TheLifeAndAdventuresOfRobinsonCrusoe,etcPart1IwasbornintheYear1632,intheCityofYork,ofagoodFamily,tho'notofthatCountry,myFatherbeingaForeignerofBremen,whosettledfirstatHull:HegotagoodEstatebyMerchandise,andleavingoffhisTrade,livedafterwardatYork,fromwhencehehadmarriedmyMother,RelationswerenamedRobinson,averygoodFamilyatCountry,andfromwhomIwascalledRobinsonKeutznaer;butbytheusualCorruptionofWordsinEngland,wearenowcalled,naywecallourSelves,andwriterNameCrusoe,andsomyCompanionsalwayscall'dme.IhadtwoelderBrothers,oneofwhichwasLieutenantColloneltoanEnglishRegimentofFootinFlanders,formerlycommandedbythefamousColl.Lockhart,andwaskilledattheBattlenearDunkirkagainsttheSpaniards:WhatbecameofmysecondBrotherIneverknewanymorethanFatherorMotherdidknowwhatwasbecomeofme.BeingthethirdSonoftheFamily,andnotbredtoanyTrade,myHeadbegantobefill'dveryearlywithramblingThoughts:MyFather,whowasveryancient,hadgivenmecompetentShareofLearning,asfarasHouse-Education,andaCountryFree-Schoolgenerallygoes,anddesign'dfortheLaw;butIwouldbesatisfiedwithnothingbutgotoSea,andmyinclinationtothisledmesostronglyagainsttheWill,naytheCommandsofmyFather,andagainstalltheEntreatiesandPerswasionsofmyMotherandotherFriends,thatthereseem'dtobesomethingfatalinPropensionofNaturetendingdirectlytotheLifeofMiserywhichwastobefalme.MyFather,awiseandgraveMan,gavemeseriousexcellentCounselagainstwhatheforesawwasmyDesign.Hecall'dmeoneMorningintohisChamber,whereheconfinedbytheGout,andexpostulatedverywarmlymeuponthisSubject:Heask'dmewhatReasonsmoreameerwandringinclinationIhadforleavingmyFatherHouseandmynativeCountry,whereImightbewellintroduced,andhadaProspectofraisingmyFortunesApplicationandIndustry,withaLifeofEaseandPleasureHetoldmeitwasforMenofdesperateFortunesononeHand,orofaspiring,SuperiorFortunesontheother,whowentabroaduponAdventures,torisebyEnterprize,andmakethemselvesfamousinUndertakingsofaNatureoutofthecommonRoad;thatthesethingswerealleithertoofaraboveme,ortoofarbelowme;thatminewasthemiddleState,orwhatmightbecalledtheupperStationofLowLife,whichhehad
foundbylongExperiencewasthebestStateintheWorld,themostsuitedtohumanHappiness,notexposedtotheMiseriesandHardships,theLabourandSufferingsofthemechanickPartofMankind,andnotembarass'dwiththePride,Luxury,AmbitionandEnvyoftheupperPartofMankind.Hetoldme,ImightjudgeoftheHappinessofthisState,bythisonething,viz.ThatthiswastheStateofLifewhichallotherPeopleenvied,thatKingshavefrequentlylamentedthemiserableConsequencesofbeingborntogreatthings,andwish'dtheyhadbeenplacedintheMiddleofthetwoExtremes,betweenMeanandtheGreat;thatthewiseMangavehisTestimonytothisasthejustStandardoftrueFelicity,whenhepraytohaveneitherPovertyorRiches.Hebidmeobserveit,andIshouldalwaysfind,thattheCalamitlesofLifeweresharedamongtheupperandlowerPartofMankind;butthatthemiddleStationhadthefewestDisasters,andwasnotexpos'dtosomanyVicisitudesasthehigherorlowerPartofMankind;nay,theywerenotsubjectedtosomanyDistempersandUneasinesseitherofBodyorMind,asthosewerewho,byviciousLiving,LuxuryandExtravaganciesononeHand,orbyhardLabour,WantofNecessaries,andmeanorinsufficientDietontheotherHand,bringDistempersuponthemselvesbythenaturalConsequencesoftheirWayofLiving;ThatthemiddleStationofLifewascalculatedfor,allkindofVertuesandallkindsofEnjoyments;thatPeaceandPlentyweretheHand-maidsofamiddleFortune;thatTemperance,Moderation,Quietness,Health,Society,allagreeableDiversions,andalldesirablePleasures,weretheBlessingsattendingthemiddleStationofLife;thatthisWayMenwentsilentlyandsmoothlythro'theWorld,andcomfortablyoutofit,notembarass'dwiththeLaboursoftheHandsoroftheHead,notsoldtotheLifeofSlaveryfordailyBread,orharrastwithperplex'dCircumstances,whichrobtheSoulofPeace,andtheBodyofRest;notenrag'dwiththePassionofEnvy,orsecretburningLustofAmbitionforgreatthings;butineasyCircumstancesslidinggentlythro'theWorld,andsensiblytastingtheSweetsofliving,withoutthebitter,feelingthattheyarehappy,andlearningbyeveryDay'sExperiencetoknowitmoresensibly.Afterthis,hepress'dmeearnestly,andinthemostaffectionatemanner,nottoplaytheyoungMan,nottoprecipitatemyselfintoMiserieswhichNatureandtheStationofLifeIwasbornin,seem'dtohaveprovidedagainst;thatIwasundernoNecessityofseekingmyBread;thathewoulddowellforme,andendeavourtoentermefairlyintotheStationofLifewhichhehadbeenjustrecommendingtome;andthatifIwasnotveryeasyandhappyintheWorld,itmustbemymeer,FateorFaultthatmusthinderit,andthatheshouldhavenothingtoanswerfor,havingthusdischarg'dhisDutyinwarningmeagainstMeasureswhichheknewwouldbetomyHurt:Inaword,thatashewoulddoverykindthingsformeifIwouldstayandsettleatHomeashedirected,sohewouldnothavesomuchHandinmyMisfortunes,astogivemeanyEncouragementtogoaway:Andtocloseall,hetoldmeIhadmyelderBrotherforanExample,towhomhehadusedthesameearnestPerswasionstokeephimfromgoingintotheLowCountryWars,butcouldnotprevail,hisyoungDesiresprompting
himtorunintotheArmywherehewaskill'd;andtho'hesaidhewouldnotceasetoprayforme,yethewouldventuretosaytome,thatifIdidtakethisfoolishStep,Godwouldnotblessme,andIwouldhaveLeisurehereaftertoreflectuponhavingneglectedhisCounselwhentheremightbenonetoassistinmyRecovery.IobservedinthislastPartofhisDiscourse,whichwastrulyProphetick,tho'IsupposemyFatherdidnotknowittobesohimself;Isay,IobservedtheTearsrundownhisFaceveryplentifully,andespeciallywhenhespokeofmyBrotherwhowaskill'd;andthatwhenhespokeofmyhavingLeisuretorepent,andnonetoassistme,hewassomov'd,0thathebrokeofftheDiscourse,andtoldme,hisHeartwassofullhecouldsaynomoretome.IwassincerelyaffectedwiththisDiscourse,asindeedwhocouldbeotherwise?andIresolv'dnottothinkofgoingabroadanymore,buttosettleathomeaccordingtomyFather'sDesire.Butalas!afewDaysworeitalloff;andinshort,topreventanyofmyFather'sfartherImportunities,inafewWeeksafter,Iresolv'dtorunquiteawayfromhim.However,IdidnotactsohastilyneitherasmyfirstHeatofResolutionprompted,butItookmyMother,atatimewhenIthoughtheralittlepleasanterthanordinary,andtoldher,thatmyThoughtsweresoentirelybentuponseeingtheWorld,thatIshouldneversettletoanythingwithResolutionenoughtogothroughwithit,andmyFatherhadbettergivemehisConsentthanforcemetogowithoutit;thatIwasnowEighteenYearsold,whichwastoolatetogoApprenticetoaTrade,orClerktoanAttorney;thatIwassureifIdid,Ishouldneverserveoutmytime,andIshouldcertainlyrunawayfrommyMasterbeforemyTimewasout,andgotoSea;andifshewouldspeaktomyFathertoletmegobutoneVoyageabroad,ifIcamehomeagainanddidnotlikeit,Iwouldgonomore,andIwouldpromisebyadoubleDiligencetorecoverthatTimeIhadlost.ThisputmyMotherintoagreatPassion:Shetoldme,sheknewitwouldbetonoPurposetospeaktomyFatheruponanysuchSubject;thatheknewtoowellwhatwasmyInteresttogivehisConsenttoanythingsomuchformyHurt,andthatshewonderedhowIcouldthinkofanysuchthingaftersuchaDiscourseasIhadhadwithmyFather,andsuchkindandtenderExpressionsassheknewmyFatherhadus'dtome;andthatinshort,ifIwouldruinemyselftherewasnoHelpforme;butImightdependIshouldneverhavetheirConsenttoit:ThatforherPartshewouldnothavesomuchHandinmyDestruction;andIshouldneverhaveittosay,thatmyMotherwaswillingwhenmyFatherwasnot.Tho'myMotherrefusedtomoveittomyFather,yetasIhaveheardafterwards,shereportedalltheDiscoursetohim.,andthatmyFather,aftershewingagreatConcernatit,saidtoherwithaSigh,ThatBoymightbehappyifhewouldstayathome,butifhegoesabroadhewillbethemiserablestWretchthatwaseverborn:IcangivenoConsenttoit.
ItwasnottillalmostaYearafterthisthatIbrokeloose,tho'inthemeantimeIcontinuedobstinatelydeaftoallProposalsofsettlingtoBusiness,andfrequentlyexpostulatingwithmyFatherandMother,abouttheirbeingsopositivelydetermin'dagainstwhattheyknewmyInclinationspromptedmeto.ButbeingoneDayatHull,whereIwentcasually,andwithoutanyPurposeofmakinganElopementthattime;butIsay,beingthere,andoneofmyCompanionsbeinggoingbySeatoLondon,inhisFather'sShip,andpromptingmetogowiththem,withthecommonAllurementofSeafaringMen,vizThatitshouldcostmenothingformyPassage,IconsultedneitherFatherorMotheranymore,norsomuchassentthemWordofit;butleavingthemtohearofitastheymight,withoutaskingGod'sBlessing,ormyFather's,withoutanyConsiderationofCircumstancesorConsequences,andinanillHour,Godknows.OnthefirstofSeptember1651IwentonBoardaShipboundforLondon;neveranyyoungAdventurer'sMisfortunes,Ibelieve,begansooner,orcontinuedlongerthanmine.TheShipwasnosoonergottenoutoftheHumber,buttheWindbegantoblow,andtheWinds'toriseinamostfrightfulmanner;andasIhadneverbeenatSeabefore,IwasmostinexpressiblysickinBody,andterrify'dinmyMind:IbegannowseriouslytoreflectuponwhatIhaddone,andhowjustlyIwasovertakenbytheJudgmentofHeavenformywickedleavingmyFather'sHouse,andabandoningmyDuty;allthegoodCounselofmyParents,myFather'sTearsandmyMother'sEntreatiescamenowfreshintomyMind,andmyConscience,whichwasnotyetcometothePitchofHardnesstowhichithasbeensince,reproach'dmewiththeContemptofAdvice,andtheBreachofmyDutytoGodandmyFather.AllthiswhiletheStormencreas'd,andtheSea,whichIhadneverbeenuponbefore,wentveryhigh,tho'nothinglikewhatIhaveseenmanytimessince;no,norlikewhatIsawafewDaysafter:Butitwasenoughtoaffectmethen,whowasbutayoungSailor,andhadneverknownanythingofthematter.IexpectedeveryWavewouldhaveswallowedusup,andthateverytimetheShipfelldown,asIthought,intheTroughorHollowoftheSea,weshouldneverrisemore;andinthisAgonyofMind,ImademanyVowsandResolutions,thatifitwouldpleaseGodheretosparemyLifethisoneVoyage,ifeverIgotoncemyFootupondryLandagain,IwouldgodirectlyhometomyFather,andneversetitintoaShipagainwhileIliv'd;thatIwouldtakehisAdvice,andneverrunmyselfintosuchMiseriesastheseanymore.NowIsawplainlytheGoodnessofhisObservationsaboutthemiddleStationofLife,howeasy,howcomfortablyhehadliv'dallhisDays,andneverhadbeenexpos'dtoTempestsatSea,orTroublesonShore;andIresolv'dthatIwould,likeatruerepentingProdigal,gohometomyFather.ThesewiseandsoberThoughtscontinuedallthewhiletheStormcontinued,andindeedsometimeafter;butthenextDaytheWindwasabatedandtheSeacalmer,andIbegantobealittleinur'dtoit:HoweverIwasverygraveforallthatDay,beingalsoalittleSeasickstill;buttowardsNighttheWeatherclear'dup,theWindwas
quiteover,andacharmingfineEveningfollow'd;theSunwentdownperfectlyclearandrosesothenextMorning;andhavinglittleornoWindandasmoothSea,theSunshininguponit,theSightwas,asIthought,themostdelightfulthateverIsaw.IhadsleptwellintheNight,andwasnownomoreSeasick:butverychearful,lookingwithWonderupontheSeathatwassoroughandterribletheDaybefore,andcouldbesocalmandsopleasantinsolittletimeafter.AndnowleastmygoodResolutionsshouldcontinue,myCompanion,whohadindeedentic'dmeaway,comestome,WellBob,sayshe,clappingmeontheShoulder,Howdoyoudoafterit?Iwarrantyouwerefrighted,wa'n'tyou,lastNight,whenitblewbutaCapfullofWind?ACapfulld'youcallit?saidI,'twasaterribleStorm:AStorm,youFoolyou,replieshe,doyoucallthataStorm,whyitwasnothingatall;giveusbutagoodShipandSeaRoom,andwethinknothingofsuchaSqualofWindasthat;butyou'rebutafreshWaterSailor,Bob;comeletusmakeaBowlofPunchandwe'llforgetallthat,d'yeseewhatcharmingWeather'tisnow.TomakeshortthissadPartofmyStory,wewenttheoldwayofallSailors,thePunchwasmade,andIwasmadedrunkwithit,andinthatoneNight'sWickednessIdrownedallmyRepentance,allmyReflectionsuponmypastConduct,andallmyResolutionsformyfuture.Inaword,astheSeawasreturnedtoitsSmoothnessofSurfaceandsettledCalmnessbytheAbatementofthatStorm,sotheHurryofmyThoughtsbeingover,myFearsandApprehensionsofbeingswallow'dupbytheSeabeingforgotten,andtheCurrentofmyformerDesiresreturn'd,IentirelyforgottheVowsandPromisesthatImadeinmyDistress.IfoundindeedsomeIntervalsofReflection,andtheseriousThoughtsdid,asitwereendeavourtoreturnagainsometimes,butIshookthemoff,androuz'dmyselffromthemasitwerefromaDistemper,andapplyingmyselftoDrinkandCompany,Soonmaster'dtheReturnofthoseFits,forsoIcall'dthem,andIhadinfiveorsixDaysgotascompleataVictoryoverConscienceasanyyoungFellowthatresolv'dnottobetroubledwithit,coulddesire:ButIwastohaveanotherTrialforitstill;andProvidence,asinsuchCasesgenerallyitdoes,resolv'dtoleavemeentirelywithoutExcuse.ForifIwouldnottakethisforaDeliverance,thenextwastobesuchaoneastheworstandmostharden'dWretchamonguswouldconfessboththeDangerandtheMercy.ThesixthDayofourbeingatSeawecameintoYarmouthRoads;theWindhavingbeencontrary,andtheWeathercalm,wehadmadebutlittleWaysincetheStorm.HerewewereobligedtocometoanAnchor,andherewelay,theWindcontinuingcontrary,viz.atSouth-west,forsevenoreightDays,duringwhichtimeagreatmanyShipsfromNewcastlecameintothesameRoads,asthecommonHarbourwheretheShipsmightwaitforaWindfortheRiver.Wehadnothoweverridheresolong,butshouldhaveTidedituptheRiver,butthattheWindblewtoofresh;andafterwehadlainfourorfiveDays,blewveryhard.However,theRoadsbeingreckonedasgoodasaHarbour,theAnchoragegood,and
ourGround-Tackleverystrong,ourMenwereunconcerned,andnotintheleastapprehensiveofDanger,butspenttheTimeinRestandMirth,afterthemanneroftheSea;buttheeighthDayintheMorning,theWindincreased,andwehadallHandsatWorktostrikeourTop-Masts,andmakeeverythingsnugandclose,thattheShipmightrideaseasyaspossible.ByNoontheSeawentveryhighindeed,andourShipridForecastlein,shipp'dseveralSeas,andwethoughtonceortwiceourAnchorhadcomehome;uponwhichourMasterorder'douttheSheetAnchor;sothatwerodewithtwoAnchorsa-Head,andtheCablesveredouttothebetterEnd.BythisTimeitblewaterribleStormindeed,andnowIbegantoseeTerrorandAmazementintheFacesevenoftheSeamenthemselves.TheMaster,tho'vigilanttotheBusinessofpreservingtheShip,yetashewentinandoutofhisCabbinbyme,Icouldhearhimsoftlytohimselfsayseveraltimes,Lordbemercifultous,weshallbealllost,weshallbeallundone;andthelike.DuringthesefirstHurries,Iwasstupid,lyingstillinmyCabbin,whichwasintheSteerage,andcannotdescribemyTemper:IcouldillreassumethefirstPenitence,whichIhadsoapparentlytrampledupon,andharden'dmyselfagainst:IthoughttheBitternessofDeathhadbeenpast,andthatthiswouldbenothingtoolikethefirst.ButwhentheMasterhimselfcamebymeasIsaidjustnow,andsaidweshouldbealllost,Idreadfullyfrighted:IgotupoutofmyCabbin,andlook'dout;butsuchadismalSightIneversaw:TheSeawentMountainshigh,andbrokeuponuseverythreeorfourMinutes:WhenIcouldlookabout,IcouldseenothingbutDistressroundus:TwoShipsthatridnearuswefoundhadcuttheirMastsbytheBoard,beingdeeploaden;andourMencry'dout,thataShipwhichridaboutaMilea-Headofuswasfoundered.TwomoreShipsbeingdrivenfromtheirAnchors,wererunoutoftheRoadstoSeaatallAdventures,andthatwasnotaMaststanding.ThelightShipsfaredthebest;asnotsomuchlabouringintheSea;buttwoorthreeofthemdrove,andcameclosebyus,runningawaywithonlytheirSprit-sailoutbeforetheWind.TowardsEveningtheMateandBoat-Swainbegg'dtheMasterofourShiptoletthemcutawaytheForemast,whichhewasveryunwillingto:ButtheBoat-Swainprotestingtohim,thatifhedidnot,theShipwouldfounder,heconsented;andwhentheyhadcutawaytheForemast,theMain-Maststoodsoloose,andshooktheShipsomuch,theywereobligedtocutherawayalso,andmakeaclearDeck.AnyonemayjudgewhataConditionImustbeinatallhis;whowasbutayoungSailor,andwhohadbeeninsuchFrightbeforeatbutalittle.ButifIcanexpressatthisDistancetheThoughtsIhadaboutmeatthattime,IwasintenfoldmoreHorrorofMinduponAccountofmyformerConvictions,andthehavingreturnedfromthemtotheResolutionsIhadwickedlytakenatfirst,thanIwasatDeathitself;andtheseaddedtotheTerroroftheStorm,putmeintosuchaCondition,thatIcanbynoWordsdescribeit.Buttheworstwasnotcomeyet,theStormcontinuedwithsuchFury,thattheSeamenthemselvesacknowledgedtheyhadneverknownaworse.We
hadagoodShip,butshewasdeeploaden,andwallowedintheSea,thattheSeameneverynowandthencriedout,shewouldfounder.ItwasmyAdvantageinonerespect,thatIdidnotknowwhattheymeantbyFounder,tillIenquir'd.However,theStormwassoviolent,thatIsawwhatisnotoftenseen,theMaster,theBoat-Swain,andsomeothersmoresensiblethantherest,attheirPrayers,andexpectingeveryMomentwhentheShipwouldgototheBottom.IntheMiddleoftheNight,andunderalltherestofourDistresses,oneoftheMenthathadbeendownonPurposetosee,criedoutwehadsprungaLeak;anothersaidtherewasfourFootWaterintheHold.ThenallHandswerecalledtothePump.AtthatveryWordmyHeart,asIthought,diedwithinme,andIfellbackwardsupontheSideofmyBedwhereIsat,intotheCabbin.However,theMenrousedme,andtoldme,thatIthatwasabletodonothingbefore,wasaswellabletopumpasanother;atwhichIstirr'dup,andwenttothePumpandwork'dveryheartily.Whilethiswasdoing,theMasterseeingsomelightColliers,whonotabletorideouttheStorm,wereoblig'dtoslipandrunawaytoSea,andwouldcomenearus,orderedtofireaGunasaSignalofDistress.Iwhoknewnothingwhatthatmeant,wassosurprised,thatIthoughttheShiphadbroke,orsomedreadfulthinghadhappen'd.Inaword,Iwassosurprised,thatIfelldowninaSwoon.AsthiswasatimewheneveryBodyhadhisownLifetothinkof,nobodymindedme,orwhatwasbecomeofme;butanotherMansteptupthePump,andthrustingmeasidewithhisFoot,letmelye,thinkingIhadbeendead;anditwasagreatwhilebeforeIcametomyself.Wework'don,buttheWaterencreasingintheHold,itwasapparentthattheShipwouldfounder,andtho'theStormbegantoabatealittle,yetasitwasnotpossibleshecouldswimtillwemightrunintoaPort,sotheMastercontinuedfiringGunsforHelp;andalightShipwhohadriditoutjustaHeadofusventuredaBoatouttohelpus.ItwaswiththeutmostHazardtheBoatcamenearus,butitwasimpossibleforustogetonBoard,orfortheBoattolieneartheShipSide,tillatlasttheMenrowingveryheartily,andventuringtheirLivestosaveours,ourMencastthemaRopeovertheSternwithaBuoytoit,andthenvereditoutagreatLength,whichtheyaftergreatLabourandHazardtookholdofandwehall'dthemcloseunderourSternandgotallintotheirBoat.ItwastonoPurposefororusafterwewereintheBoattothinkofreachingtoownShip,soallagreedtoletherdriveandonlytopullherintowardsShoreasmuchaswecould,andourMasterpromisedthem,ThatiftheBoatwasstav'duponShorehewouldmakeitgoodtotheirMaster,sopartlyrowingandpartlydrivingourBoatwentawaytotheNorwardsloapingwardstheShorealmostasfarasWintertonNess.WewerenotmuchmorethanaquarterofanHouroutfourShipbutwesawhersink,andthenIunderstoodforthefirsttimewhatwasmeantbyaShipfounderingintheSea;ImustacknowledgeIhadhardlyEyestolookupwhenheSeamentoldmeshewassinking;forfromthatMomentheyratherputmeintotheBoatthanthatImightbesaidtogoin,myHeartwasasitweredeadwithinme,partlywithFright,partly
withHorrorofMindandtheThoughtsofwhatwasyetbeforeme.WhilewewereinthisCondition,theMenyetlabouringtheOartobringtheBoatneartheShore,wecouldsee,henourBoatmountingtheWaves,wewereabletoseetheShore,agreatmanyPeoplerunningalongtheShoretoassistuswhenweshouldcomenear,butwemadebutslowwaytowardstheShore,norwereweabletoreachtheShore,tillbeingpasttheLight-HouseatWinterton,theShorefallsofftotheWestwardtowardsCromer,andsotheLandbrokeoffalittletheViolenceoftheWind:Herewegotin,andtho'notwithoutmuchDifficultygotallsafeonShoreandwalk'dafterwardsonFoottoYarmouth,where,asunfortunateMen,wewereusedwithgreatHumanityaswellbytheMagistratesoftheTown,whoassign'dusgoodQuarters,asbyparticularMerchantsandOwnersofShips,andhadMoneygivenussufficienttocarryuseithertoLondonorbacktoHull,aswethoughtfit.HadInowhadtheSensetohavegonebacktoHull,andhavegonehome,Ihadbeenhappy,andmyFather,anEmblemofourBlessedSaviour'sParable,hadevenkill'dthefattedCalfforme;forhearingtheShipIwentawayinwascastawayinYarmouthRoad,itwasagreatwhilebeforehehadanyAssurancethatIwasnotdrown'd.ButmyillFatepush'dmeonnowwithanObstinacythatnothingcouldresist;andtho'IhadseveraltimesloudCallsfrommyReasonandmymorecomposedJudgmenttogohome,yetIhadnoPowertodoit.Iknownotwhattocallthis,norwillIurge,thatitisasecretover-rulingDecreethathurriesusontobetheInstrumentsofourownDestruction,eventho'itbebeforeus,andthatwerushuponitwithourEyesopen.CertainlynothingbutsomesuchdecreedunavoidableMiseryattending,andwhichitwasimpossibleformetoescape,couldhavepush'dmeforwardagainstthecalmReasoningsandPerswasionsofmymostretiredThoughts,andagainsttwosuchvisibleInstructionsasIhadmetwithinmyfirstAttempt.MyComrade,whohadhelp'dtohardenmebefore,andwhowastheMaster'sSon,wasnowlessforwardthanI;thefirsttimehespoketomeafterwewereatYarmouth,whichwasnottilltwoorthreeDays,forwewereseparatedintheTowntoseveralQuarters;Isay,thefirsttimehesawme,itappear'dhisTonewasalter'd,andlookingverymelancholyandshakinghisHead,ask'dmehowIdid,andtellinghisFatherwhoIwas,andhowIhadcomethisVoyageonlyforaTrialinordertogofartherabroad;hisFatherturningtomewithaverygraveandconcern'dTone,YoungMan,sayshe,yououghtnevertogotoSeaanymore,yououghttotakehisforaplainandvisibleTokenthatyouarenottobeaSeafaringMan.Why,Sir,saidI,willyougotoSeanomore?ThatisanotherCase,saidhe,itismyCalling,andthereforemyDuty;butasyoumadethisVoyageforaTrial,youseewhataTasteHeavenhasgivenyouofwhatyouaretoexpectifyoupersist;perhapsthisisallbefallenusonyourAccount,likeJonahintheShipofTarshish.Pray,continueshe,whatareyou?andonwhatAccountdidyougotoSea?UponthatItoldhimsomeofmyStory;attheEndofwhichhe
burstoutwithastrangekindofPassion,WhathadIdone,sayshe,thatsuchanunhappyWretchshouldcomeintomyShip?IwouldnotsetmyFootinthesameShipwiththeeagainforaThousandPounds.Thisindeedwas,asIsaid,anExcursionofhisSpiritswhichwereyetagitatedbytheSenseofhisLoss,andwasfartherthanhecouldhaveAuthoritytogo.Howeverheafterwardstalk'dverygravelytome,exhortedmetogobacktomyFather,andnottemptProvidencetomyRuine;toldmeImightseeavisibleHandofHeavenagainstme,AndyoungMan,saidhe,dependuponit,ifyoudonotgoback,where-everyougo,youwillmeetwithnothingbutDisastersandDisappointmentstillyourFather'sWordsarefulfilleduponyou.Wepartedsoonafter;forImadehimlittleAnswer,andIsawhimnomore;whichwayhewent,Iknownot.Asforme,havingsomeMoneyinmyPocket,ItravelledtoLondonbyLand;andthere,aswellasontheRoad,hadmanyStruggleswithmyself,whatCourseofLifeIshouldtake,andwhetherIshouldgoHome,orgotoSea.AstogoingHome,ShameopposedthebestMotionsthatofferedtomyThoughts;anditimmediatelyoccurr'dtomehowIshouldbelaugh'datamongtheNeighbours,andshouldbeasham'dtosee,notmyFatherandMotheronly,buteveneveryBodyelse;fromwhenceIhavesinceoftenobserved,howincongruousandirrationalthecommonTemperofMankindis,especiallyofYouth,tothatReasonwhichoughttoguidetheminsuchCases,viz.Thattheyarenotasham'dtosin,andyetareasham'dtorepent;notasham'doftheActionforwhichtheyoughtjustlytobeesteem'dFools,butareasham'dofthereturning,whichonlycanmakethembeesteem'dwiseMen.InthisofLifehoweverIremainedsometime,uncertainwhatMeasurestotake,andwhatCourseofLifetolead.AnirresistibleReluctancecontinu'dtogoingHome;andasIstay'dawhile,theRemembranceoftheDistressIhadbeeninworeoff;andasthatabated,thelittleMotionIhadinmyDesirestoaReturnworeoffwithit,tillatlastIquitelay'dasidetheThoughtsofit,andlooktoutforaVoyage.ThatevilInfluencewhichcarryedmefirstawayfrommyFather'sHouse,thathurriedmeintothewildandindigestedNotionofraisingmyFortune;andthatimprestthoseConceitssoforciblyuponme,astomakemedeaftoallgoodAdvice,andtotheEntreatiesandevenCommandofmyFather:IsaythesameInfluence,whateveritwas,presentedthemostunfortunateofallEnterprisestomyView;andIwentonboardaVesselboundtotheCoastofAfrica;or,asourSailorsvulgarlycallit,aVoyagetoGuinea.ItwasmygreatMisfortunethatinalltheseAdventuresIdidnotshipmyselfasaSailor;whereby,tho'Imightindeedhavework'dalittleharderthanordinary,yetatthesametimeIhadlearn'dtheDutyandOfficeofaFore-mastMan;andinmighthavequalifiedmyselfforaMateorLieutenant,ifsaMaster:ButasitwasalwaysmyFatetochoosefortheworse,soIdidhere;forhavingMoneyinmyPocket,andgood
CloathsuponmyBack,IwouldalwaysgoonboardintheHabitofaGentleman;andsoIneitherhadanyBusinessShip,orlearn'dtodoany.ItwasmyLotfirstofalltofallintoprettygoodCompanyinLondonwhichdoesnotalwayshappentosuchlooseandunguidedyoungFellowsasIthenwas;theDevilgenerallynotomittingtolaysomeSnareforthemveryearly:Butitwasnotaswithme,IfirstfellacquaintedwiththeMasterofaShipwhohadbeenontheCoastofGuinea;andwhohavinghadverygoodSuccessthere,wasresolvedtogoagain;andwhotakingaFancytomyConversation,whichwasnotatalldisagreeableatthattime,hearingmesayIhadamindtoseetheWorld,toldmeifIwou'dgothe,VoyagewithhimIshouldbeatnoExpence;IshouldbehisMess-mateandhisCompanion,andifIcouldcarryanythingwithme,IshouldhavealltheAdvantageofitthattheTradewouldadmit;andperhapsImightmeetwithsomeEncouragement.Iembrac'dtheOffer,andentringintoastrictFriendshipwiththisCaptain,whowasanhonestandplain-dealingMan,IwenttheVoyagewithhim,andcarriedasmallAdventurewithme,whichbythedisinterestedHonestyofmyFriendtheCaptain,Iincreasedveryconsiderably;forIcarriedabout40l.insuchToysandTriflesastheCaptaindirectedmetobuy.This40l.IhadmusteredtogetherbytheAssistanceofsomeofmyRelationswhomIcorrespondedwith,andwho,Ibelieve,gotmyFather,oratleastmyMother,tocontributesomuchasthattomyfirstAdventure.ThiswastheonlyVoyagewhichImaysaywassuccessfulinallmyAdventures,andwhichIowetotheIntegrityandHonestyofmyFriendtheCaptain,underwhomalsoIgotacompetentKnowledgeoftheMathematicksandtheRulesofNavigation,learn'dhowtokeepanAccountoftheShip'sCourse,takeanObservation;andinshort,tounderstandsomethingsthatwereneedfultobeunderstoodbyaSailor:For,ashetookDelighttointroduceme,ItookDelighttolearn;and,inaword,thisVoyagemademebothaSailorandaMerchant:forIbroughtHomeL.5.9OuncesofGoldDustformyAdventure,whichyieldedmeinLondonatmyReturn,almost300l.andthisfill'dmewiththoseaspiringThoughtswhichhavesincesocompleatedmyRuin.YeteveninthisVoyageIhadmyMisfortunestoo;particularly,thatIwascontinuallysick,beingthrownintoaviolentCalenturebytheexcessiveHeatoftheClimate;ourprincipalTradingbeingupontheCoast,fromtheLatitudeof15Degrees,NortheventotheLineitself.IwasnowsetupforaGuineyTrader;andmyFriend,tomygreatMisfortune,dyingsoonafterhisArrival,IresolvedtogothesameVoyageagain,andIembark'dinthesameVesselwithonewhowashisMateintheformerVoyage,andhadnowgottheCommandoftheShip.ThiswastheunhappiestVoyagethateverManmade;fortho'Ididnotcarryquite100l.ofmynewgain'dWealth,sothatIhad200left,andwhichI
lodg'dwithmyFriend'sWidow,whowasveryjusttome,yetIfellintoterribleMisfortunesinthisVoyage;andthefirstwasthis,viz.OurShipmakingherCoursetowardstheCanaryIslands,orratherbetweenthoseIslandsandtheAfricanShore,wassurprisedintheGreyoftheMorning,byaTurkishRoverofSallee,whogaveChasetouswithalltheSailshecouldmake.WecrowdedalsoasmuchCanvasasourYardswouldspread,orourMastscarry,tohavegotclear;butfindingthePirategain'duponus,andwouldcertainlycomeupwithusinafewHours,weprepar'dtofight;ourShiphaving12Guns,andtheRogue18.AboutthreeintheAfternoonhecameupwithus,andbringingtobyMistake,justathwartourQuarter,insteadofathwartourStern,asheintended,webrought8ofourGunstobearonthatSide,andpour'dinaBroadsideuponhim,whichmadehimsheeroffagain,afterreturningourFire,andpouringinalsohissmallShotfromnear200MenwhichhehadonBoard.However,wehadnotaMantouch'd,allourMenkeepingclose.Heprepar'dtoattackusagain,andwetodefendourselves;butlayingusonBoardthenexttimeuponourotherQuarter,heentred60MenuponourDecks,whoimmediatelyfelltocuttingandhackingtheDecksandRigging.Weply'dthemwithSmall-shot,Half-Pikes,Powder-Chests,andsuchlike,andclear'dourDeckofthemtwice.However,tocutshortthismelanchollyPartofourStory,ourShipbeingdisabled,andthreeofourMenkill'd,andeightwounded,wewereobligedtoyield,andwerecarry'dallPrisonersintoSallee,aPortbelongingtotheMoors.TheUsageIhadtherewasnotsodreadfulasatfirstIapprehended,norwasIcarrieduptheCountrytotheEmperor'sCourt,astherestofourMenwere,butwaskeptbytheCaptainoftheRover,ashisproperPrize,andmadeisSlave,beingyoungandnimble,andfitforhisBusiness.AtthissurprisingChangeofmyCircumstancesfromaMerchanttoamiserableSlave,Iwasperfectlyoverwhelmed;andnowIlook'dbackuponmyFather'sprophetickDisoursetome,thatIshouldbemiserable,andhavenonetorelieveme,whichIthoughtwasnowsoeffectuallybroughtpass,thatitcouldnotbeworse;thatnowtheHandofHeavenhadovertakenme,andIwasundonewithoutRedemption.Butalas!thiswasbutaTasteoftheMiseryIwastogothro',aswillappearintheSequelofthisStory.AsmynewPatronorMasterhadtakenmeHometohisHouse,soIwasinhopesthathewouldtakemewithhimhenhewenttoSeaagain,believingthatitwouldsometimeorotherbehisFatetobetakenbyaSpanishorPortugalanofWar;andthatthenIshouldbesetatLiberty.ButhisHopeofminewassoontakenaway;forwhenhewenttoSea,heleftmeonShoartolookafterhislittleGarden,anddothecommonDrudgeryofSlavesabouthisHouse;andwhenhecamehomeagainfromhisCruise,heorder'dmetolyeintheCabbintolookaftertheShip.HereImeditatednothingbutmyEscape;andwhatMethodImighttaketoeffectit,butfoundnoWaythathadtheleastProbabilityinit:NothingpresentedtomaketheSuppositionofitrational;forIhadnoBodytocommunicateitto,thatwouldembark
withme;noFellow-Slave,noEnglishman,Irishman,orScotsmantherebutmyself;sothatfortwoYears,tho'IoftenpleasedmyselfwiththeImaginaion,yetIneverhadtheleastencouragingProspectofputtingitinPractice.AfterabouttwoYearsanoddCircumstancepresenteditselfwhichputtheoldThoughtofmakingsomeAttemptformyLiberty,againinmyHead:MyPatronlyingatHomelongerthanusual,withoutfittingouthisShip,which,asIheard,wasforwantofMoney;heusedconstantly,onceortwiceaWeek,sometimesoftner,iftheWeatherwasfair,totaketheShip'sPinnace,andgoOutintotheRoada-fishing;andashealwaystookmeandayoungMarescowithhimtorowtheBoat,wemadehimverymerry,andIprov'dverydexterousincatchingFish;insomuchthatsometimeshewouldsendmewithaMoor,oneofhisKinsmen,andtheYouththeMaresco,astheycall'dhim,tocatchaDishofFishforhim.Ithappen'donetime,thatgoingafishinginastarkcalmMorning,aFogrosesothick,thattho'wewerenothalfaLeaguefromtheShoarwelostSightofit;androwingweknewnotwhitherorwhichway,welabour'dallDayandallthenextNight,andwhentheMorningcamewefoundwehadpull'dofftoSeainsteadofpullinginfortheShoar;andthatwewereatleasttwoLeaguesfromtheShoar:Howeverwegotwellinagain,tho'withagreatdealofLabour,andsomeDanger;fortheWindbegantoblowprettyfreshintheMorning;butparticularlywewereallveryhungry.ButourPatronwarn'dbythisDisaster,resolvedtotakemoreCareofhimselfforthefuture;andhavinglyingbyhimtheLong-boatofourEnglishShipwehadtaken,heresolvedhewouldnotgoafishinganymorewithoutaCompassandsomeProvision;soheorderedtheCarpenterofhisShip,whoalsowasanEnglishSlave,tobuildalittleState-roomorCabininthemiddleoftheLongBoat,likethatofaBarge,withaPlacetostandbehindittosteerandhalehometheMain-sheet;andRoombeforeforahandortwotostandandworktheSails;shesail'dwiththatwecallaShoulderofMuttonSail;andtheBoomgib'dovertheTopoftheCabbin,whichlayverysnugandlow,andhadinitRoomforhimtolye,withaSlaveortwo,andaTabletoeaton,withsomesmallLockerstoputinsomeBottlesofsuchLiquorashethoughtfittodrinkin;particularlyhisBread,RiceandCoffee.WewentfrequentlyoutwiththisBoatafishing,andasIwasmostdextroustocatchfishforhim,heneverwentwithoutme:Ithappen'dthathehadappointedtogooutinthisBoat,eitherforPleasureorforFish,withtwoorthreeMoorsofsomeDistinctioninthatPlace,andforwhomhehadprovidedextraordinarily;andhadthereforesentonboardtheBoatoverNight,alargerStoreofProvisionsthanordinary;andhadorder'dmetogetreadythreeFuzeeswithPowderandShot,whichwereonboardhisShip;forthattheydesign'dsomeSportofFowlingaswellasFishing.Igotallthingsreadyashehaddirected,andwaitedthenextMorningwiththeBoat,
washedclean,herAntientandPendantsout,andeverythingtoaccomodatehisGuests;whenbyandbymyPatrooncameonboardalone,andtoldmehisGuestshadputoffgoing,uponsomeBusinessthatfellout,andorder'dmewiththeManandBoy,asusual,togooutwiththeBoatandcatchthemsomeFish,forthathisfriendsweretosupathisHouse;andcommandedthatassoonasIhadgotsomeFishIshouldbringithometohisHouse;allwhichIprepar'dtodo.ThisMomentmyformerNotionsofDeliverancedartedintomyThoughts,fornowIfoundIwasliketohavealittleShipatmyCommand;andmyMasterbeinggone,Iprepar'dtofurnishmyself,notforafishingBusinessbutforaVoyage;tho'Iknewnot,neitherdidIsomuchasconsiderwhitherIshouldsteer;foranywheretogetoutofthatPlacewasmyWay.MyfirstContrivancewastomakeaPretencetospeaktothisMoor,togetsomethingforourSubsistanceonboard;forItoldhimwemustnotpresumetoeatofourPatroon'sBread,hesaidthatwastrue;sohebroughtalargeBasketofRuskorBisketoftheirkind,andthreeJarrswithfreshWaterintotheBoat;IknewwheremyPatroon'sCaseofBottlesstood,whichitwasevidentbythemakeweretakenoutofsomeEnglishPrize;andIconvey'dthemintotheBoatwhiletheMoorwasonShoar,asiftheyhadbeentherebefore,forourMaster:Iconvey'dalsoagreatLumpofBees-WaxintotheBoat,whichweighedabovehalfaHundredWeight,withaParcelofTwineorThread,aHatchet,aSawandaHammer,allwhichwereofgreatUsetousafterwards;especiallytheWaxtomakeCandles.AnotherTrickItry'duponhim,whichheinnocentlycameintoalso;hisNamewasIsmael,whotheycallMulyorMoely,soIcall'dtohim,MoelysaidI,ourPatroon'sGunsareonboardtheBoat,canyounotgetalittlePowderandShot,itmaybewemaykillsomeAlcamies(aFowllikeourCurlieus)forourselves,forIknowhekeepstheGunnersStoresintheShip?Yes,sayshe,I'llbringsome,andaccordinglyhebroughtagreatLeatherPouchwhichheldaboutaPoundandhalfofPowder,orrathermore;andanotherwithShot,thathadfiveorsixPound,withsomeBullets;andputallintotheBoat:AtthesametimeIhadfoundsomePowderofmyMaster'sintheGreatCabbin,withwhichIfill'doneofthelargeBottlesintheCase,whichwasalmostempty;pouringwhatwasinitintoanother:andthusfurnishedwitheverythingneedful,wesail'doutofthePorttofish:TheCastlewhichisattheEntranceofthePortknewwhowewere,andtooknoNoticeofus;andwewerenotaboveaMileoutofthePortbeforewehal'dinourSail,andsetusdowntofish:TheWindblewfromtheN.NE.whichwascontrarytomyDesire;forhaditblownsoutherlyIhadbeensuretohavemadetheCoastofSpain,andatleastreachttotheBayofCadiz;butmyResolutionswere,blowwhichwayitwould,IwouldbegonefromthathorridPlacewhereIwas,andleavetheresttoFate.Afterwehadfishtsometimeandcatchtnothing,forwhenIhadFishonmyHook,Iwouldnotpullthemup,thathemightnotseethem;IsaidtotheMoor,thiswillnotdo,ourMasterwillnotbethusserv'd,wemuststandfartheroff:Hethinkingnoharm
agreed,andbeingintheheadoftheBoatsettheSails;andasIhadtheHelmIrunsheBoatoutnearaLeaguefarther,andthenbroughthertooasifIwouldfish;whengivingtheBoytheHelm,IsteptforwardtowheretheMoorwas,andmakingasifIstooptforsomethingbehindhim,ItookhimbySurprizewithmyArmunderhisTwist,andtosthimclearover-boardintotheSea;heriseimmediately,forheswamlikeaCork,andcall'dtome,begg'dtobetakenin,toldmehewouldgoallovertheWorldwithme;heswamsostrongaftertheoatthathewouldhavereachtmeveryquickly,therebeingbutlittleWind;uponwhichIsteptintotheCabbinandfetchingoneoftheFowling-pieces,Ipresenteditathim,andtoldhim,Ihaddonehimnohurt,andifhewouldbequietIwoulddohimnone;butsaidI,youswimwellenoughtoreachtotheShoar,andtheSeaiscalm,maketheestofyourWaytoShoarandIwilldoyounoharm,butifyoucomeneartheBoatI'llshootyouthro'theHead;forI'mresolvedtohavemyLiberty;soheturn'dhimselfaboutandswamfortheShoar,andImakenodoubtbuthereachtitwithEase,forhewasanExcellentSwimmer.Icouldha'beencontenttoha'takenthisMoorwithme,andha'drown'dtheBoy,buttherewasnoventuringtotrusthim:WhenhewasgoneIturn'dtotheBoy,whotheycall'dXury,andsaidtohim,Xury,ifyouwillbefaithfultomeI'llmakeyouagreatman,butifyouwillnotstroakourFacetobetruetome,thatis,swearbyMahometandisFather'sBeard,ImustthrowyouintotheSeatoo;theboysmil'dinmyFaceandspokesoinnocentlythatIcouldmistrusthim;andsworetobefaithfultome,andgoallovertheWorldwithme.WhileIwasinViewoftheMoorthatwasswimming,IstoodoutdirectlytoSeawiththeBoat,ratherstretchingtoWindward,thattheymightthinkmegonetowardstheStraits-mouth(asindeedanyonethathadbeenintheirwitsmustha'beensupposedtodo),orwhowouldha'suppos'dweweresail'dontothesouthwardtothetrulyBarbarianCoast,wherewholeNationsofNegroesweresuretosurrounduswiththeirCanoes,anddestroyus;wherewecouldne'eroncegoonshoarbutweshouldbedevour'dbysavageBeasts,ormoremercilessSavagesofhumanekind.ButassoonasitgrewduskintheEvening,Ichang'dmyCourse,andsteer'ddirectlySouthandbyEast,bendingmyCoursealittletowardtheEast,thatImightkeepinwiththeShoar;andhavingafairfreshGaleofWind,andasmoothquietSea,ImadesuchSailthatIbelievebythenextDayatThreeaClockintheAfternoon,whenIfirstmadetheLand,Icouldnotbelessthan150MilesSouthofSallee;quitebeyondtheEmperorofMorocco'sDominions,orindeedofanyotherKingthereabouts,forwesawnoPeople.YetsuchwastheFrightIhadtakenattheMoors,andthedreadfulApprehensionsIhadoffallingintotheirHands,thatIwouldnotstop,orgoonShoar,orcometoanAnchor;theWindcontinuingfair,'tillIhadsail'dinthatmannerfiveDays:AndthentheWindshiftingtothesouthward,IconcludedalsothatifanyofourVesselswerein
Chaseofme,theyalsowouldnowgiveover;soIventur'dtomaketotheCoast,andcametoanAnchorintheMouthofalittleRiver,Iknewnotwhat,orwhere;neitherwhatLatitude,whatCountry,whatNations,orwhatRiver:Ineithersaw,ordesir'dtoseeanyPeople,theprincipalthingIwantedwasfreshWater:WecameintothisCreekintheEvening,resolvingtoswimonshoarassoonasitwasdark,anddiscovertheCountry;butassoonasitwasquitedark,weheardsuchdreadfulNoisesoftheBarking,Roaring,andHowlingofWildCreatures,ofweknewnotwhatKinds,thatthepoorBoywasreadytodiewithFear,andbeg'dofmenottogoonshoartillDay;wellXurysaidI,thenIwon't,butitmaybewemayseeMenbyDay,whowillbeasbadtousasthoseLyons;thenmegivethemtheshootGunsaysXurylaughing,makethemrunwey;suchEnglishXuryspokebyconversingamongusSlaves;howeverIwasgladtoseetheBoysocheerful,andIgavehimaDram(outofourPatroon'sCaseofBottles)tochearhimup:Afterall,Xury'sAdvicewasgood,andItookit,wedroptourlittleAnchorandlaystillallNight;Isaystill,forwesleptnone!forintwoorthreeHourswesawvastgreatCreatures(weknewnotwhattocallthem)ofmanysorts,comedowntotheSea-shoarandrunintotheWater,wallowingandwashingthemselvesforthePleasureofcoolingthemselves;andtheymadesuchhideousHowlingsandYellings,thatIneverindeedheardthelike.Xurywasdreadfullyfrighted,andindeedsowasItoo;butwewerebothmorefrightedwhenweheardoneofthesemightyCreaturescomeswimmingtowardsourBoat,wecouldnotseehim,butwemighthearhimbyhisblowingtobeamonstrous,hugeandfuriousBeast;XurysaiditwasaLyon,anditmightbesoforoughtIknow;butpoorXurycryedtometoweightheAnchorandrowaway;nosaysI,Xury,wecanslipourCablewiththeBuoytoitandgoofftoSea,theycannotfollowusfar;Ihadnosoonersaidso,butIperceiv'dtheCreature(whateveritwas)withinTwoOarsLength,whichsomethingsurprizedme;howeverIimmediatelystepttotheCabbin-door,andtakingupmyunfir'dathim,uponwhichheimmediatelyturn'daboutandswamtowardstheShoaragain.ButitisimpossibletodescribethehorribleNoises,andhideousCryesandHowlings,thatwereraisedaswellupontheEdgeoftheShoar,ashigherwithintheCountry;upontheNoiseorReportoftheGun,aThingIhavesomeReasontobelievethoseCreatureshadneverheardbefore:ThisConvinc'dmethattherewasnogoingonShoarforusintheNightuponthatCoast,andhowtoventureonShoarintheDaywasanotherQuestiontoo;fortohavefallenintotheHandsofanyoftheSavages,hadbeenasbadastohavefallenintotheHandsofLyonsandTygers;atleastwewereequallyapprehensiveoftheDangerofit.Bethatasitwould,wewereoblig'dtogoonShoarsomewhereorotherforWater,forwehadnotaPintleftintheBoat;whenorwheretogettoitwasthePoint:Xurysaid,ifIwouldlethimgoonShoarwithoneoftheJarrs,hewouldfindiftherewasanyWaterandbringsometome.Iask'dhimwhyhewouldgo?WhyIshouldnotgoand
hestayintheBoat?TheBoyanswer'dwithsomuchAffectionthatmademelovehimeverafter.Sayshe,IfwildManscome,theyeatme,yougowey.Well,Xury,saidI,wewillbothgo,andifthewildManscomewewillkillthem,theyshalleatneitherofus;soIgaveXuryapieceofRusk-breadtoEatandaDramoutofourPatroon'sCaseofBottleswhichImentionedbefore;andwehal'dtheBoatinasneartheShoaraswethoughtwasproper,andsowadedonShoar,carryingnothingbutourArmsandtwoJarrsforWater.IdidnotcaretogooutofSightoftheBoat,fearingthecomingofCanoeswithSavagesdowntheRiver;buttheBoyseeingalowPlaceaboutaMileuptheCountryrambledtoit;andbyandbyIsawhimcomerunningtowardsme,IthoughthewaspursuedbysomeSavage,orfrightedwithsomewildBeast,andIrunforwardtowardshimtohelphim,butwhenIcamenearertohim,IsawsomethinghangingoverhisShoulderswhichwasaCreaturethathehadshot,likeaHarebutdifferentinColour,andlongerLegs,howeverwewereverygladofit,anditwasverygoodMeat;butthegreatJoythatpoorXurycamewith,wastotellmehehadfoundgoodWaterandseennowildMans.ButwefoundafterwardsthatweneednottakesuchPainsforWater,foralittlehigheruptheCreekwherewewere,wefoundtheWaterfreshwhentheTidewasout,whichflowedbutalittlewayup;sowefilledourJarrsandfeastedontheHarewehadkilled,andpreparedtogoonourWay,havingseennoFoot-stepsofanyhumaneCreatureinthatpartoftheCountry.AsIhadbeenoneVoyagetothisCoastbefore,IknewverywellthattheIslandsoftheCanaries,andtheCapedeVerdIslandsalso,laynotfarofffromtheCoast.ButasIhadnoInstrumentstotakeanObservationtoknowwhatLatitudewewerein,anddidnotexactlyknow,oratleastrememberwhatLatitudetheywerein;Iknewnotwheretolookforthem,orwhentostandofftoSeatowardsthem;otherwiseImightnoweasilyhavefoundsomeoftheseIslands.Butmyhopewas,thatifIstoodalongthisCoasttillIcametothatPartwheretheEnglishTraded,IshouldfindsomeoftheirVesselsupontheirusualDesignofTrade,thatwouldrelieveandtakeusin.BythebestofmyCalculation,thatPlacewhereInowwas,mustbethatCountry,whichlyingbetweentheEmperorofMorocco'sDominionsandtheNegro's,lieswastanduninhabited,exceptbywildBeasts;theNegroeshavingabandon'ditandgonefartherSouthforfearoftheMoors;andtheMoorsnotthinkingitworthinhabiting,byreasonofitsBarrenness;andindeedbothforsakingitbecauseoftheprodigiousNumbersofTygers,Lyons,LeopardsandotherfuriousCreatureswhichharbourthere;sothattheMoorsuseitfortheirHuntingonly,wheretheygolikeanArmy,twoorthreethousandMenatatime;andindeedfornearanhundredMilestogetheruponthisCoast,wesawnothingbutawastuninhabitedCountry,byDay;andheardnothingbutHowlingsandRoaringofwildBeasts,byNight.
OnceortwiceintheDaytime,IthoughtIsawthePicoofTeneriffe,beingthehightopoftheMountainTeneriffeintheCanaries;andhadagreatmindtoventureoutinhopesofreachingthither;buthavingtriedtwiceIwasforcedinagainbycontraryWinds,theSeaalsogoingtoohighformylittleVessel,soIresolvedtopursuemyfirstDesignandkeepalongtheShoar.SeveraltimesIwasobligedtolandforfreshWater,afterwehadleftthisPlace;andonceinparticular,beingearlyintheMorning,wecametoanAnchorunderalittlePointofLandwhichwasprettyhigh,andtheTidebeginningtoflow,welaystilltogofartherin;Xury,whoseEyesweremoreabouthimthanitseemsminewere,callssoftlytome,andtellsmethatwehadbestgofartherofftheShoar;for,bayshe,lookyonderliesadreadfulMonsteronthesideofthatHillockfastasleep:Ilook'dwherehepointed,andsawadreadfulMonsterindeed,foritwasaterriblegreatLyonthatlayontheSideoftheShoar,undertheShadeofaPieceoftheHillthathungasitwerealittleoverhim.Xury,saysI,youshallgoonShoarandkillhim;Xurylook'dfrighted,andsaid,Mekill!heeatmeatoneMouth;oneMouthfulhemeant;however,IsaidnomoretotheBoy,butbadhimlyestill,andItookourbiggestGun,whichwasalmostMusquet-bore,andloadeditwithagoodChargeofPowder,andwithtwoSlugs,andlaiditdown;thenIloadedanotherGunwithtwoBullets,andthethird,forwehadthreePieces,IloadedwithfivesmallerBullets,ItookthebestaimIcouldwiththefirstPiecetohaveshothimintotheHead,buthelaysowithhisLegrais'dalittleabovehisNose,thattheSlugshithisLegabouttheKnee,andbroketheBone.Hestartedupgrowlingatfirst,butfindinghisLegbrokefelldownagain,andthengotupuponthreeLegsandgavethemosthideousRoarthateverIheard;Iwasalittlesuppriz'dthatIhadnothithimontheHead;howeverItookupthesecondPieceimmediately,andtho'hebegantomoveofffir'dagain,andshothimintotheHead,andhadthePleasuretoseehimdrop,andmakebutlittleNoise,butlaystrugglingforLife,ThenXurytookHeart,andwouldhavemelethimgoonShoar:Well,gosaidI,sotheBoyjump'dintotheWater,andtakingalittleGininoneHandswamtoShoarwiththeotherHand,andcomingclosetotheCreature,puttheMuzzleofthePiecetohisEar,andshothimintotheHeadagainwhichdispatch'dhimquite.ThiswasGameindeedtous,butthiswasnoFood,andIwasverysorrytolosethreeChargesofPowderandShotuponaCreaturethatwasgoodfornothingtous.HoweverXurysaidhewouldhavesomeofhim;sohecomesonboard,andask'dmetogivehimtheHatchet;forwhat,Xury,saidI?MecutoffhisHead,saidhe.HoweverXurycouldnotcutoffhisHead,buthecutoffaFootandbroughtitwithhim,anditwasamonstrousgreatone.Ibethoughtmyselfhowever,thatperhapstheSkinofhimmightonewayorotherbeofsomeValuetous;andIresolvedtotakeoffhisSkinifIcould.SoXuryandIwenttoworkwithhim;butXurywasmuchthebetterWorkmanatit,forIknewveryill
howtodoit.IndeedittookusupboththewholeDay,butatlastwegotofftheHideofhim,andspreadingitonthetopofourCabbin,theSuneffectuallydrieditintwoDaystime,anditafterwardsserv'dmetolyeupon.AfterthisStopwemadeontotheSouthwardcontinuallyfortenortwelveDays,livingverysparingonourProvisions,whichbegantoabateverymuch,andgoingnooftnerintotheShoarthanwewereoblig'dtoforfreshWater;myDesigninthiswastomaketheRiverGambiaorSennegall,thatistosay,anywhereabouttheCapedeYerd,whereIwasinhopestomeetwithsomeEuropeanShip,andifIdidnot,IknewnotwhatCourseIhadtotake,buttoseekoutfortheIslands,orperishthereamongtheNegroes.IknewthatalltheShipsfromEurope,whichsail'deithertotheCoastofGuiney,ortoBrasil,ortotheEast-Indies,madethisCapeorthoseIslands;andinaword,IputthewholeofFortuneuponthisSinglePoint,eitherthatImustmeetwithsomeShip,ormustperish.WhenIhadpursuedthisResolutionabouttenDayslonger,asIhavesaid,IbegantoseethattheLandwasinhabited,andintwoorthreePlacesaswesailedby,wesawPeoplestandupontheShoartolookatus,wecouldalsoperceivetheywerequiteBlackandStark-naked.Iwasonceinclin'dtoha'goneonShoartothem;butXurywasmybetterCouncellor,andsaidtome,nogo,nogo;howeverIhal'dinnearertheShoarthatImighttalktothem,andIfoundtheyrunalongtheShoarbymeagoodway;Iobserv'dtheyhadnoWeaponsintheirHands,exceptonewhohadaslenderStick,whichXurysaidwasaLance,andthatcouldthrowthemagreatwaywithgoodaim;soIkeptatadistance,buttalk'dwiththembySignsaswellasIcouldparticularlymadeSignsforsomethingtoEat,theytometostopmyBoat,andthattheywouldMeat;uponthisIlower'dthetopofmySail,andlaytwoofthemrunupintotheCountry,andinlessHourcamebackandbroughtwiththemtwoPiecesofdryFleshandsomeCorn,suchasistheProduceoftheirCountry,butweneitherknewwhattheonetheothereverwewerewillingtoacceptit,buthowtocomeatitnextDispute,forIwasnotforventuringonShoretoandtheywereasmuchaffraidus;buttheytookasafewayforusall,fortheybroughtittotheShoreandlaiditdown,andwentandstoodagreatwayofftillwefetch'ditonBoard,andthencameclosetousagain.WemadeSignsofThankstothem,forwehadnothingtomakethemamends;butanOpportunityoffer'dthatveryInstanttoobligethemwonderfully,forwhilewewerelyingbytheShore,cametwomightyCreaturesonepursuingtheother,(aswetookit)withgreatFury,fromtheMountainstowardstheSea;whetheritwastheMalepursuingtheFemale,orwhethertheywereinSportorinRage,wecouldnottell,anymorethanwecouldtellwhetheritwasusualorstrange,butIbelieveitwasthelatter;becauseinthefirstPlace,thoseravenousCreaturesseldomappearbutintheNight;andinthesecondPlace,wefoundthePeopleterriblyfrighted,especiallytheWomen.TheManthathadtheLanceorDartdidnotflyfromthem,buttherestdid;however
asthetwoCreaturesrandirectlyintotheWater,theydidnotseemtooffertofalluponanyoftheNegroes,butplung'dthemselvesintotheSeaandswamaboutasiftheyhadcomefortheirDiversion;atlastoneofthembegantocomenearerourBoatthanatfirstIexpected,butIlayreadyforhim,forIhadloadedmyGunwithallpossibleExpedition,andbadXuryloadboththeother;assoonashecamefairlywithinmyreach,Ifir'd,andshothimdirectlyintotheHead;immediatelyhesunkdownintotheWater,butroseinstantlyandplungedupanddownasifhewasstrugglingforLife;andsoindeedhewas,heimmediatelymadetotheShore,butbetweentheWoundwhichwashismortalHurt,andthestranglingoftheWater,hedyedjustbeforehereach'dtheShore.ItisimpossibletoexpresstheAstonishmentofthesepoorCreaturesattheNoiseandtheFireofmyGun;someofthemwereevenreadytodyeforFear,andfelldownasDeadwiththeveryTerror.ButwhentheysawtheCreaturedeadandsunkintheWater,andthatImadeSignstothemtocometotheShore;theytookHeartandcametotheShoreandbegantosearchfortheCreature,IfoundhimbyhisBloodstainingtheWater,andbythehelpofaRopewhichIflungroundhimandgavetheNegroestohawl,theydrag'dhimonShore,andfoundthatitwasamostcuriousLeopard,spottedandfinetoanadmirableDegree,andtheNegroeshelduptheirHandswithAdmirationtothinkwhatitwasIhadkill'dhimwith.TheotherCreaturefrightedwiththeflashofFireandtheNoiseoftheGunswamonShore,andranupdirectlytotheMountainsfromwhencetheycame,norcouldIatthatDistanceknowwhatitwas.IfoundquicklytheNegroeswereeatingtheFleshofthisCreature,soIwaswillingtohavethemtakeitasaFavourfromme,whichwhenImadeSignstothemthattheymighttakehim,theywereverythankfulfor,immediatelytheyfelltoworkwithhim,andtho'theyhadnoKnife,yetwithasharpen'dPieceofWoodthey-tookoffhisSkinasreadily,andmuchmorereadilythanwecou'dhavedonewithaKnife;theyoffer'dmesomeoftheFlesh,whichIdeclined,makingasifIwouldgiveitthem,butmadeSignsfortheSkin,whichtheygavemeveryfreely,andbroughtmeagreatdealmoreoftheirProvision,whichtho'Ididnotunderstand,yetIaccepted;thenImadeSignstothemforsomeWater,andheldoutoneofmyJarrstothem,turningitbottomupward,toshewthatitwasempty,andthatIwantedtohaveitfilled.Theycall'dimmediatelytosomeoftheirFriends,andtherecametwoWomenandbroughtagreatVesselmadeofEarth,andburntasIsupposeintheSun;thistheysetdownforme,asbefore,andIsentXuryonShorewithmyJarrs,andfilledthanallthree:TheWomenwereasstarkNakedastheMen.IwasnowfurnishedwithRootsandCorn,suchasitwas,andWater,andleavingmyfriendlyNegroes,ImadeforwardforaboutDaysmorewithoutofferingtogonearthehoar,tillIsawtheLandrunoutagreatLengthintotheSea,atabouttheDistanceoffourorfiveLeaguesbeforeme,andtheSeabeingverycalmIkeptalargeoffingtomakethisPoint;atdoublingthePointatabouttwoLeaguesfromtheLand,Isaw
plainlyLandontheotherSidetoSeaward;thenIconcluded,asitwasmostcertainindeed,thatthiswastheCapedeVerd,andthosetheIslands,call'dfromthenceCapedeVerdIslands.HowevertheywereatagreatDistance,andIcouldnotwelltellwhatIhadbesttodo,forifIshouldbetakenwithaFreshofWindImightneitherreachoneorother.InthisDilemma,asIwasverypensive,IsteptintotheCabbinandSatmedown,XuryhavingtheHelm,whenonasuddaintheBoycry'dout,Master,Master,aShipwithaSail,andthefoolishBoywasfrightedoutofhisWits,thinkingitmustneedsbesomeofhisMaster'sShipssenttopursueus,when,Iknewweweregottenfarenoughouttheirreach.Ijump'doutoftheCabbin,andimmediatelysawnotonlytheShip,butwhatshewas,(viz.)thatitwasaPortugueseShip,andasIthoughtwasboundtotheCoastofGuineaforNegroes.ButwhenIobserv'dtheCourseshesteer'd,Iwassoonconvinc'dtheywereboundsomeotherway,anddidnotdesigntocomeanynearertotheShoar;uponwhichIstretch'douttoSeaasmuchasIcould,resolvingtospeakwiththemifpossible.WithalltheSailIcouldmake,1foundIshouldnotbeabletocomeintheirWay,butthattheywouldbegoneby,beforeIcouldmakeanySignaltothem;butafterIhadcrowdedtotheutmost,andbegantodespair,theyitseemssawmebythehelpoftheirPerspective-Glasses,andthatitsomeEuropeanBoat,whichastheysupposedmustbelongtosomeShipthatwaslost,sotheyshortnedSailtoletacomeup.Iwasencouragedwiththis,andasIhadmyPatroon'sAntientonBoard,ImadeaWaftofittothemforaSignalofDistress,andfir'daGun,bothwhichtheysaw,fortheytoldmetheysawtheSmoke,tho'theydidnotheartheGun;upontheseSignalstheyverykindlybroughttoo,andlaybyforme,andinaboutthreeHourstimeIcameupwiththem.Theyask'dmewhatIwas,inPortuguese,andinSpanish,andinFrench,butIunderstoodnoneofthem;butatlastaScotsSailorwhowasonboard,call'dtome,andIanswer'dhim,andtoldhimIwasanEnglishman,thatIhadmademyescapeoutofSlaveryfromtheMoorsatSallee;thentheybadmecomeonboard,andverykindlytookmein,andallmyGoods.ItwasaninexpressibleJoytome,thatanyonewillbelieve,thatwasthusdeliver'd,asIesteem'dit,fromsuchamiserableandalmosthopelessConditionasIwasin,andIimmediatelyofferedallIhadtotheCaptainoftheShip,asaReturnformyDeliverance;buthegenerouslytoldme,hewouldtakenothingfromme,butthatallIhadshouldbedeliver'dsafetomewhenIcametotheBrasils,forsayshe,Ihavesav'dyourLifeonnootherTermsthanIwouldbegladtobesavedmyselfanditmayonetimeorotherbemyLottobetakenupinthesameCondition;besides,saidhe,whenIcarryyoutotheBrasils,sogreatamayfromyourownCountry,ifIshouldtakefromyouwhatyouhave,youmillbestarvedthere,andthenIonlytakeawaythat
LifeIhavegiven.No,no,SeignorInglese,sayshe,Mr.Englishman,ImillcarryyouthitherinCharity,andthosethingsmillhelpyoutobuyyourSubsistancethereandyourPassagehomeagain.AshewasCharitableinhisProposal,sohewasJustinthePerformancetoatittle,forheorderedtheSeamenthatnoneshouldoffertotouchanythingIhad;thenhetookeverythingintohisownPossession,andgavemebackanexactInventoryofthem,thatImighthavethem,evensomuchasmythreeEarthenJarrs.AstomyBoatitwasaverygoodone,andthathesaw,andtoldmehewouldbuyitofmefortheShip'suse,andask'dmewhatIwouldhaveforit?Itoldhimhehadbeensogeneroustomeineverything,thatIcouldnotoffertomakeanyPriceoftheBoat,butleftitentirelytohim,uponwhichhetoldmehewouldgivemeaNoteofhisHandtopayme80PiecesofEightforitatBrasil,andwhenitcamethere,ifanyoneoffer'dtogivemorehewouldmakeitup;heoffer'dmealso60PiecesofEightmoreformyBoyXury,whichIwasloathtotake,notthatIwasnotwillingtolettheCaptainhavehim,butIwasveryloathtosellpoorBoy'sLiberty,whohadassistedmesofaithfullyprocuringmyown.HoweverwhenIlethimknowmyreason,heown'dittobejust,andoffer'dmethisMedium,thathewouldgivetheBoyanobligationtosethimfreeintenYears,ifheturn'dChristian;uponthis,andXurysayinghewaswillingtogohim,IlettheCaptainhavehim.WehadaverygoodVoyagetotheBrasils,andarriv'dintheBaydeTodoslosSantos,orAll-SaintsBay,inaboutTwenty-twoDaysafter.AndnowIwasoncemoredeliver'dfromthemostmiserableofallConditionsofLife,andwhattodonextwithmyselfIwasnowtoconsider.ThegenerousTreatmenttheCaptaingaveme,Icanneverenoughremember;hewouldtakenothingofmeformyPassage,gavemetwentyDucatsfortheLeopard'sSkin,andfortyfortheLyon'sSkinwhichIhadinmyBoat,andcausedeverythingIhadintheShiptobepunctuallydeliver'dme,andwhatIwaswillingtosellhebought,suchastheCaseofBottles,twoofmyGuns,andaPieceoftheLumpofBees-wax,forIhadmadeCandlesoftherest;inaword,Imadeabout220PiecesofEightofallmyCargo,andwiththisStockIwentonShoarintheBrasils.Ihadnotbeenlonghere,butbeingrecommendedtotheHouseofagoodhonestManlikehimself,whohadanIngenioastheycallit;thatis,aPlantationandaSugar-House.Ilivedwithhimsometime,andacquaintedmyselfbythatmeanswiththeManneroftheirplantingandmakingofSugar;andseeinghowwellthePlantersliv'd,andhowtheygrewrichsuddenly,Iresolv'd,ifIcouldgetLicencetosettlethere,IwouldturnPlanteramongthem,resolvinginthemeantimetofindoutsomeWaytogetmyMoneywhichIhadleftinLondonremittedtome.TothisPurposegettingakindofaLetterofNaturalization,IpurchasedasmuchLandthatwasUncur'd,asmy
Moneywouldreach,andform'daPlanformyPlantationandSettlement,andsuchaoneasmightbesuitabletotheStockwhichIproposedtomyselftoreceivefromEngland.IhadaNeighbour,aPortuguezeofLisbon,butbornofEnglishParents,whoseNamewasWells,andinmuchsuchCircumstancesasIwas.IcallhimmyNeighbour,becausehisPlantationlaynexttomine,andwewentonverysociablytogether.MyStockwasbutlowaswellashis;andweratherplantedforFoodthananythingelse,forabouttwoYears.However,webegantoincrease,andourLandbegantocomeintoOrder;sothatthethirdYearweplantedsomeTobacco,andmadeeachofusalargePieceofGroundreadyforplantingCanesintheYeartocome;butwebothwantedHelp,andnowIfoundmorethanbefore,IhaddonewronginpartingwithmyBoyXury.Butalas!formetodowrongthatneverdidright,wasnogreatWonder:IhadnoRemedybuttogoon;IwasgottenintoanEmploymentquiteremotetomyGenius,anddirectlycontrarytotheLifeIdelightedin,andforwhichIforsookmyFather'sHouse,andbrokethro'allhisgoodAdvice;nay,IwascomingintotheveryMiddleStation,orupperDegreeoflowLife,whichmyFatheradvisedmetobefore;andwhichifIresolvedtogoonwith,Imightaswellha'staidatHome,andneverhavefatigu'dmyselfintheWorldasIhaddone;andIusedoftentosaytomyself,Icouldha'donethisaswellinEnglandamongmyFriends,asha'gone5000MilesofftodoitamongStrangersandSalvagesinaWilderness,andatsuchaDistance,asnevertohearfromanyPartoftheWorldthathadtheleastKnowledgeofme.InthismannerIusedtolookuponmyConditionwiththeutmostRegret.IhadnobodytoconversewithbutnowandthenNeighbour;noWorktobedone,butbytheLabourofmyHands;andIusedtosay,Iliv'djustlikeaMancastsomedesolateIsland,thathadnobodytherebuthowjusthasitbeen,andhowshouldallMenreflect,thatwhentheycomparetheirpresentConditionswithothersthatareworse,HeavenmayobligethemtomaketheExchange,andbeconvinc'doftheirformerFelicitybytheirExperience:Isay,howjusthasitbeen,thatthetrulysolitaryLifeIreflectedoninanIslandofmeerDesolationshouldbemyLot,whohadsoofunjustlycompar'ditwiththeLifewhichIthenled,whichhadIcontinued,IhadinallProbabilitybeenexceedingprosperousandrich.IwasinsomeDegreesettledinmyMeasuresforcarryingonthePlantation,beforemykindFriendtheCaptainoftheShipthattool:meupatSea,wentback;fortheShipremainedthereinprovidinghisLoading,andpreparingforhisVoyage,nearthreeMonths,whentellinghimwhatlittleStockIhadleftbehindmeinLondon,hegavemethisfriendlyandsincereAdvice,SeigniorInglesesayshe,forsohealwayscalledme,ifyouwillgivemeLetters,bandaProcurationhereinFormtome,withOrderstothePersonwhohasyourMoneyinLondon,tosendyourEffectstoLisbon,
tosuchPersonsasIshalldirectandinsuchGoodsasareproperforthisCountry,IwillbringyoutheProduceofthem,Godwilling,atmyReturn;butsincehumanAffairsareallsubjecttoChangesandDisasters,IwouldhaveyougiveOrdersbutforOneHundredPoundsSterl.whichyousayisHalfyourStock,andlettheHazardberunforthefirst;sothatifitcomesafe,youmayordertherestthesameWay;andifitmiscarry,youmayhavetheotherHalftohaveRecoursetoforyourSupply.ThiswassowholesomAdvice,andlook'dsofriendly,thatIcouldnotbutbeconvinc'ditwasthebestCourseIcouldtake;soIaccordinglypreparedLetterstotheGentle-womanwithwhomIhadleftmyMoney,andaProcurationtothePortugueseCaptain,ashedesired.IwrotetheEnglishCaptain'sWidowafullAccountofallmyAdventures,mySlavery,Escape,andhowIhadmetwiththePortugalCaptainatSea,theHumanityofhisBehaviour,andinwhatConditionIwasnowin,withallothernecessaryDirectionsformySupply;andwhenthishonestCaptaincametoLisbon,hefoundmeansbysomeoftheEnglishMerchantsthere,tosendovernottheOrderonly,butafullAccountofmyStorytoaMerchantatLondon,whorepresentediteffectuallytoher;whereupon,shenotonlydeliveredtheMoney,butoutofherownPocketsentthePortugalCaptainaveryhandsomPresentforhisHumanityandCharitytome.TheMerchantinLondonvestingthisHundredPoundsinEnglishGoods,suchastheCaptainhadwritfor,sentthemdirectlytohimatLisbon,andhebroughtthemallsafetometotheBrasils,amongwhich,withoutmyDirection(forIwastooyounginmyBusinesstothinkofthem)hehadtakenCaretohaveallSortsofTools,Iron-Work,andUtensilsnecessaryformyPlantation,andwhichwereofgreatUsetome.WhenthisCargoarrived,IthoughtmyFortunesmade,forIwassurprisedwiththeJoyofit;andmygoodStewardtheCaptainhadlaidouttheFivePoundswhichmyFriendhadsenthimforaPresentforhimself,topurchase,andbringmeoveraServantunderBondforsixYearsService,andwouldnotacceptofanyConsideration,exceptalittleTobacco,whichIwouldhavehimaccept,beingofmyownProduce.Neitherwasthisall;butmyGoodsbeingallEnglishManufactures,suchasCloath,Stuffs,Bays,andthingsparticularlyvaluableanddesirableintheCountry,IfoundmeanstosellthemtoaverygreatAdvantage;sothatImightsay,IhadmorethanfourtimestheValueofmyfirstCargo,andwasnowinfinitelybeyondmypoorNeighbour,ImeanintheAdvancementofmyPlantation;forthefirstthingIdid,IboughtmeaNegroSlave,andanEuropeanServantalso;ImeananotherbesidesthatwhichtheCaptainbroughtmefromLisbon.Butasabus'dProsperityisoftentimesmadetheveryMeansofourgreatestAdversity,sowasitwithme.IwentonthenextYearwithgreatSuccessinmyPlantation:I
raisedfiftygreatRollsofTobaccoonmyownGround,morethanIhaddisposedofforNecessariesamongmyNeighbours;andthesefiftyRollsbeingeachofabovea100Wt.werewellcur'dandlaidbyagainsttheReturnoftheFleetfromLisbon:andnowincreasinginBusinessandinWealth,myHeadbegantobefullofProjectsandUndertakingsbeyondmyReach;suchasareindeedoftentheRuineofthebestHeadsinBusiness.HadIcontinuedintheStationIwasnowin,Ihadroomforallthehappythingstohaveyetbefallenme,forwhichmyFathersoearnestlyrecommendedaquietretiredLife,andofwhichhehadsosensiblydescrib'dthemiddleStationofLifetobefullof;butotherthingsattendedme,andIwasstilltobethewilfulAgentofallmyownMiseries;andparticularlytoencreasemyFaultanddoubletheReflectionsuponmyself,whichinmyfutureSorrowsIshouldhaveleisuretomake;alltheseMiscarriageswereprobymyapparentobstinateadheringtomyfoolishinclinationofwandringabroadandpursuingthatInclination,incontradictiontotheclearestViewsofdoingmyselfgoodinafairandplainpursuitofthoseProspectsandthosemeasuresofLife,whichNatureandProvidenceconcurredtopresentmewith,andtomakemyDuty.AsIhadoncedonethusinmybreakingawayfrommyParents,soIcouldnotbecontentnow,butImustgoandleavethehappyViewIhadofbeingarichandthrivingManinmynewPlantation,onlytopursuearashandimmoderateDesireofrisingfasterthantheNatureoftheThingadmitted;andthusIcastmyselfdownagainintothedeepestGulphofhumanMiserythateverManfellinto,orperhapscouldbeconsistentwithLifeandaStateofHealthintheWorld.TocomethenbythejustDegrees,totheParticularsofthisPartofmyStory;youmaysuppose,thathavingnowlivedalmostfourYearsintheBrasils,andbeginningtothriveandprosperverywelluponmyPlantation;Ihadnotonlylearn'dtheLanguage,buthadcontractedAcquaintanceandFriendshipamongmyFellow-Planters,aswellasamongtheMerchantsatSt.Salvadore,whichwasourPort;andthatinmyDiscoursesamongthem,IhadfrequentlygiventhemanAccountofmytwoVoyagestotheCoastofGuinea,themannerofTradingwiththeNegroesthere,andhoweasyitwastopurchaseupontheCoast,forTrifles,suchasBeads,Toys,Knives,Scissars,Hatchets,bitsofGlass,andthelike;notonlyGoldDust,GuineaGrains,ElephantsTeeth,&c.butNegroesfortheServiceoftheBrasils,ingreatNumbers.TheylistenedalwaysveryattentivelytomyDiscoursesontheseHeads,butespeciallytothatPartwhichrelatedtothebuyingNegroes,whichwasaTradeatthattimenotonlynotfarentredinto,butasfarasitwas,hadbeencarriedonbytheAssiento's,orPermissionoftheKingsofSpainandPortugal,andengross'dinthePublick,sothatfewNegroeswerebrought,andthoseexcessivedear.Ithappen'd,beinginCompanywithsomeMerchantsandPlantersofmy
Acquaintance,andtalkingofthosethingsveryearnestly,threeofthemcametomethenextMorning,andtoldmetheyhadbeenmusingverymuchurnwhatIhaddiscoursedwiththemof,thelastNight,andtheycametomakeasecretProposaltome;andafterenjoiningmeSecrecy,theytoldme,thattheyhadamindtofitoutaShiptogotoGuinea,thattheyhadallPlantationsaswellasI,andwerestraiten'dfornothingsomuchasServants;thatasitwasaTradethatcouldnotbecarriedon,becausetheycouldnotpublicklyselltheNegroeswhentheycamehome,sotheydesiredtomakebutoneVoyage,tobringtheNegroesonShoarprivately,anddividethemamongtheirownPlantations;andinaWord,theQuestionwas,whetherIwouldgotheirSuper-CargointheShiptomanagetheTradingPartupontheCoastofGuinea?Andtheyoffer'dmethatIshouldhavemyequalShareoftheNegroeswithoutprovidinganyPartoftheStock.ThiswasafairProposalitmustbeconfess'd,haditbeenmadetoonethathadnothadaSettlementandPlantationofhisowntolookafter,whichwasinafairwayofcomingtobeveryConsiderable,andwithagoodStockuponit.Butformethatwasthusenteredandestablished,andhadnothingtodobutgoonasIhadbegunforthreeorfourYearsmore,andtohavesentfortheotherhundredPoundfromEngland,andwhointhattime,andwiththatlittleAddition,couldscarceha'fail'dofbeingworththreeorfourthousandPoundsSterling,andthatencreasingtoo;formetothinkofsuchaVoyage,wasthemostpreposterousThingthateverManinsuchCircumstancescouldbeguiltyof.ButIthatwasborntobemyownDestroyer,couldnomoreresisttheOfferthanIcouldrestrainmyfirstramblingDesigns,whenmyFather'sgoodCounselwaslostuponme.Inaword,ItoldthemIwouldgowithallmyHeart,iftheywouldundertaketolookaftermyPlantationinmyAbsence,andwoulddisposeofittosuchasIshoulddirectifImiscarry'd.Thistheyallengag'dtodo,andentredintoWritingsorCovenantstodoso;andImadeaformalWill,disposingofmyPlantationandEffects,inCaseofmyDeath,makingtheCaptainoftheShipthathadsav'dmyLifeasbefore,myuniversalHeir,butobliginghimtodisposeofmyEffectsasIhaddirectedinmyWill,onehalfoftheProducebeingtohimself,andtheothertobeship'dtoEngland.Inshort,ItookallpossibleCautiontopreservemyEffects,andkeepupmyPlantation;hadIusedhalfasmuchPrudencetohavelook'dintomyownIntrest,andhavemadeaJudgmentofwhatIoughttohavedone,andnottohavedone,IhadcertainlynevergoneawayfromsoprosperousanUndertaking,leavingalltheprobableViewsofathrivingCircumstance,andgoneuponaVoyagetoSea,attendedwithallitscommonHazards;tosaynothingoftheReasonsIhadtoexpectparticularMisfortunestomyself.ButIwashurriedon,andobey'dblindlytheDictatesofmyFancyratherthanmyReason;andaccordinglytheShipbeingfittedout,andtheCargofurnished,andall
thingsdoneasbyAgreement,bymyPartnersintheVoyage,IwentonBoardinanevilHour,the[first]of[September],[1659],beingthesameDayeightYearthatIwentfrommyFatherandMotheratHull,inordertoacttheRebeltotheirAuthority,andtheFooltomyownInterest.OurShipwasabout120TunBurthen,carried6Guns,and14Men,besidestheMaster,hisBoy,andmyself;wehadonboardnolargeCargoofGoods,exceptofsuchToysaswerefitforourTradewiththeNegroes,suchasBeads,bitsofGlass,Shells,andoddTrifles,especiallylittleLooking-Glasses,Knives,Scissars,Hatchets,andthelike.ThesameDayIwentonboardwesetsail,standingawaytotheNorthwarduponourownCoast,withDesigntostretchoverfortheAfricanCoast,whentheycameabout10or12DegreesofNorthernLatitude,whichitseemswasthemanneroftheirCourseinthoseDays.WehadverygoodWeather,onlyexcessivehot,allthewayuponourownCoast,tillwecametheHeightofCapeSt.Augustino,fromwhencekeepingfartheroffatSeawelostSightofLand,andsteer'dasifwewasboundfortheIsleFernanddeHoronhaholdingourCourseN.E.byN.andleavingthoseIslesontheEast;inthisCoursewepasttheLineinabout12Daystime,andwerebyourlastObservationin7Degrees22Min.NorthernLatitude,whenaviolentTournadoorHurricanetookusquiteoutofourKnowledge:itbeganfromtheSouth-East,cameabouttotheNorth-West,andensettledintotheNorth-East,fromwhenceitblewinsuchaterriblemanner,thatfortwelveDaystogetherwecoulddonothingbutdrive,andscuddingawaybeforeit,letitcarryuswhithereverFateandtheFuryoftheWindsdirected;andduringthesetwelveDays,Iacednotsay,thatIexpectedeveryDaytobeswallowedup,norindeeddidanyintheShipexpecttosavetheirLives.InthisDistress,wehadbesidestheTerroroftheStorm,oneofourMendyedoftheCalenture,andoneManandtheBoywash'doverboard;aboutthe12thDaytheWeatherabatingalittle,theMastermadeanObservationaswellashecould,andfoundthathewasinabout11DegreesNorthLatitude,butthathewas22DegreesofLongitudedifferenceWestfromCapeSt.Augustino;sothathefoundhewasgottenupontheCoastofGuinea,ortheNorthPartofBrasil,beyondtheRiverAmozones,towardthatoftheRiverOronoque,commonlycall'dtheGreatRiver,andbegantoconsultwithmewhatCourseheshouldtake,fortheShipleakyandverymuchdisabled,andhewasgoingdirectlybacktotheCoastofBrasil.Iwaspositivelyagainstthat,andlookingovertheChartstheSea-CoastofAmericawithhim,weconcludedtheasnoinhabitedCountryforustohadrecourseto,tillwecamewithintheCircleoftheCarribbe-Islands,andthereforeresolvedtostandawayforBarbadoes,whichbykeepingoffatSea,toavoidtheIndraftoftheBayorGulphofMexico,wenighteasilyperform,aswehoped,inaboutfifteenDaySail;whereaswecouldnotpossiblymakeourVoyagetotheCoastofAfricawithoutsome
Assistance,bothtoourShipandtoourselves.WiththisDesignwechang'dourCourseandsteer'dawayN.W.byW.inordertoreachsomeofourEnglishIslands,whereIhopedforRelief;butourVoyagewasotherwisedetermined,forbeingintheLatitudeofDeg.18Min.asecondStormcameuponus,whichcarry'dusawaywiththesameImpetuosityWestward,anddroveussooutoftheveryWayofallhumaneCommerce,thathadallourLivesbeensaved,astotheSea,wewereratherinDangerofbeingdevouredbySavagesthaneverreturningtoourownCountry.InthisDistress,theWindstillblowingveryhard,oneofourMenearlyintheMorning,cry'dout,Land;andwehadnosoonerrunoutoftheCabbintolookoutinhopesofseeingwhereaboutsintheWorldwewere;buttheShipstruckuponaSand,andinamomentherMotionbeingsostopp'd,theSeabrokeoverherinsuchamanner,thatweexpectedweshouldallhaveperish'dimmediately,andwewereimmediatelydrivenintoourcloseQuarterstoshelterustheveryFoamandSpryeoftheSea.Itisnoteasyforanyone,whohasnotbeeninthelikeCondition,todescribeorconceivetheConsternationofMeninsuchCircumstances;weknewnothingwherewewere,oruponwhatLanditwasweweredriven,whetheranIslandortheMain,whetherinhabitedornot,inhabited;andastheRageoftheWindwasstillgreat,thoratherlessthanatfirst,wecouldnotsomuchashopetohavetheShipholdmanyMinuteswithoutbreakinginPieces,unlesstheWindsbyakindofMiracleshouldturnimmediatelyabout.Inaword,wesatlookingupononeanother,andexpectingDeatheveryMoment,andeveryManactingaccordingly,aspreparingforanotherWorld,fortherewaslittleornothingmoreforustodointhis;thatwhichwasourpresentComfort,andalltheComfortwehad,was,thatcontrarytoourExpectationtheShipdidnotbreakyet,andthattheMastersaidtheWindbegantoabate.Nowtho'wethoughtthattheWinddidalittleabate,yettheShiphavingthusstruckupontheSand,andstickingtoofastforustoexpecthergettingoff,wewereinadreadfulConditionindeed,andhadnothingtodobuttothinkofsavingourLivesaswellaswecould;wehadaBoatatourSternjustbeforetheStorm,butshewasfirststav'dbydashingagainsttheShip'sRudder,andinthenextPlaceshebrokeaway,andeithersunkorwasdrivenofftoSea,sotherewasnohopefromher;wehadanotherBoatonboard,buthowtogetheroffintotheSea,wasadoubtfulthing;howevertherewasnoroomtodebate,forwefancy'dtheShipwouldbreakinPieceseveryMinute,andsometoldusshewasactuallybrokenalready.InthisDistresstheMateofourVessellaysholdoftheBoat,andwiththehelpoftherestoftheMen,theygotherflungovertheShip's-side,andgettingallintoher,letgo,andcommittedourselvesbeingEleveninNumber,toGod'sMerry,andthewildSea;fortho'theStormwasabatedconsiderably,yettheSeawentdreadfulhighupontheShore,andmightwellbecall'd,DenmildZee,astheDutchcalltheSeainaStorm.
AndnowourCasewasverydismalindeed;forweallsawplainly,thattheSeawentsohigh,thattheBoatcouldnotlive,andthatweshouldbeinevitablydrowned.AstobakingSail,wehadnone,nor,ifwehad,couldweha'doneanythingwithit;sowework'dattheOartowardstheLand,tho'withheavyHearts,likeMengoingtoExecution;forweallknew,thatwhentheBoatcamenearertheShore,shewouldbedash'dinaThousandPiecesbytheBreachoftheSea.However,wecommittedourSoulstoGodinthemostearnestManner,andtheWinddrivingustowardstheShore,wehastenedourDestructionwithourownHands,pullingaswellaswecouldtowardsLand.WhattheShorewas,whetherRockorSand,whetherSteeporShoal,weknewnot;theonlyHopethatcouldrationallygiveustheleastShadowofExpectation,was,ifwemighthappenintosomeBayorGulph,ortheMouthofsomeRiver,wherebygreatChancewemighthaverunourBoatin,orgotundertheLeeoftheLand,andperhapsmadesmoothWater.Buttherewasnothingofthisappeared;butaswemadenearerandnearertheShore,theLandlook'dmorefrightfulthantheSea.Afterwehadrow'd,orratherdrivenaboutaLeagueandHalf,aswereckon'dit,aragingWave,Mountain-like,camerowlinga-sternofus,andplainlybadusexpecttheCoupdeGrace.Inaword,ittookuswithsuchaFury,thatitoversettheBoatatonce;andseparatingusaswellfromtheBoat,asfromoneanother,gaveusnottimehardlytosay,OGod!forwewereallswallowedupinaMoment.NothingcandescribetheConfusionofThoughtwhichIfeltwhenIsunkintotheWater;fortho'Iswamverywell,yetIcouldnotdelivermyselffromtheWavessoastodrawBreath,tillthatWavehavingdrivenme,orrathercarriedmeavastWayontowardstheShore,andhavingspentitself,wentback,andleftmeupontheLandalmostdry,buthalf-deadwiththeWaterItookin.IhadsomuchPresenceofMindaswellasBreathleft,thatseeingmyselfnearerthemainLandthanIexpected,IgotuponmyFeet,andendeavouredtomakeontowardstheLandasfastasIcould,beforeanotherWaveshouldreturn,andtakemeupagain.ButIsoonfounditwasimpossibletoavoidit;forIsawtheSeacomeaftermeashighasagreatHill,andasfuriousasanEnemywhichIhadnoMeansorStrengthtocontendwith;myBusinesswastoholdmyBreath,andraisemyselfupontheWater,ifIcould;andsobyswimmingtopreservemyBreathing,andPilotmyselftowardstheShore,ifpossible;mygreatestConcernnowbeing,thattheSea,asitwouldcarrymeagreatWaytowardstheShorewhenitcameon,mightnotcarrymebackagainwithitwhenitgavebacktowardstheSea.TheWavethatcameuponmeagain,buriedmeatonce20or30FootdeepinitsownBody;andIcouldfeelmyselfcarriedwithamightyForceandSwiftnesstowardstheShoreaverygreatWay;butIheldmyBreath,andassistedmyselftoswimstill
forwardwithallmyMight.IwasreadytoburstwithholdingmyBreath,when,asIfeltmyselfrisingup,sotomyimmediateRelief,IfoundmyHeadandHandsshootoutabovetheSurfaceoftheWater;andtho'itwasnottwoSecondsofTimethatIcouldkeepmyselfso,yetitreliev'dmegreatly,gavemeBreathandnewCourage.IwascoveredagainwithWateragoodwhile,butnotsolongbutIhelditout;andfindingtheWaterhadspentitself,andbegantoreturn,IstrookforwardagainsttheReturnoftheWaves,andfeltGroundagainwithmyFeet.IstoodstillafewMomentstorecoverBreath,andtilltheWaterwentfromme,andthentooktomyHeels,andrunwithwhatStrengthIhadfarthertowardstheShore.ButneitherwouldthisdelivermefromtheFuryoftheSea,whichcamepouringinaftermeagain,andtwicemoreIwasliftedupbytheWaves,andcarriedforwardsasbefore,Shorebeingveryflat.ThelastTimeofthesetwohadwellnearbeenfataltome;theSeahavinghurriedmealongasbefore,landedme,ratherdash'dmeagainstaPieceofaRock,andthatwithsuchForce,asitleftmesenseless,andindeedhelpless,asmyownDeliverance;fortheBlowtakingmySideandeast,beattheBreathasitwerequiteoutofmyBody;anditreturnedagainimmediately,ImusthavebeenstrangledintheWater;butIrecover'dalittlebeforetheturnoftheWaves,andseeingIshouldbecover'dagainwiththeWater,Iresolv'dtoholdfastbyaPieceoftheRock,andsotoholdmyBreath,ifpossible,tilltheWavewentback;nowastheWaveswerenotsohighasatfirst,beingnearerLand,IheldmyHoldtilltheWaveabated,andthenfetch'danotherRun,whichbroughtmesoneartheShore,thatthenextWave,tho'itwentoverme,yetdidnotsoswallowmeupastocarrymeaway,andthenextrunItook,IgottothemainLand,where,tomygreatComfort,Iclamber'duptheCliftsoftheShore,andsatmedownupontheGrass,freefromDanger,andquiteoutoftheReachoftheWater.Iwasnowlanded,andsafeonShore,andbegantolookupandthankGodthatmyLifewassav'dinaCasewhereintherewassomeMinutesbeforescarceanyroomtohope.IbelieveitisimpossibletoexpresstotheLifewhattheExtasiesandTransportsoftheSoulare,whenitissosav'd,asImaysay,outoftheveryGrave;andIdonotwondernowatthatCustom,vis.ThatwhenaMalefactorwhohastheHalterabouthisNeck,istyedup,andjustgoingtobeturn'doff,andhasaReprievebroughttohim:Isay,IdonotwonderthattheybringaSurgeonwithit,tolethimBloodthatveryMomenttheytellhimofit,thattheSurprisemaynotdrivetheAnimalSpiritsfromtheHeart,andoverwhelmhim:ForsuddenJoys,likeGriefs,confoundatfirst.Iwalk'daboutontheShore,liftingupmyHands,andmywholeBeing,asImaysay,wraptupintheContemplationofmyDeliverance,makingaThousandGesturesandMotionswhichIcannotdescribe,reflectinguponallmyComeradesthatweredrown'd,andthatthereshouldnotbeoneSoulsav'dbutmyself;for,asforthem,Ineversawthemafterwards,oranySignofthem,exceptthreeoftheirHats,oneCap,
andtwoShoesthatwerenotFellows.IcastmyEyestothestrandedVessel,whentheBreachandFrothoftheSeabeingsobig,Icouldhardlyseeit,itlaysofaroff,andconsidered,Lord!howwasitpossibleIcouldgetonShore?AfterIhadsolac'dmyMindwiththecomfortablePartofmyCondition,IbegantolookroundmetoseewhatkindofPlaceIwasin,andwhatwasnexttobedone,andIsoonfoundmyComfortsabate,andthatinawordIhadadreadfulDeliverance:ForIwaswet,hadnoClothestoshiftme,noranythingeithertoeatordrinktocomfortme,neitherdidIseeanyProspectbeforeme,butthatofperishingwithHunger,orbeingdevour'dbywildBeasts;andthatwhichwasparticularlyafflictingtome,was,thatIhadnoWeaponeithertohuntandkillanyCreatureformySustenance,ortodefendmyselfagainstanyotherCreaturethatmightdesiretokillmefortheirs:InaWord,IhadnothingaboutmebutaKnife,aTobacco-pipe,andalittleTobaccoinaBox,thiswasallmyProvision,andthisthrewmeintoterribleAgoniesofMind,thatforawhileIrunaboutlikeaMad-man;Nightcominguponme,IbeganwithaheavyHearttoconsiderwhatwouldbemyLotiftherewereanyravenousBeastsinthatCountry,seeingatNighttheyalwayscomeabroadfortheirPrey.AlltheRemedythatoffer'dtomyThoughtsatthatTime,was,togetupintoathickbushyTreelikeaFirr,butthorny,whichgrewnearme,andwhereIresolv'dtosetallNight,andconsiderthenextDaywhatDeathIshoulddye,forasyetIsawnoProspectofLife;Iwalk'daboutaFurlongfromtheShore,toseeifIcouldfindanyfreshWatertodrink,whichIdid,tomygreatJoy;andhavingdrankandputalittleTobaccoinmyMouthtopreventHunger,IwenttotheTree,andgettingupintoit,endeavour'dtoplacemyselfso,asthatifIshouldsleepImightnotfall;andhavingcutmeashortStick,likeaTruncheon,formyDefence,ItookupmyLodging,andhavingbeenexcessivelyfatigu'd,Ifellfastasleep,andsleptascomfortablyas,Ibelieve,fewcouldhavedoneinmyCondition,andfoundmyselfthecostrefresh'dwithit,thatIthinkIeverwasonsuchanOccasion.WhenIwak'ditwasbroadDay,theWeatherclear,andtheStormabated,sothattheSeadidnotrageandswellasbefore:Butthatwhichsurpris'dmemost,was,thattheShipwasliftedoffintheNightfromtheSandwhereshelay,bytheSwellingoftheTyde,andwasdrivenupalmostasfarastheRockwhichIfirstmention'd,whereIhadbeensobruis'dbythedashingmeagainstit;thisbeingwithinaboutaMilefromtheShorewhereIwas,andtheShipseemingtostanduprightstill,Iwish'dmyselfonboard,that,atleast,Imightsavesomenecessarythingsformyuse.WhenIcamedownfrommyAppartmentintheTree,Ilook'daboutmeagain,andthefirstthingIfoundwastheBoat,whichlayastheWindandtheSeahadtoss'dherupupontheLand,abouttwoMilesonmyrightHand.Iwalk'dasfarasIcoulduponthe
Shoretohavegottoher,butfoundaNeckorInletofWaterbetweenmeandtheBoat,whichwasabouthalfaMilebroad,soIcamebackforthepresent,beingmoreintentupongettingattheShip,whereIhop'dtofindsomethingformypresentSubsistence.AlittleafterNoonIfoundtheSeaverycalm,andtheTydeebb'dsofarout,thatIcouldcomewithinaQuarterofaMileoftheShip;andhereIfoundafreshrenewingofmyGrief,forIsawevidently,thatifwehadkeptonboard,wehadbeenallsafe,thatistosay,wehadallgotsafeonShore,andIhadnotbeensomiserableastobeleftentirelydestituteofallComfortandCompany,asInowwas;thisforc'dTearsfrommyEyesagain,butastherewaslittleReliefinthat,Iresolv'd,ifpossible,togettotheShip,soIpull'doffmyClothes,fortheWeatherwashottoExtremity,andtooktheWater,butwhenIcametotheShip,myDifficultywasstillgreatertoknowhowtogetonboard,forasshelayaground,andhighoutoftheWater,therewasnothingwithinmyReachtolayholdof;Iswamroundhertwice,andthesecondTimeIspy'dasmallPieceofaRope,whichIwonder'dIdidnotseeatfirst,hangdownbytheFore-Chainssolow,asthatwithgreatDifficultyIgotholdofit,andbythehelpofthatRope,gotupintotheForecastleoftheShip;hereIfoundthattheShipwasbulg'd,andhadagreatdealofWaterinherHold,butthatshelaysoontheSideofaBankofhardSand,orratherEarth,thatherSternlayliftedupupontheBank,andherHeadlowalmosttotheWater;bythisMeansallherQuarterwasfree,andallthatwasinthatPartwasdry;foryoumaybesuremyfirstWorkwastosearchandtoseewhatwasspoil'dandwhatwasfree;andfirstIfoundthatalltheShip'sProvisionsweredryanduntouch'dbytheWater,andbeingverywelldispos'dtoeat,IwenttotheBread-roomandfill'dmyPocketswithBisket,andeatitasIwentaboutotherthings,forIhadnotimetolose;IalsofoundsomeRuminthegreatCabbin,ofwhichItookalargeDram,andwhichIhadindeedneedenoughoftospiritmeforwhatwasbeforeme:NowIwantednothingbutaBoattofurnishmyselfwithmanythingswhichIforsawwouldbeverynecessarytome.Itwasinvaintositstillandwishforwhatwasnottobehad,andthisExtremityrouz'dmyApplication;wehadseveralspareYards,andtwoorthreelargesparrsofWood,andaspareTop-mastortwointheShip;Iresolv'dtofalltoworkwiththese,andIflungasmanyofthemoverboardasIcouldmanagefortheirWeight,tyingeveryonewithaRopethattheymightnotdriveaway;whenthiswasdoneIwentdowntheShip'sSide,andpullingthemtome,Ity'dfourofthemfasttogetheratbothEndsaswellasIcould,intheFormofaRaft,andlayingtwoorthreeshortPiecesofPlankuponthemcross-ways,IfoundIcouldwalkuponitverywell,butthatitwasnotabletobearanygreatWeight,thePiecesbeingtoolight;soIwenttowork,andwiththeCarpenter'sSawIcutaspareTop-mastintothreeLengths,andaddedthemtomyRaft,withagreatdealofLabourandPains,buthopeoffurnishingmyselfwithNecessaries,encourag'dmetogobeyondwhatIshouldhavebeenabletohavedoneuponanotherOccasion.
MyRaftwasnowstrongenoughtobearanyreasonableWeight;mynextCarewaswhattoloaditwith,andhowtopreservewhatIlaiduponitfromtheSurfoftheSea;ButIwasnotlongconsideringthis,IfirstlaidallthePlankorBoardsuponitthatIcouldget,andhavingconsider'dwellwhatImostwanted,IfirstgotthreeoftheSeamensChests,whichIhadbrokenopenandempty'd,andlower'dthemdownuponmyRaft;thefirstoftheseIfill'dwithProvision,viz.Bread,Rice,threeDutchCheeses,fivePiecesofdry'dGoat'sFlesh,whichweliv'dmuchu'pon,andalittleRemainderofEuropeanCornwhichhadbeenlaidbyforsomeFowlswhichwebroughttoSeawithus,buttheFowlswerekill'd;therehadbeensomeBarlyandWheattogether,but,tomygreatDisappointment,IfoundafterwardsthattheRatshadeatenorspoil'ditall;asforLiquors,IfoundseveralCasesofBottlesbelongingtoourSkipper,inwhichsomeCordialWaters,andinallaboutfiveorsixGallonsofRack,theseIstow'dbythemselves,therebeingnoneedtoputthemintotheChest,nornoroomforthem.WhileIwasdoingthis,IfoundtheTydebegantoflow,tho'verycalm,andIhadtheMortificationtoseemyCoat,Shirt,andWast-coatwhichIhadleftonShoreupontheSand,swimaway;asformyBreecheswhichwereonlyLinnenandopenknee'd,IswamonboardinthemandmyStockings:HoweverthisputmeuponrummagingforClothes,ofwhichIfoundenough,buttooknomorethanIwantedforpresentuse,forIhadotherthingswhichmyEyewasmoreupon,asfirstToolstoworkwithonShore,anditwasafterlongsearchingthatIfoundouttheCarpenter'sChest,whichwasindeedaveryusefulPrizetome,andmuchmorevaluablethanaShipLoadingofGoldwouldhavebeenatthattime;IgotitdowntomyRaft,evenwholeasitwas,withoutlosingtimetolookintoit,forIknewingeneralwhatitcontain'd.MynextCarewasforsomeAmmunitionandArms;thereweretwoverygoodFowling-piecesinthegreatCabbin,andtwoPistols,theseIsecur'dfirst,withsomePowder-horns,andasmallBagofShot,andtwooldrustySwords;IknewtherewerethreeBarrelsofPowderintheShip,butknewnotwhereourGunnerhadstow'dthem,butwithmuchsearchIfoundthem,twoofthemdryandgood,thethirdhadtakenWater,thosetwoIgottomyRaft,withtheArms,andnowIthoughtmyselfprettywellfreighted,andbegantothinkhowIshouldgettoShorewiththem,havingneitherSail,Oar,orRudder,andtheleastCapfullofWindwouldhaveoversetallmyNavigation.IhadthreeEncouragements,1.AsmoothcalmSea,2.TheTiderisingandsettingintotheShore,3.WhatlittleWindtherewasblewmetowardstheLand;andthus,havingfoundtwoorthreebrokenOarsbelongingtotheBoat,andbesidestheToolswhichwereintheChest,IfoundtwoSaws,anAxe,andaHammer,andwiththisCargoIputtoSea;ForaMile,orthereabouts,myRaftwentverywell,onlythatIfounditdrivealittledistantfromthePlacewhereIhadlandedbefore,bywhichIperceiv'dthattherewassomeIndraftoftheWater,andconsequentlyIhop'dtofindsomeCreekorRiverthere,whichImightmakeuseofasaPorttogettoLandwith
myCargo.AsIimagin'd,soitwas,thereappear'dbeforemealittleopeningoftheLand,andIfoundastrongCurrentoftheTidesetintoit,soIguidedmyRaftaswellasIcouldtokeepintheMiddleoftheStream:ButhereIhadliketohavesuffer'dasecondShipwreck,which,ifIhad,IthinkverilywouldhavebrokemyHeart,forknowingnothingoftheCoast,myRaftruna-groundatoneEndofituponaShoal,andnotbeinga-groundattheotherEnd,itwantedbutalittlethatallmyCargohadslip'dofftowardsthatEndthatwasa-float,andsofall'nintotheWater:IdidmyutmostbysettingmyBackagainsttheChests,tokeepthemintheirPlaces,butcouldnotthrustofftheRaftwithallmyStrength,neitherdurstIstirfromthePostureIwasin,butholdinguptheChestswithallmyMight,stoodinthatMannernearhalfanHour,inwhichtimetherisingoftheWaterbroughtmealittlemoreuponaLevel,andalittleafter,theWaterstillrising,myRaftfloatedagain,andIthrustheroffwiththeOarIhad,intotheChannel,andthendrivinguphigher,IatlengthfoundmyselfintheMouthofalittleRiver,withLandonbothSides,andastrongCurrentorTiderunningup,Ilook'donbothSidesforaproperPlacetogettoShore,forIwasnotwillingtobedriventoohighuptheRiver,hopingintimetoseesomeShipatSea,andthereforeresolv'dtoplacemyselfasneartheCoastasIcould.AtlengthIspy'dalittleCoveontherightShoreoftheCreek,towhichwithgreatPainandDifficultyIguidedmyRaft,andatlastgotsonear,asthat,reachingGroundwithmyOar,Icouldthrustherdirectlyin,buthereIhadliketohavediptallmyCargointheSeaagain;forthatShorelyingprettysteep,thatistosaysloping,therewasnoPlacetoland,butwhereoneEndofmyFloat,ifitrunonShore,wouldliesohigh,andtheothersinklowerasbefore,thatitwouldendangermyCargoagain:AllthatIcoulddo,wastowait'tilltheTidewasathighest,keepingtheRaftwithmyOarlikeanAnchortoholdtheSideofitfasttotheShore,nearaflatPieceofGround,whichIexpectedtheWaterwouldflowover;andsoitdid:AssoonasIfoundWaterenough,formyRaftdrewaboutaFootofWater,IthrustheronuponthatflatPieceofGround,andtherefasten'dormor'dherbystickingmytwobrokenOarsintotheGround;oneononeSidenearoneEnd,andoneontheotherSideneartheotherEnd;andthusIlay'tilltheWaterebb'daway,andleftmyRaftandallmyCargosafeonShore.MynextWorkwastoviewtheCountry,andseekaproperPlaceformyHabitation,andwheretostowmyGoodstosecurethemfromwhatevermighthappen;whereIwasIyetknewnot,whetherontheContinentoronanIsland,whetherinhabitedornotinhabited,whetherinDangerofwildBeastsornot:TherewasaHillnotaboveaMilefromme,whichroseupverysteepandhigh,andwhichseem'dtoover-topsomeotherHillswhichlayasinaRidgefromitnorthward;ItookoutoneofthefowlingPieces,andoneofthePistols,andanHornofPowder,andthusarm'dItravell'dforDiscoveryuptotheTopofthatHill,whereafterIhadwithgreatLabourand
DifficultygottotheTop,IsawmyFatetomygreatAffliction,(viz.)thatIwasinanIslandenviron'deveryWaywiththeSea,noLandtobeseen,exceptsomeRockswhichlayagreatWayoff,andtwosmallIslandslessthanthis,whichlayaboutthreeLeaguestotheWest.IfoundalsothattheIslandIwasinwasbarren,and,asIsawgoodReasontobelieve,un-inhabited,exceptbywildBeasts,ofwhomhoweverIsawnone,yetIsawAbundanceofFowls,butknewnottheirKinds,neitherwhenIkill'dthemcouldItellwhatwasfitforFood,andwhatnot;atmycomingback,IshotatagreatBirdwhichIsawsittinguponaTreeontheSideofagreatWood,IbelieveitwasthefirstGunthathadbeenfir'dtheresincetheCreationoftheWorld;Ihadnosoonerfir'd,butfromallthePartsoftheWoodtherearoseaninnumerableNumberofFowlsofmanySorts,makingaconfus'dScreaming,andcryingeveryoneaccordingtohisusualNote;butnotoneofthemofanyKindthatIknew:AsfortheCreatureIkill'd,ItookittobeaKindofaHawk,itsColourandBeakresemblingit,buthadnoTalonsorClawsmorethancommon,itsFleshwasCarrion,andfitfornothing.ContentedwiththisDiscovery,IcamebacktomyRaft,andfelltoWorktobringmyCargoonShore,whichtookmeuptherestofthatDay,andwhattodowithmyselfatNightIknewnot,norindeedwheretorest;forIwasafraidtoliedownontheGround,notknowingbutsomewildBeastmightdevourme,tho',asIafterwardsfound,therewasreallynoNeedforthoseFears.However,aswellasIcould,IbarricadedmyselfroundwiththeChestsandBoardsthatIhadbroughtonShore,andmeaKindofaHutforthatNight'sLodging;asforFood,IyetsawnotwhichWaytosupplymyself,exceptthatIhadseentwoorthreeCreatureslikeHaresrunoutoftheWoodwhereIshottheFowl.Inowbegantoconsider,thatImightyetgetagreatmanyThingsoutoftheShip,whichwouldbeusefultome,andparticularlysomeoftheRigging,andSails,andsuchotherThingsasmightcometoLand,andIresolv'dtomakeanotherVoyageonBoardtheVessel,ifpossible;andasIknewthatthefirstStormthatblewmustnecessarilybreakherallinPieces,Iresolv'dtosetallotherThingsapart,'tillIgoteveryThingoutoftheShipthatIcouldget;thenIcall'daCouncil,thatistosay,inmyThoughts,whetherIshouldtakebacktheRaft,butthisappear'dimpracticable;soIresolv'dtogoasbefore,whentheTidewasdown,andIdidso,onlythatIstripp'dbeforeIwentfrommyHut,havingnothingonbutaChequer'dShirt,andaPairofLinnenDrawers,andaPairofPumpsonmyFeet.IgotonBoardtheShip,asbefore,andprepar'dasecondRaft,andhavinghadExperienceofthefirst,Ineithermadethissounwieldy,norloadeditsohard,butyetIbroughtawayseveralThingsveryusefultome;asfirst,intheCarpenter'sStoresIfoundtwoorthreeBagsfullofNailsandSpikes,agreatSkrew-Jack,aDozenortwo
ofHatchets,andaboveall,thatmostusefulThingcall'daGrindstone;alltheseIsecur'dtogether,withseveralThingsbelongingtotheGunner,particularlytwoorthreeIronCrows,andtwoBarrelsofMusquetBullets,sevenMusquets,andanotherfowlingPiece,withsomesmallQuantityofPowdermore;alargeBagfullofsmallShot,andagreatRollofSheetLead:Butthislastwassoheavy,IcouldnothoiseituptogetitovertheShip'sSide.BesidestheseThings,ItookalltheMensClothsthatIcouldfind,andaspareFore-top-sail,aHammock,andsomeBedding;andwiththisIloadedmysecondRaft,andbroughtthemallsafeonShoretomyverygreatComfort.IwasundersomeApprehensionsduringmyAbsencefromtheLand,thatatleastmyProvisionsmightbedevour'donShore;butwhenIcameback,IfoundnoSignofanyVisitor,onlytheresataCreaturelikeawildCatupononeoftheChests,whichwhenIcametowardsit,ranawayalittleDistance,andthenstoodstill;shesatverycompos'd,andunconcern'd,andlook'dfullinmyFace,asifshehadaMindtobeacquaintedwithme,IpresentedmyGunather,butasshedidnotunderstandit,shewasperfectlyunconcern'datit,nordidsheoffertostiraway;uponwhichItoss'dheraBitofBisket,tho'bytheWayIwasnotveryfreeofit,formyStorewasnotgreat:However,Ispar'dheraBit,ISay,andshewenttoit,smell'dofit,andateit,andlook'd(aspleas'd)formore,butIthank'dher,andcouldsparenomore;soshemarch'doff.HavinggotmysecondCargoonShore,tho'IwasfaintoopentheBarrelsofPowder,andbringthembyParcels,fortheyweretooheavy,beinglargeCasks,IwenttoworktomakemealittleTentwiththeSailandsomePoleswhichIcutforthatPurpose,andintothisTentIbroughteveryThingthatIknewwouldspoil,eitherwithRainorSun,andIpiledalltheemptyChestsandCasksupinaCircleroundtheTent,tofortifyitfromanysuddenAttempt,eitherfromManorBeast.WhenIhaddonethisIblock'duptheDooroftheTentwithsomeBoardswithin,andanemptyChestsetupanEndwithout,andspreadingoneoftheBedsupontheGround,layingmytwoPistolsjustatmyHead,andmyGunatLengthbyme,IwenttoBedforthefirstTime,andsleptveryquietlyallNight,forIwasverywearyandheavy,fortheNightbeforeIhadsleptlittle,andhadlabour'dveryhardallDay,aswelltofetchallthoseThingsfromtheShip,astogetthemonShore.IhadthebiggestMaggazinofallKindsnowthateverwerelaidup,Ibelieve,foroneMan,butIwasnotsatisfy'dstill;forwhiletheShipsatuprightinthatPosture,IthoughtIoughttogeteveryThingoutofherthatIcould;soeveryDayatlowWaterIwentonBoard,andbroughtawaysomeThingorother:ButparticularlythethirdTimeIwent,IbroughtawayasmuchoftheRiggingasIcould,asalsoallthesmallRopesandRope-twineIcouldget,withaPieceofspareCanvass,whichwastomendtheSailsuponOccasion,theBarrelofwetGun-powder:InaWord,Ibroughtawayall
theSailsfirstandlast,onlythatIwasfaintocuttheminPieces,andbringasmuchataTimeasIcould;fortheywerenomoreusefultobeSails,butasmeerCanvassonly.Butthatwhichcomfortedmemorestillwas,thatatlastofall,afterIhadmadefiveorsixsuchVoyagesasthese,andthoughtIhadnothingmoretoexpectfromtheShipthatwasworthmymedlingwith,Isay,afterallthis,IfoundagreatHogsheadofBreadandthreelargeRunletsofRumorSpirits,andaBoxofSugar,andaBarreloffineFlower;thiswassurprizingtome,becauseIhadgivenoverexpectinganymoreProvisions,exceptwhatwasspoil'dbytheWater:Isoonempty'dtheHogsheadofthatBread,andwraptitupParcelbyParcelinPiecesoftheSails,whichIcutout;andinaWord,IgotallthissafeonShorealso.ThenextDayImadeanotherVoyage;andnowhavingplunder'dtheShipofwhatwasportableandfittohandout,IbeganwiththeCables;andcuttingthegreatCableintoPieces,suchasIcouldmove,IgottwoCablesandaHawseronShore,withalltheIronWorkIcouldget;andhavingcutdowntheSpritsail-yard,andtheMissen-yard,andeveryThingIcouldtomakealargeRaft,IloadeditwithallthoseheavyGoods,andcameaway:ButmygoodLuckbegannowtoleaveme;forthisRaftwassounwieldy,andsooverloaden,thatafterIwasenter'dthelittleCove,whereIhadlandedtherestofmyGoods,notbeingabletoguideitsohandilyasIdidtheother,itoverset,andthrewmeandallmyCargointotheWater;asformyselfitwasnogreatHarm,forIwasneartheShore;butastomyCargo,itwasgreatPartofitlost,especiallytheIron,whichIexpectedwouldhavebeenofgreatUsetome:However,whentheTidewasout,IgotmostofthePiecesofCableashore,andsomeoftheIron,tho'withinfiniteLabour;forIwasfaintodipforitintotheWater,aWorkwhichfatigu'dmeverymuch:AfterthisIwenteveryDayonBoard,andbroughtawaywhatIcouldget.IhadbeennowthirteenDaysonShore,andhadbeenelevenTimesonBoardtheShip;inwhichTimeIhadbroughtawayallthatonePairofHandscouldwellbesuppos'dcapabletobring,tho'Ibelieveverily,hadthecalmWeatherheld,IshouldhavebroughtawaythewholeShipPiecebyPiece:Butpreparingthe12thTimetogoonBoard,IfoundtheWindbegintorise;howeveratlowWaterIwentonBoard,andtho'IthoughtIhadrumag'dtheCabbinsoeffectually,asthatnothingmorecouldbefound,yetIdiscover'daLockerwithDrawersinit,inoneofwhichIfoundtwoorthreeRazors,andonePairoflargeSizzers,withsometenoraDozenofgoodKnivesandForks;inanotherIfoundaboutThirtysixPoundsvalueinMoney,someEuropeanCoin,someBrazil,somePiecesofEight,someGold,someSilver.Ismil'dtomyselfattheSightofthisMoney,ODrugSaidIaloud,whatartthougoodfor,Thouartnotworthtome,nonotthetakingoffoftheGround,oneofthoseKnivesisworthallthisHeap,IhavenoMannerofuseforthee,e'enremainwherethouart,andgototheBottomasaCreaturewhoseLifeisnotworthsaving.However,
uponSecondThoughts,Itookitaway,andwrappingallthisinaPieceofCanvas,IbegantothinkofmakinganotherRaft,butwhileIwaspreparingthis,IfoundtheSkyover-cast,andtheWindbegantorise,andinaQuarterofanHouritblewafreshGalefromtheShore;itpresentlyoccur'dtome,thatitwasinvaintopretendtomakeaRaftwiththeWindoffShore,andthatitwasmyBusinesstobegonebeforetheTideofFloodbegan,otherwiseImightnotbeabletoreachtheShoreatall:AccordinglyIletmyselfdownintotheWater,andswamcrosstheChannel,whichlaybetweentheShipandtheSands,andeventhatwithDifficultyenough,partlywiththeWeightoftheThingsIhadaboutme,andpartlytheRoughnessoftheWater,fortheWindroseveryhastily,andbeforeitwasquitehighWater,itblewaStorm.ButIwasgottenhometomylittleTent,whereIlaywithallmyWealthaboutmeverysecure.ItblewveryhardallMatNight,andintheMorningwhenIlook'dout,beholdnomoreShipwastobeseen;Iwasalittlesurpriz'd,butrecover'dmyselfwiththissatisfactoryReflection,viz.ThatIhadlostnotime,norabatednoDiligencetogeteverythingoutofherthatcouldbeusefultome,andthatindeedtherewaslittleleftinherthatIwasabletobringawayifIhadhadmoretime.InowgaveoveranymoreThoughtsoftheShip,orofanythingoutofher,exceptwhatmightdriveonShorefromherWreck,asindeeddiversPiecesofherafterwardsdid;butthosethingswereofsmallusetome.MyThoughtswerenowwhollyemploy'daboutsecuringmyselfagainsteitherSavages,ifanyshouldappear,orwildBeasts,ifanywereintheIsland;andIhadmanyThoughtsoftheMethodhowtodothis,andwhatkindofDwellingtomake,whetherIshouldmakemeaCaveintheEarth,oraTentupontheEarth:And,inshort,Iresolv'duponboth,theMannerandDescriptionofwhich,itmaynotbeimpropertogiveanAccountof.IsoonfoundthePlaceIwasinwasnotformySettlement,particularlybecauseitwasuponalowmoorishGroundneartheSea,andIbeliev'dwouldnotbewholesome,andmoreparticularlybecausetherewasnofreshWaternearit,soIresolv'dtofindamorehealthyandmoreconvenientSpotofGround.IconsultedseveralThingsinmySituationwhichIfoundwouldbeproperforme,1st.Health,andfreshWaterIjustnowmention'd,2dly.ShelterfromtheHeatoftheSun,3dly.SecurityfromravenousCreatures,whetherMenorBeasts,4thly.aViewtotheSea,thatifGodsentanyShipinSight,ImightnotloseanyAdvantageformyDeliverance,ofwhichIwasnotwillingtobanishallmyExpectationyet.InsearchofaPlaceproperforthis,IfoundalittlePlainontheSideofarisingHill;whoseFronttowardsthislittlePlain,wassteepasaHouse-side,sothatnothingcouldcomedownuponmefromtheTop;ontheSideofthisRocktherewasahollowPlace
wornalittlewayinliketheEntranceorDoorofaCave,buttherewasnotreallyanyCaveorWayintotheRockatall.OntheFlatoftheGreen,justbeforethishollowPlace,Iresolv'dtopitchmyTent:ThisPlainwasnotaboveanHundredYardsbroad,andabouttwiceaslong,andlaylikeaGreenbeforemyDoor,andattheEndofitdescendedirregularlyeveryWaydownintotheLow-groundsbytheSea-side.ItwasontheN.N.W.SideoftheHill,sothatIwasshelter'dfromtheHeateveryDay,tillitcametoaW.andbyS.Sun,orthereabouts,whichinthoseCountriesisneartheSetting.BeforeIsetupmyTent,IdrewahalfCirclebeforethehollowPlace,whichtookinaboutTenYardsinitsSemi-diameterfromtheRock,andTwentyYardsinitsDiameter,fromitsBeginningandEnding.InthishalfCircleIpitch'dtwoRowsofstrongStakes,drivingthemintotheGroundtilltheystoodveryfirmlikePiles,thebiggestEndbeingoutoftheGroundaboutFiveFootandaHalf,andsharpen'dontheTop:ThetwoRowsdidnotstandaboveSixInchesfromoneanother.ThenItookthePiecesofCablewhichIhadcutintheShip,andIlaidtheminRowsoneuponanother,withintheCircle,betweenthesetwoRowsofStakes,uptotheTop,placingotherStakesintheIn-side,leaningagainstthem,abouttwoFootandahalfhigh,likeaSpurrtoaPost,andthisFencewassostrong,thatneitherManorBeastcouldgetintoitoroverit:ThiscostmeagreatdealofTimeandLabour,especiallytocutthePilesintheWoods,bringthemtothePlace,anddrivethemintotheEarth.TheEntranceintothisPlaceImadetobenotbyaDoor,butbyashortLaddertogoovertheTop,whichLadder,whenIwasin,Iliftedoverafterme,andsoIwascompleatlyfenc'din,andfortify'd,asIthought,fromalltheWorld,andconsequentlysleptsecureintheNight,whichotherwiseIcouldnothavedone,tho',asitappear'dafterward,therewasnoneedofallthisCautionfromtheEnemiesthatIapprehendedDangerfrom.IntothisFenceorFortress,withinfiniteLabour,Icarry'dallmyRiches,allmyProvisions,AmmunitionandStores,ofwhichyouhavetheAccountabove,andImademealargeTent,which,topreservemefromtheRainsthatinonePartoftheYearareveryviolentthere,Imadedouble,viz.OnesmallerTentwithin,andonelargerTentaboveit,andcover'dtheuppermostwithalargeTarpaulinwhichIhadsav'damongtheSails.AndnowIlaynomoreforawhileintheBedwhichIhadbroughtonShore,butina
Hammock,whichwasindeedaverygoodone,andbelong'dtotheMateoftheShip.IntothisTentIbroughtallmyProvisions,andeverythingthatwouldspoilbytheWet,andhavingthusenclos'dallmyGoods,ImadeuptheEntrance,whichtillnowIhadleftopen,andsopass'dandre-pass'd,asIsaid,byashortLadder.WhenIhaddonethis,IbegantoworkmyWayintotheRock,andbringingalltheEarthandStonesthatIdugdownoutthro'myTent,Ilaid'emupwithinmyFenceintheNatureofaTerras,thatsoitrais'dtheGroundwithinaboutaFootandaHalf;andthusImademeaCavejustbehindmyTent,whichserv'dmelikeaCellartomyHouse.ItcostmemuchLabour,andmanyDays,beforealltheseThingswerebroughttoPerfection,andthereforeImustgobacktosomeotherThingswhichtookupsomeofmyThoughts.Atthesametimeithappen'dafterIhadlaidmySchemeforthesettingupmyTentandmakingtheCave,thataStormofRainfallingfromathickdarkCloud,asuddenFlashofLightninghappen'd,andafterthatagreatClapofThunder,asisnaturallytheEffectofit;Iwasnotsomuchsurpris'dwiththeLightningasIwaswithaThoughtwhichdartedintomyMindasswiftastheLightningitself:OmyPowder!MyveryHeartsunkwithinme,whenIthought,thatatoneBlastallmyPowdermightbedestroy'd,onwhich,notmyDefenceonly,buttheprovidingmeFood,asIthought,entirelydepended;IwasnothingnearsoanxiousaboutmyownDanger,tho'hadthePowdertookfire,Ihadneverknownwhohadhurtme.SuchImpressiondidthismakeuponme,thataftertheStormwasover,IlaidasideallmyWorks,myBuilding,andFortifying,andapply'dmyselftomakeBagsandBoxestoseparatethePowder,andkeepitalittleandalittleinaParcel,inhope,thatwhatevermightcome,itmightnotalltakeFireatonce,andtokeepitsoapartthatitshouldnotbepossibletomakeonepartfireanother:Ifinish'dthisWorkinaboutaFortnight,andIthinkmyPowder,whichinallwasabout240l.weightwasdividedinnotlessthanaHundredParcels;astotheBarrelthathadbeenwet,IdidnotapprehendanyDangerfromthat,soIplac'ditinmynewCave,whichinmyFancyIcall'dmyKitchin,andtherestIhidupanddowninHolesamongtheRocks,sothatnowetmightcometoit,markingverycarefullywhereIlaidit.IntheIntervaloftimewhilethiswasdoingIwentoutonceatleasteveryDaywithmyGun,aswelltodivertmyself,astoseeifIcouldkillanythingfitforFood,andasnearasIcouldtoacquaintmyselfwithwhattheIslandproduc'd.ThefirsttimeIwentoutIpresentlydiscover'dthattherewereGoatsintheIsland,whichwasagreatSatisfactiontome;butthenitwasattendedwiththisMisfortunetome,viz.Thattheyweresoshy,sosubtile,andsoswiftofFoot,thatitwasthedifficultestthingintheWorldtocomeatthem:ButIwasnotdiscourag'datthis,notdoubtingbutImightnowandthenshootone,asitsoonhappen'd,forafterIhadfoundtheirHauntsalittle,IlaidwaitinthisMannerforthem:Iobserv'diftheysawmeintheValleys,tho'they
wereupontheRocks,theywouldrunawayasinaterribleFright;butiftheywerefeedingintheValleys,andIwasupontheRocks,theytooknoNoticeofme,fromwhenceIconcluded,thatbythePositionoftheirOpticks,theirSightwassodirecteddownward,thattheydidnotreadilyseeObjectsthatwereabovethem;soafterwardItookthisMethod,Ialwaysclim'dtheRocksfirsttogetabovethem,andthenhadfrequentlyafairMark.ThefirstshotImadeamongtheseCreatures,Ikill'daShe-GoatwhichhadalittleKidbyherwhichshegaveSuckto,whichgriev'dmeheartily;butwhentheOldonefell,theKidstoodstockstillbyhertillIcameandtookherup,andnotonlyso,butwhenIcarry'dtheOldonewithmeuponmyShoulders,theKidfollow'dmequitetomyEnclosure,uponwhichIlaiddowntheDam,andtooktheKidinmyArms,andcarry'ditovermyPale,inhopestohavebredituptame,butitwouldnoteat,soIwasforc'dtokillitandeatitmyself;thesetwosupply'dmewithFleshagreatwhile,forIeatsparingly;andsav'dmyProvisions(myBreadespecially)asmuchaspossiblyIcould.Havingnowfix'dmyHabitation,IfounditabsolutelynecessarytoprovideaPlacetomakeaFirein,andFeweltoburn;andwhatIdidforthat,asalsohowIenlarg'dmyCave,andwhatConveniencesImade,IshallgiveafullAccountofinitsPlace:ButImustfirstgivesomelittleAccountofmyself,andofmyThoughtsaboutLiving,whichitmaywellbesuppos'dwerenotafew.IhadadismalProspectofmyCondition,forasIwasnotcastawayuponthatIslandwithoutbeingdriven,asissaid,byaviolentStormquiteoutoftheCourseofourintendedVoyage,andagreatWay,viz.someHundredsofLeaguesoutoftheordinaryCourseoftheTradeofMankind,IhadgreatReasontoconsideritasaDeterminationofHeaven,thatinthisdesolatePlace,andinthisdesolateMannerIshouldendmyLife;theTearswouldrunplentifullydownmyFacewhenImadetheseReflections,andsometimesIwouldexpostulatewithmyself,WhyProvidenceshouldthuscompleatlyruineitsCreatures,andrenderthemsoabsolutelymiserable,sowithoutHelpabandon'd,soentirelydepress'd,thatitcouldhardlyberationaltobethankfulforsuchaLife.Butsomethingalwaysreturn'dswiftuponmetochecktheseThoughts,andtoreproveme;andparticularlyoneDaywalkingwithmyGuninmyHandbytheSea-side,IwasverypensiveupontheSubjectofmypresentCondition,thenReasonasItwereexpostulatedwithmet'otherWay,thus:Well,youareinadesolateCondition'tistrue,butprayremember,Wherearetherestofyou?DidnotyoucomeElevenofyouintotheBoat,wherearetheTen?Whywerenottheysav'dandyoulost?Whywereyousingledout?Isitbettertobehereorthere?andthenIpointedtotheSea.AllEvillsaretobeconsider'dwiththeGoodthatisinthem,andwithwhatworseattendsthem.Thenitoccurr'dtomeagain,howwellIwasfurnish'dformySubsistence,andwhatwouldhavebeenmyCaseifithadnothappen'd,WhichwasanHundredThousandtoone,thattheShipfloatedfromthePlacewhereshefirststruckandwasdrivensoneartotheShorethatIhadtimetogetalltheseThingsoutofher:Whatwouldhavebeen
myCase,ifIhadbeentohaveliv'dintheConditioninwhichIatfirstcameonShore,withoutNecessariesofLife,orNecessariestosupplyandprocurethem?ParticularlysaidIaloud,(tho'tomyself)whatshouldIha'donewithoutaGun,withoutAmmunition,withoutanyToolstomakeanything,ortoworkwith,withoutClothes,Bedding,aTent,oranymannerofCovering,andthatnowIhadallthesetoaSufficientQuantity,andwasinafairwaytoprovidemyselfinsuchamanner,astolivewithoutmyGunwhenmyAmmunitionwasspent;sothatIhadatollerableViewofsubsistingwithoutanyWantaslongasIliv'd;forIconsider'dfromthebeginninghowIwouldprovidefortheAccidentsthatmighthappen,andforthetimethatwastocome,evennotonlyaftermyAmmunitionshouldbespent,butevenaftermyHealthorStrengthshoulddecay.IconfessIhadnotentertain'danyNotionofmyAmmunitionbeingdestroy'datoneBlast,ImeanmyPowderbeingblownupbyLightning,andthismadetheThoughtsofitsosurprisingtomewhenitlighten'dandthunder'd,asIobserv'djustnow.AndnowbeingtoenterintoamelancholyRelationofaSceneofsilentLife,suchperhapsaswasneverheardofintheWorldbefore,IshalltakeitfromitsBeginning,andcontinueitinitsOrder.Itwas,bymyAccount,the30th.ofSept.when,intheMannerasabovesaid,IfirstsetFootuponthishorridIsland,whentheSunbeing,tous,initsAutumnalEquinox,wasalmostjustovermyHead,forIreckon'dmyself,byObservation,tobeintheLatitudeof9Degrees22MinutesNorthoftheLine.AfterIhadbeenthereaboutTenorTwelveDays,itcameintomyThoughts,thatIshouldlosemyReckoningofTimeforwantofBooksandPenandInk,andshouldevenforgettheSabbathDaysfromtheworkingDays;buttopreventthisIcutitwithmyKnifeuponalargePost,inCapitalLetters,andmakingitintoagreatCrossIsetitupontheShorewhereIfirstlanded,viz.IcameonShorehereonthe30thofSept.1659.UpontheSidesofthissquarePostIcuteveryDayaNotchwithmyKnife,andeveryseventhNotchwasaslongagainastherest,andeveryfirstDayoftheMonthaslongagainasthatlongone,andthusIkeptmyKalander,orweekly,monthly,andyearlyreckoningofTime.Inthenextplacewearetoobserve,thatamongthemanythingswhichIbroughtoutoftheShipintheseveralVoyages,which,asabovemention'd,Imadetoit,IgotseveralthingsoflessValue,butnotalllessusefultome,whichIomittedsettingdownbefore;asinparticular,Pens,Ink,andPaper,severalParcelsintheCaptain's,Mate's,Gunner's,andCarpenter'skeeping,threeorfourCompasses,someMathematicalInstruments,Dials,Perspectives,Charts,andBooksofNavigation,allwhichIhuddel'dtogether,whetherImightwantthemorno;alsoIfoundthreeverygoodBibleswhichcametomeinmyCargofromEngland,andwhichIhadpack'dupamongmythings;somePortuguezeBooksalso,andamongthemtwoorthreePopishPrayer-Books,andseveralotherBooks,allwhichIcarefullysecur'd.AndImustnot
forget,thatwehadintheShipaDogandtwoCats,ofwhoseeminentHistoryImayhaveoccasiontosaysomethinginitsplace;forIcarry'dboththeCatswithme,andasfortheDog,hejump'doutoftheShipofhimselfandswamonShoretometheDayafterIwentonShorewithmyfirstCargo,andwasatrustyServanttomemanyYears;Iwantednothingthathecouldfetchme,noranyCompanythathecouldmakeuptome,Ionlywantedtohavehimtalktome,butthatwouldnotdo:AsIobserv'dbefore,IfoundPen,InkandPaper,andIhusbandedthemtotheutmost,andIshallshew,thatwhilemyInklasted,Ikeptthingsveryexact,butafterthatwasgoneIcouldnot,forIcouldnotmakeanyInkbyanyMeansthatIcoulddevise.AndthisputmeinmindthatIwantedmanythings,notwithstandingallthatIhadamass'dtogether,andofthese,thisofInkwasone,asalsoSpade,Pick-Axe,andShoveltodigorremovetheEarth,Needles,Pins,andThread;asforLinnen,Isoonlearn'dtowantthatwithoutmuchDifficulty.ThiswantofToolsmadeeveryWorkIdidgoonheavily,anditwasnearawholeYearbeforeIhadentirelyfinish'dmylittlePaleorsurroundedHabitation:ThePilesorStakes,whichwereasheavyasIcouldwelllift,werealongtimeincuttingandpreparingintheWoods,andmorebyfarinbringinghome,sothatIspentsometimestwoDaysincuttingandbringinghomeoneofthosePosts,andathirdDayindrivingitintotheGround;forwhichPurposeIgotaheavyPieceofWoodatfirst,butatlastbethoughtmyselfofoneoftheIronCrows,whichhowevertho'Ifoundit,yetitmadedrivingthosePostsorPilesverylaboriousandtediousWork.ButwhatneedIha'beenconcern'dattheTediousnessofanythingIhadtodo,seeingIhadtimeenoughtodoitin,norhadIanyotherEmploymentifthathadbeenover,atleast,thatIcouldforesee,excepttherangingtheIslandtoseekforFood,whichIdidmoreorlesseveryDay.InowbegantoconsiderseriouslymyCondition,andtheCircumstanceIwasreduc'dto,andIdrewuptheStateofmyAffairsinWriting,notsomuchtoleavethemtoanythatweretocomeafterme,forIwasliketohavebutfewHeirs,astodelivermyThoughtsfromdailyporinguponthem,andafflictingmyMind;andasmyReasonbegannowtomastermyDespondency,IbegantocomfortmyselfaswellasIcould,andtosetthegoodagainsttheEvil,thatImighthavesomethingtodistinguishmyCasefromworse,andIstateditveryimpartially,likeDebtorandCreditor,theComfortsIenjoy'd,againsttheMiseriesIsuffer'd,Thus,EvilIamcastuponahorribledesolateIsland,voidofallhopeofRecovery.Iamsingl'doutandseparated,asitwere,fromalltheWorldtobemiserable.
IamdividedfromMankind,aSolitaire,onebanish'dfromhumaneSociety.IhavenotClothestocoverme.IamwithoutanyDefenceorMeanstoresistanyViolenceofManorBeast.IhavenoSoultospeakto,orrelieveme.Good.ButIamalive,andnotdrown'dasallmyShip'sCompanywas.ButIamsingl'douttoofromalltheShip'sCrewtobespar'dfromDeath;andhethatmiraculouslysav'dmefromDeath,candelivermefromthisCondition.ButIaminahotClimate,whereifIhadClothesIcouldhardlywearthem.ButIamcastonanIsland,whereIseenowildBeaststohurtme,asIsawontheCoastofAfrica:AndwhatifIhadbeenShipwreck'dthere?ButGodwonderfullysenttheShipinnearenoughtotheShore,thatIhavegottenoutsomanynecessarythingsaswilleithersupplymyWants,orenablemetosupplymyselfevenaslongasIlive.Uponthewhole,herewasanundoubtedTestimony,thattherewasscarceanyConditionintheWorldsomiserable,buttherewassomethingNegativeorsomethingPositivetobethankfulforinit;andletthisstandasaDirectionfromtheExperienceofthemostmiserableofallConditionsinthisWorld,thatwemayalwaysfindinitsomethingtocomfortourselvesfrom,andtosetintheDescriptionofGoodandEvil,ontheCreditSideoftheAccompt.HavingnowbroughtmyMindalittletorelishmyCondition,andgivenoverlookingouttoSeatoseeifIcouldspyaShip,Isay,givingoverthesethings,IbegantoapplymyselftoaccommodatemywayofLiving,andtomakethingsaseasytomeasIcould.
Ihavealreadydescrib'dmyHabitation,whichwasaTentundertheSideofaRock,surroundedwithastrongPaleofPostsandCables,butImightnowrathercallitaWall,forIrais'dakindofWallupagainstitofTurfs,abouttwoFootthickontheOut-side,andaftersometime,IthinkitwasaYearandHalf,Irais'dRaftersfromitleaningtotheRock,andthatch'dorcover'ditwithBowsofTrees,andsuchthingsasIcouldgettokeepouttheRain,whichIfoundatsometimesoftheYearveryviolent.Ihavealreadyobserv'dhowIbroughtallmyGoodsintothisPale,andintotheCavewhichIhadmadebehindme:ButImustobservetoo,thatatfirstthiswasaconfus'dHeapofGoods,whichastheylayinnoOrder,sotheytookupallmyPlace,Ihadnoroomtoturnmyself;soIsetmyselftoenlargemyCaveandWorksfartherintotheEarth,foritwasaloosesandyRock,whichyieldedeasilytotheLabourIbestow'donit;andsowhenIfoundIwasprettysafeastoBeastsofPrey,Iwork'dside-waystotheRightHandintotheRock,andthenturningtotheRightagain,work'dquiteoutandmademeaDoortocomeout,ontheOut-sideofmyaleorFortification.ThisgavemenotonlyEgressandRegress,asitwereabackWaytomyTentandtomyStorehouse,butgavemeroomtostowmyGoods.AndnowIbegantoapplymyselftomakesuchnecessarythingsasIfoundImostwanted,asparticularlyaChairandaTable,forwithouttheseIwasnotabletoenjoythefewComfortsIhadintheWorld,Icouldnotwrite,oreat,ordoseveralthingswithsomuchPleasurewithoutaTable.SoIwenttowork;andhereImustneedsobserve,thatasReasonistheSubstanceandOriginaloftheMathematicks,sobystatingandsquaringeverythingbyReason,andbymakingthemostrationalJudgmentofthings,everyManmaybeintimeMasterofeverymechanickArt.IhadneverhandledaToolinmyLife,andyetintimebyLabour,Application,andContrivance,IfoundatlastthatIwantednothingbutIcouldhavemadeit,especiallyifIhadhadTools;howeverImadeabundanceofthings,evenwithoutTools,andsomewithnomoreToolsthananAdzeandaHatchet,whichperhapswerenevermadethatwaybefore,andthatwithinfiniteLabour:ForExample,IfIwantedaBoard,IhadnootherWaybuttocutdownaTree,setitonanEdgebeforeme,andhewitflatoneitherSidewithmyAxe,tillIhadbroughtittobethinasaPlank,andthendubbitsmoothwithmyAdze.Itistrue,bythisMethodIcouldmakebutoneBoardoutofawholeTree,butthisIhadnoRemedyforbutPatience,anymorethanIhadfortheprodigiousdealofTimeandLabourwhichittookmeuptomakeaPlankorBoard:ButmyTimeorLabourwaslittleworth,andsoitwasaswellemploy'donewayasanother.However,ImademeaTableandaChair,asIobserv'dabove,inthefirstPlace,andthisIdidoutoftheshortPiecesofBoardsthatIbroughtonmyRaftfromtheShip:ButwhenIhadwroughtoutsomeBoards,asabove,ImadelargeShelvesofthe
BreadthofaFootandHalfoneoveranother,allalongoneSideofmyCave,tolayallmyTools,Nails,andIron-work,andinaWord,toseparateeverythingatlargeintheirPlaces,thatImightcomeeasilyatthem;Iknock'dPiecesintotheWalloftheRocktohangmyGunsandallthingsthatwouldhangup.SothathadmyCavebeentobeseen,itlook'dlikeageneralMagazineofallNecessarythings,andIhadeverythingsoreadyatmyHand,thatitwasagreatPleasuretometoseeallmyGoodsinsuchOrder,andespeciallytofindmyStockofallNecessariessogreat.AndnowitwaswhenIbegantokeepaJournalofeveryDay'sEmployment,forindeedatfirstIwasintoomuchHurry,andnotonlyHurryastoLabour,butintoomuchDiscomposureofMind,andmyJournalwouldha'beenfullofmanydullthings:ForExample,Imusthavesaidthus.Sept.the30th.AfterIgottoShoreandhadescap'ddrowning,insteadofbeingthankfultoGodformyDeliverance,havingfirstvomitedwiththegreatQuantityofsaltWaterwhichwasgottenintomyStomach,andrecoveringmyselfalittle,IranabouttheShore,wringingmyHandsandbeatingmyHeadandFace,exclaimingatmyMisery,andcryingout,Iwasundone,undone,tilltyr'dandfaintIwasforc'dtolyedownontheGroundtorepose,butdurstnotsleepforfearofbeingdevour'd.SomeDaysafterthis,andafterIhadbeenonboardtheShip,andgotallthatIcouldoutofher,yetIcouldnotforbeargettinguptotheTopofalittleMountainandlookingouttoSeainhopesofseeingaShip,thenfancyatavastDistanceIspy'daSail,pleasemyselfwiththeHopesofit,andthenafterlookingsteadilytillIwasalmostblind,loseitquite,andsitdownandweeplikeaChild,andthusencreasemyMiserybymyFolly.ButhavinggottenoverthesethingsinsomeMeasure,andhavingsettledmyhousholdStuffandHabitation,mademeaTableandaChair,andallashandsomeaboutmeasIcould,IbegantokeepmyJournal,ofwhichIshallheregiveyoutheCopy(tho'initwillbetoldalltheseParticularsoveragain)aslongasitlasted,forhavingnomoreInkIwasforc'dtoleaveitoff.Part2TheJOURNAL.September30,1659.IpoormiserableRobinsonCrusoe,beingshipwreck'd,duringa
dreadfulStorm,intheoffing,cameonShoreonthisdismalunfortunateIsland,whichIcall'dtheIslandofDespair,alltherestoftheShip'sCompanybeingdrown'd,andmyselfalmostdead.AlltherestofthatDayIspentinafflictingmyselfatthedismalCircumstancesIwasbroughtto,viz.IhadneitherFood,House,Clothes,Weapon,orPlacetoflyto,andinDespairofanyRelief,sawnothingbutDeathbeforeme,eitherthatIshouldbedevour'dbywildBeasts,murther'dbySavages,orstarv'dtoDeathforWantofFood.AttheApproachofNight,IsleptinaTreeforfearofwildCreatures,butsleptsoundlytho'itrain'dallNight.October1.IntheMorningIsawtomygreatSurprisetheShiphadfloatedwiththehighTide,andwasdrivenonShoreagainmuchnearertheIsland,whichasitwassomeComfortononehand,forseeinghersitupright,andnotbrokentoPieces,Ihop'd,iftheWindabated,Imightgetonboard,andgetsomeFoodandNecessariesoutofherformyRelief;soontheotherhand,itrenew'dmyGriefattheLossofmyComrades,whoIimagin'difwehadallstaidonboardmighthavesav'dtheShip,oratleastthattheywouldnothavebeenalldrown'dastheywere;andthathadtheMenbeensav'd,wemightperhapshavebuiltusaBoatoutoftheRuinsoftheShip,tohavecarriedustosomeotherPartoftheWorld.IspentgreatPartofthisDayinperplexingmyselfonthesethings;butatlengthseeingtheShipalmostdry,IwentupontheSandasnearasIcould,andthenswamonboard;thisDayalsoitcontinu'draining,tho'withn'oWindatall.Fromthe1stofOctober,tothe24th.AlltheseDaysentirelyspentinmanyseveralVoyagestogetallIcouldoutoftheShip,whichIbroughtonShore,everyTideofFlood,uponRafts.MuchRainalsointheseDays,tho'withsomeIntervalsoffairWeather:But,itseems,thiswastherainySeason.Oct.20.IoversetmyRaft,andalltheGoodsIhadgotuponit,butbeinginshoalWater,andthethingsbeingchieflyheavy,Irecover'dmanyofthemwhentheTidewasout.Oct.25.Itrain'dallNightandallDay,withsomeGustsofWind,duringwhichtimetheShipbrokeinPieces,theWindblowingalittleharderthanbefore,andwasnomoretobeseen,excepttheWreckofher,andthatonlyatlowWater.IspentthisDayincoveringandsecuringtheGoodswhichIhadsav'd,thattheRainmightnotspoilthem.Oct.26.Iwalk'dabouttheShorealmostallDaytofindoutaplacetofixmyHabitation,greatlyconcern'dtosecuremyselffromanAttackintheNight,eitherfromwildBeastsorMen.TowardsNightIfix'duponaproperPlaceunderaRock,andmark'doutaSemi-CircleformyEncampment,whichIresolv'dtostrengthenwith
aWork,Wall,orFortificationmadeofdoublePiles,lin'dwithinwithCables,andwithoutwithTurf.Fromthe26th.tothe30th.Iwork'dveryhardincarryingallmyGoodstomynewHabitation,tho'somePartofthetimeitrain'dexceedinghard.The31st.intheMorningIwentoutintotheIslandwithmyGuntoseeforsomeFood,anddiscovertheCountry,whenIkill'daShe-Goat,andherKidfollow'dmehome,whichIafterwardskill'dalsobecauseitwouldnotfeed.November.1.IsetupmyTentunderaRock,andlaythereforthefirstNight,makingitaslargeasIcouldwithStakesdrivenintoswingmyHammockupon.Nov.2.IsetupallmyChestsandBoards,andthePiecesofTimberwhichmademyRafts,andwiththemform'daFenceroundme,alittlewithinthePlaceIhadmark'doutformyFortification.Nov.3.IwentoutwithmyGunandkill'dtwoFowlslikeDucks,whichwereverygoodFood.IntheAfternoonwenttoworktomakemeaTable.Nov.4.ThisMorningIbegantoordermytimesofWork,ofgoingoutwithmyGun,timeofSleep,andtimeofDiversion,viz.EveryMorningIwalk'doutwithmyGunfortwoorthreeHoursifitdidnotrain,thenemploy'dmyselftoworktillaboutElevena-Clock,theneatwhatIhadtoliveon,andfromTwelvetoTwoIlaydowntosleep,theWeatherbeingexcessivehot,andthenintheEveningtoworkagain:TheworkingPartofthisDayandofthenextwerewhollyemploy'dinmakingmyTable,forIwasyetbutaverysorryWorkman,tho'TimeandNecessitymademeacompleatnaturalMechanicksoonafter,asIbelieveitwoulddoanyoneelse.Nov.5.ThisDaywentabroadwithmyGunandmyDog,andkill'dawildCat,herSkinprettysoft,butherFleshgoodfornothing:EveryCreatureIkill'dItookofftheskinsandpreserv'dthem:ComingbackbytheSeaShore,IsawmanySortsofSeaFowlswhichIdidnotunderstand,butwassurpris'dandalmostfrightedwithtwoorthreeSeals,which,whileIwasgazingat,notwellknowingwhattheywere,gotintotheSeaandescap'dmeforthattime.Nov.6.AftermyMorningWalkIwenttoworkwithmyTableagain,andfinish'dit,tho'nottomyliking;norwasitlongbeforeIlearn'dtomend'it.Nov.7.NowitbegantobesettledfairWeather.The7th,8th,9th,10th,andPartofthe12th.(forthe11thwasSunday)ItookwhollyuptomakemeaChair,andwithmuchadobroughtittoatolerableShape,butnevertopleaseme,andeveninthemakingI
pull'ditinPiecesseveraltimes.Note,IsoonneglectedmykeepingSundays,foromittingmyMarkforthemonmyPost,Iforgotwhichwaswhich.Nov.13.ThisDayitrain'd,whichrefresh'dmeexceedingly,andcool'dtheEarth,butitwasaccompany'dwithferribleThunderandLightning,whichfrightedmedreadfullyforfearofmyPowder;assoonasitwasover,Iresolv'dtoseparatemyStockofPowderintoasmanylittleParcelsaspossible,thatitmightnotbeinDanger.Nov.14,15,16.ThesethreeDaysIspentinmakinglittlesquareChestsorBoxes,whichmightholdaboutaPoundortwoPound,atmost,ofPowder,andsoputtingthePowderin,Istow'ditinPlacesassecureandremotefromoneanotheraspossible.OnoneofthesethreeDaysIkill'dalargeBirdthatwasgoodtoeat,butIknownotwhattocallit.Nov.17.ThisDayIbegantodigbehindmyTentintotheRocktomakeroomformyfartherConveniency:Note,TwoThingsIwantedexceedinglyforthisWork,viz.APick-axe,aShovel,andaWheel-barroworBasket,soIdesistedfrommyWork,andbegantoconsiderhowtosupplythatWantandmakemesomeTools;asforaPickaxe,ImadeuseoftheIronCrows,whichwereproperenough,tho'heavy;butthenextthingwasaShovelorSpade,thiswassoabsolutelynecessary,thatindeedIcoulddonothingeffectuallywithoutit,butwhatkindofonetomakeIknewnot.Nov.18.ThenextDayinsearchingtheWoodsIfoundaTreeofthatWood,orlikeit,which,intheBrasilstheycalltheIronTree,forItsexceedingHardness,ofthis,withgreatLabourandalmostspoilingmyAxe,IcutaPiece,andbroughtithometoowithDifficultyenough,foritwasexceedingheavy.TheexcessiveHardnessoftheWood,andhavingnootherWay,mademealongwhileuponthisMachine,forIwork'diteffectuallybylittleandlittleintotheFormofaShovelorSpade,theHandleexactlyshap'dlikeoursinEngland,onlythatthebroadParthavingnoIronshoduponitatBottom,itwouldnotlastmesolong,howeveritserv'dwellenoughfortheuseswhichIhadoccasiontoputitto;butneverwasaShovel,Ibelieve,madeafterthatFashion,orsolongamaking.Iwasstilldeficient,forIwantedaBasketoraWheelbarrow,aBasketIcouldnotmakebyanyMeans,havingnosuchthingsasTwigsthatwouldbendtomakeWickerWare,atleastnoneyetfoundout;andastoaWheel-barrow,Ifancy'dIcouldmakeallbuttheWheel,butthatIhadnoNotionof,neitherdidIknowhowtogoaboutit;besidesIhadnopossibleWaytomaketheIronGudgeonsfortheSpindleorAxisoftheWheeltorunin,soIgaveitover,andsoforcarryingawaytheEarthwhichIdugoutoftheCave,ImademeaThinglikeaHodd,which
theLabourerscarryMorterin,whentheyservetheBricklayers.ThiswasnotsodifficulttomeasthemakingtheShovel;andyetthis,andtheShovel,andtheAttemptwhichImadeinvain,tomakeaWheel-Barrow,tookmeupnolessthanfourDays,Imeanalways,exceptingmyMorningWalkwithmyGun,whichIseldomfail'd,andveryseldomfail'dalsobringingHomesomethingfittoeat.Nov.23.MyotherWorkhavingnowstoodstill,becauseofmymakingtheseTools;whentheywerefinish'd,Iwenton,andworkingeveryDay,asmyStrengthandTimeallow'd,IspenteighteenDaysentirelyinwideninganddeepeningmyCave,thatitmightholdmyGoodscommodiously.Note,DuringallthisTime,Iwork'dtomakethisRoomorCavespaciousenoughtoaccommodatemeasaWarehouseorMagazin,aKitchen,aDining-room,andaCellar;asformyLodging,IkepttotheTent,exceptthatsomeTimesinthewetSeasonoftheYear,itrain'dsohard,thatIcouldnotkeepmyselfdry,whichcausedmeafterwardstocoverallmyPlacewithinmyPalewithlongPolesintheFormofRaftersleaningagainsttheRock,andloadthemwithFlaggsandlargeLeavesofTreeslikeaThatch.December10th,IbegannowtothinkmyCaveorVaultfinished,whenonaSudden,(itseemsIhadmadeittoolarge)agreatQuantityofEarthfelldownfromtheTopandoneSide,somuch,thatinshortitfrightedme,andnotwithoutReasontoo;forifIhadbeenunderitIhadneverwantedaGrave-Digger:UponthisDisasterIhadagreatdealofWorktodooveragain;forIhadthelooseEarthtocarryout;andwhichwasofmoreImportance,IhadtheSeilingtopropup,sothatImightbesurenomorewouldcomedown.Dec.11.ThisDayIwenttoWorkwithitaccordingly,andgottwoShoresorPostspitch'duprighttotheTop,withtwoPiecesofBoardsacrossovereachPost,thisIfinish'dthenextDay;andsettingmorePostsupwithBoards,inaboutaWeekmoreIhadtheRoofsecur'd;andthePostsstandinginRows,serv'dmeforPartitionstopartofmyHouse.Dec.17.FromthisDaytotheTwentiethIplac'dShelves,andknock'dupNailsonthePoststohangeveryThingupthatcouldbehungup,andnowIbegantobeinsomeOrderwithinDoors.Dec.20.NowIcarry'deveryThingintotheCave,andbegantofurnishmyHouse,andsetupsomePiecesofBoards,likeaDresser,toordermyVictualsupon,butBoardsbegantobeveryscarcewithme;alsoImademeanotherTable.
Dec.24.MuchRainallNightandallDay,nostirringout.Dec.25.RainallDay.Dec.26.NoRain,andtheEarthmuchcoolerthanbefore,andpleasanter.Dec.27.Kill'dayoungGoat,andlam'danothersoasthatIcatch'dit,andleditHomeinaString;whenIhaditHome,Iboundandsplinter'dupitsLegwhichwasbroke,N.B.ItooksuchCareofit,thatitliv'd,andtheLeggrewwell,andasstrongasever;butbymynursingitsolongitgrewtame,andfeduponthelittleGreenatmyDoor,andwouldnotgoaway:ThiswasthefirstTimethatIentertain'daThoughtofbreedingupsometameCreatures,thatImighthaveFoodwhenmyPowderandShotwasallspent.Dec.28,29,30.GreatHeatsandnoBreeze;sothattherewasnoStirringabroad,exceptintheEveningforFood;thisTimeIspentinputtingallmyThingsinOrderwithinDoors.January1.Veryhotstill,butIwentabroadearlyandlatewithmyGun,andlaystillintheMiddleoftheDay;thisEveninggoingfartherintotheValleyswhichlaytowardstheCenteroftheIsland,IfoundtherewasplentyofGoats,tho'exceedingshyandhardtocomeat,howeverIresolv'dtotryifIcouldnotbringmyDogtohuntthemdown.Jan.2.Accordingly,thenextDay,IwentoutwithmyDog,andsethimupontheGoats;butIwasmistaken,fortheyallfac'daboutupontheDog,andheknewhisDangertoowell,forhewouldnotcomenearthem.Jan.3.IbeganmyFenceorWall;whichbeingstilljealousofmybeingattack'dbysomeBody,Iresolv'dtomakeverythickandstrong.N.B.ThisWallbeingdescrib'dbefore,IpurposelyomitwhatwassaidintheJournal;itissufficienttoobserve,thatIwasnolessTimethanfromthe3rdofJanuarytothe14thofApril,working,finishing,andperfectingthisWall,tho'itwasnomorethanabout24YardsinLength,beingahalfCirclefromonePlaceintheRocktoanotherPlaceabouteightYardsfromit,theDooroftheCavebeingintheCenterbehindit.AllthisTimeIwork'dveryhard,theRainshinderingmemanyDays,naysometimesWeekstogether;butIthoughtIshouldneverbeperfectlysecure`tillthisWallwasfinish'd;anditisscarcecrediblewhatinexpressibleLaboureveryThingwasdonewith,especiallythebringingPilesoutoftheWoods,anddrivingthemintothe
Ground,forImadethemmuchbiggerthanIneedtohavedone.WhenthisWallwasfinished,andtheOut-sidedoublefenc'dwithaTurff-Wallrais'dupclosetoit,Ipersuadedmyself,thatifanyPeopleweretocomeonShorethere,theywouldnotperceiveanyThinglikeaHabitation;anditwasverywellIdidso,asmaybeoberv'dhereafteruponaveryremarkableOccasion.DuringthisTime,ImademyRoundsintheWoodsforGameeveryDaywhentheRainadmittedme,andmadefrequentDiscoveriesintheseWalksofsomethingorothertomyAdvantage;particularlyIfoundaKindofwildPidgeons,whobuiltnotasWoodPidgeonsinaTree,butratherasHousePidgeons,intheHolesoftheRocks;andtakingsomeyoungones,Iendeavouredtobreadthemuptame,anddidso;butwhentheygrewoldertheyflewallaway,whichperhapswasatfirstforWantoffeedingthem,forIhadnothingtogivethem;howeverIfrequentlyfoundtheirNests,andgottheiryoungones,whichwereverygoodMeat.Andnow,inthemanagingmyhousholdAffairs,IfoundmyselfwantinginmanyThings,whichIthoughtatfirstitwasimpossibleformetomake,asindeedastosomeofthemitwas;forInstance,IcouldnevermakeaCasktobehooped,hadasmallRunletortwo,asIobservedbefore,butIcou'dneverarrivetotheCapacityofmakingonebythem,tho?IspentmanyWeeksaboutit;IcouldneitherputintheHeads,orjointtheStavessotruetooneanother,astomakethemholdWater,soIgavethatalsoover.InthenextPlace,IwasatagreatLossforCandle;sothatassoonaseveritwasdark,whichwasgenerallybySeven-a-Clock,wasoblig'dtogotoBed:IrememberedtheLumpofBees-waxwithwhichImadeCandlesinmyAfricanAdventure,butIhadnoneofthatnow;theonlyRemedyhadwas,thatwhenIhadkill'daGoat,sav'dtheTallow,andwithalittleDishmadeofClay,whichIbak'dintheSun,towhichIaddedaWickofsomeOakum,ImademeaLamp;andthisgavemeLight,tho'notaclearsteadyLightlikeaCandle;intheMiddleofallmyLaboursithappen'd,thatrumagingmyThings,IfoundalittleBag,which,asIhintedbefore,hadbeenfill'dwithCornforthefeedingofPoultry,notforthisVoyage,butbefore,asIsuppose,whentheShipcamefromLisbon;whatlittleRemainderofCornhadbeenintheBag,wasalldevour'dwiththeRats,andIsawnothingintheBagbutHusksandDust;andbeingwillingtohavetheBagforsomeotherUse,IthinkitwastoputPowderin,whenIdivideditforFearoftheLightning,orsomesuchUse,IshooktheHusksofCornoutofitononeSideofmyFortificationundertheRock.ItwasalittlebeforethegreatRains,justnowmention'd,thatIthrewthisStuffaway,takingnoNoticeofanyThing,andnotsomuchasrememberingthatIhadthrownanyThingthere;whenaboutaMonthafter,orthereabout,IsawsomefewStalksofsomethinggreen,shootingoutoftheGround,whichIfancy'dmightbesomePlantI
hadnotseen,butIwassurpriz'dandperfectlyastonish'd,when,afteralittlelongerTime,IsawabouttenortwelveEarscomeout,whichwereperfectgreenBarleyofthesameKindasourEuropean,nay,asourEnglishBarley.ItisimpossibletoexpresstheAstonishmentandConfusionofmyThoughtsonthisOccasion;IhadhithertoacteduponnoreligiousFoundationatall,indeedIhadveryfewNotionsofReligioninmyHead,orhad'entertain'danySenseofanyThingthathadbefallenme,otherwisethanasaChance,or,aswelightlysay,whatpleasesGod;withoutsomuchasenquiringintotheEndofProvidenceintheseThings,orhisOrderingoverningEventsintheWorld:ButafterIsawBarleygrowthere,inaClimatewhichIknowwasnotproperforCorn,andespeciallythatIknewnothowitcamethere,Itstartl'dmestrangely,andIbegantosuggest,thatGodhadmiraculouslycaus'dthisGraintogrowwithoutanyHelpofSeedsown,andthatitwassodirectedpurelyformySustenance,onthatwildmiserablePlace.Thistouch'dmyHeartalittle,andbroughtTearsoutofmyEyes,andIbegantoblessmyself,thatsuchaProdigyofNatureshouldhappenuponmyAccount;andthiswasthemorestrangetome,becauseIsawnearitstillallalongbytheSideoftheRock,someotherstragglingStalks,whichprov'dtobeStalksofRyce,andwhichIknew,becauseIhadseenitgrowinAfricawhenIwasashorethere.InotonlythoughtthesethepureProductionsofProvidenceformySupport,butnotdoubting,butthattherewasmoreinthePlace,IwentalloverthatPartoftheIsland,whereIhadbeenbefore,peeringineveryCorner,andundereveryRock,toseeformoreofit,butIcouldnotfindany;atlastitoccur'dtomyThoughts,thatIhadshookaBagofChickensMeatoutinthatPlace,andthentheWonderbegantocease;andImustconfess,myreligiousThankfulnesstoGod'sProvidencebegantoabatetooupontheDiscoveringthatallthiswasnothingbutwhatwascommon;tho'IoughttohavebeenasthankfulforsostrangeandunforseenProvidence,asifithadbeenmiraculous;foritwasreallytheWorkofProvidenceastome,thatshouldorderorappoint,that10or12GrainsofCornshouldremainunspoil'd,(whentheRatshaddestroy'dalltherest,)asifithadbeendroptfromHeaven;asalso,thatIshouldthrowitoutinthatparticularPlace,whereitbeingintheShadeofahighRock,itsprangupimmediately;whereas,ifIhadthrownitanywhereelse,atthatTime,ithadbeenburntupanddestroy'd.Icarefullysav'dtheEarsofthisCornyoumaybesureintheirSeason,whichwasabouttheEndofJune;andlayingupeveryCorn,resolv'dtosowthemallagain,hopinginTimetohavesomeQuantitysufficienttosupplymewithBread;Butitwasnottillthe4thYearthatIcouldallowmyselftheleastGrainofthisCorntoeat,andeventhenbutsparingly,asIshallsayafterwardsinitsOrder;forIlostallthatIsow'dthefirstSeason,bynotObservingtheproperTime;forIsow'ditjustbeforethedrySeason,sothatitnevercameupatall,atleast,notasitwouldha'done:Ofwhichin
itsPlace.BesidesthisBarley,therewas,asabove,20or30StalksofRyce,whichIpreserv'dwiththesameCare,andwhoseUsewasofthesameKindortothesamePurpose,(viz.)tomakemeBread,orratherFood;forIfoundWaystocookitupwithoutbaking,tho'IdidthatalsoaftersomeTime.ButtoreturntomyJournal,Iwork'dexcessivehardthesethreeorfourMonthstogetmyWalldone;andthe14thofAprilIcloseditup,contrivingtogointoit,notbyaDoor,butovertheWallbyaLadder,thattheremightbenoSignintheOut-sideofmyHabitation.April16.Ifinish'dtheLadder,soIwentupwiththeLaddertotheTop,andthenpull'ditupafterme,andletitdownintheIn-side:ThiswasacompleatEnclosuretomenforwithinIhadRoomenough,andnothingcouldcomeatmefromwithout,unlessitcouldfirstmountmyWall.TheverynextDayafterthisWallwasfinish'd,IhadalmosthadallmyLabouroverthrownatonce,andmyselfkill'd;theCasewasthus,AsIwasbusyintheInsideofit,behindmyTent,justintheEntranceintomyCave,IwasterriblyfrightedwithamostdreadfulsurprisingThingindeed;forallonasuddenIfoundtheEarthcomecrumblingdownfromtheRoofofmyCave,andfromtheEdgeoftheHillovermyHead,andtwoofthePostsIhadsetupintheCavecrack'dinafrightfulManner;Iwasheartilyscar'd,butthoughtnothing'ofwhatwasreallytheCause,onlythinkingthattheTopofmyCavewasfallingin,assomeofithaddonebefore;andforFearIshou'dbebury'dinit,IrunforewardtomyLadder,andnotthinkingmyselfsafethereneither,IgotovermyWallforFearofthePiecesoftheHillwhichIexpectedmightrolldownuponme:Iwasnosoonerstepp'ddownuponthefirmGround,butIplainlysawitwasaterribleEarthquake,fortheGroundIstoodonshookthreeTimesatabouteightMinutesDistance,withthreesuchShocks,aswouldhaveoverturn'dthestrongestBuildingthatcouldbesuppos'dtohavestoodontheEarth,andagreatPieceoftheTopofaRock,whichstoodabouthalfaMilefrommenexttheSea,felldownwithsuchaterribleNoise,asIneverheardinallmyLife,Iperceiv'dalso,theverySeawasputintoviolentMotionbyit;andIbelievetheShockswerestrongerundertheWaterthanontheIsland.Iwassoamaz'dwiththeThingitself,havingneverfeltthelike,ordiscours'dwithanyonethathad,thatIwaslikeonedeadorstupify'd;andtheMotionoftheEarthmademyStomachsicklikeonethatwastoss'datSea;buttheNoiseofthefallingoftheRockawak'dmeasitwere,androusingmefromthestupify'dConditionIwasin,fill'dmewithHorror,andIthoughtofnothingthenbuttheHillfallinguponmyTentandallmyhousholdGoods,andburyingallatonce;andthissunkmyverySoulwithinmeasecondTime.
AfterthethirdShockwasover,andIfeltnomoreforsomeTime,IbegantotakeCourage,andyetIhadnotHeartenoughtogoovermyWallagain,forFearofbeingburiedalive,butsatStillupontheGround,greatlycastdownanddisconsolate,notknowingwhattodo:AllthiswhileIhadnottheleastSeriousreligiousThought,nothingbutthecommon,Lordha'Mercyuponme;andwhenitwasover,thatwentawaytoo.WhileIsatthus,IfoundtheAirover-cast,andgrowcloudy,asifitwouldRain;soonafterthattheWindrosebylittleandlittle,sothat,inlessthanhalfanHour,itblewamostdreadfulHurricane:TheSeawasallonaSuddencover'doverwithFoamandFroth,theShorewascover'dwiththeBreachoftheWater,theTreesweretornupbytheRoots,andaterribleStormitwas;andthisheldaboutthreeHours,andthenbegantoabate,andintwoHoursmoreitwasstarkcalm,andbegantorainveryhard.AllthiswhileIsatupontheGroundverymuchterrify'danddejected,whenonasuddenitcameintomythoughts,thattheseWindsandRainbeingtheConsequencesoftheEarthquake,theEarthquakeitselfwasspentandover,andImightventureintomyCaveagain:WiththisThoughtmySpiritsbegantorevive,andtheRainalsohelpingtopersuademe,IwentinandsatdowninmyTent,buttheRainwassoviolent,thatmyTentwasreadytobebeatendownwithit,andIwasforc'dtogointomyCave,tho'verymuchafraidanduneasyforfearitshouldfallonmyHead.ThisviolentRainforc'dmetoanewWork,viz.TocutaHolethro'mynewFortificationlikeaSinktolettheWatergoout,whichwouldelsehavedrown'dmyCave.AfterIhadbeeninmyCavesometime,andfoundstillnomoreShocksoftheEarthquakefollow,Ibegantobemorecompos'd;andnowtosupportmySpirits,whichindeedwanteditverymuch,IwenttomylittleStoreandtookasmallSupofRum,whichhoweverIdidthenandalwaysverysparingly,knowingIcouldhavenomorewhenthatwasgone.Itcontinu'drainingallthatNight,andgreatPartofthenextDay,sothatIcouldnotstirabroad,butmyMindbeingmorecompos'd,IbegantothinkofwhatIhadbestdo,concludingthatiftheIslandwassubjecttotheseEarth-quakes,therewouldbenolivingformeinaCave,butImustconsiderofbuildingmesomelittleHutinanopenPlacewhichImightsurroundwithaWallasIhaddonehere,andsomakemyselfsecurefromwildBeastsorMen;butconcluded,ifIstaidwhereIwas,Ishouldcertainly,onetimeorother,bebury'dalive.WiththeseThoughtsIresolv'dtoremovemyTentfromthePlacewhereitstood,whichwasjustunderthehangingPrecipiceoftheHill,andwhich,ifitshouldbeshakenagain,wouldcertainlyfalluponmyTent:AndIspentthetwonextDays,beingthe19thand20thofApril,incontrivingwhereandhowtoremovemyHabitation.
Thefearofbeingswallow'dupalive,mademethatIneversleptinquiet,andyettheApprehensionsoflyingbroadwithoutanyFencewasalmostequaltoit;butstillwhenIlook'daboutandsawhoweverythingwasputinorder,howpleasantlyconceal'dIwas,andhowsafefromDanger,itmademeveryloathtoremove.Inthemeantimeitoccur'dtomethatitwouldrequireavastdealoftimeformetodothis,andthatImustbecontentedtoruntheVenturewhereIwas,tillIhadform'daCampformyself,andhadsecur'ditsoastoremovetoit:SowiththisResolutionIcompos'dmyselfforatime,andresolv'dthatIwouldgotoworkwithallSpeedtobuildmeaWallwithPilesandCables,&c.inaCircleasbefore,andsetmyTentupinitwhenitwasfinish'd,butthatIwouldventuretostaywhereIwastillitwasfinish'dandfittoremoveto.Thiswasthe21st.April22.ThenextMorningIbegantoconsiderofMeanstoputthisResolveinExecution,butIwasatagreatlossaboutmyTools;IhadthreelargeAxesandabundanceofHatchets,(forwecarriedtheHatchetsforTraffickwiththeIndians)butwithmuchchoppingandcuttingknottyhardWood,theywereallfullofNotchesanddull,andtho'IhadaGrindstone,IcouldnotturnitandgrindmyToolstoo,thiscostmeasmuchThoughtasaStatesmanwouldhavebestow'duponagrandPointofPoliticks,oraJudgeupontheLifeandDeathofaMan.AtlengthIcontriv'daWheelwithaString,toturnitwithmyFoot,thatImighthavebothmyHandsatLiberty:Note,IhadneverseenanysuchthinginEngland,oratleastnottotakeNoticehowitwasdone,tho'SinceIhaveobserv'ditisverycommonthere;besidesthat,myGrindstonewasverylargeandheavy.ThisMachinecostmeafullWeek'sWorktobringittoPerfection.April28,29.ThesetwowholeDaysItookupingrindingmyTools,myMachineforturningmyGrindstoneperformingverywell.April30.Havingperceiv'dmyBreadhadbeenlowagreatwhile,nowItookaSurveyofit,andreduc'dmyselftooneBisket-cakeaDay,whichmademyHeartveryheavy.May1.IntheMorninglookingtowardstheSea-side,theTidebeinglow,IsawsomethinglyeontheShorebiggerthanordinary,anditlook'dlikeaCask;whenIcametoit,IfoundasmallBarrel,andtwoorthreePiecesoftheWreckoftheShip,whichweredrivenonShorebythelateHurricane,andlookingtowardstheWreckitself,Ithoughtitseem'dtolyehigheroutoftheWaterthanitus'dtodo;Iexamin'dtheBarrelwhichwasdrivenonShore,andsoonfounditwasaBarrelofGunpowder,butithadtakenWater,andthePowderwascak'dashardasaStone;howeverIroll'ditfartheronShoreforthepresent,andwentonupontheSandsasnearasIcouldtotheWreckoftheShiptolookformore.
WhenIcamedowntotheShipIfounditstrangelyremov'd,TheFore-castlewhichlaybeforebury'dinSand,washeav'dupatleastSixFoot,andtheSternwhichwasbroketoPiecesandpartedfromtherestbytheForceoftheSeasoonafterIhadleftrummagingher,wastoss'd,asitwere,up,andcastononeSide,andtheSandwasthrownsohighonthatSidenextherStern,thatwhereastherewasabeatPlaceofWaterbefore,sothatIcouldnotcomewithinaQuarterofaMileoftheWreckwithoutswimming,IcouldnowwalkquiteuptoherwhentheTidewasout;Iwassurpriz'dwiththisatfirst,butsoonconcludeditmustbedonebytheEarthquake,andasbythisViolencetheShipwasmorebrokenopenthanformerly,somanyThingscamedailyonShore,whichtheSeahadloosen'd,andwhichtheWindsandWaterrolledbyDegreestotheLand.ThiswhollydivertedmyThoughtsfromtheDesignofremovingmyHabitation;andIbusiedmyselfmightilythatDayespecially,insearchingwhetherIcouldmakeanyWayintotheShip,butIfoundnothingwastobeexpectedofthatKind,forthatalltheIn-sideoftheShipwaschoack'dupwithSand:However,asIhadlearn'dnottodespairofanyThing,Iresolv'dtopulleveryThingtoPiecesthatIcouldoftheShip,concluding,thateveryThingIcouldgetfromherwouldbeofsomeUseorothertome.May3.IbeganwithmySaw,andcutaPieceofaBeamthro',whichIthoughtheldsomeoftheupperPartorQuarter-Decktogether,andwhenIhadcutitthro',Iclear'dawaytheSandaswellasIcouldfromtheSidewhichlayhighest;buttheTidecoming'in,Iwasoblig'dtogiveoverforthatTime.May4.Iwentafishing,butcaughtnotoneFishthatIdursteatof,tillIwaswearyofmySport,whenjustgoingtoleaveoff,IcaughtayoungDolphin.IhadmademealongLineofsomeRopeYarn,butIhadnoHooks,yetIfrequentlycaughtFishenough,asmuchasIcardtoeat;allwhichIdry'dintheSun,andeatthemdry.May5.Work'dontheWreck,cutanotherBeamasunder,andbroughtthreegreatFirPlanksofffromtheDecks,whichIty'dtogether,andmadeswimonShorewhentheTideofFloodcameon.May6.Work'dontheWreck,gotseveralIronBoltsoutofher,andotherPiecesofIronWork,work'dveryhard,andcameHomeverymuchtyr'd,andhadThoughtsofgivingitover.May7.WenttotheWreckagain,butwithanIntentnottowork,butfoundtheWeightoftheWreckhadbrokeitselfdown,theBeamsbeingcut,thatseveralPiecesoftheShipseem'dtolieloose,andtheIn-sideoftheHoldlaysoopen,thatIcouldseeintoit,butalmostfullofWaterandSand.
May8.WenttotheWreck,andcarry'danIronCrowtowrenchuptheDeck,whichlaynowquiteclearoftheWaterorSand;Iwrench'dopentwoPlanks,andbroughtthemonShorealsowiththeTide:IlefttheIronCrowintheWreckfornextDay.May9.WenttotheWreck,andwiththeCrowmadeWayintotheBodyoftheWreck,andfeltseveralCasks,andloosen'dthemwiththeCrow,butcouldnotbreakthemup;IfeltalsotheRollofEnglishLead,andcouldstirit,butitwastooheavytoremove.May10,11,12,13,14.WenteveryDaytotheWreck,andgotagreatdealofPiecesofTimber,andBoards,orPlank,and2or300WeightofIron.May15.Icarry'dtwoHatchetstotryifIcouldnotcutaPieceoffoftheRollofLead,byplacingtheEdgeofoneHatchet,anddrivingitwiththeother;butasitlayaboutaFootandahalfintheWater,IcouldnotmakeanyBlowtodrivetheHatchet.May16.Ithadblow'dhardintheNight,andtheWreckappear'dmorebrokenbytheForceoftheWater;butIstay'dsolongintheWoodstogetPidgeonsforFood,thattheTidepreventedmegoingtotheWreckthatDay.May17.IsawsomePiecesoftheWreckblownonShore,atagreatDistance,neartwoMilesoffme,butresolv'dtoseewhattheywere,andfounditwasaPieceoftheHead,buttooheavyformetobringaway.May24.EveryDaytothisDayIwork'dontheWreck,andwithhardLabourIloosen'dsomeThingssomuchwiththeCrow,thatthefirstblowingTideseveralCasksfloatedout,andtwooftheSeamensChests;buttheWindblowingfromtheShore,nothingcametoLandthatDay,butPiecesofTimber,andaHogsheadwhichhadsomeBrazilPorkinit,buttheSalt-waterandtheSandhadspoil'dit.Icontinu'dthisWorkeveryDaytothe15thofJune,excepttheTimenecessarytogetFood,whichIalwaysappointed,duringthisPartofmyEmployment,tobewhentheTidewasup,thatImightbereadywhenitwasebb'dout,andbythisTimeIhadgottenTimber,andPlank,andIron-Workenough,tohavebuildedagoodBoat,ifIhadknownhow;andalso,IgotatseveralTimes,andinseveralPieces,near100WeightoftheSheet-Lead.June16.GoingdowntotheSea-side,IfoundalargeTortoiseorTurtle;thiswasthefirstIhadseen,whichitseemswasonlymyMisfortune,notanyDefectofthePlace,orScarcity;forhadIhappen'dtobeontheotherSideoftheIsland,ImighthavehadHundredsofthemeveryDay,asIfoundafterwards;butperhapshadpaiddearenoughforthem.
June17.IspentincookingtheTurtle;IfoundinherthreescoreEggs;andherFleshwastomeatthatTimethemostsavouryandpleasantthateverItastedinmyLife,havinghadnoFlesh,butofGoatsandFowls,sinceIlandedinthishorridPlace.June18.Rain'dallDay,andIstay'dwithin.IthoughtatthisTimetheRainfeltCold,andIwassomethingchilly,whichIknewwasnotusualinthatLatitude.June19.Veryill,andshivering,asiftheWeatherhadbeencold.June20.NoRestallNight,violentPainsinmyHead,andfeaverish.June21.Veryill,frightedalmosttoDeathwiththeApprehensionsofmysadCondition,tobesick,andnoHelp:Pray'dtoGODforthefirstTimesincetheStormoffofHull,butscarceknewwhatIsaid,orwhy;myThoughtsbeingallconfused.June22.Alittlebetter,butunderdreadfulApprehensionsofSickness.June23.Verybadagain,coldandshivering,andthenaviolentHead-ach.June24.Muchbetter.June25.AnAgueveryviolent;theFitheldmesevenHours,coldFitandhot,withfaintSweatsafterit.June26.Better;andhavingnoVictualstoeat,tookmyGun,butfoundmyselfveryweak;howeverIkill'daShe-Goat,andwithmuchDifficultygotitHome,andbroil'dsomeofit,andeat;Iwou'dfainhavestew'dit,andmadesomeBroath,buthadnoPot.June27.TheAgueagainsoviolent,thatIlaya-BedallDay,andneithereatordrank.IwasreadytoperishforThirst,butsoweak,IhadnotStrengthtostandup,ortogetmyselfanyWatertodrink:Pray'dtoGodagain,butwaslight-headed,andwhenIwasnot,Iwassoignorant,thatIknewnotwhattosay;onlyIlayandcry'd,Lordlookuponme,Lordpityme,LordhaveMercyuponme:IsupposeIdidnothingelsefortwoorthreeHours,tilltheFitwearingoff,Ifellasleep,anddidnotwaketillfarintheNight;whenIwak'd,Ifoundmyselfmuchrefresh'd,butweak,andexceedingthirsty:However,asIhadnoWaterbinmywholeHabitation,Iwasforc'dtolietillMorning,andwenttosleepagain:InthissecondSleep,IhadthisterribleDream.Ithought,thatIwassittingontheGroundontheOutsideofmyWall,whereIsatwhentheStormblewaftertheEarthquake,andthatIsawaMandescendfromagreatblackCloud,inabrightFlameofFire,andlightupontheGround:HewasalloverasbrightasaFlame,sothatIcouldbutjustbeartolooktowardshim;hisCountenance
wasmostinexpressiblydreadful,impossibleforWordstodescribe;whenhestepp'dupontheGroundwithhisFeet,IthoughttheEarthtrembl'd,justasithaddonebeforeintheEarthquake,andalltheAirlook'd,tomyApprehension,asifithadbeenfill'dwithFlashesofFire.HewasnosoonerlandedupontheEarth,buthemovedforwardtowardsme,withalongSpearorWeaponinhisHand,tokillme;andwhenhecametoarisingGround,atsomeDistance,hespoketome,orIheardaVoicesoterrible,thatitisimpossibletoexpresstheTerrorofit;allthatIcansay,Iunderstood,wasthis,SeeingalltheseThingshavenotbroughttheetoRepentance,nomthoushaltdie:AtwhichWords,IthoughthelifteduptheSpearthatwasinhisHand,tokillme.Noone,thatshalleverreadthisAccount,willexpectthatIshouldbeabletodescribetheHorrorsofmySoulatthisterribleVision,Imean,thatevenwhileitwasaDream,IevendreamedofthoseHorrors;norisitanymorepossibletodescribetheImpressionthatremain'duponmyMindwhenIawak'dandfounditwasbutaDream.Ihadalas!nodivineKnowledge;whatIhadreceivedbythegoodInstructionofmyFatherwasthenwornoutbyanuninterruptedSeries,for8Years,ofSeafaringWickedness,andaconstantConversationwithnothingbutsuchaswerelikemyself,wickedandprophanetothelastDegree:IdonotrememberthatIhadinallthatTimeoneThoughtthatsomuchastendedeithertolookingupwardstowardGod,orinwardstowardsaReflectionuponmyownWays:ButacertainStupidityofSoul,withoutDesireofGood,orConscienceofEvil,hadentirelyoverwhelm'dme,andIwasallthatthemosthardened,unthinking,wickedCreatureamongourcommonSailors,canbesupposedtobe,nothavingtheleastSense,eitheroftheFearofGodinDanger,orofThankfulnesstoGodinDeliverances.IntherelatingwhatisalreadypastofmyStory,thiswillbethemoreeasilybeliev'd,whenIshalladd,thatthro'alltheVarietyofMiseriesthathadtothisDaybefallenme,IneverhadsomuchasoneThoughtofitbeingtheHandofGod,orthatitwasajustPunishmentformySin;myrebelliousBehaviouragainstmyFather,ormypresentSinswhichweregreat;orsomuchasaPunishmentforthegeneralCourseofmywickedLife.WhenIwasonthedesperateExpeditiononthedesertShoresofAfrica,IneverhadsoasoneThoughtofwhatwouldbecomeofme;oronetoodtodirectmewhetherIshouldgo,ortokeepmefromtheDangerwhichapparentlysurroundedme,aswellfromvoraciousCreaturesascruelSavages:ButIwasmeerlythoughtlessofaGod,oraProvidence;actedlikeameerBrutefromthePrinciplesofNature,andbytheDictatesofcommonSenseonly,andindeedhardlythat.
Part3WhenIwasdeliver'dandtakenupatSeabythePortugalCaptain,wellus'd,anddealtjustlyandhonourablywith,aswellascharitably,IhadnottheleastThankfulnessonmyThoughts:WhenagainIwasshipwreck'd,ruin'd,andinDangerofdrowningonthisIsland,IwasasfarfromRemorse,orlookingonitasaJudgment;Ionlysaidtomyselfoften,thatIwasanunfortunateDog,andborntobealwaysmiserable.Itistrue,whenIgotonShorefirsthere,andfoundallmyShip'sCrewdrown'd,andmyselfspar'd,Iwassurpriz'dwithaKindofExtasie,andsomeTransportsofSoul,which,hadtheGraceofGodassisted,mighthavecomeuptotrueThankfulness;butitendedwhereitbegun,inameercommonFlightofJoy,orasImaysay,beinggladIwasalive,withouttheleastReflectionuponthedistinguishingGoodnessoftheHandwhichhadpreserv'dme,andhadsingledmeouttobepreserv'd,whenalltherestweredestroy'd;oranEnquirywhyProvidencehadbeenthusmercifultome;evenjustthesamecommonSortofJoywhichSeamengenerallyhaveaftertheyaregotsafeashorefromaShipwreck,whichtheydrownallinthenextBowlofPunch,andforgetalmostassoonasitisover,andalltherestofmyLifewaslikeit.EvenwhenIwasafterwards,ondueConsideration,madesensibleofmyCondition,howIwascastonthisdreadfulPlace,outoftheReachofhumaneKind,outofallHopeofRelief,orProspectofRedemption,assoonasIsawbutaProspectofliving,andthatIshouldnotstarveandperishforHunger,alltheSenseofmyAfflictionworeoff,andIbeguntobeveryeasy,apply'dmyselftotheWorksproperformyPreservationandSupply,andwasfarenoughfrombeingafflictedatmyCondition,asaJudgmentfromHeaven,orastheHandofGodagainstme;thesewereThoughtswhichveryseldomenter'dintomyHead.ThegrowingupoftheCorn,asishintedinmyJournal,hadatfirstsomelittleInfluenceuponme,andbegantoaffectmewithSeriousness,aslongasIthoughtithadsomethingmiraculousinit;butassoonaseverthatPartoftheThoughtwasremov'd,alltheImpressionwhichwasrais'dfromit,woreoffalso,asIhavenotedalready.EventheEarthquake,tho'nothingcouldbemoreterribleinitsNature,ormoreimmediatelydirectingtotheinvisiblePowerwhichalonedirectssuchThings,yetnosoonerwasthefirstFrightover,buttheImpressionithadmadewentoffalso.IhadnomoreSenseofGodorhisJudgments,muchlessofthepresentAfflictionofmyCircumstancesbeingfromhisHand,thanifIhadbeeninthemostprosperousConditionofLife.ButnowwhenIbegantobesick,andaleisurelyViewoftheMiseriesofDeathcame
toplaceitselfbeforeme;whenmySpiritsbegantosinkundertheBurthenofastrongDistemper,andNaturewasexhaustedwiththeViolenceoftheFeaver;Consciencethathadsleptsolong,beguntoawake,andIbegantoreproachmyselfwithmypastLife,inwhichIhadsoevidently,byuncommonWickedness,provok'dtheJusticeofGodtolaymeunderuncommonStrokes,andtodealwithmeinsovindictiveaManner.TheseReflectionsoppress'dmeforthesecondorthirdDayofmyDistemper,andintheViolence,aswelloftheFeaver,asofthedreadfulReproachesofmyConscience,extortedsomeWordsfromme,likeprayingtoGod,tho'IcannotsaytheywereeitheraPrayerattendedwithDesiresorwithHopes;itwasrathertheVoiceofmeerFrightandDistress;myThoughtswereconfus'd,theConvictionsgreatuponmyMind,andtheHorrorofdyinginsuchamiserableConditionrais'dVapoursintomyHeadwiththemeerApprehensions;andintheseHurriesofmySoul,IknownotwhatmyTonguemightexpress:butitwasratherExclamation,suchas,Lord!whatamiserableCreatureamI?IfIshouldbesick,IshallcertainlydieforWantofHelp,andwhatwillbecomeofme!ThentheTearsburstoutofmyEyes,andIcouldsaynomoreforagoodwhile.InthisInterval,thegoodAdviceofmyFathercametomyMind,andpresentlyhisPredictionwhichImention'dattheBeginningofthisStory,viz.ThatifIdidtakethisfoolishStep,Godwouldnotblessme,andIwouldhaveLeisurehereaftertoreflectuponhavingneglectedhisCounsel,whentheremightbenonetoassistinmyRecovery.Now,saidIaloud,MydearFather'sWordsarecometopass:God'sJusticehasovertakenme,andIhavenonetohelporhearme:IrejectedtheVoiceofProvidence,whichhadmercifullyputmeinaPostureorStationofLife,whereinImighthavebeenhappyandeasy;butIwouldneitherseeitmyself,orlearntoknowtheBlessingofitfrommyParents;IleftthemtomournovermyFolly,andnowIamlefttomournundertheConsequencesofit:Irefus'dtheirHelpandAssistancewhowou'dhaveliftedmeintotheWorld,andwou'dhavemadeeveryThingeasytome,andnowIhaveDifficultiestostrugglewith,toogreatforevenNatureitselftosupport,andnoAssistance,noHelp,noComfort,noAdvice;thenIcry'dout,LordbemyHelp,forIamingreatDistress.ThiswasthefirstPrayer,ifImaycallitso,thatIhadmadeformanyYears:But1returntomyJournal.June28.Havingbeensomewhatrefresh'dwiththeSleepIhadhad,andtheFitbeingentirelyoff,Igotup;andtho'theFrightandTerrorofmyDreamwasverygreat,yetIconsider'd,thattheFitoftheAguewou'dreturnagainthenextDay,andnowwasmyTimetogetsomethingtorefreshandsupportmyselfwhenIshouldbeill;andthefirstThingIdid,Ifill'dalargesquareCaseBottlewithWater,andsetituponmyTable,inReachofmyBed;andtotakeoffthechilloraguishDispositionofthe
Water,IputaboutaQuarterofaPintofRumintoit,andmix'dthemtogether;thenIgotmeaPieceoftheGoat'sFlesh,andbroil'ditontheCoals,butcouldeatverylittle;Iwalk'dabout,butwasveryweak,andwithalverysadandheavy-heartedintheSenseofmymiserableCondition;dreadingtheReturnofmyDistemperthenextDay;atNightImademySupperofthreeoftheTurtle'sEggs,whichIroastedintheAshes,andeat,aswecallit,intheShell;andthiswasthefirstBitofMeatIhadeverask'dGod'sBlessingto,evenasIcou'dremember,inmywholeLife.AfterIhadeaten,Itry'dtowalk,butfoundmyselfsoweak,thatIcou'dhardlycarrytheGun,(forIneverwentoutwithoutthat)soIwentbutalittleWay,andsatdownupontheGround,lookingoutupontheSea,whichwasjustbeforeme,andverycalmandsmooth:AsIsathere,somesuchThoughtsastheseoccurredtome.WhatisthisEarthandSeaofwhichIhaveseensomuch,whenceisitproduc'd,andwhatamI,andalltheotherCreatures,wildandtame,humaneandbrutal,whencearewe?SureweareallmadebysomesecretPower,whoform'dtheEarthandSea,theAirandSky;andwhoisthat?Thenitfollow'dmostnaturally,ItisGodthathasmadeitall:Well,butthenitcameonstrangely,ifGodhasmadealltheseThings,Heguidesandgovernsthemall,andallThingsthatconcernthem;forthePowerthatcouldmakeallThings,mustcertainlyhavePowertoguideanddirectthem.Ifso,nothingcanhappeninthegreatCircuitofhisWorks,eitherwithouthisKnowledgeorAppointment.AndifnothinghappenswithouthisKnowledge,heknowsthatIamhere,andaminthisdreadfulCondition;andifnothinghappenswithouthisAppointment,hehasappointedallthistobefalme.Nothingoccurr'dtomyThoughttocontradictanyoftheseConclusions;andthereforeitresteduponmewiththegreaterForce,thatitmustneedsbe,thatGodhadappointedallthistobefalme;thatIwasbroughttothismiserableCircumstancebyhisDirection,hehavingthesolePower,notofmeonly,butofeveryThingthathappen'dintheWorld.Immediatelyitfollow'd,WhyhasGoddonethistome?WhathaveIdonetobethusus'd?MyConsciencepresentlycheck'dmeinthatEnquiry,asifIhadblasphem'd,andmethoughtitspoketomelikeaVoice;WRETCH!dostthouaskwhatthouhastdone!
lookbackuponadreadfulmis-spentLife,andaskthyselfwhatthouhastnotdone?ask,Whyisitthatthouwertnotlongagodestroy'd?Whywertthounotdrown'dinYarmouthRoads?Kill'dintheFightwhentheShipwastakenbytheSalleeManofWar?Devour'dbythewildBeastsontheCoastofAfrica?Or,Drown'dHERE,whenalltheCrewperish'dbutthyself?Dostthouask,WhathaveIdone?IwasstruckdumbwiththeseReflections,asoneastonish'd,andhadnotaWordtosay,nonottoanswertomyself,butriseuppensiveandsad,walk'dbacktomyRetreat,andwentupovermyWall,asifIhadbeengoingtoBed,butmyThoughtsweresadlydisturb'd,andIhadnoInclinationtoSleep;soIsatdowninmyChair,andlightedmyLamp,foritbegantobedark:NowastheApprehensionoftheReturnofmyDistemperterrify'dmeverymuch,itoccurr'dtomyThought,thattheBrasilianstakenoPhysickbuttheirTobacco,foralmostallDistempers;andIhadaPieceofaRollofTobaccoinoneoftheChests,whichwasquitecur'd,andsomealsothatwasgreenandnotquitecur'd.Iwent,directedbyHeavennodoubt;forinthisChestIfoundaCure,bothforSoulandBody,Iopen'dtheChest,andfoundwhatIlook'dfor,viz.theTobacco;andasthefewBooks,Ihadsav'd,laytheretoo,ItookoutoneoftheBibleswhichImention'dbefore,andwhichtothisTimeIhadnotfoundLeisure,orsomuchasInclinationtolookinto;Isay,Itookitout,andbroughtboththatandtheTobaccowithmetotheTable.WhatUsetomakeoftheTobacco,Iknewnot,astomyDistemper,orwhetheritwasgoodforitorno;butItry'dseveralExperimentswithit,asifIwasresolv'ditshouldhitoneWayorother:IfirsttookaPieceofaLeaf,andchew'ditinmyMouth,whichindeedatfirstalmoststupify'dmyBrain,theTobaccobeinggreenandstrong,andthatIhadnotbeenmuchus'dtoit;thenItooksomeandsteepeditanHourortwoinsomeRum,andresolv'dtotakeaDoseofitwhenIlaydown;andlastly,IburntsomeuponaPanofCoals,andheldmyNosecloseovertheSmokeofitaslongasIcouldbearit,aswellfortheHeatasalmostforSuffocation.IntheIntervalofthisOperation,ItookuptheBibleandbegantoread,butmyHeadwastoomuchdisturb'dwiththeTobaccotobearreading,atleastthatTime;onlyhavingopen'dtheBookcasually,thefirstWordsthatoccurr'dtomewerethese,CallonmeintheDayofTrouble,andIwilldeliver,andthoushaltglorifyme.TheWordswereveryapttomyCase,andmadesomeImpressionuponmyThoughtsattheTimeofreadingthem,tho'notsomuchastheydidafterwards;forasforbeingdeliver'd,theWordhadnoSound,asImaysay,tome;theThingwassoremote,soimpossibleinmyApprehensionofThings,thatIbegantosayastheChildrenofIsraeldid,whentheywerepromis'dFleshtoeat,CanGodspreadaTableintheWilderness?soIbegantosay,CanGodhimselfdelivermefromthisPlace?andasit
wasnotformanyYearsthatanyHopeappear'd,thisprevail'dveryoftenuponmyThoughts:Buthowever,theWordsmadeagreatImpressionuponme,andImuseduponthemveryoften.Itgrewnowlate,andtheTobaccohad,asIsaid,doz'dmyHeadsomuch,thatIinclin'dtosleep;soIleftmyLampburningintheCave,leastIshouldwantanyThingintheNight,andwenttoBed;butbeforeIlaydown,IdidwhatIneverhaddoneinallmyLife,Ikneel'ddownandpray'dtoGodtofulfilthePromisetome,thatifIcall'duponhimintheDayofTrouble,hewoulddeliverme;aftermybrokenandimperfectPrayerwasover,IdrunktheRuminwhichIhadsteep'dtheTobacco,whichwassostrongandrankoftheTobacco,thatindeedIcouldscarcegetitdown;immediatelyuponthisIwenttoBed,IfoundpresentlyitflewupinmyHeadviolently,butIfellintoasoundSleep,andwak'dnomore'tillbytheSunitmustnecessarilybenearThreea-ClockintheAfternoonthenextDay;nay,tothisHour,I'mpartlyoftheOpinion,thatIsleptallthenextDayandNight,and'tillalmostThreethatDayafter;forotherwiseIknewnothowIshouldloseaDayoutofmyReckoningintheDaysoftheWeek,asitappear'dsomeYearsafterIhaddone:forifIhadlostitbycrossingandre-crossingtheLine,IshouldhavelostmorethanoneDay:ButcertainlyIlostaDayinmyAccompt,andneverknewwhichWay.BethathoweveroneWayorth'other,whenIawak'dIfoundmyselfexceedinglyrefresh'd,andmySpiritslivelyandchearful;whenIgotup,IwasstrongerthanIwastheDaybefore,andmyStomachbetter,forIwashungry;andinshort,IhadnoFitthenextDay,butcontinu'dmuchalter'dforthebetter;thiswasthe29th.The30thwasmywellDayofCourse,andIwentabroadwithmyGun,butdidnotcaretotraveltoofar,Ikill'daSeaFowlortwo,somethinglikeabrandGoose,andbroughtthemHome,butwasnotveryforwardtoeatthem;soIatesomemoreoftheTurtle'sEggs,whichwereverygood:ThisEveningIrenew'dtheMedicinewhichIhadsuppos'ddidmegoodtheDaybefore,viz.theTobaccosteep'dinRum,onlyIdidnottakesomuchasbefore,nordidIchewanyoftheLeaf,orholdmyHeadovertheSmoke;however,IwasnotsowellthenextDay,whichwasthefirstofJuly,asIhop'dIshou'dhavebeen;forIhadalittleSpiceofthecoldFit,butitwasnotmuch.July2.Irenew'dtheMedicineallthethreeWays,anddoz'dmyselfwithitasatfirst;anddoubledtheQuantitywhichIdrank.3.Imiss'dtheFitforgoodandall,tho'IdidnotrecovermyfullStrengthforsomeWeeksafter;whileIwasthusgatheringStrength,myThoughtsrunexceedinglyuponthisScripture,Iwilldeliverthee,andtheImpossibilityofmyDeliverancelaymuchuponmyMindinBarrofmyeverexpectingit:ButasIwasdiscouragingmyselfwithsuchThoughts,itoccurr'dtomyMind,thatIporedsomuchuponmyDeliverancefromthemainAffliction,thatIdisregardedtheDeliveranceIhadreceiv'd;andIwas,asitwere,madetoaskmyselfsuchQuestionsasthese,viz.HaveInotbeendeliver'd,andwonderfullytoo,fromSickness?fromthemostdistress'd
Conditionthatcouldbe,andthatassofrightfultome,andwhatNoticeIhadtakenofit?HadIdonemyPart?Godhaddeliver'dme,butIhadnotglorify'dhim;thatistosay,Ihadnotown'dandbeenthankfulforthatasaDeliverance,andhowcou'dIexpectgreaterDeliverance?Thistouch'dmyHeartverymuch,andimmediatelyIkneel'ddownandgaveGodThanksaloud,formyRecoveryfrommySickness.July4.IntheMorningItooktheBible,andbeginningattheNewTestament,Ibeganseriouslytoreadit,andimpos'duponmyselftoreadawhileeveryMorningandeveryNight,nottyingmyselftotheNumberofChapters,butaslongasmyThoughtsshou'dengageme:ItwasnotlongafterIsetseriouslytothisWork,butIfoundmyHeartmoredeeplyandsincerelyaffectedwiththeWickednessofmypastLife:TheImpressionofmyDreamreviv'd,andtheWords,AlltheseThingshavenotbroughttheetoRepentance,ranseriouslyinmyThought:IwasearnestlybeggingofGodtogivemeRepentance,whenithappen'dprovidentiallytheveryDaythatreadingtheScripture,IcametotheseWords,HeisexaltedaPrinceandaSaviour,togiveRepentance,andtogiveRemission:IthrewdowntheBook,andwithmyHeartaswellasmyHandslifteduptoHeaven,inaKindofExtasyofJoy,Icry'doutaloud,Jesus,thouSonofDavid,Jesus,thouexaltedPrinceandSaviour,givemeRepentance!ThiswasthefirstTimethatIcouldsay,inthetrueSenseoftheWords,thatIpray'dinallmyLife;fornowIpray'dwithaSenseofmyCondition,andwithatrueScriptureViewofHopefoundedontheEncouragementoftheWordofGod;andfromthisTime,Imaysay,IbegantohaveHopethatGodwouldhearme.NowIbegantoconstruetheWordsmentionedabove,Callonme,andIwilldeliveryou,inadifferentSensefromwhatIhadeverdonebefore;forthenIhadnoNotionofanythingbeingcall'dDeliverance,butmybeingdeliver'dfromtheCaptivityIwasin;fortho'IwasindeedatlargeinthePlace,yettheIslandwascertainlyaPrisontome,andthatintheworstSenseintheWorld;butnowIlearn'dtotakeitinanotherSense:NowIlook'dbackuponmypastLifewithsuchHorrour,andmySinsappear'dsodreadful,thatmySoulsoughtnothingofGod,butDeliverancefromtheLoadofGuiltthatboredownallmyComfort:AsformySolitaryLifeitwasnothing;IdidnotSOmuchaspraytobedeliver'dfromit,orthinkofit;ItwasallofnoConsiderationinComparisontothis:AndIaddthisParthere,tohinttowhoevershallreadit,thatwhenevertheycometoatrueSenseofthings,theywillfindDeliverancefromSinamuchgreaterBlessing,thanDeliverancefromAffliction.ButleavingthisPart,IreturntomyJournal.
MyConditionbegannowtobe,tho'notlessmiserableasmyWayofliving,yetmucheasiertomyMind;andmyThoughtsbeingdirected,byaconstantreadingtheScripture,andprayingtoGod,tothingsofahigherNature:IadagreatdealofComfortwithin,whichtillnowIknewnothingof;also,asmyHealthandStrengthreturned,Ibestirr'dmyselftofurnishmyselfwitheverythingthatIanted,andmakemyWayoflivingasregularasIcould.Fromthe4thofJulytothe24th,Iwaschieflyemploy'dwalkingaboutwithmyGuninmyHand,alittleandalittle,ataTime,asaManthatwasgatheringuphisStrengthafteraFitofSickness:Foritishardlytobeimagin'd,howlowIwas,andtowhatWeaknessIwasreduc'd.TheApplicationwhichImadeUseofwasperfectlynew,andperhapswhathadnevercur'danAguebefore,neithercanrecommendittoanyonetopractise,bythisExperiment;andtho'itdidcarryofftheFit,yetitrathercontributedtoweakeningme;forIhadfrequentConvulsionsinmyNervesandLimbsforsomeTime.Ilearn'dfromitalsothisinparticular,thatbeingabroadtherainySeasonwasthemostperniciousthingtomyHealththatcouldbe,especiallyinthoseRainswhichcameendedwithStormsandHurricanesofWind;forastheinwhichcameinthedrySeasonwasalwaysmostaccompany'dwithsuchStorms,soIfoundthatRainwasmuchmoredangerousthantheRainwhichfellinSeptemberandOctober.IhadbeennowinthisunhappyIslandabove10Months,allPossibilityofDeliverancefromthisCondition,seem'dtobeentirelytakenfromme;andIfirmlybelieved,thatnohumaneShapehadeversetFootuponthatPlace:Havingnowsecur'dmyHabitation,asIthought,fullytomyMind,IhadagreatDesiretomakeamoreperfectDiscoveryoftheIsland,andtoseewhatotherProductionsImightfind,whichIyetknewnothingof.Itwasthe15thofJulythatIbegantotakeamoreparticularSurveyoftheIslanditself:IwentuptheCreekfirst,where,asIhinted,IbroughtmyRaftsonShore;IfoundafterIcameabouttwoMilesup,thattheTidedidnotflowanyhigher,andthatitwasnomorethanalittleBrookofrunningWater,andveryfreshandgood;butthisbeingthedrySeason,therewashardlyanyWaterinsomePartsofit,atleast,notenoughtoruninanyStream,soasitcouldbeperceiv'd.OntheBankofthisBrookIfoundmanypleasantSavana's,orMeadows;plain,smooth,andcover'dwithGrass;andontherisingPartsofthemnexttothehigherGrounds,wheretheWater,asitmightbesupposed,neveroverflow'dIfoundagreatdealofTobacco,green,andgrowingtogreatandverystrongStalk;therewerediversotherPlantswhichIhadnoNotionof,orUnderstandingabout,andmightperhaps
haveVertuesoftheirown,whichIcouldfindout.IsearchedfortheCassavaRoot,whichtheIndiansinallthatclimatemaketheirBreadof,butIcouldfindIsawlargePlantsofAlloes,butdidnotthenunderstandthem.IsawseveralSugarCanes,butwild,andforCultivation,imperfect.IcontentedmyselfwiththeseDiscoveriesforthisTime,andcamebackmusingwithmyselfwhatCourseImighttaketoknowtheVertueandGoodnessofanyoftheFruitsorPlantswhichIshoulddiscover;butcouldbringittonoConclusion;forinshort,IhadmadesolittleObservationwhileIwadintheBrasils,thatIknewlittleofthePlantsintheField,atleastverylittlethatmightservemetoanyPurposenowinmyDistress.ThenextDay,the16th,IwentupthesameWayagain,andaftergoingsomethingfartherthanIhadgonetheDaybefore,IfoundtheBrook,andtheSavana'sbegantocease,andtheCountrybecamemorewoodythanbefore;inthisPartIfounddifferentFruits,andparticularlyIfoundMellonsupontheGroundingreatAbundance,andGrapesupontheTrees;theVineshadspreadindeedovertheTrees,andtheClustersofGrapeswerejustnowintheirPrime,veryripeandrich:ThiswasasurprisingDiscovery,andIwasexceedinggladofthem;butIwaswarn'dbymyExperiencetoeatsparinglyofthem,remembring,thatwhenIwasashoreinBarbary,theeatingofGrapeskill'dseveralofourEnglishMenwhowereSlavesthere,bythrowingthemintoFluxesandFeavers:ButIfoundanexcellentUsefortheseGrapes,andthatwastocureordrythemintheSun,andkeepthemasdry'dGrapesorRaisinsarekept,whichIthoughtwouldbe,asindeedtheywere,aswholesomasagreeabletoeat,whennoGrapesmightbetobehad.IspentallthatEveningthere,andwentnotbacktomyHabitation,whichbytheWaywasthefirstNight,asImightsay,IhadlainfromHome.IntheNightItookmyfirstContrivance,andgotupintoaTree,whereIsleptwell,andthenextMorningproceededuponmyDiscovery,travellingnearfourMiles,asImightjudgebytheLengthoftheValley,keepingstilldueNorth,withaRidgeofHillsontheSouthandNorth-sideofme.AttheEndofthisMarchIcametoanOpening,wheretheCountryseem'dtodescendtotheWest,andalittleSpringoffreshWaterwhichissuedoutoftheSideoftheHillbyme,runtheotherWay,thatisdueEast;andtheCountryappear'dsofresh,sogreen,soflourishing,everythingbeinginaconstantVerdure,orFlourishofSpring,thatitlookedlikeaplantedGarden.IdescendedalittleontheSideofthatdeliciousVale,surveyingitwithasecretKindofPleasure,(tho'mixtwithmyotherafflictingThoughts)tothinkthatthiswasallmyown,thatIwasKingandLordofallthisCountryindefeasibly,andhadaRightofPossession;andifIcouldconveyit,ImighthaveitinInheritance,ascompleatlyasanyLordofaMannorinEngland.IsawhereAbundanceofCocoaTrees,Orange,
andLemmon,andCitronTrees;butallwild,andveryfewbearinganyFruit,atleastnotthen:However,thegreenLimesthatIgathered,werenotonlypleasanttoeat,butverywholesome;andImix'dtheirJuiceafterwardswithWater,whichmadeitverywholesome,andverycool,andrefreshing.IfoundnowIhadBusinessenoughtogatherandcarryHome;andIresolv'dtolayupaStore,aswellofGrapes,asLimesandLemons,tofurnishmyselfforthewetSeason,whichIknewwasapproaching.InOrdertothis,Igather'dagreatHeapofGrapesinonePlace,andalesserHeapinanotherPlace,andagreatParcelofLimesandLemonsinanotherPlace;andtakingafewofeachwithme,Itravell'dhomeward,andresolv'dtocomeagain,andbringaBagorSack,orwhatIcouldmaketocarrytherestHome.Accordingly,havingspentthreeDaysinthisJourney,IcameHome;soImustnowcallmyTentandmyCave:But,beforeIgotthither,theGrapeswerespoil'd;theRichnessoftheFruits,andtheWeightoftheJuicehavingbrokenthem,andbruis'dthem,theyweregoodforlittleornothing;astotheLimes,theyweregood,butIcouldbringbutafew.ThenextDay,beingthe19th,Iwentback,havingmademetwosmallBagstobringHomemyHarvest:ButIwassurpriz'd,whencomingtomyHeapofGrapes,whichweresorichandfinewhenIgather'dthem,Ifoundthemallspreadabout,trodtoPieces,anddragg'dabout,somehere,somethere,andAbundanceeatenanddevour'd:BythisIconcluded,thereweresomewildCreaturesthereabouts,whichhaddonethis;butwhattheywere,Iknewnot.However,asIfoundtheretherewasnolayingthemuponHeaps,andnocarryingthemawayinaSack,butthatoneWaytheywouldbedestroy'd,andtheotherWaytheywouldbecrush'dwiththeirownWeight.ItookanotherCourse;forIgather'dalargeQuantityoftheGrapes,andhungthemupupontheoutBranchesoftheTrees,thattheymightcureanddryintheSun;andasfortheLimesandLemons,Icarry'dasmanybackasIcouldwellstandunder.WhenIcameHomefromthisJourney,IcontemplatedwithgreatPleasuretheFruitfulnessofthatValley,andthePleasantnessoftheScituation,theSecurityfromStormsonthatSidetheWater,andtheWood,andconcluded,thatIhadpitch'duponaPlacetofixmyAbode,whichwasbyfartheworstPartoftheCountry.UpontheWholeIbegantoconsiderofremovingmyHabitation;andtolookoutforaaceequallysafe,aswhereInowwasscituate,ifpossible,inthatpleasantfruitfulPartoftheIsland.
ThisThoughtrunlonginmyHead,andIwasexceedingfondofitforsomeTime,thePleasantnessofthePlacetemptingme;butwhenIcametoanearerViewofit,andtoconsiderthatIwasnowbytheSea-Side,whereitwasatleastpossiblethatsomethingmighthappentomyAdvantage,andbythesameillFatethatbroughtmehither,mightbringsomeotherunhappyWretchestothesamePlace;andtho'itwasscarceprobablethatanysuchThingshouldeverhappen,yettoenclosemyselfamongtheHillsandWoods,intheCenteroftheIsland,wastoanticipatemyBondage,andtorendersuchanAffairnotonlyImprobable,butImpossible;andthatthereforeIoughtnotbyanyMeanstoremove.However,IwassoEnamour'dofthisPlace,thatIspentmuchofmyTimethere,forthewholeremainingPartoftheMonthofJuly;andtho'uponsecondThoughtsIresolv'dasabove,nottoremove,yetIbuiltmealittlekindofaBower,andsurroundeditataDistancewithastrongFence,beingadoubleHedge,ashighasIcouldreach,wellstak'd,andfill'dbetweenwithBrushwood;andhereIlayverysecure,sometimestwoorthreeNightstogether,alwaysgoingoveritwithaLadder,asbefore;sothatIfancy'dnowIhadmyCountry-House,andmySea-Coast-House:AndthisWorktookmeuptotheBeginningofAugust.Ihadbutnewlyfinish'dmyFence,andbegantoenjoymyLabour,buttheRainscameon,andmademestickclosetomyfirstHabitation;fortho'IhadmademeaTentliketheother,withaPieceofaSail,andspreaditverywell;yetIhadnottheShelterofaHilltokeepmefromStorms,noraCavebehindmetoretreatinto,whentheRainswereextraordinary.AbouttheBeginningofAugust,asIsaid,Ihadfinish'dmyBower,andbegantoenjoymyself.ThethirdofAugust,IfoundtheGrapesIhadhungupwereperfectlydry'd,andindeed,wereexcellentgoodRaisinsoftheSun;soIbegantotakethemdownfromtheTrees,anditwasveryhappythatIdidso;fortheRainswhichfollow'dwouldhavespoil'dthem,andIhadlostthebestPartofmyWinterFood;forIhadabovetwohundredlargeBunchesofthem.NosoonerhadItakenthemalldown,andcarry'dmostofthemHometomyCave,butitbegantorain,andfromhence,whichwasthefourteenthofAugust,itrain'dmoreorless,everyDay,tilltheMiddleofOctober;andsometimessoviolently,thatIcouldnotstiroutofmyCaveforseveralDays.InthisSeasonIwasmuchsurpriz'dwiththeIncreaseofmyFamily;Ihadbeenconcern'dfortheLossofoneofmyCats,whorunawayfromme,orasIthoughthadbeendead,andIheardnomoreTaleorTidingsofher,tilltomyAstonishmentshecameHomeabouttheEndofAugust,withthreeKittens;thiswasthemorestrangetome,becausetho'Ihadkill'dawildCat,asIcall'dit,withmyGun;yetIthoughtitwasaquitedifferingKindfromourEuropeanCats;yettheyoungCatswerethesameKindofHousebreedliketheoldone;andbothmyCatsbeingFemales,Ithoughtit
verystrange:ButfromthesethreeCats,Iafterwardscametobesopester'dwithCats,thatIwasforc'dtokillthemlikeVermine,orwildBeasts,andtodrivethemfrommyHouseasmuchaspossible.FromthefourteenthofAugusttothetwentysixth,incessantRain,sothatIcouldnotstir,andwasnowverycarefulnottobemuchwet.InthisConfinementIbegantobestraitnedforFood,butventuringouttwice,IoneDaykill'daGoat,andthelastDay,whichwasthetwentysixth,foundaverylargeTortoise,whichwasaTreattome,andmyFoodwasregulatedthus;IeataBunchofRaisinsformyBreakfast,aPieceoftheGoat'sFlesh,oroftheTurtleformyDinnerbroil'd;fortomygreatMisfortune,IhadnoVesseltoboilorstewanyThing;andtwoorthreeoftheTurtle'sEggsformySupper.DuringthisConfinementinmyCover,bytheRain,Iwork'ddailytwoorthreeHoursatenlargingmyCave,andbyDegreeswork'ditontowardsoneSide,tillIcametotheOut-SideoftheHill,andmadeaDoororWayout,whichcamebeyondmyFenceorWall,andsoIcameinandoutthisWay;butIwasnotperfectlyeasyatlyingsoopen;forasIhadmanag'dmyselfbefore,IwasinaperfectEnclosure,whereasnowIthoughtIlayexpos'd,andopenforanyThingtocomeinuponme;andyetIcouldnotperceivethattherewasanylivingThingtofear,thebiggestCreaturethatIhadyetseenupontheIslandbeingaGoat.Septemberthethirtieth,IwasnowcometotheunhappyAnniversaryofmyLanding.IcastuptheNotchesonmyPost,andfoundIhadbeenonShorethreehundredandsixtyfiveDays.IkeptthisDayasaSolemnFast,SettingitaparttoReligiousExercise,prostratingmyselfontheGroundwiththemostseriousHumiliation,confessingmySinstoGod,acknowledginghisRighteousJudgmentsuponme,andprayingtohimtohaveMercyonme,throughJesusChrist;andhavingnottastedtheleastRefreshmentfortwelveHours,eventillthegoingdownoftheSun,ItheneataBisketCake,andaBunchofGrapes,andwenttoBed,finishingtheDayasIbeganit.IhadallthisTimeobserv'dnoSabbath-Day;forasatfirstIhadnoSenseofReligionuponmyMind,IhadaftersomeTimeomittedtodistinguishtheWeeks,bymakingalongerNotchthanordinaryfortheSabbath-Day,andsodidnotreallyknowwhatanyOftheDayswere;butnowhavingcastuptheDays,asabove,IfoundIhadbeenthereaYear;soIdivideditintoWeeks,andsetaparteveryseventhDayforaSabbath;thoughIfoundattheEndofmyAccountIhadlostaDayortwoinmyReckoning.AlineafterthismyInkbegantofailme,andsoIcontentedmyselftouseitmoresparingly,andtowritedownonlythemostremarkableEventsofmyLife,withoutcontinuingadailyMemorandumofotherThings.
TherainySeason,andthedrySeason,begannowtoappearregulartome,andIlearn'dtodividethemso,astoprovideforthemaccordingly.ButIboughtallmyExperiencebeforeIhadit;andthisIamgoingtorelate,wasoneofthemostdiscouragingExperimentsthatImadeatall:Ihavemention'dthatIhadsav'dthefewEarsofBarleyandRice,whichIhadsosurprizinglyfoundspringup,asIthought,ofthemselves,andbelievetherewasaboutthirtyStalksofRice,andabouttwentyofBarley;andnowIthoughtitaproperTimetosowitaftertheRains,theSunbeinginitsSouthernPositiongoingfromme.AccordinglyIdugupaPieceofGroundaswellasIcouldwithmywoodenSpade,anddividingitintotwoParts,Isow'dmyGrain;butasIwassowing,itcasuallyoccur'dtomyThoughts,ThatIwouldnotsowitallatfirst,becauseIdidnotknowwhenwastheproperTimeforit;soIsow'dabouttwoThirdsoftheSeed,leavingaboutaHandfulofeach.ItwasagreatComforttomeafterwards,thatIdidso,fornotoneGrainofthatIsow'dthisTimecametoanyThing;forthedryMonthsfollowing,theEarthhavinghadnoRainaftertheSeedwassown,ithadnoMoisturetoassistitsGrowth,andnevercameupatall,tillthewetSeasonhadcomeagain,andthenitgrewasifithadbeenbutnewlysown.FindingmyfirstSeeddidnotgrow,whichIeasilyimagin'dwasbytheDrought,IfoughtforamoisterPieceofGroundtomakeanotherTrialin,andIdugupaPieceofGroundnearmynewBower,andsow'dtherestofmySeedinFebruary,alittlebeforetheVernalEquinox;andthishavingtherainyMonthsofMarchandApriltowaterit,sprungupverypleasantly,andyieldedaverygoodCrop;buthavingPartoftheSeedleftonly,andnotdaringtosowallthatIhadIhadbutasmallQuantityatlast,mywholeCropnotamountingtoabovehalfaPeckofeachkind.ButbythisExperimentIwasmadeMasterofmyBusiness,andknewexactlywhentheproperSeasonwastosow;andthatImightexpecttwoSeedTimes,andtwoHarvestseveryYear.WhilethisCornwasgrowing,ImadealittleDiscoverywhichwasofusetomeafterwards:AssoonastheRainswereover,andtheWeatherbegantosettle,whichwasabouttheMonthofNovember,ImadeaVisituptheCountrytomyBower,wherethoughIhadnotbeensomeMonths,yetIfoundallThingsjustasIleftthem.TheCircleordoubleHedgethatIhadmade,wasnotonlyfirmandentire;buttheStakeswhichIhadcutoutofsomeTreesthatgrewthereabouts,wereallshotoutandgrownwithlongBranches,asmuchasaWillow-TreeusuallyshootsthefirstYearafterloppingitsHead.IcouldnottellwhatTreetocallit,thattheseStakeswerecutfrom.Iwassurpriz'd,andyetverywellpleas'd,toseetheyoungTreesgrow;andIprun'dthem,andledthemuptogrowasmuchalikeasIcould;anditisscarce
crediblehowbeautifulaFiguretheygrewintointhreeYears;sothatthoughtheHedgemadeaCircleofabouttwentyfiveYardsinDiameter,yettheTrees,forsuchImightnowcallthem,sooncover'dit;anditwasacompleatShade,sufficienttolodgeunderallthedrySeason.ThismademeresolvetocutsomemoreStakes,andmakemeaHedgelikethisinaSemicircleroundmyWall;ImeanthatofmyfirstDwelling,whichIdid;andplacingtheTreesorStakesinadoubleRow,atabouteightYardsdistancefrommyfirstFence,theygrewpresently,andwereatfirstafineCovertomyHabitation,andafterwardserv'dforaDefencealso,asIshallobserveinitsOrder.Ifoundnow,ThattheSeasonsoftheYearmightgenerallybedivided,notintoSummerandWinter,asinEurope;butintotheRainySeasons,andtheDrySeasons,whichweregenerallythus,HalfFebruary,March,HalfApril,Rainy,theSunbeingthenon,orneartheEquinox.HalfApril,May,June,July,HalfAugust,Dry,theSunbeingthentotheNorthoftheLine.HalfAugust,September,HalfOctober,Rainy,theSunbeingthencomeback.HalfOctober,November,December,January,HalfFebruary,Dry,theSunbeingthentotheSouthoftheLine.TheRainySeasonsometimesheldlongerorshorter,astheWindshappen'dtoblow;butthiswasthegeneralObservationImade:AfterIhadfoundbyExperience,theillConsequenceofbeingabroadintheRain.ItookCaretofurnishmyselfwithProvisionsbeforehand,thatImightnotbeoblig'dtogoout;andIsatwithinDoorsasmuchaspossibleduringthewetMonths.ThisTimeIfoundmuchEmployment,(andverysuitablealsototheTime)forIfoundgreatOccasionofmanyThingswhichIhadnowaytofurnishmyselfwith,butbyhardLabourandconstantApplication;particularly,Itry'dmanyWaystomakemyselfaBasket,butalltheTwigsIcouldgetforthePurposeprov'dsobrittle,thattheywoulddonothing.Itprov'dofexcellentAdvantagetomenow,ThatwhenIwasaBoy,IusedtotakegreatDelightinstandingataBasketmaker's,intheTownwheremyFatherliv'd,toseethemmaketheirWicker-ware;andbeingasBoysusuallyare,veryofficioustohelp,andagreatObserveroftheMannerhowtheywork'dthoseThings,andsometimeslendingaHand,IhadbythisMeansfullKnowledgeofthe
Methodsofit,thatIwantednothingbuttheMaterials;whenitcameintomyMind,ThattheTwigsofthatTreefromwhenceIcutmyStakesthatgrew,mightpossiblybeastoughastheSallow's,andWillows,andOsiersinEngland,andIresolv'dtotry.AccordinglythenextDay,IwenttomyCountry-House,asIcall'dit,andcuttingsomeofthesmallerTwigs,IfoundthemtomyPurposeasmuchasIcoulddesire;whereuponIcamethenextTimeprepar'dwithaHatchettocutdownaQuantity,whichIsoonfound,fortherewasgreatPlentyofthem;theseIsetuptodrywithinmyCircleorHedge,andwhentheywerefitforUse,Icarry'dthemtomyCave,andhereduringthenextSeason,Iemploy'dmyselfinmaking,aswellasIcould,agreatmanyBaskets,bothtocarryEarth,ortocarryorlayupanyThingasIhadoccasion;andtho'Ididnotfinishthemveryhandsomly,yetImadethemsufficientlyserviceableformyPurpose;andthusafterwardsItookCarenevertobewithoutthem;andasmyWicker-waredecay'd,Imademore,especially,ImadestrongdeepBasketstoplacemyCornin,insteadofSacks,whenIshouldcometohaveanyQuantityofit.Havingmaster'dthisDifficulty,andemploy'daWorldofTimeaboutit,Ibestirr'dmyselftoseeifpossiblehowtosupplytwoWants:IhadnoVesselstoholdanyThingthatwasLiquid,excepttwoRunletswhichwerealmostfullofRum,andsomeGlass-Bottles,someofthecommonSize,andotherswhichwereCase-Bottlessquare,fortheholdingofWaters,Spirits,etc.IhadnotsomuchasaPottoboilanyThing,exceptagreatKettle,whichIsav'doutoftheShip,andwhichwastoobigforsuchUseasIdesir'dit,viz.TomakeBroth,andstewaBitofMeatbyitself.TheSecondThingIwouldfainhavehad,wasaTobacco-Pipe;butitwasimpossibletometomakeone,however,IfoundaContrivanceforthattooatlast.Iemploy'dmyselfinPlantingmySecondRowsofStakesorPilesandinthisWickerworkingalltheSummer,ordrySeason,whenanotherBusinesstookmeupmoreTimethanitcouldbeimagin'dIcouldspare.Imention'dbefore,ThatIhadagreatMindtoseethewholeIsland,andthatIhadtravell'duptheBrook,andsoontowhereIbuiltmyBower,andwhereIhadanOpeningquitetotheSeaontheotherSideoftheIsland;Inowresolv'dtotravelquiteCrosstotheSea-ShoreonthatSide;sotakingmyGun,aHatchet,andmyDog,andalargerQuantityofPowderandShotthanusual,withtwoBisketCakes,andagreatBunchofRaisinsinmyPouchformyStore,IbeganmyJourney;whenIhadpass'dtheValewheremyBowerstoodasabove,IcamewithinViewoftheSea,totheWest,anditbeingaveryclearDay,Ifairlydescry'dLand,whetheranIslandoraContinent,Icouldnottell;butitlayveryhigh,extendingfromtheWest,totheW.S.W.ataverygreatDistance;bymyGuessitcouldnotbelessthanFifteenorTwentyLeaguesoff.IcouldnottellwhatPartoftheWorldthismightbe,otherwisethanthatIknowitmustbePartofAmerica,andasIconcludedbyallmyObservations,mustbenearthe
SpanishDominions,andperhapswasallInhabitedbySavages,whereifIshouldhavelanded,IhadbeeninaworseConditionthanIwasnow;andthereforeIacquiescedintheDispositionsofProvidence,whichIbegannowtoown,andtobelieve,order'deveryThingforthebest;Isay,IquietedmyMindwiththis,andleftafflictingmyselfwithFruitlessWishesofbeingthere.Besides,aftersomePauseuponthisAffair,Iconsider'd,thatifthisLandwastheSpanishCoast,Ishouldcertainly,oneTimeorother,seesomeVesselpassorre-passoneWayorother;butifnot,thenitwastheSavageCoastbetweentheSpanishCountryandBrasils,whichareindeedtheworstofSavages;fortheyareCannibals,orMen-eaters,andfailnottomurtheranddevourallthehumaneBodiesthatfallintotheirHands.WiththeseConsiderationsIwalk'dveryleisurelyforward,IfoundthatSideoftheIslandwhereInowwas,muchpleasanterthanmine,theopenorSavannaFieldssweet,adorn'dwithFlowersandGrass,andfullofveryfineWoods.IsawAbundanceofParrots,andfainIwouldhavecaughtone,ifpossibletohavekeptittobetame,andtaughtittospeaktome.Idid,aftersomePainstaking,catchayoungParrot,forIknock'ditdownwithaStick,andhaving'recover'dit,Ibroughtithome;butitwassomeYearsbeforeIcouldmakehimspeak:However,atlastItaughthimtocallmebymyNameveryfamiliarly:ButtheAccidentthatfollow'd,tho'itbeaTrifle,willbeverydivertinginitsPlace.IwasexceedinglydivertedwiththisJourney:IfoundinthelowGroundsHares,asIthoughtthemtobe,andFoxes,buttheydiffer'dgreatlyfromalltheotherKindsIhadmetwith;norcouldIsatisfymyselftoeatthem,tho'Ikill'dseveral:ButIhadnoNeedtobeventrous;forIhadnoWantofFood,andofthatwhichwasverygoodtoo;especiallythesethreeSorts,viz.Goats,Pidgeons,andTurtleorTortoise;which,addedtomyGrapes,Leaden-hallMarketcouldnothavefurnish'daTablebetterthanI,inProportiontotheCompany;andtho'myCafewasdeplorableenough,yetIhadgreatCauseforThankfulness,thatIwasnotdriventoanyExtremitiesforFood;butratherPlenty,eventoDainties.Inevertravell'dinthisJourneyabovetwoMilesoutrightinaDay,orthereabouts;butItooksomanyTurnsandReturns,toseewhatDiscoveriesIcouldmake,thatIcamewearyenoughtothePlacewhereIresolv'dtositdownforallNight;andthenIeitherrepos'dmyselfinaTree,orsurroundedmyselfwithaRowofStakessetuprightintheGround,eitherfromoneTreetoanother,orsoasnowildCreaturecouldcomeatme,withoutWakingme.AssoonasIcametotheSeaShore,Iwassurpriz'dtoseethatIhadtakenupmyLotontheworstSideoftheIsland;forhereindeedtheShorewascover'dwithinnumerableTurtles,whereasontheotherSideIhadfoundbutthreeinaYearand
half.HerewasalsoaninfiniteNumberofFowls,ofmanyKinds,somewhichIhadseen,andsomewhichIhadnotseenofbefore,andmanyofthemverygoodMeat;butsuchasIknewnottheNamesof,exceptthosecall'dPenguins.IcouldhaveshotasmanyasIpleas'd,butwasverysparingofmyPowderandShot;andthereforehadmoreMindtokillasheGoat,ifIcould,whichIcouldbetterfeedon;andthoughthereweremanyGoatsheremorethanonmySidetheIsland,yetitwaswithmuchmoreDifficultythatIcouldcomenearthem,theCountrybeingflatandeven,andtheysawmemuchsoonerthanwhenIwasontheHill.IconfessthisSideoftheCountrywasmuchpleasanterthanmine,butyetIhadnottheleastInclinationtoremove;forasIwasfix'dinmyHabitation,itbecamenaturaltome,andIseem'dallthewhileIwashere,tobeasitwereuponaJourney,andfromHome:However,Itravell'dalongtheShoreoftheSea,towardstheEast,IsupposeabouttwelveMiles;andthesettingupagreatPoleupontheShoreforaMark,IconcludedIwouldgoHomeagain;andthatthenextJourneyItookshouldbeontheotherSideoftheIsland,EastfrommyDwelling,andsoroundtillIcametomyPostagain:OfwhichinitsPlace.ItookanotherWaytocomebackthanthatIwent,thinkingIcouldeasilykeepalltheIslandsomuchinmyView,thatIcouldnotmissfindingmyfirstDwellingbyviewingtheCountry;butIfoundmyselfmistaken;forbeingcomeabouttwoorthreeMiles,IfoundmyselfdescendedintoaverylargeValley;butsosurroundedwithHills,andthoseHillscover'dwithWood,thatIcouldnotseewhichwasmyWaybyanyDirectionbutthatoftheSun,noreventhen,unlessIknewverywellthePositionoftheSunatthatTimeoftheDay.Ithappen'dtomyfartherMisfortune,ThattheWeatherprov'dhazeyforthreeorfourDays,whilewasinthisValley;andnotbeingabletoseetheSun,Iwander'daboutveryuncomfortably,andatlastwasoblig'dtofindouttheSeaSide,lookformyPost,andcomebackthesameWayIwent;andthenbyeasyJourniesIturn'dHomeward,theWeatherbeingexceedinghot,andmyGun,Ammunition,Hatchet,andotherThingsveryheavy.InthisJourneymyDogsurpriz'dayoungKid,andseiz'duponit,andIrunningintotakeholdofit,caughtit,andsav'ditalivefromtheDog:IhadagreatMindtobringitHomeifIcould;forIhadoftenbeenmusing,WhetheritmightnotbepossibletogetaKidortwo,andsoraiseaBreedoftameGoats,whichmightsupplymewhenmyPowderandShotshouldbeallspent.ImadeaCollartothislittleCreature,andwithaStringwhichImadeofsomeRope-Yarn,whichIalwayscarry'daboutme,Iledhimalong,tho'withsomeDifficulty,tillIcametomyBower,andthereIenclos'dhim,andlefthim;forIwasveryimpatient
tobeatHome,fromwhenceIhadbeenabsentaboveaMonth.IcannotexpresswhataSatisfactionitwastome,tocomeintomyoldHutch,andlyedowninmyHamock-Bed:ThislittlewandringJourney,withoutsettledPlaceofAbode,hadbeensounpleasanttome,thatmyownHouse,asIcall'dittomyself,wasaperfectSettlementtome,compar'dtothat;anditrendredeveryThingaboutmesocomfortable,thatIresolv'dIwouldnevergoagreatWayfromitagain,whileitshouldbemyLottostayontheIsland.Irepos'dmyselfhereaWeek,torestandregalemyselfaftermylongJourney;duringwhich,mostoftheTimewastakenupintheweightyAffairofmakingaCageformyPoll,whobegannowtobeameerDomestick,andtobemightywellacquaintedwithme.ThenIbegantothinkofthepoorKid,whichIhadpenn'dinwithinmylittleCircle,andresolv'dtogoandfetchitHome,orgiveitsomeFood;accordinglyIwent,andfounditwhereIleftit;forindeeditcouldnotgetout,butalmoststarv'dforwantofFood:IwentandcutBowsofTrees,andBranchesofsuchShrubsasIcouldfind,andthrewitover,andhavingfedit,Ity'ditasIdidbefore,toleaditaway;butitwassotamewithbeinghungry,thatIhadnoneedtohavety'dit;foritfollow'dmelikeaDog;andasIcontinuallyfedit,theCreaturebecamesoloving,sogentle,andsofond,thatitbecamefromthatTimeoneofmyDomesticksalso,andwouldneverleavemeafterwards.TherainySeasonoftheAutumnalEquinoxwasnowcome,andIkeptthe30thofSept.inthesamesolemnMannerasbefore,beingtheAnniversaryofmyLandingontheIsland,havingnowbeentheretwoYears,andnomoreProspectofbeingdeliver'd,thanthefirstDayIcamethere.IspentthewholeDayinhumbleandthankfulAcknowledgmentsofthemanywonderfulMercieswhichmySolitaryConditionwasattendedwith,andwithoutwhichitmighthavebeeninfinitelymoremiserable.IgavehumbleandheartyThanksthatGodhadbeenpleas'dtodiscovertome,eventhatitwaspossibleImightbemorehappyinthisSolitaryCondition,thanIshouldhavebeeninaLibertyofSociety,andinallthePleasuresoftheWorld.Thathecouldfullymakeuptome,theDeficienciesofmySolitaryState,andthewantofHumaneSocietybyhisPresence,andtheCommunicationsofhisGracetomySoul,supporting,comforting,andencouragingmetodependuponhisProvidencehere,andhopeforhisEternalPresencehereafter.ItwasnowthatIbegansensiblytofeelhowmuchmorehappythisLifeInowledwas,withallitsmiserableCircumstances,thanthewicked,cursed,abominableLifeIledallthepastPartofmyDays;andnowIchang'dbothmySorrowsandmyJoys;myveryDesiresalter'd,myAffectionschang'dtheirGusts,landmyDelightswereperfectlynew,fromwhattheywereatmyfirstComing,orindeedforthetwoYearspast.
Before,asIwalk'dabout,eitheron,myHunting,orforviewingtheCountry,theAnguishofmySoulatmyCondition,wouldbreakoutuponmeonasudden,andmyveryHeartwoulddiewithinme,tothinkoftheWoods,theMountains,theDesartsIwasin;andhowIwasaPrisonerlock'dupwiththeEternalBarsandBoltsoftheOcean,inanuninhabitedWilderness,withoutRedemption:InthemidstofthegreatestComposuresofmyMind,thiswouldbreakoutuponmelikeaStorm,andmakemewringmyHands,andweeplikeaChild:SometimesitwouldtakemeinthemiddleofmyWork,andIwouldimmediatelysitdownandsigh,andlookupontheGroundforanHouror-twotogether;andthiswasstillworsetome;forifIcouldburstoutintoTears,orventmyselfbyWords,itwouldgooff,andtheGriefhavingexhausteditselfwouldabate.ButnowIbegantoexercisemyselfwithnewThoughts;IdailyreadtheWordofGod,andapply'dalltheComfortsofittomypresentState:OneMorningbeingverysad,Iopen'dtheBibleupontheseWords,Iwillnever,neverleavethee,norforsakethee;immediatelyitoccurr'd,ThattheseWordsweretome,WhyelseshouldtheybedirectedinsuchaManner,justattheMomentwhenIwasmourningovermyCondition,asoneforsakenofGodandMan?Wellthen,saidI,ifGoddoesnotforsakeme,ofwhatillConsequencecanitbe,orwhatmattersit,thoughtheWorldshouldallforsakeme,seeingontheotherHand,ifIhadalltheWorld,andshouldlosetheFavourandBlessingofGod,therewou'dbenoComparisonintheLoss.FromthisMomentIbegantoconcludeinmyMind,ThatitwaspossibleformetobemorehappyinthisforsakenSolitaryCondition,thanitwasprobableIshouldeverhavebeeninanyotherParticularStateintheWorld;andwiththisThoughtIwasgoingtogiveThankstoGodforbringingmetothisPlace.Iknownotwhatitwas,butsomethingshock'dmyMindatthatThought,andIdurstnotspeaktheWords:HowcanstthoubesuchaHypocrite,(saidI,evenaudibly)topretendtobethankfulforaCondition,whichhoweverthoumav'stendeavourtobecontentedwith,thouwould'stratherprayheartilytobedeliver'dfrom;soIstopp'dthere:ButthoughIcouldnotsay,Ithank'dGodforbeingthere;yetIsincerelygaveThankstoGodforopeningmyEyes,bywhateverafflictingProvidences,toseetheformerConditionofmyLife,andtomournformyWickedness,andrepent.Ineveropen'dtheBible,orshutit,butmyverySoulwithinme,bless'dGodfordirectingmyFriendinEngland,withoutanyOrderofmine,topackitupamongmyGoods;andforassistingmeafterwardstosaveitoutoftheWreckoftheShip.Thus,andinthisDispositionofMind,IbeganmythirdYear:andtho'IhavenotgiventheReadertheTroubleofsoparticularAccountofmyWorksthisYearasthefirst;yetinGeneralitmaybeobserv'd,ThatIwasveryseldomidle;buthavingregularlydividedmyTime,accordingtotheseveraldailyEmploymentsthatwerebeforeme,suchas,First,MyDutytoGod,andtheReadingtheScriptures,whichI
constantlysetapartsomeTimeforthriceeveryDay.Secondly,ThegoingAbroadwithmyGunforFood,whichgenerallytookmeupthreeHoursineveryMorning,whenitdidnotRain.Thirdly,Theordering,curing,preserving,andcookingwhatIhadkill'dorcatch'dformySupply;thesetookupgreatPartoftheDay;alsoitistobeconsideredthatthemiddleoftheDaywhentheSunwasintheZenith,theViolenceoftheHeatwastoogreattostirout;sothataboutfourHoursintheEveningwasalltheTimeIcouldbesuppos'dtoworkin;withthisException,ThatsometimesIchang'dmyHoursofHuntingandWorking,andwenttoworkintheMorning,andAbroadwithmyGunintheAfternoon.TothisshortTimeallow'dforLabour,IdesiremaybeaddedtheexceedingLaboriousnessofmyWork;themanyHourswhichforwantofTools,wantofHelp,andwantofSkill,everyThingIdid,tookupoutofmyTime:ForExample,IwasfulltwoandfortyDaysmakingmeaBoardforalongShelf,whichIwantedinmyCave;whereastwoSawyerswiththeirTools,andaSaw-Pit,wouldhavecutsixofthemoutofthesameTreeinhalfaDay.MyCasewasthis,ItwastobealargeTree,whichwastobecutdown,becausemyBoardwastobeabroadone.ThisTreeIwasthreeDaysacuttingdown,andtwomorecuttingofftheBows,andreducingittoaLog,orPieceofTimber.WithinexpressiblehackingandhewingIreduc'dboththeSidesofitintoChips,tillitbeguntobelightenoughtomove;thenIturn'dit,andmadeoneSideofitsmooth,andflat,asaBoardfromEndtoEnd;thenturningthatSidedownward,cuttheotherSide,tillIbroughttheplanktobeaboutthreeInchesthick,andsmoothonbothSides.AnyOnemayjudgetheLabourofmyHandsinsuchaPieceofWork;butLabourandPatiencecarry'dmethroughthatandmanyotherThings:IonlyobservethisinParticular,toshew,TheReasonwhysomuchofmyTimewentawaywithsolittleWork,viz.ThatwhatmightbealittletobedonewithHelpandTools,wasavastLabour,andrequir'daprodigiousTimetodoalone,andbyhand.Butnotwithstandingthis,withPatienceandLabourIwentthroughmanyThings;andindeedeveryThingthatmyCircumstancesmadenecessarytometodo,aswillappearbywhatfollows.Iwasnow,intheMonthsofNovemberandDecember,expectingmyCropofBarleyandRice.TheGroundIhadmanur'dordugupforthemwasnotgreat;forasIobserv'd,mySeedofeachwasnotabovetheQuantityofhalfaPeck;forIhadlostonewholeCropbysowinginthedrySeason;butnowmyCroppromis'dverywell,whenonasuddenIfoundIwasinDangeroflosingitallagainbyEnemiesofseveralSorts,whichitwasscarcepossibletokeepfromit;asFirst,TheGoats,andwildCreatureswhichIcall'dHareswhotastingtheSweetnessoftheBlade,layinitNightandDay,assoonasitcameup,andeatitsoclose,thatitcouldgetnoTimetoshootupintoStalk.
ThisIsawnoRemedyfor,butbymakinganEnclosureaboutitwithaHedge,whichIdidwithagreatdealofToil;andthemore,becauseitrequir'dSpeed.However,asmyArableLandwasbutsmall,suitedtomyCrop,Igotittotallywellfenc'd,inaboutthreeWeeksTime;andshootingsomeoftheCreaturesintheDayTime,IsetmyDogtoguarditintheNight,tyinghimuptoaStakeattheGate,wherehewouldstandandbarkallNightlong;soinalittleTimetheEnemiesforsookthePlace,andtheCorngrewverystrong,andwell,andbegantoripenapace.ButastheBeastsruinedmebefore,whilemyCornwasintheBlade;sotheBirdswereaslikelytoruinmenow,whenitwasintheEar;forgoingalongbythePlacetoseehowitthrove,IsawmylittleCropsurroundedwithFowlsofIknownothowmanySorts,whostoodasitwerewatchingtillIshouldbegone:Iimmediatelyletflyamongthem(forIalwayshadmyGunwithme)Ihadnosoonershot,butthereroseupalittleCloudofFowls,whichIhadnotseenatall,fromamongtheCornitself.Thistouch'dmesensibly,forIforesaw,thatinafewDaystheywoulddevourallmyHopes,thatIshouldbestarv'd,andneverbeabletoraiseaCropatall,andwhattodoIcouldnottell:HoweverIresolv'dnottoloosemyCorn,ifpossible,tho'IshouldwatchitNightandDay.InthefirstPlace,IwentamongittoseewhatDamagewasalreadydone,andfoundtheyhadspoil'dagooddealofit,butthatasitwasyettooGreenforthem,theLosswasnotsogreat,butthattheRemainderwasliketobeagoodCropifitcouldbesav'd.IstaidbyittoloadmyGun,andthencomingawayIcouldeasilyseetheThievessittinguponalltheTreesaboutme,asiftheyonlywaitedtillIwasgoneaway,andtheEventprovedittobeso;forasIwalk'doffasifIwasgone,Iwasnosooneroutoftheirsight,buttheydroptdownonebyoneintotheCornagain.Iwassoprovok'dthatIcouldnothavePatiencetostaytillmorecameon,knowingthateveryGrainthattheyeatnow,was,asitmightbesaid,aPeck-loaftomeintheConsequence;butcominguptotheHedge,Ifir'dagain,andkill'dthreeofthem.ThiswaswhatIwish'dfor;soItookthemup,andserv'dthemasweservenotoriousThievesinEngland,(viz.)Hang'dtheminChainsforaTerrortoothers;itisimpossibletoimaginealmost,thatthisshouldhavesuchanEffect,asithad;fortheFowlswou'dnotonlynotcomeattheCorn,butinshorttheyforsookallthatPartoftheIsland,andIcouldneverseeaBirdnearthePlaceaslongasmyScare-Crowshungthere.ThisIwasverygladof,youmaybesure,andaboutthelatterendofDecember,whichwasoursecondHarvestoftheYear,Ireap'dmyCrop.IwassadlyputtoitforaScytheoraSicletocutitdown,and-allIcoulddowastomakeoneaswellasIcouldoutofoneoftheBroadSwordsorCutlasses,whichIsav'damongtheArmsoutoftheShip.However,asmyfirstCropwasbutsmallIhad
nogreatDifficultytocutitdown;inshort,Ireap'ditmyWay,forIcutnothingoffbuttheEars,andcarry'ditawayinagreatBasketwhichIhadmade,andsorubb'ditoutwithmyHands;andattheEndofallmyHarvesting,IfoundthatoutofmyhalfPeckofSeed,IhadneartwoBushelsofRice,andabovetwoBushelsandhalfofBarley,thatistosay,bymyGuess,forIhadnoMeasureatthattime.However,thiswasagreatEncouragementtome,andIforesawthatintime,itwou'dpleaseGodtosupplymewithBread:AndyethereIwasperplex'dagain,forIneitherknewhowtogrindormakeMealofmyCorn,orindeedhowtocleanitandpartit;norifmadeintoMeal,howtomakeBreadofit,andifhowtomakeit,yetIknewnothowtobakeit;thesethingsbeingaddedtomyDesireofhavingagoodQuantityforStore,andtosecureaconstantSupply,Iresolv'dnottotasteanyofthisCropbuttopreserveitallforSeedagainstthenextSeason,andinthemeantimetoemployallmyStudyandHoursofWorkingtoaccomplishthisgreatWorkofProvidingmyselfwithCornandBread.Itmightbetrulysaid,thatnowIwork'dformyBread;'tisalittlewonderful,andwhatIbelievefewPeoplehavethoughtmuchupon,(viz.)thestrangemultitudeoflittleThingsnecessaryintheProviding,Producing,Curing,Dressing,MakingandFinishingthisoneArticleofBread.IthatwasreducedtoameerStateofNature,foundthistomydailyDiscouragement,andwasmademoreandmoresensibleofiteveryHour,evenafterIhadgotthefirstHandfulofSeed-Corn,which,asIhavesaid,cameupunexpectedly,andindeedtoasurprize.First,IhadnoPlowtoturnuptheEarth,noSpadeorShoveltodigit.Well,thisIconquer'd,bymakingawoodenSpade,asIobserv'dbefore;butthisdidmyWorkinbutawoodenmanner,andtho'itcostmeagreatmanyDaystomakeit,yetforwantofIronitnotonlyworeoutthesooner,butmademyWorktheharder,andmadeitbeperform'dmuchworse.HoweverthisIborewith,andwascontenttoworkitoutwithPatience,andbearwiththebadnessofthePerformance.WhentheCornwassow'd,IhadnoHarrow,butwasforcedtogooveritmyselfanddragagreatheavyBoughofaTreeoverit,toScratchit,asitmaybecall'd,ratherthanRakeorHarrowit.Whenitwasgrowingandgrown,Ihaveobserv'dalready,howmanythingsIwanted,toFenceit,Secureit,MoworReapit,CureandCarryitHome,Thrash,PartitfromtheChaff,andSaveit.ThenIwantedaMilltoGrindit,SievestoDressit,YeastandSalttomakeitintoBread,andanOventobakeit,andyetallthesethingsIdidwithout,asshallbeobserv'd;andyettheCornwasaninestimableComfortandAdvantagetometoo.Allthis,asIsaid,madeeverythinglaboriousandtedioustome,
butthattherewasnohelpfor;neitherwasmytimesomuchLosstome,becauseasIhaddividedit,acertainPartofitwaseveryDayappointedtotheseWorks;andasIresolv'dtousenoneoftheCornforBreadtillIhadagreaterQuantitybyme,IhadthenextsixMonthstoapplymyselfwhollybyLabourandInventiontofurnishmyselfwithUtensilsproperfortheperformingalltheOperationsnecessaryforthemakingtheCorn(whenIhadit)fitformyuse.Butfirst,IwastopreparemoreLand,forIhadnowSeedenoughtosowaboveanAcreofGround.BeforeIdidthis,IhadaWeek's-workatleasttomakemeaSpade,whichwhenitwasdonewasbutasorryoneindeed,andveryheavy,andrequir'ddoubleLabourtoworkwithit;howeverIwentthro'that,andsow'dmySeedintwolargeflatPiecesofGround,asnearmyHouseasIcouldfindthemtomyMind,andfenc'dtheminwithagoodHedge,theStakesofwhichwereallcutofthatWoodwhichIhadsetbefore,andknewitwouldgrow,sothatinoneYear'stimeIknewIshouldhaveaQuickorLiving-Hedge,thatwouldwantbutlittleRepair.ThisWorkwasnotsolittleastotakemeuplessthanthreeMonths,becausegreatPartofthattimewasofthewetSeason,whenIcouldnotgoabroad.WithinDoors,thatis,whenitrained,andIcouldnotgoout,IfoundEmploymentonthefollowingOccasions;alwaysobserving,thatallthewhileIwasatworkIdivertedmyselfwithtalkingtomyParrot,andteachinghimtoSpeak,andIquicklylearn'dhimtoknowhisownName,andatlasttospeakitoutprettyloudPOL,whichwasthefirstWordIeverheardspokenintheIslandbyanyMouthbutmyown.ThisthereforewasnotmyWork,butanassistanttomyWork,fornow,asIsaid,IhadagreatEmploymentuponmyHands,asfollows,(viz.)Ihadlongstudy'dbysomeMeansorother,tomakemyselfsomeEarthenVessels,whichindeedIwantedsorely,butknewnotwheretocomeatthem:However,consideringtheHeatoftheClimate,IdidnotdoubtbutifIcouldfindoutanysuchClay,ImightbotchupsomesuchPot,asmight,beingdry'dintheSun,behardenough,andstrongenoughtobearhandling,andtoholdanyThingthatwasdry,andrequir'dtobekeptso;andasthiswasnecessaryinthepreparingCorn,Meal,etc.whichwastheThingIwasupon,Iresolv'dtomakesomeaslargeasIcould,andfitonlytostandlikeJarrstoholdwhatshouldbeputintothem.ItwouldmaketheReaderpityme,orratherlaughatme,totellhowmanyawkwardwaysItooktoraisethisPaste,whatoddmishapenuglythingsImade,howmanyofthemfellin,andhowmanyfellout,theClaynotbeingstiffenoughtobearitsownWeight;howmanycrack'dbytheoverviolentHeatoftheSun,beingsetouttoohastily;andhowmanyfellinpieceswithonlyremoving,aswellbeforeasaftertheyweredry'd;andinaword,howafterhavinglabour'dhardtofindtheClay,todigit,totemperit,tobringithomeandworkit;Icouldnotmakeabovetwolargeearthernuglythings,IcannotcallthemJarrs,inabouttwoMonthsLabour.
However,astheSunbak'dtheseTwo,verydryandhard,Iliftedthemverygentlyup,andsetthemdownagainintwogreatWicker-BasketswhichIhadmadeonpurposeforthem,thattheymightnotbreak,andasbetweenthePotandtheBaskettherewasalittleroomtospare,Istuff'ditfulloftheRiceandBarleyStraw,andthesetwoPotsbeingtostandalwaysdry,IthoughtwouldholdmydryCorn,andperhapstheMeal,whentheCornwasbruised.Tho'ImiscarriedsomuchinmyDesignforlargePots,yetImadeseveralsmallerthingswithbetterSuccess,suchaslittleroundPots,flatDishes,PitchersandPipkins,andanythingsmyHandturn'dto,andtheHeatoftheSunbak'dthemstrangelyhard.ButallthiswouldnotanswermyEnd,whichwastogetanearthenPottoholdwhatwasLiquid,andbeartheFire,whichnoneofthesecoulddo.Ithappen'daftersometime,makingaprettylargeFireforcookingmyMeat,whenIwenttoputitoutafterIhaddonewithit,IfoundabrokenPieceofoneofmyEarthen-wareVesselsintheFire,burntashardasaStone,andredasaTile.Iwasagreeablysuppris'dtoseeit,andsaidtomyself,thatcertainlytheymightbemadetoburnwholeiftheywouldburnbroken.ThissetmetostudyinghowtoordermyFire,soastomakeitburnmesomePots.IhadnoNotionofaKiln,suchasthePottersburnin,orofglazingthemwithLead,tho'IhadSomeLeadtodoitwith;butIplac'dthreelargePipkins,andtwoorthreePotsinaPileoneuponanother,andplac'dmyFire-woodallrounditwithagreatHeapofEmbersunderthem,Iply'dtheFirewithfreshFuelroundtheout-side,anduponthetop,tillIsawthePotsintheinsideredhotquitethro',andobserv'dthattheydidnotcrackatall;whenIsawthemclearred,IletthemstandinthatHeatabout5or6Hours,tillIfoundoneofthem,tho'itdidnotcrack,didmeltorrun,fortheSandwhichwasmixedwiththeClaymeltedbytheviolenceoftheHeat,andwouldhaverunintoGlassifIhadgoneon,soIslack'dmyFiregraduallytillthePotsbegantoabateoftheredColour,andwatchingthemallNight,thatImightnotlettheFireabatetoofast,intheMorningIhadthreeverygood,IwillnotsayhandsomePipkins;andtwootherEarthenPots,ashardburntascou'dbedesir'd;andoneofthemperfectlyglaz'dwiththeRunningoftheSand.AfterthisExperiment,IneednotsaythatIwantednosortofEarthenWareformyUse;butImustneedssay,astotheShapesofthem,theywereveryindifferent,asanyonemaysuppose,whenIhadnowayofmakingthem;butastheChildrenmakeDirt-Pies,OrasaWomanwouldmakePies,thatneverlearn'dtoraisePast.NoJoyataThingofsomeanaNaturewaseverequaltomine,whenIfoundIhadmadeanEarthenPotthatwouldbeartheFire;andIhadhardlyPatiencetostaytilltheywerecold,beforeIsetoneupontheFireagain,withsomeWaterinit,toboilmesomeMeat,whichitdidadmirablywell;andwithaPieceofaKid,ImadeSomevery
goodBroth,thoughIwantedOatmeal,andseveralotherIngredients,requisitetomakeitsogoodasIwouldhavehaditbeen.MynextConcernwas,togetmeaStoneMortar,tostamporbeatsomeCornin;forastotheMill,therewasnothoughtatarrivingtothatPerfectionofArt,withonePairofHands.TosupplythisWantIwasatagreatLoss;forofallTradesintheWorldIwasasperfectlyunqualify'dforaStone-cutter,asforanywhatever;neitherhadIanyToolstogoaboutitwith.IspentmanyaDaytofindoutagreatStonebigenoughtocuthollow,andmakefitforaMortar,andcouldfindnoneatall;exceptwhatwasinthesolidRock,andwhichIhadnowaytodigorcutout;norindeedweretheRocksintheIslandofHardnesssufficient,butwereallofasandycrumblingStone,whichneitherwouldbeartheWeightofaheavyPestle,orwouldbreaktheCornwithoutfillingitwithSand;soafteragreatdealofTimelostinsearchingforaStone,Igaveitover,andresolv'dtolookoutforagreatBlockofhardWood,whichIfoundindeedmucheasier;andgettingoneasbigasIhadStrengthtostir,Iroundedit,andform'ditintheOut-sidewithmyAxeandHatchet,andthenwiththeHelpofFire,andinfiniteLabour,madeahollowPlaceinit,astheIndiansinBrasilmaketheirCanoes.Afterthis,ImadeagreatheavyPestleorBeater,oftheWoodcall'dtheIron-wood,andthisIprepar'dandlaidbyagainstIhadmynextCropofCorn,whenIpropos'dtomyself,togrind,orratherpoundmyintoMealtomakemyBread.MynextDifficultywastomakeaSieve,orSearch,'todressmyMeal,andtopartitfromtheBran,andtheHusk,withoutwhichIdidnotseeitpossibleIcouldhaveanyBread.ThiswasamostdifficultThing,somuchasbuttothinkon;fortobesureIhadnothinglikethenecessaryThingtomakeit;ImeanfinethinCanvas,orStuff,tosearchtheMealthrough.AndhereIwasatafullStopformanyMonths;nordidIreallyknowwhattodo;LinnenIhadnoneleft,butwhatwasmeerRags;IhadGoatsHair,butneitherknewIhowtoweaveit,orspinit;andhadIknownhow,herewasnoToolstoworkitwith;alltheRemedythatIfoundforthis,was,ThatatlastIdidrememberIhadamongtheSeamensCloathswhichweresav'doutoftheShip,someNeckclothsofCallicoe,orMuslin;andwithsomePiecesofthese,ImadethreesmallSieves,butproperenoughfortheWork;andthusImadeshiftforsomeYears;howIdidafterwards,IshallshewinitsPlace.ThebakingPartwasthenextThingtobeconsider'd,andhowIshouldmakeBreadwhenIcametohaveCorn;forfirstIhadnoYeast;astothatPart,astherewasnosupplyingtheWant,soIdidnotconcernmyselfmuchaboutit:ButforanOven,IwasindeedingreatPain;atlengthIfoundoutanExperimentforthatalso,whichwasthis;ImadesomeEarthenVesselsverybroad,butnotdeep;thatistosay,abouttwoFootDiameter,andnotabovenineInchesdeep;theseIburntintheFire,asIhaddonetheother,andlaidthemby;andwhenIwantedtobake,ImadeagreatFireuponmyHearth,whichIhadpav'dwithsomesquareTilesofmyownmaking,andburningalso;butIshouldnotcallthemsquare.
WhentheFire-woodwasburntprettymuchintoEmbers,orliveCoals,IdrewthemforwarduponthisHearth,soastocoveritallover,andthereIletthemlye,tilltheHearthwasveryhot,thensweepingawayalltheEmbers,IsetdownmyLoaf,orLoaves,andwhelmingdowntheEarthenPotuponthem,drewtheEmbersallroundtheOut-sideofthePot,tokeepin,andaddtotheHeat;andthus,aswellasinthebestOvenintheWorld,Ibak'dmyBarleyLoaves,andbecameinlittleTimeameerPastry-CookintotheBargain;forImademyselfseveralCakesoftheRice,andPuddings;indeedImadenoPies,neitherhadIanyThingtoputintothem,supposingIhad,excepttheFlesheitherofFowlsorGoats.Itneednotbewondredat,ifalltheseThingstookmeupmostPartofthethirdYearofmyAbodehere;foritistobeobserv'd,ThatintheIntervalsoftheseThings,IhadmynewHarvestandHusbandrytomanage;forIreap'dmyCorninitsSeason,andcarry'ditHomeaswellasIcould,andlaiditupintheEar,inmylargeBaskets,tillIhadTimetorubitout;forIhadnoFloortothrashiton,orInstrumenttothrashitwith.AndnowindeedmyStockofCornincreasing,IreallywantedtobuildmyBarnsbigger.IwantedaPlacetolayitupin;fortheIncreaseoftheCornnowyieldedmesomuch,thatIhadoftheBarleyabouttwentyBushels,andoftheRiceasmuch,ormore;insomuch,thatnowIresolv'dtobegintouseitfreely;formyBreadhadbeenquitegoneagreatwhile;AlsoIresolvedtoseewhatQuantitywouldbesufficientformeawholeYear,andtosowbutonceaYear.Uponthewhole,IfoundthatthefortyBushelsofBarleyandRice,wasmuchmorethanIcouldconsumeinaYear;soIresolv'dtosowjustthesameQuantityeveryYear,thatIsow'dthelast,inHopesthatsuchaQuantitywouldfullyprovidemewithBread,etc.AllthewhiletheseThingsweredoing,youmaybesuremyThoughtsrunmanytimesupontheProspectofLandwhichIhadseenfromtheotherSideoftheIsland,andIwasnotwithoutsecretWishesthatIwereonShorethere,fancyingtheseeingthemainLand,andinaninhabitedCountry,ImightfindsomeWayorothertoconveymyselffarther,andperhapsatlastfindsomeMeansofEscape.ButallthiswhileImadenoAllowancefortheDangersofsuchaCondition,andhowImightfallintotheHandsofSavages,andperhapssuchasImighthaveReasontothinkfarworsethantheLionsandTigersofAfrica.ThatifIoncecameintotheirPower,IshouldrunaHazardmorethanathousandtooneofbeingkill'd,andperhapsofbeingeaten;forIhadheardthatthePeopleoftheCarribeanCoastwereCanibals,orMan-eaters;andIknewbytheLatitudethatIcouldnotbefarofffromthatShore.ThatsupposetheywerenotCanibals,yetthattheymightkillme,asmanyEuropeans
whohadfallenintotheirHandshadbeenserv'd,evenwhentheyhadbeentenortwentytogether;muchmoreI'thatwasbutone,andcouldmakelittleornoDefence:AlltheseThings,Isay,whichIoughttohaveconsider'dwellof,anddidcastupinmyThoughtsafterwards,yettookupnoneofmyApprehensionsatfirst;butmyHeadrunmightilyupontheThoughtofgettingovertotheShore.NowIwish'dformyBoyXury,andthelongBoat,withtheShoulderofMuttonSail,withwhichIsail'daboveathousandMilesontheCoastofAfrick;butthiswasInvain.ThenIthoughtIwouldgoandlookatourShip'sBoat,which,asIhavesaid,wasblownupupontheShore,agreatWayintheStorm,whenwewerefirstcastaway.Shelayalmostwhereshedidatfirst,butnotquite;andwasturn'dbytheForceoftheWavesandtheWindsalmostBottomupward,againstahighRidgeofBeachyroughSand;butnoWateraboutherasbefore.IfIhadhadHandstohaverefittedher,andtohavelaunch'dherintotheWater,theBoatwouldhavedonewellenough,andImighthavegonebackintotheBrasilswithhereasilyenough;butImighthaveforeseen,ThatIcouldnomoreturnher,andsetheruprightuponherBottom,thanIcouldremovetheIsland:However,IwenttotheWoods,andcutLeversandRollers,andbroughtthemtotheBoat,resolv'dtotrywhatIcoulddo,suggestingtomyself,ThatifIcouldbutturnherdown,ImighteasilyrepairtheDamageshehadreceiv'd,andshewouldbeaverygoodBoat,andImightgotoSeainherveryeasily.Ispar'dnoPainsindeed,inthisPieceoffruitlessToil,andspent,Ithink,threeorfourWeeksaboutit;atlastfindingitimpossibletoheaveitupwithmylittleStrength,IfelltodiggingawaytheSand,toundermineit,andsotomakeitfalldown,settingPiecesofWoodtothrustandguideitrightintheFall.ButwhenIhaddonethis,Iwasunabletostiritupagain,ortogetunderit,muchlesstomoveitforward,towardstheWater;soIwasforc'dtogiveitover;andyet,thoughIgaveovertheHopesoftheBoat,mydesiretoventureoverfortheMainincreased,ratherthandecreased,astheMeansforitseem'dimpossible.Thisatlengthputmeuponthinking,WhetheritwasnotpossibletomakemyselfaCanoe,orPeriagua,suchastheNativesofthoseClimatesmake,evenwithoutTools,or,asImightsay,withoutHands,viz.oftheTrunkofagreatTree.ThisInotonlythoughtpossible,buteasy,andpleas'dmyselfextreamlywiththeThoughtsofmakingit,andwithmyhavingmuchmoreConvenienceforitthananyoftheNegroesorIndians;butnotatallconsideringtheparticularInconvenienceswhichIlayunder,morethantheIndiansdid,viz.WantofHandstomoveit,whenitwasmade,intotheWater,aDifficultymuchharderformetosurmount,thanalltheConsequencesofWantofToolscouldbetothem;forwhatwasittome,ThatwhenIhadchosenavastTreeintheWoods,ImightwithmuchTroublecutitdown,ifafterImightbeable
withmyToolstohewanddubtheOut-sideintotheproperShapeofaBoat,andburnorcutouttheIn-sidetomakeithollow,sotomakeaBoatofit:Ifafterallthis,ImustleaveitjusttherewhereIfoundit,andwasnotabletolaunchitintotheWater.Onewouldhavethought,IcouldnothavehadtheleastReflectionuponmyMindofmyCircumstance,whileIwasmakingthisBoat;butIshouldhaveimmediatelythoughthowIshouldgetitintotheSea;butmyThoughtsweresointentuponmyVoyageovertheSeainit,thatIneveronceconsider'dhowIshouldgetitoffoftheLand;anditwasreallyinitsownNaturemoreeasyformetoguideitoverfortyfiveMilesofSea,thanaboutfortyfiveFathomofLand,whereitlay,tosetitafloatintheWater.IwenttoworkuponthisBoat,themostlikeaFool,thateverMandid,whohadanyofhisSensesawake.Ipleas'dmyselfwiththeDesign,withoutdeterminingwhetherIwaseverabletoundertakeit;notbutthattheDifficultyoflaunchingmyBoatcameoftenintomyHead;butIputastoptomyownEnquiriesintoit,bythisfoolishAnswerwhichIgavemyself,Let'sfirstmakeit,I'llwarrantI'llfindsomeWayorothertogetitalong,when'tisdone.ThiswasamostpreposterousMethod;buttheEagernessofmyFancyprevail'd,andtoworkIwent.Ifell'daCedarTree:IquestionmuchwhetherSolomoneverhadsuchaOnefortheBuildingoftheTempleatJerusalem.ItwasfiveFoottenInchesDiameteratthelowerPartnexttheStump,andfourFootelevenInchesDiameterattheEndoftwentytwoFoot,afterwhichitlessen'dforawhile,andthenpartedintoBranches:ItwasnotwithoutinfiniteLabourthatIfell'dthisTree:IwastwentyDayshackingandhewingatitattheBottom.IwasfourteenmoregettingtheBranchesandLimbs,andthevast'spreadingHeadofitcutoff,whichIhack'dandhew'dthroughwithAxeandHatchet,andinexpressibleLabour:Afterthis,itcostmeaMonthtoshapeit,anddubittoaProportion,andtosomethingliketheBottomofaBoat,thatitmightswimuprightasitoughttodo.ItcostmenearthreeMonthsmoretocleartheIn-side,andworkitoutso,astomakeanexactBoatofit:ThisIdidindeedwithoutFire,bymeerMalettandChissel,andbythedintofhardLabour,tillIhadbroughtittobeaveryhandsomePeriagua,andbigenoughtohavecarry'dsixandtwentyMen,andconsequentlybigenoughtohavecarry'dmeandallmyCargo.WhenIhadgonethroughthisWork,Iwasextremelydelightedwithit.TheBoatwasreallymuchbiggerthanIeversawaCanoe,orPeriagua,thatwasmadeofoneTree,inmyLife.ManyawearyStrokeithadcost,youmaybesure;andthereremain'dnothingbuttogetitintotheWater;andhadIgottenitintotheWater,ImakenoquestionbutIshouldhavebeganthemaddestVoyage,andthemostunlikelytobeperform'd,thateverwasundertaken.ButallmyDevicestogetitintotheWaterfail'dme;tho'theycostmeinfiniteLabour
too.ItlayaboutonehundredYardsfromtheWater,andnotmore:ButthefirstInconveniencewas,itwasupHilltowardstheCreek;well,totakeawaythisDiscouragement,Iresolv'dtodigintotheSurfaceoftheEarth,andsomakeaDeclivity:ThisIbegun,anditcostmeaprodigiousdealofPains;butwhogrutchesPains,thathavetheirDeliveranceinView:Butthenthiswaswork'dthrough,andthisDifficultymanag'd,itwasstillmuchatone;forIcouldnomorestirtheCanoe,thanIcouldtheotherBoat.ThenImeasur'dtheDistanceofGround,andresolv'dtocutaDock,orCanal,tobringtheWateruptotheCanoe,seeingIcouldnotbringtheCanoedowntotheWater:Well,IbeganthisWork,andwhenIbegantoenterintoit,andcalculatehowdeepitwastobedug,howbroad,howtheStufftobethrownout,Ifound,ThatbytheNumberofHandsIhad,beingnonebutmyown,itmusthavebeentenortwelveYearsbeforeIshouldhavegonethroughwithit;fortheShorelayhigh,sothatattheupperEnd,itmusthavebeenatleasttwentyFootDeep;soatlength,tho'withgreatReluctancy,IgavethisAttemptoveralso.Thisgriev'dmeheartily,andnowIsaw,tho'toolate,theFollyofbeginningaWorkbeforewecounttheCost;andbeforewejudgerightlyofourownStrengthtogothroughwithit.InthemiddleofthisWork,Ifinish'dmyfourthYearinthisPlace,andkeptmyAnniversarywiththesameDevotion,andwithasmuchComfortaseverbefore;forbyaconstantStudy,andseriousApplicationoftheWordofGod,andbytheAssistanceofhisGrace,Igain'dadifferentKnowledgefromwhatIhadbefore.Ientertain'ddifferentNotionsofThings.Ilook'dnowupontheWorldasaThingremote,whichIhadnothingtodowith,noExpectationfrom,andindeednoDesiresabout:InaWord,Ihadnothingindeedtodowithit,norwaseverliketohave;soIthoughtitlook'daswemayperhapslookuponithereafter,viz.asaPlaceIhadliv'din,butwascomeoutofit;andwellmightIsay,asFatherAbrahamtoDives,BetweenmeandtheeisagreatGulphfix'd.InthefirstPlace,Iwasremov'dfromalltheWickednessoftheWorldhere.IhadneithertheLustoftheFlesh,theLustoftheEye,orthePrideofLife.Ihadnothingtocovet;forIhadallthatIwasnowcapableofenjoying:IwasLordofthewholeMannor;orifIpleas'd,ImightcallmyselfKing,orEmperoroverthewholeCountrywhichIhadPossessionof.TherewerenoRivals.IhadnoCompetitor,nonetodisputeSovereigntyorCommandwithme.Imighthaverais'dShipLoadingsofCorn;butIhadnouseforit;soIletaslittlegrowasIthoughtenoughformyOccasion.Part4
IhadTortoiseorTurtlesenough;butnowandthenone,wasasmuchasIcouldputtoanyuse.IhadTimberenoughtohavebuiltaFleetofShips.IhadGrapesenoughtohavemadeWine,ortohavecur'dintoRaisins,tohaveloadedthatFleet,whentheyhadbeenbuilt.ButallIcouldmakeuseof,was,Allthatwasvaluable.Ihadenoughtoeat,andtosupplymyWants,and,whatwasalltheresttome?IfIkill'dmoreFleshthanIcouldeat,theDogmusteatit,ortheVermin.IfIsow'dmoreCornthanIcouldeat,itmustbespoil'd.TheTreesthatIcutdown,werelyingtorotontheGround.IcouldmakenomoreuseofthemthanforFewel;andthatIhadnoOccasionfor,buttodressmyFood.InaWord,TheNatureandExperienceofThingsdictatedtomeuponjustReflection,ThatallthegoodThingsofthisWorld,arenofarthergoodtous,thantheyareforourUse;andthatwhateverwemayheapupindeedtogiveothers,weenjoyjustasmuchaswecanuse,andnomore.ThemostcovetousgripingMiserintheWorldwouldhavebeencur'doftheViceofCovetousness,ifhehadbeeninmyCase;forIpossess'dinfinitelymorethanIknewwhattodowith.IhadnoroomforDesire,exceptitwasofThingswhichIhadnot,andtheywerebutTrifles,thoughindeedofgreatUsetome.Ihad,asIhintedbefore,aParcelofMoney,aswellGoldasSilver,aboutthirtysixPoundsSterling:Alas!TherethenastysorryuselessStufflay;IhadnomannerofBusinessforit;andIoftenthoughtwithmyself,ThatIwouldhavegivenaHandfulofitforaGrossofTobacco-Pipes,orforaHand-MilltogrindmyCorn;nay,IwouldhavegivenitallforSixpenny-worthofTurnipandCarrotSeedoutofEngland,orforaHandfulofPeaseandBeans,andaBottleofInk:Asitwas,Ihadnottheleastadvantagebyit,orBenefitfromit;butthereitlayinaDrawer,andgrewmouldywiththeDampoftheCave,inthewetSeason;andifIhadhadtheDrawerfullofDiamonds,ithadbeenthesameCase;andtheyhadbeenofnomannerofValuetome,becauseofnoUse.IhadnowbroughtmyStateofLifetobemucheasierinitselfthanitwasatfirst,andmucheasiertomyMind,aswellastomyBody.IfrequentlysatdowntomyMeatwithThankfulness,andadmir'dtheHandofGod'sProvidence,whichhadthusspreadmyTableintheWilderness.Ilearn'dtolookmoreuponthebrightSideofmyCondition,andlessuponthedarkSide;andtoconsiderwhatIenjoy'd,ratherthanwhatIwanted;andthisgavemesometimessuchsecretComforts,thatIcannotexpressthem;andwhichItakeNoticeofhere,toputthosediscontentedPeopleinMindofit,whocannotenjoycomfortablywhatGodhasgiventhem;becausetheysee,andcovetsomethingthathehasnotgiventhem:AllourDiscontentsaboutwhatwewant,appear'dtome,tospringfromtheWantofThankfulnessforwhatwehave.AnotherReflectionwasofgreatUsetome,anddoubtlesswouldbesotoanyonethatshouldfallintosuchDistressasminewas;andthiswas,TocomparemypresentConditionwithwhatIatfirstexpecteditshouldbe;nay,withwhatitwouldcertainly
havebeen,ifthegoodProvidenceofGodhadnotwonderfullyorder'dtheShiptobecastupnearertotheShore,whereInotonlyCouldcomeather,butcouldbringwhatIgotoutofhertotheShore,formyReliefandComfort;withoutwhich,IhadwantedforToolstowork,WeaponsforDefence,orGun-PowderandShotforgettingmyFood.IspentwholeHours,ImaysaywholeDays,inrepresentingtomyselfinthemostlivelyColours,howImusthaveacted,ifIhadgotnothingoutoftheShip.HowIcouldnothavesomuchasgotanyFood,exceptFishandTurtles;andthatasitwaslongbeforeIfoundanyofthem,Imusthaveperish'dfirst.ThatIshouldhaveliv'd,ifIhadnotperish'd,likeameerSavage.ThatifIhadkill'daGoat,oraFowl,byanyContrivance,Ihadnowaytoflea'oropenthem,orparttheFleshfromtheSkin,andtheBowels,ortocutitup;butmustgnawitwithmyTeeth,andpullitwithmyClawslikeaBeast.TheseReflectionsmademeverysensibleoftheGoodnessofProvidencetome,andverythankfulformypresentCondition,withallitsHardshipsandMisfortunes:AndthisPartalsoIcannotbutrecommendtotheReflectionofthose,whoareaptintheirMiserytosay,IsanyAfflictionlikemine!Letthemconsider,HowmuchworsetheCasesofsomePeopleare,andtheirCasemighthavebeen,ifProvidencehadthoughtfit.IhadanotherReflectionwhichassistedmealsotocomfortmyMindwithHopes;andthiswas,comparingmypresentConditionwithwhatIhaddeserv'd,andhadthereforeReasontoexpectfromtheHandofProvidence.Ihadliv'dadreadfulLife,perfectlydestituteoftheKnowledgeandFearofGod.IhadbeenwellinstructedbyFatherandMother;neitherhadtheybeenwantingtome,intheirearlyEndeavours,toinfuseareligiousAweofGodintomyMind,aSenseofmyDuty,andofwhattheNatureandEndofmyBeing,requir'dofme.Butalas!fallingearlyintotheSeafaringLife,whichofalltheLivesisthemostdestituteoftheFearofGod,thoughhisTerrorsarealwaysbeforethem;Isay,fallingearlyintotheSeafaringLife,andintoSeafaringCompany,allthatlittleSenseofReligionwhichIhadentertain'd,waslaugh'doutofmebymyMess-Mates,byaharden'ddespisingofDangers;andtheViewsofDeath,whichgrewhabitualtome;bymylongAbsencefromallMannerofOpportunitiestoconversewithanythingbutwhatwaslikemyself,ortohearanythingthatwasgood,ortendedtowardsit.SovoidwasIofeveryThingthatwasgood,oroftheleastSenseofwhatIwas,orwastobe,thatinthegreatestDeliverancesIenjoy'd,suchasmyEscapefromSallee;mybeingtakenupbythePortugueseMasteroftheShip;mybeingplantedsowellintheBrasils;myreceivingtheCargofromEngland,andthelike;IneverhadoncetheWordThankGod,somuchasonmyMind,orinmyMouth;norinthegreatestDistress,hadIsomuchasaThoughttopraytohim,orsomuchastosay,Lordhave
Mercyuponme;nonortomentiontheNameofGod,unlessitwastoswearby,andblasphemeit.IhadterribleReflectionsuponmyMindformanyMonths,asIhavealreadyobserv'd,ontheAccountofmywickedandhardnedLifepast;andwhenIlook'daboutmeandconsideredwhatparticularProvidenceshadattendedmesincemycomingintothisPlace,andhowGodhaddealtbountifullywithme;hadnotonlypunishedmelessthanmyIniquityhaddeserv'd,buthadsoplentifullyprovidedforme;thisgavemegreathopesthatmyRepentancewasaccepted,andthatGodhadyetMercyinstoreforme.WiththeseReflectionsIwork'dmyMindup,notonlytoResignationtotheWillofGodinthepresentDispositionofmyCircumstances;buteventoasincereThankfulnessformyCondition,andthatIwhowasyetalivingMan,oughtnottocomplain,seeingIhadnottheduePunishmentofmySins;thatIenjoy'dsomanyMercieswhichIhadnoreasontohaveexpectedinthatPlace;thatIoughtnevermoretorepineatmyConditionbuttorejoyce,andtogivedailyThanksforthatdailyBread,whichnothingbutaCroudofWonderscouldhavebrought.ThatIoughttoconsiderIhadbeenfedevenbyMiracle,evenasgreatasthatoffeedingElijahbyRavens;nay,byalongSeriesofMiracles,andthatIcouldhardlyhavenam'daPlaceintheunhabitablePartoftheWorldwhereIcouldhavebeencastmoretomyAdvantage:APlace,whereasIhadnoSociety,whichwasmyAfflictionononeHand,soIfoundnoravenousBeast,nofuriousWolvesorTygerstothreatenmyLife,novenomousCreaturesorpoisonous,whichImightfeedOntomyHurt,noSavagestomurtheranddevourme.Inaword,asmyLifewasaLifeofSorrow,oneway,soitwasaLifeofMercy,another;andIwantednothingtomakeitaLifeofComfort,buttobeabletomakemySenceofGod'sGoodnesstome,andCareovermeinthisCondition,bemydailyConsolation;andafterIdidmakeajustImprovementofthesethings,Iwentawayandwasnomoresad.Ihadnowbeenheresolong,thatmanyThingswhichIbroughtonShoreformyHelp,wereeitherquitegone,orverymuchwasted'andnearspent.MyInk,asIobserved,hadbeengonesometime,allbutaverylittle,whichIeek'doutwithWateralittleandalittle,tillitwassopaleitscarceleftanyAppearanceofblackuponthePaper:Aslongasitlasted,ImadeuseofittominutedowntheDaysoftheMonthonwhichanyremarkableThinghappen'dtome,andfirstbycastingupTimespast:IrememberthattherewasastrangeConcurrenceofDays,inthevariousProvidenceswhichbefelme;andwhich,ifIhadbeensuperstitiouslyinclin'dtoobserveDaysasFatalorFortunate,ImighthavehadReasontohavelook'duponwithagreatdealofCuriosity.
FirstIhadobserved,thatthesameDaythatIbrokeawayfrommyFatherandmyFriends,andrunawaytoHull,inordertogotoSea;thesameDayafterwardsIwastakenbytheSalleeManofWar,andmadeaSlave.ThesameDayoftheYearthatIescapedoutoftheWreckofthatShipinYarmouthRodes,thatsameDay-YearafterwardsImademyescapefromSalleeintheBoat.ThesameDayoftheYearIwasbornon(viz.)the30thofSeptember,thatsameDay,IhadmyLifesomiraculouslysaved26Yearafter,whenIwascastonShoreinthisIsland,sothatmywickedLife,andmysolitaryLifebegunbothonaDay.ThenextThingtomyInk'sbeingwasted,wasthatofmyBread,ImeantheBisketwhichIbroughtoutoftheShip;thisIhadhusbandedtothelastdegree,allowingmyselfbutoneCakeofBreadaDayforaboveaYear,andyetIwasquitewithoutBreadfornearaYearbeforeIgotanyCornofmyown,andgreatReasonIhadtobethankfulthatIhadanyatall,thegettingitbeing,ashasbeenalreadyobserved,nexttomiraculous.MyCloathsbegantodecaytoomightily:AstoLinnen,Ihadhadnoneagoodwhile,exceptsomechequer'dShirtswhichIfoundintheChestsoftheotherSeamen,andwhichIcarefullypreserved,becausemanytimesIcouldbearnootherCloathsonbutaShirt;anditwasaverygreathelptomethatIhadamongalltheMen'sCloathsOftheShipalmostthreedozenOfShirts.TherewerealsoseveralthickWatchCoatsoftheSeamens,whichwereleftindeed,buttheyweretoohottowear;andtho'itistrue,thattheWeatherwassoviolenthot,thattherewasnoneedofCloaths,yetIcouldnotgoquitenaked;no,tho'Ihadbeeninclin'dtoit,whichIwasnot,norcouldnotabidethethoughtsofit,tho'Iwasallalone.TheReasonwhyIcouldnotgoquitenaked,was,IcouldnotbeartheheatoftheSunsowellwhenquitenaked,aswithsomeCloathson;nay,theveryHeatfrequentlyblisteredmySkin;whereaswithaShirton,theAiritselfmadesomeMotion,andwhistlingunderthatShirtwastwofoldcoolerthanwithoutit;nomorecouldIeverbringmyselftogooutintheheatofSun,withoutaCaporaHat;theheatoftheSunbeatingwithsuchViolenceasitdoesinthatPlace,wouldgivemetheHead-achpresently,bydartingsodirectlyonmyHead,withoutaCaporHaton,sothatIcouldnotbearit,whereas,ifIputonmyHat,itwouldpresentlygoaway.UponthoseViewsIbegantoconsideraboutputtingthefewRagsIhad,whichIcall'dCloaths,intosomeOrder;IhadwornoutalltheWast-coatsIhad,andmyBusinesswasnowtotryifIcouldnotmakeJacketsoutofthegreatWatch-CoatswhichIhadbyme,andwithsuchotherMaterialsasIhad,soIsettoWorkaTaylering,orrather
indeedaBotching,forImademostpiteousWorkofit.However,ImadeshifttomaketwoorthreenewWastcoats,whichIhopedwou'dservemeagreatwhile;asforBreechesorDrawers,Imadebutaverysorryshiftindeed,tillafterward.IhavementionedthatIsavedtheSkinsofalltheCreaturesthatIkill'd,Imeanfour-footedones,andIhadhungthemupstretch'doutwithSticksintheSun,bywhichmeanssomeofthemweresodryandhardthattheywerefitforlittlebutothersitseemswereveryuseful.ThefirstthingImadeofthesewasagreatCapformyHead,withtheHairontheoutSidetoshoorofftheRain;andthisIperform'dsowell,thatafterthisImademeaSuitofCloathswhollyoftheseSkins,thatistosay,aWastcoat,andBreechesopenatKnees,andbothloose,fortheywereratherwantingtokeepmecoolthantokeepmewarm.Imustnotomittoacknowledgethattheywerewretchedlymade;forifIwasabadCarpenter,IwasaworseTayler.However,theyweresuchasImadeverygoodshiftwith;andwhenIwasabroad,ifithappen'dtorain,theHairofmyWastcoatandCapbeingoutermost,Iwaskeptverydry.AfterthisIspentagreatdealofTimeandPainstomakemeanUmbrella;Iwasindeedingreatwantofone,andhadagreatMindtomakeone;IhadseenthemmadeintheBrasils,wheretheyareveryusefulinthegreatHeatswhicharethere.AndIfelttheHeatseveryjotasgreathere,andgreatertoo,beingnearertheEquinox;besides,asIwasoblig'dtobemuchabroad,itwasamostusefulthingtome,aswellfortheRainsastheHeats.ItookaworldofPainsatit,andwasagreatwhilebeforeIcouldmakeanythinglikelytohold;nay,afterIthoughtIhadhittheWay,Ispoil'd2or3beforeImadeonetomyMind;butatlastImadeonethatanswer'dindifferentlywell:ThemainDifficultyIfoundwastomakeittoletdown.Icouldmakeittospread,butifitdidnotletdowntoo,anddrawin,itwasnotportableformeanyWaybutjustovermyHead,whichwou'dnotdo.However,atlast,asIsaid,Imadeonetoanswer,andcovereditwithSkins,theHairupwards,SothatitcastofftheRainslikeaPenthouse,andkeptofftheSunsoeffectually,thatIcouldwalkoutinthehottestoftheWeatherwithgreaterAdvantagethanIcouldbeforeinthecoolest,andwhenIhadnoneedofit,cou'dcloseitandcarryitundermyArm.ThusIliv'dmightycomfortably,myMindbeingentirelycomposedbyresigningtotheWillofGod,andthrowingmyselfwhollyupontheDisposalofhisProvidence.ThismademyLifebetterthansociable,forwhenIbegantoregretthewantofConversation,IwouldaskmyselfwhetherthusconversingmutuallywithmyownThoughts,and,asIhopeImaysay,withevenGodhimselfbyEjaculations,wasnotbetterthantheutmostEnjoymentofhumaneSocietyintheWorld.Icannotsaythatafterthis,forfiveYears,anyextraordinarythinghappenedtome,butIliv'doninthesameCourse,inthesamePostureandPlace,justasbefore;thechiefthingsIwasemploy'din,besidesmyyearlyLabourofplantingmyBarleyandRice,andcuringmyRaisins,ofbothwhichIalwayskeptupjustenoughtohave
sufficientStockofoneYear'sProvisionsbeforehand.Isay,besidesthisyearlyLabour,andmydailyLabourofgoingoutwithmyGun,IhadoneLabourtomakemeaCanoe,whichatlastIfinished.SothatbydiggingaCanaltoitofsixFootwide,andfourFootdeep,IbroughtitintotheCreek,almosthalfaMile.Asforthefirst,whichwassovastlybig,asImadeitwithoutconsideringbefore-hand,asIoughttodo,howIshouldbeabletolaunchit;soneverbeingabletobringittotheWater,orbringtheWatertoit,Iwasoblig'dtoletitlyewhereitwas,asaMemorandumtoteachmetobewisernextTime:Indeed,thenextTime,tho'IcouldnotgetaTreeproperforit,andinaPlacewhereIcouldnotgettheWatertoit,atanylessDistance,thanasIhavesaid,nearhalfaMile;yetasIsawitwaspracticableatlast,Inevergaveitover:andthoughIwasneartwoYearsaboutit,yetInevergrutch'dmyLabour,inHopesofhavingaBoattogoofftoSeaatlast.However,thoughmylittlePeriaguawasfinish'd;yettheSizeofitwasnotatallanswerabletotheDesignwhichIhadinView,whenImadethefirst;Imean,OfventuringovertotheTerraFirma,whereitwasabovefortyMilesbroad;accordingly,theSmallnessofmyBoatassistedtoputanEndtothatDesign,andnowIthoughtnomoreofit:ButasIhadaBoat,mynextDesignwastomakeaTourroundtheIsland;forasIhadbeenontheotherSide,inonePlace,crossingasIhavealreadydescrib'dit,overtheLand;sotheDiscoveriesImadeinthatlittleJourney,mademeveryeagertoseeotherPartsoftheCoast;andnowIhadaBoat,IthoughtofnothingbutsailingroundtheIsland.ForthisPurpose,thatImightdoeveryThingwithDiscretionandConsideration,IfittedupalittleMasttomyBoat,andmadeaSailtoit,outofsomeofthePiecesoftheShip'sSail,whichlayinstore;andofwhichIhadagreatStockbyme.HavingfittedmyMastandSail,andtry'dtheBoat,Ifoundshewouldsailverywell:ThenImadelittleLockers,orBoxes,ateitherEndofmyBoat,toputProvisions,NecessariesandAmmunition,etc.into,tobekeptdry,eitherfromRain,ortheSpryeoftheSea;andalittlelonghollowPlaceIcutintheIn-sideoftheBoat,whereIcouldlayGun,makingaFlaptohangdownoverittokeepitdry.Ifix'dmyUmbrellaalsoinaStepattheStern,likeaMast,tostandovermyHead,andkeeptheHeatoftheSunoffofmelikeanAuning;andthusIeverynowandthentookalittleVoyageupontheSea,butneverwentfarout,norfarfromthelittleCreek;butatlastbeingeagertoviewtheCircumferenceofmylittleKingdom,Iresolv'duponmyour,andaccordinglyIvictuall'dmyShipfortheVoyage,puttingintwoDozenofmyLoaves(CakesIshouldratherAllthem)ofBarleyBread,anEarthenPotfullofparch'dRice,aFoodIeatagreatdealof,alittleBottleofRum,halfaGoat,andPowderandShotforkillingmore,andtwolargeWatch-coats,ofthosewhich,asImention'dbefore,Ihadsav'doutoftheSeamen'sChests;theseItook,onetolyeupon,andtheothertocovermeintheNight.
ItwasthesixthofNovember,inthesixthYearofmyReign,ormyCaptivity,whichyouplease,ThatIsetoutonthisVoyage,andIfounditmuchlongerthanIexpected;forthoughtheIslanditselfwasnotverylarge,yetwhenImetotheEastSideofit,IfoundagreatLedgeofRockslyeoutabovetwoLeaguesintotheSea,someaboveWater,someunderit;andbeyondthat,aShoalofSand,lyingdryhalfaLeaguemore;sothatIwasoblig'dtogoagreatWayouttoSeatodoublethePoint.WhenfirstIdiscover'dthem,IwasgoingtogiveovermyEnterprise,andcomebackagain,notknowinghowfaritmightobligemetogoouttoSea;andaboveall,doubtinghowIshouldgetbackagain;soIcametoanAnchor;forIhadmademeakindofanAnchorwithaPieceofabrokenGraplin,whichIgotoutoftheShip.Havingsecur'dmyBoat,ItookmyGun,andwentonShore,climbingupuponaHill,whichseem'dtoover-lookthatPoint,whereIsawthefullExtentofit,andresolv'dtoventure.InmyviewingtheSeafromthatHillwhereIstood,Iperceiv'dastrong,andindeed,amostfuriousCurrent,whichruntotheEast,andevencameclosetothePoint;andItookthemoreNoticeofit,becauseIsawtheremightbesomeDanger;thatwhenIcameintoit,Imightbecarry'douttoSeabytheStrengthofit,andnotbeabletomaketheIslandagain;andindeed,hadInotgottenfirstupuponthisHill,1believeitwouldhavebeenso;fortherewasthesameCurrentontheotherSidetheIsland,only,thatitsetoffatafartherDistance;andIsawtherewasastrongEddyundertheShore;soIhadnothingtodobuttogetinoutofthefirstCurrent,andIshouldpresentlybeinanEddy.Ilayhere,however,twoDays;becausetheWindblowingprettyfreshatE.S.E.andthatbeingjustcontrarytothesaidCurrent,madeagreatBreachoftheSeauponthePoint;sothatitwasnotsafeformetokeeptooclosetotheShorefortheBreach,nortogotoofaroffbecauseoftheStream.ThethirdDayintheMorning,theWindhavingabatedoverNight,theSeawascalm,andIventur'd;butIamawarningPieceagain,toallrashandignorantPilots;fornosoonerwasIcometothePoint,whenevenIwasnotmyBoat'sLengthfromtheShore,butIfoundmyselfinagreatDepthofWater,andaCurrentliketheSluiceofaMill:Itcarry'dmyBoatalongwithitwithsuchViolence,ThatallIcoulddo,couldnotkeephersomuchasontheEdgeofit;butIfoundithurry'dmefartherandfartheroutfromtheEddy,whichwasonmyleftHand.TherewasnoWindstirringtohelpme,andallIcoulddowithmyPaddlerssignify'dnothing,andnowIbegantogivemyselfoverforlost;forastheCurrentwasonbothSidestheIsland,IknewinafewLeaguesDistancetheymustjoynagain,andthenIwasirrecoverablygone;nordidIseeanyPossibilityofavoidingit;sothatIhadnoProspectbeforemebutof
Perishing;notbytheSea,forthatwascalmenough,butofstarvingforHunger.IhadindeedfoundaTortoiseontheShore,asbigalmostasIcouldlift,andhadtoss'ditintotheBoat;andIhadagreatJaroffreshWater,thatistosay,oneofmyEarthenPots;butwhatwasallthistobeingdrivenintothevastOcean,wheretobesure,therewasnoShore,nomainLand,orIsland,forathousandLeaguesatleast.AndnowIsawhoweasyitwasfortheProvidenceofGodmakethemostmiserableConditionMankindcouldbeinworse.NowIlook'dbackuponmydesolatesolitaryIsland,themostpleasantPlaceintheWorld,andalltheHappinessmyHeartcouldwishfor,wastobebutthereagain.Istretch'doutmyHandstoitwitheagerWishes.OhappyDesartsaidI,Ishallneverseetheemore.OmiserableCreature,saidI,whetheramIgoing:ThenIreproach'dmySelfwithmyunthankfulTemper,andhowIhadrepin'datmysolitaryCondition;andnowwhatwouldIgivetobeonShorethereagain.ThusweneverseethetrueStateofourCondition,tillitisillustratedtousbyitsContraries;norknowhowtovaluewhatweenjoy,butbythewantofit.ItisscarcepossibletoimaginetheConsternationIwasnowin,beingdrivenfrommybelovedIsland(forsoitappear'dtomenowtobe)intothewideOcean,almosttwoLeagues,andintheutmostDespairofeverrecoveringitagain.However,Iwork'dhard,tillindeedmyStrengthwasalmostexhausted,andkeptmyBoatasmuchtotheNorthward,thatis,towardstheSideoftheCurrentwhichtheEddylayon,aspossiblyIcould;whenaboutNoon,astheSunpass'dtheMeridian,IthoughtIfeltalittleBreezeofWindinmyFace,springingupfromtheS.S.E.Thischear'dmyHeartalittle,andespeciallywheninabouthalfanHourmore,itblewaprettysmallgentleGale.BythisTimeIwasgottenatafrightfulDistancefromtheIsland,andhadtheleastCloudorhaizyWeatherinterven'd,IhadbeenundoneanotherWaytoo;forIhadnoCompassonBoard,andshouldneverhaveknownhowtohavesteer'dtowardstheIsland,ifIhadbutoncelostSightofit;buttheWeathercontinuingclear,Iapply'dmyselftogetupmyMastagain,spreadmySail,standingawaytotheNorth,asmuchaspossible,togetoutoftheCurrent.JustasIhadsetmyMastandSail,andtheBoatbegantostretchaway,IsawevenbytheClearnessoftheWater,someAlterationoftheCurrentwasnear;forwheretheCurrentwassostrong,theWaterwasfoul;butperceivingtheWaterclear,IfoundtheCurrentabate,andpresentlyIfoundtotheEast,atabouthalfaMile,aBreachoftheSeauponsomeRocks;theseRocksIfoundcaus'dtheCurrenttopartagain,andasthemainStressofitranawaymoreSoutherly,leavingtheRockstotheNorth-East;sotheotherreturn'dbytheRepulseoftheRocks,andmadeastrongEddy,whichrunbackagaintotheNorth-West,withaverysharpStream.TheywhoknowwhatitistohaveaReprievebroughttothemupontheLadder,ortoberescuedfromThievesjustagoingtomurtherthem,or,whohavebeeninsuchlikeExtremities,mayguesswhatmypresentSurpriseofJoywas,andhowgladlyIputmyBoatintotheStreamofthisEddy,andtheWindalsofreshening,howgladlyIspread
mySailtoit,runningchearfullybeforetheWind,andwithastrongTideorEddyunderFoot.ThisEddycarryedmeaboutaLeagueinmyWaybackagaindirectlytowardstheIsland,butabouttwoLeaguesmoretotheNorthwardthantheCurrentwhichcarriedmeawayatfirst;sothatwhenIcameneartheIsland,IfoundmyselfopentotheNorthernShoreofit,thatistosay,theotherEndoftheIslandoppositetothatwhichIwentoutfrom.WhenIhadmadesomethingmorethanaLeagueofWaybythehelpofthisCurrentorEddy,Ifounditwasspentandserv'dmenofarther.However,IfoundthatbeingbetweenthetwogreatCurrents,(viz.)thatontheSouthSidewhichhadhurriedmeaway,andthatontheNorthwhichlayaboutaLeagueontheotherSide.Isaybetweenthesetwo,inthewakeoftheIsland,IfoundtheWateratleaststillandrunningnoWay,andhavingstillaBreezeofWindfairforme,IkeptonsteeringdirectlyfortheIsland,tho'notmakingsuchfreshWayasIdidbefore.Aboutfoura-ClockintheEvening,beingthenwithinaboutaLeagueoftheIsland,IfoundthePointoftheRockswhichoccasionedthisDisaster,stretchingoutasisdescrib'dbeforetotheSouthward,andcastingofftheCurrentmoreSouthwardly,hadofCoursemadeanotherEddytotheNorth,andthisIfoundverystrong,butnotdirectlysettingtheWaymyCourselaywhichwasdueWest,butalmostfullNorth.HoweverhavingafreshGale,Istretch'da-crossthisEddyslantingNorth-west,andinaboutanHourcamewithinaboutaMileoftheShore,whereitbeingsmoothWater,IsoongottoLand.WhenIwasonShoreIfellonmyKneesandgaveGodThanksformyDeliverance,resolvingtolayasideallThoughtsofmyDeliverancebymyBoat,andrefreshingmyselfwithsuchThingsasIhad,IbroughtmyBoatclosetotheShoreinalittleCovethatIhadspy'dundersomeTrees,andlay'dmedowntosleep,beingquitespentwiththeLabourandFatigueoftheVoyage.IwasnowatagreatLosswhichWaytogetHomewithmyBoat,IhadrunsomuchHazard,andknewtoomuchtheCasetothinkofattemptingitbytheWayIwentout,andwhatmightbeattheotherSide(ImeantheWestSide)Iknewnot,norhadIanyMindtorunanymoreVentures;soIonlyresolvedintheMorningtomakemyWayWestwardalongtheShoreandtoseeiftherewasnoCreekwhereImightlayupmyFrigateinSafety,soastohaveheragainifIwantedher;inaboutthreeMileorthereaboutcoastingtheShore,IcametoaverygoodInletorBayaboutaMileover,whichnarrowedtillitcametoaverylittleRivuletorBrook,whereIfoundaveryconvenientHarbourformyBoatandwhereshelayasifshehadbeeninalittleDockmadeonPurposeforher.HereIputin,andhavingstow'dmyBoatverysafe,IwentonShoretolookaboutmeandseewhereIwas.
IsoonfoundIhadbutalittlepastbythePlacewhereIhadbeenbefore,whenItravell'donFoottothatShore;sotakingnothingoutofmyBoat,butmyGunandmyUmbrella,foritwasexceedinghot,IbeganmyMarch:TheWaywascomfortableenoughaftersuchaVoyageasIhadbeenupon,andIreach'dmyoldBowerintheEvening,whereIfoundeverythingstandingasIleftit;forIalwayskeptitingoodOrder,being,asIsaidbefore,myCountryHouse.IgotovertheFence,andlaidmedownintheShadetorestmyLimbs;forIwasveryweary,andfellasleep:Butjudgeyou,ifyoucan,thatreadmyStory,whataSurprizeImustbein,whenIwaswak'doutofmySleepbyaVoicecallingmebymyNameseveraltimes,Robin,Robin,RobinCrusoe,poorRobinCrusoe,whereareyouRobinCrusoe?Whereareyou?Wherehaveyoubeen?Iwassodeadasleepatfirst,beingfatigu'dwithRowing,orPaddling,asitiscall'd,thefirstPartoftheDay,andwithwalkingthelatterPart,thatIdidnotwakethoroughly,butdozingbetweensleepingandwaking,thoughtIdream'dthatsomeBodyspoketome:ButastheVoicecontinu'dtorepeatRobinCrusoe,RobinCrusoe,atlastIbegantowakemoreperfectly,andwasatfirstdreadfullyfrighted,andstartedupintheutmostConsternation:ButnosoonerweremyEyesopen,butIsawmyPollsittingontheTopoftheHedge;andimmediatelyknewthatitwashethatspoketome;forjustinsuchbemoaningLanguageIhadusedtotalktohim,andteachhim;andhehadlearn'ditsoperfectly,thathewouldsituponmyFinger,andlayhisBillclosetomyFace,andcry,PoorRobinCrusoe,Whereareyou?Wherehaveyoubeen?Howcomeyouhere?AndsuchthingsasIhadtaughthim.However,eventhoughIknewitwastheParrot,andthatindeeditcouldbenoBodyelse,itwasagoodwhilebeforeIcouldcomposemyself:First,IwasamazedhowtheCreaturegotthither,andthen,howheshouldjustkeepaboutthePlace,andnowhereelse:ButasIwaswellsatisfieditcouldbenoBodybuthonestPoll,Igotitover;andholdingoutmyHand,andcallinghimbyhisNamePoll,thesociableCreaturecametome,andsatuponmyThumb,asheusedtodo,andcontinu'dtalkingtome,PoorRobinCrusoe,andhowdidIcomehere?andwherehadIbeen?justasifhehadbeenoverjoy'dtoseemeagain;andsoIcarry'dhimHomealongwithme.IhadnowhadenoughoframblingtoSeaforsometime,andhadenoughtodoformanyDaystositstill,andreflectupontheDangerIhadbeenin:IwouldhavebeenverygladtohavehadmyBoatagainonmySideoftheIsland;butIknewnothowitwaspracticabletogetitaboutastotheEastSideoftheIsland,whichIhadgoneround;IknewwellenoughtherewasnoventuringthatWay;myveryheartwouldshrink,andmyveryBloodrunchillbuttothinkofit:AndastotheotherSideoftheIsland,Ididnotknowhowitmightbethere;butsupposingtheCurrentranwiththesameForceagainsttheShoreattheEastasitpass'dbyitontheother,Imightrunthe
sameRiskofbeingdrivendowntheStream,andcarry'dbytheIsland,asIhadbeenbefore,ofbeingcarry'dawayfromit;sowiththeseThoughtsIcontentedmyselftobewithoutanyBoat,thoughithadbeentheProductofsomanyMonthsLabourtomakeit,andofsomanymoretogetituntotheSea.InthisGovernmentofmyTemper,Iremain'dnearaYear,liv'daverysedateretir'dLife,asyoumaywellsuppose;andmyThoughtsbeingverymuchcomposedastomyCondition,andfullycomfortedinresigningmyselftotheDispositionsofProvidence,IthoughtIliv'dreallyveryhappilyinallthings,exceptthatofSociety.Iimprov'dmyselfinthistimeinallthemechanickExerciseswhichmyNecessitiesputmeuponapplyingmyselfto,andIbelievecou'd,uponOccasion,makeaverygoodCarpenter,especiallyconsideringhowfewToolsIhad.Besidesthis,Iarriv'datanunexpectedPerfectioninmyEarthenWare,andcontriv'dwellenoughtomakethemwithaWheel,whichIfoundinfinitelyeasyerandbetter;becauseImadethingsroundandshapable,whichbeforewerefilthythingsindeedtolookon.ButIthinkIwasnevermorevainofmyownPerformance,ormorejoyfulforanythingIfoundout,thanformybeingabletomakeaTobacco-Pipe.Andtho'itwasaveryuglyclumsything,whenitwasdone,andonlyburntredlikeotherEarthenWare,yetasitwashardandfirm,andwoulddrawtheSmoke,Iwasexceedinglycomfortedwithit,forIhadbeenalwaysusedtosmoke,andtherewerePipesintheShip,butIforgotthematfirst,notknowingthattherewasTobaccointheIsland;andafterwards,whenIsearch'dtheShipagain,IcouldnotcomeatanyPipesatall.InmyWickerWarealsoIimprovedmuch,andmadeabundanceofnecessaryBaskets,aswellasmyInventionshew'dme,thonotveryhandsome,yettheyweresuchaswereveryhandyandconvenientformylayingthingsupin,orfetchingthingshomein.ForExample,ifIkill'daGoatabroad,IcouldhangitupinaTree,fleait,anddressit,andcutitinPieces,andbringithomeinaBasket,andthelikebyaTurtle,Icouldcutitup,takeouttheEggs,andaPieceortwooftheFlesh,whichwasenoughforme,andbringthemhomeinaBasket,andleavetherestbehindme.AlsolargedeepBasketsweremyReceiversformyCorn,whichIalwaysrubb'doutassoonasitwasdry,andcured,andkeptitingreatBaskets.IbegannowtoperceivemyPowderabatedconsiderably,andthiswasaWantwhichitwasimpossibleformetosupply,andIbeganseriouslytoconsiderwhatImustdowhenIshouldhavenomorePowder;thatistosay,howIshoulddotokillanyGoat.Ihad,asisobserv'dinthethirdYearofmybeinghere,keptayoungKid,andbredheruptame,andIwasinhopeofgettingaHe-Goat,butIcouldnotbyanyMeansbringittopass,'tillmyKidgrewanoldGoat;andIcouldneverfindinmyHearttokillher,tillshedy'datlastofmeerAge.
ButbeingnowintheeleventhYearofmyResidence,and,asIhavesaid,myAmmunitiongrowinglow,IsetmyselftostudysomeArttotrapandsnaretheGoats,toseewhetherIcouldnotcatchsomeofthemalive,andparticularlyIwantedaShe-Goatgreatwithyoung.TothisPurposeImadeSnarestohamperthem,andIdobelievetheyweremorethanoncetakeninthem,butmyTacklewasnotgood,forIhadnoWire,andIalwaysfoundthembroken,andmyBaitdevoured.AtlengthIresolv'dtotryaPit-fall,soIdugseverallargePitsintheEarth,inPlaceswhereIhadobserv'dtheGoatsusedtofeed,andoverthesePitsIplac'dHurdlesofmyownbakingtoo,withagreatWeightuponthem;andseveraltimesIputEarsofBarley,anddryRice,withoutsettingtheTrap,andIcouldeasilyperceivethattheGoatshadgoneinandeatenuptheCorn,forIcouldseetheMarkoftheirFeet.AtlengthIsetthreeTrapsinoneNight,andgoingthenextMorningIfoundthemallstanding,andyettheBaiteatenandgone:Thiswasverydiscouraging.However,Ialter'dmyTrap,and,nottotroubleyouwithParticulars,goingoneMorningtoseemyTrap,IfoundinoneofthemalargeoldHe-Goat,andinoneoftheother,threeKids,aMaleandtwoFemales.Astotheoldone,Iknewnotwhattodowithhim,hewassofierceIdurstnotgointothePittohim;thatistosay,togoabouttobringhimawayalive,whichwaswhatIwanted.Icouldhavekill'dhim,butthatwasnotmyBusiness,norwoulditanswermyEnd.SoIe'enlethimout,andheranawayasifhehadbeenfrightedoutofhisWits:ButIhadforgotthenwhatIlearn'dafterwards,thatHungerwilltameaLyon.IfIhadlethimstaytherethreeorfourDayswithoutFood,andthenhavecarry'dhimsomeWatertodrink,andthenalittleCorn,hewouldhavebeenastameasoneoftheKids,fortheyaremightysagacioustractableCreatureswheretheyarewellused.However,forthepresentIlethimgo,knowingnobetteratthattime;thenIwenttothethreeKids,andtakingthemonebyone,ItyedthemwithStringstogether,andwithsomeDifficultybroughtthemallhome.Itwasagoodwhilebeforetheywou'dfeed,butthrowingthemsomesweetCorn,ittemptedthemandtheybegantobetame;andnowIfoundthatifIexpectedtosupplymyselfwithGoat-FleshwhenIhadnoPowderorShotleft,breedingsomeuptamewasmyonlyway,whenperhapsImighthavethemaboutmyHouselikeaFlockofSheep.Butthenitpresentlyoccurr'dtome,thatImustkeepthetamefromthewild,orelsetheywouldalwaysrunwildwhentheygrewup,andtheonlyWayforthiswastohavesomeenclosedPieceofGround,wellfenc'deitherwithHedgeorPale,tokeep
theminsoeffectually,thatthosewithinmightnotbreakout,orthosewithoutbreakin.ThiswasagreatUndertakingforonePairofHands,yetasIsawtherewasanabsoluteNecessityofdoingit,myfirstPieceofWorkwastofindoutaproperPieceofGround,viz.wheretherewaslikelytobeHerbageforthemtoeat,Waterforthemtodrink,andCovertokeepthemfromtheSun.ThosewhounderstandsuchEnclosureswillthinkIhadverylittleContrivance,whenIpitch'duponaPlaceveryproperforallthese,beingaplainopenPieceofMeadow-Land,orSavanna,(asourPeoplecallitintheWesternCollonies,)whichhadtwoorthreelittleDrills'offreshWaterinit,andatoneendwasverywoody.IsaytheywillsmileatmyForecast,whenIshalltellthemIbeganmyenclosingofthisPieceofGroundinsuchamanner,thatmyHedgeorPalemusthavebeenatleasttwoMileabout.NorwastheMadnessofitsogreatastotheCompass,forifitwastenMileaboutIwasliketohavetimeenoughtodoitin.ButIdidnotconsiderthatmyGoatswouldbeaswildinsomuchCompassasiftheyhadhadthewholeIsland,andIshouldhavesomuchRoomtochacethemin,thatIshouldnevercatchthem.MyHedgewasbegunandcarry'don,Ibelieve,aboutfiftyYards,whenthisThoughtoccurr'dtome,soIpresentlystoptshort,andforthefirstbeginningIresolv'dtoencloseaPieceofabout150Yardsinlength,and100Yardsinbreadth,whichasitwouldmaintainasmanyasIshouldhaveinanyreasonabletime,soasmyFlockencreased,IcouldaddmoreGroundtomyEnclosure.ThiswasactingwithsomePrudence,andIwenttoworkwithCourage.IwasaboutthreeMonthshedginginthefirstPiece,andtillIhaddoneitItether'dthethreeKidsinthebestpartofit,andus'dthemtofeedasnearmeaspossibletomakethemfamiliar;andveryoftenIwouldgoandcarrythemsomeEarsofBarley,orahandfulofRice,andfeedthemoutofmyHand;sothataftermyEnclosurewasfinished,andIletthemloose,theywouldfollowmeupanddown,bleatingaftermeforahandfulofCorn.Thisanswer'dmyEnd,andinaboutaYearandhalfIhadaFlockofabouttwelveGoats,Kidsandall;andintwoYearsmoreIhadthreeandforty,besidesseveralthatItookandkill'dformyFood.AndafterthatIenclosedfiveseveralPiecesofGroundtofeedthemin,withlittlePenstodrivetheminto,totakethemasIwanted,andGatesoutofonePieceofGroundintoanother.Butthiswasnotall,fornowInotonlyhadGoatsFleshtofeedonwhenIpleas'd,butMilktoo,athingwhichindeedinmybeginningIdidnotsomuchasthinkof,andwhich,whenitcameintomyThoughts,wasreallyanagreeableSurprize.FornowIsetupmyDairy,andhadsometimesaGallonortwoofMilkinaDay.AndasNature,
whogivesSuppliesofFoodtoeveryCreature,dictatesevennaturallyhowtomakeuseofit;soIthathadnevermilk'daCow,muchlessaGoat,orseenButterorCheesemade,veryreadilyandhandily,tho'afteragreatmanyEssaysandMiscarriages,mademebothButterandCheeseatlast,andneverwanteditafterwards.HowmercifullycanourgreatCreatortreathisCreatures,eveninthoseConditionsinwhichtheyseem'dtobeoverwhelm'dinDestruction.HowcanhesweetenthebitterestProvidences,andgiveusCausetopraisehimforDungeonsandPrisons.WhataTablewasherespreadformeinaWilderness,whereIsawnothingatfirstbuttoperishforHunger.ItwouldhavemadeaStoicksmiletohaveseen,meandmylittleFamilysitdowntoDinner;therewasmyMajestythePrinceandLordofthewholeisland;IhadtheLivesofallmySubjectsatmyabsoluteCommand.Icouldhang,draw,giveLiberty,andtakeitaway,andnoRebelsamongallmySubjects.ThentoseehowlikeaKingIdin'dtooallalone,attendedbymyServants,Poll,asifhehadbeenmyFavourite,wastheonlyPersonpermittedtotalktome.MyDogwhowasnowgrownveryoldandcrazy,andhadfoundnoSpeciestomultiplyhisKindupon,satalwaysatmyRightHand,andtwoCats,oneononeSidetheTable,andoneontheother,expectingnowandthenaBitfrommyHand,asaMarkofspecialFavour.ButthesewerenotthetwoCatswhichIbroughtonShoreatfirst,fortheywerebothofthemdead,andhadbeeninterr'dnearmyHabitationbymyownHand;butoneofthemhavingmultiply'dbyIknownotwhatKindofCreature,theseweretwowhichIhadpreserv'dtame,whereastherestrunwildintheWoods,andbecameindeedtroublesomtomeatlast;fortheywouldoftencomeintomyHouse,andplundermetoo,tillatlastIwasobligedtoshootthem,anddidkillagreatmany;atlengththeyleftmewiththisAttendance,andinthisplentifulMannerIlived;neithercouldIbesaidtowantanythingbutSociety,andofthatinsometimeafterthis,Iwasliketohavetoomuch.Iwassomethingimpatient,asIhaveobserv'd,tohavetheUseofmyBoat;thoughveryloathtorunanymoreHazards;andthereforesometimesIsatcontrivingWaystogetherabouttheIsland,andatotherTimesIsatmyselfdowncontentedenoughwithouther.ButIhadastrangeUneasinessinmyMindtogodowntothePointoftheIsland,where,asIhavesaid,inmylastRamble,IwentuptheHilltoseehowtheShorelay,andhowtheCurrentset,thatImightseewhatIhadtodo:ThisInclinationencreas'duponmeeveryDay,andatlengthIresolv'dtotravelthitherbyLand,followingtheEdgeoftheShore.Ididso:ButhadanyoneinEnglandbeentomeetsuchaManasIwas,itmusteitherhavefrightedthem,orrais'dagreatdealofLaughter;andasIfrequentlystoodstilltolookatmyself,Icouldnotbutsmileatthe
NotionofmytravellingthoughYorkshirewithsuchanEquipage,andinsuchaDress:Bepleas'dtotakeaScetchofmyFigureasfollows,IhadagreathighshapelessCap,madeofaGoat'sSkin,withaFlaphangingdownbehind,aswelltokeeptheSunfromme,astoshoottheRainofffromrunningintomyNeck;nothingbeingsohurtfulintheseClimates,astheRainupontheFleshundertheCloaths.IhadashortJacketofGoat-Skin,theSkirtscomingdowntoaboutthemiddleofmyThighs;andaPairofopen-knee'dBreechesofthesame,theBreechesweremadeoftheSkinofanoldHe-goat,whoseHairhungdownsuchaLengthoneitherSide,thatlikePantaloonsitreach'dtothemiddleofmyLegs;StockingsandShoesIhadnone,buthadmademeaPairofsome-things,Iscarceknowwhattocallthem,likeBuskinstoflapovermyLegs,andlaceoneitherSidelikeSpatter-dashes;butofamostbarbarousShape,asindeedwerealltherestofmyCloaths.IhadonabroadBeltofGoats-Skindry'd,whichIdrewtogetherwithtwoThongsofthesame,insteadofBuckles,andinakindofaFrogoneitherSideofthis.InsteadofaSwordandaDagger,hungalittleSawandaHatchet,oneononeSide,oneontheother.IhadanotherBeltnotsobroad,andfasten'dinthesameManner,whichhungovermyShoulder;andattheEndofit,undermyleftArm,hungtwoPouches,bothmadeofGoat's-Skintoo;inoneofwhichhungmyPowder,intheothermyShot:AtmyBackIcarry'dmyBasket,onmyShouldermyGun,andovermyHeadagreatclumsyuglyGoat-SkinUmbrella,butwhich,afterall,wasthemostnecessaryThingIhadaboutme,nexttomyGun:AsformyFace,theColourofitwasreallynotsoMoletta-likeasonemightexpectfromaMannotatallcarefulofit,andlivingwithinnineortenDegreesoftheEquinox.MyBeardIhadoncesuffer'dtogrowtillitwasaboutaQuarterofaYardlong;butasIhadbothScissarsandRazorssufficient,Ihadcutitprettyshort,exceptwhatgrewonmyupperLip,whichIhadtrimm'dintoalargePairofMahometanWhiskers,suchasIhadseenwornbysomeTurks,whoIsawatSallee;fortheMoorsdidnotwearsuch,tho'theTurksdid;oftheseMuschatoesorWhiskers,IwillnotsaytheywerelongenoughtohangmyHatuponthem;buttheywereofaLengthandShapemonstrousenough,andsuchasinEnglandwouldhavepass'dforfrightful.Butallthisisbytheby;forastomyFigure,Ihadsofewtoobserveme,thatitwasofnomannerofConsequence;soIsaynomoretothatPart.InthiskindofFigureIwentmynewJourney,andwasoutfiveorsixDays.Itravell'dfirstalongtheSeaShore,directlytothePlacewhereIfirstbroughtmyBoattoanAnchor,togetupupontheRocks;andhavingnoBoatnowtotakecareof,IwentovertheLandanearerWaytothesameHeightthatIwasuponbefore,whenlookingforwardtothePointoftheRockswhichlayout,andwhichIwasoblig'dtodoublewithmyBoat,asissaidabove:Iwassurpriz'dtoseetheSeaallsmoothandquiet,noRipling,noMotion,no
Current,anymoretherethaninotherPlaces.IwasatastrangeLosstounderstandthis,andresolv'dtospendsomeTimeintheobservingit,toseeifnothingfromtheSetsoftheTidehadoccasion'dit;butIwaspresentlyconvinc'dhowitwas,viz.ThattheTideofEbbsettingfromtheWest,andjoyningwiththeCurrentofWatersfromsomegreatRiverontheShore,mustbetheOccasionofthisCurrent;andthataccordingastheWindblewmoreforciblyfromtheWest,orfromtheNorth,thisCurrentcamenearer,orwentfartherfromtheShore;forwaitingthereaboutstillEvening,IwentuptotheRockagain,andthentheTideofEbbbeingmade,IplainlysawtheCurrentagainasbefore,only,thatitrunfartheroff,beingnearhalfaLeaguefromtheShore;whereasinmyCase,itsetcloseupontheShore,andhurry'dmeandmyCanoealongwithit,whichatanotherTimeitwouldnothavedone.ThisObservationconvinc'dme,ThatIhadnothingtodobuttoobservetheEbbingandtheFlowingoftheTide,andImightveryeasilybringmyBoatabouttheIslandagain:ButwhenIbegantothinkofputtingitinPractice,IhadsuchaTerroruponmySpiritsattheRemembranceoftheDangerIhadbeenin,thatIcouldnotthinkofitagainwithanyPatience;butonthecontrary,ItookupanotherResolutionwhichwasmoresafe,thoughmorelaborious;andthiswas,ThatIwouldbuild,orrathermakemeanotherPeriaguaorCanoe;andsohaveoneforoneSideoftheIsland,andonefortheother.Youaretounderstand,thatnowIhad,asImaycallit,twoPlantationsintheIsland;onemylittleFortificationorTent,withtheWallaboutitundertheRock,withtheCavebehindme,whichbythisTimeIhadenlarg'dintoseveralApartments,orCaves,onewithinanother.Oneofthese,whichwasthedryest,andlargest,andhadaDooroutbeyondmyWallorFortification;thatistosay,beyondwheremyWalljoyn'dtotheRock,wasallfill'dupwiththelargeEarthenPots,ofwhichIhavegivenanAccount,andwithfourteenorfifteengreatBaskets,whichwouldholdfiveorsixBushelseach,whereIlaidupmyStoresofProvision,especiallymyCorn,someintheEarcutoffshortfromtheStraw,andtheotherrubb'doutwithmyHand.AformyWallmade,asbefore,withlongStakesorPiles,thosePilesgrewalllikeTrees,andwerebythisTimegrownsobig,andspreadsoverymuch,thattherewasnottheleastAppearancetoanyone'sViewofanyHabitationbehindthem.NearthisDwellingofmine,butalittlefartherwithintheLand,anduponlowerGround,laymytwoPiecesofCorn-Ground,whichIkeptdulycultivatedandsow'd,andwhichdulyyieldedmetheirHarvestinitsSeason;andwheneverIhadoccasionformoreCorn,IhadmoreLandadjoyningasfitasthat.Besidesthis,IhadmyCountrySeat,andIhadnowatollerablePlantationtherealso;
forfirst,IhadmylittleBower,asIcall'dit,whichIkeptinRepair;thatistosay,IkepttheHedgewhichcircleditin,constantlyfitteduptoitsusualHeight,theLadderstandingalwaysintheInside;IkepttheTreeswhichatfirstwerenomorethanmyStakes,butwerenowgrownveryfirmandtall;Ikeptthemalwayssocut,thattheymightspreadandgrowthickandwild,andmakethemoreagreeableShade,whichtheydideffectuallytomyMind.IntheMiddleofthisIhadmyTentalwaysstanding,beingapieceofaSailspreadoverPolessetupforthatPurpose,andwhichneverwantedanyRepairorRenewing;andunderthisIhadmademeaSquaborCouch,withtheSkinsoftheCreaturesIhadkill'd,andwithothersoftThings,andaBlanketlaidonthem,suchasbelong'dtoourSea-Bedding,whichIhadsaved,andagreatWatch-Coattocoverme;andhere,wheneverIhadOccasiontobeabsentfrommychiefSeat,ItookupmyCountryHabitation.AdjoyningtothisIhadmyEnclosuresformyCattle,thatistosay,myGoats:AndasIhadtakenaninconceivabledealofPainstofenceandenclosethisGround,soIwassouneasytoseeitkeptentire,lesttheGoatsshouldbreakthro',thatIneverleftofftillwithinfiniteLabourIhadstucktheOut-sideoftheHedgesofullofsmallStakes,andsoneartooneanother,thatitwasratheraPalethanaHedge,andtherewasscarceRoomtoputaHandthro'betweenthem,whichafterwardswhenthoseStakesgrew,astheyalldidinthenextrainySeason,madetheEnclosurestronglikeaWall,indeedstrongerthananyWall.ThiswilltestifyformethatIwasnotidle,andthatIsparednoPainstobringtopasswhateverappear'dnecessaryformycomfortableSupport;forIconsider'dthekeepingupaBreedoftameCreaturesthusatmyHand,wouldbealivingMagazineofFlesh,Milk,ButterandCheese,formeaslongasIliv'dinthePlace,ifitweretobefortyYears;andthatkeepingtheminmyReach,dependedentirelyuponmyperfectingmyEnclosurestosuchaDegree,thatImightbeofkeepingthemtogether;whichbythisMethodindeedIsoeffectuallysecur'd,thatwhentheselittleStakesbegantogrow,Ihadplantedthemsoverythick,Iwasforcedtopwsomeofthemupagain.InthisPlacealsoIhadmyGrapesgrowing,whichIprincipallydependedonformyWinterStoreofRaisins;andwhichIneverfail'dtopreserveverycarefully,asthebestandmostagreeableDaintyofmywholeDiet;andindeedtheywerenotagreeableonly,butphysical,whole-some,nourishing,andrefreshingtothelastDegree.AsthiswasalsoabouthalfWaybetweenmyotherHabitation,andthePlacewhereIhadlaidupmyBoat,Igenerallystay'd,andlayhereinmyWaythither;forIusedfrequentlytovisitmyBoat,andIkeptallThingsaboutorbelongingtoherinverygoodOrder;sometimesIwentoutinhertodivertmyself,butnomorehazardousVoyageswouldIgo,norscarceeveraboveaStone'sCastortwofromtheShore,Iwassoapprehensiveofbeinghurry'doutmyKnowledgeagainbytheCurrents,orWinds,oranyetherAccident.ButnowIcometoanewSceneofmyLife.Ithappen'd
oneDayaboutNoongoingtowardsmyBoat,Iwasexceedinglysurpriz'dwiththePrintofaMan'snakedFootontheShore,whichwasveryplaintobeseenintheSand:IstoodlikeoneThunder-struck,orasifIhadseenanApparition;Ilisten'd,Ilook'droundme,Icouldhearnothing,norseeanyThing,IwentuptoarisingGroundtolookfarther,IwentuptheShoreanddowntheShore,butitwasallone,IcouldseenootherImpressionbutthatone,Iwenttoitagaintoseeiftherewereanymore,andtoobserveifitmightnotbemyFancy;buttherewasnoRoomforthat,fortherewasexactlytheveryPrintofaFoot,Toes,Heel,andeveryPartofaFoot;howitcamethither,Iknewnot,norcouldintheleastimagine.ButafterinnumerableflutteringThoughts,likeaManperfectlyconfus'dandoutofmyself,IcameHometomyFortification,notfeeling,aswesay,theGroundIwenton,butterrify'dtothelastDegree,lookingbehindmeateverytwoorthreeSteps,mistakingeveryBushandTree,andfancyingeveryStumpataDistancetobeaMan;norisitpossibletodescribehowmanyvariousShapesaffrightedImaginationrepresentedThingstomein,howmanywildIdeaswerefoundeveryMomentinmyFancy,andwhatstrangeunaccountableWhimsiescameintomyThoughtsbytheWay.WhenIcametomyCastle,forsoIthinkIcall'diteverafterthis,Ifledintoitlikeonepursued;whetherIwentoverbytheLadderasfirstcontriv'd,orwentinattheHoleintheRock,whichIcall'daDoor,Icannotremember;no,norcouldIrememberthenextMorning,forneverfrightedHarefledtoCover,orFoxtoEarth,withmoreTerrorofMindthanItothisRetreat.IsleptnonethatNight;thefartherIwasfromtheOccasionofmyFright,thegreatermyApprehensionswere,whichissomethingcontrarytotheNatureofsuchThings,andespeciallytotheusualPracticeofallCreaturesinFear:ButIwassoembarrass'dwithmyownfrightfulIdeasoftheThing,thatIform'dnothingbutdismalImaginationstomyself,eventho'Iwasnowagreatwayoffofit.SometimesIfancy'ditmustbetheDevil;andReasonjoyn'dinwithmeuponthisSupposition:ForhowshouldanyotherThinginhumanShapecomeintothePlace?WherewastheVesselthatbroughtthem?WhatMarkswasthereofanyotherFootsteps?AndhowwasitpossibleaManshouldcomethere?ButthentothinkthatSatanshouldtakehumanShapeuponhiminsuchaPlacewheretherecouldbenomannerofOccasionforit,buttoleavethePrintofhisFootbehindhim,andthatevenfornoPurposetoo,forhecouldnotbesureIshouldseeit;thiswasanAmusementtheotherWay;Iconsider'dthattheDevilmighthavefoundoutabundanceofotherWaystohaveterrify'dmethanthisofthesinglePrintofaFoot.ThatasIliv'dquiteontheotherSideoftheIsland,hewouldneverhavebeensosimpletoleaveaMarkinaPlacewhere'twasTenThousandtoonewhetherIshouldeverseeitOrnot,andintheSandtoo,whichthefirstSurgeoftheSeauponahighWindwouldhavedefac'dentirely:Allthisseem'dinconsistentwiththeThingitself,andwithalltheNotionsweusuallyentertainoftheSubtiltyoftheDevil.
AbundanceofsuchThingsastheseassistedtoarguemeout'ofallApprehensionsofitsbeingtheDevil:AndIpresentlyconcludedthen,thatitmustbesomemoredangerousCreature,(viz.)ThatitmustbesomeoftheSavagesofthemainLandover-againstme,whohadwander'douttoSeaintheirCanoes;andeitherdrivenbytheCurrents,orbycontraryWindshadmadetheIsland;andhadbeenonShore,butweregoneawayagaintoSea,beingasloth,perhaps,tohavestay'dinthisdesolateIsland,asIwouldhavebeentohavehadthem.WhiletheseReflectionswererowlinguponmyMind,IwasverythankfulinmyThoughts,thatIwassohappyasnottobethereaboutsatthatTime,orthattheydidnotseemyBoat,bywhichtheywouldhaveconcludedthatsomeInhabitantshadbeeninthePlace,andperhapshavesearch'dfartherforme:ThenterribleThoughtsrack'dmyImaginationabouttheirhavingfoundmyBoat,andthattherewerePeoplehere;andthatifso,IshouldcertainlyhavethemcomeagainingreaterNumbers,anddevourme;thatifitshouldhappensothattheyshouldnotfindme,yettheywouldfindmyEnclosure,destroyallmyCorn,carryawayallmyFlockoftameGoats,andIshouldperishatlastformeerWant.ThusmyFearbanish'dallmyreligiousHope;allthatformerConfidenceinGodwhichwasfoundeduponsuchwonderfulExperienceasIhadhadofhisGoodness,nowvanished,asifhethathadfedmebyMiraclehitherto,couldnotpreservebyhisPowertheProvisionwhichhehadmadeformebyhisGoodness:Ireproach'dmyselfwithmyEasiness,thatwouldnotsowanymoreCornoneYearthanwouldjustservemetillthenextSeason,asifnoAccidentcouldintervenetopreventmyenjoyingtheCropthatwasupontheGround;andthisIthoughtsojustaReproof,thatIresolv'dforthefuturetohavetwoorthreeYearsCornbeforehand,sothatwhatevermightcome,ImightnotperishforwantofBread.HowstrangeaChequerWorkofProvidenceistheLifeofMan!andbywhatsecretdifferingSpringsaretheAffectionshurry'daboutasdifferingCircumstancepresentToDaywelovewhattoMorrowwehate;toDayweseekwhattoMorrowweshun;toDaywedesirewhattoMorrowwefear;nayeventrembleattheApprehensionsof;thiswasexemplify'dinmeatthisTimeinthemostlivelyMannerimaginable;forIwhoseonlyAfflictionwas,thatIseem'dbanishedfromhumanSociety,thatIwasalone,circumscrib'dbytheboundlessOcean,cutofffromMankind,andcondemn'dtowhatIcall'dsilentLife;thatIwasasonewhoHeaventhoughtnotworthytobenumber'damongtheLiving,ortoappearamongtherestofhisCreatures;thattohaveseenoneofmyownSpecies,wouldhaveseem'dtomeaRaisingmefromDeathtoLife,andthegreatestBlessingthatHeavenitself,nexttothesupremeBlessingofSalvation,couldbestow;Isay,thatIshouldnowtrembleattheveryApprehensionsofseeingaMan,andwasreadytosinkintotheGroundatbuttheShadoworsilentAppearanceofaMan'shavingsethisFootintheIsland.
SuchistheunevenStateofhumanLife:AnditaffordedmeagreatmanycuriousSpeculationsafterwards,whenIhadalittlerecover'dmyfirstSurprize;Iconsider'dthatthiswastheStationofLifetheinfinitelywiseandgoodProvidenceofGodhaddetermin'dforme,thatasIcouldnotforeseewhattheEndsofDivineWisdommightbeinallthis,soIwasnottodisputehisSovereignty,who,asIwashisCreature,hadanundoubtedRightbyCreationtogovernanddisposeofmeabsolutelyashethoughtfit;andwho,asIwasaCreaturewhohadoffendedhim,hadlikewiseajudicialRighttocondemnmetowhatPunishmenthethoughtfit;andthatitwasmyParttosubmittobearhisIndignation,becauseIhadsinn'dagainsthim.IthenreflectedthatGod,whowasnotonlyRighteousbutOnmipotent,ashehadthoughtfitthustopunishandafflictme,sohewasabletodeliverme;thatifhedidnotthinkfittodoit,'twasmyunquestion'dDutytoresignmyselfabsolutelyandentirelytohisWill;andontheotherHand,itwasmyDutyalsotohopeinhim,praytohim,andquietlytoattendtheDictatesandDirectionsofhisdailyProvidence.TheseThoughtstookmeupmanyHours,Days;nay,Imaysay,WeeksandMonths;andoneparticularEffectofmyCogitationsonthisOccasion,Icannotomit,viz.OneMorningearly,lyinginmyBed,andfill'dwithThoughtaboutmyDangerfromtheAppearanceofSavages,Ifounditdiscompos'dmeverymuch,uponwhichthoseWordsoftheScripturecameintomyThoughts,CalluponmeintheDayofTrouble,andIwilldeliver,andthoushaltglorifyme.Uponthis,risingchearfullyoutofmyBed,myHeartwasnotonlycomforted,butIwasguidedandencourag'dtoprayearnestlytoGodforDeliverance:WhenIhaddonepraying,ItookupmyBible,andopeningittoread,thefirstWordsthatpresentedtome,were,WaitontheLord,andbeofgoodCheer,andheshallstrengthenthyHeart;wait,Isay,ontheLord:ItisimpossibletoexpresstheComfortthisgaveme.InAnswer,IthankfullylaiddowntheBook,andwasnomoresad,atleast,notonthatOccasion.InthemiddleoftheseCogitations,ApprehensionsandReflections,itcameintomyThoughtoneDay,thatallthismightbeameerChimeraofmyown;andthatthisFootmightbethePrintofmyownFoot,whenIcameonShorefrommyBoat:Thischear'dmeupalittletoo,andIbegantoperswademyselfitwasallaDelusion;thatitwasnothingelsebutmyownFoot,andwhymightnotIcomethatwayfromtheBoat,aswellasIwasgoingthatwaytotheBoat;again,Iconsider'dalsothatIcouldbynoMeanstellforcertainwhereIhadtrod,andwhereIhadnot;andthatifatlastthiswasonlythePrintofmyownFoot,Ihadplay'dthePartofthoseFools,whostrivetomakestoriesofSpectres,andApparitions;andthenarefrightedatthemmorethananybody.NowIbegantotakeCourage,andtopeepabroadagain;forIhadnotstirr'doutofmy
CastleforthreeDaysandNights;sothatIbegantostarveforProvision;forIhadlittleornothingwithinDoors,butsomeBarleyCakesandwater.ThenIknewthatmyGoatswantedtobemilk'dtoo,whichusuallywasmyEveningDiversion;andthepoorCreatureswereingreatPainandInconvenienceforwantofit;andindeed,italmostspoil'dsomeofthem,andalmostdry'duptheirMilk.HeartningmyselfthereforewiththeBeliefthatthiswasnothingbutthePrintofoneofmyownFeet,andsoImightbetrulysaidtostartatmyownShadow,Ibegantogoabroadagain,andwenttomyCountryHouse,tomilkmyFlock;buttoseewithwhatFearIwentforward,howoftenIlook'dbehindme,howIwasreadyeverynowandthentolaydownmyBasket,andrunformyLife,itwouldhavemadeanyonehavethoughtIwashauntedwithanevilConscience,orthatIhadbeenlatelymostterriblyfrighted,andsoindeedIhad.However,asIwentdownthustwoorthreeDays,andhavingseennothing,Ibegantobealittlebolder;andtothinktherewasreallynothinginit,butmyownImagination:ButIcou'dnotperswademyselffullyofthis,tillIshouldgodowntotheShoreagain,andseethisPrintofaFoot,andmeasureitbymyown,andseeiftherewasanySimilitudeorFitness,thatImightbeassur'ditwasmyownFoot:ButwhenIcametothePlace,First,Itappear'devidentlytome,thatwhenIlaidupmyBoat,IcouldnotpossiblybeonShoreanywherethereabout.Secondly,WhenIcametomeasuretheMarkwithmyownFoot,IfoundmyFootnotsolargebyagreatdeal;boththeseThingsfill'dmyHeadwithnewImaginations,andgavemetheVapoursagain,tothehighestDegree;sothatIshookwithcold,likeoneinanAgue:AndIwentHomeagain,fill'dwiththeBeliefthatsomeManOrMenhadbeenonShorethere;orinshort,thattheIslandwasinhabited,andImightbesurpriz'dbeforeIwasaware;andwhatcoursetotakeformySecurityIknewnot.OwhatridiculousResolutionMentake,whenpossess'dwithFear!ItdeprivesthemoftheUseofthoseMeanswhichReasonoffersfortheirRelief.ThefirstThingIpropos'dtomyself,was,tothrowdownmyEnclosures,andturnallmytameCattlewildintotheWoods,thattheEnemymightnotfindthem;andthenfrequenttheIslandinProspectofthesame,orthelikeBooty:Thentothesimple'ThingofDiggingupmytwoCornFields,thattheymightnotfindsuchaGrainthere,andstillbepromptedtofrequenttheIsland;thentodemolishmyBower,andTent,thattheymightnotseeanyVestigesofHabitation,andbepromptedtolookfarther,inordertofindoutthePersonsinhabiting.TheseweretheSubjectofthefirstNight'sCogitation,afterIwascomeHomeagain,whiletheApprehensionswhichhadsoover-runmyMindwerefreshuponme,andmyHeadwasfullofVapours,asabove:ThusFearofDangeristenthousandTimesmoreterrifyingthanDangeritself,whenapparenttotheEyes;andwefindtheBurthenofAnxietygreaterbymuch,thantheEvilwhichweareanxiousabout;and
whichwasworsethanallthis,IhadnotthatReliefinthisTroublefromtheResignationIusedtopractice,thatIhop'dtohave.Ilook'd,Ithought,likeSaul,whocomplain'dnotonlythatthePhilistineswereuponhim;butthatGodhadforsakenhim;forIdidnotnowtakedueWaystocomposemyMind,bycryingtoGodinmyDistress,andrestinguponhisProvidence,asIhaddonebefore,formyDefenceandDeliverance;whichifIhaddone,Ihad,atleast,beenmorecheerfullysupportedunderthisnewSurprise,andperhapscarry'dthroughitwithmoreResolution.ThisConfusionofmyThoughtskeptmewakingallNight;butintheMorningIfellasleep,andhavingbytheAmusementofmyMind,been,asitwere,tyr'd,andmySpiritsexhausted;Isleptverysoundly,andwak'dmuchbettercompos'dthanIhadeverbeenbefore;andnowIbegantothinksedately;andupontheutmostDebatewithmyself,Iconcluded,ThatthisIsland,whichwassoexceedingpleasant,fruitful,andnofartherfromthemainLandthanasIhadseen,wasnotsoentirelyabandon'dasImightimagine:Thataltho'therewerenostatedInhabitantswholiv'dontheSpot;yetthattheremightsometimescomeBoatsofffromtheShore,whoeitherwithDesign,orperhapsnever,butwhentheyweredrivenbycrossWinds,mightcometothisPlace.ThatIhadliv'dherefifteenYearsnow,andhadnotmetwiththeleastShadoworFigureofanyPeopleyet;andthatifatanyTimetheyshouldbedrivenhere,itwasprobabletheywentawayagainassoonasevertheycould,seeingtheyhadneverthoughtfittofixthereuponanyOccasion,tothisTime.ThatthemostIcou'dsuggestanyDangerfrom,was,fromanysuchcasualaccidentalLandingofstragglingPeoplefromtheMain,who,asitwaslikelyiftheyweredrivenhither,werehereagainsttheirWills;sotheymadenostayhere,butwentoffagainwithallpossibleSpeed,seldomstayingoneNightonShore,leasttheyshouldnothavetheHelpoftheTides,andDay-lightbackagain;andthatthereforeIhadnothingtodobuttoconsiderofsomesafeRetreat,inCaseIshouldseeanySavageslandupontheSpot.NowIbegansorelytorepent,thatIhaddugmyCavesolarge,astobringaDoorthroughagain,whichDoor,asIsaid,cameoutbeyondwheremyFortificationjoyn'dtotheRock;uponmaturelyconsideringthistherefore,Iresolv'dtodrawmeasecondFortification,inthesameMannerofaSemicircle,ataDistancefrommyWall,justwhereIhadplantedadoubleRowofTrees,abouttwelveYearsbefore,ofwhichImademention:TheseTreeshavingbeenplantedsothickbefore,theywantedbutafewPilestobedrivenbetweenthem,thattheyshouldbethicker,andstronger,andmyWallwouldbesoonfinish'd.SothatIhadnowadoubleWall,andmyOuterWallwasthicknedwithPiecesOfTimber,oldCables,andeveryThingIcouldthinkof,tomakeitstrong;havinginit
sevenlittleHoles,aboutasbigasImightputmyArmoutat:IntheIn-sideofthis,IthicknedmyWalltoabovetenFootthick,withcontinualbringingEarthoutofmyCave,andlayingitattheFootoftheWall,andwalkinguponit;andthroughthesevenHoles,Icontriv'dtoplanttheMusquets,ofwhichItookNotice,thatIgotsevenonShoreoutoftheShip;these,Isay,IplantedlikemyCannon,andfittedthemintoFramesthatheldthemlikeaCarriage,thatsoIcouldfireallthesevenGunsintwoMinutesTime:ThisWallIwasmanyawearyMonthafinishing,andyetneverthoughtmyselfsafetillitwasdone.Whenthiswasdone,IstuckalltheGroundwithoutmyWall,foragreatwayeveryway,asfullwithStakesorSticksoftheOsierlikeWood,whichIfoundsoapttogrow,astheycouldwellstand;insomuch,thatIbelieveImightsetinneartwentythousandofthem,leavingaprettylargeSpacebetweenthemandmyWall,thatImighthaveroomtoseeanEnemy,andtheymighthavenoshelterfromtheyoungTrees,iftheyattemptedtoapproachmyouterWall.ThusintwoYearsTimeIhadathickGroveandinfiveorsixYearsTimeIhadaWoodbeforemyDwelling,growingsomonstrousthickandstrong,thatitwasindeedperfectlyimpassable;andnoMenofwhatkindsoever,wouldeverimaginethattherewasanyThingbeyondit,muchlessaHabitation:AsfortheWaywhichIpropos'dtomyselftogoinandout,forIleftnoAvenue;itwasbysettingtwoLadders,onetoaPartoftheRockwhichwaslowandthenbrokein,andleftroomtoplaceanotherLadderuponthat;sowhenthetwoLaddersweretakendown,noManlivingcouldcomedowntomewithoutmischievinghimself;andiftheyhadcomedown,theywerestillontheOut-sideofmyouterWall.ThusItookalltheMeasureshumanePrudencecouldsuggestformyownPreservation;anditwillbeseenatlength,thattheywerenotaltogetherwithoutjustReason;thoughIforesawnothingatthatTime,morethanmymeerFearsuggestedtome.Whilethiswasdoing,IwasnotaltogetherCarelessofmyotherAffairs;forIhadagreatConcernuponme,formylittleHerdofGoats;theywerenotonlyapresentSupplytomeuponeveryOccasion,andbegantobesufficienttome,withouttheExpenceofPowderandShot;butalsowithouttheFatigueofHuntingafterthewildOnes,andIwaslothtolosetheAdvantageofthem,andtohavethemalltonurseupoveragain.TothisPurpose,afterlongConsideration,IcouldthinkofbuttwoWaystopreservethem;onewastofindanotherconvenientPlacetodigaCaveUnder-ground,andtodrivethemintoiteveryNight;andtheotherwastoenclosetwoorthreelittleBitsofLand,remotefromoneanotherandasmuchconceal'dasIcould,whereImightkeepabouthalfaDozenyoungGoatsineachPlace:SothatifanyDisasterhappen'dtothe
Flockingeneral,ImightbeabletoraisethemagainwithlittleTroubleandTime:Andthis,tho'itwouldrequireagreatdealofTimeandLabour,IthoughtwasthemostrationalDesign.AccordinglyIspentsomeTimetofindoutthemostretir'dPartsoftheIsland;andIpitch'dupononewhichwasasprivateindeedasmyHeartcouldwishfor;itwasalittledampPieceofGroundintheMiddleofthehollowandthickWoods,where,asisobserv'd,Ialmostlostmyselfoncebefore,endeavouringtoComebackthatWayfromtheEasternPartoftheIsland:HereIfoundaclearPieceofLandnearthreeAcres,sosurroundedwithWoods,thatitwasalmostanEnclosurebyNature,atleastitdidnotwantnearsomuchLabourtomakeitso,astheotherPiecesofGroundIhadwork'dsohardat.IimmediatelywenttoWorkwiththisPieceofGround,andinlessthanaMonth'sTime,Ihadsofenc'ditround,thatmyFlockorHerd,callitwhichyouplease,whowerenotsowildnowasatfirsttheymightbesupposedtobe,werewellenoughsecur'dinit.So,withoutanyfartherDelay,IremovedtenyoungShe-GoatsandtwoHe-GoatstothisPiece;andwhentheywerethere,IcontinuedtoperfecttheFencetillIhadmadeitassecureastheother,which,however,IdidatmoreLeisure,andittookmeupmoreTimebyagreatdeal.AllthisLabourIwasattheExpenceof,purelyfrommyApprehensionsontheAccountofthePrintofaMan'sFootwhichIhadseen;forasyetIneversawanyhumanCreaturecomeneartheIsland,andIhadnowliv'dtwoYearsundertheseUneasinesses,whichindeedmademyLifemuchlesscomfortablethanitwasbefore;asmaywellbeimagin'dbyanywhoknowwhatitistoliveintheconstantSnareoftheFearofMan;andthisImustobservewithGrieftoo,thattheDiscomposureofmyMindhadtoogreatImpressionsalsouponthereligiousPartofmyThoughts,fortheDreadandTerroroffallingintotheHandsofSavagesandCanibals,laysouponmySpirits,thatIseldomfoundmyselfinadueTemperforApplicationtomyMaker,atleastnotwiththesedateCalmnessandResignationofSoulwhichIwaswonttodo;Iratherpray'dtoGodasundergreatAfflictionandPressureofMind,surroundedwithDanger,andinExpectationeveryNightofbeingmurther'danddevour'dbeforeMorning;andImusttestifyfrommyExperience,thataTemperofPeace,Thankfulness,LoveandAffection,ismuchmoretheproperFrameforPrayerthanthatofTerrorandDiscomposure;andthatundertheDreadofMischiefimpending,aManisnomorefitforacomfortingPerformanceoftheDutyofprayingtoGod,thanheisforRepentanceonasickBed:FortheseDiscomposuresaffecttheMindastheothersdotheBody;andtheDiscomposureoftheMindmustnecessarilybeasgreataDisabilityasthatoftheBody,andmuchgreater,PrayingtoGodbeingproperlyanActOftheMind,notoftheBody.Buttogoon;AfterIhadthussecur'donePartofmylittlelivingStock,Iwentabout
thewholeIsland,searchingforanotherprivatePlace,tomakesuchanotherDeposit;whenwandringmoretotheWestPointoftheIsland,thanIhadeverdoneyet,andlookingouttoSea,IthoughtIsawaBoatupontheSea,atagreatDistance;IhadfoundaProspectiveGlass,ortwo,inoneoftheSeamen'sChests,whichIsav'doutofourShip;butIhaditnotaboutme,andthiswassoremote,thatIcouldnottellwhattomakeofit;thoughIlook'datittillmyEyeswerenotabletoholdtolookanylonger;whetheritwasaBoat,ornot,Idonotknow;butasIdescendedfromtheHill,Icouldseenomoreofit,soIgaveitover;onlyIresolv'dtogonomoreoutwithoutaProspectiveGlassinmyPocket.WhenIwascomedowntheHill,totheEndoftheIsland,whereindeedIhadneverbeenbefore,Iwaspresentlyconvinc'd,thattheseeingthePrintofaMan'sFoot,wasnotsuchastrangeThingintheIslandasIimagin'd;andbutthatitwasaspecialProvidencethatIwascastupontheSideoftheIsland,wheretheSavagesnevercame:Ishouldeasilyhaveknown,thatnothingwasmorefrequentthanfortheCanoesfromtheMain,whentheyhappen'dtobealittletoofaroutatSea,toshootovertothatSideoftheIslandforHarbour;likewiseastheyoftenmet,andfoughtintheirCanoes,theVictorshavingtakenanyPrisoners,wouldbringthemovertothisShore,whereaccordingtotheirdreadfulCustoms,beingallCanibals,theywouldkillandeatthem;ofwhichhereafter.Part5WhenIwascomedowntheHill,totheShore,asIsaidabove,beingtheS.W.PointoftheIsland,Iwasperfectlyconfoundedandamaz'd;norisitpossibleformetoexpresstheHorrorofmyMind,atseeingtheShorespreadwithSkulls,Hands,Feet,andotherBonesofhumaneBodies;andparticularlyIobserv'daPlacewheretherehadbeenaFiremade,andaCircledugintheEarth,likeaCockpit,whereitissuppos'dtheSavageWretcheshadsatdowntotheirinhumaneFeastingsupontheBodiesoftheirFellow-Creatures.Iwassoastonish'dwiththeSightoftheseThings,thatIentertain'dnoNotionsofanyDangertomyselffromitforalongwhile;AllmyApprehensionswerebury'dintheThoughtsofsuchaPitchofinhuman,hellishBrutality,andtheHorroroftheDegeneracyofHumaneNature;whichthoughIhadheardofoften,yetIneverhadsonearaViewofbefore;inshort,Iturn'dawaymyFacefromthehorridSpectacle;myStomachgrewsick,andIwasjustatthePointofFainting,whenNaturedischarg'dtheDisorderfrommyStomach;andhavingvomitedwithanuncommonviolence,Iwasalittlereliev'd;butcou'dnotbeartostayinthePlaceaMoment;soIgatmeuptheHillagain,withtheSpeedIcou'd,andwalk'dontowardsmyownHabitation.WhenIcamealittleoutofthatPartoftheIsland,Istoodawhileasamaz'd;andthen
recoveringmyself,Ilook'dwiththeutmostAffectionofmySoul,andwithaFloodTearsinmyEyes,gaveGodThanksthathadcastmyLotinaPartoftheWorld,whereIwasdistinguish'dfromsuchdreadfulCreaturesasthese;andthatthoughIhadesteem'dmypresentConditionverymiserable,hadyetgivenmesomanyComfortsinit,thatIhadstillmoretogiveThanksforthantocomplainof;andthisaboveall,thathadeveninthismiserableConditionbeencomfortedwiththeKnowledgeofhimself,andtheHopeofhisBlessing,whichwasaFelicitymorethansufficientlyequivalenttoalltheMiserywhichIhadsuffer'd,orcouldsuffer.InthisFrameofThankfulness,IwentHometomyCastle,andbegantobemucheasiernow,astotheSafetymyCircumstances,thaneverIwasbefore;forIobserv'd,thattheseWretchesnevercametothisIslandinsearchofwhattheycouldget;perhapsnotseeking,notwanting,ornotexpectinganyThinghere;andhavingoften,nodoubt,beenupinthecover'dwoodyPartofit,withoutfindinganyThingtotheirPurpose.IknewIhadbeenherenowalmosteighteenYears,andneversawtheleastFoot-stepsofHumaneCreaturetherebefore;andImightbehereeighteenmore,asentirelyconceal'dasIwasnow,ifIdidnotdiscovermyselftothem,whichIhadnomannerofOccasiontodo,itbeingmyonlyBusinesstokeepmyselfentirelyconceal'dwhereIwas,unlessIfoundabettersortofCreaturesthanCanibalstomakemyselfknownto.YetIentertain'dsuchanAbhorrenceoftheSavageWretches,thatIhavebeenspeakingof,andofthewretchedinhumanCustomoftheirdevouringandeatingoneanotherup,thatIcontinu'dpensive,andsad,andkeptclosewithinmyownCircleforalmosttwoYearsafterthis:WhenIsaymyownCircle,Imeanbyit,mythreePlantations,viz.myCastle,myCountrySeat,whichIcall'dmyBower,andmyEnclosureintheWoods;nordidIlookafterthisforanyotherUsethanasanEnclosureformyGoats;fortheAversionwhichNaturegavemetothesehellishWretches,wassuch,thatIwasfearfulofseeingthem,asofseeingtheDevilhimself;nordidIsomuchasgotolookaftermyBoat,inallthisTime;butbeganrathertothinkofmakingmeanother;forIcou'dnotthinkofevermakinganymoreAttempts,tobringtheotherBoatroundtheIslandtome,leastIshouldmeetwithsomeoftheseCreaturesatSea,inwhich,ifIhadhappen'dtohavefallenintotheirHands,IknewwhatwouldhavebeenmyLot.Timehowever,andtheSatisfactionIhad,thatIwasinnoDangerofbeingdiscover'dbythesePeople,begantowearoffmyUneasinessaboutthem;andIbegantolivejustinthesamecompos'dMannerasbefore;onlywiththisDifference,thatIusedmoreCaution,andkeptmyEyesmoreaboutmethanIdidbefore,leastIshouldhappentobeseenbyanyofthem;andparticularly,IwasmorecautiousoffiringmyGun,leastanyofthembeingontheIsland,shouldhappentohearofit;anditwasthereforeaverygoodProvidencetome,thatIhadfurnish'dmyselfwithatameBreedofGoats,thatIneedednothuntanymoreabouttheWoods,orshootatthem;andifIdidcatch
anyofthemafterthis,itwasbyTraps,andSnares,asIhaddonebefore;sothatfortwoYearsafterthis,IbelieveIneverfir'dmyGunonceoff,thoughIneverwentoutwithoutit;andwhichwasmore,asIhadsav'dthreePistolsoutoftheShip,Ialwayscarry'dthemoutwithme,oratleasttwoofthem,stickingtheminmyGoat-skinBelt;alsoIfurbish'duponeofthegreatCutlashes,thatIhadoutoftheShip,andmademeaBelttoputitonalso;sothatIwasnowamostformidableFellowtolookat,whenIwentabroad,ifyouaddtotheformerDescriptionofmyself,theParticularoftwoPistols,andagreatbroadSword,hangingatmySideinaBelt,butwithoutaScabbard.Thingsgoingonthus,asIhavesaid,forsomeTime;Iseem'd,exceptingtheseCautions,tobereduc'dtomyformercalm,sedateWayofLiving,alltheseThingstendedtoshewingmemoreandmorehowfarmyConditionwasfrombeingmiserable,compar'dtosomeothers;nay,tomanyotherParticularsofLife,whichitmighthavepleasedGodtohavemademyLot.Itputmeuponreflecting,HowlittlerepiningtherewouldbeamongMankind,atanyConditionofLife,ifPeoplewouldrathercomparetheirConditionwiththosethatareworse,inordertobethankful,thanbealwaysComparingthemwiththosewhicharebetter,toassisttheirMurmuringsandComplainings.AsinmypresentConditiontherewerenotreallymanyThingswhichIwanted;soindeedIthoughtthattheFrightsIhadbeeninabouttheseSavageWretches,andtheConcernIhadbeeninformyownPreservation,hadtakenofftheEdgeofmyInventionformyownConveniences;andIhaddropp'dagoodDesign,whichIhadoncebentmyThoughtstoomuchupon;andthatwas,totryifIcouldnotmakesomeofmyBarleyintoMalt,andthentrytobrewmyselfsomeBeer:ThiswasreallyawhimsicalThought,andIreprov'dmyselfoftenfortheSimplicityofit;forIpresentlysawtherewouldbethewantofseveralThingsnecessarytothemakingmyBeer,thatitwouldbeimpossibleformetosupply;asFirst,Caskstopreserveitin,whichwasaThing,thatasIhaveobserv'dalready,Icou'dnevercompass;no,thoughIspentnotmanyDays,butWeeks,nay,Monthsinattemptingit,buttonopurpose.InthenextPlace,IhadnoHopstomakeitkeep,noYeasttomakeitwork,noCopperorKettletomakeitboil;andyetalltheseThings,notwithstanding,Iverilybelieve,hadnottheseThingsinterven'd,ImeantheFrightsandTerrorsIwasinabouttheSavages,Ihadundertakenit,andperhapsbroughtittopasstoo;forIseldomgaveanyThingoverwithoutaccomplishingit,whenIoncehaditinmyHeadenoughtobeginit.ButmyInventionnowrunquiteanotherWay;forNightandDay,IcouldthinkofnothingbuthowImightdestroysomeoftheseMonstersintheircruelbloodyEntertainment,andifpossible,savetheVictimtheyshouldbringhithertodestroy.ItwouldtakeupalargerVolumethanthiswholeWorkisintendedtobe,tosetdownalltheContrivancesIhatch'd,orratherbroodeduponinmyThought,forthedestroying
theseCreatures,oratleastfrightingthem,soastopreventtheircominghitheranymore;butallwasabortive,nothingcouldbepossibletotakeeffect,unlessIwastobetheretodoitmyself;andwhatcouldoneMandoamongthem,whenperhapstheremightbetwentyorthirtyofthemtogether,withtheirDarts,ortheirBowsandArrows,withwhichtheycouldshootastruetoaMark,IcouldwithmyGun?SometimeIcontriv'dtodigaHoleunderthePlacewheretheymadetheirFire,andputinfiveorsixPoundofGun-powder,whichwhentheykindledtheirFire,wouldconsequentlytakeFire,andblowupallthatwasnearit;butasinthefirstPlaceIshouldbeverylothtowastsomuchPowderuponthem,myStorebeingnowwithintheQuantityofoneBarrel;soneithercouldIbesureofitsgoingoff'atanycertainTime,whenitmightsurprisethem,andatbest,thatitwoulddolittlemorethanjustblowtheFireabouttheirEarsandfrightthem,butnotsufficienttomakethemforsakethePlace;soIlaiditaside,andthenpropos'd,thatIwouldplacemyselfinAmbush,insomeconvenientPlace,withmythreeGuns,alldoubleloaded;andinthemiddleoftheirbloodyCeremony,letflyatthem,whenIshouldbesuretokillorwoundperhapstwoorthreeateveryshoot;andthenfallinginuponthemwithmythreePistols,andmySword,Imadenodoubt,butthatiftherewastwentyIshouldkillthemall:ThisFancypleas'dmyThoughtsforsomeWeeks,andIwassofullofit,thatIoftendream'dofit;andsometimesthatIwasjustgoingtoletflyattheminmySleep.IwentsofarwithitinmyImagination,thatIemploy'dmyselfseveralDaystofindoutproperPlacestoputmyselfinAmbuscade,asIsaid,towatchforthem;andIwentfrequentlytothePlaceitself,whichwasnowgrownmorefamiliartome;andespeciallywhilemyMindwasthusfill'dwithThoughtsofRevenge,andofabloodyputtingtwentyorthirtyofthemtotheSword,asImaycallit,theHorrorIhadatthePlace,andattheSignalsofthebarbarousWretchesdevouringoneanother,abatedmyMalice.Well,atlengthIfoundaPlaceintheSideoftheHill,whereIwassatisfy'dImightsecurelywait,tillIsawanyoftheirBoatscoming,andmightthen,evenbeforetheywouldbereadytocomeonShore,conveymyselfunseenintoThicketsofTrees,inoneofwhichtherewasaHollowlargeenoughtoconcealmeentirely;andwhereImightsit,andobservealltheirbloodyDoings,andtakemyfullaimattheirHeads,whentheyweresoclosetogether,asthatitwouldbenexttoimpossiblethatIshouldmissmyShoot,orthatIcouldfailwoundingthreeorfourofthematthefirstShoot.InthisPlacethenIresolv'dtofixmyDesign,andaccordinglyIprepar'dtwoMuskets,andmyordinaryFowlingPiece.ThetwoMusketsIloadedwithaBraceofSlugseach,andfourorfivesmallerBullets,abouttheSizeofPistolBullets;andtheFowlingPieceIloadedwithnearaHandfulofSwan-shot,ofthelargestSize;IalsoloadedmyPistolswithaboutfourBulletseach,andinthisPosture,wellprovided
withAmmunitionforasecondandthirdCharge,Iprepar'dmyselfformyExpedition.AfterIhadthuslaidtheSchemeofmyDesign,andinmyImaginationputitinPractice,IcontinuallymademyToureveryMorninguptotheTopoftheHill,whichwasfrommyCastle,asIcall'dit,aboutthreeMiles,ormore,toseeifIcou'dobserveanyBoatsupontheSea,comingneartheIsland,orstandingovertowardsit;butIbegantotireofthishardDuty,afterIhadfortwoorthreeMonthsconstantlykeptmyWatch;butcamealwaysbackwithoutanyDiscovery,therehavingnotinallthatTimebeentheleastAppearance,notonlyon,orneartheShore;butnotonthewholeOcean,sofarasmyEyesorGlassescouldreacheveryWay.AslongasIkeptupmydailyTourtotheHill,tolookout;solongalsoIkeptuptheVigourofmyDesign,andmySpiritsseem'dtobeallthewhileinasuitableForm,forsooutragiousanExecutionasthekillingtwentyorthirtynakedSavages,foranOffencewhichIhadnotatallentredintoaDiscussionofinmyThoughts,anyfartherthanmyPassionswereatfirstfir'dbytheHorrorIconceiv'datthenaturalCustomofthatPeopleoftheCountry,whoithadbeensuffer'dbyProvidenceinhiswiseDispositionoftheWorld,tohavenootherGuidethanthatoftheirownabominableandvitiatedPassions;andconstantlywereleft,andperhapshadbeensoforsomeAges,toact:horridThings,andreceivesuchdreadfulCustoms,asnothingbutNatureentirelyabandon'dofHeaven,andactedbyhellishDegeneracy,couldhaveruntheminto:Butnow,asIhavesaid,IbegantobewearyofthefruitlessExcursion,whichIhadmadesolong,andsofar,everyMorninginvain,somyOpinionoftheActionitselfbegantoalter,andIbeganwithcoolerandcalmerThoughtstoconsiderwhatitwasIwasgoingtoengagein.WhatAuthority,orCallIhad,topretendtobeJudgeandExecutionerupontheseMenasCriminals,whomHeavenhadthoughtfitforsomanyAgestosufferunpunish'd,togoon,andtobeasitwere,theExecutionersofhisJudgmentsoneuponanother.HowfarthesePeoplewereOffendersagainstme,andwhatRightIhadtoengageintheQuarrelofthatBlood,whichtheyshedpromiscuouslyoneuponanother.Idebatedthisveryoftenwithmyselfthus;HowdoIknowwhatGodhimselfjudgesinthisparticularCase?iscertainthesePeopleeitherdonotcommitthisasaCrime;itisnotagainsttheirownConsciencesreproving,ortheirLightreproachingthem.TheydonotknowitbeOffence,andthencommititinDefianceofDivineJustice,wedoinalmostalltheSinswecommit.TheythinkitnooreaCrimetokillaCaptivetakeninWar,thanwedokillanOx;nortoeathumaneFlesh,thanwedotoeatMutton.WhenIhadconsider'dthisalittle,itfollow'dnecessarily,thatIwascertainlyintheWronginit,thatthesePeoplewerenotMurtherersintheSensethatIhadbeforecondemn'dthem,inmyThoughts;anymorethanthoseChristianswereMurtherers,whooftenputtoDeaththePrisonerstakeninBattle;ormorefrequently,uponmanyOccasions,putwholeTroopsofMentotheSword,withoutgivingQuarter,thoughtheythrewdowntheirArmsandsubmitted.
InthenextPlaceitoccurr'dtome,thatalbeittheUsagetheythusgaveoneanother,wasthusbrutishandinhuman;yetitwasreallynothingtome:ThesePeoplehaddonemeInjury.Thatiftheyattemptedme,orIsawitnecessarymyimmediatePreservationtofalluponthem,somethingmightbesaidforit;butthatasIwasyetoutoftheirPower,andtheyhadreallynoKnowledgeofme,andconsequentlysignuponme;andthereforeitcouldnotbejustfortofalluponthem.ThatthiswouldjustifytheConducttheSpaniardsinalltheirBarbaritiespractis'dinAmerica,andwheretheydestroy'dMillionsofthesePeople,whohowevertheywereIdolatersandBarbarians,andhadseveralbloodyandbarbarousRitesintheirCustoms,suchassacrificinghumanBodiestotheirIdols,wereyet,astotheSpaniards,veryinnocentPeople;andthattherootingthemoutoftheCountry,isspokenofwiththeutmostAbhorrenceandDetestation,byeventheSpaniardsthemselves,atthisTime;andbyallotherChristianNationsofEurope,asameerButchery,abloodyandunnaturalPieceofCruelty,unjustifiableeithertoGodorMan;andsuch,asforwhichtheveryNameofaSpaniardisreckon'dtobefrightfulandterribletoallPeopleofHumanity,orofChristianCompassion:AsiftheKingdomofSpainwereparticularlyEminentfortheProductofaRaceofMen,whowerewithoutPrinciplesofTenderness,orthecommonBowelsofPitytotheMiserable,whichisreckon'dtobeaMarkofgenerousTemperintheMind.TheseConsiderationsreallyputmetoaPause,andtoakindofaFull-stop;andIbeganbylittleandlittletobeoffofmyDesign,andtoconclude,IhadtakenwrongMeasuresinmyResolutionstoattacktheSavages;thatitwasnotmyBusinesstomeddlewiththem,unlesstheyfirstattack'dme,andthisitwasmyBusinessifpossibletoprevent;butthatifIwerediscover'd,andattack'd,thenIknewmyDuty.Ontheotherhand,Iargu'dwithmyself,Thatthisreallywasthewaynottodelivermyself,butentirelytoruinanddestroymyself;forunlessIwassuretokilleveryonethatnotonlyshouldbeonShoreatthatTime,butthatshouldevercomeonShoreafterwards,ifbutoneofthemescap'd,totelltheirCountryPeoplewhathadhappen'd,theywouldcomeoveragainbyThousandstorevengetheDeathoftheirFellows,and1shouldonlybringuponmyselfacertainDestruction,whichatpresentIhadnomannerofoccasionfor.UponthewholeIconcluded,ThatneitherinPrincipleorinPolicy,IoughtonewayorothertoconcernmyselfinthisAffair.ThatmyBusinesswasbyallpossibleMeanstoconcealmyselffromthem,andnottoleavetheleastSignaltothemtoguessby,thattherewereanylivingCreaturesupontheIsland;ImeanofhumaneShape.Religionjoyn'dinwiththisPrudential,andIwasconvinc'dnowmanyWays,thatIwasperfectlyoutofmyDuty,whenIwaslayingallmybloodySchemesfortheDestructionofinnocentCreatures,Imeaninnocentastome:AstotheCrimesthey
wereguiltyoftowardsoneanother,Ihadnothingtodowiththem;theywereNational,andIoughttoleavethemtotheJusticeofGod,whoistheGovernourofNations,andknowshowbyNationalPunishmentstomakeajustRetributionforNationalOffences;andtobringpublickJudgmentsuponthosewhooffendinapublickManner,bysuchWaysasbestpleaseshim.Thisappear'dsocleartomenow,thatnothingwasagreaterSatisfactiontome,thanthatIhadnotbeensuffer'dtodoaThingwhichInowsawsomuchReasontobelievewouldhavebeennolessaSin,thanthatofwilfulMurther,ifIhadcommittedit;andIgavemosthumbleThanksonmyKneestoGod,thathadthusdeliver'dmefromBlood-Guiltiness;beseechinghimtograntmetheProtectionofhisProvidence,thatImightnotfallintotheHandsoftheBarbarians;orthatImightnotlaymyHandsuponthem,unlessIhadamoreclearCallfromHeaventodoit,inDefenceofmyownLife.InthisDispositionIcontinu'd,fornearaYearafterthis;andsofarwasIfromdesiringanOccasionforfallingupontheseWretches,thatinallthatTime,IneveroncewentuptheHilltoseewhethertherewereanyoftheminSight,ortoknowwhetheranyofthemhadbeenonShorethere,ornot,thatImightnotbetemptedtorenewanyofmyContrivancesagainstthem,orbeprovok'dbyanyAdvantagewhichmightpresentitself,tofalluponthem;onlythisIdidIwentandremov'dmyBoat,whichIhadontheotherSidetheIsland,andcarry'ditdowntotheEastEndofthewholeIsland,whereIranitintoalittleCovewhichIfoundundersomehighRocks,andwhereIknew,byReasonoftheCurrents,theSavagesdurstnot,atleastwouldnotcomewiththeirBoats,uponanyAccountwhatsoever.WithmyBoatIcarry'dawayeveryThingthatIhadlefttherebelongingtoher,thoughnotnecessaryforthebaregoingthither,viz.AMastandSailwhichIhadmadeforher,andaThinglikeanAnchor,butindeedwhichcouldnotbecall'deitherAnchororGrapling;however,itwasthebestIcouldmakeofitskind:AlltheseIremov'd,thattheremightnotbetheleastShadowofanyDiscovery,oranyAppearanceofanyBoat,orofanyhumanHabitationupontheIsland.Besidesthis,Ikeptmyself,asIsaid,moreretir'dthanever,andseldomwentfrommyCell,otherthanuponmyconstantEmployment,viz.TomilkmyShe-goats,andmanagemylittleFlock,intheWood;whichasitwasquiteontheotherPartoftheIsland,wasquiteoutofDanger;forcertainitis,thattheseSavagePeoplewhosometimeshauntedthisIsland,nevercamewithanyThoughtsoffindinganyThinghere;andconsequentlyneverwandredofffromtheCoast;andIdoubtnot,buttheymighthavebeenseveralTimesonShore,aftermyApprehensionsofthemhadmademecautiousaswellasbefore;andindeed,Ilook'dbackwithsomeHorrorupontheThoughtsofwhatmyConditionwouldhavebeen,ifIhadchop'duponthem,andbeendiscover'dbeforethat,whennakedandunarm'd,exceptwithoneGun,andthatloadenoftenonlywithsmallShot,Iwalk'deverywherepeeping,andpeepingabout
theIsland,toseewhatIcouldget;whataSurpriseshouldIhavebeenin,ifwhenIdiscover'dthePrintofaMan'sFoot,Ihadinsteadofthat,seenfifteenortwentySavages,andfoundthempursuingme,andbytheSwiftnessoftheirRunning,noPossibilityofmyescapingthem.TheThoughtsofthissometimessunkmyverySoulwithinme,anddistress'dmyMindsomuch,thatIcouldnotsoonrecoverit,tothinkwhatIshouldhavedone,andhowInotonlyshouldnothavebeenabletoresistthem,butevenshouldnothavehadPresenceofMindenoughtodowhatImighthavedone;muchless,whatnowaftersomuchConsiderationandPreparationImightbeabletodo:Indeed,afterseriousthinkingoftheseThings,IshouldbeveryMelancholly,andsometimesitwouldlastagreatwhile;butIresolv'ditatlastallintoThankfulnesstothatProvidence,whichhaddeliver'dmefromsomanyunseenDangers,andhadkeptmefromthoseMischiefswhichIcouldnowayhavebeentheAgentindeliveringmyselffrom;becauseIhadnottheleastNotionofanysuchThingdepending,'ortheleastSuppositionofitbeingpossible.Thisrenew'daContemplation,whichoftenhadcometomyThoughtsinformerTime,whenfirstIbegantoseethemercifulDispositionsofHeaven,intheDangerswerunthroughinthisLife.Howwonderfullywearedeliver'd,whenweknownothingofit.Howwhenwearein(aQuandary,aswecallit)aDoubtorHesitation,whethertogothisWay,orthatWay,asecretHintshalldirectusthisWay,whenweintendedtogothatWay;nay,whenSense,ourownInclination,andperhapsBusinesshascall'dtogotheotherWay,yetastrangeImpressionupontheMind,fromweknownotwhatSprings,andbyweknownotwhatPower,shallover-ruleustogothisWay;anditshallafterwardsappear,thathadwegonethatWaywhichweshouldhavegone,andeventoourImaginationoughttohavegone,weshouldhavebeenruin'dandlost:Uponthese,andmanylikeReflections,IafterwardsmadeitacertainRulewithme,ThatwheneverIfoundthosesecretHints,orpressingsofmyMind,todoing,ornotdoinganyThingthatpresented;ortogoingthisWay,orthatWay,Ineverfail'dtoobeythesecretDictate;thoughIknewnootherReasonforit,thanthatsuchaPressure,orsuchaHinthunguponmyMind:IcouldgivemanyExamplesoftheSuccessofthisConductintheCourseofmyLife;butmoreespeciallyinthelatterPartofmyinhabitingthisunhappyIsland;besidesmanyOccasionswhichitisverylikelyImighthavetakenNoticeof,ifIhadseenwiththesameEyesthen,thatIsawwithnow:But'tisnevertoolatetobewise;andIcannotbutadviseallconsideringMen,whoseLivesareattendedwithsuchextraordinaryIncidentsasmine,oreventhoughnotsoextraordinary,nottoslightsuchsecretIntimationsofProvidence,letthemcomefromwhatinvisibleIntelligencetheywill,that'Ishallnotdiscuss,andperhapscannotaccountfor;butcertainlytheyareaProofoftheConverseofSpirits,andthesecretCommunicationbetweenthoseembody'd,andthoseunembody'd;andsuchaProofascanneverbewithstood:OfwhichIshallhaveOccasiontogivesomeveryremarkableInstances,intheRemainderofmysolitaryResidenceinthisdismal
Place.IbelievetheReaderofthiswillnotthinkstrange,ifIconfessthattheseAnxieties,theseconstantDangersIliv'din,andtheConcernthatwasnowuponme,putanEndtoallInvention,andtoalltheContrivancesthatIhadlaidformyfutureAccommodationsandConveniencies.IhadtheCareofmySafetymorenowuponmyHands,thanthatofmyFood.Icar'dnottodriveaNail,orchopaStickofWoodnow,forfeartheNoiseIshouldmakeshouldbeheard;muchlesswouldIfireaGun,forthesameReason;andaboveall,IwasintollerablyuneasyatmakinganyFire,leasttheSmokewhichisvisibleatagreatDistanceintheDayshouldbetrayme;andforthisReasonIremov'dthatPartofmyBusinesswhichrequir'dFire;suchasburningofPots,andPipes,etc.intomynewApartmentintheWoods,whereafterIhadbeensometime,IfoundtomyunspeakableConsolation,ameernaturalCaveintheEarth,whichwentinavastway,andwhere,Idaresay,noSavage,hadhebeenattheMouthofit,wouldbesohardyastoventurein,norindeed,wouldanyManelse;butonewholikeme,wantednothingsomuchasasafeRetreat.TheMouthofthisHollow,wasattheBottomofagreatRock,wherebymeeraccident,(Iwouldsay,ifIdidnotseeabundantReasontoascribeallsuchThingsnowtoProvidence)IwascuttingdownsomethickBranchesofTrees,tomakeCharcoal;andbeforeIgoon,ImustobservetheReasonofmymakingthisCharcoal;whichwasthus:IwasafraidofmakingaSmokeaboutmyHabitation,asIsaidbefore;andyetIcouldnotlivetherewithoutbakingmyBread,cookingmyMeat,etc.soIcontriv'dtoburnsomeWoodhere,asIhadseendoneinEngland,underTurf,tillitbecameChark,ordryCoal;andthenputtingtheFireout,Ipreserv'dtheCoaltocarryHome;andperformtheotherServiceswhichFirewaswantingforatHomewithoutDangerofSmoke.Butthisisbytheby:WhileIwascuttingdownsomeWoodhere,Iperceiv'dthatbehindaverythickBranchoflowBrushwood,orUnderwood,therewasakindofhollowPlace;Iwascurioustolookintoit,andgettingwithDifficultyintotheMouthofit,Ifounditwasprettylarge;thatistosay,sufficientformetostanduprightinit,andperhapsanotherwithme;butImustconfesstoyou,ImademorehastoutthanIdidin,whenlookingfartherintothePlace,andwhichwasperfectlydark,IsawtwobroadshiningEyesofsomeCreature,whetherDevilorManIknewnot,whichtwinkl'dliketwoStars,thedimLightfromtheCave'sMouthshiningdirectlyinandmakingtheReflection.However,aftersomePause,Irecover'dmyself,andbegantocallmyselfathousandFools,andtellmyself,thathethatwasafraidtoseetheDevil,wasnotfittolivetwentyYearsinanIslandallalone;andthatIdursttobelievetherewasnothinginthisCavethatwasmorefrightfulthanmyself;uponthis,pluckingupmyCourage,ItookupagreatFirebrand,andinIrush'dagain,withtheStickflaminginmyHand;I
hadnotgonethreeStepsin,butIwasalmostasmuchfrightedasIwasbefore;forIheardaveryloudSigh,likethatofaManinsomePain,anditwasfollow'dbyabrokenNoise,asifofWordshalfexpress'd,andthenadeepSighagain:Istepp'dback,andwasindeedstruckwithsuchaSurprize,thatitputmeintoacoldSweat;andifIhadhadaHatonmyHead,Iwillnotanswerforit,thatmyHairmightnothavelifteditoff.ButstillpluckingupmySpiritsaswellasIcould,andencouragingmyselfalittlewithconsideringthatthePowerandPresenceofGodwaseverywhere,andwasabletoprotectme;uponthisIstepp'dforwardagain,andbytheLightoftheFirebrand,holdingitupalittleovermyHead,IsawlyingontheGroundamostmonstrousfrightfuloldHe-goat,justmakinghisWill,aswesay,andgaspingforLife,anddyingindeedofmeeroldAge.Istirr'dhimalittletoseeifIcouldgethimout,andheessay'dtogetup,butwasnotabletoraisehimself;andIthoughtwithmyself,hemightevenliethere;forifhehadfrightedmeso,hewouldcertainlyfrightanyoftheSavages,ifanyofthemshouldbesohardyastocomeinthere,whilehehadanyLifeinhim.Iwasnowrecover'dfrommySurprize,andbegantolookroundme,whenIfoundtheCavewasbutverysmall,thatistosay,itmightbeabouttwelveFootover,butinnomannerofShape,eitherroundorsquare,noHandshavingeverbeenemploy'dinmakingit,butthoseofmeerNature:Iobserv'dalso,thattherewasaPlaceatthefartherSideofit,thatwentinfarther,butwassolow,thatitrequir'dmetocreepuponmyHandsandKneestogointoit,andwhitherIwentIknewnot;sohavingnoCandle,IgaveitoverforsomeTime;butresolv'dtocomeagainthenextDay,providedwithCandles,andaTinder-box,whichIhadmadeoftheLockofoneoftheMuskets,withsomewild-fireinthePan.AccordinglythenextDay,IcameprovidedwithsixlargeCandlesofmyownmaking;forImadeverygoodCandlesnowofGoat'sTallow;andgoingintothislowPlace,Iwasoblig'dtocreepuponallFours,asIhavesaid,almosttenYards;whichbytheway,IthoughtwasaVentureboldenough,consideringthatIknewnothowfaritmightgo,norwhatwasbeyondit.WhenIwasgotthroughtheStrait,IfoundtheRoofrosehigherup,IbelieveneartwentyFoot;butneverwassuchagloriousSightseenintheIsland,Idaresay,asitwas,tolookroundtheSidesandRoofofthisVault,orCave;theWallsreflected100thousandLightstomefrommytwoCandles;whatitwasinRock,whetherDiamonds,oranyotherpreciousStones,orGold,whichIrathersuppos'dittobe,Iknewnot.ThePlaceIwasin,wasamostdelightfulCavity,orGrotto,ofitskind,ascouldbeexpected,thoughperfectlydark;theFloorwasdryandlevel,andhadasortofsmallloseGraveluponit,sothattherewasnonauseousorvenemousCreaturetobeseen,neitherwasthereanydamp,orwet,ontheSidesorRoof:TheonlyDifficultyinitwastheEntrance,whichhoweverasitwasaPlaceofSecurity,andsuchaRetreatasI
wanted,IthoughtthatwasaConvenience;sothatIwasreallyrejoyc'dattheDiscovery,andresolv'dwithoutanyDelay,tobringsomeofthoseThingswhichIwasmostanxiousabout,tothisPlace;particularly,Iresolv'dtobringhithermyMagazineofPowder,andallmyspareArms,viz.TwoFowling-Pieces,forIhadthreeinall;andthreeMuskets,forofthemIhadeightinall;soIkeptatmyCastleonlyfive,whichstoodreadymountedlikePiecesofCannon,onmyout-mostFence;andwerereadyalsototakeoutuponanyExpedition.UponthisOccasionofremovingmyAmmunition,ItookoccasiontoopentheBarrelofPowderwhichItookupoutoftheSea,andwhichhadbeenwet;andIfoundthattheWaterhadpenetratedaboutthreeorfourInchesintothePowder,oneverySide,whichcakingandgrowinghard,hadpreserv'dtheinsidelikeaKernelinaShell;sothatIhadnearsixtyPoundofverygoodPowderintheCenteroftheCask,andthiswasanagreeableDiscoverytomeatthatTime;soIcarry'dallawaythither,neverkeepingabovetwoorthreePoundofPowderwithmeinmyCastle,forfearofaSurprizeofanykind:Ialsocarry'dthitheralltheLeadIhadBeltforBullets.Ifancy'dmyselfnowlikeoneoftheancientGiants,whicharesaidtoliveinCaves,andHoles,intheRocks,wherenonecouldcomeatthem;forIperswadedmyselfwhileIwashere,iffivehundredSavagesweretohuntme,theycouldneverfindmeout;oriftheydid,theywouldnotventuretoattackmehere.TheoldGoatwhoIfoundexpiring,dy'dintheMouthoftheCave,thenextDayafterImadethisDiscovery;andIfounditmucheasiertodigagreatHolethere,andthrowhimin,andcoverhimwithEarth,thantodraghimout;soIinterr'dhimthere,topreventtheOffencetomyNose.IwasnowinmytwentythirdYearofResidenceinthisIsland,andwassonaturaliz'dtothePlace,andtotheMannerofLiving,thatcouldIhavebutenjoy'dtheCertaintythatnoSavageswouldcometothePlacetodisturbme,IcouldhavebeencontenttohavecapitulatedforspendingtherestofmyTimethere,eventothelastMoment,tillIhadlaidmedownanddy'd,liketheoldGoatintheCave.Ihadalsoarriv'dtosomelittleDiversionsandAmusements,whichmadetheTimepassmorepleasantlywithmeagreatdeal,thanitdidbefore;asFirst,IhadtaughtmyPoll,asInotedbefore,tospeak;andhediditsofamiliarly,andtalk'dsoarticulatelyandplain,thatitwasverypleasanttome;andheliv'dwithmenolessthansixandtwentyYears:Howlonghemightliveafterwards,Iknownot;thoughIknowtheyhaveaNotionintheBrasils,thattheyliveahundredYears;perhapspoorPollmaybealivetherestill,callingafterPoorRobinCrusoetothisDay.IwishnoEnglishMantheillLucktocomethereandhearhim;butifhedid,hewouldcertainlybelieveitwastheDevil.MyDogwasaverypleasantandlovingCompaniontome,fornolessthansixteenYearsofmyTime,andthendy'd,ofmeeroldAge;asformyCats,theymultiply'dasIhaveobserv'dtothatDegree,thatIwasoblig'dtoshootseveralofthematfirst,tokeep
themfromdevouringme,andallIhad;butatlength,whenthetwooldOnesIbroughtwithmeweregone,andaftersometimecontinuallydrivingthemfromme,andlettingthemhavenoProvisionwithme,theyallranwildintotheWoods,excepttwoorthreeFavourites,whichIkepttame;andwhoseYoungwhentheyhadany,Ialwaysdrown'd;andthesewerepartofmyFamily:Besidesthese,IalwayskepttwoorthreehousholdKidsaboutme,whoItaughttofeedoutofmyHand;andIhadtwomoreParrotswhichtalk'dprettywell,andwouldallcallRobinCrusoe;butnonelikemyfirst;norindeeddidItakethePainswithanyofthemthatIhaddonewithhim.IhadalsoseveraltameSea-Fowls,whoseNamesIknownot,whoIcaughtupontheShore,andcuttheirWings;andthelittleStakeswhichIhadplantedbeforemyCastleWallbeingnowgrownuptoagoodthickGrove,theseFowlsallliv'damongtheselowTrees,andbredthere,whichwasveryagreeabletome;sothatasIsaidabove,IbegantobeverywellcontentedwiththeLifeIled,ifitmightbuthavebeensecur'dfromthedreadoftheSavages.Butitwasotherwisedirected;anditmaynotbeamissforallPeoplewhoshallmeetwithmyStory,tomakethisjustObservationfromit,vis.HowfrequentlyintheCourseofourLives,theEvilwhichinitselfweseekmosttoshun,andwhichwhenwearefallenintoit,isthemostdreadfultous,isoftentimestheveryMeansorDoorofourDeliverance,bywhichalonewecanberais'dagainfromtheAfflictionwearefalleninto.Icou'dgivemanyExamplesofthisintheCourseofmyunaccountableLife;butinnothingwasitmoreparticularlyremarkable,thanintheCircumstancesofmylastYearsofsolitaryResidenceinthisIsland.ItwasnowtheMonthofDecember,asIsaidabove,inmytwentythirdYear;andthisbeingtheSouthernSolstice,forWinterIcannotcallit,wastheparticularTimeofmyHarvest,andrequir'dmybeingprettymuchabroadintheFields;whengoingoutprettyearlyintheMorning,evenbeforeitwasthorowDay-light,Iwassurpriz'dwithseeingaLightofsomeFireupontheShore,ataDistancefromme,ofabouttwoMiletowardstheEndoftheIsland,whereIhadobserv'dsomeSavageshadbeenasbefore;butnotontheotherSide;buttomygreatAffliction,itwasonmySideoftheIsland.Iwasindeedterriblysurpriz'dattheSight,andstepp'dshortwithinmyGrove,notdaringtogoout,leastImightbesurpriz'd;andyetIhadnomorePeacewithin,fromtheApprehensionsIhad,thatiftheseSavagesinramblingovertheIsland,shouldfindmyCornstanding,orcut,oranyofmyWorksandImprovements,theywouldimmediatelyconclude,thattherewerePeopleinthePlace,andwouldthennevergiveovertilltheyhadfoundmeout:InthisExtremityIwentbackdirectlytomyCastle,pull'duptheLadderafterme,andmadeallThingswithoutlookaswildandnaturalasIcould.ThenIprepar'dmyselfwithin,puttingmyselfinaPostureofDefence;IloadedallmyCannon,asIcall'dthem;thatistosay,myMuskets,whichweremountedupon
mynewFortification,andallmyPistols,andresolv'dtodefendmyselftothelastGasp,notforgettingseriouslytocommendmyselftotheDivineProtection,andearnestlytopraytoGodtodelivermeoutoftheHandsoftheBarbarians;andinthisPostureIcontinu'dabouttwoHours;butbegantobemightyimpatientforIntelligenceabroad,forIhadnoSpiestosendout.Aftersittingawhilelonger,andmusingwhatIshoulddointhisCase,IwasnotabletobearsittinginIgnoranceanylonger;sosettingupmyLaddertotheSideoftheHill,wheretherewasaflatPlace,asIobserv'dbefore,andthenpullingtheLadderupafterme,Isetitupagain,andmountedtotheTopoftheHill;andpullingoutmyPerspectiveGlass,whichIhadtakenonPurpose,IlaidmedownflatonmyBelly,ontheGround,andbegantolookforthePlace;IpresentlyfoundtherewasnolessthanninenakedSavages,sittingroundasmallFire,theyhadmade,nottowarmthem;fortheyhadnoneedofthat,theWeatherbeingextremehot;butasIsuppos'd,todresssomeoftheirbarbarousDiet,ofhumaneFlesh,whichtheyhadbroughtwiththem,whetheraliveordeadIcouldnotknow.TheyhadtwoCanoeswiththem,whichtheyhadhaledupupontheShore;andasitwasthenTideofEbb,theyseem'dtometowaitfortheReturnoftheFlood,togoawayagain;itisnoteasytoimaginewhatConfusionthisSightputmeinto,especiallyseeingthemcomeonmySidetheIsland,andsonearmetoo;butwhenIobserv'dtheircomingmustbealwayswiththeCurrentoftheEbb,IbeganafterwardstobemoresedateinmyMind,beingsatisfy'dthatImightgoabroadwithSafetyalltheTimeoftheTideofFlood,iftheywerenotonShorebefore:AndhavingmadethisObservation,IwentabroadaboutmyHarvestWorkwiththemoreComposure.AsIexpected,soitprov'd;forassoonastheTidemadetotheWestward,IsawthemalltakeBoat,androw(orpaddleaswecallit)allaway:Ishouldhaveobserv'd,thatforanHourandmorebeforetheywentoff,theywenttodancing,andIcouldeasilydiscerntheirPostures,andGestures,bymyGlasses:IcouldnotperceivebymynicestObservation,butthattheywerestarknaked,andhadnottheleastcoveringuponthem;butwhethertheywereMenorWomen,thatIcouldnotdistinguish.AssoonasIsawthemshipp'd,andgone,ItooktwoGunsuponmyShoulders,andtwoPistolsatmyGirdle,andmygreatSwordbymySide,withoutaScabbard,andwithalltheSpeedIwasabletomake,IwentawaytotheHill,whereIhaddiscover'dthefirstAppearanceofall;andassoonasIgatthither,whichwasnotlessthantwoHours(forIcouldnotgoapace,beingsoloadenwithArmsasIwas)Iperceiv'dtherehadbeenthreeCanoesmoreofSavagesonthatPlace;andlookingoutfarther,IsawtheywereallatSeatogether,makingoverfortheMain.ThiswasadreadfulSighttome,especiallywhengoingdowntotheShore,IcouldseetheMarksofHorror,whichthedismalWorktheyhadbeenabouthadleftbehindit,
viz.TheBlood,theBones,andpartoftheFleshofhumaneBodies,eatenanddevour'dbythoseWretches,withMerrimentandSport:Iwassofill'dwithIndignationattheSight,thatIbegannowtopremeditatetheDestructionofthenextthatIsawthere,letthembewho,orhowmanysoever.Itseem'devidenttome,thattheVisitswhichtheythusmaketothisIsland,arenotveryfrequent;foritwasabovefifteenMonthsbeforeanymoreofthemcameonShorethereagain;thatistosay,Ineithersawthem,oranyFootsteps,orSignalsofthem,inallthatTime;forastotherainySeasons,thentheyaresurenottocomeabroad,atleastnotsofar;yetallthiswhileIliv'duncomfortably,byreasonoftheconstantApprehensionsIwasinoftheircominguponmebySurprize;fromwhenceIobserve,thattheExpectationofEvilismorebitterthantheSuffering,especiallyifthereisnoroomtoshakeoffthatExpectation,orthoseApprehensions.DuringallthisTime,IwasinthemurtheringHumour;andtookupmostofmyHours,whichshouldhavebeenbetteremploy'd,incontrivinghowtocircumvent,andfalluponthem,theverynextTimeIshouldseethem;especiallyiftheyshouldbedivided,astheywerethelastTime,intotwoParties;nordidIconsideratall,thatifIkill'doneParty,supposeTen,oraDozen,IwasstillthenextDay,orWeek,orMonth,tokillanother,andsoanother,evenadinfinitum,tillIshouldbeatlengthnolessaMurthererthantheywereinbeingMan-eaters;andperhapsmuchmoreso.IspentmyDaysnowingreatPerplexity,andAnxietyofMind,expectingthatIshouldoneDayorotherfallintotheHandsofthesemercilessCreatures;andifIdidatanyTimeventureabroad,itwasnotwithoutlookingroundmewiththegreatestCareandCautionimaginable;andnowIfoundtomygreatComfort,howhappyitwasthatIprovidedforatameFlockorHerdofGoats;forIdurstnotuponanyaccountfiremyGun,especiallynearthatSideoftheIslandwheretheyusuallycame,leastIshouldalarmtheSavages;andiftheyhadfledfrommenow,Iwassuretohavethemcomebackagain,withperhapstwoorthreehundredCanoeswiththem,inafewDays,andthenIknewwhattoexpect.However,IworeoutaYearandthreeMonthsmore,beforeIeversawanymoreoftheSavages,andthenIfoundthemagain,asIshallsoonobserve.Itistrue,theymighthavebeenthereonce,ortwice;buteithertheymadenostay,oratleastIdidnothearthem;butintheMonthofMay,asnearasIcouldcalculate,andinmyfourandtwentiethYear,IhadaverystrangeEncounterwiththem,ofwhichinitsPlace.ThePerturbationofmyMind,duringthisfifteenorsixteenMonthsInterval,wasverygreat;Isleptunquiet,dream'dalwaysfrightfulDreams,andoftenstartedoutofmySleepintheNight:IntheDaygreatTroublesoverwhelm'dmyMind,andintheNightIdream'doftenofkillingtheSavages,andoftheReasonswhyImightjustifythedoingofit;buttowaveallthisforawhile;itwasinthemiddleofMay,onthe
sixteenthDayIthink,aswellasmypoorwoodenCalendarwouldreckon;forImarktalluponthePoststill;Isay,itwasthesixteenthofMay,thatitblewaverygreatStormofWind,allDay,withagreatdealofLightning,andThunder,andaveryfoulNightitwasafterit;IknownotwhatwastheparticularOccasionofit;butasIwasreadingintheBible,andtakenupwithveryseriousThoughtsaboutmypresentCondition,Iwassurpriz'dwithaNoiseofaGunasIthoughtfir'datSea.ThiswastobesureaSurprizeofaquitedifferentNaturefromanyIhadmetwithbefore;fortheNotionsthisputintomyThoughts,werequiteofanotherkind.Istartedupinthegreatesthastimaginable,andinatriceclaptmyLaddertothemiddlePlaceoftheRock,andpull'ditafterme,andmountingitthesecondTime,gottotheTopoftheHill,theveryMoment,thataFlashofFirebidmelistenforasecondGun,whichaccordingly,inabouthalfaMinuteIheard;andbythesound,knewthatitwasfromthatPartoftheSeawhereIwasdrivendowntheCurrentinmyBoat.Iimmediatelyconsider'dthatthismustbesomeShipinDistress,andthattheyhadsomeComrade,orsomeotherShipinCompany,andfir'dtheseGunsforSignalsofDistress,andtoobtainHelp:IhadthisPresenceofMindatthatMinute,astothinkthatthoughIcouldnothelpthem,itmaybetheymighthelpme;soIbroughttogetherallthedryWoodIcouldgetathand,andmakingagoodhandsomePile,IsetitonFireupontheHill;theWoodwasdry,andblaz'dfreely;andthoughtheWindblewveryhard,yetitburntfairlyout;thatIwascertain,iftherewasanysuchThingasaShip,theymustneedsseeit,andnodoubttheydid;forassoonasevermyFireblaz'dup,IheardanotherGun,andafterthatseveralothers,allfromthesameQuarter;Iply'dmyFireallNightlong,tillDaybroke;andwhenitwasbroadDay,andtheAirclear'dup,IsawsomethingatagreatDistanceatSea,fullEastoftheIsland,whetheraSail,oraHull,Icouldnotdistinguish,nonotwithmyGlasses,theDnawassogreat,andtheWeatherstillsomethinghaizyalso;atleastitwassooutatSea.Ilook'dfrequentlyatitallthatDay,andsoonperceiv'dthatitdidnotmove;soIpresentlyconcluded,thatitwasaShipatanAnchor,andbeingeager,youmaybesure,tobesatisfy'd,ItookmyGuninmyHand,andruntowardtheSouthSideoftheIsland,totheRockswhereIhadformerlybeencarry'dawaywiththeCurrent,andgettingupthere,theWeatherbythisTimebeingperfectlyclear,IcouldplainlyseetomygreatSorrow,theWreckofaShipcastawayintheNight,uponthoseconcealedRockswhichIfound,whenIwasoutinmyBoat;andwhichRocks,astheycheck'dtheViolenceoftheStream,andmadeakindofCounter-stream,orEddy,weretheOccasionofmyrecoveringfromthemostdesperatehopelessConditionthateverIhadbeenin,inallmyLife.ThuswhatisoneMan'sSafety,isanotherMan'sDestruction;foritseemstheseMen,whoevertheywere,beingoutoftheirKnowledge,andtheRocksbeingwhollyunderWater,hadbeendrivenuponthemintheNight,theWindblowinghardatE.and
E.N.E:HadtheyseentheIsland,asImustnecessarilysupposetheydidnot,theymust,asIthought,haveendeavour'dtohavesav'dthemselvesonShorebytheHelpoftheirBoat;buttheirfiringofGunsforHelp,especiallywhentheysaw,asIimagin'd,myFire,fill'dmewithmanyThoughts:First,Iimagin'dthatuponseeingmyLight,theymighthaveputthemselvesintotheirBoat,andhaveendeavour'dtomaketheShore;butthattheSeagoingveryhigh,theymighthavebeencastaway;otherTimesIimagin'd,thattheymighthavelosttheirBoatbefore,asmightbetheCasemanyWays;asparticularlybytheBreakingoftheSeaupontheirShip,whichmanyTimesobligesMentostave,ortakeinPiecestheirBoat;andsometimestothrowitover-boardwiththeirownHands:OtherTimesIimagin'd,theyhadsomeotherShip,orShipsinCompany,whoupontheSignalsofDistresstheyhadmade,hadtakenthemup,andcarry'dthemoff:OtherwhilesIfancy'd,theywereallgoneofftoSeaintheirBoat,andbeinghurry'dawaybytheCurrentthatIhadbeenformerlyin,werecarry'doutintothegreatOcean,wheretherewasnothingbutMiseryandPerishing;andthatperhapstheymightbythisTimethinkofstarving,andofbeinginaConditiontoeatoneanother.AsallthesewerebutConjecturesatbest;sointheConditionIwasin,IcoulddonomorethanlookonupontheMiseryofthepoorMen,andpitythem,whichhadstillthisgoodEffectonmySide,thatitgavememoreandmoreCausetogiveThankstoGodwhohadsohappilyandcomfortablyprovidedformeinmydesolateCondition;andthatoftwoShipsCompanieswhowerenowcastawayuponthispartoftheWorld,notoneLifeshouldbespar'dbutmine:Ilearn'dhereagaintoobserve,thatitisveryrarethattheProvidenceofGodcastsusintoanyConditionofLifesolow,oranyMiserysogreat,butwemayseesomethingorothertobethankfulfor;andmayseeothersinworseCircumstancesthanourown.SuchcertainlywastheCaseoftheseMen,ofwhomIcouldnotsomuchasseeroomtosupposeanyofthemweresav'd;nothingcouldmakeitrational,somuchastowish,orexpectthattheydidnotallperishthere;exceptthePossibilityonlyoftheirbeingtakenupbyanotherShipinCompany,andthiswasbutmeerPossibilityindeed;forIsawnottheleastSignalorAppearanceofanysuchThing.IcannotexplainbyanypossibleEnergyofWords,whatastrangelongingorhankeringofDesiresIfeltinmySouluponthisSight;breakingoutsometimesthus;Othattherehadbeenbutoneortwo;nay,orbutoneSoulsav'doutofthisShip,tohaveescap'dtome,thatImightbuthavehadoneCompanion,oneFellow-Creaturetohavespokentome,andtohaveconvers'dwith!InalltheTimeofmysolitaryLifeIneverfeltsoearnest,sostrongaDesireaftertheSocietyofmyFellow-Creatures,orsodeepaRegretatthewantofit.TherearesomesecretmovingSpringsintheAffections,whichwhentheyaresetagoingbysomeObjectinview,orbeitsomeObject,thoughnotinview,yetrendred
presenttotheMindbythePowerofImagination,thatMotion'carriesouttheSoulbyitsImpetuositytosuchviolenteagerembracingsoftheObject,thattheAbsenceofitisinsupportable.SuchweretheseearnestWishings,ThatbutoneManhadbeensav'd!OthatithadbeenbutOne!IbelieveIrepeatedtheWords,OthatithadbeenbutOne!AthousandTimes;andtheDesiresweresomov'dbyit,thatwhenIspoketheWords,myHandswouldclinchtogether,andmyFingerspressthePalmsofmyHands,thatifIhadhadanysoftThinginmyHand,itwou'dhavecrushtitinvoluntarily;andmyTeethinmyHeadwou'dstriketogether,andsetagainstoneanothersostrong,thatforsometimeIcou'dnotpartthemagain.LettheNaturalistsexplaintheseThings,andtheReasonandMannerofthem;allIcansaytothem,is,todescribetheFact,whichwasevensurprisingtomewhenIfoundit;thoughIknewnotfromwhatitshouldproceed;itwasdoubtlesstheeffectofardentWishes,andofstrongIdeasform'dinmyMind,realizingtheComfort,whichtheConversationofoneofmyFellow-Christianswouldhavebeentome.Butitwasnottobe;eithertheirFateormine,orboth,forbidit;fortillthelastYearofmybeingonthisIsland,IneverknewwhetheranyweresavedoutofthatShiporno;andhadonlytheAfflictionsomeDaysafter,toseetheCorpsofadrowndedBoycomeonShore,attheEndoftheIslandwhichwasnexttheShipwreck:HehadonnoCloaths,butaSeaman'sWastcoat,apairofopenknee'dLinnenDrawers,andablewLinnenShirt;butnothingtodirectmesomuchastoguesswhatNationhewasof:HehadnothinginhisPocket,buttwoPiecesofEight,andaTobaccoPipe;thelastwastomeoftentimesmorevaluethanthefirst.Itwasnowcalm,andIhadagreatmindtoventureoutinmyBoat,tothisWreck;notdoubtingbutImightfindsomethingonboard,thatmightbeusefultome;butthatdidnotaltogetherpressmesomuch,asthePossibilitythattheremightbeyetsomelivingCreatureonboard,whoseLifeImightnotonlysave,butmightbysavingthatLife,comfortmyowntothelastDegree;andthisThoughtclungsotomyHeart,thatIcouldnotbequiet,NightorDay,butImustventureoutinmyBoatonboardthisWreck;andcommittingtheresttoGod'sProvidence,IthoughttheImpressionwassostronguponmyMind,thatitcouldnotberesisted,thatitmustcomefromsomeinvisibleDirection,andthatIshouldbewantingtomyselfifIdidnotgo.UnderthePowerofthisImpression,Ihasten'dbacktomyCastle,prepar'deveryThingformyVoyage,tookaQuantityofBread,agreatPotforfreshWater,aCompasstosteerby,aBottleofRum;forIhadstillagreatdealofthatleft;aBasketfullofRaisins:AndthusloadingmyselfwitheveryThingnecessary,IwentdowntomyBoat,gottheWateroutofher,andgotherafloat,loadedallmyCargoinher,andthenwentHomeagainformore;mysecondCargowasagreatBagfullofRice,the
UmbrellatosetupovermyHeadforShade;anotherlargePotfulloffreshWater,andabouttwoDozenofmysmallLoaves,orBarleyCakes,morethanbefore,withaBottleofGoats-Milk,andaCheese;allwhich,withgreatLabourandSweat,IbroughttomyBoat;andprayingtoGodtodirectmyVoyage,Iputout,andRowingorPadlingtheCanoealongtheShore,IcameatlasttotheutmostPointoftheIslandonthatSide,(viz.)N.E.AndnowIwastolaunchoutintotheOcean,andeithertoventure,ornottoventure.Ilook'dontherapidCurrentswhichranconstantlyonbothSidesoftheIsland,ataDistance,andwhichwereveryterribletome,fromtheRemembranceoftheHazardIhadbeeninbefore,andmyHeartbegantofailme;forIforesawthatifIwasdrivenintoeitherofthoseCurrents,Ishouldbecarry'davastWayouttoSea,andperhapsoutofmyReach,orSightoftheIslandagain;andthatthen,asmyBoatwasbutsmall,ifanylittleGaleofWindshouldrise,Ishouldbeinevitablylost.TheseThoughtssooppress'dmyMind,thatIbegantogiveovermyEnterprize,andhavinghaledmyBoatintoalittleCreekontheShore,Isteptout,andsatmedownuponalittlerisingbitofGround,verypensiveandanxious,betweenFearandDesireaboutmyVoyage;whenasIwasmusing,IcouldperceivethattheTidewasturn'd,andtheFloodcomeon,uponwhichmygoingwasforsomanyHoursimpracticable;uponthispresentlyitoccurr'dtome,thatIshouldgouptothehighestPieceofGroundIcouldfind,andobserve,ifIcould,howtheSetsoftheTide,orCurrentslay,whentheFloodcamein,thatImightjudgewhetherifIwasdrivenonewayout,Imightnotexpecttobedrivenanotherwayhome,withthesameRapidnessoftheCurrents:ThisThoughtwasnosoonerinmyHead,butIcastmyEyeuponalittleHill,whichsufficientlyover-look'dtheSeabothways,andfromwhenceIhadaclearviewoftheCurrents,orSetsoftheTide,andwhichwayIwastoguidemyselfinmyReturn;hereIfound,thatastheCurrentoftheEbbsetoutclosebytheSouthPointoftheIsland;sotheCurrentoftheFloodsetinclosebytheShoreoftheNorthSide,andthatIhadnothingtodobuttokeeptotheNorthoftheIslandinmyReturn,andIshoulddowellenough.Encourag'dwiththisObservation,Iresolv'dthenextMorningtosetoutwiththefirstoftheTide;andreposingmyselffortheNightintheCanoe,underthegreatWatch-coat,Imention'd,Ilaunchedout:ImadefirstalittleouttoSeafullNorth,tillIbegantofeeltheBenefitoftheCurrent,whichsetEastward,andwhichcarry'dmeatagreatrate,andyetdidnotsohurrymeastheSouthernSideCurrenthaddonebefore,andsoastotakefrommeallGovernmentoftheBoat;buthavingastrongSteeragewithmyPaddle,Iwentatagreatrate,directlyfortheWreck,andinlessthantwoHoursIcameuptoit.ItwasadismalSighttolookat:TheShip,whichbyitsbuildingwasSpanish,stuckfast,jaum'dinbetweentwoRocks;alltheSternandQuarterofherwasbeatentopieces,withtheSea;andasherForecastle,whichstuckintheRocks,hadrunonwith
greatViolence,herMainmastandForemastwerebroughtbytheBoard;thatistosay,brokenshortoff;butherBoltspritwasfound,andtheHeadandBowappear'dfirm;whenIcameclosetoher,aDogappear'duponher,whoseeingmecoming,yelp'd,andcry'd;andassoonasIcall'dhim,jump'dintotheSea,tocometome,andItookhimintotheBoat;butfoundhimalmostdeadforHungerandThirst:IgavehimaCakeofmyBread,andheeatitlikearavenousWolf,thathadbeenstarvingaFortnightintheSnow:IthengavethepoorCreaturesomefreshWater,withwhich,ifIwouldhavelethim,hewouldhavebursthimself.AfterthisIwentonboard;butthefirstSightImetwith,wastwoMendrown'd,intheCookroom,orForecastleoftheShip,withtheirArmsfastaboutoneanother:Iconcluded,asisindeedprobable,thatwhentheShipstruck,itbeinginaStorm,theSeabrokesohigh,andsocontinuallyoverher,thattheMenwerenotabletobearit,andwerestrangledwiththeconstantrushinginoftheWater,asmuchasiftheyhadbeenunderWater.BesidestheDog,therewasnothingleftintheShipthathadLife;noranyGoodsthatIcouldsee,butwhatwerespoil'dbytheWater.ThereweresomeCasksofLiquor,whetherWineorBrandy,Iknewnot,whichlaylowerintheHold;andwhich,theWaterbeingebb'dout,Icouldsee;buttheyweretoobigtomeddlewith:IsawseveralChests,whichIbeliev'dbelong'dtosomeoftheSeamen;andIgottwoofthemintotheBoat,withoutexaminingwhatwasinthem.HadtheSternoftheShipbeenfix'd,andtheForepartbrokenoff,IamperswadedImighthavemadeagoodVoyage;forbywhatIfoundinthesetwoChests,Ihadroomtosuppose,theShiphadagreatdealofWealthonboard;andifImayguessbytheCourseshesteer'd,shemusthavebeenboundfromtheBuenosAyres,ortheRiodelaPlata,intheSouthPartofAmerica,beyondtheBrasils,totheHavana,intheGulphofMexico,andsoperhapstoSpain:ShehadnodoubtagreatTreasureinher;butofnouseatthattimetoanybody;andwhatbecameoftherestofherPeople,Ithenknewnot.IfoundbesidestheseChests,alittleCaskfullofLiquor,ofabouttwentyGallons,whichIgotintomyBoat,withmuchDifficulty;therewereseveralMusketsinaCabin,andagreatPowder-horn,withabout4PoundsofPowderinit;asfortheMuskets,Ihadnooccasionforthem;soIleftthem,buttookthePowder-horn:ItookaFireShovelandTongs,whichIwantedextremely;asalsotwolittleBrassKettles,aCopperPottomakeChocolate,andaGridiron;withthisCargo,andtheDog,Icameaway,theTidebeginningtomakehomeagain;andthesameEvening,aboutanHourwithinNight,Ireach'dtheIslandagain,wearyandfatigu'dtothelastDegree.Irepos'dthatNightintheBoat,andintheMorningIresolvedtoharbourwhatIhadgotteninmynewCave,nottocarryithometomyCastle.Afterrefreshingmyself,IgotallmyCargoonShore,andbegantoexaminetheParticulars:TheCaskofLiquorIfoundtobeakindofRum,butnotsuchaswehadattheBrasils;andinaWord,not
atallgood;butwhenIcametoopentheChests,IfoundseveralThings,ofgreatusetome:ForExample,Ifoundinone,afineCaseofBottles,ofanextraordinarykind,andfill'dwithCordialWaters,fine,andverygood;theBottlesheldaboutthreePintseach,andweretipp'dwithSilver:IfoundtwoPotsofverygoodSuccades,orSweetmeats,sofastnedalsoontop,thattheSaltWaterhadnothurtthem;andtwomoreofthesame,whichtheWaterhadspoil'd:IfoundsomeverygoodShirts,whichwereverywelcometome;andaboutadozenandhalfofLinnenwhiteHandkerchiefs,andcolour'dNeckcloths;theformerwerealsoverywelcome,beingexceedingrefreshingtowipemyFaceinahotDay;besidesthis,whenIcametotheTillintheChest,IfoundtherethreegreatBagsofPiecesofEight,whichheldaboutelevenhundredPiecesinall;andinoneofthem,wraptupinaPaper,sixDoubloonsofGold,andsomesmallBarsorWedgesofGold;IsupposetheymightallweighnearaPound.TheotherChestIfoundhadsomeCloathsinit,butoflittleValue;butbytheCircumstancesitmusthavebelong'dtotheGunner'sMate;thoughtherewasnoPowderinit;butabouttwoPoundoffineglaz'dPowder,inthreesmallFlasks,kept,Isuppose,forchargingtheirFowling-Piecesonoccasion:Uponthewhole,IgotverylittlebythisVoyage,thatwasofanyusetome;forastotheMoney,Ihadnomannerofoccasionforit:'TwastomeastheDirtundermyFeet;andIwouldhavegivenitallforthreeorfourpairofEnglishShoesandStockings,whichwereThingsIgreatlywanted,buthadnothadonmyFeetnowformanyYears:IhadindeedgottentwopairofShoesnow,whichItookoffoftheFeetofthetwodrown'dMen,whoIsawintheWreck;andIfoundtwopairmoreinoneoftheChests,whichwereverywelcometome;buttheywerenotlikeourEnglishShoes,eitherforEase,orService;beingratherwhatwecallPumps,thanShoes:IfoundinthisSeaman'sChest,aboutfiftyPiecesofEightinRyals,butnoGold;Isupposethisbelong'dtoapoorerManthantheother,whichseem'dtobelongtosomeOfficer.Well,however,Ilugg'dthisMoneyhometomyCave,andlaiditup,asIhaddonethatbefore,whichIbroughtfromourownShip;butitwasgreatPityasIsaid,thattheoverPartofthisShiphadnotcometomyShare;forIamsatisfy'dImighthaveloadedmyCanoeseveralTimesoverwithMoney,whichifIhadeverescap'dtoEngland,wouldhavelainheresafeenough,tillImighthavecomeagainandfetch'dit.HavingnowbroughtallmyThingsonShore,andsecur'dthem,IwentbacktomyBoat,androw'd,orpaddledheralongtheShore,toheroldHarbour,whereIlaidherup,andmadethebestofmywaytomyoldHabitation,whereIfoundeverythingsafeandquiet;soIbegantoreposemyself,liveaftermyoldfashion,andtakecareofmyFamilyAffairs;andforawhile,Iliv'deasyenough;onlythatIwasmorevigilantthanIus'dtobe,look'doutoftner,anddidnotgoabroadsomuch;andifatanytimeIdidstirwithanyFreedom,itwasalwaystotheEastPartoftheIsland,whereIwaspretty
wellsatisfy'dtheSavagesnevercame,andwhereIcouldgowithoutsomanyPrecautions,andsuchaLoadofArmsandAmmunition,asIalwayscarry'dwithme,ifIwenttheotherway.Iliv'dinthisConditionneartwoYearsmore;butmyunluckyHead,thatwasalwaystoletmeknowitwasborntomakemyBodymiserable,wasallthistwoYearsfill'dwithProjectsandDesigns,how,ifitwerepossible,ImightgetawayfromthisIsland;forsometimesIwasformakinganotherVoyagetotheWreck,thoughmyReasontoldmethattherewasnothingleftthere,worththeHazardofmyVoyage:SometimesforaRambleoneway,sometimesanother;andIbelieveverily,ifIhadhadtheBoatthatIwentfromSalleein,Ishouldhaveventur'dtoSea,boundanywhere,Iknewnotwhither.IhavebeeninallmyCircumstancesaMementotothosewhoaretouch'dwiththegeneralPlagueofMankind,whence,foroughtIknow,onehalfoftheirMiseriesflow;Imean,thatofnotbeingsatisfy'dwiththeStationwhereinGodandNaturehasplac'dthem;fornottolookbackuponmyprimitiveCondition,andtheexcellentAdviceofmyFather,theOppositiontowhich,was,asImaycallit,myORIGINALSIN;mysubsequentMistakesofthesamekindhadbeentheMeansofmycomingintothismiserableCondition;forhadthatProvidence,whichsohappilyhadseatedmeattheBrasils,asaPlanter,bless'dmewithconfin'dDesires,andIcouldhavebeencontentedtohavegoneongradually,ImighthavebeenbythisTime;Imean,intheTimeofmybeinginthisIsland,oneofthemostconsiderablePlantersintheBrasils,nay,Iamperswaded,thatbytheImprovementsIhadmade,inthatlittleTimeIliv'dthere,andtheEncreaseIshouldprobablyhavemade,ifIhadstay'd,ImighthavebeenworthanhundredthousandMoydors;andwhatBusinesshadItoleaveasettledFortune,awellstock'dPlantation,improvingandencreasing,toturnSupra-CargotoGuinea,tofetchNegroes;whenPatienceandTimewouldhavesoencreas'dourStockatHome,thatwecouldhaveboughtthematourownDoor,fromthosewhoseBusinessitwastofetchthem;andthoughithadcostussomethingmore,yettheDifferenceofthatPricewasbynoMeansworthsaving,atsogreataHazard.ButasthisisordinarilytheFateofyoungHeads,soReflectionupontheFollyofit,isasordinarilytheExerciseofmoreyears,orofthedearboughtExperienceofTime;andsoitwaswithmenow;andyetsodeephadtheMistaketakenrootinmyTemper,thatIcouldnotsatisfymyselfinmyStation,butwascontinuallyporingupontheMeans,andPossibilityofmyEscapefromthisPlace;andthatImaywiththegreaterPleasuretotheReader,bringontheremainingPartofmyStory,itmaynotbeimproper,togivesomeAccountofmyfirstConceptionsontheSubjectofthisfoolishScheme,formyEscape;andhow,anduponwhatFoundationIacted.Iamnowtobesuppos'dretir'dintomyCastle,aftermylateVoyagetotheWreck,myFrigatelaidup,andsecur'dunderWater,asusual,andmyConditionrestor'dtowhat
itwasbefore:IhadmoreWealthindeedthanIhadbefore,butwasnotatallthericher;forIhadnomoreuseforit,thantheIndiansofPeruhad,beforetheSpaniardscamethere.ItwasoneoftheNightsintherainySeasoninMarch,thefourandtwentiethYearofmyfirstsettingFootinthisIslandofSolitariness;IwaslyinginmyBed,orHammock,awake,verywellinHealth,hadnoPain,noDistemper,noUneasinessofBody;no,noranyUneasinessofMind,morethanordinary;butcouldbynomeansclosemyEyes;thatis,soastosleep;no,notaWinkallNightlong,otherwisethanasfollows:Itisasimpossible,asneedless,tosetdowntheinnumerableCrowdofThoughtsthatwhirl'dthroughthatgreatthorow-fareoftheBrain,theMemory,inthisNight'sTime:IrunoverthewholeHistoryofmyLifeinMiniature,orbyAbridgment,asImaycallit,tomycomingtothisIsland;andalsoofthePartofmyLife,sinceIcametothisIsland.InmyReflectionsupontheStateofmyCase,sinceIcameonShoreonthisIsland,IwascomparingthehappyPostureofmyAffairs,inthefirstYearsofmyHabitationhere,compar'dtotheLifeofAnxiety,FearandCare,whichIhadliv'deversinceIhadseenthePrintofaFootintheSand;notthatIdidnotbelievetheSavageshadfrequentedtheIslandevenallthewhile,andmighthavebeenseveralHundredsofthematTimesonShorethere;butIhadneverknownit,andwasincapableofanyApprehensionsaboutit;mySatisfactionwasperfect,thoughmyDangerwasthesame;andIwasashappyinnotknowingmyDanger,asifIhadneverreallybeenexpos'dtoit:Thisfurnish'dmyThoughtswithmanyveryprofitableReflections,andparticularlythisone,HowinfinitelyGoodthatProvidenceis,whichhasprovidedinitsGovernmentofMankind,suchnarrowboundstohisSightandKnowledgeofThings,andthoughhewalksinthemidstofsomanythousandDangers,theSightofwhich,ifdiscover'dtohim,woulddistracthisMind,andsinkhisSpirits;heiskeptserene,andcalm,byhavingtheEventsofThingshidfromhisEyes,andknowingnothingoftheDangerswhichsurroundhim.AftertheseThoughtshadforsomeTimeentertain'dme,IcametoreflectseriouslyupontherealDangerIhadbeenIn,forsomanyYears,inthisveryIsland;andhowIhadwalk'daboutinthegreatestSecurity,andwithallpossibleTranquillity;evenwhenperhapsnothingbutaBrowofaHill,agreatTree,orthecasualApproachofNight,hadbeenbetweenmeandtheworstkindofDestruction,viz.ThatoffallingintotheHandsofCannibals,andSavages,whowouldhaveseiz'donmewiththesameView,asIdidofaGoat,oraTurtle;andhavethoughtitnomoreaCrimetokillanddevourme,thanIdidofaPidgeon,oraCurlieu:Iwouldunjustlyslandermyself,ifIshouldsayIwasnotsincerelythankfultomygreatPreserver,towhosesingularProtectionIacknowledg'd,withgreatHumility,thatalltheseunknownDeliverancesweredue;andwithoutwhich,ImustinevitablyhavefallenintotheirmercilessHands.
WhentheseThoughtswereover,myHeadwasforsometimetakenupinconsideringtheNatureofthesewretchedCreatures;Imean,theSavages;andhowitcametopassintheWorld,thatthewiseGovernourofallThingsshouldgiveupanyofhisCreaturestosuchInhumanity;nay,tosomethingsomuchbelow,evenBrutalityitself,astodevouritsownkind;butasthisendedinsome(atthatTimefruitless)Speculations,itoccurr'dtometoenquire,whatPartoftheWorldtheseWretchesliv'din;howfarofftheCoastwasfromwhencetheycame;whattheyventur'doversofarfromhomefor;whatkindofBoatstheyhad;andwhyImightnotordermyself,andmyBusinessso,thatImightbeasabletogooverthither,astheyweretocometome.Ineversomuchastroubl'dmyselftoconsiderwhatIshoulddowithmyself,whenIcamethither;whatwouldbecomeofme,ifIfellintotheHandsoftheSavages;orhowIshouldescapefromthem,iftheyattemptedme;no,norsomuchashowitwaspossibleformetoreachtheCoast,andnotbeattemptedbysomeorotherofthem,withoutanyPossibilityofdeliveringmyself;andifIshouldnotfallintotheirHands,whatIshoulddoforProvision,orwhitherIshouldbendmyCourse;noneoftheseThoughts,Isay,somuchascameinmyway;butmyMindwaswhollybentupontheNotionofmypassingoverinmyBoat,totheMainLand:Ilook'dbackuponmypresentCondition,asthemostmiserablethatcouldpossiblybe,thatIwasnotabletothrowmyselfintoanythingbutDeath,thatcouldbecall'dworse;thatifIreachedtheShoreoftheMain,ImightperhapsmeetwithRelief,orImightcoastalong,asIdidontheShoreofAfrick,tillIcametosomeinhabitedCountry,andwhereImightfindsomeRelief;andafterallperhaps,ImightfallinwithsomeChristianShip,thatmighttakemein;andiftheworsecametotheworst,Icouldbutdie,whichwouldputanendtoalltheseMiseriesatonce.Praynote,allthiswasthefruitofadisturb'dMind,animpatientTemper,madeasitweredesperatebythelongContinuanceofmyTroubles,andtheDisappointmentsIhadmetintheWreck,Ihadbeenonboardof;andwhereIhadbeensoneartheobtainingwhatIsoearnestlylong'dfor,viz.Some-bodytospeakto,andtolearnsomeKnowledgefromofthePlacewhereIwas,andoftheprobableMeansofmyDeliverance;Isay,IwasagitatedwhollybytheseThoughts:AllmyCalmofMindinmyResignationtoProvidence,andwaitingtheIssueoftheDispositionsofHeaven,seem'dtobesuspended;andIhad,asitwere,noPowertoturnmyThoughtstoanything,buttotheProjectofaVoyagetotheMain,whichcameuponmewithsuchForce,andsuchanImpetuosityofDesire,thatitwasnottoberesisted.WhenthishadagitatedmyThoughtsfortwoHours,ormore,withsuchViolence,thatitsetmyveryBloodintoaFerment,andmyPulsebeatashighasifIhadbeeninaFeaver,meerlywiththeextraordinaryFervourofmyMindaboutit;Nature,asifIhadbeenfatiguedandexhaustedwiththeveryThoughtofit,threwmeintoasoundSleep;onewouldhavethought,Ishouldhavedream'dofit:ButIdidnot,norofanyThingrelatingtoit;butIdream'd,thatasIwasgoingoutintheMorningasusualfrommyCastle,IsawupontheShore,twoCanoes,andelevenSavagescomingtoLand,and
thattheybroughtwiththemanotherSavage,whotheyweregoingtokill,inOrdertoeathim;whenonasudden,theSavagethattheyweregoingtokill,jumptaway,andranforhisLife;andIthoughtinmySleep,thathecamerunningintomylittlethickGrove,beforemyFortification,tohidehimself;andthatIseeinghimalone,andnotperceivingthattheothersoughthimthatWay,show'dmyselftohim,andsmilinguponhim,encourag'dhim;thathekneel'ddowntome,seemingtopraymetoassisthim;uponwhichIshew'dmyLadder,madehimgoup,andcarry'dhimintomyCave,andhebecamemyServant;andthatassoonasIhadgottenthisMan,Isaidtomyself,nowImaycertainlyventuretothemainLand;forthisFellowwillservemeasaPilot,andwilltellmewhattodo,andwhethertogoforProvisions;andwhethernottogoforfearofbeingdevoured,whatPlacestoventureinto,andwhattoescape:Iwak'dwiththisThought,andwasundersuchinexpressibleImpressionsofJoy,attheProspectofmyEscapeinmyDream,thattheDisappointmentswhichIfeltuponcomingtomyself,andfindingitwasnomorethanaDream,wereequallyextravaganttheotherWay,andthrewmeintoaverygreatDejectionofSpirit.Uponthishowever,ImadethisConclusion,thatmyOnlyWaytogoaboutanAttemptforanEscape,was,ifpossible,togetaSavageintomyPossession;andifpossible,itshouldbeoneoftheirPrisoners,whotheyhadcondemn'dtobeeaten,andshouldbringthithertokill;buttheseThoughtsstillwereattendedwiththisDifficulty,thatitwasimpossibletoeffectthis,withoutattackingawholeCaravanofthem,andkillingthemall;andthiswasnotonlyaverydesperateAttempt,andmightmiscarry;butontheotherHand,IhadgreatlyscrupledtheLawfulnessofittome;andmyHearttrembledatthethoughtsofsheddingsomuchBlood,tho'itwasformyDeliverance.IneednotrepeattheArgumentswhichoccurr'dtomeagainstthis,theybeingthesamemention'dbefore;buttho'IhadotherReasonstooffernow(viz.)thatthoseMenwereEnemiestomyLife,andwoulddevourme,iftheycould;thatitwasSelf-preservationinthehighestDegree,todelivermyselffromthisDeathofaLife,andwasactinginmyownDefence,asmuchasiftheywereactuallyassaultingme,andthelike.Isay,tho'theseThingsarguedforit,yettheThoughtsofsheddingHumaneBloodformyDeliverance,wereveryTerribletome,andsuchasIcouldbynoMeansreconcilemyselfto,agreatwhile.Howeveratlast,aftermanysecretDisputeswithmyself,andaftergreatPerplexitiesaboutit,foralltheseArgumentsoneWayandanotherstruggl'dinmyHeadalongTime,theeagerprevailingDesireofDeliveranceatlengthmaster'dalltherest;andIresolv'd,ifpossible,togetoneofthoseSavagesintomyHands,costwhatitwould.MynextThingthenwastocontrivehowtodoit,andthisindeedwasverydifficulttoresolveon:ButasIcouldpitchuponnoprobableMeansforit,soIresolv'dtoputmyselfupontheWatch,toseethemwhentheycameonShore,andleavetheresttotheEvent,takingsuchMeasuresastheOpportunityshouldpresent,letbewhatwouldbe.WiththeseResolutionsinmyThoughts,IsetmyselfupontheScout,asoftenas
possible,andindeedsooftentillIwasheartilytir'dofit,foritwasaboveaYearandHalfthatIwaited,andforgreatpartofthatTimewentouttotheWestEnd,andtotheSouthWestCorneroftheIsland,almosteveryDay,toseeforCanoes,butnoneappear'd.Thiswasverydiscouraging,andbegantotroublememuch,tho'IcannotsaythatitdidinthisCase,asithaddonesometimebeforethat,(viz.)wearofftheEdgeofmyDesiretotheThing.Butthelongeritseem'dtobedelay'd,themoreeagerIwasforit;inaWord,IwasnotatfirstsocarefultoshunthesightoftheseSavages,andavoidbeingseenbythem,asIwasnoweagertobeuponthem.Besides,IfanciedmyselfabletomanageOne,nay,TwoorThreeSavages,ifIhadthemsoastomakethementirelySlavestome,todowhateverIshoulddirectthem,andtopreventtheirbeingableatanytimetodomeanyHurt.Itwasagreatwhile,thatIpleas'dmyselfwiththisAffair,butnothingstillpresented;allmyFanciesandSchemescametonothing,fornoSavagescamenearmeforagreatwhile.Part6AboutaYearandhalfafterIhadentertain'dtheseNotions,andbylongmusing,hadasitwereresolvedthemallintonothing,forwantofanOccasiontoputtheminExecution,Iwassurpriz'doneMorningearly,withseeingnolessthanfiveCanoesallonShoretogetheronmysidetheIsland;andthePeoplewhobelong'dtothemalllanded,andoutofmysight:TheNumberofthembrokeallmyMeasures,forseeingsomany,andknowingthattheyalwayscamefourorsix,orsometimesmoreinaBoat,Icouldnottellwhattothinkofit,OrhowtotakemyMeasures,toattackTwentyorThirtyMensinglehanded;soIlaystillinmyCastle,perplex'danddiscomforted:HoweverIputmyselfintoallthesamePosturesforanAttackthatIhadformerlyprovided,andwasjustreadyforAction,ifanyThinghadpresented;havingwaitedagoodwhile,listeningtoheariftheymadeanyNoise;atlengthbeingveryimpatient,IsetmyGunsattheFootofmyLadder,andclamber'duptotheTopoftheHill,bymytwoStagesasusual;standingsohoweverthatmyHeaddidnotappearabovetheHill,sothattheycouldnotperceivemebyanyMeans;hereIobserv'dbythehelpofmyPerspectiveGlass,thattheywerenolessthanThirtyinNumber,thattheyhadaFirekindled,thattheyhadhadMeatdress'd.Howtheyhadcook'dit,thatIknewnot,orwhatitwas;buttheywereallDancinginIknownothowmanybarbarousGesturesandFigures,theirownWay,roundtheFire.WhileIwasthuslookingonthem,IperceivedbymyPerspective,twomiserableWretchesdragg'dfromtheBoats,whereitseemstheywerelaidby,andwerenowbroughtoutfortheSlaughter.Iperceivedoneofthemimmediatelyfell,beingknock'ddown,IsupposewithaCluborWoodenSword,forthatwastheirway,andtwoorthreeotherswereatworkimmediatelycuttinghimopenfortheirCookery,whiletheotherVictimwasleftstandingbyhimself,tilltheyshouldbereadyforhim.InthatveryMomentthispoor
WretchseeinghimselfalittleatLiberty,Natureinspir'dhimwithHopesofLife,andhestartedawayfromthem,andranwithincredibleSwiftnessalongtheSandsdirectlytowardsme,ImeantowardsthatpartoftheCoast,wheremyHabitationwas.Iwasdreadfullyfrighted,(thatImustacknowledge)whenIperceivedhimtorunmyWay;andespecially,whenasIthoughtIsawhimpursuedbythewholeBody,andnowIexpectedthatpartofmyDreamwascomingtopass,andthathewouldcertainlytakeshelterinmyGrove;butIcouldnotdependbyanymeansuponmyDreamfortherestOfit,(viz.)thattheotherSavageswouldnotpursuehimthither,andfindhimthere.HoweverIkeptmyStation,andmySpiritsbegantorecover,whenIfoundthattherewasnotabovethreeMenthatfollow'dhim,andstillmorewasIencourag'd,whenIfoundthatheoutstrip'dthemexceedinglyinrunning,andgain'dGroundofthem,sothatifhecouldbutholditforhalfanHour,Isaweasilyhewouldfairlygetawayfromthemall.TherewasbetweenthemandmyCastle,theCreekwhichImention'doftenatthefirstpartofmyStory,whenIlandedmyCargoesoutoftheShip;andthisIsawplainly,hemustnecessarilyswimover,orthepoorWretchwouldbetakenthere:ButwhentheSavageescapingcamethither,hemadenothingofit,tho'theTidewasthenup,butplungingin,swamthro'inaboutThirtyStrokesorthereabouts,landedandranonwithexceedingStrengthandSwiftness;whentheThreePersonscametotheCreek,IfoundthatTwoofthemcouldSwim,buttheThirdcou'dnot,andthatstandingontheotherSide,helook'dattheother,butwentnofurther;andsoonafterwentsoftlybackagain,whichasithappen'd,wasverywellforhiminthemain.Iobserv'd,thatthetwowhoswam,wereyetmorethantwiceaslongswimmingovertheCreek,astheFellowwas,thatfledfromthem:ItcamenowverywarmlyuponmyThoughts,andindeedirresistibly,thatnowwasmyTimetogetmeaServant,andperhapsaCompanion,orAssistant;andthatIwascall'dplainlybyProvidencetosavethispoorCreature'sLife;IimmediatelyrundowntheLadderswithallpossibleExpedition,fetchesmytwoGuns,fortheywerebothbutattheFootoftheLadders,asIobserv'dabove;andgettingupagain,withthesamehaste,totheTopoftheHill,Icross'dtowardtheSea;andhavingaveryshortCut,andalldownHill,clapp'dmyselfintheway,betweenthePursuers,andthePursu'd;hallowingaloudtohimthatfled,wholookingback,wasatfirstperhapsasmuchfrightedatme,asatthem;butIbeckon'dwithmyHandtohim,tocomeback;andinthemeantime,Islowlyadvanc'dtowardsthetwothatfollow'd;thenrushingatonceupontheforemost,Iknock'dhimdownwiththeStockofmyPieceIwasloathtofire,because1wouldnothavetheresthear;thoughatthatdistance,itwouldnothavebeeneasilyheard,andbeingoutofSightoftheSmoketoo,theywou'dnothaveeasilyknownwhattomakeofit:Havingknock'dthisFellowdown,theotherwhopursu'dwithhimstopp'd,asifhehadbeenfrighted;andIadvanc'da-pacetowardshim;butasIcamenearer,Iperceiv'dpresently,hehadaBowandArrow,andwasfittingittoshootatme;soIwasthen
necessitatedtoshootathimfirst,whichIdid,andkill'dhimatthefirstShoot;thepoorSavagewhofled,buthadstopp'd;thoughhesawbothhisEnemiesfallen,andkill'd,ashethought;yetwassofrightedwiththeFire,andNoiseofmyPiece,thathestoodStockstill,andneithercameforwardorwentbackward,tho'heseem'dratherenclin'dtoflystill,thantocomeon;Ihollow'dagaintohim,andmadeSignstocomeforward,whichheeasilyunderstood,andcamealittleway,thenstopp'dagain,andthenalittlefurther,andstopp'dagain,andIcou'dthenperceivethathestoodtrembling,asifhehadbeentakenPrisoner,andhadjustbeentobekill'd,ashistwoEnemieswere;Ibeckon'dhimagaintocometome,andgavehimalltheSignsofEncouragementthatIcouldthinkof,andhecamenearerandnearer,kneelingdowneveryTenorTwelvestepsintokenofacknowledgementformysavinghisLife:Ismil'dathim,andlook'dpleasantly,andbeckon'dtohimtocomestillnearer;atlengthhecameclosetome,andthenhekneel'ddownagain,kiss'dtheGround,andlaidhisHeadupontheGround,andtakingmebytheFoot,setmyFootuponhisHead;thisitseemswasintokenofswearingtobemySlaveforever;Itookhimup,andmademuchofhim,andencourag'dhimallIcould.Buttherewasmoreworktodoyet,forIperceivedtheSavagewhoIknock'ddown,wasnotkill'd,butstunn'dwiththeblow,andbegantocometohimself;soIpointedtohim,andshowinghimtheSavage,thathewasnotdead;uponthishespokesomeWordstome,andthoughIcouldnotunderstandthem,yetIthoughttheywerepleasanttohear,fortheywerethefirstsoundofaMan'sVoice,thatIhadheard,myownexcepted,foraboveTwentyFiveYears.ButtherewasnotimeforsuchReflectionsnow,theSavagewhowasknock'ddownrecover'dhimselfsofar,astositupupontheGround,andIperceivedthatmySavagebegantobeafraid;butwhenIsawthat,IpresentedmyotherPieceattheMan,asifIwouldshoothim,uponthismySavage,forsoIcallhimnow,madeaMotiontometolendhimmySword,whichhungnakedinaBeltbymyside;soIdid:henosoonerhadit,butherunstohisEnemy,andatoneblowcutoffhisHeadascleaverly,noExecutionerinGermany,couldhavedoneitsoonerorbetter;whichIthoughtverystrange,foronewho1hadReasontobelieveneversawaSwordinhisLifebefore,excepttheirownWoodenSwords;howeveritseems,asIlearn'dafterwards,theymaketheirWoodenSwordssosharp,soheavy,andtheWoodissohard,thattheywillcutoffHeadsevenwiththem,ayandArms,andthatatoneblowtoo;whenhehaddonethis,hecomeslaughingtomeinSignofTriumph,andbroughtmetheSwordagain,andwithabundanceofGestureswhichIdidnotunderstand,laiditdownwiththeHeadoftheSavage,thathehadkill'djustbeforeme.Butthatwhichastonish'dhimmost,wastoknowhowIhadkill'dtheotherIndiansofaroff,sopointingtohim,hemadeSignstometolethimgotohim,soIbadhimgo,aswellasIcould,whenhecametohim,hestoodlikeoneamaz'd,lookingathim,turn'dhimfirstononeside,thenont'other,look'dattheWoundtheBullethadmade,whichitseemswasjustinhisBreast,whereithadmadeaHole,andnogreatQuantityofBloodhadfollow'd,buthehadbledinwardly,forhewasquitedead;HetookuphisBow,andArrows,andcameback,soIturn'dtogoaway,andbeckon'dtohimto
followme,makingSignstohim,thatmoremightcomeafterthem.Uponthishesign'dtome,thatheshouldburythemwithSand,thattheymightnotbeseenbytherestiftheyfollow'd;andsoImadeSignsagaintohimtodoso;hefelltoWork,andinaninstanthehadscrap'daHoleintheSand,withhisHands,bigenoughtoburythefirstin,andthendragg'dhimintoit,andcover'dhim,anddidsoalsobytheother;Ibelievehehadbury'dthembothinaQuarterofanHour;thencallinghimaway,Icarry'dhimnottomyCastle,butquiteawaytomyCave,onthefartherPartoftheIsland;soIdidnotletmyDreamcometopassinthatPart,viz.ThathecameintomyGroveforshelter.HereIgavehimBread,andaBunchofRaisinstoeat,andaDraughtofWater,whichIfoundhewasindeedingreatDistressfor,byhisRunning;andhavingrefresh'dhim,ImadeSignsforhimtogoliedownandsleep;pointingtoaPlacewhereIhadlaidagreatParcelofRiceStraw,andaBlanketuponit,which1usedtosleepuponmyselfsometimes;sothepoorCreaturelaiddown,andwenttosleep.HewasacomelyhandsomeFellow,perfectlywellmade;withstraightstrongLimbs,nottoolarge;tallandwellshap'd,andasIreckon,abouttwentysixYearsofAge.HehadaverygoodCountenance,notafierceandsurlyAspect;butseem'dtohavesomethingverymanlyinhisFace,andyethehadalltheSweetnessandSoftnessofanEuropeaninhisCountenancetoo,especiallywhenhesmil'd.HisHairwaslongandblack,notcurl'dlikeWool;hisForeheadveryhigh,andlarge,andagreatVivacityandsparklingSharpnessinhisEyes.TheColourofhisSkinwasnotquiteblack,butverytawny;andyetnotofanuglyyellownauseoustawny,astheBrasilians,andVirginians,andotherNativesofAmericaare;butofabrightkindofadunoliveColour,thathadinitsomethingveryagreeable;tho'notveryeasytodescribe.HisFacewasround,andplump;hisNosesmall,notflatliketheNegroes,averygoodMouth,thinLips,andhislineTeethwellset,andwhiteasIvory.Afterhehadslumber'd,ratherthanslept,abouthalfanHour,hewak'dagain,andcomesoutoftheCavetome;forIhadbeenmilkingmyGoats,whichIhadintheEnclosurejustby:Whenheespy'dme,hecamerunningtome,layinghimselfdownagainupontheGround,withallthepossibleSignsofanhumblethankfulDisposition,makingamanyantickGesturesshowit:AtlasthelayshisHeadflatupontheGround,closetomyFoot,andsetsmyotherFootuponhisHead,ashehaddonebefore;andafterthis,madealltheSignstomeofSubjection,Servitude,andSubmissionimaginable,toletmeknow,howhewouldservemeaslongasheliv'd;IunderstoodhiminmanyThings,andlethimknow,Iwasverywellpleas'dwithhim;inalittleTimeIbegantospeaktohim,andteachhimtospeaktome;andfirst,ImadehimknowhisNameshouldbeFriday,whichwastheDayIsav'dhisLife;Icall'dhimsofortheMemoryoftheTime;IlikewisetaughthimtosayMaster,andthenlethimknow,thatwastobemyName;Ilikewisetaughthimtosay,YES,andNo,andtoknowtheMeaningofthem;IgavehimsomeMilk,inanearthenPot,andlethimseemeDrinkitbefore
him,andsopmyBreadinit;andIgavehimaCakeofBread,todothelike,whichhequicklycomply'dwith,andmadeSignsthatitwasverygoodforhim.IkepttherewithhimallthatNight;butassoonasitwasDay,Ibeckon'dtohimtocomewithme,andlethimknow,IwouldgivehimsomeCloaths,atwhichheseem'dveryglad,forhewasstarknaked:AswewentbythePlacewherehehadbury'dthetwoMen,hepointedexactlytothePlace,andshew'dmetheMarksthathehadmadetofindthemagain,makingSignstome,thatweshoulddigthemupagain,andeatthem;atthisIappear'dveryangry,express'dmyAbhorrenceofit,madeasifIwouldvomitattheThoughtsofit,andbeckon'dwithmyHandtohimtocomeaway,whichhedidimmediately,withgreatSubmission.IthenledhimuptotheTopoftheHill,toseeifhisEnemiesweregone;andpullingoutmyGlass,Ilook'd,andsawplainlythePlacewheretheyhadbeen,butnoappearanceofthem,oroftheirCanoes;sothatitwasplaintheyweregone,andhadlefttheirtwoComradesbehindthem,withoutanysearchafterthem.ButIwasnotcontentwiththisDiscovery;buthavingnowmoreCourage,andconsequentlymoreCuriosity,ItakesmyManFridaywithme,givinghimtheSwordinhisHand,withtheBowandArrowsathisBack,whichIfoundhecoulduseverydextrously,makinghimcarryoneGunforme,andItwoformyself,andawaywemarch'dtothePlace,wheretheseCreatureshadbeen;forIhadaMindnowtogetsomefullerIntelligenceofthem:WhenIcametothePlace,myveryBloodranchillinmyVeins,andmyHeartsunkwithinme,attheHorroroftheSpectacle:indeeditwasadreadfulSight,atleastitwassotome;thoughFridaymadenothingofit:ThePlacewascover'dwithhumaneBones,theGrounddy'dwiththeirBlood,greatPiecesofFleshlefthereandthere,halfeaten,mangl'dandscorch'd;andinshort,alltheTokensofthetriumphantFeasttheyhadbeenmakingthere,afteraVictoryovertheirEnemies;IsawthreeSkulls,fiveHands,andtheBonesofthreeorfourLegsandFeet,andabundanceofotherPartsoftheBodies;andFriday,byhisSigns,mademeunderstand,thattheybroughtoverfourPrisonerstofeastupon;thatthreeofthemwereeatenup,andthathe,pointingtohimself,wasthefourth:ThattherehadbeenagreatBattlebetweenthem,andtheirnextKing,whoseSubjectsitseemshehadbeenoneof;andthattheyhadtakenagreatNumberofPrisoners,allwhichwerecarry'dtoseveralPlacesbythosethathadtakenthemintheFight,inordertofeastuponthem,aswasdoneherebytheseWretchesuponthosetheybroughthither.Icaus'dFridaytogatheralltheSkulls,Bones,Flesh,andwhateverremain'd,andlaythemtogetheronaHeap,andmakeagreatFireuponit,andburnthemalltoAshes:IfoundFridayhadstillahankeringStomachaftersomeoftheFlesh,andwasstillaCannibalinhisNature;butIdiscover'dsomuchAbhorrenceattheveryThoughtsofit,andattheleastAppearanceofit,thathedurstnotdiscoverit;forIhadbysomeMeanslethimknow,thatIwouldkillhimifheoffer'dit.
Whenwehaddonethis,wecamebacktoourCastle,andthereIfelltoworkformyManFriday;andfirstofall,IgavehimapairofLinnenDrawers,whichIhadoutofthepoorGunnersChestImention'd,andwhichIfoundintheWreck;andwhichwithalittleAlterationfittedhimverywell;thenImadehimaJerkinofGoat's-skin,aswellasmySkillwouldallow;andIwasnowgrownatollerablegoodTaylor;andIgavehimaCap,whichIhadmadeofaHare-skin,veryconvenient,andfashionableenough;andthushewascloath'dforthepresent,tollerablywell;andwasmightywellpleas'dtoseehimselfalmostaswellcloath'dashisMaster:Itistrue,hewentawkardlyintheseThingsatfirst;wearingtheDrawerswasveryawkardtohim,andtheSleevesoftheWastcoatgall'dhisShoulders,andtheinsideofhisArms;butalittleeasingthemwherehecomplain'dtheyhurthim,andusinghimselftothem,atlengthhetooktothemverywell.ThenextDayafterIcamehometomyHutchwithhim,IbegantoconsiderwhereIshouldlodgehim,andthatImightdowellforhim,andyetbeperfectlyeasymyself;ImadealittleTentforhiminthevacantPlacebetweenmytwoFortifications,intheinsideofthelast,andintheoutsideofthefirst;andastherewasaDoor,orEntrancethereintomyCave,Imadeaformalfram'dDoorCase,andaDoortoitofBoards,andsetitupinthePassage,alittlewithintheEntrance;andcausingtheDoortoopenontheinside,Ibarr'ditupintheNight,takinginmyLadderstoo;sothatFridaycouldnowaycomeatmeintheinsideofmyinnermostWall,withoutmakingsomuchNoiseingettingover,thatitmustneedswakenme;formyfirstWallhadnowacompleatRoofoveritoflongPoles,coveringallmyTent,andleaninguptothesideoftheHill,whichwasagainlaidcrosswithsmallerSticksinsteadofLaths,andthenthatch'doveragreatThickness,withtheRiceStraw,whichwasstronglikeReeds;andattheHoleorPlacewhichwaslefttogoinoroutbytheLadder,Ihadplac'dakindofTrap-door,whichifithadbeenattemptedontheoutside,wouldnothaveopen'datall,butwouldhavefallendown,andmadeagreatNoise;andastoWeapons,ItookthemalltomySideeveryNight.ButIneedednoneofallthisPrecaution;forneverManhadamorefaithful,loving,sincereServant,thanFridaywastome;withoutPassions,SullennessorDesigns,perfectlyoblig'dandengag'd;hisveryAffectionswerety'dtome,likethoseofaChildtoaFather;andIdaresay,hewouldhavesacrific'dhisLifeforthesavingmine,uponanyoccasionwhatsoever;themanyTestimonieshegavemeofthis,putitoutofdoubt,andsoonconvinc'dme,thatIneededtousenoPrecautions,astomySafetyonhisAccount.Thisfrequentlygavemeoccasiontoobserve,andthatwithwonder,thathoweverithadpleas'dGod,inhisProvidence,andintheGovernmentoftheWorksofhisHands,totakefromsogreataPartoftheWorldofhisCreatures,thebestusestowhichtheirFaculties,andthePowersoftheirSoulsareadapted;yetthathehasbestow'duponthemthesamePowers,thesameReason,thesameAffections,thesameSentimentsof
KindnessandObligation,thesamePassionsandResentmentsofWrongs,thesameSenseofGratitude,Sincerity,Fidelity,andalltheCapacitiesofdoingGood,andreceivingGood,thathehasgiventous;andthatwhenhepleasestooffertothemOccasionsofexertingthese,theyareasready,nay,morereadytoapplythemtotherightUsesforwhichtheywerebestow'd,thanweare;andthismademeverymelanchollysometimes,inreflectingastheseveralOccasionspresented,howmeanaUsewemakeofallthese,eventhoughwehavethesePowersenlighten'dbythegreatLampofInstruction,theSpiritofGod,andbytheKnowledgeofhisWord,addedtoourUnderstanding;andwhyithaspleas'dGodtohidethelikesavingKnowledgefromsomanyMillionsofSouls,whoifImightjudgebythispoorSavage,wouldmakeamuchbetteruseofitthanwedid.Fromhence,IsometimeswasledtoofartoinvadetheSoveraigntyofProvidence,andasitwerearraigntheJusticeofsoarbitraryaDispositionofThings,thatshouldhidethatLightfromsome,andrevealittoothers,andyetexpectalikeDutyfromboth:ButIshutitup,andcheck'dmyThoughtswiththisConclusion,(1st.)ThatwedidnotknowbywhatLightandLawtheseshouldbeCondemn'd;butthatasGodwasnecessarily,andbytheNatureofhisBeing,infinitelyHolyandJust,soitcouldnotbe,butthatiftheseCreatureswereallsentenc'dtoAbsencefromhimself,itwasonaccountofsinningagainstthatLightwhich,astheScripturesays,wasaLawtothemselves,andbysuchRulesastheirConscienceswouldacknowledgetobejust,tho'theFoundationwasnotdiscover'dtous:And(2d.)thatstillaswearealltheClayintheHandofthePotter,noVesselcouldsaytohim,Whyhastthouform'dmethus?ButtoreturntomyNewCompanion;Iwasgreatlydelightedwithhim,andmadeitmyBusinesstoteachhimeveryThing,thatwaspropertomakehimuseful,handy,andhelpful;butespeciallytomakehimspeak,andunderstandmewhenIspake,andhewastheaptestSchollarthateverwas,andparticularlywassomerry,soconstantlydiligent,andsopleased,whenhecou'dbutunderstandme,ormakemeunderstandhim,thatitwasverypleasanttometotalktohim;andnowmyLifebegantobesoeasy,thatIbegantosaytomyself,thatcouldIbuthavebeensafefrommoreSavages,Icarednot,ifIwasnevertoremovefromtheplacewhileIlived.AfterIhadbeentwoorthreeDaysreturn'dtomyCastle,Ithoughtthat,inordertobringFridayofffromhishorridwayoffeeding,andfromtheRelishofaCannibal'sStomach,IoughttolethimtasteotherFlesh;soItookhimoutwithmeoneMorningtotheWoods:IwentindeedintendingtokillaKidoutofmyownFlock,andbringhimhomeanddressit.ButasIwasgoing,IsawaSheGoatlyingdownintheShade,andtwoyoungKidssittingbyher;Icatch'dholdofFriday,holdsaysI,standstill;andmadeSignstohimnottostir,immediatelyIpresentedmyPiece,shotandkill'doneoftheKids.ThepoorCreaturewhohadataDistanceindeedseenmekilltheSavagehisEnemy,butdidnotknow,orcouldimaginehowitwasdone,wassensiblysurpriz'd,trembled,andshook,andlook'dsoamaz'd,thatIthoughthewouldhave
sunkdown.HedidnotseetheKidIshotat,orperceiveIhadkill'dit,butripp'duphisWastcoattofeelifhewasnotwounded,andasIfound,presentlythoughtIwasresolv'dtokillhim;forhecameandkneel'ddowntome,andembraceingmyKnees,saidagreatmanyThingsIdidnotunderstand;butIcouldeasilyseethatthemeaningwastopraymenottokillhim.IsoonfoundawaytoconvincehimthatIwoulddohimnoharm,andtakinghimupbytheHandlaugh'dathim,andpointedtotheKidwhichIhadkill'd,beckonedtohimtorunandfetchit,whichhedid;andwhilehewaswonderingandlookingtoseehowtheCreaturewaskill'd,IloadedmyGunagain,andbyandbyIsawagreatFowllikeaHawksituponaTreewithinShot;sotoletFridayunderstandalittlewhatIwoulddo,Icall'dhimtomeagain,pointedattheFowlwhichwasindeedaParrot,tho'IthoughtithadbeenaHawk,IsaypointingtotheParrot,andtomyGun,andtotheGroundundertheParrot,tolethimseeIwouldmakeitfall,ImadehimunderstandthatIwouldshootandkillthatBird;accordinglyIfir'dandbadhimlook,andimmediatelyhesawtheParrotfall,hestoodlikeonefrightedagain,notwithstandingallIhadsaidtohim;andIfoundhewasthemoreamaz'd,becausehedidnotseemeputanyThingintotheGun;butthoughtthattheremustbesomewonderfulFundofDeathandDestructioninthatThing,abletokillMan,Beast,Bird,oranyThingnear,orfaroff;andtheAstonishmentthiscreatedinhimwassuch,ascouldnotwearoffforalongTime;andIbelieve,ifIwouldhavelethim,hewouldhaveworshipp'dmeandmyGun:AsfortheGunitself,hewouldnotsomuchastouchitforseveralDaysafter;butwouldspeaktoit,andtalktoit,asifithadanswer'dhim,whenhewasbyhimself;which,asIafterwardslearn'dofhim,wastodesireitnottokillhim.Well,afterhisAstonishmentwasalittleoveratthis,IpointedtohimtorunandfetchtheBirdIhadshot,whichhedid,butstay'dsomeTime;fortheParrotnotbeingquitedead,wasflutter'dawayagoodwayofffromthePlacewhereshefell;however,hefoundher,tookherup,andbroughthertome;andasIhadperceivdhisIgnoranceabouttheGunbefore,ItookthisAdvantagetochargetheGunagain,andnotlethimseemedoit,that1mightbereadyforanyotherMarkthatmightpresent;butnothingmoreoffer'datthatTime;soIbroughthometheKid,andthesameEveningItooktheSkinoff,andcutitoutaswellasIcould;andhavingaPotforthatpurpose,Iboil'd,orstew'dsomeoftheFlesh,andmadesomeverygoodBroth;andafterIhadbeguntoeatsome,IgavesometomyMan,whoseem'dverygladofit,andlik'ditverywell;butthatwhichwasstrangesttohim,was,toseemeeatSaltwithit;hemadeaSigntome,thattheSaltwasnotgoodtoeat,andputtingalittleintohisownMouth,heseem'dtonauseateit,andwouldspitandsputteratit,washinghisMouthwithfreshWaterafterit;ontheotherhand,ItooksomeMeatinmyMouthwithoutSalt,andIpretendedtospitandsputterforwantofSalt,asfastashehaddoneattheSalt;butitwouldnotdo,hewouldnevercareforSaltwithhisMeat,orinhisBroth;atleastnotagreatwhile,andthenbutaverylittle.
Havingthusfedhimwithboil'dMeatandBroth,Iwasresolv'dtofeasthimthenextDaywithroastingaPieceoftheKid;this1didbyhangingitbeforetheFire,inaString,asIhadseenmanyPeopledoinEngland,settingtwoPolesup,oneoneachsidetheFire,andonecrossontheTop,andtyingtheStringtotheCross-stick,lettingtheMeatturncontinually:ThisFridayadmir'dverymuch;butwhenhecametotastetheFlesh,hetooksomanywaystotellmehowwellhelik'dit,thatIcouldnotbutunderstandhim;andatlasthetoldmehewouldnevereatMan'sFleshanymore,whichIwasverygladtohear.ThenextDayIsethimtoworktobeatingsomeCornout,andsiftingitinthemannerIus'dtodo,asIobserv'dbeforeandhesoonunderstoodhowtodoitaswellasI,especiallyafterhehadseenwhattheMeaningofitwas,andthatitwastomakeBreadof;forafterthatIlethimseememakemyBread,andbakeittoo,andinalittleTimeFridaywasabletodoalltheWorkforme,aswellasIcoulddoitmyself.Ibegunnowtoconsider,thathavingtwoMouthstofeed,insteadofone,ImustprovidemoreGroundformyHarvest,andplantalargerQuantityofCorn,thanIus'dtodo;soImark'doutalargerPieceofLand,andbegantheFenceinthesameMannerasbefore,inwhichFridaynotonlywork'dverywillingly,andveryhard;butdiditverychearfully,andItoldhimwhatitwasfor;thatitwasforCorntomakemoreBread,becausehewasnowwithme,andthatImighthaveenoughforhim,andmyselftoo:Heappear'dverysensibleofthatPart,andletmeknow,thathethoughtIhadmuchmoreLabouruponmeonhisAccount,thanIhadformyself;andthathewouldworktheharderforme,ifIwouldtellhimwhattodo.ThiswasthepleasantestYearofalltheLifeIledinthisPlace;Fridaybegantotalkprettywell,andunderstandtheNamesofalmosteveryThingIhadoccasiontocallfor,andofeveryPlaceIhadtosendhimto,andtalk'dagreatdealtome;sothatinshortIbegannowtohavesomeUseformyTongueagain,whichindeedIhadverylittleoccasionforbefore;thatistosay,aboutSpeech;besidesthePleasureoftalkingtohim,IhadasingularSatisfactionintheFellowhimself;hissimpleunfeign'dHonesty,appear'dtomemoreandmoreeveryDay,andIbeganreallytolovetheCreature;andonhisSide,Ibelievehelov'dmemorethanitwaspossibleforhimevertoloveanyThingbefore.IhadaMindoncetotryifhehadanyhankeringInclinationtohisownCountryagain,andhavinglearn'dhimEnglishsowellthathecouldanswermealmostanyQuestions,Iask'dhimwhethertheNationthathebelong'dtoneverconquer'dinBattle,atwhichhesmil'd;andsaid;yes,yes,wealwaysfightthebetter;thatis,hemeantalwaysgetthebetterinFight;andsowebeganthefollowingDiscourse:YoualwaysfightthebettersaidI,HowcameyoutobetakenPrisonerthen,Friday?
Friday,MyNationbeatmuch,forallthat.Master,Howbeat;ifyourNationbeatthem,howcomeyoutobetaken?Friday,TheymoremanythanmyNationinthePlacewheremewas;theytakeone,two,three,andme;myNationoverbeatthemintheyonderPlace,wheremenowas;theremyNationtakeone,two,greatThousand.Master,ButwhydidnotyourSiderecoveryoufromtheHandsofyourEnemiesthen?Friday,Theyrunone,two,three,andme,andmakegointheCanoe;myNationhavenoCanoethattime.Master,Well,Friday,andWhatdoesyourNationdowiththeMentheytake,dotheycarrythemaway,andeatthem,asthesedid?Friday,Yes,myNationeatManstoo,eatallup.Master,Wheredotheycarrythem?Friday,GotootherPlacewheretheythink.Master,Dotheycomehither?Friday,Yes,yes,theycomehither;comeotherelsePlace.Master,Haveyoubeenherewiththem?Friday,Yes,Ibeenhere;[pointstotheN.W.SideoftheIsland,whichitseemswastheirSide.]BythisIunderstood,thatmyManFridayhadformerlybeenamongtheSavages,whous'dtocomeonShoreonthefartherPartoftheIsland,onthesameManeatingOccasionsthathewasnowbroughtfor;andsometimeafter,whenItooktheCouragetocarryhimtothatSide,beingthesameIformerlymention'd,hepresentlyknewthePlace,andtoldme,hewasthereoncewhentheyeatuptwentyMen,twoWomen,andoneChild;hecouldnottellTwentyinEnglish;buthenumbredthembylayingsomanyStonesonaRow,andpointingtometotellthemover.IhavetoldthisPassage,becauseitintroduceswhatfollows;thatafterIhadhadthis
Discoursewithhim,Iask'dhimhowfaritwasfromourIslandtotheShore,andwhethertheCanoeswerenotoftenlost;hetoldme,therewasnoDanger,noCanoeseverlost;butthatafteralittlewayouttotheSea,therewasaCurrent,andWind,alwaysonewayintheMorning,theotherintheAfternoon.ThisIunderstoodtobenomorethantheSetsoftheTide,asgoingout,orcomingin;butIafterwardsunderstood,itwasoccasion'dbythegreatDraftandRefluxofthemightyRiverOroonooko;intheMouth,ortheGulphofwhichRiver,asIfoundafterwards,ourIslandlay;andthisLandwhichIperceiv'dtotheW.andN.W.wasthegreatIslandTrinidad,ontheNorthPointoftheMouthoftheRiver:Iask'dFridayathousandQuestionsabouttheCountry,theInhabitants,theSea,theCoast,andwhatNationwerenear;hetoldmeallheknewwiththegreatestOpennessimaginable;Iask'dhimtheNamesoftheseveralNationsofhisSortofPeople;butcouldgetnootherNamethanCaribs;fromwhenceIeasilyunderstood,thattheseweretheCaribbees,whichourMapsplaceonthePartofAmerica,whichreachesfromtheMouthoftheRiverOroonookotoGuiana,andonwardstoSt.Martha:HetoldmethatupagreatwaybeyondtheMoon,thatwas,beyondtheSettingoftheMoon,whichmustbeW.fromtheirCountry,theredweltwhitebeardedMen,likeme;andpointedtomygreatWhiskers,whichImention'dbefore;andthattheyhadkill'dmuchMans,thatwashisWord;byallwhichIunderstoodhemeanttheSpaniards,whoseCrueltiesinAmericahadbeenspreadoverthewholeCountries,andwasremember'dbyalltheNationsfromFathertoSon.Ienquir'difhecouldtellmehowImightcomefromthisIsland,andgetamongthosewhiteMen;hetoldme,yes,yes,ImightgointwoCanoe;Icouldnotunderstandwhathemeant,ormakehimdescribetomewhathemeantbytwoCanoe,tillatlastwithgreatDifficulty,IfoundhemeantitmustbeinalargegreatBoat,asbigastwoCanoes.ThisPartofFriday'sDiscoursebegantorelishwithmeverywell,andfromthisTimeIentertain'dsomeHopes,thatoneTimeorother,ImightfindanOpportunitytomakemyEscapefromthisPlace;andthatthispoorSavagemightbeaMeanstohelpmetodoIt.DuringthelongTimethatFridayhasnowbeenwithme,andthathebegantospeaktome,andunderstandme,IwasnotwantingtolayaFoundationofreligiousKnowledgeinhisMind;particularlyIask'dhimoneTimewhomadehim?ThepoorCreaturedidnotunderstandmeatall,butthoughtIhadask'dwhowashisFather;butItookitbyanotherhandle,andask'dhimwhomadetheSea,theGroundwewalk'don,andtheHills,andWoods;hetoldmeitwasoneoldBenamuckee,thatliv'dbeyondall:HecoulddescribenothingofthisgreatPerson,butthathewasveryold;mucholderhesaidthantheSea,ortheLand;thantheMoon,ortheStars:Iask'dhimthen,ifthisoldPersonhadmadeallThings,whydidnotallThingsworshiphim;he
look'dverygrave,andwithaperfectLookofInnocence,said,AllThingsdosayOtohim:Iask'dhimifthePeoplewhodieinhisCountrywentawayanywhere;hesaid,yes,theyallwenttoBenamuckee;thenIask'dhimwhetherthesetheyeatupwentthithertoo,hesaidyes.FromtheseThings,IbegantoinstructhimintheKnowledgeofthetrueGod:ItoldhimthatthegreatMakerofallThingsliv'dupthere,pointinguptowardsHeaven:ThathegovernstheWorldbythesamePowerandProvidencebywhichhehadmadeit:Thathewasomnipotent,coulddoeveryThingforus,giveeveryThingtous,takeeveryThingfromus;andthusbyDegreesIopen'dhisEyes.HelistnedwithgreatAttention,andreceiv'dwithPleasuretheNotionofJesusChristbeingsenttoredeemus,andoftheMannerofmakingourPrayerstoGod,andhisbeingabletohearus,evenintoHeaven;hetoldmeoneDay,thatifourGodcouldhearusupbeyondtheSun,hemustneedsbeagreaterGodthantheirBenamuckee,wholiv'dbutalittlewayoff,andyetcouldnothear,tilltheywentuptothegreatMountainswherehedwelt,tospeaktohim;Iask'dhimifeverhewentthither,tospeaktohim;hesaidno,theyneverwentthatwereyoungMen;nonewentthitherbuttheoldMen,whohecall'dtheirOowocakee,thatis,asImadehimexplainittome,theirReligious,orClergy,andthattheywenttosayO,(sohecalledsayingPrayers)andthencameback,andtoldthemwhatBenamuckeesaid:BythisIobserv'd,ThatthereisPriestcraft,evenamongstthemostblindedignorantPagansintheWorld;andthePolicyofmakingasecretReligion,inordertopreservetheVenerationofthePeopletotheClergy,isnotonlytobefoundintheRoman,butperhapsamongallReligionsintheWorld,evenamongthemostbrutishandbarbarousSavages.Iendeavour'dtoclearupthisFraud,tomyManFriday,andtoldhim,thatthePretenceoftheiroldMengoinguptheMountains,tosayOtotheirGodBenamuckee,wasaCheat,andtheirbringingWordfromthencewhathesaid,wasmuchmoreso;thatiftheymetwithanyAnswer,orspakewithanyonethere,itmustbewithanevilSpirit:AndthenIentredintoalongDiscoursewithhimabouttheDevil,theOriginalofhim,hisRebellionagainstGod,hisEnmitytoMan,theReasonofit,hissettinghimselfupinthedarkPartsoftheWorldtobeWorship'dinsteadofGod,andasGod;andthemanyStratagemshemadeuseoftodeludeMankindtohisRuine;howhehadasecretaccesstoourPassions,andtoourAffections,toadapthisSnaressotoourInclinations,astocauseuseventobeourownTempters,andtorunuponourDestructionbyourownChoice.IfounditwasnotsoeasietoimprintrightNotionsinhisMindabouttheDevil,asitwasabouttheBeingofaGod.NatureassistedallmyArgumentstoEvidencetohim,eventheNecessityOfagreatfirstCauseandover-rulinggoverningPower;asecretdirectingProvidence,andoftheEquity,andJustice,ofpayingHomagetohimthatmadeus,andthelike.ButthereappearednothingofallthisintheNotionofanevilSpirit;ofhisOriginal,hisBeing,hisNature,andaboveallofhisInclinationtodo
Evil,andtodrawusintodosotoo;andthepoorCreaturepuzzl'dmeonceinsuchamanner,byaQuestionmeerlynaturalandinnocent,thatIscarceknewwhattosaytohim.IhadbeentalkingagreatdealtohimofthePowerofGod,hisOmnipotence,hisdreadfulNaturetoSin,hisbeingaconsumingFiretotheWorkersofIniquity;how,ashehadmadeusall,hecoulddestroyusandalltheWorldinaMoment;andhelisten'dwithgreatSeriousnesstomeallthewhile.Afterthis,IhadbeentellinghimhowtheDevilwasGod'sEnemyintheHeartsofMen,andusedallhisMaliceandSkilltodefeatthegoodDesignsofProvidence,andtoruinetheKingdomofChristintheWorld;andthelike.Well,saysFriday,butyousay,Godissostrong,sogreat,ishenotmuchstrong,muchmightastheDevil?Yes,yes,saysI,Friday,GodisstrongerthantheDevil,GodisabovetheDevil,andthereforewepraytoGodtotreadhimdownunderourFeet,andenableustoresisthisTemptationsandquenchhisfieryDarts.But,saysheagain,ifGodmuchstrong,muchmightastheDevil,whyGodnokilltheDevil,somakehimnomoredowicked?Iwasstrangelysurpriz'dathisQuestion,andafterall,tho'IwasnowanoldMan,yetIwasbutayoungDoctor,andillenoughquallifiedforaCasuist,oraSolverofDifficultiesAndatfirstIcouldnottellwhattosay,soIpretendednottohearhim,andask'dhimwhathesaid?ButhewastooearnestforanAnswertoforgethisQuestion;sothatherepeateditintheverysamebrokenWords,asabove.BythistimeIhadrecoveredmyselfalittle,andIsaid,Godwillatlastpunishhimseverely;heisreserv'dfortheJudgment,andistobecastintotheBottomless-Pit,todwellwitheverlastingFire.ThisdidnotsatisfieFriday,buthereturnsuponme,repeatingmyWords,RESERVE,ATLAST,menounderstand;but,WhynotkilltheDevilnow,notkillgreatago?Youmayaswellaskme,saidI,WhyGoddoesnotkillyouandI,whenwedowickedThingsherethatoffendhim?Wearepreserv'dtorepentandbepardon'd:Hemusesawhileatthis;mell,All,sayshe,mightyaffectionately,thatwell;soyou,I,Devil,allwicked,allpreserve,repent,Godpardonall.HereIwasrundownagainbyhimtothelastDegree,anditwasaTestimonytome,howthemeerNotionsofNature,thoughtheywillguidereasonableCreaturestotheKnowledgeofaGod,andofaWorshiporHomageduetothesupremeBeing,ofGodastheConsequenceofourNature;yetnothingbutdivineRevelationcanformtheKnowledgeofJesusChrist,andofaRedemptionpurchas'dforus,ofaMediatorofthenewCovenant,andofanIntercessor,attheFoot-stoolofGod'sThrone;Isay,nothingbutaRevelationfromHeaven,canformtheseintheSoul,andthatthereforetheGospelofourLordandSaviourJesusChrist;Imean,theWordofGod,andtheSpiritofGodpromis'dfortheGuideandSanctifierofhisPeople,aretheabsolutelynecessaryInstructorsoftheSoulsofMen,inthesavingKnowledgeofGod,andtheMeansofSalvation.IthereforedivertedthepresentDiscoursebetweenmeandmyMan,risinguphastily,asuponsomesuddenOccasionofgoingout;thensendinghimforsomethingagoodwayoff,Iseriouslypray'dtoGodthathewouldenablemetoinstructsavinglythis
poorSavage,assistingbyhisSpirittheHeartofthepoorignorantCreature,toreceivetheLightoftheKnowledgeofGodinChrist,reconcilinghimtohimself,andwouldguidemetospeaksotohimfromtheWordofGod,ashisConsciencemightbeconvinc'd,hidEyesopen'd,andhisSoulsav'd.Whenhecameagaintome,IentredintoalongDiscoursewithhimupontheSubjectoftheRedemptionofManbytheSaviouroftheWorld,andoftheDoctrineoftheGospelpreach'dfromHeaven,viz.ofRepentancetowardsGod,andFaithinourBlessedLordJesus.Ithenexplain'dtohim,aswellasIcould,whyourBlessedRedeemertooknotonhimtheNatureofAngels,buttheSeedofAbraham,andhowforthatReasonthefallenAngelshadnoShareintheRedemption;thathecameonlytothelostSheepoftheHouseofIsrael,andthelike.Ihad,Godknows,moreSinceritythanKnowledge,inalltheMethodsItookforthispoorCreature'sInstruction,andmustacknowledgewhatIbelieveallthatactuponthesamePrinciplewillfind,ThatinlayingThingsopentohim,Ireallyinform'dandinstructedmyselfinmanyThings,thateitherIdidnotknow,orhadnotfullyconsider'dbefore;butwhichoccurr'dnaturallytomyMind,uponmysearchingintothem,fortheInformationofthispoorSavage;andIhadmoreAffectioninmyEnquiryafterThingsuponthisOccasion,thaneverIfeltbefore;sothatwhetherthispoorwildWretchwasthebetterforme,orno,IhadgreatReasontobethankfulthateverhecametome:MyGriefsetlighteruponme,myHabitationgrewcomfortabletomebeyondMeasure;andwhenIreflectedthatinthissolitaryLifewhichIhadbeenconfin'dto,IhadnotonlybeenmovedmyselftolookuptoHeaven,andtoseektotheHandthathadbroughtmethere;butwasnowtobemadeanInstrumentunderProvidencetosavetheLife,andforoughtIknew,theSoulofapoorSavage,andbringhimtothetrueKnowledgeofReligion,andoftheChristianDoctrine,thathemightknowChristJesus,toknowwhomisLifeeternal.Isay,whenIreflecteduponalltheseThings,asecretJoyrunthrougheveryPartofmySoul,andIfrequentlyrejoyc'dthateverIwasbroughttothisPlace,whichIhadsooftenthoughtthemostdreadfulofallAfflictionsthatcouldpossiblyhavebefallenme.InthisthankfulFrameIcontinu'dalltheRemainderofmyTime,andtheConversationwhichemploy'dtheHoursbetweenFridayandI,wassuch,asmadethethreeYearswhichweliv'dtheretogetherperfectlyandcompleatlyhappy,ifanysuchThingascompleatHappinesscanbeform'dinasublunaryState.TheSavagewasnowagoodChristian,amuchbetterthanI;thoughIhavereasontohope,andblessGodforit,thatwewereequallypenitent,andcomfortedrestor'dPenitents;wehadheretheWordofGodtoread,andnofartherofffromhisSpirittoinstruct,thanifwehadbeeninEngland.Ialwaysapply'dmyselfinReadingtheScripture,tolethimknow,aswellasIcould,theMeaningofwhatIread;andheagain,byhisseriousEnquiries,andQuestionings,mademe,asIsaidbefore,amuchbetterScholarintheScriptureKnowledge,thanI
shouldeverhavebeenbymyownprivatemeerReading.AnotherthingIcannotrefrainfromobservingherealsofromExperience,inthisretir'dPartofmyLife,viz.HowinfiniteandinexpressibleaBlessingitis,thattheKnowledgeofGod,andoftheDoctrineofSalvationbyChristJesus,issoplainlylaiddownintheWordofGod;soeasytobereceiv'dandunderstood:ThatasthebarereadingtheScripturemademecapableofunderstandingenoughofmyDuty,tocarrymedirectlyontothegreatWorkofsincereRepentanceformySins,andlayingholdofaSaviourforLifeandSalvation,toastatedReformationinPractice,andObediencetoallGod'sCommands,andthiswithoutanyTeacherorInstructer;Imean,humane;sothesameplainInstructionsufficientlyserv'dtotheenlightningthisSavageCreature,andbringinghimtobesuchaChristian,asIhaveknownfewequaltohiminmyLife.AstoalltheDisputes,Wranglings,StrifeandContention,whichhashappen'dintheWorldaboutReligion,whetherNicetiesinDoctrines,orSchemesofChurchGovernment,theywereallperfectlyuselesstous;asforoughtIcanyetsee,theyhavebeentoalltherestoftheWorld:WehadthesureGuidetoHeaven,viz.TheWordofGod;andwehad,blessedbeGod,comfortableViewsoftheSpiritofGodteachingandinstructingusbyhisWord,leadingusintoallTruth,andmakingusbothwillingandobedienttotheInstructionofhisWord;andIcannotseetheleastUsethatthegreatestKnowledgeofthedisputedPointsinReligionwhichhavemadesuchConfusionsintheWorldwouldhavebeentous,ifwecouldhaveobtain'dit;butImustgoonwiththeHistoricalPartofThings,andtakeeveryPartinitsorder.AfterFridayandIbecamemoreintimatelyacquainted,andthathecouldunderstandalmostallIsaidtohim,andspeakfluently,thoughinbrokenEnglishtome;IacquaintedhimwithmyownStory,oratleastsomuchofitasrelatedtomycomingintothePlace,howIhadliv'dthere,andhowlong.IlethimintotheMystery,forsuchitwastohim,ofGunpowder,andBullet,andtaughthimhowtoshoot:IgavehimaKnife,whichhewaswonderfullydelightedwith,andImadehimaBelt,withaFroghangingtoit,suchasinEnglandwewearHangersin;andintheFrog,insteadofaHanger,IgavehimaHatchet,whichwasnotonlyasgoodaWeaponinsomeCases,butmuchmoreusefuluponotherOccasions.Idescrib'dtohimtheCountryofEurope,andparticularlyEngland,whichIcamefrom;howweliv'd,howweworshipp'dGod,howwebehav'dtooneanother;andhowwetradedinShipstoallPartsoftheWorld:IgavehimanAccountoftheWreckwhichIhadbeenonboardof,andshew'dhimasnearasIcould,thePlacewhereshelay;butshewasallbeateninPiecesbefore,andgone.Ishew'dhimtheRuinsofourBoat,whichwelostwhenweescap'd,andwhichIcouldnotstirwithmywholeStrengththen;butwasnowfallenalmostalltoPieces:UponseeingthisBoat,Fridaystoodmusingagreatwhile,andsaidnothing;Iask'dhimwhatitwashestudy'dupon,atlastsayshe,meseesuchBoatlikecometoPlace
atmyNation.Ididnotunderstandhimagoodwhile;butatlast,whenIhadexamin'dfartherintoit,Iunderstoodbyhim,thataBoat,suchasthathadbeen,cameonShoreupontheCountrywhereheliv'd;thatis,asheexplain'dit,wasdriventhitherbyStressofWeather:Ipresentlyimagin'd,thatsomeEuropeanShipmusthavebeencastawayupontheirCoast,andtheBoatmightgetloose,anddriveaShore;butwassodull,thatIneveroncethoughtofMenmakingescapefromaWreckthither,muchlesswhencetheymightcome;soIonlyenquir'dafteraDescriptionoftheBoat.Fridaydescrib'dtheBoattomewellenough;butbroughtmebettertounderstandhim,whenheaddedwithsomeWarmth,wesavethewhiteMansfromdrown:ThenIpresentlyask'dhim,iftherewasanywhiteMans,ashecall'dthem,intheBoat;yes,hesaid,theBoatfullwhiteMans:Iask'dhimhowmany;hetolduponhisFingersseventeen:Iask'dhimthenwhatbecomeofthem;hetoldme,theylive,theydwellatmyNation.ThisputnewThoughtsintomyHead;forIpresentlyimagin'd,thatthesemightbetheMenbelongingtotheShip,thatwascastawayinSightofmyIsland,asInowcallit;andwhoaftertheShipwasstruckontheRock,andtheysawherinevitablylost,hadsav'dthemselvesintheirBoat,andwerelandeduponthatwildShoreamongtheSavages.Uponthis,Ienquir'dofhimmorecritically,Whatwasbecomeofthem?Heassur'dmetheylivedstillthere;thattheyhadbeenthereaboutfourYears;thattheSavagesletthemalone,andgavethemVictualstolive.Iask'dhim,Howitcametopasstheydidnotkillthemandeatthem?HesaidNo,theymakeBrotherwiththem;thatis,asIunderstoodhim,aTruce:Andthenheadded,TheynoeatMansbutwhenmaketheWarfight;thatistosay,theynevereatanyMenbutsuchascometofightwiththem,andaretakeninBattle.ItwasafterthissomeconsiderableTime,thatbeingupontheTopoftheHill,attheEastSideoftheIsland,fromwhenceashavesaid,IhadinaclearDaydiscover'dtheMain,orContinentofAmerica;Friday,theWeatherbeingveryserene,looksveryearnestlytowardstheMainLand,andinakindofSurprise,fallsajumpinganddancing,andcallsouttome,forIwasatsomeDistancefromhim:Iask'dhim,WhatwastheMatter?Ojoy!Sayshe,Oglad!ThereseemyCountry,theremyNation!Iobserv'danextraordinarySenseofPleasureappear'dinhisFace,andhisEyessparkled,andhisCountenancediscover'dastrangeEagerness,asifhehadaMindtobeinhisownCountryagain;andthisObservationofmine,putagreatmanyThoughtsintome,whichmademeatfirstnotsoeasyaboutmynewManFridayasIwasbefore;andImadenodoubt,butthatifFridaycouldgetbacktohisownNation
again,hewouldnotonlyforgetallhisReligion,butallhisObligationtome;andwouldbeforwardenoughtogivehisCountrymenanAccountofme,andcomebackperhapswithahundredortwoofthem,andmakeaFeastuponme,atwhichhemightbeasmerryasheus'dtobewiththoseofhisEnemies,whentheyweretakeninWar.ButIwrong'dthepoorhonestCreatureverymuch,forwhichIwasverysorryafterwards.HoweverasmyJealousyencreased,andheldmesomeWeeks,Iwasalittlemorecircumspect,andnotsofamiliarandkindtohimasbefore;inwhichIwascertainlyintheWrongtoo,thehonestgratefulCreaturehavingnothoughtaboutit,butwhatconsistedwiththebestPrinciples,bothasareligiousChristian,andasagratefulFriend,asappearedafterwardstomyfullSatisfaction.WhilemyJealousyofhimlasted,youmaybesureIwaseveryDaypumpinghimtoseeifhewoulddiscoveranyofthenewThoughts,whichIsuspectedwereinhim;butIfoundeverythinghesaidwassoHonest,andsoInnocent,thatIcouldfindnothingtonourishmySuspicion;andinspightofallmyUneasinesshemademeatlastentirelyhisownagain,nordidheintheleastperceivethatIwasUneasie,andthereforeIcouldnotsuspecthimofDeceit.OneDaywalkingupthesameHill,buttheWeatherbeinghaizyatSea,sothatwecouldnotseetheContinent,Icall'dtohim,andsaid,Friday,donotyouwishyourselfinyourownCountry,yourownNation?Yes,hesaid,hebemuchOgladtobeathisownNation.WhatwouldyoudotheresaidI,wouldyouturnWildagain,eatMensFleshagain,andbeaSavageasyouwerebefore?HelooktfullofConcern,andshakinghisHeadsaid,Nono,FridaytellthemtoliveGood,tellthemtoprayGod,tellthemtoeatCornbread,Cattleflesh,Milk,noeatManagain:WhythensaidItohim,Theywillkillyou.Helook'dgraveatthat,andthensaid,No,theynokillme,theywillinglovelearn:Hemeantbythis,theywouldbewillingtolearn.Headded,theylearn'dmuchoftheBearded-MansthatcomeintheBoat.ThenIask'dhimifhewouldgobacktothem?Hesmil'datthat,andtoldmehecouldnotswimsofar.ItoldhimIwouldmakeaCanoeforhim.Hetoldme,hewouldgo,ifIwouldgowithhim.Igo!saysI,whytheywillEatmeifIcomethere!No,no,sayshe,memaketheynoEatyou;memaketheymuchLoveyou:HemeanthewouldtellthemhowIhadkill'dhisEnemies,andsav'dhisLife,andsohewouldmakethemloveme;thenhetoldmeaswellashecould,howkindtheyweretoseventeenWhite-men,orBearded-men,ashecall'dthem,whocameonShorethereinDistress.FromthistimeIconfessIhadaMindtoventureover,andseeifIcouldpossiblyjoynwiththeseBearded-men,whoImadenodoubtwereSpaniardsorPortuguese;notdoubtingbutifIcouldwemightfindsomeMethodtoEscapefromthence,beingupontheContinent,andagoodCompanytogether,betterthanIcouldfromanIsland40MilesofftheShore,andalonewithoutHelp.SoaftersomeDaysItookFridaytoworkagain,bywayofDiscourse,andtoldhimIwouldgivehimaBoattogobackto
hisownNation;andaccordinglyIcarry'dhimtomyFrigatewhichlayontheotherSideoftheIsland,andhavingclear'ditofWater,forIalwayskeptitsunkintheWater,Ibroughtitout,shewedithim,andwebothwentintoit.IfoundhewasamostdextrousFellowatmanagingit,wouldmakeitgoalmostasswiftandfastagainasIcould;sowhenhewasin,Isaidtohim,Wellnow,Friday,shallwegotoyourNation?Helook'dverydullatmysayingso,whichitseemswas,becausehethoughttheBoattoosmalltogosofar.ItoldhimthenIhadabigger;sothenextDayIwenttothePlacewherethefirstBoatlaywhichIhadmade,butwhichIcouldnotgetintoWater:Hesaidthatwasbigenough;butthenasIhadtakennoCareofit,andithadlaintwoorthreeandtwentyYearsthere,theSunhadsplitanddry'dit,thatitwasinamannerrotten.FridaytoldmesuchaBoatwoulddoverywell,andwouldcarrymuchenoughVittle,Drink,Bread,thatwashisWayofTalking.Uponthewhole,IwasbythisTimesofix'duponmyDesignofgoingoverwithhimtotheContinent,thatItoldhimwewouldgoandmakeoneasbigasthat,andheshouldgohomeinit.Heanswer'dnotoneWord,butlook'dverygraveandsad:Iask'dhimwhatwasthematterwithhim?Heask'dmeagainthus;Why,youangrymadwithFriday,whatmedone?Iask'dhimwhathemeant;ItoldhimIwasnotangrywithhimatall.Noangry!Noangry!sayshe,repeatingtheWordsseveralTimes,WhysendFridayhomeawaytomyNation?Why,(saysI)Friday,didyounotsayyouwish'dyouwerethere?Yes,yes,sayshe,wishbeboththere,nowishFridaythere,noMasterthere.InaWord,hewouldnotthinkofgoingtherewithoutme;Igothere!Friday,(saysI)whatshallIdothere?Heturn'dveryquickuponmeatthis:Youdogreatdealmuchgood,sayshe,youteachwildMansbegoodsobertameMans;youtellthemknowGod,prayandlivenewLife.Alas!Friday,(saysI)thouknowestnotwhatthousayest,IambutanignorantManmyselfYes,yes,sayshe,youteacheemeGood,youteacheethemGood.No,no,Friday,(saysI)youshallgowithoutme,leavemeheretolivebymyselfasIdidbefore.Helook'dconfus'dagainatthatWord,andrunningtooneoftheHatchetswhichheusedtowear,hetakesituphastily,comesandgivesitme,WhatmustIdowiththis?saysItohim.Youtake,killFriday;(sayshe.)WhatmustIkillyoufor?saidIagain.Hereturnsveryquick,WhatyousendFridayawayfor?take,killFriday,nosendFridayaway.Thishespokesoearnestly,thatIsawTearsstandinhisEyes:InaWord,Isoplainlydiscover'dtheutmostAffectioninhimtome,andafirmResolutioninhim,thatItoldhimthen,andoftenafter,thatIwouldneversendhimawayfromme,ifhewaswillingtostaywithme.Uponthewhole,asIfoundbyallhisDiscourseasettledAffectiontome,andthatnothingshouldparthimfromme,soIfoundalltheFoundationofhisDesiretogotohisownCountry,waslaidinhisardentAffectiontothePeople,andhisHopesofmydoingthemgood;aThingwhichasIhadnoNotionofmyself,soIhadnottheleastThoughtorIntention,orDesireofundertakingit.ButstillIfoundastrongInclination
tomyattemptinganEscapeasabove,foundedontheSuppositiongather'dfromtheDiscourse,(viz.)ThattherewereseventeenbeardedMenthere;andtherefore,withoutanymoreDelay,IwenttoWorkwithFridaytofindoutagreatTreepropertofell,andmakealargePeriaguaorCanoetoundertaketheVoyage.TherewereTreesenoughintheIslandtohavebuiltalittleFleet,notofPeriagua'sandCanoes,butevenofgoodlargeVessels.ButthemainThingIlook'dat,wastogetonesoneartheWaterthatwemightlaunchitwhenitwasmade,toavoidtheMistakeIcommittedatfirst.Atlast,Fridaypitch'duponaTree,forIfoundheknewmuchbetterthanIwhatkindofWoodwasfittestforit,norcanItelltothisDaywhatWoodtocalltheTreewecutdown,exceptthatitwasveryliketheTreewecallFustic,orbetweenthatandtheNicaraguaWood,foritwasmuchofthesameColourandSmell.FridaywasforburningtheHolloworCavityofthisTreeouttomakeitforaBoat.ButIshew'dhimhowrathertocutitoutwithTools,which,afterIhadshew'dhimhowtouse,hedidveryhandily,andinaboutaMonth'shardLabour,wefinishedit,andmadeitveryhandsome,especiallywhenwithourAxes,whichIshew'dhimhowtohandle,wecutandhew'dtheout-sideintothetrueShapeofaBoat;afterthis,however,itcostusnearaFortnight'sTimetogetheralongasitwereInchbyInchupongreatRowlersintotheWater.Butwhenshewasin,shewouldhavecarry'dtwentyMenwithgreatEase.WhenshewasintheWater,andtho'shewassobigitamazedmetoseewithwhatDexterityandhowswiftmyManFridaywouldmanageher,turnher,andpaddleheralong;soIask'dhimifhewould,andifwemightventureoverinher;Yes,hesaid,heventureoverinherverywell,tho'greatblowWind.However,IhadafartherDesignthatheknewnothingof,andthatwastomakeaMastandSailandtofitherwithanAnchorandCable:AstoaMast,thatwaseasyenoughtoget;soIpitch'duponastraityoungCedar-Tree,whichIfoundnearthePlace,andwhichtherewasgreatPlentyofintheIsland,andIsetFridaytoWorktocutitdown,andgavehimDirectionshowtoshapeandorderit.ButastotheSail,thatwasmyparticularCare;IknewIhadoldSails,orratherPiecesofoldSailsenough;butasIhadhadthemnowsixandtwentyYearsbyme,andhadnotbeenverycarefultopreservethem,notimaginingthatIshouldeverhavethiskindofUseforthem,Ididnotdoubtbuttheywereallrotten,andindeedmostofthemwereso;however,IfoundtwoPieceswhichappear'dprettygood,andwiththeseIwenttoWork,andwithagreatdealofPains,andawkwardtediousstitching(youmaybesure)forWantofNeedles,IatlengthmadeathreeCorner'duglyThing,likewhatwecallinEngland,aShoulderofMuttonSail,togowithaBoomatbottom,andalittleshortSpritattheTop,suchasusuallyourShipsLongBoatssailwith,andsuchasIbestknewhowtomanage;becauseitwassuchaoneasIhadtotheBoat,inwhichImademyEscapefromBarbary,asrelatedinthefirstPartofmyStory.
IwasneartwoMonthsperformingthislastWork,viz.riggingandfittingmyMastandSails;forIfinish'dthemverycompleat,makingasmallStay,andaSail,orForesailtoit,toassist,ifweshouldturntoWindward;andwhichwasmorethanall,Ifix'daRuddertotheSternofher,tosteerwith;andthoughIwasbutabunglingShipwright,yetasIknewtheUsefulness,andevenNecessityofsuchaThing,Iapply'dmyselfwithsomuchPainstodoit,thatatlastIbroughtittopass;thoughconsideringthemanydullContrivancesIhadforitthatsail'd,IthinkitcostmealmostasmuchLabourasmakingtheBoat.Afterallthiswasdonetoo,IhadmyManFridaytoteachastowhatbelong'dtotheNavigationofmyBoat;forthoughheknewverywellhowtopaddleaCanoe,heknewnothingwhatbelong'dtoaSail,andaRudder;andwasthemostamaz'd,whenhesawmeworktheBoattooandagainintheSeabytheRudder,andhowtheSailgyb'd,andfill'dthisway,orthatway,astheCoursewesail'dchang'd;Isay,whenhesawthis,hestoodlikeone,astonish'dandamaz'd:However,withalittleUse,ImadealltheseThingsfamiliartohim;andhebecameanexpertSailor,exceptthatastotheCompass,Icouldmakehimunderstandverylittleofthat.Ontheotherhand,astherewasverylittlecloudyWeather,andseldomorneveranyFogsinthoseParts,therewasthelessoccasionforaCompass,seeingtheStarswerealwaystobeseenbyNight,andtheShorebyDay,exceptintherainySeasons,andthennobodycar'dtostirabroad,eitherbyLandorSea.IwasnowentredonthesevenandtwentiethYearofmyCaptivityinthisPlace;thoughthethreelastYearsthatIhadthisCreaturewithme,oughtrathertobeleftoutoftheAccount,myHabitationbeingquiteofanotherkindthaninalltherestoftheTime.IkepttheAnniversaryofmyLandingherewiththesameThankfulnesstoGodforhisMercies,asatfirst;andifIhadsuchCauseofAcknowledgmentatfirst,Ihadmuchmoresonow,havingsuchadditionalTestimoniesoftheCareofProvidenceoverme,andthegreatHopesIhadofbeingeffectually,andspeedilydeliver'd;forIhadaninvincibleImpressionuponmyThoughts,thatmyDeliverancewasathand,andthatIshouldnotbeanotherYearinthisPlace:However,IwentonwithmyHusbandry,digging,planting,fencing,asusual;Igather'dandcur'dmyGrapes,anddideverynecessaryThingasbefore.TherainySeasonwasinthemeanTimeuponme,whenIkeptmorewithinDoorsthanatotherTimes;soIhadstow'dournewVesselassecureaswecould,bringingherupintotheCreek,whereasIsaid,intheBeginningIlandedmyRaftsfromtheShip,andhalingheruptotheShore,athighWatermark,ImademyManFridaydigalittleDock,justbigenoughtoholdher,andjustdeepenoughtogiveherWaterenoughtofleetin;andthenwhentheTidewasout,wemadeastrongDamcrosstheEndofit,tokeeptheWaterout;andsoshelaydry,astotheTidefromtheSea;andtokeeptheRainoff,welaidagreatmanyBoughsofTrees,sothick,thatshewasaswellthatch'dasaHouse;andthuswewaitedfortheMonthofNovemberand
December,inwhichIdesign'dtomakemyAdventure.WhenthesettledSeasonbegantocomein,asthethoughtofmyDesignreturn'dwiththefairWeather,IwaspreparingdailyfortheVoyage;andthefirstThingIdid,wastolaybyacertainQuantityofProvisions,beingtheStoresforourVoyage;andintendedinaWeekoraFortnight'sTime,toopentheDock,andlaunchoutourBoat.IwasbusyoneMorninguponsomeThingofthiskind,whenIcall'dtoFriday,andbidhimgototheSeaShore,andseeifhecouldfindaTurtle,orTortoise,aThingwhichwegenerallygotonceaWeek,fortheSakeoftheEggs,aswellastheFlesh:Fridayhadnotbeenlonggone,whenhecamerunningback,andflewovermyouterWall,orFence,likeonethatfeltnottheGround,ortheStepshesethisFeeton;andbeforeIhadtimetospeaktohim,hecriesouttome,OMaster!OMaster!OSorrow!Obad!What'stheMatter,Friday?saysI;Oyonder,there,sayshe,one,two,threeCanoe!one,two,three!Byhiswayofspeaking,Iconcludedthereweresix;butonenquiry,Ifounditwasbutthree:Well,Friday,saysI,donotbefrighted;soIheartnedhimupaswellasIcould:However,IsawthepoorFellowwasmostterriblyscar'd;fornothingraninhisHeadbutthattheywerecometolookforhim,andwouldcuthiminPieces,andeathim;andthepoorFellowtrembledso,thatIscarceknewwhattodowithhim:IcomfortedhimaswellasIcould,andtoldhimIwasinasmuchDangerashe,andthattheywouldeatmeaswellashim;but,saysI,Friday,wemustresolvetofightthem;Canyoufight,Friday?Meshoot,sayshe,buttherecomemanygreatNumber.Nomatterforthat,saidIagain,ourGunswillfrightthemthatwedonotkill;soIask'dhim,WhetherifIresolv'dtodefendhim,hewoulddefendme,andstandbyme,anddojustasIbidhim?Hesaid,Medie,whenyoubiddie,Master;soIwentandfetch'dagoodDramofRum,andgavehim;forIhadbeensogoodaHusbandofmyRum,thathadagreatdealleft:Whenhehaddrankit,ImadehimtakethetwoFowling-Pieces,whichwealwayscarry'd,andloadthemwithlargeSwan-Shot,asbigassmallPistolBullets;thenItookfourMuskets,andloadedthemwithtwoSlugs,andfivesmallBulletseach;andmytwoPistolsIloadedwithaBraceofBulletseach;IhungmygreatSwordasusual,nakedbymySide,andgaveFridayhisHatchet.WhenIhadthusprepar'dmyself,ItookmyPerspective-Glass,andwentuptotheSideoftheHill,toseewhatIcoulddiscover;andIfoundquickly,bymyGlass,thattherewereoneandtwentySavages,threePrisoners,andthreeCanoes;andthattheirwholeBusinessseem'dtobethetriumphantBanquetuponthesethreehumaneBodies,(abarbarousFeastindeed)butnothingmorethanasIhadobserv'dwasusualwiththem.Iobserv'dalso,thattheywerelandednotwheretheyhaddone,whenFridaymadehisEscape;butnearertomyCreek,wheretheShorewaslow,andwhereathickWoodcameclosealmostdowntotheSea:This,withtheAbhorrenceoftheinhumaneErrandtheseWretchescameabout,fill'dmewithsuchIndignation,thatIcamedown
againtoFriday,andtoldhim,Iwasresolv'dtogodowntothem,andkillthemall;andask'dhim,Ifhewouldstandbyme?HewasnowgottenoverhisFright,andhisSpiritsbeingalittlerais'd,withtheDramIhadgivenhim,hewasCrychearful,andtoldme,asbefore,hewoulddie,whenIbiddie.InthisFitofFury,ItookfirstanddividedtheArmswhichIhadcharg'd,asbefore,betweenus;IgaveFridayonePistoltostickinhisGirdle,andthreeGunsuponhisShoulder;andItookonePistol,andtheotherthreemyself;andinthisPosturewemarch'dout:ItookasmallBottleofRuminmyPocket,andgaveFridayalargeBag,withmorePowderandBullet;andastoOrders,Icharg'dhimtokeepclosebehindme,andnottostir,orshoot,ordoanyThing,tillIbidhim;andinthemeanTime,nottospeakaWord:InthisPostureIfetch'daCompasstomyRight-Hand,ofnearaMile,aswelltogetovertheCreek,astogetintotheWood;sothatImightcomewithinshootofthem,beforeIshouldbediscover'd,whichIhadseenbymyGlass,itwaseasytodo.WhileIwasmakingthisMarch,myformerThoughtsreturning,IbegantoabatemyResolution;Idonotmean,thatIentertain'danyFearoftheirNumber;forastheywerenaked,unarm'dWretches,'tiscertainIwassuperiortothem;nay,thoughIhadbeenalone;butitoccurr'dtomyThoughts,WhatCall?WhatOccasion?muchless,WhatNecessityIwasintogoanddipmyHandsinBlood,toattackPeople,whohadneitherdone,orintendedmeanyWrong?Whoastomewereinnocent,andwhosebarbarousCustomsweretheirownDisaster,beinginthemaTokenindeedofGod'shavingleftthem,withtheotherNationsofthatPartoftheWorld,tosuchStupidity,andtosuchinhumaneCourses;butdidnotcallmetotakeuponmetobeaJudgeoftheirActions,muchlessanExecutionerofhisJustice;thatwheneverhethoughtfit,hewouldtaketheCauseintohisownHands,andbynationalVengeancepunishthemasaPeople,fornationalCrimes;butthatinthemeantime,itwasnoneofmyBusiness;thatitwastrue,Fridaymightjustifyit,becausehewasadeclar'dEnemy,andinaStateofWarwiththoseveryparticularPeople;anditwaslawfulforhimtoattackthem;butIcouldnotsayshesamewithrespecttome:TheseThingsweresowarmlypress'duponmyThoughts,allthewayasIwent,thatIresolv'dIwouldonlygoandplacemyselfnearthem,thatImightobservetheirbarbarousFeast,andthatIwouldactthenasGodshoulddirect;butthatunlesssomethingoffer'dthatwasmoreaCalltomethanyetIknewof,Iwouldnotmeddlewiththem.WiththisResolutionIenter'dtheWood,andwithallpossibleWarynessandSilence,FridayfollowingcloseatmyHeels,Imarch'dtillIcametotheSkirtoftheWood,ontheSidewhichwasnexttothem;onlythatoneCorneroftheWoodlaybetweenmeandthem;hereIcall'dsoftlytoFriday,andshewinghimagreatTree,whichwasjustattheCorneroftheWood,IbadhimgototheTree,andbringmeWordifhecouldseethereplainlywhattheyweredoing;hedidso,andcameimmediatelybacktome,andtoldmetheymightbeplainlyview'dthere;thattheywereallabouttheirFire,
eatingtheFleshofoneoftheirPrisoners;andthatanotherlayboundupontheSand,alittlefromthem,whichbesaidtheywouldkillnext,andwhichfir'dalltheverySoulwithinme;hetoldmeitwasnotoneoftheirNation;butoneofthebeardedMen,whohehadtoldmeof,thatcametotheirCountryintheBoat:Iwasfill'dwithHorrorattheverynamingthewhite-beardedMan,andgoingtotheTree,IsawplainlybymyGlass,awhiteManwholayupontheBeachoftheSea,withhisHandsandhisFeetty'd,withFlags,orThingslikeRushes;andthathewasanEuropean,andhadCloathson.TherewasanotherTree,andalittleThicketbeyondit,aboutfiftyYardsnearertothemthanthePlacewhereIwas,whichbygoingalittlewayabout,IsawImightcomeatundiscover'd,andthatthenIshouldbewithinhalfShotofthem;soIwith-heldmyPassion,thoughIwasindeedenrag'dtothehighestDegree,andgoingbackabouttwentyPaces,IgotbehindsomeBushes,whichheldalltheway,tillIcametotheotherTree;andthenIcametoalittlerisingGround,whichgavemeafullViewofthem,attheDistanceofabouteightyYards.IhadnownotaMomenttoloose;fornineteenofthedreadfulWretchessatupontheGround,allclosehuddledtogether,andhadjustsenttheothertwotobutcherthepoorChristian,andbringhimperhapsLimbbyLimbtotheirFire,andtheywerestoop'ddowntountietheBands,athisFeet;Iturn'dtoFriday,nowFriday,saidI,doasIbidthee;Fridaysaidhewould;thenFriday,saysI,doexactlyasyouseemedo,'failinnothing;soIsetdownoneoftheMuskets,andtheFowling-Piece,upontheGround,andFridaydidthelikebyhis;andwiththeotherMusket,ItookmyaimattheSavages,biddinghimdothelike;thenaskinghim,Ifhewasready?Hesaid,yes,thenfireatthem,saidI;andthesameMomentIfir'dalso.FridaytookhisAimsomuchbetterthanI,thatontheSidethatheshot,hekill'dtwoofthem,andwoundedthreemore;andonmySide,Ikill'done,andwoundedtwo:Theywere,youmaybesure,inadreadfulConsternation;andallofthem,whowerenothurt,jump'dupupontheirFeet,butdidnotimmediatelyknowwhichwaytorun,orwhichwaytolook;fortheyknewnotfromwhencetheirDestructioncame:FridaykepthisEyescloseuponme,thatasIhadbidhim,hemightobservewhatIdid;soassoonasthefirstShotwasmade,IthrewdownthePiece,andtookuptheFowling-Piece,andFridaydidthelike;heseemecock,andpresent,hedidthesameagain;Areyouready,Friday?saidI;yes,sayshe;letflythen,saysI,intheNameofGod,andwiththatIfir'dagainamongtheamaz'dWretches,andsodidFriday;andasourPieceswerenowloadenwithwhatIcall'dSwan-Shot,orsmallPistolBullets,wefoundonlytwodrop;butsomanywerewounded,thattheyrunaboutyelling,andskreaming,likemadCreatures,allbloody,andmiserablywounded,mostofthem;whereofthreemorefellquicklyafter,thoughnotquitedead.NowFriday,saysI,layingdownthedischarg'dPieces,andtakinguptheMusket,
whichwasyetloaden;followme,saysI,whichhedid,withagreatdealofCourage;uponwhichIrush'doutoftheWood,andshew'dmyself,andFridaycloseatmyFoot;assoonasIperceiv'dtheysawme,IshoutedasloudasIcould,andbadFridaydosotoo;andrunningasfastasIcould,whichbytheway,wasnotveryfast,beingloadenwithArmsasIwas,ImadedirectlytowardsthepoorVictim,whowas,asIsaid,lyingupontheBeach,orShore,betweenthePlacewheretheysat,andtheSea;thetwoButcherswhowerejustgoingtoworkwithhim,hadlefthim,attheSuprizeofourfirstFire,andfledinaterribleFright,totheSeaSide,andhadjump'dintoaCanoe,andthreemoreoftherestmadethesameway;Iturn'dtoFriday,andbidhimstepforwards,andfireatthem;heunderstoodmeimmediately,andrunningaboutfortyYards,tobenearthem,heshotatthem,andIthoughthehadkill'dthemall;forIseethemallfallofaHeapintotheBoat;thoughIsawtwoofthemupagainquickly:However,hekill'dtwoofthem,andwoundedthethird;sothathelaydownintheBottomoftheBoat,asifhehadbeendead.WhilemyManFridayfir'datthem,Ipull'doutmyKnife,andcuttheFlagsthatboundthepoorVictim,andloosinghisHands,andFeet,Iliftedhimup,andask'dhiminthePortugueseTongue,Whathewas?Heanswer'dinLatin,Christianus;butwassoweak,andfaint,thathecouldscarcestand,orspeak;ItookmyBottleoutofmyPocket,andgaveithim,makingSignsthatheshoulddrink,whichhedid;andIgavehimaPieceofBread,whichheeat;thenIask'dhim,WhatCountrymanhewas?Andhesaid,Espagniole;andbeingalittlerecover'd,letmeknowbyalltheSignshecouldpossiblymake,howmuchhewasinmyDebtforhisDeliverance;Seignior,saidI,withasmuchSpanishasIcouldmakeup,wewilltalkafterwards;butwemustfightnow;ifyouhaveanyStrengthleft,takethisPistol,andSword,andlayaboutyou;hetookthemverythankfully,andnosoonerhadhetheArmsinhisHands,butasiftheyhadputnewVigourintohim,heflewuponhisMurtherers,likeaFury,andhadcuttwooftheminPieces,inaninstant;fortheTruthis,asthewholewasaSurprizetothem;sothepoorCreaturesweresomuchfrightedwiththeNoiseofourPieces,thattheyfelldownformeerAmazement,andFear;andhadnomorePowertoattempttheirownEscape,thantheirFleshhadtoresistourShot;andthatwastheCaseofthoseFivethatFridayshotatintheBoat;forasthreeofthemfellwiththeHurttheyreceiv'd,sotheothertwofellwiththeFright.IkeptmyPieceinmyHandstill,withoutfiring,beingwillingtokeepmyChargeready;becauseIhadgiventheSpaniardmyPistol,andSword;soIcall'dtoFriday,andbadhimrunuptotheTree,fromwhencewefirstfir'd,andfetchtheArmswhichlaythere,thathadbeendischarg'd,whichhedidwithgreatSwiftness;andthengivinghimmyMusket,Isatdownmyselftoloadalltherestagain,andbadthemcometomewhentheywanted:WhileIwasloadingthesePieces,therehappen'dafierceEngagementbetweentheSpaniard,andoneoftheSavages,whomadeathimwithoneoftheirgreatwoodenSwords,thesameWeaponthatwastohavekill'dhimbefore,ifIhadnotpreventedit:TheSpaniard,whowasasbold,andasbraveas
couldbeimagin'd,thoughweak,hadfoughtthisIndianagoodwhile,andhadcuthimtwogreatWoundsonhisHead;buttheSavagebeingastoutlustyFellow,closinginwithhim,hadthrownhimdown(beingfaint)andwaswringingmySwordoutofhisHand,whentheSpaniard,tho'undermostwiselyquittingtheSword,drewthePistolfromhisGirdle,shottheSavagethroughtheBody,andkill'dhimupontheSpot;beforeI,whowasrunningtohelphim,couldcomenearhim.FridaybeingnowlefttohisLiberty,pursu'dtheflyingWretcheswithnoWeaponinhisHand,buthisHatchet;andwiththathedispatch'dthosethree,who,asIsaidbefore,werewoundedatfirstandfallen,andalltheresthecouldcomeupwith,andtheSpaniardcomingtomeforaGun,IgavehimoneoftheFowling-Pieces,withwhichhepursu'dtwooftheSavages,andwoundedthemboth;butashewasnotabletorun,theybothgotfromhimintotheWood,whereFridaypursu'dthem,andkill'doneofthem;buttheotherwastoonimbleforhim,andthoughhewaswounded,yethadplungedhimselfintotheSea,andswamwithallhismightofftothosetwowhowereleftintheCanoe,whichthreeintheCanoe,withonewounded,whoweknownotwhetherhedy'dorno,wereallthatescap'dourHandsofoneandtwenty:TheAccountoftheRestisasfollows;3Kill'datourfirstShotfromtheTree.2Kill'datthenextShot.2Kill'dbyFridayintheBoat.2Kill'dbyDitto,ofthoseatfirstwounded.1Kill'dbyDitto,intheWood.3Kill'dbytheSpaniard.4Kill'd,beingfounddropp'dhereandthereoftheirWounds,orkill'dbyFridayinhisChaseofthem.4Escap'dintheBoat,whereofonewoundedifnotdead.21Inall.ThosethatwereintheCanoe,work'dhardtogetoutofGun-Shot;andthoughFridaymadetwoorthreeShotatthem,Ididnotfindthathehitanyofthem:FridaywouldfainhavehadmetookoneoftheirCanoes,andpursu'dthem;andindeedIwasveryanxiousabouttheirEscape,leastcarryingtheNewshometotheirPeople,theyshouldcomebackperhapswithtwoorthreehundredoftheirCanoes,anddevourusbymeerMultitude;soIconsentedtopursuethembySea,andrunningtooneoftheirCanoes,Ijump'din,andbadFridayfollowme;butwhen1wasintheCanoe,Iwassurpriz'dtofindanotherpoorCreaturelyetherealive,boundHandandFoot,astheSpaniardwas,fortheSlaughter,andalmostdeadwithFear,notknowingwhattheMatterwas;forhehadnotbeenabletolookupovertheSideoftheBoat,hewasty'dsohard,NeckandHeels,andhadbeenty'dsolong,thathehadreallybutlittleLifeinhim.
IimmediatelycutthetwistedFlags,orRushes,whichtheyhadboundhimwith,andwouldhavehelpedhimup;buthecouldnotstand,orspeak,butgroan'dmostpiteously,believingitseemsstillthathewasonlyunboundinordertobekill'd.WhenFridaycametohim,Ibadhimspeaktohim,andtellhimofhisDeliverance,andpullingoutmyBottle,madehimgivethepoorWretchaDram,which,withtheNewsofhisbeingdeliver'd,reviv'dhim,andhesatupintheBoat;butwhenFridaycametohearhimspeak,andlookinhisFace,itwouldhavemov'danyonetoTears,tohaveseenhowFridaykiss'dhim,embrac'dhim,hugg'dhim,cry'd,laugh'd,hollow'd,jump'dabout,danc'd,sung,thencry'dagain,wrunghisHands,beathisownFace,andHead,andthensung,andjump'daboutagain,likeadistractedCreature:ItwasagoodwhilebeforeIcouldmakehimspeaktome,ortellmewhatwastheMatter;butwhenhecamealittletohimself,hetoldme,thatitwashisFather.Itisnoteasyformetoexpresshowitmov'dmetoseewhatExtasyandfilialAffectionhadwork'dinthispoorSavage,attheSightofhisFather,andofhisbeingdeliver'dfromDeath;norindeedcanIdescribehalftheExtravaganciesofhisAffectionafterthis;forhewentintotheBoatandoutoftheBoatagreatmanytimes:Whenhewentintohim,hewouldsitdownbyhim,openhisBreast,andholdhisFather'sHeadclosetohisBosom,halfanHourtogether,tonourishit;thenhetookhisArmsandAnkles,whichwerenumb'dandstiffwiththeBinding,andchaffedandrubbedthemwithhisHands;andIperceivingwhattheCasewas,gavehimsomeRumoutofmyBottle,torubthemwith,whichdidthemagreatdealofGood.ThisActionputanEndtoourPursuitoftheCanoe,withtheotherSavages,whowerenowgottenalmostoutofSight;anditwashappyforusthatwedidnot;foritblewsohardwithintwoHoursafter,andbeforetheycouldbegottenaQuarteroftheirWay,andcontinuedblowingsohardallNight,andthatfromtheNorth-west,whichwasagainstthem,thatIcouldnotsupposetheirBoatcouldlive,orthattheyeverreach'dtotheirownCoast.ButtoreturntoFriday,hewassobusyabouthisFather,thatIcouldnotfindinmyHearttotakehimoffforsometime:ButafterIthoughthecouldleavehimalittle,Icall'dhimtome,andhecamejumpingandlaughing,andpleas'dtothehighestExtream;thenIask'dhim,IfhehadgivenhisFatheranyBread?HeshookhisHead,andsaid,None:UglyDogeatallupself;soIgavehimaCakeofBreadoutofalittlePouchIcarry'donPurpose;IalsogavehimaDramforhimself,buthewouldnottasteit,butcarry'dittohisFather:IhadinmyPocketalsotwoorthreeBunchesofmyRaisins,soIgavehimaHandfulofthemforhisFather.HehadnosoonergivenhisFathertheseRaisins,butIsawhimcomeoutoftheBoat,andrunaway,asifhehadbeenbewitch'd,herunatsuchaRate;forhewastheswiftestFellowofhisFootthateverIsaw;Isay,herunatsuchaRate,thathewasoutofSight,asitwere,inaninstant;andthoughIcall'd,andhollow'dtoo,afterhim,itwasallone,awayhewent,
andinaQuarterofanHour,Isawhimcomebackagain,thoughnotsofastashewent;andashecamenearer,IfoundhisPacewasslacker,becausehehadsomethinginhisHand.Whenhecameuptome,IfoundhehadbeenquiteHomeforanEarthenJuggorPottobringhisFathersomefreshWater,andthathehadgottwomoreCakes,orLoavesofBread:TheBreadhegaveme,buttheWaterhecarry'dtohisFather:However,asIwasverythirstytoo,ItookalittleSupofit.ThisWaterreviv'dhisFathermorethanalltheRumorSpiritsIhadgivenhim;forhewasjustfaintingwithThirst.WhenhisFatherhaddrank,Icall'dtohimtoknowiftherewasanyWaterleft;hesaid,yes;andIbadhimgiveittothepoorSpaniard,whowasinasmuchWantofitashisFather;andIsentoneoftheCakes,thatFridaybrought,totheSpaniardtoo,whowasindeedveryweak,andwasreposinghimselfuponagreenPlaceundertheShadeofafree;andwhoseLimbswerealsoverystiff,andverymuchswell'dwiththerudeBandagehehadbeenty'dwith.WhenIsawthatuponFriday'scomingtohimwiththeWater,hesatupanddrank,andtooktheBread,andbegantoeat,Iwenttohim,andgavehimaHandfulofRaisins;helook'dupinmyFacewithalltheTokensofGratitudeandThankfulness,thatcouldappearinanyCountenance;butwassoweak,notwithstandinghehadsoexertedhimselfintheFight,thathecouldnotstandupuponhisFeet;hetry'dtodoittwoorthreetimes,butwasreallynotable,hisAnklesweresoswell'dandsopainfultohim;soIbadhimsitstill,andcausedFridaytorubhisAnkles,andbathethemwithRum,ashehaddonehisFather's.Iobserv'dthepooraffectionateCreatureeverytwoMinutes,orperhapsless,allthewhilehewashere,turn'dhisHeadabout,toseeifhisFatherwasinthesamePlace,andPosture,ashelefthimsitting;andatlasthefoundhewasnottobeseen;atwhichhestartedup,andwithoutspeakingaWord,flewwiththatSwiftnesstohim,thatonecouldscarceperceivehisFeettotouchtheGround,ashewent:Butwhenhecame,heonlyfoundhehadlaidhimselfdowntoeasehisLimbs;soFridaycamebacktomepresently,andIthenspoketotheSpaniardtoletFridayhelphimupifhecould,andleadhimtotheBoat,andthenheshouldcarryhimtoourDwelling,whereIwouldtakeCareofhim:ButFriday,alustystrongFellow,tooktheSpaniardquiteupuponhisBack,andcarry'dhimawaytotheBoat,andsethimdownsoftlyupontheSideorGunneloftheCanoe,withhisFeetintheinsideofit,andthenliftedhimquitein,andsethimclosetohisFather,andpresentlysteppingoutagain,launchedtheBoatoff,andpaddleditalongtheShorefasterthanIcouldwalk,tho'theWindblewprettyhardtoo;sohebroughtthembothsafeintoourCreek;andleavingthemintheBoat,runsawaytofetchtheotherCanoe.Ashepass'dme,Ispoketohim,andask'dhim,whitherhewent,hetoldme,GofetchmoreBoat;soawayhewentliketheWind;forsureneverManorHorserunlikehim,andhehadtheotherCanoeintheCreek,almostassoonasIgottoitbyLand;sohewaftedmeover,andthenwenttohelpournewGuestsoutoftheBoat,whichhedid;buttheywereneitherofthemabletowalk;
sothatpoorFridayknewnotwhattodo.Part7Toremedythis,IwenttoWorkinmyThought,andcallingtoFridaytobidthemsitdownontheBankwhilehecametome,IsoonmadeaKindofHand-Barrowtolaythemon,andFridayandIcarry'dthemupbothtogetheruponitbetweenus:ButwhenwegotthemtotheoutsideofourWallorFortification,wewereataworseLossthanbefore;foritwasimpossibletogetthemover;andIwasresolv'dnottobreakitdown:SoIsettoWorkagain;andFridayandI,inabout2Hourstime,madeaveryhandsomTent,cover'dwitholdSails,andabovethatwithBoughsofTrees,beingintheSpacewithoutouroutwardFence,andbetweenthatandtheGroveofyoungWoodwhichIhadplanted:AndherewemadethemtwoBedsofsuchthingsasIhad(viz.)ofgoodRice-Straw,withBlanketslaiduponittolyeon,andanothertocoverthemoneachBed.MyIslandwasnowpeopled,andIthoughtmyselfveryrichinSubjects;anditwasamerryReflectionwhichIfrequentlymade,HowlikeaKingIlook'd.Firstofall,thewholeCountrywasmyownmeerProperty;sothatIhadanundoubtedRightofDominion.2dly,MyPeoplewereperfectlysubjected:IwasabsoluteLordandLaw-giver;theyallowedtheirLivestome,andwerereadytolaydowntheirLives,iftherehadbeenOccasionofit,forme.Itwasremarkabletoo,wehadbutthreeSubjects,andtheywereofthreedifferentReligions.MyManFridaywasaProtestant,hisFatherwasaPaganandaCannibal,andtheSpaniardwasaPapist:However,Iallow'dLibertyofConsciencethroughoutmyDominions:ButthisisbytheWay.AssoonasIhadsecur'dmytwoweakrescuedPrisoners,andgiventhemShelter,andaPlacetorestthemupon,IbegantothinkofmakingsomeProvisionforthem:AndthefirstthingIdid,Iorder'dFridaytotakeayearlingGoat,betwixtaKidandaGoat,outofmyparticularFlock,tobekill'd,whenIcutoffthehinderQuarter,andchoppingitintosmallPieces,IsetFridaytoWorktoboilingandstewing,andmadethemaverygoodDish,Iassureyou,ofFleshandBroth,havingputsomeBarleyandRicealsointotheBroth;andasIcook'ditwithoutDoors,forImadenoFirewithinmyinnerWall,soIcarry'ditallintothenewTent;andhavingsetaTablethereforthem,IsatdownandeatmyownDinneralsowiththem,and,aswellasIcould,chear'dthemandencourag'dthem;FridaybeingmyInterpreter,especiallytohisFather,andindeedtotheSpaniardtoo;fortheSpaniardspoketheLanguageoftheSavagesprettywell.Afterwehaddined,orrathersupped,Iorder'dFridaytotakeoneoftheCanoes,andgoandfetchourMusketsandotherFire-Arms,whichforWantoftimewehadleftuponthePlaceofBattle,andthenextDayIorder'dhimtogoandburythedead
BodiesoftheSavages,whichlayopentotheSun,andwouldpresentlybeoffensive;andIalsoorder'dhimtoburythehorridRemainsoftheirbarbarousFeast,whichIknewwereprettymuch,andwhichIcouldnotthinkofdoingmyself;nay,Icouldnotbeartoseethem,ifIwentthatWay:Allwhichhepunctuallyperformed,anddefacedtheveryAppearanceoftheSavagesbeingthere;sothatwhenIwentagain,Icouldscarceknowwhereitwas,otherwisethanbytheCorneroftheWoodpointingtothePlace.IthenbegantoenterintoalittleConversationwithmytwonewSubjects;andfirstIsetFridaytoenquireofhisFather,whathethoughtoftheEscapeoftheSavagesinthatCanoe,andwhetherwemightexpectaReturnofthemwithaPowertoogreatforustoresist:HisfirstOpinionwas,thattheSavagesintheBoatnevercouldliveouttheStormwhichblewthatNighttheywentoff,butmustofNecessitybedrownedordrivenSouthtothoseotherShoreswheretheywereassuretobedevouredastheyweretobedrownediftheywerecastaway;butastowhattheywoulddoiftheycamesafeonShore,hesaidheknewnot;butitwashisOpinionthattheyweresodreadfullyfrightedwiththeManneroftheirbeingattack'd,theNoiseandtheFire,thathebelievedtheywouldtelltheirPeople,theywereallkill'dbyThunderandLightning,notbytheHandofMan,andthatthetwowhichappear'd,(viz.)Fridayandme,weretwoHeavenlySpiritsorFuries,comedowntodestroythem,andnotMenwithWeapons:Thishesaidheknew,becauseheheardthemallcryoutsointheirLanguagetooneanother,foritwasimpossibletothemtoconceivethataMancoulddartFire,andspeakThunder,andkillataDistancewithoutliftinguptheHand,aswasdonenow:AndthisoldSavagewasintheright;for,asIunderstoodsincebyotherHands,theSavagesneverattemptedtogoovertotheIslandafterwards;theyweresoterrifiedwiththeAccountsgivenbythosefourMen,(foritseemstheydidescapetheSea)thattheybeliev'dwhoeverwenttothatenchantedIslandwouldbedestroy'dwithFirefromtheGods.ThishoweverIknewnot,andthereforewasundercontinualApprehensionsforagoodwhile,andkeptalwaysuponmyGuard,meandallmyArmy;foraswewerenowfourofus,Iwouldhaveventur'duponahundredofthemfairlyintheopenFieldatanyTime.InalittleTime,however,nomoreCanoesappearing,theFearoftheirComingworeoff,andIbegantotakemyformerThoughtsofaVoyagetotheMainintoConsideration,beinglikewiseassur'dbyFriday'sFather,thatImightdependupongoodUsagefromtheirNationonhisAccount,ifIwouldgo.ButmyThoughtswerealittlesuspended,whenIhadaseriousDiscoursewiththeSpaniard,andwhenIunderstoodthatthereweresixteenmoreofhisCountrymenandPortuguese,whohavingbeencastaway,andmadetheirEscapetothatSide,liv'dthereatPeaceindeedwiththeSavages,butwereverysoreputtoitforNecessaries,
andindeedforLife:Iask'dhimalltheParticularsoftheirVoyage,andfoundtheywereaSpanishShipboundfromtheRiodelaPlatatotheHavana,beingdirectedtoleavetheirLoadingthere,whichwaschieflyHidesandSilver,andtobringbackwhatEuropeanGoodstheycouldmeetwiththere;thattheyhadfivePortugueseSeamenonBoard,whotheytookoutofanotherWreck;thatfiveoftheirownMenweredrownedwhenthefirstShipwaslost,andthattheseescapedthro'infiniteDangersandHazards,andarriv'dalmoststarv'dontheCannibalCoast,wheretheyexpectedtohavebeendevour'deveryMoment.Hetoldme,theyhadsomeArmswiththem,buttheywereperfectlyuseless,forthattheyhadneitherPowderorBall,theWashingoftheSeahavingspoil'dalltheirPowderbutalittle,whichtheyusedattheirfirstLandingtoprovidethemselvessomeFood.Iask'dhimwhathethoughtwouldbecomeofthemthere,andiftheyhadform'dnoDesignofmakinganyEscape?Hesaid,TheyhadmanyConsultationsaboutit,butthathavingneitherVessel,orToolstobuildone,orProvisionsofanykind,theirCouncilsalwaysendedinTearsandDespair.Iask'dhimhowhethoughttheywouldreceiveaProposalfromme,whichmighttendtowardsanEscape?Andwhether,iftheywereallhere,itmightnotbedone?ItoldhimwithFreedom,Ifear'dmostlytheirTreacheryandillUsageofme,ifIputmyLifeintheirHands;forthatGratitudewasnoinherentVirtueintheNatureofMan;nordidMenalwayssquaretheirDealingsbytheObligationstheyhadreceiv'd,SomuchastheydidbytheAdvantagestheyexpected.Itoldhimitwouldbeveryhard,thatIshouldbetheInstrumentoftheirDeliverance,andthattheyshouldafterwardsmakemetheirPrisonerinNewSpain,whereanEnglishManwascertaintobemadeaSacrifice,whatNecessity,orwhatAccidentsoever,broughthimthither:AndthatIhadratherbedeliver'duptotheSavages,andbedevour'dalive,thanfallintothemercilessClawsofthePriests,andbecarry'dintotheInquisition.Iadded,ThatotherwiseIwasperswaded,iftheywereallhere,wemight,withsomanyHands,buildaBarklargeenoughtocarryusallaway,eithertotheBrasilsSouth-ward,ortotheIslandsorSpanishCoastNorth-ward:ButthatifinRequitaltheyshould,whenIhadputWeaponsintotheirHands,cattymebyForceamongtheirownPeople,ImightbeillusedformyKindnesstothem,andmakemyCaseworsethanitwasbefore.Heanswer'dwithagreatdealofCandorandIngenuity,ThattheirConditionwassomiserable,andtheyweresosensibleofit,thathebelievedtheywouldabhortheThoughtofusinganyManunkindlythatshouldcontributetotheirDeliverance;andthat,ifIpleased,hewouldgotothemwiththeoldMan,anddiscoursewiththemaboutit,andreturnagain,andbringmetheirAnswer:ThathewouldmakeConditionswiththemupontheirsolemnOath,ThattheyshouldbeabsolutelyundermyLeading,
astheirCommanderandCaptain;andthattheyshouldswearupontheHolySacramentsandtheGospel,tobetruetome,andtogotosuchChristianCountry,asthatIshouldagreeto,andnoother;andtobedirectedwhollyandabsolutelybymyOrders,'tilltheywerelandedsafelyinsuchCountry,asIintended;andthathewouldbringaContractfromthemundertheirHandsforthatPurpose.Thenhetoldme,hewouldfirstsweartomehimself,Thathewouldneverstirfrommeaslongasheliv'd,'tillIgavehimOrders;andthathewouldtakemySidetothelastDropofhisBlood,ifthereshouldhappentheleastBreachofFaithamonghisCountry-men.Hetoldme,theywereallofthemverycivilhonestMen,andtheywereunderthegreatestDistressimaginable,havingneitherWeaponsorCloaths,noranyFood,butattheMercyandDiscretionoftheSavages;outofallHopesofeverreturningtotheirownCountry;andthathewassure,ifIwouldundertaketheirRelief,theywouldliveanddiebyme.UpontheseAssurances,Iresolv'dtoventuretorelievethem,ifpossible,andtosendtheoldSavageandthisSpaniardovertothemtotreat:ButwhenwehadgottenallthingsinaReadinesstogo,theSpaniardhimselfstartedanObjection,whichhadsomuchPrudenceinitononehand,andsomuchSincerityontheotherhand,thatIcouldnotbutbeverywellsatisfy'dinit;andbyhisAdvice,putofftheDeliveranceofhisComerades,foratleasthalfaYear.TheCasewasthus:HehadbeenwithusnowaboutaMonth;duringwhichtime,IhadlethimseeinwhatMannerIhadprovided,withtheAssistanceofProvidence,formySupport;andhesawevidentlywhatStockofCornandRiceIhadlaidup;whichasitwasmorethansufficientformyself,soitwasnotsufficient,atleastwithoutgoodHusbandry,formyFamily;nowitwasencreas'dtoNumberfour:Butmuchlesswoulditbesufficient,ifhisCountry-men,whowere,ashesaid,fourteen'stillalive,shouldComeover.AndleastofallshoulditbesufficienttovictualourVessel,ifweshouldbuildone,foraVoyagetoanyoftheChristianColoniesofAmerica.Sohetoldme,hethoughtitwouldbemoreadvisable,tolethimandthetwoother,digandcultivatesomemoreLand,asmuchasIcouldspareSeedtosow;andthatweshouldwaitanotherHarvest,thatwemighthaveaSupplyofCornforhisCountry-menwhentheyshouldcome;forWantmightbeaTemptationtothemtodisagree,ornottothinkthemselvesdelivered,otherwisethanoutofoneDifficultyintoanother.Youknow,sayshe,theChildrenofIsrael,thoughtheyrejoyc'datfirstfortheirbeingdeliver'doutofEgypt,yetrebell'devenagainstGodhimselfthatdeliver'dthem,whentheycametowantBreadintheWilderness.HisCautionwassoseasonable,andhisAdvicesogood,thatIcouldnotbutbeverywellpleasedwithhisProposal,aswellasIwassatisfy'dwithhisFidelity.Sowefell
todiggingallfourofus,aswellastheWoodenToolswewerefurnish'dwithpermitted;andinaboutaMonth'stime,bytheEndofwhichitwasSeedtime,wehadgottenasmuchLandcur'dandtrim'dup,aswesowed22BushelsofBarleyon,and16JarrsofRice,whichwasinshortalltheSeedwehadtospare;norindeeddidweleaveourselvesBarleysufficientforourownFood,forthesixMonthsthatwehadtoexpectourCrop,thatistosay,reckoningfromthetimewesetourSeedasideforsowing;foritisnottobesupposeditissixMonthsintheGroundintheCountry.HavingnowSocietyenough,andourNumberbeingsufficienttoputusoutofFearoftheSavages,iftheyhadcome,unlesstheirNumberhadbeenverygreat,wewentfreelyallovertheIsland,where-everwefoundOccasion;andasherewehadourEscapeorDeliveranceuponourThoughts,itwasimpossible,atleastforme,tohavetheMeansofitoutofmine;tothisPurpose,Imark'doutseveralTreeswhichIthoughtfitforourWork,andIsetFridayandhisFathertocuttingthemdown;andthenIcausedtheSpaniard,towhomIimpartedmyThoughtonthatAffair,tooverseeanddirecttheirWork.IshewedthemwithwhatindefatigablePainsIhadhewedalargeTreeintosinglePlanks,andIcausedthemtodothelike,tilltheyhadmadeaboutaDozenlargePlanksofgoodOak,near2Footroad,35Footlong,andfrom2Inchesto4Inchesthick:hatprodigiousLabourittookup,anyonemayimagine.AtthesametimeIcontriv'dtoencreasemylittleFlockoftameGoatsasmuchasIcould;andtothisPurpose,ImadeFridayandtheSpaniardgooutoneDay,andmyselfwithFridaythenextDay;forwetookourTurns:AndbyisMeanswegotabove20youngKidstobreedupwiththerest;forwhen-everweshottheDam,wesavedtheKids,andaddedthemtoourFlock:Butaboveall,theSeasonforcuringtheGrapescomingon,IcausedsuchaprodigiousQuantitytobehungupintheSun,thatIbelieve,hadwebeenatAlicantwheretheRaisinsoftheSunarecur'd,wecouldhavefill'd60or80Barrels;andthesewithourBreadwasagreatPartofourFood,andverygoodlivingtoo,Iassureyou;foritisanexceedingnourishingFood.ItwasnowHarvest,andourCropingoodOrder;itwasnotthemostplentifulEncreaseIhadseenintheIsland,buthoweveritwasenoughtoanswerourEnd;forfromour22BushelsofBarley,webroughtinandthrashedoutabove220Bushels;andthelikeinProportionoftheRice,whichwasStoreenoughforourFoodtothenextHarvest,tho'allthe16SpaniardshadbeenonShorewithme;orifwehadbeenreadyforaVoyage,itwouldveryplentifullyhavevictualledourShip,tohavecarry'dustoanyPartoftheWorld,thatistosay,ofAmerica.Whenwehadthushous'dandsecur'dourMagazineofCorn,wefelltoWorktomakemoreWickerWork,(viz.)greatBasketsinwhichwekeptit;andtheSpaniardwasveryhandyanddexterousatthisPart,andoftenblam'dmethatIdidnotmakesomethings,forDefence,ofthisKindofWork;butIsawnoNeedofit.AndnowhavingafullSupplyofFoodforalltheGuestsIexpected,Igavethe
SpaniardLeavetogoovertotheMain,toseewhathecoulddowiththosehehadleftbehindhimthere.IgavehimastrictChargeinWriting,NottobringanyManwithhim,whowouldnotfirstswearinthePresenceofhimselfandoftheoldSavage,Thathewouldnowayinjure,fightwith,orattackthePersonheshouldfindintheIsland,whowassokindtosendfortheminordertotheirDeliverance;butthattheywouldstandbyanddefendhimagainstallsuchAttempts,andwherevertheywent,wouldbeentirelyunderandsubjectedtohisCommands;andthatthisshouldbeputinWriting,andsignedwiththeirHands:Howweweretohavethisdone,whenIknewtheyhadneitherPenorInk;thatindeedwasaQuestionwhichweneverasked.UndertheseInstructions,theSpaniard,andtheoldSavagetheFatherofFriday,wentawayinoneoftheCanoes,whichtheymightbesaidtocomein,orratherwerebroughtin,whentheycameasPrisonerstobedevour'dbytheSavages.IgaveeachofthemaMusketwithaFirelockonit,andabouteightChargesofPowderandBall,chargingthemtobeverygoodHusbandsofboth,andnottouseeitherofthembutuponurgentOccasion.ThiswasachearfulWork,beingthefirstMeasuresusedbymeinViewofmyDeliverancefornow27YearsandsomeDays.IgavethemProvisionsofBread,andofdry'dGrapes,sufficientforthemselvesformanyDays,andsufficientforalltheirCountry-menforabouteightDaystime;andwishingthemagoodVoyage,Iseethemgo,agreeingwiththemaboutaSignaltheyshouldhangoutattheirReturn,bywhichIshouldknowthemagain,whentheycameback,ataDistance,beforetheycameonShore.TheywentawaywithafairGaleontheDaythattheMoonwasatFullbymyAccount,intheMonthofOctober:ButasforanexactReckoningofDays,afterIhadoncelostitIcouldneverrecoveritagain;norhadIkepteventheNumberofYearssopunctually,astobesurethatIwasright,tho'asitprov'd,whenIafterwardsexamin'dmyAccount,IfoundIhadkeptatrueReckoningofYears.ItwasnolessthaneightDaysIhadwaitedforthem,whenaStrangeandunforeseenAccidentinterveen'd,ofwhichthelikehasnotperhapsbeenheardofinHistory:IwasfastasleepinmyHutchoneMorning,whenmyManFridaycamerunningintome,andcall'daloud,Master,Master,theyarecome,theyarecome.Ijump'dup,andregardlessofDanger,Iwentout,assoonasIcouldgetmyCloathson,thro'mylittleGrove,whichbytheWaywasbythistimegrowntobeaverythickWood;Isay,regardlessofDanger,IwentwithoutmyArms,whichwasnotmyCustomtodo:ButIwassurpriz'd,whenturningmyEyestotheSea,IpresentlysawaBoatataboutaLeagueandhalf'sDistance,standinginfortheShore,withaShoulderofMuttonSail,astheycallit;andtheWindblowingprettyfairtobringthemin;alsoI
observ'dpresently,thattheydidnotcomefromthatSidewhichtheShorelayon,butfromtheSouthermostEndoftheIsland:UponthisIcall'dFridayin,andbidhimlieclose,forthesewerenotthePeoplewelook'dfor,andthatwemightnotknowyetwhethertheywereFriendsorEnemies.InthenextPlace,IwentintofetchmyPerspectiveGlass,toseewhatIcouldmakeofthem;andhavingtakentheLadderout,Iclimb'duptotheTopoftheHill,asIusedtodowhenIwasapprehensiveofanything,andtotakemyViewtheplainerwithoutbeingdiscover'd.IhadscarceSetmyFootontheHill,whenmyEyeplainlydiscover'daShiplyingatanAnchor,atabouttwoLeaguesandanhalf'sDistancefrommeSouth-south-east,butnotaboveaLeagueandanhalffromtheShore.BymyObservationitappear'dplainlytobeanEnglishShip,andtheBoatappear'dtobeanEnglishLong-Boat.IcannotexpresstheConfusionIwasin,tho'theJoyofseeingaShip,andonewhoIhadReasontobelievewasMann'dbymyownCountry-men,andconsequentlyFriends,wassuchasIcannotdescribe;butyetIhadsomesecretDoubtshungaboutme,Icannottellfromwhencetheycame,biddingmekeepuponmyGuard.InthefirstPlace,itoccurr'dtometoconsiderwhatBusinessanEnglishShipcouldhaveinthatPartoftheWorld,sinceitwasnottheWaytoorfromanyPartoftheWorld,wheretheEnglishhadanyTraffick;andIknewtherehadbeennoStormstodrivetheminthere,asinDistress;andthatiftheywereEnglishreally,itwasmostprobablethattheywerehereuponnogoodDesign;andthatIhadbettercontinueasIwas,thanfallintotheHandsofThievesandMurtherers.LetnoMandespisethesecretHintsandNoticesofDanger,whichsometimesaregivenhim,whenhemaythinkthereisnoPossibilityofitsbeingreal.ThatsuchHintsandNoticesaregivenus,IbelievefewthathavemadeanyObservationsofthings,candeny;thattheyarecertainDiscoveries'ofaninvisibleWorld,andaConverseofSpirits,wecannotdoubt;andiftheTendencyofthemseemstobetowarnusofDanger,whyshouldwenotsupposetheyarefromsomefriendlyAgent,whethersupreme,orinferior,andsubordinate,isnottheQuestion;andthattheyaregivenforourGood?ThepresentQuestionabundantlyconfirmsmeintheJusticeofthisReasoning;forhadInotbeenmadecautiousbythissecretAdmonition,comeitfromwhenceitwill,Ihadbeenundoneinevitably,andinafarworseConditionthanbefore,asyouwillseepresently.IhadnotkeptmyselflonginthisPosture,butIsawtheBoatdrawneartheShore,asiftheylook'dforaCreektothrustinatfortheConvenienceofLanding;however,as
theydidnotcomequitefarenough,theydidnotseethelittleInletwhereIformerlylandedmyRafts;butruntheirBoatonShoreupontheBeach,atabouthalfaMilefromme,whichwasveryhappyforme;forotherwisetheywouldhavelandedjustasImaysayatmyDoor,andwouldsoonhavebeatenmeoutofmyCastle,andperhapshaveplunder'dmeofallIhad.WhentheywereonShore,Iwasfullysatisfy'dthattheywereEnglishMen;atleast,mostofthem;oneortwoIthoughtwereDutch;butitdidnotproveso:TherewereinallelevenMen,whereofthreeofthemIfoundwereunarm'd,andasIthought,bound;andwhenthefirstfourorfiveofthemwerejump'donShore,theytookthosethreeoutoftheBoatasPrisoners:OneofthethreeIcouldperceiveusingthemostpassionateGesturesofEntreaty,AfflictionandDespair,eventoakindofExtravagance;theothertwoIcouldperceivelifteduptheirHandssometimes,andappear'dconcern'dindeed,butnottosuchaDegreeasthefirst.IwasperfectlyconfoundedattheSight,andknewnotwhattheMeaningofitshouldbe.Fridaycall'douttomeinEnglish,aswellashecould,OMaster!YouseeEnglishManseatPrisoneraswellasSavageMans.Why,saysI,Friday,Doyouthinktheyareagoingtoeatthemthen?Yes,saysFriday,Theymilleatthem:No,no,saysI,Friday,Iamafraidtheymillmurtherthemindeed,butyoumaybesuretheywillnoteatthem.AllthiswhileIhadnothoughtofwhattheMatterreallywas;butStoodtremblingwiththeHorroroftheSight,expectingeveryMomentwhenthethreePrisonersshouldbekill'd;nay,OnceIsawoneoftheVillainsliftuphisArmwithagreatCutlash,astheSeamencallit,orSword,tospikeoneofthepoorMen;andIexpectedtoseehimfalleveryMoment,atwhichalltheBloodinmyBodyseem'dtorunchillinmyVeins.Iwish'dheartilynowformySpaniard,andtheSavagethatwasgonewithhim;orthatIhadanywaytohavecomeundiscover'dwithinshotofthem,thatImighthaverescu'dthethreeMen;forIsawnoFireArmstheyhadamongthem;butitfellouttomyMindanotherway.AfterIhadObserv'dtheoutragiousUsageofthethreeMen,bytheinsolentSeamen,Iobserv'dtheFellowsrunscatteringabouttheLand,asiftheywantedtoseetheCountry:Iobserv'dthatthethreeotherMenhadLibertytogoalsowheretheypleas'd;buttheySatdownallthreeupontheGround,verypensive,andlook'dlikeMeninDespair.ThisputmeinMindofthefirstTimewhenIcameonShore,andbegantolookaboutme;HowIgavemyselfoverforlost:HowwildlyIlook'droundme:WhatdreadfulApprehensionsIhad:AndhowIlodg'dintheTreeallNightforfearofbeingdevour'd
bywildBeasts.AsIknewnothingthatNightoftheSupplyIwastoreceivebytheprovidentialDrivingoftheShipnearertheLand,bytheStormsandTide,bywhichIhavesincebeensolongnourish'dandSupported;sothesethreepoordesolateMenknewnothinghowcertainofDeliveranceandSupplytheywere,hownearitwastothem,andhoweffectuallyandreallytheywereinaConditionofSafety,atthesameTimethattheythoughtthemselveslost,andtheirCasedesperate.SolittledoweseebeforeusintheWorld,andsomuchreasonhavewetodependchearfullyuponthegreatMakeroftheWorld,thathedoesnotleavehisCreaturessoabsolutelydestitute,butthatintheworstCircumstancestheyhavealwayssomethingtobethankfulfor,andsometimesarenearertheirDeliverancethantheyimagine;nay,areevenbroughttotheirDeliverancebytheMeansbywhichtheyseemtobebroughttotheirDestruction.ItwasjustattheTopofHigh-WaterwhenthesePeoplecameonShore,andwhilepartlytheystoodparlyingwiththePrisonerstheybrought,andpartlywhiletheyrambledabouttoseewhatkindofaPlacetheywerein;theyhadcarelesslystaidtilltheTidewasspent,andtheWaterwasebb'dconsiderablyaway,leavingtheirBoata-ground.TheyhadlefttwoMenintheBoat,whoasIfoundafterwards,havingdrankalittletoomuchBrandy,fella-sleep;however,oneofthemwakingSoonerthantheother,andfindingtheBoattoofasta-groundforhimtostirit,hollow'dfortherestwhowerestragglingabout,uponwhichtheyallSooncametotheBoat;butitwaspastalltheirStrengthtolaunchher,theBoatbeingveryheavy,andtheShoreonthatSidebeingasoftousySand,almostlikeaQuick-Sand.InthisCondition,liketrueSeamenwhoareperhapstheandleastofallMankindgiventolore-thought,theygaveitover,andawaytheystroll'dabouttheCountryagain;andIheardoneofthemsayaloudtoanother,callingthemofffromtheBoat,Whyletheralone,Jack,can'tye,shewillfloatnextTide;bywhichIwasfullyconfirm'dinthemainEnquiry,ofwhatCountrymentheywere.AllthiswhileIkeptmyselfveryclose,notoncedaringtostiroutofmyCastle,anyfartherthantomyPlaceofObservation,neartheTopoftheHill;andverygladIwas,tothinkhowwellitwasfortify'd:IknewitwasnolessthantenHoursbeforetheBoatcouldbeonfloatagain,andbythatTimeitwouldbedark,andImightbeatmoreLibertytoseetheirMotions,andtoheartheirDiscourse,iftheyhadany.InthemeanTime,IfittedmyselfupforaBattle,asbefore;thoughwithmore
Caution,knowingIhadtodowithanotherkindofEnemythanIhadatfirst:Iorder'dFridayalso,whoIhadmadeanexcellentMarks-ManwithhisGun,toloadhimselfwithArms:ItookmyselftwoFowling-Pieces,andIgavehimthreeMuskets;myFigureindeedwasveryfierce;IhadmyformidableGoat-SkinCoaton,withthegreatCapIhavemention'd,anakedSwordbymySide,twoPistolsinmyBelt,andaGunuponeachShoulder.ItwasmyDesign,asIsaidabove,nottohavemadeanyAttempttillitwasDark:ButaboutTwoaClock,beingtheHeatoftheDay,IfoundthatinshorttheywereallgonestragglingintotheWoods,andasIthoughtwerelaiddowntoSleep.ThethreepoordistressedMen,tooAnxiousfortheirConditiontogetanySleep,werehoweversetdownundertheShelterofagreatTree,ataboutaquarterofaMilefromme,andasIthoughtoutofsightofanyoftherest.UponthisIresolv'dtodiscovermyselftothem,andlearnsomethingoftheirCondition:ImmediatelyImarch'dintheFigureasabove,myManFridayatagoodDistancebehindme,asformidableforhisArmsasI,butnotmakingquitesostaringaSpectre-likeFigureasIdid.Icameasnearthemundiscover'dasIcould,andthenbeforeanyofthemsawme,Icall'daloudtotheminSpanish,WhatareyeGentlemen?TheystartedupattheNoise,butweretentimesmoreconfoundedwhentheysawme,andtheuncouthFigurethatImade.TheymadenoAnsweratall,butIthoughtIperceiv'dthemjustgoingtoflyfromme,whenIspoketotheminEnglish,Gentlemen,saidI,donotbesurpriz'datme;perhapsyoumayhaveaFriendnearyouwhenyoudidnotexpectit.HemustbesentdirectlyfromHeaventhen,saidoneofthemverygravelytome,andpullingoffhisHatatthesametimetome,forourConditionispasttheHelpofMan.AllHelpisfromHeaven,Sir,saidI.ButcanyouputaStrangerinthewayhowtohelpyou,foryouseemtometobeinsomegreatDistress?Isawyouwhenyoulanded,andwhenyouSeem'dtomakeApplicationstotheBrutesthatcamewithyou,IsawoneofthemliftuphisSwordtokillyou.ThepoorManwithTearsrunningdownhisFace,andtrembling,lookinglikeoneastonish'd,return'd,AmItalkingtoGod,orMan!IsitarealMan,oranAngel!Beinnofearaboutthat,Sir,saidI,ifGodhadsentanAngeltorelieveyou,hewouldhavecomebetterCloath'd,andArm'dafteranothermannerthanyouseemein;praylayasideyourFears,IamaMan,anEnglish-man,anddispos'dtoassistyou,yousee;IhaveoneServantonly;wehaveArmsandAmmunition;tellusfreely,Canweserveyou?-WhatisyourCase?OurCase,saidhe,Sir,istoolongtotellyou,whileourMurtherersaresonear;butinShort,Sir,IwasCommanderofthatShip,myMenhaveMutiniedagainstme;they
havebeenhardlyprevail'donnottoMurtherme,andatlasthavesetmeonShoreinthisdesolatePlace,withthesetwoMenwithme;onemyMate,theotheraPassenger,whereweexpectedtoPerish,believingthePlacetobeuninhabited,andknownotyetwhattothinkofit.WherearethoseBrutes,yourEnemies,saidI,doyouknowwheretheyaregone?Theretheylye,Sir,Saidhe,pointingtoaThicketofTrees;myHearttrembles,forfeartheyhaveseenus,andheardyouspeak,iftheyhave,theywillcertainlyMurtherusall.HavetheyanyFire-Arms,saidI,HeansweredtheyhadonlytwoPieces,andonewhichtheyleftintheBoat.Wellthen,SaidI,leavetheresttome;Iseetheyareallasleep,itisaneasiethingtokillthemall;butshallwerathertakethemPrisoners?HetoldmethereweretwodesperateVillainsamongthem,thatitwasscarcesafetoshewanyMercyto;butiftheyweresecur'd,hebeliev'dalltherestwouldreturntotheirDuty.Iask'dhim,whichtheywere?Hetoldmehecouldnotatthatdistancedescribethem;buthewouldobeymyOrdersinanythingIwoulddirect.Well,saysI,letusretreatoutoftheirVieworHearing,leasttheyawake,andwewillresolvefurther;sotheywillinglywentbackwithme,tilltheWoodscover'dusfromthem.Lookyou,Sir,saidI,ifIventureuponyourDeliverance,areyouwillingtomaketwoConditionswithme?heanticipatedmyProposals,bytellingme,thatbothheandtheShip,ifrecover'd,shouldbewhollyDirectedandCommandedbymeineverything;andiftheShipwasnotrecover'd,hewouldliveanddyewithmeinwhatPartoftheWorldsoeverIwouldsendhim;andthetwootherMensaidthesame.Well,saysI,myConditionsarebuttwo.1.ThatwhileyoustayonthisIslandwithme,youwillnotpretendtoanyAuthorityhere;andifIputArmsintoyourHands,youwilluponallOccasionsgivethemuptome,anddonoPrejudicetomeormine,uponthisIsland,andinthemeantimebegovern'dbymyOrders.2.ThatiftheShipis,ormayberecover'd,youwillcarrymeandmyMantoEnglandPassagefree.HegavemealltheAssurancesthattheInventionandFaithofMancoulddevise,thathewouldcomplywiththesemostreasonableDemands,andbesideswouldowehisLifetome,andacknowledgeituponallOccasionsaslongasheliv'd.Wellthen,saidI,herearethreeMusketsforyou,withPowderandBall;tellmenextwhatyouthinkispropertobedone.Heshew'dalltheTestimonyofhisGratitudethathewasable;butoffer'dtobewhollyguidedbyme.ItoldhimIthoughtitwashardventuringanything;butthebestMethodIcouldthinkofwastofireuponthemat
once,astheylay;andifanywasnotkill'datthefirstVolley,andofferedtosubmit,wemightsavethem,andsoputitwhollyuponGod'sProvidencetodirecttheShot.Hesaidverymodestly,thathewasloathtokillthem,ifhecouldhelpit,butthatthosetwowereincorrigibleVillains,andhadbeentheAuthorsofalltheMutinyintheShip,andiftheyescaped,weshouldbeundonestill;fortheywouldgoonBoard,andbringthewholeShip'sCompany,anddestroyusall.Wellthen,saysI,NecessitylegitimatesmyAdvice;foritistheonlyWaytosaveourLives.However,seeinghimstillcautiousofsheddingBlood,Itoldhimtheyshouldgothemselves,andmanageastheyfoundconvenient.IntheMiddleofthisDiscourse,weheardsomeofthemawake,andsoonafter,wesawtwoofthemontheirFeet,Iask'dhim,ifeitherofthemwereoftheMenwhohehadsaidweretheHeadsoftheMutiny?Hesaid,No:Wellthen,saidI,youmayletthemescape,andProvidenceseemstohavewaknedthemonPurposetosavethemselves.Now,saysI,iftherestescapeyou,itisyourFault.Animatedwiththis,hetooktheMusket,Ihadgivenhim,inhisHand,andaPistolinhisBelt,andhistwoComeradeswithhim,witheachManaPieceinhisHand.ThetwoMenwhowerewithhim,goingfirst,madesomeNoise,atwhichoneoftheSeamenwhowasawake,turn'dabout,andseeingthemcoming,cry'douttotherest;butitwastoolatethen;fortheMomenthecry'dout,theyfir'd;ImeanthetwoMen,theCaptainwiselyreservinghisownPiece:Theyhadsowellaim'dtheirShotattheMentheyknew,thatoneofthemwaskill'dontheSpot,andtheotherverymuchwounded;butnotbeingdead,hestartedupuponhisFeet,andcall'deagerlyforhelptotheother;buttheCaptainsteppingtohim,toldhim,'twastoolatetocryforhelp,heshouldcalluponGodtoforgivehisVillany,andwiththatWordknock'dhimdownwiththeStockofhisMusket,sothatheneverspokemore:TherewerethreemoreintheCompany,andoneofthemwasalsoslightlywounded:BythisTimeIwascome,andwhentheysawtheirDanger,andthatitwasinvaintoresist,theybegg'dforMercy:TheCaptaintoldthem,hewouldsparetheirLives,iftheywouldgivehimanyAssuranceoftheirAbhorrenceoftheTreacherytheyhadbeenguiltyof,andwouldsweartobefaithfultohiminrecoveringtheShip,andafterwardsincarryingherbacktoJamaica,fromwhencetheycame:TheygavehimalltheProtestationsoftheirSinceritythatcouldbedesir'd,andhewaswillingtobelievethem,andsparetheirLives,whichIwasnotagainst,onlythatIoblig'dhimtokeepthemboundHandandFootwhiletheywereupontheIsland.Whilethiswasdoing,IsentFridaywiththeCaptain'sMatetotheBoat,withOrderstosecureher,andbringawaytheOars,andSail,whichtheydid;andbyandby,threestragglingMenthatwere(happilyforthem)partedfromtherest,camebackuponhearingtheGunsfir'd,andseeingtheirCaptain,whobeforewastheirPrisoner,nowtheirConqueror,theysubmittedtobeboundalso;andsoourVictorywascompleat.
Itnowremain'd,thattheCaptainandIshouldenquireintooneanother'sCircumstances:Ibeganfirst,andtoldhimmywholeHistory,whichheheardwithanAttentioneventoAmazement;andparticularly,atthewonderfulMannerofmybeingfurnish'dwithProvisionsandAmmunition;andindeed,asmyStoryisawholeCollectionofWonders,itaffectedhimdeeply;butwhenhereflectedfromthenceuponhimself,andhowIseem'dtohavebeenpreserv'dthere,onpurposetosavehisLife,theTearsrandownhisFace,andhecouldnotspeakaWordmore.AfterthisCommunicationwasatanEnd,Icarry'dhimandhistwoMenintomyApartment,leadingthemin,justwhereIcameout,viz.AttheTopoftheHouse,whereIrefresh'dthemwithsuchProvisionsasIhad,andshew'dthemalltheContrivancesIhadmade,duringmylong,long,inhabitingthatPlace.AllIshew'dthem,allISaidtothem,wasperfectlyamazing;butaboveall,theCaptainadmir'dmyFortification,andhowperfectlyIhadconceal'dmyRetreatwithaGroveofTrees,whichhavingbeennowplantedneartwentyYears,andtheTreesgrowingmuchfasterthaninEngland,wasbecomealittleWood,andsothick,thatitwasunpassableinanyPartofit,butatthatoneSide,whereIhadreserv'dmylittlewindingPassageintoit:Itoldhim,thiswasmyCastle,andmyResidence;butthatIhadaSeatintheCountry,asmostPrinceshave,whitherIcouldretreatuponOccasion,andIwouldshewhimthattooanotherTime;butatpresent,ourBusinesswastoconsiderhowtorecovertheShip:Heagreedwithmeastothat;buttoldme,hewasperfectlyataLosswhatMeasurestotake;forthattherewerestillsixandtwentyHandsonboard,whohavingentredintoacursedConspiracy,bywhichtheyhadallforfeitedtheirLivestotheLaw,wouldbeharden'dinitnowbyDesperation;andwouldcarryiton,knowingthatiftheywerereduc'd,theyshouldbebroughttotheGallows,assoonastheycametoEngland,ortoanyoftheEnglishColonies;andthatthereforetherewouldbenoattackingthem,withsosmallaNumberaswewere.Imus'dforsomeTimeuponwhathehadsaid;andfounditwasaveryrationalConclusion;andthatthereforesomethingwastoberesolv'donveryspeedily,aswelltodrawtheMenonboardintosomeSnarefortheirSurprize,astopreventtheirLandinguponus,anddestroyingus;uponthisitpresentlyoccurr'dtome,thatinalittlewhiletheShip'sCrewwondringwhatwasbecomeoftheirComrades,andoftheBoat,wouldcertainlycomeonShoreintheirotherBoat,toseeforthem,andthatthenperhapstheymightcomearm'd,andbetoostrongforus;thisheallow'dwasrational.Uponthis,ItoldhimthefirstThingwehadtodo,wastostavetheBoat,whichlayupontheBeach,sothattheymightnotcarryheroff;andtakingeveryThingoutofher,leavehersofaruselessasnottobefittoswim;accordinglywewentonboard,tooktheArmswhichwereleftonboard,outofher,andwhateverelsewefoundthere,whichwasaBottleofBrandy,andanotherofRum,afewBisketCakes,aHornof
Powder,andagreatLumpofSugar,inaPieceofCanvas;theSugarwasfiveorsixPounds;allwhichwasverywelcometome,especiallytheBrandy,andSugar,ofwhichIhadhadnoneleftformanyYears.Whenwehadcarry'dalltheseThingsonShore(theOars,Mast,Sail,andRudderoftheBoat,werecarry'dawaybefore,asabove)weknock'dagreatHoleinherBottom,thatiftheyhadcomestrongenoughtomasterus,yettheycouldnotcarryofftheBoat.Indeed,itwasnotmuchinmyThoughts,thatwecouldbeabletorecovertheShip;butmyViewwasthatiftheywentawaywithouttheBoat,Ididnotmuchquestiontomakeherfitagain,tocarryusawaytotheLeewardIslands,andcalluponourFriends,theSpaniards,inmyWay,forIhadthemstillinmyThoughts.WhilewewerethuspreparingourDesigns,andhadfirst,bymainStrengthheav'dtheBoatupupontheBeach,sohighthattheTidewouldnotfleetheroffatHigh-Water-Mark;andbesides,hadbrokeaHoleinherBottom,toobigtobequicklystopp'd,andweresatdownmusingwhatweshoulddo;weheardtheShipfireaGun,andsawhermakeaWaftwithherAntient,asaSignalfortheBoattocomeonboard;butnoBoatstirr'd;andtheyfir'dseveralTimes,makingotherSignalsfortheBoat.Atlast,whenalltheirSignalsandFiringsprov'dfruitless,andtheyfoundtheBoatdidnotstir,wesawthembytheHelpofmyGlasses,hoistanotherBoatout,androwtowardstheShore;andwefoundastheyapproach'd,thattherewasnolessthantenMeninher,andthattheyhadFire-Armswiththem.AstheShiplayalmosttwoLeaguesfromtheShore,wehadafullViewofthemastheycame,andaplainSightoftheMenevenoftheirFaces,becausetheTidehavingsetthemalittletotheEastoftheotherBoat,theyrow'dupunderShore,tocometothesamePlace,wheretheotherhadlanded,andwheretheBoatlay.BythisMeans,Isay,wehadafullViewofthem,andtheCaptainknewthePersonsandCharactersofalltheMenintheBoat,ofwhomhesaid,thattherewerethreeveryhonestFellows,whohewassurewereledintothisConspiracybytherest,beingover-power'dandfrighted.ButthatasfortheBoatswain,whoitseemswasthechiefOfficeramongthem,andalltherest,theywereasoutragiousasanyoftheShip'sCrew,andwerenodoubtmadedesperateintheirnewEnterprize,andterriblyapprehensivehewas,thattheywouldbetoopowerfulforus.Ismil'dathim,andtoldhim,thatMeninourCircumstanceswerepasttheOperation
ofFear:ThatseeingalmosteveryConditionthatcouldbe,wasbetterthanthatwhichweweresuppos'dtobein,weoughttoexpectthattheConsequence,whetherDeathorLife,wouldbesuretobeaDeliverance:Iask'dhim,WhathethoughtoftheCircumstancesofmyLife?And,WhetheraDeliverancewerenotworthventuringfor?Andwhere,Sir,saidI,isyourBeliefofmybeingpreserv'dhereonpurposetosaveyourLife,whichelevatedyoualittlewhileago?FormyPart,saidI,thereseemstobebutoneThingamissinalltheProspectofit;What'sthat?Sayshe;why,saidI,'Tis,thatasyousay,therearethreeorfourhonestFellowsamongthem,whichshouldbespar'd;hadtheybeenallofthewickedPartoftheCrew,IshouldhavethoughtGod'sProvidencehadsingledthemouttodeliverthemintoyourHands;fordependuponit,everyManofthemthatcomesa-shoreareourown,andshalldie,orlive,astheybehavetous.AsIspokethiswitharais'dVoiceandchearfulCountenance,Ifounditgreatlyencourag'dhim;sowesetvigorouslytoourBusiness:WehaduponthefirstAppearanceoftheBoat'scomingfromtheShip,consider'dofseparatingourPrisoners,andhadindeedsecur'dthemeffectually.Twoofthem,ofwhomtheCaptainwaslessassur'dthanordinary,IsentwithFriday,andoneofthethree(deliver'dMen)tomyCave,wheretheywereremoteenough,andoutofDangerofbeingheardordiscover'd,oroffindingtheirwayoutoftheWoods,iftheycouldhavedeliver'dthemselves:Heretheyleftthembound,butgavethemProvisions,Theypromis'dthemiftheycontinu'dtherequietly,togivethemtheirLibertyinaDayortwo;butthatiftheyattemptedtheirEscape,theyshouldbeputtoDeathwithoutMercy:Theypromis'dfaithfullytobeartheirConfinementwithPatience,andwereverythankfulthattheyhadsuchgoodUsage,astohaveProvisions,andaLightleftthem;forFridaygavethemCandles(suchaswemadeourselves)fortheirComfort;andtheydidnotknowbutthathestoodSentineloverthemattheEntrance.TheotherPrisonershadbetterUsage;twoofthemwerekeptpinion'dindeed,becausetheCaptainwasnotfreetotrustthem;buttheothertwoweretakenintomyServiceupontheirCaptain'sRecommendation,andupontheirsolemnlyengagingtoliveanddiewithus;sowiththemandthethreehonestMen,weweresevenMen,wellarm'd;andImadenodoubtweshou'dbeabletodealwellenoughwiththeTenthatwereacoming,consideringthattheCaptainhadsaid,therewerethreeorfourhonestMenamongthemalso.AssoonastheygottothePlacewheretheirotherBoatlay,theyruntheirBoatintotheBeach,andcameallonShore,halingtheBoatupafterthem,whichIwasgladtosee;forIwasafraidtheywouldratherhavelefttheBoatatanAnchor,someDistancefromtheShore,withsomeHandsinher,toguardher;andsoweshouldnotbeabletoseizetheBoat.
BeingonShore,thefirstThingtheydid,theyranalltotheirotherBoat,anditwaseasytoseethattheywereunderagreatSurprize,tofindherstripp'dasabove,ofallthatwasinher,andagreatholeinherBottom.Aftertheyhadmus'dawhileuponthis,theysetuptwoorthreegreatShouts,hollowingwithalltheirmight,totryiftheycouldmaketheirCompanionshear;butallwastonopurpose:ThentheycameallcloseinaRing,andfir'daVolleyoftheirsmallArms,whichindeedweheard,andtheEcchosmadetheWoodsring;butitwasallOne,thoseintheCaveweweresurecouldnothear,andthoseinourkeeping,thoughtheyhearditwellenough,yetdurstgivenoAnswertothem.Theyweresoastonish'dattheSurprizeofthis,thatastheytoldusafterwards,theyresolv'dtogoallonboardagaintotheirShip,andletthemknow,thattheMenwereallmurther'd,andtheLong-Boatstav'd;accordinglytheyimmediatelylaunch'dtheirBoatagain,andgatallofthemonboard.TheCaptainwasterriblyamaz'd,andevenconfoundedatthis,believingtheywouldgoonboardtheShipagain,andsetSail,givingtheirComradesforlost,andsoheshouldstilllosetheShip,whichhewasinHopesweshouldhaverecover'd;buthewasquicklyasmuchfrightedtheotherway.TheyhadnotbeenlongputoffwiththeBoat,butweperceiv'dthemallcomingonShoreagain;butwiththisnewMeasureintheirConduct,whichitseemstheyconsultedtogetherupon,viz.ToleavethreeMenintheBoat,andtheresttogoonShore,andgoupintotheCountrytolookfortheirFellows.ThiswasagreatDisappointmenttous;fornowwewereataLosswhattodo;forourSeizingthoseSevenMenonShorewouldbenoAdvantagetous,ifwelettheBoatescape;becausetheywouldthenrowawaytotheShip,andthentherestofthemwouldbesuretoweighandsetSail,andsoourrecoveringtheShipwouldbelost.However,wehadnoRemedy,buttowaitandseewhattheIssueofThingsmightpresent;thesevenMencameonShore,andthethreewhoremain'dintheBoat,putherofftoagoodDistancefromtheShore,andcametoanAnchortowaitforthem;sothatitwasimpossibleforustocomeatthemintheBoat.ThosethatcameonShore,keptclosetogether,marchingtowardstheTopofthelittleHill,underwhichmyHabitationlay;andwecouldseethemplainly,thoughtheycouldnotperceiveus:Wecouldhavebeenverygladtheywouldhavecomenearertous,sothatwemighthavefir'datthem,orthattheywouldhavegonefartheroff,thatwemighthavecomeabroad.
ButwhentheywerecometotheBrowoftheHill,wheretheycouldseeagreatwayintotheValleysandWoods,whichlaytowardstheNorth-EastPart,andwheretheIslandlaylowest,theyshouted,andhollow'd,tilltheywereweary;andnotcaringitseemstoventurefarfromtheShore,norfarfromoneanother,theysatdowntogetherunderaTree,toconsiderofit:Hadtheythoughtfittohavegonetosleepthere,astheotherPartyofthemhaddone,theyhaddonetheJobbforus;buttheyweretoofullofApprehensionsofDanger,toventuretogotosleep,thoughtheycouldnottellwhattheDangerwastheyhadtofearneither.TheCaptainmadeaveryjustProposaltome,uponthisConsultationoftheirs,viz.ThatperhapstheywouldallfireaVolleyagain,toendeavourtomaketheirFellowshear,andthatweshouldallSallyuponthem,justattheJuncturewhentheirPieceswerealldischarg'd,andtheywouldcertainlyyield,andweshouldhavethemwithoutBloodshed:Ilik'dtheProposal,provideditwasdonewhileweheard,whentheywerepresentlystopp'dbytheCreek,wheretheWaterbeingup,theycouldnotgetover,andcall'dfortheBoattocomeup,andSetthemover,asindeedIexpected.WhentheyhadSetthemselvesover,Iobserv'd,thattheBoatbeinggoneupagoodwayintotheCreek,andasitwere,inaHarbourwithintheLand,theytookoneofthethreeMenoutofhertogoalongwiththem,andleftonlytwointheBoat,havingfastnedhertotheStumpofalittleTreeontheShore.ThiswaswhatIwish'dfor,andimmediatelyleavingFridayandtheCaptain'sMatetotheirBusiness,Itooktherestwithme,andcrossingtheCreekoutoftheirSight,wesurpriz'dthetwoMenbeforetheywereaware;oneofthemlyingonShore,andtheotherbeingintheBoat;theFellowonShore,wasbetweensleepingandwaking,andgoingtostartup,theCaptainwhowasforemost,raninuponhim,andknock'dhimdown,andthencall'douttohimintheBoat,toyield,orhewasadeadMan.ThereneededveryfewArgumentstoperswadeasingleMantoyield,whenheSawfiveMenuponhim,andhisComradeknock'ddown;besides,thiswasitseemsoneofthethreewhowerenotsoheartyintheMutinyastherestoftheCrew,andthereforewaseasilyperswaded,notonlytoyield,butafterwardstojoynverysincerewithus.Inthemeantime,FridayandtheCaptain'sMatesowellmanag'dtheirBusinesswiththerest,thattheydrewthembyhollowingandanswering,fromoneHilltoanother,andfromoneWoodtoanother,tilltheynotonlyheartilytyr'dthembutleftthem,wheretheywereverySuretheycouldnotreachbacktotheBoat,beforeitwasdark;andindeedtheywereheartilytyr'dthemselvesalsobytheTimetheycamebacktous.Wehadnothingnowtodo,buttowatchforthem,intheDark,andtofalluponthem,soastomakesureworkwiththem.
ItwasseveralHoursafterFridaycamebacktome,beforetheycamebacktotheirBoat;andwecouldheartheforemostofthemlongbeforetheycamequiteup,callingtothosebehindtocomealong,andcouldalsohearthemanswerandcomplain,howlameandtyr'dtheywere,andnotableto-comeanyfaster,whichwasverywelcomeNewstous.AtlengththeycameuptotheBoat;but'tisimpossibletoexpresstheirConfusion,whentheyfoundtheBoatfasta-GroundintheCreek,theTideebb'dout,andtheirtwoMengoneWecouldhearthemcalltooneanotherinamostlamentableManner,tellingoneanother,theyweregottenintoaninchantedIsland;thateithertherewereInhabitantsinit,andtheyshouldallbemurther'd,orelsetherewereDevilsandSpiritsinit,andtheyshouldbeallcarry'daway,anddevour'd.Theyhallow'dagain,andcall'dtheirtwoComeradesbytheirNames,agreatmanytimes,butnoAnswer.Aftersometime,wecouldseethem,bythelittleLighttherewas,runaboutwringingtheirHandslikeMeninDespair;andthatsometimestheywouldgoandsitdownintheBoattorestthemselves,thencomeashoreagain,andwalkaboutagain,andsooverthesamethingagain.MyMenwouldfainhavemegiventhemLeavetofalluponthematonceintheDark;butIwaswillingtotakethematsomeAdvantage,sotosparethem,andkillasfewofthemasIcould;andespeciallyIwasunwillingtohazardthekillinganyofourownMen,knowingtheotherwereverywellarmed.Iresolvedtowaittoseeiftheydidnotseparate;andthereforetomakesureofthem,IdrewmyAmbuscadenearer,andorder'dFridayandtheCaptain,tocreepupontheirHandsandFeetasclosetotheGroundastheycould,thattheymightnotbediscover'd,andgetasnearthemastheycouldpossibly,beforetheyofferedtofire.TheyhadnotbeenlonginthatPosture,butthattheBoatswain,whowastheprincipalRingleaderoftheMutiny,andhadnowshewnhimselfthemostdejectedanddispiritedofalltherest,camewalkingtowardsthemwithtwomoreoftheirCrew;theCaptainwassoeager,ashavingthisprincipalRoguesomuchinhisPower,thathecouldhardlyhavePatiencetolethimcomesonear,astobesureofhim;fortheyonlyheardhisTonguebefore:Butwhentheycamenearer,theCaptainandFridaystartingupontheirFeet,letflyatthem.TheBoatswainwaskill'dupontheSpot,thenextManwasShotintotheBody,andfelljustbyhim,tho'hedidnotdie'tillanHourortwoafter;andthethirdrunforit.AttheNoiseoftheFire,Iimmediatelyadvanc'dwithmywholeArmy,whichwasnow8Men,viz.myselfGeneralissimo,FridaymyLieutenant-General,theCaptainandhistwoMen,andthethreePrisonersofWar,whowehadtrustedwithArms.
WecameuponthemindeedintheDark,sothattheycouldnotseeourNumber;andImadetheManwehadleftintheBoat,whowasnowoneofus,calltothembyName,totryifIcouldbringthemtoaParley,andsomightperhapsreducethemtoTerms,whichfelloutjustaswedesir'd:fordeeditwaseasytothink,astheirConditionthenwas,theywouldbeverywillingtocapitulate;sohecallsoutasloudashecould,tooneofthem,TomSmith,TomSmith;TomSmithansweredimmediately,Who'sthat,Robinson?foritseemsheknewhisVoice:T'otheranswered,Ay,ay;forGod'sSake,TomSmith,throwdownyourArms,andyield,or,youarealldeadMenthisMoment.Whomustmeyieldto?wherearethey?(saysSmithagain;)Heretheyare:sayshe,here'sourCaptain,andfiftyMenwithhim,havebeenhuntingyouthistwoHours;theBoatswainiskill'd,WillFryeiswounded,andIamaPrisoner;andifyoudonotyield,youarealllost.Willtheygiveus.Quarterthen,(saysTomSmith)andwewillyield?I'llgoandask,ifyoupromisetoyield,saysRobinson;Soheass:'dtheCaptain,andtheCaptainthencallshimselfout,YouSmith,youknowmyVoice,ifyoulaydownyourArmsimmediately,andsubmit,youshallhaveyourLivesallbutWill.Atkins.Uponthis,WillAtkinscry'dout,ForGod'sSake,Captain,givemeQuarter,whathaveIdone?TheyhavebeenallasbadasI,whichbytheWaywasnottrueneither;foritseemsthisWill.AtkinswasthefirstManthatlaidholdoftheCaptain,whentheyfirstmutiny'd,andusedhimbarbarously,intyinghisHands,andgivinghiminjuriousLanguage.However,theCaptaintoldhimhemustlaydownhisArmsatDiscretion,andtrusttotheGovernour'sMercy,bywhichhemeantme;fortheyallcall'dmeGovernour.InaWord,theyalllaiddowntheirArms,andbegg'dtheirLives;andIsenttheManthathadparley'dwiththem,andtwomore,whoboundthemall;andthenmygreatArmyof50Men,whichparticularlywiththosethree,wereallbuteight,cameupandseiz'duponthemall,andupontheirBoat,onlythatIkeptmyselfandonemoreoutofSight,forReasonsofState.OurnextWorkwastorepairtheBoat,andthinkofseizingtheShip;andasfortheCaptain,nowhehadLeisuretoparleywiththem:HeexpostulatedwiththemupontheVillanyoftheirPracticeswithhim,andatlengthuponthefartherWickednessoftheirDesign,andhowcertainlyitmustbringthemtoMiseryandDistressintheEnd,andperhapstotheGallows.Theyallappear'dverypenitent,andbegg'dhardfortheirLives;asforthat,hetoldthem,theywerenoneofhisPrisoners,buttheCommanderoftheIsland;thattheythoughttheyhadsethimonShoreinabarrenuninhabitedIsland,butithadpleased
Godsotodirectthem,thattheIslandwasinhabited,andthattheGovernourwasanEnglishMan;thathemighthangthemallthere,ifhepleased;butashehadgiventhemallQuarter,hesupposedhewouldsendthemtoEnglandtobedealtwiththere,asJusticerequir'd,exceptAtkins,whohewascommandedbytheGovernourtoadvisetoprepareforDeath;forthathewouldbehang'dintheMorning.ThoughthiswasallaFictionofhisown,yetithaditsdesiredEffect;AtkinsfelluponhisKneestobegtheCaptaintointerceedwiththeGovernourforhisLife;andalltherestbeg'dofhimforGod'sSake,thattheymightnotbesenttoEngland.Itnowoccurr'dtome,thatthetimeofourDeliverancewascome,andthatitwouldbeamosteasythingtobringtheseFellowsin,tobeheartyingettingPossessionoftheShip;soIretir'dintheDarkfromthem,thattheymightnotseewhatKindofaGovernourtheyhad,andcall'dtheCaptaintome;whenIcall'd,asatagoodDistance,oneoftheMenwasorder'dtospeakagain,andsaytotheCaptain,Captain,theCommandercallsforyou;andpresentlytheCaptainreply'd,TellhisExcellency,Iamjustacoming:Thismoreperfectlyamused'them;andtheyallbelievedthattheCommanderwasjustbywithhisfiftyMen.UpontheCaptain'scomingtome,ItoldhimmyProjectforseizingtheShip,whichhelik'dofwonderfullywell,andresolv'dtoputitinExecutionthenextMorning.ButinOrdertoexecuteitwithmoreArt,andsecureofSuccess,Itoldhim,wemustdividethePrisoners,andthatheshouldgoandtakeAtkinsandtwomoreoftheworstofthem,andsendthempinion'dtotheCavewheretheotherslay:ThiswascommittedtoFridayandthetwoMenwhocameonShorewiththeCaptain.Theyconvey'dthemtotheCave,astoaPrison;anditwasindeedadismalPlace,especiallytoMenintheirCondition.TheotherIorder'dtomyBower,asIcall'dit,ofwhichIhavegivenafullDescription;andasitwasfenc'din,andtheypinion'd,thePlacewassecureenough,consideringtheywereupontheirBehaviour.TotheseintheMorningIsenttheCaptain,whowastoenterintoaParleywiththem,inaWordtotrythem,andtellme,whetherhethoughttheymightbetrustedorno,toonBoardandsurprizetheShip.Hetalk'dtothemoftheInjurydonehim,oftheConditiontheywerebroughtto;andthatthoughtheGovernourhadgiventhemQuarterfortheirLives,astothepresentAction,yetthatiftheyweresenttoEngland,theywouldallbehang'dinChains,tobesure;butthatiftheywouldjoininsojustanAttempt,astorecovertheShip,hewouldhavetheGovernour'sEngagementfortheirPardon.
AnyonemayguesshowreadilysuchaProposalwouldbeacceptedbyMenintheirCondition;theyfelldownontheirKneestotheCaptain,andpromisedwiththedeepestImprecations,thattheywouldbefaithfultohimtothelastDrop,andthattheyshouldowetheirLivestohim,andwouldgowithhimallovertheWorld,thattheywouldownhimforaFathertothemaslongastheyliv'd.Well,saystheCaptain,ImustgoandtelltheGovernourwhatyousay,andseewhatIcandotobringhimtoconsenttoit:SohebroughtmeanAccountoftheTemperhefoundthemin;andthatheverilybeliev'dtheywouldbefaithful.However,thatwemightbeverysecure,Itoldhimheshouldgobackagain,andchooseoutfiveofthem,andtellthem,theymightseethathedidnotwantMen,thathewouldtakeoutthosefivetobehisAssistants,andthattheGovernourwouldkeeptheothertwo,andthethreethatweresentPrisonerstotheCastle,(myCave)asHostages,fortheFidelityofthosefive;andthatiftheyprov'dunfaithfulintheExecution,thefiveHostagesshouldbehang'dinChainsaliveupontheShore.Thislook'dsevere,andconvinc'dthemthattheGovernourwasinEarnest;howevertheyhadnoWayleftthem,buttoacceptit;anditwasnowtheBusinessofthePrisoners,asmuchasoftheCaptain,toperswadetheotherfivetodotheirDuty.OurStrengthwasnowthusorderedfortheExpedition:1.TheCaptain,hisMate,andPassenger.2.ThenthetwoPrisonersofthefirstGang,towhomhavingtheirCharactersfromtheCaptain,IhadgiventheirLiberty,andtrustedthemwithArms.3.TheothertwowhoIhadkepttillnow,inmyBower,pinion'd;butupontheCaptain'sMotion,hadnowreleas'd.Thesefivereleas'datlast:Sothattheyweretwelveinall,besidesfivewekeptPrisonersintheCave,forHostages.Iask'dtheCaptain,ifhewaswillingtoventurewiththeseHandsonBoardtheShip;forasformeandmyManFriday,Ididnotthinkitwasproperforustostir,havingsevenMenleftbehind;anditwasEmploymentenoughforustokeepthemassunder,andsupplythemwithVictuals.AstothefiveintheCave,Iresolv'dtokeepthemfast,butFridaywentintwiceaDaytothem,tosupplythemwithNecessaries;andImadetheothertwocarryProvisionstoacertainDistance,whereFridaywastotakeit.WhenIshew'dmyselftothetwoHostages,itwaswiththeCaptain,whotoldthem,IwasthePersontheGovernourhadorder'dtolookafterthem,andthatitwastheGovernour'sPleasuretheyshouldnotstiranywhere,butbymyDirection;thatiftheydid,theyshouldbefetch'dintotheCastle,andbelay'dinIrons;sothatasweneversufferedthemtoseemeasGovernour,soInowappear'dasanotherPerson,and
SpokeoftheGovernour,theGarrison,theCastle,andthelike,uponallOccasions.TheCaptainnowhadnoDifficultybeforehim,buttofurnishhistwoBoats,StoptheBreachofone,andManthem.HemadehisPassengerCaptainofone,withfourotherMen;andhimself,andhisMate,andfivemore,wentintheother:Andtheycontriv'dtheirBusinessverywell;fortheycameuptotheShipaboutMidnight:AssoonastheycamewithinCalloftheShip,hemadeRobinsonhalethem,andtellthemtheyhadbroughtofftheMenandtheBoat,butthatitwasalongtimebeforetheyhadfoundthem,andthelikeholdingtheminaChat'tilltheycametotheShip'sSidewhentheCaptainandtheMateentringfirstwiththeirArms,immediatelyknock'ddownthesecondMateandCarpenter,withtheBut-endoftheirMuskets,beingveryfaithfullysecondedbytheirMen,theysecur'dalltherestthatwereupontheMainandQuarterDecks,andbegantofastentheHatchestokeepthemdownwhowerebelow,whentheotherBoatandtheirMenentringattheforeChains,secur'dtheFore-CastleoftheShip,andtheScuttlewhichwentdownintotheCookRoom,makingthreeMentheyfoundthere,Prisoners.Whenthiswasdone,andallsafeuponDeck,theCaptainorder'dtheMatewiththreeMentobreakintotheRound-HousewherethenewRebelCaptainlay,andhavingtakentheAlarm,wasgottenup,andwithtwoMenandaBoyhadgottenFireArmsintheirHands,andwhentheMatewithaCrowsplitopentheDoor,thenewCaptainandhisMenfir'dboldlyamongthem,andwoundedtheMatewithaMusketBallwhichbrokehisArm,andwoundedtwomoreofthebutkill'dnoBody.TheMatecallingforHelp,rush'dhoweverintotheRound-House,woundedashewas,andwithhisPistolshotthenewCaptainthro'theHead,theBulletentringathisMouth,andcameoutagainbehindoneofhisEars;sothatheneverspokeaWord;uponwhichtherestyielded,andtheShipwastakeneffectually,withoutanymoreLiveslost.AssoonastheShipwasthussecur'd,theCaptainorder'dsevenGunstobefir'd,whichwastheSignalagreeduponwithme,togivemeNoticeofhisSuccess,whichyoumaybesureIwasverygladtohear,havingsatwatchingupontheShoreforittillneartwooftheClockintheMorning.Part8HavingthusheardtheSignalplainly,Ilaidmedown;andithavingbeenaDayofgreatFatiguetome,Isleptverysound,'tillIwassomethingsurpriz'dwiththeNoiseofaGun;andpresentlystartingup,IheardaMancallmebytheNameofGovernour,
Governour,andpresentlyIknewtheCaptain'sVoice,whenclimbinguptotheTopoftheHill,therehestood,andpointingtotheShip,heembrac'dmeinArms,MydearFriendandDeliverer,sayshe,there'syourShip,forsheisallyours,andsoareweandallthatbelongtoher.IcastmyEyestotheShip,andtheresherodewithinlittlemorethanhalfaMileoftheShore;fortheyhadweighedforassoonastheywereMastersofher;andtheWeatherbeingfair,hadbroughthertoanAnchorjustagainsttheMouthofthelittleCreek;andtheTidebeingup,theCaptainhadbroughtthePinnaceinnearthePlacewhereIatfirstlandedmyRafts,andsolandedjustatmyDoor.IwasatfirstreadytosinkdownwiththeSurprize.ForIsawmyDeliveranceindeedvisiblyputintomyHands,allthingseasy,andalargeShipjustreadytocarrymeawaywhitherIpleasedtogo.Atfirst,forsometime,IwasnotabletoanswerhimoneWord;butashehadtakenmeinhisArms,Iheldfastbyhim,orIshouldhavefallentotheGround.HeperceivedtheSurprize,andimmediatelypullsaBottleoutofhisPocket,andgavemeaDramofCordial,whichhehadbroughtonPurposeforme;afterIhaddrankit,IsatdownupontheGround;andthoughitbroughtmetomyself,yetitwasagoodwhilebeforeIcouldspeakaWordtohim.AllthiswhilethepoorManwasinasgreatanExtasyasI,onlynotunderanySurprize,asIwas;andhesaidathousandkindtenderthingstome,tocomposemeandbringmetomyself;butsuchwastheFloodofJoyinmyBreast,thatitputallmySpiritsintoConfusion,atlastitbrokeoutintoTears,andinalittlewhileafter,IrecoveredmySpeech.ThenItookmyTurn,andembrac'dhimasmyDeliverer;andwerejoyc'dtogether.Itoldhim,IlookuponhimasaMansentfromHeaventodeliverme,andthatthewholeTransactionseemedtobeaChainofWonders;thatsuchthingsastheseweretheTestimonieswehadofasecretHandofProvidencegoverningtheWorld,andanEvidence,thattheEyesofaninfinitePowercouldsearchintotheremotestCorneroftheWorld,andsendHelptotheMiserablewheneverhepleased.IforgotnottoliftupmyHeartinThankfulnesstoHeaven,andwhatHeartcouldforbeartoblesshim,whohadnotonlyinamiraculousMannerprovidedforoneinsuchaWilderness,andinsuchadesolateCondition,butfromwhomeveryDeliverancemustalwaysbeacknowledgedtoproceed.Whenwehadtalk'dawhile,theCaptaintoldme,hehadbroughtmesomelittleRefreshment,suchastheShipafforded,andsuchastheWretchesthathadbeensolonghisMasterhadnotplunder'dhimof:Uponthishecall'daloudtotheBoat,andbidhisMenbringthethingsashorethatwerefortheGovernour;andindeeditwasaPresent,asifIhadbeenonenotthatwastobecarry'dawayalongwiththem,butasifIhadbeentodwellupontheIslandstill,andtheyweretogowithoutme.
FirsthehadbroughtmeaCaseofBottlesfullofexcellentCordialWaters,sixlargeBottlesofMaderaWine;theBottlesheldtwoQuartsa-piece;twoPoundofexcellentgoodTobacco,twelvegoodPiecesoftheShip'sBeef,andsixPiecesofPork,withaBagofPease,andaboutahundredWeightofBisket.HebroughtmealsoaBoxofSugar,aBoxofFlower,aBagfullofLemons,andtwoBottlesofLime-Juice,andAbundanceofotherthings:Butbesidesthese,andwhatwasathousandtimesmoreusefultome,hebroughtmesixcleannewShirts,sixverygoodNeckcloaths,twoPairofGloves,onePairofShoes,aHat,andonePairofStockings,andaverygoodSuitofCloathsofhisown,whichhadbeenwornbutverylittle:InaWord,hecloathedmefromHeadtoFoot.ItwasaverykindandagreeablePresent,asanyonemayimaginetooneinmyCircumstances:ButneverwasanythingintheWorldofthatKindsounpleasant,awkard,anduneasy,asitwastometowearsuchCloathsattheirfirstputtingon.AftertheseCeremoniespast,andafterallhisgoodthingswerebroughtintomylittleApartment,webegantoconsultwhatwastobedonewiththePrisonerswehad;foritwasworthconsidering,whetherwemightventuretotakethemawaywithusorno,especiallytwoofthem,whoweknewtobeincorrigibleandrefractorytothelastDegree;andtheCaptainsaid,heknewtheyweresuchRogues,thattherewasnoobligingthem,andifhedidcarrythemaway,itmustbeinIrons,asMalefactorstobedeliveredovertoJusticeatthefirstEnglishColonyhecouldcomeat;andIfoundthattheCaptainhimselfwasveryanxiousaboutit.Uponthis,Itoldhim,thatifhedesir'dit,IdurstundertaketobringthetwoMenhespokeof,tomakeittheirownRequestthatheshouldleavethemupontheIsland:Ishouldbeverygladofthat,saystheCaptain,withallmyHeart.Well,saysI,Iwillsendforthemup,andtalkwiththemforyou;soIcausedFridayandthetwoHostages,fortheywerenowdischarg'd,theirComradeshavingperform'dtheirPromise;Isay,IcausedthemtogototheCave,andbringupthefiveMenpinion'd,astheywere,totheBower,andkeepthemthere'tillIcame.Aftersometime,Icamethitherdress'dinmynewHabit,andnowIwascall'dGovernouragain;beingallmet,andtheCaptainwithme,IcausedtheMentobebroughtbeforeme,andItoldthem,IhadhadafullAccountoftheirvillanousBehaviourtotheCaptain,andhowtheyhadrunawaywiththeShip,andwerepreparingtocommitfartherRobberies,butthatProvidencehadensnar'dthemintheirownWays,andthattheywerefallenintothePitwhichtheyhaddiggedforothers.
Iletthemknow,thatbymyDirectiontheShiphadbeenseiz'd,thatshelaynowintheRoad;andtheymightseebyandby,thattheirnewCaptainhadreceiv'dtheRewardofhisVillany;forthattheymightseehimhangingattheYard-Arm.Thatastothem,Iwantedtoknowwhattheyhadtosay,whyIshouldnotexecutethemasPiratestakenintheFact,asbymyCommissiontheycouldnotdoubtIhadAuthoritytodo.Oneofthemanswer'dintheNameoftherest,Thattheyhadnothingtosaybutthis,Thatwhentheyweretaken,theCaptainpromis'dthemtheirLives,andtheyhumblyimplor'dmyMercy;ButItoldthem,IknewnotwhatMercytoshewthem;forasformyself,Ihadresolv'dtoquittheIslandwithallmyMen,andhadtakenPassagewiththeCaptaintogoforEngland:AndasfortheCaptain,hecouldnotcarrythemtoEngland,otherthanasPrisonersinIronstobetry'dforMutiny,andrunningawaywiththeShip;theConsequenceofwhich,theymustneedsknow,wouldbetheGallows;sothatIcouldnottellwhichwasbestforthem,unlesstheyhadaMindtotaketheirFateintheIsland;iftheydesir'd,thatIdidnotcare,asIhadLibertytoleaveit,IhadsomeInclinationtogivethemtheirLives,iftheythoughttheycouldshiftonShore.Theyseem'dverythankfulforit,saidtheywouldmuchratherventuretostaythere,thantobecarry'dtoEnglandtobehang'd;soIleftitonthatIssue.However,theCaptainseem'dtomakesomeDifficultyofit,asifhedurstnotleavethemthere:UponthisIseem'dalittleangrywiththeCaptain,andtoldhim,ThattheyweremyPrisoners,nothis;andthatseeingIhadofferedthemsomuchFavour,IwouldbeasgoodasmyWord;andthatifhedidnotthinkfittoconsenttoit,IwouldsetthematLiberty,asIfoundthem;andifhedidnotlikeit,hemighttakethemagainifhecouldcatchthem.Uponthistheyappear'dverythankful,andIaccordinglysetthematLiberty,andbadthemretireintotheWoodstothePlacewhencetheycame,andIwouldleavethemsomeFireArms,someAmmunition,andsomeDirectionshowtheyshouldliveverywell,iftheythoughtfit.UponthisIprepar'dtogoonBoardtheShip,buttoldtheCaptain,thatIwouldstaythatNighttopreparemythings,anddesir'dhimtogoonBoardinthemeantime,andkeepallrightintheShip,andsendtheBoatonShorethenextDayforme;orderinghiminthemeantimetocausethenewCaptainwhowaskill'd,tobehang'dattheYard-ArmthattheseMenmightseehim.WhentheCaptainwasgone,IsentfortheMenuptometomyApartment,andentred
seriouslyintoDiscoursewiththemoftheirCircumstances,Itoldthem,IthoughttheyhadmadearightChoice;thatiftheCaptaincarry'dthemaway,theywouldcertainlybehang'd.IshewedthemthenewCaptain,hangingattheYard-ArmoftheShip,andtoldthemtheyhadnothinglesstoexpect.Whentheyhadalldeclar'dtheirWillingnesstostay,Ithentoldthem,IwouldletthemintotheStoryofmylivingthere,andputthemintotheWayofmakingiteasytothem:AccordinglyIgavethemthewholeHistoryofthePlace,andofmycomingtoit;shew'dthemmyFortifications,theWayImademyBread,plantedmyCorn,curedmyGrapes;andinaWord,allthatwasnecessarytomakethemeasy:ItoldthemtheStoryalsoofthesixteenSpaniardsthatweretobeexpected;forwhomIleftaLetter,andmadethempromisetotreatthemincommonwiththemselves.IleftthemmyFireArms,viz.FiveMuskets,threeFowlingPieces,andthreeSwords.IhadaboveaBarrelandhalfofPowderleft;forafterthefirstYearortwo,Iusedbutlittle,andwastednone.IgavethemaDescriptionoftheWayImanag'dtheGoats,andDirectionstomilkandfattenthem,andtomakebothButterandCheese.InaWord,IgavethemeveryPartofmyownStory;andItoldthem,IwouldprevailwiththeCaptaintoleavethemtwoBarrelsofGun-Powdermore,andsomeGarden-Seeds,whichItoldthemIwouldhavebeenverygladof;alsoIgavethemtheBagofPeasewhichtheCaptainhadbroughtmetoeat,andbadthembesuretosowandencreasethem.Havingdoneallthis,IleftthemthenextDay,andwentanBoardtheShip:Wepreparedimmediatelytosail,butdidnotweighthatNight:ThenextMorningearly,twoofthefiveMencameswimmingtotheShip'sSide,andmakingamostlamentableComplaintoftheotherthree,beggedtobetakenintotheShip,forGod'sSake,fortheyshouldbemurthered,andbegg'dtheCaptaintotakethemonBoard,tho'hehang'dthemimmediately.UponthistheCaptainpretendedtohavenoPowerwithoutme;ButaftersomeDifficulty,andaftertheirsolemnPromisesoffAmendment,theyweretakenonBoard,andweresometimeaftersoundlywhipp'dandpickl'd;afterwhich,theyprov'dveryhonestandquietFellows.Sometimeafterthis,theBoatwasorder'donShore,theTidebeingup,withthethingspromisedtotheMen,towhichtheCaptainatmyIntercessioncausedtheirChestsandCloathstobeadded,whichtheytook,andwereverythankfulfor;Ialsoencourag'dthem,bytellingthem,thatifitlayinmyWaytosendanyVesseltotakethemin,Iwouldnotforgetthem.
WhenItookleaveofthisIsland,Icarry'donboardforReliques,thegreatGoat's-Skin-CapIhadmade,myUmbrella,andmyParrot;alsoIforgotnottotaketheMoneyIformerlymention'd,whichhadlainbymesolonguseless,thatitwasgrownrusty,ortarnish'd,andcouldhardlypassforSilver,tillithadbeenalittlerubb'd,andhandled;asalsotheMoneyIfoundintheWreckoftheSpanishShip.AndthusIlefttheIsland,theNineteenthofDecember,asIfoundbytheShip'sAccount,intheYear1686,afterIhadbeenuponiteightandtwentyYears,twoMonths,and19Days;beingdeliver'dfromthissecondCaptivity,thesameDayoftheMonth,thatIfirstmademyEscapeintheBarco-Longo,fromamongtheMoorsofSallee.InthisVessel,afteralongVoyage,Iarriv'dinEngland,theEleventhofJune,intheYear1687,havingbeenthirtyandfiveYearsabsent.WhenIcametoEngland,IwasasperfectaStrangertoalltheWorld,asifIhadneverbeenknownthere.MyBenefactorandfaithfulSteward,whoIhadleftinTrustwithmyMoney,wasalive;buthadhadgreatMisfortunesintheWorld;wasbecomeaWidowthesecondTime,andverylowintheWorld:Imadehereasyastowhatsheow'dme,assuringher,IwouldgivehernoTrouble;butonthecontrary,inGratitudetoherformerCareandFaithfulnesstome,Ireliev'dherasmylittleStockwouldafford,whichatthatTimewouldindeedallowmetodobutlittleforher;abutIassur'dher,IwouldneverforgetherformerKindnesstome;nordidIforgether,whenIhadsufficienttohelpher,asshallbeobserv'dinitsPlace.IwentdownafterwardsintoYorkshire;butmyFatherwasdead,andmyMother,andalltheFamilyextinct,exceptthatIfoundtwoSisters,andtwooftheChildrenofoneofmyBrothers;andasIhadbeenlongagogivenoverfordead,therehadbeennoProvisionmadeforme;sothatinaWord,Ifoundnothingtorelieve,orassistme;andthatlittleMoneyIhad,wouldnotdomuchforme,astosettlingintheWorld.ImetwithonePieceofGratitudeindeed,whichIdidnotexpect;andthiswas,ThattheMasteroftheShip,whoIhadsohappilydeliver'd,andbythesameMeanssav'dtheShipandCargo,havinggivenaveryhandsomeAccounttotheOwners,oftheMannerhowIhadsav'dtheLivesoftheMen,andtheShip,theyinvitedmetomeetthem,andsomeotherMerchantsconcern'd,andaltogethermademeaveryhandsomeComplimentupontheSubject,andaPresentofalmosttwohundredPoundsSterling.ButaftermakingseveralReflectionsupontheCircumstancesofmyLife,andhowlittlewaythiswouldgotowardssettlingmeintheWorld,Iresolv'dtogotoLisbon,andseeifImightnotcomebysomeInformationoftheStateofmyPlantationintheBrasils,andofwhatwasbecomeofmyPartner,whoIhadreasontosupposehadsomeYearsnowgivenmeOverfordead.
WiththisViewItookShippingforLisbon,whereIarriv'dinAprilfollowing;myManFridayaccompanyingmeveryhonestlyinalltheseRamblings,andprovingamostfaithfulServantuponallOccasions.WhenIcametoLisbon,IfoundoutbyEnquiry,andtomyparticularSatisfaction,myoldFriendtheCaptainoftheShip,whofirsttookmeupatSea,offoftheShoreofAfrick:Hewasnowgrownold,andhadleftofftheSea,havingputhisSon,whowasfarfromayoungMan,intohisShip;andwhostillusedtheBrasilTrade.TheoldMandidnotknowme,andindeed,Ihardlyknewhim;butIsoonbroughthimtomyRemembrance,andassoonbroughtmyselftohisRemembrance,whenItoldhimwhoIwas.AftersomepassionateExpressionsoftheoldAcquaintance,Ienquir'd,youmaybesure,aftermyPlantationandmyPartner:TheoldMantoldmehehadnotbeenintheBrasilsforaboutnineYears;butthathecouldassureme,thatwhenhecameaway,myPartnerwasliving,buttheTrustees,whoIhadjoin'dwithhimtotakeCognizanceofmyPart,werebothdead;thathowever,hebeliev'dthatIwouldhaveaverygoodAccountoftheImprovementofthePlantation;forthatuponthegeneralBeliefofmybeingcastaway,anddrown'd,myTrusteeshadgivenintheAccountoftheProduceofmyPartofthePlantation,totheProcuratorFiscal,whohadappropriatedit,inCaseInevercametoclaimit;oneThirdtotheKing,andtwoThirdstotheMonasteryofSt.Augustine,tobeexpendedfortheBenefitofthePoor,andfortheConversionoftheIndianstotheCatholickFaith;butthatifIappear'd,oranyoneforme,toclaimtheInheritance,itshouldberestor'd;onlythattheImprovement,orAnnualProduction,beingdistributedtocharitableUses,couldnotberestor'd;butheassur'dme,thattheStewardoftheKing'sRevenue(fromLands)andtheProviedore,orStewardoftheMonastery,hadtakengreatCareallalong,thattheIncumbent,thatistosaymyPartner,gaveeveryYearafaithfulAccountoftheProduce,ofwhichtheyreceiv'ddulymyMoiety.Iask'dhimifheknewtowhatheightofImprovementhehadbroughtthePlantation?And,Whetherhethoughtitmightbeworthlookingafter?Or,Whetheronmygoingthither,IshouldmeetwithnoObstructiontomyPossessingmyjustRightintheMoiety?Hetoldme,hecouldnottellexactly,towhatDegreethePlantationwasimprov'd;butthisheknew,thatmyPartnerwasgrownexceedingRichupontheenjoyingbutonehalfofit;andthattothebestofhisRemembrance,hehadheard,thattheKing'sThirdofmyPart,whichwasitseemsgrantedawaytosomeotherMonastery,orReligiousHouse,amountedtoabovetwohundredMoidoresaYear;thatastomybeingrestor'dtoaquietPossessionofit,therewasnoquestiontobemadeofthat,myPartnerbeingalivetowitnessmyTitle,andmyNamebeingalsoenrolledintheRegisterofthe
Country;alsohetoldme,ThattheSurvivorsofmytwoTrustees,wereveryfairhonestPeople,andveryWealthy;andhebeliev'dIwouldnotonlyhavetheirAssistanceforputtingmeinPossession,butwouldfindaveryconsiderableSumofMoneyintheirHands,formyAccount;beingtheProduceoftheFarmwhiletheirFathersheldtheTrust,andbeforeitwasgivenupasabove,whichasheremember'd,wasforabouttwelveYears.Ishew'dmyselfalittleconcern'd,anduneasyatthisAccount,andenquir'doftheoldCaptain,Howitcametopass,thattheTrusteesshouldthusdisposemyEffects,whenheknewthatIhadmademyWill,andhadmadehim,thePortugueseCaptain,myuniversalHeir,&c.Hetoldme,thatwastrue;butthatastherewasnoProofofmybeingdead,hecouldnotactasExecutor,untilsomecertainAccountshouldcomeofmyDeath,andthatbesides,hewasnotwillingtointermeddlewithathingsoremote;thatitwastruehehadregistredmyWill,andputinhisClaim;andcouldhehavegivenanyAccountofmybeingdeadoralive,hewouldhaveactedbyProcuration,andtakenPossessionoftheIngenio,sotheycall'dtheSugar-House,andhad'givenhisSon,whowasnowattheBrasils,Ordertodoit.But,saystheoldMan,IhaveonePieceofNewstotellyou,whichperhapsmaynotbesoacceptabletoyouastherest,andthatis,Thatbelievingyouwerelost,andalltheWorldbelievingsoalso,yourPartnerandTrusteesdidoffertoaccompttomeinyourName,forsixoreightofthefirstYearsofProfits,whichIreceiv'd;buttherebeingatthattime,sayshe,greatDisbursementsforencreasingtheWorks,buildinganIngenio,andbuyingSlaves,itdidnotamounttonearsomuchasafterwardsitproduced:However,sayssheoldMan,IshallgiveyouatrueAccountofwhatIhavereceivedinall,andhowIhavedisposedofit.AfterafewDaysfartherConferencewiththisancientFriend,hebroughtmeanAccountofthesixfirstYearsIncomeofmyPlantation,sign'dbymyPartnerandtheMerchantsTrustees,beingalwaysdeliver'dinGoods,viz.TobaccoinRoll,andSugarinChests,besidesRum,Molossus,&c.whichistheConsequenceofaSugarWork;andIfoundbythisAccount,thateveryYeartheIncomeconsiderablyencreased;butasabove,theDisbursementbeinglarge,theSumatfirstwassmall:However,theoldManletmesee,thathewasDebtortome470MoidoresofGold,besides60ChestsofSugar,and15doubleRollsofTobaccowhichwerelostinhisShip;hehavingbeenShip-wreck'dcomingHometoLisbonabout11YearsaftermyleavingthePlace.ThegoodManthenbegantocomplainofhisMisfortunes,andhowhehadbeenobligedtomakeUseofmyMoneytorecoverhisLosses,andbuyhimaShareinanewShip:However,myoldFriend,sayshe,youshallnotwantaSupplyinyourNecessity;andassoonasmySonreturns,youshallbefullysatisfy'd.
Uponthis,hepullsoutanoldPouch,andgivesme160PortugalMoidoresinGold;andgivingmetheWritingofhisTitletotheShip,whichhisSonwasgonetotheBrasilsin,ofwhichhewasaQuarterPartOwner,andhisSonanother,heputsthembothintomyHandsforSecurityoftherest.Iwastoomuchmov'dwiththeHonestyandKindnessofthepoorMan,tobeabletobearthis;andrememberingwhathehaddoneforme,howhehadtakenmeupatSea,andhowgenerouslyhehadusedmeonallOccasions,andparticularly,howsincereaFriendhewasnowtome,IcouldhardlyrefrainWeepingatwhathesaidtome:Therefore,firstIaskedhim,ifhisCircumstancesadmittedhimtosparesomuchMoneyatthattime,andifitwouldnotstraitenhim?Hetoldme,hecouldnotsaybutitmightstraitenhimalittle;buthoweveritwasmyMoney,andImightwantitmorethanhe.EverythingthegoodMansaidwasfullofAffection,andIcouldhardlyrefrainfromTearswhilehespoke:Inshort,Itook100oftheMoidores,andcall'dforaPenandInktogivehimaReceiptforthem;thenIreturnedhimtherest,andtoldhim,IfeverIhadPossessionofthePlantation,Iwouldreturntheothertohimalso,asindeedIafterwardsdid;andthatastotheBillofSaleofhisPartinhisSon'sShip,IwouldnottakeitbyanyMeans;butthatifIwantedtheMoney,Ifoundhewashonestenoughtopayme;andifIdidnot,butcametoreceivewhathegavemereasontoexpect,IwouldneverhaveaPennymorefromhim.Whenthiswaspass'd,theoldManbegantoaskme,IfheshouldputmeintoaMethodtomakemyClaimtomyPlantation?Itoldhim,Ithoughttogoovertoitmyself:Hesaid,ImightdosoifIpleas'd;butthatifIdidnot,therewereWaysenoughtosecuremyRight,andimmediatelytoappropriatetheProfitstomyUse;andastherewereShipsintheRiverofLisbon,justreadytogoawaytoBrasil,hemademeentermyNameinaPublickRegister,withhisAffidavit,affirminguponOaththatIwasalive,andthatIwasthesamePersonwhotookuptheLandforthePlantingthesaidPlantationatfirst.ThisbeingregularlyattestedbyaNotary,andaProcurationaffix'd,hedirectedmetosenditwithaLetterofhisWriting,toaMerchantofhisAcquaintanceatthePlace,andthenpropos'dmystayingwithhimtillanAccountcameoftheReturn.NeveranyThingwasmorehonourable,thantheProceedingsuponthisProcuration;forinlessthansevenMonths,Ireceiv'dalargePacketfromtheSurvivorsofmyTrusteestheMerchants,forwhoseAccountIwenttoSea,inwhichwerethefollowingparticularLettersandPapersenclos'd.
First,TherewastheAccountCurrentoftheProduceofmyFarmsorPlantation,fromtheYearwhentheirFathershadballanc'dwithmyoldPortugalCaptain,beingforsixYears;theBallanceappear'dtobe1174MoidoresinmyFavour.Secondly,TherewastheAccountoffourYearsmorewhiletheykepttheEffectsintheirHands,beforetheGovernmentclaim'dtheAdministration,asbeingtheEffectsofaPersonnottobefound,whichtheycall'dCivilDeath;andtheBallanceofthis,theValueofthePlantationencreasing,amountedto[38,892]Cruisadoes,whichmade3241Moidores.Thirdly,TherewasthePrioroftheAugustin'sAccount,whohadreceiv'dtheProfitsforabovefourteenYears;butnotbeingtoaccountforwhatwasdispos'dtotheHospital,veryhonestlydeclar'dhehad872Moidoresnotdistributed,whichheacknowledgedtomyAccount;astotheKing'sPart,thatrefundednothing.TherewasaLetterofmyPartner's,congratulatingmeveryaffectionatelyuponmybeingalive,givingmeanAccounthowtheEstatewasimprov'd,andwhatitproducedaYear,withaParticularoftheNumberofSquaresorAcresthatitcontained;howplanted,howmanySlavestherewereuponit,andmakingtwoandtwentyCrossesforBlessings,toldmehehadsaidsomanyAveMariastothanktheBlessedVirginthatIwasalive;invitingmeverypassionatelytocomeoverandtakePossessionofmyown;andinthemeantimetogivehimOrderstowhomheshoulddelivermyEffects,ifIdidnotcomemyself;concludingwithaheartyTenderofhisFriendship,andthatofhisFamily,andsentme,asaPresent,sevenfineLeopard'sSkins,whichhehaditseemsreceivedfromAfrica,bysomeotherShipwhichhehadsentthither,andwhoitseemshadmadeabetterVoyagethanI:HesentmealsofiveChestsofexcellentSweet-meats,andanhundredPiecesofGolduncoin'd,notquitesolargeasMoidores.BythesameFleet,mytwoMerchantTrusteesshipp'dme1200ChestsofSugar,800RollsofTobacco,andtherestofthewholeAccomptinGold.Imightwellsay,nowindeed,ThatthelatterEndofJobwasbetterthantheBeginning.ItisimpossibletoexpressperetheFlutteringsofmyveryHeart,whenIlook'dovertheseLetters,andespeciallywhenIfoundallmyWealthaboutme;forastheBrasilShipscomeallinFleets,thesameShipswhichbroughtmyLetters,broughtmyGoods;andtheEffectsweresafeintheRiverbeforetheLetterscametomyHand.InaWord,Iturnedpale,andgrewsick;andhadnottheoldManrunandfetch'dmeaCordial,IbelievethesuddenSurprizeofJoyhadoversetNature,andIhaddy'dupontheSpot.Nayafterthat,Icontinu'dveryill,andwassosomeHours,'tillaPhysicianbeingsent
for,andsomethingoftherealCauseofmyillnessbeingknown,heorder'dmetobeletBlood;afterwhich,IhadRelief,andgrewwell:ButIverilybelieve,ifithadnotbeeneas'dbyaVentgiveninthatManner,totheSpirits,Ishouldhavedy'd.IwasnowMaster,allonaSudden,ofabove5000l.SterlinginMoney,andhadanEstate,asImightwellcallit,intheBrasils,ofaboveathousandPoundsaYear,assureasanEstateofLandsinEngland:AndinaWord,IwasinaConditionwhichIscarceknewhowtounderstand,orhowtocomposemyself,fortheEnjoymentofit.ThefirstthingIdid,wastorecompensemyoriginalBenefactor,mygoodoldCaptain,whohadbeenfirstcharitabletomeinmyDistress,kindtomeinmyBeginning,andhonesttomeattheEnd:Ishew'dhimallthatwassentme,Itoldhim,thatnexttotheProvidenceofHeaven,whichdisposesallthings,itwasOwingtohim;andthatitnowlayonmetorewardhim,whichIwoulddoahundredfold:SoIfirstreturn'dtohimthehundredMoidoresIhadreceiv'dofhim,thenIsentforaNotary,andcausedhimtodrawupageneralReleaseorDischargeforthe470Moidores,whichhehadacknowledg'dheow'dmeinthefullestandfirmestMannerpossible;afterwhich,IcausedaProcurationtobedrawn,impoweringhimtobemyReceiveroftheannualProfitsofmyPlantation,andappointingmyPartnertoaccompttohim,andmaketheReturnsbytheusualFleetstohiminmyName;andaClauseintheEnd,beingaGrantof100MoidoresaYeartohim,duringhisLife,outoftheEffects,and50MoidoresaYeartohisSonafterhim,forhisLife:AndthusIrequitedmyoldMan.IwasnowtoconsiderwhichWaytosteermyCoursenext,andwhattodowiththeEstatethatProvidencehadthusputintomyHands;andindeedIhadmoreCareuponmyHeadnow,thanIhadinmysilentStateofLifeintheIsland,whereIwantednothingbutwhatIhad,andhadnothingbutwhatIwanted:WhereasIhadnowagreatChargeuponme,andmyBusinesswashowtosecureit.Ihadne'eraCavenowtohidemyMoneyin,oraPlacewhereitmightlyewithoutLockorKey,'tillitgrewmouldyandtarnish'dbeforeanyBodywouldmeddlewithit:Onthecontrary,Iknewnotwheretoputit,orwhototrustwithit.MyoldPatron,theCaptain,indeedwashonest,andthatwastheonlyRefugeIhad.InthenextPlace,myInterestintheBrasilsseem'dtosummonmethither,butnowIcouldnottell,howtothinkofgoingthither,'tillIhadsettledmyAffairs,andleftmyEffectsinsomesafeHandsbehindme.AtfirstIthoughtofmyoldFriendtheWidow,whoIknewwashonest,andwouldbejusttome;butthenshewasinYears,andbutpoor,andforoughtIknew,mightbeinDebt;sothatinaWord,IhadnoWaybuttogobacktoEnglandmyself,andtakemyEffectswithme.ItwassomeMonthshoweverbeforeIresolveduponthis;andtherefore,asIhadrewardedtheoldCaptainfully,andtohisSatisfaction,whohadbeenmyformer
Benefactor,soIbegantothinkofmypoorWidow,whoseHusbandhadbeenmyfirstBenefactor,andshe,whileitwasinherPower,myfaithfulStewardandInstructor.SothefirstthingIdid,IgotaMerchantinLisbontowritetohisCorrespondentinLondon,notonlytopayaBill,buttogofindherout,andcarryherinMoney,anhundredPoundsfromme,andtotalkwithher,andcomfortherinherPoverty,bytellinghersheshould,ifIliv'd,haveafurtherSupply:AtthesametimeIsentmytwoSistersintheCountry,eachofthemanHundredPounds,theybeing,thoughnotinWant,yetnotinverygoodCircumstances;onehavingbeenmarry'd,andleftaWidow;andtheotherhavingaHusbandnotsokindtoherasheshouldbe.ButamongallmyRelations,orAcquaintances,Icouldnotyetpitchuponone,towhomIdurstcommittheGrossofmyStock,thatImightgoawaytotheBrasils,andleavethingssafebehindme;andthisgreatlyperplex'dme.IhadonceaMindtohavegonetotheBrasils,andhavesettledmyselfthere;forIwas,asitwere,naturaliz'dtothePlace;butIhadsomelittleScrupleinmyMindaboutReligion,whichinsensiblydrewmeback,ofwhichIshallsaymorepresently.However,itwasnotReligionthatkeptmeromgoingthereforthepresent;andasIhadmadenoScrupleofbeingopenlyoftheReligionoftheCountry,allthewhileIwasamongthem,soneitherdidIyet;onlythatnowandthenhavingoflatethoughtmoreofit,(thanformerly)whenIbegantothinkoflivinganddyingamongthem,Ibegantoregretmyhavingprofess'dmyselfaPapist,andthoughtitmightnotbethebestReligiontodiewith.But,asIhavesaid,thiswasnotthemainthingthatkeptmefromgoingtotheBrasils,butthatreallyIdidnotknowwithwhomtoleavemyEffectsbehindme;soIresolv'datlasttogotoEnglandwithit,where,ifIarrived,IconcludedIshouldmakesomeAcquaintance,orfindsomeRelationsthatwouldbefaithfultome;andaccordingIprepar'dtogoforEnglandwithallmyWealth.InordertopreparethingsformygoingHome,Ifirst,theBrasilFleetbeingjustgoingaway,resolvedtogiveAnswerssuitabletothejustandfaithfulAccountofthingsIhadfromthence;andfirsttothePriorofSt.AugustineIwroteaLetterfullofThanksfortheirjustDealings,andtheOfferofthe872Moidores,whichwasindisposedof,whichIdesir'dmightbegiven500totheMonastery,and372tothePoor,asthePriorshoulddirect,desiringthegoodPadresPrayersforme,andthelike.IwrotenextaLetterofThankstomytwoTrustees,withalltheAcknowledgmentthatsomuchJusticeandHonestycall'dfor;asforsendingthemanyPresent,theywerefarabovehavinganyOccasionofit.Lastly,IwrotetomyPartner,acknowledginghisIndustryintheImprovingthePlantation,andhisIntegrityinencreasingtheStockoftheWorks,givinghim
InstructionsforhisfutureGovernmentofmyPart,accordingtothePowersIhadleftwithmyoldPatron,towhomIdesir'dhimtosendwhateverbecameduetome,'tillheshouldhearmemoreparticularly;assuringhimthatitwasmyIntention,notonlytocometohim,buttosettlemyselftherefortheRemainderofmyLife:TothisIaddedaveryhandsomPresentofsomeItalianSilksforhisWife,andtwoDaughters,forsuchtheCaptain'sSoninform'dmehehad;withtwoPiecesoffineEnglishbroadCloath,thebestIcouldgetinLisbon,fivePiecesofblackBays,andsomeFlandersLaceofagoodValue.HavingthussettledmyAffairs,soldmyCargoe,andturn'dallmyEffectsintogoodBillsofExchange,mynextDifficultywas,whichWaytogotoEngland:Ihadbeenaccustom'denoughtotheSea,andyetIhadastrangeAversiontogoingtoEnglandbySeaatthattime;andthoughIcouldgivenoReasonforit,yettheDifficultyencreas'duponmesomuch,thatthoughIhadonceshipp'dmyBaggage,inordertogo,yetIalter'dmyMind,andthatnotonce,buttwoorthreetimes.Itistrue,IhadbeenveryunfortunatebySea,andthismightbesomeoftheReason:ButletnoManslightthestrongImpulsesofhisownThoughtsinCasesofsuchMoment:TwooftheShipswhichIhadsingl'douttogoin,Imean,moreparticularlysingl'doutthananyother,thatistosay,soasinoneofthemtoputmythingsonBoard,andintheothertohaveagreedwiththeCaptain;Isay,twooftheseShipsmiscarry'd,viz.OnewastakenbytheAlgerines,andtheotherwascastawayontheStartnearTorbay,andallthePeopledrown'dexceptthree;sothatineitherofthoseVesselsIhadbeenmademiserable;andinwhichmost,itwashardtosay.Havingbeenthusharass'dinmyThoughts,myoldPilot,towhomIcommunicatedeverything,press'dmeearnestlynottogobySea,buteithertogobyLandtotheGroyne,andcrossovertheBayofBiscaytoRochell,fromwhenceitwasbutaneasyandsafeJourneybyLandtoParis,andsotoCalaisandDover;ortogouptoMadrid,andsoalltheWaybyLandthro'France.InaWord,Iwassoprepossess'dagainstmygoingbySeaatall,exceptfromCalaistoDover,thatIresolv'dtotravelalltheWaybyLand;whichasIwasnotinHaste,anddidnotvaluetheCharge,wasbymuchthepleasanterWay;andtomakeitmoreso,myoldCaptainbroughtanEnglishGentleman,theSonofaMerchantinLisbon,whowaswillingtotravelwithme:Afterwhich,wepick'duptwomoreEnglishMerchantsalso,andtwoyoungPortugueseGentlemen,thelastgoingtoParisonly;sothatwewereinallsixofus,andfiveServants;thetwoMerchantsandthetwoPortuguese,contentingthemselveswithoneServant,betweentwo,tosavetheCharge;andasforme,IgotanEnglishSailortotravelwithmeasaServant,besidesmyManFriday,whowastoomuchaStrangertobecapableofsupplyingthePlaceofaServantontheRoad.
InthisMannerIsetoutfromLisbon;andourCompanybeingallverywellmountedandarmed,wemadealittleTroop,whereoftheydidmetheHonourtocallmeCaptain,aswellbecauseIwastheoldestMan,asbecauseIhadtwoServants,andindeedwastheOriginal'ofthewholeJourney.AsIhavetroubledyouwithnoneofmySea-Journals,soIshalltroubleyounowwithnoneofmyLand-Journal:ButsomeAdventuresthathappen'dtousinthistediousanddifficultJourney,Imustnotomit.WhenwecametoMadrid,webeingallofusStrangerstoSpain,werewillingtostaysometimetoseetheCourtofSpain,andtoseewhatwasworthobserving;butitbeingthelatterPartoftheSummer,wehasten'daway,andsetoutfromMadridabouttheMiddleofOctober:ButwhenwecametotheEdgeofNavarre,wewerealarm'datseveralTownsontheWay,withanAccount,thatsomuchSnowwasfallenontheFrenchSideoftheMountains,thatseveralTravellerswereobligedtocomebacktoPampeluna,afterhavingattempted,atanextreamHazard,topasson.WhenwecametoPampelunaitself,wefounditsoindeed;andtomethathadbeenalwaysusedtoahotClimate,andindeedtoCountrieswherewecouldscarcebearanyCloathson,theColdwasinsufferable;norindeedwasitmorepainfulthanitwassurprising,tocomebuttenDaysbeforeoutoftheoldCastilewheretheWeatherwasnotonlywarmbutveryhot,andimmediatelytofeelaWindfromthePyreneanMountains,soverykeen,soseverelycold,astobeintollerable,andtoendangerbenumbingandperishingofourFingersandToes.PoorFridaywasreallyfrightedwhenhesawtheMountainsallcover'dwithSnow,andfeltcoldWeather,whichhehadneverseenorfeltbeforeinhisLife.TomendtheMatter,whenwecametoPampeluna,itcontinuedsnowingwithsomuchViolence,andsolong,thatthePeoplesaid,Winterwascomebeforeitstime,andtheRoadswhichweredifficultbefore,werenowquiteimpassable:ForinaWord,theSnowlayinsomePlacestoothickforustotravel;andbeingnothardfrozen,asistheCaseinNorthernCountries:TherewasnogoingwithoutbeinginDangerofbeingbury'daliveeveryStep.Westay'dnolessthantwentyDaysatPampeluna;whenseeingtheWintercomingon,andnoLikelihoodofitsbeingbetter;foritwastheseverestWinteralloverEuropethathadbeenknownintheMemoryofMan.Ipropos'dthatweshouldallgoawaytoFonterabia,andtheretakeShippingforBourdeaux,whichwasaverylittleVoyage.Butwhilewewereconsideringthis,therecameinfourFrenchGentlemen,whohavingbeenstopp'dontheFrenchSideofthePasses,aswewereontheSpanish,hadfoundoutaGuide,whotraversingtheCountryneartheHeadofLanguedoc,had
broughtthemovertheMountainsbysuchWays,thattheywerenotmuchincommodedwiththeSnow;andwheretheymetwithSnowinanyQuantity,theysaiditwasfrozenhardenoughtobearthemandtheirHorses.WesentforthisGuide,whotoldus,hewouldundertaketocarryusthesameWaywithnoHazardfromtheSnow,providedwewerearmedsufficientlytoprotectourselvesfromwildBeasts;forhesaid,uponthesegreatSnows,itwasfrequentforsomeWolvestoshowthemselvesattheFootoftheMountains,beingmaderavenousforWantofFood,theGroundbeingcoveredwithSnow:Wetoldhim,wewerewellenoughprepar'dforsuchCreaturesastheywere,ifhewouldensureusfromaKindoftwo-leggedWolves,whichweweretold,wewereinmostDangerfrom,especiallyontheFrenchSideoftheMountains.Hesatisfy'dustherewasnoDangerofthatkindintheWaythatweweretogo;sowereadilyagreedtofollowhim,asdidalsotwelveotherGentlemen,withtheirServants,someFrench,someSpanish;who,asIsaid,hadattemptedtogo,andwereobligedtocomebackagain.Accordingly,weallsetOutfromPampeluna,withourGuide,onthefifteenthofNovember;andindeed,Iwassurpriz'd,wheninsteadofgoingforward,hecamedirectlybackwithus,onthesameRoadthatwecamefromMadrid,abovetwentyMiles;whenbeingpass'dtwoRivers,andcomeintotheplainCountry,wefoundourselvesinawarmClimateagain,wheretheCountrywaspleasant,andnoSnowtobeseen;butonasudden,turningtohisleft,heapproach'dtheMountainsanotherWay;andthoughitistrue,theHillsandPrecipiceslook'ddreadful,yethemadesomanyTours,suchMeanders,andledusbysuchwindingWays,thatwewereinsensiblypass'dtheHeightoftheMountains,withoutbeingmuchincumbredwiththeSnow;andallonasudden,heshew'dusthepleasantfruitfulProvincesofLanguedocandGascoign,allgreenandflourishing;tho'indeeditwasatagreatDistance,andwehadsomeroughWaytopassyet.Wewerealittleuneasyhowever,whenwefounditsnow'donewholeDay,andaNight,sofast,thatwecouldnottravel;buthebidusbeeasy,weshouldsoonbepastitall:Wefoundindeed,thatwebegantodescendeveryDay,andtocomemoreNorththanbefore;andsodependinguponourGuide,wewenton.ItwasabouttwoHoursbeforeNight,whenourGuidebeingsomethingbeforeus,andnotjustinSight,outrushedthreemonstrousWolves,andafterthemaBear,outofahollowWay,adjoyningtoathickWood;twooftheWolvesflewupontheGuide,andhadhebeenhalfaMilebeforeus,hehadbeendevour'dindeed,beforewecouldhavehelp'dhim:OneofthemfastneduponhisHorse,andtheotherattack'dtheManwiththatViolence,thathehadnotTime,ornotPresenceofMindenoughtodrawhisPistol,buthollow'dandcry'douttousmostlustily;myManFridaybeingnextme,I
bidhimrideup,andseewhatwastheMatter;assoonasFridaycameinSightoftheMan,hehollow'dasloudast'other,OMaster!OMaster!ButlikeaboldFellow,rodedirectlyuptothepoorMan,andwithhisPistolshottheWolfthatattack'dhimintotheHead.ItwashappyforthepoorMan,thatitwasmyManFriday;forhehavingbeenus'dtothatkindofCreatureinhisCountry,hadnoFearuponhim;butwentcloseuptohim,andshothimasabove;whereasanyofus,wouldhavefir'datafartherDistance,andhaveperhapseithermiss'dtheWolf,orendanger'dshootingtheMan.Butitwasenoughtohaveterrify'dabolderManthanI,andindeeditalarm'dallourCompany,whenwiththeNoiseofFriday'sPistol,weheardonbothSidesthedismallestHowlingofWolves,andtheNoiseredoubledbytheEcchooftheMountains,thatitwastousasiftherehadbeenaprodigiousMultitudeofthem;andperhapsindeedtherewasnotsuchaFew,asthatwehadnocauseofApprehensions.However,asFridayhadkill'dthisWolf,theotherthathadfastnedupontheHorse,lefthimimmediately,andfled;havinghappilyfastneduponhisHead,wheretheBossesoftheBridlehadstuckinhisTeeth;sothathehadnotdonehimmuchHurt:TheManindeedwasmostHurt;fortheragingCreaturehadbithimtwice,onceontheArm,andtheotherTimealittleabovehisKnee;andhewasjustasitweretumblingdownbytheDisorderofhisHorse,whenFridaycameupandshottheWolf.Itiseasytosuppose,thatattheNoiseofFriday'sPistol,weallmendedourPace,andridupasfastastheWay(whichwasverydifficult)wouldgiveusleave,toseewhatwastheMatter;assoonaswecameclearoftheTrees,whichblindedusbefore,wesawclearlywhathadbeentheCase,andhowFridayhaddisengag'dthepoorGuide;thoughwedidnotpresentlydiscernwhatkindofCreatureitwashehadkill'd.ButneverwasaFightmanag'dsohardily,andinsuchasurprizingManner,asthatwhichfollow'dbetweenFridayandtheBear,whichgaveusall(thoughatfirstweweresurpriz'dandafraidforhim)thegreatestDiversionimaginable:AstheBearisaheavy,clumseyCreature,anddoesnotgallopastheWolfdoes,whoisswift,andlight;sohehastwoparticularQualities,whichgenerallyaretheRuleofhisActions;First,AstoMen,whoarenothisproperPrey;Isay,nothisproperPrey;becausetho'IcannotsaywhatexcessiveHungermightdo,whichwasnowtheirCase,theGroundbeingallcover'dwithSnow;butastoMen,hedoesnotusuallyattemptthem,unlesstheyfirstattackhim:Onthecontrary,ifyoumeethimintheWoods,ifyoudon'tmeddlewithhim,hewon'tmeddlewithyou;butthenyoumusttakeCaretobeveryCiviltohim,andgivehimtheRoad;forheisaveryniceGentleman,hewon'tgoaStepoutofhisWayforaPrince;nay,ifyouarereallyafraid,yourbestwayistolookanotherWay,andkeepgoingon;forsometimesifyoustop,andstandstill,andlooksteadilyathim,hetakesitforanAffront;butifyouthrowortossanyThingathim,
andithitshim,thoughitwerebutabitofaStick,asbigasyourFinger,hetakesitforanAffront,andsetsallhisotherBusinessasidetopursuehisRevenge;forhewillhaveSatisfactioninPointofHonour;thatishisfirstQuality:Thenextis,Thatifhebeonceaffronted,hewillneverleaveyou,NightorDay,tillhehashisRevenge;butfollowsatagoodroundrate,tillheovertakesyou.MyManFridayhaddeliver'dourGuide,andwhenwecameuptohim,hewashelpinghimofffromhisHorse;fortheManwasbothhurtandfrighted,andindeed,thelastmorethanthefirst;whenonthesudden,wespy'dtheBearcomeOutOftheWood,andavastmonstrousOneitwas,thebiggestbyfarthateverIsaw:Wewereallalittlesurpriz'd,whenwesawhim;butwhenFridaysawhim,itwaseasytoseeJoyandCourageintheFellow'sCountenance;O!O!O!SaysFriday,threeTimes,pointingtohim;OMaster,YougivemeteLeave!MeshakeeteHandmithhim:Memakeyougoodlaugh.Iwassurpriz'dtoseetheFellowsopleas'd;YouFoolyou,saysI,hemilleatyouup:Eateemeup!Eateemeup!SaysFriday,twiceoveragain;Meeateehimup:Memakeyougoodlaugh:Youallstayhere,meshowyougoodlaugh;sodownhesits,andgetshisBootsoffinaMoment,andputonaPairofPumps(aswecalltheflatShoestheywear)andwhichhehadinhisPocket,givesmyotherServanthisHorse,andwithhisGunawayheflewswiftliketheWind.TheBearwaswalkingsoftlyon,andoffer'dtomeddlewithnoBody,tillFridaycomingprettynear,callstohim,asiftheBearcouldunderstandhim;Harkye,harkye,saysFriday,mespeakeewityour:Wefollow'dataDistance;fornowbeingcomedownontheGascoignsideoftheMountains,wewereentredavastgreatForest,wheretheCountrywasplain,andprettyopen,thoughmanyTreesinitscatter'dhereandthere.Friday,whohadaswesay,theHeelsoftheBear,cameupwithhimquickly,andtakesupagreatStone,andthrowsathim,andhithimjustontheHead;butdidhimnomoreharm,thanifhehadthrownitagainstaWall;butitanswer'dFriday'sEnd;fortheRoguewassovoidofFear,thathediditpurelytomaketheBearfollowhim,andshowussomeLaughashecall'dit.AssoonastheBearfelttheStone,andsawhim,heturnsabout,andcomesafterhim,takingDevilishlongStrides,andshufflingalongatastrangeRate,soaswouldhaveputaHorsetoamidlingGallop;awayrunsFriday,andtakeshisCourse,asifheruntowardsusforHelp;soweallresolv'dtofireatonceupontheBear,anddelivermyMan;thoughIwasangryathimheartily,forbringingtheBearbackuponus,whenhewasgoingabouthisownBusinessanotherWay;andespeciallyIwasangrythathehadturn'dtheBearuponus,andthenrunaway;andIcall'dout,YouDog,saidI,isthisyourmakinguslaugh?Comeaway,andtakeyourHorse,thatmemayshootthe
Creature;hehearsme,andcrysOut,Noshoot,noshoot,standstill,yougetmuchLaugh.AndasthenimbleCreatureruntwoFootfortheBeast'sone,heturn'donasudden,ononesideofus,andseeingagreatOak-Tree,fitforhisPurpose,hebeckon'dtoustofollow,anddoublinghisPace,hegetsnimblyuptheTreelayinghisGundownupontheGround,ataboutfiveorsixYardsfromtheBottomoftheTree.TheBearsooncametotheTree,andwefollow'dataDistance;thefirstThinghedid,hestopp'dattheGun,smelttoit,butletitlye,anduphescramblesintotheTree,climbinglikeaCat,thoughsomonstrouslyheavy:IwasamazedattheFolly,asIthoughtit,ofmyMan,andcouldnotformyLifeseeanyThingtolaughatyet,tillseeingtheBeargetuptheTree,weallrodnearertohim.WhenwecametotheTree,therewasFridaygotouttothesmallEndofalargeLimboftheTree,andtheBeargotabouthalfwaytohim;assoonastheBeargotouttothatpartwheretheLimboftheTreewasweaker,Ha,sayshetous,nowyouseemeteacheetheBeardance;sohefallsajumpingandshakingtheBough,atwhichtheBearbegantototter,butstoodstill,andbeguntolookbehindhim,toseehowheshouldgetback;thenindeedwedidlaughheartily:ButFridayhadnotdonewithhimbyagreatdeal;whenheseeshimstandstill,hecallsouttohimagain,asifhehadsuppos'dtheBearcouldspeakEnglish;Whatyounocomefarther,prayyoucomefarther;soheleftjumpingandshakingtheTree;andtheBear,justasifhehadunderstoodwhathesaid,didcomealittlefurther,thenhefellajumpingagain,andtheBearstopp'dagain.WethoughtnowwasagoodtimetoknockhimontheHead,andIcall'dtoFridaytostandstill,andwewouldshoottheBear;buthecry'doutearnestly,Opray!Opray!Noshoot,meshoot,byandthen;hewouldhavesaid,Byandby:However,toshortentheStory,Fridaydanc'dsomuch,andtheBearStoodsoticklish,thatwehadlaughingenoughindeed,butstillcouldnotimaginewhattheFellowwoulddo;forfirstwethoughthedependeduponshakingtheBearoff;andwefoundtheBearwastoocunningforthattoo;forhewouldnotgooutfarenoughtobethrowndown,butclingsfastwithhisgreatbroadClawsandFeet,sothatwecouldnotimaginewhatwouldbetheEndofit,andwheretheJestwouldbeatlast.ButFridayputusoutofdoubtquickly;forseeingtheBearclingfasttotheBough,andthathewouldnotbepersuadedtocomeanyfarther;Well,well,saysFriday,younocomefarther,mego,mego;younocometome,megocometoyou;anduponthis,hegoesouttothesmallestEndoftheBough,whereitwouldbendwithhisWeight,andgentlyletshimselfdownbyit,slidingdowntheBough,tillhecamenearenoughtojumpdownonhisFeet,andawayheruntohisGun,takesitup,andstandsstill.Well,saidItohimFriday,Whatwillyoudonow?Whydon'tyoushoothim?Noshoot,saysFriday,noyet,meshootnom,menokill;mestay,giveyouonemore
laugh;andindeedsohedid,asyouwillseepresently;forwhentheBearseehisEnemygone,hecomesbackfromtheBoughwherehestood;butdiditmightyleisurely,lookingbehindhimeveryStep,andcomingbackwardtillhegotintotheBodyoftheTree;thenwiththesamehinderEndforemost,hecamedowntheTree,graspingitwithhisClaws,andmovingoneFootataTime,veryleisurely;atthisJuncture,andjustbeforehecouldsethishindFeetupontheGround,Fridaysteptupclosetohim,clapttheMuzzleofhisPieceintohisEar,andshothimdeadasaStone.ThentheRogueturn'dabout,toseeifwedidnotlaugh,andwhenhesawwewerepleas'dbyourLooks,hefallsalaughinghimselfveryloud;somekillBearinmyCountry,saysFriday;soyoukillthem,saysI,WhyyouhavenoGuns:No,sayshe,noGun,butshoot,greatmuchlongArrow.ThiswasindeedagoodDiversiontous;butwewerestillinawildPlace,andourGuideverymuchhurt,andwhattodowehardlyknew;theHowlingofWolvesrunmuchinmyHead;andindeed,excepttheNoiseIonceheardontheShoreofAfrica,ofwhichIhavesaidsomethingalready,IneverheardanythingthatfilledmewithsomuchHorrour.Thesethings,andtheApproachofNight,calledusoff,orelse,asFridaywouldhavehadus,weshouldcertainlyhavetakentheSkinofthismonstrousCreatureoff,whichwaswhichsaving;butwehadthreeLeaguestogo,andourGuidehasten'dus,sowelefthim,andwentforwardonourJourney.TheGroundwasstillcover'dwithSnow,tho'notsodeepanddangerousasontheMountains,andtheravenousCreatures,asweheardafterwards,werecomedownintotheForestandplainCountry,press'dbyHungertoseekforFood;andhaddoneagreatdealofMischiefintheVillages,wheretheysurpriz'dtheCountryPeople,kill'dagreatmanyoftheirSheepandHorses,andsomePeopletoo.WehadonedangerousPlacetopass,whichourGuidetoldus,iftherewereanymoreWolvesintheCountry,weshouldfindthemthere;andthiswasinasmallPlain,surroundedwithWoodsoneverySide,andalongnarrowDefileorLane,whichweweretopasstogetthroughtheWood,andthenweshouldcometotheVillagewhereweweretolodge.ItwaswithinhalfanHourofSun-setwhenweentredthefirstWood;andalittleafterSun-set,whenwecameintothePlain.WemetwithnothinginthefirstWood,except,thatinalittlePlainwithintheWood,whichwasnotabovetwoFurlongsover,wesawfivegreatWolvescrosstheRoad,fullSpeedoneafteranother,asiftheyhadbeeninChaseofsomePrey,andhaditinView;theytooknoNoticeofus,andweregone,
andoutofourSightinafewMoments.UponthisourGuide,whobytheWaywasawretchedfaint-heartedFellow,biduskeepinareadyPosture;forhebelievedthereweremoreWolvesacoming.WekeptourArmsready,andourEyesaboutus,butwesawnomoreWolves,'tillwecamethro'thatWood,whichwasnearhalfaLeague,andentredthePlain;assoonaswecameintothePlain,wehadOccasionenoughtolookaboutus:ThefirstObjectwemetwith,wasadeadHorse;thatistosay,apoorHorsewhichtheWolveshadkill'd,andatleastaDozenofthematWork;wecouldnotsayeatingofhim,butpickingofhisBonesrather;fortheyhadeatenupalltheFleshbefore.WedidnotthinkfittodisturbthemattheirFeast,neitherdidtheytakemuchNoticeofus:Fridaywouldhaveletflyatthem,butIwouldnotsufferhimbyanyMeans;forIfoundwewereliketohavemoreBusinessuponourHandsthanwewereawareof.WewerenotgonehalfoverthePlain,butwebegantoheartheWolveshowlintheWoodonourLeft,inafrightfulManner,andpresentlyalterwesawaboutahundredcomingondirectlytowardsus,allinaBody,andmostoftheminaLine,asregularlyasanArmydrawnupbyexperienc'dOfficers.IscarceknewinwhatMannertoreceivethem;butfoundtodrawourselvesinacloseLinewastheonlyWay:soweform'dinaMoment:ButthatwemightnothavetoomuchInterval,Iorder'd,thatonlyeveryotherManshouldfire,andthattheotherswhohadnotfir'dshouldstandreadytogivethemasecondVolleyimmediately,iftheycontinuedtoadvanceuponus,andthatthenthosewhohadfir'datfirst,shouldnotpretendtoloadtheirFuseesagain,butstandreadywitheveryoneaPistol;forwewereallarm'dwithaFusee,andaPairofPistolseachMan;sowewerebythisMethodabletofiresixVolleys,halfofusataTime;however,atpresentwehadnoNecessity;foruponfiringthefirstVolley,theEnemymadeafullStop,beingterrify'daswellwiththeNoise,aswiththeFire;fourofthembeingshotintotheHead,dropp'd,severalotherswerewounded,andwentbleedingoff,aswecouldseebytheSnow:Ifoundtheystopp'd,butdidnotimmediatelyretreat;whereuponremembringthatIhadbeentold,thatthefiercestCreatureswereterrify'dattheVoiceofaMan,Icaus'dallourCompanytohollowasloudaswecould;andIfoundtheNotionnotaltogethermistaken;foruponourShout,theybegantoretire,andturnabout;thenIorder'dasecondVolleytobefir'd,intheirRear,whichputthemtotheGallop,andawaytheywenttotheWoods.ThisgaveusleisuretochargeourPiecesagain,andthatwemightloosenoTime,wekeptgoing;butwehadbutlittlemorethanloadedourFusees,andputourselvesintoaReadiness,whenweheardaterribleNoiseinthesameWood,onourLeft,onlythatitwasfartheronwardthesameWayweweretogo.TheNightwascomingon,andtheLightbegantobedusky,whichmadeitworseonourSide;buttheNoiseencreasing,wecouldeasilyperceivethatitwastheHowling
andYellingofthosehellishCreatures;andonasudden,weperceiv'd2or3TroopsofWolves,oneonourLeft,onebehindus,andoneonourFront;sothatweseem'dtobesurroundedwith'em;however,astheydidnotfalluponus,wekeptourWayforward,asfastaswecouldmakeOurHorsesgo,whichtheWaybeingveryrough,wasonlyagoodlargeTrot;andinthisMannerwecameinViewoftheEntranceofaWood,throughwhichweweretopass,atthefartherSideofthePlain;butweweregreatlysurpriz'd,whencomingnearertheLane,orPass,wesawaconfus'dNumberofWolvesstandingjustattheEntrance.Onasudden,atanotheropeningoftheWood,weheardtheNoiseofaGun;andlookingthatWay,outrush'daHorse,withaSaddle,andaBridleonhim,flyingliketheWind,andsixteenorseventeenWolvesafterhim,fullSpeed;indeed,theHorsehadtheHeelsofthem;butaswesuppos'dthathecouldnotholditatthatrate,wedoubtednotbuttheywouldgetupwithhimatlast,andnoquestionbuttheydid.ButherewehadamosthorribleSight;forridinguptotheEntrancewheretheHorsecameout,wefoundtheCarcassofanotherHorse,andoftwoMen,devour'dbytheravenousCreatures,andoneoftheMenwasnodoubtthesamewhoweheardfir'dtheGun;fortherelayaGunjustbyhim,fir'doff;butastotheMan,hisHead,andtheupperPartofhisBodywaseatenup.Thisfill'duswithHorror,andweknewnotwhatCoursetotake,buttheCreaturesresolv'dus'soon;fortheygather'daboutuspresently,inhopesofPrey;andIverilybelievetherewerethreehundredofthem:Ithappen'dverymuchtoourAdvantage,thatattheEntranceintotheWood,butalittleWayfromit,therelaysomelargeTimberTrees,whichhadbeencutdowntheSummerbefore,andISupposelaythereforCarriage;IdrewmylittleTroopinamongthoseTrees,andplacingourselvesinaLine,behindonelongTree,Iadvis'dthemalltolight,andkeepingthatTreebeforeus,foraBreastWork,tostandinaTriangle,orthreeFronts,enclosingOurHorsesintheCenter.Wedidso,anditwaswellwedid;forneverwasamorefuriousChargethantheCreaturesmadeuponusinthePlace;theycameonuswithagrowlingkindofaNoise(andmountedthePieceofTimber,whichasIsaid,wasourBreastWork)asiftheywereonlyrushingupontheirPrey;andthisFuryoftheirs,itseems,wasprincipallyoccasion'dbytheirseeingourHorsesbehindus,whichwasthePreytheyaim'dat:Iorder'dourMentofireasbefore,everyotherMan;andtheytooktheirAimsosure,thatindeedtheykill'dseveraloftheWolvesatthefirstVolley;buttherewasaNecessitytokeepacontinualFiring;fortheycameonlikeDevils,thosebehindpushingonthosebefore.Whenwehadfir'doursecondVolleyofourFusees,wethoughttheystopp'dalittle,andhop'dtheywouldhavegoneoff;butitwasbutaMoment;forotherscame
forwardagain;sowefir'dtwoVolleysofourPistols,andIbelieveinthesefourFirings,wehadkill'dseventeenoreighteenofthem,andlam'dtwiceasmany;yettheycameonagain.IwasloathtospendourlastShottoohastily;soIcall'dmyServant,notmyManFriday,forhewasbetteremploy'd;forwiththegreatestDexterityimaginable,hehadcharg'dmyFusee,andhisown,whilewewereengag'd;butasIsaid,Icall'dmyotherMan,andgivinghimaHornofPowder,IbadhimlayaTrain,allalongthePieceofTimber,andletitbealargeTrain;hedidso,andhadbutjustTimetogetaway,whentheWolvescameuptoit,andsomeweregotupuponit;whenIsnappinganuncharg'dPistol,closetothePowder,setitonfire;thosethatwereupontheTimberwerescorchtwithit,andsixorsevenofthemfell,orratherjump'dinamongus,withtheForceandFrightoftheFire;wedispatch'dtheseinanInstant,andtherestweresofrightedwiththeLight,whichtheNight,foritwasnowverynearDark,mademoreterrible,thattheydrewbackalittle.UponwhichIorder'dourlastPistoltobefir'doffinoneVolley,andafterthatwegaveaShout;uponthis,theWolvesturn'dTail,andwesally'dimmediatelyuponneartwentylameOnes,whowefoundstrugglingontheGround,andfellacuttingthemwithourSwords,whichanswer'dourExpectation;fortheCryingandHowlingtheymade,wasbetterunderstoodbytheirFellows,sothattheyallfledandleftus.Wehad,firstandlast,kill'daboutthreeScoreofthem;andhaditbeenDay-Light,wehadkill'dmanymore:TheFieldofBattlebeingthusclear'd,wemadeforwardagain;forwehadstillnearaLeaguetogo.WeheardtheravenousCreatureshoulandyellintheWoodsaswewent,severalTimes;andsometimeswefancy'dwesawsomeofthem,buttheSnowdazlingourEyes,wewerenotcertain;soinaboutanHourmore,wecametotheTown,whereweweretolodge,whichwefoundinaterribleFright,andallinArms;foritseems,thattheNightbefore,theWolvesandsomeBearshadbrokeintotheVillageintheNight,andputtheminaterribleFright,andtheywereoblig'dtokeepGuardNightandDay,butespeciallyintheNight,topreservetheirCattle,andindeedtheirPeople.ThenextMorningourGuidewassoill,andhisLimbsswell'dwiththeranklingofhistwoWounds,thathecouldgonofarther;sowewereoblig'dtotakeanewGuidethere,andgotoTholouse,wherewefoundawarmClimate,afruitfulpleasantCountry,andnoSnow,noWolves,oranyThinglikethem;butwhenwetoldourStoryatTholouse,theytoldusitwasnothingbutwhatwasordinaryinthegreatForestattheFootoftheMountains,especiallywhentheSnowlayontheGround:Buttheyenquir'dmuchwhatkindofaGuidewehadgotten,thatwouldventuretobringusthatWayinsuchasevereSeason;andtoldus,itwasverymuch'wewerenotalldevour'd.Whenwetoldthemhowweplac'dourselves,andtheHorsesintheMiddle,theyblam'dusexceedingly,andtoldusitwasfiftytoonebutwehadbeenall
destroy'd;foritwastheSightoftheHorseswhichmadetheWolvessofurious,SeeingtheirPrey;andthatatotherTimestheyarereallyafraidofaGun;butthebeingexcessiveHungry,andragingonthatAccount,theEagernesstocomeattheHorseshadmadethemsenslessofDanger;andthatifwehadnotbythecontinu'dFire,andatlastbytheStratagemoftheTrainofPowder,master'dthem,ithadbeengreatOddsbutthatwehadbeentorntoPieces;whereashadwebeencontenttohavesatstillonHorseback,andfir'dasHorsemen,theywouldnothavetakentheHorsesforsomuchtheirown,whenMenwereontheirBacks,asotherwise;andwithaltheytoldus,thatatlast,ifwehadstoodaltogether,andleftourHorses,theywouldhavebeensoeagertohavedevour'dthem,thatwemighthavecomeoffsafe,especiallyhavingourFireArmsinourHands,andbeingsomanyinNumber.FormyPart,IwasneversosensibleofDangerinmyLife;forseeingabovethreehundredDevilscomeroaringandopenmouth'dtodevourus,andhavingnothingtoshelterus,orretreatto,Igavemyselfoverforlost;andaswas,Ibelieve,IshallnevercaretocrossthoseMountainsagain;IthinkIwouldmuchrathergoathousandLeaguesbySea,thoughIweresuretomeetwithaStormonceaWeek.IhavenothinguncommontotakeNoticeof,inmyPassagethroughFrance;nothingbutwhatotherTravellershavegivenanAccountof,withmuchmoreAdvantagethanIcan.Itravell'dfromTholousetoParis,andwithoutanyconsiderableStay,cametoCallais,andlandedsafeatDover,thefourteenthofJanuary,afterhavinghadaseverelycoldSeasontotravelin.IwasnowcometotheCenterofmyTravels,andhadinalittleTimeallmynewdiscover'dEstatesafeaboutme,theBillsofExchangewhichIbroughtwithmehavingbeenverycurrentlypaid.MyprincipalGuide,andPrivyCouncellor,wasmygoodantientWidow,whoinGratitudefortheMoneyIhadsenther,thoughtnoPainstoomuch,orCaretoogreat,toemployforme;andItrustedhersoentirelywitheveryThing,thatIwasperfectlyeasyastotheSecurityofmyEffects;andindeed,IwasveryhappyfrommyBeginning,andnowtotheEnd,intheunspottedIntegrityofthisgoodGentle-woman.AndnowIbegantothinkofleavingmyEffectswiththisWoman,andsettingoutforLisbon,andsototheBrasils;butnowanotherScruplecameinmyWay,andthatwasReligion;forasIhadentertain'dsomeDoubtsabouttheRomanReligion,evenwhileIwasabroad,especiallyinmyStateofSolitude;soIknewtherewasnogoingtotheBrasilsforme,muchlessgoingtosettlethere,unlessIresolv'dtoembracetheRomanCatholickReligion,withoutanyReserve;unlessontheotherhand,Iresolv'dtobeaSacrificetomyPrinciples,beaMartyrforReligion,anddieintheInquisition;soIresolv'dtostayatHome,andifIcouldfindMeansforit,todisposeofmyPlantation.
TothisPurposeIwrotetomyoldFriendatLisbon,whoinReturngavemeNotice,thathecouldeasilydisposeofitthere:ButthatifIthoughtfittogivehimLeavetoofferitInmyNametothetwoMerchants,theSurvivorsofmyTrustees,wholiv'dintheBrasils,whomustfullyunder+standtheValueofit,wholiv'djustupontheSpot,andwhoIknewwereveryrich;sothathebeliev'dtheywouldbefondofbuyingit;hedidnotdoubt,butIshouldmake4or5000PiecesOfEight,themoreofit.AccordinglyIagreed,gavehimOrdertoofferittothem,andhedidso;andinabout8Monthsmore,theShipbeingthenreturn'd,hesentmeAccount,thattheyhadacceptedtheOffer,andhadremitted33000PiecesOfEight,toaCorrespondentoftheirsatLisbon,topayforit.InReturn,Isign'dtheInstrumentofSaleintheFormwhichtheysentfromLisbon,andsentittomyoldMan,whosentmeBillsofExchangefor32800PiecesofEighttome,fortheEstate;reservingthePaymentof100MoidoresaYeartohim,theoldMan,duringhisLife,and50MoidoresafterwardstohisSonforhisLife,whichIhadpromisedthem,whichthePlantationwastomakegoodasaRent-Charge.AndthusIhavegiventhefirstPartofaLifeofFortuneandAdventure,aLifeofProvidence'sChecquer-Work,andofaVarietywhichtheWorldwillseldombeabletoshowthelikeof:Beginningfoolishly,butclosingmuchmorehappilythananyPartofitevergavemeLeavesomuchastohopefor.Anyonewouldthink,thatinthisStateofcomplicatedgoodFortune,IwaspastrunninganymoreHazards;andsoindeedIhadbeen,ifotherCircumstanceshadconcurr'd,butIwasinur'dtoawandringLife,hadnoFamily,notmanyRelations,norhoweverrichhadIcontractedmuchAcquaintance;andthoughIhadsoldmyEstateintheBrasils,yetIcouldnotkeeptheCountryoutofmyHead,andhadagreatMindtobeupontheWingagain,especiallyIcouldnotresistthestrongInclinationIhadtoseemyIsland,andto'knowifthepoorSpaniardswereinBeingthere,andhowtheRoguesIlefttherehadusedthem.MytrueFriend,theWidow,earnestlydiswadedmefromit,andsofarprevail'dwithme,thatforalmostsevenYearsshepreventedmyrunningAbroad;duringwhichtime,ItookmytwoNephews,theChildrenofoneofmyBrothersintomyCare:Theeldesthavingsomethingofhisown,IbredupasaGentleman,andgavehimaSettlementofsomeAdditiontohisEstate,aftermyDecease;theotherIputouttoaCaptainofaShip;andafterfiveYears,findinghimasensibleboldenterprisingyoungFellow,IputhimintoagoodShip,andsenthimtoSea:AndthisyoungFellowafterwardsdrewmein,asoldasIwas,tofartherAdventuresmyself.Inthemeantime,IinPartsettledmyselfhere;forfirstofallImarry'd,andthatnoteithertomyDisadvantageorDissatisfaction,andhadthreeChildren,twoSonsandoneDaughter:ButmyWifedying,andmyNephewcomingHomewithgoodSuccess
fromaVoyagetoSpain,myInclinationtogoAbroad,andhisImportunityprevailedandengag'dmetogoinhisShip,asaprivateTradertotheEastIndies:ThiswasintheYear1694.InthisVoyageIvisitedmynewCollonyintheIsland,sawmySuccessorstheSpaniards,hadthewholeStoryoftheirLives,andoftheVillainsIleftthere;howatfirsttheyinsultedthepoorSpaniards,howtheyafterwardsagreed,disagreed,united,separated,andhowatlasttheSpaniardswereoblig'dtouseViolencewiththem,howtheyweresubjectedtotheSpaniards,howhonestlytheSpaniardsusedthem;aHistory,ifitwereentredinto,asfullofVarietyandwonderfulAccidents,asmyownPart,particularlyalsoastotheirBattleswiththeCarribeans,wholandedseveraltimesupontheIsland,andastotheImprovementtheymadeupontheIslanditself,andhowfiveofthemmadeanAttemptuponthemainLand,andbroughtawayelevenMenandfiveWomenPrisoners,bywhich,atmycoming,IfoundabouttwentyyoungChildrenontheIsland.HereIstay'dabout20Days,leftthemSuppliesofallnecessarythings,andparticularlyofArms,Powder,Shot,Cloaths,Tools,andtwoWorkmen,whichIbroughtfromEnglandwithme,viz.aCarpenterandaSmith.Besidesthis,Ishar'dtheIslandintoPartswith'em,reserv'dtomyselfthePropertyofthewhole,butgavethemsuchPartsrespectivelyastheyagreedon;andhavingsettledallthingswiththem,andengagedthemnottoleavethePlace,Ileftthemthere.FromthenceItouch'dattheBrasils,fromwhenceIsentaBark,whichIboughtthere,withmorePeopletotheIsland,andinit,besidesotherSupplies,IsentsevenWomen,beingsuchasIfoundproperforService,orforWivestosuchaswouldtakethem:AstotheEnglishMen,Ipromis'dthemtosendthemsomeWomenfromEngland,withagoodCargoeofNecessaries,iftheywouldapplythemselvestoPlanting,whichIafterwardsperform'd.AndtheFellowsprov'dveryhonestanddiligentaftertheyweremaster'd,andhadtheirPropertiessetapartforthem.IsentthemalsofromtheBrasilsfiveCows,threeofthembeingbigwithCalf,someSheep,andsomeHogs,which,whenIcameagain,wereconsiderablyencreas'd.Butallthesethings,withanAccounthow300Caribbeescameandinvadedthem,andruin'dtheirPlantations,andhowtheyfoughtwiththatwholeNumbertwice,andwereatfirstdefeated,andthreeofthemkill'd;butatlastaStormdestroyingtheirEnemiesCannoes,theyfamish'dordestroy'dalmostalltherest,andrenew'dandrecover'dthePossessionoftheirPlantation,andstillliv'dupontheIsland.Allthesethings,withsomeverysurprizingIncidentsinsomenewAdventuresofmyown,fortenYearsmore,ImayperhapsgiveafartherAccountofhereafter.
FINIS.
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