleasant
+settlement, lay my well cultivated and improved corn-fields, which
+kindly yielded me their fruit in the proper season. My second plantation
+was that near my country seat, or little bower, where my grapes
+flourished, and where, having planted many stakes, I made inclosures for
+my goats, so strongly fortified by labour and time, that it was much
+stronger than a wall, and consequently impossible for them to break
+through. As for my bower itself, I kept it constantly in repair, and cut
+the trees in such a manner, as made them grow thick and wild, and form a
+most delightful shade. In the centre of this stood my tent, thus
+erected. I had driven four piles in the ground, spreading over it a
+piece of the ship's sail; beneath which I made a sort of couch with the
+skins of the creatures I had slain, and other things; and having laid
+thereon one of the sailor's blankets, which I had saved from the wreck
+of the ship, and covering myself with a great watch-coat, I took up this
+place for my country retreat.
+
+Very frequently from this settlement did I use to visit my boat, and
+keep her in very good order. And sometimes I would venture in her a cast
+or two from shore, but no further, lest either a strong current, a
+sudden stormy wind, or some unlucky accident should hurry me from the
+island as before. But now I entreat your attention, whilst I proceed to
+inform you of a new, but most surprising scent of life which there
+befel me.
+
+You may easily suppose, that, after having been here so long, nothing
+could be more amazing than to see a human creature. One day it happened,
+that going to my boat I saw the print of a man's naked foot on the
+shore, very evident on the sand, as the toes, heel, and every part of
+it. Had I seen an apparition in the most frightful shape, I could not
+have been more confounded. My willing ears gave the strictest attention.
+I cast my eyes around, but could satisfy neither the one nor the other,
+I proceeded alternately in every part of the shore, but with equal
+effect; neither could I see any other mark, though the sand about it was
+as susceptible to take impression, as that which was so plainly stamped.
+Thus struck with confusion and horror, I returned to my habitation,
+frightened at every bush and tree, taking every thing for men; and
+possessed with the wildest ideas. That night my eyes never closed. I
+formed nothing but the most dismal imaginations, concluding it must be
+the mark of the devil's foot which I had seen. For otherwise how could
+any mortal come to this island? where was the ship that transported
+them? & what signs of any other footsteps? Though these seemed very
+strong reasons for such a supposition, yet (thought I) why should the
+devil make the print of his foot to no purpose, as I can see, when he
+might have taken other ways to have terrified me? why should he leave
+his mark on the other side of the island, and that too on the sand,
+where the surging waves of the ocean might soon have erased the
+impression. Surely this action is not consistent with the subtility of
+Satan, said I to myself; but rather must be some dangerous creature,
+some wild savage of the main land over against me, that venturing too
+far in the ocean, has been driven here, either by the violent currents
+or contrary winds; and not caring to stay on this desolate island, has
+gone back to sea again.
+
+[Illustration: Robinson Crusoe struck with confusion and horror, at
+seeing the print of a man's foot upon the sand _Dr. & Eng. by A.
+Carse, Edin._]
+
+Happy, indeed, said I to myself, that none of the savages had seen me in
+that place: yet I was not altogether without fear, lest, having found my
+boar, they should return in numbers and devour me; or at least carry
+away all my corn, and destroy my flock of tame goats. In a word, all my
+religious hopes vanished, as though I thought God would not now protect
+me by his power, who had so wonderfully preserved me so long.
+
+What various chains of Providence are there in the life of man! How
+changeable are our affections, according to different circumstances! We
+love to-day, what we hate to-morrow; we shun one hour, what we seek the
+next. This was evident in me in the most conspicous manner: For I, who
+before had so much lamented my condition, in being banished from all
+human kind, was now even ready to expire, when I considered that a man
+had set his foot on this desolate island. But when I considered my
+station of life decreed by the infinitely wise and good providence of
+God, that I ought not to dispute my Creator's sovereignty, who has an
+unbounded right to govern and dispose of his creatures as he thinks
+convenient; and that his justice and mercy could either punish or
+deliver me: I say when I considered all this, I comfortably found it my
+duty to trust sincerely in him, pray ardently to him, and humbly resign
+myself to his divine will.
+
+One morning, lying on my bed, these words of the sacred writings came
+into my mind, _Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver
+thee, and thou shalt glorify me._ Upon this sentence, rising more
+cheerfully from my bed, I offered up my prayers in the most heavenly
+manner; and when I had done, taking up my Bible to read, these words
+appeared first in my sight:--_Wait on the Lord, and be of good cheer,
+and he shall strengthen thy heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord._ Such
+divine comfort did this give me, as to remove all cause of sadness upon
+that occasion.
+
+Thus, after a world of apprehensions and fears, for three days and
+nights, I at last ventured out of my castle, and milked my goats, one of
+which was almost spoiled for want of it. I next (though in great fear)
+visited my bower, and milked my flocks there also; when, growing bolder,
+I went down to the shore again, and measuring the print of the foot to
+mine, to see, perhaps, whether I myself had not occasioned that mark, I
+found it much superior in largeness; and so returned home, now
+absolutely convinced that either some men had been ashore, or that the
+island must be inhabited, and therefore that I might be surprised before
+I was aware.
+
+I now began to think of providing for my security, and resolved in my
+mind many different schemes for that purpose. I first proposed to cut
+down my inclosures; and turn my tame cattle wild into the woods that the
+enemy might not find them, and frequent the island in hopes of killing
+the same. Secondly, I was for digging up my corn fields for the very
+same reason. An, lastly, I concluded to demolish my bower, lest, seeing
+a place of human contrivance, they might come farther and find out and
+attack me in my little castle.
+
+Such notions did the fear of danger suggest to me; and I looked I
+thought like the unfortunate king Saul, when not only oppressed by the
+Philistines, but also forsaken by God himself. And, it is strange, that
+a little before, having entirely resigned myself to the will of God, I
+should now have little confidence in him, fearing those more who could
+kill this fading body, than him who could destroy my immortal soul.
+
+Sleep was an utter stranger to my eyes that night: yet nature, spent and
+tired, submitted to a silent repose the next morning, and then joining
+reason with fear, I considered that this delightful and pleasant island
+might not be to entirely forsaken as I might think; but that the
+inhabitants from the other shore might fail, either with design or from
+necessity, by cross winds; and if the latter circumstance. I had reason
+to believe they would depart the first opportunity. However, my fear
+made me think of a place for retreat upon an attack. I now repented that
+I had made my door to come out beyond my fortification; to remedy which,
+I resolved to make me a second one: I fell to work, therefore, and drove
+betwixt that double row of trees, which I planted above twelve years
+before, several strong piles, thickening it with pieces of timber and
+old cables, and strengthening the foot of it with earth which I dug out
+of my cave; I also made me seven holes, wherein I planted my muskets
+like cannon, fitting them into frames resembling carriages. This being
+finished with indefatigable industry, for a great way every where, I
+planted sticks of osier like a wood, about twenty thousand of them,
+leaving a large space between them and my wall, that I might have room
+to see an enemy, and that they might not be sheltered among the young
+trees, if they offered to approach the outer wall. And, indeed, scarce
+two years had passed over my head, when there appeared a lovely shady
+grove, and in six years it became a thick wood perfectly impassable. For
+my safety, I left no avenue to go in or out: instead of which I set two
+ladders, one to a part of a rock which was low, and then broke in,
+leaving room to place another ladder upon that; so that when I took
+these down, it was impossible for any man to descend without hurting
+himself; and if they had, they would still be at the outside of my outer
+wall. But while I took all these measures of human prudence for my own
+preservation I was not altogether unmindful of other affairs. To
+preserve my stock of tame goats, that the enemy should not take all at
+once, I looked out for the most retired part of the island, which was
+the place where I had lost myself before-mentioned; and there finding a
+clear piece of land, containing three acres, surrounded with thick
+woods, I wrought so hard, that in less than a month's time, I fenced it
+so well round, that my flocks were very well secured in it, and I put
+therein two he-goats and ten she ones.
+
+All this labour was occasioned purely by fearful apprehensions, on
+account of seeing the print of a man's foot. And not contented yet with
+what I had done, I searched for another place towards the west point of
+the island, where I might also retain another flock. Then wandering on
+this errand more to the west of the island than ever I had yet done, and
+casting my eyes towards the sea, methought I perceived a boat at a great
+distance; but could not possibly tell what it was for want of my
+perspective glass. I considered then it was no strange thing to see the
+print of a man's foot; and concluding them cannibals, blessed God for
+being cast on the other side of the island, where none of the savages,
+as I thought, ever came. But when I came down the hill to the shore,
+which was the S.W. point of the island, I was soon confirmed in my
+opinion; nor can any one describe my horror and amazement, when I saw
+the ground spread with sculls, hands, feet, and bones of human bodies;
+and particularly, I perceived a space like a circle, in the midst of
+which had been a fire, about which I conjectured these wretches sat, and
+unnaturally sacrificed and devoured their fellow creatures.
+
+The horror and loathsomeness of this dreadful spectacle, both confounded
+my senses, and made me discharge from my stomach in an excessive manner.
+I then returned towards my habitation; and, in my way thither, shedding
+floods of tears, and falling down on my bended knees, gave God thanks
+for making my nature contrary to these wretches, and delivering me so
+long out of their hands.
+
+Though reason and my long residence here had assured me, that these
+savages never came up to the thick woody parts of the country, and that
+I had no reason to be apprehensive of a discovery; yet such an abhorence
+did I still retain, that, for two years after, I confined myself only to
+my three plantation: I mean my castle, country-seat, and inclosure in
+the woods. And though in process of time, my dreadful apprehensions
+began to wear away, yet my eyes were more vigilant for fear of being
+heard by those creatures, they should proceed to attack me. I resolved,
+however, manfully to lose my life if they did, and went armed with three
+pistols stuck in my girdle, which added to the description I have given
+of myself before, made me look with a very formidable appearance.
+
+Thus my circumstances for some time remained very calm and undisturbed;
+and when I compared my condition to others, I found it far from being
+miserable. And, indeed, would all persons compare their circumstances,
+not with those above them, but with those innumerable unhappy objects
+beneath them, I am sure we should not hear these daily murmurings and
+complainings that are in the world. For my part, I wanted but few
+things. Indeed, the terror which the savages had put me in, spoiled some
+inventions for my own conveniences. One of my projects was to brew me
+some beer; a very whimsical one indeed, when it is considered that I had
+neither casks sufficient; nor could I make any to preserve it in;
+neither had I hops to make it keep, yest to make it work, nor a copper
+or kettle to make it boil. Perhaps, indeed, after some years, I might
+bring this to bear, as I had done other things. But now my inventions
+were placed another way; and day and night I could think of nothing but
+how I might destroy some of these cannibals, when proceeding to their
+bloody entertainments; and so saving a victim from being sacrificed,
+that he might after become my servant. Many were my contrivances after
+this purpose, and as many more objections occurred after I hatched them.
+I once contrived to dig a hole under the place where they made their
+fire, and put therein five or six pounds of gunpowder, which would
+consequently blow up all those that were near it: but then I was loth to
+spend so much upon them, lest it should not do that certain execution I
+could desire, & but only affright & not kill them. Having laid this
+design aside, I again proposed to myself to lie privately in ambush, in
+some convenient place, with my three guns double loaded, and let fly at
+them in the midst of their dreadful ceremony: and having killed two or
+three of them at every shot, fall upon the rest suddenly with my three
+pistols, & not let one mother's son escape. Thus imagination pleased my
+fancy so much that I used to dream of it in the night time. To put my
+design in execution, I was not long in seeking for a place convenient
+for my purpose, where unseen I might behold every action of the savages.
+Here I placed my two muskets, each of which was loaded with a brace of
+slugs, and four or five smaller bullets about the size of pistol
+bullets; the fowling-piece was charged with near a handful of the
+largest swan-shot, and in every pistol were about four bullets. And thus
+all things being prepared, no sooner would the welcome light spread over
+the element, but, _like a giant refreshed with wine_, as the Scripture
+has it, would I issue forth from my castle, and from a lofty hill, three
+miles distant, view if I could see any invaders approach unlawfully to
+my kingdom. But having waited in vain two or three months, it not only
+grew very tiresome to me, but brought me to some consideration, and
+made me examine myself, what right I had to kill these creatures in
+this manner.
+
+If (argued I to myself) this unnatural custom of theirs be a sin
+offensive to Heaven, it belongs to the Divine Being, who alone has the
+vindictive power in his hands, to shower down his vengeance upon them.
+And perhaps he does so, in making them become one another's
+executioners. Or, if not, if God thinks these doings just, according to
+the knowledge they conceive, what authority have I to pretend to thwart
+the decrees of Providence, which has permitted these actions for so many
+ages, perhaps from almost the beginning of the creation? They never
+offended me, what right have I then to concern myself in their shedding
+one another's blood: And, indeed, I have since known, they value no more
+to kill and devour a captive taken in war, than we do to kill an ox or
+eat mutton. I then concluded it necessarily followed, that these people
+were no more murderers than Christians, who many times put whole troops
+to the sword, after throwing down their arms.--Again I considered, that
+if I fell upon them, I should be as much in the wrong as the Spaniards,
+who had committed the greatest barbarities upon these people who had
+never offended them in their whole lives; as if the kingdom of Spain was
+eminent for a race of men without common compassion to the miserable, a
+principal sign of the most generous temper: these considerations made me
+pause, and made me think I had taken wrong measures in my resolution: I
+now argued with myself, it was better for me never to attack, but to
+remain undiscovered as long as I possibly could; that an opposite
+conduct would certainly prove destructive; for as it was scarcely to be
+supposed I could kill them all, I might either be overpowered by the
+remaining, or that some escaping, might bring thousands to my certain
+destruction. And, indeed, religion took their part so much as to
+convince me how contrary it was to my duty to be guilty of shedding
+human blood, innocent as to my particular, whatever they are to one
+another: that I had nothing to do with it, but leave it to the God of
+all power and dominion, as I said before, to do therein what seemed
+convenient to his heavenly wisdom. And, therefore, on my knees I thanked
+the Almighty for delivering me from blood guiltiness, and begged his
+protection that I might never fall into their hands.
+
+Thus giving over an attempt which I had rashly begun, I never ascended
+the hill on that occasion afterwards: I only re-removed my boat, which
+lay on the other side of the island, and every thing that belonged to
+her, towards the east, into a little cove; that there might not be the
+least shadow of any boat near, or habitation upon the island.--My castle
+then became my cell, keeping always retired in it, except when I went
+out to milk my she-goats, and order my little flock in the wood, which
+was quite out of danger: for sure I was that these savages never came
+here with expectations to find any thing, consequently never wandered
+from the coast; however, as they might have several times been on shore,
+as well before as after my dreadful apprehensions, I looked back with
+horror to think in what state I might have been, had I suddenly met them
+slenderly armed; with one gun only loaded with small shot; and how great
+would have been my amazement, if, instead of seeing the print of one
+man's foot, I had perceived fifteen, or twenty savages, who having once
+set their eyes upon me, by the swiftness of their feet would have left
+me no possibility of escaping? These thoughts would sink my very soul,
+so that I would fall into a deep melancholy, till such time as the
+consideration of my gratitude to the Divine Being moved it from my
+heart. I then fell into a contemplation of the secret springs of
+Providence, and how wonderfully we are delivered, when insensible of it;
+and when intricated in uncertain mazes or labyrinths of doubt or
+hesitation, what secret hint directs us in the right way, when we
+intended to go out of it, nay, perhaps contrary to our business, sense
+or inclination. Upon which, I fixed within me this as a certain rule,
+never to disobey those secret impressions of the mind, to the acting or
+not acting any thing that offered, for which I yet could assign no
+reason. But let it be how it will, the advantage of this conduct very
+eminently appeared in the latter part of my abode on this island; I am,
+a stranger in determining whence these secret intimations of Providence
+derive; yet methinks they are not only some proof of the converse of
+spirits, but also of the secret communications they are supposed to have
+with those that have not passed through the gloomy vale of death.
+
+These anxieties of mind, and the care of my preservation, put a period
+to all future inventions and contrivances, either for accommodation or
+convenience. I now cared not to drive a nail, chop a stick, fire a gun
+or make a fire, lest either the noise should be heard, or the smoke
+discover me. And on this account I used to burn my earthen ware
+privately in a cave which I found in the wood, and which I made
+convenient for that purpose; the principal cause that brought me here
+was to make charcoal, so that I might bake and dress my bread and meat
+without any danger. At that time a curious accident happened me, which I
+shall now relate.
+
+While I was cutting down some wood for making my charcoal, I perceived a
+cavity behind a very thick branch of underwood. Curious to look into it,
+I attained its month, and perceived it sufficient for me to stand
+upright in. But when I had entered, and took a further view, two rolling
+shining eyes like flaming stars seemed to dart themselves at me; so that
+I made all the haste out that I could, as not knowing whither it was the
+devil or a monster that had taken his residence in that place. When I
+recovered a little from my surprise, I called myself a thousand fools,
+for being afraid to see the devil one moment, who had now lived almost
+twenty years in the most retired solitude. And therefore resuming all
+the courage I had, I took a flaming firebrand, and in I rushed again. I
+had not proceeded above three steps, when I was more affrighted than
+before; for then I heard a very loud sigh, like that of a human creature
+in the greatest agony, succeeded with a broken noise, resembling words
+half expressed, and then a broken sigh again. Stepping back, _Lord!_
+(thought I to myself) _where am I got, into what enchanted place have I
+plunged myself, such as are reported to contain miserable captives, till
+death puts an end to their sorrow_? And, indeed, in such great amazement
+was I, that it struck me into a cold sweat; and had my hat been on my
+head, I believe my hair would have moved it off. But again encouraging
+myself with the hopes of God's protection, I proceeded forward, and, by
+the light of my firebrand, perceived it to be a monstrous he-goat, lying
+on the ground, gasping for life, and dying of mere old age. At first, I
+stirred him, thinking to drive him out, but the poor ancient creature
+strove to get upon his feet, but was not able; so I e'en let him lie
+still to affright the savages, should they venture into this cave. I now
+looked round me and found the place but small and shapeless. At the
+farther side of it, I perceived a sort of an entrance, yet so low, as
+must oblige me to creep upon my hands and knees to it; so, having no
+candle, I suspended my enterprise till the next day, and then I came
+provided with two large ones of my own making.
+
+Having crept upon my hands and feet, through this strait, I found the
+roof higher up, I think about twenty feet. But surely mortal never saw
+such a glorious sight before! The roof and walls of this cave reflected
+a hundred thousand lights to me from my two candles, as though they were
+indented with mining gold, precious stones, or sparkling diamonds. And
+indeed it was the most delightful cavity or grotto of its kind that
+could be desired, though entirely dark. The floor was dry and level, and
+had a kind of gravel upon it: no nauseous venomous creatures to be seen
+there, neither any damp or wet about it. I could find no fault but in
+the entrance, and I began to think that even this might be very
+necessary for my defence, and therefore resolved to make it my most
+principal magazine. I brought hither two fowling-pieces, and three
+muskets, leaving only five pieces at my castle, planted in the nature of
+cannon. Of the barrel of gunpowder, which I took up out of the sea, I
+brought away about sixty pounds powder, which was not damaged, and this
+with a great quantity of lead for bullets, I removed for my castle to
+this retreat, now fortified both by art and nature.
+
+I fancied myself now like one of the giants of old, who were said to
+live in caves and holes among the rocks, inaccessible to any but
+themselves, or, at lest, a most dangerous to attempt. And now I despised
+both the cunning and strength of the savages, either to find me out or
+to hurt me.
+
+But I must not forget the old goat, which caused my late dreadful
+amazement. The poor creature gave up the ghost the day after my
+discovery; & it being difficult to drag him out, I dug his grave, and
+honourably entombed him in the same place where is departed, with as
+much ceremony as any Welch goat that has been interred about the high
+mountain Penmanmawn.
+
+I think I was now in the twenty-third year of my reign, and my thoughts
+much easier than formerly, having contrived several pretty amusements
+and diversions to pass away the time in a pleasant manner. By this time
+my pretty Poll had learned to speak English, and pronounce his words
+very articulately and plain; so that for many hours we used to chat
+together after a familiar manner, and he lived with me no less than
+twenty-six years. My dog which was nineteen years old, sixteen of which
+he lived with me, died some time ago of mere old age. As for my cats,
+they multiplied so fast, that I was forced to kill or drive them into
+the woods, except two or three which became my particular favourites.
+Besides these, I continually kept two or three household kids about me,
+which I learned to feed out of my hand, and two more parrots which could
+talk indifferently, and call _Robinson Crusoe_, but not so excellently
+as the first, as not taking that pains with them. I had also several
+sea-owls which I had wounded and cut their wings; and growing tame, they
+used to breed among the low trees about my castle walls, all which made
+my abode very agreeable.
+
+But what unforeseen events suddenly destroy the enjoyment, of this
+uncertain state of life, when we least expect them! it was now the month
+of December, in the southern solstice, and particular time of my
+harvest, which required my attendance in the fields; when going out
+pretty early one morning, before it was day-light, there appeared to me,
+from the sea shore, a flaming light, about two miles from me at the east
+end of the island, where I had observed some savages had been before,
+not on the other side, but to my great affliction, it was on my side
+the island.
+
+Struck with a terrible surprise, and my usual apprehensions, that the
+savages would perceive my improvements, I returned directly to my
+castle, pulled the ladder after me, making all things look as wild and
+natural as I possibly could. In the next place, I put myself into a
+posture of defence, loading my muskets and pistols, and committing
+myself to God's protection, I resolved to defend myself till my last
+breath. Two hours after, impatient for intelligence, I set my ladder up
+to the side of the hill, where there was a flat place, and then pulling
+the ladder after me ascended to the top, where laying myself on my
+belly, with my perspective glass, I perceived no less than nine naked
+savages, sitting round a small fire, eating, as I supposed human flesh,
+with their two canoes haled on shore, waiting for the flood to carry
+them off again. You cannot easily express the consternation I was in at
+this sight, especially seeing them near me; but when I perceived their
+coming must be always with the current of the ebb, I became more easy in
+my thoughts, being fully convinced that I might go abroad with security
+all the time of flood, if they were not before landed. And, indeed, this
+proved just as I imagined; for no sooner did they all take boat and
+paddle away, but the tide made N.W. Before they went off they danced,
+making ridiculous postures and gestures for above an hour, all stark
+naked; but whether men or women, or both, I could not perceive. When I
+saw them gone, I took two guns upon my shoulders, and placing a couple
+of pistols in my belt, with my great sword hanging by my side, I went to
+the hill, where at first I made a discovery of these cannibals, and then
+saw there had been three canoes more of the savages on shore at that
+place, which with the rest were making over to the main land.
+
+But nothing could be more horrid to me, when going to the place of
+sacrifice, the blood, the bones, and other mangled parts of human bodies
+appeared in my sight; and so fired was I with indignation, that I was
+fully resolved to be revenged on the first that came there, though I
+lost my life in the execution. It then appeared to me, that the visits
+which they make to this island are not very frequent, it being fifteen
+months before they came again; but still I was very uneasy, by reason of
+the dismal apprehensions of their surprising me unawares; nor dared I
+offer to fire a gun on that side of the island where they used to
+appear, lest, taking the alarm, the savages might return with many
+hundred canoes, and then God knows in what manner I should have made my
+end. Thus was I a year or more before I saw any of these devouring
+cannibals again.
+
+But to wave this, the following accident, which demands attention, for a
+while eluded the force of my thoughts in revenging myself on
+those Heathens.
+
+On the 16th of May (according to my wooden calendar) the wind blew
+exceedingly hard, accompanied with abundance of lightning and thunder
+all day, and succeeded by a very stormy night. The seeming anger of the
+Heavens made me have recourse to my Bible. While I was seriously
+pondering upon it, I was suddenly alarmed with the noise of a gun, which
+I conjectured was fired upon the ocean. Such an unusual surprise made me
+start up in a minute, when, with my ladder, ascending the mountain as
+before, that very moment a flash of fire presaged the report of another
+gun which I presently heard, and found it was from that part of the sea
+where the current drove me away. I could not but then think, that this
+must be a ship in distress, and that there were the melancholy signals
+for a speedy deliverance. Great, indeed, was my sorrow upon this
+occasion; but my labours to assist them must have proved altogether vain
+& fruitless. However, I brought together all the dry wood that was at
+hand, and making a pretty large pile, set it on fire on the hill. I was
+certain they plainly perceived it, by their firing another gun as soon
+as it began to blaze, and after that several more from the same quarter.
+All night long I kept up my fire: and when the air cleared up, I
+perceived something a great way at sea, directly E. but could not
+distinguish what it was, even with my glass, by reason that the weather
+was so very foggy out at sea. However, keeping my eyes directly fixed
+upon it, and perceiving it did not stir, I presently concluded it must
+be a ship at anchor, and so very hasty I was to be satisfied, that
+taking the gun, I went to the S.E. part of the island, to the same rocks
+where I had been formerly drove away by the current, in which time the
+weather being perfectly cleared up, to my great sorrow, I perceived the
+wreck of a ship cast away upon those hidden rocks I found when I was out
+with my boat; and which, by making a kind of an eddy, were the occasion
+of my preservation.
+
+Thus, _what is one man's safety is another's ruin_; for undoubtedly this
+ship had been driven on them in the night, the wind blowing strong at
+E.N.E. Had they perceived the island, as I now guessed they had not,
+certainly, instead of firing there guns for help, they would rather have
+ventured in their boat and saved themselves that way. I then thought,
+that perhaps they had done so, upon seeing my fire, and were cast away
+in the attempt: for I perceived no boat in the ship. But then I again
+imagined, that, perhaps, they had another vessel in company, which, upon
+signal, saved their lives, and took the boat up: or that the boat might
+be driven into the main ocean, where these poor creatures might be in
+the most miserable condition. But as all these conjectures were very
+uncertain, I could do no more than commiserate there distress, and thank
+God for delivering me, in particular, when so many perished in the
+raging ocean.
+
+When I considered seriously every thing concerning this wreck, and could
+perceive no room to suppose any of them saved, I cannot explain, by any
+possible force of words, what longings my soul felt on this occasion,
+often breaking out in this manner: _O that there had been but two or
+three, nay even one person saved, that we might have lived together,
+conversed with, and comforted one another!_ and so much were my desires
+moved, that when I repeated these words, _Oh! that there had been but
+one!_ my hands would clench together, and my fingers press the palms of
+my hands to close, that, had any soft thing been between, it would have
+crushed it involuntarily, while my teeth would strike together, and set
+against each other so strong that it required some time for me to
+part them.
+
+Till the last year of my being on this island, I never knew whether or
+not any had been saved out of this ship. I had the affliction, some time
+after, to see the corpse of a drowned boy come on shore, at the end of
+the island which was next the shipwreck; there was nothing on him but a
+seaman's waistcoat, a pair of opened kneed linen drawers, and a blue
+linen shirt, but no particular mark to guess what nation he was of. In
+his pocket were two pieces of eight, and a tobacco-pipe, the last of
+which I preferred much more than I did the first. And now the calmness
+of the sea tempted me to venture out in my boat to this wreck, not only
+to get something necessary out of the ship, but perhaps, some living
+creature might be on board, whose life I might preserve. This had such
+an influence upon my mind, that immediately I went home, and prepared
+every thing necessary for the voyage, carrying on board my boat
+provisions of all sorts, with a good quantity of rum, fresh water, and a
+compass: so putting off, I paddled the canoe along the shore, till I
+came at last to the north-east part of the island, from whence I was to
+launch into the ocean; but here the currents ran so violently, and
+appeared so terrible, that my heart began to fail me; foreseeing that if
+I was driven into any of these currents, I might be carried not only out
+of reach or sight of the island, but even inevitably lost in the boiling
+surges of the ocean.
+
+So oppressed was I at these troubles, that I gave over my enterprize,
+sailing to a little creek on the shore, where stepping out, I set me
+down on a rising hill, very pensive and thoughtful. I then perceived
+that the tide was turned; and the flood came on, which made it
+impracticable for me to go out for so many hours. To be more certain how
+the sets of the tides or currents lay when the flood came in, I ascended
+a higher piece of ground, which overlooked the sea both ways; and here I
+found that as the current of the ebb set out close by the south point of
+the island, so the current of the flood set in close by the shore of the
+north side; and all that I had to do was to keep to the north of the
+island in my return.
+
+That night I reposed myself in my canoe, covered with my watch coat,
+instead of a blanket, the heavens being my tester. I set out with the
+first of the tide full north, till I felt the benefit of the current,
+which carried me at a great rate eastward, yet not with such impetuosity
+as before, as to take from me all government of my canoe; so that in two
+hours time I came up to the wreck, which appeared to me a most
+melancholy sight. It seemed to be a Spanish vessel by its building,
+stuck fast between two rocks; her stern and quarter beaten to pieces by
+the sea; her mainmast and foremast were brought off by the board, that
+is broken off short. As I approached near, I perceived a dog on board,
+who seeing me coming, yelped and cried, and no sooner did I call him,
+but the poor creature jumped into the sea, out of which I took him up,
+almost famished with hunger and thirst; so that when I gave him a cake
+of bread, no ravenous wolf could devour it more greedily; and he drank
+to that degree of fresh water, that he would have burst himself, had I
+suffered him.
+
+The first sight I met with in the ship, were two men drowned in the
+cook-room or forecastle, inclosed in one another's arms: hence I very
+probably supposed, that _when the vessel struck in the storm, so high
+and incessantly did the waters break in and over her, that the men not
+being able to bear it, were strangled by the constant rushing in of the
+waves_. There were several casks of liquor, whether wine of brandy, I
+could not be positive, which lay in the lower hold, as were plainly
+perceptible by the ebbing out of the water, yet were too large for me to
+pretend to meddle with; likewise I perceived several chests, which I
+supposed to belong to the seamen, two of which I got into my boat,
+without examining what was in them. Had the stern of the ship been
+fixed, and the forepart broken off, I should have made a very prosperous
+voyage; since by what I after found in these two chests, I could not
+otherwise conclude, but that the ship must have abundance of wealth on
+board; nay, if I must guess by the course she steered, she must have
+been bound from the Buenos Ayres, or the Rio de la Plata, in the
+southern parts of America, beyond the Brazils, to the Havannah, in the
+gulf of Mexico, and so perhaps to Spain. What became of the rest of the
+sailors, I could not certainly tell; and all her riches signified
+nothing at that time to any body.
+
+Searching farther, I found a cask containing about twenty gallons, full
+of liquor, which, with some labour, I got into my boat; in her cabin
+were several muskets, which I let remain there; but took away with me a
+great powder horn, with about four pounds of powder in it. I took also a
+fire-shovel and tongs, two brass kettles, a copper pot to make
+chocolate, and a gridiron; all which were extremely necessary to me,
+especially the fire-shovel and tongs. And so with this cargo,
+accompanied with my dog, I came away, the tide serving for that purpose;
+and the same evening, about an hour within night, I attained the island,
+after the greatest toil and fatigue imaginable.
+
+That night I reposed my wearied limbs in the boat, resolving the next
+morning to harbour what I had gotten in my new-found subterraneous
+grotto; & not to carry my cargo home to my ancient castle. Having
+refreshed myself, and got all my effects on shore I next proceeded to
+examine the particulars; and so tapping the cask, I found the liquor to
+be a kind of rum, but not like what we had at the Brazils, nor indeed
+near so good. At the opening of the chest, several things appeared very
+useful to me; for instance, I found in one a very fine case of bottles,
+containing the finest and best sorts of cordial waters; each bottle held
+about three pints, curiously tip with silver. I found also two pots full
+of the choicest sweetmeats, and two more which the water had utterly
+spoiled. There were likewise several good shirts exceedingly welcome to
+me, and about one dozen and a half white linen handkerchiefs and
+coloured neckcloths, the former of which was absolutely necessary for
+wiping my face in a hot day; and, in the till, I found three bags of
+pieces of eight, about eleven hundred in all, in one of which, decently
+wrapped up in a piece of paper, were six doubloons of gold, and some
+small bars and wedges of the same metal, which I believe might weigh
+near a pound. In the other chest, which I guessed to belong to the
+gunner's mate, by the mean circumstances which attended it, I found only
+some clothes of very little value, except about two pounds of fine
+glazed powder, in three flasks, kept, as I believe, for charging their
+fowling pieces on any occasion; so that, on the whole, I had no great
+advantage by this voyage. The money was indeed as mere dirt to me,
+useless and unprofitable, all which I would freely have parted with for
+two or three pair of English shoes and stockings; things that for many
+years I had not worn, except lately those which I had taken of the feet
+of those unfortunate men I found drowned in the wreck, yet not so good
+as English shoes either for ease or service. I also found in the
+seaman's chest about fifty pieces of eight in royals, but no gold; so
+concluded that what I took from the first belonged to an officer, the
+latter appearing to have a much inferior person for its owner. However,
+as despicable as the money seemed, I likewise lugged it to my cave,
+laying it up securely, as I did the rest of my cargo; and after I had
+done all this, I returned back to my boat, rowing and paddling her along
+till I came to my old harbour, where I carefully laid her up, and so
+made the best of my way to my castle. When I arrived there, every thing
+seemed safe and quiet: so that now my only business was to repose myself
+after my wonted manner, and take care of my domestic affairs. But though
+I might have lived very easy, as wanting nothing absolutely needful, yet
+still I was more vigilant than usual upon account of the savages, never
+going much abroad; or, if I did, it was to the east part of the island,
+where I was well assured that the savages never came, and where I might
+not be troubled to carry that heavy load of weapons for my defence, as I
+was obliged to do if I went the other way.
+
+Two years did I live in this anxious condition, in all which time,
+contrary to my former resolutions, my head was filled with nothing but
+projects and designs, how I might escape from this island; and so much
+were my wandering thoughts bent upon a rambling disposition that had I
+had the same boat that I went from Sallee in, I should have ventured
+once more to the uncertainty of the raging ocean.
+
+I cannot, however, but consider myself as one of the unhappy persons,
+who make themselves wretched by there dissatisfaction with the stations
+which God has placed them in; for, not to take a review of my primitive
+condition, and my father's excellent advice, the going contrary to which
+was, as I may say, my original sin, the following mistakes of the same
+nature certainly had been the means of my present unhappy station. What
+business had I to leave a settled fortune, and well stocked plantation,
+improving and increasing, where, by this time, I might have been worth a
+hundred thousand moidores, to turn supercargo to Guinea, to fetch
+Negroes, when time and patience would so much enlarge my stock at home,
+as to be able to employ those whose more immediate business it was to
+fetch them home even to my door?
+
+But as this is commonly the fate of young heads, so a serious reflection
+upon the folly of it ordinarily attends the exercise of future years,
+when the dear bought experience of time teaches us repentance. Thus was
+it with me; but not withstanding the thoughts of my deliverance ran so
+strongly in my mind, that is seemed to check all the dictates of reason
+and philosophy. And now to usher in my kind reader with greater pleasure
+to the remaining part of my relation, I flatter myself it will not be
+taken amiss, to give him an account of my first conceptions of the
+manner of escaping, and upon what foundation I laid my foolish schemes.
+
+Having retired to my castle, after my late voyage to the ship, my
+frigate laid up and secured, as usual, and my condition the same as
+before, except being richer, though I had as little occasion for riches
+as the Indians of Peru had for gold, before the cruel Spaniards came
+among them: One night in March, being the rainy season in the four and
+twentieth year of my solitude, I lay down to sleep, very well in health,
+without distemper pain, or uncommon uneasiness, either of body or mind;
+yet notwithstanding, I could not compose myself to sleep all the night
+long. All this tedious while, it is impossible to express what
+innumerable thoughts came into my head. _I traced quite over the whole
+history of my life in miniature, from my utmost remembrance of things
+till I came to this island, and then proceeded to examine every action
+and passage that had occurred since I had taken possession of my
+kingdom._ In my reflections upon the latter, I was _comparing the happy
+posture of my affairs from the beginning of my reign, to this life of
+anxiety, fear, and concern, since I had discovered a print of a foot in
+the sand; that while I continued without apprehension, I was incapable
+of feeling the dread and terror I now suffered._ How thankful rather
+ought I to have been for the knowledge of my danger, since the greatest
+happiness one can be possessed of is to have sufficient time to provide
+against it? How stupendous is the goodness of Providence, which sets
+such narrow bounds to the sight and knowledge of human nature, that
+while men walk in the midst of so many dangers they are kept serene and
+calm, by having the events of things hid from their eyes and knowing
+nothing of those many dangers that surround them, till perhaps they are
+dissipated and vanish away.
+
+When I came more particularly to considerer of _the real danger I had
+for so many years escaped; how I had walked about in the greatest
+security and tranquility, at a time, perhaps, when even nothing but the
+brow of a hill, a great tree, or the common approach of night, had
+interposed between me and the destructive hands of the cannibals, who
+would devour me with as good an appetite, as I would a pigeon or
+curlew;_ surely all this, I say, could not but make me sincerely
+thankful to my great Preserver, whose singular protection I acknowledge
+with the greatest humility, and without which I must inevitably have
+fallen into the cruel hands of those devourers.
+
+Having thus discussed my thoughts in the clearest manner, according to
+my weak understanding, I next proceeded to consider _the wretched nature
+of those destroying savages, by seeming, though with great reverence,_
+to enquire _why God should give up any of his creatures to such
+inhumanity, even to brutality itself, to devour its own kind?_ but as
+this was rather matter of obstruse speculation, and as my miserable
+situation made me think this of mine the most uncomfortable situation in
+the world, I then began rather to inquire _what part of the world these
+wretches lived in; how far off the coast was from whence they came; why
+they ventured over so far from home; what kind of boats conveyed them
+hither; and why I could not order myself and my business so, that I
+might be able to attack their country, as they were to come to
+my kingdom.
+
+But then_ thought I, _how shall I manage myself when I come thither?
+what will become of me if I fall into the hands of the savages? or how
+shall I escape from them if they make an attempt upon me? and supposing
+I should not fall into their power, what shall I do for provisions, or
+which way shall I bend my course?_ These counter thoughts threw me into
+the greatest horror and confusion imaginable; but then I still looked
+upon my present condition to be the most miserable that possibly could
+be, and that nothing could be worse, except death _For_ (thought I)
+_could I but attain the shore of the main, I might perhaps meet with
+some reliefs, or coast it along, as I did with my boy Xury, on the
+African shore, till I came to some inhabited country, where I might meet
+with some relief, or fall in with some Christian ship that might take me
+in; and if I failed, why then I could but meet with death, which would
+put an end to all my miseries._ These thoughts, I must confess, were the
+fruit of a distempered mind and impatient temper made desperate, as it
+were, by long continuance of the troubles and disappointments I had met
+with in the wreck; where I hoped to have found some living person to
+speak to, by whom I might have known in what place I was, and of the
+probable means of my deliverance. Thus, while my thoughts were agitated,
+my resignation to the will of heaven was entirely suspended; to that I
+had no power to fix my mind to any thing, but to the project of a voyage
+to the main land. And indeed so much was I inflamed upon this account,
+that it set my blood into a ferment, and my pulse beat high, as though I
+had been in a fever; till nature being, as it were, fatigued and
+exhausted with the thoughts of it, made me submit myself to a
+silent repose.
+
+In such a situation, it is very strange, that I did not dream of what I
+was so intent upon; but, instead of it, my mind roved on a quite
+different thing, altogether foreign. I dreamed, that as I was issuing
+from my castle one morning, as customary, when I perceived upon the
+shore two canoes, and eleven savages coming to land, who had brought
+with them another Indian, whom they designed to make a sacrifice of, in
+order to devour; but just as they were going to give the fatal blow,
+methought the poor designed victim jumped away, and ran directly into my
+little thick grove before my fortification, to abscond from his enemies,
+when perceiving that the others did not follow him that way, I appeared
+to him; that he humbly kneeled down before me, seeming to pray for my
+assistance; upon which I showed him my ladder, made him ascend, carried
+him to my cave, and he became my servant; and when I had gotten this
+man, I said to myself, _now surely I may have some hopes to attain the
+main land; for this fellow will serve me as a pilot, tell me what to do,
+and where I must go for provisions, what places to shun, what to venture
+to, and what to escape._ But when I awaked, and found all these
+inexpressible impressions of joy entirely vanished, I fell into the
+greatest dejection of spirit imaginable.
+
+Yet this dream brought me to reflect, that one sure way of escaping was
+to get a savage; that after I had ventured my life to deliver him from
+the bloody jaws of his devourers, the natural sense he might have of
+such a preservation, might inspire him with a lasting gratitude and most
+sincere affection. But then this objection reasonably interposed: _how
+can I effect this,_ thought I, _without I attack a whole company of
+them, and kill them all? why should I proceed on such a desperate
+attempt, which my scruples before had suggested to be unlawful?_ and
+indeed my heart trembled at the thoughts of so much blood, though it
+were a means to procure my deliverance. 'Tis true, I might reasonably
+enough suppose these men to be real enemies to my life, men who would
+devour me, was it in their power, so that it was self preservation in
+the highest degree to free myself, by attacking them in my own defence,
+as lawfully as if they were actually assaulting me: though all these
+things, I say, seemed to me to be of the greatest weight, yet, as I just
+said before, the dreadful thoughts of shedding human blood, struck such
+a terror to my soul, that it was a long time before I could reconcile
+myself to it.
+
+But how far will the ardency of desire prompt us on? For notwithstanding
+the many disputes and perplexities I had with myself, I at length
+resolved, right or wrong, to get one of these savages into my hands,
+cost what it would, or even though I should lose my life in the attempt.
+Inspired with this firm resolution, I set all my wits at work, to find
+out what methods I should take to answer my design: this, indeed, was so
+difficult a task, that I could not pitch upon any probable means to
+execute it: I, therefore, resolved continually to be in a vigilant
+posture, to perceive when the savages came on shore and to leave the
+rest to the event, let the opportunities offer as they would.
+
+Such was my fixed resolutions; and accordingly I set myself upon the
+scout, as often as I could, till such time as I was heartily tired of
+it. I waited for above a year and a half, the greatest part of which I
+went out to the west, and south-west corner of the island, almost every
+day, to look for canoes, but none appeared. This was a very great
+discouragement; yet, though I was very much concerned, the edge of my
+design was as keen as ever, and the longer it seemed to be delayed, the
+more eager was I for it: in a word, I never before was so careful to
+shun the loathing sight of these savages, as I was now eager to be with
+them; and I thought myself sufficiently able to manage one, two, or
+three savages if I had them, so as to make them my entire slaves, to do
+whatsoever I should direct them, and prevent their being able at any
+time to do me any mischief. Many times did I used to please myself with
+these thoughts, with long and ardent expectations; but nothing
+presenting, all my deep projected schemes and numerous fancies vanished
+away, as though, while I retained such thoughts, the decrees of
+Providence was such, that no savages were to come near me.
+
+About a year and a half after, when I was seriously musing of sundry
+other ways how I should attain my end, one morning early I was very much
+surprised by seeing no less than five canoes all on shore together, on
+my side the island, and the savages that belonged to them all landed,
+and out of my sight. Such a number of them disconcerted all my measures;
+for, seeing so many boats, each of which would contain six, and
+sometimes more, I could not tell what to think of it, or how to order my
+measures, to attack twenty or thirty men single-handed; upon which, much
+dispirited and perplexed, I lay still in my castle; which, however, I
+put in a proper posture for an attack: and, having formerly provided all
+that was necessary, was soon ready to enter upon an engagement, should
+they attempt. Having waited for some time, my impatient temper would let
+me bear it no longer; I set my guns at the foot of my ladder, and, as
+usual, ascended up to the top of the hill at two stages, standing,
+however, in such a manner, that my head did not appear above the hill,
+so that they could easily perceive me; and here, by the assistance of my
+perspective glass, I observed no less than thirty in number around a
+fire, feasting upon what meat they had dressed: how they cooked it, or
+what it was, I could not then perfectly tell; but they were all dancing
+and capering about the flames, using many frightful and
+barbarous gestures.
+
+But while, with a curious eye, I was beholding these wretches, my
+spirits sunk within me, when I perceived them drag two miserable
+creatures from the boats, to act afresh the dreadful tragedy, as I
+supposed they had done before. It was not long before one of them fell
+upon the ground, knocked down, as I suppose, with a club or wooden
+sword, for that was their manner; while two or three others went
+immediately to work, cutting him open for their cookery, and then fell
+to devour him as they had done the former, while the last unhappy
+captive was left by himself, till such time as they were ready for him.
+The poor creature looked round him with a wishful eye, trembling at the
+thoughts of death; yet, seeing himself a little at liberty, nature, that
+very moment, as it were, inspired him with hopes of life: He started
+away from them, and ran, with incredible swiftness along the sands,
+directly to that part of the coast where my ancient and venerable
+castle stood.
+
+You may well imagine, I was dreadfully affrighted upon this occasion,
+when, as I thought, they pursued him in a whole body, all running
+towards my palace. And now, indeed, I expected that part of my dream was
+going to be fulfilled, and that he would certainly fly to my grove for
+protection; but, for the rest of my dream, I could depend nothing on it;
+that the savages would pursue him thither, and find him there. However
+my spirits, beginning to recover, I still kept upon my guard; and I now
+plainly perceived, there were but three men out of the number that
+pursued him. I was infinitely pleased with what swiftness the poor
+creature ran from his pursuers, gaining so much ground upon them, that I
+plainly perceived, could he thus hold out for half an hour, there was
+not the least doubt but he would save his life from the power of
+his enemies.
+
+Between them and my castle there was a creek, that very same which I
+sailed into with all my effects from the wreck of the ship on the steep
+banks of which I very much feared the poor victim would be taken, if he
+could not swim for his escape: but soon was I out of pain for him, when
+I perceived he made nothing of it, though at full tide, but with an
+intrepid courage, spurred on by the sense of danger, he plunged into the
+flood, swimming over in about thirty strokes, and then landing, ran with
+the same incredible strength and swiftness as before. When the three
+pursuers came to the creek, one of them, who I perceived could not swim,
+happily for his part, returned to his company, while the others, with
+equal courage, but much less swiftness attained the other side, as
+though they were resolved never to give over the pursuit. And now or or
+never I thought was the time for me to procure me a servant, companion,
+or assistant; and that I was decreed by Providence to be the instrument
+to save this poor creature's life. I immediately descended my two
+ladders with the greatest expedition: I took up my two guns, which, I
+said before, were at the bottom of them, and getting up again with the
+same haste towards the hill, I made nearer the sea. In a word, taking a
+short cut down the hill, I interposed between the pursuers and pursued,
+hallooing aloud to the latter, who, venturing to look back, was, no
+doubt, as much terrified at me as I at them. I beckoned to him with my
+hand, to return back, in the mean time advancing towards the pursuers,
+and rushing on the foremost, I knocked him down with the stock of my
+piece, and laid him flat on the ground. I was very unwilling to fire
+lest the rest should hear, though at a distance, I question whether they
+could or no; and being out of sight of the smoke, they could not easily
+have known what to make of it. The other savage seeing his fellow fall,
+stopped as if he had been amazed; when advancing towards him, I could
+perceive him take his bow from his back, and, fixing and arrow to it,
+was preparing to shoot at me, and, without dispute, might have lodged
+the arrow in my breast; but, in this absolutely necessary case of self
+preservation, I immediately fired at him, and shot him dead, just as his
+hand was going to draw the fatal string. All this while, the savage who
+had fled before stood still, and had the satisfaction to see his enemies
+killed, as he thought, who designed to take away his life; so affrighted
+was he with the fire and noise of my piece, _that he stood as it were
+like Lot's wife, fixed and immoveable, without either sense or motion_.
+This obliged me to halloo to him again, making the plainest signs I
+could to him to draw nearer. I perceived he understood those tokens by
+his approaching to me a little way, when, as is afraid I should kill him
+too, he stopped again. Several times did he advance, as often stop in
+this manner, till coming more, to my view, I perceived him trembling, as
+if he was to undergo the same fate. Upon which I looked upon him with a
+smiling countenance, and still beckoning to him, at length he came close
+to me and kneeled down, kissed my hand, laid his head upon it, and
+taking me by the foot, placed it upon his head; and this, as I
+understood afterwards, was in token of swearing to be my slave for ever.
+I took him up, and, making much of him, encouraged him in the best
+manner I could. But my work was not yet finished; for I perceived the
+savage whom I knocked down, was not killed, but stunned with the blow,
+and began to come to himself, Upon which I pointed to my new servant,
+and shewed him that his enemy was not yet expired, he spoke some words
+to me, but which I could not understand; yet being the first sound of a
+man's voice I had heard for above twenty-five years, they were very
+pleasing to me. But there was no time for reflection now, the wounded
+savage recovering himself so far as to sit upon the ground, which made
+my poor prisoner as much afraid as before; to put him out of which fear,
+I presented my other gun at the man, with an intent to shoot him; but my
+savage, for so I must now call him, prevented my firing, by making a
+motion to me, to lend him my sword, which hung naked in my belt by my
+side. No sooner did I grant his request, but away he runs to his enemy,
+and at one blow cut off his head as dextrously as the most accomplished
+executioner in Germany could have done; for, it seems, these creatures
+make use of wooden swords made of hard wood which will bear edge enough
+to cut off heads and arms at one blow. When this valorous exploit was
+done, he comes to me laughing, as a token of triumph, delivered me my
+sword again, with abundance of suprising gestures, laying it, along with
+the bleeding and ghastly head of the Indian, at my feet.
+
+[Illustration: ROBINSON CRUSOE rescuing FRIDAY from his pursuers.]
+
+The greatest astonishment that my new servant conceived was the manner
+of killing the savage at such a distance, without a bow and arrow; and
+such was his longing desire to know it, that he first pointed to the
+dead carcase, and then made signs to me to grant him leave to go up to
+him. Upon which I bid him go, and, as well as I could, made him sensible
+I granted his request. But when he came there, how wonderfully was he
+struck with amazement! First, he turned him on one side, then on
+another, wondering he could perceive no quantity of blood, he bleeding
+inwardly; and after sufficiently admiring the wound the bullet had made
+in his breast, he took up his bow and arrows, and came back again; upon
+which I turned to go away, making signs to him to follow, left the rest
+missing their companions, might come in pursuit of them, and this I
+found he understood very well, by his making me understand that his
+design was to bury them, that they might not be seen if it happened; and
+which by signs again I made him sensible I very much approved of.
+Immediately he fell to work, and never was a grave-digger more dextrous
+in the world than he was; for in an instant, as I might say, he scraped
+a large hole in the sand with his hands, sufficient to bury the first
+in; there he dragged him; and without any ceremony he covered him over;
+in like manner he saved the other; so that I am sure no undertaker could
+be more expert in his business, for all this was done in less than a
+quarter of an hour. I then called him away, and instead of carrying him
+directly to my castle at first, I conveyed him to my cave on the farther
+part of the island; and so my dream was now fulfilled in that
+particular, that my grove should prove an asylum or sanctuary to him.
+
+Weary and faint, hungry and thirsty, undoubtedly must this poor creature
+be, supported chiefly by the vivacity of spirit, and, uncommon
+transports of joy that his deliverance occasioned. Here I gave him bread
+and a bunch of raisins to eat, and water to drink, on which he fed very
+cheerfully, to his exceeding refreshment. I then made him a convenient
+bed with a parcel of rice straw, and a blanket upon it, (a bed which I
+used myself sometimes) and then pointing to it, made signs for him to
+lie down to sleep, upon which the poor creature went to take a
+welcome repose.
+
+Indeed he was a very comely, handsome, young fellow, extremely well
+made, with straight long limbs, not too large, but tall and well shaped,
+and, as near as I could reckon, about twenty-six years of age. His
+countenance had nothing in it fierce or surly, but rather a sort of
+majesty in his face; and yet, especially when he smiled, he had all the
+sweetness and softness of an European. His hair was not curled like
+wool, as many of the blacks are, but long and black, with the most
+beautiful, yet careless tresses spreading over his shoulders. He had a
+very high and large forehead, with a great vivacity and sparkling
+sharpness in his eyes. His skin was not so tawney, as the Virginians,
+Brazilians, or other Americans; but rather of a bright dun, olive
+colour, that had something agreeable in it, though not very easy to give
+a description of. His face was round and plump, with a small nose, very
+different from the flatness of the negroes, a pretty small mouth, thin
+lips, fine teeth, very well set, and white as the driven snow. In a
+word, such handsome features, and exact symmetry in every part, made me
+consider that I had saved the life of an Indian prince, no less graceful
+and accomplished than the great _Oroonoko_ whose memorable behavior and
+unhappy contingencies of life have charmed the world, both to admiration
+of his person, and compassion to his sufferings.
+
+But let him be either prince or peasant, all my happiness centered in
+this, that I had now got a good servant or companion, to whom, as he
+deserved, I was resolved to prove a kind master and a lasting friend. He
+had not, I think, slept above an hour when he awakened again, and while
+I was milking my goats hard by, out he runs from the cave towards me in
+my inclosure, and laying himself down on the ground, in the lowest
+prostration, made all the antic gestures imaginable, to express his
+thankfulness to me for being his deliverer. I confess though the manner
+of his behaviour seemed to be ludicrous enough to occasion, laughter,
+yet I was very much moved at his affection, so that my heart melted
+within me, fearing he might die away in excess of joy, like reprieved
+malefactors, especially as I was incapable either to let him blood, or
+administer physic. It were to be wished, that Christians would take
+example by this Heathen, to have received by the kind mediation and
+powerful interposition of their benefactors and deliverers; and it would
+be likewise happy for mankind, were there no occasion to blame many,
+who, instead of thankfully acknowledging favours and benefits, rather
+abuse and condemn those who have been the instruments to save them from
+destruction.
+
+But, leaving these just reflections, I return to the object that
+occasioned them; for my man, to conclude the last ceremony of obedience,
+laid down his head again on the ground, close to my foot, and set my
+other foot upon is head, as he had done before, making all the signs of
+subjection, servitude, and submission imaginable, and let me understand
+he would serve me as long as his life endured. As I understood him in
+many things, I made him sensible I was very well pleased with him; and,
+in a little time, I began to speak to him, and learn him to talk to me
+again. In the first place, I made him understand his name was to be
+_Friday_, because it was upon that day I saved his life; then I taught
+him to say _Master_, which I made him sensible was to be my name. I
+likewise taught him to say _Yes_ and _No_, and to know what they meant.
+I gave him some milk in an earthen pot, making him view me while I drank
+it before him, and soaked my bread in it; I gave him a cake of bread,
+and caused him to soak it likewise, to which he readily consented,
+making signs of the greatest satisfaction imaginable.
+
+All that night did I keep him there; but no sooner did the morning light
+appear, when I ordered him to arise, and come along with me, with
+certain tokens that I would give him some clothes like mine, at which he
+seemed very glad, being stark naked, without the least covering
+whatever. As we passed by the place where the two men had been interred,
+my man pointed directly to their graves, showing me the marks that he
+had made to find them again, giving me to understand, by signs, that we
+should dig them up, and devour them. At this I appeared extremely
+displeased, expressed my utmost abhorrence, as if I would vomit at the
+apprehensions of it, beckoning with my hand to come away, which he did
+with the greatest reverence and submission. After this I conducted him
+to the top of the hill, to view if the rest of the savages were yet
+remaining there; but when I looked through my perspective glass, I could
+see no appearance of them, nor of their canoes; so that it was evident
+they never minded their deceased companions whom we had slain: which if
+they had, they would surely have searched for, or left one boat behind
+for them to follow, after they returned from their pursuit.
+
+Curiosity, and a desire of satisfaction, animating me with courage to
+see this scene of barbarity, I took my man Friday with me, putting a
+sword into his hand, with the bow and arrows at his back, which I
+perceived he could use very dexterously, causing him to carry one gun
+for me, and I two for myself; and thus equipped against all attacks,
+away we marched directly to the place of their bloody entertainment. But
+when I came there, I was struck with the utmost horror at so dreadful a
+spectacle, whilst Friday was no way concerned about it, being no doubt
+in his turn one of these devourers. Here lay several human bones, there
+several pieces of mangled flesh, half eaten, mangled, and scorched,
+whilst streams of blood ran promiscuously as waters from a fountain. As
+I was musing on this dreadful sight, Friday took all the pains he could,
+by particular signs, to make me understand, that they had brought over
+four prisoners to feast upon, three of whom they had eaten up, and that
+he was the fourth, pointing to himself; that there having been a bloody
+battle between them and his great king, in the just defence of whom he
+was taken prisoner, with many others; all of these were carried off to
+different places to be devoured by their conquerors; and that it was his
+misfortune to be brought hither by these wretches for the same purpose.
+
+After I was made sensible of these things, I caused Friday to gather
+those horrid remains, and lay them together upon a heap, which I ordered
+to be set on fire, and burnt them to ashes: My man, however, still
+retained the nature of a cannibal, having a hankering stomach after some
+of the flesh; but such an extreme abhorrence did I express at the least
+appearance of it, that he durst not but conceal it; for I made him very
+sensible, that if he offered any such thing, I would certainly
+shoot him.
+
+This being done, I carried my man with me to my castle, and gave him a
+pair of linen drawers, which I had taken out of the poor gunner's chest
+before mentioned; and which, with a little alteration, fitted him very
+well; in the next place I made him a jerkin of goat's skin, such as my
+skill was able to manage, and indeed I thought myself then a tolerable
+good tailor. I gave him also a cap which I made of a hare's skin, very
+convenient and fashionable. Thus being clothed tolerably well, my man
+was no less proud of his habit, than I was at seeing him in it. Indeed
+he went very aukwardly at first, the drawers being too heavy on his
+thighs not used to bear any weight, and the sleeves of the waistcoat
+galled his shoulders and the inside of his arms; but by a little easing
+where he complained they hurt him, and by using himself to them, at
+length he took to them very well.
+
+My next concern was, where I should lodge him; and that I might do well
+by him, and yet be perfectly easy myself, I erected a tent for him in
+the vacant place between my two fortifications, in the inside of the
+last, and the outside of the first; and, as there was an entrance or
+door into my cave, I made a formal framed door-case, and a door to open
+on the inside; I barred it up in the night time, taking in my ladders
+too, so that, was my man to prove treacherous, there could be no way to
+come at me in the inside of my innermost wall, without making so much
+noise in getting over, that it must needs waken me; for my first wall
+had now a complete roof over it of long poles, spreading over my tent,
+and leaning up to the side of the mountain, which was again laid cross
+with smaller sticks instead of laths, and thatched over a great
+thickness with the rice straw, which was as strong as reeds; and at the
+hole of the place, left on purpose to go in or out by the ladder, had
+placed a kind of trap-door, which, if it had been attempted on the
+outside, would not have opened at all, but have fallen down, and made a
+great noise; and as to my weapons, every night I took them all to my
+bed side.
+
+But there was no occasion for this precaution; for surely never master
+had a more sincere, faithful, and loving servant, than Friday proved to
+me. Without passion, sullenness, or design, perfectly obliging and
+engaging, his affections were as much tied to me, as those of a child to
+its parents; & I might venture to say, he would have sacrificed his life
+for the saving mine, upon any occasion whatsoever. And indeed the many
+testimonies he gave me of this, sufficiently convinced me that I had no
+occasion to use these precautions. And here I could not but reflect with
+great wonder, that however it hath pleased the Almighty in his
+providence, and in the government of the creation, to take from so great
+a part of the world of his creatures, the noblest uses to which their
+faculties, and the powers of their souls are adapted; yet that he has
+bestowed upon them the same reason, affections, sentiments of kindness
+and obligation, passions of resentment, sincerity, fidelity, and all the
+capacities of doing and receiving good that he has given us; and that
+when he is graciously pleased to offer them occasions of exerting these,
+they are as ready, nay, more ready, to apply them to the proper uses for
+which they were bestowed, than we often are. These thoughts would make
+me melancholy, especially when I considered how mean a use we make of
+all these, even though we have these powers enlightened by the Holy
+Spirit of God, and by the knowledge of this world, as an addition to our
+understanding; and why it has pleased the heavenly Wisdom to conceal the
+life saving knowledge from so many millions of souls who would certainly
+make a much better use of it than generally mankind do at this time.
+These reflections would sometimes lead me so far, as to invade the
+sovereignty of Providence, and, as it were, arraign the justice of such
+an arbitrary disposition of things, that should obscure that light from
+some, and reveal it to others, and yet expect a like duty from all. But
+I closed it up, checking my thoughts with this conclusion; first, That
+we were ignorant of that right and law by which those should be
+condemned; but as the Almighty was necessarily, and by the nature of his
+essence, infinitely just and holy; so it could not be otherwise, but
+that if these creatures were all destined to absence from himself, it
+was on account of sinning against that light, _which_, as the Scripture
+says, _was a law to themselves_ and by such rules as their consciences
+would acknowledge to be just, though the first foundation was not
+discovered to us. And, secondly, That still as we were the clay in the
+hand of the potter, no vessel could thus say to him, _Why hast thou
+fashioned me after this manner_?
+
+I had not been above two or three days returned to my castle, but my
+chief design was, how I should bring Friday off from this horrid way of
+feeding; and to take from him that inhuman relish he by nature had been
+accustomed to, I thought it my duty to let him taste other flesh, which
+might the rather tempt him to the same abhorrence I so often expressed
+against their accursed way of living. Upon which, one morning I took him
+out with me, with an intention to kill a kid out of the flock, and bring
+it home and dress it. As I was going, I perceived a she-goat lying down
+in the shade, and two young kids sitting by her. Immediately I catched
+hold of my man Friday, and bidding him stand still, and not stir, I
+presented my piece, and shot one of the kids. My poor servant, who had
+at a distance perceived me kill his adversary, and yet did not know by
+what means, or how it was done, stood trembling and surprised, and
+looked so amazed, that I thought he would have sunk into the earth. He
+did not see the kid I aimed at, or behold I had killed it, but ripped up
+his waistcoat to see if he was not wounded, thinking my resolution was
+to kill him; for coming to me, he fell on his knees, earnestly
+pronouncing many things which I did not understand the meaning of; which
+at length I perceived was, that I would not take away his life.
+
+Indeed I was much concerned to see him in that condition, where nature
+is upon the severest trial, when the immediate hand of death is ready to
+put for ever a period to this mortal life; and indeed so much compassion
+had I to this creature, that it was with difficulty I restrained from
+tears. But, however, as another sort of countenance was necessary, and
+to convince him that I would do no harm, I took him smiling by the hand,
+then laughed at him, and pointing to the kid which I had slain, made
+signs to him to fetch it, which accordingly he did. No less curious was
+he in viewing how the creature was killed, than he had been before in
+beholding the Indian; which, while he was admiring at, I charged my gun
+again, and presently perceived a great fowl like a hawk, perching upon a
+tree within shot; and therefore, to let Friday understand what I was
+going to do, I called him to me again, pointing at the fowl, which I
+found to be a parrot. I made him understand that I would shoot and kill
+that bird; accordingly I fired, and bade him look, when immediately he
+saw the parrot fall down. Again he stood like one amazed,
+notwithstanding all I had said to him: and the more confounded he was,
+because he did not perceive me put any thing into my gun. Undoubtedly a
+thing so utterly strange, carrying death along with it, far or near,
+either to man or beast, must certainly create the greatest astonishment
+to one who never had heard such a thing in his whole life; and really
+his amazement continued so long, that had I allowed it, he would have
+prostrated himself before me and my gun, with the greatest worship and
+adoration. As for the gun in particular, he would not so much as touch
+it for several days after, but would come & communicate his thoughts to
+it, & talk to it, as if the senseless piece had understood and answered
+him; all this I could perceive him do, when he thought my back was
+turned, the chief intent of which was, to desire it not to kill him, as
+I afterwards came to understand.
+
+I never strove to prevent his admiration, nor hinder him from those
+comical gestures he used on such occasions; but when his astonishment
+was a little over, I make tokens to him to run and fetch the parrot that
+I had shot; which accordingly he did, staying some time longer than
+usual, by reason the bird not being quite dead, had fluttered some way
+further from the place where she fell. In the mean time, as he was
+looking for her, I took the advantage of charging my gun again, that so
+I might be ready for any other mark that offered; but nothing more
+occurred at that time. So I brought home the kid, and the same evening
+took off the skin and divided the carcase as well as I could. Part of
+the flesh I stewed and boiled in a pot I had for this purpose. And then
+spreading my table, I sat down, giving my man some of it to eat, who was
+wonderfully pleased and seemed to like it very well: but what was the
+most surprising to him was to see me eat salt with it: upon which he
+made me understand, that the salt was very bad for me; when putting a
+little into his mouth, he seemed to nauseate it in such a manner as to
+spit and sputter at it, and then washed his mouth with fresh water: but
+to shew him how contrary his opinion was to mine, I put some meat into
+my mouth without salt and feigned to spit and sputter as much for the
+want of it, as he had done at it; yet all this proved of no
+signification to Friday; and it was a long while before he could endure
+salt in his meat or broth, and even then but a small quantity.
+
+Thus having fed him sufficiently with boiled meat and broth at that
+time, the next day I was resolved to feast him with a roasted piece of
+the kid. And having no spit to fasten it, nor jack to turn it, I made
+use of that common artifice which many of the common people of England
+have, that is to let two poles upon each side of the fire, and one cross
+on top, hanging the meat thereon with a string, and so turning round
+continually, roast it, in the same manner as we read bloody tyrants of
+old cruelly roasted the holy martyrs. This practice caused great
+admiration in my man Friday, being quite another way than that to which
+the savages were accustomed. But when he came to taste the sweetness and
+tenderness of the flesh, he expressed his entire satisfaction above a
+thousand different ways. And as I could not but understand his meaning,
+you may be sure I was as wonderfully pleased, especially when he made it
+also very plain to me, that he would never, while he lived eat man's
+flesh more.
+
+It was now high time I should set my servant to work; so next day I set
+him to beat out some corn, and sat it in the same manner as I had done
+before. And really the fellow was very quick and handy in the execution
+of any thing I ordered him to go about. I made him understand that it
+was to make bread for us to eat, and afterwards let him see me make it.
+In short, he did every thing as I ordered him, and in a little time as
+well as I could perform it myself.
+
+But now considering that I had two mouths to feed instead of one, it was
+necessary that I must provide more ground for my harvest, and plant a
+larger quantity of corn than I commonly used to do; upon which I marked
+out a larger piece of land, fencing it in, in the same manner as I had
+done before; in the execution of which I must give Friday this good
+word; that no man could work, more hardy or with better will than he
+did: and when I made him sensible that it was for bread to serve him as
+well as me, he then very passionately made me understand that he thought
+I had much more labour on his account, than I had for myself; and that
+no pains or diligence should be wanting in him, if I would but direct
+him in those works wherein he might proceed.
+
+I must certainly own, that this was the most pleasant year I ever had on
+the island; for after some time Friday began to talk pretty well, and
+understood the names of those things which I was wont to call for, and
+the places where I used to send him. So that my long silent tongue,
+which had been useless so many years, except in an exclamatory manner,
+either for deliverance or blessings, now began to be occupied in
+teaching, and talking to my man Friday for indeed I had such a singular
+satisfaction in the fellow himself, so innocent did his simple and
+unfeigned honesty appear more and more to me every day, that I really
+began entirely to love him; and for his part, I believe there was no
+love lost, and that his nature had been more charmed by his exceeding
+kindness, and his affections more placed upon me, than any other object
+whatsoever among his own countrymen. I once had a great mind to try if
+he had any hankering inclination to his own country again; and by this
+time, having learned the English so well; that he could give me
+tolerable answer to any question which I demanded. I asked him whether
+that nation to which he belonged, ever conquered in battle? This
+question made Friday to smile, and to which he answered, _Yes, yes, we
+always fight the better;_ as much as to say, they always got the better
+in fight. Upon which we proceeded on the following discourse: _You say_,
+said I, _that you always fight the better; why, then, Friday, how came
+you to be taken prisoner_?
+
+Friday. _But for all that my nation beat much_.
+
+Master. _How say you, beat? if your nation beat them, how came you to be
+taken_?
+
+Friday. _They more many mans than my nation in the place where me was;
+they take one, two, three, and me: my nation much over beat them in the
+yonder place where me no was, there my nation mans beat one, two, three,
+great tousand_.
+
+Master. _Then why did not your men recover you from the hands of your
+enemies?_
+
+Friday. _They run one, two, or three, and me: they make all go in the
+canoe; my nation have no canoe that time_--
+
+Master. _'Tis very well, Friday; but what does your nation do with the
+prisoners they take? Do they carry them away and eat them as these
+have done_?
+
+Friday. _Yes, yes, my nation eat mans too, eat up all_.
+
+Master. _To what place do they carry them to be devoured_?
+
+Friday. _Go to other nations where they think_.
+
+Master. _Do they bring them hither_?
+
+Friday. _Yes, come over hither, came over other place_.
+
+Master. _And have you been with them here, Friday_?
+
+Friday. _Yes, me been here_, (pointing to the north-west of the island,
+being the side where they used to land.)
+
+Thus having gotten what account I could from my man, I plainly
+understood that he had been as bad as any of the rest of the cannibals,
+having been formerly among the savages who used to come on shore on the
+farthest part of the island, upon the same bloody occasion as he was
+brought hither for; and some time after I carried him to that place
+where he pointed; and no sooner did he come there, but he presently knew
+the ground, signifying to me that he was once there when they ate up
+twenty men, two women and a young child; but as he could not explain the
+number in English, he did it by so many stones in a row, making a sign
+to me to count them.
+
+This passage I have the rather mentioned, because it led to things more
+important and useful for me to know; for after I had this satisfactory
+discourse with him, my next question was, how far it was from the island
+to the shore, and whether the canoes were not often lost in the ocean?
+to which he answered, _there was no danger, that no canoes were ever
+lost; but that after a little way out to the sea, there was a strong
+current and a wind always one way in the afternoon_. This I thought at
+first to be no more than the sets of the tide, of going out or coming
+in; but I afterwards understood it was occasioned by the great-draught
+and reflux of the mighty river Oroonoko, in the mouth or gulf of which I
+imagined my kingdom lay: and that the land which I perceived to the W.
+and N.W. must be the great island Trinidad, on the north of the river. A
+thousand questions (if that would satisfy me) did I ask Friday about the
+nature of the country, the sea, the coasts, the inhabitants, and what
+nations were nearest them: To which questions the poor fellow declared
+all he knew with the greatest openness & utmost sincerity. When I
+demanded of him the particular names of the various nations of his sort
+of people, he could only answer me in general that they were called
+_Carrabee_. Hence it was I considered that these must be the Carribees,
+so much taken notice of by our maps to be on that part of America, which
+reaches from the mouth of the river Oroonoko to Guiana, and so on to St.
+Martha. Then Friday proceeded to tell me, _that up a great way beyond
+the moon_, as much as to say, beyond the setting of the moon, which must
+be W. from their country, _there dwelt white-bearded men, such as I
+was_, pointing to my whiskers, _and that they kill much mans_. I was not
+ignorant with what barbarity the Spaniards treated these creatures; so
+that I presently concluded it must be them, whose cruelties had spread
+throughout America, to be remembered even to succeeding generations.
+
+Well, you may be sure, this knowledge, which the imperfect knowledge of
+my man had led me to, was very comfortable to me, and made me so curious
+as to ask him how I might depart from this island, & get amongst those
+white men? He told me, _Yes, yes, I might go in two canoes_. In two
+canoes, thought I, what does my man mean? surely he means one for
+himself, and another for me; and if not, how must two canoes hold me
+without being joined, or one part of my body being put in one, and
+another in another? And indeed it was a long time before I understood
+his meaning; which was, that it must be a large boat, as big as two
+canoes, able to bear with the waves, and not so liable to be overwhelmed
+as a small one must be.
+
+I believe there is not a state of life but what may be happy, if people
+would but endeavour for their part to make it so. He is not the
+happiest man that has the most riches; but he that is content with what
+he hath. Before I had my servant, I thought myself miserable till I had
+him; and now that I had enjoyed the happy benefits of him, I still
+complained, and begged a deliverance from a place of retirement, ease,
+and plenty, where Providence had sufficiently blessed me. In a word,
+from this time I entertained some hopes, that one time or other I might
+find an opportunity to make my escape from this island, and that this
+poor savage might be a great furtherance thereto.
+
+All the time since my man became so intelligent as to understand and
+speak to me, I spared no pain nor diligence to instruct him, according
+to my poor share of knowledge in the principles of religion, and the
+adoration that he ought to pay to the TRUE GOD. One time, as I very well
+remember, I asked him who made him? At first the innocent creature did
+not understand what I meant, but rather thought I asked him who was his
+father? upon which I took another way to make him sensible, by demanding
+from him an answer to this question. "Friday," I said, "who is it that
+made the sea, this ground whereon we walk, and all the hills and woods
+which we behold?" And here, indeed, I did not miss my intention; for he
+told me _it was Old Benamuckee_ (the God whom I supposed these savages
+adored) _who lived a great way beyond all_. But as to his attributes,
+poor Friday was an utter stranger. He could describe nothing of this
+great person; and all that he could say was, _that he was very old, much
+older than the sea and land, the moon, or the stars_. "Friday," said I
+again, "if this great and old person has made all things in the world,
+how comes it to pass, that all things, as you in particular, do not
+adore and worship him? upon this looking very grave, with a perfect
+sweet look of innocence, he replied: _Master all things say O to him_,"
+by which it may reasonably be supposed he meant adoration. "And where,"
+said I, "do the people of your country go when they die?" He answered
+_to Benamuckee_. "What, and those people that are eaten up, do they go
+there?" _Benamuckee_, said he, _love 'em dearly; me pray to Benamuckee
+in the canoe, and Benamuckee would love me when dey eat me all up_.
+
+Such discourses as these had I with my man, and such made me sensible,
+that the true God is worshipped, tho' under imperfect similitudes; and
+that the false adoration which the Heathens give to their imaginary
+Deity, is as great an argument of the divine essence, as the most
+learned Atheists _(falsely so called)_ can bring against it; for God
+will be glorified in his works, let their denominations be what it will;
+and I cannot be of that opinion which some conceive, that God should
+decree men to be damned for want of a right notion of faith, in a place
+where the wisdom of the Almighty has not permitted it to be preached;
+and therefore cannot but conclude, that since obedience is the best
+sacrifice, these poor creatures are acting by that light and knowledge
+which they are possessed of, may undoubtedly obtain a happy salvation,
+though not that enjoyment with Christ, as his saints, confessors, and
+martyrs must enjoy.
+
+But laying these determinations aside, more fit for divines than me to
+discuss, I began to instruct my servant in the saving knowledge of the
+true Deity, in which the direction of God's Holy Spirit assisted me. I
+lifted up my hands to Heaven, and pointing thereto, told him "that the
+great Maker of Heaven and Earth lived there; that as his infinite power
+fashioned this world out of a confused chaos, and made it in that
+beautiful frame which we behold; so he governs and preserves it by his
+unbounded knowledge, sovereign greatness and peculiar providence; that
+he was omnipotent, could do every thing for us, give every thing to us,
+and take every thing away from us; that he was a rewarder and punisher
+of good, and evil actions; that there was nothing but what he knew, no
+thoughts so secret, but what he could bring to light;" and thus, by
+degrees, I opened his eyes, and described to him "the manner of the
+creation of the world, the situation of paradise, the transgression of
+our first parents, the wickedness of God's peculiar people, and the
+universal sins and abominations of the whole earth." When these things
+were implanted in his mind, I told him "that as God's justice was equal
+to his mercy, he resolved to destroy this world, till his Son Jesus
+Christ interposed in our behalf; and to procure our redemption, obtained
+leave of his heavenly Father to come down from Heaven into the world,
+Where he took human nature upon him, instructed us in our way to eternal
+life, and died as a sacrifice for our sins; that he was now ascended
+into Heaven, mediating for our pardon, delivering our petitions, and
+obtaining all those good benefits which we ask in his name, by humble
+and hearty prayers, all which were heard at the throne of Heaven." As
+frequently I used to inculcate things into his mind. Friday one day told
+me, _that if our great God could hear us beyond the sun, he must surely
+be a greater God than their Benamuckee, who lived but a little way off,
+yet could not hear them till they ascended the great mountains, where he
+dwelt to speak to him._ 'What' said I, 'Friday, did you go thither to
+speak to him too?' He answered, _No, they never went that were young
+men, none but old men, called their Oowakakee_, meaning the Indian
+priests, _who went to say O,_ (so he called saying their prayers) _and
+they returned back, and told them what Benamuckee said._ From hence, I
+could not but observe how happy we Christians are, who have God's
+immediate revelation for our certain guide; and that our faith is
+neither misled, nor our reason imposed upon, by any set of men,
+such as these Indian impostures.
+
+But to clear up this palpable cheat to my man Friday, I told
+him, "that the pretence of their ancient men going up to
+the mountain to say O to their God _Benamuckee_ was an imposture,
+and that their bringing back an answer was all a sham, if
+not worse; for that, if there was any such thing spoken to them,
+surely it must proceed from an infernal spirit." And here I
+thought it necessary to enter into a long discourse with him,
+which I did after this manner.
+
+"Friday," said I, "you must know, that before the world
+was made, there was an Almighty power existing, by whose
+power all things were made, and whose Majesty shall have no
+end. To be glorified and adored by beings of a heavenly nature,
+he created angels and archangels, that is glorified spirits
+resembling himself, to encompass his throne, eternally singing
+forth his praise in the most heavenly sounds and divine harmony.
+And, among this heavenly choir, Lucifer bore a great sway, as being
+then one of the peculiar favourites of these celestial abodes;
+but he, contrary to that duty he owed his heavenly Sovereign,
+with unbounded ingratitude to his Divine Creator, not only
+envied him that adoration which was his due, but thought to
+usurp that throne, which he had neither power to keep, nor
+title to pretend to. He raised a dissention and civil war in
+Heaven, and had a number of angels to take his part. Unbounded
+folly! stupendous pride! to hope for victory, and aspire
+above his powerful Creator! The Deity, not fearful of such
+an enemy, yet justly provoked at this rebellion, commissioned
+his archangel Michael to lead forth the heavenly host, and give
+him battle; the advantage of which was quickly perceived,
+by Satan's being overthrown, and the prince of the air, for so
+was the devil called, with all his fallen angels, driven headlong
+into a dismal place, which is called _Hell_."
+
+The recital of this truth made my man give the greatest attention,
+and he expressed a great satisfaction by his gestures, that God
+had sent the devil into a deep hole. And then I desired him to
+give great heed to what I had further to say.
+
+"No sooner," proceeded I, "was God freed from, and the Heaven clear
+of this arch-traitor, but the Father speaks to the Son and Holy
+Spirit, who belonged to his essence, and were equal to him in power
+and glory, _Come let us make man_, said he _in our own image, after
+our own likeness_, Gen. i. 26. to have dominion over the creatures
+of the world which we have created. And these he intended should
+glorify him in Heaven, according to their obedience in this state of
+probation on earth, which was, as it were, to be the school to train
+them up for these heavenly mansions. Now, Satan seeing himself foiled;
+yet that God had taken the power from him as prince of the air, which
+power Heaven designed he should retain, whereby his creatures might
+be tried; in revenge for the disgrace he had received, he tempts
+Adam's wife, Eve, to taste of the tree of knowledge of good and
+evil, which God had forbidden. He appears to her in the shape of a
+serpent, then a most beautiful creature, and tells her that it was no
+better than an imposition, which God had put upon her and her husband
+not to eat of that fair fruit which he had created; that the taste
+thereof would make them immortal like God himself; and consequently as
+great and powerful as he. Upon which she not only eat thereof herself,
+but made her husband eat also, which brought them both under the
+heavenly displeasure."
+
+Here Friday expressed a great concern: _Ah, poor mans!_ cried he,
+_naughty womans! naughty devil! make God not love de mans, made mans
+like devil himself._
+
+'Friday,' said I, 'God still loved mankind, and though the devil tempted
+human nature so far, he would not suffer him to have an absolute power
+over them. I have told you before of his tender love to his people, till
+they, like Lucifer, disobeyed his commands and rebelled against him; and
+even then, how Jesus Christ, his only Son, came to save sinners. But
+still every man that lives in the world is under temptation and trial.
+The devil has yet a power, as prince of the air, to suggest evil
+cogitations in our minds, and prompt us on to wicked actions, that he
+might glory in our destruction. Whatever evil thoughts we have, proceed
+from him; so that God in this our distress, expects we should apply
+ourselves to him by fervent prayer for speedy redress. He is not like
+_Benamuckee,_ to let none come near him but _Oowakakee_, but suffers the
+people as well as priests to offer themselves at his feet, thereby to be
+delivered from the power and temptation of the devil.
+
+But though at first my man Friday expressed some concern at the
+wickedness of Lucifer, I found it not so easy to imprint the right
+notions of him in his mind, as it was about the divine essence of God;
+for there nature assisted me in all my arguments, to show him plainly
+the necessity of a great first cause, and over-ruling, governing power,
+of a secret directing Providence, and of the equity and reasonableness
+of paying adoration to our Creator: whereas there appeared nothing of
+all this in the notion of an evil spirit, of his first beginning, his
+nature, and, above all, of his inclination to evil actions, and his
+power to tempt us to the like. And indeed this unlearned _Indian_, by
+the mere force of nature, puzzled me with one particular question, more
+than ever I could have expected.
+
+I had, it seems, one day, been talking to him of the omnipotent power of
+God, and his infinite abhorrence of sin, insomuch that the Scriptures
+styled him _a consuming fire_ to all the workers of iniquity; and that
+it was in his power, whenever he pleased, to destroy all the world in a
+moment, the greater part of which are continually offending him.
+
+When, with a serious attention, he had listened a great while to what
+I said, after I had been telling him how the devil was God's enemy in
+the hearts of men, and used all his malice and skill to defeat the good
+designs of Providence, and destroy the kingdom of Christ in the world,
+and so forth: _Very well, Master_, said Friday, _you say God is so
+strong, so great, is he not much strong, much mightier than the naughty
+devil?_ "To be sure, Friday," said I, "God is more wise and stronger
+than the serpent: he is above the devil, which makes us pray to him,
+that he would tread down Satan under his feet, enable us to resist the
+violent temptations; and quench his fiery darts." _Why then_, answered
+Friday quickly, _if God, as you say, has much strong, much might as the
+devil, why God no kill devil, make no more tempt, no more do wicked._
+
+You may be certain, I was strangely surprised at this question of my
+man's: and, though an old man, I was but a young doctor, and
+consequently very ill qualified for a causuist, or a resolver of
+intricate doubts in religion, and as it required some time for me to
+study for an answer, I pretended not to hear him, nor to ask him what he
+said; but, to so earnest was he for an answer, as not to forget his
+question which he repeated in the very same broken words as above. When
+I had recovered myself a little, "Friday," said I, "God will at last
+punish him severely, being reserved for judgment, and is to be cast into
+the bottomless pit, to remain in fire everlasting." But all this did not
+satisfy Friday, for, returning upon me, he repeated my words "RESERVE AT
+LAST, _me no understand; but, why not kill devil now, not kill devil,
+great, great while ago_?" "Friday" said I "you may as well ask me why
+God does not kill you and me, when, by our wicked actions, we so much
+offend his divine Majesty? He gives us time to repent of our sins, that
+thereby we may obtain pardon." At these words _obtain pardon_, Friday
+mused a great while; and, at last, looking me stedfastly in the face,
+_Well, well_, said he, _that's very well; so you, I, devil, all wicked
+mans, all preserve, repent, God pardon all._
+
+Indeed, here I was ran down to the last extremity, when it became very
+evident to me; how mere natural notions will guide reasonable creatures
+to the knowledge of a Deity, and to the homage due to the Supreme Being
+of God; but, however, nothing but divine revelation can form the
+knowledge of Jesus Christ, and of a redemption purchased for us, of the
+mediator of the new covenant, and of an intercessor at the footstool of
+God's throne; and, therefore, the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
+Christ; that is, the word and Spirit of God, promised for the guide and
+the sanctifier of his people, are the most necessary instructors of the
+souls of men, in the saving knowledge of the Almighty, and the means to
+attain eternal happiness.
+
+And now I found it necessary to put an end to this discourse between my
+man and me; for which purpose I rose up hastily, and made as if I had
+some occasion to go out, sending Friday for something that was a good
+way off, I then fell on my knees, and beseeched God that he would
+inspire me so far as to guide this poor savage in the knowledge of
+Christ, to answer his questions more clearly, that his conscience might
+be convinced, his eyes opened, and his soul saved. When he returned
+again, I entered into a very long discourse with him, upon the subject
+of the world's redemption by the Saviour of it, and the doctrine of
+repentance preached from heaven, together with an holy faith of our
+blessed Redeemer Jesus Christ; and then I proceeded to explain to him,
+according to my weak capacity, the reason why our Saviour took not on
+him the nature of angels, but rather the seed of Abraham; and how the
+fallen angels had no benefit by that redemption; and, lastly, that he
+came only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and the like. God
+knows I had more sincerity than knowledge in all the ways I took for the
+poor Indian's instruction; and, I must acknowledge what I believe, every
+body that acts upon the same principle will find, that in laying
+heavenly truths open before him, I informed and instructed myself in
+many things that either I did not know, or had not perfectly considered
+before: so that, however, this poor creature might be improved by my
+instructions, certain it is, that I myself had great reason to be
+thankful to Providence for sending him to me. His company allayed my
+grief, and made my habitation comfortable; and when I reflected that the
+solitary life to which I had been so long confined, had made me to look
+further towards Heaven, by making me the instrument under Providence, to
+save the life, and for ought I know, the soul of this poor savage, by
+bringing him to the knowledge of Jesus Christ, it caused a secret joy to
+spread through every part of my soul; and I frequently rejoiced, that
+ever I was brought to this place, which I once thought the most
+miserable part of the world.
+
+In this thankful frame of mind did I afterwards continue, while I abode
+on the island, and for three years did my man and I live in the greatest
+enjoyment of happiness. Indeed, I believe the savage was as good a
+Christian as I; and I hope we were equally penitent; and such penitents
+as were comforted and restored by God's Holy Spirit; for now we had the
+word of the Lord to instruct us in the right way, as much as if we had
+been on the English shore.
+
+By the constant application I made to the Scriptures, as I read them to
+my man Friday, I earnestly endeavoured to make him understand every part
+of it, as much as lay in my power. He also, on the other hand, by his
+very serious questions and inquiries, made me a much better proficient
+in Scripture knowledge, than I should have been by my own private
+reading and study. I must not omit another thing, proceeding from the
+experience I had in my retirement: It was that infinite and
+inexpressible blessing, the knowledge of God through Jesus Christ, which
+was so plain and easy to be understood, as immediately to direct me to
+carry on the great work of sincere repentance for my sins, and laying
+hold of a Saviour for eternal life, to a practical stated reformation,
+and obedience to all God's institutions, without the assistance of a
+reverend and orthodox divine; and especially by this same instruction,
+so to enlighten this savage creature, as to make him so good a
+Christian, as very few could exceed him. And there was only this great
+thing wanting, that I had no authority to administer the Holy Sacrament,
+that heavenly participation of Christ's body and blood; yet, however, we
+rested ourselves content; that God would accept our desires, and
+according to our faith, have mercy on us.
+
+But what we wanted one way, was made up in another, and that was
+universal peace in our little church. We had no disputes and wrangling
+about the nature and equality of the holy, blessed, and undivided
+Trinity, no niceties in doctrine, or schemes of church government; no
+sour or morale dissenters to impose more sublimated notions upon us; no
+pedant sophisters to confound us with unintelligible mysteries: but,
+instead of all this, we enjoyed the most certain guide to Heaven; that
+is, the word of God: besides which, we had the comfortable views of his
+Spirit leading us to the truth, and making us both willing and obedient
+to the instruction of his word. As the knowledge and practice of this
+are the principal means of salvation, I cannot see what it avails any
+christian church, or man in the world, to amuse himself with
+speculations and opinions, except it be to display their particular
+vanity and affectation.
+
+You may well suppose, that, by the frequent discourse we had together,
+my man and I became most intimately acquainted, and that their was but
+very little that I could say, but what Friday understood; and, indeed,
+he spoke very fluently, though it was but broken English. I now took a
+particular pleasure in relating all my adventures, especially those that
+occurred since my being cast on this island. I made him understand that
+wonderful mystery, as he conceived, of gunpowder and bullet, and taught
+him how to shoot. I also presented to him a knife, which pleased him
+exceedingly, making him a belt, with a frog hanging thereto, like those
+in which we wear hangers in England; and, instead of a hanger to put in
+the frog, I gave him a hatchet, which was not only as good, but even a
+better weapon upon many occasions. In a word, my man thus accoutred,
+looked upon himself as great as Don Quixote, when that celebrated
+champion went to combat the windmill.
+
+I next gave him a very particular description of the territories of
+Europe, and in a particular manner of Old England, the place of my
+nativity. I laid, before him the manner of our worshipping God, our
+behaviour one to another, and how we trade in ships to every part of the
+universe. I then told him my misfortunes in being shipwrecked, showing
+him, as near as I could the place where the ship lay, which had been
+gone long before; but I brought him to the ruins of my boat which before
+my whole strength could not move, but now was a most rotten, and fallen
+to pieces. I observed my man Friday to view this boat with uncommon
+curiosity; which, when he had done, he stood pondering a great while,
+and said nothing. At last, said I, "Friday, what makes you ponder so
+much?" He replied, _O master, me see like boat come to place at
+my nation_.
+
+It was some time, indeed, before I understood what my man meant; but
+examining strictly into it, I plainly found, that such another boat
+resembling mine, had come up on the country where he dwelt: that is to
+say, by his farther explanation, that the boat was driven there through
+stress of weather. It then came into my mind that some European ship
+having been cast away, the poor distressed creatures were forced to have
+recourse to the boat to save their lives; and being all, as I thought
+drowned, I never concerned my self to ask any thing concerning, them,
+but my only inquiry was about the boat, and what description my man
+could give of it.
+
+Indeed Friday answered my demands very well; making everything very
+plain to my understanding: but beyond measure was I satisfied, when he
+told me with great warmth and ardour. _O master, we save white mans from
+drown;_ upon which I immediately asked him, If there were any white
+mans, as he called them in the boat? _Yes, yes_, said he, _the boat
+full, very full of white mans_ "How many, Friday?" said I. Hereupon he
+numbered his fingers, and counted seventeen. And when I asked him what
+became of them all, and whether they lived or not? he replied, _Yes
+master, they all live, they be live among my nation._ This information
+put fresh thoughts into my head, that these must be those very men who
+before I concluded had been swallowed up in the ocean, after they had
+left the ship that had struck upon the rocks of my kingdom, and after
+escaping the fury of the deep, landed upon the wild shore, and committed
+themselves to the fury of the devouring Indians.
+
+The manner of their cruelties to one another, which consequently, as I
+thought, must be acted with greater barbarity to strangers, created in
+me a great anxiety, and made me still more curious to ask Friday
+concerning them. He told me, he was sure they still lived there, having
+resided among them above four years, and that the savages gave them
+victuals to live upon: "But pray, Friday," said I, "whence proceeded all
+this good nature and generosity? How came it to pass that they did not
+kill and eat them, to please their devouring appetites, and occasion to
+splendid an entertainment among them?" _No, no,_ said Friday, _they not
+kilt 'em, they make brothers with 'em_; by which I understood there was
+a truce between them. And then I had a more favourable opinion of the
+Indians, upon Friday uttering these words, _My nation, t'other nation no
+eat man, but when mans, make war fight:_ as though he had said, that
+neither those of his kingdom, nor any other nations that he knew of,
+ever ate their fellow-creatures, but such as their law of arms allowed
+to be devoured; that is, those miserable captives, whose misfortune it
+should be to be made prisoners of war.
+
+Some considerable time after, upon a very pleasant day, in most serene
+weather, my man and I stood upon the top of a hill, on the east side of
+the island, whence I had once before beheld the continent of America. I
+could not tell immediately what was the matter, for suddenly Friday fell
+a jumping and dancing as if he had been mad, and upon my demanding the
+reason of his behaviour, _O joy_! said he, _O glad! there see my
+country, there my nation, there live white mans gether_. And indeed such
+a rapturous sense of pleasure appeared in his countenance that his eyes
+had an uncommon sparkling and brightness, and such a strange eagerness,
+as if he had a longing desire to be in his country again. This made me
+no so well satisfied with my man Friday as before; for by this
+appearance, I made no dispute, but that if he could get back thither
+again, he would not only be unmindful of what religion I had taught him,
+but likewise of the great obligation he owed me for his wonderful
+deliverance; nay, that he would not only inform his countrymen of me,
+but accompany hundreds of them to my kingdom, and make me a miserable
+sacrifice like those unhappy wretches taken in battle.
+
+Indeed I was very much to blame to have those cruel and unjust
+suspicions, and must freely own I wronged the poor creature very much,
+who was of a quite contrary temper. And had he had that discerning
+acuteness which many Europeans have, he would certainly have perceived
+my coldness and indifference, and also have been very much concerned
+upon that account; as I was now more circumspect, I had much lessened my
+kindness and familiarity with him, and while this jealousy continued, I
+used that artful way (now to much in fashion, the occasion of strife and
+dissention) of pumping him daily thereby to discover whether he was
+deceitful in his thoughts and inclinations; but certainly he had nothing
+in him but what was consistent with the best principles, both as a
+religious Christian and a grateful friend; and indeed; I found every
+thing he said was ingenuous and innocent, that I had no room for
+suspicion, and, in spite of all uneasiness, he not only made me entirely
+his own again, but also caused me much to lament that I ever conceived
+one ill thought of him.
+
+As we were walking up the same hill another day, when the weather was
+so hazy at sea, that I could not perceive the continent, "Friday," said
+I "don't you wish yourself to be in your own country, your nation, among
+your old friends and acquaintances?" _Yes,_ said he, _me much O glad to
+be at my own nation._ "And what would you do there, Friday? Would you
+turn wild again, eat man's flesh, and be a savage as you were formerly."
+_No, no,_ (answered he, full of concern and making his head) _Friday now
+tell them to live good, tell them pray God, tell them to eat corn bread,
+cattle flesh, milk, no eat man again._ "But surely," replied I, "if you
+should offer to do all this, they will kill you; and to manifest their
+contempt of such instruction eat you up when they have done." He then
+put on a grave, yet innocent and smooth countenance, saying, _No, they
+no kill me, they willing love learn_: that is that they would be very
+willing to learn: adding withal, _that they had learned much of the
+bearded mans that came in the boat_. "Will you," said I "go back again,
+Friday?" He smiled at that, and told me, that he could not swim so far.
+But said I, I will make a canoe for you. _Yes, Master_ said he, _me go
+if you go, me no go if you stay_. "I go, Friday! why would you have them
+to eat me up, and devour your kind master?" _No no_, said he, _me make
+them not eat master, and me make them much love you_; that is, he would
+tell them how I had slain his enemies, and thereby saved his life, for
+which reason he would make them love me: and then he related to me, as
+well as he was able, how exceedingly kind those his nation were to the
+white, or bearded men, as he called them, who, in their great calamity,
+were driven into their country.
+
+It was from this time, indeed, I had strong inclinations to venture
+over, and use my utmost efforts, if possible, to join these white
+bearded men, who undoubtedly were Spaniards or Portuguese; for, thought
+I, it must be certainly a better and safer way to escape when there is a
+good company, than for me alone, from an island forty miles off the
+shore, and without any assistance. Some days, after, Friday and I being
+at work, as usual, at the same time diverting ourselves with various
+discourses; I told him I had a boat which I would bestow upon him,
+whenever he pleased to return to his own nation; and to convince him of
+the truth of what I said, I took him with me to the other side of the
+island, where my frigate lay, and then taking it from under the water,
+(for I always kept it sunk for fear of a discovery) we went both into it
+to see how it would manage such an expedition.
+
+And really never could any be more dexterous in rowing than my faithful
+servant, making the boat go as fast again as I could. "Well now,
+Friday", said I, "shall we now go to your so much admired nation." But
+instead of meeting with that cheerfulness I expected, he looked very
+dull and melancholy at my saying so; which indeed at first surprised
+me, till he made me sensible, that his concern was about the boat's
+being too small to go so far a voyage. Upon which I let him understand I
+had a much bigger; and accordingly, the next day went to the place where
+the first boat lay, which I had made, when all the strength I had or art
+I could use failed me in my attempt to get it into the water: but now it
+having lain in the sun two and twenty years, and no care being taken of
+it all that while, it became in a manner rotten. My man told me, that
+such a boat would do very well for the purpose, sufficient to carry
+_enough vittle, drink, bread_, for that was his manner of talking. In
+short, my mind being strongly fixed upon my design of going over with
+him to the Continent, I very plainly told him that we would both go and
+make a boat full as big, and more proportionable than that, wherein he
+might safely return to his own nation.
+
+These words made Friday look so very pensive that I thought he would
+have fallen at my feet. It was some time before he could speak a word,
+which made me ask him, what was the matter with him? He replied in a
+very soft and moving tone, _What has poor Friday done? why are you angry
+mad with poor servant? What me done, O what me done?_ "Friday," said I,
+"you never yet have offended me, what makes you think I am angry with
+you, when I am not angry at all." _You no angry, no angry,_ said he
+several times, _if you be no angry, why den send Friday over great water
+to my own nation?_ "Why from a mountain you beheld the place where you
+was born, and is it not to satisfy your desires that I am willing to
+give you leave to return thither?" _Yes, yes_, said Friday, _me wish to
+be there sure enough, but then me with master there too: no wish Friday
+there, no master there._ In short, he could not endure the thoughts of
+going there without me. "I go there! Friday," said I, "what shall I do
+there?" He answered very quickly, _O master you do great deal much good,
+you teach all de wild mans to be good tame mans: you learn dem to be
+sober, life good live, to know God, and pray God._ "Alas! poor Friday,"
+said I, "what can I do against their priests of _Benamuckee_, or indeed
+what good can I make your nation sensible of, when I myself am but a
+poor ignorant man?" _No, no, master,_ said he, _you be no ignorant, you
+teachee me good, you teachee dem good._ "You shall go without me,
+Friday," said I, "for I don't care to accompany you thither; I would
+rather live in this solitude than venture among such inhuman savages.
+_Go your way since you desire it, and leave me alone by myself as I was
+before I saved your life_."
+
+Never was any creature more thunderstruck than Friday was at these
+words. _Go me away, leave master away, (said he after a long silence,)
+no, no, Friday die, Friday live not master gone_, as though he had
+said, I neither can nor will live, if my master sends me from him. And
+here I cannot but take notice of the strong ties of friendship, which
+many times surpass those of consanguinity: For often we find a great
+disagreement among kindred; and when there is any seeming regard for
+each other, it is very seldom true, and scarce ever lasting, if powerful
+interest does not bear the sway; and that alone is often the occasion of
+the greatest hatred in the world, which is to desire the death of
+parents and relations, for the sake of acquiring their fortunes. But
+there was no such thing between my servant and me; instead of which
+there was the greatest gratitude and the most sincere love; he found me
+not only his deliverer, but his preserver and comforter; not a severe
+and cruel tyrant, but a kind, loving, and affable friend. He wanted for
+no manner of sustenance; and when he was ill or out of order, I was his
+physician, not only for his body but his soul; and therefore no wonder
+was it, that such an innocent creature long since divested of his former
+natural cruelty, should have an uncommon concern at so cruel a
+seperation from me, which pierced him to the very soul, and made him
+desire even to die, rather than live without me..
+
+After I had told Friday, in a very careless manner, that he should be at
+his liberty as soon as the boat was made, the language of his eyes
+expressed all imaginable confusion; when, immediately running to one of
+his hatchets, which he used to wear as a defensive weapon, he gives it
+into my hand, with a heart so full, that he could scarcely speak.
+'Friday,' said I, 'what is it you mean? What must I do with this?' _Only
+kill Friday_, said he, _Friday care not live long._' 'But what must I
+kill you for? replied I again, _Ah! dear master, what made you Friday
+save from eat a me up, so keep long Friday, make Friday love God, and
+love not Benamuckee, and now Friday send away; never see Friday more._
+As though the poor creature had said, Alas! my dearest kind master, how
+comes it to pass, that after having ventured your precious life to save
+me from the jaws of devouring cannibals, like myself, after such a
+tender regard to provide for me such a comfortable nourishment, and
+continuing so long a kind master, and a most sincere friend; and after
+making me forsake the false notion of an Indian Deity, and worship the
+true God in spirit and in truth; and after all this how comes it now,
+that you are willing to send me away to my former course of living, by
+which means undoubtedly we shall be dead to each other; but greater must
+be my misfortune, that I shall never behold my best friend I have in the
+world any more. And this undoubtedly, though he could not express
+himself so clearly, must be his sentiments; for the tears ran down his
+cheeks in such a plentiful manner, that I had much ado to refrain from
+weeping also, when I beheld the poor creature's affection; so that I was
+forced to comfort him in the best manner I could, which I did, by
+telling him, if he was content to abide with me, I should be ever
+willing to keep him.
+
+After Friday's grief was something abated, more fully to convince me of
+his affection, he said, _O master, me not care to be in my nation, leave
+you here; me desire nation learn good, that's all;_ meaning, that his
+desire was for the conversion of that barbarous people. But as I had no
+apostolic mission, nor any concern about their salvation; so I had not
+the least intention or desire of undertaking it; and the strength of my
+inclination, in order to escape, proceeded chiefly from my late
+discourse with Friday, about these seventeen white bearded men, that had
+been driven upon the Barbarian coast; whom I designed to join, as the
+only means to further our escape. To which intent my man and I went to
+search for a proper tree to fell, whereof we might make a large perigua
+or canoe, to undertake the voyage; and, indeed, we were not long in
+finding one fit for our purpose, there being enough of wood in the
+island to have built a fleet of large vessels, but the thing we
+principally wanted was to get one so near the water, that we might
+launch it after it was finished, and not commit so horrid a mistake as I
+had once done before.
+
+Well, after a great search for what was best and most convenient,
+Friday, at last, whose judgment in such affairs was much superior to
+mine, pitches upon a kind of wood the most fitting for it. To this day I
+cannot tell the name of the tree, nor describe it any other way, than
+only by saying, that it is like what we call _fustic_, or between that
+and the Niacaragua wood, being much of the same colour and smell. But
+though my man exceeded me in the knowledge of the most proper tree, yet
+I shewed him a much better and clearer way to make a canoe than ever he
+knew before; for he was for burning the hollow or cavity of the tree, in
+order to make this boat; but I then told him how he might do it with
+tools, learning him at the same time how to use them, which indeed he
+did very dexterously; so that in a month's time we finished it, making
+it very handsome, by cutting the outside in the true shape of a boat.
+After this it took us a full fortnight before we could get her into the
+water, which we did as it were inch by inch, upon great rollers; but
+when she was in, she would have carried twenty men, with all the ease
+imaginable.
+
+As I was very well pleased, you may be sure at the launching of this man
+of war of mine, I was no less amazed to behold with what dexterity my
+man would manage her, turn her, and paddle her along. 'Well Friday,'
+said I, 'what do you think of it now? Do you think this will carry us
+over? _Yes, master_, said he, _me venture over well, though great blow
+wind_. But my design was yet farther, which he was insensible of; and
+that was to make a mast and a sail, and to provide her with an anchor
+and cable. As to a mast, that was no difficult thing at all to procure:
+so I fixed upon a strait young cedar-tree; which I found near the place,
+great plenty of it abounding in the island; and setting Friday to cut it
+down, I gave him particular directions how to shape and order it; but as
+to the sail, that I managed myself. I very well knew I had some old
+ones, or pieces of sails enough, which had lain six and twenty years by
+me; but not being careful to preserve them, as thinking I should have no
+occasion to use them any more, when I came to overlook them I found them
+almost all rotten, except two; and with these I went to work, and after
+a great deal of pains and aukward tedious stitching for want of needles,
+at length I finished a three-cornered ugly thing, like those which our
+long boats use, and which I very well knew how to manage, especially
+since it was like that which I had in my patron's fishing boat, when,
+with my boy Xury, I made my escape from the Barbarian shore.
+
+It was near two months, I think, before I completed this work, that is,
+the rigging and fitting my mast and sails; and indeed they were nicely
+done, having made a small stay and a sail, or a foresail to it, to
+assist, if we should turn to the westward; and what is still more, I
+fixed a rudder to the stern of her, to steer with; and though I was but
+a very indifferent shipwright, yet, as I was sensible of the great
+usefulness and absolute necessity of a thing like this, I applied myself
+to it with such a confident application, that at last I accomplished my
+design; but what with the many dull contrivances I had about it, and the
+failure of many things, it cost me as much pains in ordering as in
+making the boat. Besides when all this was done, I had my man to teach
+what belonged to its navigation; for though he very well understood how
+to paddle a canoe along, he was an utter stranger to a sail and a
+rudder, and was amazed when he saw me work the boat to and again in the
+sea, by them, and how the sail gibbed and filled this way or that way,
+as the course we sailed changed. After some time and a little use, I
+made all these things very familiar to him, so that he became an expert
+sailor, except in relation to the compass, and that I could make him
+understand but little of. But, as it happened, there was seldom occasion
+for it, there being but little cloudy weather, and scarce any fog in
+those parts; the stars were always visible in the night, and the shore
+perspicuous by day, except in the rainy season, which confined every one
+to his habitation. Thus entered in the seven and twentieth year of my
+reign, or captivity, which you please, (the last three of which blessed
+with the company of my man Friday, ought not to be reckoned) I kept the
+anniversary of my landing here with the same thankfulness to God, for
+his tender mercies, as I did before; and certainly, as I had great
+cause for a thankful acknowledgement for my deliverance at first, I had
+much greater now for such singular and additional testimonies of the
+care of Providence over me, in all my distress of both body and mind,
+and the great hopes I had of being effectually and speedily delivered;
+for I had a strong impression upon my mind, that I should not be another
+year in this island. But, however, I still continued on with my
+husbandry, digging, planting, and fencing, as usual; gathering and
+curing my grapes, and doing all other things that were necessary.
+
+And now the rainy season beginning to come on, obliged me to keep the
+longer within doors; but before this I brought my new vessel into the
+creek, where I had landed my rafts from the ship, and haling her up to
+the shore, I ordered my man Friday to dig a dock sufficient to hold her
+in, and deep enough to give her water, wherein she might float; and then
+when the tide was out, we made a strong dam cross the end of it, to keep
+out the water; by which means she lay dry, as to the tide from the sea;
+and to keep the rain from her, we thatched her over, as it were, with
+boughs of trees, like a house, so we waited for the months of November
+and December, in which I designed to venture over the ocean.
+
+No sooner did the seasonable weather begin to draw near, but so much was
+I elevated with this new designed adventure, that I daily prepared for
+the voyage. The first thing I thought on was, to lay by a certain
+quantity of provisions, as a sufficient store for such an expedition,
+intending in a week or fortnight's time to open the dock, and to launch
+out the boat for that purpose. But one morning as I was very busy upon
+something necessary for this occasion, I called Friday to me, and bid
+him go to the seashore, and see if he could find a turtle or tortoise, a
+thing which we commonly had once a week, as much upon account of the
+eggs, as for the sake of the flesh. He had not been long gone, but he
+came running back, as though he was pursued for life, and as if it were
+flew over my outer-wall, or fence, like one that felt not the ground, or
+steps he set his feet on; and before I had time to enquire the reason of
+this precipitation, he cries out, _O dear master, O sorrow, sorrow! Bad!
+O bad!_ 'Why, what's the matter Friday,' said I. _O yonder, yonder!_
+said he; _there be one, two, or three canoes! two three!_ Surely,
+thought I, there must be six, by my man's way of reckoning; but on a
+stricter inquiry, I found there were but three. 'Well Friday,' said I,
+'don't be terrified, I warrant you we will not only defend ourselves
+against them, but kill the most of these cruel savages.' But though I
+comforted him in the best manner I could, the poor creature trembled so,
+that I scarce knew what to do with him:--_O master_, said he, _they come
+look Friday, cut pieces Friday, cut a me up_. 'Why Friday,' said I,
+'they will eat me up as well as you, and my danger is as great as
+yours. But since it is so, we must resolve to fight for our lives. What
+say you? Can you fight Friday? _Yes,(said he, very faintly) me shoot, me
+kill what I can, but there come a great many number._'That's no matter,'
+said I again, 'our guns will terrify those that we do not kill: I am
+very willing to stand by you to the last drop of my blood. Now tell me
+if you will do the like by me, and, obey my orders in whatsoever I
+command?' Friday then answered, _O master, me loses life for you, me die
+when you bid die._ Thus concluding all questions concerning his
+fidelity, immediately I fetched him a good dram of rum, (of which I had
+been a very good husband) and gave it him to comfort his heart. After he
+had drank it, I ordered him to take the two-fowling pieces, which we
+always carried, and load them with large swan-shot, as big as small
+pistol bullets; then I took four muskets, and loaded them with two slugs
+and five small bullets each; charging my two pistols each with a brace;
+I hung my great sword, as customary, naked to my side, and gave Friday
+his hatchet, as a most excellent weapon for defence.
+
+Thus prepared, I thought as well of myself, as any knight errant that
+ever handled a sword and spear. I took my perspective glass and went up
+to the side of the hill, to see what I could discover; and I perceived
+very soon, by my glass, that there were one and twenty savages, three
+prisoners, and three canoes, and that their chief concern seemed to be
+the triumphant banquet upon the three poor human bodies, a thing which
+by this time I had observed was very common with them. I also remarked,
+that they did not land at that place from whence Friday made his escape,
+but nearer to the creek, where the shore was low, and where a thick wood
+came very close to the sea. My soul was then filled with indignation and
+abhorrence at such inhuman wretches, which put a period to all my former
+thoughts in their vindication, neither would I give myself time to
+consider their right of conquest, as I had done before: but descending
+from the mountain, I came down to Friday, and told him, I was resolved
+to go speedily to them, and kill them all; asking him again in the same
+breath, if he would stand by me; when by this time being recovered from
+his fright, and his spirits much cheered with the dram I had given him,
+he was very pleasant, yet seriously telling me, as he did before, _When
+I bid die, he would die_.
+
+And now it was, having fixed my resolution in so strong a manner, that
+nothing could divest my breast of its uncommon fury. I immediately
+divided the loaded arms betwixt us. To my man Friday I gave a pistol to
+stick in his girdle, with three guns upon his shoulder, a weight too
+great, I confess, to bear but what must a poor king do, who has but one
+soldier in the world? But to show I made him bear no more than what I
+would lay on myself, I stuck the other pistol in my girdle, and the
+other three guns upon my shoulders; nay, something more, but that was
+like Aesop's burden, a small bottle of rum, which was soon lightened to
+our exceeding refreshment. Thus we marched out, under a ponderous load
+of armour, like two invincible champions, with a quantity of powder and
+bullets to stand our battle, and load again, when the pieces were
+discharged. And now my orders being to be obeyed, I charged Friday to
+keep close behind me, and not to stir, or shoot, or attempt anything
+till I commanded him; and in the interim, not to speak so much as one
+word. It was in this order I fetched a compass to the right hand, of
+near a mile, as well to get over the creek, as to attain the wood; and
+by this, I thought to come within shot of them before I could be
+discerned, as I found by my glass, would not be difficult to accomplish.
+
+But how fickle and wavering is the mind of man, even in our greatest
+fury and strongest inclinations. For while I was taking this march, my
+resolution began to abate, not through fear of their numbers, who were a
+parcel of naked unarmed wretches, but those reflections occurred to my
+thoughts: _what power was I commissioned with, or what occasion or
+necessity had I to go and imbrue my hands in human blood, and murder
+people that had neither done nor intended to do me any wrong? They were
+innocent in particular as to me: and their barbarous custom was not only
+their misfortune but a sign that God had left them in the most immense
+stupidity; but yet did not warrant me to be a judge of their actions,
+much less an executioner of his righteous judgments? That, on the
+contrary, whenever he thought fit, he would take vengeance on them
+himself, and punish them in a national way, according to their national
+crimes; but this was nothing at all to me, who had no concern with them.
+Indeed my man Friday might justify himself, because they were his
+declared enemies, of that very same nation that went to sacrifice him
+before; and indeed it was lawful for him to attack them, which I could
+not say was so with respect to me,_--So warmly did these things press
+upon my thoughts all the way I went, that I only resolved to place
+myself so as to behold their bloody entertainment, without falling upon
+them, except something more than ordinary, by God's special direction,
+should oblige me thereto.
+
+Thus fixed in my resolution, I entered into the thick wood, (my man
+Friday following me close behind) when with all possible wariness and
+silence, I marched till I came close to the skirt of it, on that side
+which was the nearest to them; for only one end of the wood interposed
+between me and them. Upon which I called very softly to Friday, and
+shewing him a great tree, that was just at the corner of the wood, I
+ordered him to repair thither, and bring me word, if he could plainly
+perceive their actions; accordingly he did as I commanded him, and came
+back with this melancholy story, _that they were all about their fire,
+eating the flesh of one of their prisoners; and that another lay bound
+upon the sands at a little distance from them, which they designed for
+the next sacrifice, and this, he told me was not one of their nation,
+but one of those very bearded men, who were driven by a storm into their
+country, and of whom he had so often talked to me about_--You may be
+sure, that upon hearing this, my soul was ready to sink within me: when
+ascending into a tree, I saw plainly, by my glass, a white man, who lay
+upon the beach of the sea, with his hands and feet tied with flags, or
+things resembling rushes, being covered with clothes, and seemed to be
+an European. From the tree where I took this prospect I perceived
+another tree and a thicket beyond it, about fifty yards nearer to them
+than where I was, which, by taking a small circle round, I might come at
+undiscovered, & then I should be within half a shot of these devourers.
+And this consideration alone, to be more perfectly revenged upon them,
+made me withhold my passion, though I was enraged to the highest degree
+imaginable; when going back about twenty paces I got behind some bushes,
+which held all the way till I came to the other tree; and then I
+ascended to a little rising ground, not above eighteen yards distance,
+and there I had a full view of these creatures, and I could perceive all
+their actions.
+
+Such a fight did then appear, as obliged me not to lose a moment's time.
+No less than nineteen of these dreadful wretches sat upon the ground,
+close huddled together, expressing all the delight imaginable at so
+barbarous an entertainment; and they had just sent the other two to
+murder this poor unhappy Christian, and bring him limb by limb to their
+fire; for they were then just going to untie the bands from his feet, in
+order for death, as fetters are knocked off the feet of malefactors
+before they go to the place of execution. Hereupon, immediately turning
+to my man, 'now, Friday' said I 'mind what I say, fail in nothing, but
+do exactly as you see me do'. All which he promising--he would perform,
+I let down one of my muskets, and fowling-piece upon the ground, and
+Friday did the same by his; and with the other musket I took my aim at
+the savages, bidding him do the like: 'Are you ready' said I: _Yes,
+Master,_ said he; 'why then fire at them,' said I; and that very moment
+I gave fire likewise.
+
+I only killed one and wounded two; but my man Friday, taking his aim
+much better than I, killed two and wounded three. You may be sure they
+were in a dreadful consternation, at, such an unexpected disaster, and
+those who had yet escaped our penetrating shot, immediately jumped upon
+their feet, but were in such a confusion, that they knew not which way
+to run or look; not knowing from whence their destruction came. We threw
+down our pieces, and took up others, giving a second dreadful volley;
+but as they were loaded only with swan shot, or small pistol bullets, we
+perceived only two of them fall; tho many were wounded, who run yelling
+and screaming about like mad creatures. 'Now, Friday,' said I, 'lay down
+your piece, and take up the musket, and follow me.' He did so, with
+great courage, when showing ourselves to the savages we give a great
+shout, and made directly to the poor victim, who would have been
+sacrificed, had not our first fire obliged the butchers, with three
+others, to jump into a canoe. By my order, Friday fired at them, at
+which shot I thought he had killed them all, by reason of their falling
+to the bottom of the boat; however, he killed two, and mortally wounded
+a third. In the mean time, I cut the flags that tied the hands and feet
+of the poor creature, and lifting him up asked him in the Portuguese
+tongue, _What he was?_ He answered me in Latin, _Christiantis;_ but so
+very weak and faint, that he could scarce stand or speak. Immediately I
+gave him a dram; and a piece of bread to cherish him, and asked him,
+What countryman he was? He said, _Hispaniola;_ and then uttered all the
+thankfulness imaginable for his deliverance. 'Signior,' said I, with as
+much Spanish as I was master of, 'let us talk afterwards, but fight now;
+here, take this sword and pistol, and do what you can.' And, indeed, he
+did so with much courage and intrepidity, that he cut two of them to
+pieces in an instant, the savages not having the power to fly for their
+lives. I ordered Friday to run for those pieces we had left at the tree,
+which he brought me with great swiftness, and then I gave him my musket,
+while I loaded the rest. But now their happened a fierce encounter
+between the Spaniard & one of the savages who had made at him with one
+of their wooden swords; and though the former was as brave as could be
+expected, having twice wounded his enemy in the head, yet being weak &
+faint, the Indian had thrown him upon the ground, & was wrestling my
+sword out of his hand, which the Spaniard very wisely quiting, drew out
+his pistol, and shot him through the body before I could come near him,
+though I was running to his assistance.' As to Friday, he pursued the
+flying wretches with his hatchet, dispatching three, but the rest were
+too nimble for him. The Spaniard taking one of the fowling pieces,
+wounded two, who running into the wood Friday pursued and killed; but
+the other, notwithstanding his wounds, plunged himself into the sea &
+swam to those who were left in the canoe; which, with one wounded, were
+all that escaped out of one and twenty. The account is as follows.
+
+_Killed at first shot from the tree ..... 3
+At the second shot ...................... 2
+By Friday in the boat ................... 2
+Ditto of those first wounded ............ 2
+Ditto in the wood ....................... 1
+By the Spaniard ......................... 3
+Killed or died of their wounds .......... 4
+Escaped in the boat, whereof one wounded,
+  if not slain_ ......................... 4
+                                   --------
+                                   Total 21
+                                   --------
+
+The savages in the canoe worked very hard to get out of our reach, and
+Friday was as eager in pursuing them; and indeed I was no less anxious
+about their escape, lest after the news had been carried to their
+people, they should return in multitudes and destroy us. So being
+resolved to pursue them, I jumped into one of the canoes and bid Friday
+follow me; but no sooner was I in, than to my surprise, I found another
+poor creature bound hand and foot for the slaughter, just as the
+Spaniard had been, with very little life in him. Immediately I unbound
+him, and would have helped him up; but he could neither stand nor speak,
+but groaned so piteously, as thinking he was only unbound in order to be
+slain. Hereupon I bid Friday speak to him, and tell him of his
+deliverance; when pulling out my bottle I made the poor wretch drink a
+dram; which, with the joyful news he had received, so revived his heart
+that he sat up in the boat. As soon as Friday began to hear him speak,
+and look more fully in his face, it would have moved any one to tears to
+perceive his uncommon transports of joy; for he kissed, embraced him,
+hugged him, cried, laughed, hollooed, jumped about, danced, sung, then
+cried again, wrung his hands, beat his face and head, then sung and
+jumped about again, like a distracted creature; so that it was a great
+while before I could make him speak to me, or tell me what was the
+matter with him; but when he came to the liberty of his speech at last,
+he told me it was his father.
+
+Here indeed I was infinitely moved to see that dutiful and tender
+affection this poor savage had to his aged parent. He would sit down by
+him in the boat, open his breast and hold his father's head close to his
+bosom half an hour together to cherish him: then he took his arms &
+ankles, which were stiff and numbed with binding, and chaffed and rubbed
+them with his hands; by which means perceiving what the case was, I gave
+him some rum, which proved of great benefit to him.
+
+While we were busy in this action the savages had gotten almost out of
+sight; and happy it was we did not pursue them: For there arose from the
+north-west, which continued all night long, such a violent storm that I
+could not suppose otherwise but that they were all drowned. After this I
+called Friday to me, and asked him if he had given his father any bread?
+He shook his head and said, _None, not one bit, me eat-a up all;_ so I
+gave him a cake of bread out of a little pouch I carried for this end. I
+likewise gave him a dram for himself, & two or three bunches of raisins
+for his father. Both these he carried to him, for he would make him
+drink the dram to comfort him.
+
+Away then he runs out of the boat as if he was bewitched, with such an
+extraordinary swiftness, that he was out of sight as it were in an
+instant; but at his return I perceived him slacken his pace, because he
+had something in his hand. And this I found to be as he approached
+nearer, an earthen jug with some water for his father, with two more
+cakes of bread, which he delivered into my hands. Being very thirsty
+myself I drank some of the water, of which his father had drank
+sufficiently, it more revived his spirits than all the rum I had
+given him.
+
+I then called Friday to me and ordered him to carry the Spaniard one of
+the cakes and some water, who was reposing himself under a green place
+under the shade of a tree, but so weak, that though he exerted himself
+he could not stand upon his feet. Upon which I ordered Friday to rub and
+bathe his ankles with rum as he did his father's. But every minute he
+was employed in this he would cast a wishful eye towards the boat, where
+he left his father sitting; who suddenly disappearing he flew like
+lightning to him, and finding he had only laid himself down to ease his
+limbs, he returned back to me presently; and then I spoke to the
+Spaniard to let Friday help him and lead him to the boat, in order to be
+conveyed to my dwelling where I would take care of him. Upon which
+Friday took him upon his back and so carried him to the canoe, setting
+him close by his father; and presently stepping out again, launched the
+boat off and paddled it along the shore faster than I could walk, though
+the wind blew very hard too, and having brought them safe to the creek,
+away he runs to fetch the other canoe, which he brought to the creek
+almost as soon as I got to it by land, when wafting me over, he took our
+new guests out of the boat; but so weak were they that I was forced to
+make a kind of a hand-barrow; and when I came to my castle, not being
+willing to make an entrance into my wall, we made them a handsome tent
+covered with old sails and boughs of trees, making two good beds of rice
+straw, with blankets to lie upon and cover them. Thus like an absolute
+king over subjects who owed their lives to me, I thought myself very
+considerable, especially as I had now three religions in my kingdom, my
+man Friday being a Protestant, his father a Pagan, and the Spaniard a
+Papist: but I gave liberty of conscience to them all.
+
+To get provisions for my poor weak subjects, I ordered Friday to kill me
+a yearling goat; which when he had done I cut off the hinder quarters,
+and chopping it into small pieces, boiled and stewed it, putting barley
+and rice into the broth. This I carried into their tent, set a table,
+dined with them myself and encouraged them. Friday was my interpreter to
+his father, and indeed to the Spaniard too, who spoke the language of
+the savages pretty well. After dinner I ordered Friday to fetch home all
+our arms from the field of battle, and the next day to bury the dead
+bodies, which he did accordingly.
+
+And now I made Friday inquire of his father, whether he thought these
+savages had escaped the late storm in their canoe? and if so, whether
+they would not return with a power too great for us to resist? He
+answered, _that he thought it impossible they could outlive the storm;
+or, if they were driven southwardly, they would come to a land where
+they would as certainly be devoured, as if they were drowned in the sea.
+And suppose they had attained their own country, the strangeness of
+their fatal and bloody attack, would make them tell their people, that
+the rest of them were killed by thunder and lightning, not by the hand
+of man, but by two heavenly spirits_ (meaning Friday and me) _who were
+sent from above to destroy them. And this_, he said, _he knew because he
+heard them say the same to one another_. And indeed he was in the right
+on't; for I have heard since, that these four men gave out that whoever
+went to that inchanted island, would be destroyed by fire from the gods.
+
+No canoes appearing soon after, as I expected, my apprehensions ceased:
+instead of which my former thoughts of a voyage took place, especially
+when Friday's father assured me, I should have good usage in his nation.
+As to the Spaniard, he told me, that sixteen more of his countrymen and
+Portuguese, who had been shipwrecked, made their escape thither; that
+though they were in union with the savages, yet they were very miserable
+for want of provisions and other necessaries. When I asked him about the
+particulars of his voyage, he answered that their ship was bound from
+the Rio de la Plata to the Havannah; that when the ship was lost, only
+five men perished in the ocean; the rest having saved themselves in the
+boat, were now landed on the main continent. 'And what do they intend to
+do there?' said I. He replied, they have concerted measures to escape,
+by building a vessel, but that they had neither tools nor provisions,
+for that all their designs came to nothing. 'Supposing, said I, I should
+make a proposal, and invite them here, would they not carry me prisoner
+to New Spain?' he answered no; for he knew them to be such honest men,
+as would scorn to act such inhuman baseness to their deliverer: That, if
+I pleased, he and the old savage would go over to them, talk with them
+about it, and bring me an answer: That they should all swear fidelity to
+me as their leader, upon the Holy Sacrament; and for his, part he would
+not only do the same, but stand to the last drop of his blood should
+there be occasion.
+
+These solemn assurances made me resolve to grant them relief, and to
+send these two over for that purpose; but when every thing was ready,
+the Spaniard raised an objection, which carried a great deal of weight
+in it: _You know, Sir, said he, that having been some time with you, I
+cannot but be sensible of your stock of rice and corn, sufficient,
+perhaps for us at present, but not for them, should they come over
+presently; much less to victual a vessel for an intended voyage. Want
+might be as great an occasion for them to disagree and rebel, as the
+children of Israel did against God himself, when they wanted to break
+bread in the wilderness. And therefore, my advice is to await another
+harvest and in the mean time cultivate and improve more land, whereby we
+may have plenty of provisions in order to execute our design_.
+
+This advice of the Spaniard's I approved extremely; and so satisfied was
+I of his fidelity that I esteemed him ever after. And thus we all four
+went to work upon some more land, and against seed time we had gotten so
+much cured and trimmed up sufficient to sow twenty-two bushels of barley
+on, and sixteen jars of rice, which was in short all the feed we had to
+spare. As we were four in number and by this time all in good health, we
+feared not a hundred Indians should they venture to attack us; and while
+the corn was growing, I pitched upon some trees, fit to build us a large
+vessel in case the Spaniards came over; which being marked, I ordered
+Friday and his father to cut them down, appointing the Spaniard, who was
+now my privy counsellor, to oversee and direct the work. I likewise
+increased my flocks of goats by shooting the wild dams and bringing home
+their kids to my inclosure. Nor did I neglect the grape season, but
+cured them as usual, though I had such a quantity now as would have
+filled eighty barrels with raisins. And thus all of us being employed,
+they in working, and I in providing for them till harvest came, God
+Almighty blessed the increase of it so much, that from twenty-two
+barrels of barley we thrashed out two hundred and twenty, and the like
+quantity of rice; sufficient to victual a ship fit to carry me and all
+the Spaniards to any part of America.
+
+Thus the principal objection being answered, by a sufficient stock of
+provisions, I sent my two ambassadors over to the main land, with a
+regal authority to administer the oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and
+have an instrument signed under their hands, though I never asked
+whether they had pen, ink, or paper; when giving each of them a musket,
+eight charges of powder and ball, and provisions enough for eight days,
+they sailed away with a fair gale on a day when the moon was at full.
+
+Scarce a fortnight had passed over my head, but impatient for their
+return, I laid me down to sleep one morning, when a strange accident
+happened, which was ushered in by Friday's coming running to me, and
+calling aloud, _Master, Master, they are come, they are come._ Upon
+which, not dreaming of any danger, out I jumped from my bed, put on my
+clothes and hurried through my little grove; when looking towards the
+sea, I perceived a boat about a league and a half distant, standing in
+for the shore with the wind fair. I beheld they did not come from the
+side where the land lay on, but from the southerhmost end of the island:
+So these being none of the people we wanted, I ordered Friday to lie
+still, till such time as I came down from the mountain, which, with my
+ladder, I now ascended in order to discover more fully what they were;
+and now, with the help of my perspective glass, I plainly perceived an
+English ship, which I concluded it to be; by the fashion of its long
+boat; and which filled me with such uncommon transports of joy, that I
+cannot tell how to describe; and yet some secret doubts hang about me,
+proceeding from I know not what cause, as though I had reason to be upon
+my guard. And, indeed, I would have no man contemn the secret hints and
+intimations of danger, which very often are given, when he may imagine
+there is no possibility of its being real; for had I not been warned by
+this silent admonition, I had been in a worse situation than before, and
+perhaps inevitably ruined.
+
+Not long it was, before I perceived the boat to approach the shore, as
+though they looked for a place where they might conveniently land; and
+at last they ran their boat on shore upon the beach, about half a mile
+distance; which proved so much the happier for me, since, had they come
+into the creek, they had landed just at my door, and might not only have
+forced me out of my castle, but plundered me of all I had in the world.
+Now I was fully convinced they were all Englishmen, three of which were
+unarmed and bound; when immediately the first four or five leaped on
+shore, and took those three out of the boat as prisoners; one of whom I
+could perceive used the most passionate gestures of entreaty,
+affliction, and despair, while the others in a lesser degree, showed
+abundance of concern.
+
+Not knowing the meaning of this, I was very much astonished, and I
+beckoned to Friday, who was below, to ascend the mountain, and likewise
+view this sight. _O master_, said he to me, _you see English mans eat
+prisoners as well as Savage mans_. 'And do you think they will eat them
+Friday?' said I. _Yes_, said Friday, _they eat all up_. 'No, no,' said
+I, 'Friday, I am much more concerned lest they murder them, but as for
+eating them up, that I am sure they will never do.'
+
+And now I not only lamented my misfortune in not having the Spaniard and
+Savage with me, but also that I could not come within shot of them
+unperceived, they having no fire arms among them, and save these three
+me, whom I thought they were going to kill with their swords. But some
+comfort it was to me, that I perceived they were set at liberty to go
+where they pleased, the rascally seamen scattering about as though they
+had a mind to see the place; and so long did they negligently ramble,
+that the tide had ebbed so low, as to leave the boat aground. Nor were
+the two men who were in her more circumspect; for having drunk a little
+too much liquor, they fell fast asleep; but one of them waking before
+the other, and perceiving the boat too fast aground for his strength to
+move it, he hallooed out to the rest, who made all possible expedition
+to come to him; but as Providence ordered it, all their force was
+ineffectual to launch her, when I could hear them speak to one another,
+_Why let her alone, Jack, can't ye, she'll float next tide_; by which
+words I was fully convinced they were my own countrymen. I all this
+while lay very quiet, as being fully sensible it could be no less than
+ten hours before the boat would be afloat, and then it would be so dark,
+that they could not easily perceive me, by which means I should be at
+more liberty to hear their talk, and observe all their motions: not but
+that I prepared for my defence: yet, as I had another sort of enemy to
+combat with I acted with more caution. I took two fusees on my shoulder,
+and gave Friday three muskets; besides my formidable goat-skin coat and
+monstrous cap made me look as fierce and terrible as Hercules of old,
+especially when two pistols were stuck in my belt, and my naked sword
+hanging by my side.
+
+It was my design at first not to make any attempt till it was dark; and
+it being now two o'clock, in the very heat of the day, the sailors were
+all straggling in the woods, and undoubtedly were lain down to sleep.
+The three poor distressed creatures, too anxious to get any repose, were
+however seated under the shade of a great tree, about a quarter of a
+mile from me. Upon which, without any more ado, I approached towards
+them, with my man following behind me, and before I was perceived, I
+called aloud to them in Spanish, _What are ye, Gentlemen_.
+
+At these words, they started up in great confusion, when they beheld the
+strange figure I made; they returned no answer, but seemed as if they
+would fly from me: 'Gentlemen,' said I, in English 'don't be afraid,
+perhaps you have a friend nearer than you expect.' _He must be from
+Heaven_, said one of them, gravely pulling off his hat, _for we are past
+all help in this world._ 'All help is from Heaven,' said I: 'But Sir, as
+I have perceived every action between you and these brutes since your
+landing only inform me, how to assist you, and I will do it to the
+utmost of my power.'
+
+_Am I talking with God or man_, said he, in melting tears. _Are you of
+human kind or an angel_? 'Sir,' said I, 'my poor habit will tell you I
+am a man, and an Englishman, willing to assist you, having but this
+servant only: here are arms and ammunition: tell freely your condition:
+Can we save you?' _The story_, said he, _is too long to relate, since
+our butchers are so near: but, Sir, I was master of that ship, my men
+have mutinied, and it is a favour they have put my mate, this
+passenger, and me, on shore without murdering us, though we expect
+nothing but perishing here_. 'Are your enemies gone?' said I. _No_,
+replied he, pointing to a thicket, _there they lie, while my heart
+trembles, lest having seen and heard us they should murder us all._
+'Have they fire arms?' said I. _They have but two pieces_, said he, _one
+of which is left in the boat._ He also told me there were two enormous
+villains among them, that were the authors of this mutiny, who, if they
+were killed or seized, might induce the rest to return to their
+obedience. 'Well, well,' said I, 'let us retire farther under the
+covering of the woods;' and there it was I made these conditions
+with him:
+
+[Illustration: R. Crusoe accosting the Captain, &c. set ashore by the
+Mutineers.]
+
+I. That, while they staid in the island, they should not pretend to any
+authority; but should entirely conform to my orders, and return me the
+arms which I should put in their hands.
+
+II. That, if the ship was recovered, they should afford Friday and
+myself a passage _gratis_ to England.
+
+When he had given me all the satisfaction I could desire, I gave him and
+his two companions each of them a gun, with powder and ball sufficient,
+advising them to fire upon them as they lay sleeping. The Captain
+modestly said, that he was sorry to kill them; though, on the other
+hand, to let these villains escape, who were the authors of his misery,
+might be the ruin of us all. _Well,_ said he, _do as you think fit;_ and
+so accordingly I fired, killed one of the Captain's chief enemies and
+wounding the other; who eagerly called for assistance, but the Captain
+who had reserved his piece, coming up to him, _Sirrah_, said he, _'tis
+too late to call for assistance, you should rather cry to God to pardon
+your villany;_ and so knocked him down with the stock of his gun: three
+others were also slightly wounded, who at my approach cried out for
+mercy. This the Captain granted upon condition that they would swear to
+be true to him in recovering the ship, which they solemnly did; However
+I obliged the Captain to keep them bound. After which I sent Friday and
+the Captain's mate to secure the boat and bring away the oars and sails;
+when, at their return, three men coming back, and seeing their late
+distressed Captain, now their conqueror, submitted to be bound also. And
+then it was, that having more liberty, I related the adventures of my
+whole life, which he heard with a serious and wonderful attention. After
+this, I carried him and his two companions into my little fortified
+castle, shewed them all my conveniences, and refreshed them with such
+provisions as I could afford. When this was over, we began to consider
+about regaining the ship: he said, that there were twenty-six hands on
+board, who knowing their lives were forfeited by the law, for conspiracy
+and mutiny, were so very hardened, that it would be dangerous for our
+small company to attack them. This was a reasonable inference indeed;
+but something we must resolve on, and immediately, put in execution:
+we, therefore heaved the boat upon the beach so high that she could not
+shoot off at high water mark, and broke a hole in her not easily to be
+stopped; so that all the signals they gave for the boat to come on board
+were in vain. This obliged them to send another boat ashore, with ten
+men armed, whose faces the Captain plainly descried, the boatswain being
+the chief officer; but he said there were three honest lads among them,
+who were forced into the conspiracy. Hereupon I gave him fresh courage
+(for I had perceived he was in concern): In the mean while securing our
+prisoners, except two, whom we took to our assistance, we thought
+ourselves able enough to adventure a battle. When the sailors landed,
+and beheld their boat in that condition, they not only hallooed, but
+fired for their companions to hear, yet they received no answer. This
+struck them with horror and amazement, thinking their companions were
+murdered, they made as if they would return to the ship. I could
+perceive the Captain's countenance change at this, till of a sudden
+three men were ordered to look after the boat, while the other seven
+leapt on shore in order to search for their companions; and, indeed,
+they came to the brow of the hill, near my ancient castle, from whence
+they could see to a great distance in the woods, and there shooting and
+hallooing till tired and weary, they at length seated themselves under a
+spreading tree. My opinion was, that nothing could be done till night,
+when I might use some artifice to get them all out of the boat; but of a
+sudden they started up, and made to the sea-side; hereupon I ordered
+Friday and the Captain's mate to go over the creek, and halloo as loud
+as they could, and so decoying them into the woods, come round to me
+again. And this, indeed, had good effect; for they followed the noise,
+till coming westward to the creek, they called for their boat to carry
+them over, and taking one of the men out of her, left two to look after
+her, having fastened her to the stump of a little tree on shore.
+Hereupon immediately the Captain and our party passing the creek, out of
+their sight, we surprised them both, by the Captain's knocking down one,
+and ordering the other in surrender upon pain of death, and who being
+the honestest of them all, sincerely joined with us. By this time it was
+pretty late; when the rest returning to there boat, which they found
+aground in the creek, the tide out, and the men gone, they ran about
+wringing their hands, crying it was an enchanted island, and that they
+should be all murdered by spirits or devils. My men would willingly have
+fallen upon them, but I would not agree to hazard any of our party. But
+to be more certain, Friday & the Captain crawled upon their hands &
+feet, as near as possible; and when the boatswain approached in sight,
+so eager was the Captain, that he fired and killed him on the spot;
+Friday wounded the next man, and a third ran away. Hereupon I advanced
+with, my whole army: and, it being dark, I ordered the man we had
+surprised in the boat, to call them by their names, and to parley with
+them. Accordingly he called out aloud, _Tom Smith, Tom Smith!_ He
+answered, _Who's that? Robinson!_ answered the other. _For God's sake
+Tom, surrender immediately, or you're all dead men. Who must we
+surrender to?_ says Smith. _To our captain and fifty men here, who have
+taken me prisoner, wounded Will Frye, and killed the boatswain. Shall we
+have quarter then?_ said he. Hereupon the Captain calls out, _You Smith,
+you know my voice, surrender immediately, and you shall all have your
+lives granted, except Will Atkins_. Hereupon Atkins cries out, _What
+have I done Captain, more than the rest, who have been as bad as me?_
+But that was a lie, for he was the person that laid hold of him, and
+bound him. However, he was ordered to submit to the governor's mercy,
+for such was I called. And so, laying down their arms, we bound them
+all, and seized on their boat.
+
+After this, the Captain expostulated with them, telling them that the
+governor was an Englishman, who might execute them there; but he thought
+they would be sent to England, except Will Atkins, who was ordered to
+prepare for death next morning. Hereupon Atkins implored the Captain to
+intercede for his life, and the rest begged they might not be sent to
+England. This answered our project for seizing the ship. For after
+sending Atkins and two of the worst fast bound to the cave, and the rest
+being committed to my bower, I sent the Captain to treat with them in
+the, governor's name, offering them pardon if they would assist in
+recovering the ship. Upon which they all promised to stand by him till
+the last drop of their blood; and whoever acted treacherously, should be
+hanged in chains upon the beach. They were all released on these
+assurances: and then the Captain repaired to the other boat, making his
+passenger Captain of her, and gave him four men well armed; while
+himself, his mate, and five more, went in the other boat. By midnight
+they came within call of the ship, when the Captain ordered Robinson to
+hale her, and tell them that with great difficulty they had found the
+men at last. But while they were discoursing, the Captain, his mate and
+the rest entered, and knocked down the second mate and carpenter,
+secured those that were upon the deck, by putting them under hatches,
+while the other boat's crew entered and secured the forecastle; they
+then broke into the round-house, where the mate after some resistance,
+shot the pirate captain through the head, upon which all the rest
+yielded themselves prisoners. And thus the ship being recovered, the
+joyful signal was fired, which I heard with the greatest joy imaginable:
+nor was it long before he brought the ship to an anchor at the creek's
+mouth, where, coming to me unawares, _There_, says he _my dearest friend
+and deliverer, there is your ship, and we are your servants_: a comfort
+so unspeakable, as made me swoon in his arms while, with gratitude to
+Heaven, we were tenderly embracing each other.
+
+Nothing now remaining, but to consult what we should do with the
+prisoners, whom he thought it was not safe to take on board. Hereupon
+concerting with the Captain, I dressed myself in one of his suits, and
+sending for them, told them, that I was going to leave the island with
+all my people, if they would tarry there, their lives should be spared;
+if not, they should be hanged at the first port they came at. They
+agreed to stay. Hereupon I told them my whole story, charging them to be
+kind to the Spaniards that were expected, gave them, all my arms, and
+informing them of every thing necessary for their subsistence, I and my
+man Friday went on board. But the next morning two of the men came
+swimming to the ship's side, desiring the Captain to take them on board,
+though he hanged them afterwards, complaining mightily how barbarously
+the others used them. Upon which I prevailed with the Captain to take
+them in; and being severely whipt and pickled, they proved more honest
+for the future, and so I bid farewell to this island, carrying along
+with me my money, my parrot, umbrella, and goat-skin cap; setting sail
+December 12, 1686, after twenty-eight years, two months, and nineteen
+days residence, that same day and month that I escaped from Sallee;
+landing in England, June 11, 1687, after five and thirty years absence
+from my own country; which rendered me altogether a stranger there.
+
+Here I found my first Captain's widow alive, who had buried a second
+husband, but in very mean circumstances, and whom I made easy upon his
+account. Soon after I went down to Yorkshire, where all my family were
+expired, except two sisters, and as many of one of my brother's
+children. I found no provision had been made for me, they concluding I
+had been long since dead; so that I was but in a very slender station.
+Indeed the Captain did me a great kindness, by his report to the owners,
+how I had delivered their ship on the Desolate Island, upon which they
+made me a present of 200£. sterling. I next went to Lisbon, taking my
+man Friday with me, and there arriving in April, I met the Portuguese
+Captain who had taken me on board on the African coast; but, being
+ancient, he had left off the sea, and resigned all his business to his
+son, who followed the Brazil trade. So altered both of us were, that we
+did not know each other at first, till I discovered myself more fully to
+him. After a few embraces, I began to enquire of my concerns; and then
+the old gentleman told me that it was nine years since he had been at
+Brazil, where my partner was then living, but my trustees were both
+dead; that he believed I should have a good account of the product of my
+plantation; that the imagination of my being lost, had obliged my
+trustees to give an estimate of my share to the procurator fiscal, who,
+in case of my not returning, had given one third to the king & the rest
+to the monastery of St. Augustine: but if I put in my claim, or any one
+for me, it would be returned, except the yearly product which was given
+to the poor. I then desired him to tell me what improvement he thought
+had been made of my plantation, and whether he imagined it was worth my
+while to look after it? he answered, he did not know how much it was
+improved; but this he was certain of, that my partner was grown vastly
+rich upon his half of it; and, that he had been informed, that the kind
+had 200 moidores per annum of his third part. He added, that the
+survivors of my trustees were nervous of an ingenuous character; that my
+partner could witness my title, my name being registered in the country,
+by which means I should indefensibly recover considerable sums of money,
+but, answered, I, how could my trustees dispose of my effects, when I
+made you only my heir? This, said he, was true but, there being no
+affidavit made of my death he could not act as my executor. However, he
+had ordered his don,(then at Brazil), to act by procuration upon my
+account, and he had taken possession of my sugar-house, having accounted
+himself for eight years with my partner and trustees for the profits, of
+which he would give me a very good account.
+
+And, indeed, this he performed very faithfully in a few days, making
+himself indebted to me 470 moidores of gold, over and above what had
+been lost at sea, after I had left the place. And then he recounted to
+me what misfortune he had gone through, which forced my money out of his
+hands, to buy part in a new ship-but says he, _you shall not want, take
+this; and, when my son returns, every farthing shall be paid you._ Upon
+which he put into my hand a purse of 150 moidores in gold, as likewise
+the instrument, containing the title to the ship which his son was in,
+and which he offered as security for the remainder. But really when I
+saw so much goodness, generosity, tenderness, and real honesty, I had
+not the heart to accept it, for fear he should straiten himself upon my
+account. _It is true,_ said he, _it may be so; but then the money is
+yours, not mine, and you may have the greatest occasion for it._
+However, I returned fifty of them back again, promising that I would
+freely forgive him the other hundred when I got my effects into my
+hands, and that I designed to go myself for that purpose. But he told me
+he could save me that trouble, and so caused me to enter my name with a
+public notary, as likewise my affidavit, with a procuration affixed to
+it; and this he ordered me to send in a letter to one of his
+acquaintance, a merchant in Brazil; and, indeed, nothing could be more
+faithfully and honourably observed; for, in seven months time, I had a
+very faithful account of all my effects, what sums of money were raised,
+what expended, and what remained for myself! In a word I found myself
+to be worth 5000£. sterling, and 1000 per annum. Nor was this all, for
+my partner congratulated me upon my being alive, telling me how much my
+plantation was improved; what Negroes were at work, and how many _Ave
+Marias_ he had said to the Virgin Mary for my preservation, desiring me
+to accept kindly some presents he had sent me, which I found showed the
+greatest generosity.
+
+No sooner did the ship arrive, but I rewarded my faithful Captain, by
+returning him the hundred moidores, and not only forgiving him all he
+owed me, I allowed him yearly a hundred more, and fifty to his son,
+during their lives. And now being resolved to go to England, I returned
+letters of thanks to the Prior of St. Augustine, and in particular to my
+old partner, with very suitable presents. By the Captain's advice, I was
+persuaded to go by land to Calais, and there take passage for England:
+when, as it happened, I got a young English gentleman, a merchant's son
+at Lisbon, to accompany me, together with two English, and two
+Portuguese gentleman: so that with a Portuguese servant, an English
+sailor, and my man Friday, there were nine of us in number.
+
+Thus armed and equipped, we set out, and came to Madrid, when the summer
+decaying, we hasted to Navarre, where we were informed that there was
+scarcely any passing, be reason of the prodigious quantity of snow; so
+that we were obliged to abide near twenty days at Pamoeluria, and at
+last to take a guide to conduct us safe towards Tholouse. And now twelve
+other gentlemen joining with us, together with their servants, we had a
+very jolly company. Away our guide led us by frightful mountains, and
+through so many intricate mazes and windings, that we insensibly passed
+them, which, as we travelled along, ushered us into the prospect of the
+fruitful and charming provinces of Languedoc and Galcoigne.
+
+But now came on two adventures, both tragical and comical. First, our
+guide was encountered by three wolves and a bear, who set upon him and
+his horse, and wounded him in three places; upon which my man, riding up
+to his assistance, shot one of them dead upon the spot, which made the
+others retire into the woods. But the pleasantest adventure was, to
+behold my man attack the bear. 'Tis such a creature, that if you let him
+alone, he will never meddle with you, and this my man very well knew,
+and so begging leave of me in broken English, he told us, _he would make
+good laugh_. 'Why, you silly fool,' said I, 'he'll eat you up at a
+mouthful.' _Eatee me up,_ replied he, by way of scorn, _me not only
+eatee him, but make much good laugh._ Upon which, pulling off his boots,
+he claps on his pumps, and running after the monstrous beast, he called
+out, that he wanted to discourse with him, and then throwing stones on
+purpose to incense him, the beast turns about in fury, and, with
+prodigious strides, shuffles after him. But though he was not swift
+enough to keep up pace with Friday, who made up to us as it were for
+help; yet being angry, 'You dog,' said I, 'immediately take horse, and
+let us shoot the creature.' But he cried, _Dear master, no shoot, me
+make you laugh much._ And so he turned about, making signs to follow,
+while the bear ran after, till coming to a great oak, he ascended in a
+minute, leaving his gun, at the bottom of it. Nor did the bear make any
+difficulty of it, but ascended like a cat, though his weight was very
+great. You must consider I was not a little amazed at the folly of my
+man, as not perceiving any thing to occasion our laughter, till such
+time as we rode up nearer, and beheld the bear mounted upon the oak, on
+the beginning of the same branch, to which Friday clung at the farther
+end, where the bear durst not come. Hereupon Friday cried out, _Now
+master, me make much laugh, me make bear dance._ Upon which he fell a
+shaking the bough, which made the creature look behind him, to see how
+he could retreat. Then as if the bear had understood his stammering
+English, _Why you no come farther, Mr. Bear_ said he, _pray, Mr. Bear
+come farther_; and then indeed we all burst into a laughter; especially
+when we perceived Friday drop like a squirrel upon the ground, leaving
+the beast to make the best of his way down the tree. And now thinking it
+the most convenient time to shoot the creature, Friday cried out, _O
+dear master, no shoot, me shoot by and by_; when taking up the gun, _me
+no shoot yet_, said he _me make one more much laugh._ And accordingly he
+was as good as his word; for the creature descending backwards from the
+tree very leisurely, before he could lay one foot on the ground, Friday
+shot him through the ear, stone dead; and looking to see whether we were
+pleased, he burst out into a hearty laughter, saying, _So we kill de
+bear in my country, not with the gun, but with much long arrows._ Thus
+ended our diversion, to our great satisfaction; especially in a place
+where the terrible howlings struck us with a continual terror. But the
+snows now growing very deep, particularly on the mountains, the ravenous
+creatures were then obliged to seek for sustenance in the villages, were
+coming by surprise on the country people, killed several of them,
+besides a great number of their sheep and horses.
+
+Our guide told us, we had yet one more dangerous place to pass by; and
+if their were any more wolves in the country, there we should find them.
+This was a small plain encompassed with woods, to get through a long
+lane to the village where we were to lodge. When we entered the wood,
+the sun was within half an hour of setting: and a little after it was
+set, we came into the plain, which was not above two furlongs over, and
+then we perceived five great wolves cross the road, without taking
+notice of us, and so swift as though they were pursuing after their
+prey. Hereupon our guide, believing there were more coming, desired us
+to be on our guard. Accordingly our eyes were very circumspect, till
+about half a league farther, we perceived a dead horse, and near a dozen
+of wolves devouring its carcase. My man Friday fain would have fired at
+them, but I would not permit him; nor had we gone half over the plain,
+but we heard dreadful howlings in a wood on our left, when presently we
+saw an hundred come up against us, as though they had been an
+experienced army. This obliged us to form ourselves in the best manner;
+and then I ordered that every other man should fire, that those who did
+not, might be ready to gave a second volley, should they advance upon
+us; and then every man should make use of his pistols. But there was no
+necessity for this; for the enemy being terrified stopped at the noise
+of the fire; four of them were shot dead, and, several others being
+wounded; went bleeding away, as we could very plainly discover by the
+snow. And now remembering what had been often told me, that such was the
+majesty of a man's voice, as to strike terror even in the fiercest
+creatures, I ordered all our companions to halloo as loud as possible;
+and in this notion I was not altogether mistaken; for they immediately
+turned about upon the first halloo, and began to retire; upon which,
+ordering a second volley in their rear, they galloped into the woods
+with great precipitation.
+
+Thus we had some small time to load our pieces again, and then made all
+the haste we could on our way; but we had not rode far, before we were
+obliged to put ourselves in a posture of defence as before, being
+alarmed with a very dreadful noise in the same wood, on our left hand,
+the same way as we were to pass, only that it was at some distance from
+us. By this time the darksome clouds began to spread over the elements,
+and the night growing very dusky, made it so much the more to our
+disadvantage; but still the noise increasing, we were fully assured,
+that it was the howling and the yelling of those ravenous creatures;
+when presently three troops of wolves on our front appeared in sight, as
+though a great number of them had a design to surround us, and devour us
+in spite of fate. But as they did not fall upon us immediately, we
+proceeded on our journey in as swift a manner as the roads would permit
+our horses, which was only a large trot. It was in this manner we
+travelled, till such a time as we discovered another wood, and had the
+prospect of its entrance through which were to pass, at the farthest
+side of the plain. But surely none can express the terror we were in,
+when approaching the lane, we perceived a confused number of the
+fiercest wolves, standing, as it were guarding its entrance. Nor were we
+long in this amazement, before another occasion of horror presented
+itself; for suddenly we heard the report of a gun at another opening in
+the wood and, looking that way, out ran a horse bridled and saddled,
+flying with the greatest swiftness, and no less than sixteen or
+seventeen wolves pursuing after him, in order to devour the poor
+creature; and unquestionably they did so, after they had run him down,
+not being able to hold out that swiftness with which he at first
+escaped them.
+
+When we rode up to that entrance from whence the horse came forth, there
+lay the carcases of another horse & two men, mangled and torn by these
+devouring wolves; and undoubtedly one of these men was the person who
+fired the gun which we had heard, for the piece lay by him; but alas!
+most of the upper part of his body and his head were entombed in the
+bowels of these ravenous creatures.
+
+What course to take, whether to proceed or retreat, we could not tell;
+but it was not long before the wolves themselves made us to come to a
+resolution; for such numbers surrounded us, every one of whom expected
+their prey, that were our bodies to be divided among them, there would
+not be half a mouthful a-piece. But happy, very happy it was for us,
+that but a little way from the entrance, there lay some very large
+timber trees, which I supposed had been cut down and laid there for
+sale: amongst which I drew my little troop, placing ourselves in a line
+behind one long tree, which served us for a breast work, when desiring
+them to alight, we stood in a triangle, or three fronts, closing our
+bodies in the centre, the only place where we could preserve them.
+
+Never certainly was there a more furious charge than what the wolves
+made upon us in this place: and the sight of the horses, which was the
+principal prey they aimed at, provoked their hunger, and added to their
+natural fierceness. They came on us with a most dreadful noise, that
+made the woods ring again: and beginning to mount the pieces of timber,
+I ordered every man to fire, as before directed: and, indeed, so well
+did they take their aim, that they killed several of the wolves at the
+first volley; but still we were obliged to keep a continual firing, by
+reason they came on like devils, pushing one another with the greatest
+fury. But our second volley something abated their courage, when
+stopping a little, we hoped they would have made the best of their way,
+however, it did not prove so, for others made a new attempt upon us; and
+though in four firings, we killed seventeen or eighteen of them, laming
+twice as many, yet they several times successively came on, as though
+they valued not their lives for the sake of their prey.
+
+Unwilling was I to spend our last shot too suddenly, and therefore
+calling my other servant, and giving him a horn of powder, bid him lay a
+large train quite along the timber, which he did, while Friday was
+charging my fusee and his own, with the greatest dexterity. By this time
+the wolves coming up the timber, I set fire to the train, by snapping a
+discharged pistol close to the powder. This so scorched and terrified
+them, that some fell down, and others jumped in among us: but there
+were immediately dispatched, when all the rest, frighted with the
+light, which the darksome night caused to appear more dreadful, began at
+length to retire; upon which ordering our last pistols to be fired at
+once, giving at the same time a great shout, the wolves were obliged to
+have recourse to their swiftness, and turn tail; and then we sallied out
+upon twenty lame ones, cutting them in pieces with our swords, which
+obliged them to howl lamentably, to the terror of their fellows, who
+resigned to us the field as victorious conquerors. And, indeed, I
+question whether Alexander king of Macedonia, in any of his conquests,
+had more occasion for triumph than we had; for he was but attacked with
+numerous armies of soldiers; whereas our little army was obliged to
+combat a legion of devils, as it were, worse than the cannibals, who,
+the same moment they had slain us, would have sacrificed us, to satisfy
+their voracious appetites.
+
+Thus ended our bloody battle with the beasts, having killed threescore
+of them, and saved our lives from their fury. We still had a league
+further to go, when, as we went, our ears were saluted with their most
+unwelcome howlings, and we expected every moment another attack. But, in
+an hour's time, we arrived at the town where we were to lodge; and here
+we found the place strictly guarded, and all in terrible confusion, as
+well they might, for fear of the bears and wolves breaking into the
+village, in order to prey upon their cattle and people. The next morning
+we were obliged to take a new guide, by reason the other fell very bad
+of his wounds, which he had received as before mentioned. After we had
+reached Tholouse, we came into a warm, pleasant, and fruitful country,
+not infested with wolves, nor any sort of ravenous creatures: and when
+we told our story there, they much blamed our guide, for conducting us
+through the forest at the foot of the mountains, in such a severe
+season, when the snow obliged the wolves to seek for shelter in the
+woods. When we informed them in what manner we placed ourselves, and the
+horses in the centre, they exceedingly reprehended us, and told us, it
+was an hundred to one, but we had been all destroyed; for that it was
+the very sight of the horses, their so much desired prey, that made the
+wolves more ragingly furious than they would have been, which was
+evident, by their being at other times really afraid of a gun; but then
+being exceedingly hungry and furious upon that account, their eagerness
+to come at the horses made them insensible of their danger; and that, if
+we had not, by a continual fire, and at last by the cunning stratagem of
+the train of powder, got the better of them, it had been great odds if
+their number had not overpowered us; besides, it was a great mercy we
+alighted from our horses, and fought them with that courage and conduct,
+which, had we failed to do, every man of us, with our beasts, had been
+devoured: and, indeed, this was nothing but truth; for never in my life
+was I so sensible of danger, as when three hundred, devils came roaring
+upon us, to shun whose unwelcome company, if I was sure to meet a storm
+every week; I would rather go a thousand leagues by sea.
+
+I think I have, nothing uncommon in my passage through France to take
+notice of, since other travellers of greater learning and ingenuity,
+have given more ample account than my pen is able to set forth. From
+Tholouse I travelled to Paris, from thence to Calais, where I took
+shipping, and landed at Dover the 14th of January, in a very
+cold season.
+
+Thus come to the end of my travels, I soon discovered my new found
+estate, and all the bills of exchange I had were currently paid. The
+good ancient widow, my only privy counsellor, thought no pains nor care
+too great to procure my advantage, nor had I ever occasion to blame her
+fidelity, which drew from me an ample reward. I was for leaving my
+effects in her hands, intending to set out for Lisbon, and so the
+Brazils; but as in the Desolate Island I had some doubt about the Romish
+religion, so I knew there was little encouragement to settle there,
+unless I would apostatize from the orthodox faith, or live in continual
+fear of the Inquisition. Upon this account I resolved to sell my
+plantation; and, for that intent, I wrote to my old friend at Lisbon,
+who returned to me an answer to my great satisfaction; which was, that
+he could sell it to good account; however, if I thought it convenient to
+give him liberty to offer it in my name to the two merchants, the
+survivors of my trustees residing at the Brazils, who consequently knew
+its intrinsic value, having lived just upon the spot, and who I was
+sensible were very rich, and therefore might be the more willing to
+purchase it: he did not in the least doubt, but that I should make four
+or five thousand pieces of eight more of it, than I could, if I disposed
+of it in any other manner whatsoever.
+
+You may be sure I could not but agree with this kind and ingenuous
+proposal; and immediately I sent him an order to offer it to them, which
+he accordingly did; so that about eight months after, the ship being in
+that time returned, he gave me a satisfactory account, that they not
+only willingly accepted the offer, but that they had also remitted
+33,000 pieces of eight to a correspondence of their own at Lisbon, in
+order to pay for the purchase.
+
+Hereupon, in return, I signed the instrument of sale, according to form,
+which they had sent from Lisbon, and returned it again to my old friend,
+he having sent me, for me estate, bills of three hundred and
+twenty-eight thousand pieces of eight, reserving the payment of one
+hundred moidores per annum, which I had allowed him during life,
+likewise: fifty to his son during life also, according to my faithful
+promise, which the plantation was to make good as a rent charge.
+
+And thus having led my reader to the knowledge of the first parts of my
+life so remarkable for the many peculiar providences that attended it,
+floating in the ocean of uncertainty and disappointment, of adversity
+and prosperity, beginning foolishly, and yet ending happily; methinks
+now that I am come to a safe & pleasant haven, it is time to cast out my
+anchor, &c, laying up my vessel, bid, for a while, adieu to foreign
+adventures. I had no other concerns to look after but the care of my
+brother's two sons, which, with the good widow's persuasions, obliged me
+to continue at home seven years. One of these children I bred up a
+gentleman, and the other an experienced sailor, remarkable for his
+courage and bravery. Besides this, I married a virtuous young
+gentlewoman, of a very good family, by whom I had two sons and one
+daughter. But my dear and tender wife leaving this earthly stage (as in
+the second part of my life you will hear) which rent my soul as it were
+asunder, my native country became weary and tiresome to me; and my
+nephew happening to come from sea, tempted me to venture another voyage
+to the East Indies, which I did in the year 1694, at which time I
+visited my island, and informed myself of every thing that happened
+since my departure.
+
+One might reasonably imagine, that what I had suffered, together with an
+advanced age, and the fear of losing not only what I had gotten, but my
+life also, might have choaked up all the seeds of youthful ambition and
+curiosity, and put a lasting period to my wandering inclinations. But as
+nothing but death can fully allay the active part of my life, no less
+remarkable for the many various contingencies of it, you will next
+perceive how I visited my little kingdom, saw my successors the
+Spaniards, had an account of the usage they met with from the
+Englishmen, agreeing and disagreeing, uniting and separating, till at
+last they were subjected to the Spaniards, who yet used them very
+honorably, together with the wonderful and successful battles over the
+Indians who invaded, and thought to have conquered the island, but were
+repelled by their invincible courage and bravery, having taken eleven
+men and five woman prisoners by which at my return, I found about twenty
+young children on my little kingdom. Here I staid twenty days, left them
+supplies of all necessary things, as also a carpenter and smith, and
+shared the islands into parts, reserving the whole property to myself.
+Nor will you be insensible, by the account of these things, of several
+new adventures I have been engaged in, the battles I have fought, the
+deliverances I have met with; and while, in the surprising relation of
+such remarkable occurrences, I shall describe many of God's kindest
+providences to me in particular, no less conspicuous in the same
+goodness, power, and majesty of our great creator, shown one way or
+other, over the face of the earth, if duly adverted to.
+
+
+
+THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF
+
+ROBINSON CRUSOE.
+
+_Wherein are contained several strange and surprising accounts of his
+travels, and his most remarkable transactions both by sea and by land;
+with his wonderful vision of the angelic world_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When we consider the puissant force of Nature and, what mighty influence
+it has many times over the temper of the mind, it will be no such great
+wonder to think, that my powerful reason should be overcome by a much
+stronger inclination. My late acquired kingdom ran continually in my
+thoughts all the day, and I dreamed of it in the night: nay, I made it
+the continual subject of my talk, even to impertinence, when I was
+awake. I had such vapours in my head, that I actually supposed myself at
+my castle; that I not only perceived Friday's father the old Spaniard,
+and the wicked sailors, but that I talked and discoursed with them about
+their manner of living; that I heard the things related to me, which I
+found afterwards to be true; & that I executed my judgments with the
+greatest severity upon the offenders. And, indeed, this anticipating all
+the pleasing joys of my life, scarcely afforded me one pleasant hour: my
+dear and tender wife could not but take notice of it, which drew those
+affectionate speeches from her: _My dear,_ said she, _I am really
+persuaded that some secret impulse from Heaven occasions in you a
+determination to see the island again; nor am I less sensible, but your
+being engaged to me and these dear children is the only hinderance of
+your departure. I know my dear, if I were in the grave, you would not
+long continue at home; prevent not your happiness on my account, whose
+only comfort centres in you. All that I can object is, that such an
+hazardous undertaking is no way consistent with a person of your years;
+but if you are resolved to go,_ added she, weeping, _only permit me to
+bear you company, and that is all that I desire._
+
+Such endearing tenderness, graced with the most innocent and yet most
+powerful charms, brought me insensibly into my right understanding; and
+when I considered all the transactions of my life, and particularly my
+new engagement, that I had now one child already born, and my wife big
+of another; and that I had no occasion to seek for more riches, who
+already was blessed with sufficiency, with much struggling I altered my
+resolutions at last, resolving to apply myself to some business or
+other, which might put a period to such wandering inclinations. Hereupon
+I bought a little farm in the county of Bedford, with a resolution to
+move thither; upon this there was a pretty convenient house surrounded
+with land, very capable of improvement, which suited my temper, as to
+planting, managing, and cultivating. Nor was I long before I entered
+upon my new settlement, having bought ploughs, harrows, carts, waggons,
+horses, cows, and sheep; so that I now led the life of a country
+gentleman, and as happy in my retirement as the greatest monarch in the
+world. And what made me think my happiness the greater was, that I was
+in the middle state of life, which my father had so often recommended,
+much resembling the felicity of a rural retirement, which is elegantly
+described by the poet in these lines:
+
+_Free from all vices, free from care,
+Age has no pain, and youth no snare._
+
+But, in the midst of this my happiness, I was suddenly plunged in the
+greatest sorrow that I could possibly endure; for when I least expected
+it, my dear and tender wife was forced to submit to the irresistable
+power of Death, leaving this transitory life for a better. It is
+impossible for me to express the beauties of her mind, or the loveliness
+of her person; neither can I too much lament her loss, which my latest
+breath shall record; her influence was greater over me, than the powers
+of my own reason, the importunities of friends, the instructions of a
+father, or the melting tears of a tender and disconsolate mother; in a
+word, she was the spirit of all my affairs, and the centre of my
+enterprizes. But now, since the cruel hand of Death had closed my
+dearest's eyes, I seemed in my thoughts a stranger to the world; my
+privy counsellor being gone, I was like a ship without a pilot, that
+could only run before the wind. And when I looked around me in this busy
+world, one party labouring for bread, and the other squandering away
+their estates; this put me in mind how I had lived in my little kingdom,
+where both reason and religion dictated to me, that there was something
+that certainly was the reason and end of life, which was far superior to
+what could be hoped for on this side the grave. My country delights were
+now as insiped and dull, as music and science to those who have neither
+taste nor ingenuity. In short, resolving to leave off house-keeping, I
+left my farm, and in a few months returned to London.
+
+But neither could that great city, so famous for its variety of
+entertainment, afford me any agreeable delight; a state of idleness I
+found to be the very dregs of life, and most hurtful to body and soul.
+It was now the beginning of the year 1684, at which time my nephew (who
+as I before observed had been brought up to the sea, and advanced to be
+captain of a ship) was returned from a short voyage to Bilboz, the first
+he had made in that station. He comes to me one morning, telling me that
+some merchants of his acquaintance had proposed to him to go a voyage
+for them to the East Indies and China in the manner of private traders;
+_and now uncle_, said he, _if you'll accompany me thither, I'll engage
+to land you upon your old island, to visit the state of your
+little kingdom_.
+
+Just before he came in, my thoughts were fixed to get a patent for its
+possession, and then to fill it with inhabitants. After I had paused a
+while, and looked stedfastly on him. _What devil or spirit_, said I,
+_sent you with this unlucky errand_? He started at first; but recovering
+himself, when he perceived I was not offended; _Sir_, replied he, _what
+I have proposed cannot I hope, be styled unlucky, since certainly you
+must be desirous to see your little territory, where you reigned with
+more content, than any of your brother kings in the universe. Nephew_,
+said I, _if you will leave me there, and call for me as you came back, I
+care not if I give my consent_: but he answered, _that the merchants
+would not allow their vessel loaden with an infinite value, to return
+there again, which was a month's sail out of the way; besides, Sir_ said
+he, _if I should miscarry, was your request granted, why then you would
+be locked up as before_. This indeed carried a great deal of reason in
+it; but we found out a remedy, and that was to carry a framed sloop on
+board, ready to be set up in the island, by the assistance of some
+carpenters, which we should carry with us, that might be fitted in a few
+days to go to sea. I was not long in forming my resolution, which
+overswayed my good friend the widow's persuasions, and the natural
+affection I bore to my young children. I made my will, and settled my
+estate in such manner, that I was perfectly sure my poor infants would
+have justice done them. The good widow not only undertook to make
+provision, for my voyage, but also took the charge of my domestic
+affairs, and to provide for my children's education; and indeed no
+mother could take more care, or understood that office better; for which
+I lived to reward and return her my hearty thanks.
+
+The beginning of January, 1694.5, my nephew being ready to sail, I and
+Friday went on board in the Downs on the 8th, having, besides that sloop
+already mentioned, a very considerable cargo for my new colony. First, I
+had some servants, whom I proposed to leave there, as they should appear
+willing; there were two carpenters, a smith, and a very ingenuous fellow
+who was Jack-of-all-trades; for he was not only a cooper by trade, but
+also he was dexterous at making wheels and hand-mills to grind corn,
+likewise a good turner, and a good pot-maker. I also carried a tailor,
+who consented to stay in my plantation, and proved a most necessary
+fellow in the island. As to my cargo, it consisted of a sufficient
+quantity of linen, and English stuffs for clothing the Spaniards that I
+expected to find there; as likewise gloves, hats, shoes, stockings;
+together with beds, bedding, and household stuff, especially kitchen
+utensils, with pots, kettles, pewter, brass, &c. also nails, tools of
+all sorts, staples, hooks, hinges, and all other things necessary; all
+which, I think, cost me about three hundred pounds. Nor was this all for
+I carried an hundred spare arms, muskets, & fusees, besides some
+pistols, a considerable quantity of several sorts of shot, two brass
+cannon, besides swords, cutlasses, and the iron part of some pikes and
+halberts. I made my nephew take with us two small quarter-deck guns,
+more than he had occasion for in his ship, to leave behind, if there was
+a necessity; so that we might build a fort there, and man it against all
+opposers whatsoever.
+
+Well, we put out to sea; and though I can't say this voyage was so
+unprosperous as my others had been, yet contrary winds drove us so far
+northward, that we were obliged to put in at Galway in Ireland, where we
+lay wind-bound two and twenty days. Here indeed our provisions were very
+cheap, and we added to our ship's stores by taking several live hogs,
+two cows and calves, which I then resolved to put on shore in my island,
+if our necessities did not call for them. On the 5th of February we
+sailed from Ireland, with a very fair gale, which lasted for some days;
+and I think it was about the 20th of the same month late in the evening,
+when the mate informed us, that he saw a flash of fire, and heard a gun
+fired: and when he was speaking a boy came in and told us, that the
+boatswain had heard another. Upon which we all ran to the quarter-deck,
+from whence, in a few moments, we perceived a terrible fire at a
+distance. We had immediately recourse to our reckonings, in which, we
+were all of opinion, that there could be no land that way, it appearing
+to be at N.N.W. Hereupon we concluded that some ship had taken fire at
+sea, and that it could not be far off by the report of the guns which we
+had heard. We made up directly to it, and in half an hour's time the
+wind being fair, we could plainly perceive a great ship on fire in the
+middle of the sea. Touched with this unhappy disaster, and considering
+my former circumstances, when the Portuguese Captain took me up, I
+immediately ordered five guns to be fired that the poor creatures, not
+seeing us, it being dark, (though we could perceive their flame) might
+be sensible there was deliverance at hand, and consequently might
+endeavor to save themselves in their boat. Nor was it long before the
+ship blew up in the air and the fire was extinguished in the ocean. But
+supposing them all to be in their boats, we hung out our lanterns and
+kept firing till eight o'clock in the morning; when with our
+perspectives, we beheld two boats full of people making towards us tho'
+the tide was against them then spreading out our ancient; and hanging
+out a waft, as a signal for them to come on board, in half an hour's
+time; we came up to them, and took them all in, there being no less than
+sixty-four men, women, and children. It was a French merchant ship of
+three hundred tons; homeward bound from Quebec in the river of Canada.
+The master informed me how, by the negligence of the steersman, the
+steerage was set on fire: that, at his outcry for help, the fire was, as
+we thought totally extinguished; but, that some sparks getting between
+the timber, and within the ceiling, it proceeded into the hold, where
+there was no resisting it; & then they got into their boats, as
+creatures in the last extremity, with what provision they had, together
+with oars, sails, and a compass, intending to go back to Newfoundland,
+the wind blowing at S.E. and by E. though there were several chances
+against them as storms to overset and founder them, rains and colds to
+benumb and perish their limbs, and contrary winds to keep them back and
+starve them; _But_, said he, _in this our great distress we heard the
+welcome report of your guns, when with unspeakable joy, taking down our
+masts and sails, we were resolved to lie by till morning; but perceiving
+your light, we set our oars at work, to keep our boat a head, the sooner
+to attain your ship, the happy instrument of our deliverance_.
+
+Indeed no one can express the joy of these poor creatures on this
+occasion: fear and grief are easily set forth; sighs and tears, with a
+few motions of the hands and head, are all the demonstrations of these
+passions; but an excess of joy, carries in it a thousand extravagancies;
+especially, I think, among the French, whose temper is allowed to be
+more volatile, passionate, sprightly, and gay, than that of other
+nations. Some were weeping, tearing themselves in the greatest agonies
+of sorrow, and running stark mad about the ship, while the rest were
+stamping with their feet, wringing their hands, singing, laughing,
+swooning away, vomiting, fainting, with a few returning hearty thanks to
+the Almighty; and crossing themselves. I think, if I am not mistaken,
+our surgeon was obliged to let thirty of them blood. But among the
+passengers, there were two priests, the one an old, and the other a
+young man; but what amazed me more was, that the oldest was in the worst
+plight; for no sooner did he perceive himself freed from danger, but he
+dropt down as it were without life, and to every one's appearance quite
+dead; but the surgeon chasing and rubbing his arm, opened a vein, which
+at first dropped, and then flowing more freely, the old man began to
+open his eyes; and in a quarter of an hour was well again. But soon
+remembering this happy change, the joy of which whirled his blood about
+faster than the vessels could convey it, he became so feverish, as made
+him more fit for bedlam than any other place. But the surgeon giving
+him a sleepy dose, he was perfectly composed the next morning.
+
+Remarkable indeed was the behaviour of the young priest. At his entrance
+on board the ship, he fell on his face in the most humble prostration to
+the Almighty. I thought, indeed, he had fallen into a swoon, and so ran
+to help him up; but he modestly told me, _he was returning his thanks to
+the Almighty, desiring me to leave him a few moments, and that, next to
+his Creator, he would return me thanks also_. And indeed he did so about
+three minutes after, with great seriousness, and affection, while the
+tears stood in his eyes, which convinced me of the gratitude of his
+soul. Nor did he less show his piety and wisdom in applying himself to
+his country people, and labouring to compose them, by the most powerful
+reasons, arguments, and persuasions. And when, indeed, these people had
+taken their night's repose, in such lodgings as our ship would allow, we
+found nothing but the best of manners, and the most civil
+acknowledgements, for which the French are eminently remarkable. The
+next day the Captain and one of the priests desired to speak with me and
+my nephew the commander. They told us, _that they had saved some money
+and valuable things out of the ruined vessel, which was at our service;
+only that they desired to be set on shore some where in our way_. At the
+first my nephew was for accepting the money; but I (who knew how hard my
+case would have been, had the Portuguese Captain served me so) persuaded
+him to the contrary; and therefore told them, _that as we had done
+nothing but what we were obliged to do, by nature and humanity, and what
+we ourselves might expect from others in such calamity; so we took them
+up to save them, not to plunder them, or leave them naked upon the land,
+to perish for want of subsistance, and therefore would not accept their
+money: but as to landing them, that was a great difficulty; for being
+bound to the East Indies, it was impossible wilfully to change our
+voyage upon their particular account, nor could my nephew_ (who was
+under charter party to pursue it by was of Brazil) _answer it to the
+freighters_. All that we could do, was to put ourselves in the way of
+meeting some ships homeward bound from the West Indies, that, if
+possible, they might get a passage to France or England. Indeed, they
+were very thankful for our first kindness; but were under great concern,
+especially the passengers, at their being carried to the East Indies.
+_They begged therefore, I would keep on the banks of Newfoundland,
+where, probably, they might meet with some ship, or sloop to carry them
+to Canada, whence they came._ As this was but a reasonable request, I
+was inclined to grant it, since it was no breach of charter party, and
+that the laws of God and nature obliged us to do what good we could to
+our fellow-creatures; and besides the danger we ourselves should be in
+for want of provisions: so we consented to carry them to Newfoundland,
+if wind and weather would permit; if not, that we should carry them to
+Martinico in the West Indies. But, as it happened, in a week's time we
+made the banks of Newfoundland, where the French people hired a bark to
+carry them to France. But the young priest being desirous to go to the
+East Indies, I readily agreed to it, because I liked his conversation,
+and two or three of the French sailors also entered themselves on
+board our ship.
+
+Now directing our course for the West Indies, steering S. and S. by E.
+about twenty days, with little wind, another adventure happened to
+exercise our humanity. In the latitude of 27 degrees, 5 minutes north,
+the 19th of March 1694-5, we perceived a sail, (our course S. E. and by
+S.) which bore upon us, and then she appeared to be a large vessel,
+having lost her main topmast and boltsprit; when firing a gun as a
+signal of distress, wind N. N.W. we soon came to speak with her. She was
+a ship from Bristol, bound home from Barbadoes, out of which road she
+had been forced in a hurricane to the westward, in which they lost
+their masts.
+
+They told us, _their expectations were to see the Bahama islands, but
+were driven away by a strong wind at N.N.W. and having no sails to work
+the ship with, but the main-course and a kind of square sail upon a jury
+foremast, because they could not come near the land, were endeavouring
+to stand for the Canaries: nay what was worse, besides all their
+fatigue, they were almost starved for want of provision, having ate
+nothing for eleven all that they had aboard, was sugar, a barrel of
+fresh water and seven casks of rum_. In this ship were passengers, a
+youth, his mother, and a maid-servant, who were in a most deplorable
+condition for want of food. If I had not gone on board their ship, the
+knowledge of their misery had been concealed from me, and they would
+have inevitably perished; though, indeed, their second mate who was
+Captain, by reason the true Captain was not on board when the hurricane
+happened, had before informed me that there was such persons on board,
+whom he supposed to be dead, being afraid to inquire after them, because
+he had nothing to give them for relief. Hereupon we resolved to let them
+have what we could spare, ordering the mate to bring some of his men on
+board us, which he did accordingly: as he and they looked like
+skeletons, when meat was set before them, I ordered them to eat
+sparingly. But, however they soon fell sick; which obliged the surgeon
+to mix something in their broth, which was to be to them both food and
+physic. When they were fed, we ordered our mate to carry them a sack of
+bread, and four or five pieces of beef; but the surgeon charged them to
+see it boiled, and to keep a guard on the cook-room, to prevent the men
+from eating it raw, and consequently killing themselves with what was
+designed for their relief. But, particularly, I desired the mate to see
+what condition the poor passengers were in, and the surgeon gave him a
+pitcher of the same broth which he had prepared for the men. And being
+curious to see this scene of misery myself, I took the Captain (as we
+called the mate of the ship) in our own boat, and sailed after them.
+
+Here was a sad sight indeed! scarce were the victuals half boiled in the
+pot; but they were ready to break open the cook-room door. To stay their
+stomachs the mate gave them biscuits, which were dipped in and softened
+them with the liquor of the meat, which they call _bruise_; telling
+them, it was for their own safety, that he was obliged to give them but
+a little at a time; and so feeding them gradually, their bellies were
+comfortable filled, and the men did very well again. But when they came
+to the poor gentlewoman in the cabin, who for several days had continued
+without food, giving what she had to her son, they found her as it were
+in the arms of death. She was sitting upon the floor of the deck, with
+her back up against the sides, between two chairs, which were lashed
+fast, and her head shrunk, between her shoulders, like a senseless
+corpse. Nothing was wanting in my mate to revive and encourage her;
+opening her lips, and putting some broth into her mouth with a spoon.
+But not having strength to speak, she lifted up her head with much
+difficulty, intimating that it was now too late! at the same time
+pointing to the youth her son, as though she desired him to do what he
+could to save the lad; and in a little time after she died.
+
+The youth, indeed, was not so far gone; yet lay stretched out on a cabin
+bed, like one that had scarce any life. In his mouth was a piece of an
+old glove, the rest of which he had ate up. At first he vomited what the
+mate had given him; but at length began sensibly to revive, though in
+the greatest concern for the death of his tender mother.
+
+As to the poor maid, she lay by her mistress, like one in the last pangs
+of death: her limbs were distorted, one of her hands were clasped round
+the frame of a chair, which she grasped so hard, that it was with some
+difficulty we separated her from it; her other arm lay over her head,
+and her feet lay both together, set fast against the frame of the cabin
+table; not only being, starved with hunger, but overcome with grief at
+the loss of her mistress, whom she loved most tenderly. It was a great
+while before the surgeon could bring her to life, and a much longer time
+before she came to her senses.
+
+After we had sailed with them some days, we sent them five barrels of
+beef, one of pork, two hogsheads of biscuit, with peas, flour, and other
+things; taking three casks of sugar, some rum, and some pieces of eight
+as payment, we left them, but took the youth and maid with us, with all
+their goods. The lad was about seventeen years old, very handsome,
+modest, sensible, and well-bred, but mightily concerned for the loss
+of his honoured mother, having lost his father at Barbadoes but a few
+months before. He beseeched the surgeon to intercede with me to take him
+out of the ship; for that the sailors, not sparing a small sustenance,
+had starved his mother. But hunger has no bounds, no right, and
+consequently is incapable of any compassion. When the surgeon told him,
+our voyage might put him in bad circumstances, and farther from his
+friends, he said _he did not care, if he was delivered from that terrible
+crew; that as the Captain_ (meaning me) _had saved him from death, so he
+was sure he would do him no harm; and, as for the maid, when she was
+restored to her senses, she would be no less thankful, let us carry them
+where we would_. And indeed the surgeon so represented their case to me,
+that I consented, and took them on board with all their goods, except
+eleven hogsheads of sugar; but the youth having a bill of lading, I made
+the commander oblige himself to deliver a letter and the deceased widow's
+goods to Mr. Rogers, a merchant in Bristol; but I believe the ship was
+lost at sea, for we never could hear what became of her afterwards. We
+were now in the latitude 19 deg. 32 min. having as yet a tolerable good
+voyage. But, passing by several little incidents relating to wind and
+weather, I shall relate what is most remarkable concerning my little
+kingdom, to which I was then drawing near. I had great difficulty in
+finding it, for as I came to, and went from it before, on the south and
+east side of the island, as coming from the Brazils, so now approaching
+between the main and the island, not having any chart for the coast, nor
+land mark, it obliged us to go on shore on several islands in the mouth
+of the river Oroonoko, but to the purpose. Thus I perceived, that what
+I thought was a continent before, was no such thing, but a long island,
+or rather a ridge of sands. On one of these islands I found some
+Spaniards, but they belonged to the isle of Trinidad, who came hither
+in a sloop to make salt, and try to find some pearl muscles. But at
+length I came fair on the south side of my island, and there I
+presently knew the countenance of my little kingdom; so we brought the
+ship safe to an anchor, broadside within the creek, where stood my
+ancient and venerable castle.
+
+No sooner did I see the place, but calling for Friday, I asked him where
+he was? But when he looked a little, he clapped his hands, crying, _O
+joy, O there, O yes, O there!_ pointing to our old abode, and then fell
+a dancing and capering as if he was mad, and I had much ado to keep him
+from jumping into the sea, to swim ashore. 'Friday,' said I, 'what do you
+think, shall we go to see your father?' at the mentioning his father's
+name, the poor affectionate creature fell a-weeping: _No, no,_ says he,
+_me see him no more, never see poor father more! he long ago die, die
+long ago: he much old man._ 'You don't know that,' said I, 'but shall we
+see anybody else?' He looks about, and pointing to the hill above my
+house, cries out, _We see, we see there much men and there_: which,
+though I could not perceive them with my perspective glass, was true,
+by what the men themselves told me the next day.
+
+When the English ancient was spread, and three guns fired, as a signal
+of friendship, we perceived a smoke rise from the creek; upon which I
+ordered the boat out, taking Friday with me, and hanging out a white
+flag of truce, I went on shore, accompanied also by the young friar, to
+whom I had related the history of the first part of my life; besides we
+had sixteen men well armed, in case we had met with any opposition.
+
+After we had rowed directly into the creek, the first man I fixed my eye
+upon was the Spaniard, whose life I had saved, and whose face I
+perfectly well knew. I ordered them all to stay in the boat for a while:
+but Friday, perceiving his father at a distance, would have jumped into
+the sea, had they not let the boat go. No sooner was he on shore, but he
+flew like a swift arrow out of a bow to embrace his aged father.
+Certainly it would melt a man of the firmest resolution into the softest
+tears to see with what uncommon transports of joy he saluted him; he
+first kissed him, then stroked his face, took him in his arms, laid him
+under a shady tree, sat down by him, then looked as earnestly at him as
+one could do at a picture, for a quarter of an hour together. After this
+he would lie upon the ground, stroke his legs and kiss them, then get up
+and stare at him, as though he was bewitched; but the next day one could
+not forbear laughter to see his behaviour, for he would walk several
+hours with his father along the shore, leading him by the hand as tho'
+he was a lady; while, every now and then, he would run to the boat to
+get something for him, as a lump of sugar, dram, biscuit, or something
+or other that was good. His frolics ran in another channel in the
+afternoon; when he set old Friday on the ground, he would dance round
+him, making comical postures and gestures; and all this while would be
+telling him one story or another of his travels and adventures.
+
+It was on the 10th of April, _anno_ 1695, that I set my foot upon the
+island a second time. When my faithful Spaniard, accompanied by one
+more, approached the boat, he little knew who I was, till I discovered
+myself to him. _Seignor_, said I, in Portuguese, _don't you know me_? He
+spoke never a word, but giving his musket to his attendant, extended his
+arms, and saying something in Spanish that I did not then understand, he
+came forward & embraced me, saying, _he was inexcusable not to know his
+deliverer: who, like an angel sent from heaven, had saved his life_; He
+then beckoned to the man to call out his companions, asking me if I
+would walk to my own habitation and take possession, where I should find
+some mean improvements; but indeed they were extraordinary ones: for
+they had planted so many trees so close together, that the place was
+like a labyrinth, which none could find out except themselves, who knew
+its intricate windings. I asked him the meaning of all these
+fortifications? he told me _he would give a large account of what had
+passed since my departure till this time, and how he had subdued some
+English, who thought to be their murderers, hoping I would not be
+displeased, since necessity compelled them to it_. As I knew they were
+wicked villains, so I told him, that I was not only far from finding
+fault with it, but was rather heartily glad that they had subdued them.
+While we were thus talking, the man whom he sent returned, accompanied
+by eleven more, but in such habits, that it was impossible to tell what
+nations they were of. He first turned to me, and pointing to them,
+_These Sir,_ said he, _are some of the gentlemen who owe their lives to
+your goodness_, then turning to them, and pointing to me, he made them
+sensible who I was; and, then indeed they saluted me one by one, not as
+ordinary men, but as tho' they had been ambassadors or noblemen, and I a
+triumphant conqueror; for their behaviour not only agreed with a
+manlike, majestic gravity, but at the same time was so obliging and
+courteous, as made them agreeable to the last degree.
+
+Before I relate the history of the transactions of my kingdom, as I had
+it from the Spaniard's own mouth, I must here insert what I omitted in
+my former relation. The matter is this: Just before we weighed anchor
+and set sail, there happened a quarrel on board the ship, which had like
+to have occasioned a second mutiny, till such time the courageous
+Capitan, taking two of the most refractory prisoners, laid them in irons
+threatening, as they were concerned in the former disorders, so have
+them hanged in England for running away with the ship. This frightened
+some of the rest, as thinking the Captain would serve them in the same
+manner, though he seemed to give them good word for the present. But the
+mate having intelligence of this, mad me acquainted with their fears; so
+that to make them more easy, and ourselves more safe from their
+conspiracies I was obliged to go down, and pass my honour's word for it,
+that upon their good behaviour, all that was past should be forgiven; in
+testimony of which, I ordered the two men's irons to be taken off; &
+themselves forgiven. But as this had brought us to an anchor that night,
+in which there was a calm; the two men that had been in irons stole each
+of them a musket, and some other weapons, and taking the ship's pinnace,
+not yet hauled up, ran away to their brother rogues. The next morning we
+sent the long-boat with men to pursue them, but all in vain; the mate,
+in revenge, would have demolished my little castle, burnt his furniture
+and destroyed their plantations, but having no orders for it, he did not
+put it in execution. And thus there were five Englishmen in the island,
+which caused great differences, as my faithful Spaniard gave me a
+perfect account of, in the following manner:
+
+You cannot, Sir, but remember the embassy you sent me about, and what a
+disappointment we met with, by your absence, at our return. There is but
+little variety in the relation of all our voyage, being blessed with
+calm weather and a smooth sea. Great indeed was the joy of my countrymen
+to see me alive, having acted as the principal man on board, the captain
+of the shipwrecked vessel dying before; nor was their surprise less, as
+knowing I was taken prisoner by the savages of another nation, they had
+thought me long since entombed in their monstrous bowels. But when I
+showed them the arms, ammunition, and provisions I had brought for them,
+they looked upon me as a second Joseph advanced in Pharoah's court, and
+immediately prepared to come along with me. Indeed they were obliged to
+trespass upon their friendly savages, by borrowing two of their canoes,
+under a pretext for fishing; and they came away the next morning, but
+without any provisions of their own, except a few roots which served
+them instead of bread. After three weeks absence we arrived at our
+habitation. Here we met with three English sailors, who, I confess, gave
+us provisions, and that letter of direction you had left for us, which
+informed us how to bring up tame goats, plant corn, cure grapes, make
+pots, and, in short, every thing that was necessary for our life. As, in
+particular, I knew your method best, so taking Friday's father to assist
+me, we managed all the affairs; nor were the rest of the Spaniards
+wanting in their kind offices, dressing food for the Englishmen, who did
+nothing but ramble and divert themselves in the woods, either shooting
+parrots, or catching tortoises. But we had not been long ashore, before
+we were informed of two more Englishmen, unnaturally turned out of their
+common place of residence, by the three others above mentioned; this
+made my Spaniards and me (whom they now looked upon as their governor in
+your absence) endeavour to persuade them to take them in, that we might
+be as one family; but all our intreaties were in vain, so that the poor
+fellows finding nothing to be done without industry, pitched their tents
+on the north side of the island, a little inclining to the west, for
+fear of savages. Here they built two huts, one to lodge, and the other
+to lay their stores in; for my good natured Spaniards giving them some
+seeds, they dug and planted as I had done, and began to live prettily.
+But while they were thus comfortably going on, the three unnatural
+brutes, their countrymen, in a mere bullying humour, insulted them by
+saying, 'the governor (meaning you) had given them a possession of the
+island, and d-mn 'em they should build no houses upon their ground,
+without paying rent.' The two honest men (for so let me now distinguish
+them) thought their three countrymen only jested, and one of them
+invited them in, to see their fine habitations; while the other
+facetiously told them 'that since they built tenements with great
+improvements, they should, according to the custom of lords, give them
+a longer lease;' at the same time desiring them to fetch a scriviner to
+draw the writings. One of these wretches swearing _he should pay for the
+jest_, snatches up a fire brand, and clapping it to the outside of their
+hut, very fairly set it on fire, which would soon have consumed it, had
+not the honest man thrust him away, and trod it with his feet. Hereupon
+the fellow returns with his pole, with which he would have ended his
+days, had not the poor man avoided the blow when fetching his musket, he
+knocked down the villain that began the quarrel. The other two coming to
+assist their fellow, obliged the honest man to take his musket also, and
+both of them presenting their pieces bid the villains stand off; and if
+they did not lay down their arms, death should decide the dispute one
+way or other. This brought them to a parley, in which they agreed to
+take their wounded man and begone; but they were in the wrong that they
+did not disarm them when they had the power, and then make their
+complaint to me and my Spaniards for justice, which might have prevented
+their farther designs against them. And indeed so many trespass did they
+afterwards commit, by treading down their corn, shooting their young
+kids and goats, and plaguing them night and day, that they resolved to
+come to my castle, challenge all the three, and decide their right by
+one plain battle, while the Spaniards stood by to see fair play. One day
+it happened, that two of my Spaniards (one of whom understood English)
+being in the woods, were met by one of the honest men, who complained
+how barbarous their countrymen had been in destroying their corn,
+killing their milk-goat and three kids, which deprived them of their
+subsistence; and that if we did not grant them relief, they must be
+inevitably starved, and so they parted; but when my Spaniards came home
+at night, and supper being on the table, one of them began to reprehend
+the Englishmen, but in a very mannerly way; which they resenting,
+replied, _What business had their countrymen in that place without
+leave, when it was none of their ground? Why_, said my Spaniard, calmly,
+_Inglise, they must not starve:_ but they replied, _Let them starve and
+be damn'd, they should neither plant nor build, and damn them, they
+should be their servants, and work for them, for the island was their's,
+and they would burn all the huts they should find in the island. By this
+rule_, said my Spaniard, smiling, _We shall be your servants too. Aye,
+by God, and so you shall_ replied the impudent rascal. Upon which,
+starting up, Will Atkins cries, _Come Jack, let's have t'other brush
+with them; who dare to build in our dominions?_--Thus leaving us
+something heated with just passion, away they trooped, every man having
+a gun, pistol, and sword, muttering some threatening words, that we
+could then but imperfectly understand. That night they designed to
+murder their two companions, and slept till midnight in the bower,
+thinking to fall upon them in their sleep: not were the honest men less
+thoughtful concerning them; for at this juncture they were coming to
+find them out, but in a much fairer way. As soon as the villains came to
+the huts, and found nobody there, they concluded that I and my Spaniard
+had given them notice, and therefore swore to be revenged on us. Then
+they demolished the poor men's habitations; not by fire, as they
+attempted before, but pulled down their houses, limb from limb, not
+leaving stick nor stone on the ground where they stood, broke their
+household stuff in pieces, tore up their trees, spoiled their
+inclosures, and, in short, quite ruined them of every thing they had.
+Had these people met together, no doubt but there would have been a
+bloody battle; but Providence ordered it for the better; for just as the
+three were got together the two were at our castle; and when they left
+us, the three came back again, but in great rage, scoffingly telling us
+what they had done; when one taking hold of a Spaniard's hat, twirls it
+round, saying, _And you Seignor Jack Spaniard, shall have the same
+sauce, if you don't mind your manners_. My Spaniard, a grave but
+courageous man, knocked him down with one blow of his fist; at which
+another villain fired his pistol, and narrowly missed his body, but
+wounded him a little in the ear. Hereat enraged, the Spaniard takes up
+the fellow's musket who he had knocked down, and would have shot him, if
+I and the rest had not come out, and taken their arms from every one
+of them.
+
+"These Englishmen perceiving they had made all of us their enemies,
+began to cool; but not withstanding their better words the Spaniards
+would not return them their arms again, telling them, 'they would do
+them no manner of harm, if they would live peaceably; but if they
+offered any injury to the plantation or castle, they would shoot them as
+they would do ravenous beasts. This made them so mad, that they went
+away raging like furies of hell. They were no sooner gone, but in came
+the two honest men, fired with the justest rage, if such can be, having
+been ruined as aforesaid. And indeed it was very hard, that nineteen of
+us should be bullied by three villains, continually offending
+with impunity.
+
+"It was a great while, Sir, before we could persuade the two Englishmen
+from pursuing, and undoubtedly killing them with their fire-arms; but we
+promised them 'justice should be done them, and, in the mean time, they
+should reside with us in our habitation.' In about five days after,
+these three vagrants, almost starved with hunger, drew near our grove,
+and perceiving me, the governor, & two others walking by the side of the
+creek, they very submissively desired to be received into the family
+again. We told them of 'their great incivility to us, and of their
+unnatural barbarity to their countrymen; but yet we would see what the
+rest agreed to, and in half an hour's time would bring them word.'
+After some debate, we called them in, where their two countrymen laid a
+heavy charge against them, for not only ruining, but designing to murder
+them, which they could not deny. But here I was forced to interpose as a
+mediator, by obliging the two Englishmen not to hurt them, being naked &
+unarmed, and that the other three should make them restitution, by
+building their two huts, and fencing their ground in the same manner as
+it was before. Well, being in a miserable condition, they submitted to
+this at present, and lived some time regularly enough, except as to the
+working part, which they did not care for, but the Spaniards would have
+dispensed with that, had they continued easy and quiet. Their arms being
+given them again, they scarce had them a week when they became as
+troublesome as ever; but an accident happening soon after, obliged us to
+lay aside private resentments, and look to our common preservation.
+
+"One night, Sir, I went to bed, perfectly well in health, and yet by no
+means could I compose myself to sleep; upon which, being very uneasy, I
+got up and looked out, but it being dark, I could perceive nothing but
+the trees around the castle. I went to bed again, but it was all one, I
+could not sleep; when one of my Spaniards, hearing me walk about, asked
+who it was up? I answered, _It is I_. When I told him the occasion,
+_Sir_, said he, _such things are not to be slighted; for certainly there
+is some mischief plotting against us. Where are the Englishmen?_ said I.
+He answered _In their huts_; for they lay separate from us, Sir, since
+the last mutiny. _Well,_ said I, _some kind spirit gives this
+information for advantage. Come let us go abroad, and see if any thing
+offers to justify our fears._ Upon which I and some of my Spaniards went
+up the mountain, not by the ladder, but through the grove, and then we
+were struck with a panic fear on seeing a light, as though it were a
+fire, at a very little distance, and hearing the voices of several men.
+Hereupon we retreated immediately, and raised the rest of our forces,
+and made them sensible of the impending danger; but with all my
+authority, I could not make them stay where they were, so earnest were
+they to see how things went. Indeed the darkness of the night gave them
+opportunity enough to view them by the light of the fire undiscovered.
+As they were in different parties, and straggling over the shore, we
+were much afraid that they should find out our habitations, and destroy
+our flocks of goats: to prevent which, we sent immediately an Englishman
+and two Spaniards to drive the goats into the valley where the cave lay;
+or, if there was occasion, into the cave itself: As to ourselves,
+resuming our native courage and prudent conduct, had we not been
+divided, we durst venture to attack an hundred of them; but before it
+was very light, we resolved to send out Friday's father as a spy, who,
+immediately stripping himself naked, gets among them undiscovered, and
+in two hours time brings word, that 'they were two parties of two
+different nations, who lately having a bloody battle with one another,
+happened to land by mere chance on the same island, to devour their
+miserable prisoners; that they were entirely ignorant of any person's
+inhabiting here; but rather filled with rage and fury against one
+another, he believed, that as soon as day light appeared, there would be
+a terrible engagement.' Old Friday had scarce ended his relation, when
+we heard an uncommon noise, and perceived that there was a horrid
+engagement between the two armies.
+
+"Such was the curiosity of our party, especially the Englishmen, that
+they would not lie close, tho' Old Friday told them, 'their safety
+depended upon it; and that if we had patience, we should behold the
+savages kill one another.' However they used some caution, by going
+farther into the woods, and placing themselves in a convenient place to
+behold the battle.
+
+"Never could there be a more bloody engagement, or men of more
+invincible spirits and prudent conduct, according to their manner and
+way of fighting. It lasted near two hours, till the party which was
+nearest our castle began to decline, and at last to fly from their
+conquerors. We were undoubtedly put into a great consternation on this
+account, lest they should run into our grove, and consequently bring us
+into the like danger. Hereupon we resolved to kill the first that came,
+to prevent discovery, and that too with our swords, and the butt end of
+our muskets, for fear the report of our guns should be heard.
+
+"And so indeed, as we thought, it happened; for three of the vanquished
+army crossing the creek, ran directly to the place, as to a thick wood
+for shelter; nor was it long before our scout gave us notice of it: as
+also, that the victors did not think fit to pursue them. Upon this I
+would not suffer them to be slain, but had them surprised and taken by
+our party; afterwards they proved very good servants to us, being stout
+young creatures, and able to do a great deal of work. The remainder of
+the conquered savages fled to their canoes, and put out into the ocean,
+while the conquerors, joining together, shouted by way of triumph, and
+about three in the afternoon they also embarked for their own nation.
+Thus we were freed at once from these savages and our fears, not
+perceiving any of these creatures for some considerable time after. We
+found two and thirty men dead in the field of battle; some were slain
+with long arrows, which we found sticking in their bodies; & the rest
+were killed with great unwieldy wooden swords, which denoted their vast
+strength, and of which we found seventeen, besides bows and arrows: but
+we could not find one wounded creature among them alive; for they either
+kill their enemies quite, or carry those wounded away with them.
+
+"This terrible fight tamed the Englishmen for some time, considering
+how unfortunate they might have been had they fallen into their hands,
+who would not only kill them as enemies, but also for food, as we do
+cattle; and indeed so much did this nauseate their stomachs, that it not
+only made them very sick, but more tractable to the common necessary
+business of the whole society, planting, sowing, and reaping, with the
+greatest signs of amity and friendship; so, that being now all good
+friends, we began to consider of circumstances in general; and the first
+thing we thought of was, whether, as we perceived the savages haunted
+that side of the island, and there being more retired parts of it, and
+yet as well suited to our manner of living, and equally to our
+advantage, we ought not rather to move our place of residence, & plant
+it in a much safer place, both for the security of our corn and cattle.
+
+"After a long debate on this head; it was resolved, or rather voted,
+_nemine comradicente_, not to remove our ancient castle, and that for
+this very good reason, that some time or other we expected to hear from
+our supreme governor, (meaning you, Sir) whose messengers not finding us
+there, might think the place demolished, and all his subjects destroyed
+by the savages.
+
+"As to the next concern relating to our corn and cattle, we consented to
+have them removed to the valley where the cave was, that being most
+proper and sufficient for both. But yet when we considered farther, we
+altered one part of our resolution, which was to remove part of our
+cattle thither and plant only part of our corn there; so that in case
+one part was destroyed, the other might be preserved. Another resolution
+we took, which really had a great deal of prudence in it; and that was,
+in not trusting the three savages whom we had taken prisoners, with any
+knowledge of the plantations we had made in the valley, of what number
+of cattle we had there, much less of the cave, wherein we kept several
+arms, and two barrels of powder you left for us at your departure from
+this island. But though we could not change our habitation, we resolved
+to make it more fortified and more secret. To this end, Sir, as you
+planted trees at some distance before the entrance of your palace; so
+we, imitating your example, planted and filled up the whole space of
+ground, even to the banks of the creek, nay, into the very ooze where
+the tide flowed, not leaving a place for landing; and among those I had
+planted, they had intermingled so many short ones, all of which growing
+wonderfully fast and thick, a little dog could scarcely find a passage
+through them. Nor was this sufficient, as we thought, for we did the
+same to all the ground, on the right and left hand of us, even to the
+top of the hill, without so much as leaving a passage for ourselves,
+except by the ladder; which being taken down, nothing but what had
+wings or witchcraft could pretend to come near us. And indeed this was
+exceedingly well-contrived, especially to serve that occasion for which
+we afterwards found it necessary.
+
+"Thus we lived two years in a happy retirement, having, all this time,
+not one visit from the savages. Indeed one morning we had an alarm,
+which put us in some amazement; for a few of my Spaniards being out very
+early, perceived no less than twenty canoes, as it were coming on shore:
+upon which returning home, with great precipitation, they gave us the
+alarm, which obliged us to keep at home all that day and the next, going
+out only in the night-time to make our observations; but, as good luck
+would have it, they were upon another design, and did not land that time
+upon the island.
+
+"But now there happened another quarrel between the three wicked
+Englishmen, and some of my Spaniards.--- The occasion was this: One of
+them being enraged at one of the savages, whom he had taken prisoner,
+for not being able to comprehend something which he was showing him,
+snatched up a hatchet in a great fury not to correct, but to kill him;
+yet missing his head gave him such a barbarous--cut in the shoulder,
+that he had like to have struck off his arm; at which one of my
+good-natured Spaniards interposing between the Englishman and the savage
+beseeched the former, not to murder the poor creature, but this kindness
+had like to have cost the Spaniard his life, for the Englishman, struck
+at him in the same manner; which he nimbly and wisely avoiding, returned
+suddenly upon him with his shovel, (being all at work about their corn
+land), and very fairly knocked the brutish creature down. Hereupon
+another Englishman coming to his fellow's assistance, laid the good
+Spaniard on the earth; when immediately two others coming to his relief
+were attacked by the third Englishman, armed with an old cutlass, who
+wounded them both. This uproar soon reached our ears, when we rushing
+out upon them, took the three Englishmen prisoners, and then our next
+question was, what would be done to such mutinous, and impudent fellows,
+so furious, desperate, and idle, that they were mischievious to the
+highest degree and consequently not safe for the society to let them
+live among them.
+
+"Now, Sir, as I was governor in your absence, so I also took the
+authority of a judge, and, having them brought before me; I told them,
+that if they had been of my country, I would have hanged every mother's
+son of them, but since it was an Englishman (meaning you, kind Sir,) to
+whom we were indebted for our preservation and deliverance, I would, in
+gratitude, use them with all possible mildness, but at the same time
+leave them to the judgment of the other two Englishmen who, I hoped,
+forgetting their resentments, would deal impartially by them.'
+
+"Hereupon one of his countrymen stood up: _Sir_, said he, _leave it not
+for us, for you may be sensible we have reason to sentence them to the
+gallows: besides, Sir, this fellow, Will Atkins, and the two others,
+proposed to us, that we might murder you all in your sleep, which we
+could not consent to: but knowing their inability, and your vigilance,
+we did not think fit to discover it before now._
+
+"_How, Signor_, said I, _do you hear what is alledged against you? What
+can you say to justify so horrid an action, as to murder us in cold
+blood?_ So far, Sir, was the wretch from denying it, that he swore,
+_damn him but he would do it still. But what have we done to you, Seignor
+Atkins_, said I, _or what will you gain by killing us? What shall we do
+to prevent you? Must we kill you, or you kill us? Why will you Seignor
+Atkins,_ said I, smiling, _put us to such an unhappy dilemma, such a
+fatal necessity?_ But so great a rage did my scoffing and yet severe
+jest put him into, that he was going to fly at me and undoubtedly had
+attempted to kill me if he had been possessed of weapons, and had not
+been prevented by three Spaniards. This unparalleled and villainous
+carriage, made us seriously consider what was to be done. The two
+Englishmen and the Spaniard, who had saved the poor Indian's life,
+mightily petitioned me to hang one of them, for an example to the
+others, which should be him that had twice attempted to commit murder
+with his hatchet, it being at that time thought impossible the poor
+slave should recover. But they could never gain my consent to put him to
+death, for the reasons above mentioned, since it was an Englishman (even
+yourself) who was my deliverer; and as merciful counsels are most
+prevailing when earnestly pressed, so I got them to be of the same
+opinion as to clemency. But to prevent them doing us any farther
+mischief; we all agreed, that they should have no weapons, as sword,
+gun, powder, or shot, but be expelled from the society, to live as they
+pleased by themselves; that neither the two Englishmen, nor the rest of
+the Spaniards, should have conversation with them upon any account
+whatsoever; that they should be kept from coming within a certain
+distance of our castle; and if they dared to offer us any violence,
+either by spoiling, burning, killing, or destroying any of the corn,
+plantings, buildings, fences, or cattle, belonging to the society, we
+would shoot them as freely as we would do beasts of prey, in whatsoever
+places we should find them.
+
+"This sentence seemed very just to all but themselves; when, like a
+merciful judge, I called out to the two honest Englishmen, saying, _You
+must consider they ought not to be starved neither: and since it will be
+some time before they can raise corn and cattle of their own, let us
+give them some corn to last them eight months, and for seed to sow, by
+which time they'll raise some for themselves; let us also bestow upon
+them six milch goats, four he ones, and six kids, as well for their
+present support, as for a further increase; with tools necessary for
+their work, as hatchets, an ax, saw, and other things convenient to
+build them huts:_ all which were agreed: but before they took them into
+possession, I obliged them solemnly to swear, never to attempt any thing
+against us, or their countrymen for the future. Thus dismissing them
+from our society, They went away, sullen & refractory, as though neither
+willing to go nor stay; however seeing no remedy, they took what
+provision was given them, proposing to choose a convenient place where
+they might live by themselves.
+
+"About five days after, they came to those limits appointed, in order
+for more victuals, and sent me word by one of my Spaniards, whom they
+called to, where they had pitched their tents; and marked themselves out
+an habitation and plantation, at the N.E. and most remote part of the
+island. And, indeed, there they built themselves two very handsome
+cottages, resembling our little castle, being under the side of a
+mountain, with some trees already growing on three sides of it; so that
+planting a few more, it would be obscured from sight, unless
+particularly sought for. When these huts were finished, we gave them
+some dry goat-skins for bedding and covering; & upon their giving us
+fuller assurances of their good behaviour for the future, we gave them
+some pease, barley, and rice for sowing and whatever tools we
+could spare.
+
+"Six months did they live in this separate condition, in which they got
+their first harvest in, the quantity of which was but small, because
+they had planted but little land; for, indeed, all their plantations
+being to form, made it more difficult; especially as it was a thing out
+of their element; and when they were obliged to make their boards and
+pots, &c. they could make little or nothing of it. But the rainy season
+coming on, put them into a greater perplexity for want of a cave to keep
+their corn dry, and prevent it from spoiling: and so much did this
+humble them, that they begged of my Spaniards to help them, to which the
+good-natured men readily consented, and in four days space, worked a
+great hole in the side of the hill for them, large enough for their
+purpose, to secure their corn and other things from the rain, though not
+comparable to ours, which had several additional appartments.
+
+"But a new whim possessed these rogues about three quarters of a year
+after, which had like to have ruined us, and themselves too: for it
+seems, being tired and weary of this sort of living, which made them
+work for themselves, without hopes of changing their condition, nothing
+would serve them, but that they would make a voyage to the continent,
+and try if they could seize upon some of the savages, and bring them
+over as slaves, to do their drudgery, while they lived at ease
+and pleasure.
+
+"Indeed the project was not so preposterous, if they had not gone
+farther; but they neither did, nor proposed any thing, but what had
+mischief in the design, or the event. One morning, these three fellows
+came down to the limited station, and humbly desired to be admitted to
+talk with us, which we readily granted; they told us in short, that
+_being tired of their manner of living, and the labour of their hands in
+such employments, not being sufficient to procure the necessaries of
+life, they only desired one of the canoes we came over in, with some
+arms and ammunition for their defence, and they would seek their
+fortunes abroad, and never trouble us any more._ To be sure we were glad
+enough to get rid of such wretched plagues; but yet honesty made us
+ingenuously represent to them, by what we ourselves had suffered, the
+certain destruction they were running into, either of being starved to
+death or murdered by the savages. To this they very audaciously replied,
+_that they neither could nor would work: and consequently that they
+might as well be starved abroad as at home: & neither had they any wives
+or children to cry after them: nay, so intent were they upon their
+voyage, that if the Spaniards had not given them arms, so they had but
+the canoe they would have gone without them._
+
+"Though we could not well spare our fire arms, rather than they should
+go like naked men, we let them have two muskets, a pistol, a cutlass,
+and three hatchets, which were thought very sufficient: we gave them
+also goat's flesh, a great basket full of dried grapes, a pot of fresh
+butter, a young live kid, and a large canoe sufficient to carry twenty
+men. And thus, with a mast made of a long pole, and a sail of six large
+goat-skins dried, having a fair breeze, and a flood-tide with them, they
+merrily sailed away, the Spaniards calling after them, _Bon voyaje_, no
+man ever expecting to see them more.
+
+"When they were gone, the Spaniards and Englishmen would often say to
+one another, _O how peaceably do we now live, since these turbulent
+fellows have left us!_ Nothing could be farther from their thoughts than
+to behold their faces any more; and yet scarce two and twenty days had
+passed over their heads, but one of the Englishmen, being abroad a
+planting, perceived at a distance, three men well armed, approaching
+towards him. Away he flies with speed to our castle, and tells me and
+the rest, that we were all undone, for that strangers were landed upon
+the island, and who they were he could not tell; but added that they
+were not savages but men habited, bearing arms. _Why then,_ said I, _we
+have the less occasion to be concerned, since, if they were not Indians,
+they must be friends; for I am sure there is no Christian people upon
+earth, but what will do us good rather than harm._ But while we were
+considering of the event, up came the three Englishmen, whose voices we
+quickly knew, and so all our admiration of that nature ceased at once.
+And our wonder was succeeded by another sort of inquiry, which was, what
+could be the occasion of their returning so quickly to the island, when
+we little expected, and much less desired their company? But as this was
+better to be related by themselves, I ordered them to be brought in,
+when they gave me the following relation of their voyage.
+
+"After two days sail, or something less, they reached land, where they
+found the people coming to give them another sort of reception than what
+they expected or desired; for, as the savages were armed with bows and
+arrows, they durst not venture on shore, but steered northward, six or
+seven hours, till they gained an opening, by which they plainly
+perceived, that the land that appeared from this place, was not the main
+land, but an island. At their entrance into the opening of the sea, they
+discovered another island, on the right hand northward, and several more
+lying to the westward; but being resolved to go on shore some where or
+other, they put over to one of the western islands. Here they found the
+natives very courteous to them, giving them several roots and dried
+fish; nay, even their women too were as willing to supply them with what
+they could procure them to eat, bringing it a great way to them upon
+their heads. Among these hospitable Indians they continued some days,
+inquiring by signs and tokens, what nations lay around them; and were
+informed, that there were, several fierce and terrible people lived
+every way, accustomed to eat mankind; but for themselves they never used
+such diet, except those that were taken in battle, and of them they made
+a solemn feast.
+
+"The Englishmen inquired how long it was since they had a feast of that
+kind? They answered, _about two moons ago_, pointing to the moon, and
+then two fingers; that, _at this time, their king had two hundred
+prisoners, which were fattening up for the slaughter_. The Englishmen
+were mighty desirous of seeing the prisoners, which the others
+mistaking, thought that they wanted some of them for their own food:
+upon which they beckoned to them, pointing to the rising, and then to
+the setting of the sun; meaning, that by the time it appeared in the
+east next morning, they would bring them some: and indeed they were as
+good as their word; for by that time they brought eleven men & five
+women, just as so many cows & oxen are brought to sea-port towns to
+victual a ship. But as brutish as these Englishmen were, their stomachs
+turned at the sight. What to do in this case, they could not tell: to
+refuse the prisoner, would have been the highest affront offered to the
+savage gentry; and to dispose of them, they knew not, in what manner;
+however, they resolved to accept them, and so gave them, in return, one
+of their hatchets, an old key, a knife, and six or seven of their
+bullets; things which, tho' they were wholly ignorant of, yet of seemed
+entirely contented with; & dragging the poor wretches into the boat,
+with their hands bound behind them, delivered them to the Englishmen.
+But this obliged them to put off as soon as they had these presents,
+lest the donors should have expected two or three of them to be killed,
+and to be invited to dinner the next day; and so taking leave with all
+possible respect and thanks, though neither of them understood what the
+others said, they sailed away back to the first island, and there set
+eight of the prisoners at liberty. In their voyage they endeavoured to
+comfort, and have some conversation with the poor captives; but it was
+impossible to make them sensible of any thing; and nothing they could
+say or give, or do for them, could make them otherwise persuaded, but
+that they were unbound only to be devoured: if they gave them any food,
+they thought it was only to fatten them for the slaughter; or looked at
+any one more particularly, the poor creature supposed itself to be the
+'first sacrifice'; and even when we brought them to our island, and
+began to use them with the greatest humanity and kindness, yet they
+expected every day that their new masters would devour them.
+
+"And thus, Sir, did these three strange wanderers conclude their
+unaccountable relation of their voyage, which was both amazing and
+entertaining. Hereupon, I asked them, where there new family was? They
+told me _they had put them into one of their huts, and they came to beg
+some victuals for them_. This, indeed, made us all long to see them; and
+taking Friday's father with us, leaving only two at our castle, we came
+down to behold these poor creatures.
+
+"When we arrived at the hut, (they being bound again by the Englishmen,
+for fear of escaping) we found them stark naked, expecting their fatal
+tragedy: there were three lusty men, well shaped, with straight and good
+limbs, between thirty and five and thirty years old; and five women, two
+of them might be from thirty to forty, two more not above four and
+twenty; and the last, a comely tall maiden of about seventeen. Indeed,
+all the women were very agreeable, both in proportion and features,
+except that they were tawny, which their modest behaviour, and other
+graces, made amends for, when they afterwards came to be clothed.
+
+"This naked appearance, together with their miserable circumstances, was
+no very comfortable sight to my Spaniards, who, for their parts, I may
+venture, Sir, without flattery, to say, are men of the best behaviour,
+calmest tempers, and sweetest nature, that can possibly be; for they
+immediately ordered Friday's father to see if he knew any of them, or if
+he understood what they could say. No sooner did the old Indian appear,
+but he looked at them with great seriousness; yet, as they were not of
+his nation, they were utter strangers to him, and none could understand
+his speech or signs, but one woman. This was enough to answer the
+design, which was to assure them they would not be killed, being fallen
+into the hands of Christians, who abhorred such barbarity. When they
+were fully satisfied of this, they expressed their joy by such strange
+gestures, and uncommon tones, as it is not possible for me to describe.
+But the woman their interpreter, was ordered next to enquire, whether
+they were content to be servants, and would work for the men who had
+brought them hither to save their lives? Hereupon, (being at this time
+unbound) they fell a capering and dancing, one taking this thing upon
+her shoulders, and the other that, intimating, that they were willing to
+do any thing for them. But now, Sir, having women among us, and dreading
+that it might occasion some strife, if not blood, I asked the three men
+'what they would do, and how they intended to use these creatures,
+whether as servants or women?' One of them very pertly and readily
+answered, 'they would use them as both,' _Gentlemen_, said I _as you are
+your own masters, I am not going to restrain you from that; but
+methinks, for avoiding dissentions among you, I would only desire you to
+engage, that none of you will take more than one for a woman or wife,
+and that having taken this one, none else should presume to touch her;
+for though we have not yet a priestly authority to marry you, yet it is
+but reasonable, that whoever thus takes a woman, should be obliged to
+maintain her, since nobody has any thing to do with her_; and this,
+indeed, appeared so just to all present, that it was unanimously agreed
+to. The Englishmen then asked my Spaniards, 'whether they designed to
+take any of them? but they all answered, _No_; some declaring they had
+already wives in Spain; and others that they cared not to join with
+infidels. On the reverse, the Englishmen took each of them a temporary
+wife, and so set up a new method of living. As to Friday's father, the
+Spaniards, and the three savage servants we had taken in the late
+battle, they all lived with me in our ancient castle; and indeed we
+supplied the main part of the island with food, as necessity required.
+But the most remarkable part of the story is, how these Englishmen, who
+had been so much at variance, should agree about the choice of those
+women; yet they took a way good enough to prevent quarreling among
+themselves. They let the five women in one of their huts, and going
+themselves to the other, drew lots which should have the first choice.
+Now, he that had the first lot went to the hut, and fetched out her he
+chose; and it is remarkable, that he took her that was the most homely
+and eldest of the number, which made the rest of the Englishmen
+exceedingly merry; the Spaniards themselves could not help but smile at
+it; but as it happened, the fellow had the best thought, in choosing
+one fit for application and business; and indeed she proved the best
+wife of all the parcel.
+
+"But when the poor creatures perceived themselves placed in a row, and
+separated one by one, they were again seized with an unspeakable terror,
+as now thinking they were going to be slain in earnest; and when the
+Englishmen came to take the first, the rest set up a lamentable cry,
+clasped their arms around her neck, and hanging about her, took their
+last farewell, as they thought, in such trembling agonies, and
+affectionate embraces, as would have softened the hardest heart in the
+world, and made the driest eyes melt into tears; nor could they be
+persuaded but that they were going to die, till such time as Friday's
+father made them sensible that the Englishmen had chosen them for their
+wives, which ended all their terror and concern upon this occasion.
+
+"Well, after this, the Englishmen went to work, and being assisted by my
+good natured Spaniards, in a few hours they, erected every one of them a
+new hut or tent for their separate lodging, since those they had already
+were, filled with tools, household stuff, and provision. They all
+continued on the north shore of the island, but separate as before; the
+three wicked ones pitching farther off, and the two honest men nearer
+our castle; so that the island seemed to be peopled in three places,
+three towns beginning to be built for that purpose. And here I cannot
+but remark, what is very common, that the two honest men had the worst
+wives, (I mean as to industry, cleanliness, and ingenuity) while the
+three reprobates enjoyed women of quite contrary qualities.
+
+"But another observation I made was, in favour of the two honest men, to
+show what disparity there is between a diligent application to business,
+on the one hand, and a slothful negligent, and idle temper, on the
+other. Both of them had the same parcel of ground laid out, and corn to
+sow, sufficient either in their cultivation or their planting. The two
+honest men had a multitude of young trees planted about their
+habitations, so that when you approached near them, nothing appeared but
+a wood, very pleasing and delightful. Every thing they did prospered and
+flourished: their grapes, planted in order, seemed as though managed in
+a vineyard and were infinitely preferable to any of the others. Nor were
+they wanting to find out a place of retreat, but dug a cave in the most
+retired part of a thick wood, to secure their wives and children, with
+their provision and chiefest goods, surrounded with innumerable stakes,
+and having a most subtle entrance, in case any mischief should happen
+either from their fellow countrymen, or the devouring savages.
+
+"As to the reprobates, (though I must own they were much more civilized
+than before) instead of delightful wood surrounding their dwellings, we
+found the words of King Solomon too truly verified: _I went by the
+vineyard of the slothful, and it was all overgrown with thorns_. In many
+places their crop was obliterated by weeds: the hedges having several
+gaps in them, the wild goats had got in, and eaten up the corn, and here
+and there was a dead bush to stop these gaps for the present, which was
+no more than shutting the stable door after the steed was stolen away.
+But as to their wives, they (as I observed before) were more diligent,
+and cleanly enough, especially in their victuals, being instructed by
+one of the honest men, who had been a cook's mate on board a ship: &
+very well it was so, for as he cooked himself, his companion and their
+families lived as well as the idle husbands, who did nothing but loiter
+about, fetch turtle's eggs, catch fish and birds, and do any thing but
+work, and lived accordingly; while the diligent lived very handsomely
+and plentifully, in the most comfortable manner.
+
+"And now, Sir, I come to lay before your eyes a scene quite different
+from any thing that ever happened to us before, and perhaps ever befel
+you in all the time of your residence on this island. I shall inform you
+of its original in the following manner.
+
+"One morning, Sir, very early, there came five or six canoes of Indians
+on shore, indisputably upon their old custom of devouring their
+prisoners. All that we had to do upon such an occasion, was to lie
+concealed, that they, not having any notice of inhabitants, might depart
+quietly after performing their bloody execution: whoever first
+discovered the savages, was to give notice to all the three plantations
+to keep within doors, and then a proper scout was to be placed to give
+intelligence of their departure. But notwithstanding these wise
+measures, an unhappy disaster discovered us to the savages, which was
+like to have caused the desolation of the whole island; for, after the
+savages were gone off in their canoes, some of my Spaniards and I
+looking abroad; and being inflamed with a curiosity to see what they had
+been doing, to our great amazement beheld three savages fast asleep on
+the ground, who, either being gorged, could not awake when the others
+went off, or having wandered too far into the woods, did not come
+back in time.
+
+"What to do with them as first, we could not tell; as for slaves we had
+enough of them already; and as to killing them, neither Christianity or
+humanity would suffer us to shed the blood of persons who never did us
+wrong. We perceived they had no boat left them to transport them to
+their own nation; and that, by letting them wander about, they might
+discover us, and inform the first savages that should happen to land
+upon the same bloody occasion, which information might entirely ruin us;
+and therefore I counselled my Spaniards to secure them, and set them
+about some work or other, till we could better dispose of them.
+
+"Hereupon we all went back, and making them awake, took them prisoners.
+It is impossible to express the horror they were in, especially when
+bound, as thinking they were going to be murdered and eaten, but we soon
+eased them of their fear as to that point. We first took them to the
+bower, where the chief of our country work lay as keeping goats,
+planting corn, &c and then carried them to the two Englishmen's
+habitation, to help them in their business; but happy it was for us all
+we did not carry them to our castle, as by the sequel will appear. The
+Englishmen, indeed, found them work to do; but whether they did not
+guard them strictly, or that they thought they could not better
+themselves, I cannot tell; but certainly one of them ran away into the
+woods, and they could not hear of him for a long time after.
+
+"Undoubtedly there was reason enough to suppose he got home in some of
+the canoes, the savages returning in about four weeks time, and going
+off in the space of two days. You may be certain, Sir, this thought
+could not but terrify us exceedingly, and make us justly conclude, that
+the savage would inform his countrymen of our abode in the island, how
+few and weak we were in comparison to their numbers & we expected it
+would not be long before the Englishmen would be attacked in their
+habitations; but the savages had not seen their places of safety in the
+woods, nor our castle, which it was a great happiness they did not know.
+
+"Nor were we mistaken in our thoughts upon this occasion: for, about
+eight months after this, six canoes, with about ten men in each canoe,
+came sailing by the north side of the island, which they were never
+accustomed to do before, and landed about an hour after sunrise, near a
+mile from the dwelling of the two Englishman, who, it seems, had the
+good fortune to discover them about a league off: to that it was an hour
+before they could come at them. And now being confirmed in this opinion
+that they were certainly betrayed, they immediately bound the two slaves
+which were left, causing two of the three men, whom they brought with
+the women, and who proved very faithful to lead them with their wives,
+and other conveniences, into their retired care in the wood, and there
+to bind the two fellows hand and foot till they had further orders. They
+then opened their fences, where they kept their milch goats, and drove
+them all out, giving the goats liberty to ramble in the woods, to make
+the savages believe that they were wild ones; but the slave had given a
+truer information, which made them come to the very inclosures. The two
+frighted men sent the other slave of the three, who had been with them
+by accident, to alarm the Spaniards, and desire their assistance; in
+the mean time they took their arms and ammunition, and made to the cave
+where they had sent their wives, and securing their slaves, seated
+themselves in a private place, from whence they might behold all the
+actions of the savages. Nor had they gone far, when ascending a rising
+ground, they could see a little army of Indians approach to their
+beautiful dwelling, and in a few moments more, perceive the same, and
+their furniture, to their unspeakable grief, burning in a consuming
+flame, and when this war done, they spread here and there, searching
+every bush and place for the people, of whom it was very evident, they
+had information. Upon which the two Englishmen, not thinking themselves
+secure where they stood, retreated about half a mile higher in the
+country, rightly concluding, that the farther the savages strolled,
+there would be less numbers together: upon which they next took their
+stand by the trunk of an old tree, very hollow and large, whence they
+resolved to see what would offer: but they had not stood long there,
+before two savages came running directly towards them, as though having
+knowledge of their being there, who seemed resolved to attack them; a
+little farther were three more, and five more behind them again, all
+running the same way. It cannot be imagined the perplexity the poor men
+were in at this sight, thinking that if assistance did not speedily come
+their cave in the wood would be discovered, and consequently all therein
+lost; so they resolved to resist them there, and, when overpowered, to
+ascend to the top of the trees, where they might defend themselves as
+long as their ammunition lasted, and sell their lives as dear as
+possible to those devouring savages. Thus fixed in their resolution,
+they next considered, whether they should fire at the first two, or wait
+for the three, and so take the middle party, by which the two first &
+the five last would be separated. In this regulation the two savages
+also confirmed them, by turning a little to another part of the wood:
+but the three, & the five after them, came directly towards the tree.
+Hereupon they resolved to take them in a direct line, as they approached
+nearer, because perhaps the first shot might hit them all three; and
+upon this occasion, the man who was to fire, charged his piece with
+three or four bullets. And thus while they were waiting, the savages
+came on, one of them was the runaway, who had caused all the mischief;
+so they resolved he should not escape, if they both fired at once. But,
+however, though they did not fire together, they were ready charged;
+when the first that let fly, was too good a marksman to miss his aim;
+for he killed the foremost outright, the second (_who was the runaway
+Indian_) fell to the ground, being shot through the body, but not dead
+and the third was a little wounded in the shoulder, who, sitting down on
+the ground, fell a screaming in a most fearful manner. The noise of the
+guns, which not only made the most resounding echoes, from one side to
+the other, but raised the birds of all sorts, fluttering with the most
+confused noise, so much terrified the five savages behind that they
+stood still at first, like so many inanimate images. But when all things
+were in profound silence, they came to the place where there companions
+lay; and here, not being sensible that they were liable to the same
+fate, stood over the wounded man, undoubtedly inquiring the occasion of
+this sad calamity; and 'tis as reasonable to suppose he told them, that
+it came by thunder and lightning from the gods, having never seen or
+heard of a gun before, in the whole course of their lives. By this time
+the Englishmen, having loaded their pieces, fired both together a second
+time, when seeing them all fall immediately on the ground, they thought
+they had killed every creature of them. This made them come up boldly
+before they had charged their guns, which indeed was a wrong step; for,
+when they came to the place, they found four alive, two of them very
+little wounded, and one not at all, which obliged them to fall upon them
+with their muskets: they first knocked the runaway savage on the head,
+and another that was but a little wounded in the arm, & then put the
+other languishing wretches out of their pain: while he that was not
+hurt, with bended knees and uplifted hands, made piteous moans, and
+signs to them to spare his life; nor, indeed, were they unmerciful to
+the poor wretch, but pointed to him to sit down at the root of a tree
+hard by; and then, one of the Englishmen, with a piece of rope twine he
+had in his pocket, by mere chance, tying his two feet fast together, and
+his two hands behind him, they left him there, making all the haste they
+could after the other two, fearing they should find out their cave; but
+though they could not overtake them, they had the satisfaction to
+perceive them at a distance, cross a valley towards the sea, a quite
+contrary way to their retreat: upon which they returned to the tree, to
+look after their prisoner; but when they came there, he was gone,
+leaving the piece of rope-yarn, wherewith he was bound, behind him.
+
+"Well, now they were as much concerned as ever, as not knowing how near
+their enemies might be, or in what numbers. Immediately they repaired to
+the cave, to see if all was well there, and found every thing safe,
+except the women, who were frightened upon their husbands account, whom
+they now loved entirely. They had not been long here, before seven of my
+Spaniards came to assist them; while the other ten, their servants, and
+Friday's father, were gone to defend their bower, corn, and cattle, in
+case the savages should have rambled so far. There accompanied the seven
+Spaniards, one of the three savages that had formerly been taken
+prisoner; and with them also that very Indian whom the Englishmen had,
+a little before, left under the tree; for it seems, they passed by that
+way where the slaughter was made, and so carried along with them that
+poor wretch that was left bound. But so many prisoners now becoming a
+burthen to us, and fearing the dreadful consequence of their escaping,
+most of the Spaniards and English urged the absolute necessity there was
+of killing them for our common preservation; but, Sir, the authority I
+bore, as a governor, over-ruled that piece of cruelty; and then I
+ordered them to be sent prisoners to the old cave in the valley, bound
+hands and feet, with two Spaniards to guard them.
+
+"So much encouraged were the Englishmen at the approach of the
+Spaniards, and so great was their fury against the savages for
+destroying their habitations, that they had not patience to stay any
+longer; but, taking five Spaniards along with them, armed with four
+muskets, a pistol, and a quarter staff, away they went in pursuit of
+their enemies. As they passed by the place where the savages were slain,
+it was very easy to be perceived that more of them had been there,
+having attempted to carry off their dead bodies, but found it
+impracticable. From a rising ground our party had the mortification to
+see the smoke that proceeded from their ruins; when coming farther in
+flight of the shore, they plainly perceived that the savages had
+embarked in their canoes, and were putting out to sea. This they were
+very sorry for, there being no coming at them to give them a parting
+salute, but however, they were glad enough to get clear of such
+unwelcome guests.
+
+"Thus the two honest, but unfortunate Englishmen, being ruined a second
+time, and their improvements quite destroyed, most of my good natured
+Spaniards helped them to rebuild, and we all assisted them with needful
+supplies; nay, what is more remarkable, their three mischievous
+countrymen, when they heard of it _(which was after all these disasters
+were over, they living more remote eastward)_ very friendly sympathised
+with them, and worked for them several days; so that, in a little, their
+habitations were rebuilt, their necessities supplied, and themselves
+restored to their former tranquility.
+
+"Though the savages had nothing to boast of in this adventure, _(several
+canoes being driven ashore, followed by two drowned creatures, having
+undoubtedly met with a storm at sea that very night they departed)_ yet
+it was natural to be supposed, that those whose better fortune it was to
+attain their native shore, would inflame their nation to another ruinous
+attempt, with a greater force, to carry all before them. And, indeed, so
+it happened: for about seven months after, our island was invaded with a
+most formidable navy, no less than eight and twenty canoes full of
+savages, armed with wooden swords, monstrous clubs, bows and arrows, and
+such like instruments of war, landing at the east end of the island.
+
+"You may well, Sir, imagine what consternation our men were in upon
+this account, and how speedy they were to execute their resolution,
+having only that night's time allowed them. They knew that since they
+could not withstand their enemies, concealment was the only way to
+procure their safety; and, therefore, they took down the huts that were
+built for the two Englishmen, and drove their flocks of goats together
+with their own at the bower, to the old cave in the valley, leaving as
+little appearance of inhabitants as possible; and then posted
+themselves, with all their force, at the plantation of the two men. As
+they expected, so it happened: for early the next morning, the Indians,
+leaving their canoes at the east-end of the island, came running along
+the shore, about two hundred and fifty in number, as near as could be
+guessed. Our army was but little indeed; and what was our greatest
+misfortune, we had not arms sufficient for them. The account, as to the
+men, Sir, is an follows: viz. 17 _Spaniards_, 5 _Englishmen, Old Friday,
+the three savages, taken with the five women, who proved faithful
+servants, and three other slaves, living with the Spaniards. To arm
+these they had_ 11 _muskets_, 5 _pistols_, 3 _fowling-pieces_, 2
+_swords_, 3 _old halberts_, 5 _muskets, or fowling-pieces, taken from
+the sailors whom you reduced. As to the slaves, we gave three of them
+halberts, and the other three long staves, with great iron spikes at the
+end of them, with hatchets by their sides; we also had hatchets sticking
+in our girdles, besides the fire-arms: nay, two of the women, inspired
+with Amazonian fortitude, could not be dissuaded from fighting along
+with their dear husbands, and if they died, to die with them, Seeing
+their resolution, we gave them hatchets likewise; but what pleased them
+best, were the bows and arrows (which they dexterously knew how to use)
+that the Indians had left behind them, after their memorable battle one
+against another_.
+
+"Over this army, which though little, was of great intrepidity, I was
+constituted chief general and commander: and knowing Will Atkins, though
+exceedingly wicked, yet a man of invincible courage, I gave him the
+power of commanding under me: he had six men with their muskets loaded
+with six or seven bullets a-piece, and were planted just behind a small
+thicket of bushes, as an advanced guard, having orders to let the first
+pass by; and then, when he fired into the middle of them, making a
+nimble retreat round a part of the wood, and so come in the rear of the
+Spaniards, who were shaded by a thicket of trees: for though the savages
+came on with the fierceness of lions, yet they wanted the subtility of
+foxes, being out of all manner of order, and straggling in heaps every
+way: and, indeed, when Will Atkins, after fifty of the savages had
+passed by, had ordered three of his men to give fire, so great was their
+consternation, to see so many men killed and wounded, and hear such a
+dreadful noise, and yet knew not whence it came, that they were
+frightened to the highest degree: and when the second volley was given,
+they concluded no less but that their companions were slain by thunder
+and lightning from Heaven. In this notion they would have continued, had
+Will Atkins and his men retired, as soon as they fired, according to
+order: or had the rest been near them, to pour in their shot
+continually, their might have been a complete victory obtained: but
+staying to load their pieces again, discovered the whole matter. They
+were perceived by some of the scattering savages at a distance, who let
+fly their arrows among them, wounded Atkins himself, and killed his
+fellow Englishman, and one of the Indians taken with the women. Our
+party did not fail to answer them, and in their retreat killed about
+twenty savages. Here I cannot but take notice of our poor dying slave,
+who, tho' stopt from his retreat by a fatal arrow, yet with his staff
+and hatchet, desperately and gallantly assailed his pursuers, and killed
+five of the savages, before his life submitted to a multiplicity of
+wounds. Nor is the cruelty or malice of the Indians to be less remarked,
+in breaking the arms, legs, and heads of the two dead bodies, with their
+clubs and wooden swords, after a most wretched manner. As Atkins
+retreated our party advanced, to interpose between him and the savages:
+but after three vollies, we were obliged to retreat also: for they were
+so numerous and desperate, that they came up to our very teeth, shot
+their arrows like a cloud, and their wounded men, enraged with cruel
+pain, fought like madmen. They did not, however, think fit to follow us,
+but drawing themselves up in a circle, they gave two triumphant shouts
+in token of victory, though they had the grief to see several of their
+wounded men bleed to death before them.
+
+"After I had, Sir, drawn up our little army together, upon a rising
+ground, Atkins, wounded as he was, would have had us attack the whole
+body of the savages at once, I was extremely well pleased with the
+gallantry of the man: but, upon consideration, I replied, _You perceive,
+Seignor Atkins, how their wounded men fight; let them alone till
+morning, when they will be faint, stiff, and sore, and then we shall
+have fewer to combat with_. To which Atkins, smiling, replied, _That's
+very true, Seignor, so shall I too; and that's the reason I would fight
+them now I am warm_. We all answered, _Seignor Atkins for your part you
+have behaved very gallantly; and, if you are not able to approach the
+enemy in the morning, we will fight for you, till then we think it
+convenient to wait_, and so we tarried.
+
+"By the brightness of the moon that night, we perceived the savages in
+great disorder about their dead and wounded men. This made us change our
+resolution, and resolve to fall upon them in the night, if we could
+give them one volley undiscovered. This we had a fair opportunity to do,
+by one of the two Englishmen leading us round, between the woods and the
+sea-side westward, and turning short south, came privately to a place
+where the thickest of them were. Unheard and unperceived, eight of us
+fired among them, and did dreadful execution; and in half a minute
+after, eight more of us let fly, killing and wounding abundance of them;
+and then dividing ourselves into three bodies, eight persons in each
+body we marched from among the trees, to the very teeth of the enemy,
+sending forth the greatest shouts and acclamations. The savages hearing
+a different noise from three quarters at once, stood in the utmost
+confusion; but coming in sight of us, let fly a volley of arrows, which
+wounded poor old Friday, yet happily it did not prove mortal. We did
+not, however, give them a second opportunity; but rushing in among them,
+we fired three several ways, and then fell to work with our swords,
+staves, hatchets, and the butt-end of our muskets, with a fury not to be
+resisted; so that with the most dismal screaming and howling they had
+recourse to their feet, to save their lives by a speedy flight. Nor must
+we forget the valour of the two women; for they exposed themselves to
+the greatest dangers, killed many with their arrows, and valiantly
+destroyed several more with their hatchets.
+
+"In fighting these two battles, we were so much tired, that we did not
+then trouble ourselves to pursue them to their canoes, in which we
+thought they would presently put to the ocean; but their happening a
+dreadful storm at sea, which continuing all that night, it not only
+prevented their voyage, but dashed several of their boats to pieces
+against the beach, and drove the rest so high upon the shore, that it
+required infinite labour to get them off. After our men had taken some
+refreshment and a little repose, they resolved early in the morning to
+go towards the place of their landing, and see whether they were gone
+off, or in what posture they remained. This necessarily led them to the
+place of battle, where several of the savages were expiring, a sight no
+way pleasing to generous minds, to delight in misery, though obliged to
+conquer them by the law of arms; but our own Indian slaves put them out
+of their pain, by dispatching them with their hatchets. At length,
+coming in view of the remainder of the army, we found them leaning upon
+their knees, which were bended towards their mouth, and the head between
+the two hands. Hereupon, coming within musket shot of them, I ordered
+two pieces to be fired without ball, in order to alarm them, that we
+might plainly know, whether they had the courage to venture another
+battle, or were utterly dispirited from such an attempt, that so we
+might accordingly manage them. And indeed, the prospect took very well;
+for, no sooner did the savages hear the first gun, and perceive the
+flash of the second, but they suddenly started upon their feet in the
+greatest consternation; and when we approached towards them, they ran
+howling and screaming away up the hill into the country.
+
+"We could rather, at first, have wished, that the weather had permitted
+them to have gone off to the sea; but when we considered, that their
+escape might occasion the approach of multitudes, to our utter ruin and
+dissolution; we were very well pleased the contrary happened; and Will
+Atkins (who, tho' wounded, would not part from us all this while)
+advised us not to let slip this advantage, but clapping between them and
+their boats, deprive them of the capacity of ever returning to plague
+the island: _I know_, said he, _there is but on objection you can make,
+which is, that these creatures, living like beasts in the wood, may make
+excursions, rifle the plantations, and destroy the tame goats; but then,
+consider, we had better to do with an hundred men whom we can kill, or
+make slaves of at leisure, than with an hundred nations, whom it is
+impossible we should save ourselves from, much less subdue_. This
+advice, and these arguments being approved of, we set fire to their
+boats; and though they were so wet that we could not burn them entirely,
+yet we made them incapable for swimming in the seas. As soon as the
+Indians perceived what we were doing, many of them ran out of the woods,
+in fight of us, and kneeling down, piteously cried out, _Oa, Oa!
+Waramakoa_. Intimating, I suppose, that, if we would but spare their
+canoes, they would never trouble us again.
+
+"But all their complaints, submissions, and entreaties, were in vain;
+for self-preservation obliging us to the contrary, we destroyed every
+one of them that had escaped the fury of the ocean. When the Indians
+perceived this, they raised a lamentable cry, and ran into the woods,
+where they continued ranging about; making the woods ring with their
+lamentation. Here we should have considered, that making these
+creatures, thus desperate, we ought, at the same time to have set a
+sufficient guard upon the plantations: for the savages, in their ranging
+about, found out the bower, destroyed the fences, trod the corn down
+under their feet, and tore up the vines and grapes. It is true, we were
+always able to fight these creatures; but, as they were too swift for
+us, and very numerous, we durst not go out single, for fear of them;
+though that too was needless, they having no weapons, nor any materials
+to make them; and, indeed, their extremity appeared in a little
+time after.
+
+[ILLUSTRATION: The Spaniard, &c. burning the Indian canoes. _Dr. & Eng.
+by A. Carse, Edin._]
+
+"Though the savages, as already mentioned, had destroyed our bower, and
+all our corns, grapes, &c. yet we had still left our flock of cattle in
+the valley, by the cave, with some little corn that grew there, and the
+plantation of Will Atkins and his companions, one of whom being killed
+by an arrow, they were now reduced to two: it is remarkable that this
+was the fellow who cut the poor Indian with his hatchet, and had design
+to murder me and my countrymen the Spaniards. As our condition was low,
+we came to the resolution to drive the savages up to the farther part of
+the island, where no Indians landed, to kill as many of them as we
+could, till we had reduced their number; and then to give the remainder
+some corn to plant, and to teach them how to live by their daily labour,
+accordingly we pursued them with our guns, at the hearing of which they
+were so terrified, that they would fall to the ground. Every day we
+killed and wounded some of them, and many were found starved to death,
+so that our hearts began to relent at the sight of such miserable
+objects. At last, with great difficulty, taking one of them alive, and
+using him with kindness, & tenderness, we brought him to Old Friday, who
+talked to him, & told him how good we would be to them all, giving them
+corn and land to plant and live in, and present nourishment, provided
+they should keep within such bounds as should be allotted them, and not
+do prejudice to others: _Go then_, said he, _and inform your countrymen
+of this; which, if they will not agree to, every one of them shall
+be slain_.
+
+"The poor creatures, thoroughly humbled, being reduced to about
+thirty-seven, joyfully accepted the offer, and earnestly begged for
+food; hereupon we sent twelve Spaniards and two Englishmen well armed,
+together with Old Friday, and three Indian slaves were loaded with a
+large quantity of bread and rice cakes, with three live goats: and the
+poor Indians being ordered to sit down on the side of the hill, they ate
+the victuals very thankfully, and have proved faithful to the last,
+never trespassing beyond their bounds, where at this day they quietly
+and happily remain, and where we now and then visit them. They are
+confined to a neck of land about a mile and a half broad, and three or
+four in length, on the south-east corner of the island, the sea being
+before, and lofty mountains behind them, free from the appearance of
+canoes; and indeed their countrymen never made any inquiry after them.
+We gave them twelve hatchets, and three or four knives; have taught them
+to build huts, make wooden spades, plant corn, make bread, breed tame
+goats and milk them, as likewise to make wicker work, in which I must
+ingenuously confess, they infinitely out do us, having made themselves
+several pretty necessaries and fancies, as baskets, sieves, bird-cages,
+and cupboards, as also stools, beds and couches, no less useful than
+delightful; and now they live the most innocent and inoffensive
+creatures that ever were subdued in the world, wanting nothing but wives
+to make them a nation.
+
+"Thus, kind Sir, have I given you, according to my ability, an
+impartial account of the various transactions that have happened, in the
+island since your departure to this day; and we have great reason to
+acknowledge the kind providence of Heaven in our merciful deliverance.
+When you inspect your little kingdom, you will find in it some little
+improvement, your flocks increased, and your subjects augmented, so that
+from a desolate island, as this was before your wonderful deliverance
+upon it, here is a visible prospect of its becoming a populous and well
+governed little kingdom, to your immortal fame and glory."
+
+There is no doubt to suppose but that the preceeding relation of my
+faithful Spaniard was very agreeable and no less surprising to me, to
+the young priest, and to all who heard it: now were these people less
+pleased with those necessary utensils that I brought them, such as the
+knives, scissars, spades, shovels, and pick-axes, with which they now
+adorn their habitations.
+
+So much had they addicted themselves to wicker-work, prompted by the
+ingenuity of the Indians, who assisted them, that when I viewed the
+Englishmen's colonies, they seemed at a distance as though they had
+lived like bees in a hive: for Will Atkins, who was now become a very
+industrious and sober man, had made himself a tent of basket-work round
+the outside; the walls were worked in as a basket, in pannels or strong
+squares of thirty-two in number, standing about seven feet high: in the
+middle was another, not above twenty-two paces round, but much stronger
+built, being of an octagonal form, and in the eight corners stood eight
+strong poles, round the top of which he raised a pyramid for the roof,
+mighty pretty, I assure you, and joined very well together, with iron
+spikes, which he made himself; for he had made him a forge, with a pair
+of wooden bellows and charcoal for his work, forming an anvil cut of one
+of the iron crows, to work upon, and in the manner would he make himself
+hooks, staples, spikes, bolts, and hinges. After he had pitched the roof
+of his innermost tent, he made it so firm between the rafters with
+basket-work, thatching that over again with rice-straw, and over that a
+large leaf of a tree, that his house was as dry as if it had been tiled
+or slated. The outer circuit was covered as a lean-to, quite round this
+inner appartment, laying long rafters from the thirty-two angles to the
+top posts of the inner house, about twenty-feet distant, so that there
+was a space like a wall between the outer and inner wall, near twenty
+feet in breadth. The inner place he partitioned off with the same
+wicker-work, dividing it into six neat apartments every one of which had
+a door, first into the entry of the main tent, and another into the
+space and walk that was round it, not only convenient for retreat, but
+for family necessaries. Within the door of the outer circle, there was
+a passage directly to the door of the inner house; on either side was a
+wicker partition, and a door, by which you go into a room twenty-two
+feet wide, and about thirty long, and through that into another of a
+smaller length; so that in the outer circle were ten handsome rooms, six
+of which were only to be come at through the apartments of the inner
+tent, serving as retiring rooms to the respective chambers of the inner
+circle, and four large warehouses, which went in through one another,
+two on either hand of the passage that led through the outer door to the
+inner tent. In short, nothing could be built more ingeniously, kept more
+neat, or have better conveniences; and here lived the three families,
+Will Atkins, his companion, their wives and children, and the widow of
+the deceased. As to religion, the men seldom taught their wives the
+knowledge of God, any more than the sailors' custom of swearing by his
+name. The greatest improvement their wives had, was, they taught them to
+speak English, so as to be understood.
+
+None of their children were then above six years old; they were all
+fruitful enough; and I think the cook's mate's wife was big of her
+sixth child.
+
+When I inquired of the Spaniards about their circumstances while among
+the savages, they told me, _that they abandoned themselves to despair,
+reckoning themselves a poor and miserable people, that had no means put
+into their hands, and consequently must soon be starved to death._ They
+owned, however, that they were in the wrong to think so, and for
+refusing the assistance that reason offered for their support, as well
+as future deliverance, confessing that grief was a most insignificant
+passion, as it looked upon things as without remedy, and having no hope
+of things to come; all which verified this noted proverb,
+
+_In trouble to be troubled,
+Is to have your trouble doubled._
+
+Nor did his remarks end here, for, making observations upon my
+improvement, and on my condition at first, infinitely worse than theirs,
+he told me that Englishmen had, in their distress, greater presence of
+mind than those of any other country that he had met with; and that they
+and the Portuguese were the worst men in the world to struggle under
+misfortunes. When they landed among the savages, they found but little
+provision except they would turn cannibals, there being but a few roots
+and herbs, with little substance in them, and of which the natives gave
+them but very sparingly. Many were the ways they took to civilize and
+teach the savages, but in vain; for they would not own them to be their
+instructors, whose lives were owing to their bounty. Their extremities
+were very great and many days being entirely without food, the savages
+there being more indolent and less devouring than those who had better
+supplies. When they went out to battle they were obliged to assist these
+people, in one of which my faithful Spaniard being taken, had like to
+have been devoured. They had lost their ammunition, which rendered their
+fire-arms useless; nor could they use the bows and arrows that were
+given them, so that while the armies were at a distance, they had no
+chance but when close, then they could be of service with halberts, &
+sharpened sticks put into the muzzles of their muskets. They made
+themselves targets of wood covered with the skins of wild beasts; and
+when one happened to be knocked down, the rest of the company fought
+over him till he recovered; and then standing close in a line, they
+would make their way through a thousand savages. At the return of their
+friend, who they thought had been entombed in the bowels of their
+enemies, their joy was inconceivable. Nor were they less surprised at
+the sight of the loaves of bread I had sent them, things that they had
+not seen for several years, at the same time crossing and blessing it,
+as though it was manna sent from Heaven: but when they knew the errand,
+and perceived the boat which was to carry them back to the person and
+place from whence such relief came, this struck them with such a
+surprise of joy as made some of them faint away, and others burst out
+into tears.
+
+This was the summary account that I had from them. I shall now inform
+the reader what I next did for them, and in what condition I left them.
+As we were all of opinion that the savages would scarce trouble them any
+more, so we had no apprehensions on the score. I told them I was come
+purely to establish, and not to remove them; and upon that occasion, had
+not only brought them necessaries for convenience and defence, but also
+artificers, and other persons, both for their necessary employments, and
+to add to their number. They were altogether when I thus talked to them;
+and before I delivered to them the stores I brought, I asked them, one
+by one, if they had entirely forgot their first animosities, would
+engage in the strictest friendship; and shake hands with one another? On
+this Will Atkins, with abundance of good humour, said, _they had
+afflictions enough to make them all sober, and enemies enough to make
+them all friends: as for himself, he would live and die among them,
+owning that what the Spaniards had done to him, his own mad humour had
+made necessary for them to do_. Nor had the Spaniards occasion to
+justify their proceeding to me; but they told me, _that since Will
+Atkins had behaved himself so valiantly in fight, and at other times
+showed such a regard to the common interest of them all, they had not
+only forgotten all that was past, but thought he ought as much to be
+trusted with arms and necessaries as any of them, which they testified
+by making him next in command to the governor: and they most heartily
+embraced the occasion of giving me this solemn assurance, that they
+would never separate their interest again, as long as they lived_.
+
+After these kind declarations of friendship, we appointed all of us to
+dine together the next day; upon this I caused the ship's cook and his
+mate to come on shore for that purpose, to assist in dressing our
+dinner. We brought from the ship six pieces of beef, and four of pork,
+together with our punch bowl, and materials to fill it; and in
+particular I gave them ten bottles of French claret, and ten of English
+beer, which was very acceptable to them. The Spaniards added to our
+feast, five whose kids, which being roasted, three of them were sent as
+fresh meat to the sailors on board, and the other two we ate ourselves.
+After our merry and innocent feast was over, I began to distribute my
+cargo among them. First, I gave them linen sufficient to make every one
+four shirts, and at the Spaniard's request made them up six. The thin
+English stuffs I allotted to make every one a light coat like a frock,
+agreeable to the climate, and left them such a quantity as to make more
+upon their decay; as also pumps, shoes, hats, and stockings. It is not
+to be expressed the pleasing satisfaction which sat upon the
+countenances of these poor men, when they perceived what care I took of
+them, as if I had been a common father to them all; and they all engaged
+never to leave the island, till I gave my consent for their departure. I
+then presented to them the people I brought, viz. the tailor, smith, and
+the two carpenters; but my Jack-of-all-trades was the most acceptable
+present I could make them. My tailor fell immediately to work, and made
+every one of them a shirt; after which, he learned the women how to sew
+and stitch, thereby to become the more helpful to their husbands.
+Neither were the carpenters less useful, taking in pieces their clumsy
+things; instead of which they made convenient and handsome tables,
+stools, bedsteads, cupboards, lockers, and shelves. But when I carried
+them to see Will Atkins's basket-house, they owned they never saw such a
+piece of natural ingenuity before: _I am sure,_ said one of the
+carpenters, _the man that built this has no need of us; you need, Sir,
+do nothing but give him tools._
+
+I divided the tools among them in this manner: to every man I gave a
+digging spade, a shovel, and a rake, as having no harrows or ploughs;
+and to every separate place a pickax, a crow, a broad ax, and a saw,
+with a store for a general supply, should any be broken or worn out. I
+left them also nails, staples, hinges, hammers, chisels, knives,
+scissors, and all sorts of tools and iron work; & for the use of the
+smith, gave them three tons of unwrought iron, for a supply; and as to
+arms and ammunition, I stored them even to profusion; or at least to
+equip a sufficient little army against all opposers whatsoever.
+
+The young man (whose mother was unfortunately starved to death) together
+with the maid, a pious and well educated young woman, seeing things so
+well ordered on shore (for I made them accompany me) and considering
+they had no occasion to go so far a voyage as to the East Indies, they
+both desired of me, that I would leave them there, and enter them among
+my subjects. This I readily agreed to, ordering them a plat of ground,
+on which were three little houses erected, environed with basket-work,
+pallisadoed like Atkins's and adjoining to his plantation. So contrived
+were their tents that each of them had a room apart to lodge in, while
+the middle tent was not only their store-house, but their place for
+eating and drinking. At this time the two Englishmen removed their
+habitation to their former place; in that now the island was divided
+into three colonies: first, Those I have just now mentioned; secondly
+That of Will Atkins, where there were four families of Englishmen, with
+their wives and children, the widow and her children; the young man and
+the maid, who, by the way, we made a wife of before our departure; three
+savages, who were slaves; the tailor, smith, (who served also as a
+gunsmith) and my other celebrated person called Jack-of-all-trades.
+Thirdly, my chief colony, which consisted of the Spaniards, with Old
+Friday, who still remained at my old habitation, which was my capital
+city, and surely never was there such a metropolis, it now being hid in
+so obscure a grove, that a thousand men might have ranged the island a
+month, and looked purposely for it, without being able to find it,
+though the Spaniards had enlarged its boundaries, both without and
+within, in a most surprising manner.
+
+But now I think it high time to speak of the young French priest of the
+order of St. Benedict, whose judicious and pious discourses, upon sundry
+occasions, merit an extraordinary observation; nor can his being a
+French Papist priest, I presume, give offence to any of my readers, when
+they have this assurance from me, that he was a person of the most
+courteous disposition, extensive charity, and exalted piety. His
+arguments were always agreeable to reason, and his conversation the most
+acceptable of any person that I had ever yet met with in my life.
+
+_Sir,_ said he, to me, one day, _since, under God,_ at the same time
+crossing his breast, _you have not only saved my life; but, by
+permitting me to go this voyage, have granted me the happiness of free
+conversation, I think is my duty as my profession obliges me, to save
+what souls I can, by bringing them to the knowledge of some Catholic
+doctrine, necessary to salvation; and since these people are under your
+immediate government, in gratitude, justice, and decency, for what you
+have done for me, I shall offer no farther points in religion, that what
+shall merit your approbation_. Being a-pleased with the modesty of his
+carriage, I told him he should not be worse used for being of a
+different persuasion, if upon that very account, we did not differ in
+points of faith, not decent in a part of the country where the poor
+Indians ought to be instructed in the knowledge of the true God, and his
+Son Jesus Christ. To this he replied, that conversation might easily be
+separated from disputes; that he would discourse with me rather as a
+gentleman than a religious: but that, if we did enter upon religious
+argument, upon my desiring the same, I would give him liberty to defend
+his own principles. He farther added, that he would do all that became
+him in his office, as a priest as well as a Christian, to procure the
+happiness of all that were in the ship: that though he could not pray
+with, he would pray for us on all occasions; and then he told me several
+extraordinary events of his life, within a few years past; but
+particularly in this last, which was the most remarkable: that, in this
+voyage, he had the misfortune to be five times shipped and unshipped:
+his first design was to have gone to Martinico; for which, taking ship
+at St. Malos, he was forced into Lisbon by bad weather, the vessel
+running aground in the mouth of the Tagus; that from thence he went on
+board a Portuguese ship, bound to the Madeiras, whose master being but
+an indifferent mariner, and out of his reckoning, they were drove to
+Fial, where selling their commodity, which was corn, they resolved to
+take in their loading at the Isle of May, and to sail to Newfoundland;
+at the banks of which, meeting a French ship bound to Quebec, in the
+river of Canada, and from thence to Martinico, in this ship he embarked;
+the master of which dying at Quebec, that voyage was suspended; and
+lastly, shipping himself for France, this last ship was destroyed by
+fire, as before has been related.
+
+At this time we talked no further; but another morning he comes to me,
+just as I was going to visit the Englishman's colony, and tells me, that
+as he knew; the prosperity of the island, was my principal desire, he
+had something to communicate agreeable to my design, by which perhaps he
+might put it, more than he yet thought it was, in the way of the
+benediction of heaven. _How, Sir,_ said I, in a surprise, _are we not
+yet in the way of God's blessings, after all these signal providences
+and deliverances, of which you have had such an ample relation?_ He
+replied, _Nope, Sir, you are in the way, and that your good design will
+prosper: but still there are some among you that are not equally right
+in their actions; and remember, I beseech you, Sir, that Achan, by his
+crime, removed God's blessing from the camp of the children of Israel;
+that though six and thirty were entirely innocent, yet they became the
+object of divine vengeance, and bore the weight of his punishment
+accordingly._
+
+So sensibly was I touched with this discourse, and so satisfied with
+that ardent piety that inflamed his soul, that I desired him to
+accompany me to the Englishman's plantations, which he was very glad of,
+by reason they were the subject of what he designed to discourse with me
+about: and while we walked on together, he began in the
+following manner:
+
+"Sir, said he, I must confess it as a great unhappiness that we disagree
+in several doctrinal articles of religion; but surely both of us
+acknowledge this, that there is a God, who having given us some stated
+rules for our service and obedience, we ought not willingly and
+knowingly to offend him; either by neglecting what he has commanded, or
+by doing what he has forbidden. This truth every Christian owns, that
+when any one presumptuously sins against God's command, the Almighty
+then withdraws his blessing from him; every good man therefore ought
+certainly to prevent such neglect of, or sin against, God and his
+commands." I thanked the young priest for expressing so great a concern
+for us, and desired him to explain the particulars of what he had
+observed, that according to the parable of Achan, I _might remove the
+accursed thing from among us_ "Why then, Sir, said he, in the first
+place, you have four Englishmen, who have taken savage women to their
+wives, by whom they have several children, though none of them are
+legally married, as the law of God and man requires; they, I say, Sir,
+are no less than adulterers, and as they still live in adultery, are
+liable to the curse of God. I know, Sir, you may object the want of a
+priest or clergyman of any kind; as also, pen, ink and paper, to write
+down a contract of marriage, and have it signed between them. But
+neither this, nor what the Spanish governor has told you of their
+choosing by consent, can be reckoned a marriage, nor any more than an
+agreement to keep them from quarrelling among themselves; for, Sir, the
+essence or sacrament of matrimony (so he called it) not only consists in
+mutual consent, but in the legal obligation, which compels them to own
+and acknowledge one another, to abstain from other persons, the men to
+provide for their wives and children, and the woman to the same and like
+conditions, _nutatis mutandis,_ on their side: whereas, Sir, these men,
+upon their own pleasure, on any occasion, may forsake those women and
+marry others, and by disowning their children, suffer them utterly to
+perish. Now, Sir, 'added he, 'can God be honoured in such an unlawful
+liberty as this; how can a blessing succeed to the best endeavours, if
+men are allowed to live in so licentious a way?" I was indeed struck
+with the thing myself, and thought that they were much to blame, that no
+formal contract had been made, though it had been but breaking a stick
+between them, to engage them to live as man and wife, never to separate,
+but love, cherish, and comfort one another all their lives; _yet Sir,_
+said I, _when they took these wommen, I was not here, and if it is
+adultery, it is past my remedy, and I cannot help it_. "True, Sir,'
+answered the young priest, you cannot be charged with that part of the
+crime which was done in your absence: but I beseech you, don't flatter
+yourself, that you are under no obligation now to put a period to it:
+which if you neglect to do, the guilt will be entirely on you alone,
+since it is certainly in nobody's power but yours, to alter their
+condition." I must confess, I was so dull, that I thought he meant, I
+should part them, and knowing that this would put the whole island in
+confusion, I told him, I could not consent to it upon any account
+whatsoever. "Sir,' said he, in a great surprise, 'I do not mean that you
+should separate, but marry them, by a written contract, signed by both
+man and woman, and by all the witnesses present, which all the European
+laws decree to be of sufficient efficacy." Amazed with such true piety
+and sincerity, and considering the validity of a written contract, I
+acknowledged all that he said to be very just and kind, and that I would
+discourse with the man about it; neither could I see what reason they
+could have not to let him marry them, whose authority in that affair is
+owned to be as authentic as if they were married by any of our clergymen
+in England.
+
+The next complaint he had to make to me was this, that though these
+English subjects of mine have lived with these women seven years, and
+though they were of good understanding, and capable of instruction,
+having learned not only to speak, but to read English, yet all this
+while they had never taught them any thing of the Christian religion, or
+the knowledge of God, much less in what manner he ought to be served.
+"And is not this an unaccountable neglect:' said he warmly. 'Depend upon
+it, God Almighty will call them to account for such contempt. And though
+I am not of your religion, yet I should be glad to see these people
+released from the devil's power, and be saved by the principles of the
+Christian religion, the knowledge of God, of a Redeemer, the
+resurrection, and of a future state. But as it is not too late, if you
+please to give me leave to instruct them, I doubt not but I shall supply
+this great defect, by bringing them into the great circle of
+Christianity, even while you continue in the island."
+
+I could hold no longer, but embracing him, told him, with a thousand
+thanks, I would grant whatever he requested, and desired him to proceed
+in the third article, which he did in the following manner;
+
+"Sir,' said he, 'it should be a maxim among all Christians, that
+Christian knowledge ought to be propagated by all possible means, and on
+all occasion. Upon this account our church sends missionaries into
+Persia, India, and China, men who are willing to die for the sake of God
+& the Christian faith, in order to bring poor infidels into the way of
+salvation. Now, Sir, as here is an opportunity to convert seven & thirty
+poor savages, I wonder how you can pass by such an occasion of doing
+good, which is really worth the expence of a man's whole life."
+
+I must confess I was so confounded at this discourse, that I could not
+tell how to answer him. "Sir,' said he, feeling me in disorder, 'I shall
+be very sorry if I have given you offence." _No Sir,_ said I, _I am
+rather confounded; and you know my circumstances, that being bound to
+the East Indies in a merchant ship, I cannot wrong the owners so much,
+as to detain the ship here, the men lying at victuals and savages on
+their account. If I stay aboard several days, I must pay 3l. sterling_
+per diem _demurage, nor must the ship stop above eight days more; so
+that I am unable to engage in this work, unless I would leave the ship,
+and be reduced to my former condition._ The priest, though he owned this
+was hard upon me, yet laid it to my conscience, whether the blessing of
+saving seven and thirty souls was not worth venturing all that I had in
+the world? _Sir,_ said I, _it is very true; but as you are an
+ecclesiastic, it naturally falls into your profession: why, therefore,
+don't you rather offer to undertake it yourself than press me to it?_
+upon this he turned about, making a very low bow, "I most humbly thank
+God and you, Sir, (said he) for so blessed a call; and most willingly
+undertake so glorious an office, which will sufficiently compensate all
+the hazards and difficulties I have gone through in a long and
+uncomfortable voyage."
+
+While he was thus speaking, I could discover a rapture in his face, by
+his colour going and coming; at the same time his eyes sparkled like
+fire, and all the signs of the most zealous transports. And when I asked
+whether he was in earnest? _Sir,_ said he, _it was to preach to the
+Indians I consented to come along with you; these infidels, even in this
+little island, are infinitely of more worth than my poor life: if so
+that I should prove the happy instrument of saving these poor creatures'
+souls, I care not if I never see my native country again. One thing I
+only beg of you more is, that you would leave Friday with me, to be my
+interpreter, without whose assistance neither of us will understand
+each other._
+
+This request very sensibly troubled me; first, upon Friday's being bred
+a Protestant; and secondly, for the affection I bore to him for his
+fidelity: But, immediately the remembrance of Friday's father coming
+into my head, I recommended him to him as having learned Spanish, which
+the priest also understood; and so was thoroughly satisfied with him.
+
+When we came to the Englishmen, after I had told them what necessary
+things I had done for them, I talked to them of the scandalous life they
+led, told them what notice the clergyman had taken of it, and asked them
+if they were married men or bachelors? They answered, two of them were
+widowers, and the other three single men. But, said I, with what
+conscience can you call these your wives, by whom you have so many
+children, and yet are not lawfully married? They all said that they took
+them before the governor as such, having nobody else to marry them,
+which they thought as legal, as if they had had a parson. No doubt, said
+I, but in the eye of God it is so: but unless I am assured of your
+honest intent, never to desert these poor creatures, I can do nothing
+more for you, neither can you expect God's blessing while you live in
+such an open course of adultery. Hereupon, Will Atkins, who spoke for
+the rest, told me 'That they believed their wives the most innocent and
+virtuous creatures in the world; that they would never forsake them
+while they had breath; and that, if there was a clergyman in the ship,
+they would be married to them with all their hearts.' I told you before,
+said I, that I have a minister with me, who shall marry you to-morrow
+morning, if you are willing; so I would have you consult to-night with
+the rest about it. I told him the clergyman was a Frenchman, and knew
+not a word of English, but that I would act as clerk between them. And
+indeed this business met with such speedy success, that they all told
+me, in a few minutes after, 'that they were ready to be formally married
+as soon as I pleased;' with which informing the priest, he was
+exceedingly rejoiced.
+
+Nothing now remained, but that the women should be made sensible of the
+meaning of the thing; with which being well satisfied, they with their
+husbands attended at my apartment the next morning; there was my priest,
+habited in a black vest, something like a cassock, with a sash round it;
+much resembling a minister, and I was his interpreter. But the
+seriousness of his behaviour, and the scruples he made of marrying the
+women, who were not baptized, gave them, an exceeding reverence for his
+person: nor indeed would he marry them at all, till he obtained my
+liberty to discourse both with the men and women, and then he told them,
+'That in the sight of all indifferent men, and in the sense of the laws
+of society, they had lived in open adultery, which nothing new, but
+their consent to marry, or final separation, could put an end to; and
+even here was a difficulty with respect to the laws of Christian
+matrimony, in marrying a professed Christian to a heathen idolater,
+unbaptized; but yet there was time enough to make them profess the name
+of Christ, without which nothing could be done; that, besides, he
+believed themselves very indifferent Christians; and consequently had
+not discoursed with their wives upon that subject; and that unless they
+promised him to do so, he could not marry them, as being expressly
+forbidden by the laws of God.'
+
+All this they heard attentively, and owned readily.
+
+_But, Lord, Sir,_ said Will Atkins to me _how could we teach them
+religion, who know nothing of it ourselves? How can we talk to our wives
+of God, Jesus Christ, heaven, and hell? Why they would only laugh at us,
+who never yet have practiced religion, but on the contrary all manner of
+wickedness. Will Atkins,_ said I, _cannot you tell your wife she is in
+the wrong, and that her gods are idols, which can neither speak nor
+understand; but that our God, who has made, can destroy all things; that
+he rewards the good and punishes the wicked; and at last will bring us
+to judgment; cannot you tell her these things? That's true,_ said
+Atkins, _but then she'll tell me it is utterly false, since I am not
+punished and sent to the devil, who hath been such a wicked creature._
+These words I interpreted to the priest. "Oh!" said he, "tell him, his
+repentance will make him a very good minister to his spouse, and qualify
+him to preach on the mercy and long suffering of a merciful Being, who
+desires not the death of a sinner, and even defers damnation to the last
+judgment; this will lead him to the doctrine of the resurrection and
+will make him an excellent preacher to his wife." I repeated this to
+Atkins, who being more than ordinary affected with it, replied, _I know
+all this, Sir, and a great deal more; but how can I have the impudence
+to talk thus to my wife, given my conscience witnesses against me?
+Alas!_ said he (with tears in his eye, and giving a great sigh) _as for
+repenting, that is for ever past me. Past you! Atkins,_ said I, _what do
+you mean? You know well enough,_ said he, _what I mean, I mean it is
+too late._
+
+When I told the priest what he said, the poor affectionate man could not
+refrain from weeping; but recovering himself "Pray, Sir," said he, "ask
+him if he is contented that it is too late; or is he concerned, and
+wishes it were not so?" This question I put fairly to Atkins, who
+replied in a passion, _How can I be easy in a state which I know must
+terminate in my ruin? for I really believe, some time or other, I shall
+cut my threat, to put a period both to my life, and to the terrors of my
+conscience._
+
+At this, the clergyman shook his head, "Sir," said he, "pray tell him it
+is not too late; Christ will give him repentance, if he has recourse to
+the merit of his passion. Does he think he is beyond the power of Divine
+mercy? There may indeed be a time when provoked mercy will no longer
+strive, but never too late for men to repent in this world." I told
+Atkins every word the priest had said, who then parted from us to walk
+with his wife, while we discoursed with the rest. But these were very
+stupid in religious matters; yet all of them promised to do their
+endeavours to make their wives turn Christians; and upon which promises
+the priest married the three couple. But as Atkins was the only sincere
+convert and of more sense than the rest, my clergyman was earnestly
+inquiring after him: "Sir," said he, "let us walk out of this labyrinth,
+& I dare say we shall find this poor man preaching to his wife already."
+And indeed we found it true; for coming to the edge of the wood, we
+perceived Atkins and his savage wife sitting under the shade of a bush,
+in very earnest discourse; he pointed to the sun, to the quarters of the
+earth, to himself, to her, the woods, and the trees. Immediately we
+could perceive him start upon his feet, fall down upon his knees, and
+lift up both his hands; at which the tears ran down my clergyman's
+cheeks; but our great misfortune was, we could not hear one word that
+passed between them. Another time he would embrace her, wiping the tears
+from her eyes, kissing her with the greatest transports, and then both
+kneel down for some minutes together. Such raptures of joy did this
+confirm in my young priest, that he could scarcely contain himself: And
+a little after this, we observed by her motion, as frequently lifting up
+her hands, and laying them on her breast, that she was mightily affected
+with his discourse, and so they withdrew from our sight.
+
+When we came back, we found them both waiting to be called in; upon
+which he agreed to examine him alone, and so I began thus to discourse
+him. "Prithee, Will Atkins," said I, "what education have you? What was
+your father?"
+
+_W.A._ A better man than ever I shall be; he was, Sir, a clergyman, who
+gave me good instruction, or correction, which I despised like a brute
+as I was, and murdered my poor father.
+
+_Pr._ Ha! a murderer!
+
+[_Here the priest started and looked pale, as thinking he had really
+killed his father_.]
+
+_R.C._ What, did you kill him with your hands?
+
+_W.A._ No, Sir, I cut not his throat, but broke his heart by the most
+unnatural turn of disobedience to the tenderest and best of fathers.
+
+_R.C._ Well, I pray God grant you repentance: I did not ask you to
+exhort a confession; but I asked you because I see you have more
+knowledge of what is good than your companions.
+
+_W.A._ O Sir, whenever I look back upon my past life, conscience
+upbraids me with my father: the sins against our parents make the
+deepest wounds, and their weight lies the heaviest upon the mind.
+
+_R.C._ You talk, Will, too feelingly and sensibly for me; I am not able
+to bear it.
+
+_W.A._ You bear it, Sir! you know nothing of it.
+
+_R.C._ But yes, Atkins, I do; and every shore, valley, and tree in this
+island, witness the anguish of my soul for my undutifulness to my kind
+father, whom I have murdered likewise; yet my repentance falls
+infinitely short of yours. But, Will, how comes the sense of this matter
+to touch you just now?
+
+_W.A._ Sir, the work you have set me about, has occasioned it; for
+talking to my wife about God and religion, she has preached me such a
+sermon, that I shall retain it in lasting remembrance.
+
+_R.C._ No, no, it is your own moving pious arguments to her, has made
+conscience fling them back upon you. But pray, Atkins, inform us what
+passed between you and your wife, and in what manner you did begin.
+
+_W.A._ I talked to her of the laws of marriage, the reason of such
+compacts, whereby order and justice is maintained; without which men
+would run from their wives and children, to the dissolution of families
+or inheritances.
+
+_R.C._ Well, and what did she say to all this?
+
+_W.A._ Sir, we began our discourse in the following manner, which I
+shall exactly repeat according to my mean capacity, if you think it
+worth you while to honour it with your attention.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_The DIALOGUE between WILL ATKINS and his Wife in the wood._
+
+_Wife._ You tell me marriage God appoint, have you God in your country?
+
+_W.A._ Yes, child, God is in every nation.
+
+_Wife._ No; great old Benamuckee God is in my country, not yours.
+
+_A._ My dear, God is in heaven, which he made; he also made the earth,
+the sea and all that is therein.
+
+_Wife._ Why you no tell me much long ago?
+
+_A._ My dear I have been a wicked wretch, having a long time lived
+without the knowledge of God in the world.
+
+_Wife._ What, not know great God in own nation? No do good ting? No say
+O to him? that's strange!
+
+_A._ But, my dear, many live as if there was no God in heaven for all
+that.
+
+_Wife._ Why God suffer them? why makee not live well?
+
+_A._ It is our own faults, child.
+
+_Wife._ But if he is much great, can makee kill, why no makee kill when
+no serve him? No be good mans, no cry O to him?
+
+_A._ That's true, my dear, he may strike us dead, but his abundant mercy
+spareth us.
+
+_Wife._ Did not you tell God thanked for that?
+
+_A._ No, I have neither thanked him for his mercy, nor feared him for
+his power.
+
+_Wife._ Then me not believe your God be good, nor makee kill, when you
+makee him angry.
+
+_A._ Alas! must my wicked life hinder you from believing in him?
+
+_Wife_. How can me tink your God lives there? _(pointing to heaven.)_
+Sure he no ken what you do here.
+
+_A._ Yes, my dear, he hears us speak, sees what we do, and knows what we
+even think.
+
+_Wife._ Where then makee power strong, when he hears you curse, swear de
+great damn?
+
+_A._ My dear, this shows indeed he is a God and not a man who has such
+tender mercy.
+
+_Wife._ Mercy I what you call mercy?
+
+_A._ He pities and spares us: as he is our great Creator, so he is also
+our tender Father.
+
+_Wife._ So God never angry, never kill wicked, then he no good, no great
+mighty.
+
+_A._ O my dear, don't say so, he is both; and many times he shows
+terrible examples of his judgment and vengeance.
+
+_Wife._ Then you makee de bargain with him; you do bad ting, he no hurt
+you, he hurt other mans.
+
+_A._ No, indeed, my lips are all presumptions upon his goodness.
+
+_Wife._ Well, and yet no makee you dead; and you give him no tankee
+neither?
+
+_A._ It is true, I an ungrateful, unthankful dog, that I am.
+
+_Wife._ Why, you say, he makee you, why makee you no much better then?
+
+_A._ It is I alone that have deformed myself, and abused his goodness.
+
+_Wife._ Pray makee God know me, me no makee him angry, no do bad ting.
+
+_A._ You mean, my dear, that you desire I would teach you to know God:
+alas! poor dear creature, he must teach thee, and not I. But I'll pray
+earnestly to him to direct thee, and to forgive me, a miserable sinner.
+_(Hereupon he went a little distance, and kneeling down, prayed
+earnestly to God to enlighten her mind, and to pardon his sins; when
+this was done, they continued their discourse thus.)_
+
+_Wife._ What you put down knee for? For what hold up hand? Who you speak
+to?
+
+_A._ My dear, I bowed in token of submission to him that made me, and
+prayed that he would open your eyes and understanding.
+
+_Wife._ And can he do that too? And will he hear what you say?
+
+_A._ Yes, my dear, he bids us pray, and has given us promise that he
+will hear us.
+
+_Wife._ When did he bid you pray? What I do you hear him speak?
+
+_A._ No, my dear, but God has spoken formerly to good men from heaven;
+and by divine revelation they have written all his laws down in a book.
+
+_Wife_. O where dat good book?
+
+_A_. I have it not now by me; but one time or other I shall get it for
+you to read. _Then he embraced her with great affection_.
+
+_Wife_. Pray tell a mee, did God, teachee them write that book?
+
+_A_. Yes, and by that rule we know him to be God.
+
+_Wife_. What way, what rule you know him?
+
+_A_. Because he teaches what is good, just, and holy; and forbids all
+wicked and abominable actions that incur his displeasure.
+
+_Wife_. O me fain understand that, and if he do all things you say he
+do, surely he hear me say O to him; he makee me good if I wish to be
+good, he no kill me if I love him; me tink, believe him great God; me
+say O to him, along with you, my dear.
+
+_Here the poor man fell upon his knees, and made her kneel down by him
+praying with the greatest fervency, that God would instruct her by his
+Holy Spirit; and that God by his providence would send them a Bible for
+both their instructions. And such was the early piety of this new
+convert, that she made him promise never to forsake God any more, lest
+being_ made dead, _as she called it; she should not only want her
+instructor, but himself be miserable in a long eternity_.
+
+Such a surprising account as this was, proved very affecting to us both,
+but particularly to the young clergyman, who was mightily concerned he
+could not talk to her himself. "Sir," said he, "there, is something more
+to be done to this woman then to marry her; I mean that she ought to be
+baptized." To this, I presently agreed: "Pray," said he, "ask her
+husband, whether he has ever talked to her of Jesus Christ, the
+salvation of sinners, the nature of faith, and redemption in and by him,
+of the Holy Spirit, the resurection, last judgment, and a future state;"
+but the poor fellow melted into tears at this question, saying, that he
+had said something to her of these things, but his inability to talk of
+them, made him afraid, lest her knowledge of them should rather make her
+contemn religion, than be benefited by it; but that if I would discourse
+with her, it would be very evident my labour would not be in vain.
+Accordingly I called her in, and placing myself as interpreter between
+the religious priest and the woman, I entreated him to go on; but surely
+never was such a sermon preached by any clergyman in these latter days,
+with so much zeal, knowledge, and sincerity; in short, he brought the
+woman to embrace the knowledge of Christ, and of redemption by him, with
+so surprising a degree of understanding, that she made it her own
+request to be baptized.
+
+He than performed his office in the sacrament of baptism, first, by
+saying some words over to himself in Latin, and then asking me to give
+her a name, as being her godfather, and pouring a whole dish-full of
+water upon the woman's head, he said, "_Mary_, I baptize thee in the
+name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost;" so that none
+could know of what religion he was. After this he pronounced the
+benediction in Latin. Thus the woman being made a Christian, he married
+her to Will Atkins; which being finished, he affectionately exhorted him
+to lead a holy life for the future; and since the Almighty, for the
+convictions of his conscience, had honoured him to be the instrument or
+his wife's conversion, he should not dishonor the grace of God, that
+while the savage was converted, the instrument should be cast away. Thus
+ended a ceremony, to me the most pleasant and agreeable I ever passed
+in my life.
+
+The affairs of the island being settled, I was preparing to go on board,
+when the young man (whose mother was starved) came to me, saying, that
+as he understood I had a clergyman with me, who had married the
+Englishmen with savages, he had a match to make between two Christians,
+which he desired might be finished before I departed. Thinking that it
+was he himself that had courted his mother's maid, I persuaded him not
+to do any thing rashly upon the account of his solitary circumstances;
+that the maid was an unequal match for him, both in respect to substance
+and years; and that it was very probable he would live to return to his
+own country, where he might have a far better choice. At these words,
+smiling, he interrupted me, thanking me for my good-advice; that as he
+had nothing to beg of me but a small settlement, with a servant or two,
+or some new necessaries, so he hoped I would not be unmindful of him
+when I returned to England, but give his letter to his friends; and that
+when he was redeemed, the plantation, and all its improvements, however
+valuable, should be returned to me again. But as for the marriage he
+proposed, that it was not himself, but that it was between my
+Jack-of-all-trades and the maid Susan.
+
+I was indeed agreeably surprised at the mentioning this match, which
+seemed very suitable, the one being a very ingenious fellow, and the
+other an excellent, dexterous, and sensible housewife, fit to be
+governess of the whole island; so we married them the same day; and as I
+was her father, and gave her away, so I gave her a handsome portion,
+appointing her and her husband a convenient large space of ground for
+their plantation. The sharing out of the land I left to Will Atkins, who
+really divided if very justly, to every person's satisfaction; they only
+desired one general writing under my hand for the whole, which I caused
+to be drawn up, signed, and sealed to them, setting out their bounds,
+and giving them a right to the whole possession of their respective
+plantations, with their improvements, to them and their heirs, reserving
+all the rest of the island as my own property, and a certain rent for
+every particular plantation, after eleven years. As to their laws and
+government, I exhorted them to love one another; and as to the Indians
+who lived in a nook by themselves, I allotted three or four of them
+plantations, and the rest willingly chose to become servants to the
+other families, by which means they were employed in useful labour, and
+fared much better than they did before. Besides the savages thus mixed
+with the Christians, the work of their conversion might be set on foot
+by the latter, in the clergyman's absence, to our equal satisfaction.
+The young priest, however, was a little anxious lest the Christians
+should not be willing to do their parts in instructing these poor
+Indians; I therefore told him we should call them all together; that he
+should speak to the Spaniards who were Papists, and I to the English,
+who were Protestants, and make them promise that they would never make
+any distinction in religion, but teach the general true knowledge of
+God, and his son Jesus Christ, in order to convert the poor savages. And
+this, indeed, they all promised us accordingly.
+
+When I came to Will Atkins's house, I found his baptized wife, and the
+young woman newly married to my Jack-of-all-trades, were become great
+intimates, and discoursing of religion together. _O, Sir,_ says Will
+Atkins, _when God has sinners to reconcile to himself, he never wants an
+instructor; I knew I was unworthy of so good a work, and therefore this
+young woman has been sent hither as it were from heaven, who is
+sufficient to convert a whole nation of savages_. The young woman
+blushed, and was going to rise; but I desired her to sit still, and
+hoped that God would bless her in so good a work; and then pulling out a
+Bible (which I brought on purpose in my pocket for him.) _Here Atkins_,
+said I, _here is an assistant that perhaps you had not before_. So
+confounded was the poor man, that is was some time before he could
+speak; at last turning to his wife, _My dear_, he said, _did I not tell
+you that God could hear what we said? Here's the book I prayed for, when
+you and I kneeled under the bush: God then heard us, and now has sent
+it_. The woman was surprised, and thought really God had sent that
+individual book from heaven; but I turned to the young woman, and
+desired her to explain to the young convert, that God may properly be
+said to answer our petitions, when, in the course of his providence,
+such particular things came to pass as we petitioned for. This the young
+woman did effectually; but surely Will Atkins's joy cannot be expressed;
+no man being more thankful for any thing in the world, than he was for
+his Bible, nor desired it from a better principle.
+
+After several religious discourses, I desired the young woman to give me
+an account of the anguish she felt when she was starving to death with
+hunger; to which she readily consented, and began in the
+following manner:
+
+"Sir," said she, "all our victuals being gone, after I had fasted one
+day, my stomach was very sickly, and, at the approach, of night, I was
+inclined to yawning and sleepy. When I slept upon the couch three hours,
+I awaked a little refreshed: three hours after, my stomach being more
+and more sickly, I lay down again, but could not sleep, being very faint
+and ill. Thus I passed the second day with a strange variety, first
+hungry, then sick again, with reachings to vomit: that night I dreamed I
+was at Barbadoes, buying plenty of provisions; and dined heartily. But
+when I awaked, my spirits were exceedingly sunk, to find myself in the
+extremity of famine. There was but one glass of wine, which being mixed
+with sugar, I drank up; but for want of substance to digest upon, the
+fumes of it got into my head, & made me senseless for some time. The
+third day I was so ravenous and furious, that I could have eaten a
+little child if it had come in my way; during which time, I was as mad
+as any creature in Bedlam. In one of these fits I fell down, and struck
+my face against the corner of a pallet bed, where my mistress lay; the
+blood gushed out of my nose, but by my excessive bleeding, both the
+violence of the fever, and the ravenous part of the hunger abated. After
+this, I grew sick again, strove to vomit, but could not; then bleeding a
+second time, I swooned away as dead; when I came to myself, I had a
+dreadful gnawing pain in my stomach, which went of towards night, with a
+longing desire for food. I took a draught of water and sugar, but it
+came up again; then I drank water without sugar, and that staid with me.
+I laid me down on the bed, praying God would take me away: after I had
+slumbered, I thought myself a-dying, therefore recommended my soul to
+God, and wished somebody would throw me into the sea. All this while my
+departing mistress lay by me: the last bit of bread she had, she gave to
+her dear child my young master. The morning after, I fell into a violent
+passion of crying, and after that into hunger. I espied the blood that
+came from my nose in a basin, which I immediately swallowed up. At night
+I had the usual variations, as the pain in the stomach, sick, sleepy,
+and ravenous: and I had no thought but that I should die before morning.
+In the morning came on terrible gripings in my bowels. At this time I
+heard my young master's lamentations, by which I understood his mother
+was dead. Soon after this, the sailors cried, _A sail! A sail!_
+hallooing as if they were distracted for joy of that relief, which
+afterwards we received from your hands."
+
+Surely never was a more distinct account of starving to death than this.
+But to return to the disposition of things among my people, I did not
+take any notice to them of the sloop that I had framed, neither would I
+leave them the two pieces of brass cannon, or the two quarter-deck guns
+that I had on board, lest, upon any disgust, they should have separated,
+or turned pirates, and so made the island a den of thieves, instead of
+a plantation of sober pious people: but leaving them in a flourishing
+condition, with a promise to send them further relief, from Brazil, as
+sheep, hogs, and cows (being obliged to kill the latter at sea, having
+no hay to feed them) I went on board the ship again, the first of May,
+1695, after having been twenty days among them: and next morning, giving
+them a salute of five guns at parting, we set sail for the Brazils. The
+third day, towards evening, there happening a calm, and the current
+being very strong, we were drove to the N.N.E. towards the land. Some
+hours after, we perceived the sea covered as it were with something very
+black, not easily at first to be discovered: upon which our chief mate
+ascending the shrouds a little way, and taking a view with a perspective
+glass, he cries out, _An army! An army! You fool_, said I, _what do you
+mean? Nay, Sir_, said he, _don't be angry. I assure you, it is not only
+an army, but a fleet, too, for I believe there are a thousand canoes
+paddling along, and making with great haste towards us_.
+
+Indeed every one of us were surprised at this relation; and my nephew
+the captain could not tell what to think of it, but thought we should
+all be devoured. Nor was I free from concern, when I considered how much
+we were becalmed, and what a strong current set towards the shore;
+however, I encouraged him not to be afraid, but bring the ship to an
+anchor as soon as we were certain that we must engage them. Accordingly
+we did so, and furled all our sails, as to the savages we feared
+nothing, but only that they might se the ship on fire; to prevent which,
+I ordered them to get their boats out, and fasten them, one close by the
+head, and the other by the stern, well manned, with skeets and buckets
+to extinguish the flames, should it so happen. The savages soon came up
+with us, but there were not so many as the mate had said, for instead of
+a thousand canoes there were only one hundred and twenty; too many
+indeed for us, several of their canoes containing about sixteen or
+seventeen men.
+
+As they approached us, they seemed to be in the greatest amazement, not
+knowing what to make of us. They rowed round the ship, which occasioned
+us to call to the men in the boats, not to suffer them to come near
+them. Hereupon they beckoned to the savages to keep back, which they
+accordingly did; but at their retreat they let fly about fifty arrows
+among us, and very much wounded one of our men in the long-boat. I
+called to them not to fire upon any account, but handing them down some
+deal boards, the carpenters made them a kind of fence to shield them
+from the arrows. In half an hour after they came so near astern of us,
+that we had a perfect sight of them; then they rowed a little farther
+out, till they came directly along-side of us, and then approached so
+near, that they could hear us speak; this made me order all our men to
+keep close, and get their guns ready. In the mean time I ordered Friday
+to go out upon deck, and ask them in his language what they meant. No
+sooner did he do so, but six of the savages, who were in the foremost
+canoes, stooping down, showed us their naked backsides, as much as to
+say in English, _Kiss our_----: but Friday quickly knew what this meant,
+by immediately crying out they were going to shoot; unfortunately for
+him, poor creature, who fell under the cloud of three hundred arrows, no
+less than seven piercing through his body, killing one of the best
+servants, and faithfullest of companions in all my solitudes and
+afflictions.
+
+So enraged was I at the death of poor Friday, that the guns, which
+before were charged only with powder, to frighten them, I ordered to be
+loaded with small shot; nor did the gunners fail in their aim, but at
+this broadside split and overset thirteen or fourteen of their canoes,
+which killed numbers of them, and set the rest a swimming, the others,
+frightened out of their wits, little regarding their fellows drowning,
+scoured away as fast as they could. One poor wretch our people took up,
+swimming for his life, an hour after. He was very sullen at first, to
+that he would neither eat nor speak; but I took a way to cure him, by
+ordering them to throw him into the sea, which they did, and then he
+came swimming back like a cork, calling in his tongue, as I suppose, to
+save him. So we took him on board, but it was a long time before we
+could make him speak or understand English; yet when we had taught him,
+he told us, 'they were going with their kings to fight a great battle;'
+and when we asked him, what made them come up to us? he said, _to makee
+de great wonder look_; where it is to be noted, that those natives, and
+those of Africa, always add to _e_'s at the end of English words, as
+_makee, takee_, and the like, from which it is very difficult thing to
+make them break off.
+
+Being now under sail, we took our last farewell of poor honest Friday,
+and interred him with all possible decency and solemnity, putting him in
+a coffin, and committing him to the deep, at the same time cauling
+eleven guns to be fired at him. Thus ended the life of one of the most
+grateful, faithful, honest, and affectionate servants, that ever any man
+was blessed with in the world.
+
+Having now a fair wind for Brazil, in about twelve days time we made
+land in the latitude of five degrees south of the line. Four days we
+kept on S. by E. in sight of shore, when we made Cape St. Augustin, and
+in three days we came up to an anchor off the Bay of all Saints. I had
+great difficulty here to get leave to hold correspondence on shore; for
+neither the figure of my partner, my two merchant trustees, nor the fame
+of my wonderful preservation in the island, could procure me the favour,
+till such time as the prior of the monastery of the Augustines (to
+whom I had given 500 moidores) obtained leave from the Governor, for me
+personally, with the Captain & one more, together with eight sailors, to
+come on shore; upon this condition, that we should not land any goods
+out of the ship, nor carry any person away without licence; I found
+means, however, to get on shore three bales of English goods, such as
+fine broad cloths, stuffs, and some linen, which I brought as a present
+for my partner, who had sent me on board a present of fresh provisions,
+wine and sweetmeats, worth about thirty moidores, including some
+tobacco, and three or four fine gold medals.
+
+[Illustration: Revenging the death of Friday.]
+
+Here I delivered my partner in goods to the value of 100£ sterling, and
+obliged him to fit up the sloop I bought for the use of my island, in
+order to send them refreshments; and so active was he in this matter,
+that he had the vessel finished in a few days, to the master of which I
+gave particular instructions to find the place. I soon loaded him with a
+small cargo; and one of our sailors offered to settle there, upon my
+letter to the Spanish governor, if I would allot him tools and a
+plantation. This I willingly granted, and gave him the savage we had
+taken prisoner to be his slave. All things being ready for the voyage,
+my old partner told me there was an acquaintance of his, a Brazil
+planter, who having fallen under the displeasure of the church, & in
+fear of the Inquisition which obliged him to be concealed, would be glad
+of such an opportunity to make his escape, with his wife & two
+daughters; & if I would allot them a plantation in my island, he would
+give them a small stock to begin with, for that the officers had already
+seized his effects and estate, and left him nothing but a little
+household stuff and two slaves. This request I presently granted,
+concealing him and his family on board our ship, till such time as the
+sloop (where all the effects were) was gone out of the bay, and then we
+put them on board, who carried some materials, and plants for planting
+sugar-canes, along with them. By this sloop, among other things, I sent
+my subjects three milch cows and five calves, about 22 hogs, three sows
+big with pig, two mares and a stone horse. I also engaged three Portugal
+women to go for sake of the Spaniards, which, with the persecuted man's
+two daughters, were sufficient, since the rest had wives of their own,
+though in another country; all which cargo arrived safe, no doubt to
+their exceeding comfort, who, with this addition, were about sixty or
+seventy people, besides children.
+
+At this place, my truly honest and pious clergyman left me; for a ship
+being ready to set sail for Lisbon, he asked me leave to go thither, but
+I assure you it was with the greatest reluctance I parted from a person,
+whose virtue and piety merited the greatest esteem.
+
+From the Brazils, we made directly over the Atlantic Ocean to the Cape
+of Good Hope, having a tolerable good voyage, steering for the most part
+S.E. We were on a trading voyage, and had a supercargo on board, who
+was to direct all the ship's motions after she arrived at the Cape, only
+being limited to a certain number of days, for stay, by charter party,
+at the several ports she was to go to. At the Cape we only took in fresh
+water, and then sailed for the coast of Coromandel; we were there
+informed, that a French man of war of 50 guns, and two large merchant
+ships were sailed for the Indies, but we heard no more of them.
+
+In our passage, we touched at the island of Madagascar, where, though
+the inhabitants are naturally fierce and treacherous, & go constantly
+armed with bows & lances, yet for some time they treated us civily
+enough; and, in exchange for knives, scisors, and other trifles, they
+brought us eleven good fat bullocks, which we took partly for present
+victuals, and the remainder to salt for the ship's use.
+
+So curious was I to view every corner of the world where I came to, that
+I went on shore as often as I could. One evening when on shore, we
+observed numbers of the people stand gazing at us at a distance. We
+thought ourselves in no danger, as they had hitherto used us kindly.
+However, we cut three boughs cut of a tree, sticking them at a distance
+from us, which it seems, in that country, is not only a token of truce
+and amity, but when poles or boughs are set up on the other side, it is
+a sign the truce is accepted. In these treaties, however, there is one
+principal thing to be regarded, that neither party come beyond one
+another's three poles or boughs; so that the middle space is not only
+secure, but is also allowed as a market for traffic and commerce. When
+the truce is thus accepted, they stick up their javelins and lances at
+the first poles, and come on unarmed; but if any violence is offered,
+away they run to their poles, take up their weapons, and then the truce
+is at an end. This evening it happened that a greater number of people
+than usual, both men and women, traded among us for such toys as we had,
+with such great civility, that we made us a little tent, of large boughs
+of trees, some of the men resolving to lie on shore all night; but, for
+my part, I and some others took our lodging in the boat, with boughs of
+trees spread over it, having a sail spread at the bottom to lie upon.
+About two o'clock in the morning we were awakened by the firing of
+muskets, and our men crying out for help, or else they would all be
+murdered. Scarce had we time to get the boat ashore, when our men came
+plunging themselves into the water, with about four hundred of the
+islanders at their heels. We took up seven of the men, three of them
+very much wounded, and one left behind killed, while the enemy poured
+their arrows so thick among us, that we were forced to make a barricade,
+with boards lying at the side of the boat, to shield us from danger:
+and, having got ready our fire-arms, we returned them a volley, which
+wounded several of them, as we could hear by their cries. In this
+condition we lay till break of day, and then making signals of distress
+to the ship, which my nephew the captain heard and understood, he
+weighed anchor, & stood as near the shore as possible, and then sent
+another boat with ten hands in her to assist us; but we called to them
+not to come near, informing them of our unhappy condition. However they
+ventured; when one of the men taking the end of a tow-line in one hand,
+and keeping our boat between him and our adversaries, swam to us, and
+slipping our cables, they towed us, out of reach of their arrows, and
+quickly after a broadside was given them from the ship, which made a
+most dreadful havoc among them. When we got on board, we examined into
+the occasion of this fray. The men who fled informed us that an old
+woman who sold milk within the poles, had brought a young woman with
+her, who carried roots or herbs, the sight of whom so much tempted our
+men, that they offered rudeness to the maid, at which the old woman set
+up a great cry: nor would the sailors part with the prize, but carried
+her among the trees, while the old woman went, and brought a whole army
+down upon them. At the beginning of the attack, one of our men was
+killed with a lance, and the fellow who began the mischief, paid dear
+enough for his mistress, though as yet we did not know what had become
+of him; the rest luckily escaped. The third night after the action,
+being curious to understand how affairs stood, I took the supercargo and
+twenty stout fellows with me, and landed about two hours before
+midnight, at the same place where those Indians stood the night before,
+and there we divided our men into two bodies, the boatswain commanding
+one, and I another. It was so dark, that we could see nobody, neither
+did we hear any voice near us: but by & bye the boatswain falling over a
+dead body, we agreed to halt till the moon should rise, which he knew
+would be in an hour after. We perceived here no fewer than two and
+thirty bodies upon the ground, whereof two were not quite dead.
+Satisfied with this discovery I was for going on board again; but the
+boatswain and the rest told me, they would make a visit to the Indian
+town, where these dogs (so they called them) resided, asking me at the
+same time to go along with them; for they did not doubt, besides getting
+a good booty, but they should find Tom Jeffery there, for that was the
+unhappy man we missed. But I utterly refused to go, and commanded them
+back, being unwilling to hazard their lives, as the safety of the ship
+wholly depended upon them. Notwithstanding all I could say to them, they
+all left me but one, and the supercargo; so we three returned to the
+boat, where a boy was left, resolving to stay till they returned. At
+parting I told them I supposed most of them would run the same fate with
+Tom Jeffery. To this they replied, _Come boys, come along, we'll warrant
+we'll come off safe enough_; and so away they went, notwithstanding all
+my admonitions, either concerning their own safety or the preservation
+of the ship. Indeed they were gallantly armed, every man having a
+musket, bayonet, and a pistol, besides cutlasses, hangers, pole-axes,
+and hand granades. They came to a few Indian houses at first, which not
+being the town they expected they went farther, & finding a cow tied to
+a tree, they concluded that she would be a sufficient guide, and so it
+proved; for, after they untied her, she led them directly to the town,
+which consisted of above two hundred houses, several families living in
+some of the huts together. At their arrival, all being in a profound
+sleep, the sailors agreed to divide themselves into three bodies, and
+set three parts of the town on fire at once, to kill those that were
+escaping, and plunder the rest of the houses. Thus desperately resolved,
+they went to work; but the first party had not gone far, before they
+called out to the rest, that they had found Tom Jeffery; whereupon they
+all ran up to the place, and found the poor fellow indeed hanging up
+naked by one arm, and his throat almost cut from ear to ear. In a house
+that was hard by the tree, they found sixteen or seventeen Indians, who
+had been concerned in the fray, two or three of them being wounded, were
+not gone to sleep: this house they set on fire first, and in a few
+minutes after, five or six places more in the town appeared in flames.
+The conflagration spread like wild-fire, their housing being all of
+wood, and covered with flags or rushes. The poor affrighted inhabitants
+endeavoured to run out to save their lives, but they were driven back
+into the flames by the sailors, and killed without mercy. At the first
+house above mentioned, after the boatswain had slain two with his
+pole-ax, he threw a hand-granade into the house, which bursting, made a
+terrible havoc, killing and wounding most of them; and their king and
+most of his train, who were then in that house, fell victims to their
+fury, every creature of them being either smothered or burnt. All this
+while they never fired a gun, lest the people should awaken faster than
+they could overpower them. But the fire awakened them fast enough, which
+obliged our fellows to keep together in bodies. By this time the whole
+town was in a flame, yet their fury rather increased, calling out to one
+another to remember Tom Jeffery. The terrible light of this
+conflagration made me very uneasy, and roused my nephew the captain, and
+the rest of his men, who knew nothing of the matter. When he perceived
+the dreadful smoke, and heard the guns go off, he readily concluded his
+men were in danger; he therefore takes another boat, and comes ashore
+himself, with thirteen men well armed. He was greatly surprised to see
+me and only two men in the boat, but more so when I told him the story:
+but though I argued with him, as I did with the men, about the danger
+of the voyage, the interests of the merchants and owners, and the
+safety of the ship, yet my nephew, like the rest, declared, that he
+would rather lose the ship, his voyage, his life and all, than his men
+should be lost for want of help; and so away he went. For my part,
+seeing him resolved to go, I had not power to stay behind. He ordered
+the pinnace back again for twelve men more, and then we marched directly
+as the flame guided us. But surely never was such a scene of horror
+beheld, or more dismal cries heard, except when Oliver Cromwell took
+Drogheda in Ireland, where he neither spared man, woman, nor child.
+
+The first object, I think, we met with, was the ruins of one of their
+habitations, before which lay four men and three woman killed, and two
+more burnt to death among the fire, which was now decaying. Nothing
+could appear more barbarous than this revenge; none more cruel than the
+authors of it. As we went on, the fire increased, and the cry proceeded
+in proportion. We had not gone much farther, when we beheld three naked
+women, followed by sixteen or seventeen men, flying with the greatest
+swiftness from our men, who shot one of them in our sight. When they
+perceived us, whom they supposed also their murderers, they set up a
+most dreadful shriek, and both of them swooned away in the fright. This
+was a sight which might have softened the hardest heart; and in pity we
+took some ways to let them know we would not hurt them, while the poor
+creatures with bended knees, and lifted up hands, made piteous
+lamentations to us to save their lives. I ordered our men not to hunt
+any of the poor creatures whatsoever; but being willing to understand
+the occasion of all this, I went among these unhappy wretches, who
+neither understood me, nor the good I meant them. However being resolved
+to put an end to this barbarity, I ordered the men to follow me. We had
+not gone fifty yards before we came up with the boatswain, with four of
+our men at his heels, all of them covered with blood and dust, and in
+search of more people to satiate their vengeance. As soon as we saw
+them, we called out, and made them understand who we were; upon which
+they came up to us, setting up a holloo of triumph, in token that more
+help was come. _Noble Captain_, said he to my nephew, _I'm glad your
+come: we have not half done with these villainous hell-hound dogs;
+wee'll root out the very nation of them from the earth, and kill more
+than poor Tom has hairs upon his head:_ and thus he went on till I
+interrupted him.--"Blood-thirsty dog," said I, "will your cruelty never
+end? I charge you touch not one creature more; stop your hands and stand
+still, or you're a dead man this moment." _Why Sir_, said he, _you
+neither know whom you are protecting, nor what they have done: but pray
+come hither, and behold an instance of compassion, if such can merit
+your clemency_; and with that he shewed me the poor fellow with his
+throat cut, hanging upon the tree.
+
+Indeed, here was enough to fill their breasts with rage, which, however,
+I thought had gone too far, agreeable to these words of Jacob to his
+sons Simeon and Levi: _Cursed be their anger for it was fierce; and
+their wrath; for it was cruel._ But this sight made my nephew and the
+rest as bad as they: nay, my nephew declared, his concern was only for
+his men; as for the people, not a soul of them ought to live. Upon this,
+the boatswain and eight more directly turned about, and went to finish
+the intended tragedy; which being out of my power to prevent, I returned
+back from the dismal sight, & the piteous cries of those unfortunate
+creatures, who were made victims to their fury. Indeed, it was an
+egregious piece of folly in me to return to the boat with but one
+attendant; and I had very near paid for it, having narrowly escaped
+forty armed Indians, who had been alarmed by the conflagration; but
+having passed the place where they stood, I got to the boat accompanied
+with the supercargo, and so went on board, sending the pinnace back
+again, to assist the men in what might happen. When I had got to the
+boat, the fire was almost extinguished, and the noise abated; but I had
+scarce been half an hour on board the ship, when I heard another volley
+given by our sailors, and a great smoke, which, as I afterwards found,
+was our men falling upon those houses and persons that stood between
+them and the sea; but here they spared the wives and children, and
+killed only the men, to the number of about sixteen or seventeen. By the
+time they got to the shore, the pinnace and the ship's boat were ready
+to receive them, and they all got safe on board, not a man of them
+having received the least hurt, except two, one of whom strained his
+foot, and the other burnt his hand a little; for they met with no
+resistance, the poor Indians being unprepared, amazed, and confounded.
+
+I was extremely angry with every one of them, but particularly with the
+captain, who instead of cooling the rage of the men, had prompted them
+on to further mischief: nor could he make me any other excuse, but that
+as he was a man, he could not master his passions at the sight of one of
+his men so cruelly murdered. As for the rest, knowing they were not
+under my command, they took no notice of any anger, but rather boasted
+of their revenge. According to all their accounts, they killed or
+destroyed about 150 men, women, and children, besides burning the town
+to ashes. They took their companion Tom Jeffery from the tree, covered
+him with some of the ruins, and so left him. But however this action of
+our men might seem to them justifiable, yet I always openly condemned it
+with the appellation, of the Massacre of Madagascar. For tho' the
+natives had slain this Jeffery, yet certainly he was the first
+aggressor, by attempting to violate the chastity of a young innocent
+woman, who ventured down to them, on the faith of the public
+capitulation, which was so treacherously broken.
+
+While we were under sail, the boatswain would often defend this bloody
+action, by saying, that the Indians had broke the truce the night
+before, by shooting one of our men without just provocation: and what if
+the poor fellow had taken a little liberty with the wench, he ought not
+to have been murdered in so villainous a manner: and that they had acted
+nothing but what the divine laws commissioned to be done to such
+homicides. However I was in the same mind as before, telling them that
+they were murderers, and bid them depend upon it that God would blast
+their voyage, for such an unparalleled piece of barbarity.
+
+When we came to the Gulph of Persia, five of our men, who ventured on
+shore, were either killed or made slaves by the Arabians, the rest of
+them having scarce time to escape to their boat. This made me upbraid
+them afresh with the just retribution of Heaven for such actions; upon
+which the boatswain very warmly asked me, _Whether those men on whom the
+tower of Siloam fell, were greater sinners than the rest of the
+Galileans? and besides, Sir_, said he, _none of these five poor men that
+are lost, were with us at the Massacre of Madagascar, as you call it,
+and therefore your representation is very unjust, and your application
+improper. Besides_, added he, _you are continually using the men very
+ill upon this account, and, being but a passenger yourself, we are not
+obliged to bear it; nor can we tell what evil designs you may have to
+bring us to judgment for it in England: and, therefore, if you do not
+leave this discourse, as also not concern yourself with any of our
+affairs, I will leave the ship, and not sail among such
+dangerous company._
+
+All this I heard very patiently; but, it being often repeated, I at
+length told him, the concern I had on board was none of his business;
+that I was a considerable owner in the ship, and therefore had a right
+to speak in common, and that I was no way accountable to him, nor to any
+body else. As no more passed for some time after, I thought all had been
+over. At this time we were in the road of Bengal, where, going on shore
+with the supercargo one day, in the evening, as I was preparing to go on
+board, one of the men came to me, and told me, I need not trouble myself
+to come to the boat, for that the cockswain and others had ordered him
+not to carry me on board any more. This insulent message much surprised
+me; yet I gave him no answer to it, but went directly and acquainted the
+supercargo, entreating him to go on board, and, by acquainting the
+Captain with it, prevent the mutiny which I perceived would happen. But
+before I had spoken this, the matter was effected on board; for no
+sooner was he gone off in the boat, but the boatswain, gunner,
+carpenter, and all the inferior officers, came to the quarter-deck,
+desiring to speak with the Captain; & there the boatswain made a long
+harangue, exclaiming against me, as before mentioned, that, if I had not
+gone on shore peaceably, for my own diversion, they, by violence would
+have compelled me, for their satisfaction: that as they had shipped with
+the Captain, so they would faithfully serve him; but if I did not quit
+the ship, or the Captain oblige me to it, they would leave the ship
+immediately: hereupon, turning his face about by way of signal, they all
+cried out, "ONE and ALL! ONE and ALL!"
+
+You may be sure, that though my nephew was a man of great courage, yet
+he could not but be surprised at their sudden and unexpected behaviour;
+and though he talked stoutly to them, and afterwards expostulated with
+them, that in common justice to me, who was a considerable owner in the
+ship, they could not turn me as it were out of mine own house, which
+might bring their lives in danger should they ever be taken in England;
+nay, though he invited the boatswain on shore to accomodate matters with
+me, yet all this I say, signified nothing; they would have nothing to do
+with me; and they were resolved to go on shore if I came on board.
+_Well,_ said my nephew, _if you are so resolved, permit me to talk with
+him, and then I have done; and so he came to me, giving me an account of
+their resolution, how one and all designed to forsake the ship when I
+came on board, for which he was mightily concerned._ "I am glad to see
+you, nephew," said I, "and rejoice it is no worse, since they have not
+rebelled against you; I only desire you to send my necessary things on
+shore, with a sufficient sum of money, and I will find my way to England
+as well as I can." Though this grieved my nephew to the heart, yet there
+was no remedy but complience; in short, all my necessaries were sent me,
+and so this matter was over in a few hours.
+
+I think I was now near a thousand leagues farther off England by sea,
+than at my little kingdom, except this difference, that I might travel
+by land over the Great Mogul's country to Surat, from thence to Baffora,
+by sea up the Persian Gulph, then take the way of the caravans over the
+Arabian desert to Alleppo and Scanderoon, there take shipping to Italy,
+and so travel by land into France, and from thence cross the sea
+to England.
+
+My nephew left me two persons to attend me; one of them was his servant,
+and the other clerk to the purser, who engaged to be mine. I took
+lodging in an English woman's house, where several French, one English,
+and two Italian merchants resided. The handsome entertainment I met with
+here, occasioned me to stay nine months, considering what course I
+should take. Some English goods I had with me of great value, besides a
+thousand pieces of eight, and a letter for more, if there was such
+necessity. The goods I soon disposed of to advantage, and bought here
+several good diamonds, which I could easily carry about with me. One
+morning the English merchant came to me, as being very intimate
+together, _countryman_, said he, _I have a project to communicate to
+you, which I hope will suit to both our advantage. To be short, Sir, we
+are both in a remote part of the world from our country; but yet in a
+place where men of business may get a great deal of money. Now, if you
+will put a thousand pounds to my thousand pounds, we will hire a ship to
+our satisfaction; you shall be Captain, I will be merchant: and we'll go
+a trading voyage to China, for why should we lie still like drones,
+while the whole world is in a continual motion_.
+
+This proposal soon got my consent, being very agreeable to my rambling
+genius; and the more so, because I looked upon my countryman to be a
+very sincere person; it required some time before we could get a vessel
+to our mind, and sailors to man it accordingly; at length we bought a
+ship, and got an English mate, boatswain, and gunner, a Dutch carpenter,
+and three Portuguese foremast men; and, for want of others, made shift
+with Indian seamen. We first sailed to Achin, in the island of Sumatra,
+and then to Siam, where we bartered our wares for some arrack and opium,
+the last of which bore a great price among the Chinese; in a word, we
+went up to Suskan, making a very great voyage; &, after eight months
+time, I returned to Bengal, very well satisfied with this adventure,
+having not only got a sufficient quantity of money, but an insight of
+getting a great deal more.
+
+The next voyage my friend proposed to me, was to go among the spice
+islands, and bring home a load of cloves from the Manillas, or
+thereabouts; islands belonging partly to Spain, but where the Dutch
+trade very considerably. We were not long in preparing for this voyage,
+which we made no less successful than the last, touching at Borneo, and
+several other places which I do not perfectly remember, and returning
+home in about five months time. We soon sold our spices, which were
+chiefly cloves and some nutmegs, to the Persian merchants, who carried
+them away to the gulph; and, in short, making five to one advantage, we
+were loaded with money.
+
+Not long after my friend and I had made up our accounts, to our entire
+satisfaction, there came in a Dutch coaster from Batavia of about two
+hundred tons. The crew of this vessel pretended themselves so sickly,
+that there were not hands sufficient to undertake a voyage; and the
+Captain having given out that he intended to go to Europe, public notice
+was given that the ship was to be sold. No sooner did this come to our
+ears, but we bought the ship, paid the master, and took possession. We
+would also have very willingly entertained some of the men; but they
+having received their share of booty, were not to be found, being
+altogether fled to Agra, the great city of the Mogul's residence; and
+from thence went to travel to Surat, and so by the sea to the Persian
+Gulph. And indeed they had reason to fly in this manner; for the truth
+of it was the pretended Captain was the gunner only, and not the
+commander; that having been on a trading voyage, they were attacked on
+shore by the Malayans, who killed three men and the Captain; after whose
+death the other eleven men ran away with the ship to the Bay of Bengal,
+and left the mate and five men more on shore: but of this affair we
+shall have occasion to speak more at length hereafter.
+
+However they came by the ship, we thought we bought it honestly; neither
+did we suspect any thing of the matter, when the man showed us a bill of
+sale for the ship (undoubtedly forged) to one Emanuel Clostershoven,
+which name he went by. And so without any more to do, we picked up some
+Dutch and English seamen, resolving for another voyage for cloves among
+the Phillippine and Molucca Islands: in short, we continued thus five or
+six years, trading from port to port with extraordinary success. In the
+seventh year, we undertook a voyage to China, designing to touch at
+Siam, and buy some rice by the way. In this voyage, contrary winds beat
+us up and down for a considerable time among the islands in the Straits
+of Molucca. No sooner were we clear of those rugged seas, but we
+perceived our ship had sprung a leak, which obliged us to put into the
+river Cambodia, which lies northward of the Gulph, and goes up to Siam.
+
+One day, as I was on shore refreshing myself, there comes to me an
+Englishman, who was gunner's mate on board an English East India ship,
+riding up the river near the city of Cambodia. _Sir_, said he, _you may
+wonder at my business, having never seen me in your life; but tho' I am
+a stranger, I have something to tell you that very nearly concerns you:
+& indeed it is the imminent danger you are in has moved me to give you
+this timely notice_. "Danger!" said I, "what danger? I know of none,
+except my ship being leaky, for which I design to have her run aground
+to-morrow morning" _I hope you will be better employed when you shall
+hear what I have to say to you. You know the town of Cambodia is about
+fifteen leagues up this river; about three leagues on this side of it,
+there lie two Dutch and three English ships. And would you venture here
+without considering what strength you have to engage them_? I knew not
+what he meant by this discourse, and turning short upon him, "Sir," said
+I, "I know no reason I have to be afraid either of any Dutch or English
+ships. I am no interloper, and what business have they with me?" _Well,
+Sir,_ said the man, _if you do think yourselves secure, all as I can
+say, you must take your chance; however, I am very sorry you are so deaf
+to good advice; but I assure you; if you do not put to sea immediately,
+you will be attacked by five long-boats full of men, hanged yourself for
+a pirate, if you are taken, and the particulars examined afterwards. I
+thought, Sir_, added he, _I might have met a better reception for such a
+singular piece of service_. "Sir," said I, "I was never ungrateful to
+any man; but pray explain yourself and I'll go on board this minute,
+whether the leak be stopped or no." _Why, Sir,_ said he, _to be short,
+because time is precious, the matter is this: You know well enough that
+you was with the ship at Sumatra, when your Captain was murdered by the
+Malayans, with three of his sailors; and that either you, or some who
+were on board you, ran away with the ship, and are since turned pirates
+at sea. Now, Sir, this is the sum of what I had to say: and I can
+positively assure you, that if you are taken, you will be executed
+without much ceremony, for undoubtedly you cannot but be sensible what
+little law merchant ships show to pirates, whenever they fall into
+their hands_.
+
+"Sir,' said I, 'I thank you for your kind information; and though I am
+sure no man could come more honestly by the ship than I have done, yet
+knowing their enterprize, and being satisfied of your honest intention,
+I'll be upon my defence. _Pr'ythee, Sir,_ said the man, _don't talk of
+being upon your defence, the best that you can make is to be out of
+danger; and therefore, if you have any regard for your life, & the lives
+of your men, take the advantage, without fail, of putting out to sea at
+high-water: by which means, as you have a whole tide before you, you
+will be gone too far out of their reach before they can come down._
+
+"I am mighty well satisfied," said I, "in this particular, and for your
+kindness, which merits my great esteem; pray, Sir, what amends shall I
+make you?" He replied, "I know not what amends you are willing to make,
+because you may have some doubts of its certainty: but, to convince you
+of the truth of what I say, I have one offer to make to you. On board
+one of the English ships, I have nineteen months pay due to me, and this
+Dutchman that is with me has seven months pay due to him, which if you
+will make good to us, we will go along with you. If you shall find that
+there is nothing in what we have said, then we shall desire nothing; but
+when you are convinced that we have saved the ship, your life, and the
+lives of the men, we will leave the whole to your generosity."
+
+So reasonable did this every way appear, that I immediately consented,
+and we went directly on board. As soon as we came on board, my partner
+calls joyfully out, _That they had stopped the leak?_ "Well, thank God,"
+said I, "but pray let us weigh anchor forthwith."--_Weigh,_ said he,
+_what is the meaning of this hurry_? "Pray ask no questions," said I,
+"but all hands to work, without losing a moment's time." Upon which, in
+great surprise, the Captain was called, who immediately ordered the
+anchor to be got up; and though the tide was not quite down, yet being
+assisted with a little land breeze, we stood to sea. I then called my
+partner into the cabin, and related the story at large, which was
+confirmed and more amplified by the two men I had brought on board.
+Scarce had we finished our discourse upon this head, but a sailor came
+to the cabin door, with a message from the Captain, that we were chased
+by five sloops full of armed men. "Very well," said I, "it is plain now
+there is something in it." And so, going upon deck, I told all the men
+there was a design for seizing the ship, and of executing us for
+pirates; and asked them whether they would faithfully stand by us, and
+by one another? To which they unanimously replied, "That they would
+fight to their last drop of blood." I then asked the Captain, which way
+he thought best for us to manage the battle? _Sir_, said he, _the only
+method is to keep them off with our great shot as long as we are able,
+and then have recourse to our small arms: and when both these fail us,
+then retire to close quarters, when perhaps the enemy wanting materials,
+can neither break open our bulk heads, nor get in upon us_. Meantime,
+the gunner was ordered to bring two guns to bear fore and aft out of the
+steerage, and so load them with musket-bullets and small pieces of old
+iron; and the deck being cleared, we prepared for the engagement, still,
+however, keeping out at sea. The boats followed us, with all the sail
+they could make, and we could perceive the two foremost were English,
+which out-sailed the rest by two leagues, and which we found would come
+up with us: hereupon, we fired a gun without a ball, intimating that
+they should bring to, and we put out a flag of truce, as a signal for
+parley; but finding them crowding after us, till they came within shot,
+we took in our white, and hanging out the red flap, immediately fired at
+them with ball: we then called to them with a speaking trumpet, bidding
+them at their peril keep off.
+
+But all this signified nothing; for depending upon the strength that
+followed them, they were resolutely bent for mischief: hereupon I
+ordered them to bring the ship to, by which means, they lying upon our
+broadside, we let fly at them at once, one of whom carried away the
+stern of the hindermost boat, and obliged them not only to take down
+their sail, but made them all run to the head of the boat, to keep them
+from sinking, and so she lay by, having enough of it. In the meantime,
+we prepared to welcome the foremost boat in the same manner. While we
+were doing this, one of the three hindermost boats came up to the relief
+of that which was disabled, and took the men out of her. We again
+called to parley with them; but, instead of an answer, one of the boats
+came close under our stern; whereupon our gunner let fly his two chase
+guns, but missing, the men in the boat shouted, and, waving their caps,
+came on with greater fury. To repair this seeming disgrace, the gunner
+soon got ready, and firing a second time, did a great deal of mischief
+among the enemy. We waved again, and, bringing our quarter to bear upon
+them, fired three guns more, when we found the boat a sinking, and
+several men already in the sea; hereupon, manning our pinnace, I gave
+orders to save as many as they could, and instantly to come on board,
+because the rest of their boats were approaching: accordingly they did
+so, and took up three of them, one of whom was almost past recovery; and
+then crowding all the sail we could, after our men came on board, we
+stood out farther to sea, so that the other three boats gave over the
+chase, when they came up to the first two. Thus delivered from imminent
+danger, we changed our course to the eastward, quite out of the course
+of all European ships.
+
+Being now at sea, and inquiring more particularly of the two seamen, the
+meaning of all this, the Dutchman at once let us into the secret. He
+told us, that the fellow who sold us the ship was an errant thief, who
+had run away with her; that the Captain was treacherously murdered on
+the coast of Molucca by the natives there, with three of his men; that
+he, the Dutchman, and four more, being obliged to have recourse to the
+woods for their safety, at length escaped by means of a Dutch ship in
+its way to China, which had sent their boat on shore for fresh water:
+That, after this, he went to Batavia, where two of the seamen belonging
+to the ship (who had deserted the rest in their travels) arrived, and
+there gave an account that the fellow who ran away with the ship had
+sold her at Bengal to a set of pirates, who went a cruising, and had
+already taken one English and two Dutch ship, richly laden.
+
+Now, tho' this was absolutely false, my partner truly said, that our
+deliverance was to be esteemed so much the more, by reason, had we
+fallen into their hands, we could have expected nothing from them but
+immediate death, considering our accusers would have been our judges;
+and, therefore, his opinion was to return directly to Bengal, where,
+being known, we could prove how honestly we came by the ship, of whom we
+bought her, and the like, and where we were sure of some justice; at
+least would not be hanged first, and judged afterwards. I was at first
+of my partner's opinion, but when I had more seriously considered of the
+matter, I told him, we ran a great hazard in attempting to return, being
+on the wrong side of the Straits of Molucca and that, if, upon alarm
+given, we should be taken by the Dutch at Batavia, or English elsewhere,
+our turning away would be a sufficient evidence to condemn us. This
+danger indeed startled not only my partner, but likewise all the ship's
+company; so we changed our former resolution, and resolved to go to the
+coast of Tonquin, and so to that of China, where, pursuing our first
+design as to trade, we might likewise have an opportunity to dispose of
+the ship some way or other, and to return to Bengal in any country
+vessel we could procure. This being agreed to, we steered away N.N.E.
+about 50 leagues off the usual course to the east; which put us to some
+inconveniences. As the wind blew steadily against us, our voyage became
+more tedious, and we began to be afraid of want of provision; and what
+was still worse, we apprehended, that as those ships from whose boat we
+had escaped, were bound to China, they might get before us, and have
+given fresh information, which might create another vigorous pursuit.
+Indeed, I could not help being grieved, when I considered that I who had
+never wronged or defrauded any person in my life, was now pursued like a
+common thief, and if taken to run the greatest danger of being executed
+as such; and, though innocent, I found myself under the necessity of
+flying for my safety; and thereby escape being brought to shame, of
+which I was even more afraid than death itself. It was easy to read my
+dejection in my countenance. My mind was oppressed, like those unhappy
+innocent persons, who being overpowered by blasphemous and perjured
+evidences, wickedly resolved to take away their lives, or ruin their
+reputation, have no other recourse in this world to ease their sorrow,
+but sighs, prayers, and tears. My partner seeing me so concerned,
+encouraged me as well as he could; and, after describing to me the
+several ports of that coast, he told me, he would either put me in on
+the coast of Cochinchina, or else in the bay of Tonquin, from whence we
+might go to Macao, a town once possessed by the Portuguese, and where
+still many European families resided.
+
+To this place we steered, and, early next morning, came in sight of the
+coast; but thought it advisable to put into a small river where we
+could, either over land, or by the ship's pinnace, know what vessels
+were in any ports thereabouts. This happy step proved our deliverance;
+for, next morning, there came to the bay of Tonquin two Dutch ships, and
+a third without any colours; and in the evening, two English ships
+steered the same course. The river where we were was but small, and ran
+but a few leagues up the country northward; the country was wild and
+barbarous, and the people thieves, having no correspondence with any
+other nation; dealing only in fish, oil, and such gross commodities: and
+one barbarous custom they still retained, that when any vessel was
+unhappily shipwrecked upon their coast, they make the men prisoners or
+slaves, so that now we might fairly say we were surrounded by enemies
+both by sea and land.
+
+As the ship had been leaky, we took the opportunity, in this place to
+search her, and to stop up the places which let in the water. We
+accordingly lightened her, and bringing our guns and other moveable
+things to one side, we essayed to bring her down, that we might come to
+her bottom: but, upon second consideration, we did not think it safe to
+let her lie on dry ground, neither indeed was the place convenient for
+it. The inhabitants not used to such a sight as to see a ship lie down
+on one side; and heel in towards the shore, and not perceiving her men,
+who were at work on her bottom, with stages and boats on the off side,
+presently imagined the ship had been cast away, and lay fast on the
+ground. Agreeable to this supposition, they surrounded us with ten or
+twelve large boats, with a resolution, undoubtedly to plunder the ship,
+and to carry away those they found alive for slaves to their king. But
+when they perceived our men hard at work on the ship's bottom and side,
+washing, graving, and stopping her, it filled them all with such
+surprise, that they stood gazing as though they were confounded. Nor
+could we imagine what their design was; however, for fear of danger, we
+handed down arms and ammunition to those at work, in order to defend
+themselves; and, indeed, this precaution was absolutely necessary; for,
+in a quarter of an hour after, the natives, concluding it was really a
+shipwreck, and that we were saving our lives and goods, which they
+thought belonged to them, came down upon our men as though it had been
+in line of battle. We lay at present but in a very unfit posture to
+fight; and before the stages could be got down, or the men in the boat
+come on board as they were ordered, the Cochinchinese were upon them,
+and two of their boats boarding our long boat, they began to lay hold of
+our men as prisoners. The first they seized was a stout English sailor,
+who never fired his musket, like a fool, as I imagined, but laid it down
+in the boat: but he knew what he was doing; for, by main force, he
+dragged the Pagan out of the boat into ours by the two ears, and knocked
+his brains out against the boat's gunnel; a Dutchman that was next him,
+snatched up the musket, and knocked down five more with the but-end of
+it; however, this was doing very little to their number; but a strange
+unexpected accident, which rather merits laughter than any thing else,
+gave our men a complete victory over them.
+
+It seems the carpenter, who was preparing to grave the outside of the
+ship, as well as to pay the seams, where he caulked to stop the leaks,
+had gotten two kettles just let down in the boat, one filled with
+boiling pitch, and the other with rosin, tallow, oil, and such stuffs as
+the shipwrights use; the carpenter's man had a great iron ladle with
+which he used to supply the workmen with hot stuff, & as two of the
+enemies entered the boat where the fellow stood, he saluted them with a
+full ladle of the hot boiling liquor; which, the poor creatures being
+half naked, made them roar out, and jump into the sea. _Well done,
+Jack_, says the carpenter, _give them the other dose_: and so stepping
+forward himself, takes a mop, and dipping it into the pitch-pot, he and
+his man so plentifully flung it among them, as that none escaped being
+scalded; upon which they all made the best of their way, crying and
+howling in such a frightful manner, that, in all my adventures, I never
+heard the like. And, indeed, never was I better pleased with any
+conquest than I was with this, there being so little bloodshed, and
+having an aversion to killing such savage wretches, (more than was
+necessary) as knowing they came on errands, which their laws and customs
+made them think were just and equitable. By this time, all things being
+in order, and the ship swimming, they found their mistake, so they did
+not venture a second attack. Thus ended our merry fight; and, having got
+rice, bread, roots, and sixteen good hogs on board the day before we set
+sail, not daring to go into the bay of Tonquin, but steering N.E. toward
+the isle of Formosa, or as tho' we would go to the Manillas, or
+Phillippine islands, for fear of meeting with any European ships; when
+we anchored at the isle of Formosa, the inhabitants not only courteously
+supplied us with provisions and fresh water, but dealt very fairly and
+honestly with us in their bargains and agreements. From this place we
+steered north, keeping still off the coast of China, till we were beyond
+all its ports where European ships usually come; and, at length, being
+come to the latitude of thirty degrees, we resolved to put into the
+first trading port we should come at; and standing for the shore, a boat
+came off two leagues to us, with an old Portuguese pilot on board, who
+offered his service; we very gladly accepted him, and sent the boat back
+again. And now, having the man on board, I talked to him of going to
+Nanquin, the most northward part of the coast of China. _What will you
+do there_? said he, smiling. I told him that we would sell our cargo,
+and purchase calicoes, raw and wrought silks, tea, &c. and so return the
+same way back. _O_, said he, _you had better put in at Macao, where you
+may buy China wares as cheap as at Nanquin, and sell your opium at a
+greater advance_. "But' said I 'we are gentlemen as well as merchants,
+and design to see the great city of Pekin, and the magnificent court of
+the monarch of China," _Why then_, said he, _you should go to Ningpo,
+where is a navigable river that goes through the heart of that vast
+empire, two hundred and seventy leagues from the sea, which crosses all
+the rivers, passes considerable hills, by the help of the sluices and
+gates, and goes even up to the city of Pekin. You may go to Nanquin if
+you please, and travel to Pekin, and there is a Dutch ship just before
+bound that way_. At the name of a Dutch or English ship, I was struck
+with confusion; they being as great a terror to me in this vessel, as an
+Algerine man of war is to them in the Mediterranean. The old man finding
+me troubled, _Sir_, said he, _I hope the Dutch are not now at war with
+your nation_. "No," said I, "but God knows what liberty they may take
+when out of the reach of the law." _Why_, says he _what occasion is
+there for peaceable merchants to fear? For believe me, they never meddle
+with any but PIRATES._
+
+[Illustration: The Carpenter and his man defeats the Cochinchinese.]
+
+At the mentioning the word _pirates_, my countenance turned to that of
+scarlet; nor was it possible for me to conceal it from the old pilot;
+who was taking notice of it, _Sir_, said he _take what course you
+please, I'll do you all the service I can._ "Seignior," said I, "I am a
+little concerned at your mentioning pirates; I hope there are none such
+in these seas, because you see in what weak condition we are to defend
+ourselves." _O, Sir_, said he, _if that's all, don't be concerned, I
+don't remember one in these seas these fifteen years, except above a
+month ago one was seen in the bay of Siam, but he is gone to the
+southward; neither was she built for a privateer, but was run away with
+by a reprobate Captain, and some of his men, the right Captain having
+been murdered by the Malayans_.
+
+"What," said I, (as though ignorant of what had happened) "did they kill
+the Captain?" _No_, said he, _it is generally thought the Malayans
+murdered him; but they justly deserve hanging. The rogues were lately
+discovered in the bay of Siam, in the river of Cambodia, by some
+Dutchmen who belonged to the ship, and had much ado to escape the five
+boats that pursued them, but they have solemnly sworn to give no quarter
+to the Captain or the seamen but hang them every one up at the yard-arm,
+without any formal business of bringing them to a court of judicature_.
+
+Being sensible, that, having the old man on board, he was incapable of
+doing me any mischief, "Well, Seignior, (said I) it is for this very
+reason I would have you carry us up to Nanquin, where neither English
+nor Dutch ships come; and I must tell you, their Captains are a parcel
+of rash, proud, insolent rascals, that neither know what belongs to
+justice, nor how to behave themselves as the laws of God or nature
+direct; fellows that would prove murderers to punish robbers, and take
+upon them to adjudge innocent men to death, without any proof to prove
+them guilty, but perhaps I may live to call them to account for it, in a
+place where they may be taught how justice is to be executed." And so I
+told him all the story of buying the ship, and how we were saved by the
+means of two men; that the murder of the Captain by the Malayans, as
+also the running away with the ship, I believed to be true; but that
+we, who bought it, were turned pirates, was a mere fiction to cover
+their cowardice and foolish behaviour, when they attacked us, & the
+blood of those men we killed in our own just defence, lay at their door,
+who sent to attack us by surprise.
+
+"Sir, (said the old man, amazed) you have taken the right course to
+steer to the north, and, if I might advise you, I would have you sell
+your ship in China, and buy or build another in that country; and I'll
+procure people to buy the one and sell the other." "Well, but, Seignior,
+(said I) if I sell the ship in this manner, I may bring some innocent
+persons into the same dangers I have gone through, perhaps worse, even
+death itself; whereby I should be as guilty of their murder as their
+villainous executioners." "That need not trouble you, (says the old man)
+I'll find a way to prevent that; for these commanders you talk of I know
+very well, and will inform them rightly of the matter as you have
+related, and I am persuaded they will not only believe me, but act more
+cautiously for the future." "And will you deliver one message from me to
+them?" "Yes, (said he) if you will give it under your hand, that I may
+prove it is not of my own production," Hereupon I wrote a large account
+of their attacking me in their long-boat, the pretended reason and
+unjust design of it; that they had done what they might be ashamed of,
+and could not answer for at any tribunal in England. But this letter was
+writ in vain. Providence ordered things another way. We sailed directly
+for Nanquin, and in about thirteen day's sail, came to an anchor at the
+south-west point of the great gulf of that place, where we learned, that
+two Dutch ships were gone the length before us, and that we should
+certainly fall into their hands. We were all at a great loss in this
+exigency, and would very gladly have been on shore almost any where; but
+our old pilot told me, that if I would sail to the southward about two
+and forty leagues, there was a little port called Quinchange, where no
+European ships ever came, and where we might consider what was further
+to be done. Accordingly we weighed anchor the next day, calling only
+twice on shore by the way to get fresh water. The country people very
+courteously sold us roots, tea, rice, fowls, and other provisions. After
+five days sail we came to the port, and landed with unspeakable joy. We
+resolved to dispose of ourselves and effects in any other way possible,
+than enter on board that ill-fated vessel more; for no state can be more
+miserable than a continued fear, which is a life of death, a confounder
+of our understandings, that sets the imagination at work to form a
+thousand frightful things that may never happen. And we scarce slept one
+night without dreaming of halters, yard-arms, or gibbets, of fighting,
+being taken, and being killed; nay, so violent were our apprehensions,
+that we would bruise our hands and heads against the sides of the
+cabin, as though actually engaged. The story of the Dutch cruelty at
+Amboyns, often came into our thoughts when awake; and, for my part, I
+thought my condition very hard; that after so many difficulties and such
+signal deliverances, I should be hanged in my old age, though innocent
+of any crime that deserved such punishment; but then religion would seem
+to represent to me, as though the voice of it had said; 'consider, O
+man! what sins you have been formerly guilty of; which now thou art
+called to an account for, to expiate with thy blood! And as to thy
+innocence, what art thou more innocent than thy blessed Redeemer, Jesus
+Christ, who suffered for thy offences, and to whose providence you ought
+to submit, let what will happen?' After this, natural courage would
+inspire me to resist to the last drop of blood, and sooner die than
+suffer myself to be taken by boorish, rascally Dutchmen, who had arts to
+torment beyond death itself.
+
+But now, thank kind Heaven, being ashore; our old pilot procured us a
+lodging and a warehouse for our goods; it was a little hut with a large
+warehouse joining to it, all built with canes, and pallisadoed round
+with large ones, to keep out pilfering thieves, which are very numerous
+in that country. The magistrates allowed us a little guard during the
+night, and we employed a centinel with a kind of halbert for three pence
+a day. The fair, or mart, we found, had been over for some time;
+however, there remained in the river four junks and two Japan ships, the
+merchants of the latter being on shore. In the first place, our old
+pilot brought us acquainted with the missionary Roman priests, who were
+converting the people to Christianity: two of them were reserved, rigid,
+and austere, applying themselves to the work they came about with great
+earnestness, but the third, who was a Frenchman, called Father Simon,
+was of a freer conversation, not seemingly so serious and grave, yet no
+worse Christian than the other two, one of whom was a Portuguese, and
+the other a Genoese. Father Simon, it seems, was appointed to go to
+Pekin, the royal seat of the Emperor of the Chinese; and he only waited
+for another priest, who was ordered from Macao to accompany him. We
+never met together, but he was prompting me to accompany him in that
+journey: _Sir_, said he, _I will show you the glorious things of this
+mighty empire, and a city, the city of Pekin, far exceeding London and
+Paris, put them both together_. One day in particular, being at dinner
+with him, I showed some inclination to go; which made him press the more
+upon me and my partner, to gain our perfect consent. _But, Father
+Simon_, said my partner, _what satisfaction can you have in our company,
+whom you esteem as heretics, and consequently objects not worthy your
+regard? O_, said he, _you may be as good Catholics in time as those I
+hope to convert to our religion. And so_, said I, _we shall have you
+preaching to us all the way, instead of pleasing us with a description
+of the country. Sir_, said he, _however our religion may be villified by
+some people, it is very certain it neither divests us of good manners or
+Christian charity; and as we are gentlemen, as such we may converse
+together, without making one another uneasy_.
+
+But we shall leave him a while, to consider our ship and the merchandise
+which we had to dispose of. There was but very little trade in the place
+where we were; and I was once resolved to venture to sail to the river
+Kilam, and so to the city of Nanquin; but Providence ordered it
+otherwise, by our old pilot's bringing a Japan merchant to us, to see
+what goods we had. He immediately bought our opium, for which he gave us
+a very good price in gold by weight, some wedges of which were about ten
+or eleven ounces. It came into my head that perhaps he might buy the
+ship too; and I ordered the interpreter to propose it to him. He said
+nothing then, but shrugged up his shoulders; yet in a few days after he
+came accompanied by a missionary priest, who was his interpreter, with
+this proposal, _That as he had bought a great quantity of our goods, he
+had not money enough to purchase our ship; but if I pleased he would
+hire her, with all my men, to go to Japan, and from thence with another
+loading to the Philippine islands, the freight of both which he would
+very willingly pay to us before; and at their return to Japan, would buy
+the ship_. Upon this we asked the Captain and his men if they were
+willing to go to Japan; to which they unanimously agreed. While this was
+in agitation, the young man my nephew left to attend me, told me, "That
+as I did not care to accept his prospect of advantage he would manage it
+for me as I pleased, and render me a faithful account of his success,
+which would be wholly mine." Indeed I was very unwilling to part with
+him; but considering it might be for the young man's good, I discoursed
+with my partner about it, who, of his own generosity, gave him his share
+of the vessel, so that I could do no otherwise than give him mine: but,
+however, we let him have but the proper half of it, and preserved a
+power, that when we met in England, if he had obtained success, he
+should account to us for one half of the profit of the ship's freight
+and the other should be his own. Thus having taken a writing under his
+hand, away he sailed to Japan, where the merchant dealt very honestly by
+him, got him a licence to come on shore, sent him loaded to the
+Philippines with a Japanese supercargo, from whence he came back again
+loaded with European goods, cloves, and other spiceries. By this voyage
+he cleared a considerable sum of money, which determined him not to sell
+his ship, but to trade on his own account; so he returned to the
+Manillas, where, getting acquaintance, he made his ship free, was hired
+by the governor privately to go to Acapulco in America, on the Mexican
+coast, with a licence to travel to the great city of Mexico. This
+traffic turned out greatly to account, and my friend finding means to
+get to Jamaica, returned nine years after exceedingly rich into England.
+
+In parting with the ship, it comes in course to consider of those men
+who had saved our lives when in the river of Cambodia; and though, by
+the way, they were a couple of rogues, who thought to turn pirates
+themselves, yet we paid them what they had before demanded, and gave
+each of them a small sum of money, making the Englishman a gunner, and
+the Dutchman a boatswain, with which they were very well contented.
+
+We were now about 1000 leagues farther from home, than when at Bengal.
+All the comfort we could expect was, that there being another fair to be
+kept in a month's time, we might not only purchase all sorts of that
+country's manufactures, but very possibly find some Chinese junks, or
+vessels from Tonquin, to be sold, which would carry us and our goods
+wheresoever we pleased. Upon these hopes, we resolved to continue; and,
+to divert ourselves, we took several little journies in the country.
+About ten days after we parted with the ship, we travelled to see the
+city of Nanquin. The city lies in latitude 30 degrees north of the line:
+it is regularly built, and the streets are exactly straight, and cross
+one another in direct lines, which sets it out to the greatest
+advantage. At our return, we found the priest was come from Macao, that
+was to accompany Father Simon to Pekin. That Father earnestly solicited
+me to accompany him, & I referred him to my partner. In short, we both
+agreed, and prepared accordingly; and we were so lucky as to have
+liberty to travel among the retinue of one of their Mandarines, who is a
+principal magistrate, and much reverenced by the people.
+
+We were five and twenty days travelling thro' this miserable country,
+infinitely populous, but as indifferently cultivated; and yet their
+pride is infinitely greater than their poverty, insomuch that they
+priests themselves derided them. As we passed by the house of one of
+their country gentlemen, two leagues off Nanquin, we had the honour,
+forsooth, to ride with the Chinese squire about two miles. Never was Don
+Quixote so exactly imitated! Never such a compound of pomp and poverty
+seen before!
+
+His habit, made of calico, was dirty, greasy, and very proper for a
+Mersy Andrew or Scaramouch, with all its tawdry trappings, as hanging
+sleeves, tassels, &c. though torn and rent in almost every part; his
+vest underneath it was no less dirty, but more greatly; resembling the
+most exquisite sloven or greasy butcher; his horse (worse than
+Rosinante, or the famous steed of doughty Hudibras) was a poor starved
+decrepid thing, that would not sell for thirty shillings in England;
+and yet this piece of worshipful pomp was attended with ten or twelve
+slaves who guarded their master to his country seat. We stopped at a
+little village for refreshment; and when we came by the country seat of
+this great man, we found him sitting under a tree before his door,
+eating a mess of boiled rice, with a great piece of garlic in the
+middle, and a bag filled with green pepper by him, and another plant
+like ginger, together with a piece of lean mutton in it: this was his
+worship's repast: but pray observe the state of the food! two women
+slaves brought him his food, which being laid before him, two others
+appeared to perform their respective offices; one fed him with a spoon,
+while the other scraped off what fell upon his beard and taffety vest,
+and gave it to a particular favourite to eat. And thus we left the
+wretch pleased with the conceit of our admiring his magnificence, which
+rather merited our scorn and detestation.
+
+At length we arrived at the great city of Pekin, accompanied by two
+servants, and the old Portuguese pilot, whose charges we bore, and who
+served us as an interpreter by the way. We had scarce been a week at
+Pekin, but he comes laughing to us. "Ah! Seignior Inglise, (said he) me
+something tell you make your heart glad, but make me sorry: for your
+bring me here twenty-five days journey, and now you leave me go back
+alone; and which way shall I make my port after, without de ship,
+without de horse, without pecune?" so he called money in his broken
+Latin. He then informed me, that there was a great caravan of Muscovite
+and Polish merchants in the city, who were preparing to set out for
+Muscovy by land within six weeks; and, that he was certain we would take
+this opportunity, and consequently that he must go home by himself.
+Indeed this news infinitely surprised & pleased me. "Are you certain of
+this?" said I, "Yes, Sir, (says he) me sure its true." And so he told
+me, that having met an old acquaintance of his, an Armenian, in the
+street, who was among them, and who had come from Astracan, with a
+design to go to Tonquin, but for certain reasons having altered his
+resolutions, he was now resolved to go with the caravan, and to return
+by the river Wolga to Astracan. "Well, Seignior, (said I) don't be
+discontented about your returning alone; and if, by this means, I can
+find a passage to England, it will be your own fault if you return to
+Macao at all." And so consulting with my partner what was best to be
+done, he referred it to me as I pleased, having our affairs so well
+settled at Bengal, that if he could convert the good voyage he had made
+in China silks, wrought or raw, he would be satisfied to go to England;
+and so return to Bengal in the Company's ships. Thus resolved, we agreed
+that if our pilot would go with us, we would bear his charges either to
+Moscow or England; and to give him in a present the sum of one hundred
+and seventy pounds sterling. Hereupon we called him in, and told him the
+cause of his complaint should be removed, if he would accompany us with
+the caravans; and, therefore, we desired to know his mind. At this he
+shook his head, "Great long journey, (said he) me no pecune carry me to
+Moscow, or keep me there." But we soon put him out of that concern, by
+making him sensible of what we would give him here to lay out the best
+advantage; and, as for his charges, we would set him safe on shore, God
+willing, either in Muscovy or England, as he pleased, at our own charge,
+except the carriage of his goods. At this proposal, he was like a man
+transported, telling us he would go with us all the world over; and we
+made preparations for our journey; but it was near four months before
+all the merchants were ready.
+
+In the mean time, my partner and the pilot went express to the port
+where we first put in, to dispose of what goods had been left there,
+while I accompanied a Chinese merchant who was going to Nanquin, and
+there bought twenty-nine pieces of damask, with about three hundred more
+of other fine silks; and, by the time my partner returned to Pekin, I
+had them all carried thither; our cargo in silks amounted to 45col.
+sterling, which, together with tea, fine calicoes, nutmegs, and cloves,
+loaded eighteen camels for our share, besides what we rode upon, with
+two or three spare horses, and two more loaden with provisions; the
+company now was very great, making about four hundred horse, and above
+one hundred and twenty men, well armed and provided. We were of several
+nations, among whom were five Scotch merchants, inhabiting in Moscow,
+and well experienced in trade.
+
+We set out from Pekin the beginning of February our stile; and in two
+days more, we passed through the gate of the great China wall, which was
+erected as a fortification against the Tartars, being one hundred
+English miles long. We then entered a country not near so populous,
+chiefly under the power of plundering Tartars, several companies of whom
+we perceived riding on poor starved horses, contemptible as themselves
+without order of discipline. One time our leader, for the day, gave us
+leave to go a hunting; but what do you think we hunted? only a parcel of
+sheep, which indeed exceeded any in the world for wildness and
+swiftness; but while we were pursuing this game, it was our chance to
+meet with about forty Tartars, who no sooner perceived us, but one of
+them blew a horn, at the sound of which there soon appeared a troop of
+forty or fifty more, at about a mile's distance. Hereupon, one of the
+Scots merchants (who knew their ways) ordered us to advance towards
+them, and attack them immediately, As we advanced, they let fly a
+volley of arrows, which happily fell a little short of us; this made us
+halt a little, to return the compliment with bullets; and then being led
+up by the bold Scot, we fired our pistols in their faces, and drew out
+our swords; but there was no occasion; for they flew like timorous
+sheep, & only three of them remained, beckoning to the rest to come
+back. But our brave commander gallops up to them by himself, shot one
+dead, knocked another of his horse, while the third ran away; and thus
+ended our battle with the Tartars.
+
+We travelled a month more through the Emperor of China's dominions; and
+at length coming to one of their towns about a day and a half's journey
+from the city of Naum, I wanted to buy a camel. The person I spoke to
+would have brought me one, but, like a fool, I must go along with him,
+about two miles from the village. My old pilot and I walked on foot,
+forsooth, for some variety, when coming to the place where the camels
+were kept as in a park guarded by Chinese soldiers, we there agreed and
+bought one, which the Chinese man that came along with me led along the
+road. But we had not gone far, before we were attacked by five Tartars,
+mounted on horseback, two of whom seized the man, took the camel from
+him, and rode away, while the other three approached us, the first of
+whom suddenly seized me as I was drawing my sword, the second; knocked
+me down, but my old trusty Portuguese taking a pistol out of his pocket,
+which I knew nothing of, and coming up to the fellow that struck me, he
+with one hand pulled him off his horse, and then shot him dead upon the
+spot; then taking his scymitar, he struck at the man that stopped us,
+but missing him, cut off one of his horses ears, the pain of which made
+him throw his rider to the ground. The poor Chinese who had led the
+camel, seeing the Tartar down, runs to him, and seizing upon his
+pole-ax, wrenched it from his hands, and knocked his brains out. But
+there was another Tartar to deal with, who seeming neither inclined to
+fight nor fly, and my old man having begun to charge his pistol, the
+very sight of it struck such a terror into the wretch, that away he
+scoured, leaving my old pilot, rather my champion and defender, an
+absolute victory.
+
+By this time being awakened from my trance, I began to open my eyes,
+wondering where I was, having quite forgot all that passed; but my
+senses returning, and feeling a great pain in my head, and seeing the
+blood was running over my clothes, I instantly jumped upon my feet, and
+grasped my sword in my hand, with a resolution to take revenge: but no
+enemies now remained, except the dead Tartar, with his horse standing by
+him. The old man seeing me recovered, whom he thought slain, ran towards
+me, and embraced me with the greatest tenderness, at the same time
+examining into my wound, which was far from being mortal. When we
+returned to the village, the man demanded payment for his camel, which I
+refusing, we brought the cause, before a Chinese judge, who acted with
+great impartiality: Having heard both sides, he asked the Chinese man
+that went with me, whose servant he was? _Sir,_ said he, _I am nobody's,
+but went with the stranger at his request: Why then_, said the judge,
+_you are the stranger's servant for the time, and the camel being
+delivered to his servant, it is the same as though delivered to himself,
+and accordingly he must pay for it._ Indeed the case was so fairly
+stated, that I had nothing to object to it; so, having paid for that I
+was robbed of, I sent for another, but did not go myself to fetch it, as
+I had enough of that sport before.
+
+The city of Naum is a frontier of the Chinese empire, so fortified, as
+some will tell you, that millions of Tartars cannot batter down their
+walls; by which certainly one might think one of our cannons would do
+more execution than all their legions.
+
+When we were within a day's march of that city, we had information that
+the governor had sent messengers to every part of the road, to inform
+the travellers and caravans to halt, till a guard was sent to protect
+them from the numerous bodies of Tartars that lately appeared about the
+city. This news put us into great consternation; but, obeying the
+orders, we stopt; & two days after, there came two hundred soldiers from
+a garrison of the Chinese, and three hundred more from Naum; thus
+guarded both in the front and rear, with our own men in the flanks, we
+boldly advanced, thinking we were able to combat with ten thousand Mogul
+Tartars, if they appeared.
+
+Early next morning, in our march from a little well situated town called
+Changu, after having passed a river, and entered upon a desert of about
+fifteen or sixteen miles over, we soon beheld by a cloud of dust that
+was raised, that the enemy was approaching. This much dispirited the
+Chinese. My old pilot took notice of it, and called out, _Seignor
+Inglise, those fellows must be encouraged, or they will ruin us all, and
+I am afraid if the Tartars attack us, they will all run away_. "Why,
+Seignor, (said I), what shall be done in this case?" _Done_, says he,
+_why let fifty of our men advance, and flank them on each wing. I know
+the fellows will fight well enough in company_. We accordingly took his
+advice, and marched fifty to the right wing, and the same number to the
+left, and with the rest made a line of reserve, leaving the last two
+hundred men to guard the camels, or to assist us, as occasion required.
+
+Thus prepared, a party of the enemy came forward, viewing our posture,
+and traversing the ground on the front of our line. Hereupon we ordered
+the two wings to move on, and give them a salute with their shot; which
+accordingly was done. This put a stop to their proceedings; for
+immediately wheeling off to their left, they all marched away, and we
+saw no more of them. They had undoubtedly given an account to their
+companions of what reception they might expect, which made them to
+easily give over their enterprize.
+
+When we came to the city of Naum, we returned the governor hearty
+thanks, and distributed a hundred crowns among the soldiers that guarded
+us. We rested there one day, and then proceeded on our travels, passing
+several great rivers and deserts and on the 13th of April we came to the
+frontiers of Muscovy, the first town of which was called Argun.
+
+This happy occasion, as I thought, of coming into a Christian country,
+made me congratulate the Scots merchant upon it. He smiled at that,
+telling me not to rejoice too soon; _for_, said he, _except the Russian
+soldiers in garrison, and a few inhabitants of the cities upon the road,
+all the rest of this country, for above a thousand miles, is inhabited
+by the most ignorant and barbarous Pagans_.
+
+We advanced from the river Arguna, by moderate journies and found
+convenient garrisons on the road, filled with Christian soldiers for the
+security of commerce, and for the convenient lodgings of travellers: but
+the inhabitants of the country were mere Pagans, worshiping the sun,
+moon, and stars. We particularly observed this idolatry near the river
+Arguna, at a city inhabited by Tartars and Russians, called Nerisinkey.
+Being curious to see their way of living, while the caravan continued to
+rest themselves in that city, I went to one of their villages, where
+there was to be one of their solemn sacrifices.
+
+There I beheld upon the stump of an old tree, an idol of wood, more ugly
+than the representation of the devil himself: its head resembled no
+living creature; its ears were as big and as high as goat's horns, a
+crooked nose, four-cornered mouth, and horrible teeth: it was clothed in
+sheep skins, had a great Tartar bonnet, with two horns growing thro' it,
+and was eight feet high, without feet, legs or proportion. Before this
+idol their lay sixteen or seventeen people, who brought their offerings,
+and were making their prayers, while at a distance stood three men and
+one bullock, as victims to this ugly monster.
+
+Such stupendous sacrilege as this, in robbing the true God of his
+honour, filled me with the greatest astonishment and reflection: which
+soon turning to rage and fury, I rode up to the image, and cut in pieces
+the bonnet that was upon his head with my sword, so that it hung down by
+one of the horns, while one of my men that was with me pulled at it by
+his sheep-skin garment. Immediately an hideous howling and outcry ran
+through the village, and two or three hundred people coming about our
+ears, we were obliged to fly for it.
+
+But I had not done with the monster; for the caravan being to rest
+three nights in the town, I told the Scots merchant what I had seen, and
+that I was resolved to take four or five men well armed with me, in
+order to destroy the idol, and show the people how little reason they
+had to trust in a god who could not save himself. At first he laughed at
+me, representing the danger of it, and when it was destroyed, what time
+had we to preach to them better things, whole zeal and ignorance was in
+the highest degree, and both unparalleled? that if I should be taken by
+them, I should be served as a poor ruffian, who contemned their worship;
+that is, to be stripped naked, and tied to the top of the idol, there
+shot at with arrows till my body was fall of them, and then burnt as a
+sacrifice to the monster; _but Sir_, said he, _since your zeal carries
+you so far, rather than you should be alone I will accompany you, and
+bring a stout fellow equal to yourself, if you will, to assist you in
+this design:_ and accordingly he brought one Captain Richardson, who,
+hearing the story, readily consented; but my partner declined it, being
+altogether out of his way: and so we three, and my servant, resolved to
+execute this exploit about midnight; but upon second thoughts we
+deferred it to the next night, by reason that the caravan being to go
+from hence the next morning, we should be out of the governor's power.
+The better to effectuate my design, I procured a Tartar's sheep-skin
+robe, a bonnet, with bow and arrows, and every one of us got the like
+habits, the first night we spent in mixing combustible matter with aqua
+vitae, gunpowder, &c. having a good quantity of tar in a little pot:
+next night we came up to the idol about eleven o'clock, the moon being
+up. We found none guarding it; but we perceived a light in the house,
+where we had seen the priests before. One of our men was for firing the
+hut, another for killing the people, and a third for making them
+prisoners, while the idol was destroyed. We agreed to the latter; so
+knocking at the door, we seized the first that opened it, and stopping
+his mouth and tying his feet, we left him. We served the other two in
+the like manner; and then the Scots merchant set fire to the
+composition, which frightened them so much, that we brought them all
+away prisoners to their wooden god. There we fell to work with him,
+daubing him all over with tar mixed with tallow and brimstone stopping
+his eyes, ears, and mouth full of gunpowder, with a great piece of
+wild-fire in his bonnet, and environed it with dry forage. All this
+being done, we unloosed and ungagged the prisoners, and set the idol on
+fire, which the gunpowder blowing up, the shape of it was deformed, rent
+and split, which the forage utterly consumed; for we staid to see its
+destruction, lest the ignorant idolatrous people should have thrown
+themselves into the flames, And thus we came away undiscovered, in the
+morning appearing as busy among our fellow travellers, as no body could
+have suspected any other, but that we had been in our beds all night.
+
+Next morning we let out, and had gone but a small distance from the
+city, when there came a multitude of people of the country to the gates
+of the city, demanding satisfaction of the Ruffian governor for
+insulting their priests, and burning their great Cham Cai-Thaungu, who
+dwelt in the sun, and no mortal would violate this image but some
+Christian miscreants; and being already no less than thirty thousand
+strong, they announced war against him and all his Christians.
+
+The governor assured them he was ignorant of the matter, and that none
+of his garrison had been abroad; that indeed there was a caravan that
+went away that morning, and that he would send after them to inquire
+into it; and whoever was the offender, should be delivered into their
+hands. This satisfied them for the present, but the governor sent to
+inform us, that if any of us had done it, we should make all the haste
+away possible, while he kept them in play as long as he could. Upon this
+we marched two days and two nights, stopping but very little, till at
+last we arrived at a village called Plothus, and hasted to Jerawena,
+another of the Czar's colonies. On the third day, having entered the
+desert, and passed the lake called Shaks Oser, we beheld a numerous body
+of horde on the other side or it to the north, who supposed we had
+passed on that side of the lake; but either having found the mistake, or
+being certainly informed of the way we took, they came upon us towards
+the dusk of the evening, just as we had pitched our camp between two
+little but very thick woods, with a little river running before our
+front and some felled trees with which we covered our rear; a precaution
+we always took, and which we had just finished when the enemy came up.
+They did not fall on us immediately, but sent three messengers,
+demanding the men who had insulted their priests, & burnt their god,
+Cham Chi-Thaungu, that they might be burnt with fire; that if this was
+complied with, they would peaceably depart; but if not, they would
+destroy one and all of us. Our men stared at one another on receipt of
+this message, but Nobody was the word, as indeed nobody knew it, but he
+who did it. Upon which the leader of the caravan returned for answer,
+_That they were peaceable merchants, who meddled with none of their
+priests and gods and therefore desired, them not to disturb us, and put
+us to the necessity of defending ourselves_. But do far was this from
+satisfying them, that the next morning coming to our right, they let fly
+a volley of arrows among us, which happily did not hurt any, because we
+sheltered ourselves behind our baggage. We expected however to come to a
+closer engagement; but were happily saved by a cunning fellow, a
+Cossack, who obtaining leave of the leader to go out, mounts his horse,
+rides directly from our rear, and taking a circuit, comes up to the
+Tartars, as tho he had been sent express, and tells them a formal story,
+that the wretches who had burnt the Cham Chi-Thaungu, were gone to
+Shiheilka, with a resolution to burn the god Shal-Ifar, belonging to the
+Tongueses. Upon which, believing this cunning Tartar, who was servant to
+our Muscovites, away they drove to Shiheilka, and in less than three
+minutes were out of sight, nor did we ever hear of them more.
+
+When we came to the city of Jarawena, we rested five days, and then
+entered into a frightful desert, which held us twenty-three days march,
+infested with several small companies of robbers, or Mogul Tartars, who
+never had the courage to attack us. After we had passed over this
+desert, we found several garisons to defend the caravans from the
+violence of the Tartars. In particular the Governor of Adinskoy offered
+us a guard of fifty men to the next station, if we apprehended any
+danger. The people here retained the same paganism and barbarity, only
+they were not so dangerous, being conquered by the Muscovites. The
+clothing, both of men & women, is of the skins of beasts, living under
+the ground in vaults & caves, which have a communication with one
+another. They have idols almost in every family; besides, they adore the
+sun and stars, water and snow; and the least uncommon thing that happens
+in the elements, alarms them as much as thunder and lightning does the
+unbelieving Jews.
+
+Nothing remarkable occurred in our march through this country. When we
+had gone through the desert, after two days farther travel; we came to
+Jenezoy, a Muscovite city, on the great river so called, which we were
+told, parted Europe from Asia. The inhabitants here were very little
+better, though intermixed with the Muscovites, but the wonder will
+cease, when I inform my readers of what was observed to me, that the
+Czar rather converts the Tartars with soldiers than clergymen, and is
+more proud to make them faithful subjects, than good Christians.
+
+From this city to the river Oby, we travelled over a pleasant, fruitful,
+but very uncultivated country, for want of good management and people,
+and those few are mostly Pagans. This is the place where the Muscovite
+criminals are banished to, if they are not put to death. The next city
+we came to, was the capital city of Siberia, called Tobolski when having
+been almost seven months on our journey, and winter drawing on apace, my
+partner and I consulted about our particular affairs in what manner we
+should dispose of ourselves. We had been told of sledges and rein-deer
+to carry us over the snow in the winter season, the snow being frozen so
+hard, that the sledges can run upon the surface without any danger of
+going down. As I was bound to England, I now behoved either to go with
+the caravan to Jerosaw, from thence west to Marva, and the gulph of
+Finland, and so by land or sea to Denmark; or else I must leave the
+caravan at a little town on the Dwina, and so to Archangel, where I was
+certain of shipping either to England, Holland, or Hamburgh. One night I
+happened to get into the company of an illustrious, but banished Prince,
+whose company and virtues were such as made me to propose to him a
+method how he might obtain his liberty. _My dear friend_, said he, _as I
+am here happily free from my miserable greatness with all its attendants
+of pride, ambition, avarice, and luxury, if I should escape from this
+place, those pernicious seeds may again revive, to my lasting
+disquietude; therefore let me remain in a blessed confinement, for I am
+but flesh, a mere man, with passions and affections as such; O be not my
+friend and tempter too!_ Struck dumb with surprise, I stood silent
+a-while; nor was he less in disorder, by which perceiving he wanted to
+give vent to his mind, I desired him to consider of it, and so withdrew.
+But about two hours after he came to my apartment: _Dear friend_, said
+he, _though I cannot consent to accompany you, I shall have this
+satisfaction in parting, that you leave me an honest man still: but as a
+testimony of my affection to you, be pleased to accept this present
+of sables_.
+
+In return for his compliment, I sent my servant next morning to his
+Lordship with a small present of tea, two pieces of China damask, and
+four little wedges of gold; but he only accepted the tea, one piece of
+damask, and one piece of gold, for the curiosity of the Japan stamp that
+was upon it. Not long after he sent for me, and told me, _that what he
+had refused himself, he hoped upon his account, I would grant to another
+whom he should name:_ In short it was his only son, who was about two
+hundred miles distant from him, on the other side of the city, whom he
+said he would send for, if I gave my consent. This I soon complied with;
+upon which he sent his servants next day for his son, who returned in
+twenty days time, bringing seven horses loaded with valuable furs. At
+night the young Lord was conducted incognito into our apartment, where
+his father presented him to me. We then concerted the best ways for
+travelling, and after having bought a considerable quantity of sables,
+black fox-skins, fine ermines, &c. (which I sold at Archangel at a good
+price) we set out from this city the beginning of June, making a small
+caravan, being about thirty-two horses and camels, of which I
+represented the head. My young Lord had with him a very faithful
+Siberian servant, well acquainted with the roads: We shunned the
+principal towns and cities, as Tumen, Soli Kamoskoi, and several others,
+by reason of their strictness in examining travellers, lest any of the
+banished persons of distinction should escape. Having passed the river
+Kama, we came to a city on the European side, called Soloy Kamoskoi,
+where we found the people mostly Pagans as before. We then passed a
+desert of about two hundred miles over; but in other places it is near
+seven hundred. In passing this wild place, we were beset by a troop of
+men on horseback, and about five and forty men armed with bows and
+arrows. At first they looked earnestly on us, and then placed themselves
+in our way. We were above sixteen men, and drew up a little line before
+our camels. My young Lord sent out his Siberian servant, to know who
+they were; but, when he approached them, he neither knew a word they
+said; nor would they admit him to come near them at his peril, but
+prepared to shoot him. At his return, he told us he believed them to be
+Calmuc Tartars; and that there were more upon the desert. This was but a
+small comfort to us; yet seeing a little grove, about a quarter of a
+mile's distance, we moved to it, by the old Portuguese pilot's advice,
+without meeting with any opposition. Here we found a marshy piece of
+ground, and a spring of water running into a little brook on one side,
+which joined another like it a little further off, and these two formed
+the head of the river called Writska. As soon as we arrived, we went to
+work, cutting great arms off the trees, and laying them hanging (not
+quite off from one tree to another). In this situation we waited the
+motion of the enemy, without perceiving any advancement they made
+towards us. About two hours before night, being joined by some others,
+in all about fourscore horse, among whom we fancied were some women,
+they came upon us with great fury. We fired without ball, calling to
+them in the Russian tongue, to know their business; but they, either not
+knowing, or seeming not to understand us, came directly to the wood
+side, nor considering that we were to be fortified, as that they could
+not break in. Our old pilot, the Portuguese, proved both our captain and
+engineer, and desired us not to fire, till they came within pistol shot;
+and when he gave the word of command, then to take the surest aim: but
+he did not bid us give fire, till they were within two pikes length of
+us, and then we filled fourteen of them, wounded several, as also their
+horses, having every one of us loaded our pieces with two or three
+bullets at least. So much were they surprised at our undauntedness, that
+they retired about a hundred roods from us. In the mean while we loaded
+our pieces again, and sallying out, secured four or five of their
+horses, whose riders we found were killed, and perceived them to be
+Tartars. About an hour after, they made another attempt, to see where
+they might break in; but finding us ready to receive them, they retired.
+
+All that night we wrought hard, in strengthening our situation, and
+barricading the entrances into the woods; but when day-light came, we
+had a very unwelcome discovery; for the enemy, being encouraged by
+their numbers, had set up eleven or twelve tents, in form of a camp,
+about three quarters of a mile from us. I must confess, I was never more
+concerned in my life, giving myself and all that I had over for lost.
+And my partner declared, that as the loss of his goods would be his
+ruin, before they should be taken from him, he would fight to the last
+drop of his blood. As we could not pretend to force our way, we had
+recourse to a stratagem; we kindled a large fire, which burnt all night;
+and no sooner was it dark, but we pursued our journey towards the pole
+or north star, and travelling all night; by six o'clock in the morning
+we came to a Russian village called Kertza, and from thence came to a
+large town named Ozonzoys, where we heard that several troops of Calmuc
+Tartars had been abroad upon the desert, but that we were past all
+danger. In five days after we came to Veuslima, upon the river Witzedga;
+from thence we came to Lawrenskoy, on the third of July, where,
+providing ourselves with two luggage boats, and a convenient bark, we
+embarked the seventh, and arrived at Archangel the eighteenth, after a
+year, five months, and three days journey, including the eight months
+and odd days at Tobolski. We came from Archangel the 20th of August in
+the same year, and arrived at Hamburg the 30th of September. Here my
+partner and I made a very good sale of our goods, both those of China
+and Siberia; when dividing our effects, my share came to 3475l. 17s. 3d.
+after all the losses we had sustained, and charges we had been at. Here
+the young Lord took his leave of me, in order to go to the court of
+Vienna, not only to seek protection, but to correspond with his father's
+friends. After we had staid four months in Hamburgh, I went from thence
+overland to the Hague, where embarking in the packet, I arrived in
+London the 10th of January 1705, after ten years and nine months absence
+from England.
+
+
+
+_R O B I N S O N C R U S O E'S_  VISION OF THE ANGELIC WORLD.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHAP. I. Of SOLITUDE.
+
+However solitude is looked upon as a restraint to the pleasure of the
+world, in company and conversation, yet it is a happy state of exemption
+from a sea of trouble, an inundation of vanity and vexation, of
+confusion and disappointment. While we enjoy ourselves, neither the joy
+not sorrow of other men affect us: We are then at liberty with the voice
+of our soul, to speak to God. By this we shun such frequent trivial
+discourse, as often becomes an obstruction to virtue: and how often do
+we find that we had reason to with we had not been in company, or said
+nothing when we were there? for either we offend God by the impiety of
+our discourse, or lay ourselves open to the violence of designing people
+by our ungarded expressions; and frequently feel the coldness and
+treachery of pretended friends, when once involved in trouble and
+affliction: of such unfaithful intimates (I should say enemies) who
+rather by false inuendoes would accumulate miseries upon us, than
+honestly assist us when under the hard hand of adversity. But in a state
+of solitude, when our tongues cannot be heard, except from the great
+Majesty of Heaven, how happy are we, in the blessed enjoyment of
+conversing with our Maker! It is then we make him our friend, which sets
+us above the envy and contempt of wicked men. When a man converses with
+himself, he is sure that he does not converse with an enemy. Our retreat
+should be to good company, and good books. I mean not by solitude, that
+a man should retire into a cell, a desert, or a monastry: which would be
+altogether an useless and unprofitable restraint: for as men ate formed
+for society, and have an absolute necessity and dependance upon one
+another; so there is a retirement of the soul, with which it converses
+in heaven, even in the midst of men; and indeed no man is more fit to
+speak freely, than he who can, without any violence himself, refrain his
+tongue, or keep silence altogether. As to religion, it is by this the
+foul gets acquainted with the hidden mysteries of the holy writings;
+here she finds those floods of tears, in which good men wash themselves
+day and night, and only makes a visit to God, and his holy angels. In
+this conversation the truest peace and most solid joy are to be found;
+it is a continual feast of contentment on earth, and the means of
+attaining everlasting happiness in heaven.
+
+
+
+CHAP. II. Of HONESTY.
+
+Honesty is a virtue beloved by good men, and pretended to by all other
+persons. In this there are several degrees: to pay every man his own is
+the common law of honesty: but to do good to all mankind, is the
+chancery law of honesty: and this chancery court is in every man's
+breast, where his conscience is a Lord Chancellor. Hence it is, that a
+miser, though he pays every body their own, cannot be an honest man,
+when he does not discharge the good offices that are incumbent on a
+friendly, kind, and generous person: for, faith the prophet Isaiah,
+chap. XXXII. ver. 7, 8. _The instruments of a churl are evil: he
+deviseth wicked devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when
+the needy speaketh right. But the liberal soul deviseth liberal things,
+and by liberal things shall he stand_. It is certainly honest to do
+every thing the law requires; but should we throw every poor debtor into
+prison till he has paid the utmost farthing, hang every malefactor
+without mercy, exact the penalty of every bond, and the forfeiture of
+every indenture, this would be downright cruelty, and not honesty: and
+it is contrary to that general rule, _To do to another, that which you
+would have done unto you_. Sometimes necessity makes an honest man a
+knave: and a rich man a honest man, because he has no occasion to be a
+knave. The trial of honesty is this: Did you ever want bread, and had
+your neighbour's loaf in keeping, and would starve rather than eat it?
+Were you ever arrested, having in your custody another man's cash, and
+would rather go to gaol, than break it? if so, this indeed may be
+reckoned honesty. For King Solomon tells us, _That a good name is better
+than life, and is a precious ointment, and which, when a man has once
+lost, he has nothing left worth keeping_.
+
+
+
+CHAP. III _Of the present state of Religion in the world_.
+
+I doubt, indeed, there is much more devotion than religion in the world,
+more adoration than supplication, and more hypocrisy than sincerity; and
+it is very melancholy to consider, what numbers of people there are
+furnished with the powers of reason and gifts of nature, and yet
+abandoned to the grossest ignorance and depravity. But it would be
+uncharitable for us to imagine (as some Papists, abounding with too much
+ill nature, the only scandal to religion, do) that they will certainly
+be in a state of damnation after this life; for how can we think it
+consistent with the mercy and goodness of an infinite Being, to damn
+those creatures, when he has not furnished them with the light of the
+gospel? or how can such proud, conceited and cruel bigots, prescribe
+rules to the justice and mercy of God?
+
+We are told by some people, that the great image which King
+Nebuchadnezzar set up to be adored by his people held the representation
+of the sun in it's right hand, as the principal object of adoration. But
+to wave this discourse of Heathens, how many self-contradicting
+principles are there held among Christians? and how do we doom one
+another to the devil, while all profess to worship the same Deity, and
+to expect the same salvation.
+
+When I was at Portugal, there was held at that time the court of justice
+of the Inquisition. All the criminals were carried in procession to the
+great church, where eight of them were habited in gowns and caps of
+canvass, whereon the torments of hell were displayed, and they were
+condemned and burnt for crimes against the Catholic faith and
+blessed Virgin.
+
+I am sorry to make any reflection upon Christians; but indeed, in Italy
+the Roman religion seems the most cruel and mercenary upon earth; and a
+very judicious person, who travelled through Italy from Turkey, tells,
+_That there is only the face and outward pomp of religion there; that
+the church protects murderers and assassins; and then delivers the civil
+magistrate over to Satan for doing justice; interdicts whole kingdoms,
+and shuts up the churches for want of paying a few ecclesiastical dues,
+and so puts a stop to religion for want of their money; that the court
+of Inquisition burnt two men for speaking dishonourably of the Blessed
+Virgin; and the missionaries of China tolerated the worshipping the
+devil by their new converts: that Italy was the theatre, where religion
+was the grand opera: and that the Popish clergy were no other than
+stage players_.
+
+As to religion in Poland, they deny Christ to be the Messiah, or that
+the Messiah has come in the flesh. And as to their Protestants, they are
+the followers of Laelius Socinus, who denied our Saviour's divinity; and
+have no concern about the divine inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
+
+In Muscovy their churches are built of wood, and, indeed, they have but
+wooden priests, though of the Greek church; they pray as much to St.
+Nicholas, as the Papists do to the Virgin Mary, for protection in all
+their difficulties or afflictions.
+
+As to Lutherans, they only differ from the Romans in believing
+consubstantiation, instead of transubstantiation; but like them, they
+are much pleased with the external gallantry and pomp, more than the
+true and real practice of it.
+
+In France I found a world of priests, the streets every where crowded
+with them, and the churches full of women: but surely never was a nation
+so full of blind guides, so ignorant of religion, and even as void of
+morals, as those people who confess their sins to them.
+
+Does it not seem strange, that, while all men own the Divine Being,
+there should be so many different opinions as to the manner of paying
+him obedience in the Christian church? I know not what reason to assign
+for this, except it be their different capacities and faculties.
+
+And, indeed, upon this account, we have perceived, in all Christian
+countries, what mortal feuds have been about religion; what wars and
+bloodshed have molested Europe, till the general pacification of the
+German troubles at the treaty of Westphalia: and since those times, what
+persecution in the same country among the churches of the Lutherans; and
+should I take a prospect at home, what unhappy divisions are between
+Christians in this kingdom, about Episcopacy and Presbytery; the church
+of England and the Dissenters opposing one another like St. Paul and St.
+Peter, even to the face; that is, they carry on the dispute to the
+utmost extremity.
+
+It might be a question, why there are such differences in religious
+points, and why these breaches should be more hot and irreconcileable?
+All the answer I can give to this, is, that we inquire more concerning
+the truth of religion, than any other nation in the world; and the
+anxious concern we have about it, makes us jealous of every opinion, and
+tenacious of our own; and this is not because we are more furious and
+rash than other people; but the truth is, we are more concerned about
+them, and being sensible that the scripture is the great rule of faith,
+the standard for life and doctrine, we have recourse to it ourselves,
+without submitting to any pretended infallible judge upon earth.
+
+There is another question, pertinent to the former, and that is, _What
+remedy can we apply to this malady_? And to this I must negatively
+answer, _Not to be less religious, that we may differ the less_. This is
+striking at the very root of all religious differences; for, certainly,
+were they to be carried on with a peaceable spirit, willing to be
+informed, our variety of opinions would not have the name of
+differences; nor should we separate in communion of charity though we
+did not agree in several articles of religion.
+
+Nor is there a less useful question to start, namely, _Where will our
+unhappy religious differences end?_ To which, I hope, I may answer, _In
+Heaven_; there we shall unchristian and unbrotherly differences will
+find a period; there we shall embrace many a sinner, that here we think
+it a dishonour to converse with; & perceive many a heart we have broken
+here with censures, reproachings, & revilings, made whole again by the
+balm of the same Redeemer's blood. Here we shall perceive there have
+been other flocks than those of our fold; that those we have
+excommunicated have been taken into that superior communion; and, in a
+word, that those contradicting notions and principles which we thought
+inconsistent with true religion, we shall then find reconcileable to
+themselves, to one another, and to the fountain of truth. If any man ask
+me, Why our differences cannot be ended on earth? I answer, _Were we all
+thoroughly convinced, that then they would be reconciled, we would put
+an end to them before; but this is impossible to be done: for as men's
+certain convictions of truth are not equal to one another, or the weight
+or significancy of such veracity: so neither can a general effect of
+this affair be expected on this side of time_.
+
+Before I conclude this chapter, I shall beg leave to discourse a little
+of the wonderful excellency of negative religion and negative virtue.
+The latter sets out, like the Pharisee, with, _God, I thank thee;_ it is
+a piece of religious pageantry, the hypocrite's hope: and, in a word, it
+is positive vice: for it is either a mask to deceive others, or a mist
+to deceive ourselves. A man that is clothed with negatives, thus argues:
+_ I am not such a drunkard as my landlord, such a thief as my tenant,
+such a rakish fellow, or a highwayman; No! I live a sober, regular,
+retired life: I am a good man, I go to church; God, I thank thee._ Now,
+through a mans boasts of his virtue in contradiction to the vices
+mentioned, yet a person had better have them altogether than the man
+himself; or he is so full of himself, so persuaded that he is good and
+religious enough already, that he has no thoughts of any thing, except
+it be to pull of his hat to God Almighty now and then, and thank him
+that he has no occasion for him; and has the vanity to think that his
+neighbours must imagine well of him too.
+
+The negative man, though he is no drunkard is yet intoxicated with the
+pride of his own worth; a good neighbour and peace-maker in other
+families, but a tyrant in his own; appears in church for a show, but
+never falls upon his knees in his closet; does all his alms before men,
+to be seen of them; eager in the duties of the second table, but
+regardless of the first; appears religious, to be taken notice of by
+men, but without intercourse or communication between God and his own
+soul: Pray, what is this man? or what comfort is there of the life he
+lives? he is insensible of faith, repentance, and a Christian mortified
+life: in a word, he is a perfectly a stranger to the essential part
+of religion.
+
+Let us for a while enter into the private and retired part of his
+conversation: What notions has he of his mispent hours, and of the
+progress of time to the great centre and gulph of life, eternity? Does
+he know how to put a right value on time, or esteem the life-blood of
+his soul, as it really is, and act in all the moments of it, as one that
+must account for them? if then you can form an equality between what he
+can do and what he shall receive; less can be founded upon his negative
+virtue, or what he has forborne to do: And if neither his negative nor
+positive piety can be equal to the reward, and to the eternity that
+reward is to last for, what then is to become of the Pharisee, when he
+is to be judged by the sincerity of his repentance, and rewarded,
+according to the infinite grace of God, with a state of blessedness to
+an endless eternity?
+
+When the negative man converses with the invisible world, he is filled
+with as much horror and dread as Felix, when St Paul reasoned to him of
+temperance, righteousness, and of judgment to come; for Felix, though a
+great philosopher, of great power and reverence, was a negative man, and
+he was made sensible by the Apostle, that, as a life of virtue and
+temperance was its own reward, by giving a healthy body, a clear head,
+and a composed life, so eternal happiness must proceed from another
+spring; namely, the infinite unbounded grace of a provoked God, who
+having erected a righteous tribunal, Jesus Christ would separate such as
+by faith and repentance he had brought home and united to himself by the
+grace of adoption, and on the foot of his having laid down his life as a
+ransom for them, had appointed them to salvation, when all the
+philosophy, temperance, and righteousness in the world besides had been
+ineffectual. And this, I say, it was, that made Felix, this negative
+man tremble.
+
+
+
+CHAP. IV. _Of listening to the voice of Providence_.
+
+The magnificent and wise King Solomon bids us cry after knowledge, and
+lift up our voice for understanding; by which is meant, religious
+knowledge, for it follows: _Then shalt thou understand the fear of the
+Lord, and find the knowledge of God_. By which undoubtedly he meant, to
+enquire after every thing he has permitted us to know, and not to search
+into those ways that are unsearchable, and are effectually locked up
+from our knowledge.--Now, _as listening to the voice of Providence_ is
+my present subject, I intend, in the first place, to write to those who
+own, 1. That there is a God, a first great moving cause of all things,
+and eternal power, prior, and consequently superior to all created power
+or being.--2. That this eternal power, which is God, is the sovereign
+creator and governor of heaven and earth.
+
+To avoid all needless distinctions, what persons in the God-head
+exercise the creating, and what the governing power, I offer that
+glorious text, Psal. xxiii. 6. where the whole Trinity is entitled to
+the whole creating work: and, therefore, in the next place, I shall lay
+down these two propositions.
+
+I. _That the eternal God guides, by his providence, the whole
+   universe, which was created by his power._
+
+II. _That this providence manifests a particular care over, and
+    concern in, the governing and directing man, the most noble
+    creature upon earth_.
+
+It is plain, that natural religion proves the first, by intimating the
+necessity of a providence guiding and governing the world, from the
+consequence of the wisdom, justice, prescience, and goodness of the
+Almighty Creator: for otherwise it would be absurd to think, that God
+should create a world, without any care or providence over it, in
+guiding the operations of nature, so as to preserve the order of
+his creation.
+
+Revealed religion gives us a light into the care and concern of his
+providence, by the climate's being made habitable, the creatures
+subjected and made nourishing, and all vegetative life made medicinal;
+and all this for the sake of man, who is made viceroy to the King of the
+earth. The short description I shall give of providence is this: _That
+it is that operation of the power, of the wisdom, and goodness of God,
+by which be influences, governs, and directs, not only the means, but
+the events of all things, which concern us in this sublunary world; the
+sovereignty of which we ought always to reverence, obey its motions,
+observe its dictates, and listen to its voice. The prudent man forseeth
+the evil, and hideth himself; that is, as I take it, there is a secret
+providence intimates to us, that some danger threatens, if we strive not
+to shun it_.
+
+The same day that Sir John Hotham kept out Hull against the royal martyr
+King Charles I. the same day Sir John Hotham was put to death by the
+parliament for that very action: The same day that the King himself
+signed the warrant for the execution of the Earl of Stafford, the same
+day of the month was he barbarously murdered by the blood-thirsty
+Oliverian crew: and the same day that King James II. came to the crown
+against the bill of exclusion, the same day he was voted abdicated by
+the parliament, and the throne filled with King William and Queen Mary.
+
+The voice of signal deliverances from sudden dangers, is not only a just
+call to repentance, but a caution against falling into the like danger;
+but such who are utterly careless of themselves after, show a lethargy
+of the worst nature, which seems to me to be a kind of practical atheism
+or at least, a living in a contempt of Heaven, when he receives good at
+the hand of his Maker, but is unconcerned from whence it comes, or to
+thank the bountiful hand that gave it; neither, when he receives evil,
+does it alter his manner of life, or bring him to any state of
+humiliation.
+
+We have a remarkable story of two soldiers being condemned to death in
+Flanders. The general being prevailed upon to spare one of them, ordered
+them to cast dice upon the drumhead for their lives; the first having
+thrown two sixes, the second fell a wringing his hands, having so poor a
+chance to escape; however, having thrown, he was surprised when he also
+threw other two sixes. The officer appointed to see the execution,
+ordered them to throw again; they did so, and each of them threw fives;
+at which the soldiers that stood round, shouted, and said, neither of
+them was to die. Upon this, the officer acquainted the council of war,
+who ordered them to throw a third time, when they threw two fours: the
+general being acquainted with it, sent for the men, and pardoned them.
+_I love,_ said he, _in such extraordinary cases, to listen to the voice
+of Providence._
+
+We read in the holy writings, how God speaks to men by appearance of
+angels, or by dreams and visions of the night. As God appeared to
+Abraham, Lot, and Jacob: so angels have appeared to many in other cases,
+as to Manoah and his wife, Zechariah, the Virgin Mary, and to the
+apostles; other have been warned in a dream as king Abimelech, the false
+prophet Balaam, and many others.
+
+It is certainly a very great and noble inquiry, _What we shall be after
+this life?_ for there is scarce a doubt, that there is a place reserved
+for the reception of our souls after death: for if we are to be, we must
+have a where, which the scriptures assert by the examples of Dives and
+Lazarus. The doctrine of spirits was long believed before our Saviour's
+time; for when the disciples of the blessed Jesus perceived our Saviour
+walking on the sea, they were as much surprised as though they had seen
+a spirit. Nay, in those ages of the world, it was believed that spirits
+intermeddled in the affairs of mankind; and, throughout the Old
+Testament, I do not find any thing that in the least contradicts is. All
+the pains and labour that some learned men have taken, to confute the
+story of the witch of Endor, and the appearance of an old man
+personating Samuel, cannot make such apparitions inconsistent with
+nature or religion; and it is plain, that it was either a good or bad
+spirit, that prophetically told the unfortunate king what should happen
+the next day; for, said the spirit, _The Lord will deliver thee into the
+hands of the Philistines; and to-morrow shalt thou and thy sons be
+with me._
+
+Abundance of strange notions possessed me, when I was in the desolate
+island; especially on a moonshine night, when every bush seemed a man,
+and every tree a man on horseback. When I crept into the dismal cave
+where the old goat lay expiring, whole articulate groans even resembled
+those of a man, how was I surprised! my blood chilled in my veins,
+a cold sweaty dew sat on my forehead, my hair stood upright, and my
+joints, like Belshazzar's knees, struck against one another. And, indeed,
+though I afterwards found what it was, the remains of this surprise did
+not wear off for a great while; and I had frequently returns of those
+vapours on different occasions, and sometimes without any occasion at all.
+
+One night, after having seen some appearance in the air, as I had just
+lain down in my bed, one of my feet pained me; after that came a
+numbness, succeeded with a tingling in my blood; when on a sudden I
+thought something alive lay upon me, from my knee to above half my leg.
+Upon this I flung myself out of bed where I thought the creature lay;
+but finding nothing, _Lord deliver me from evil spirits_, said I, _what
+can this be?_ When I lighted a candle, I could perceive no living
+creature in the place with me, but the poor parrot, who, being frighted,
+cried out, _Hold your tongue_, and _What's the matter with you_, which
+words I had taught him, by saying so to him, when he made such screaming
+noises as I did not like. _Lord_, said I aloud, _surely the devil has
+been here._ _Hold your tongue_, says Poll. I was then mad at the bird,
+and putting on my clothes, cried, _I am terribly frighted._ _What's the
+matter with you_? says Poll. _You toad_, said I, _I'll knock your brains
+out._ _Hold you tongue_, cried he again, and so fell a chattering, and
+calling Robinson Crusoe, as he did before. But after I had composed
+myself, and went to bed again, I began plainly to see it was a distemper
+that affected my nerves, and so my terrors vanished at once.
+
+How intelligences are given or received, we do not know; nor are we
+sensible how they are conveyed from spirits embodied to ours that are
+in life; or, on the contrary, from us to them; the latter is certainly
+done without help of the organs, and the former is conveyed by the
+understanding, and the retired faculties of the soul.
+
+The spirits, without the help of voices, converse, and the more
+particular discoveries of converse of the spirits, seem to me as
+follow: to wit, dreams, voices, noises, impulses, hints, apprehensions,
+involuntary sadness, &c.
+
+Dreams of old were the ways by which God himself was pleased to warn
+men what services to perform, and what to shun. Joseph was directed of
+God in a dream to go to Egypt; and so were the wise men warned in a
+dream to depart into their own country another way, to avoid the fury
+of Herod. I am not like those who think dreams are the mere designs of
+a delirious head, or the relics of a day's perplexities or pleasures;
+but, on the contrary, I must beg leave to say, I never met with any
+capital mischief in my life, but I had some notice of it by a dream;
+and had I not been a thoughtless unbelieving creature, I might have
+taken many a warning, and avoided many of the evils I afterwards fell
+into, merely by total neglect of those dreams.
+
+I was once present at a dispute between a layman and a clergyman, upon
+the subject of dreams. The first thought no regard should be given unto
+them; that their communication from the invisible to the visible world
+was a mere chimera, without any solid foundation. For, first, said he,
+if dreams were from the agency of any prescient being, the motives would
+be more direct, and the discoveries more plain, and not by allegories
+and emblematic fancies, expressing things imperfect and obscure. 2.
+Since, with the notice of evil, there was not a power given to avoid it,
+it is not likely to proceed from a spirit, but merely fortuitious. 3.
+That the inconstancy of such notices, in cases equally important, proves
+they did not proceed from any such agent. 4. That as our most distinct
+dreams had nothing in them of any significancy, it would be irrational
+and vain to think that they came from heaven. And, 5. That as men were
+not always thus warned or supplied with notice of good or evil, so all
+men are not alike supplied with them; and what reason could we give,
+why one man or one woman should not have the same hints as another.
+
+To all this the clergyman gave answer: 1. That as to the signification of
+dreams, & the objections against them, as being dark and doubtful, they are
+expressed generally by hierogliphical representations, similies, allusions,
+and figurative emblematic ways, by which means, for want of interpretation,
+the thing was not understood, and, consequently, the evil not shunned. 2.
+That we charge God foolishly, to say, that he has given the notice of evil,
+without the power to avoid it; for, if any one had not power to avoid the
+evil, it was no notice to him; and it was want of giving due head to that
+notice, that men first neglected themselves, and then charged the Judge of
+all the earth with injustice. 3. That we ought not to find fault with the
+inconstancy of these notices; but rather with our weak understandings, by
+pretending dreams were not to be regarded, and negligent when the voice
+really spoke to us for our good. It is a mistake to say, dreams have no
+import at all: we might, with more reason, have said, none that we could
+perceive the reason of, owing to our blindness and supine negligence, too
+secure at one time, and too much alarmed at another; so that the spirit,
+which we might be said to be conversing with in a dream, was constantly
+and equally kind and careful; but our powers are not always in the same
+state of action, not equally attentive too, or retentive of the hints
+that were given. And, 5. To answer the last question, Why people are not
+equally supplied? This seemed to be no question; for Providence itself
+might have some share in the direction of it, and then that Providence
+might be limited by a superior direction; that as to the converse of
+spirits, he could not call it a stated converse: such a thing there was,
+but why there was so much of it, and no more, was none of his business,
+and that no such discovery had ever yet been made to mankind. Nor were
+we to imagine less of waking dreams, trances, visions, noises, hints,
+impulses, and all the waking testimonies of an invisible world, and of
+the communication that there is between us and them, which commonly
+entertain us with our open eyes.
+
+One time my fancy soared on high, to see what discoveries I could make
+in those clearer regions. I found that such immense bodies as the sun,
+stars, planets, and moon, in the great circle of the lower heaven, are
+far from being found in the study of nature on the surface of the earth.
+Here I saw many things that we can entertain little or no notion of, in
+a state of common life, and the emptiness of our notion, that the
+planets are habitable worlds; that is, created like ours, for the
+subsistence and existence of man and beast, and the preservation of the
+vegitative and sensitive life: No, no, this is, I assure you, a world of
+spirits; for here I saw a clear demonstration of Satan being the _prince
+of the power of the air_, keeping his court or camp, with innumerable
+angels to attend him; but his power is not so great as we imagine, he
+can tempt us to the crime, but cannot force us to commit: _Humanium est
+peccare_. Neither has the devil power to force the world into a
+rebellion against heaven, though his legions are employed among savage
+nations, to set up their master for a god, who make the heathens either
+worship him in person, or by his representatives, idols and monsters,
+with the cruel sacrifices of human blood. Now, as to the limitations of
+the devil's power, you must understand, that as there are numbers of
+evil spirits employed in mischief, so there are numbers of good angels
+sent from the higher and blessed abodes to disconcert and oppose their
+measures; and this every Christian, I hope, believes, when he prays to
+God, the father of spirits, to give his angels charge over him while he
+slumbereth and sleepeth. For if by these preventing powers the devil was
+not restrained, the earth would be subjected to dearth, droughts, and
+famine; the air infected with noxious fumes; and, in a word, mankind
+would be utterly destroyed, which might oblige our Maker (if I may be
+allowed the expression) to the necessity of a new _fiat_, or else have
+no more creatures to honour and worship him.
+
+As the devil never wanted insinuators, I shall observe, that I learned a
+way how to make a man dream of what I pleased. For instance, let us suppose
+one to be found asleep; let another lay his mouth close to his ear, and
+whisper any thing so softly as not to awake him, the sleeping man shall
+dream of what has been so whispered in his ear; nay, I can assure you,
+those insinuating devils can do this even when we are awake, which I call
+impulses of the mind: for from whence, but from these insinuators, come
+our causeless passions, involuntary wickedness, or sinful desires? Who
+else form ideas in the mind of man when he is asleep, or present terrible
+or, beautiful figures to his fancy: Mr. Milton represents the devil
+tempting Eve in the shape of a toad, lying just at her ear, when in her
+bower she lay fast asleep; and brings in Eve telling Adam what an uneasy
+night's rest she had, and relating her dream to him. And likewise I
+believe that good spirits have the same intercourse with us, in warning
+us against those things that are evil, and prompting us to that which is
+good.
+
+Were we to have the eyes of our souls opened, through the eyes of our
+bodies, we should see this very immediate region or air which we breath
+in, thronged with spirits now invisible, and which otherwise would be
+the most terrible; we should view the secret transactions of those
+messengers who are employed when the parting soul takes it's leave of
+the reluctant body, and perhaps see things nature would shrink back from
+with the utmost terror and amazement. In a word, the curtain of
+Providence for the disposition of things here, and the curtain of
+judgment for the determination of the state of souls hereafter, would be
+alike drawn back; and what heart could support here its future state in
+life; much less that, of its future state after life, even good or bad.
+
+A gentleman of my acquaintance, being about seven miles distant from
+London, a friend that came to dine with him, solicited him to go to the
+city. _What_, said the gentleman, _is there any occasion for me? No,
+Sir_, said the other, _nothing at all except the enjoyment of your good
+company_: and so gave over importuning him. Just then a strong impulse
+of mind urged the gentleman and pursued him like a voice, with, _Go to
+London, Go to London. Hark ye_, says he to his friend, _is all well at
+London? Am I wanted there? Or did you ask me to go with you on any
+particular account? Are all my family well? Yes, indeed, Sir_, said he,
+_I perceived them all very hearty; and I did not ask you to go to London
+upon any particular account whatsoever, except it was for the sake of
+your good company_. Again, he put off his resolution: but still the
+impulse suggested to him, _Go to London_; and at length he did so. When
+he came there, he found a letter and a messenger had been there to seek
+him, and to tell him of a particular business, which was at first and
+last above a thousand pounds to him, and which might inevitably have
+been lost, had he hot gone to London that night.
+
+The obeying of several hints, of secret impulses, argues great wisdom.
+I knew a man that was under misfortunes, being guilty of misdemeanors
+against the goverment; when, absconding for fear of his ruin, all his
+friends advising him not to put himself in the hands of the law, one
+morning as he awaked, he felt a strong impulse darting into his mind
+thus, _Write a letter to them;_ and this was repeated several times to
+his mind, and at last he answered to it, as if it had been a voice,
+_Whom shall I write to?_ Immediately it replied, _Write to the judge:_
+and this impulse pursued him for several days, till at length he took
+pen, ink, and paper, and sat down to write to him: when immediately
+words flowed from his pen, like streams from a fair fountain, that
+charmed even himself with hopes of success. In short, the letter was so
+strenuous in argument, so pathetic in its eloquence, and so persuasively
+moving, that when the judge had read it, he sent him an answer he might
+be easy, he would endeavour to make that matter light to him; and,
+indeed, never left exerting himself, till he had stopt the prosecution,
+and restored him to his liberty and family.
+
+I know a person who had so strong an impression upon her mind, that the
+house she was in would be burnt that very night, that she could not
+sleep; the impulse she had upon her mind pressed her not to go to bed,
+which, however, she got over, and went to bed; but was so terrified with
+the thought, which run in her mind, that the house would be burnt, that
+she could not go to sleep; but communicating her apprehensions to
+another in the family, they were both in such a fright, that they
+applied themselves to search from the top of the house to the bottom, &
+to see every fire and candle safe out, so that, as they all said, it was
+impossible that any thing could happen then, and they sent to the
+neighbours on both sides to do the like. Thus far they did well: But had
+she obeyed the hint which pressed upon her strangely, not to go to bed,
+she had done much better; for the fire was actually kindled at that very
+time, though not broken out. About an hour after the whole family was in
+bed, the house just over the way, directly opposite, was all in flames,
+and the wind, which was very high, blowing the flame upon the house this
+gentlewoman lived in, so filled it with smoke and fire, in a few
+minutes, the street being narrow, that they had not air to breathe, or
+time to do any thing, but jump out of their beds, and save their lives.
+Had she obeyed the hint given, and not gone to bed, she might have saved
+several things; but the few moments she had spared to her, were but just
+sufficient to leap out of bed, put some cloathes on, and get down
+stairs, for the house was on fire in half a quarter of an hour.
+
+While I am mentioning these things, methinks it is very hard that we
+should obey the whispers of evil spirits, and not much rather receive
+the notices which good ones are pleased to give. We never perceive the
+misfortune of this, but when in real danger; and then we cry, _My mind
+misgave me when I was going about it_; but if so, why do you fight the
+caution? Why not listen to it as to a voice? and then there had been no
+reason to make this complaint.
+
+I remember about fourteen or fifteen years ago (as to time I cannot be
+very positive) there was a young clergyman in the city of Dublin, in
+Ireland, who dreamed a very uncommon dream, that a gentleman had killed
+his wife, a relation of his, by stabbing her in several places; the
+fright of this awaked him, but finding it a dream, he composed himself
+again to sleep, when he dreamed a second time the same dream. This made
+him a little uneasy; but thinking it proceeded from the impression made
+on his mind by the former, he went to sleep again, and dreamed the same
+dream a third time also. So troubled was he at this, that he arose, and
+knocked at his mother's chamber, told his concern, and his apprehensions
+that all was not right at his relation's house. _Dear son_, says the
+good old gentlewoman, _do not mind these foolish dreams; and I very much
+wonder, that you, being a person in holy orders, should have regard to
+such illusions_. Upon this he went to bed again, fell asleep, and
+dreamed a fourth time as before. And then indeed he put on his
+night-gown, and went to Smithfield, the place where his relation dwelt.
+Here it was, alas! he perceived his dream too sadly fulfilled, by seeing
+his relation the young lady, big with child, who was a Protestant,
+stabbed in several places by her barbarous husband, Mr. Eustace, a
+violent Papist, only for some discourses of religion that happened the
+day before. After the wretch had stabbed her in three places, he went to
+make his escape out at a window; but she cried out, _My dear! don't
+leave me, come back, and I shall be well again_. At which he returned in
+a hellish rage, and gave her four wounds more; when, even in this
+condition, rising from her bed, she wrapped herself in her night-gown,
+and went to the Lord Bishop of Rapho's chamber door (the Bishop lodging
+at that time in the house). _My Lord_, said she, _O my Lord, make haste
+unto me_; but as soon as his Lordship came, she expired in his arms,
+resigning her precious soul into the hands of Almighty God. The cruel
+wretch her husband was shot by the pursuers; too good a death for one
+who deserved the gibbet; and the lady was universally lamented by all
+tender and religious people. And this tragical relation I have
+mentioned, upon the account of that impulse, or dream, that the
+clergyman had at the fatal time of the bloody action.
+
+It might be expected I should enter upon the subject of apparitions,
+and discourse concerning the reality of them; and whether they can
+revisit the place of their former existence, and resume those faculties
+of speech and shape as they had when living; but, as these are very
+doubtful matters, I shall only make a few observations upon them.
+
+I once heard of a man that would allow the reality of apparitions, but
+laid it all upon the devil, thinking that the souls of men departed, or
+good men, did never appear. To this very man something did appear: He
+said, he saw the shape of an ancient man pass by him in the dusk, who,
+holding up his hand in a threatening posture, cried out, _O wicked man,
+repent, repent_. Terrified with this apparition, he consulted several
+friends, who advised him to take the advice. But after all, it was not
+an apparition, but a grave and pious gentleman, who met him by mere
+accident, and had been sensible of his wickedness; and who never
+undeceived him, lest it should hinder his reformation.
+
+Some people make a very ill use of the general notion, that there are no
+apparitions nor spirits at all: which is worse than those who fancy they
+see them upon every occasion; for those carry their notions farther,
+even to annihilate the devil, and believe nothing about him, neither of
+one kind or other: the next step they come to, is to conclude, _There is
+no God_, and so atheism takes its rise in the same sink, with a
+carelessness about futurity. But there is no occasion to enter upon an
+argument to prove the being of the Almighty, or to illustrate his power
+by words, who has so many undeniable testimonies in the breasts of every
+rational being to prove his existence: and we have sufficient proofs
+enough to convince us of the great superintendency of Divine Providence
+in the minutest affairs of this world; the manifest existence of the
+invisible world; the reality of spirits, and intelligence between us and
+them. What I have said, I hope, will not mislead any person, or be a
+means whereby they may delude themselves; for I have spoken of these
+things with the utmost seriousness of mind, and with a sincere and
+ardent desire for the general good and benefit of the world.
+
+
+
+CHAP. V. _Of suffering Afflictions._
+
+Afflictions are common to all mankind; and whether they proceed from
+losses, disappointments, or the malice of men, they often bring their
+advantages along with them: For this shews man the vanity and
+deceitfulness of this life, and is an occasion of rectifying our
+measures, and bringing us to a more modest opinion of ourselves: It
+tells us, how necessary the assistance of divine grace is unto us, when
+life itself becomes a burden, and death even desirable: But when the
+greatest oppression comes upon us, we must have recourse to patience,
+begging of God to give us that virtue; and the more composed, we are
+under any trouble, the more commendable is our wisdom, and the larger
+will be our recompense. Let the provocation be what it will, whether
+from a good-natured and conscientious, or a wicked, perverse, and
+vexatious man; all this we should take as from the over-ruling hand of
+God, as a punishment for our sins. Many times injured innocence may be
+abused by false oaths, or the power of wicked, jealous, or malicious
+men; but we often find it, like the palm, rise the higher the more it is
+depressed; while the justice of God is eminently remarkable in punishing
+those, one way or other, who desire to endeavour to procure the downfal
+of an innocent man: Nor does God fail comforting an afflicted person,
+who with tears and prayers solicits the throne of Heaven for deliverance
+and protection. David says, _that his soul was full of trouble, and his
+life drew near unto the grave_. But certainly David's afflictions made
+him eminently remarkable, as particularly when pursued by King Saul, and
+hunted as a partridge over the mountains. But one thing which stands by
+innocence, is the love of God; for were we to suffer disgrace, nay, an
+ignominious death itself, what consolation does our innocence procure at
+our latest conflict, our last moments!
+
+
+
+CHAP. VI. _Of the immorality of conversation, and the vulgar errors of
+behaviour_.
+
+As conversation is a great part of human happiness, so it is a pleasant
+sight to behold a sweet tempered man, who is always fit for it; to see
+an air of humour and pleasantness sit ever upon his brow, and even
+something angelic in his very countenance: Whereas, if we observe a
+designing man, we shall find a mark of involuntary sadness break in upon
+his joy, and a certain insurrection in the soul, the natural concomitant
+of profligate principles.
+
+They err very much, who think religion, or a strict morality discomposes
+the mind, and renders it unfit for conversation; for it rather inspires
+us to innocent mirth, without such a counterfeit joy as vitious men
+appear with; and indeed wit is as consistent with religion, as religion
+is with good manners; nor is there any thing in the limitation of virtue
+and religion that should abate the pleasures of this world, but on the
+contrary rather serves to increase them.
+
+On the other hand, many men, by their own vice and intemperance,
+disqualify themselves for conversation. Conversation is immoral, where
+the discourse is undecent, immodest, scandalous, slanderous, and
+abusive. How great is their folly, and how much do they expose
+themselves when they affront their best friend, even God himself, who
+laughs at the fool _when his fear cometh?_
+
+The great scandal atheistical and immoral discourse gives to virtue,
+ought, methinks, to be punished by all good magistrates: Make a man once
+cease to believe a God, and he has nothing left to limit his soul. How
+incongruous is it to government, that a man shall be punished for
+drunkenness, and yet have liberty to affront, and even deny the Majesty
+of heaven? When if, even among men, one gives the lie to a gentleman in
+company, or perhaps speaks an affronting word, a quarrel will ensue, and
+a combat, and perhaps murder be the consequence: At the least, he, will
+prosecute him at law with the utmost virulence and oppression.
+
+The next thing to be refrained, is obscene discourse, which is the
+language only of proficients in debauchery, who never repent, but in a
+gaol or hospital; and whose carcases relish no better than their
+discourse, till the body becomes too nasty for the soul to stay any
+longer in it.
+
+Nor is false talking to be less avoided; for lying is the sheep's
+clothing hung upon the wolf's back: It is the Pharisee's prayer, the
+whore's buss, the hypocrite's paint, the murderer's smile, the thief's
+cloak; it is Joab's embrace, and Judah's kiss; in a word, it is
+mankind's darling sin, and the devil's distinguishing character. Some
+add lies to lies, till it not only comes to be improbable, but even
+impossible too: Others lie for gain to deceive, delude, and betray: And
+a third lies for sport, or for fun. There are other liars, who are
+personal and malicious; who foment differences, and carry tales from one
+house to another, in order to gratify their own envious tempers, without
+any regard to reverence or truth.
+
+
+
+
+THE
+
+REMARKABLE HISTORY
+
+OF
+
+ALEXANDER SELKIRK
+
+_From the voyage of Captain Woodes Rogers to the South Seas and round
+the World._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On February 1st, 1709, we came before that island,[1] having had a good
+observation the day before, and found our latitude to be 34 degrees 10
+minutes south. In the afternoon, we hoisted out our pinnace; and Captain
+Dover, with the boat's crew, went in her to go ashore, though we could
+not be less that four leagues off. As soon as the pinnace was gone, I
+went on board the Duchess, who admired our boat attempting going ashore
+at that distance from land. It was against my inclination: but, to
+oblige Captain Dover, I let her go: As soon as it was dark, we saw a
+light ashore. Our boat was then about a league off the island, and bore
+away for the ship as soon as she saw the lights: We put our lights
+aboard for the boat, though some were of opinion, the lights we saw were
+our boat's lights: But, as night came on, it appeared too large for
+that: We fired our quarter-deck gun, and several muskets, showing lights
+in our mizen and fore-shrouds, that our boat might find us whilst we
+were in the lee of the island: About two in the morning our boat came on
+board, having been two hours on board the Duchess, that took them up
+astern of us; we were glad they got well off, because it began to blow.
+We were all convinces the light was on the shore, and designed to make
+our ships ready to engage, believing them to be French ships at anchor,
+and we must either fight them, or want water. All this stir and
+apprehension arose, as we afterwards found, from one poor naked man, who
+passed in our imagination, at present, for a Spanish garrison, a body of
+Frenchmen, or a crew of pirates. While we were under these
+apprehensions, we stood on the backside of the island, in order to fall
+in with the southerly wind, till we were past the island; and then we
+came back to it again, and ran close aboard the land that begins to make
+the north-east side.
+
+[Footnote 1: _Juan Fernandez._]
+
+We still continued to reason upon this matter; and it is in a manner
+incredible, what strange notions many of our people entertained from the
+sight of the fire upon the island. It served, however, to show people's
+tempers and spirits; and we were able to give a tolerable guess how our
+men would behave, in case there really were any enemies upon the island.
+The flaws came heavy off the shore, and we were forced to reef our
+topsails when we opened the middle bay, where we expected to have found
+our enemy; but saw all clear, & no ships, nor in the other bay next the
+north-east end. These two bays are all that ships ride in, which recruit
+on this island; but the middle bay is by much the best. We guessed there
+had been ships there, but that they were gone on sight of us. We sent
+our yawl ashore about noon, with Captain Dover, Mr. Fry, and six men,
+all armed: Mean while we and the Duchess kept turning to get in, and
+such heavy flaws came off the land, that we were forced to let go our
+top sail sheet, keeping all hands to stand by our sails, for fear of the
+winds carrying them away: But when the flaws were gone, we had little or
+no wind. These flaws proceeded from the land; which is very high in the
+middle of the island. Our boat did not return; we sent our pinnace with
+the men armed, to see what was the occasion of the yawl's stay; for we
+were afraid, that the Spaniards had a garrison there, and might have
+seized them. We put out a signal for our boat, and the Duchess showed a
+French ensign. Immediately our pinnace returned from the shore, and
+brought abundance of cry-fish, with a man clothed in goats skins, who
+looked wilder than the first owners of them. He had been on the island
+four years and four months, being left there by Captain Stradling in the
+Cinque-ports, his name was Alexander Selkirk, a Scotchman, who had been
+master of the Cinque-ports, a ship that came here last with Captain
+Dampier, who told me, that this was the best man in her. I immediately
+agreed with him to be a mate on board our ship: It was he that made the
+fire last night when he saw our ships, which he judged to be English.
+During his stay here he saw several ships pass by, but only two came in
+to anchors: As he went to view them; he found them to be Spaniards, and
+retired from them, upon which they shot at him: Had they been French, he
+would have submitted; but choose to risque his dying alone on the
+island, rather than fall into the hands of Spaniards in these parts;
+because he apprehended they would murder him, or make a slave of him in
+the mines; for he feared they would spare no stranger that might be
+capable of discovering the South Seas.
+
+The Spaniards had landed, before he knew what they were; and they came
+so near him, that he had much ado to escape; for they not only shot at
+him, but pursued him to the woods, where he climbed to the top of a
+tree, at the foot of which they made water, and killed several goats
+just by, but went off again without discovering him. He told us that he
+was born at Largo, in the county of Fife, in Scotland, and was bred a
+sailor from his youth. The reason of his being left here was difference
+between him and his captain; which together with the ship's being leaky,
+made him willing rather to stay here, than go along with him at first;
+but when he was at last willing to go, the captain would not receive
+him. He had been at the island before, to wood and water, when two of
+the ship's company were left upon it for six mouths, till the Ship
+returned, being chased thence by two French South-sea ships. He had with
+him his cloaths and bedding, with a firelock, some powder, bullets and
+tobacco, a hatchet, a knife, a kettle, a bible, some practical pieces,
+and his mathematical instruments and books. He diverted and provided for
+himself as well as he could; but for the first eight months, had much
+ado to bear up against melancholy, and the terror of being left alone in
+such a desolate place. He built two huts with pimento trees, covered
+them with long grass, & lined them with the skins of goats, which be
+killed with his gun as he wanted, so long as his powder lasted, which
+was but a pound; and that being almost spent, he got fire by rubbing two
+sticks of pimento-wood together upon his knee. In the lesser hut, at
+some distance from the other, he dressed his victuals; and in the larger
+he slept; and employed himself in reading, singing psalms, and praying;
+so that he said. He was a better Christian, while in this solitude, than
+ever he was before, or than, he was afraid, he would ever be again.
+
+At first he never ate anything till hunger constrained him, partly for
+grief, and partly for want of bread and salt: Nor did he go to bed, till
+he could watch no longer; the pimento-wood, which burnt very clear,
+served him both for fire and candle, and refreshed him with its fragrant
+smell. He might have had fish enough, but would not eat them for want of
+salt, because they occasioned a looseness, except crayfish which are as
+large as our lobsters, and very good: These he sometimes boiled, and at
+other times broiled, as he did his goat's flesh, of, which he made very
+good broth, for they are not so rank as ours: he kept an account of 500
+that he killed while there, and caught as many more, which he marked on
+the ear, and let go. When, his powder failed, he took them by speed of
+feet; for his way of living, continual exercise of walking and running
+cleared him of all gross humours; so that he ran with wonderful
+swiftness through the woods, and up the rocks and hills, as we perceived
+when we employed him to catch goats for us; We had a bull dog, which we
+lent with several of our nimblest runners, to help him in catching
+goats; but he distanced and tired both the dog and the men, caught the
+goats, and brought them to us on his back.
+
+He told us, that his agility in pursuing a goat had once like to have
+cost him his life; he pursued it with so much eagerness, that he catched
+hold of it on the brink of a precipiece, of which he was not aware, the
+bushes hiding it from him; so, that he fell with the goat down the
+precipiece; a great height, and was to stunned and bruised with the
+fall, that he narrowly escaped with his life; and, when he came to his
+senses, found the goat dead under him: He lay there about twenty-four
+hours, and was scarce able to crawl to his hut, which was about a mile
+distant, or to stir abroad again in ten days.
+
+He came at last to relish his meat well enough without salt or bread;
+and, in the season had plenty of good turreps, which had been sewed
+there by Captain Dampier's men, and have now overspread some acres of
+ground. He had enough of good cabbage from the cabbage-trees, and
+seasoned his meat with the fruit of the pimento trees, which is the same
+as Jamaica pepper, and smells deliciously: He found also a black pepper,
+called Ma'azeta, which was very good to expel wind, and against gripping
+in the guts.
+
+He soon wore out all his shoes and clothes by running in the woods; and
+at last, being forced to shift without them, his feet became so hard,
+that he ran everywhere without difficulty; and it was some time before
+he could wear shoes after we found him; for not being used to any so
+long, his feet swelled when he came first to wear them again.
+
+After he had conquered his melancholy, he diverted himself sometimes
+with cutting his name in the trees, and the time of his being left, and
+continuance there. He was at first much pestered with cats and rats,
+that bred in great numbers, from some of each species which had got
+ashore from ships that put in there to wood and water: The rats gnawed
+his feet and cloathes whilst asleep, which obliged him to cherish the
+cats with his goats flesh, by which many of them became so tame, that
+they would lie about him in hundreds, and soon delivered him from the
+rats: He likewise tamed some kids; and, to divert himself would, now and
+then, sing and dance with them, and his cats: So that by the favour of
+Providence, and vigour of his youth, being now but thirty years old, he
+came, at last, to conquer all the inconveniencies of his solitude, and
+to be very easy.
+
+When his cloathes were worn out, he made himself a coat and a cap of
+goat-skins, which he stiched together with little thongs of the same,
+that he cut with his knife, He had no other needle but a nail; and, when
+his knife was worn to the back, he made others, as well as he could, of
+some iron hoops that were left ashore, which he beat thin, and ground
+upon stones. Having some linnen cloth by him, he sewed him some shirts
+with a nail, and stiched them with the worsted of his old stockings,
+which he pulled out on purpose. He had his last shirt on, when we found
+him in the island.
+
+At his first coming on board us, he had so much forgot his language, for
+want of use, that we could scarce understand him: for he seemed to speak
+his words by halve. We offered him a dram: but he would not touch it;
+having drank nothing but water since his being there; And it was
+sometime before he could relish our victuals. He could give us an
+account of no other product of the island, than what we have mentioned,
+except some black plums, which are very good, but hard to come at, the
+trees, which bear them, growing on high mountains and rocks.
+Pimento-trees are plenty here, and we saw some of sixty feet high and
+about two yards thick; and cotton-trees higher, and near four fathoms
+round in the stock. The climate is so good that the trees and grass are
+verdant all the year round. The winter lasts no longer than June and
+July, and is not then severe, there being only a small frost, and a
+little hail: but sometimes great rains. The heat of the summer is
+equally moderate; and there is not much thunder, or tempestuous weather
+of any sort. He saw no venomous or savage creature on the island, nor
+any sort of beasts but goats, the first of which had been put ashore
+here, on purpose for a breed, by Juan Fernandez, a Spaniard, who settled
+there with some families, till the continent of Chili began to submit to
+the Spaniards; which, being more profitable; tempted them to quit this
+island, capable however, of maintaining a good number of people, and
+being made so strong, that they could hot be easily dislodged from
+thence.
+
+February 3d we got our smith's forge on shore, set our coopers to work,
+and made a little tent for me to have the benefit of the air. The
+Duchess had also a tent for their sick men; so that we had a small town
+of our own here, and every body employed. A few men supplied us all with
+fish of several sorts, all very good, in such abundance, that, in a few
+hours, we could take as many as would serve 200. There were sea-fowls in
+the bay, as large as geese: but eat fishy. The governor never failed of
+procuring us two or three goats a day for our sick men; by which, with
+the help of the greens, and the wholesome air, they recovered very soon
+of the scurvy; so that Captain Dover and I thought it a very agreeable
+seat, the weather being neither too hot nor too cold. We spent our time,
+till the 10th, in refitting our ships, taking wood on board; and laying
+in water, that which we brought from England and St. Vincent being
+spoiled by the badness of the casks. We likewise boiled up about eighty
+gallons of sea-lions oil, as we might have done several tons, had we
+been provided with vessels. We refined it for our lamps, to save
+candles. The sailors sometimes use it to fry their meat, for want of
+butter, and find it agreeable enough. The men who worked on our
+rigging, eat young seals, which they preferred to our ships victuals, &
+said it was as good as English lamb, though I should have been glad of
+such an exchange. We made what haste we could to get all the necessaries
+on board, being willing to lose no time; for we were informed at the
+Canaries, that five stout French ships were coming together to those
+seas.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11866 ***