TheFurtherAdventuresofRobinsonCrusoebyDanielDefoeCHAPTERI-REVISITSISLANDTHAThomelyproverb,usedonsomanyoccasionsinEngland,viz."Thatwhatisbredinthebonewillnotgooutoftheflesh,"wasnevermoreverifiedthaninthestoryofmyLife.Anyonewouldthinkthatafterthirty-fiveyears'affliction,andavarietyofunhappycircumstances,whichfewmen,ifany,everwentthroughbefore,andafternearsevenyearsofpeaceandenjoymentinthefulnessofallthings;grownold,andwhen,ifever,itmightbeallowedmetohavehadexperienceofeverystateofmiddlelife,andtoknowwhichwasmostadaptedtomakeamancompletelyhappy;Isay,afterallthis,anyonewouldhavethoughtthatthenativepropensitytoramblingwhichIgaveanaccountofinmyfirstsettingoutintheworldtohavebeensopredominantinmythoughts,shouldbewornout,andImight,atsixtyoneyearsofage,havebeenalittleinclinedtostayathome,andhavedoneventuringlifeandfortuneanymore.Nay,farther,thecommonmotiveofforeignadventureswastakenawayinme,forIhadnofortunetomake;Ihadnothingtoseek:ifIhadgainedtenthousandpoundsIhadbeennoricher;forIhadalreadysufficientforme,andforthoseIhadtoleaveitto;andwhatIhadwasvisiblyincreasing;for,havingnogreatfamily,IcouldnotspendtheincomeofwhatIhadunlessIwouldsetupforanexpensivewayofliving,suchasagreatfamily,servants,equipage,gaiety,andthelike,whichwerethingsIhadnonotionof,orinclinationto;sothatIhadnothing,indeed,todobuttositstill,andfullyenjoywhatIhadgot,andseeitincreasedailyuponmyhands.Yetallthesethingshadnoeffectuponme,oratleastnotenoughtoresistthestronginclinationIhadtogoabroadagain,whichhungaboutmelikeachronicdistemper.Inparticular,thedesireofseeingmynewplantationintheisland,andthecolonyIleftthere,raninmyheadcontinually.Idreamedofitallnight,andmyimaginationranuponitallday:itwasuppermostinallmythoughts,andmyfancyworkedsosteadilyandstronglyuponitthatItalkedofitinmysleep;inshort,nothingcouldremoveitoutofmymind:itevenbrokesoviolentlyintoallmydiscoursesthatitmademyconversationtiresome,forIcouldtalkofnothingelse;allmydiscourseranintoit,eventoimpertinence;andIsawitmyself.Ihaveoftenheardpersonsofgoodjudgmentsaythatallthestirthatpeoplemakeintheworldaboutghostsandapparitionsisowingtothestrengthofimagination,andthepowerfuloperationoffancyintheirminds;thatthereisnosuchthingasaspiritappearing,oraghostwalking;thatpeople'sporingaffectionatelyuponthepastconversationoftheirdeceasedfriendssorealisesittothemthattheyarecapableoffancying,uponsomeextraordinarycircumstances,thattheyseethem,talktothem,andareansweredbythem,when,intruth,thereisnothingbutshadowandvapourinthething,andtheyreallyknownothingofthematter.Formypart,Iknownottothishourwhetherthereareanysuchthingsasrealapparitions,spectres,orwalkingofpeopleaftertheyaredead;orwhetherthereisanythinginthestoriestheytellusofthatkindmorethantheproductofvapours,sickminds,andwanderingfancies:butthisIknow,thatmyimaginationworkeduptosuchaheight,andbroughtmeintosuchexcessofvapours,orwhatelseImaycallit,thatIactuallysupposedmyselfoftenuponthespot,atmyoldcastle,behindthetrees;sawmyoldSpaniard,Friday'sfather,andthereprobate
sailorsIleftupontheisland;nay,IfanciedItalkedwiththem,andlookedatthemsteadily,thoughIwasbroadawake,asatpersonsjustbeforeme;andthisIdidtillIoftenfrightenedmyselfwiththeimagesmyfancyrepresentedtome.Onetime,inmysleep,IhadthevillainyofthethreepiratesailorssolivelyrelatedtomebythefirstSpaniard,andFriday'sfather,thatitwassurprising:theytoldmehowtheybarbarouslyattemptedtomurderalltheSpaniards,andthattheysetfiretotheprovisionstheyhadlaidup,onpurposetodistressandstarvethem;thingsthatIhadneverheardof,andthat,indeed,wereneverallofthemtrueinfact:butitwassowarminmyimagination,andsorealisedtome,that,tothehourIsawthem,Icouldnotbepersuadedbutthatitwasorwouldbetrue;alsohowIresentedit,whentheSpaniardcomplainedtome;andhowIbroughtthemtojustice,triedthem,andorderedthemallthreetobehanged.Whattherewasreallyinthisshallbeseeninitsplace;forhoweverIcametoformsuchthingsinmydream,andwhatsecretconverseofspiritsinjectedit,yettherewas,Isay,muchofittrue.Iownthatthisdreamhadnothinginitliterallyandspecificallytrue;butthegeneralpartwassotrue-thebase;villainousbehaviourofthesethreehardenedrogueswassuch,andhadbeensomuchworsethanallIcandescribe,thatthedreamhadtoomuchsimilitudeofthefact;andasIwouldafterwardshavepunishedthemseverely,so,ifIhadhangedthemall,Ihadbeenmuchintheright,andevenshouldhavebeenjustifiedbothbythelawsofGodandman.Buttoreturntomystory.InthiskindoftemperIlivedsomeyears;Ihadnoenjoymentofmylife,nopleasanthours,noagreeablediversionbutwhathadsomethingorotherofthisinit;sothatmywife,whosawmymindwhollybentuponit,toldmeveryseriouslyonenightthatshebelievedtherewassomesecret,powerfulimpulseofProvidenceuponme,whichhaddeterminedmetogothitheragain;andthatshefoundnothinghinderedmegoingbutmybeingengagedtoawifeandchildren.Shetoldmethatitwastrueshecouldnotthinkofpartingwithme:butasshewasassuredthatifshewasdeaditwouldbethefirstthingIwoulddo,so,asitseemedtoherthatthethingwasdeterminedabove,shewouldnotbetheonlyobstruction;for,ifIthoughtfitandresolvedtogo-[Hereshefoundmeveryintentuponherwords,andthatIlookedveryearnestlyather,sothatitalittledisorderedher,andshestopped.Iaskedherwhyshedidnotgoon,andsayoutwhatshewasgoingtosay?ButIperceivedthatherheartwastoofull,andsometearsstoodinhereyes.]"Speakout,mydear,"saidI;"areyouwillingIshouldgo?"-"No,"saysshe,veryaffectionately,"Iamfarfromwilling;butifyouareresolvedtogo,"saysshe,"ratherthanIwouldbetheonlyhindrance,Iwillgowithyou:forthoughIthinkitamostpreposterousthingforoneofyouryears,andinyourcondition,yet,ifitmustbe,"saidshe,againweeping,"Iwouldnotleaveyou;forifitbeofHeavenyoumustdoit,thereisnoresistingit;andifHeavenmakeityourdutytogo,Hewillalsomakeitminetogowithyou,orotherwisedisposeofme,thatImaynotobstructit."Thisaffectionatebehaviourofmywife'sbroughtmealittleoutofthevapours,andIbegantoconsiderwhatIwasdoing;Icorrectedmywanderingfancy,andbegantoarguewithmyselfsedatelywhatbusinessIhadafterthreescoreyears,andaftersuchalifeoftedioussufferingsanddisasters,andclosedinsohappyandeasyamanner;I,say,
whatbusinesshadItorushintonewhazards,andputmyselfuponadventuresfitonlyforyouthandpovertytoruninto?WiththosethoughtsIconsideredmynewengagement;thatIhadawife,onechildborn,andmywifethengreatwithchildofanother;thatIhadalltheworldcouldgiveme,andhadnoneedtoseekhazardforgain;thatIwasdeclininginyears,andoughttothinkratherofleavingwhatIhadgainedthanofseekingtoincreaseit;thatastowhatmywifehadsaidofitsbeinganimpulsefromHeaven,andthatitshouldbemydutytogo,Ihadnonotionofthat;so,aftermanyofthesecogitations,Istruggledwiththepowerofmyimagination,reasonedmyselfoutofit,asIbelievepeoplemayalwaysdoinlikecasesiftheywill:inaword,Iconqueredit,composedmyselfwithsuchargumentsasoccurredtomythoughts,andwhichmypresentconditionfurnishedmeplentifullywith;andparticularly,asthemosteffectualmethod,Iresolvedtodivertmyselfwithotherthings,andtoengageinsomebusinessthatmighteffectuallytiemeupfromanymoreexcursionsofthiskind;forIfoundthatthingreturnuponmechieflywhenIwasidle,andhadnothingtodo,noranythingofmomentimmediatelybeforeme.Tothispurpose,IboughtalittlefarminthecountyofBedford,andresolvedtoremovemyselfthither.Ihadalittleconvenienthouseuponit,andthelandaboutit,Ifound,wascapableofgreatimprovement;anditwasmanywayssuitedtomyinclination,whichdelightedincultivating,managing,planting,andimprovingofland;andparticularly,beinganinlandcountry,Iwasremovedfromconversingamongsailorsandthingsrelatingtotheremotepartsoftheworld.Iwentdowntomyfarm,settledmyfamily,boughtploughs,harrows,acart,waggon-horses,cows,andsheep,and,settingseriouslytowork,becameinonehalf-yearamerecountrygentleman.Mythoughtswereentirelytakenupinmanagingmyservants,cultivatingtheground,enclosing,planting,&c.;andIlived,asIthought,themostagreeablelifethatnaturewascapableofdirecting,orthatamanalwaysbredtomisfortuneswascapableofretreatingto.Ifarmeduponmyownland;Ihadnorenttopay,waslimitedbynoarticles;IcouldpulluporcutdownasIpleased;whatIplantedwasformyself,andwhatIimprovedwasformyfamily;andhavingthusleftoffthethoughtsofwandering,Ihadnottheleastdiscomfortinanypartoflifeastothisworld.NowIthought,indeed,thatIenjoyedthemiddlestateoflifewhichmyfathersoearnestlyrecommendedtome,andlivedakindofheavenlylife,somethinglikewhatisdescribedbythepoet,uponthesubjectofacountrylife:-"Freefromvices,freefromcare,Agehasnopain,andyouthnosnare."Butinthemiddleofallthisfelicity,oneblowfromunseenProvidenceunhingedmeatonce;andnotonlymadeabreachuponmeinevitableandincurable,butdroveme,byitsconsequences,intoadeeprelapseofthewanderingdisposition,which,asImaysay,beingborninmyveryblood,soonrecovereditsholdofme;and,likethereturnsofaviolentdistemper,cameonwithanirresistibleforceuponme.Thisblowwasthelossofmywife.Itisnotmybusinessheretowriteanelegyuponmywife,giveacharacterofherparticularvirtues,andmakemycourttothesexbytheflatteryofafuneralsermon.Shewas,inafewwords,thestayofallmyaffairs;thecentreofallmyenterprises;theenginethat,byherprudence,reducedmetothathappycompassIwasin,fromthemostextravagantand
ruinousprojectthatfilledmyhead,anddidmoretoguidemyramblinggeniusthanamother'stears,afather'sinstructions,afriend'scounsel,orallmyownreasoningpowerscoulddo.Iwashappyinlisteningtoher,andinbeingmovedbyherentreaties;andtothelastdegreedesolateanddislocatedintheworldbythelossofher.Whenshewasgone,theworldlookedawkwardlyroundme.Iwasasmuchastrangerinit,inmythoughts,asIwasintheBrazils,whenIfirstwentonshorethere;andasmuchalone,exceptfortheassistanceofservants,asIwasinmyisland.Iknewneitherwhattothinknorwhattodo.Isawtheworldbusyaroundme:onepartlabouringforbread,anotherpartsquanderinginvileexcessesoremptypleasures,butequallymiserablebecausetheendtheyproposedstillfledfromthem;forthemenofpleasureeverydaysurfeitedoftheirvice,andheapedupworkforsorrowandrepentance;andthemenoflabourspenttheirstrengthindailystrugglingforbreadtomaintainthevitalstrengththeylabouredwith:solivinginadailycirculationofsorrow,livingbuttowork,andworkingbuttolive,asifdailybreadweretheonlyendofwearisomelife,andawearisomelifetheonlyoccasionofdailybread.ThisputmeinmindofthelifeIlivedinmykingdom,theisland;whereIsufferednomorecorntogrow,becauseIdidnotwantit;andbrednomoregoats,becauseIhadnomoreuseforthem;wherethemoneylayinthedrawertillitgrewmouldy,andhadscarcethefavourtobelookeduponintwentyyears.Allthesethings,hadIimprovedthemasIoughttohavedone,andasreasonandreligionhaddictatedtome,wouldhavetaughtmetosearchfartherthanhumanenjoymentsforafullfelicity;andthattherewassomethingwhichcertainlywasthereasonandendoflifesuperiortoallthesethings,andwhichwaseithertobepossessed,oratleasthopedfor,onthissideofthegrave.Butmysagecounsellorwasgone;Iwaslikeashipwithoutapilot,thatcouldonlyrunaforethewind.Mythoughtsranallawayagainintotheoldaffair;myheadwasquiteturnedwiththewhimsiesofforeignadventures;andallthepleasant,innocentamusementsofmyfarm,mygarden,mycattle,andmyfamily,whichbeforeentirelypossessedme,werenothingtome,hadnorelish,andwerelikemusictoonethathasnoear,orfoodtoonethathasnotaste.Inaword,Iresolvedtoleaveoffhousekeeping,letmyfarm,andreturntoLondon;andinafewmonthsafterIdidso.WhenIcametoLondon,IwasstillasuneasyasIwasbefore;Ihadnorelishfortheplace,noemploymentinit,nothingtodobuttosaunteraboutlikeanidleperson,ofwhomitmaybesaidheisperfectlyuselessinGod'screation,anditisnotonefarthing'smattertotherestofhiskindwhetherhebedeadoralive.Thisalsowasthethingwhich,ofallcircumstancesoflife,wasthemostmyaversion,whohadbeenallmydaysusedtoanactivelife;andIwouldoftensaytomyself,"Astateofidlenessistheverydregsoflife;"and,indeed,IthoughtIwasmuchmoresuitablyemployedwhenIwastwenty-sixdaysmakingadealboard.Itwasnowthebeginningoftheyear1693,whenmynephew,whom,asIhaveobservedbefore,Ihadbroughtuptothesea,andhadmadehimcommanderofaship,wascomehomefromashortvoyagetoBilbao,beingthefirsthehadmade.Hecametome,andtoldmethatsomemerchantsofhisacquaintancehadbeenproposingtohimtogoavoyageforthemtotheEastIndies,andtoChina,asprivatetraders."Andnow,uncle,"sayshe,"ifyou
willgotoseawithme,Iwillengagetolandyouuponyouroldhabitationintheisland;forwearetotouchattheBrazils."Nothingcanbeagreaterdemonstrationofafuturestate,andoftheexistenceofaninvisibleworld,thantheconcurrenceofsecondcauseswiththeideaofthingswhichweforminourminds,perfectlyreserved,andnotcommunicatedtoanyintheworld.Mynephewknewnothinghowfarmydistemperofwanderingwasreturneduponme,andIknewnothingofwhathehadinhisthoughttosay,whenthatverymorning,beforehecametome,Ihad,inagreatdealofconfusionofthought,andrevolvingeverypartofmycircumstancesinmymind,cometothisresolution,thatIwouldgotoLisbon,andconsultwithmyoldsea-captain;andifitwasrationalandpracticable,Iwouldgoandseetheislandagain,andwhatwasbecomeofmypeoplethere.Ihadpleasedmyselfwiththethoughtsofpeoplingtheplace,andcarryinginhabitantsfromhence,gettingapatentforthepossessionandIknownotwhat;when,inthemiddleofallthis,incomesmynephew,asIhavesaid,withhisprojectofcarryingmethitherinhiswaytotheEastIndies.Ipausedawhileathiswords,andlookingsteadilyathim,"Whatdevil,"saidI,"sentyouonthisunluckyerrand?"Mynephewstaredasifhehadbeenfrightenedatfirst;butperceivingthatIwasnotmuchdispleasedattheproposal,herecoveredhimself."Ihopeitmaynotbeanunluckyproposal,sir,"sayshe."Idaresayyouwouldbepleasedtoseeyournewcolonythere,whereyouoncereignedwithmorefelicitythanmostofyourbrothermonarchsintheworld."Inaword,theschemehitsoexactlywithmytemper,thatistosay,theprepossessionIwasunder,andofwhichIhavesaidsomuch,thatItoldhim,inafewwords,ifheagreedwiththemerchants,Iwouldgowithhim;butItoldhimIwouldnotpromisetogoanyfurtherthanmyownisland."Why,sir,"sayshe,"youdon'twanttobeleftthereagain,Ihope?""But,"saidI,"canyounottakemeupagainonyourreturn?"Hetoldmeitwouldnotbepossibletodoso;thatthemerchantswouldneverallowhimtocomethatwaywithaladenshipofsuchvalue,itbeingamonth'ssailoutofhisway,andmightbethreeorfour."Besides,sir,ifIshouldmiscarry,"saidhe,"andnotreturnatall,thenyouwouldbejustreducedtotheconditionyouwereinbefore."Thiswasveryrational;butwebothfoundoutaremedyforit,whichwastocarryaframedslooponboardtheship,which,beingtakeninpieces,might,bythehelpofsomecarpenters,whomweagreedtocarrywithus,besetupagainintheisland,andfinishedfittogotoseainafewdays.Iwasnotlongresolving,forindeedtheimportunitiesofmynephewjoinedsoeffectuallywithmyinclinationthatnothingcouldopposeme;ontheotherhand,mywifebeingdead,noneconcernedthemselvessomuchformeastopersuademeonewayortheother,exceptmyancientgoodfriendthewidow,whoearnestlystruggledwithmetoconsidermyyears,myeasycircumstances,andtheneedlesshazardsofalongvoyage;andaboveall,myyoungchildren.Butitwasalltonopurpose,Ihadanirresistibledesireforthevoyage;andItoldherIthoughttherewassomethingsouncommonintheimpressionsIhaduponmymind,thatitwouldbeakindofresistingProvidenceifIshouldattempttostayathome;afterwhichsheceasedherexpostulations,andjoinedwithme,notonlyinmakingprovisionformyvoyage,butalsoinsettlingmyfamilyaffairsformyabsence,andprovidingfortheeducationof
mychildren.Inordertodothis,Imademywill,andsettledtheestateIhadinsuchamannerformychildren,andplacedinsuchhands,thatIwasperfectlyeasyandsatisfiedtheywouldhavejusticedonethem,whatevermightbefallme;andfortheireducation,Ileftitwhollytothewidow,withasufficientmaintenancetoherselfforhercare:allwhichsherichlydeserved;fornomothercouldhavetakenmorecareintheireducation,orunderstooditbetter;andasshelivedtillIcamehome,Ialsolivedtothankherforit.MynephewwasreadytosailaboutthebeginningofJanuary1694-5;andI,withmymanFriday,wentonboard,intheDowns,the8th;having,besidesthatsloopwhichImentionedabove,averyconsiderablecargoofallkindsofnecessarythingsformycolony,which,ifIdidnotfindingoodcondition,Iresolvedtoleaveso.First,IcarriedwithmesomeservantswhomIpurposedtoplacethereasinhabitants,oratleasttosetonworkthereuponmyaccountwhileIstayed,andeithertoleavethemthereorcarrythemforward,astheyshouldappearwilling;particularly,Icarriedtwocarpenters,asmith,andaveryhandy,ingeniousfellow,whowasacooperbytrade,andwasalsoageneralmechanic;forhewasdexterousatmakingwheelsandhand-millstogrindcorn,wasagoodturnerandagoodpot-maker;healsomadeanythingthatwaspropertomakeofearthorofwood:inaword,wecalledhimourJack-of-all-trades.WiththeseIcarriedatailor,whohadofferedhimselftogoapassengertotheEastIndieswithmynephew,butafterwardsconsentedtostayonournewplantation,andwhoprovedamostnecessaryhandyfellowascouldbedesiredinmanyotherbusinessesbesidesthatofhistrade;for,asIobservedformerly,necessityarmsusforallemployments.Mycargo,asnearasIcanrecollect,forIhavenotkeptaccountoftheparticulars,consistedofasufficientquantityoflinen,andsomeEnglishthinstuffs,forclothingtheSpaniardsthatIexpectedtofindthere;andenoughofthem,asbymycalculationmightcomfortablysupplythemforsevenyears;ifIrememberright,thematerialsIcarriedforclothingthem,withgloves,hats,shoes,stockings,andallsuchthingsastheycouldwantforwearing,amountedtoabouttwohundredpounds,includingsomebeds,bedding,andhouseholdstuff,particularlykitchenutensils,withpots,kettles,pewter,brass,&c.;andnearahundredpoundsmoreinironwork,nails,toolsofeverykind,staples,hooks,hinges,andeverynecessarythingIcouldthinkof.Icarriedalsoahundredsparearms,muskets,andfusees;besidessomepistols,aconsiderablequantityofshotofallsizes,threeorfourtonsoflead,andtwopiecesofbrasscannon;and,becauseIknewnotwhattimeandwhatextremitiesIwasprovidingfor,Icarriedahundredbarrelsofpowder,besidesswords,cutlasses,andtheironpartofsomepikesandhalberds.Inshort,wehadalargemagazineofallsortsofstore;andImademynephewcarrytwosmallquarter-deckgunsmorethanhewantedforhisship,toleavebehindiftherewasoccasion;sothatwhenwecametherewemightbuildafortandmanitagainstallsortsofenemies.Indeed,Iatfirstthoughttherewouldbeneedenoughforall,andmuchmore,ifwehopedtomaintainourpossessionoftheisland,asshallbeseeninthecourseofthatstory.IhadnotsuchbadluckinthisvoyageasIhadbeenusedtomeetwith,andthereforeshallhavethelessoccasiontointerruptthereader,whoperhapsmaybeimpatienttohearhowmatterswentwithmycolony;yetsomeoddaccidents,cross
windsandbadweatherhappenedonthisfirstsettingout,whichmadethevoyagelongerthanIexpecteditatfirst;andI,whohadnevermadebutonevoyage,myfirstvoyagetoGuinea,inwhichImightbesaidtocomebackagain,asthevoyagewasatfirstdesigned,begantothinkthesameillfateattendedme,andthatIwasborntobenevercontentedwithbeingonshore,andyettobealwaysunfortunateatsea.Contrarywindsfirstputustothenorthward,andwewereobligedtoputinatGalway,inIreland,wherewelaywind-boundtwo-and-twentydays;butwehadthissatisfactionwiththedisaster,thatprovisionswerehereexceedingcheap,andintheutmostplenty;sothatwhilewelayherewenevertouchedtheship'sstores,butratheraddedtothem.Here,also,Itookinseverallivehogs,andtwocowswiththeircalves,whichIresolved,ifIhadagoodpassage,toputonshoreinmyisland;butwefoundoccasiontodisposeotherwiseofthem.Wesetoutonthe5thofFebruaryfromIreland,andhadaveryfairgaleofwindforsomedays.AsIremember,itmightbeaboutthe20thofFebruaryintheeveninglate,whenthemate,havingthewatch,cameintotheround-houseandtoldushesawaflashoffire,andheardagunfired;andwhilehewastellingusofit,aboycameinandtoldustheboatswainheardanother.Thismadeusallrunoutuponthequarter-deck,whereforawhileweheardnothing;butinafewminuteswesawaverygreatlight,andfoundthattherewassomeveryterriblefireatadistance;immediatelywehadrecoursetoourreckonings,inwhichweallagreedthattherecouldbenolandthatwayinwhichthefireshoweditself,no,notforfivehundredleagues,foritappearedatWNW.Uponthis,weconcludeditmustbesomeshiponfireatsea;andas,byourhearingthenoiseofgunsjustbefore,weconcludedthatitcouldnotbefaroff,westooddirectlytowardsit,andwerepresentlysatisfiedweshoulddiscoverit,becausethefurtherwesailed,thegreaterthelightappeared;though,theweatherbeinghazy,wecouldnotperceiveanythingbutthelightforawhile.Inabouthalf-an-hour'ssailing,thewindbeingfairforus,thoughnotmuchofit,andtheweatherclearingupalittle,wecouldplainlydiscernthatitwasagreatshiponfireinthemiddleofthesea.Iwasmostsensiblytouchedwiththisdisaster,thoughnotatallacquaintedwiththepersonsengagedinit;Ipresentlyrecollectedmyformercircumstances,andwhatconditionIwasinwhentakenupbythePortuguesecaptain;andhowmuchmoredeplorablethecircumstancesofthepoorcreaturesbelongingtothatshipmustbe,iftheyhadnoothershipincompanywiththem.UponthisIimmediatelyorderedthatfivegunsshouldbefired,onesoonafteranother,that,ifpossible,wemightgivenoticetothemthattherewashelpforthemathandandthattheymightendeavourtosavethemselvesintheirboat;forthoughwecouldseetheflamesoftheship,yetthey,itbeingnight,couldseenothingofus.Welaybysometimeuponthis,onlydrivingastheburningshipdrove,waitingfordaylight;when,onasudden,toourgreatterror,thoughwehadreasontoexpectit,theshipblewupintheair;andinafewminutesallthefirewasout,thatistosay,therestoftheshipsunk.Thiswasaterrible,andindeedanafflictingsight,forthesakeofthepoormen,who,Iconcluded,mustbeeitheralldestroyedintheship,orbeintheutmostdistressintheirboat,inthemiddleoftheocean;which,atpresent,asitwasdark,Icouldnotsee.However,todirectthemaswellasIcould,Icausedlightstobe
hungoutinallpartsoftheshipwherewecould,andwhichwehadlanternsfor,andkeptfiringgunsallthenightlong,lettingthemknowbythisthattherewasashipnotfaroff.Abouteighto'clockinthemorningwediscoveredtheship'sboatsbythehelpofourperspectiveglasses,andfoundthereweretwoofthem,boththrongedwithpeople,anddeepinthewater.Weperceivedtheyrowed,thewindbeingagainstthem;thattheysawourship,anddidtheirutmosttomakeusseethem.Weimmediatelyspreadourancient,toletthemknowwesawthem,andhungawaftout,asasignalforthemtocomeonboard,andthenmademoresail,standingdirectlytothem.Inlittlemorethanhalf-an-hourwecameupwiththem;andtookthemallin,beingnolessthansixty-fourmen,women,andchildren;fortherewereagreatmanypassengers.UponinquirywefounditwasaFrenchmerchantshipofthree-hundredtons,home-boundfromQuebec.Themastergaveusalongaccountofthedistressofhisship;howthefirebeganinthesteeragebythenegligenceofthesteersman,which,onhiscryingoutforhelp,was,aseverybodythought,entirelyputout;buttheysoonfoundthatsomesparksofthefirstfirehadgotintosomepartoftheshipsodifficulttocomeatthattheycouldnoteffectuallyquenchit;andafterwardsgettinginbetweenthetimbers,andwithintheceilingoftheship,itproceededintothehold,andmasteredalltheskillandalltheapplicationtheywereabletoexert.Theyhadnomoretodothenbuttogetintotheirboats,which,totheirgreatcomfort,wereprettylarge;beingtheirlong-boat,andagreatshallop,besidesasmallskiff,whichwasofnogreatservicetothem,otherthantogetsomefreshwaterandprovisionsintoher,aftertheyhadsecuredtheirlivesfromthefire.Theyhad,indeed,smallhopesoftheirlivesbygettingintotheseboatsatthatdistancefromanyland;only,astheysaid,thattheythusescapedfromthefire,andtherewasapossibilitythatsomeshipmighthappentobeatsea,andmighttakethemin.Theyhadsails,oars,andacompass;andhadasmuchprovisionandwateras,withsparingitsoastobenextdoortostarving,mightsupportthemabouttwelvedays,inwhich,iftheyhadnobadweatherandnocontrarywinds,thecaptainsaidhehopedhemightgettothebanksofNewfoundland,andmightperhapstakesomefish,tosustainthemtilltheymightgoonshore.Butthereweresomanychancesagainsttheminallthesecases,suchasstorms,tooversetandfounderthem;rainsandcold,tobenumbandperishtheirlimbs;contrarywinds,tokeepthemoutandstarvethem;thatitmusthavebeennexttomiraculousiftheyhadescaped.Inthemidstoftheirconsternation,everyonebeinghopelessandreadytodespair,thecaptain,withtearsinhiseyes,toldmetheywereonasuddensurprisedwiththejoyofhearingagunfire,andafterthatfourmore:thesewerethefivegunswhichIcausedtobefiredatfirstseeingthelight.Thisrevivedtheirhearts,andgavethemthenotice,which,asabove,Idesireditshould,thattherewasashipathandfortheirhelp.Itwasuponthehearingofthesegunsthattheytookdowntheirmastsandsails:thesoundcomingfromthewindward,theyresolvedtoliebytillmorning.Sometimeafterthis,hearingnomoreguns,theyfiredthreemuskets,oneaconsiderablewhileafteranother;butthese,thewindbeingcontrary,weneverheard.Sometimeafterthatagaintheywerestillmoreagreeablysurprisedwithseeingourlights,andhearingtheguns,which,asIhavesaid,Icausedtobefiredalltherestofthenight.
Thissetthemtoworkwiththeiroars,tokeeptheirboatsahead,atleastthatwemightthesoonercomeupwiththem;andatlast,totheirinexpressiblejoy,theyfoundwesawthem.Itisimpossibleformetoexpresstheseveralgestures,thestrangeecstasies,thevarietyofpostureswhichthesepoordeliveredpeopleraninto,toexpressthejoyoftheirsoulsatsounexpectedadeliverance.Griefandfearareeasilydescribed:sighs,tears,groans,andaveryfewmotionsoftheheadandhands,makeupthesumofitsvariety;butanexcessofjoy,asurpriseofjoy,hasathousandextravagancesinit.Thereweresomeintears;someragingandtearingthemselves,asiftheyhadbeeninthegreatestagoniesofsorrow;somestarkravinganddownrightlunatic;someranabouttheshipstampingwiththeirfeet,otherswringingtheirhands;someweredancing,somesinging,somelaughing,morecrying,manyquitedumb,notabletospeakaword;otherssickandvomiting;severalswooningandreadytofaint;andafewwerecrossingthemselvesandgivingGodthanks.Iwouldnotwrongthemeither;theremightbemanythatwerethankfulafterwards;butthepassionwastoostrongforthematfirst,andtheywerenotabletomasterit:thenwerethrownintoecstasies,andakindoffrenzy,anditwasbutaveryfewthatwerecomposedandseriousintheirjoy.Perhapsalso,thecasemayhavesomeadditiontoitfromtheparticularcircumstanceofthatnationtheybelongedto:ImeantheFrench,whosetemperisallowedtobemorevolatile,morepassionate,andmoresprightly,andtheirspiritsmorefluidthaninothernations.Iamnotphilosopherenoughtodeterminethecause;butnothingIhadeverseenbeforecameuptoit.TheecstasiespoorFriday,mytrustysavage,wasinwhenhefoundhisfatherintheboatcamethenearesttoit;andthesurpriseofthemasterandhistwocompanions,whomIdeliveredfromthevillainsthatsetthemonshoreintheisland,camealittlewaytowardsit;butnothingwastocomparetothis,eitherthatIsawinFriday,oranywhereelseinmylife.Itisfurtherobservable,thattheseextravagancesdidnotshowthemselvesinthatdifferentmannerIhavementioned,indifferentpersonsonly;butallthevarietywouldappear,inashortsuccessionofmoments,inoneandthesameperson.Amanthatwesawthisminutedumb,and,asitwere,stupidandconfounded,wouldthenextminutebedancingandhallooinglikeanantic;andthenextmomentbetearinghishair,orpullinghisclothestopieces,andstampingthemunderhisfeetlikeamadman;inafewmomentsafterthatwewouldhavehimallintears,thensick,swooning,and,hadnotimmediatehelpbeenhad,hewouldinafewmomentshavebeendead.Thusitwas,notwithoneortwo,ortenortwenty,butwiththegreatestpartofthem;and,ifIrememberright,oursurgeonwasobligedtoletbloodofaboutthirtypersons.Thereweretwopriestsamongthem:oneanoldman,andtheotherayoungman;andthatwhichwasstrangestwas,theoldestmanwastheworst.Assoonashesethisfootonboardourship,andsawhimselfsafe,hedroppeddownstonedeadtoallappearance.Nottheleastsignoflifecouldbeperceivedinhim;oursurgeonimmediatelyappliedproperremediestorecoverhim,andwastheonlymanintheshipthatbelievedhewasnotdead.Atlengthheopenedaveininhisarm,havingfirstchafedandrubbedthepart,soastowarmitasmuchaspossible.Uponthistheblood,whichonlydroppedatfirst,flowingfreely,inthreeminutesafterthemanopenedhiseyes;aquarterofan
hourafterthathespoke,grewbetter,andafterthebloodwasstopped,hewalkedabout,toldushewasperfectlywell,andtookadramofcordialwhichthesurgeongavehim.Aboutaquarterofanhourafterthistheycamerunningintothecabintothesurgeon,whowasbleedingaFrenchwomanthathadfainted,andtoldhimthepriestwasgonestarkmad.Itseemshehadbeguntorevolvethechangeofhiscircumstancesinhismind,andagainthisputhimintoanecstasyofjoy.Hisspiritswhirledaboutfasterthanthevesselscouldconveythem,thebloodgrewhotandfeverish,andthemanwasasfitforBedlamasanycreaturethateverwasinit.Thesurgeonwouldnotbleedhimagaininthatcondition,butgavehimsomethingtodozeandputhimtosleep;which,aftersometime,operateduponhim,andheawokenextmorningperfectlycomposedandwell.Theyoungerpriestbehavedwithgreatcommandofhispassions,andwasreallyanexampleofaserious,well-governedmind.Athisfirstcomingonboardtheshiphethrewhimselfflatonhisface,prostratinghimselfinthankfulnessforhisdeliverance,inwhichIunhappilyandunseasonablydisturbedhim,reallythinkinghehadbeeninaswoon;buthespokecalmly,thankedme,toldmehewasgivingGodthanksforhisdeliverance,beggedmetoleavehimafewmoments,andthat,nexttohisMaker,hewouldgivemethanksalso.IwasheartilysorrythatIdisturbedhim,andnotonlylefthim,butkeptothersfrominterruptinghimalso.Hecontinuedinthatpostureaboutthreeminutes,orlittlemore,afterIlefthim,thencametome,ashehadsaidhewould,andwithagreatdealofseriousnessandaffection,butwithtearsinhiseyes,thankedme,thathad,underGod,givenhimandsomanymiserablecreaturestheirlives.ItoldhimIhadnoneedtotellhimtothankGodforit,ratherthanme,forIhadseenthathehaddonethatalready;butIaddedthatitwasnothingbutwhatreasonandhumanitydictatedtoallmen,andthatwehadasmuchreasonashetogivethankstoGod,whohadblessedussofarastomakeustheinstrumentsofHismercytosomanyofHiscreatures.Afterthistheyoungpriestappliedhimselftohiscountrymen,andlabouredtocomposethem:hepersuaded,entreated,argued,reasonedwiththem,anddidhisutmosttokeepthemwithintheexerciseoftheirreason;andwithsomehehadsuccess,thoughotherswereforatimeoutofallgovernmentofthemselves.Icannothelpcommittingthistowriting,asperhapsitmaybeusefultothoseintowhosehandsitmayfall,forguidingthemselvesintheextravagancesoftheirpassions;forifanexcessofjoycancarrymenouttosuchalengthbeyondthereachoftheirreason,whatwillnottheextravagancesofanger,rage,andaprovokedmindcarryusto?And,indeed,hereIsawreasonforkeepinganexceedingwatchoverourpassionsofeverykind,aswellthoseofjoyandsatisfactionasthoseofsorrowandanger.Weweresomewhatdisorderedbytheseextravagancesamongournewguestsforthefirstday;butaftertheyhadretiredtolodgingsprovidedforthemaswellasourshipwouldallow,andhadsleptheartily-asmostofthemdid,beingfatiguedandfrightened-theywerequiteanothersortofpeoplethenextday.Nothingofgoodmanners,orcivilacknowledgmentsforthekindnessshownthem,waswanting;theFrench,itisknown,arenaturallyaptenoughtoexceedthatway.Thecaptainandoneofthepriestscametomethenextday,anddesiredtospeakwithmeandmynephew;thecommanderbegantoconsultwithus
whatshouldbedonewiththem;andfirst,theytolduswehadsavedtheirlives,soalltheyhadwaslittleenoughforareturntousforthatkindnessreceived.Thecaptainsaidtheyhadsavedsomemoneyandsomethingsofvalueintheirboats,caughthastilyoutoftheflames,andifwewouldacceptittheywereorderedtomakeanofferofitalltous;theyonlydesiredtobesetonshoresomewhereinourway,where,ifpossible,theymightgetapassagetoFrance.Mynephewwishedtoaccepttheirmoneyatfirstword,andtoconsiderwhattodowiththemafterwards;butIoverruledhiminthatpart,forIknewwhatitwastobesetonshoreinastrangecountry;andifthePortuguesecaptainthattookmeupatseahadservedmeso,andtakenallIhadformydeliverance,Imusthavebeenstarved,orhavebeenasmuchaslaveattheBrazilsasIhadbeenatBarbary,themerebeingsoldtoaMahometanexcepted;andperhapsaPortugueseisnotamuchbettermasterthanaTurk,ifnotinsomecasesmuchworse.IthereforetoldtheFrenchcaptainthatwehadtakenthemupintheirdistress,itwastrue,butthatitwasourdutytodoso,aswewerefellow-creatures;andwewoulddesiretobesodeliveredifwewereinthelikeoranyotherextremity;thatwehaddonenothingforthembutwhatwebelievedtheywouldhavedoneforusifwehadbeenintheircaseandtheyinours;butthatwetookthemuptosavethem,nottoplunderthem;anditwouldbeamostbarbarousthingtotakethatlittlefromthemwhichtheyhadsavedoutofthefire,andthensetthemonshoreandleavethem;thatthiswouldbefirsttosavethemfromdeath,andthenkillthemourselves:savethemfromdrowning,andabandonthemtostarving;andthereforeIwouldnotlettheleastthingbetakenfromthem.Astosettingthemonshore,Itoldthemindeedthatwasanexceedingdifficultytous,forthattheshipwasboundtotheEastIndies;andthoughweweredrivenoutofourcoursetothewestwardaverygreatway,andperhapsweredirectedbyHeavenonpurposefortheirdeliverance,yetitwasimpossibleforuswilfullytochangeourvoyageontheirparticularaccount;norcouldmynephew,thecaptain,answerittothefreighters,withwhomhewasunderchartertopursuehisvoyagebywayofBrazil;andallIknewwecoulddoforthemwastoputourselvesinthewayofmeetingwithothershipshomewardboundfromtheWestIndies,andgetthemapassage,ifpossible,toEnglandorFrance.Thefirstpartoftheproposalwassogenerousandkindtheycouldnotbutbeverythankfulforit;buttheywereinverygreatconsternation,especiallythepassengers,atthenotionofbeingcarriedawaytotheEastIndies;theythenentreatedmethatasIwasdrivensofartothewestwardbeforeImetwiththem,IwouldatleastkeeponthesamecoursetothebanksofNewfoundland,whereitwasprobableImightmeetwithsomeshiporsloopthattheymighthiretocarrythembacktoCanada.Ithoughtthiswasbutareasonablerequestontheirpart,andthereforeIinclinedtoagreetoit;forindeedIconsideredthattocarrythiswholecompanytotheEastIndieswouldnotonlybeanintolerableseverityuponthepoorpeople,butwouldberuiningourwholevoyagebydevouringallourprovisions;soIthoughtitnobreachofcharter-party,butwhatanunforeseenaccidentmadeabsolutelynecessarytous,andinwhichnoonecouldsayweweretoblame;forthelawsofGodandnaturewouldhaveforbidthatweshouldrefusetotakeuptwoboatsfullofpeopleinsuchadistressedcondition;andthenatureofthething,aswell
respectingourselvesasthepoorpeople,obligedustosetthemonshoresomewhereorotherfortheirdeliverance.SoIconsentedthatwewouldcarrythemtoNewfoundland,ifwindandweatherwouldpermit:andifnot,IwouldcarrythemtoMartinico,intheWestIndies.Thewindcontinuedfresheasterly,buttheweatherprettygood;andasthewindshadcontinuedinthepointsbetweenNE.andSE.alongtime,wemissedseveralopportunitiesofsendingthemtoFrance;forwemetseveralshipsboundtoEurope,whereoftwowereFrench,fromSt.Christopher's,buttheyhadbeensolongbeatingupagainstthewindthattheydursttakeinnopassengers,forfearofwantingprovisionsforthevoyage,aswellforthemselvesasforthosetheyshouldtakein;sowewereobligedtogoon.ItwasaboutaweekafterthisthatwemadethebanksofNewfoundland;where,toshortenmystory,weputallourFrenchpeopleonboardabark,whichtheyhiredatseathere,toputthemonshore,andafterwardstocarrythemtoFrance,iftheycouldgetprovisionstovictualthemselveswith.WhenIsayalltheFrenchwentonshore,IshouldrememberthattheyoungpriestIspokeof,hearingwewereboundtotheEastIndies,desiredtogothevoyagewithus,andtobesetonshoreonthecoastofCoromandel;whichIreadilyagreedto,forIwonderfullylikedtheman,andhadverygoodreason,aswillappearafterwards;alsofouroftheseamenenteredthemselvesonourship,andprovedveryusefulfellows.FromhencewedirectedourcoursefortheWestIndies,steeringawayS.andS.byE.forabouttwentydaystogether,sometimeslittleornowindatall;whenwemetwithanothersubjectforourhumanitytoworkupon,almostasdeplorableasthatbefore.CHAPTERII-INTERVENINGHISTORYOFCOLONYITwasinthelatitudeof27degrees5minutesN.,onthe19thdayofMarch1694-95,whenwespiedasail,ourcourseSE.andbyS.Wesoonperceiveditwasalargevessel,andthatsheboreuptous,butcouldnotatfirstknowwhattomakeofher,till,aftercomingalittlenearer,wefoundshehadlosthermain-topmast,fore-mast,andbowsprit;andpresentlyshefiredagunasasignalofdistress.Theweatherwasprettygood,windatNNW.afreshgale,andwesooncametospeakwithher.WefoundherashipofBristol,boundhomefromBarbadoes,buthadbeenblownoutoftheroadatBarbadoesafewdaysbeforeshewasreadytosail,byaterriblehurricane,whilethecaptainandchiefmatewerebothgoneonshore;sothat,besidestheterrorofthestorm,theywereinanindifferentcaseforgoodmarinerstobringtheshiphome.Theyhadbeenalreadynineweeksatsea,andhadmetwithanotherterriblestorm,afterthehurricanewasover,whichhadblownthemquiteoutoftheirknowledgetothewestward,andinwhichtheylosttheirmasts.TheytoldustheyexpectedtohaveseentheBahamaIslands,butwerethendrivenawayagaintothesouth-east,byastronggaleofwindatNNW.,thesamethatblewnow:andhavingnosailstoworktheshipwithbutamaincourse,andakindofsquaresailuponajuryfore-mast,whichtheyhadsetup,theycouldnotlienearthewind,butwereendeavouringtostandawayfortheCanaries.Butthatwhichwasworstofallwas,thattheywerealmoststarvedforwantofprovisions,besidesthefatiguestheyhadundergone;theirbreadandfleshwerequitegone-theyhadnotoneounceleftintheship,andhadhadnoneforelevendays.Theonlyrelieftheyhadwas,theirwaterwasnotallspent,andtheyhadabouthalfabarrelofflourleft;theyhad
sugarenough;somesuccades,orsweetmeats,theyhadatfirst,butthesewerealldevoured;andtheyhadsevencasksofrum.Therewasayouthandhismotherandamaid-servantonboard,whowerepassengers,andthinkingtheshipwasreadytosail,unhappilycameonboardtheeveningbeforethehurricanebegan;andhavingnoprovisionsoftheirownleft,theywereinamoredeplorableconditionthantherest:fortheseamenbeingreducedtosuchanextremenecessitythemselves,hadnocompassion,wemaybesure,forthepoorpassengers;andtheywere,indeed,insuchaconditionthattheirmiseryisveryhardtodescribe.Ihadperhapsnotknownthispart,ifmycuriosityhadnotledme,theweatherbeingfairandthewindabated,togoonboardtheship.Thesecondmate,whouponthisoccasioncommandedtheship,hadbeenonboardourship,andhetoldmetheyhadthreepassengersinthegreatcabinthatwereinadeplorablecondition."Nay,"sayshe,"Ibelievetheyaredead,forIhaveheardnothingofthemforabovetwodays;andIwasafraidtoinquireafterthem,"saidhe,"forIhadnothingtorelievethemwith."Weimmediatelyappliedourselvestogivethemwhatreliefwecouldspare;andindeedIhadsofaroverruledthingswithmynephew,thatIwouldhavevictualledthemthoughwehadgoneawaytoVirginia,oranyotherpartofthecoastofAmerica,tohavesuppliedourselves;buttherewasnonecessityforthat.Butnowtheywereinanewdanger;fortheywereafraidofeatingtoomuch,evenofthatlittlewegavethem.Themate,orcommander,broughtsixmenwithhiminhisboat;butthesepoorwretcheslookedlikeskeletons,andweresoweakthattheycouldhardlysittotheiroars.Thematehimselfwasveryill,andhalfstarved;forhedeclaredhehadreservednothingfromthemen,andwentshareandsharealikewiththemineverybittheyate.Icautionedhimtoeatsparingly,andsetmeatbeforehimimmediately,buthehadnoteatenthreemouthfulsbeforehebegantobesickandoutoforder;sohestoppedawhile,andoursurgeonmixedhimupsomethingwithsomebroth,whichhesaidwouldbetohimbothfoodandphysic;andafterhehadtakenithegrewbetter.InthemeantimeIforgotnotthemen.Iorderedvictualstobegiventhem,andthepoorcreaturesratherdevouredthanateit:theyweresoexceedinglyhungrythattheywereinamannerravenous,andhadnocommandofthemselves;andtwoofthematewithsomuchgreedinessthattheywereindangeroftheirlivesthenextmorning.Thesightofthesepeople'sdistresswasverymovingtome,andbroughttomindwhatIhadaterribleprospectofatmyfirstcomingonshoreinmyisland,whereIhadnottheleastmouthfuloffood,oranyprospectofprocuringany;besidesthehourlyapprehensionsIhadofbeingmadethefoodofothercreatures.Butallthewhilethematewasthusrelatingtomethemiserableconditionoftheship'scompany,Icouldnotputoutofmythoughtthestoryhehadtoldmeofthethreepoorcreaturesinthegreatcabin,viz.themother,herson,andthemaid-servant,whomhehadheardnothingoffortwoorthreedays,andwhom,heseemedtoconfess,theyhadwhollyneglected,theirownextremitiesbeingsogreat;bywhichIunderstoodthattheyhadreallygiventhemnofoodatall,andthatthereforetheymustbeperished,andbealllyingdead,perhaps,onthefloorordeckofthecabin.AsIthereforekeptthemate,whomwethencalledcaptain,onboardwithhismen,torefreshthem,soIalsoforgotnotthestarvingcrewthatwereleftonboard,
butorderedmyownboattogoonboardtheship,and,withmymateandtwelvemen,tocarrythemasackofbread,andfourorfivepiecesofbeeftoboil.Oursurgeonchargedthementocausethemeattobeboiledwhiletheystayed,andtokeepguardinthecook-room,topreventthementakingittoeatraw,ortakingitoutofthepotbeforeitwaswellboiled,andthentogiveeverymanbutaverylittleatatime:andbythiscautionhepreservedthemen,whowouldotherwisehavekilledthemselveswiththatveryfoodthatwasgiventhemonpurposetosavetheirlives.AtthesametimeIorderedthematetogointothegreatcabin,andseewhatconditionthepoorpassengerswerein;andiftheywerealive,tocomfortthem,andgivethemwhatrefreshmentwasproper:andthesurgeongavehimalargepitcher,withsomeofthepreparedbrothwhichhehadgiventhematethatwasonboard,andwhichhedidnotquestionwouldrestorethemgradually.Iwasnotsatisfiedwiththis;but,asIsaidabove,havingagreatmindtoseethesceneofmiserywhichIknewtheshipitselfwouldpresentmewith,inamorelivelymannerthanIcouldhaveitbyreport,Itookthecaptainoftheship,aswenowcalledhim,withme,andwentmyself,alittleafter,intheirboat.Ifoundthepoormenonboardalmostinatumulttogetthevictualsoutoftheboilerbeforeitwasready;butmymateobservedhisorders,andkeptagoodguardatthecook-roomdoor,andthemanheplacedthere,afterusingallpossiblepersuasiontohavepatience,keptthemoffbyforce;however,hecausedsomebiscuit-cakestobedippedinthepot,andsoftenedwiththeliquorofthemeat,whichtheycalledbrewis,andgavethemeveryonesometostaytheirstomachs,andtoldthemitwasfortheirownsafetythathewasobligedtogivethembutlittleatatime.Butitwasallinvain;andhadInotcomeonboard,andtheirowncommanderandofficerswithme,andwithgoodwords,andsomethreatsalsoofgivingthemnomore,Ibelievetheywouldhavebrokenintothecook-roombyforce,andtornthemeatoutofthefurnace-forwordsareindeedofverysmallforcetoahungrybelly;however,wepacifiedthem,andfedthemgraduallyandcautiouslyatfirst,andthenexttimegavethemmore,andatlastfilledtheirbellies,andthemendidwellenough.Butthemiseryofthepoorpassengersinthecabinwasofanothernature,andfarbeyondtherest;foras,first,theship'scompanyhadsolittleforthemselves,itwasbuttootruethattheyhadatfirstkeptthemverylow,andatlasttotallyneglectedthem:sothatforsixorsevendaysitmightbesaidtheyhadreallynofoodatall,andforseveraldaysbeforeverylittle.Thepoormother,who,asthemenreported,wasawomanofsenseandgoodbreeding,hadsparedallshecouldsoaffectionatelyforherson,thatatlastsheentirelysankunderit;andwhenthemateofourshipwentin,shesatuponthefloorondeck,withherbackupagainstthesides,betweentwochairs,whichwerelashedfast,andherheadsunkbetweenhershoulderslikeacorpse,thoughnotquitedead.Mymatesaidallhecouldtoreviveandencourageher,andwithaspoonputsomebrothintohermouth.Sheopenedherlips,andlifteduponehand,butcouldnotspeak:yetsheunderstoodwhathesaid,andmadesignstohim,intimating,thatitwastoolateforher,butpointedtoherchild,asifshewouldhavesaidtheyshouldtakecareofhim.However,themate,whowasexceedinglymovedatthesight,endeavouredtogetsomeofthebrothintohermouth,and,ashesaid,gottwoorthree
spoonfulsdown-thoughIquestionwhetherhecouldbesureofitornot;butitwastoolate,andshediedthesamenight.Theyouth,whowaspreservedatthepriceofhismostaffectionatemother'slife,wasnotsofargone;yethelayinacabinbed,asonestretchedout,withhardlyanylifeleftinhim.Hehadapieceofanoldgloveinhismouth,havingeatenuptherestofit;however,beingyoung,andhavingmorestrengththanhismother,themategotsomethingdownhisthroat,andhebegansensiblytorevive;thoughbygivinghim,sometimeafter,buttwoorthreespoonfulsextraordinary,hewasverysick,andbroughtitupagain.Butthenextcarewasthepoormaid:shelayallalonguponthedeck,hardbyhermistress,andjustlikeonethathadfallendowninafitofapoplexy,andstruggledforlife.Herlimbsweredistorted;oneofherhandswasclaspedroundtheframeofthechair,andshegrippeditsohardthatwecouldnoteasilymakeherletitgo;herotherarmlayoverherhead,andherfeetlaybothtogether,setfastagainsttheframeofthecabintable:inshort,shelayjustlikeoneintheagoniesofdeath,andyetshewasalivetoo.Thepoorcreaturewasnotonlystarvedwithhunger,andterrifiedwiththethoughtsofdeath,but,asthementoldusafterwards,wasbroken-heartedforhermistress,whomshesawdyingfortwoorthreedaysbefore,andwhomshelovedmosttenderly.Weknewnotwhattodowiththispoorgirl;forwhenoursurgeon,whowasamanofverygreatknowledgeandexperience,had,withgreatapplication,recoveredherastolife,hehadheruponhishandsstill;forshewaslittlelessthandistractedforaconsiderabletimeafter.Whoevershallreadthesememorandumsmustbedesiredtoconsiderthatvisitsatseaarenotlikeajourneyintothecountry,wheresometimespeoplestayaweekorafortnightataplace.Ourbusinesswastorelievethisdistressedship'screw,butnotliebyforthem;andthoughtheywerewillingtosteerthesamecoursewithusforsomedays,yetwecouldcarrynosailtokeeppacewithashipthathadnomasts.However,astheircaptainbeggedofustohelphimtosetupamain-topmast,andakindofatopmasttohisjuryfore-mast,wedid,asitwere,liebyhimforthreeorfourdays;andthen,havinggivenhimfivebarrelsofbeef,abarrelofpork,twohogsheadsofbiscuit,andaproportionofpeas,flour,andwhatotherthingswecouldspare;andtakingthreecasksofsugar,somerum,andsomepiecesofeightfromthemforsatisfaction,weleftthem,takingonboardwithus,attheirownearnestrequest,theyouthandthemaid,andalltheirgoods.Theyoungladwasaboutseventeenyearsofage,apretty,well-bred,modest,andsensibleyouth,greatlydejectedwiththelossofhismother,andalsoathavinglosthisfatherbutafewmonthsbefore,atBarbadoes.Hebeggedofthesurgeontospeaktometotakehimoutoftheship;forhesaidthecruelfellowshadmurderedhismother:andindeedsotheyhad,thatistosay,passively;fortheymighthavesparedasmallsustenancetothepoorhelplesswidow,thoughithadbeenbutjustenoughtokeepheralive;buthungerknowsnofriend,norelation,nojustice,noright,andthereforeisremorseless,andcapableofnocompassion.Thesurgeontoldhimhowfarweweregoing,andthatitwouldcarryhimawayfromallhisfriends,andputhim,perhaps,inasbadcircumstancesalmostasthosewefoundhimin,thatistosay,starvingintheworld.Hesaiditmatterednotwhitherhewent,ifhewasbutdeliveredfromtheterriblecrewthathewasamong;thatthecaptain(bywhichhe
meantme,forhecouldknownothingofmynephew)hadsavedhislife,andhewassurewouldnothurthim;andasforthemaid,hewassure,ifshecametoherself,shewouldbeverythankfulforit,letuscarrythemwherewewould.ThesurgeonrepresentedthecasesoaffectionatelytomethatIyielded,andwetookthembothonboard,withalltheirgoods,exceptelevenhogsheadsofsugar,whichcouldnotberemovedorcomeat;andastheyouthhadabillofladingforthem,Imadehiscommandersignawriting,obliginghimselftogo,assoonashecametoBristol,tooneMr.Rogers,amerchantthere,towhomtheyouthsaidhewasrelated,andtodeliveraletterwhichIwrotetohim,andallthegoodshehadbelongingtothedeceasedwidow;which,Isuppose,wasnotdone,forIcouldneverlearnthattheshipcametoBristol,butwas,asismostprobable,lostatsea,beinginsodisabledacondition,andsofarfromanyland,thatIamofopinionthefirststormshemetwithafterwardsshemightfounder,forshewasleaky,andhaddamageinherholdwhenwemetwithher.Iwasnowinthelatitudeof19degrees32minutes,andhadhithertoatolerablevoyageastoweather,thoughatfirstthewindshadbeencontrary.Ishalltroublenobodywiththelittleincidentsofwind,weather,currents,&c.,ontherestofourvoyage;buttoshortenmystory,shallobservethatIcametomyoldhabitation,theisland,onthe10thofApril1695.ItwaswithnosmalldifficultythatIfoundtheplace;forasIcametoitandwenttoitbeforeonthesouthandeastsideoftheisland,comingfromtheBrazils,sonow,cominginbetweenthemainandtheisland,andhavingnochartforthecoast,noranylandmark,IdidnotknowitwhenIsawit,or,knowwhetherIsawitornot.Webeataboutagreatwhile,andwentonshoreonseveralislandsinthemouthofthegreatriverOrinoco,butnoneformypurpose;onlythisIlearnedbymycoastingtheshore,thatIwasunderonegreatmistakebefore,viz.thatthecontinentwhichIthoughtIsawfromtheislandIlivedinwasreallynocontinent,butalongisland,orratheraridgeofislands,reachingfromonetotheothersideoftheextendedmouthofthatgreatriver;andthatthesavageswhocametomyislandwerenotproperlythosewhichwecallCaribbees,butislanders,andotherbarbariansofthesamekind,whoinhabitednearertooursidethantherest.Inshort,Ivisitedseveraloftheseislandstonopurpose;someIfoundwereinhabited,andsomewerenot;ononeofthemIfoundsomeSpaniards,andthoughttheyhadlivedthere;butspeakingwiththem,foundtheyhadaslooplyinginasmallcreekhardby,andcamethithertomakesalt,andtocatchsomepearl-musselsiftheycould;butthattheybelongedtotheIsledeTrinidad,whichlayfarthernorth,inthelatitudeof10and11degrees.Thuscoastingfromoneislandtoanother,sometimeswiththeship,sometimeswiththeFrenchman'sshallop,whichwehadfoundaconvenientboat,andthereforekeptherwiththeirverygoodwill,atlengthIcamefaironthesouthsideofmyisland,andpresentlyknewtheverycountenanceoftheplace:soIbroughttheshipsafetoananchor,broadsidewiththelittlecreekwheremyoldhabitationwas.AssoonasIsawtheplaceIcalledforFriday,andaskedhimifheknewwherehewas?Helookedaboutalittle,andpresentlyclappinghishands,cried,"Ohyes,Ohthere,Ohyes,Ohthere!"pointingtoouroldhabitation,andfelldancingandcaperinglikeamadfellow;andIhadmuchadotokeephimfromjumpingintotheseatoswim
ashoretotheplace."Well,Friday,"saysI,"doyouthinkweshallfindanybodyhereorno?anddoyouthinkweshallseeyourfather?"Thefellowstoodmuteasastockagoodwhile;butwhenInamedhisfather,thepooraffectionatecreaturelookeddejected,andIcouldseethetearsrundownhisfaceveryplentifully."Whatisthematter,Friday?areyoutroubledbecauseyoumayseeyourfather?""No,no,"sayshe,shakinghishead,"noseehimmore:no,nevermoreseehimagain.""Whyso,Friday?howdoyouknowthat?""Ohno,Ohno,"saysFriday,"helongagodie,longago;hemucholdman.""Well,well,Friday,youdon'tknow;butshallweseeanyoneelse,then?"Thefellow,itseems,hadbettereyesthanI,andhepointstothehilljustabovemyoldhouse;andthoughwelayhalfaleagueoff,hecriesout,"Wesee!wesee!yes,weseemuchmanthere,andthere,andthere."Ilooked,butIsawnobody,no,notwithaperspectiveglass,whichwas,Isuppose,becauseIcouldnothittheplace:forthefellowwasright,asIfounduponinquirythenextday;andtherewerefiveorsixmenalltogether,whostoodtolookattheship,notknowingwhattothinkofus.AssoonasFridaytoldmehesawpeople,IcausedtheEnglishancienttobespread,andfiredthreeguns,togivethemnoticewewerefriends;andinaboutaquarterofanhourafterweperceivedasmokearisefromthesideofthecreek;soIimmediatelyorderedtheboatout,takingFridaywithme,andhangingoutawhiteflag,Iwentdirectlyonshore,takingwithmetheyoungfriarImentioned,towhomIhadtoldthestoryofmylivingthere,andthemannerofit,andeveryparticularbothofmyselfandthoseIleftthere,andwhowasonthataccountextremelydesiroustogowithme.Wehad,besides,aboutsixteenmenwellarmed,ifwehadfoundanynewgueststherewhichwedidnotknowof;butwehadnoneedofweapons.Aswewentonshoreuponthetideofflood,nearhighwater,weroweddirectlyintothecreek;andthefirstmanIfixedmyeyeuponwastheSpaniardwhoselifeIhadsaved,andwhomIknewbyhisfaceperfectlywell:astohishabit,Ishalldescribeitafterwards.Iorderednobodytogoonshoreatfirstbutmyself;buttherewasnokeepingFridayintheboat,fortheaffectionatecreaturehadspiedhisfatheratadistance,agoodwayofftheSpaniards,where,indeed,Isawnothingofhim;andiftheyhadnotlethimgoashore,hewouldhavejumpedintothesea.Hewasnosooneronshore,butheflewawaytohisfatherlikeanarrowoutofabow.Itwouldhavemadeanymanshedtears,inspiteofthefirmestresolution,tohaveseenthefirsttransportsofthispoorfellow'sjoywhenhecametohisfather:howheembracedhim,kissedhim,strokedhisface,tookhimupinhisarms,sethimdownuponatree,andlaydownbyhim;thenstoodandlookedathim,asanyonewouldlookatastrangepicture,foraquarterofanhourtogether;thenlaydownontheground,andstrokedhislegs,andkissedthem,andthengotupagainandstaredathim;onewouldhavethoughtthefellowbewitched.Butitwouldhavemadeadoglaughthenextdaytoseehowhispassionranoutanotherway:inthemorninghewalkedalongtheshorewithhisfatherseveralhours,alwaysleadinghimbythehand,asifhehadbeenalady;andeverynowandthenhewouldcometotheboattofetchsomethingorotherforhim,eitheralumpofsugar,adram,abiscuit,orsomethingorotherthatwasgood.Intheafternoonhisfrolicsrananotherway;forthenhewouldsettheoldmandownupontheground,anddanceabouthim,
andmakeathousandanticgestures;andallthewhilehedidthishewouldbetalkingtohim,andtellinghimonestoryoranotherofhistravels,andofwhathadhappenedtohimabroadtodiverthim.Inshort,ifthesamefilialaffectionwastobefoundinChristianstotheirparentsinourpartoftheworld,onewouldbetemptedtosaytherewouldhardlyhavebeenanyneedofthefifthcommandment.Butthisisadigression:Ireturntomylanding.ItwouldbeneedlesstotakenoticeofalltheceremoniesandcivilitiesthattheSpaniardsreceivedmewith.ThefirstSpaniard,whom,asIsaid,Iknewverywell,washewhoselifeIhadsaved.Hecametowardstheboat,attendedbyonemore,carryingaflagoftrucealso;andhenotonlydidnotknowmeatfirst,buthehadnothoughts,nonotionofitsbeingmethatwascome,tillIspoketohim."Seignior,"saidI,inPortuguese,"doyounotknowme?"Atwhichhespokenotaword,butgivinghismuskettothemanthatwaswithhim,threwhisarmsabroad,sayingsomethinginSpanishthatIdidnotperfectlyhear,cameforwardandembracedme,tellingmehewasinexcusablenottoknowthatfaceagainthathehadonceseen,asofanangelfromheavensenttosavehislife;hesaidabundanceofveryhandsomethings,asawell-bredSpaniardalwaysknowshow,andthen,beckoningtothepersonthatattendedhim,badehimgoandcallouthiscomrades.HethenaskedmeifIwouldwalktomyoldhabitation,wherehewouldgivemepossessionofmyownhouseagain,andwhereIshouldseetheyhadmadebutmeanimprovements.Iwalkedalongwithhim,but,alas!IcouldnomorefindtheplacethanifIhadneverbeenthere;fortheyhadplantedsomanytrees,andplacedtheminsuchaposition,sothickandclosetooneanother,andintenyears'timetheyweregrownsobig,thattheplacewasinaccessible,exceptbysuchwindingsandblindwaysastheythemselvesonly,whomadethem,couldfind.Iaskedthemwhatputthemuponallthesefortifications;hetoldmeIwouldsaytherewasneedenoughofitwhentheyhadgivenmeanaccounthowtheyhadpassedtheirtimesincetheirarrivingintheisland,especiallyaftertheyhadthemisfortunetofindthatIwasgone.Hetoldmehecouldnotbuthavesomepleasureinmygoodfortune,whenheheardthatIwasgoneinagoodship,andtomysatisfaction;andthathehadoftentimesastrongpersuasionthatonetimeorotherheshouldseemeagain,butnothingthateverbefellhiminhislife,hesaid,wassosurprisingandafflictingtohimatfirstasthedisappointmenthewasunderwhenhecamebacktotheislandandfoundIwasnotthere.Astothethreebarbarians(sohecalledthem)thatwereleftbehind,andofwhom,hesaid,hehadalongstorytotellme,theSpaniardsallthoughtthemselvesmuchbetteramongthesavages,onlythattheirnumberwassosmall:"And,"sayshe,"hadtheybeenstrongenough,wehadbeenalllongagoinpurgatory;"andwiththathecrossedhimselfonthebreast."But,sir,"sayshe,"IhopeyouwillnotbedispleasedwhenIshalltellyouhow,forcedbynecessity,wewereobligedforourownpreservationtodisarmthem,andmakethemoursubjects,astheywouldnotbecontentwithbeingmoderatelyourmasters,butwouldbeourmurderers."IansweredIwasafraidofitwhenIleftthemthere,andnothingtroubledmeatmypartingfromtheislandbutthattheywerenotcomeback,thatImighthaveputtheminpossessionofeverythingfirst,andlefttheothersinastateofsubjection,astheydeserved;butiftheyhadreducedthemtoitIwasvery
glad,andshouldbeveryfarfromfindinganyfaultwithit;forIknewtheywereaparcelofrefractory,ungovernedvillains,andwerefitforanymannerofmischief.WhileIwassayingthis,themancamewhomhehadsentback,andwithhimelevenmore.Inthedresstheywereinitwasimpossibletoguesswhatnationtheywereof;buthemadeallclear,bothtothemandtome.First,heturnedtome,andpointingtothem,said,"These,sir,aresomeofthegentlemenwhoowetheirlivestoyou;"andthenturningtothem,andpointingtome,heletthemknowwhoIwas;uponwhichtheyallcameup,onebyone,notasiftheyhadbeensailors,andordinaryfellows,andthelike,butreallyasiftheyhadbeenambassadorsornoblemen,andIamonarchorgreatconqueror:theirbehaviourwas,tothelastdegree,obligingandcourteous,andyetmixedwithamanly,majesticgravity,whichverywellbecamethem;and,inshort,theyhadsomuchmoremannersthanI,thatIscarceknewhowtoreceivetheircivilities,muchlesshowtoreturntheminkind.Thehistoryoftheircomingto,andconductin,theislandaftermygoingawayissoveryremarkable,andhassomanyincidentswhichtheformerpartofmyrelationwillhelptounderstand,andwhichwillinmostoftheparticulars,refertotheaccountIhavealreadygiven,thatIcannotbutcommitthem,withgreatdelight,tothereadingofthosethatcomeafterme.InordertodothisasintelligiblyasIcan,ImustgobacktothecircumstancesinwhichIlefttheisland,andthepersonsonit,ofwhomIamtospeak.Andfirst,itisnecessarytorepeatthatIhadsentawayFriday'sfatherandtheSpaniard(thetwowhoselivesIhadrescuedfromthesavages)inalargecanoetothemain,asIthenthoughtit,tofetchovertheSpaniard'scompanionsthatheleftbehindhim,inordertosavethemfromthelikecalamitythathehadbeenin,andinordertosuccourthemforthepresent;andthat,ifpossible,wemighttogetherfindsomewayforourdeliveranceafterwards.WhenIsentthemawayIhadnovisibleappearanceof,ortheleastroomtohopefor,myowndeliverance,anymorethanIhadtwentyyearsbefore-muchlesshadIanyforeknowledgeofwhatafterwardshappened,Imean,ofanEnglishshipcomingonshoretheretofetchmeoff;anditcouldnotbebutaverygreatsurprisetothem,whentheycameback,notonlytofindthatIwasgone,buttofindthreestrangersleftonthespot,possessedofallthatIhadleftbehindme,whichwouldotherwisehavebeentheirown.Thefirstthing,however,whichIinquiredinto,thatImightbeginwhereIleftoff,wasoftheirownpart;andIdesiredtheSpaniardwouldgivemeaparticularaccountofhisvoyagebacktohiscountrymenwiththeboat,whenIsenthimtofetchthemover.Hetoldmetherewaslittlevarietyinthatpart,fornothingremarkablehappenedtothemontheway,havinghadverycalmweatherandasmoothsea.Asforhiscountrymen,itcouldnotbedoubted,hesaid,butthattheywereoverjoyedtoseehim(itseemshewastheprincipalmanamongthem,thecaptainofthevesseltheyhadbeenshipwreckedinhavingbeendeadsometime):theywere,hesaid,themoresurprisedtoseehim,becausetheyknewthathewasfallenintothehandsofthesavages,who,theyweresatisfied,woulddevourhimastheydidalltherestoftheirprisoners;thatwhenhetoldthemthestoryofhisdeliverance,andinwhatmannerhewasfurnishedforcarryingthemaway,itwaslikeadreamtothem,andtheirastonishment,hesaid,wassomewhatlikethatofJoseph'sbrethrenwhenhetoldthem
whohewas,andthestoryofhisexaltationinPharaoh'scourt;butwhenheshowedthemthearms,thepowder,theball,theprovisionsthathebroughtthemfortheirjourneyorvoyage,theywererestoredtothemselves,tookajustshareofthejoyoftheirdeliverance,andimmediatelypreparedtocomeawaywithhim.Theirfirstbusinesswastogetcanoes;andinthistheywereobligednottosticksomuchuponthehonestyofit,buttotrespassupontheirfriendlysavages,andtoborrowtwolargecanoes,orperiaguas,onpretenceofgoingouta-fishing,orforpleasure.Inthesetheycameawaythenextmorning.Itseemstheywantednotimetogetthemselvesready;fortheyhadneitherclothesnorprovisions,noranythingintheworldbutwhattheyhadonthem,andafewrootstoeat,ofwhichtheyusedtomaketheirbread.Theywereinallthreeweeksabsent;andinthattime,unluckilyforthem,Ihadtheoccasionofferedformyescape,asImentionedintheotherpart,andtogetofffromtheisland,leavingthreeofthemostimpudent,hardened,ungoverned,disagreeablevillainsbehindmethatanymancoulddesiretomeetwith-tothepoorSpaniards'greatgriefanddisappointment.Theonlyjustthingtheroguesdidwas,thatwhentheSpaniardscameashore,theygavemylettertothem,andgavethemprovisions,andotherrelief,asIhadorderedthemtodo;alsotheygavethemthelongpaperofdirectionswhichIhadleftwiththem,containingtheparticularmethodswhichItookformanagingeverypartofmylifethere;thewayIbakedmybread,breduptamegoats,andplantedmycorn;howIcuredmygrapes,mademypots,and,inaword,everythingIdid.Allthisbeingwrittendown,theygavetotheSpaniards(twoofthemunderstoodEnglishwellenough):nordidtheyrefusetoaccommodatetheSpaniardswithanythingelse,fortheyagreedverywellforsometime.Theygavethemanequaladmissionintothehouseorcave,andtheybegantoliveverysociably;andtheheadSpaniard,whohadseenprettymuchofmymethods,togetherwithFriday'sfather,managedalltheiraffairs;butasfortheEnglishmen,theydidnothingbutrambleabouttheisland,shootparrots,andcatchtortoises;andwhentheycamehomeatnight,theSpaniardsprovidedtheirsuppersforthem.TheSpaniardswouldhavebeensatisfiedwiththishadtheothersbutletthemalone,which,however,theycouldnotfindintheirheartstodolong:but,likethedoginthemanger,theywouldnoteatthemselves,neitherwouldtheylettheotherseat.Thedifferences,nevertheless,wereatfirstbuttrivial,andsuchasarenotworthrelating,butatlastitbrokeoutintoopenwar:anditbeganwithalltherudenessandinsolencethatcanbeimagined-withoutreason,withoutprovocation,contrarytonature,andindeedtocommonsense;andthough,itistrue,thefirstrelationofitcamefromtheSpaniardsthemselves,whomImaycalltheaccusers,yetwhenIcametoexaminethefellowstheycouldnotdenyawordofit.ButbeforeIcometotheparticularsofthispart,Imustsupplyadefectinmyformerrelation;andthiswas,Iforgottosetdownamongtherest,thatjustaswewereweighingtheanchortosetsail,therehappenedalittlequarrelonboardofourship,whichIwasonceafraidwouldhaveturnedtoasecondmutiny;norwasitappeasedtillthecaptain,rousinguphiscourage,andtakingusalltohisassistance,partedthembyforce,andmakingtwoofthemostrefractoryfellowsprisoners,helaidtheminirons:andastheyhadbeenactiveintheformerdisorders,andletfallsomeugly,
dangerouswordsthesecondtime,hethreatenedtocarrytheminironstoEngland,andhavethemhangedthereformutinyandrunningawaywiththeship.This,itseems,thoughthecaptaindidnotintendtodoit,frightenedsomeothermenintheship;andsomeofthemhadputitintotheheadoftherestthatthecaptainonlygavethemgoodwordsforthepresent,tilltheyshouldcometosameEnglishport,andthatthentheyshouldbeallputintogaol,andtriedfortheirlives.Themategotintelligenceofthis,andacquainteduswithit,uponwhichitwasdesiredthatI,whostillpassedforagreatmanamongthem,shouldgodownwiththemateandsatisfythemen,andtellthemthattheymightbeassured,iftheybehavedwelltherestofthevoyage,alltheyhaddoneforthetimepastshouldbepardoned.SoIwent,andafterpassingmyhonour'swordtothemtheyappearedeasy,andthemoresowhenIcausedthetwomenthatwereinironstobereleasedandforgiven.Butthismutinyhadbroughtustoananchorforthatnight;thewindalsofallingcalmnextmorning,wefoundthatourtwomenwhohadbeenlaidinironshadstoleneachofthemamusketandsomeotherweapons(whatpowderorshottheyhadweknewnot),andhadtakentheship'spinnace,whichwasnotyethauledup,andrunawaywithhertotheircompanionsinrogueryonshore.Assoonaswefoundthis,Iorderedthelong-boatonshore,withtwelvemenandthemate,andawaytheywenttoseektherogues;buttheycouldneitherfindthemnoranyoftherest,fortheyallfledintothewoodswhentheysawtheboatcomingonshore.Thematewasonceresolved,injusticetotheirroguery,tohavedestroyedtheirplantations,burnedalltheirhouseholdstuffandfurniture,andleftthemtoshiftwithoutit;buthavingnoorders,heletitallalone,lefteverythingashefoundit,andbringingthepinnaceway,cameonboardwithoutthem.Thesetwomenmadetheirnumberfive;buttheotherthreevillainsweresomuchmorewickedthanthey,thataftertheyhadbeentwoorthreedaystogethertheyturnedthetwonewcomersoutofdoorstoshiftforthemselves,andwouldhavenothingtodowiththem;norcouldtheyforagoodwhilebepersuadedtogivethemanyfood:asfortheSpaniards,theywerenotyetcome.WhentheSpaniardscamefirstonshore,thebusinessbegantogoforward:theSpaniardswouldhavepersuadedthethreeEnglishbrutestohavetakenintheircountrymenagain,that,astheysaid,theymightbeallonefamily;buttheywouldnothearofit,sothetwopoorfellowslivedbythemselves;andfindingnothingbutindustryandapplicationwouldmakethemlivecomfortably,theypitchedtheirtentsonthenorthshoreoftheisland,butalittlemoretothewest,tobeoutofdangerofthesavages,whoalwayslandedontheeastpartsoftheisland.Heretheybuiltthemtwohuts,onetolodgein,andtheothertolayuptheirmagazinesandstoresin;andtheSpaniardshavinggiventhemsomecornforseed,andsomeofthepeaswhichIhadleftthem,theydug,planted,andenclosed,afterthepatternIhadsetforthemall,andbegantoliveprettywell.Theirfirstcropofcornwasontheground;andthoughitwasbutalittlebitoflandwhichtheyhaddugupatfirst,havinghadbutalittletime,yetitwasenoughtorelievethem,andfindthemwithbreadandothereatables;andoneofthefellowsbeingthecook'smateoftheship,wasveryreadyatmakingsoup,puddings,andsuchotherpreparationsasthericeandthemilk,andsuchlittlefleshastheygot,furnishedhimtodo.Theyweregoing
oninthislittlethrivingpositionwhenthethreeunnaturalrogues,theirowncountrymentoo,inmerehumour,andtoinsultthem,cameandbulliedthem,andtoldthemtheislandwastheirs:thatthegovernor,meaningme,hadgiventhemthepossessionofit,andnobodyelsehadanyrighttoit;andthattheyshouldbuildnohousesupontheirgroundunlesstheywouldpayrentforthem.Thetwomen,thinkingtheywerejestingatfirst,askedthemtocomeinandsitdown,andseewhatfinehousestheywerethattheyhadbuilt,andtotellthemwhatrenttheydemanded;andoneofthemmerrilysaidiftheyweretheground-landlords,hehopediftheybuilttenementsupontheirland,andmadeimprovements,theywould,accordingtothecustomoflandlords,grantalonglease:anddesiredtheywouldgetascrivenertodrawthewritings.Oneofthethree,cursingandraging,toldthemtheyshouldseetheywerenotinjest;andgoingtoalittleplaceatadistance,wherethehonestmenhadmadeafiretodresstheirvictuals,hetakesafirebrand,andclapsittotheoutsideoftheirhut,andsetitonfire:indeed,itwouldhavebeenallburneddowninafewminutesifoneofthetwohadnotruntothefellow,thrusthimaway,andtrodthefireoutwithhisfeet,andthatnotwithoutsomedifficultytoo.Thefellowwasinsucharageatthehonestman'sthrustinghimaway,thathereturneduponhim,withapolehehadinhishand,andhadnotthemanavoidedtheblowverynimbly,andrunintothehut,hehadendedhisdaysatonce.Hiscomrade,seeingthedangertheywerebothin,ranafterhim,andimmediatelytheycamebothoutwiththeirmuskets,andthemanthatwasfirststruckatwiththepoleknockedthefellowdownthatbeganthequarrelwiththestockofhismusket,andthatbeforetheothertwocouldcometohelphim;andthen,seeingtherestcomeatthem,theystoodtogether,andpresentingtheotherendsoftheirpiecestothem,badethemstandoff.Theothershadfirearmswiththemtoo;butoneofthetwohonestmen,bolderthanhiscomrade,andmadedesperatebyhisdanger,toldthemiftheyofferedtomovehandorfoottheyweredeadmen,andboldlycommandedthemtolaydowntheirarms.Theydidnot,indeed,laydowntheirarms,butseeinghimsoresolute,itbroughtthemtoaparley,andtheyconsentedtotaketheirwoundedmanwiththemandbegone:and,indeed,itseemsthefellowwaswoundedsufficientlywiththeblow.However,theyweremuchinthewrong,sincetheyhadtheadvantage,thattheydidnotdisarmthemeffectually,astheymighthavedone,andhavegoneimmediatelytotheSpaniards,andgiventhemanaccounthowtherogueshadtreatedthem;forthethreevillainsstudiednothingbutrevenge,andeverydaygavethemsomeintimationthattheydidso.CHAPTERIII-FIGHTWITHCANNIBALSBUTnottocrowdthispartwithanaccountofthelesserpartoftheroguerieswithwhichtheyplaguedthemcontinually,nightandday,itforcedthetwomentosuchadesperationthattheyresolvedtofightthemallthree,thefirsttimetheyhadafairopportunity.Inordertodothistheyresolvedtogotothecastle(astheycalledmyolddwelling),wherethethreeroguesandtheSpaniardsalllivedtogetheratthattime,intendingtohaveafairbattle,andtheSpaniardsshouldstandbytoseefairplay:sotheygotupinthemorningbeforeday,andcametotheplace,andcalledtheEnglishmenbytheirnamestellingaSpaniardthatansweredthattheywantedtospeakwiththem.IthappenedthatthedaybeforetwooftheSpaniards,havingbeeninthe
woods,hadseenoneofthetwoEnglishmen,whom,fordistinction,Icalledthehonestmen,andhehadmadeasadcomplainttotheSpaniardsofthebarbaroususagetheyhadmetwithfromtheirthreecountrymen,andhowtheyhadruinedtheirplantation,anddestroyedtheircorn,thattheyhadlabouredsohardtobringforward,andkilledthemilch-goatandtheirthreekids,whichwasalltheyhadprovidedfortheirsustenance,andthatifheandhisfriends,meaningtheSpaniards,didnotassistthemagain,theyshouldbestarved.WhentheSpaniardscamehomeatnight,andtheywereallatsupper,oneofthemtookthefreedomtoreprovethethreeEnglishmen,thoughinverygentleandmannerlyterms,andaskedthemhowtheycouldbesocruel,theybeingharmless,inoffensivefellows:thattheywereputtingthemselvesinawaytosubsistbytheirlabour,andthatithadcostthemagreatdealofpainstobringthingstosuchperfectionastheywerethenin.OneoftheEnglishmenreturnedverybriskly,"Whathadtheytodothere?thattheycameonshorewithoutleave;andthattheyshouldnotplantorbuildupontheisland;itwasnoneoftheirground.""Why,"saystheSpaniard,verycalmly,"SeigniorInglese,theymustnotstarve."TheEnglishmanreplied,likearoughtarpaulin,"Theymightstarve;theyshouldnotplantnorbuildinthatplace.""Butwhatmusttheydothen,seignior?"saidtheSpaniard.Anotherofthebrutesreturned,"Do?theyshouldbeservants,andworkforthem.""Buthowcanyouexpectthatofthem?"saystheSpaniard;"theyarenotboughtwithyourmoney;youhavenorighttomakethemservants."TheEnglishmananswered,"Theislandwastheirs;thegovernorhadgivenittothem,andnomanhadanythingtodotherebutthemselves;"andwiththathesworethathewouldgoandburnalltheirnewhuts;theyshouldbuildnoneupontheirland."Why,seignior,"saystheSpaniard,"bythesamerule,wemustbeyourservants,too.""Ay,"returnedthebolddog,"andsoyoushall,too,beforewehavedonewithyou;"mixingtwoorthreeoathsintheproperintervalsofhisspeech.TheSpaniardonlysmiledatthat,andmadehimnoanswer.However,thislittlediscoursehadheatedthem;andstartingup,onesaystotheother.(IthinkitwashetheycalledWillAtkins),"Come,Jack,let'sgoandhavet'otherbrushwiththem;we'lldemolishtheircastle,I'llwarrantyou;theyshallplantnocolonyinourdominions."Uponthistheywerealltroopingaway,witheverymanagun,apistol,andasword,andmutteredsomeinsolentthingsamongthemselvesofwhattheywoulddototheSpaniards,too,whenopportunityoffered;buttheSpaniards,itseems,didnotsoperfectlyunderstandthemastoknowalltheparticulars,onlythatingeneraltheythreatenedthemhardfortakingthetwoEnglishmen'spart.Whithertheywent,orhowtheybestowedtheirtimethatevening,theSpaniardssaidtheydidnotknow;butitseemstheywanderedaboutthecountrypartofthenight,andthemlyingdownintheplacewhichIusedtocallmybower,theywerewearyandoversleptthemselves.Thecasewasthis:theyhadresolvedtostaytillmidnight,andsotakethetwopoormenwhentheywereasleep,andastheyacknowledgedafterwards,intendedtosetfiretotheirhutswhiletheywereinthem,andeitherburnthemthereormurderthemastheycameout.Asmaliceseldomsleepsverysound,itwasverystrangetheyshouldnothavebeenkeptawake.However,asthetwomenhadalsoadesignuponthem,asIhavesaid,thoughamuchfaireronethanthatofburningandmurdering,it
happened,andveryluckilyforthemall,thattheywereupandgoneabroadbeforethebloody-mindedroguescametotheirhuts.Whentheycamethere,andfoundthemengone,Atkins,whoitseemswastheforwardestman,calledouttohiscomrade,"Ha,Jack,here'sthenest,butthebirdsareflown."Theymusedawhile,tothinkwhatshouldbetheoccasionoftheirbeinggoneabroadsosoon,andsuggestedpresentlythattheSpaniardshadgiventhemnoticeofit;andwiththattheyshookhands,andsworetooneanotherthattheywouldberevengedoftheSpaniards.Assoonastheyhadmadethisbloodybargaintheyfelltoworkwiththepoormen'shabitation;theydidnotsetfire,indeed,toanything,buttheypulleddownboththeirhouses,andleftnottheleaststickstanding,orscarceanysignonthegroundwheretheystood;theytorealltheirhouseholdstuffinpieces,andthreweverythingaboutinsuchamanner,thatthepoormenafterwardsfoundsomeoftheirthingsamileoff.Whentheyhaddonethis,theypulledupalltheyoungtreeswhichthepoormenhadplanted;brokedownanenclosuretheyhadmadetosecuretheircattleandtheircorn;and,inaword,sackedandplunderedeverythingascompletelyasahordeofTartarswouldhavedone.Thetwomenwereatthisjuncturegonetofindthemout,andhadresolvedtofightthemwherevertheyhadbeen,thoughtheywerebuttwotothree;sothat,hadtheymet,therecertainlywouldhavebeenbloodshedamongthem,fortheywereallverystout,resolutefellows,togivethemtheirdue.ButProvidencetookmorecaretokeepthemasunderthantheythemselvescoulddotomeet;for,asiftheyhaddoggedoneanother,whenthethreeweregonethither,thetwowerehere;andafterwards,whenthetwowentbacktofindthem,thethreewerecometotheoldhabitationagain:weshallseetheirdifferentconductpresently.Whenthethreecamebacklikefuriouscreatures,flushedwiththeragewhichtheworktheyhadbeenabouthadputtheminto,theycameuptotheSpaniards,andtoldthemwhattheyhaddone,bywayofscoffandbravado;andoneofthemsteppinguptooneoftheSpaniards,asiftheyhadbeenacoupleofboysatplay,takesholdofhishatasitwasuponhishead,andgivingitatwirlabout,fleeringinhisface,saystohim,"Andyou,SeigniorJackSpaniard,shallhavethesamesauceifyoudonotmendyourmanners."TheSpaniard,who,thoughaquietcivilman,wasasbraveamanascouldbe,andwithalastrong,well-mademan,lookedathimforagoodwhile,andthen,havingnoweaponinhishand,steppedgravelyuptohim,and,withoneblowofhisfist,knockedhimdown,asanoxisfelledwithapole-axe;atwhichoneoftherogues,asinsolentasthefirst,firedhispistolattheSpaniardimmediately;hemissedhisbody,indeed,forthebulletswentthroughhishair,butoneofthemtouchedthetipofhisear,andhebledprettymuch.ThebloodmadetheSpaniardbelievehewasmorehurtthanhereallywas,andthatputhimintosomeheat,forbeforeheactedallinaperfectcalm;butnowresolvingtogothroughwithhiswork,hestooped,andtakingthefellow'smusketwhomhehadknockeddown,wasjustgoingtoshootthemanwhohadfiredathim,whentherestoftheSpaniards,beinginthecave,cameout,andcallingtohimnottoshoot,theysteppedin,securedtheothertwo,andtooktheirarmsfromthem.Whentheywerethusdisarmed,andfoundtheyhadmadealltheSpaniardstheirenemies,aswellastheirowncountrymen,theybegantocool,andgivingtheSpaniardsbetterwords,
wouldhavetheirarmsagain;buttheSpaniards,consideringthefeudthatwasbetweenthemandtheothertwoEnglishmen,andthatitwouldbethebestmethodtheycouldtaketokeepthemfromkillingoneanother,toldthemtheywoulddothemnoharm,andiftheywouldlivepeaceably,theywouldbeverywillingtoassistandassociatewiththemastheydidbefore;butthattheycouldnotthinkofgivingthemtheirarmsagain,whiletheyappearedsoresolvedtodomischiefwiththemtotheirowncountrymen,andhadeventhreatenedthemalltomakethemtheirservants.Therogueswerenowquitedeaftoallreason,andbeingrefusedtheirarms,theyravedawaylikemadmen,threateningwhattheywoulddo,thoughtheyhadnofirearms.ButtheSpaniards,despisingtheirthreatening,toldthemtheyshouldtakecarehowtheyofferedanyinjurytotheirplantationorcattle;foriftheydidtheywouldshootthemastheywouldravenousbeasts,wherevertheyfoundthem;andiftheyfellintotheirhandsalive,theyshouldcertainlybehanged.However,thiswasfarfromcoolingthem,butawaytheywent,ragingandswearinglikefuries.Assoonastheyweregone,thetwomencameback,inpassionandrageenoughalso,thoughofanotherkind;forhavingbeenattheirplantation,andfindingitalldemolishedanddestroyed,asabovementioned,itwilleasilybesupposedtheyhadprovocationenough.Theycouldscarcehaveroomtotelltheirtale,theSpaniardsweresoeagertotellthemtheirs:anditwasstrangeenoughtofindthatthreemenshouldthusbullynineteen,andreceivenopunishmentatall.TheSpaniards,indeed,despisedthem,andespecially,havingthusdisarmedthem,madelightoftheirthreatenings;butthetwoEnglishmenresolvedtohavetheirremedyagainstthem,whatpainssoeveritcosttofindthemout.ButtheSpaniardsinterposedheretoo,andtoldthemthatastheyhaddisarmedthem,theycouldnotconsentthatthey(thetwo)shouldpursuethemwithfirearms,andperhapskillthem."But,"saidthegraveSpaniard,whowastheirgovernor,"wewillendeavourtomakethemdoyoujustice,ifyouwillleaveittous:forthereisnodoubtbuttheywillcometousagain,whentheirpassionisover,beingnotabletosubsistwithoutourassistance.Wepromiseyoutomakenopeacewiththemwithouthavingfullsatisfactionforyou;anduponthisconditionwehopeyouwillpromisetousenoviolencewiththem,otherthaninyourowndefence."ThetwoEnglishmenyieldedtothisveryawkwardly,andwithgreatreluctance;buttheSpaniardsprotestedthattheydiditonlytokeepthemfrombloodshed,andtomakethemalleasyatlast."For,"saidthey,"wearenotsomanyofus;hereisroomenoughforusall,anditisagreatpitythatweshouldnotbeallgoodfriends."Atlengththeydidconsent,andwaitedfortheissueofthething,livingforsomedayswiththeSpaniards;fortheirownhabitationwasdestroyed.Inaboutfivedays'timethevagrants,tiredwithwandering,andalmoststarvedwithhunger,havingchieflylivedonturtles'eggsallthatwhile,camebacktothegrove;andfindingmySpaniard,who,asIhavesaid,wasthegovernor,andtwomorewithhim,walkingbythesideofthecreek,theycameupinaverysubmissive,humblemanner,andbeggedtobereceivedagainintothesociety.TheSpaniardsusedthemcivilly,buttoldthemtheyhadactedsounnaturallytotheircountrymen,andsoverygrosslytothemselves,thattheycouldnotcometoanyconclusionwithoutconsultingthetwoEnglishmenandtherest;but,
however,theywouldgotothemanddiscourseaboutit,andtheyshouldknowinhalf-an-hour.Itmaybeguessedthattheywereveryhardputtoit;for,astheyweretowaitthishalf-hourforananswer,theybeggedtheywouldsendthemoutsomebreadinthemeantime,whichtheydid,sendingatthesametimealargepieceofgoat'sfleshandaboiledparrot,whichtheyateveryeagerly.Afterhalf-an-hour'sconsultationtheywerecalledin,andalongdebateensued,theirtwocountrymenchargingthemwiththeruinofalltheirlabour,andadesigntomurderthem;allwhichtheyownedbefore,andthereforecouldnotdenynow.Uponthewhole,theSpaniardsactedthemoderatorsbetweenthem;andastheyhadobligedthetwoEnglishmennottohurtthethreewhiletheywerenakedandunarmed,sotheynowobligedthethreetogoandrebuildtheirfellows'twohuts,onetobeofthesameandtheotheroflargerdimensionsthantheywerebefore;tofencetheirgroundagain,planttreesintheroomofthosepulledup,digupthelandagainforplantingcorn,and,inaword,torestoreeverythingtothesamestateastheyfoundit,thatis,asnearastheycould.Well,theysubmittedtoallthis;andastheyhadplentyofprovisionsgiventhemallthewhile,theygrewveryorderly,andthewholesocietybegantolivepleasantlyandagreeablytogetheragain;onlythatthesethreefellowscouldneverbepersuadedtowork-Imeanforthemselves-exceptnowandthenalittle,justastheypleased.However,theSpaniardstoldthemplainlythatiftheywouldbutlivesociablyandfriendlytogether,andstudythegoodofthewholeplantation,theywouldbecontenttoworkforthem,andletthemwalkaboutandbeasidleastheypleased;andthus,havinglivedprettywelltogetherforamonthortwo,theSpaniardsletthemhavearmsagain,andgavethemlibertytogoabroadwiththemasbefore.Itwasnotaboveaweekaftertheyhadthesearms,andwentabroad,beforetheungratefulcreaturesbegantobeasinsolentandtroublesomeasever.However,anaccidenthappenedpresentlyuponthis,whichendangeredthesafetyofthemall,andtheywereobligedtolaybyallprivateresentments,andlooktothepreservationoftheirlives.Ithappenedonenightthatthegovernor,theSpaniardwhoselifeIhadsaved,whowasnowthegovernoroftherest,foundhimselfveryuneasyinthenight,andcouldbynomeansgetanysleep:hewasperfectlywellinbody,onlyfoundhisthoughtstumultuous;hismindranuponmenfightingandkillingoneanother;buthewasbroadawake,andcouldnotbyanymeansgetanysleep;inshort,helayagreatwhile,butgrowingmoreandmoreuneasy,heresolvedtorise.Astheylay,beingsomanyofthem,ongoat-skinslaidthickuponsuchcouchesandpadsastheymadeforthemselves,sotheyhadlittletodo,whentheywerewillingtorise,buttogetupontheirfeet,andperhapsputonacoat,suchasitwas,andtheirpumps,andtheywerereadyforgoinganywaythattheirthoughtsguidedthem.Beingthusgotup,helookedout;butbeingdark,hecouldseelittleornothing,andbesides,thetreeswhichIhadplanted,andwhichwerenowgrowntall,interceptedhissight,sothathecouldonlylookup,andseethatitwasastarlightnight,andhearingnonoise,hereturnedandlaydownagain;buttonopurpose;hecouldnotcomposehimselftoanythinglikerest;buthisthoughtsweretothelastdegreeuneasy,andheknewnotforwhat.Havingmadesomenoisewithrisingandwalkingabout,goingoutandcomingin,anotherofthemwaked,andaskedwhoit
wasthatwasup.Thegovernortoldhimhowithadbeenwithhim."Sayyouso?"saystheotherSpaniard;"suchthingsarenottobeslighted,Iassureyou;thereiscertainlysomemischiefworkingnearus;"andpresentlyheaskedhim,"WherearetheEnglishmen?""Theyareallintheirhuts,"sayshe,"safeenough."ItseemstheSpaniardshadkeptpossessionofthemainapartment,andhadmadeaplaceforthethreeEnglishmen,who,sincetheirlastmutiny,werealwaysquarteredbythemselves,andcouldnotcomeattherest."Well,"saystheSpaniard,"thereissomethinginit,Iampersuaded,frommyownexperience.Iamsatisfiedthatourspiritsembodiedhaveaconversewithandreceiveintelligencefromthespiritsunembodied,andinhabitingtheinvisibleworld;andthisfriendlynoticeisgivenforouradvantage,ifweknewhowtomakeuseofit.Come,letusgoandlookabroad;andifwefindnothingatallinittojustifythetrouble,I'lltellyouastorytothepurpose,thatshallconvinceyouofthejusticeofmyproposingit."Theywentoutpresentlytogouptothetopofthehill,whereIusedtogo;buttheybeingstrong,andagoodcompany,noralone,asIwas,usednoneofmycautionstogoupbytheladder,andpullingitupafterthem,togoupasecondstagetothetop,butweregoingroundthroughthegroveunwarily,whentheyweresurprisedwithseeingalightasoffire,averylittlewayfromthem,andhearingthevoicesofmen,notofoneortwo,butofagreatnumber.AmongtheprecautionsIusedtotakeonthesavageslandingontheisland,itwasmyconstantcaretopreventthemmakingtheleastdiscoveryoftherebeinganyinhabitantupontheplace:andwhenbyanyoccasiontheycametoknowit,theyfeltitsoeffectuallythattheythatgotawaywerescarceabletogiveanyaccountofit;forwedisappearedassoonaspossible,nordideveranythathadseenmeescapetotellanyoneelse,exceptitwasthethreesavagesinourlastencounterwhojumpedintotheboat;ofwhom,Imentioned,Iwasafraidtheyshouldgohomeandbringmorehelp.Whetheritwastheconsequenceoftheescapeofthosementhatsogreatanumbercamenowtogether,orwhethertheycameignorantly,andbyaccident,ontheirusualbloodyerrand,theSpaniardscouldnotunderstand;butwhateveritwas,itwastheirbusinesseithertohaveconcealedthemselvesornottohaveseenthematall,muchlesstohaveletthesavageshaveseentherewereanyinhabitantsintheplace;ortohavefallenuponthemsoeffectuallyasnotamanofthemshouldhaveescaped,whichcouldonlyhavebeenbygettinginbetweenthemandtheirboats;butthispresenceofmindwaswantingtothem,whichwastheruinoftheirtranquillityforagreatwhile.Weneednotdoubtbutthatthegovernorandthemanwithhim,surprisedwiththissight,ranbackimmediatelyandraisedtheirfellows,givingthemanaccountoftheimminentdangertheywereallin,andtheyagainasreadilytookthealarm;butitwasimpossibletopersuadethemtostayclosewithinwheretheywere,buttheymustallrunouttoseehowthingsstood.Whileitwasdark,indeed,theyweresafe,andtheyhadopportunityenoughforsomehourstoviewthesavagesbythelightofthreefirestheyhadmadeatadistancefromoneanother;whattheyweredoingtheyknewnot,neitherdidtheyknowwhattodothemselves.For,first,theenemyweretoomany;andsecondly,theydidnotkeeptogether,butweredividedintoseveralparties,andwereonshoreinseveralplaces.TheSpaniardswereinnosmallconsternationatthis
sight;and,astheyfoundthatthefellowswentstragglingallovertheshore,theymadenodoubtbut,firstorlast,someofthemwouldchopinupontheirhabitation,oruponsomeotherplacewheretheywouldseethetokenofinhabitants;andtheywereingreatperplexityalsoforfearoftheirflockofgoats,which,iftheyshouldbedestroyed,wouldhavebeenlittlelessthanstarvingthem.Sothefirstthingtheyresolveduponwastodespatchthreemenawaybeforeitwaslight,twoSpaniardsandoneEnglishman,todriveawayallthegoatstothegreatvalleywherethecavewas,and,ifneedwere,todrivethemintotheverycaveitself.Couldtheyhaveseenthesavagesalltogetherinonebody,andatadistancefromtheircanoes,theywereresolved,iftherehadbeenahundredofthem,toattackthem;butthatcouldnotbedone,fortheyweresomeofthemtwomilesofffromtheother,and,asitappearedafterwards,wereoftwodifferentnations.Afterhavingmusedagreatwhileonthecoursetheyshouldtake,theyresolvedatlast,whileitwasstilldark,tosendtheoldsavage,Friday'sfather,outasaspy,tolearn,ifpossible,somethingconcerningthem,aswhattheycamefor,whattheyintendedtodo,andthelike.Theoldmanreadilyundertookit;andstrippinghimselfquitenaked,asmostofthesavageswere,awayhewent.Afterhehadbeengoneanhourortwo,hebringswordthathehadbeenamongthemundiscovered,thathefoundtheyweretwoparties,andoftwoseveralnations,whohadwarwithoneanother,andhadagreatbattleintheirowncountry;andthatbothsideshavinghadseveralprisonerstakeninthefight,theywere,bymerechance,landedallonthesameisland,forthedevouringtheirprisonersandmakingmerry;buttheircomingsobychancetothesameplacehadspoiledalltheirmirth-thattheywereinagreatrageatoneanother,andweresonearthathebelievedtheywouldfightagainassoonasdaylightbegantoappear;buthedidnotperceivethattheyhadanynotionofanybodybeingontheislandbutthemselves.Hehadhardlymadeanendoftellinghisstory,whentheycouldperceive,bytheunusualnoisetheymade,thatthetwolittlearmieswereengagedinabloodyfight.Friday'sfatherusedalltheargumentshecouldtopersuadeourpeopletolieclose,andnotbeseen;hetoldthemtheirsafetyconsistedinit,andthattheyhadnothingtodobutliestill,andthesavageswouldkilloneanothertotheirhands,andthentherestwouldgoaway;anditwassotoatittle.Butitwasimpossibletoprevail,especiallyupontheEnglishmen;theircuriositywassoimportunatethattheymustrunoutandseethebattle.However,theyusedsomecautiontoo:theydidnotgoopenly,justbytheirowndwelling,butwentfartherintothewoods,andplacedthemselvestoadvantage,wheretheymightsecurelyseethemmanagethefight,and,astheythought,notbeseenbythem;butthesavagesdidseethem,asweshallfindhereafter.Thebattlewasveryfierce,and,ifImightbelievetheEnglishmen,oneofthemsaidhecouldperceivethatsomeofthemweremenofgreatbravery,ofinvinciblespirit,andofgreatpolicyinguidingthefight.Thebattle,theysaid,heldtwohoursbeforetheycouldguesswhichpartywouldbebeaten;butthenthatpartywhichwasnearestourpeople'shabitationbegantoappearweakest,andaftersometimemoresomeofthembegantofly;andthisputourmenagainintoagreatconsternation,lestanyoneofthosethatfledshouldrunintothegrovebeforetheirdwellingforshelter,andtherebyinvoluntarilydiscoverthe
place;andthat,byconsequence,thepursuerswouldalsodothelikeinsearchofthem.Uponthis,theyresolvedthattheywouldstandarmedwithinthewall,andwhoevercameintothegrove,theyresolvedtosallyoutoverthewallandkillthem,sothat,ifpossible,notoneshouldreturntogiveanaccountofit;theyorderedalsothatitshouldbedonewiththeirswords,orbyknockingthemdownwiththestocksoftheirmuskets,butnotbyshootingthem,forfearofraisinganalarmbythenoise.Astheyexpecteditfellout;threeoftheroutedarmyfledforlife,andcrossingthecreek,randirectlyintotheplace,notintheleastknowingwhithertheywent,butrunningasintoathickwoodforshelter.Thescouttheykepttolookabroadgavenoticeofthiswithin,withthiscomfortingaddition,thattheconquerorshadnotpursuedthem,orseenwhichwaytheyweregone;uponthistheSpanishgovernor,amanofhumanity,wouldnotsufferthemtokillthethreefugitives,butsendingthreemenoutbythetopofthehill,orderedthemtogoround,comeinbehindthem,andsurpriseandtakethemprisoners,whichwasdone.Theresidueoftheconqueredpeoplefledtotheircanoes,andgotofftosea;thevictorsretired,madenopursuit,orverylittle,butdrawingthemselvesintoabodytogether,gavetwogreatscreamingshouts,mostlikelybywayoftriumph,andsothefightended;thesameday,aboutthreeo'clockintheafternoon,theyalsomarchedtotheircanoes.AndthustheSpaniardshadtheislandagainfreetothemselves,theirfrightwasover,andtheysawnosavagesforseveralyearsafter.Aftertheywereallgone,theSpaniardscameoutoftheirden,andviewingthefieldofbattle,theyfoundabouttwo-and-thirtymendeadonthespot;somewerekilledwithlongarrows,whichwerefoundstickingintheirbodies;butmostofthemwerekilledwithgreatwoodenswords,sixteenorseventeenofwhichtheyfoundinthefieldofbattle,andasmanybows,withagreatmanyarrows.Theseswordswerestrange,unwieldythings,andtheymustbeverystrongmenthatusedthem;mostofthosethatwerekilledwiththemhadtheirheadssmashedtopieces,aswemaysay,or,aswecallitinEnglish,theirbrainsknockedout,andseveraltheirarmsandlegsbroken;sothatitisevidenttheyfightwithinexpressiblerageandfury.Wefoundnotonemanthatwasnotstonedead;foreithertheystaybytheirenemytilltheyhavekilledhim,ortheycarryallthewoundedmenthatarenotquitedeadawaywiththem.Thisdeliverancetamedourill-disposedEnglishmenforagreatwhile;thesighthadfilledthemwithhorror,andtheconsequencesappearedterribletothelastdegree,especiallyuponsupposingthatsometimeorothertheyshouldfallintothehandsofthosecreatures,whowouldnotonlykillthemasenemies,butforfood,aswekillourcattle;andtheyprofessedtomethatthethoughtsofbeingeatenuplikebeefandmutton,thoughitwassupposeditwasnottobetilltheyweredead,hadsomethinginitsohorriblethatitnauseatedtheirverystomachs,madethemsickwhentheythoughtofit,andfilledtheirmindswithsuchunusualterror,thattheywerenotthemselvesforsomeweeksafter.This,asIsaid,tamedeventhethreeEnglishbrutesIhavebeenspeakingof;andforagreatwhileaftertheyweretractable,andwentaboutthecommonbusinessofthewholesocietywellenough-planted,sowed,reaped,andbegantobeallnaturalisedtothecountry.Butsometimeafterthistheyfellintosuchsimplemeasuresagainasbroughtthemintoagreatdealoftrouble.
Theyhadtakenthreeprisoners,asIobserved;andthesethreebeingstoutyoungfellows,theymadethemservants,andtaughtthemtoworkforthem,andasslavestheydidwellenough;buttheydidnottaketheirmeasuresasIdidbymymanFriday,viz.tobeginwiththemupontheprincipleofhavingsavedtheirlives,andtheninstructthemintherationalprinciplesoflife;muchlessdidtheythinkofteachingthemreligion,orattemptcivilisingandreducingthembykindusageandaffectionatearguments.Astheygavethemtheirfoodeveryday,sotheygavethemtheirworktoo,andkeptthemfullyemployedindrudgeryenough;buttheyfailedinthisbyit,thattheyneverhadthemtoassistthemandfightforthemasIhadmymanFriday,whowasastruetomeastheveryfleshuponmybones.Buttocometothefamilypart.Beingallnowgoodfriends-forcommondanger,asIsaidabove,hadeffectuallyreconciledthem-theybegantoconsidertheirgeneralcircumstances;andthefirstthingthatcameunderconsiderationwaswhether,seeingthesavagesparticularlyhauntedthatsideoftheisland,andthatthereweremoreremoteandretiredpartsofitequallyadaptedtotheirwayofliving,andmanifestlytotheiradvantage,theyshouldnotrathermovetheirhabitation,andplantinsomemoreproperplacefortheirsafety,andespeciallyforthesecurityoftheircattleandcorn.Uponthis,afterlongdebate,itwasconcludedthattheywouldnotremovetheirhabitation;becausethat,sometimeorother,theythoughttheymighthearfromtheirgovernoragain,meaningme;andifIshouldsendanyonetoseekthem,Ishouldbesuretodirectthemtothatside,where,iftheyshouldfindtheplacedemolished,theywouldconcludethesavageshadkilledusall,andweweregone,andsooursupplywouldgotoo.Butastotheircornandcattle,theyagreedtoremovethemintothevalleywheremycavewas,wherethelandwasasproperforboth,andwhereindeedtherewaslandenough.However,uponsecondthoughtstheyalteredonepartoftheirresolutiontoo,andresolvedonlytoremovepartoftheircattlethither,andpartoftheircornthere;sothatifonepartwasdestroyedtheothermightbesaved.Andonepartofprudencetheyluckilyused:theynevertrustedthosethreesavageswhichtheyhadtakenprisonerswithknowinganythingoftheplantationtheyhadmadeinthatvalley,orofanycattletheyhadthere,muchlessofthecaveatthatplace,whichtheykept,incaseofnecessity,asasaferetreat;andthithertheycarriedalsothetwobarrelsofpowderwhichIhadsentthematmycomingaway.Theyresolved,however,nottochangetheirhabitation;yet,asIhadcarefullycovereditfirstwithawallorfortification,andthenwithagroveoftrees,andastheywerenowfullyconvincedtheirsafetyconsistedentirelyintheirbeingconcealed,theysettoworktocoverandconcealtheplaceyetmoreeffectuallythanbefore.Forthispurpose,asIplantedtrees,orratherthrustinstakes,whichintimeallgrewuptobetrees,forsomegooddistancebeforetheentranceintomyapartments,theywentoninthesamemanner,andfilleduptherestofthatwholespaceofgroundfromthetreesIhadsetquitedowntothesideofthecreek,whereIlandedmyfloats,andevenintotheveryoozewherethetideflowed,notsomuchasleavinganyplacetoland,oranysignthattherehadbeenanylandingthereabouts:thesestakesalsobeingofawoodveryforwardtogrow,theytookcaretohavethemgenerallymuchlargerandtallerthanthosewhichIhadplanted.Astheygrewapace,
theyplantedthemsoverythickandclosetogether,thatwhentheyhadbeenthreeorfouryearsgrowntherewasnopiercingwiththeeyeanyconsiderablewayintotheplantation.AsforthatpartwhichIhadplanted,thetreesweregrownasthickasaman'sthigh,andamongthemtheyhadplacedsomanyothershortones,andsothick,thatitstoodlikeapalisadoaquarterofamilethick,anditwasnexttoimpossibletopenetrateit,foralittledogcouldhardlygetbetweenthetrees,theystoodsoclose.Butthiswasnotall;fortheydidthesamebyallthegroundtotherighthandandtotheleft,androundeventothesideofthehill,leavingnoway,notsomuchasforthemselves,tocomeoutbutbytheladderplaceduptothesideofthehill,andthenliftedup,andplacedagainfromthefirststageuptothetop:sothatwhentheladderwastakendown,nothingbutwhathadwingsorwitchcrafttoassistitcouldcomeatthem.Thiswasexcellentlywellcontrived:norwasitlessthanwhattheyafterwardsfoundoccasionfor,whichservedtoconvinceme,thatashumanprudencehastheauthorityofProvidencetojustifyit,soithasdoubtlessthedirectionofProvidencetosetittowork;andifwelistenedcarefullytothevoiceofit,Iampersuadedwemightpreventmanyofthedisasterswhichourlivesarenow,byourownnegligence,subjectedto.Theylivedtwoyearsafterthisinperfectretirement,andhadnomorevisitsfromthesavages.Theyhad,indeed,analarmgiventhemonemorning,whichputthemintoagreatconsternation;forsomeoftheSpaniardsbeingoutearlyonemorningonthewestsideorendoftheisland(whichwasthatendwhereIneverwent,forfearofbeingdiscovered),theyweresurprisedwithseeingabouttwentycanoesofIndiansjustcomingonshore.Theymadethebestoftheirwayhomeinhurryenough;andgivingthealarmtotheircomrades,theykeptcloseallthatdayandthenext,goingoutonlyatnighttomaketheirobservation:buttheyhadthegoodlucktobeundiscovered,forwhereverthesavageswent,theydidnotlandthattimeontheisland,butpursuedsomeotherdesign.CHAPTERIV-RENEWEDINVASIONOFSAVAGESANDnowtheyhadanotherbroilwiththethreeEnglishmen;oneofwhom,amostturbulentfellow,beinginarageatoneofthethreecaptiveslaves,becausethefellowhadnotdonesomethingrightwhichhebadehimdo,andseemedalittleuntractableinhisshowinghim,drewahatchetoutofafrog-beltwhichheworebyhisside,andfelluponthepoorsavage,nottocorrecthim,buttokillhim.OneoftheSpaniardswhowasby,seeinghimgivethefellowabarbarouscutwiththehatchet,whichheaimedathishead,butstuckintohisshoulder,sothathethoughthehadcutthepoorcreature'sarmoff,rantohim,andentreatinghimnottomurderthepoorman,placedhimselfbetweenhimandthesavage,topreventthemischief.Thefellow,beingenragedthemoreatthis,struckattheSpaniardwithhishatchet,andsworehewouldservehimasheintendedtoservethesavage;whichtheSpaniardperceiving,avoidedtheblow,andwithashovel,whichhehadinhishand(fortheywereallworkinginthefieldabouttheircornland),knockedthebrutedown.AnotheroftheEnglishmen,runningupatthesametimetohelphiscomrade,knockedtheSpaniarddown;andthentwoSpaniardsmorecameintohelptheirman,andathirdEnglishmanfellinuponthem.Theyhadnoneofthemanyfirearmsoranyotherweaponsbuthatchetsandothertools,exceptthisthirdEnglishman;hehadoneofmy
rustycutlasses,withwhichhemadeatthetwolastSpaniards,andwoundedthemboth.Thisfraysetthewholefamilyinanuproar,andmorehelpcomingintheytookthethreeEnglishmenprisoners.Thenextquestionwas,whatshouldbedonewiththem?Theyhadbeensooftenmutinous,andweresoveryfurious,sodesperate,andsoidlewithal,theyknewnotwhatcoursetotakewiththem,fortheyweremischievoustothehighestdegree,andcarednotwhathurttheydidtoanyman;sothat,inshort,itwasnotsafetolivewiththem.TheSpaniardwhowasgovernortoldthem,insomanywords,thatiftheyhadbeenofhisowncountryhewouldhavehangedthem;foralllawsandallgovernorsweretopreservesociety,andthosewhoweredangeroustothesocietyoughttobeexpelledoutofit;butastheywereEnglishmen,andthatitwastothegenerouskindnessofanEnglishmanthattheyallowedtheirpreservationanddeliverance,hewouldusethemwithallpossiblelenity,andwouldleavethemtothejudgmentoftheothertwoEnglishmen,whoweretheircountrymen.OneofthetwohonestEnglishmenstoodup,andsaidtheydesireditmightnotbelefttothem."For,"sayshe,"Iamsureweoughttosentencethemtothegallows;"andwiththathegivesanaccounthowWillAtkins,oneofthethree,hadproposedtohaveallthefiveEnglishmenjointogetherandmurderalltheSpaniardswhentheywereintheirsleep.WhentheSpanishgovernorheardthis,hecallstoWillAtkins,"How,SeigniorAtkins,wouldyoumurderusall?Whathaveyoutosaytothat?"Thehardenedvillainwassofarfromdenyingit,thathesaiditwastrue,andsworetheywoulddoitstillbeforetheyhaddonewiththem."Well,butSeigniorAtkins,"saystheSpaniard,"whathavewedonetoyouthatyouwillkillus?Whatwouldyougetbykillingus?Andwhatmustwedotopreventyoukillingus?Mustwekillyou,oryoukillus?Whywillyouputustothenecessityofthis,SeigniorAtkins?"saystheSpaniardverycalmly,andsmiling.SeigniorAtkinswasinsucharageattheSpaniard'smakingajestofit,that,hadhenotbeenheldbythreemen,andwithalhadnoweaponnearhim,itwasthoughthewouldhaveattemptedtokilltheSpaniardinthemiddleofallthecompany.Thishare-brainedcarriageobligedthemtoconsiderseriouslywhatwastobedone.ThetwoEnglishmenandtheSpaniardwhosavedthepoorsavagewereoftheopinionthattheyshouldhangoneofthethreeforanexampletotherest,andthatparticularlyitshouldbehethathadtwiceattemptedtocommitmurderwithhishatchet;indeed,therewassomereasontobelievehehaddoneit,forthepoorsavagewasinsuchamiserableconditionwiththewoundhehadreceivedthatitwasthoughthecouldnotlive.ButthegovernorSpaniardstillsaidNo;itwasanEnglishmanthathadsavedalltheirlives,andhewouldneverconsenttoputanEnglishmantodeath,thoughhehadmurderedhalfofthem;nay,hesaidifhehadbeenkilledhimselfbyanEnglishman,andhadtimelefttospeak,itshouldbethattheyshouldpardonhim.ThiswassopositivelyinsistedonbythegovernorSpaniard,thattherewasnogainsayingit;andasmercifulcounselsaremostapttoprevailwheretheyaresoearnestlypressed,sotheyallcameintoit.Butthenitwastobeconsideredwhatshouldbedonetokeepthemfromdoingthemischieftheydesigned;forallagreed,governorandall,thatmeansweretobeusedforpreservingthesocietyfromdanger.Afteralongdebate,itwasagreedthattheyshouldbedisarmed,andnot
permittedtohaveeithergun,powder,shot,sword,oranyweapon;thattheyshouldbeturnedoutofthesociety,andlefttolivewheretheywouldandhowtheywould,bythemselves;butthatnoneoftherest,eitherSpaniardsorEnglish,shouldholdanykindofconversewiththem,orhaveanythingtodowiththem;thattheyshouldbeforbidtocomewithinacertaindistanceoftheplacewheretherestdwelt;andiftheyofferedtocommitanydisorder,soastospoil,burn,kill,ordestroyanyofthecorn,plantings,buildings,fences,orcattlebelongingtothesociety,theyshoulddiewithoutmercy,andtheywouldshootthemwherevertheycouldfindthem.Thehumanegovernor,musinguponthesentence,consideredalittleuponit;andturningtothetwohonestEnglishmen,said,"Hold;youmustreflectthatitwillbelongeretheycanraisecornandcattleoftheirown,andtheymustnotstarve;wemustthereforeallowthemprovisions."Sohecausedtobeadded,thattheyshouldhaveaproportionofcorngiventhemtolastthemeightmonths,andforseedtosow,bywhichtimetheymightbesupposedtoraisesomeoftheirown;thattheyshouldhavesixmilch-goats,fourhe-goats,andsixkidsgiventhem,aswellforpresentsubsistenceasforastore;andthattheyshouldhavetoolsgiventhemfortheirworkinthefields,buttheyshouldhavenoneofthesetoolsorprovisionsunlesstheywouldswearsolemnlythattheywouldnothurtorinjureanyoftheSpaniardswiththem,oroftheirfellow-Englishmen.Thustheydismissedthemthesociety,andturnedthemouttoshiftforthemselves.Theywentawaysullenandrefractory,asneithercontenttogoawaynortostay:but,astherewasnoremedy,theywent,pretendingtogoandchooseaplacewheretheywouldsettlethemselves;andsomeprovisionsweregiventhem,butnoweapons.Aboutfourorfivedaysafter,theycameagainforsomevictuals,andgavethegovernoranaccountwheretheyhadpitchedtheirtents,andmarkedthemselvesoutahabitationandplantation;anditwasaveryconvenientplaceindeed,ontheremotestpartoftheisland,NE.,muchabouttheplacewhereIprovidentiallylandedinmyfirstvoyage,whenIwasdrivenouttoseainmyfoolishattempttosailroundtheisland.Heretheybuiltthemselvestwohandsomehuts,andcontrivedtheminamannerlikemyfirsthabitation,beingcloseunderthesideofahill,havingsometreesalreadygrowingonthreesidesofit,sothatbyplantingothersitwouldbeveryeasilycoveredfromthesight,unlessnarrowlysearchedfor.Theydesiredsomedriedgoat-skinsforbedsandcovering,whichweregiventhem;andupongivingtheirwordsthattheywouldnotdisturbtherest,orinjureanyoftheirplantations,theygavethemhatchets,andwhatothertoolstheycouldspare;somepeas,barley,andrice,forsowing;and,inaword,anythingtheywanted,exceptarmsandammunition.Theylivedinthisseparateconditionaboutsixmonths,andhadgotintheirfirstharvest,thoughthequantitywasbutsmall,theparceloflandtheyhadplantedbeingbutlittle.Indeed,havingalltheirplantationtoform,theyhadagreatdealofworkupontheirhands;andwhentheycametomakeboardsandpots,andsuchthings,theywerequiteoutoftheirelement,andcouldmakenothingofit;thereforewhentherainyseasoncameon,forwantofacaveintheearth,theycouldnotkeeptheirgraindry,anditwasingreatdangerofspoiling.Thishumbledthemmuch:sotheycameandbeggedtheSpaniardstohelpthem,whichtheyveryreadilydid;andinfourdaysworkedagreatholeinthe
sideofthehillforthem,bigenoughtosecuretheircornandotherthingsfromtherain:butitwasapoorplaceatbestcomparedtomine,andespeciallyasminewasthen,fortheSpaniardshadgreatlyenlargedit,andmadeseveralnewapartmentsinit.Aboutthreequartersofayearafterthisseparation,anewfrolictooktheserogues,which,togetherwiththeformervillainytheyhadcommitted,broughtmischiefenoughuponthem,andhadverynearbeentheruinofthewholecolony.Thethreenewassociatesbegan,itseems,tobewearyofthelaboriouslifetheyled,andthatwithouthopeofbetteringtheircircumstances:andawhimtookthemthattheywouldmakeavoyagetothecontinent,fromwhencethesavagescame,andwouldtryiftheycouldseizeuponsomeprisonersamongthenativesthere,andbringthemhome,soastomakethemdothelaboriouspartoftheworkforthem.Theprojectwasnotsopreposterous,iftheyhadgonenofurther.Buttheydidnothing,andproposednothing,buthadeithermischiefinthedesign,ormischiefintheevent.AndifImaygivemyopinion,theyseemedtobeunderablastfromHeaven:forifwewillnotallowavisiblecursetopursuevisiblecrimes,howshallwereconciletheeventsofthingswiththedivinejustice?Itwascertainlyanapparentvengeanceontheircrimeofmutinyandpiracythatbroughtthemtothestatetheywerein;andtheyshowednottheleastremorseforthecrime,butaddednewvillaniestoit,suchasthepieceofmonstrouscrueltyofwoundingapoorslavebecausehedidnot,orperhapscouldnot,understandtodowhathewasdirected,andtowoundhiminsuchamannerasmadehimacrippleallhislife,andinaplacewherenosurgeonormedicinecouldbehadforhiscure;and,whatwasstillworse,theintentionalmurder,forsuchtobesureitwas,aswasafterwardstheformeddesigntheyalllaidtomurdertheSpaniardsincoldblood,andintheirsleep.ThethreefellowscamedowntotheSpaniardsonemorning,andinveryhumbletermsdesiredtobeadmittedtospeakwiththem.TheSpaniardsveryreadilyheardwhattheyhadtosay,whichwasthis:thattheyweretiredoflivinginthemannertheydid,andthattheywerenothandyenoughtomakethenecessariestheywanted,andthathavingnohelp,theyfoundtheyshouldbestarved;butiftheSpaniardswouldgivethemleavetotakeoneofthecanoeswhichtheycameoverin,andgivethemarmsandammunitionproportionedtotheirdefence,theywouldgoovertothemain,andseektheirfortunes,andsodeliverthemfromthetroubleofsupplyingthemwithanyotherprovisions.TheSpaniardsweregladenoughtogetridofthem,butveryhonestlyrepresentedtothemthecertaindestructiontheywererunninginto;toldthemtheyhadsufferedsuchhardshipsuponthatveryspot,thattheycould,withoutanyspiritofprophecy,tellthemtheywouldbestarvedormurdered,andbadethemconsiderofit.Themenrepliedaudaciously,theyshouldbestarvediftheystayedhere,fortheycouldnotwork,andwouldnotwork,andtheycouldbutbestarvedabroad;andiftheyweremurdered,therewasanendofthem;theyhadnowivesorchildrentocryafterthem;and,inshort,insistedimportunatelyupontheirdemand,declaringtheywouldgo,whethertheygavethemanyarmsornot.TheSpaniardstoldthem,withgreatkindness,thatiftheywereresolvedtogotheyshouldnotgolikenakedmen,andbeinnoconditiontodefendthemselves;andthatthoughtheycouldillsparefirearms,nothavingenoughforthemselves,yettheywouldlet
themhavetwomuskets,apistol,andacutlass,andeachmanahatchet,whichtheythoughtwassufficientforthem.Inaword,theyacceptedtheoffer;andhavingbakedbreadenoughtoservethemamonthgiventhem,andasmuchgoats'fleshastheycouldeatwhileitwassweet,withagreatbasketofdriedgrapes,apotoffreshwater,andayoungkidalive,theyboldlysetoutinthecanoeforavoyageoverthesea,whereitwasatleastfortymilesbroad.Theboat,indeed,wasalargeone,andwouldverywellhavecarriedfifteenortwentymen,andthereforewasrathertoobigforthemtomanage;butastheyhadafairbreezeandflood-tidewiththem,theydidwellenough.Theyhadmadeamastofalongpole,andasailoffourlargegoat-skinsdried,whichtheyhadsewedorlacedtogether;andawaytheywentmerrilytogether.TheSpaniardscalledafterthem"BONVOYAJO;"andnomaneverthoughtofseeingthemanymore.TheSpaniardswereoftensayingtooneanother,andtothetwohonestEnglishmenwhoremainedbehind,howquietlyandcomfortablytheylived,nowthesethreeturbulentfellowsweregone.Asfortheircomingagain,thatwastheremotestthingfromtheirthoughtsthatcouldbeimagined;when,behold,aftertwo-and-twentydays'absence,oneoftheEnglishmenbeingabroaduponhisplantingwork,seesthreestrangemencomingtowardshimatadistance,withgunsupontheirshoulders.AwayrunstheEnglishman,frightenedandamazed,asifhewasbewitched,tothegovernorSpaniard,andtellshimtheywereallundone,fortherewerestrangersupontheisland,buthecouldnottellwhotheywere.TheSpaniard,pausingawhile,saystohim,"Howdoyoumean-youcannottellwho?Theyarethesavages,tobesure.""No,no,"saystheEnglishman,"theyaremeninclothes,witharms.""Nay,then,"saystheSpaniard,"whyareyousoconcerned!Iftheyarenotsavagestheymustbefriends;forthereisnoChristiannationuponearthbutwilldousgoodratherthanharm."Whiletheyweredebatingthus,cameupthethreeEnglishmen,andstandingwithoutthewood,whichwasnewplanted,hallooedtothem.Theypresentlyknewtheirvoices,andsoallthewonderceased.Butnowtheadmirationwasturneduponanotherquestion-Whatcouldbethematter,andwhatmadethemcomebackagain?Itwasnotlongbeforetheybroughtthemenin,andinquiringwheretheyhadbeen,andwhattheyhadbeendoing,theygavethemafullaccountoftheirvoyageinafewwords:thattheyreachedthelandinlessthantwodays,butfindingthepeoplealarmedattheircoming,andpreparingwithbowsandarrowstofightthem,theydurstnotgoon,shore,butsailedontothenorthwardsixorsevenhours,tilltheycametoagreatopening,bywhichtheyperceivedthatthelandtheysawfromourislandwasnotthemain,butanisland:thatuponenteringthatopeningoftheseatheysawanotherislandontherighthandnorth,andseveralmorewest;andbeingresolvedtolandsomewhere,theyputovertooneoftheislandswhichlaywest,andwentboldlyonshore;thattheyfoundthepeopleverycourteousandfriendlytothem;andtheygavethemseveralrootsandsomedriedfish,andappearedverysociable;andthatthewomen,aswellasthemen,wereveryforwardtosupplythemwithanythingtheycouldgetforthemtoeat,andbroughtittothemagreatway,ontheirheads.Theycontinuedhereforfourdays,andinquiredaswellastheycouldofthembysigns,whatnationswerethisway,andthatway,andweretoldofseveral
fierceandterriblepeoplethatlivedalmosteveryway,who,astheymadeknownbysignstothem,usedtoeatmen;but,asforthemselves,theysaidtheyneveratemenorwomen,exceptonlysuchastheytookinthewars;andthentheyownedtheymadeagreatfeast,andatetheirprisoners.TheEnglishmeninquiredwhentheyhadhadafeastofthatkind;andtheytoldthemabouttwomoonsago,pointingtothemoonandtotwofingers;andthattheirgreatkinghadtwohundredprisonersnow,whichhehadtakeninhiswar,andtheywerefeedingthemtomakethemfatforthenextfeast.TheEnglishmenseemedmightydesirousofseeingthoseprisoners;buttheothersmistakingthem,thoughttheyweredesiroustohavesomeofthemtocarryawayfortheirowneating.Sotheybeckonedtothem,pointingtothesettingofthesun,andthentotherising;whichwastosignifythatthenextmorningatsunrisingtheywouldbringsomeforthem;andaccordinglythenextmorningtheybroughtdownfivewomenandelevenmen,andgavethemtotheEnglishmentocarrywiththemontheirvoyage,justaswewouldbringsomanycowsandoxendowntoaseaporttowntovictualaship.Asbrutishandbarbarousasthesefellowswereathome,theirstomachsturnedatthissight,andtheydidnotknowwhattodo.Torefusetheprisonerswouldhavebeenthehighestaffronttothesavagegentrythatcouldbeofferedthem,andwhattodowiththemtheyknewnot.However,aftersomedebate,theyresolvedtoacceptofthem:and,inreturn,theygavethesavagesthatbroughtthemoneoftheirhatchets,anoldkey,aknife,andsixorsevenoftheirbullets;which,thoughtheydidnotunderstandtheiruse,theyseemedparticularlypleasedwith;andthentyingthepoorcreatures'handsbehindthem,theydraggedtheprisonersintotheboatforourmen.TheEnglishmenwereobligedtocomeawayassoonastheyhadthem,orelsetheythatgavethemthisnoblepresentwouldcertainlyhaveexpectedthattheyshouldhavegonetoworkwiththem,havekilledtwoorthreeofthemthenextmorning,andperhapshaveinvitedthedonorstodinner.Buthavingtakentheirleave,withalltherespectandthanksthatcouldwellpassbetweenpeople,whereoneithersidetheyunderstoodnotonewordtheycouldsay,theyputoffwiththeirboat,andcamebacktowardsthefirstisland;where,whentheyarrived,theyseteightoftheirprisonersatliberty,therebeingtoomanyofthemfortheiroccasion.Intheirvoyagetheyendeavouredtohavesomecommunicationwiththeirprisoners;butitwasimpossibletomakethemunderstandanything.Nothingtheycouldsaytothem,orgivethem,ordoforthem,butwaslookeduponasgoingtomurderthem.Theyfirstofallunboundthem;butthepoorcreaturesscreamedatthat,especiallythewomen,asiftheyhadjustfelttheknifeattheirthroats;fortheyimmediatelyconcludedtheywereunboundonpurposetobekilled.Iftheygavethemthingtoeat,itwasthesamething;theythenconcludeditwasforfeartheyshouldsinkinflesh,andsonotbefatenoughtokill.Iftheylookedatoneofthemmoreparticularly,thepartypresentlyconcludeditwastoseewhetherheorshewasfattest,andfittesttokillfirst;nay,aftertheyhadbroughtthemquiteover,andbegantousethemkindly,andtreatthemwell,stilltheyexpectedeverydaytomakeadinnerorsupperfortheirnewmasters.Whenthethreewanderershadgivethisunaccountablehistoryorjournaloftheirvoyage,theSpaniardaskedthemwheretheirnewfamilywas;andbeingtoldthattheyhadbroughtthemon
shore,andputthemintooneoftheirhuts,andwerecomeuptobegsomevictualsforthem,they(theSpaniards)andtheothertwoEnglishmen,thatistosay,thewholecolony,resolvedtogoalldowntotheplaceandseethem;anddidso,andFriday'sfatherwiththem.Whentheycameintothehut,theretheysat,allbound;forwhentheyhadbroughtthemonshoretheyboundtheirhandsthattheymightnottaketheboatandmaketheirescape;there,Isay,theysat,allofthemstarknaked.First,therewerethreecomelyfellows,wellshaped,withstraightlimbs,aboutthirtytothirty-fiveyearsofage;andfivewomen,whereoftwomightbefromthirtytoforty,twomoreaboutfourorfiveandtwenty;andthefifth,atall,comelymaiden,aboutseventeen.Thewomenwerewell-favoured,agreeablepersons,bothinshapeandfeatures,onlytawny;andtwoofthem,hadtheybeenperfectwhite,wouldhavepassedforveryhandsomewomen,eveninLondon,havingpleasantcountenances,andofaverymodestbehaviour;especiallywhentheycameafterwardstobeclothedanddressed,thoughthatdresswasveryindifferent,itmustbeconfessed.Thesight,youmaybesure,wassomethinguncouthtoourSpaniards,whowere,togivethemajustcharacter,menofthemostcalm,sedatetempers,andperfectgoodhumour,thateverImetwith:and,inparticular,oftheutmostmodesty:Isay,thesightwasveryuncouth,toseethreenakedmenandfivenakedwomen,alltogetherbound,andinthemostmiserablecircumstancesthathumannaturecouldbesupposedtobe,viz.tobeexpectingeverymomenttobedraggedoutandhavetheirbrainsknockedout,andthentobeeatenuplikeacalfthatiskilledforadainty.ThefirstthingtheydidwastocausetheoldIndian,Friday'sfather,togoin,andseefirstifheknewanyofthem,andthenifheunderstoodanyoftheirspeech.Assoonastheoldmancamein,helookedseriouslyatthem,butknewnoneofthem;neithercouldanyofthemunderstandawordhesaid,orasignhecouldmake,exceptoneofthewomen.However,thiswasenoughtoanswertheend,whichwastosatisfythemthatthemenintowhosehandstheywerefallenwereChristians;thattheyabhorredeatingmenorwomen;andthattheymightbesuretheywouldnotbekilled.Assoonastheywereassuredofthis,theydiscoveredsuchajoy,andbysuchawkwardgestures,severalways,asishardtodescribe;foritseemstheywereofseveralnations.Thewomanwhowastheirinterpreterwasbid,inthenextplace,toaskthemiftheywerewillingtobeservants,andtoworkforthemenwhohadbroughtthemaway,tosavetheirlives;atwhichtheyallfella-dancing;andpresentlyonefelltotakingupthis,andanotherthat,anythingthatlaynext,tocarryontheirshoulders,tointimatetheywerewillingtowork.Thegovernor,whofoundthatthehavingwomenamongthemwouldpresentlybeattendedwithsomeinconvenience,andmightoccasionsomestrife,andperhapsblood,askedthethreemenwhattheyintendedtodowiththesewomen,andhowtheyintendedtousethem,whetherasservantsoraswives?OneoftheEnglishmenanswered,veryboldlyandreadily,thattheywouldusethemasboth;towhichthegovernorsaid:"Iamnotgoingtorestrainyoufromit-youareyourownmastersastothat;butthisIthinkisbutjust,foravoidingdisordersandquarrelsamongyou,andIdesireitofyouforthatreasononly,viz.thatyouwillallengage,thatifanyofyoutakeanyofthesewomenasawife,heshalltakebutone;andthat
havingtakenone,noneelseshalltouchher;forthoughwecannotmarryanyoneofyou,yetitisbutreasonablethat,whileyoustayhere,thewomananyofyoutakesshallbemaintainedbythemanthattakesher,andshouldbehiswife-Imean,"sayshe,"whilehecontinueshere,andthatnoneelseshallhaveanythingtodowithher."Allthisappearedsojust,thateveryoneagreedtoitwithoutanydifficulty.ThentheEnglishmenaskedtheSpaniardsiftheydesignedtotakeanyofthem?Buteveryoneofthemanswered"No."SomeofthemsaidtheyhadwivesinSpain,andtheothersdidnotlikewomenthatwerenotChristians;andalltogetherdeclaredthattheywouldnottouchoneofthem,whichwasaninstanceofsuchvirtueasIhavenotmetwithinallmytravels.Ontheotherhand,thefiveEnglishmentookthemeveryoneawife,thatistosay,atemporarywife;andsotheysetupanewformofliving;fortheSpaniardsandFriday'sfatherlivedinmyoldhabitation,whichtheyhadenlargedexceedinglywithin.Thethreeservantswhichweretakeninthelastbattleofthesavageslivedwiththem;andthesecarriedonthemainpartofthecolony,suppliedalltherestwithfood,andassistedtheminanythingastheycould,orastheyfoundnecessityrequired.Butthewonderofthestorywas,howfivesuchrefractory,ill-matchedfellowsshouldagreeaboutthesewomen,andthatsometwoofthemshouldnotchoosethesamewoman,especiallyseeingtwoorthreeofthemwere,withoutcomparison,moreagreeablethantheothers;buttheytookagoodwayenoughtopreventquarrellingamongthemselves,fortheysetthefivewomenbythemselvesinoneoftheirhuts,andtheywentallintotheotherhut,anddrewlotsamongthemwhoshouldchoosefirst.Himthatdrewtochoosefirstwentawaybyhimselftothehutwherethepoornakedcreatureswere,andfetchedoutherhechose;anditwasworthobserving,thathethatchosefirsttookherthatwasreckonedthehomeliestandoldestofthefive,whichmademirthenoughamongsttherest;andeventheSpaniardslaughedatit;butthefellowconsideredbetterthananyofthem,thatitwasapplicationandbusinesstheyweretoexpectassistancein,asmuchasinanythingelse;andsheprovedthebestwifeofalltheparcel.Whenthepoorwomensawthemselvessetinarowthus,andfetchedoutonebyone,theterrorsoftheirconditionreturneduponthemagain,andtheyfirmlybelievedtheywerenowgoingtobedevoured.Accordingly,whentheEnglishsailorcameinandfetchedoutoneofthem,therestsetupamostlamentablecry,andhungabouther,andtooktheirleaveofherwithsuchagoniesandaffectionaswouldhavegrievedthehardestheartintheworld:norwasitpossiblefortheEnglishmentosatisfythemthattheywerenottobeimmediatelymurdered,tilltheyfetchedtheoldman,Friday'sfather,whoimmediatelyletthemknowthatthefivemen,whoweretofetchthemoutonebyone,hadchosenthemfortheirwives.Whentheyhaddone,andthefrightthewomenwereinwasalittleover,themenwenttowork,andtheSpaniardscameandhelpedthem:andinafewhourstheyhadbuiltthemeveryoneanewhutortentfortheirlodgingapart;forthosetheyhadalreadywerecrowdedwiththeirtools,householdstuff,andprovisions.Thethreewickedoneshadpitchedfarthestoff,andthetwohonestonesnearer,butbothonthenorthshoreoftheisland,sothattheycontinuedseparatedasbefore;andthusmyislandwaspeopledinthreeplaces,and,asImightsay,threetownswerebeguntobe
built.Andhereitisverywellworthobservingthat,asitoftenhappensintheworld(whatthewiseendsinGod'sprovidenceare,insuchadispositionofthings,Icannotsay),thetwohonestfellowshadthetwoworstwives;andthethreereprobates,thatwerescarceworthhanging,thatwerefitfornothing,andneitherseemedborntodothemselvesgoodnoranyoneelse,hadthreeclever,careful,andingeniouswives;notthatthefirsttwowerebadwivesastotheirtemperorhumour,forallthefiveweremostwilling,quiet,passive,andsubjectedcreatures,ratherlikeslavesthanwives;butmymeaningis,theywerenotalikecapable,ingenious,orindustrious,oralikecleanlyandneat.AnotherobservationImustmake,tothehonourofadiligentapplicationononehand,andtothedisgraceofaslothful,negligent,idletemperontheother,thatwhenIcametotheplace,andviewedtheseveralimprovements,plantings,andmanagementoftheseverallittlecolonies,thetwomenhadsofarout-gonethethree,thattherewasnocomparison.Theyhad,indeed,bothofthemasmuchgroundlaidoutforcornastheywanted,andthereasonwas,because,accordingtomyrule,naturedictatedthatitwastonopurposetosowmorecornthantheywanted;butthedifferenceofthecultivation,oftheplanting,ofthefences,andindeed,ofeverythingelse,waseasytobeseenatfirstview.Thetwomenhadinnumerableyoungtreesplantedabouttheirhuts,sothat,whenyoucametotheplace,nothingwastobeseenbutawood;andthoughtheyhadtwicehadtheirplantationdemolished,oncebytheirowncountrymen,andoncebytheenemy,asshallbeshowninitsplace,yettheyhadrestoredallagain,andeverythingwasthrivingandflourishingaboutthem;theyhadgrapesplantedinorder,andmanagedlikeavineyard,thoughtheyhadthemselvesneverseenanythingofthatkind;andbytheirgoodorderingtheirvines,theirgrapeswereasgoodagainasanyoftheothers.Theyhadalsofoundthemselvesoutaretreatinthethickestpartofthewoods,where,thoughtherewasnotanaturalcave,asIhadfound,yettheymadeonewithincessantlabouroftheirhands,andwhere,whenthemischiefwhichfollowedhappened,theysecuredtheirwivesandchildrensoastheycouldneverbefound;theyhaving,bystickinginnumerablestakesandpolesofthewoodwhich,asIsaid,grewsoreadily,madethegroveimpassable,exceptinsomeplaces,whentheyclimbeduptogetovertheoutsidepart,andthenwentonbywaysoftheirownleaving.Astothethreereprobates,asIjustlycallthem,thoughtheyweremuchcivilisedbytheirsettlementcomparedtowhattheywerebefore,andwerenotsoquarrelsome,havingnotthesameopportunity;yetoneofthecertaincompanionsofaprofligatemindneverleftthem,andthatwastheiridleness.Itistrue,theyplantedcornandmadefences;butSolomon'swordswereneverbetterverifiedthaninthem,"Iwentbythevineyardoftheslothful,anditwasallovergrownwiththorns":forwhentheSpaniardscametoviewtheircroptheycouldnotseeitinsomeplacesforweeds,thehedgehadseveralgapsinit,wherethewildgoatshadgotinandeatenupthecorn;perhapshereandthereadeadbushwascrammedin,tostopthemoutforthepresent,butitwasonlyshuttingthestable-doorafterthesteedwasstolen.Whereas,whentheylookedonthecolonyoftheothertwo,therewastheveryfaceofindustryandsuccessuponalltheydid;therewasnotaweedtobeseeninalltheircorn,oragapinanyoftheirhedges;andthey,ontheotherhand,verifiedSolomon's
wordsinanotherplace,"thatthediligenthandmakethrich";foreverythinggrewandthrived,andtheyhadplentywithinandwithout;theyhadmoretamecattlethantheothers,moreutensilsandnecessarieswithindoors,andyetmorepleasureanddiversiontoo.Itistrue,thewivesofthethreewereveryhandyandcleanlywithindoors;andhavinglearnedtheEnglishwaysofdressing,andcookingfromoneoftheotherEnglishmen,who,asIsaid,wasacook'smateonboardtheship,theydressedtheirhusbands'victualsverynicelyandwell;whereastheotherscouldnotbebroughttounderstandit;butthenthehusband,who,asIsay,hadbeencook'smate,didithimself.Butasforthehusbandsofthethreewives,theyloiteredabout,fetchedturtles'eggs,andcaughtfishandbirds:inaword,anythingbutlabour;andtheyfaredaccordingly.Thediligentlivedwellandcomfortably,andtheslothfulhardandbeggarly;andso,Ibelieve,generallyspeaking,itisallovertheworld.ButInowcometoascenedifferentfromallthathadhappenedbefore,eithertothemortome;andtheoriginofthestorywasthis:EarlyonemorningtherecameonshorefiveorsixcanoesofIndiansorsavages,callthemwhichyouplease,andthereisnoroomtodoubttheycameupontheolderrandoffeedingupontheirslaves;butthatpartwasnowsofamiliartotheSpaniards,andtoourmentoo,thattheydidnotconcernthemselvesaboutit,asIdid:buthavingbeenmadesensible,bytheirexperience,thattheironlybusinesswastolieconcealed,andthatiftheywerenotseenbyanyofthesavagestheywouldgooffagainquietly,whentheirbusinesswasdone,havingasyetnottheleastnotionoftherebeinganyinhabitantsintheisland;Isay,havingbeenmadesensibleofthis,theyhadnothingtodobuttogivenoticetoallthethreeplantationstokeepwithindoors,andnotshowthemselves,onlyplacingascoutinaproperplace,togivenoticewhentheboatswenttoseaagain.Thiswas,withoutdoubt,veryright;butadisasterspoiledallthesemeasures,andmadeitknownamongthesavagesthattherewereinhabitantsthere;whichwas,intheend,thedesolationofalmostthewholecolony.Afterthecanoeswiththesavagesweregoneoff,theSpaniardspeepedabroadagain;andsomeofthemhadthecuriositytogototheplacewheretheyhadbeen,toseewhattheyhadbeendoing.Here,totheirgreatsurprise,theyfoundthreesavagesleftbehind,andlyingfastasleepupontheground.Itwassupposedtheyhadeitherbeensogorgedwiththeirinhumanfeast,that,likebeasts,theywerefallenasleep,andwouldnotstirwhentheotherswent,ortheyhadwanderedintothewoods,anddidnotcomebackintimetobetakenin.TheSpaniardsweregreatlysurprisedatthissightandperfectlyatalosswhattodo.TheSpaniardgovernor,asithappened,waswiththem,andhisadvicewasasked,butheprofessedheknewnotwhattodo.Asforslaves,theyhadenoughalready;andastokillingthem,therewerenoneoftheminclinedtodothat:theSpaniardgovernortoldmetheycouldnotthinkofsheddinginnocentblood;forastothem,thepoorcreatureshaddonethemnowrong,invadednoneoftheirproperty,andtheythoughttheyhadnojustquarrelagainstthem,totakeawaytheirlives.AndhereImust,injusticetotheseSpaniards,observethat,lettheaccountsofSpanishcrueltyinMexicoandPerubewhattheywill,Inevermetwithseventeenmenofanynationwhatsoever,inanyforeigncountry,whoweresouniversallymodest,temperate,virtuous,soverygood-
humoured,andsocourteous,astheseSpaniards:andastocruelty,theyhadnothingofitintheirverynature;noinhumanity,nobarbarity,nooutrageouspassions;andyetallofthemmenofgreatcourageandspirit.TheirtemperandcalmnesshadappearedintheirbearingtheinsufferableusageofthethreeEnglishmen;andtheirjusticeandhumanityappearednowinthecaseofthesavagesabove.Aftersomeconsultationtheyresolveduponthis;thattheywouldliestillawhilelonger,till,ifpossible,thesethreemenmightbegone.Butthenthegovernorrecollectedthatthethreesavageshadnoboat;andiftheywerelefttoroveabouttheisland,theywouldcertainlydiscoverthattherewereinhabitantsinit;andsotheyshouldbeundonethatway.Uponthis,theywentbackagain,andtherelaythefellowsfastasleepstill,andsotheyresolvedtoawakenthem,andtakethemprisoners;andtheydidso.Thepoorfellowswerestrangelyfrightenedwhentheywereseizeduponandbound;andafraid,likethewomen,thattheyshouldbemurderedandeaten:foritseemsthosepeoplethinkalltheworlddoesastheydo,ineatingmen'sflesh;buttheyweresoonmadeeasyastothat,andawaytheycarriedthem.Itwasveryhappyforthemthattheydidnotcarrythemhometothecastle,Imeantomypalaceunderthehill;buttheycarriedthemfirsttothebower,wherewasthechiefoftheircountrywork,suchasthekeepingthegoats,theplantingthecorn,&c.;andafterwardtheycarriedthemtothehabitationofthetwoEnglishmen.Heretheyweresettowork,thoughitwasnotmuchtheyhadforthemtodo;andwhetheritwasbynegligenceinguardingthem,orthattheythoughtthefellowscouldnotmendthemselves,Iknownot,butoneofthemranaway,and,takingtothewoods,theycouldneverhearofhimanymore.Theyhadgoodreasontobelievehegothomeagainsoonafterinsomeotherboatsorcanoesofsavageswhocameonshorethreeorfourweeksafterwards,andwho,carryingontheirrevelsasusual,wentoffintwodays'time.Thisthoughtterrifiedthemexceedingly;fortheyconcluded,andthatnotwithoutgoodcauseindeed,thatifthisfellowcamehomesafeamonghiscomrades,hewouldcertainlygivethemanaccountthattherewerepeopleintheisland,andalsohowfewandweaktheywere;forthissavage,asobservedbefore,hadneverbeentold,anditwasveryhappyhehadnot,howmanytherewereorwheretheylived;norhadheeverseenorheardthefireofanyoftheirguns,muchlesshadtheyshownhimanyoftheirotherretiredplaces;suchasthecaveinthevalley,orthenewretreatwhichthetwoEnglishmenhadmade,andthelike.Thefirsttestimonytheyhadthatthisfellowhadgivenintelligenceofthemwas,thatabouttwomouthsafterthissixcanoesofsavages,withaboutseven,eight,ortenmeninacanoe,camerowingalongthenorthsideoftheisland,wheretheyneverusedtocomebefore,andlanded,aboutanhouraftersunrise,ataconvenientplace,aboutamilefromthehabitationofthetwoEnglishmen,wherethisescapedmanhadbeenkept.AsthechiefSpaniardsaid,hadtheybeenalltherethedamagewouldnothavebeensomuch,fornotamanofthemwouldhaveescaped;butthecasedifferednowverymuch,fortwomentofiftywastoomuchodds.Thetwomenhadthehappinesstodiscoverthemaboutaleagueoff,sothatitwasaboveanhourbeforetheylanded;andastheylandedamilefromtheirhuts,itwassometimebeforetheycouldcomeatthem.Now,havinggreatreasontobelievethattheywerebetrayed,thefirstthingthey
didwastobindthetwoslaveswhichwereleft,andcausetwoofthethreemenwhomtheybroughtwiththewomen(who,itseems,provedveryfaithfultothem)toleadthem,withtheirtwowives,andwhatevertheycouldcarryawaywiththem,totheirretiredplacesinthewoods,whichIhavespokenofabove,andtheretobindthetwofellowshandandfoot,tilltheyheardfarther.Inthenextplace,seeingthesavageswereallcomeonshore,andthattheyhadbenttheircoursedirectlythatway,theyopenedthefenceswherethemilchcowswerekept,anddrovethemallout;leavingtheirgoatstostraggleinthewoods,whithertheypleased,thatthesavagesmightthinktheywereallbredwild;buttheroguewhocamewiththemwastoocunningforthat,andgavethemanaccountofitall,fortheywentdirectlytotheplace.Whenthetwopoorfrightenedmenhadsecuredtheirwivesandgoods,theysenttheotherslavetheyhadofthethreewhocamewiththewomen,andwhowasattheirplacebyaccident,awaytotheSpaniardswithallspeed,togivethemthealarm,anddesirespeedyhelp,and,inthemeantime,theytooktheirarmsandwhatammunitiontheyhad,andretreatedtowardstheplaceinthewoodwheretheirwivesweresent;keepingatadistance,yetsothattheymightsee,ifpossible,whichwaythesavagestook.Theyhadnotgonefarbutthatfromarisinggroundtheycouldseethelittlearmyoftheirenemiescomeondirectlytotheirhabitation,and,inamomentmore,couldseealltheirhutsandhouseholdstuffflaminguptogether,totheirgreatgriefandmortification;forthiswasagreatlosstothem,irretrievable,indeed,forsometime.Theykepttheirstationforawhile,tilltheyfoundthesavages,likewildbeasts,spreadthemselvesallovertheplace,rummagingeveryway,andeveryplacetheycouldthinkof,insearchofprey;andinparticularforthepeople,ofwhomnowitplainlyappearedtheyhadintelligence.ThetwoEnglishmenseeingthis,thinkingthemselvesnotsecurewheretheystood,becauseitwaslikelysomeofthewildpeoplemightcomethatway,andtheymightcometoomanytogether,thoughtitpropertomakeanotherretreatabouthalfamilefarther;believing,asitafterwardshappened,thatthefurthertheystrolled,thefewerwouldbetogether.Theirnexthaltwasattheentranceintoaverythick-grownpartofthewoods,andwhereanoldtrunkofatreestood,whichwashollowandverylarge;andinthistreetheybothtooktheirstanding,resolvingtoseetherewhatmightoffer.Theyhadnotstoodtherelongbeforetwoofthesavagesappearedrunningdirectlythatway,asiftheyhadalreadyhadnoticewheretheystood,andwerecominguptoattackthem;andalittlewayfarthertheyespiedthreemorecomingafterthem,andfivemorebeyondthem,allcomingthesameway;besideswhich,theysawsevenoreightmoreatadistance,runninganotherway;forinaword,theyraneveryway,likesportsmenbeatingfortheirgame.Thepoormenwerenowingreatperplexitywhethertheyshouldstandandkeeptheirpostureorfly;butafteraveryshortdebatewiththemselves,theyconsideredthatifthesavagesrangedthecountrythusbeforehelpcame,theymightperhapsfindtheirretreatinthewoods,andthenallwouldbelost;sotheyresolvedtostandthemthere,andiftheyweretoomanytodealwith,thentheywouldgetuptothetopofthetree,fromwhencetheydoubtednottodefendthemselves,fireexcepted,aslongastheirammunitionlasted,thoughallthesavagesthatwerelanded,whichwasnearfifty,
weretoattackthem.Havingresolveduponthis,theynextconsideredwhethertheyshouldfireatthefirsttwo,orwaitforthethree,andsotakethemiddleparty,bywhichthetwoandthefivethatfollowedwouldbeseparated;atlengththeyresolvedtoletthefirsttwopassby,unlesstheyshouldspythemthetree,andcometoattackthem.Thefirsttwosavagesconfirmedthemalsointhisresolution,byturningalittlefromthemtowardsanotherpartofthewood;butthethree,andthefiveafterthem,cameforwarddirectlytothetree,asiftheyhadknowntheEnglishmenwerethere.Seeingthemcomesostraighttowardsthem,theyresolvedtotaketheminalineastheycame:andastheyresolvedtofirebutoneatatime,perhapsthefirstshotmighthitthemallthree;forwhichpurposethemanwhowastofireputthreeorfoursmallbulletsintohispiece;andhavingafairloophole,asitwere,fromabrokenholeinthetree,hetookasureaim,withoutbeingseen,waitingtilltheywerewithinaboutthirtyyardsofthetree,sothathecouldnotmiss.Whiletheywerethuswaiting,andthesavagescameon,theyplainlysawthatoneofthethreewastherunawaysavagethathadescapedfromthem;andtheybothknewhimdistinctly,andresolvedthat,ifpossible,heshouldnotescape,thoughtheyshouldbothfire;sotheotherstoodreadywithhispiece,thatifhedidnotdropatthefirstshot,heshouldbesuretohaveasecond.Butthefirstwastoogoodamarksmantomisshisaim;forasthesavageskeptnearoneanother,alittlebehindinaline,hefired,andhittwoofthemdirectly;theforemostwaskilledoutright,beingshotinthehead;thesecond,whichwastherunawayIndian,wasshotthroughthebody,andfell,butwasnotquitedead;andthethirdhadalittlescratchintheshoulder,perhapsbythesameballthatwentthroughthebodyofthesecond;andbeingdreadfullyfrightened,thoughnotsomuchhurt,satdownupontheground,screamingandyellinginahideousmanner.Thefivethatwerebehind,morefrightenedwiththenoisethansensibleofthedanger,stoodstillatfirst;forthewoodsmadethesoundathousandtimesbiggerthanitreallywas,theechoesrattlingfromonesidetoanother,andthefowlsrisingfromallparts,screaming,andeverysortmakingadifferentnoise,accordingtotheirkind;justasitwaswhenIfiredthefirstgunthatperhapswasevershotoffintheisland.However,allbeingsilentagain,andtheynotknowingwhatthematterwas,cameonunconcerned,tilltheycametotheplacewheretheircompanionslayinaconditionmiserableenough.Herethepoorignorantcreatures,notsensiblethattheywerewithinreachofthesamemischief,stoodalltogetheroverthewoundedman,talking,and,asmaybesupposed,inquiringofhimhowhecametobehurt;andwho,itisveryrationaltobelieve,toldthemthataflashoffirefirst,andimmediatelyafterthatthunderfromtheirgods,hadkilledthosetwoandwoundedhim.This,Isay,isrational;fornothingismorecertainthanthat,astheysawnomannearthem,sotheyhadneverheardaguninalltheirlives,norsomuchasheardofagun;neitherknewtheyanythingofkillingandwoundingatadistancewithfireandbullets:iftheyhad,onemightreasonablybelievetheywouldnothavestoodsounconcernedtoviewthefateoftheirfellows,withoutsomeapprehensionsoftheirown.Ourtwomen,astheyconfessedtome,weregrievedtobeobligedtokillsomanypoorcreatures,whohadnonotionoftheirdanger;yet,havingthemallthusintheirpower,andthefirsthavingloadedhispiece
again,resolvedtoletflybothtogetheramongthem;andsinglingout,byagreement,whichtoaimat,theyshottogether,andkilled,orverymuchwounded,fourofthem;thefifth,frightenedeventodeath,thoughnothurt,fellwiththerest;sothatourmen,seeingthemallfalltogether,thoughttheyhadkilledthemall.Thebeliefthatthesavageswereallkilledmadeourtwomencomeboldlyoutfromthetreebeforetheyhadchargedtheirguns,whichwasawrongstep;andtheywereundersomesurprisewhentheycametotheplace,andfoundnolessthanfourofthemalive,andofthemtwoverylittlehurt,andonenotatall.Thisobligedthemtofalluponthemwiththestocksoftheirmuskets;andfirsttheymadesureoftherunawaysavage,thathadbeenthecauseofallthemischief,andofanotherthatwashurtintheknee,andputthemoutoftheirpain;thenthemanthatwasnothurtatallcameandkneeleddowntothem,withhistwohandsheldup,andmadepiteousmoanstothem,bygesturesandsigns,forhislife,butcouldnotsayonewordtothemthattheycouldunderstand.However,theymadesignstohimtositdownatthefootofatreehardby;andoneoftheEnglishmen,withapieceofrope-yarn,whichhehadbygreatchanceinhispocket,tiedhistwohandsbehindhim,andtheretheylefthim;andwithwhatspeedtheycouldmadeaftertheothertwo,whichweregonebefore,fearingthey,oranymoreofthem,shouldfindwaytotheircoveredplaceinthewoods,wheretheirwives,andthefewgoodstheyhadleft,lay.Theycameonceinsightofthetwomen,butitwasatagreatdistance;however,theyhadthesatisfactiontoseethemcrossoveravalleytowardsthesea,quitethecontrarywayfromthatwhichledtotheirretreat,whichtheywereafraidof;andbeingsatisfiedwiththat,theywentbacktothetreewheretheylefttheirprisoner,who,astheysupposed,wasdeliveredbyhiscomrades,forhewasgone,andthetwopiecesofrope-yarnwithwhichtheyhadboundhimlayjustatthefootofthetree.Theywerenowinasgreatconcernasbefore,notknowingwhatcoursetotake,orhowneartheenemymightbe,orinwhatnumber;sotheyresolvedtogoawaytotheplacewheretheirwiveswere,toseeifallwaswellthere,andtomakethemeasy.Thesewereinfrightenough,tobesure;forthoughthesavagesweretheirowncountrymen,yettheyweremostterriblyafraidofthem,andperhapsthemorefortheknowledgetheyhadofthem.Whentheycamethere,theyfoundthesavageshadbeeninthewood,andverynearthatplace,buthadnotfoundit;foritwasindeedinaccessible,fromthetreesstandingsothick,unlessthepersonsseekingithadbeendirectedbythosethatknewit,whichthesedidnot:theyfound,therefore,everythingverysafe,onlythewomeninaterriblefright.WhiletheywereheretheyhadthecomforttohavesevenoftheSpaniardscometotheirassistance;theotherten,withtheirservants,andFriday'sfather,weregoneinabodytodefendtheirbower,andthecornandcattlethatwerekeptthere,incasethesavagesshouldhaverovedovertothatsideofthecountry,buttheydidnotspreadsofar.WiththesevenSpaniardscameoneofthethreesavages,who,asIsaid,weretheirprisonersformerly;andwiththemalsocamethesavagewhomtheEnglishmenhadleftboundhandandfootatthetree;foritseemstheycamethatway,sawtheslaughterofthesevenmen,andunboundtheeighth,andbroughthimalongwiththem;where,however,theywereobligedtobindagain,astheyhadthetwootherswhowereleft
whenthethirdranaway.Theprisonersnowbegantobeaburdentothem;andtheyweresoafraidoftheirescaping,thattheywereonceresolvingtokillthemall,believingtheywereunderanabsolutenecessitytodosofortheirownpreservation.However,thechiefoftheSpaniardswouldnotconsenttoit,butordered,forthepresent,thattheyshouldbesentoutofthewaytomyoldcaveinthevalley,andbekeptthere,withtwoSpaniardstoguardthem,andhavefoodfortheirsubsistence,whichwasdone;andtheywereboundtherehandandfootforthatnight.WhentheSpaniardscame,thetwoEnglishmenweresoencouraged,thattheycouldnotsatisfythemselvestostayanylongerthere;buttakingfiveoftheSpaniards,andthemselves,withfourmusketsandapistolamongthem,andtwostoutquarter-staves,awaytheywentinquestofthesavages.Andfirsttheycametothetreewherethemenlaythathadbeenkilled;butitwaseasytoseethatsomemoreofthesavageshadbeenthere,fortheyhadattemptedtocarrytheirdeadmenaway,andhaddraggedtwoofthemagoodway,buthadgivenitover.Fromthencetheyadvancedtothefirstrisingground,wheretheyhadstoodandseentheircampdestroyed,andwheretheyhadthemortificationstilltoseesomeofthesmoke;butneithercouldtheyhereseeanyofthesavages.Theythenresolved,thoughwithallpossiblecaution,togoforwardtowardstheirruinedplantation;but,alittlebeforetheycamethither,cominginsightofthesea-shore,theysawplainlythesavagesallembarkedagainintheircanoes,inordertobegone.Theyseemedsorryatfirstthattherewasnowaytocomeatthem,togivethemapartingblow;but,uponthewhole,theywereverywellsatisfiedtoberidofthem.ThepoorEnglishmenbeingnowtwiceruined,andalltheirimprovementsdestroyed,therestallagreedtocomeandhelpthemtorebuild,andassistthemwithneedfulsupplies.Theirthreecountrymen,whowerenotyetnotedforhavingtheleastinclinationtodoanygood,yetassoonastheyheardofit(forthey,livingremoteeastward,knewnothingofthemattertillallwasover),cameandofferedtheirhelpandassistance,anddid,veryfriendly,workforseveraldaystorestoretheirhabitationandmakenecessariesforthem.Andthusinalittletimetheyweresetupontheirlegsagain.Abouttwodaysafterthistheyhadthefarthersatisfactionofseeingthreeofthesavages'canoescomedrivingonshore,and,atsomedistancefromthem,twodrownedmen,bywhichtheyhadreasontobelievethattheyhadmetwithastormatsea,whichhadoversetsomeofthem;forithadblownveryhardthenightaftertheywentoff.However,assomemightmiscarry,so,ontheotherhand,enoughofthemescapedtoinformtherest,aswellofwhattheyhaddoneasofwhathadhappenedtothem;andtowhetthemontoanotherenterpriseofthesamenature,whichthey,itseems,resolvedtoattempt,withsufficientforcetocarryallbeforethem;forexceptwhatthefirstmanhadtoldthemofinhabitants,theycouldsaylittleofitoftheirownknowledge,fortheyneversawoneman;andthefellowbeingkilledthathadaffirmedit,theyhadnootherwitnesstoconfirmitto,them.CHAPTERV-AGREATVICTORYITwasfiveorsixmonthsafterthisbeforetheyheardanymoreofthesavages,inwhichtimeourmenwereinhopestheyhadeitherforgottheirformerbadluck,orgivenoverhopesofbetter;when,onasudden,theywereinvadedwithamostformidablefleetofnolessthaneight-and-twentycanoes,fullofsavages,armedwith
bowsandarrows,greatclubs,woodenswords,andsuchlikeenginesofwar;andtheybroughtsuchnumberswiththem,that,inshort,itputallourpeopleintotheutmostconsternation.Astheycameonshoreintheevening,andattheeasternmostsideoftheisland,ourmenhadthatnighttoconsultandconsiderwhattodo.Inthefirstplace,knowingthattheirbeingentirelyconcealedwastheironlysafetybeforeandwouldbemuchmoresonow,whilethenumberoftheirenemieswouldbesogreat,theyresolved,firstofall,totakedownthehutswhichwerebuiltforthetwoEnglishmen,anddriveawaytheirgoatstotheoldcave;becausetheysupposedthesavageswouldgodirectlythither,assoonasitwasday,toplaytheoldgameoveragain,thoughtheydidnotnowlandwithintwoleaguesofit.Inthenextplace,theydroveawayalltheflocksofgoatstheyhadattheoldbower,asIcalledit,whichbelongedtotheSpaniards;and,inshort,leftaslittleappearanceofinhabitantsanywhereaswaspossible;andthenextmorningearlytheypostedthemselves,withalltheirforce,attheplantationofthetwomen,towaitfortheircoming.Astheyguessed,soithappened:thesenewinvaders,leavingtheircanoesattheeastendoftheisland,camerangingalongtheshore,directlytowardstheplace,tothenumberoftwohundredandfifty,asnearasourmencouldjudge.Ourarmywasbutsmallindeed;but,thatwhichwasworse,theyhadnotarmsforalltheirnumber.Thewholeaccount,itseems,stoodthus:first,astomen,seventeenSpaniards,fiveEnglishmen,oldFriday,thethreeslavestakenwiththewomen,whoprovedveryfaithful,andthreeotherslaves,wholivedwiththeSpaniards.Toarmthese,theyhadelevenmuskets,fivepistols,threefowling-pieces,fivemusketsorfowling-pieceswhichweretakenbymefromthemutinousseamenwhomIreduced,twoswords,andthreeoldhalberds.Totheirslavestheydidnotgiveeithermusketorfusee;buttheyhadeachahalberd,oralongstaff,likeaquarter-staff,withagreatspikeofironfastenedintoeachendofit,andbyhissideahatchet;alsoeveryoneofourmenhadahatchet.Twoofthewomencouldnotbeprevaileduponbuttheywouldcomeintothefight,andtheyhadbowsandarrows,whichtheSpaniardshadtakenfromthesavageswhenthefirstactionhappened,whichIhavespokenof,wheretheIndiansfoughtwithoneanother;andthewomenhadhatchetstoo.ThechiefSpaniard,whomIdescribedsooften,commandedthewhole;andWillAtkins,who,thoughadreadfulfellowforwickedness,wasamostdaring,boldfellow,commandedunderhim.Thesavagescameforwardlikelions;andourmen,whichwastheworstoftheirfate,hadnoadvantageintheirsituation;onlythatWillAtkins,whonowprovedamostusefulfellow,withsixmen,wasplantedjustbehindasmallthicketofbushesasanadvancedguard,withorderstoletthefirstofthempassbyandthenfireintothemiddleofthem,andassoonashehadfired,tomakehisretreatasnimblyashecouldroundapartofthewood,andsocomeinbehindtheSpaniards,wheretheystood,havingathicketoftreesbeforethem.Whenthesavagescameon,theyranstragglingabouteverywayinheaps,outofallmanneroforder,andWillAtkinsletaboutfiftyofthempassbyhim;thenseeingtherestcomeinaverythickthrong,heordersthreeofhismentofire,havingloadedtheirmusketswithsixorsevenbulletsapiece,aboutasbigaslargepistol-bullets.Howmanytheykilledorwoundedtheyknewnot,but
theconsternationandsurprisewasinexpressibleamongthesavages;theywerefrightenedtothelastdegreetohearsuchadreadfulnoise,andseetheirmenkilled,andothershurt,butseenobodythatdidit;when,inthemiddleoftheirfright,WillAtkinsandhisotherthreeletflyagainamongthethickestofthem;andinlessthanaminutethefirstthree,beingloadedagain,gavethemathirdvolley.HadWillAtkinsandhismenretiredimmediately,assoonastheyhadfired,astheywereorderedtodo,orhadtherestofthebodybeenathandtohavepouredintheirshotcontinually,thesavageshadbeeneffectuallyrouted;fortheterrorthatwasamongthemcameprincipallyfromthis,thattheywerekilledbythegodswiththunderandlightning,andcouldseenobodythathurtthem.ButWillAtkins,stayingtoloadagain,discoveredthecheat:someofthesavageswhowereatadistancespyingthem,cameuponthembehind;andthoughAtkinsandhismenfiredatthemalso,twoorthreetimes,andkilledabovetwenty,retiringasfastastheycould,yettheywoundedAtkinshimself,andkilledoneofhisfellow-Englishmenwiththeirarrows,astheydidafterwardsoneSpaniard,andoneoftheIndianslaveswhocamewiththewomen.Thisslavewasamostgallantfellow,andfoughtmostdesperately,killingfiveofthemwithhisownhand,havingnoweaponbutoneofthearmedstavesandahatchet.Ourmenbeingthushardlaidat,Atkinswounded,andtwoothermenkilled,retreatedtoarisinggroundinthewood;andtheSpaniards,afterfiringthreevolleysuponthem,retreatedalso;fortheirnumberwassogreat,andtheyweresodesperate,thatthoughabovefiftyofthemwerekilled,andmorethanasmanywounded,yettheycameonintheteethofourmen,fearlessofdanger,andshottheirarrowslikeacloud;anditwasobservedthattheirwoundedmen,whowerenotquitedisabled,weremadeoutrageousbytheirwounds,andfoughtlikemadmen.Whenourmenretreated,theylefttheSpaniardandtheEnglishmanthatwerekilledbehindthem:andthesavages,whentheycameuptothem,killedthemoveragaininawretchedmanner,breakingtheirarms,legs,andheads,withtheirclubsandwoodenswords,liketruesavages;butfindingourmenweregone,theydidnotseeminclinedtopursuethem,butdrewthemselvesupinaring,whichis,itseems,theircustom,andshoutedtwice,intokenoftheirvictory;afterwhich,theyhadthemortificationtoseeseveraloftheirwoundedmenfall,dyingwiththemerelossofblood.TheSpaniardgovernorhavingdrawnhislittlebodyuptogetheruponarisingground,Atkins,thoughhewaswounded,wouldhavehadthemmarchandchargeagainalltogetheratonce:buttheSpaniardreplied,"SeigniorAtkins,youseehowtheirwoundedmenfight;letthemalonetillmorning;allthewoundedmenwillbestiffandsorewiththeirwounds,andfaintwiththelossofblood;andsoweshallhavethefewertoengage."Thisadvicewasgood:butWillAtkinsrepliedmerrily,"Thatistrue,seignior,andsoshallItoo;andthatisthereasonIwouldgoonwhileIamwarm.""Well,SeigniorAtkins,"saystheSpaniard,"youhavebehavedgallantly,anddoneyourpart;wewillfightforyouifyoucannotcomeon;butIthinkitbesttostaytillmorning:"sotheywaited.Butasitwasaclearmoonlightnight,andtheyfoundthesavagesingreatdisorderabouttheirdeadandwoundedmen,andagreatnoiseandhurryamongthemwheretheylay,theyafterwardsresolvedtofallupontheminthenight,especiallyiftheycouldcome
togivethembutonevolleybeforetheywerediscovered,whichtheyhadafairopportunitytodo;foroneoftheEnglishmeninwhosequarteritwaswherethefightbegan,ledthemroundbetweenthewoodsandtheseasidewestward,andthenturningshortsouth,theycamesonearwherethethickestofthemlay,thatbeforetheywereseenorheardeightofthemfiredinamongthem,anddiddreadfulexecutionuponthem;inhalfaminutemoreeightothersfiredafterthem,pouringintheirsmallshotinsuchaquantitythatabundancewerekilledandwounded;andallthiswhiletheywerenotabletoseewhohurtthem,orwhichwaytofly.TheSpaniardschargedagainwiththeutmostexpedition,andthendividedthemselvesintothreebodies,andresolvedtofallinamongthemalltogether.Theyhadineachbodyeightpersons,thatistosay,twenty-twomenandthetwowomen,who,bytheway,foughtdesperately.Theydividedthefirearmsequallyineachparty,aswellasthehalberdsandstaves.Theywouldhavehadthewomenkeptback,buttheysaidtheywereresolvedtodiewiththeirhusbands.Havingthusformedtheirlittlearmy,theymarchedoutfromamongthetrees,andcameuptotheteethoftheenemy,shoutingandhallooingasloudastheycould;thesavagesstoodalltogether,butwereintheutmostconfusion,hearingthenoiseofourmenshoutingfromthreequarterstogether.Theywouldhavefoughtiftheyhadseenus;forassoonaswecamenearenoughtobeseen,somearrowswereshot,andpooroldFridaywaswounded,thoughnotdangerously.Butourmengavethemnotime,butrunninguptothem,firedamongthemthreeways,andthenfellinwiththebutt-endsoftheirmuskets,theirswords,armedstaves,andhatchets,andlaidaboutthemsowellthat,inaword,theysetupadismalscreamingandhowling,flyingtosavetheirliveswhichwaysoevertheycould.Ourmenweretiredwiththeexecution,andkilledormortallywoundedinthetwofightsaboutonehundredandeightyofthem;therest,beingfrightenedoutoftheirwits,scouredthroughthewoodsandoverthehills,withallthespeedthatfearandnimblefeetcouldhelpthemto;andaswedidnottroubleourselvesmuchtopursuethem,theygotalltogethertotheseaside,wheretheylanded,andwheretheircanoeslay.Buttheirdisasterwasnotatanendyet;foritblewaterriblestormofwindthateveningfromthesea,sothatitwasimpossibleforthemtogooff;nay,thestormcontinuingallnight,whenthetidecameuptheircanoesweremostofthemdrivenbythesurgeoftheseasohighupontheshorethatitrequiredinfinitetoiltogetthemoff;andsomeofthemwereevendashedtopiecesagainstthebeach.Ourmen,thoughgladoftheirvictory,yetgotlittlerestthatnight;buthavingrefreshedthemselvesaswellastheycould,theyresolvedtomarchtothatpartoftheislandwherethesavageswerefled,andseewhatposturetheywerein.Thisnecessarilyledthemovertheplacewherethefighthadbeen,andwheretheyfoundseveralofthepoorcreaturesnotquitedead,andyetpastrecoveringlife;asightdisagreeableenoughtogenerousminds,foratrulygreatmanthoughobligedbythelawofbattletodestroyhisenemy,takesnodelightinhismisery.However,therewasnoneedtogiveanyordersinthiscase;fortheirownsavages,whoweretheirservants,despatchedthesepoorcreatureswiththeirhatchets.Atlengththeycameinviewoftheplacewherethemoremiserableremainsofthesavages'armylay,wherethereappearedaboutahundredstill;theirposturewas
generallysittingupontheground,withtheirkneesuptowardstheirmouth,andtheheadputbetweenthetwohands,leaningdownupontheknees.Whenourmencamewithintwomusket-shotsofthem,theSpaniardgovernororderedtwomusketstobefiredwithoutball,toalarmthem;thishedid,thatbytheircountenancehemightknowwhattoexpect,whethertheywerestillinhearttofight,orweresoheartilybeatenastobediscouraged,andsohemightmanageaccordingly.Thisstratagemtook:forassoonasthesavagesheardthefirstgun,andsawtheflashofthesecond,theystartedupupontheirfeetinthegreatestconsternationimaginable;andasourmenadvancedswiftlytowardsthem,theyallranscreamingandyellingaway,withakindofhowlingnoise,whichourmendidnotunderstand,andhadneverheardbefore;andthustheyranupthehillsintothecountry.Atfirstourmenhadmuchrathertheweatherhadbeencalm,andtheyhadallgoneawaytosea:buttheydidnotthenconsiderthatthismightprobablyhavebeentheoccasionoftheircomingagaininsuchmultitudesasnottoberesisted,or,atleast,tocomesomanyandsooftenaswouldquitedesolatetheisland,andstarvethem.WillAtkins,therefore,whonotwithstandinghiswoundkeptalwayswiththem,provedthebestcounsellorinthiscase:hisadvicewas,totaketheadvantagethatoffered,andstepinbetweenthemandtheirboats,andsodeprivethemofthecapacityofeverreturninganymoretoplaguetheisland.Theyconsultedlongaboutthis;andsomewereagainstitforfearofmakingthewretchesflytothewoodsandlivetheredesperate,andsotheyshouldhavethemtohuntlikewildbeasts,beafraidtostiroutabouttheirbusiness,andhavetheirplantationscontinuallyrifled,alltheirtamegoatsdestroyed,and,inshort,bereducedtoalifeofcontinualdistress.WillAtkinstoldthemtheyhadbetterhavetodowithahundredmenthanwithahundrednations;that,astheymustdestroytheirboats,sotheymustdestroythemen,orbeallofthemdestroyedthemselves.Inaword,heshowedthemthenecessityofitsoplainlythattheyallcameintoit;sotheywenttoworkimmediatelywiththeboats,andgettingsomedrywoodtogetherfromadeadtree,theytriedtosetsomeofthemonfire,buttheyweresowetthattheywouldnotburn;however,thefiresoburnedtheupperpartthatitsoonmadethemunfitforuseatsea.WhentheIndianssawwhattheywereabout,someofthemcamerunningoutofthewoods,andcomingasnearastheycouldtoourmen,kneeleddownandcried,"Oa,Oa,Waramokoa,"andsomeotherwordsoftheirlanguage,whichnoneoftheothersunderstoodanythingof;butastheymadepitifulgesturesandstrangenoises,itwaseasytounderstandtheybeggedtohavetheirboatsspared,andthattheywouldbegone,andnevercomethereagain.Butourmenwerenowsatisfiedthattheyhadnowaytopreservethemselves,ortosavetheircolony,buteffectuallytopreventanyofthesepeoplefromevergoinghomeagain;dependinguponthis,thatifevensomuchasoneofthemgotbackintotheircountrytotellthestory,thecolonywasundone;sothat,lettingthemknowthattheyshouldnothaveanymercy,theyfelltoworkwiththeircanoes,anddestroyedeveryonethatthestormhadnotdestroyedbefore;atthesightofwhich,thesavagesraisedahideouscryinthewoods,whichourpeopleheardplainenough,afterwhichtheyranabouttheislandlikedistractedmen,sothat,inaword,ourmendidnotreallyknowwhatatfirsttodowiththem.NordidtheSpaniards,withalltheirprudence,consider
thatwhiletheymadethosepeoplethusdesperate,theyoughttohavekeptagoodguardatthesametimeupontheirplantations;forthoughitistruetheyhaddrivenawaytheircattle,andtheIndiansdidnotfindouttheirmainretreat,Imeanmyoldcastleatthehill,northecaveinthevalley,yettheyfoundoutmyplantationatthebower,andpulleditalltopieces,andallthefencesandplantingaboutit;trodallthecornunderfoot,toreupthevinesandgrapes,beingjustthenalmostripe,anddidourmeninestimabledamage,thoughtothemselvesnotonefarthing'sworthofservice.Thoughourmenwereabletofightthemuponalloccasions,yettheywereinnoconditiontopursuethem,orhuntthemupanddown;forastheyweretoonimbleoffootforourpeoplewhentheyfoundthemsingle,soourmendurstnotgoabroadsingle,forfearofbeingsurroundedwiththeirnumbers.Thebestwastheyhadnoweapons;forthoughtheyhadbows,theyhadnoarrowsleft,noranymaterialstomakeany;norhadtheyanyedge-toolamongthem.Theextremityanddistresstheywerereducedtowasgreat,andindeeddeplorable;but,atthesametime,ourmenwerealsobroughttoverybadcircumstancesbythem,forthoughtheirretreatswerepreserved,yettheirprovisionwasdestroyed,andtheirharvestspoiled,andwhattodo,orwhichwaytoturnthemselves,theyknewnot.Theonlyrefugetheyhadnowwasthestockofcattletheyhadinthevalleybythecave,andsomelittlecornwhichgrewthere,andtheplantationofthethreeEnglishmen.WillAtkinsandhiscomradeswerenowreducedtotwo;oneofthembeingkilledbyanarrow,whichstruckhimonthesideofhishead,justunderthetemple,sothatheneverspokemore;anditwasveryremarkablethatthiswasthesamebarbarousfellowthatcutthepoorsavageslavewithhishatchet,andwhoafterwardsintendedtohavemurderedtheSpaniards.Ilookedupontheircasetohavebeenworseatthistimethanminewasatanytime,afterIfirstdiscoveredthegrainsofbarleyandrice,andgotintothemannerofplantingandraisingmycorn,andmytamecattle;fornowtheyhad,asImaysay,ahundredwolvesupontheisland,whichwoulddevoureverythingtheycouldcomeat,yetcouldbehardlycomeatthemselves.Whentheysawwhattheircircumstanceswere,thefirstthingtheyconcludedwas,thattheywould,ifpossible,drivethesavagesuptothefartherpartoftheisland,south-west,thatifanymorecameonshoretheymightnotfindoneanother;then,thattheywoulddailyhuntandharassthem,andkillasmanyofthemastheycouldcomeat,tilltheyhadreducedtheirnumber;andiftheycouldatlasttamethem,andbringthemtoanything,theywouldgivethemcorn,andteachthemhowtoplant,andliveupontheirdailylabour.Inordertodothis,theysofollowedthem,andsoterrifiedthemwiththeirguns,thatinafewdays,ifanyofthemfiredagunatanIndian,ifhedidnothithim,yethewouldfalldownforfear.Sodreadfullyfrightenedweretheythattheykeptoutofsightfartherandfarther;tillatlastourmenfollowedthem,andalmosteverydaykillingorwoundingsomeofthem,theykeptupinthewoodsorhollowplacessomuch,thatitreducedthemtotheutmostmiseryforwantoffood;andmanywereafterwardsfounddeadinthewoods,withoutanyhurt,absolutelystarvedtodeath.Whenourmenfoundthis,itmadetheirheartsrelent,andpitymovedthem,especiallythegenerous-mindedSpaniardgovernor;andheproposed,ifpossible,totakeoneofthemaliveandbringhimto
understandwhattheymeant,sofarastobeabletoactasinterpreter,andgoamongthemandseeiftheymightbebroughttosomeconditionsthatmightbedependedupon,tosavetheirlivesanddousnoharm.Itwassomewhilebeforeanyofthemcouldbetaken;butbeingweakandhalf-starved,oneofthemwasatlastsurprisedandmadeaprisoner.Hewassullenatfirst,andwouldneithereatnordrink;butfindinghimselfkindlyused,andvictualsgiventohim,andnoviolenceofferedhim,heatlastgrewtractable,andcametohimself.TheyoftenbroughtoldFridaytotalktohim,whoalwaystoldhimhowkindtheotherswouldbetothemall;thattheywouldnotonlysavetheirlives,butgivethempartoftheislandtolivein,providedtheywouldgivesatisfactionthattheywouldkeepintheirownbounds,andnotcomebeyondittoinjureorprejudiceothers;andthattheyshouldhavecorngiventhemtoplantandmakeitgrowfortheirbread,andsomebreadgiventhemfortheirpresentsubsistence;andoldFridaybadethefellowgoandtalkwiththerestofhiscountrymen,andseewhattheysaidtoit;assuringthemthat,iftheydidnotagreeimmediately,theyshouldbealldestroyed.Thepoorwretches,thoroughlyhumbled,andreducedinnumbertoaboutthirty-seven,closedwiththeproposalatthefirstoffer,andbeggedtohavesomefoodgiventhem;uponwhichtwelveSpaniardsandtwoEnglishmen,wellarmed,withthreeIndianslavesandoldFriday,marchedtotheplacewheretheywere.ThethreeIndianslavescarriedthemalargequantityofbread,somericeboileduptocakesanddriedinthesun,andthreelivegoats;andtheywereorderedtogotothesideofahill,wheretheysatdown,atetheirprovisionsverythankfully,andwerethemostfaithfulfellowstotheirwordsthatcouldbethoughtof;for,exceptwhentheycametobegvictualsanddirections,theynevercameoutoftheirbounds;andtheretheylivedwhenIcametotheislandandIwenttoseethem.Theyhadtaughtthembothtoplantcorn,makebread,breedtamegoats,andmilkthem:theywantednothingbutwivesinorderforthemsoontobecomeanation.Theywereconfinedtoaneckofland,surroundedwithhighrocksbehindthem,andlyingplaintowardstheseabeforethem,onthesouth-eastcorneroftheisland.Theyhadlandenough,anditwasverygoodandfruitful;aboutamileandahalfbroad,andthreeorfourmilesinlength.Ourmentaughtthemtomakewoodenspades,suchasImadeformyself,andgaveamongthemtwelvehatchetsandthreeorfourknives;andtheretheylived,themostsubjected,innocentcreaturesthateverwereheardof.Afterthisthecolonyenjoyedaperfecttranquillitywithrespecttothesavages,tillIcametorevisitthem,whichwasabouttwoyearsafter;notbutthat,nowandthen,somecanoesofsavagescameonshorefortheirtriumphal,unnaturalfeasts;butastheywereofseveralnations,andperhapshadneverheardofthosethatcamebefore,orthereasonofit,theydidnotmakeanysearchorinquiryaftertheircountrymen;andiftheyhad,itwouldhavebeenveryhardtohavefoundthemout.Thus,Ithink,Ihavegivenafullaccountofallthathappenedtothemtillmyreturn,atleastthatwasworthnotice.TheIndianswerewonderfullycivilisedbythem,andtheyfrequentlywentamongthem;buttheyforbid,onpainofdeath,anyoneoftheIndianscomingtothem,becausetheywouldnothavetheirsettlementbetrayedagain.Onethingwasveryremarkable,viz.thattheytaughtthesavagestomakewicker-work,orbaskets,buttheysoonoutdidtheirmasters:for
theymadeabundanceofingeniousthingsinwicker-work,particularlybaskets,sieves,bird-cages,cupboards,&c.;asalsochairs,stools,beds,couches,beingveryingeniousatsuchworkwhentheywereonceputinthewayofit.Mycomingwasaparticularrelieftothesepeople,becausewefurnishedthemwithknives,scissors,spades,shovels,pick-axes,andallthingsofthatkindwhichtheycouldwant.Withthehelpofthosetoolstheyweresoveryhandythattheycameatlasttobuilduptheirhutsorhousesveryhandsomely,raddlingorworkingituplikebasket-workallthewayround.Thispieceofingenuity,althoughitlookedveryodd,wasanexceedinggoodfence,aswellagainstheatasagainstallsortsofvermin;andourmenweresotakenwithitthattheygottheIndianstocomeanddothelikeforthem;sothatwhenIcametoseethetwoEnglishmen'scolonies,theylookedatadistanceasiftheyalllivedlikebeesinahive.AsforWillAtkins,whowasnowbecomeaveryindustrious,useful,andsoberfellow,hehadmadehimselfsuchatentofbasket-workasIbelievewasneverseen;itwasonehundredandtwentypacesroundontheoutside,asImeasuredbymysteps;thewallswereascloseworkedasabasket,inpanelsorsquaresofthirty-twoinnumber,andverystrong,standingaboutsevenfeethigh;inthemiddlewasanothernotabovetwenty-twopacesround,butbuiltstronger,beingoctagoninitsform,andintheeightcornersstoodeightverystrongposts;roundthetopofwhichhelaidstrongpieces,knittogetherwithwoodenpins,fromwhichheraisedapyramidforahandsomeroofofeightrafters,joinedtogetherverywell,thoughhehadnonails,andonlyafewironspikes,whichhemadehimself,too,outoftheoldironthatIhadleftthere.Indeed,thisfellowshowedabundanceofingenuityinseveralthingswhichhehadnoknowledgeof:hemadehimaforge,withapairofwoodenbellowstoblowthefire;hemadehimselfcharcoalforhiswork;andheformedoutoftheironcrowsamiddlinggoodanviltohammerupon:inthismannerhemademanythings,butespeciallyhooks,staples,andspikes,boltsandhinges.Buttoreturntothehouse:afterhehadpitchedtheroofofhisinnermosttent,heworkeditupbetweentherafterswithbasket-work,sofirm,andthatchedthatoveragainsoingeniouslywithrice-straw,andoverthatalargeleafofatree,whichcoveredthetop,thathishousewasasdryasifithadbeentiledorslated.Heowned,indeed,thatthesavageshadmadethebasket-workforhim.Theoutercircuitwascoveredasalean-toallroundthisinnerapartment,andlongrafterslayfromthethirty-twoanglestothetoppostsoftheinnerhouse,beingabouttwentyfeetdistant,sothattherewasaspacelikeawalkwithintheouterwicker-wall,andwithouttheinner,neartwentyfeetwide.Theinnerplacehepartitionedoffwiththesamewickerwork,butmuchfairer,anddividedintosixapartments,sothathehadsixroomsonafloor,andoutofeveryoneofthesetherewasadoor:firstintotheentry,orcomingintothemaintent,anotherdoorintothemaintent,andanotherdoorintothespaceorwalkthatwasroundit;sothatwalkwasalsodividedintosixequalparts,whichservednotonlyforaretreat,buttostoreupanynecessarieswhichthefamilyhadoccasionfor.Thesesixspacesnottakingupthewholecircumference,whatotherapartmentstheoutercirclehadwerethusordered:Assoonasyouwereinatthedooroftheoutercircleyouhadashortpassagestraightbeforeyoutothedooroftheinnerhouse;butoneithersidewasawickerpartitionand
adoorinit,bywhichyouwentfirstintoalargeroomorstorehouse,twentyfeetwideandaboutthirtyfeetlong,andthroughthatintoanothernotquitesolong;sothatintheoutercircleweretenhandsomerooms,sixofwhichwereonlytobecomeatthroughtheapartmentsoftheinnertent,andservedasclosetsorretiringroomstotherespectivechambersoftheinnercircle;andfourlargewarehouses,orbarns,orwhatyoupleasetocallthem,whichwentthroughoneanother,twooneitherhandofthepassage,thatledthroughtheouterdoortotheinnertent.Suchapieceofbasket-work,Ibelieve,wasneverseenintheworld,norahouseortentsoneatlycontrived,muchlesssobuilt.Inthisgreatbee-hivelivedthethreefamilies,thatistosay,WillAtkinsandhiscompanion;thethirdwaskilled,buthiswiferemainedwiththreechildren,andtheothertwowerenotatallbackwardtogivethewidowherfullshareofeverything,Imeanastotheircorn,milk,grapes,&c.,andwhentheykilledakid,orfoundaturtleontheshore;sothattheyalllivedwellenough;thoughitwastruetheywerenotsoindustriousastheothertwo,ashasbeenobservedalready.Onething,however,cannotbeomitted,viz.thatasforreligion,Idonotknowthattherewasanythingofthatkindamongthem;theyoften,indeed,putoneanotherinmindthattherewasaGod,bytheverycommonmethodofseamen,swearingbyHisname:norweretheirpoorignorantsavagewivesmuchbetterforhavingbeenmarriedtoChristians,aswemustcallthem;forastheyknewverylittleofGodthemselves,sotheywereutterlyincapableofenteringintoanydiscoursewiththeirwivesaboutaGod,ortotalkanythingtothemconcerningreligion.TheutmostofalltheimprovementwhichIcansaythewiveshadmadefromthemwas,thattheyhadtaughtthemtospeakEnglishprettywell;andmostoftheirchildren,whowereneartwentyinall,weretaughttospeakEnglishtoo,fromtheirfirstlearningtospeak,thoughtheyatfirstspokeitinaverybrokenmanner,liketheirmothers.NoneofthesechildrenwereabovesixyearsoldwhenIcamethither,foritwasnotmuchabovesevenyearssincetheyhadfetchedthesefivesavageladiesover;theyhadallchildren,moreorless:themotherswereallagoodsortofwell-governed,quiet,laboriouswomen,modestanddecent,helpfultooneanother,mightyobservant,andsubjecttotheirmasters(Icannotcallthemhusbands),andlackednothingbuttobewellinstructedintheChristianreligion,andtobelegallymarried;bothofwhichwerehappilybroughtaboutafterwardsbymymeans,oratleastinconsequenceofmycomingamongthem.CHAPTERVI-THEFRENCHCLERGYMAN'SCOUNSELHAVINGthusgivenanaccountofthecolonyingeneral,andprettymuchofmyrunagateEnglishmen,ImustsaysomethingoftheSpaniards,whowerethemainbodyofthefamily,andinwhosestorytherearesomeincidentsalsoremarkableenough.Ihadagreatmanydiscourseswiththemabouttheircircumstanceswhentheywereamongthesavages.Theytoldmereadilythattheyhadnoinstancestogiveoftheirapplicationoringenuityinthatcountry;thattheywereapoor,miserable,dejectedhandfulofpeople;thatevenifmeanshadbeenputintotheirhands,yettheyhadsoabandonedthemselvestodespair,andweresosunkundertheweightoftheirmisfortune,thattheythoughtofnothingbutstarving.Oneofthem,agraveandsensibleman,toldmehewasconvincedtheywereinthewrong;thatitwasnotthe
partofwisementogivethemselvesuptotheirmisery,butalwaystotakeholdofthehelpswhichreasonoffered,aswellforpresentsupportasforfuturedeliverance:hetoldmethatgriefwasthemostsenseless,insignificantpassionintheworld,forthatitregardedonlythingspast,whichweregenerallyimpossibletoberecalledortoberemedied,buthadnoviewsofthingstocome,andhadnoshareinanythingthatlookedlikedeliverance,butratheraddedtotheafflictionthanproposedaremedy;anduponthisherepeatedaSpanishproverb,which,thoughIcannotrepeatinthesamewordsthathespokeitin,yetIrememberImadeitintoanEnglishproverbofmyown,thus:-"Introubletobetroubled,Istohaveyourtroubledoubled."HethenranoninremarksuponallthelittleimprovementsIhadmadeinmysolitude:myunweariedapplication,ashecalledit;andhowIhadmadeacondition,whichinitscircumstanceswasatfirstmuchworsethantheirs,athousandtimesmorehappythantheirswas,evennowwhentheywerealltogether.HetoldmeitwasremarkablethatEnglishmenhadagreaterpresenceofmindintheirdistressthananypeoplethateverhemetwith;thattheirunhappynationandthePortugueseweretheworstmenintheworldtostrugglewithmisfortunes;forthattheirfirststepindangers,afterthecommoneffortswereover,wastodespair,liedownunderit,anddie,withoutrousingtheirthoughtsuptoproperremediesforescape.Itoldhimtheircaseandminedifferedexceedingly;thattheywerecastupontheshorewithoutnecessaries,withoutsupplyoffood,orpresentsustenancetilltheycouldprovideforit;that,itwastrue,Ihadthisfurtherdisadvantageanddiscomfort,thatIwasalone;butthenthesuppliesIhadprovidentiallythrownintomyhands,bytheunexpecteddrivingoftheshipontheshore,wassuchahelpaswouldhaveencouragedanycreatureintheworldtohaveappliedhimselfasIhaddone."Seignior,"saystheSpaniard,"hadwepoorSpaniardsbeeninyourcase,weshouldneverhavegothalfthosethingsoutoftheship,asyoudid:nay,"sayshe,"weshouldneverhavefoundmeanstohavegotarafttocarrythem,ortohavegottheraftonshorewithoutboatorsail:andhowmuchlessshouldwehavedoneifanyofushadbeenalone!"Well,Idesiredhimtoabatehiscompliments,andgoonwiththehistoryoftheircomingonshore,wheretheylanded.Hetoldmetheyunhappilylandedataplacewheretherewerepeoplewithoutprovisions;whereas,hadtheyhadthecommonsensetoputofftoseaagain,andgonetoanotherislandalittlefurther,theyhadfoundprovisions,thoughwithoutpeople:therebeinganislandthatway,astheyhadbeentold,wheretherewereprovisions,thoughnopeople-thatistosay,thattheSpaniardsofTrinidadhadfrequentlybeenthere,andhadfilledtheislandwithgoatsandhogsatseveraltimes,wheretheyhadbredinsuchmultitudes,andwhereturtleandsea-fowlswereinsuchplenty,thattheycouldhavebeeninnowantofflesh,thoughtheyhadfoundnobread;whereas,heretheywereonlysustainedwithafewrootsandherbs,whichtheyunderstoodnot,andwhichhadnosubstanceinthem,andwhichtheinhabitantsgavethemsparinglyenough;andtheycouldtreatthemnobetter,unlesstheywouldturncannibalsandeatmen'sflesh.Theygavemeanaccounthowmanywaystheystrovetocivilisethesavagestheywerewith,andtoteachthemrationalcustomsintheordinarywayofliving,butinvain;andhowtheyretorteduponthemasunjustthattheywhocame
thereforassistanceandsupportshouldattempttosetupforinstructorstothosethatgavethemfood;intimating,itseems,thatnoneshouldsetupfortheinstructorsofothersbutthosewhocouldlivewithoutthem.Theygavemedismalaccountsoftheextremitiestheyweredrivento;howsometimestheyweremanydayswithoutanyfoodatall,theislandtheywereuponbeinginhabitedbyasortofsavagesthatlivedmoreindolent,andforthatreasonwerelesssuppliedwiththenecessariesoflife,thantheyhadreasontobelieveotherswereinthesamepartoftheworld;andyettheyfoundthatthesesavageswerelessravenousandvoraciousthanthosewhohadbettersuppliesoffood.Also,theyadded,theycouldnotbutseewithwhatdemonstrationsofwisdomandgoodnessthegoverningprovidenceofGoddirectstheeventsofthingsinthisworld,which,theysaid,appearedintheircircumstances:forif,pressedbythehardshipstheywereunder,andthebarrennessofthecountrywheretheywere,theyhadsearchedafterabettertolivein,theyhadthenbeenoutofthewayofthereliefthathappenedtothembymymeans.Theythengavemeanaccounthowthesavageswhomtheylivedamongstexpectedthemtogooutwiththemintotheirwars;and,itwastrue,thatastheyhadfirearmswiththem,hadtheynothadthedisastertolosetheirammunition,theycouldhavebeenserviceablenotonlytotheirfriends,buthavemadethemselvesterriblebothtofriendsandenemies;butbeingwithoutpowderandshot,andyetinaconditionthattheycouldnotinreasondeclinetogooutwiththeirlandlordstotheirwars;sowhentheycameintothefieldofbattletheywereinaworseconditionthanthesavagesthemselves,fortheyhadneitherbowsnorarrows,norcouldtheyusethosethesavagesgavethem.Sotheycoulddonothingbutstandstillandbewoundedwitharrows,tilltheycameuptotheteethoftheenemy;andthen,indeed,thethreehalberdstheyhadwereofusetothem;andtheywouldoftendriveawholelittlearmybeforethemwiththosehalberds,andsharpenedsticksputintothemuzzlesoftheirmuskets.Butforallthistheyweresometimessurroundedwithmultitudes,andingreatdangerfromtheirarrows,tillatlasttheyfoundthewaytomakethemselveslargetargetsofwood,whichtheycoveredwithskinsofwildbeasts,whosenamestheyknewnot,andthesecoveredthemfromthearrowsofthesavages:that,notwithstandingthese,theyweresometimesingreatdanger;andfiveofthemwereonceknockeddowntogetherwiththeclubsofthesavages,whichwasthetimewhenoneofthemwastakenprisoner-thatistosay,theSpaniardwhomIrelieved.Atfirsttheythoughthehadbeenkilled;butwhentheyafterwardsheardhewastakenprisoner,theywereunderthegreatestgriefimaginable,andwouldwillinglyhaveallventuredtheirlivestohaverescuedhim.Theytoldmethatwhentheyweresoknockeddown,therestoftheircompanyrescuedthem,andstoodoverthemfightingtilltheywerecometothemselves,allbuthimwhomtheythoughthadbeendead;andthentheymadetheirwaywiththeirhalberdsandpieces,standingclosetogetherinaline,throughabodyofaboveathousandsavages,beatingdownallthatcameintheirway,gotthevictoryovertheirenemies,buttotheirgreatsorrow,becauseitwaswiththelossoftheirfriend,whomtheotherpartyfindingalive,carriedoffwithsomeothers,asIgaveanaccountbefore.Theydescribed,mostaffectionately,howtheyweresurprisedwithjoyatthereturnoftheirfriendandcompanioninmisery,who
theythoughthadbeendevouredbywildbeastsoftheworstkind-wildmen;andyet,howmoreandmoretheyweresurprisedwiththeaccounthegavethemofhiserrand,andthattherewasaChristianinanyplacenear,muchmoreonethatwasable,andhadhumanityenough,tocontributetotheirdeliverance.TheydescribedhowtheywereastonishedatthesightofthereliefIsentthem,andattheappearanceofloavesofbread-thingstheyhadnotseensincetheircomingtothatmiserableplace;howoftentheycrosseditandblesseditasbreadsentfromheaven;andwhatarevivingcordialitwastotheirspiritstotasteit,asalsotheotherthingsIhadsentfortheirsupply;and,afterall,theywouldhavetoldmesomethingofthejoytheywereinatthesightofaboatandpilots,tocarrythemawaytothepersonandplacefromwhenceallthesenewcomfortscame.Butitwasimpossibletoexpressitbywords,fortheirexcessivejoynaturallydrivingthemtounbecomingextravagances,theyhadnowaytodescribethembutbytellingmetheybordereduponlunacy,havingnowaytogiveventtotheirpassionssuitabletothesensethatwasuponthem;thatinsomeitworkedonewayandinsomeanother;andthatsomeofthem,throughasurpriseofjoy,wouldburstintotears,othersbestarkmad,andothersimmediatelyfaint.Thisdiscourseextremelyaffectedme,andcalledtomymindFriday'secstasywhenhemethisfather,andthepoorpeople'secstasywhenItookthemupatseaaftertheirshipwasonfire;thejoyofthemateoftheshipwhenhefoundhimselfdeliveredintheplacewhereheexpectedtoperish;andmyownjoy,when,aftertwenty-eightyears'captivity,Ifoundagoodshipreadytocarrymetomyowncountry.Allthesethingsmadememoresensibleoftherelationofthesepoormen,andmoreaffectedwithit.HavingthusgivenaviewofthestateofthingsasIfoundthem,ImustrelatetheheadsofwhatIdidforthesepeople,andtheconditioninwhichIleftthem.Itwastheiropinion,andminetoo,thattheywouldbetroublednomorewiththesavages,oriftheywere,theywouldbeabletocutthemoff,iftheyweretwiceasmanyasbefore;sotheyhadnoconcernaboutthat.ThenIenteredintoaseriousdiscoursewiththeSpaniard,whomIcallgovernor,abouttheirstayintheisland;forasIwasnotcometocarryanyofthemoff,soitwouldnotbejusttocarryoffsomeandleaveothers,who,perhaps,wouldbeunwillingtostayiftheirstrengthwasdiminished.Ontheotherhand,ItoldthemIcametoestablishthemthere,nottoremovethem;andthenIletthemknowthatIhadbroughtwithmereliefofsundrykindsforthem;thatIhadbeenatagreatchargetosupplythemwithallthingsnecessary,aswellfortheirconvenienceastheirdefence;andthatIhadsuchandsuchparticularpersonswithme,aswelltoincreaseandrecruittheirnumber,asbytheparticularnecessaryemploymentswhichtheywerebredto,beingartificers,toassisttheminthosethingsinwhichatpresenttheywereinwant.TheywerealltogetherwhenItalkedthustothem;andbeforeIdeliveredtothemthestoresIhadbrought,Iaskedthem,onebyone,iftheyhadentirelyforgotandburiedthefirstanimositiesthathadbeenamongthem,andwouldshakehandswithoneanother,andengageinastrictfriendshipandunionofinterest,thatsotheremightbenomoremisunderstandingsandjealousies.WillAtkins,withabundanceoffranknessandgoodhumour,saidtheyhadmetwithafflictionenoughtomakethemallsober,andenemiesenoughtomakethemallfriends;that,forhispart,hewould
liveanddiewiththem,andwassofarfromdesigninganythingagainsttheSpaniards,thatheownedtheyhaddonenothingtohimbutwhathisownmadhumourmadenecessary,andwhathewouldhavedone,andperhapsworse,intheircase;andthathewouldaskthempardon,ifIdesiredit,forthefoolishandbrutishthingshehaddonetothem,andwasverywillinganddesirousoflivingintermsofentirefriendshipandunionwiththem,andwoulddoanythingthatlayinhispowertoconvincethemofit;andasforgoingtoEngland,hecarednotifhedidnotgothitherthesetwentyyears.TheSpaniardssaidtheyhad,indeed,atfirstdisarmedandexcludedWillAtkinsandhistwocountrymenfortheirillconduct,astheyhadletmeknow,andtheyappealedtomeforthenecessitytheywereundertodoso;butthatWillAtkinshadbehavedhimselfsobravelyinthegreatfighttheyhadwiththesavages,andonseveraloccasionssince,andhadshowedhimselfsofaithfulto,andconcernedfor,thegeneralinterestofthemall,thattheyhadforgottenallthatwaspast,andthoughthemeritedasmuchtobetrustedwitharmsandsuppliedwithnecessariesasanyofthem;thattheyhadtestifiedtheirsatisfactioninhimbycommittingthecommandtohimnexttothegovernorhimself;andastheyhadentireconfidenceinhimandallhiscountrymen,sotheyacknowledgedtheyhadmeritedthatconfidencebyallthemethodsthathonestmencouldmerittobevaluedandtrusted;andtheymostheartilyembracedtheoccasionofgivingmethisassurance,thattheywouldneverhaveanyinterestseparatefromoneanother.Uponthesefrankandopendeclarationsoffriendship,weappointedthenextdaytodinealltogether;and,indeed,wemadeasplendidfeast.Icausedtheship'scookandhismatetocomeonshoreanddressourdinner,andtheoldcook'smatewehadonshoreassisted.Webroughtonshoresixpiecesofgoodbeefandfourpiecesofpork,outoftheship'sprovisions,withourpunch-bowlandmaterialstofillit;andinparticularIgavethemtenbottlesofFrenchclaret,andtenbottlesofEnglishbeer;thingsthatneithertheSpaniardsnortheEnglishhadtastedformanyyears,andwhichitmaybesupposedtheywereverygladof.TheSpaniardsaddedtoourfeastfivewholekids,whichthecooksroasted;andthreeofthemweresent,coveredupclose,onboardtheshiptotheseamen,thattheymightfeastonfreshmeatfromonshore,aswedidwiththeirsaltmeatfromonboard.Afterthisfeast,atwhichwewereveryinnocentlymerry,Ibroughtmycargoofgoods;wherein,thattheremightbenodisputeaboutdividing,Ishowedthemthattherewasasufficiencyforthemall,desiringthattheymightalltakeanequalquantity,whenmadeup,ofthegoodsthatwereforwearing.As,first,Idistributedlinensufficienttomakeeveryoneofthemfourshirts,and,attheSpaniard'srequest,afterwardsmadethemupsix;thesewereexceedingcomfortabletothem,havingbeenwhattheyhadlongsinceforgottheuseof,orwhatitwastowearthem.IallottedthethinEnglishstuffs,whichImentionedbefore,tomakeeveryonealightcoat,likeafrock,whichIjudgedfittestfortheheatoftheseason,coolandloose;andorderedthatwhenevertheydecayed,theyshouldmakemore,astheythoughtfit;thelikeforpumps,shoes,stockings,hats,&c.IcannotexpresswhatpleasuresatuponthecountenancesofallthesepoormenwhentheysawthecareIhadtakenofthem,andhowwellIhadfurnishedthem.TheytoldmeIwasafathertothem;andthathaving
suchacorrespondentasIwasinsoremoteapartoftheworld,itwouldmakethemforgetthattheywereleftinadesolateplace;andtheyallvoluntarilyengagedtomenottoleavetheplacewithoutmyconsent.ThenIpresentedtothemthepeopleIhadbroughtwithme,particularlythetailor,thesmith,andthetwocarpenters,allofthemmostnecessarypeople;but,aboveall,mygeneralartificer,thanwhomtheycouldnotnameanythingthatwasmoreusefultothem;andthetailor,toshowhisconcernforthem,wenttoworkimmediately,and,withmyleave,madethemeveryoneashirt,thefirstthinghedid;and,whatwasstillmore,hetaughtthewomennotonlyhowtosewandstitch,andusetheneedle,butmadethemassisttomaketheshirtsfortheirhusbands,andforalltherest.Astothecarpenters,Iscarceneedmentionhowusefultheywere;fortheytooktopiecesallmyclumsy,unhandythings,andmadecleverconvenienttables,stools,bedsteads,cupboards,lockers,shelves,andeverythingtheywantedofthatkind.Buttoletthemseehownaturemadeartificersatfirst,IcarriedthecarpenterstoseeWillAtkins'basket-house,asIcalledit;andtheybothownedtheyneversawaninstanceofsuchnaturalingenuitybefore,noranythingsoregularandsohandilybuilt,atleastofitskind;andoneofthem,whenhesawit,aftermusingagoodwhile,turningabouttome,"Iamsure,"sayshe,"thatmanhasnoneedofus;youneeddonothingbutgivehimtools."ThenIbroughtthemoutallmystoreoftools,andgaveeverymanadigging-spade,ashovel,andarake,forwehadnobarrowsorploughs;andtoeveryseparateplaceapickaxe,acrow,abroadaxe,andasaw;alwaysappointing,thatasoftenasanywerebrokenorwornout,theyshouldbesuppliedwithoutgrudgingoutofthegeneralstoresthatIleftbehind.Nails,staples,hinges,hammers,chisels,knives,scissors,andallsortsofironwork,theyhadwithoutreserve,astheyrequired;fornomanwouldtakemorethanhewanted,andhemustbeafoolthatwouldwasteorspoilthemonanyaccountwhatever;andfortheuseofthesmithIlefttwotonsofunwroughtironforasupply.MymagazineofpowderandarmswhichIbroughtthemwassuch,eventoprofusion,thattheycouldnotbutrejoiceatthem;fornowtheycouldmarchasIusedtodo,withamusketuponeachshoulder,iftherewasoccasion;andwereabletofightathousandsavages,iftheyhadbutsomelittleadvantagesofsituation,whichalsotheycouldnotmiss,iftheyhadoccasion.Icarriedonshorewithmetheyoungmanwhosemotherwasstarvedtodeath,andthemaidalso;shewasasober,well-educated,religiousyoungwoman,andbehavedsoinoffensivelythateveryonegaveheragoodword;shehad,indeed,anunhappylifewithus,therebeingnowomanintheshipbutherself,butsheboreitwithpatience.Afterawhile,seeingthingssowellordered,andinsofineawayofthrivinguponmyisland,andconsideringthattheyhadneitherbusinessnoracquaintanceintheEastIndies,orreasonfortakingsolongavoyage,bothofthemcametomeanddesiredIwouldgivethemleavetoremainontheisland,andbeenteredamongmyfamily,astheycalledit.Iagreedtothisreadily;andtheyhadalittleplotofgroundallottedtothem,wheretheyhadthreetentsorhousessetup,surroundedwithabasket-work,palisadoedlikeAtkins's,adjoiningtohisplantation.Theirtentswerecontrivedsothattheyhadeachofthemaroomaparttolodgein,andamiddletentlikeagreatstorehousetolaytheirgoodsin,andtoeatandtodrinkin.
AndnowtheothertwoEnglishmenremovedtheirhabitationtothesameplace;andsotheislandwasdividedintothreecolonies,andnomore-viz.theSpaniards,witholdFridayandthefirstservants,atmyhabitationunderthehill,whichwas,inaword,thecapitalcity,andwheretheyhadsoenlargedandextendedtheirworks,aswellunderasontheoutsideofthehill,thattheylived,thoughperfectlyconcealed,yetfullatlarge.Neverwastheresuchalittlecityinawood,andsohid,inanypartoftheworld;forIverifybelievethatathousandmenmighthaverangedtheislandamonth,and,iftheyhadnotknowntherewassuchathing,andlookedonpurposeforit,theywouldnothavefoundit.Indeedthetreesstoodsothickandsoclose,andgrewsofastwovenoneintoanother,thatnothingbutcuttingthemdownfirstcoulddiscovertheplace,excepttheonlytwonarrowentranceswheretheywentinandoutcouldbefound,whichwasnotveryeasy;oneofthemwasclosedownatthewater'sedge,onthesideofthecreek,anditwasafterwardsabovetwohundredyardstotheplace;andtheotherwasupaladderattwice,asIhavealreadydescribedit;andtheyhadalsoalargewood,thicklyplanted,onthetopofthehill,containingaboveanacre,whichgrewapace,andconcealedtheplacefromalldiscoverythere,withonlyonenarrowplacebetweentwotrees,noteasilytobediscovered,toenteronthatside.TheothercolonywasthatofWillAtkins,wheretherewerefourfamiliesofEnglishmen,ImeanthoseIhadleftthere,withtheirwivesandchildren;threesavagesthatwereslaves,thewidowandchildrenoftheEnglishmanthatwaskilled,theyoungmanandthemaid,and,bytheway,wemadeawifeofherbeforewewentaway.Therewerebesidesthetwocarpentersandthetailor,whomIbroughtwithmeforthem:alsothesmith,whowasaverynecessarymantothem,especiallyasagunsmith,totakecareoftheirarms;andmyotherman,whomIcalledJack-of-all-trades,whowasinhimselfasgoodalmostastwentymen;forhewasnotonlyaveryingeniousfellow,butaverymerryfellow,andbeforeIwentawaywemarriedhimtothehonestmaidthatcamewiththeyouthintheshipImentionedbefore.AndnowIspeakofmarrying,itbringsmenaturallytosaysomethingoftheFrenchecclesiasticthatIhadbroughtwithmeoutoftheship'screwwhomItookupatsea.ItistruethismanwasaRoman,andperhapsitmaygiveoffencetosomehereafterifIleaveanythingextraordinaryuponrecordofamanwhom,beforeIbegin,Imust(tosethimoutinjustcolours)representintermsverymuchtohisdisadvantage,intheaccountofProtestants;as,first,thathewasaPapist;secondly,aPopishpriest;andthirdly,aFrenchPopishpriest.Butjusticedemandsofmetogivehimaduecharacter;andImustsay,hewasagrave,sober,pious,andmostreligiousperson;exactinhislife,extensiveinhischarity,andexemplaryinalmosteverythinghedid.Whatthencananyonesayagainstbeingverysensibleofthevalueofsuchaman,notwithstandinghisprofession?thoughitmaybemyopinionperhaps,aswellastheopinionofotherswhoshallreadthis,thathewasmistaken.ThefirsthourthatIbegantoconversewithhimafterhehadagreedtogowithmetotheEastIndies,Ifoundreasontodelightexceedinglyinhisconversation;andhefirstbeganwithmeaboutreligioninthemostobligingmannerimaginable."Sir,"sayshe,"youhavenotonlyunderGod"(andatthathecrossedhisbreast)"savedmylife,butyouhaveadmittedmetogothisvoyage
inyourship,andbyyourobligingcivilityhavetakenmeintoyourfamily,givingmeanopportunityoffreeconversation.Now,sir,youseebymyhabitwhatmyprofessionis,andIguessbyyournationwhatyoursis;Imaythinkitismyduty,anddoubtlessitisso,tousemyutmostendeavours,onalloccasions,tobringallthesoulsIcantotheknowledgeofthetruth,andtoembracetheCatholicdoctrine;butasIamhereunderyourpermission,andinyourfamily,Iambound,injusticetoyourkindnessaswellasindecencyandgoodmanners,tobeunderyourgovernment;andthereforeIshallnot,withoutyourleave,enterintoanydebateonthepointsofreligioninwhichwemaynotagree,furtherthanyoushallgivemeleave."ItoldhimhiscarriagewassomodestthatIcouldnotbutacknowledgeit;thatitwastrueweweresuchpeopleastheycallheretics,butthathewasnotthefirstCatholicIhadconversedwithwithoutfallingintoinconveniences,orcarryingthequestionstoanyheightindebate;thatheshouldnotfindhimselftheworseusedforbeingofadifferentopinionfromus,andifwedidnotconversewithoutanydislikeoneitherside,itshouldbehisfault,notours.Herepliedthathethoughtallourconversationmightbeeasilyseparatedfromdisputes;thatitwasnothisbusinesstocapprincipleswitheverymanheconversedwith;andthatheratherdesiredmetoconversewithhimasagentlemanthanasareligionist;andthat,ifIwouldgivehimleaveatanytimetodiscourseuponreligioussubjects,hewouldreadilycomplywithit,andthathedidnotdoubtbutIwouldallowhimalsotodefendhisownopinionsaswellashecould;butthatwithoutmyleavehewouldnotbreakinuponmewithanysuchthing.Hetoldmefurther,thathewouldnotceasetodoallthatbecamehim,inhisofficeasapriest,aswellasaprivateChristian,toprocurethegoodoftheship,andthesafetyofallthatwasinher;andthough,perhaps,wewouldnotjoinwithhim,andhecouldnotpraywithus,hehopedhemightprayforus,whichhewoulddouponalloccasions.Inthismannerweconversed;andashewasofthemostobliging,gentlemanlikebehaviour,sohewas,ifImaybeallowedtosayso,amanofgoodsense,and,asIbelieve,ofgreatlearning.Hegavemeamostdivertingaccountofhislife,andofthemanyextraordinaryeventsofit;ofmanyadventureswhichhadbefallenhiminthefewyearsthathehadbeenabroadintheworld;andparticularly,itwasveryremarkable,thatinthevoyagehewasnowengagedinhehadhadthemisfortunetobefivetimesshippedandunshipped,andnevertogototheplacewhitheranyoftheshipshewasinwereatfirstdesigned.ThathisfirstintentwastohavegonetoMartinico,andthathewentonboardashipboundthitheratSt.Malo;butbeingforcedintoLisbonbybadweather,theshipreceivedsomedamagebyrunningagroundinthemouthoftheriverTagus,andwasobligedtounloadhercargothere;butfindingaPortugueseshipthereboundfortheMadeiras,andreadytosail,andsupposingheshouldmeetwithashipthereboundtoMartinico,hewentonboard,inordertosailtotheMadeiras;butthemasterofthePortugueseshipbeingbutanindifferentmariner,hadbeenoutofhisreckoning,andtheydrovetoFayal;where,however,hehappenedtofindaverygoodmarketforhiscargo,whichwascorn,andthereforeresolvednottogototheMadeiras,buttoloadsaltattheIsleofMay,andtogoawaytoNewfoundland.Hehadnoremedyinthisexigencebuttogowiththeship,andhadaprettygoodvoyageasfarastheBanks
(sotheycalltheplacewheretheycatchthefish),where,meetingwithaFrenchshipboundfromFrancetoQuebec,andfromthencetoMartinico,tocarryprovisions,hethoughtheshouldhaveanopportunitytocompletehisfirstdesign,butwhenhecametoQuebec,themasteroftheshipdied,andthevesselproceedednofurther;sothenextvoyageheshippedhimselfforFrance,intheshipthatwasburnedwhenwetookthemupatsea,andthenshippedwithusfortheEastIndies,asIhavealreadysaid.Thushehadbeendisappointedinfivevoyages;all,asImaycallit,inonevoyage,besideswhatIshallhaveoccasiontomentionfurtherofhim.ButIshallnotmakedigressionintoothermen'sstorieswhichhavenorelationtomyown;soIreturntowhatconcernsouraffairintheisland.Hecametomeonemorning(forhelodgedamongusallthewhilewewereupontheisland),andithappenedtobejustwhenIwasgoingtovisittheEnglishmen'scolony,atthefurthestpartoftheisland;Isay,hecametome,andtoldme,withaverygravecountenance,thathehadfortwoorthreedaysdesiredanopportunityofsomediscoursewithme,whichhehopedwouldnotbedispleasingtome,becausehethoughtitmightinsomemeasurecorrespondwithmygeneraldesign,whichwastheprosperityofmynewcolony,andperhapsmightputit,atleastmorethanheyetthoughtitwas,inthewayofGod'sblessing.Ilookedalittlesurprisedatthelastofhisdiscourse,andturningalittleshort,"How,sir,"saidI,"canitbesaidthatwearenotinthewayofGod'sblessing,aftersuchvisibleassistancesanddeliverancesaswehaveseenhere,andofwhichIhavegivenyoualargeaccount?""Ifyouhadpleased,sir,"saidhe,withaworldofmodesty,andyetgreatreadiness,"tohaveheardme,youwouldhavefoundnoroomtohavebeendispleased,muchlesstothinksohardofme,thatIshouldsuggestthatyouhavenothadwonderfulassistancesanddeliverances;andIhope,onyourbehalf,thatyouareinthewayofGod'sblessing,andyourdesignisexceedinggood,andwillprosper.But,sir,thoughitweremoresothanisevenpossibletoyou,yettheremaybesomeamongyouthatarenotequallyrightintheiractions:andyouknowthatinthestoryofthechildrenofIsrael,oneAchaninthecampremovedGod'sblessingfromthem,andturnedHishandsoagainstthem,thatsix-and-thirtyofthem,thoughnotconcernedinthecrime,weretheobjectsofdivinevengeance,andboretheweightofthatpunishment."Iwassensiblytouchedwiththisdiscourse,andtoldhimhisinferencewassojust,andthewholedesignseemedsosincere,andwasreallysoreligiousinitsownnature,thatIwasverysorryIhadinterruptedhim,andbeggedhimtogoon;and,inthemeantime,becauseitseemedthatwhatwehadbothtosaymighttakeupsometime,ItoldhimIwasgoingtotheEnglishmen'splantations,andaskedhimtogowithme,andwemightdiscourseofitbytheway.Hetoldmehewouldthemorewillinglywaitonmethither,becausetherepartlythethingwasactedwhichhedesiredtospeaktomeabout;sowewalkedon,andIpressedhimtobefreeandplainwithmeinwhathehadtosay."Why,then,sir,"saidhe,"bepleasedtogivemeleavetolaydownafewpropositions,asthefoundationofwhatIhavetosay,thatwemaynotdifferinthegeneralprinciples,thoughwemaybeofsomedifferingopinionsinthepracticeofparticulars.First,sir,thoughwedifferinsomeofthedoctrinalarticlesofreligion(anditisveryunhappyitisso,especiallyinthecasebeforeus,asIshallshowafterwards),
yettherearesomegeneralprinciplesinwhichwebothagree-thatthereisaGod;andthatthisGodhavinggivenussomestatedgeneralrulesforourserviceandobedience,weoughtnotwillinglyandknowinglytooffendHim,eitherbyneglectingtodowhatHehascommanded,orbydoingwhatHehasexpresslyforbidden.Andletourdifferentreligionsbewhattheywill,thisgeneralprincipleisreadilyownedbyusall,thattheblessingofGoddoesnotordinarilyfollowpresumptuoussinningagainstHiscommand;andeverygoodChristianwillbeaffectionatelyconcernedtopreventanythatareunderhiscarelivinginatotalneglectofGodandHiscommands.ItisnotyourmenbeingProtestants,whatevermyopinionmaybeofsuch,thatdischargesmefrombeingconcernedfortheirsouls,andfromendeavouring,ifitliesbeforeme,thattheyshouldliveinaslittledistancefromenmitywiththeirMakeraspossible,especiallyifyougivemeleavetomeddlesofarinyourcircuit."Icouldnotyetimaginewhatheaimedat,andtoldhimIgrantedallhehadsaid,andthankedhimthathewouldsofarconcernhimselfforus:andbeggedhewouldexplaintheparticularsofwhathehadobserved,thatlikeJoshua,totakehisownparable,Imightputawaytheaccursedthingfromus."Why,then,sir,"sayshe,"Iwilltakethelibertyyougiveme;andtherearethreethings,which,ifIamright,muststandinthewayofGod'sblessinguponyourendeavourshere,andwhichIshouldrejoice,foryoursakeandtheirown,toseeremoved.And,sir,Ipromisemyselfthatyouwillfullyagreewithmeinthemall,assoonasInamethem;especiallybecauseIshallconvinceyou,thateveryoneofthemmay,withgreatease,andverymuchtoyoursatisfaction,beremedied.First,sir,"sayshe,"youhaveherefourEnglishmen,whohavefetchedwomenfromamongthesavages,andhavetakenthemastheirwives,andhavehadmanychildrenbythemall,andyetarenotmarriedtothemafteranystatedlegalmanner,asthelawsofGodandmanrequire.Tothis,sir,Iknow,youwillobjectthattherewasnoclergymanorpriestofanykindtoperformtheceremony;noranypenandink,orpaper,towritedownacontractofmarriage,andhaveitsignedbetweenthem.AndIknowalso,sir,whattheSpaniardgovernorhastoldyou,Imeanoftheagreementthatheobligedthemtomakewhentheytookthosewomen,viz.thattheyshouldchoosethemoutbyconsent,andkeepseparatelytothem;which,bytheway,isnothingofamarriage,noagreementwiththewomenaswives,butonlyanagreementamongthemselves,tokeepthemfromquarrelling.But,sir,theessenceofthesacramentofmatrimony"(sohecalledit,beingaRoman)"consistsnotonlyinthemutualconsentofthepartiestotakeoneanotherasmanandwife,butintheformalandlegalobligationthatthereisinthecontracttocompelthemanandwoman,atalltimes,toownandacknowledgeeachother;obligingthemantoabstainfromallotherwomen,toengageinnoothercontractwhilethesesubsist;and,onalloccasions,asabilityallows,toprovidehonestlyforthemandtheirchildren;andtoobligethewomentothesameorlikeconditions,ontheirside.Now,sir,"sayshe,"thesemenmay,whentheyplease,orwhenoccasionpresents,abandonthesewomen,disowntheirchildren,leavethemtoperish,andtakeotherwomen,andmarrythemwhiletheseareliving;"andhereheadded,withsomewarmth,"How,sir,isGodhonouredinthisunlawfulliberty?Andhowshallablessingsucceedyourendeavoursinthis
place,howevergoodinthemselves,andhoweversincereinyourdesign,whilethesemen,whoatpresentareyoursubjects,underyourabsolutegovernmentanddominion,areallowedbyyoutoliveinopenadultery?"IconfessIwasstruckwiththethingitself,butmuchmorewiththeconvincingargumentshesupporteditwith;butIthoughttohavegotoffmyyoungpriestbytellinghimthatallthatpartwasdonewhenIwasnotthere:andthattheyhadlivedsomanyyearswiththemnow,thatifitwasadultery,itwaspastremedy;nothingcouldbedoneinitnow."Sir,"sayshe,"askingyourpardonforsuchfreedom,youarerightinthis,that,itbeingdoneinyourabsence,youcouldnotbechargedwiththatpartofthecrime;but,Ibeseechyou,flatternotyourselfthatyouarenot,therefore,underanobligationtodoyourutmostnowtoputanendtoit.Youshouldlegallyandeffectuallymarrythem;andas,sir,mywayofmarryingmaynotbeeasytoreconcilethemto,thoughitwillbeeffectual,evenbyyourownlaws,soyourwaymaybeaswellbeforeGod,andasvalidamongmen.Imeanbyawrittencontractsignedbybothmanandwoman,andbyallthewitnessespresent,whichallthelawsofEuropewoulddecreetobevalid."Iwasamazedtoseesomuchtruepiety,andsomuchsincerityofzeal,besidestheunusualimpartialityinhisdiscourseastohisownpartyorchurch,andsuchtruewarmthforpreservingpeoplethathehadnoknowledgeoforrelationtofromtransgressingthelawsofGod.Butrecollectingwhathehadsaidofmarryingthembyawrittencontract,whichIknewhewouldstandto,Ireturneditbackuponhim,andtoldhimIgrantedallthathehadsaidtobejust,andonhispartverykind;thatIwoulddiscoursewiththemenuponthepointnow,whenIcametothem;andIknewnoreasonwhytheyshouldscrupletolethimmarrythemall,whichIknewwellenoughwouldbegrantedtobeasauthenticandvalidinEnglandasiftheyweremarriedbyoneofourownclergymen.Ithenpressedhimtotellmewhatwasthesecondcomplaintwhichhehadtomake,acknowledgingthatIwasverymuchhisdebtorforthefirst,andthankinghimheartilyforit.Hetoldmehewouldusethesamefreedomandplainnessinthesecond,andhopedIwouldtakeitaswell;andthiswas,thatnotwithstandingtheseEnglishsubjectsofmine,ashecalledthem,hadlivedwiththesewomenalmostsevenyears,hadtaughtthemtospeakEnglish,andeventoreadit,andthattheywere,asheperceived,womenoftolerableunderstanding,andcapableofinstruction,yettheyhadnot,tothishour,taughtthemanythingoftheChristianreligion-no,notsomuchastoknowtherewasaGod,oraworship,orinwhatmannerGodwastobeserved,orthattheirownidolatry,andworshippingtheyknewnotwhom,wasfalseandabsurd.Thishesaidwasanunaccountableneglect,andwhatGodwouldcertainlycallthemtoaccountfor,andperhapsatlasttaketheworkoutoftheirhands.Hespokethisveryaffectionatelyandwarmly."Iampersuaded,"sayshe,"hadthosemenlivedinthesavagecountrywhencetheirwivescame,thesavageswouldhavetakenmorepainstohavebroughtthemtobeidolaters,andtoworshipthedevil,thananyofthesemen,sofarasIcansee,havetakenwiththemtoteachtheknowledgeofthetrueGod.Now,sir,"saidhe,"thoughIdonotacknowledgeyourreligion,oryoumine,yetwewouldbegladtoseethedevil'sservantsandthesubjectsofhiskingdomtaughttoknowreligion;andthattheymight,atleast,hearofGodandaRedeemer,andthe
resurrection,andofafuturestate-thingswhichweallbelieve;thattheymight,atleast,besomuchnearercomingintothebosomofthetrueChurchthantheyarenowinthepublicprofessionofidolatryanddevil-worship."Icouldholdnolonger:Itookhiminmyarmsandembracedhimeagerly."Howfar,"saidItohim,"haveIbeenfromunderstandingthemostessentialpartofaChristian,viz.tolovetheinterestoftheChristianChurch,andthegoodofothermen'ssouls!IscarcehaveknownwhatbelongstothebeingaChristian."-"Oh,sir!donotsayso,"repliedhe;"thisthingisnotyourfault."-"No,"saidI;"butwhydidIneverlayittoheartaswellasyou?"-"Itisnottoolateyet,"saidhe;"benottooforwardtocondemnyourself."-"Butwhatcanbedonenow?"saidI:"youseeIamgoingaway."-"Willyougivemeleavetotalkwiththesepoormenaboutit?"-"Yes,withallmyheart,"saidI:"andobligethemtogiveheedtowhatyousaytoo."-"Astothat,"saidhe,"wemustleavethemtothemercyofChrist;butitisyourbusinesstoassistthem,encouragethem,andinstructthem;andifyougivemeleave,andGodHisblessing,IdonotdoubtbutthepoorignorantsoulsshallbebroughthometothegreatcircleofChristianity,ifnotintotheparticularfaithweallembrace,andthatevenwhileyoustayhere."UponthisIsaid,"Ishallnotonlygiveyouleave,butgiveyouathousandthanksforit."Inowpressedhimforthethirdarticleinwhichweweretoblame."Why,really,"sayshe,"itisofthesamenature.Itisaboutyourpoorsavages,whoare,asImaysay,yourconqueredsubjects.Itisamaxim,sir,thatisoroughttobereceivedamongallChristians,ofwhatchurchorpretendedchurchsoever,thattheChristianknowledgeoughttobepropagatedbyallpossiblemeansandonallpossibleoccasions.ItisonthisprinciplethatourChurchsendsmissionariesintoPersia,India,andChina;andthatourclergy,evenofthesuperiorsort,willinglyengageinthemosthazardousvoyages,andthemostdangerousresidenceamongstmurderersandbarbarians,toteachthemtheknowledgeofthetrueGod,andtobringthemovertoembracetheChristianfaith.Now,sir,youhavesuchanopportunityheretohavesixorsevenandthirtypoorsavagesbroughtoverfromastateofidolatrytotheknowledgeofGod,theirMakerandRedeemer,thatIwonderhowyoucanpasssuchanoccasionofdoinggood,whichisreallyworththeexpenseofaman'swholelife."Iwasnowstruckdumbindeed,andhadnotonewordtosay.IhadherethespiritoftrueChristianzealforGodandreligionbeforeme.Asforme,Ihadnotsomuchasentertainedathoughtofthisinmyheartbefore,andIbelieveIshouldnothavethoughtofit;forIlookeduponthesesavagesasslaves,andpeoplewhom,hadwenothadanyworkforthemtodo,wewouldhaveusedassuch,orwouldhavebeengladtohavetransportedthemtoanypartoftheworld;forourbusinesswastogetridofthem,andwewouldallhavebeensatisfiediftheyhadbeensenttoanycountry,sotheyhadneverseentheirown.Iwasconfoundedathisdiscourse,andknewnotwhatanswertomakehim.Helookedearnestlyatme,seeingmyconfusion."Sir,"sayshe,"IshallbeverysorryifwhatIhavesaidgivesyouanyoffence."-"No,no,"saidI,"Iamoffendedwithnobodybutmyself;butIamperfectlyconfounded,notonlytothinkthatIshouldnevertakeanynoticeofthisbefore,butwithreflectingwhatnoticeIamabletotakeofitnow.Youknow,sir,"saidI,"whatcircumstancesIamin;IamboundtotheEastIndiesinaship
freightedbymerchants,andtowhomitwouldbeaninsufferablepieceofinjusticetodetaintheirshiphere,themenlyingallthiswhileatvictualsandwagesontheowners'account.Itistrue,Iagreedtobeallowedtwelvedayshere,andifIstaymore,ImustpaythreepoundssterlingPERDIEMdemurrage;norcanIstayupondemurrageaboveeightdaysmore,andIhavebeenherethirteenalready;sothatIamperfectlyunabletoengageinthisworkunlessIwouldsuffermyselftobeleftbehindhereagain;inwhichcase,ifthissingleshipshouldmiscarryinanypartofhervoyage,IshouldbejustinthesameconditionthatIwasleftinhereatfirst,andfromwhichIhavebeensowonderfullydelivered."Heownedthecasewasveryharduponmeastomyvoyage;butlaidithomeuponmyconsciencewhethertheblessingofsavingthirty-sevensoulswasnotworthventuringallIhadintheworldfor.Iwasnotsosensibleofthatashewas.Irepliedtohimthus:"Why,sir,itisavaluablething,indeed,tobeaninstrumentinGod'shandtoconvertthirty-sevenheathenstotheknowledgeofChrist:butasyouareanecclesiastic,andaregivenovertothework,soitseemssonaturallytofallinthewayofyourprofession;howisit,then,thatyoudonotratherofferyourselftoundertakeitthantopressmetodoit?"Uponthishefacedaboutjustbeforeme,ashewalkedalong,andputtingmetoafullstop,mademeaverylowbow."ImostheartilythankGodandyou,sir,"saidhe,"forgivingmesoevidentacalltosoblessedawork;andifyouthinkyourselfdischargedfromit,anddesiremetoundertakeit,Iwillmostreadilydoit,andthinkitahappyrewardforallthehazardsanddifficultiesofsuchabroken,disappointedvoyageasIhavemetwith,thatIamdroppedatlastintosogloriousawork."Idiscoveredakindofraptureinhisfacewhilehespokethistome;hiseyessparkledlikefire;hisfaceglowed,andhiscolourcameandwent;inaword,hewasfiredwiththejoyofbeingembarkedinsuchawork.IpausedaconsiderablewhilebeforeIcouldtellwhattosaytohim;forIwasreallysurprisedtofindamanofsuchsincerity,andwhoseemedpossessedofazealbeyondtheordinaryrateofmen.ButafterIhadconsidereditawhile,Iaskedhimseriouslyifhewasinearnest,andthathewouldventure,onthesingleconsiderationofanattempttoconvertthosepoorpeople,tobelockedupinanunplantedislandforperhapshislife,andatlastmightnotknowwhetherheshouldbeabletodothemgoodornot?Heturnedshortuponme,andaskedmewhatIcalledaventure?"Pray,sir,"saidhe,"whatdoyouthinkIconsentedtogoinyourshiptotheEastIndiesfor?"-"ay,"saidI,"thatIknownot,unlessitwastopreachtotheIndians."-"Doubtlessitwas,"saidhe;"anddoyouthink,ifIcanconvertthesethirty-sevenmentothefaithofJesusChrist,itisnotworthmytime,thoughIshouldneverbefetchedofftheislandagain?-nay,isitnotinfinitelyofmoreworthtosavesomanysoulsthanmylifeis,orthelifeoftwentymoreofthesameprofession?Yes,sir,"sayshe,"IwouldgiveGodthanksallmydaysifIcouldbemadethehappyinstrumentofsavingthesoulsofthosepoormen,thoughIwerenevertogetmyfootoffthisislandorseemynativecountryanymore.Butsinceyouwillhonourmewithputtingmeintothiswork,forwhichIwillprayforyouallthedaysofmylife,Ihaveonehumblepetitiontoyoubesides."-"Whatisthat?"saidI.-"Why,"sayshe,"itis,thatyouwillleaveyourmanFridaywithme,tobemyinterpretertothem,andtoassistme;forwithoutsome
helpIcannotspeaktothem,ortheytome."IwassensiblytouchedathisrequestingFriday,becauseIcouldnotthinkofpartingwithhim,andthatformanyreasons:hehadbeenthecompanionofmytravels;hewasnotonlyfaithfultome,butsincerelyaffectionatetothelastdegree;andIhadresolvedtodosomethingconsiderableforhimifheout-livedme,asitwasprobablehewould.ThenIknewthat,asIhadbredFridayuptobeaProtestant,itwouldquiteconfoundhimtobringhimtoembraceanotherreligion;andhewouldnever,whilehiseyeswereopen,believethathisoldmasterwasaheretic,andwouldbedamned;andthismightintheendruinthepoorfellow'sprinciples,andsoturnhimbackagaintohisfirstidolatry.However,asuddenthoughtrelievedmeinthisstrait,anditwasthis:ItoldhimIcouldnotsaythatIwaswillingtopartwithFridayonanyaccountwhatever,thoughaworkthattohimwasofmorevaluethanhislifeoughttobeofmuchmorevaluethanthekeepingorpartingwithaservant.Ontheotherhand,IwaspersuadedthatFridaywouldbynomeansagreetopartwithme;andIcouldnotforcehimtoitwithouthisconsent,withoutmanifestinjustice;becauseIhadpromisedIwouldneversendhimaway,andhehadpromisedandengagedthathewouldneverleaveme,unlessIsenthimaway.Heseemedverymuchconcernedatit,forhehadnorationalaccesstothesepoorpeople,seeinghedidnotunderstandonewordoftheirlanguage,northeyoneofhis.Toremovethisdifficulty,ItoldhimFriday'sfatherhadlearnedSpanish,whichIfoundhealsounderstood,andheshouldservehimasaninterpreter.Sohewasmuchbettersatisfied,andnothingcouldpersuadehimbuthewouldstayandendeavourtoconvertthem;butProvidencegaveanotherveryhappyturntoallthis.Icomebacknowtothefirstpartofhisobjections.WhenwecametotheEnglishmen,Isentforthemalltogether,andaftersomeaccountgiventhemofwhatIhaddoneforthem,viz.whatnecessarythingsIhadprovidedforthem,andhowtheyweredistributed,whichtheywereverysensibleof,andverythankfulfor,Ibegantotalktothemofthescandalouslifetheyled,andgavethemafullaccountofthenoticetheclergymanhadtakenofit;andarguinghowunchristianandirreligiousalifeitwas,Ifirstaskedthemiftheyweremarriedmenorbachelors?Theysoonexplainedtheirconditiontome,andshowedthattwoofthemwerewidowers,andtheotherthreeweresinglemen,orbachelors.Iaskedthemwithwhatconsciencetheycouldtakethesewomen,andcallthemtheirwives,andhavesomanychildrenbythem,andnotbelawfullymarriedtothem?TheyallgavemetheanswerIexpected,viz.thattherewasnobodytomarrythem;thattheyagreedbeforethegovernortokeepthemastheirwives,andtomaintainthemandownthemastheirwives;andtheythought,asthingsstoodwiththem,theywereaslegallymarriedasiftheyhadbeenmarriedbyaparsonandwithalltheformalitiesintheworld.ItoldthemthatnodoubttheyweremarriedinthesightofGod,andwereboundinconsciencetokeepthemastheirwives;butthatthelawsofmenbeingotherwise,theymightdesertthepoorwomenandchildrenhereafter;andthattheirwives,beingpoordesolatewomen,friendlessandmoneyless,wouldhavenowaytohelpthemselves.IthereforetoldthemthatunlessIwasassuredoftheirhonestintent,Icoulddonothingforthem,butwouldtakecarethatwhatIdidshouldbeforthewomenandchildrenwithoutthem;andthat,unlesstheywouldgive
mesomeassurancesthattheywouldmarrythewomen,Icouldnotthinkitwasconvenienttheyshouldcontinuetogetherasmanandwife;forthatitwasbothscandaloustomenandoffensivetoGod,whotheycouldnotthinkwouldblessthemiftheywentonthus.AllthiswentonasIexpected;andtheytoldme,especiallyWillAtkins,whonowseemedtospeakfortherest,thattheylovedtheirwivesaswellasiftheyhadbeenbornintheirownnativecountry,andwouldnotleavethemonanyaccountwhatever;andtheydidverilybelievethattheirwiveswereasvirtuousandasmodest,anddid,totheutmostoftheirskill,asmuchforthemandfortheirchildren,asanywomancouldpossiblydo:andtheywouldnotpartwiththemonanyaccount.WillAtkins,forhisownparticular,addedthatifanymanwouldtakehimaway,andoffertocarryhimhometoEngland,andmakehimcaptainofthebestman-of-warinthenavy,hewouldnotgowithhimifhemightnotcarryhiswifeandchildrenwithhim;andiftherewasaclergymanintheship,hewouldbemarriedtohernowwithallhisheart.ThiswasjustasIwouldhaveit.Thepriestwasnotwithmeatthatmoment,buthewasnotfaroff;sototryhimfurther,ItoldhimIhadaclergymanwithme,and,ifhewassincere,Iwouldhavehimmarriednextmorning,andbadehimconsiderofit,andtalkwiththerest.Hesaid,asforhimself,heneednotconsiderofitatall,forhewasveryreadytodoit,andwasgladIhadaministerwithme,andhebelievedtheywouldbeallwillingalso.Ithentoldhimthatmyfriend,theminister,wasaFrenchman,andcouldnotspeakEnglish,butIwouldacttheclerkbetweenthem.HeneversomuchasaskedmewhetherhewasaPapistorProtestant,whichwas,indeed,whatIwasafraidof.Wethenparted,andIwentbacktomyclergyman,andWillAtkinswentintotalkwithhiscompanions.IdesiredtheFrenchgentlemannottosayanythingtothemtillthebusinesswasthoroughlyripe;andItoldhimwhatanswerthemenhadgivenme.BeforeIwentfromtheirquartertheyallcametomeandtoldmetheyhadbeenconsideringwhatIhadsaid;thattheyweregladtohearIhadaclergymaninmycompany,andtheywereverywillingtogivemethesatisfactionIdesired,andtobeformallymarriedassoonasIpleased;fortheywerefarfromdesiringtopartwiththeirwives,andthattheymeantnothingbutwhatwasveryhonestwhentheychosethem.SoIappointedthemtomeetmethenextmorning;and,inthemeantime,theyshouldlettheirwivesknowthemeaningofthemarriagelaw;andthatitwasnotonlytopreventanyscandal,butalsotoobligethemthattheyshouldnotforsakethem,whatevermighthappen.Thewomenwereeasilymadesensibleofthemeaningofthething,andwereverywellsatisfiedwithit,as,indeed,theyhadreasontobe:sotheyfailednottoattendalltogetheratmyapartmentnextmorning,whereIbroughtoutmyclergyman;andthoughhehadnotonaminister'sgown,afterthemannerofEngland,orthehabitofapriest,afterthemannerofFrance,yethavingablackvestsomethinglikeacassock,withasashroundit,hedidnotlookveryunlikeaminister;andasforhislanguage,Iwashisinterpreter.Buttheseriousnessofhisbehaviourtothem,andthescrupleshemadeofmarryingthewomen,becausetheywerenotbaptizedandprofessedChristians,gavethemanexceedingreverenceforhisperson;andtherewasnoneed,afterthat,toinquirewhetherhewasaclergymanornot.Indeed,Iwasafraidhisscrupleswouldhavebeen
carriedsofarasthathewouldnothavemarriedthematall;nay,notwithstandingallIwasabletosaytohim,heresistedme,thoughmodestly,yetverysteadily,andatlastrefusedabsolutelytomarrythem,unlesshehadfirsttalkedwiththemenandthewomentoo;andthoughatfirstIwasalittlebackwardtoit,yetatlastIagreedtoitwithagoodwill,perceivingthesincerityofhisdesign.WhenhecametothemheletthemknowthatIhadacquaintedhimwiththeircircumstances,andwiththepresentdesign;thathewasverywillingtoperformthatpartofhisfunction,andmarrythem,asIhaddesired;butthatbeforehecoulddoit,hemusttakethelibertytotalkwiththem.Hetoldthemthatinthesightofallindifferentmen,andinthesenseofthelawsofsociety,theyhadlivedallthiswhileinastateofsin;andthatitwastruethatnothingbuttheconsentingtomarry,oreffectuallyseparatingthemfromoneanother,couldnowputanendtoit;buttherewasadifficultyinit,too,withrespecttothelawsofChristianmatrimony,whichhewasnotfullysatisfiedabout,thatofmarryingonethatisaprofessedChristiantoasavage,anidolater,andaheathen-onethatisnotbaptized;andyetthathedidnotseethattherewastimelefttoendeavourtopersuadethewomentobebaptized,ortoprofessthenameofChrist,whomtheyhad,hedoubted,heardnothingof,andwithoutwhichtheycouldnotbebaptized.HetoldthemhedoubtedtheywerebutindifferentChristiansthemselves;thattheyhadbutlittleknowledgeofGodorofHisways,and,therefore,hecouldnotexpectthattheyhadsaidmuchtotheirwivesonthatheadyet;butthatunlesstheywouldpromisehimtousetheirendeavourswiththeirwivestopersuadethemtobecomeChristians,andwould,aswellastheycould,instructthemintheknowledgeandbeliefofGodthatmadethem,andtoworshipJesusChristthatredeemedthem,hecouldnotmarrythem;forhewouldhavenohandinjoiningChristianswithsavages,norwasitconsistentwiththeprinciplesoftheChristianreligion,andwas,indeed,expresslyforbiddeninGod'slaw.Theyheardallthisveryattentively,andIdelivereditveryfaithfullytothemfromhismouth,asnearhisownwordsasIcould;onlysometimesaddingsomethingofmyown,toconvincethemhowjustitwas,andthatIwasofhismind;andIalwaysverycarefullydistinguishedbetweenwhatIsaidfrommyselfandwhatweretheclergyman'swords.Theytoldmeitwasverytruewhatthegentlemansaid,thattheywereveryindifferentChristiansthemselves,andthattheyhadnevertalkedtotheirwivesaboutreligion."Lord,sir,"saysWillAtkins,"howshouldweteachthemreligion?Why,weknownothingourselves;andbesides,sir,"saidhe,"shouldwetalktothemofGodandJesusChrist,andheavenandhell,itwouldmakethemlaughatus,andaskuswhatwebelieveourselves.Andifweshouldtellthemthatwebelieveallthethingswespeakoftothem,suchasofgoodpeoplegoingtoheaven,andwickedpeopletothedevil,theywouldaskuswhereweintendtogoourselves,thatbelieveallthis,andaresuchwickedfellowsasweindeedare?Why,sir;'tisenoughtogivethemasurfeitofreligionatfirsthearing;folksmusthavesomereligionthemselvesbeforetheybegintoteachotherpeople."-"WillAtkins,"saidItohim,"thoughIamafraidthatwhatyousayhastoomuchtruthinit,yetcanyounottellyourwifesheisinthewrong;thatthereisaGodandareligionbetterthanherown;thathergodsareidols;thattheycanneitherhearnorspeak;thatthereisagreat
Beingthatmadeallthings,andthatcandestroyallthatHehasmade;thatHerewardsthegoodandpunishesthebad;andthatwearetobejudgedbyHimatlastforallwedohere?Youarenotsoignorantbutevennatureitselfwillteachyouthatallthisistrue;andIamsatisfiedyouknowitalltobetrue,andbelieveityourself."-"Thatistrue,sir,"saidAtkins;"butwithwhatfacecanIsayanythingtomywifeofallthis,whenshewilltellmeimmediatelyitcannotbetrue?"-"Nottrue!"saidI;"whatdoyoumeanbythat?"-"Why,sir,"saidhe,"shewilltellmeitcannotbetruethatthisGodIshalltellherofcanbejust,orcanpunishorreward,sinceIamnotpunishedandsenttothedevil,thathavebeensuchawickedcreatureassheknowsIhavebeen,eventoher,andtoeverybodyelse;andthatIshouldbesufferedtolive,thathavebeenalwaysactingsocontrarytowhatImusttellherisgood,andtowhatIoughttohavedone."-"Why,truly,Atkins,"saidI,"Iamafraidthouspeakesttoomuchtruth;"andwiththatIinformedtheclergymanofwhatAtkinshadsaid,forhewasimpatienttoknow."Oh,"saidthepriest,"tellhimthereisonethingwillmakehimthebestministerintheworldtohiswife,andthatisrepentance;fornoneteachrepentanceliketruepenitents.Hewantsnothingbuttorepent,andthenhewillbesomuchthebetterqualifiedtoinstructhiswife;hewillthenbeabletotellherthatthereisnotonlyaGod,andthatHeisthejustrewarderofgoodandevil,butthatHeisamercifulBeing,andwithinfinitegoodnessandlong-sufferingforbearstopunishthosethatoffend;waitingtobegracious,andwillingnotthedeathofasinner,butratherthatheshouldreturnandlive;andevenreservesdamnationtothegeneraldayofretribution;thatitisaclearevidenceofGodandofafuturestatethatrighteousmenreceivenottheirreward,orwickedmentheirpunishment,tilltheycomeintoanotherworld;andthiswillleadhimtoteachhiswifethedoctrineoftheresurrectionandofthelastjudgment.Lethimbutrepenthimself,hewillbeanexcellentpreacherofrepentancetohiswife."IrepeatedallthistoAtkins,wholookedveryseriousallthewhile,and,aswecouldeasilyperceive,wasmorethanordinarilyaffectedwithit;whenbeingeager,andhardlysufferingmetomakeanend,"Iknowallthis,master,"sayshe,"andagreatdealmore;butIhavenottheimpudencetotalkthustomywife,whenGodandmyconscienceknow,andmywifewillbeanundeniableevidenceagainstme,thatIhavelivedasifIhadneverheardofaGodorfuturestate,oranythingaboutit;andtotalkofmyrepenting,alas!"(andwiththathefetchedadeepsigh,andIcouldseethatthetearsstoodinhiseyes)"'tispastallthatwithme."-"Pastit,Atkins?"saidI:"whatdostthoumeanbythat?"-"IknowwellenoughwhatImean,"sayshe;"Imean'tistoolate,andthatistootrue."Itoldtheclergyman,wordforword,whathesaid,andthisaffectionatemancouldnotrefrainfromtears;but,recoveringhimself,saidtome,"Askhimbutonequestion.Isheeasythatitistoolate;orishetroubled,andwishesitwerenotso?"IputthequestionfairlytoAtkins;andheansweredwithagreatdealofpassion,"Howcouldanymanbeeasyinaconditionthatmustcertainlyendineternaldestruction?thathewasfarfrombeingeasy;butthat,onthecontrary,hebelieveditwouldonetimeorotherruinhim."-"Whatdoyoumeanbythat?"saidI.-"Why,"hesaid,"hebelievedheshouldonetimeorothercuthisthroat,toputanendtotheterrorofit."Theclergymanshookhishead,withgreatconcerninhisface,
whenItoldhimallthis;butturningquicktomeuponit,says,"Ifthatbehiscase,wemayassurehimitisnottoolate;Christwillgivehimrepentance.Butpray,"sayshe,"explainthistohim:thatasnomanissavedbutbyChrist,andthemeritofHispassionprocuringdivinemercyforhim,howcanitbetoolateforanymantoreceivemercy?Doeshethinkheisabletosinbeyondthepowerorreachofdivinemercy?Praytellhimtheremaybeatimewhenprovokedmercywillnolongerstrive,andwhenGodmayrefusetohear,butthatitisnevertoolateformentoaskmercy;andwe,thatareChrist'sservants,arecommandedtopreachmercyatalltimes,inthenameofJesusChrist,toallthosethatsincerelyrepent:sothatitisnevertoolatetorepent."ItoldAtkinsallthis,andheheardmewithgreatearnestness;butitseemedasifheturnedoffthediscoursetotherest,forhesaidtomehewouldgoandhavesometalkwithhiswife;sohewentoutawhile,andwetalkedtotherest.Iperceivedtheywereallstupidlyignorantastomattersofreligion,asmuchasIwaswhenIwentramblingawayfrommyfather;yettherewerenoneofthembackwardtohearwhathadbeensaid;andallofthemseriouslypromisedthattheywouldtalkwiththeirwivesaboutit,anddotheirendeavourstopersuadethemtoturnChristians.TheclergymansmileduponmewhenIreportedwhatanswertheygave,butsaidnothingagoodwhile;butatlast,shakinghishead,"WethatareChrist'sservants,"sayshe,"cangonofurtherthantoexhortandinstruct:andwhenmencomply,submittothereproof,andpromisewhatweask,'tisallwecando;weareboundtoaccepttheirgoodwords;butbelieveme,sir,"saidhe,"whateveryoumayhaveknownofthelifeofthatmanyoucallWillAtkin's,Ibelieveheistheonlysincereconvertamongthem:Iwillnotdespairoftherest;butthatmanisapparentlystruckwiththesenseofhispastlife,andIdoubtnot,whenhecomestotalkofreligiontohiswife,hewilltalkhimselfeffectuallyintoit:forattemptingtoteachothersissometimesthebestwayofteachingourselves.IfthatpoorAtkinsbeginsbutoncetotalkseriouslyofJesusChristtohiswife,hewillassuredlytalkhimselfintoathoroughconvert,makehimselfapenitent,andwhoknowswhatmayfollow."Uponthisdiscourse,however,andtheirpromising,asabove,toendeavourtopersuadetheirwivestoembraceChristianity,hemarriedthetwoothercouple;butWillAtkinsandhiswifewerenotyetcomein.Afterthis,myclergyman,waitingawhile,wascurioustoknowwhereAtkinswasgone,andturningtome,said,"Ientreatyou,sir,letuswalkoutofyourlabyrinthhereandlook;Idaresayweshallfindthispoormansomewhereorothertalkingseriouslytohiswife,andteachingheralreadysomethingofreligion."Ibegantobeofthesamemind;sowewentouttogether,andIcarriedhimawaywhichnoneknewbutmyself,andwherethetreesweresoverythickthatitwasnoteasytoseethroughthethicketofleaves,andfarhardertoseeinthantoseeout:when,comingtotheedgeofthewood,IsawAtkinsandhistawnywifesittingundertheshadeofabush,veryeagerindiscourse:Istoppedshorttillmyclergymancameuptome,andthenhavingshowedhimwheretheywere,westoodandlookedverysteadilyatthemagoodwhile.Weobservedhimveryearnestwithher,pointinguptothesun,andtoeveryquarteroftheheavens,andthendowntotheearth,thenouttothesea,thentohimself,thentoher,tothewoods,tothetrees."Now,"saystheclergyman,"yousee
mywordsaremadegood,themanpreachestoher;markhimnow,heistellingherthatourGodhasmadehim,her,andtheheavens,theearth,thesea,thewoods,thetrees,&c."-"Ibelieveheis,"saidI.ImmediatelyweperceivedWillAtkinsstartuponhisfeet,falldownonhisknees,andliftupbothhishands.Wesupposedhesaidsomething,butwecouldnothearhim;itwastoofarforthat.Hedidnotcontinuekneelinghalfaminute,butcomesandsitsdownagainbyhiswife,andtalkstoheragain;weperceivedthenthewomanveryattentive,butwhethershesaidanythingtohimwecouldnottell.WhilethepoorfellowwasuponhiskneesIcouldseethetearsrunplentifullydownmyclergyman'scheeks,andIcouldhardlyforbearmyself;butitwasagreatafflictiontousboththatwewerenotnearenoughtohearanythingthatpassedbetweenthem.Well,however,wecouldcomenonearerforfearofdisturbingthem:soweresolvedtoseeanendofthispieceofstillconversation,anditspokeloudenoughtouswithoutthehelpofvoice.Hesatdownagain,asIhavesaid,closebyher,andtalkedagainearnestlytoher,andtwoorthreetimeswecouldseehimembracehermostpassionately;anothertimewesawhimtakeouthishandkerchiefandwipehereyes,andthenkissheragainwithakindoftransportveryunusual;andafterseveralofthesethings,wesawhimonasuddenjumpupagain,andlendherhishandtohelpherup,whenimmediatelyleadingherbythehandasteportwo,theybothkneeleddowntogether,andcontinuedsoabouttwominutes.Myfriendcouldbearitnolonger,butcriesoutaloud,"St.Paul!St.Paul!beholdheprayeth."IwasafraidAtkinswouldhearhim,thereforeIentreatedhimtowithholdhimselfawhile,thatwemightseeanendofthescene,whichtome,Imustconfess,wasthemostaffectingthateverIsawinmylife.Well,hestrovewithhimselfforawhile,butwasinsuchrapturestothinkthatthepoorheathenwomanwasbecomeaChristian,thathewasnotabletocontainhimself;heweptseveraltimes,thenthrowinguphishandsandcrossinghisbreast,saidoverseveralthingsejaculatory,andbythewayofgivingGodthanksforsomiraculousatestimonyofthesuccessofourendeavours.Somehespokesoftly,andIcouldnotwellhearothers;somethingshesaidinLatin,someinFrench;thentwoorthreetimesthetearswouldinterrupthim,thathecouldnotspeakatall;butIbeggedthathewouldcontainhimself,andletusmorenarrowlyandfullyobservewhatwasbeforeus,whichhedidforatime,thescenenotbeingnearendedyet;forafterthepoormanandhiswifewererisenagainfromtheirknees,weobservedhestoodtalkingstilleagerlytoher,andweobservedhermotion,thatshewasgreatlyaffectedwithwhathesaid,byherfrequentlyliftingupherhands,layingherhandtoherbreast,andsuchotherposturesasexpressthegreatestseriousnessandattention;thiscontinuedabouthalfaquarterofanhour,andthentheywalkedaway,sowecouldseenomoreoftheminthatsituation.Itookthisintervaltosaytotheclergyman,first,thatIwasgladtoseetheparticularswehadbothbeenwitnessesto;that,thoughIwashardenoughofbeliefinsuchcases,yetthatIbegantothinkitwasallverysincerehere,bothinthemanandhiswife,howeverignoranttheymightbothbe,andIhopedsuchabeginningwouldyethaveamorehappyend."But,myfriend,"addedI,"willyougivemeleavetostartonedifficultyhere?Icannottellhowtoobjecttheleastthingagainstthataffectionateconcernwhichyoushowfortheturning
ofthepoorpeoplefromtheirpaganismtotheChristianreligion;buthowdoesthiscomfortyou,whilethesepeopleare,inyouraccount,outofthepaleoftheCatholicChurch,withoutwhichyoubelievethereisnosalvation?sothatyouesteemthesebutheretics,aseffectuallylostasthepagansthemselves."Tothisheanswered,withabundanceofcandour,thus:"Sir,IamaCatholicoftheRomanChurch,andapriestoftheorderofSt.Benedict,andIembracealltheprinciplesoftheRomanfaith;butyet,ifyouwillbelieveme,andthatIdonotspeakincomplimenttoyou,orinrespecttomycircumstancesandyourcivilities;Isaynevertheless,Idonotlookuponyou,whocallyourselvesreformed,withoutsomecharity.Idarenotsay(thoughIknowitisouropinioningeneral)thatyoucannotbesaved;IwillbynomeanslimitthemercyofChristsofarasthinkthatHecannotreceiveyouintothebosomofHisChurch,inamannertousunperceivable;andIhopeyouhavethesamecharityforus:IpraydailyforyoubeingallrestoredtoChrist'sChurch,bywhatsoevermethodHe,whoisall-wise,ispleasedtodirect.Inthemeantime,surelyyouwillallowitconsistswithmeasaRomantodistinguishfarbetweenaProtestantandapagan;betweenonethatcallsonJesusChrist,thoughinawaywhichIdonotthinkisaccordingtothetruefaith,andasavageorabarbarian,thatknowsnoGod,noChrist,noRedeemer;andifyouarenotwithinthepaleoftheCatholicChurch,wehopeyouarenearerbeingrestoredtoitthanthosewhoknownothingofGodorofHisChurch:andIrejoice,therefore,whenIseethispoorman,whoyousayhasbeenaprofligate,andalmostamurdererkneeldownandpraytoJesusChrist,aswesupposehedid,thoughnotfullyenlightened;believingthatGod,fromwhomeverysuchworkproceeds,willsensiblytouchhisheart,andbringhimtothefurtherknowledgeofthattruthinHisowntime;andifGodshallinfluencethispoormantoconvertandinstructtheignorantsavage,hiswife,Icanneverbelievethatheshallbecastawayhimself.AndhaveInotreason,then,torejoice,theneareranyarebroughttotheknowledgeofChrist,thoughtheymaynotbebroughtquitehomeintothebosomoftheCatholicChurchjustatthetimewhenIdesireit,leavingittothegoodnessofChristtoperfectHisworkinHisowntime,andinhisownway?Certainly,IwouldrejoiceifallthesavagesinAmericawerebrought,likethispoorwoman,topraytoGod,thoughtheywerealltobeProtestantsatfirst,ratherthantheyshouldcontinuepagansorheathens;firmlybelieving,thatHethathadbestowedthefirstlightonthemwouldfartherilluminatethemwithabeamofHisheavenlygrace,andbringthemintothepaleofHisChurchwhenHeshouldseegood."CHAPTERVII-CONVERSATIONBETWIXTWILLATKINSANDHISWIFEIWASastonishedatthesincerityandtemperofthispiousPapist,asmuchasIwasoppressedbythepowerofhisreasoning;anditpresentlyoccurredtomythoughts,thatifsuchatemperwasuniversal,wemightbeallCatholicChristians,whateverChurchorparticularprofessionwejoinedin;thataspiritofcharitywouldsoonworkusallupintorightprinciples;andashethoughtthatthelikecharitywouldmakeusallCatholics,soItoldhimIbelieved,hadallthemembersofhisChurchthelikemoderation,theywouldsoonallbeProtestants.Andthereweleftthatpart;forweneverdisputedatall.However,Italkedtohimanotherway,andtakinghimbythehand,"Myfriend,"says
I,"IwishalltheclergyoftheRomishChurchwereblessedwithsuchmoderation,andhadanequalshareofyourcharity.Iamentirelyofyouropinion;butImusttellyouthatifyoushouldpreachsuchdoctrineinSpainorItaly,theywouldputyouintotheInquisition."-"Itmaybeso,"saidhe;"IknownotwhattheywoulddoinSpainorItaly;butIwillnotsaytheywouldbethebetterChristiansforthatseverity;forIamsurethereisnoheresyinaboundingwithcharity."Well,asWillAtkinsandhiswifeweregone,ourbusinesstherewasover,sowewentbackourownway;andwhenwecameback,wefoundthemwaitingtobecalledin.Observingthis,Iaskedmyclergymanifweshoulddiscovertohimthatwehadseenhimunderthebushornot;anditwashisopinionweshouldnot,butthatweshouldtalktohimfirst,andhearwhathewouldsaytous;sowecalledhiminalone,nobodybeingintheplacebutourselves,andIbeganbyaskinghimsomeparticularsabouthisparentageandeducation.Hetoldmefranklyenoughthathisfatherwasaclergymanwhowouldhavetaughthimwell,butthathe,WillAtkins,despisedallinstructionandcorrection;andbyhisbrutishconductcutthethreadofallhisfather'scomfortsandshortenedhisdays,forthathebrokehisheartbythemostungrateful,unnaturalreturnforthemostaffectionatetreatmentafatherevergave.Inwhathesaidthereseemedsomuchsincerityofrepentance,thatitpainfullyaffectedme.IcouldnotbutreflectthatI,too,hadshortenedthelifeofagood,tenderfatherbymybadconductandobstinateself-will.Iwas,indeed,sosurprisedwithwhathehadtoldme,thatIthought,insteadofmygoingabouttoteachandinstructhim,themanwasmadeateacherandinstructortomeinamostunexpectedmanner.Ilaidallthisbeforetheyoungclergyman,whowasgreatlyaffectedwithit,andsaidtome,"DidInotsay,sir,thatwhenthismanwasconvertedhewouldpreachtousall?Itellyou,sir,ifthisonemanbemadeatruepenitent,therewillbenoneedofme;hewillmakeChristiansofallintheisland."-Buthavingalittlecomposedmyself,IrenewedmydiscoursewithWillAtkins."But,Will,"saidI,"howcomesthesenseofthismattertotouchyoujustnow?"W.A.-Sir,youhavesetmeaboutaworkthathasstruckadartthoughmyverysoul;IhavebeentalkingaboutGodandreligiontomywife,inorder,asyoudirectedme,tomakeaChristianofher,andshehaspreachedsuchasermontomeasIshallneverforgetwhileIlive.R.C.-No,no,itisnotyourwifehaspreachedtoyou;butwhenyouweremovingreligiousargumentstoher,consciencehasflungthembackuponyou.W.A.-Ay,sir,withsuchforceasisnottoberesisted.R.C.-Pray,Will,letusknowwhatpassedbetweenyouandyourwife;forIknowsomethingofitalready.W.A.-Sir,itisimpossibletogiveyouafullaccountofit;Iamtoofulltoholdit,andyethavenotonguetoexpressit;butletherhavesaidwhatshewill,thoughIcannotgiveyouanaccountofit,thisIcantellyou,thatIhaveresolvedtoamendandreformmylife.R.C.-Buttellussomeofit:howdidyoubegin,Will?Forthishasbeenanextraordinarycase,thatiscertain.Shehaspreachedasermon,indeed,ifshehaswroughtthisuponyou.W.A.-Why,Ifirsttoldherthenatureofourlawsaboutmarriage,andwhatthereasonswerethatmenandwomenwereobligedtoenterintosuchcompactsasitwasneitherinthepowerofonenorothertobreak;thatotherwise,orderandjusticecouldnotbemaintained,andmenwouldrunfromtheirwives,and
abandontheirchildren,mixconfusedlywithoneanother,andneitherfamiliesbekeptentire,norinheritancesbesettledbylegaldescent.R.C.-Youtalklikeacivilian,Will.Couldyoumakeherunderstandwhatyoumeantbyinheritanceandfamilies?Theyknownosuchthingsamongthesavages,butmarryanyhow,withoutregardtorelation,consanguinity,orfamily;brotherandsister,nay,asIhavebeentold,eventhefatherandthedaughter,andthesonandthemother.W.A.-Ibelieve,sir,youaremisinformed,andmywifeassuresmeofthecontrary,andthattheyabhorit;perhaps,foranyfurtherrelations,theymaynotbesoexactasweare;butshetellsmeneverinthenearrelationshipyouspeakof.R.C.-Well,whatdidshesaytowhatyoutoldher?W.A.-Shesaidshelikeditverywell,asitwasmuchbetterthaninhercountry.R.C.-Butdidyoutellherwhatmarriagewas?W.A.-Ay,ay,therebeganourdialogue.Iaskedherifshewouldbemarriedtomeourway.Sheaskedmewhatwaythatwas;ItoldhermarriagewasappointedbyGod;andherewehadastrangetalktogether,indeed,asevermanandwifehad,Ibelieve.N.B.-ThisdialoguebetweenWillAtkinsandhiswife,whichItookdowninwritingjustafterhetolditme,wasasfollows:-WIFE.-AppointedbyyourGod!-Why,haveyouaGodinyourcountry?W.A.-Yes,mydear,Godisineverycountry.WIFE.-NoyourGodinmycountry;mycountryhavethegreatoldBenamuckeeGod.W.A.-Child,IamveryunfittoshowyouwhoGodis;Godisinheavenandmadetheheavenandtheearth,thesea,andallthatinthemis.WIFE.-Nomakeedeearth;noyouGodmakeeallearth;nomakeemycountry.[WillAtkinslaughedalittleatherexpressionofGodnotmakinghercountry.]WIFE.-Nolaugh;whylaughme?Thisnotingtolaugh.[Hewasjustlyreprovedbyhiswife,forshewasmoreseriousthanheatfirst.]W.A.-That'strue,indeed;Iwillnotlaughanymore,mydear.WIFE.-WhyyousayyouGodmakeeall?W.A.-Yes,child,ourGodmadethewholeworld,andyou,andme,andallthings;forHeistheonlytrueGod,andthereisnoGodbutHim.Helivesforeverinheaven.WIFE.-Whyyounotellmelongago?W.A.-That'strue,indeed;butIhavebeenawickedwretch,andhavenotonlyforgottentoacquainttheewithanythingbefore,buthavelivedwithoutGodintheworldmyself.WIFE.-What,haveyouagreatGodinyourcountry,younoknowHim?NosayOtoHim?NodogoodtingforHim?Thatnopossible.W.A.-Itistrue;though,forallthat,weliveasiftherewasnoGodinheaven,orthatHehadnopoweronearth.Wife.-ButwhyGodletyoudoso?WhyHenomakeeyougoodlive?W.A.-Itisallourownfault.WIFE.-ButyousaymeHeisgreat,muchgreat,havemuchgreatpower;canmakeekillwhenHewill:whyHenomakeekillwhenyounoserveHim?nosayOtoHim?nobegoodmans?W.A.-Thatistrue,Hemightstrikemedead;andIoughttoexpectit,forIhavebeenawickedwretch,thatistrue;butGodismerciful,anddoesnotdealwithusaswedeserve.WIFE.-ButthendoyounottellGodthankeeforthattoo?W.A.-No,indeed,IhavenotthankedGodforHismercy,anymorethanIhavefearedGodfromHispower.WIFE.-ThenyouGodnoGod;menothink,believeHebesuchone,greatmuchpower,strong:nomakeekillyou,thoughyoumakeHimmuchangry.W.A.-What,willmywickedlifehinderyoufrombelievinginGod?WhatadreadfulcreatureamI!andwhatasadtruthisit,thatthehorridlivesofChristianshinderthe
conversionofheathens!WIFE.-HowmetinkyouhavegreatmuchGodupthere[shepointsuptoheaven],andyetnodowell,nodogoodting?CanHetell?SureHenotellwhatyoudo?W.A.-Yes,yes,Heknowsandseesallthings;Hehearsusspeak,seeswhatwedo,knowswhatwethinkthoughwedonotspeak.WIFE.-What!Henohearyoucurse,swear,speakdegreatdamn?W.A.-Yes,yes,Hehearsitall.WIFE.-Wherebethenthemuchgreatpowerstrong?W.A.-Heismerciful,thatisallwecansayforit;andthisprovesHimtobethetrueGod;HeisGod,andnotman,andthereforewearenotconsumed.[HereWillAtkinstoldushewasstruckwithhorrortothinkhowhecouldtellhiswifesoclearlythatGodsees,andhears,andknowsthesecretthoughtsoftheheart,andallthatwedo,andyetthathehaddaredtodoallthevilethingshehaddone.]WIFE.-Merciful!Whatyoucalldat?W.A.-HeisourFatherandMaker,andHepitiesandsparesus.WIFE.-SothenHenevermakeekill,neverangrywhenyoudowicked;thenHenogoodHimself,ornogreatable.W.A.-Yes,yes,mydear,Heisinfinitelygoodandinfinitelygreat,andabletopunishtoo;andsometimes,toshowHisjusticeandvengeance,HeletsflyHisangertodestroysinnersandmakeexamples;manyarecutoffintheirsins.WIFE.-Butnomakeekillyouyet;thenHetellyou,maybe,thatHenomakeeyoukill:soyoumakeethebargainwithHim,youdobadthing,HenobeangryatyouwhenHebeangryatothermans.W.A.-No,indeed,mysinsareallpresumptionsuponHisgoodness;andHewouldbeinfinitelyjustifHedestroyedme,asHehasdoneothermen.WIFE.-Well,andyetnokill,nomakeeyoudead:whatyousaytoHimforthat?YounotellHimthankeeforallthattoo?W.A.-Iamanunthankful,ungratefuldog,thatistrue.WIFE.-WhyHenomakeeyoumuchgoodbetter?yousayHemakeeyou.W.A.-HemademeasHemadealltheworld:itisIhavedeformedmyselfandabusedHisgoodness,andmademyselfanabominablewretch.WIFE.-IwishyoumakeeGodknowme.InomakeeHimangry-Inodobadwickedthing.[HereWillAtkinssaidhisheartsunkwithinhimtohearapooruntaughtcreaturedesiretobetaughttoknowGod,andhesuchawickedwretch,thathecouldnotsayonewordtoheraboutGod,butwhatthereproachofhisowncarriagewouldmakemostirrationaltohertobelieve;nay,thatalreadyshehadtoldhimthatshecouldnotbelieveinGod,becausehe,thatwassowicked,wasnotdestroyed.]W.A.-Mydear,youmean,youwishIcouldteachyoutoknowGod,notGodtoknowyou;forHeknowsyoualready,andeverythoughtinyourheart.WIFE.-Why,then,HeknowwhatIsaytoyounow:HeknowmewishtoknowHim.Howshallmeknowwhomakeeme?W.A.-Poorcreature,Hemustteachthee:Icannotteachthee.IwillpraytoHimtoteachtheetoknowHim,andforgiveme,thatamunworthytoteachthee.[ThepoorfellowwasinsuchanagonyatherdesiringhimtomakeherknowGod,andherwishingtoknowHim,thathesaidhefelldownonhiskneesbeforeher,andprayedtoGodtoenlightenhermindwiththesavingknowledgeofJesusChrist,andtopardonhissins,andacceptofhisbeingtheunworthyinstrumentofinstructingherintheprinciplesofreligion:afterwhichhesatdownbyheragain,andtheirdialoguewenton.Thiswasthetimewhenwesawhimkneeldownandholduphishands.]Wife.-Whatyouputdownthekneefor?Whatyouholdupthehandfor?Whatyousay?Whoyouspeak
to?Whatisallthat?W.A.-Mydear,IbowmykneesintokenofmysubmissiontoHimthatmademe:IsaidOtoHim,asyoucallit,andasyouroldmendototheiridolBenamuckee;thatis,IprayedtoHim.WIFE.-WhatsayyouOtoHimfor?W.A.-IprayedtoHimtoopenyoureyesandyourunderstanding,thatyoumayknowHim,andbeacceptedbyHim.WIFE.-CanHedothattoo?W.A.-Yes,Hecan:Hecandoallthings.WIFE.-ButnowHehearwhatyousay?W.A.-Yes,HehasbiduspraytoHim,andpromisedtohearus.WIFE.-Bidyoupray?WhenHebidyou?HowHebidyou?WhatyouhearHimspeak?W.A.-No,wedonothearHimspeak;butHehasrevealedHimselfmanywaystous.[HerehewasatagreatlosstomakeherunderstandthatGodhasrevealedHimselftousbyHisword,andwhatHiswordwas;butatlasthetoldittoherthus.]W.A.-Godhasspokentosomegoodmeninformerdays,evenfromheaven,byplainwords;andGodhasinspiredgoodmenbyHisSpirit;andtheyhavewrittenallHislawsdowninabook.WIFE.-Menounderstandthat;whereisbook?W.A.-Alas!mypoorcreature,Ihavenotthisbook;butIhopeIshallonetimeorothergetitforyou,andhelpyoutoreadit.[Hereheembracedherwithgreataffection,butwithinexpressiblegriefthathehadnotaBible.]WIFE.-ButhowyoumakeemeknowthatGodteacheethemtowritethatbook?W.A.-BythesamerulethatweknowHimtobeGod.WIFE.-Whatrule?WhatwayyouknowHim?W.A.-BecauseHeteachesandcommandsnothingbutwhatisgood,righteous,andholy,andtendstomakeusperfectlygood,aswellasperfectlyhappy;andbecauseHeforbidsandcommandsustoavoidallthatiswicked,thatisevilinitself,orevilinitsconsequence.WIFE.-Thatmewouldunderstand,thatmefainsee;ifHeteacheeallgoodthing,Hemakeeallgoodthing,Hegiveallthing,HehearmewhenIsayOtoHim,asyoudojustnow;HemakeemegoodifIwishtobegood;Hespareme,nomakeekillme,whenInobegood:allthisyousayHedo,yetHebegreatGod;metake,think,believeHimtobegreatGod;mesayOtoHimwithyou,mydear.Herethepoormancouldforbearnolonger,butraisedherup,madeherkneelbyhim,andheprayedtoGodaloudtoinstructherintheknowledgeofHimself,byHisSpirit;andthatbysomegoodprovidence,ifpossible,shemight,sometimeorother,cometohaveaBible,thatshemightreadthewordofGod,andbetaughtbyittoknowHim.Thiswasthetimethatwesawhimliftherupbythehand,andsawhimkneeldownbyher,asabove.Theyhadseveralotherdiscourses,itseems,afterthis;andparticularlyshemadehimpromisethat,sinceheconfessedhisownlifehadbeenawicked,abominablecourseofprovocationsagainstGod,thathewouldreformit,andnotmakeGodangryanymore,lestHeshouldmakehimdead,asshecalledit,andthenshewouldbeleftalone,andneverbetaughttoknowthisGodbetter;andlestheshouldbemiserable,ashehadtoldherwickedmenwouldbeafterdeath.Thiswasastrangeaccount,andveryaffectingtousboth,butparticularlytotheyoungclergyman;hewas,indeed,wonderfullysurprisedwithit,butunderthegreatestafflictionimaginablethathecouldnottalktoher,thathecouldnotspeakEnglishtomakeherunderstandhim;andasshespokebutverybrokenEnglish,hecouldnotunderstandher;however,heturnedhimselftome,andtoldmethathebelievedthattheremustbemoretodowiththiswomanthantomarryher.Ididnotunderstandhim
atfirst;butatlengthheexplainedhimself,viz.thatsheoughttobebaptized.Iagreedwithhiminthatpartreadily,andwishedittobedonepresently."No,no;hold,sir,"sayshe;"thoughIwouldhaveherbebaptized,byallmeans,forImustobservethatWillAtkins,herhusband,hasindeedbroughther,inawonderfulmanner,tobewillingtoembraceareligiouslife,andhasgivenherjustideasofthebeingofaGod;ofHispower,justice,andmercy:yetIdesiretoknowofhimifhehassaidanythingtoherofJesusChrist,andofthesalvationofsinners;ofthenatureoffaithinHim,andredemptionbyHim;oftheHolySpirit,theresurrection,thelastjudgment,andthefuturestate."IcalledWillAtkinsagain,andaskedhim;butthepoorfellowfellimmediatelyintotears,andtoldushehadsaidsomethingtoherofallthosethings,butthathewashimselfsowickedacreature,andhisownconsciencesoreproachedhimwithhishorrid,ungodlylife,thathetrembledattheapprehensionsthatherknowledgeofhimshouldlessentheattentionsheshouldgivetothosethings,andmakeherrathercontemnreligionthanreceiveit;buthewasassured,hesaid,thathermindwassodisposedtoreceivedueimpressionsofallthosethings,andthatifIwouldbutdiscoursewithher,shewouldmakeitappeartomysatisfactionthatmylabourwouldnotbelostuponher.AccordinglyIcalledherin,andplacingmyselfasinterpreterbetweenmyreligiouspriestandthewoman,Ientreatedhimtobeginwithher;butsuresuchasermonwasneverpreachedbyaPopishpriestintheselatteragesoftheworld;andasItoldhim,Ithoughthehadallthezeal,alltheknowledge,allthesincerityofaChristian,withouttheerrorofaRomanCatholic;andthatItookhimtobesuchaclergymanastheRomanbishopswerebeforetheChurchofRomeassumedspiritualsovereigntyovertheconsciencesofmen.Inaword,hebroughtthepoorwomantoembracetheknowledgeofChrist,andofredemptionbyHim,notwithwonderandastonishmentonly,asshedidthefirstnotionsofaGod,butwithjoyandfaith;withanaffection,andasurprisingdegreeofunderstanding,scarcetobeimagined,muchlesstobeexpressed;and,atherownrequest,shewasbaptized.Whenhewaspreparingtobaptizeher,Ientreatedhimthathewouldperformthatofficewithsomecaution,thatthemanmightnotperceivehewasoftheRomanChurch,ifpossible,becauseofotherillconsequenceswhichmightattendadifferenceamongusinthatveryreligionwhichwewereinstructingtheotherin.Hetoldmethatashehadnoconsecratedchapel,norproperthingsfortheoffice,IshouldseehewoulddoitinamannerthatIshouldnotknowbyitthathewasaRomanCatholicmyself,ifIhadnotknownitbefore;andsohedid;forsayingonlysomewordsovertohimselfinLatin,whichIcouldnotunderstand,hepouredawholedishfulofwateruponthewoman'shead,pronouncinginFrench,veryloud,"Mary"(whichwasthenameherhusbanddesiredmetogiveher,forIwashergodfather),"IbaptizetheeinthenameoftheFather,andoftheSon,andoftheHolyGhost;"sothatnonecouldknowanythingbyitwhatreligionhewasof.HegavethebenedictionafterwardsinLatin,buteitherWillAtkinsdidnotknowbutitwasFrench,orelsedidnottakenoticeofitatthattime.Assoonasthiswasoverwemarriedthem;andafterthemarriagewasover,heturnedtoWillAtkins,andinaveryaffectionatemannerexhortedhim,notonlytopersevereinthatgooddispositionhewasin,buttosupport
theconvictionsthatwereuponhimbyaresolutiontoreformhislife:toldhimitwasinvaintosayherepentedifhedidnotforsakehiscrimes;representedtohimhowGodhadhonouredhimwithbeingtheinstrumentofbringinghiswifetotheknowledgeoftheChristianreligion,andthatheshouldbecarefulhedidnotdishonourthegraceofGod;andthatifhedid,hewouldseetheheathenabetterChristianthanhimself;thesavageconverted,andtheinstrumentcastaway.Hesaidagreatmanygoodthingstothemboth;andthen,recommendingthemtoGod'sgoodness,gavethemthebenedictionagain,IrepeatingeverythingtotheminEnglish;andthusendedtheceremony.IthinkitwasthemostpleasantandagreeabledaytomethateverIpassedinmywholelife.Butmyclergymanhadnotdoneyet:histhoughtshungcontinuallyupontheconversionofthethirty-sevensavages,andfainbewouldhavestayedupontheislandtohaveundertakenit;butIconvincedhim,first,thathisundertakingwasimpracticableinitself;and,secondly,thatperhapsIwouldputitintoawayofbeingdoneinhisabsencetohissatisfaction.Havingthusbroughttheaffairsoftheislandtoanarrowcompass,Iwaspreparingtogoonboardtheship,whentheyoungmanIhadtakenoutofthefamishedship'scompanycametome,andtoldmeheunderstoodIhadaclergymanwithme,andthatIhadcausedtheEnglishmentobemarriedtothesavages;thathehadamatchtoo,whichhedesiredmightbefinishedbeforeIwent,betweentwoChristians,whichhehopedwouldnotbedisagreeabletome.Iknewthismustbetheyoungwomanwhowashismother'sservant,fortherewasnootherChristianwomanontheisland:soIbegantopersuadehimnottodoanythingofthatkindrashly,orbecausebefoundhimselfinthissolitarycircumstance.Irepresentedtohimthathehadsomeconsiderablesubstanceintheworld,andgoodfriends,asIunderstoodbyhimself,andthemaidalso;thatthemaidwasnotonlypoor,andaservant,butwasunequaltohim,shebeingsixorsevenandtwentyyearsold,andhenotaboveseventeenoreighteen;thathemightveryprobably,withmyassistance,makearemovefromthiswilderness,andcomeintohisowncountryagain;andthatthenitwouldbeathousandtoonebuthewouldrepenthischoice,andthedislikeofthatcircumstancemightbedisadvantageoustoboth.Iwasgoingtosaymore,butheinterruptedme,smiling,andtoldme,withagreatdealofmodesty,thatImistookinmyguesses-thathehadnothingofthatkindinhisthoughts;andhewasverygladtohearthatIhadanintentofputtingtheminawaytoseetheirowncountryagain;andnothingshouldhavemadehimthinkofstayingthere,butthatthevoyageIwasgoingwassoexceedinglongandhazardous,andwouldcarryhimquiteoutofthereachofallhisfriends;thathehadnothingtodesireofmebutthatIwouldsettlehiminsomelittlepropertyintheislandwherehewas,givehimaservantortwo,andsomefewnecessaries,andhewouldliveherelikeaplanter,waitingthegoodtimewhen,ifeverIreturnedtoEngland,Iwouldredeemhim.HehopedIwouldnotbeunmindfulofhimwhenIcametoEngland:thathewouldgivemesomeletterstohisfriendsinLondon,toletthemknowhowgoodIhadbeentohim,andinwhatpartoftheworldandwhatcircumstancesIhadlefthimin:andhepromisedmethatwheneverIredeemedhim,theplantation,andalltheimprovementshehadmadeuponit,letthevaluebewhatitwould,shouldbewholly
mine.Hisdiscoursewasveryprettilydelivered,consideringhisyouth,andwasthemoreagreeabletome,becausehetoldmepositivelythematchwasnotforhimself.IgavehimallpossibleassurancesthatifIlivedtocomesafetoEngland,Iwoulddeliverhisletters,anddohisbusinesseffectually;andthathemightdependIshouldneverforgetthecircumstancesIhadlefthimin.ButstillIwasimpatienttoknowwhowasthepersontobemarried;uponwhichhetoldmeitwasmyJack-of-all-tradesandhismaidSusan.Iwasmostagreeablysurprisedwhenhenamedthematch;for,indeed,Ithoughtitverysuitable.ThecharacterofthatmanIhavegivenalready;andasforthemaid,shewasaveryhonest,modest,sober,andreligiousyoungwoman:hadaverygoodshareofsense,wasagreeableenoughinherperson,spokeveryhandsomelyandtothepurpose,alwayswithdecencyandgoodmanners,andwasneithertoobackwardtospeakwhenrequisite,norimpertinentlyforwardwhenitwasnotherbusiness;veryhandyandhousewifely,andanexcellentmanager;fit,indeed,tohavebeengovernesstothewholeisland;andsheknewverywellhowtobehaveineveryrespect.Thematchbeingproposedinthismanner,wemarriedthemthesameday;andasIwasfatheratthealtar,andgaveheraway,soIgaveheraportion;forIappointedherandherhusbandahandsomelargespaceofgroundfortheirplantation;andindeedthismatch,andtheproposaltheyounggentlemanmadetogivehimasmallpropertyintheisland,putmeuponparcellingitoutamongstthem,thattheymightnotquarrelafterwardsabouttheirsituation.ThissharingoutthelandtothemIlefttoWillAtkins,whowasnowgrownasober,grave,managingfellow,perfectlyreformed,exceedinglypiousandreligious;and,asfarasImaybeallowedtospeakpositivelyinsuchacase,Iverilybelievehewasatruepenitent.Hedividedthingssojustly,andsomuchtoeveryone'ssatisfaction,thattheyonlydesiredonegeneralwritingundermyhandforthewhole,whichIcausedtobedrawnup,andsignedandsealed,settingouttheboundsandsituationofeveryman'splantation,andtestifyingthatIgavethemtherebyseverallyarighttothewholepossessionandinheritanceoftherespectiveplantationsorfarms,withtheirimprovements,tothemandtheirheirs,reservingalltherestoftheislandasmyownproperty,andacertainrentforeveryparticularplantationafterelevenyears,ifI,oranyonefromme,orinmyname,cametodemandit,producinganattestedcopyofthesamewriting.Astothegovernmentandlawsamongthem,ItoldthemIwasnotcapableofgivingthembetterrulesthantheywereabletogivethemselves;onlyImadethempromisemetoliveinloveandgoodneighbourhoodwithoneanother;andsoIpreparedtoleavethem.OnethingImustnotomit,andthatis,thatbeingnowsettledinakindofcommonwealthamongthemselves,andhavingmuchbusinessinhand,itwasoddtohaveseven-and-thirtyIndiansliveinanookoftheisland,independent,and,indeed,unemployed;forexcepttheprovidingthemselvesfood,whichtheyhaddifficultyenoughtodosometimes,theyhadnomannerofbusinessorpropertytomanage.Iproposed,therefore,tothegovernorSpaniardthatheshouldgotothem,withFriday'sfather,andproposetothemtoremove,andeitherplantforthemselves,orbetakenintotheirseveralfamiliesasservantstobemaintainedfortheirlabour,butwithoutbeingabsoluteslaves;forIwouldnotpermitthemtomakethemslavesbyforce,byanymeans;becausetheyhad
theirlibertygiventhembycapitulation,asitwerearticlesofsurrender,whichtheyoughtnottobreak.Theymostwillinglyembracedtheproposal,andcameallverycheerfullyalongwithhim:soweallottedthemlandandplantations,whichthreeorfouracceptedof,butalltherestchosetobeemployedasservantsintheseveralfamilieswehadsettled.Thusmycolonywasinamannersettledasfollows:TheSpaniardspossessedmyoriginalhabitation,whichwasthecapitalcity,andextendedtheirplantationsallalongthesideofthebrook,whichmadethecreekthatIhavesooftendescribed,asfarasmybower;andastheyincreasedtheirculture,itwentalwayseastward.TheEnglishlivedinthenorth-eastpart,whereWillAtkinsandhiscomradesbegan,andcameonsouthwardandsouth-west,towardsthebackpartoftheSpaniards;andeveryplantationhadagreatadditionoflandtotakein,iftheyfoundoccasion,sothattheyneednotjostleoneanotherforwantofroom.Alltheeastendoftheislandwasleftuninhabited,thatifanyofthesavagesshouldcomeonshorethereonlyfortheircustomarybarbarities,theymightcomeandgo;iftheydisturbednobody,nobodywoulddisturbthem:andnodoubtbuttheywereoftenashore,andwentawayagain;forIneverheardthattheplanterswereeverattackedordisturbedanymore.CHAPTERVIII-SAILSFROMTHEISLANDFORTHEBRAZILSITnowcameintomythoughtsthatIhadhintedtomyfriendtheclergymanthattheworkofconvertingthesavagesmightperhapsbesetonfootinhisabsencetohissatisfaction,andItoldhimthatnowIthoughtthatitwasputinafairway;forthesavages,beingthusdividedamongtheChristians,iftheywouldbuteveryoneofthemdotheirpartwiththosewhichcameundertheirhands,Ihopeditmighthaveaverygoodeffect.Heagreedpresentlyinthat,iftheydidtheirpart."Buthow,"sayshe,"shallweobtainthatofthem?"Itoldhimwewouldcallthemalltogether,andleaveitinchargewiththem,orgotothem,onebyone,whichhethoughtbest;sowedividedit-hetospeaktotheSpaniards,whowereallPapists,andItospeaktotheEnglish,whowereallProtestants;andwerecommendeditearnestlytothem,andmadethempromisethattheywouldnevermakeanydistinctionofPapistorProtestantintheirexhortingthesavagestoturnChristians,butteachthemthegeneralknowledgeofthetrueGod,andoftheirSaviourJesusChrist;andtheylikewisepromisedusthattheywouldneverhaveanydifferencesordisputesonewithanotheraboutreligion.WhenIcametoWillAtkins'shouse,IfoundthattheyoungwomanIhavementionedabove,andWillAtkins'swife,werebecomeintimates;andthisprudent,religiousyoungwomanhadperfectedtheworkWillAtkinshadbegun;andthoughitwasnotabovefourdaysafterwhatIhaverelated,yetthenew-baptizedsavagewomanwasmadesuchaChristianasIhaveseldomheardofinallmyobservationorconversationintheworld.Itcamenextintomymind,inthemorningbeforeIwenttothem,thatamongstalltheneedfulthingsIhadtoleavewiththemIhadnotleftthemaBible,inwhichIshowedmyselflessconsideringforthemthanmygoodfriendthewidowwasformewhenshesentmethecargoofahundredpoundsfromLisbon,whereshepackedupthreeBiblesandaPrayer-book.However,thegoodwoman'scharityhadagreaterextentthaneversheimagined,fortheywerereservedforthecomfortandinstructionofthosethatmademuchbetteruseofthem
thanIhaddone.ItookoneoftheBiblesinmypocket,andwhenIcametoWillAtkins'stent,orhouse,andfoundtheyoungwomanandAtkins'sbaptizedwifehadbeendiscoursingofreligiontogether-forWillAtkinstolditmewithagreatdealofjoy-Iaskediftheyweretogethernow,andhesaid,"Yes";soIwentintothehouse,andhewithme,andwefoundthemtogetherveryearnestindiscourse."Oh,sir,"saysWillAtkins,"whenGodhassinnerstoreconciletoHimself,andalienstobringhome,Heneverwantsamessenger;mywifehasgotanewinstructor:IknewIwasunworthy,asIwasincapableofthatwork;thatyoungwomanhasbeensenthitherfromheaven-sheisenoughtoconvertawholeislandofsavages."Theyoungwomanblushed,androseuptogoaway,butIdesiredhertosit-still;Itoldhershehadagoodworkuponherhands,andIhopedGodwouldblessherinit.Wetalkedalittle,andIdidnotperceivethattheyhadanybookamongthem,thoughIdidnotask;butIputmyhandintomypocket,andpulledoutmyBible."Here,"saidItoAtkins,"Ihavebroughtyouanassistantthatperhapsyouhadnotbefore."Themanwassoconfoundedthathewasnotabletospeakforsometime;but,recoveringhimself,hetakesitwithbothhishands,andturningtohiswife,"Here,mydear,"sayshe,"didnotItellyouourGod,thoughHelivesabove,couldhearwhatwehavesaid?Here'sthebookIprayedforwhenyouandIkneeleddownunderthebush;nowGodhasheardusandsentit."Whenhehadsaidso,themanfellintosuchpassionatetransports,thatbetweenthejoyofhavingit,andgivingGodthanksforit,thetearsrandownhisfacelikeachildthatwascrying.Thewomanwassurprised,andwasliketohaverunintoamistakethatnoneofuswereawareof;forshefirmlybelievedGodhadsentthebookuponherhusband'spetition.Itistruethatprovidentiallyitwasso,andmightbetakensoinaconsequentsense;butIbelieveitwouldhavebeennodifficultmatteratthattimetohavepersuadedthepoorwomantohavebelievedthatanexpressmessengercamefromheavenonpurposetobringthatindividualbook.Butitwastooseriousamattertosufferanydelusiontotakeplace,soIturnedtotheyoungwoman,andtoldherwedidnotdesiretoimposeuponthenewconvertinherfirstandmoreignorantunderstandingofthings,andbeggedhertoexplaintoherthatGodmaybeveryproperlysaidtoanswerourpetitions,when,inthecourseofHisprovidence,suchthingsareinaparticularmannerbroughttopassaswepetitionedfor;butwedidnotexpectreturnsfromheaveninamiraculousandparticularmanner,anditisamercythatitisnotso.Thistheyoungwomandidafterwardseffectually,sothattherewasnopriestcraftusedhere;andIshouldhavethoughtitoneofthemostunjustifiablefraudsintheworldtohavehaditso.ButtheeffectuponWillAtkinsisreallynottobeexpressed;andthere,wemaybesure,wasnodelusion.SurenomanwasevermorethankfulintheworldforanythingofitskindthanhewasfortheBible,nor,Ibelieve,neveranymanwasgladofaBiblefromabetterprinciple;andthoughhehadbeenamostprofligatecreature,headstrong,furious,anddesperatelywicked,yetthismanisastandingruletousallforthewellinstructingchildren,viz.thatparentsshouldnevergiveovertoteachandinstruct,noreverdespairofthesuccessoftheirendeavours,letthechildrenbeeversorefractory,ortoappearanceinsensibletoinstruction;forifeverGodinHisprovidencetouchestheconscienceofsuch,the
forceoftheireducationturnsuponthem,andtheearlyinstructionofparentsisnotlost,thoughitmayhavebeenmanyyearslaidasleep,butsometimeorothertheymayfindthebenefitofit.Thusitwaswiththispoorman:howeverignoranthewasofreligionandChristianknowledge,hefoundhehadsometodowithnowmoreignorantthanhimself,andthattheleastpartoftheinstructionofhisgoodfatherthatnowcametohismindwasofusetohim.Amongtherest,itoccurredtohim,hesaid,howhisfatherusedtoinsistsomuchontheinexpressiblevalueoftheBible,andtheprivilegeandblessingofittonations,families,andpersons;butheneverentertainedtheleastnotionoftheworthofittillnow,when,beingtotalktoheathens,savages,andbarbarians,hewantedthehelpofthewrittenoracleforhisassistance.Theyoungwomanwasgladofitalsoforthepresentoccasion,thoughshehadone,andsohadtheyouth,onboardourshipamongtheirgoods,whichwerenotyetbroughtonshore.Andnow,havingsaidsomanythingsofthisyoungwoman,Icannotomittellingonestorymoreofherandmyself,whichhassomethinginitveryinstructiveandremarkable.Ihaverelatedtowhatextremitythepooryoungwomanwasreduced;howhermistresswasstarvedtodeath,anddiedonboardthatunhappyshipwemetatsea,andhowthewholeship'scompanywasreducedtothelastextremity.Thegentlewoman,andherson,andthismaid,werefirsthardlyusedastoprovisions,andatlasttotallyneglectedandstarved-thatistosay,broughttothelastextremityofhunger.Oneday,beingdiscoursingwithherontheextremitiestheysuffered,Iaskedherifshecoulddescribe,bywhatshehadfelt,whatitwastostarve,andhowitappeared?Shesaidshebelievedshecould,andtoldhertaleverydistinctlythus:-"First,wehadforsomedaysfaredexceedinglyhard,andsufferedverygreathunger;butatlastwewerewhollywithoutfoodofanykindexceptsugar,andalittlewineandwater.ThefirstdayafterIhadreceivednofoodatall,Ifoundmyselftowardsevening,emptyandsickatthestomach,andnearernightmuchinclinedtoyawningandsleep.Ilaydownonthecouchinthegreatcabintosleep,andsleptaboutthreehours,andawakedalittlerefreshed,havingtakenaglassofwinewhenIlaydown;afterbeingaboutthreehoursawake,itbeingaboutfiveo'clockinthemorning,Ifoundmyselfempty,andmystomachsickish,andlaydownagain,butcouldnotsleepatall,beingveryfaintandill;andthusIcontinuedalltheseconddaywithastrangevariety-firsthungry,thensickagain,withretchingstovomit.Thesecondnight,beingobligedtogotobedagainwithoutanyfoodmorethanadraughtoffreshwater,andbeingasleep,IdreamedIwasatBarbadoes,andthatthemarketwasmightilystockedwithprovisions;thatIboughtsomeformymistress,andwentanddinedveryheartily.Ithoughtmystomachwasfullafterthis,asitwouldhavebeenafteragooddinner;butwhenIawakedIwasexceedinglysunkinmyspiritstofindmyselfintheextremityoffamily.ThelastglassofwinewehadIdrank,andputsugarinit,becauseofitshavingsomespirittosupplynourishment;buttherebeingnosubstanceinthestomachforthedigestingofficetoworkupon,Ifoundtheonlyeffectofthewinewastoraisedisagreeablefumesfromthestomachintothehead;andIlay,astheytoldme,stupidandsenseless,asonedrunk,forsometime.Thethirdday,inthemorning,afteranightofstrange,confused,andinconsistentdreams,andrather
dozingthansleeping,Iawakedravenousandfuriouswithhunger;andIquestion,hadnotmyunderstandingreturnedandconqueredit,whetherifIhadbeenamother,andhadhadalittlechildwithme,itslifewouldhavebeensafeornot.Thislastedaboutthreehours,duringwhichtimeIwastwiceragingmadasanycreatureinBedlam,asmyyoungmastertoldme,andashecannowinformyou."InoneofthesefitsoflunacyordistractionIfelldownandstruckmyfaceagainstthecornerofapallet-bed,inwhichmymistresslay,andwiththeblowthebloodgushedoutofmynose;andthecabin-boybringingmealittlebasin,Isatdownandbledintoitagreatdeal;andasthebloodcamefrommeIcametomyself,andtheviolenceoftheflameorfeverIwasinabated,andsodidtheravenouspartofthehunger.ThenIgrewsick,andretchedtovomit,butcouldnot,forIhadnothinginmystomachtobringup.AfterIhadbledsometimeIswooned,andtheyallbelievedIwasdead;butIcametomyselfsoonafter,andthenhadamostdreadfulpaininmystomachnottobedescribed-notlikethecolic,butagnawing,eagerpainforfood;andtowardsnightitwentoffwithakindofearnestwishingorlongingforfood.Itookanotherdraughtofwaterwithsugarinit;butmystomachloathedthesugarandbroughtitallupagain;thenItookadraughtofwaterwithoutsugar,andthatstayedwithme;andIlaidmedownuponthebed,prayingmostheartilythatitwouldpleaseGodtotakemeaway;andcomposingmymindinhopesofit,Islumberedawhile,andthenwaking,thoughtmyselfdying,beinglightwithvapoursfromanemptystomach.IrecommendedmysoulthentoGod,andthenearnestlywishedthatsomebodywouldthrowmeintotheintothesea."Allthiswhilemymistresslaybyme,just,asIthought,expiring,butsheboreitwithmuchmorepatiencethanI,andgavethelastbitofbreadshehadlefttoherchild,myyoungmaster,whowouldnothavetakenit,butsheobligedhimtoeatit;andIbelieveitsavedhislife.TowardsthemorningIsleptagain,andwhenIawokeIfellintoaviolentpassionofcrying,andafterthathadasecondfitofviolenthunger.Igotupravenous,andinamostdreadfulcondition;andonceortwiceIwasgoingtobitemyownarm.AtlastIsawthebasininwhichwasthebloodIhadbledatmynosethedaybefore:Irantoit,andswalloweditwithsuchhaste,andsuchagreedyappetite,asifIwonderednobodyhadtakenitbefore,andafraiditshouldbetakenfrommenow.Afteritwasdown,thoughthethoughtsofitfilledmewithhorror,yetitcheckedthefitofhunger,andItookanotherdraughtofwater,andwascomposedandrefreshedforsomehoursafter.Thiswasthefourthday;andthisIkeptuptilltowardsnight,when,withinthecompassofthreehours,Ihadalltheseveralcircumstancesoveragain,oneafteranother,viz.sick,sleepy,eagerlyhungry,paininthestomach,thenravenousagain,thensick,thenlunatic,thencrying,thenravenousagain,andsoeveryquarterofanhour,andmystrengthwastedexceedingly;atnightIlaymedown,havingnocomfortbutinthehopethatIshoulddiebeforemorning."AllthisnightIhadnosleep;butthehungerwasnowturnedintoadisease;andIhadaterriblecolicandgriping,bywindinsteadoffoodhavingfounditswayintothebowels;andinthisconditionIlaytillmorning,whenIwassurprisedbythecriesandlamentationsofmyyoungmaster,whocalledouttomethathismotherwasdead.Iliftedmyselfupalittle,forIhadnotstrengthtorise,butfoundshewasnotdead,thoughshewasableto
giveverylittlesignsoflife.Ihadthensuchconvulsionsinmystomach,forwantofsomesustenance,asIcannotdescribe;withsuchfrequentthroesandpangsofappetiteasnothingbutthetorturesofdeathcanimitate;andinthisconditionIwaswhenIheardtheseamenabovecryout,'Asail!asail!'andhallooandjumpaboutasiftheyweredistracted.Iwasnotabletogetofffromthebed,andmymistressmuchless;andmyyoungmasterwassosickthatIthoughthehadbeenexpiring;sowecouldnotopenthecabindoor,orgetanyaccountwhatitwasthatoccasionedsuchconfusion;norhadwehadanyconversationwiththeship'scompanyfortwelvedays,theyhavingtoldusthattheyhadnotamouthfulofanythingtoeatintheship;andthistheytoldusafterwards-theythoughtwehadbeendead.Itwasthisdreadfulconditionwewereinwhenyouweresenttosaveourlives;andhowyoufoundus,sir,youknowaswellasI,andbettertoo."Thiswasherownrelation,andissuchadistinctaccountofstarvingtodeath,as,Iconfess,Inevermetwith,andwasexceedinginstructivetome.Iamtheratherapttobelieveittobeatrueaccount,becausetheyouthgavemeanaccountofagoodpartofit;thoughImustown,notsodistinctandsofeelingasthemaid;andtherather,becauseitseemshismotherfedhimatthepriceofherownlife:butthepoormaid,whoseconstitutionwasstrongerthanthatofhermistress,whowasinyears,andaweaklywomantoo,mightstruggleharderwithit;neverthelessshemightbesupposedtofeeltheextremitysomethingsoonerthanhermistress,whomightbeallowedtokeepthelastbitsomethinglongerthanshepartedwithanytorelievehermaid.Noquestion,asthecaseishererelated,ifourshiporsomeotherhadnotsoprovidentiallymetthem,butafewdaysmorewouldhaveendedalltheirlives.Inowreturntomydispositionofthingsamongthepeople.And,first,itistobeobservedhere,thatformanyreasonsIdidnotthinkfittoletthemknowanythingofthesloopIhadframed,andwhichIthoughtofsettingupamongthem;forIfound,atleastatmyfirstcoming,suchseedsofdivisionamongthem,thatIsawplainly,hadIsetupthesloop,andleftitamongthem,theywould,uponeverylightdisgust,haveseparated,andgoneawayfromoneanother;orperhapshaveturnedpirates,andsomadetheislandadenofthieves,insteadofaplantationofsoberandreligiouspeople,asIintendedit;nordidIleavethetwopiecesofbrasscannonthatIhadonboard,ortheextratwoquarter-deckgunsthatmynephewhadprovided,forthesamereason.Ithoughtitwasenoughtoqualifythemforadefensivewaragainstanythatshouldinvadethem,butnottosetthemupforanoffensivewar,ortogoabroadtoattackothers;which,intheend,wouldonlybringruinanddestructionuponthem.Ireservedthesloop,therefore,andtheguns,fortheirserviceanotherway,asIshallobserveinitsplace.Havingnowdonewiththeisland,Ileftthemallingoodcircumstancesandinaflourishingcondition,andwentonboardmyshipagainonthe6thofMay,havingbeenabouttwenty-fivedaysamongthem:andastheywereallresolvedtostayupontheislandtillIcametoremovethem,IpromisedtosendthemfurtherrelieffromtheBrazils,ifIcouldpossiblyfindanopportunity.Iparticularlypromisedtosendthemsomecattle,suchassheep,hogs,andcows:astothetwocowsandcalveswhichIbroughtfromEngland,wehadbeenobliged,bythelengthofourvoyage,tokillthematsea,forwantofhaytofeedthem.Thenextday,givingthemasaluteoffivegunsat
parting,wesetsail,andarrivedatthebayofAllSaintsintheBrazilsinabouttwenty-twodays,meetingnothingremarkableinourpassagebutthis:thataboutthreedaysafterwehadsailed,beingbecalmed,andthecurrentsettingstrongtotheENE.,running,asitwere,intoabayorgulfonthelandside,weweredrivensomethingoutofourcourse,andonceortwiceourmencriedout,"Landtotheeastward!"butwhetheritwasthecontinentorislandswecouldnottellbyanymeans.Butthethirdday,towardsevening,theseasmooth,andtheweathercalm,wesawtheseaasitwerecoveredtowardsthelandwithsomethingveryblack;notbeingabletodiscoverwhatitwastillaftersometime,ourchiefmate,goingupthemainshroudsalittleway,andlookingatthemwithaperspective,criedoutitwasanarmy.Icouldnotimaginewhathemeantbyanarmy,andthwartedhimalittlehastily."Nay,sir,"sayshe,"don'tbeangry,for'tisanarmy,andafleettoo:forIbelievethereareathousandcanoes,andyoumayseethempaddlealong,fortheyarecomingtowardsusapace."Iwasalittlesurprisedthen,indeed,andsowasmynephewthecaptain;forhehadheardsuchterriblestoriesofthemintheisland,andhavingneverbeeninthoseseasbefore,thathecouldnottellwhattothinkofit,butsaid,twoorthreetimes,weshouldallbedevoured.Imustconfess,consideringwewerebecalmed,andthecurrentsetstrongtowardstheshore,Ilikedittheworse;however,Ibadethemnotbeafraid,butbringtheshiptoananchorassoonaswecamesonearastoknowthatwemustengagethem.Theweathercontinuedcalm,andtheycameonapacetowardsus,soIgaveorderstocometoananchor,andfurlalloursails;asforthesavages,Itoldthemtheyhadnothingtofearbutfire,andthereforetheyshouldgettheirboatsout,andfastenthem,oneclosebytheheadandtheotherbythestern,andmanthembothwell,andwaittheissueinthatposture:thisIdid,thatthemenintheboatsmighthereadywithsheetsandbucketstoputoutanyfirethesesavagesmightendeavourtofixtotheoutsideoftheship.Inthisposturewelaybyforthem,andinalittlewhiletheycameupwithus;butneverwassuchahorridsightseenbyChristians;thoughmymatewasmuchmistakeninhiscalculationoftheirnumber,yetwhentheycameupwereckonedaboutahundredandtwenty-sixcanoes;someofthemhadsixteenorseventeenmeninthem,andsomemore,andtheleastsixorseven.Whentheycamenearertous,theyseemedtobestruckwithwonderandastonishment,asatasightwhichdoubtlesstheyhadneverseenbefore;norcouldtheyatfirst,asweafterwardsunderstood,knowwhattomakeofus;theycameboldlyup,however,veryneartous,andseemedtogoabouttorowroundus;butwecalledtoourmenintheboatsnottoletthemcometoonearthem.Thisveryorderbroughtustoanengagementwiththem,withoutourdesigningit;forfiveorsixofthelargecanoescamesonearourlong-boat,thatourmenbeckonedwiththeirhandstokeepthemback,whichtheyunderstoodverywell,andwentback:butattheirretreataboutfiftyarrowscameonboardusfromthoseboats,andoneofourmeninthelong-boatwasverymuchwounded.However,Icalledtothemnottofirebyanymeans;butwehandeddownsomedealboardsintotheboat,andthecarpenterpresentlysetupakindoffence,likewasteboards,tocoverthemfromthearrowsofthesavages,iftheyshouldshootagain.Abouthalf-an-hourafterwardstheyallcameupinabodyasternofus,andso
nearthatwecouldeasilydiscernwhattheywere,thoughwecouldnottelltheirdesign;andIeasilyfoundtheyweresomeofmyoldfriends,thesamesortofsavagesthatIhadbeenusedtoengagewith.Inashorttimemoretheyrowedalittlefartherouttosea,tilltheycamedirectlybroadsidewithus,andthenroweddownstraightuponus,tilltheycamesonearthattheycouldhearusspeak;uponthis,Iorderedallmymentokeepclose,lesttheyshouldshootanymorearrows,andmadeallourgunsready;butbeingsonearastobewithinhearing,ImadeFridaygooutuponthedeck,andcalloutaloudtotheminhislanguage,toknowwhattheymeant.Whethertheyunderstoodhimornot,thatIknewnot;butassoonashehadcalledtothem,sixofthem,whowereintheforemostornighestboattous,turnedtheircanoesfromus,andstoopingdown,showedustheirnakedbacks;whetherthiswasadefianceorchallengeweknewnot,orwhetheritwasdoneinmerecontempt,orasasignaltotherest;butimmediatelyFridaycriedouttheyweregoingtoshoot,and,unhappilyforhim,poorfellow,theyletflyaboutthreehundredoftheirarrows,andtomyinexpressiblegrief,killedpoorFriday,noothermanbeingintheirsight.Thepoorfellowwasshotwithnolessthanthreearrows,andaboutthreemorefellverynearhim;suchunluckymarksmentheywere!Iwassoannoyedatthelossofmyoldtrustyservantandcompanion,thatIimmediatelyorderedfivegunstobeloadedwithsmallshot,andfourwithgreat,andgavethemsuchabroadsideastheyhadneverheardintheirlivesbefore.Theywerenotabovehalfacable'slengthoffwhenwefired;andourgunnerstooktheiraimsowell,thatthreeorfouroftheircanoeswereoverset,aswehadreasontobelieve,byoneshotonly.Theillmannersofturninguptheirbarebackstousgaveusnogreatoffence;neitherdidIknowforcertainwhetherthatwhichwouldpassforthegreatestcontemptamongusmightbeunderstoodsobythemornot;therefore,inreturn,Ihadonlyresolvedtohavefiredfourorfivegunsatthemwithpowderonly,whichIknewwouldfrightenthemsufficiently:butwhentheyshotatusdirectlywithallthefurytheywerecapableof,andespeciallyastheyhadkilledmypoorFriday,whomIsoentirelylovedandvalued,andwho,indeed,sowelldeservedit,IthoughtmyselfnotonlyjustifiablebeforeGodandman,butwouldhavebeenverygladifIcouldhaveoverseteverycanoethere,anddrownedeveryoneofthem.Icanneithertellhowmanywekillednorhowmanywewoundedatthisbroadside,butsuresuchafrightandhurryneverwereseenamongsuchamultitude;therewerethirteenorfourteenoftheircanoessplitandoversetinall,andthemenallseta-swimming:therest,frightenedoutoftheirwits,scouredawayasfastastheycould,takingbutlittlecaretosavethosewhoseboatsweresplitorspoiledwithourshot;soIsupposethatmanyofthemwerelost;andourmentookuponepoorfellowswimmingforhislife,aboveanhouraftertheywereallgone.Thesmallshotfromourcannonmustneedskillandwoundagreatmany;but,inshort,weneverknewhowitwentwiththem,fortheyfledsofast,thatinthreehoursorthereaboutswecouldnotseeabovethreeorfourstragglingcanoes,nordidweeverseetherestanymore;forabreezeofwindspringingupthesameevening,weweighedandsetsailfortheBrazils.Wehadaprisoner,indeed,butthecreaturewassosullenthathewouldneithercatnorspeak,andweallfanciedhewouldstarvehimselftodeath.ButItook
awaytocurehim:forIhadmadethemtakehimandturnhimintothelong-boat,andmakehimbelievetheywouldtosshimintotheseaagain,andsoleavehimwheretheyfoundhim,ifhewouldnotspeak;norwouldthatdo,buttheyreallydidthrowhimintothesea,andcameawayfromhim.Thenhefollowedthem,forheswamlikeacork,andcalledtotheminhistongue,thoughtheyknewnotonewordofwhathesaid;howeveratlasttheytookhiminagain.,andthenhebegantohemoretractable:nordidIeverdesigntheyshoulddrownhim.Wewerenowundersailagain,butIwasthemostdisconsolatecreaturealiveforwantofmymanFriday,andwouldhavebeenverygladtohavegonebacktotheisland,tohavetakenoneoftherestfromthenceformyoccasion,butitcouldnotbe:sowewenton.Wehadoneprisoner,asIhavesaid,anditwasalongtimebeforewecouldmakehimunderstandanything;butintimeourmentaughthimsomeEnglish,andhebegantobealittletractable.Afterwards,weinquiredwhatcountryhecamefrom;butcouldmakenothingofwhathesaid;forhisspeechwassoodd,allgutturals,andhespokeinthethroatinsuchahollow,oddmanner,thatwecouldneverformawordafterhim;andwewereallofopinionthattheymightspeakthatlanguageaswelliftheyweregaggedasotherwise;norcouldweperceivethattheyhadanyoccasioneitherforteeth,tongue,lips,orpalate,butformedtheirwordsjustasahunting-hornformsatunewithanopenthroat.Hetoldus,however,sometimeafter,whenwehadtaughthimtospeakalittleEnglish,thattheyweregoingwiththeirkingstofightagreatbattle.Whenhesaidkings,weaskedhimhowmanykings?Hesaidtheywerefivenation(wecouldnotmakehimunderstandtheplural's),andthattheyalljoinedtogoagainsttwonation.Weaskedhimwhatmadethemcomeuptous?Hesaid,"Tomakeetegreatwonderlook."Hereitistobeobservedthatallthosenatives,asalsothoseofAfricawhentheylearnEnglish,alwaysaddtwoe'sattheendofthewordswhereweuseone;andtheyplacetheaccentuponthem,asmakee,takee,andthelike;nay,IcouldhardlymakeFridayleaveitoff,thoughatlasthedid.AndnowInamethepoorfellowoncemore,Imusttakemylastleaveofhim.PoorhonestFriday!Weburiedhimwithallthedecencyandsolemnitypossible,byputtinghimintoacoffin,andthrowinghimintothesea;andIcausedthemtofireelevengunsforhim.Soendedthelifeofthemostgrateful,faithful,honest,andmostaffectionateservantthatevermanhad.WewentnowawaywithafairwindforBrazil;andinabouttwelvedays'timewemadeland,inthelatitudeoffivedegreessouthoftheline,beingthenorth-easternmostlandofallthatpartofAmerica.WekeptonS.byE.,insightoftheshorefourdays,whenwemadeCapeSt.Augustine,andinthreedayscametoananchoroffthebayofAllSaints,theoldplaceofmydeliverance,fromwhencecamebothmygoodandevilfate.NevershipcametothisportthathadlessbusinessthanIhad,andyetitwaswithgreatdifficultythatwewereadmittedtoholdtheleastcorrespondenceonshore:notmypartnerhimself,whowasalive,andmadeagreatfigureamongthem,notmytwomerchant-trustees,notthefameofmywonderfulpreservationintheisland,couldobtainmethatfavour.Mypartner,however,rememberingthatIhadgivenfivehundredmoidorestothepriorofthemonasteryoftheAugustines,andtwohundredandseventy-twotothepoor,wenttothemonastery,andobligedthepriorthatthen
wastogotothegovernor,andgetleaveformepersonally,withthecaptainandonemore,besideseightseamen,tocomeonshore,andnomore;andthisuponcondition,absolutelycapitulatedfor,thatweshouldnotoffertolandanygoodsoutoftheship,ortocarryanypersonawaywithoutlicence.Theyweresostrictwithusastolandinganygoods,thatitwaswithextremedifficultythatIgotonshorethreebalesofEnglishgoods,suchasfinebroadcloths,stuffs,andsomelinen,whichIhadbroughtforapresenttomypartner.Hewasaverygenerous,open-heartedman,althoughhebegan,likeme,withlittleatfirst.ThoughheknewnotthatIhadtheleastdesignofgivinghimanything,hesentmeonboardapresentoffreshprovisions,wine,andsweetmeats,worthaboutthirtymoidores,includingsometobacco,andthreeorfourfinemedalsofgold:butIwasevenwithhiminmypresent,which,asIhavesaid,consistedoffinebroadcloth,Englishstuffs,lace,andfineholland;also,Ideliveredhimaboutthevalueofonehundredpoundssterlinginthesamegoods,forotheruses;andIobligedhimtosetupthesloop,whichIhadbroughtwithmefromEngland,asIhavesaid,fortheuseofmycolony,inordertosendtherefreshmentsIintendedtomyplantation.Accordingly,hegothands,andfinishedthesloopinaveryfewdays,forshewasalreadyframed;andIgavethemasterofhersuchinstructionsthathecouldnotmisstheplace;nordidhe,asIhadanaccountfrommypartnerafterwards.IgothimsoonloadedwiththesmallcargoIsentthem;andoneofourseamen,thathadbeenonshorewithmethere,offeredtogowiththesloopandsettlethere,uponmylettertothegovernorSpaniardtoallothimasufficientquantityoflandforaplantation,andonmygivinghimsomeclothesandtoolsforhisplantingwork,whichhesaidheunderstood,havingbeenanoldplanteratMaryland,andabuccaneerintothebargain.Iencouragedthefellowbygrantingallhedesired;and,asanaddition,Igavehimthesavagewhomwehadtakenprisonerofwartobehisslave,andorderedthegovernorSpaniardtogivehimhisshareofeverythinghewantedwiththerest.Whenwecametofitthismanout,myoldpartnertoldmetherewasacertainveryhonestfellow,aBrazilplanterofhisacquaintance,whohadfallenintothedispleasureoftheChurch."Iknownotwhatthematteriswithhim,"sayshe,"but,onmyconscience,Ithinkheisahereticinhisheart,andhehasbeenobligedtoconcealhimselfforfearoftheInquisition."Hethentoldmethathewouldbeverygladofsuchanopportunitytomakehisescape,withhiswifeandtwodaughters;andifIwouldletthemgotomyisland,andallotthemaplantation,hewouldgivethemasmallstocktobeginwith-fortheofficersoftheInquisitionhadseizedallhiseffectsandestate,andhehadnothingleftbutalittlehouseholdstuffandtwoslaves;"and,"addshe,"thoughIhatehisprinciples,yetIwouldnothavehimfallintotheirhands,forhewillbeassuredlyburnedaliveifhedoes."Igrantedthispresently,andjoinedmyEnglishmanwiththem:andweconcealedtheman,andhiswifeanddaughters,onboardourship,tillthesloopputouttogotosea;andthenhavingputalltheirgoodsonboardsometimebefore,weputthemonboardthesloopaftershewasgotoutofthebay.Ourseamanwasmightilypleasedwiththisnewpartner;andtheirstocks,indeed,weremuchalike,richintools,inpreparations,andafarm-butnothingtobeginwith,exceptasabove:however,theycarriedoverwiththemwhatwasworthall
therest,somematerialsforplantingsugar-canes,withsomeplantsofcanes,whichhe,ImeantheBrazilplanter,understoodverywell.Amongtherestofthesuppliessenttomytenantsintheisland,Isentthembythesloopthreemilchcowsandfivecalves;abouttwenty-twohogs,amongthemthreesows;twomares,andastone-horse.FormySpaniards,accordingtomypromise,IengagedthreeBrazilwomentogo,andrecommendedittothemtomarrythem,andusethemkindly.Icouldhaveprocuredmorewomen,butIrememberedthatthepoorpersecutedmanhadtwodaughters,andthattherewerebutfiveoftheSpaniardsthatwantedpartners;theresthadwivesoftheirown,thoughinanothercountry.Allthiscargoarrivedsafe,and,asyoumayeasilysuppose,wasverywelcometomyoldinhabitants,whowerenow,withthisaddition,betweensixtyandseventypeople,besideslittlechildren,ofwhichtherewereagreatmany.IfoundlettersatLondonfromthemall,bywayofLisbon,whenIcamebacktoEngland.Ihavenowdonewiththeisland,andallmannerofdiscourseaboutit:andwhoeverreadstherestofmymemorandumswoulddowelltoturnhisthoughtsentirelyfromit,andexpecttoreadofthefolliesofanoldman,notwarnedbyhisownharms,muchlessbythoseofothermen,tobeware;notcooledbyalmostfortyyears'miseriesanddisappointments-notsatisfiedwithprosperitybeyondexpectation,normadecautiousbyafflictionsanddistressbeyondexample.CHAPTERIX-DREADFULOCCURRENCESINMADAGASCARIHADnomorebusinesstogototheEastIndiesthanamanatfulllibertyhastogototheturnkeyatNewgate,anddesirehimtolockhimupamongtheprisonersthere,andstarvehim.HadItakenasmallvesselfromEnglandandgonedirectlytotheisland;hadIloadedher,asIdidtheothervessel,withallthenecessariesfortheplantationandformypeople;takenapatentfromthegovernmentheretohavesecuredmyproperty,insubjectiononlytothatofEngland;hadIcarriedovercannonandammunition,servantsandpeopletoplant,andtakenpossessionoftheplace,fortifiedandstrengtheneditinthenameofEngland,andincreaseditwithpeople,asImighteasilyhavedone;hadIthensettledmyselfthere,andsenttheshipbackladenwithgoodrice,asImightalsohavedoneinsixmonths'time,andorderedmyfriendstohavefittedheroutagainforoursupply-hadIdonethis,andstayedtheremyself,Ihadatleastactedlikeamanofcommonsense.ButIwaspossessedofawanderingspirit,andscornedalladvantages:IpleasedmyselfwithbeingthepatronofthepeopleIplacedthere,anddoingfortheminakindofhaughty,majesticway,likeanoldpatriarchalmonarch,providingforthemasifIhadbeenfatherofthewholefamily,aswellasoftheplantation.ButIneversomuchaspretendedtoplantinthenameofanygovernmentornation,ortoacknowledgeanyprince,ortocallmypeoplesubjectstoanyonenationmorethananother;nay,Ineversomuchasgavetheplaceaname,butleftitasIfoundit,belongingtonobody,andthepeopleundernodisciplineorgovernmentbutmyown,who,thoughIhadinfluenceoverthemasafatherandbenefactor,hadnoauthorityorpowertoactorcommandonewayorother,furtherthanvoluntaryconsentmovedthemtocomply.Yeteventhis,hadIstayedthere,wouldhavedonewellenough;butasIrambledfromthem,andcametherenomore,thelastlettersIhadfromanyofthemwerebymypartner'smeans,who
afterwardssentanotherslooptotheplace,andwhosentmeword,thoughIhadnotthelettertillIgottoLondon,severalyearsafteritwaswritten,thattheywentonbutpoorly;werediscontentedwiththeirlongstaythere;thatWillAtkinswasdead;thatfiveoftheSpaniardswerecomeaway;andthoughtheyhadnotbeenmuchmolestedbythesavages,yettheyhadhadsomeskirmisheswiththem;andthattheybeggedofhimtowritetometothinkofthepromiseIhadmadetofetchthemaway,thattheymightseetheircountryagainbeforetheydied.ButIwasgoneawildgoosechaseindeed,andtheythatwillhaveanymoreofmemustbecontenttofollowmeintoanewvarietyoffollies,hardships,andwildadventures,whereinthejusticeofProvidencemaybedulyobserved;andwemayseehoweasilyHeavencangorgeuswithourowndesires,makethestrongestofourwishesbeouraffliction,andpunishusmostseverelywiththoseverythingswhichwethinkitwouldbeourutmosthappinesstobeallowedtopossess.WhetherIhadbusinessornobusiness,awayIwent:itisnotimenowtoenlargeuponthereasonorabsurdityofmyownconduct,buttocometothehistory-Iwasembarkedforthevoyage,andthevoyageIwent.IshallonlyaddawordortwoconcerningmyhonestPopishclergyman,forlettheiropinionofus,andallotherhereticsingeneral,astheycallus,beasuncharitableasitmay,Iverilybelievethismanwasverysincere,andwishedthegoodofallmen:yetIbelieveheusedreserveinmanyofhisexpressions,topreventgivingmeoffence;forIscarceheardhimoncecallontheBlessedVirgin,ormentionSt.Jago,orhisguardianangel,thoughsocommonwiththerestofthem.However,IsayIhadnottheleastdoubtofhissincerityandpiousintentions;andIamfirmlyofopinion,iftherestofthePopishmissionarieswerelikehim,theywouldstrivetovisiteventhepoorTartarsandLaplanders,wheretheyhavenothingtogivethem,aswellascovettoflocktoIndia,Persia,China,&c.,themostwealthyoftheheathencountries;foriftheyexpectedtobringnogainstotheirChurchbyit,itmaywellbeadmiredhowtheycametoadmittheChineseConfuciusintothecalendaroftheChristiansaints.AshipbeingreadytosailforLisbon,mypiouspriestaskedmeleavetogothither;beingstill,asheobserved,boundnevertofinishanyvoyagehebegan.HowhappyithadbeenformeifIhadgonewithhim.Butitwastoolatenow;allthingsHeavenappointsforthebest:hadIgonewithhimIhadneverhadsomanythingstobethankfulfor,andthereaderhadneverheardofthesecondpartofthetravelsandadventuresofRobinsonCrusoe:soImusthereleaveexclaimingatmyself,andgoonwithmyvoyage.FromtheBrazilswemadedirectlyovertheAtlanticSeatotheCapeofGoodHope,andhadatolerablygoodvoyage,ourcoursegenerallysouth-east,nowandthenastorm,andsomecontrarywinds;butmydisastersatseawereatanend-myfuturerubsandcrosseventsweretobefallmeonshore,thatitmightappearthelandwasaswellpreparedtobeourscourgeasthesea.Ourshipwasonatradingvoyage,andhadasupercargoonboard,whowastodirectallhermotionsaftershearrivedattheCape,onlybeinglimitedtoacertainnumberofdaysforstay,bycharter-party,attheseveralportsshewastogoto.Thiswasnoneofmybusiness,neitherdidImeddlewithit;mynephew,thecaptain,andthesupercargoadjustingallthosethingsbetweenthemastheythoughtfit.WestayedattheCapenolongerthanwas
needfultotakein-freshwater,butmadethebestofourwayforthecoastofCoromandel.Wewere,indeed,informedthataFrenchman-of-war,offiftyguns,andtwolargemerchantships,weregonefortheIndies;andasIknewwewereatwarwithFrance,Ihadsomeapprehensionsofthem;buttheywenttheirownway,andweheardnomoreofthem.Ishallnotpesterthereaderwithatediousdescriptionofplaces,journalsofourvoyage,variationsofthecompass,latitudes,trade-winds,&c.;itisenoughtonametheportsandplaceswhichwetouchedat,andwhatoccurredtousuponourpassagesfromonetoanother.WetouchedfirstattheislandofMadagascar,where,thoughthepeoplearefierceandtreacherous,andverywellarmedwithlancesandbows,whichtheyusewithinconceivabledexterity,yetwefaredverywellwiththemawhile.Theytreatedusverycivilly;andforsometrifleswhichwegavethem,suchasknives,scissors,&c.,theybroughtuselevengoodfatbullocks,ofamiddlingsize,whichwetookin,partlyforfreshprovisionsforourpresentspending,andtheresttosaltfortheship'suse.Wewereobligedtostayheresometimeafterwehadfurnishedourselveswithprovisions;andI,whowasalwaystoocurioustolookintoeverynookoftheworldwhereverIcame,wentonshoreasoftenasIcould.Itwasontheeastsideoftheislandthatwewentonshoreoneevening:andthepeople,who,bytheway,areverynumerous,camethrongingaboutus,andstoodgazingatusatadistance.Aswehadtradedfreelywiththem,andhadbeenkindlyused,wethoughtourselvesinnodanger;butwhenwesawthepeople,wecutthreeboughsoutofatree,andstuckthemupatadistancefromus;which,itseems,isamarkinthatcountrynotonlyofatruceandfriendship,butwhenitisacceptedtheothersidesetupthreepolesorboughs,whichisasignalthattheyacceptthetrucetoo;butthenthisisaknownconditionofthetruce,thatyouarenottopassbeyondtheirthreepolestowardsthem,northeytocomepastyourthreepolesorboughstowardsyou;sothatyouareperfectlysecurewithinthethreepoles,andallthespacebetweenyourpolesandtheirsisallowedlikeamarketforfreeconverse,traffic,andcommerce.Whenyougothereyoumustnotcarryyourweaponswithyou;andiftheycomeintothatspacetheystickuptheirjavelinsandlancesallatthefirstpoles,andcomeonunarmed;butifanyviolenceisofferedthem,andthetrucetherebybroken,awaytheyruntothepoles,andlayholdoftheirweapons,andthetruceisatanend.Ithappenedoneevening,whenwewentonshore,thatagreaternumberoftheirpeoplecamedownthanusual,butallveryfriendlyandcivil;andtheybroughtseveralkindsofprovisions,forwhichwesatisfiedthemwithsuchtoysaswehad;thewomenalsobroughtusmilkandroots,andseveralthingsveryacceptabletous,andallwasquiet;andwemadeusalittletentorhutofsomeboughsortrees,andlayonshoreallnight.Iknownotwhatwastheoccasion,butIwasnotsowellsatisfiedtolieonshoreastherest;andtheboatridingatananchorataboutastone'scastfromtheland,withtwomeninhertotakecareofher,Imadeoneofthemcomeonshore;andgettingsomeboughsoftreestocoverusalsointheboat,Ispreadthesailonthebottomoftheboat,andlayunderthecoverofthebranchesofthetreesallnightintheboat.Abouttwoo'clockinthemorningweheardoneofourmenmakingaterriblenoiseontheshore,callingout,forGod'ssake,tobringtheboatinandcome
andhelpthem,fortheywereallliketobemurdered;andatthesametimeIheardthefireoffivemuskets,whichwasthenumberofgunstheyhad,andthatthreetimesover;foritseemsthenativesherewerenotsoeasilyfrightenedwithgunsasthesavageswereinAmerica,whereIhadtodowiththem.Allthiswhile,Iknewnotwhatwasthematter,butrousingimmediatelyfromsleepwiththenoise,Icausedtheboattobethrustin,andresolvedwiththreefuseeswehadonboardtolandandassistourmen.Wegottheboatsoontotheshore,butourmenwereintoomuchhaste;forbeingcometotheshore,theyplungedintothewater,togettotheboatwithalltheexpeditiontheycould,beingpursuedbybetweenthreeandfourhundredmen.Ourmenwerebutnineinall,andonlyfiveofthemhadfuseeswiththem;theresthadpistolsandswords,indeed,buttheywereofsmallusetothem.Wetookupsevenofourmen,andwithdifficultyenoughtoo,threeofthembeingveryillwounded;andthatwhichwasstillworsewas,thatwhilewestoodintheboattotakeourmenin,wewereinasmuchdangerastheywereinonshore;fortheypouredtheirarrowsinuponussothickthatweweregladtobarricadethesideoftheboatupwiththebenches,andtwoorthreelooseboardswhich,toourgreatsatisfaction,wehadbymereaccidentintheboat.Andyet,haditbeendaylight,theyare,itseems,suchexactmarksmen,thatiftheycouldhaveseenbuttheleastpartofanyofus,theywouldhavebeensureofus.Wehad,bythelightofthemoon,alittlesightofthem,astheystoodpeltingusfromtheshorewithdartsandarrows;andhavinggotreadyourfirearms,wegavethemavolleythatwecouldhear,bythecriesofsomeofthem,hadwoundedseveral;however,theystoodthusinbattlearrayontheshoretillbreakofday,whichwesupposedwasthattheymightseethebettertotaketheiraimatus.Inthisconditionwelay,andcouldnottellhowtoweighouranchor,orsetupoursail,becausewemustneedsstandupintheboat,andtheywereassuretohitusasweweretohitabirdinatreewithsmallshot.Wemadesignalsofdistresstotheship,andthoughsherodealeagueoff,yetmynephew,thecaptain,hearingourfiring,andbyglassesperceivingtheposturewelayin,andthatwefiredtowardstheshore,prettywellunderstoodus;andweighinganchorwithallspeed,hestoodasneartheshoreashedurstwiththeship,andthensentanotherboatwithtenhandsinher,toassistus.Wecalledtothemnottocometoonear,tellingthemwhatconditionwewerein;however,theystoodinneartous,andoneofthementakingtheendofatow-lineinhishand,andkeepingourboatbetweenhimandtheenemy,sothattheycouldnotperfectlyseehim,swamonboardus,andmadefastthelinetotheboat:uponwhichweslippedoutalittlecable,andleavingouranchorbehind,theytowedusoutofreachofthearrows;weallthewhilelyingclosebehindthebarricadewehadmade.Assoonasweweregotfrombetweentheshipandtheshore,thatwecouldlayhersidetotheshore,sheranalongjustbythem,andpouredinabroadsideamongthem,loadedwithpiecesofironandlead,smallbullets,andsuchstuff,besidesthegreatshot,whichmadeaterriblehavocamongthem.Whenweweregotonboardandoutofdanger,wehadtimetoexamineintotheoccasionofthisfray;andindeedoursupercargo,whohadbeenofteninthoseparts,putmeuponit;forhesaidhewassuretheinhabitantswouldnothavetouchedusafterwehadmadeatruce,ifwehadnot
donesomethingtoprovokethemtoit.Atlengthitcameoutthatanoldwoman,whohadcometosellussomemilk,hadbroughtitwithinourpoles,andayoungwomanwithher,whoalsobroughtussomerootsorherbs;andwhiletheoldwoman(whethershewasmothertotheyoungwomanornotheycouldnottell)wassellingusthemilk,oneofourmenofferedsomerudenesstothegirlthatwaswithher,atwhichtheoldwomanmadeagreatnoise:however,theseamanwouldnotquithisprize,butcarriedheroutoftheoldwoman'ssightamongthetrees,itbeingalmostdark;theoldwomanwentawaywithouther,and,aswemaysuppose,madeanoutcryamongthepeopleshecamefrom;who,uponnotice,raisedthatgreatarmyuponusinthreeorfourhours,anditwasgreatoddsbutwehadallbeendestroyed.Oneofourmenwaskilledwithalancethrownathimjustatthebeginningoftheattack,ashesalliedoutofthetenttheyhadmade;therestcameofffree,allbutthefellowwhowastheoccasionofallthemischief,whopaiddearenoughforhisbrutality,forwecouldnothearwhatbecameofhimforagreatwhile.Welayupontheshoretwodaysafter,thoughthewindpresented,andmadesignalsforhim,andmadeourboatsailupshoreanddownshoreseveralleagues,butinvain;sowewereobligedtogivehimover;andifhealonehadsufferedforit,thelosshadbeenless.Icouldnotsatisfymyself,however,withoutventuringonshoreoncemore,totryifIcouldlearnanythingofhimorthem;itwasthethirdnightaftertheactionthatIhadagreatmindtolearn,ifIcouldbyanymeans,whatmischiefwehaddone,andhowthegamestoodontheIndians'side.Iwascarefultodoitinthedark,lestweshouldbeattackedagain:butIoughtindeedtohavebeensurethatthemenIwentwithhadbeenundermycommand,beforeIengagedinathingsohazardousandmischievousasIwasbroughtintobyit,withoutdesign.Wetooktwentyasstoutfellowswithusasanyintheship,besidesthesupercargoandmyself,andwelandedtwohoursbeforemidnight,atthesameplacewheretheIndiansstooddrawnupintheeveningbefore.Ilandedhere,becausemydesign,asIhavesaid,waschieflytoseeiftheyhadquittedthefield,andiftheyhadleftanymarksbehindthemofthemischiefwehaddonethem,andIthoughtifwecouldsurpriseoneortwoofthem,perhapswemightgetourmanagain,bywayofexchange.Welandedwithoutanynoise,anddividedourmenintotwobodies,whereoftheboatswaincommandedoneandItheother.Weneithersawnorheardanybodystirwhenwelanded:andwemarchedup,onebodyatadistancefromanother,totheplace.Atfirstwecouldseenothing,itbeingverydark;tillby-and-byourboatswain,wholedthefirstparty,stumbledandfelloveradeadbody.Thismadethemhaltawhile;forknowingbythecircumstancesthattheywereattheplacewheretheIndianshadstood,theywaitedformycomingupthere.Weconcludedtohalttillthemoonbegantorise,whichweknewwouldbeinlessthananhour,whenwecouldeasilydiscernthehavocwehadmadeamongthem.Wetoldthirty-twobodiesupontheground,whereoftwowerenotquitedead;somehadanarmandsomealegshotoff,andonehishead;thosethatwerewounded,wesupposed,theyhadcarriedaway.Whenwehadmade,asIthought,afulldiscoveryofallwecouldcometotheknowledgeof,Iresolvedongoingonboard;buttheboatswainandhispartysentmewordthattheywereresolvedtomakeavisittotheIndiantown,wherethesedogs,as
theycalledthem,dwelt,andaskedmetogoalongwiththem;andiftheycouldfindthem,astheystillfanciedtheyshould,theydidnotdoubtofgettingagoodbooty;anditmightbetheymightfindTomJeffrythere:thatwastheman'snamewehadlost.Hadtheysenttoaskmyleavetogo,Iknewwellenoughwhatanswertohavegiventhem;forIshouldhavecommandedtheminstantlyonboard,knowingitwasnotahazardfitforustorun,whohadashipandship-loadinginourcharge,andavoyagetomakewhichdependedverymuchuponthelivesofthemen;butastheysentmewordtheywereresolvedtogo,andonlyaskedmeandmycompanytogoalongwiththem,Ipositivelyrefusedit,androseup,forIwassittingontheground,inordertogototheboat.Oneortwoofthemenbegantoimportunemetogo;andwhenIrefused,begantogrumble,andsaytheywerenotundermycommand,andtheywouldgo."Come,Jack,"saysoneofthemen,"willyougowithme?I'llgoforone."Jacksaidhewould-andthenanother-and,inaword,theyallleftmebutone,whomIpersuadedtostay,andaboyleftintheboat.SothesupercargoandI,withthethirdman,wentbacktotheboat,wherewetoldthemwewouldstayforthem,andtakecaretotakeinasmanyofthemasshouldbeleft;forItoldthemitwasamadthingtheyweregoingabout,andsupposedmostofthemwouldhavethefateofTomJeffry.Theytoldme,likeseamen,theywouldwarrantittheywouldcomeoffagain,andtheywouldtakecare,&c.;soawaytheywent.Ientreatedthemtoconsidertheshipandthevoyage,thattheirliveswerenottheirown,andthattheywereentrustedwiththevoyage,insomemeasure;thatiftheymiscarried,theshipmightbelostforwantoftheirhelp,andthattheycouldnotanswerforittoGodorman.ButImightaswellhavetalkedtothemainmastoftheship:theyweremadupontheirjourney;onlytheygavemegoodwords,andbeggedIwouldnotbeangry;thattheydidnotdoubtbuttheywouldbebackagaininaboutanhouratfurthest;fortheIndiantown,theysaid,wasnotabovehalf-amileoff,thoughtheyfounditabovetwomilesbeforetheygottoit.Well,theyallwentaway,andthoughtheattemptwasdesperate,andsuchasnonebutmadmenwouldhavegoneabout,yet,togivethemtheirdue,theywentaboutitaswarilyasboldly;theyweregallantlyarmed,fortheyhadeverymanafuseeormusket,abayonet,andapistol;someofthemhadbroadcutlasses,someofthemhadhangers,andtheboatswainandtwomorehadpoleaxes;besidesallwhichtheyhadamongthemthirteenhandgrenadoes.Bolderfellows,andbetterprovided,neverwentaboutanywickedworkintheworld.Whentheywentouttheirchiefdesignwasplunder,andtheywereinmightyhopesoffindinggoldthere;butacircumstancewhichnoneofthemwereawareofsetthemonfirewithrevenge,andmadedevilsofthemall.WhentheycametothefewIndianhouseswhichtheythoughthadbeenthetown,whichwasnotabovehalfamileoff,theywereundergreatdisappointment,fortherewerenotabovetwelveorthirteenhouses,andwherethetownwas,orhowbig,theyknewnot.Theyconsulted,therefore,whattodo,andweresometimebeforetheycouldresolve;foriftheyfelluponthese,theymustcutalltheirthroats;anditwastentoonebutsomeofthemmightescape,itbeinginthenight,thoughthemoonwasup;andifoneescaped,hewouldrunandraiseallthetown,sotheyshouldhaveawholearmyuponthem;ontheotherhand,iftheywentawayandleftthoseuntouched,for
thepeoplewereallasleep,theycouldnottellwhichwaytolookforthetown;however,thelastwasthebestadvice,sotheyresolvedtoleavethem,andlookforthetownaswellastheycould.Theywentonalittleway,andfoundacowtiedtoatree;this,theypresentlyconcluded,wouldbeagoodguidetothem;for,theysaid,thecowcertainlybelongedtothetownbeforethem,orthetownbehindthem,andiftheyuntiedher,theyshouldseewhichwayshewent:ifshewentback,theyhadnothingtosaytoher;butifshewentforward,theywouldfollowher.Sotheycutthecord,whichwasmadeoftwistedflags,andthecowwentonbeforethem,directlytothetown;which,astheyreported,consistedofabovetwohundredhousesorhuts,andinsomeofthesetheyfoundseveralfamilieslivingtogether.Heretheyfoundallinsilence,asprofoundlysecureassleepcouldmakethem:andfirst,theycalledanothercouncil,toconsiderwhattheyhadtodo;andpresentlyresolvedtodividethemselvesintothreebodies,andsosetthreehousesonfireinthreepartsofthetown;andasthemencameout,toseizethemandbindthem(ifanyresisted,theyneednotbeaskedwhattodothen),andsotosearchtherestofthehousesforplunder:buttheyresolvedtomarchsilentlyfirstthroughthetown,andseewhatdimensionsitwasof,andiftheymightventureuponitorno.Theydidso,anddesperatelyresolvedthattheywouldventureuponthem:butwhiletheywereanimatingoneanothertothework,threeofthem,whowerealittlebeforetherest,calledoutaloudtothem,andtoldthemthattheyhadfound-TomJeffry:theyallranuptotheplace,wheretheyfoundthepoorfellowhangingupnakedbyonearm,andhisthroatcut.TherewasanIndianhousejustbythetree,wheretheyfoundsixteenorseventeenoftheprincipalIndians,whohadbeenconcernedinthefraywithusbefore,andtwoorthreeofthemwoundedwithourshot;andourmenfoundtheywereawake,andtalkingonetoanotherinthathouse,butknewnottheirnumber.Thesightoftheirpoormangledcomradesoenragedthem,asbefore,thattheysworetooneanotherthattheywouldberevenged,andthatnotanIndianthatcameintotheirhandsshouldhaveanyquarter;andtoworktheywentimmediately,andyetnotsomadlyasmightbeexpectedfromtherageandfurytheywerein.Theirfirstcarewastogetsomethingthatwouldsoontakefire,but,afteralittlesearch,theyfoundthatwouldbetonopurpose;formostofthehouseswerelow,andthatchedwithflagsandrushes,ofwhichthecountryisfull;sotheypresentlymadesomewildfire,aswecallit,bywettingalittlepowderinthepalmoftheirhands,andinaquarterofanhourtheysetthetownonfireinfourorfiveplaces,andparticularlythathousewheretheIndianswerenotgonetobed.Assoonasthefirebeguntoblaze,thepoorfrightenedcreaturesbegantorushouttosavetheirlives,butmetwiththeirfateintheattempt;andespeciallyatthedoor,wheretheydrovethemback,theboatswainhimselfkillingoneortwowithhispoleaxe.Thehousebeinglarge,andmanyinit,hedidnotcaretogoin,butcalledforahandgrenado,andthrewitamongthem,whichatfirstfrightenedthem,but,whenitburst,madesuchhavocamongthemthattheycriedoutinahideousmanner.Inshort,mostoftheIndianswhowereintheopenpartofthehousewerekilledorhurtwiththegrenado,excepttwoorthreemorewhopressedtothedoor,whichtheboatswainandtwomorekept,withtheirbayonetsonthemuzzlesoftheirpieces,anddespatchedallthatcame
intheirway;buttherewasanotherapartmentinthehouse,wheretheprinceorking,orwhateverhewas,andseveralotherswere;andthesewerekeptintillthehouse,whichwasbythistimeallinalightflame,fellinuponthem,andtheyweresmotheredtogether.Allthiswhiletheyfirednotagun,becausetheywouldnotwakenthepeoplefasterthantheycouldmasterthem;butthefirebegantowakenthemfastenough,andourfellowsweregladtokeepalittletogetherinbodies;forthefiregrewsoraging,allthehousesbeingmadeoflightcombustiblestuff,thattheycouldhardlybearthestreetbetweenthem.Theirbusinesswastofollowthefire,forthesurerexecution:asfastasthefireeitherforcedthepeopleoutofthosehouseswhichwereburning,orfrightenedthemoutofothers,ourpeoplewerereadyattheirdoorstoknockthemonthehead,stillcallingandhallooingonetoanothertorememberTomJeffry.Whilethiswasdoing,ImustconfessIwasveryuneasy,andespeciallywhenIsawtheflamesofthetown,which,itbeingnight,seemedtobeclosebyme.Mynephew,thecaptain,whowasrousedbyhismenseeingsuchafire,wasveryuneasy,notknowingwhatthematterwas,orwhatdangerIwasin,especiallyhearingthegunstoo,forbythistimetheybegantousetheirfirearms;athousandthoughtsoppressedhismindconcerningmeandthesupercargo,whatwouldbecomeofus;andatlast,thoughhecouldillspareanymoremen,yetnotknowingwhatexigencewemightbein,hetookanotherboat,andwiththirteenmenandhimselfcameashoretome.Hewassurprisedtoseemeandthesupercargointheboatwithnomorethantwomen;andthoughhewasgladthatwewerewell,yethewasinthesameimpatiencewithustoknowwhatwasdoing;forthenoisecontinued,andtheflameincreased;inshort,itwasnexttoanimpossibilityforanymenintheworldtorestraintheircuriositytoknowwhathadhappened,ortheirconcernforthesafetyofthemen:inaword,thecaptaintoldmehewouldgoandhelphismen,letwhatwouldcome.Iarguedwithhim,asIdidbeforewiththemen,thesafetyoftheship,thedangerofthevoyage,theinterestsoftheownersandmerchants,&c.,andtoldhimIandthetwomenwouldgo,andonlyseeifwecouldatadistancelearnwhatwaslikelytobetheevent,andcomebackandtellhim.Itwasinvaintotalktomynephew,asitwastotalktotherestbefore;hewouldgo,hesaid;andheonlywishedhehadleftbuttenmenintheship,forhecouldnotthinkofhavinghismenlostforwantofhelp:hehadratherlosetheship,thevoyage,andhislife,andall;andawayhewent.IwasnomoreabletostaybehindnowthanIwastopersuadethemnottogo;sothecaptainorderedtwomentorowbackthepinnace,andfetchtwelvemenmore,leavingthelong-boatatananchor;andthat,whentheycameback,sixmenshouldkeepthetwoboats,andsixmorecomeafterus;sothatheleftonlysixteenmenintheship:forthewholeship'scompanyconsistedofsixty-fivemen,whereoftwowerelostinthelatequarrelwhichbroughtthismischiefon.Beingnowonthemarch,wefeltlittleofthegroundwetrodon;andbeingguidedbythefire,wekeptnopath,butwentdirectlytotheplaceoftheflame.Ifthenoiseofthegunswassurprisingtousbefore,thecriesofthepoorpeoplewerenowquiteofanothernature,andfilleduswithhorror.ImustconfessIwasneveratthesackingacity,oratthetakingatownbystorm.IhadheardofOliverCromwelltakingDrogheda,inIreland,andkillingman,woman,andchild;andIhad
readofCountTillysackingthecityofMagdeburgandcuttingthethroatsoftwenty-twothousandofallsexes;butIneverhadanideaofthethingitselfbefore,norisitpossibletodescribeit,orthehorrorthatwasuponourmindsathearingit.However,wewenton,andatlengthcametothetown,thoughtherewasnoenteringthestreetsofitforthefire.Thefirstobjectwemetwithwastheruinsofahutorhouse,orrathertheashesofit,forthehousewasconsumed;andjustbeforeit,plainlynowtobeseenbythelightofthefire,layfourmenandthreewomen,killed,and,aswethought,oneortwomorelayintheheapamongthefire;inshort,thereweresuchinstancesofrage,altogetherbarbarous,andofafurysomethingbeyondwhatwashuman,thatwethoughtitimpossibleourmencouldbeguiltyofit;or,iftheyweretheauthorsofit,wethoughttheyoughttobeeveryoneofthemputtotheworstofdeaths.Butthiswasnotall:wesawthefireincreaseforward,andthecrywentonjustasthefirewenton;sothatwewereintheutmostconfusion.Weadvancedalittlewayfarther,andbehold,toourastonishment,threenakedwomen,andcryinginamostdreadfulmanner,cameflyingasiftheyhadwings,andafterthemsixteenorseventeenmen,natives,inthesameterrorandconsternation,withthreeofourEnglishbutchersintherear,who,whentheycouldnotovertakethem,firedinamongthem,andonethatwaskilledbytheirshotfelldowninoursight.Whentherestsawus,believingustobetheirenemies,andthatwewouldmurderthemaswellasthosethatpursuedthem,theysetupamostdreadfulshriek,especiallythewomen;andtwoofthemfelldown,asifalreadydead,withthefright.Myverysoulshrunkwithinme,andmybloodranchillinmyveins,whenIsawthis;and,Ibelieve,hadthethreeEnglishsailorsthatpursuedthemcomeon,Ihadmadeourmenkillthemall;however,wetooksomemeanstoletthepoorflyingcreaturesknowthatwewouldnothurtthem;andimmediatelytheycameuptous,andkneelingdown,withtheirhandsliftedup,madepiteouslamentationtoustosavethem,whichweletthemknowwewould:whereupontheycreptalltogetherinahuddleclosebehindus,asforprotection.Ileftmymendrawnuptogether,and,chargingthemtohurtnobody,but,ifpossible,togetatsomeofourpeople,andseewhatdevilitwaspossessedthem,andwhattheyintendedtodo,andtocommandthemoff;assuringthemthatiftheystayedtilldaylighttheywouldhaveahundredthousandmenabouttheirears:IsayIleftthem,andwentamongthoseflyingpeople,takingonlytwoofourmenwithme;andtherewas,indeed,apiteousspectacleamongthem.Someofthemhadtheirfeetterriblyburnedwithtramplingandrunningthroughthefire;otherstheirhandsburned;oneofthewomenhadfallendowninthefire,andwasverymuchburnedbeforeshecouldgetoutagain;andtwoorthreeofthemenhadcutsintheirbacksandthighs,fromourmenpursuing;andanotherwasshotthroughthebodyanddiedwhileIwasthere.Iwouldfainhavelearnedwhattheoccasionofallthiswas;butIcouldnotunderstandonewordtheysaid;though,bysigns,Iperceivedsomeofthemknewnotwhatwastheoccasionthemselves.IwassoterrifiedinmythoughtsatthisoutrageousattemptthatIcouldnotstaythere,butwentbacktomyownmen,andresolvedtogointothemiddleofthetown,throughthefire,orwhatevermightbeintheway,andputanendtoit,costwhatitwould;accordingly,asIcamebacktomymen,Itoldthemmy
resolution,andcommandedthemtofollowme,when,attheverymoment,camefourofourmen,withtheboatswainattheirhead,rovingoverheapsofbodiestheyhadkilled,allcoveredwithbloodanddust,asiftheywantedmorepeopletomassacre,whenourmenhallooedtothemasloudastheycouldhalloo;andwithmuchadooneofthemmadethemhear,sothattheyknewwhowewere,andcameuptous.Assoonastheboatswainsawus,hesetupahalloolikeashoutoftriumph,forhaving,ashethought,morehelpcome;andwithoutwaitingtohearme,"Captain,"sayshe,"noblecaptain!Iamgladyouarecome;wehavenothalfdoneyet.Villainoushell-hounddogs!I'llkillasmanyofthemaspoorTomhashairsuponhishead:wehavesworntosparenoneofthem;we'llrootouttheverynationofthemfromtheearth;"andthusheranon,outofbreath,too,withaction,andwouldnotgiveusleavetospeakaword.Atlast,raisingmyvoicethatImightsilencehimalittle,"Barbarousdog!"saidI,"whatareyoudoing!Iwon'thaveonecreaturetouchedmore,uponpainofdeath;Ichargeyou,uponyourlife,tostopyourhands,andstandstillhere,oryouareadeadmanthisminute."-"Why,sir,"sayshe,"doyouknowwhatyoudo,orwhattheyhavedone?Ifyouwantareasonforwhatwehavedone,comehither;"andwiththatheshowedmethepoorfellowhanging,withhisthroatcut.IconfessIwasurgedthenmyself,andatanothertimewouldhavebeenforwardenough;butIthoughttheyhadcarriedtheirragetoofar,andrememberedJacob'swordstohissonsSimeonandLevi:"Cursedbetheiranger,foritwasfierce;andtheirwrath,foritwascruel."ButIhadnowanewtaskuponmyhands;forwhenthemenIhadcarriedwithmesawthesight,asIhaddone,IhadasmuchtodotorestrainthemasIshouldhavehadwiththeothers;nay,mynephewhimselffellinwiththem,andtoldme,intheirhearing,thathewasonlyconcernedforfearofthemenbeingoverpowered;andastothepeople,hethoughtnotoneofthemoughttolive;fortheyhadallgluttedthemselveswiththemurderofthepoorman,andthattheyoughttobeusedlikemurderers.Uponthesewords,awayraneightofmymen,withtheboatswainandhiscrew,tocompletetheirbloodywork;andI,seeingitquiteoutofmypowertorestrainthem,cameawaypensiveandsad;forIcouldnotbearthesight,muchlessthehorriblenoiseandcriesofthepoorwretchesthatfellintotheirhands.Igotnobodytocomebackwithmebutthesupercargoandtwomen,andwiththesewalkedbacktotheboat.Itwasaverygreatpieceoffollyinme,Iconfess,toventureback,asitwere,alone;forasitbegannowtobealmostday,andthealarmhadrunoverthecountry,therestoodaboutfortymenarmedwithlancesandboughsatthelittleplacewherethetwelveorthirteenhousesstood,mentionedbefore:butbyaccidentImissedtheplace,andcamedirectlytotheseaside,andbythetimeIgottotheseasideitwasbroadday:immediatelyItookthepinnaceandwentonboard,andsentherbacktoassistthemeninwhatmighthappen.Iobserved,aboutthetimethatIcametotheboat-side,thatthefirewasprettywellout,andthenoiseabated;butinabouthalf-an-hourafterIgotonboard,Iheardavolleyofourmen'sfirearms,andsawagreatsmoke.This,asIunderstoodafterwards,wasourmenfallinguponthemen,who,asIsaid,stoodatthefewhousesontheway,ofwhomtheykilledsixteenorseventeen,andsetallthehousesonfire,butdidnotmeddlewiththewomenorchildren.Bythetimethemengottotheshore
againwiththepinnaceourmenbegantoappear;theycamedroppingin,notintwobodiesastheywent,butstragglinghereandthereinsuchamanner,thatasmallforceofresolutemenmighthavecutthemalloff.Butthedreadofthemwasuponthewholecountry;andthemenweresurprised,andsofrightened,thatIbelieveahundredofthemwouldhavefledatthesightofbutfiveofourmen.Norinallthisterribleactionwasthereamanthatmadeanyconsiderabledefence:theyweresosurprisedbetweentheterrorofthefireandthesuddenattackofourmeninthedark,thattheyknewnotwhichwaytoturnthemselves;foriftheyfledonewaytheyweremetbyoneparty,ifbackagainbyanother,sothattheywereeverywhereknockeddown;nordidanyofourmenreceivetheleasthurt,exceptonethatsprainedhisfoot,andanotherthathadoneofhishandsburned.CHAPTERX-HEISLEFTONSHOREIWASveryangrywithmynephew,thecaptain,andindeedwithallthemen,butwithhiminparticular,aswellforhisactingsooutofhisdutyasacommanderoftheship,andhavingthechargeofthevoyageuponhim,asinhisprompting,ratherthancooling,therageofhisblindmeninsobloodyandcruelanenterprise.Mynephewansweredmeveryrespectfully,buttoldmethatwhenhesawthebodyofthepoorseamanwhomtheyhadmurderedinsocruelandbarbarousamanner,hewasnotmasterofhimself,neithercouldhegovernhispassion;heownedheshouldnothavedoneso,ashewascommanderoftheship;butashewasaman,andnaturemovedhim,hecouldnotbearit.Asfortherestofthemen,theywerenotsubjecttomeatall,andtheyknewitwellenough;sotheytooknonoticeofmydislike.Thenextdaywesetsail,soweneverheardanymoreofit.Ourmendifferedintheaccountofthenumbertheyhadkilled;butaccordingtothebestoftheiraccounts,putalltogether,theykilledordestroyedaboutonehundredandfiftypeople,men,women,andchildren,andleftnotahousestandinginthetown.AsforthepoorfellowTomJeffry,ashewasquitedead(forhisthroatwassocutthathisheadwashalfoff),itwoulddohimnoservicetobringhimaway;sotheyonlytookhimdownfromthetree,wherehewashangingbyonehand.Howeverjustourmenthoughtthisaction,Iwasagainsttheminit,andIalways,afterthattime,toldthemGodwouldblastthevoyage;forIlookeduponallthebloodtheyshedthatnighttobemurderinthem.ForthoughitistruethattheyhadkilledTomJeffry,yetJeffrywastheaggressor,hadbrokenthetruce,andhadill-usedayoungwomanoftheirs,whocamedowntotheminnocently,andonthefaithofthepubliccapitulation.Theboatswaindefendedthisquarrelwhenwewereafterwardsonboard.Hesaiditwastruethatweseemedtobreakthetruce,butreallyhadnot;andthatthewarwasbegunthenightbeforebythenativesthemselves,whohadshotatus,andkilledoneofourmenwithoutanyjustprovocation;sothataswewereinacapacitytofightthemnow,wemightalsobeinacapacitytodoourselvesjusticeupontheminanextraordinarymanner;thatthoughthepoormanhadtakenalittlelibertywiththegirl,heoughtnottohavebeenmurdered,andthatinsuchavillainousmanner:andthattheydidnothingbutwhatwasjustandwhatthelawsofGodallowedtobedonetomurderers.Onewouldthinkthisshouldhavebeenenoughtohavewarnedusagainstgoingonshoreamongsttheheathensandbarbarians;butitisimpossibletomakemankindwisebutattheirown
expense,andtheirexperienceseemstobealwaysofmostusetothemwhenitisdearestbought.WewerenowboundtotheGulfofPersia,andfromthencetothecoastofCoromandel,onlytotouchatSurat;butthechiefofthesupercargo'sdesignlayattheBayofBengal,where,ifhemissedhisbusinessoutward-bound,hewastogoouttoChina,andreturntothecoastashecamehome.ThefirstdisasterthatbefelluswasintheGulfofPersia,wherefiveofourmen,venturingonshoreontheArabiansideofthegulf,weresurroundedbytheArabians,andeitherallkilledorcarriedawayintoslavery;therestoftheboat'screwwerenotabletorescuethem,andhadbutjusttimetogetofftheirboat.IbegantoupbraidthemwiththejustretributionofHeaveninthiscase;buttheboatswainverywarmlytoldme,hethoughtIwentfurtherinmycensuresthanIcouldshowanywarrantforinScripture;andreferredtoLukexiii.4,whereourSaviourintimatesthatthosemenonwhomtheTowerofSiloamfellwerenotsinnersabovealltheGalileans;butthatwhichputmetosilenceinthecasewas,thatnotoneofthesefivemenwhowerenowlostwereofthosewhowentonshoretothemassacreofMadagascar,soIalwayscalledit,thoughourmencouldnotbeartohearthewordMASSACREwithanypatience.ButmyfrequentpreachingtothemonthissubjecthadworseconsequencesthanIexpected;andtheboatswain,whohadbeentheheadoftheattempt,cameupboldlytomeonetime,andtoldmehefoundthatIbroughtthataffaircontinuallyuponthestage;thatImadeunjustreflectionsuponit,andhadusedthemenveryillonthataccount,andhimselfinparticular;thatasIwasbutapassenger,andhadnocommandintheship,orconcerninthevoyage,theywerenotobligedtobearit;thattheydidnotknowbutImighthavesomeill-designinmyhead,andperhapstocallthemtoanaccountforitwhentheycametoEngland;andthat,therefore,unlessIwouldresolvetohavedonewithit,andalsonottoconcernmyselfanyfurtherwithhim,oranyofhisaffairs,hewouldleavetheship;forhedidnotthinkitsafetosailwithmeamongthem.Iheardhimpatientlyenoughtillhehaddone,andthentoldhimthatIconfessedIhadallalongopposedthemassacreofMadagascar,andthatIhad,onalloccasions,spokenmymindfreelyaboutit,thoughnotmoreuponhimthananyoftherest;thatastohavingnocommandintheship,thatwastrue;nordidIexerciseanyauthority,onlytookthelibertyofspeakingmymindinthingswhichpubliclyconcernedusall;andwhatconcernIhadinthevoyagewasnoneofhisbusiness;thatIwasaconsiderableownerintheship.InthatclaimIconceivedIhadarighttospeakevenfurtherthanIhaddone,andwouldnotbeaccountabletohimoranyoneelse,andbegantobealittlewarmwithhim.Hemadebutlittlereplytomeatthattime,andIthoughttheaffairhadbeenover.WewereatthistimeintheroadatBengal;andbeingwillingtoseetheplace,Iwentonshorewiththesupercargointheship'sboattodivertmyself;andtowardseveningwaspreparingtogoonboard,whenoneofthemencametome,andtoldmehewouldnothavemetroublemyselftocomedowntotheboat,fortheyhadordersnottocarrymeonboardanymore.AnyonemayguesswhatasurpriseIwasinatsoinsolentamessage;andIaskedthemanwhobadehimdeliverthatmessagetome?Hetoldmethecoxswain.Iimmediatelyfoundoutthesupercargo,andtoldhimthestory,addingthatIforesawtherewouldbeamutinyintheship;and
entreatedhimtogoimmediatelyonboardandacquaintthecaptainofit.ButImighthavesparedthisintelligence,forbeforeIhadspokentohimonshorethematterwaseffectedonboard.Theboatswain,thegunner,thecarpenter,andalltheinferiorofficers,assoonasIwasgoneoffintheboat,cameup,anddesiredtospeakwiththecaptain;andthentheboatswain,makingalongharangue,andrepeatingallhehadsaidtome,toldthecaptainthatasIwasnowgonepeaceablyonshore,theywereloathtouseanyviolencewithme,which,ifIhadnotgoneonshore,theywouldotherwisehavedone,toobligemetohavegone.Theythereforethoughtfittotellhimthatastheyshippedthemselvestoserveintheshipunderhiscommand,theywouldperformitwellandfaithfully;butifIwouldnotquittheship,orthecaptainobligemetoquitit,theywouldallleavetheship,andsailnofurtherwithhim;andatthatwordALLheturnedhisfacetowardsthemain-mast,whichwas,itseems,asignalagreedon,whentheseamen,beinggottogetherthere,criedout,"ONEANDALL!ONEANDALL!"Mynephew,thecaptain,wasamanofspirit,andofgreatpresenceofmind;andthoughhewassurprised,yethetoldthemcalmlythathewouldconsiderofthematter,butthathecoulddonothinginittillhehadspokentomeaboutit.Heusedsomeargumentswiththem,toshowthemtheunreasonablenessandinjusticeofthething,butitwasallinvain;theyswore,andshookhandsroundbeforehisface,thattheywouldallgoonshoreunlesshewouldengagetothemnottosuffermetocomeanymoreonboardtheship.Thiswasahardarticleuponhim,whoknewhisobligationtome,anddidnotknowhowImighttakeit.Sohebegantotalksmartlytothem;toldthemthatIwasaveryconsiderableowneroftheship,andthatifevertheycametoEnglandagainitwouldcostthemverydear;thattheshipwasmine,andthathecouldnotputmeoutofit;andthathewouldratherlosetheship,andthevoyagetoo,thandisobligemesomuch:sotheymightdoastheypleased.However,hewouldgoonshoreandtalkwithme,andinvitedtheboatswaintogowithhim,andperhapstheymightaccommodatethematterwithme.Buttheyallrejectedtheproposal,andsaidtheywouldhavenothingtodowithmeanymore;andifIcameonboardtheywouldallgoonshore."Well,"saidthecaptain,"ifyouareallofthismind,letmegoonshoreandtalkwithhim."Soawayhecametomewiththisaccount,alittleafterthemessagehadbeenbroughttomefromthecoxswain.Iwasverygladtoseemynephew,Imustconfess;forIwasnotwithoutapprehensionsthattheywouldconfinehimbyviolence,setsail,andrunawaywiththeship;andthenIhadbeenstrippednakedinaremotecountry,havingnothingtohelpmyself;inshort,IhadbeeninaworsecasethanwhenIwasaloneintheisland.Buttheyhadnotcometothatlength,itseems,tomysatisfaction;andwhenmynephewtoldmewhattheyhadsaidtohim,andhowtheyhadswornandshookhandsthattheywould,oneandall,leavetheshipifIwassufferedtocomeonboard,Itoldhimheshouldnotbeconcernedatitatall,forIwouldstayonshore.Ionlydesiredhewouldtakecareandsendmeallmynecessarythingsonshore,andleavemeasufficientsumofmoney,andIwouldfindmywaytoEnglandaswellasIcould.Thiswasaheavypieceofnewstomynephew,buttherewasnowaytohelpitbuttocomply;so,inshort,hewentonboardtheshipagain,andsatisfiedthementhathisunclehadyieldedtotheirimportunity,andhad
sentforhisgoodsfromonboardtheship;sothatthematterwasoverinafewhours,themenreturnedtotheirduty,andIbegantoconsiderwhatcourseIshouldsteer.Iwasnowaloneinamostremotepartoftheworld,forIwasnearthreethousandleaguesbyseafartherofffromEnglandthanIwasatmyisland;only,itistrue,ImighttravelherebylandovertheGreatMogul'scountrytoSurat,mightgofromthencetoBassorabysea,uptheGulfofPersia,andtakethewayofthecaravans,overthedesertofArabia,toAleppoandScanderoon;fromthencebyseaagaintoItaly,andsooverlandintoFrance.Ihadanotherwaybeforeme,whichwastowaitforsomeEnglishships,whichwerecomingtoBengalfromAchin,ontheislandofSumatra,andgetpassageonboardthemfromEngland.ButasIcamehitherwithoutanyconcernwiththeEastIndianCompany,soitwouldbedifficulttogofromhencewithouttheirlicence,unlesswithgreatfavourofthecaptainsoftheships,orthecompany'sfactors:andtobothIwasanutterstranger.HereIhadthemortificationtoseetheshipsetsailwithoutme;however,mynephewleftmetwoservants,orratheronecompanionandoneservant;thefirstwasclerktothepurser,whomheengagedtogowithme,andtheotherwashisownservant.IthentookagoodlodginginthehouseofanEnglishwoman,whereseveralmerchantslodged,someFrench,twoItalians,orratherJews,andoneEnglishman.HereIstayedaboveninemonths,consideringwhatcoursetotake.IhadsomeEnglishgoodswithmeofvalue,andaconsiderablesumofmoney;mynephewfurnishingmewithathousandpiecesofeight,andaletterofcreditformoreifIhadoccasion,thatImightnotbestraitened,whatevermighthappen.Iquicklydisposedofmygoodstoadvantage;and,asIoriginallyintended,Iboughtheresomeverygooddiamonds,which,ofallotherthings,werethemostproperformeinmypresentcircumstances,becauseIcouldalwayscarrymywholeestateaboutme.DuringmystayheremanyproposalsweremadeformyreturntoEngland,butnonefallingouttomymind,theEnglishmerchantwholodgedwithme,andwhomIhadcontractedanintimateacquaintancewith,cametomeonemorning,saying:"Countryman,Ihaveaprojecttocommunicate,which,asitsuitswithmythoughts,may,foraughtIknow,suitwithyoursalso,whenyoushallhavethoroughlyconsideredit.Hereweareposted,youbyaccidentandIbymyownchoice,inapartoftheworldveryremotefromourowncountry;butitisinacountrywhere,byuswhounderstandtradeandbusiness,agreatdealofmoneyistobegot.Ifyouwillputonethousandpoundstomyonethousandpounds,wewillhireashiphere,thefirstwecangettoourminds.Youshallbecaptain,I'llbemerchant,andwe'llgoatradingvoyagetoChina;forwhatshouldwestandstillfor?Thewholeworldisinmotion;whyshouldwebeidle?"Ilikedthisproposalverywell;andthemoresobecauseitseemedtobeexpressedwithsomuchgoodwill.Inmyloose,unhingedcircumstances,Iwasthefittertoembraceaproposalfortrade,orindeedanythingelse.Imightperhapssaywithsometruth,thatiftradewasnotmyelement,ramblingwas;andnoproposalforseeinganypartoftheworldwhichIhadneverseenbeforecouldpossiblycomeamisstome.Itwas,however,sometimebeforewecouldgetashiptoourminds,andwhenwehadgotavessel,itwasnoteasytogetEnglishsailors-thatistosay,somanyaswerenecessaryto
governthevoyageandmanagethesailorswhichweshouldpickupthere.Aftersometimewegotamate,aboatswain,andagunner,English;aDutchcarpenter,andthreeforemastmen.Withthesewefoundwecoulddowellenough,havingIndianseamen,suchastheywere,tomakeup.WhenallwasreadywesetsailforAchin,intheislandofSumatra,andfromthencetoSiam,whereweexchangedsomeofourwaresforopiumandsomearrack;thefirstacommoditywhichbearsagreatpriceamongtheChinese,andwhichatthattimewasmuchwantedthere.ThenwewentuptoSaskan,wereeightmonthsout,andonourreturntoBengalIwasverywellsatisfiedwithmyadventure.OurpeopleinEnglandoftenadmirehowofficers,whichthecompanysendintoIndia,andthemerchantswhichgenerallystaythere,getsuchverygreatestatesastheydo,andsometimescomehomeworthsixtyorseventythousandpoundsatatime;butitislittlematterforwonder,whenweconsidertheinnumerableportsandplaceswheretheyhaveafreecommerce;indeed,attheportswheretheEnglishshipscomethereissuchgreatandconstantdemandsforthegrowthofallothercountries,thatthereisacertainventforthereturns,aswellasamarketabroadforthegoodscarriedout.Igotsomuchmoneybymyfirstadventure,andsuchaninsightintothemethodofgettingmore,thathadIbeentwentyyearsyounger,Ishouldhavebeentemptedtohavestayedhere,andsoughtnofartherformakingmyfortune;butwhatwasallthistoamanupwardsofthreescore,thatwasrichenough,andcameabroadmoreinobediencetoarestlessdesireofseeingtheworldthanacovetousdesireofgainingbyit?Arestlessdesireitreallywas,forwhenIwasathomeIwasrestlesstogoabroad;andwhenIwasabroadIwasrestlesstobeathome.Isay,whatwasthisgaintome?Iwasrichenoughalready,norhadIanyuneasydesiresaboutgettingmoremoney;thereforetheprofitofthevoyagetomewasofnogreatforceforthepromptingmeforwardtofurtherundertakings.Hence,IthoughtthatbythisvoyageIhadmadenoprogressatall,becauseIwascomeback,asImightcallit,totheplacefromwhenceIcame,astoahome:whereas,myeye,likethatwhichSolomonspeaksof,wasneversatisfiedwithseeing.IwascomeintoapartoftheworldwhichIwasneverinbefore,andthatpart,inparticular,whichIheardmuchof,andwasresolvedtoseeasmuchofitasIcould:andthenIthoughtImightsayIhadseenalltheworldthatwasworthseeing.Butmyfellow-travellerandIhaddifferentnotions:Iacknowledgehiswerethemoresuitedtotheendofamerchant'slife:who,whenheisabroaduponadventures,iswisetosticktothat,asthebestthingforhim,whichheislikelytogetthemostmoneyby.Ontheotherhand,minewasthenotionofamad,ramblingboy,thatnevercarestoseeathingtwiceover.Butthiswasnotall:Ihadakindofimpatienceuponmetobenearerhome,andyetanunsettledresolutionwhichwaytogo.Intheintervaloftheseconsultations,myfriend,whowasalwaysuponthesearchforbusiness,proposedanothervoyageamongtheSpiceIslands,tobringhomealoadingofclovesfromtheManillas,orthereabouts.Wewerenotlonginpreparingforthisvoyage;thechiefdifficultywasinbringingmetocomeintoit.However,atlast,nothingelseoffering,andassittingstill,tomeespecially,wastheunhappiestpartoflife,Iresolvedonthisvoyagetoo,whichwemadeverysuccessfully,touchingatBorneoandseveralotherislands,andcamehomeinaboutfivemonths,whenwe
soldourspices,withverygreatprofit,tothePersianmerchants,whocarriedthemawaytotheGulf.Myfriend,whenwemadeupthisaccount,smiledatme:"Well,now,"saidhe,withasortoffriendlyrebukeonmyindolenttemper,"isnotthisbetterthanwalkingabouthere,likeamanwithnothingtodo,andspendingourtimeinstaringatthenonsenseandignoranceofthePagans?"-"Why,truly,"saidI,"myfriend,Ithinkitis,andIbegintobeaconverttotheprinciplesofmerchandising;butImusttellyou,bytheway,youdonotknowwhatIamdoing;forifIonceconquermybackwardness,andembarkheartily,oldasIam,IshallharassyouupanddowntheworldtillItireyou;forIshallpursueitsoeagerly,Ishallneverletyouliestill."CHAPTERXI-WARNEDOFDANGERBYACOUNTRYMANALITTLEwhileafterthistherecameinaDutchshipfromBatavia;shewasacoaster,notanEuropeantrader,ofabouttwohundredtonsburden;themen,astheypretended,havingbeensosicklythatthecaptainhadnothandsenoughtogotoseawith,sohelaybyatBengal;andhaving,itseems,gotmoneyenough,orbeingwilling,forotherreasons,togoforEurope,hegavepublicnoticehewouldsellhisship.Thiscametomyearsbeforemynewpartnerheardofit,andIhadagreatmindtobuyit;soIwenttohimandtoldhimofit.Heconsideredawhile,forhewasnorashmanneither;andatlastreplied,"Sheisalittletoobig-however,wewillhaveher."Accordingly,weboughttheship,andagreeingwiththemaster,wepaidforher,andtookpossession.Whenwehaddonesoweresolvedtoengagethemen,ifwecould,tojoinwiththosewehad,forthepursuingourbusiness;but,onasudden,theyhavingreceivednottheirwages,buttheirshareofthemoney,asweafterwardslearned,notoneofthemwastobefound;weinquiredmuchaboutthem,andatlengthweretoldthattheywereallgonetogetherbylandtoAgra,thegreatcityoftheMogul'sresidence,toproceedfromthencetoSurat,andthengobyseatotheGulfofPersia.NothinghadsomuchtroubledmeagoodwhileasthatIshouldmisstheopportunityofgoingwiththem;forsucharamble,Ithought,andinsuchcompanyaswouldbothhaveguardedanddivertedme,wouldhavesuitedmightilywithmygreatdesign;andIshouldhavebothseentheworldandgonehomewardtoo.ButIwasmuchbettersatisfiedafewdaysafter,whenIcametoknowwhatsortoffellowstheywere;for,inshort,theirhistorywas,thatthismantheycalledcaptainwasthegunneronly,notthecommander;thattheyhadbeenatradingvoyage,inwhichtheyhadbeenattackedonshorebysomeoftheMalays,whohadkilledthecaptainandthreeofhismen;andthatafterthecaptainwaskilled,thesemen,eleveninnumber,havingresolvedtorunawaywiththeship,broughthertoBengal,leavingthemateandfivemenmoreonshore.Well,letthemgettheshiphowtheywould,wecamehonestlybyher,aswethought,thoughwedidnot,Iconfess,examineintothingssoexactlyasweought;forweneverinquiredanythingoftheseamen,whowouldcertainlyhavefalteredintheiraccount,andcontradictedoneanother.Somehoworotherweshouldhavehadreasontohavesuspected,them;butthemanshowedusabillofsalefortheship,tooneEmanuelClostershoven,orsomesuchname,forIsupposeitwasallaforgery,andcalledhimselfbythatname,andwecouldnotcontradicthim:andwithal,havingnosuspicionofthething,wewentthroughwithourbargain.Wepickedupsomemore
Englishsailorshereafterthis,andsomeDutch,andnowweresolvedonasecondvoyagetothesouth-eastforcloves,&c.-thatistosay,amongthePhilippineandMalaccaisles.Inshort,nottofillupthispartofmystorywithtrifleswhenwhatistocomeissoremarkable,Ispent,fromfirsttolast,sixyearsinthiscountry,tradingfromporttoport,backwardandforward,andwithverygoodsuccess,andwasnowthelastyearwithmynewpartner,goingintheshipabovementioned,onavoyagetoChina,butdesigningfirsttogotoSiamtobuyrice.Inthisvoyage,beingbycontrarywindsobligedtobeatupanddownagreatwhileintheStraitsofMalaccaandamongtheislands,wewerenosoonergotclearofthosedifficultseasthanwefoundourshiphadsprungaleak,butcouldnotdiscoverwhereitwas.Thisforcedustomakesomeport;andmypartner,whoknewthecountrybetterthanIdid,directedthecaptaintoputintotheriverofCambodia;forIhadmadetheEnglishmate,oneMr.Thompson,captain,notbeingwillingtotakethechargeoftheshipuponmyself.ThisriverliesonthenorthsideofthegreatbayorgulfwhichgoesuptoSiam.Whilewewerehere,andgoingoftenonshoreforrefreshment,therecomestomeonedayanEnglishman,agunner'smateonboardanEnglishEastIndiaship,thenridinginthesameriver."Sir,"sayshe,addressingme,"youareastrangertome,andItoyou;butIhavesomethingtotellyouthatverynearlyconcernsyou.Iammovedbytheimminentdangeryouarein,and,foraughtIsee,youhavenoknowledgeofit."-"IknownodangerIamin,"saidI,"butthatmyshipisleaky,andIcannotfinditout;butIintendtolayheragroundto-morrow,toseeifIcanfindit."-"But,sir,"sayshe,"leakyornotleaky,youwillbewiserthantolayyourshiponshoreto-morrowwhenyouhearwhatIhavetosaytoyou.Doyouknow,sir,"saidhe,"thetownofCambodialiesaboutfifteenleaguesuptheriver;andtherearetwolargeEnglishshipsaboutfiveleaguesonthisside,andthreeDutch?"-"Well,"saidI,"andwhatisthattome?"-"Why,sir,"saidbe,"isitforamanthatisuponsuchadventuresasyouaretocomeintoaport,andnotexaminefirstwhatshipstherearethere,andwhetherheisabletodealwiththem?Isupposeyoudonotthinkyouareamatchforthem?"Icouldnotconceivewhathemeant;andIturnedshortuponhim,andsaid:"Iwishyouwouldexplainyourself;IcannotimaginewhatreasonIhavetobeafraidofanyofthecompany'sships,orDutchships.Iamnointerloper.Whatcantheyhavetosaytome?"-"Well,sir,"sayshe,withasmile,"ifyouthinkyourselfsecureyoumusttakeyourchance;buttakemyadvice,ifyoudonotputtoseaimmediately,youwilltheverynexttidebeattackedbyfivelongboatsfullofmen,andperhapsifyouaretakenyouwillbehangedforapirate,andtheparticularsbeexaminedafterwards.Ithought,sir,"addedhe,"Ishouldhavemetwithabetterreceptionthanthisfordoingyouapieceofserviceofsuchimportance."-"Icanneverbeungrateful,"saidI,"foranyservice,ortoanymanthatoffersmeanykindness;butitispastmycomprehensionwhattheyshouldhavesuchadesignuponmefor:however,sinceyousaythereisnotimetobelost,andthatthereissomevillainousdesignonhandagainstme,Iwillgoonboardthisminute,andputtoseaimmediately,ifmymencanstoptheleak;but,sir,"saidI,"shallIgoawayignorantofthecauseofallthis?Canyougivemenofurtherlightintoit?""Icantellyoubutpartofthestory,sir,"sayshe;"butIhavea
Dutchseamanherewithme,andIbelieveIcouldpersuadehimtotellyoutherest;butthereisscarcetimeforit.Buttheshortofthestoryisthis-thefirstpartofwhichIsupposeyouknowwellenough-thatyouwerewiththisshipatSumatra;thatthereyourcaptainwasmurderedbytheMalays,withthreeofhismen;andthatyou,orsomeofthosethatwereonboardwithyou,ranawaywiththeship,andaresinceturnedpirates.Thisisthesumofthestory,andyouwillallbeseizedaspirates,Icanassureyou,andexecutedwithverylittleceremony;foryouknowmerchantshipsshowbutlittlelawtopiratesiftheygetthemintotheirpower."-"NowyouspeakplainEnglish,"saidI,"andIthankyou;andthoughIknownothingthatwehavedonelikewhatyoutalkof,forIamsurewecamehonestlyandfairlybytheship;yetseeingsuchaworkisdoing,asyousay,andthatyouseemtomeanhonestly,Iwillbeuponmyguard."-"Nay,sir,"sayshe,"donottalkofbeinguponyourguard;thebestdefenceistobeoutofdanger.Ifyouhaveanyregardforyourlifeandthelivesofallyourmen,puttoseawithoutfailathigh-water;andasyouhaveawholetidebeforeyou,youwillbegonetoofaroutbeforetheycancomedown;fortheywillcomeawayathigh-water,andastheyhavetwentymilestocome,youwillgetneartwohoursofthembythedifferenceofthetide,notreckoningthelengthoftheway:besides,astheyareonlyboats,andnotships,theywillnotventuretofollowyoufarouttosea,especiallyifitblows."-"Well,"saidI,"youhavebeenverykindinthis:whatshallIdotomakeyouamends?"-"Sir,"sayshe,"youmaynotbewillingtomakemeanyamends,becauseyoumaynotbeconvincedofthetruthofit.Iwillmakeanoffertoyou:Ihavenineteenmonths'payduetomeonboardtheship-,whichIcameoutofEnglandin;andtheDutchmanthatiswithmehassevenmonths'payduetohim.Ifyouwillmakegoodourpaytouswewillgoalongwithyou;ifyoufindnothingmoreinitwewilldesirenomore;butifwedoconvinceyouthatwehavesavedyourlives,andtheship,andthelivesofallthemeninher,wewillleavetheresttoyou."Iconsentedtothisreadily,andwentimmediatelyonboard,andthetwomenwithme.AssoonasIcametotheship'sside,mypartner,whowasonboard,cameoutonthequarter-deck,andcalledtome,withagreatdealofjoy,"Wehavestoppedtheleak-wehavestoppedtheleak!"-"Sayyouso?"saidI;"thankGod;butweighanchor,then,immediately."-"Weigh!"sayshe;"whatdoyoumeanbythat?Whatisthematter?"-"Asknoquestions,"saidI;"butsetallhandstowork,andweighwithoutlosingaminute."Hewassurprised;however,hecalledthecaptain,andheimmediatelyorderedtheanchortobegotup;andthoughthetidewasnotquitedown,yetalittleland-breezeblowing,westoodouttosea.ThenIcalledhimintothecabin,andtoldhimthestory;andwecalledinthemen,andtheytoldustherestofit;butasittookupagreatdealoftime,beforewehaddoneaseamancomestothecabindoor,andcalledouttousthatthecaptainbadehimtelluswewerechasedbyfivesloops,orboats,fullofmen."Verywell,"saidI,"thenitisapparentthereissomethinginit."Ithenorderedallourmentobecalledup,andtoldthemtherewasadesigntoseizetheship,andtakeusforpirates,andaskedthemiftheywouldstandbyus,andbyoneanother;themenansweredcheerfully,oneandall,thattheywouldliveanddiewithus.ThenIaskedthecaptainwhatwayhethoughtbestforustomanagea
fightwiththem;forresistthemIwasresolvedwewould,andthattothelastdrop.Hesaidreadily,thatthewaywastokeepthemoffwithourgreatshotaslongaswecould,andthentouseoursmallarms,tokeepthemfromboardingus;butwhenneitherofthesewoulddoanylonger,wewouldretiretoourclosequarters,forperhapstheyhadnotmaterialstobreakopenourbulkheads,orgetinuponus.Thegunnerhadinthemeantimeorderstobringtwoguns,tobearforeandaft,outofthesteerage,toclearthedeck,andloadthemwithmusket-bullets,andsmallpiecesofoldiron,andwhatcamenexttohand.Thuswemadereadyforfight;butallthiswhilewekeptouttosea,withwindenough,andcouldseetheboatsatadistance,beingfivelargelongboats,followinguswithallthesailtheycouldmake.Twoofthoseboats(whichbyourglasseswecouldseewereEnglish)outsailedtherest,wereneartwoleaguesaheadofthem,andgaineduponusconsiderably,sothatwefoundtheywouldcomeupwithus;uponwhichwefiredagunwithoutball,tointimatethattheyshouldbringto:andweputoutaflagoftruce,asasignalforparley:buttheycamecrowdingafterustillwithinshot,whenwetookinourwhiteflag,theyhavingmadenoanswertoit,andhungoutaredflag,andfiredatthemwithashot.Notwithstandingthis,theycameontilltheywerenearenoughtocalltothemwithaspeaking-trumpet,biddingthemkeepoffattheirperil.Itwasallone;theycrowdedafterus,andendeavouredtocomeunderourstern,soastoboardusonourquarter;uponwhich,seeingtheywereresoluteformischief,anddependeduponthestrengththatfollowedthem,Iorderedtobringtheshipto,sothattheylayuponourbroadside;whenimmediatelywefiredfivegunsatthem,oneofwhichhadbeenlevelledsotrueastocarryawaythesternofthehindermostboat,andwethenforcedthemtotakedowntheirsail,andtorunalltotheheadoftheboat,tokeepherfromsinking;soshelayby,andhadenoughofit;butseeingtheforemostboatcrowdonafterus,wemadereadytofireatherinparticular.Whilethiswasdoingoneofthethreeboatsthatfollowedmadeuptotheboatwhichwehaddisabled,torelieveher,andwecouldseehertakeoutthemen.Wethencalledagaintotheforemostboat,andofferedatruce,toparleyagain,andtoknowwhatherbusinesswaswithus;buthadnoanswer,onlyshecrowdedcloseunderourstern.Uponthis,ourgunnerwhowasaverydexterousfellowranouthistwocase-guns,andfiredagainather,buttheshotmissing,themenintheboatshouted,wavedtheircaps,andcameon.Thegunner,gettingquicklyreadyagain,firedamongthemasecondtime,oneshotofwhich,thoughitmissedtheboatitself,yetfellinamongthemen,andwecouldeasilyseedidagreatdealofmischiefamongthem.Wenowworetheshipagain,andbroughtourquartertobearuponthem,andfiringthreegunsmore,wefoundtheboatwasalmostsplittopieces;inparticular,herrudderandapieceofhersternwereshotquiteaway;sotheyhandedhersailimmediately,andwereingreatdisorder.Tocompletetheirmisfortune,ourgunnerletflytwogunsatthemagain;wherehehitthemwecouldnottell,butwefoundtheboatwassinking,andsomeofthemenalreadyinthewater:uponthis,Iimmediatelymannedoutourpinnace,withorderstopickupsomeofthemeniftheycould,andsavethemfromdrowning,andimmediatelycomeonboardshipwiththem,becausewesawtherestoftheboatsbegantocomeup.Ourmeninthepinnacefollowedtheirorders,andtookupthree
men,oneofwhomwasjustdrowning,anditwasagoodwhilebeforewecouldrecoverhim.Assoonastheywereonboardwecrowdedallthesailwecouldmake,andstoodfartherouttothesea;andwefoundthatwhentheotherboatscameuptothefirst,theygaveovertheirchase.Beingthusdeliveredfromadangerwhich,thoughIknewnotthereasonofit,yetseemedtobemuchgreaterthanIapprehended,Iresolvedthatweshouldchangeourcourse,andnotletanyoneknowwhitherweweregoing;sowestoodouttoseaeastward,quiteoutofthecourseofallEuropeanships,whethertheywereboundtoChinaoranywhereelse,withinthecommerceoftheEuropeannations.Whenwewereatseawebegantoconsultwiththetwoseamen,andinquirewhatthemeaningofallthisshouldbe;andtheDutchmanconfirmedthegunner'sstoryaboutthefalsesaleoftheshipandofthemurderofthecaptain,andalsohowthathe,thisDutchman,andfourmoregotintothewoods,wheretheywanderedaboutagreatwhile,tillatlengthhemadehisescape,andswamofftoaDutchship,whichwassailingneartheshoreinitswayfromChina.HethentoldusthathewenttoBatavia,wheretwooftheseamenbelongingtotheshiparrived,havingdesertedtherestintheirtravels,andgaveanaccountthatthefellowwhohadrunawaywiththeship,soldheratBengaltoasetofpirates,whoweregonea-cruisinginher,andthattheyhadalreadytakenanEnglishshipandtwoDutchshipsveryrichlyladen.Thislatterpartwefoundtoconcernusdirectly,thoughweknewittobefalse;yet,asmypartnersaid,veryjustly,ifwehadfallenintotheirhands,andtheyhadhadsuchaprepossessionagainstusbeforehand,ithadbeeninvainforustohavedefendedourselves,ortohopeforanygoodquarterattheirhands;especiallyconsideringthatouraccusershadbeenourjudges,andthatwecouldhaveexpectednothingfromthembutwhatragewouldhavedictated,andanungovernedpassionhaveexecuted.ThereforeitwashisopinionweshouldgodirectlybacktoBengal,fromwhencewecame,withoutputtinginatanyportwhatever-becausewherewecouldgiveagoodaccountofourselves,couldprovewherewewerewhentheshipputin,ofwhomweboughther,andthelike;andwhatwasmorethanalltherest,ifwewereputuponthenecessityofbringingitbeforetheproperjudges,weshouldbesuretohavesomejustice,andnottobehangedfirstandjudgedafterwards.Iwassometimeofmypartner'sopinion;butafteralittlemoreseriousthinking,ItoldhimIthoughtitwasaverygreathazardforustoattemptreturningtoBengal,forthatwewereonthewrongsideoftheStraitsofMalacca,andthatifthealarmwasgiven,weshouldbesuretobewaylaidoneveryside-thatifweshouldbetaken,asitwere,runningaway,weshouldevencondemnourselves,andtherewouldwantnomoreevidencetodestroyus.IalsoaskedtheEnglishsailor'sopinion,whosaidhewasofmymind,andthatwecertainlyshouldbetaken.Thisdangeralittlestartledmypartnerandalltheship'scompany,andweimmediatelyresolvedtogoawaytothecoastofTonquin,andsoontothecoastofChina-andpursuingthefirstdesignastotrade,findsomewayorothertodisposeoftheship,andcomebackinsomeofthevesselsofthecountrysuchaswecouldget.Thiswasapprovedofasthebestmethodforoursecurity,andaccordinglywesteeredawayNNE.,keepingabovefiftyleaguesofffromtheusualcoursetotheeastward.This,however,putustosome
inconvenience:for,first,thewinds,whenwecamethatdistancefromtheshore,seemedtobemoresteadilyagainstus,blowingalmosttrade,aswecallit,fromtheE.andENE.,sothatwewerealongwhileuponourvoyage,andwewerebutillprovidedwithvictualsforsolongarun;andwhatwasstillworse,therewassomedangerthatthoseEnglishandDutchshipswhoseboatspursuedus,whereofsomewereboundthatway,mighthavegotinbeforeus,andifnot,someothershipboundtoChinamighthaveinformationofusfromthem,andpursueuswiththesamevigour.ImustconfessIwasnowveryuneasy,andthoughtmyself,includingthelateescapefromthelongboats,tohavebeeninthemostdangerousconditionthateverIwasinthroughmypastlife;forwhateverillcircumstancesIhadbeenin,Iwasneverpursuedforathiefbefore;norhadIeverdoneanythingthatmeritedthenameofdishonestorfraudulent,muchlessthievish.Ihadchieflybeenmyownenemy,or,asImayrightlysay,Ihadbeennobody'senemybutmyown;butnowIwaswoefullyembarrassed:forthoughIwasperfectlyinnocent,Iwasinnoconditiontomakethatinnocenceappear;andifIhadbeentaken,ithadbeenunderasupposedguiltoftheworstkind.Thismademeveryanxioustomakeanescape,thoughwhichwaytodoitIknewnot,orwhatportorplacewecouldgoto.Mypartnerendeavouredtoencouragemebydescribingtheseveralportsofthatcoast,andtoldmehewouldputinonthecoastofCochinChina,orthebayofTonquin,intendingafterwardstogotoMacao,whereagreatmanyEuropeanfamiliesresided,andparticularlythemissionarypriests,whousuallywentthitherinordertotheirgoingforwardtoChina.Hitherthenweresolvedtogo;and,accordingly,thoughafteratediouscourse,andverymuchstraitenedforprovisions,wecamewithinsightofthecoastveryearlyinthemorning;anduponreflectiononthepastcircumstancesofdangerwewerein,weresolvedtoputintoasmallriver,which,however,haddepthenoughofwaterforus,andtoseeifwecould,eitheroverlandorbytheship'spinnace,cometoknowwhatshipswereinanyportthereabouts.Thishappystepwas,indeed,ourdeliverance:forthoughwedidnotimmediatelyseeanyEuropeanshipsinthebayofTonquin,yetthenextmorningtherecameintothebaytwoDutchships;andathirdwithoutanycoloursspreadout,butwhichwebelievedtobeaDutchman,passedbyatabouttwoleagues'distance,steeringforthecoastofChina;andintheafternoonwentbytwoEnglishshipssteeringthesamecourse;andthuswethoughtwesawourselvesbesetwithenemiesbothonewayandtheother.Theplacewewereinwaswildandbarbarous,thepeoplethievesbyoccupation;andthoughitistruewehadnotmuchtoseekofthem,and,exceptgettingafewprovisions,carednothowlittlewehadtodowiththem,yetitwaswithmuchdifficultythatwekeptourselvesfrombeinginsultedbythemseveralways.Wewereinasmallriverofthiscountry,withinafewleaguesofitsutmostlimitsnorthward;andbyourboatwecoastednorth-easttothepointoflandwhichopensthegreatbayofTonquin;anditwasinthisbeatingupalongtheshorethatwediscoveredweweresurroundedwithenemies.Thepeoplewewereamongwerethemostbarbarousofalltheinhabitantsofthecoast;andamongothercustomstheyhavethisone:thatifanyvesselhasthemisfortunetobeshipwreckedupontheircoast,theymakethemenallprisonersorslaves;anditwasnotlongbefore
wefoundaspiceoftheirkindnessthisway,ontheoccasionfollowing.Ihaveobservedabovethatourshipsprungaleakatsea,andthatwecouldnotfinditout;andithappenedthat,asIhavesaid,itwasstoppedunexpectedly,ontheeveofourbeingpursuedbytheDutchandEnglishshipsinthebayofSiam;yet,aswedidnotfindtheshipsoperfectlytightandsoundaswedesired,weresolvedwhilewewereatthisplacetolayheronshore,andcleanherbottom,and,ifpossible,tofindoutwheretheleakswere.Accordingly,havinglightenedtheship,andbroughtallourgunsandothermovablestooneside,wetriedtobringherdown,thatwemightcomeatherbottom;but,onsecondthoughts,wedidnotcaretolayherondryground,neithercouldwefindoutaproperplaceforit.CHAPTERXII-THECARPENTER'SWHIMSICALCONTRIVANCETHEinhabitantscamewonderingdowntheshoretolookatus;andseeingtheshipliedownononesideinsuchamanner,andheelingintowardstheshore,andnotseeingourmen,whowereatworkonherbottomwithstages,andwiththeirboatsontheoff-side,theypresentlyconcludedthattheshipwascastaway,andlayfastontheground.Onthissuppositiontheycameaboutusintwoorthreehours'timewithtenortwelvelargeboats,havingsomeofthemeight,sometenmeninaboat,intending,nodoubt,tohavecomeonboardandplunderedtheship,andiftheyfoundusthere,tohavecarriedusawayforslaves.Whentheycameuptotheship,andbegantorowroundher,theydiscoveredusallhardatworkontheoutsideoftheship'sbottomandside,washing,andgraving,andstopping,aseveryseafaringmanknowshow.Theystoodforawhilegazingatus,andwe,whowerealittlesurprised,couldnotimaginewhattheirdesignwas;butbeingwillingtobesure,wetookthisopportunitytogetsomeofusintotheship,andotherstohanddownarmsandammunitiontothosethatwereatwork,todefendthemselveswithifthereshouldbeoccasion.Anditwasnomorethanneed:forinlessthanaquarterofanhour'sconsultation,theyagreed,itseems,thattheshipwasreallyawreck,andthatwewereallatworkendeavouringtosaveher,ortosaveourlivesbythehelpofourboats;andwhenwehandedourarmsintotheboat,theyconcluded,bythatact,thatwewereendeavouringtosavesomeofourgoods.Uponthis,theytookitforgrantedweallbelongedtothem,andawaytheycamedirectlyuponourmen,asifithadbeeninaline-of-battle.Ourmen,seeingsomanyofthem,begantobefrightened,forwelaybutinanillposturetofight,andcriedouttoustoknowwhattheyshoulddo.Iimmediatelycalledtothementhatworkeduponthestagestoslipthemdown,andgetupthesideintotheship,andbadethoseintheboattorowroundandcomeonboard.Thefewwhowereonboardworkedwithallthestrengthandhandswehadtobringtheshiptorights;however,neitherthemenuponthestagesnorthoseintheboatscoulddoastheywereorderedbeforetheCochinChinesewereuponthem,whentwooftheirboatsboardedourlongboat,andbegantolayholdofthemenastheirprisoners.ThefirstmantheylaidholdofwasanEnglishseaman,astout,strongfellow,whohavingamusketinhishand,neverofferedtofireit,butlaiditdownintheboat,likeafool,asIthought;butheunderstoodhisbusinessbetterthanIcouldteachhim,forhegrappledthePagan,anddraggedhimbymainforceoutoftheirboatintoours,where,takinghimbytheears,hebeathisheadsoagainsttheboat'sgunnel
thatthefellowdiedinhishands.Inthemeantime,aDutchman,whostoodnext,tookupthemusket,andwiththebutt-endofitsolaidabouthim,thatheknockeddownfiveofthemwhoattemptedtoentertheboat.Butthiswasdoinglittletowardsresistingthirtyorfortymen,who,fearlessbecauseignorantoftheirdanger,begantothrowthemselvesintothelongboat,wherewehadbutfivemeninalltodefendit;butthefollowingaccident,whichdeservedourlaughter,gaveourmenacompletevictory.Ourcarpenterbeingpreparedtogravetheoutsideoftheship,aswellastopaytheseamswherehehadcaulkedhertostoptheleaks,hadgottwokettlesjustletdownintotheboat,onefilledwithboilingpitch,andtheotherwithrosin,tallow,andoil,andsuchstuffastheshipwrightsuseforthatwork;andthemanthatattendedthecarpenterhadagreatironladleinhishand,withwhichhesuppliedthementhatwereatworkwiththehotstuff.Twooftheenemy'smenenteredtheboatjustwherethisfellowstoodintheforesheets;heimmediatelysalutedthemwithaladlefullofthestuff,boilinghotwhichsoburnedandscaldedthem,beinghalf-nakedthattheyroaredoutlikebulls,and,enragedwiththefire,leapedbothintothesea.Thecarpentersawit,andcriedout,"Welldone,Jack!givethemsomemoreofit!"andsteppingforwardhimself,takesoneofthemops,anddippingitinthepitch-pot,heandhismanthrewitamongthemsoplentifullythat,inshort,ofallthemeninthethreeboats,therewasnotonethatescapedbeingscaldedinamostfrightfulmanner,andmadesuchahowlingandcryingthatIneverheardaworsenoise.Iwasneverbetterpleasedwithavictoryinmylife;notonlyasitwasaperfectsurprisetome,andthatourdangerwasimminentbefore,butaswegotthisvictorywithoutanybloodshed,exceptofthatmantheseamankilledwithhisnakedhands,andwhichIwasverymuchconcernedat.Althoughitmaybeajustthing,becausenecessary(forthereisnonecessarywickednessinnature),yetIthoughtitwasasadsortoflife,whenwemustbealwaysobligedtobekillingourfellow-creaturestopreserveourselves;and,indeed,Ithinksostill;andIwouldevennowsufferagreatdealratherthanIwouldtakeawaythelifeevenoftheworstpersoninjuringme;andIbelieveallconsideringpeople,whoknowthevalueoflife,wouldbeofmyopinion,iftheyenteredseriouslyintotheconsiderationofit.Allthewhilethiswasdoing,mypartnerandI,whomanagedtherestofthemenonboard,hadwithgreatdexteritybroughttheshipalmosttorights,andhavinggotthegunsintotheirplacesagain,thegunnercalledtometobidourboatgetoutoftheway,forhewouldletflyamongthem.Icalledbackagaintohim,andbidhimnotoffertofire,forthecarpenterwoulddotheworkwithouthim;butbidhimheatanotherpitch-kettle,whichourcook,whowasonbroad,tookcareof.However,theenemywassoterrifiedwithwhattheyhadmetwithintheirfirstattack,thattheywouldnotcomeonagain;andsomeofthemwhowerefarthestoff,seeingtheshipswim,asitwere,upright,began,aswesuppose,toseetheirmistake,andgaveovertheenterprise,findingitwasnotastheyexpected.Thuswegotclearofthismerryfight;andhavinggotsomericeandsomerootsandbread,withaboutsixteenhogs,onboardtwodaysbefore,weresolvedtostayherenolonger,butgoforward,whatevercameofit;forwemadenodoubtbutweshouldbesurroundedthenextdaywithroguesenough,perhapsmorethanourpitch-kettlewoulddisposeofforus.We
thereforegotallourthingsonboardthesameevening,andthenextmorningwerereadytosail:inthemeantime,lyingatanchoratsomedistancefromtheshore,wewerenotsomuchconcerned,beingnowinafightingposture,aswellasinasailingposture,ifanyenemyhadpresented.Thenextday,havingfinishedourworkwithinboard,andfindingourshipwasperfectlyhealedofallherleaks,wesetsail.WewouldhavegoneintothebayofTonquin,forwewantedtoinformourselvesofwhatwastobeknownconcerningtheDutchshipsthathadbeenthere;butwedurstnotstandinthere,becausewehadseenseveralshipsgoin,aswesupposed,butalittlebefore;sowekeptonNE.towardstheislandofFormosa,asmuchafraidofbeingseenbyaDutchorEnglishmerchantshipasaDutchorEnglishmerchantshipintheMediterraneanisofanAlgerineman-of-war.Whenwewerethusgottosea,wekeptonNE.,asifwewouldgototheManillasorthePhilippineIslands;andthiswedidthatwemightnotfallintothewayofanyoftheEuropeanships;andthenwesteerednorth,tillwecametothelatitudeof22degrees30seconds,bywhichmeanswemadetheislandofFormosadirectly,wherewecametoananchor,inordertogetwaterandfreshprovisions,whichthepeoplethere,whoareverycourteousintheirmanners,supplieduswithwillingly,anddealtveryfairlyandpunctuallywithusinalltheiragreementsandbargains.Thisiswhatwedidnotfindamongotherpeople,andmaybeowingtotheremainsofChristianitywhichwasonceplantedherebyaDutchmissionaryofProtestants,anditisatestimonyofwhatIhaveoftenobserved,viz.thattheChristianreligionalwayscivilisesthepeople,andreformstheirmanners,whereitisreceived,whetheritworkssavingeffectsuponthemorno.Fromthencewesailedstillnorth,keepingthecoastofChinaatanequaldistance,tillweknewwewerebeyondalltheportsofChinawhereourEuropeanshipsusuallycome;beingresolved,ifpossible,nottofallintoanyoftheirhands,especiallyinthiscountry,where,asourcircumstanceswere,wecouldnotfailofbeingentirelyruined.Beingnowcometothelatitudeof30degrees,weresolvedtoputintothefirsttradingportweshouldcomeat;andstandinginfortheshore,aboatcameoftwoleaguestouswithanoldPortuguesepilotonboard,who,knowingustobeanEuropeanship,cametoofferhisservice,which,indeed,weweregladofandtookhimonboard;uponwhich,withoutaskinguswhitherwewouldgo,hedismissedtheboathecamein,andsentitback.Ithoughtitwasnowsomuchinourchoicetomaketheoldmancarryuswhitherwewould,thatIbegantotalktohimaboutcarryingustotheGulfofNankin,whichisthemostnorthernpartofthecoastofChina.TheoldmansaidheknewtheGulfofNankinverywell;butsmiling,askeduswhatwewoulddothere?ItoldhimwewouldsellourcargoandpurchaseChinawares,calicoes,rawsilks,tea,wroughtsilks,&c.;andsowewouldreturnbythesamecoursewecame.HetoldusourbestportwouldhavebeentoputinatMacao,wherewecouldnothavefailedofamarketforouropiumtooursatisfaction,andmightforourmoneyhavepurchasedallsortsofChinagoodsascheapaswecouldatNankin.Notbeingabletoputtheoldmanoutofhistalk,ofwhichhewasveryopinionatedorconceited,Itoldhimweweregentlemenaswellasmerchants,andthatwehadamindtogoandseethegreatcityofPekin,andthefamouscourtofthemonarchofChina."Why,then,"saystheoldman,"you
shouldgotoNingpo,where,bytheriverwhichrunsintotheseathere,youmaygoupwithinfiveleaguesofthegreatcanal.Thiscanalisanavigablestream,whichgoesthroughtheheartofthatvastempireofChina,crossesalltherivers,passessomeconsiderablehillsbythehelpofsluicesandgates,andgoesuptothecityofPekin,beinginlengthneartwohundredandseventyleagues."-"Well,"saidI,"SeigniorPortuguese,butthatisnotourbusinessnow;thegreatquestionis,ifyoucancarryusuptothecityofNankin,fromwhencewecantraveltoPekinafterwards?"Hesaidhecoulddosoverywell,andthattherewasagreatDutchshipgoneupthatwayjustbefore.Thisgavemealittleshock,foraDutchshipwasnowourterror,andwehadmuchratherhavemetthedevil,atleastifhehadnotcomeintoofrightfulafigure;andwedependeduponitthataDutchshipwouldbeourdestruction,forwewereinnoconditiontofightthem;alltheshipstheytradewithintothosepartsbeingofgreatburden,andofmuchgreaterforcethanwewere.Theoldmanfoundmealittleconfused,andundersomeconcernwhenhenamedaDutchship,andsaidtome,"Sir,youneedbeundernoapprehensionsoftheDutch;Isupposetheyarenotnowatwarwithyournation?"-"No,"saidI,"that'strue;butIknownotwhatlibertiesmenmaytakewhentheyareoutofthereachofthelawsoftheirowncountry."-"Why,"sayshe,"youarenopirates;whatneedyoufear?Theywillnotmeddlewithpeaceablemerchants,sure."Thesewordsputmeintothegreatestdisorderandconfusionimaginable;norwasitpossibleformetoconcealitso,buttheoldmaneasilyperceivedit."Sir,"sayshe,"Ifindyouareinsomedisorderinyourthoughtsatmytalk:praybepleasedtogowhichwayyouthinkfit,anddependuponit,I'lldoyoualltheserviceIcan."Uponthiswefellintofurtherdiscourse,inwhich,tomyalarmandamazement,hespokeofthevillainousdoingsofacertainpirateshipthathadlongbeenthetalkofmarinersinthoseseas;noother,inaword,thantheveryshiphewasnowonboardof,andwhichwehadsounluckilypurchased.Ipresentlysawtherewasnohelpforitbuttotellhimtheplaintruth,andexplainallthedangerandtroublewehadsufferedthroughthismisadventure,and,inparticular,ourearnestwishtobespeedilyquitoftheshipaltogether;forwhichreasonwehadresolvedtocarryheruptoNankin.Theoldmanwasamazedatthisrelation,andtolduswewereintherighttogoawaytothenorth;andthat,ifhemightadviseus,itshouldbetoselltheshipinChina,whichwemightwelldo,andbuy,orbuildanotherinthecountry;addingthatIshouldmeetwithcustomersenoughfortheshipatNankin,thataChinesejunkwouldservemeverywelltogobackagain,andthathewouldprocuremepeoplebothtobuyoneandselltheother."Well,but,seignior,"saidI,"asyousaytheyknowtheshipsowell,Imay,perhaps,ifIfollowyourmeasures,beinstrumentaltobringsomehonest,innocentmenintoaterriblebroil;forwherevertheyfindtheshiptheywillprovetheguiltuponthemen,byprovingthiswastheship."-"Why,"saystheoldman,"I'llfindoutawaytopreventthat;forasIknowallthosecommandersyouspeakofverywell,andshallseethemallastheypassby,Iwillbesuretosetthemtorightsinthething,andletthemknowthattheyhadbeensomuchinthewrong;thatthoughthepeoplewhowereonboardatfirstmightrunawaywiththeship,yetitwasnottruethattheyhadturnedpirates;andthat,inparticular,thesewerenotthementhatfirstwentoff
withtheship,butinnocentlyboughtherfortheirtrade;andIampersuadedtheywillsofarbelievemeasatleasttoactmorecautiouslyforthetimetocome."Inaboutthirteendays'sailwecametoananchor,atthesouth-westpointofthegreatGulfofNankin;whereIlearnedbyaccidentthattwoDutchshipsweregonethelengthbeforeme,andthatIshouldcertainlyfallintotheirhands.Iconsultedmypartneragaininthisexigency,andhewasasmuchatalossasIwas.IthenaskedtheoldpilotiftherewasnocreekorharbourwhichImightputintoandpursuemybusinesswiththeChineseprivately,andbeinnodangeroftheenemy.HetoldmeifIwouldsailtothesouthwardaboutforty-twoleagues,therewasalittleportcalledQuinchang,wherethefathersofthemissionusuallylandedfromMacao,ontheirprogresstoteachtheChristianreligiontotheChinese,andwherenoEuropeanshipseverputin;andifIthoughttoputinthere,ImightconsiderwhatfurthercoursetotakewhenIwasonshore.Heconfessed,hesaid,itwasnotaplaceformerchants,exceptthatatsomecertaintimestheyhadakindofafairthere,whenthemerchantsfromJapancameoverthithertobuyChinesemerchandises.ThenameoftheportImayperhapsspellwrong,havinglostthis,togetherwiththenamesofmanyotherplacessetdowninalittlepocket-book,whichwasspoiledbythewaterbyanaccident;butthisIremember,thattheChinesemerchantswecorrespondedwithcalleditbyadifferentnamefromthatwhichourPortuguesepilotgaveit,whopronounceditQuinchang.Aswewereunanimousinourresolutiontogotothisplace,weweighedthenextday,havingonlygonetwiceonshorewherewewere,togetfreshwater;onbothwhichoccasionsthepeopleofthecountrywereverycivil,andbroughtabundanceofprovisionstoselltous;butnothingwithoutmoney.Wedidnotcometotheotherport(thewindbeingcontrary)forfivedays;butitwasverymuchtooursatisfaction,andIwasthankfulwhenIsetmyfootonshore,resolving,andmypartnertoo,thatifitwaspossibletodisposeofourselvesandeffectsanyotherway,thoughnotprofitably,wewouldnevermoresetfootonboardthatunhappyvessel.Indeed,Imustacknowledge,thatofallthecircumstancesoflifethateverIhadanyexperienceof,nothingmakesmankindsocompletelymiserableasthatofbeinginconstantfear.WelldoestheScripturesay,"Thefearofmanbringsasnare";itisalifeofdeath,andthemindissoentirelyoppressedbyit,thatitiscapableofnorelief.Nordiditfailofitsusualoperationsuponthefancy,byheighteningeverydanger;representingtheEnglishandDutchcaptainstobemenincapableofhearingreason,orofdistinguishingbetweenhonestmenandrogues;orbetweenastorycalculatedforourownturn,madeoutofnothing,onpurposetodeceive,andatrue,genuineaccountofourwholevoyage,progress,anddesign;forwemightmanywayshaveconvincedanyreasonablecreaturesthatwewerenotpirates;thegoodswehadonboard,thecoursewesteered,ourfranklyshowingourselves,andenteringintosuchandsuchports;andevenourverymanner,theforcewehad,thenumberofmen,thefewarms,thelittleammunition,shortprovisions;allthesewouldhaveservedtoconvinceanymenthatwewerenopirates.TheopiumandothergoodswehadonboardwouldmakeitappeartheshiphadbeenatBengal.TheDutchmen,who,itwassaid,hadthenamesofallthementhatwereintheship,mighteasilyseethatwewereamixtureof
English,Portuguese,andIndians,andbuttwoDutchmenonboard.These,andmanyotherparticularcircumstances,mighthavemadeitevidenttotheunderstandingofanycommander,whosehandswemightfallinto,thatwewerenopirates.Butfear,thatblind,uselesspassion,workedanotherway,andthrewusintothevapours;itbewilderedourunderstandings,andsettheimaginationatworktoformathousandterriblethingsthatperhapsmightneverhappen.Wefirstsupposed,asindeedeverybodyhadrelatedtous,thattheseamenonboardtheEnglishandDutchships,butespeciallytheDutch,weresoenragedatthenameofapirate,andespeciallyatourbeatingofftheirboatsandescaping,thattheywouldnotgivethemselvesleavetoinquirewhetherwewerepiratesorno,butwouldexecuteusoff-hand,withoutgivingusanyroomforadefence.Wereflectedthattherereallywassomuchapparentevidencebeforethem,thattheywouldscarceinquireafteranymore;as,first,thattheshipwascertainlythesame,andthatsomeoftheseamenamongthemknewher,andhadbeenonboardher;and,secondly,thatwhenwehadintelligenceattheriverofCambodiathattheywerecomingdowntoexamineus,wefoughttheirboatsandfled.Thereforewemadenodoubtbuttheywereasfullysatisfiedofourbeingpiratesasweweresatisfiedofthecontrary;and,asIoftensaid,IknownotbutIshouldhavebeenapttohavetakenthosecircumstancesforevidence,ifthetableswereturned,andmycasewastheirs;andhavemadenoscrupleofcuttingallthecrewtopieces,withoutbelieving,orperhapsconsidering,whattheymighthavetoofferintheirdefence.Butletthatbehowitwill,thesewereourapprehensions;andbothmypartnerandIscarcesleptanightwithoutdreamingofhaltersandyard-arms;offighting,andbeingtaken;ofkilling,andbeingkilled:andonenightIwasinsuchafuryinmydream,fancyingtheDutchmenhadboardedus,andIwasknockingoneoftheirseamendown,thatIstruckmydoubledfistagainstthesideofthecabinIlayinwithsuchaforceaswoundedmyhandgrievously,brokemyknuckles,andcutandbruisedtheflesh,sothatitawakedmeoutofmysleep.AnotherapprehensionIhadwas,thecruelusagewemightmeetwithfromthemifwefellintotheirhands;thenthestoryofAmboynacameintomyhead,andhowtheDutchmightperhapstortureus,astheydidourcountrymenthere,andmakesomeofourmen,byextremityoftorture,confesstocrimestheyneverwereguiltyof,orownthemselvesandallofustobepirates,andsotheywouldputustodeathwithaformalappearanceofjustice;andthattheymightbetemptedtodothisforthegainofourshipandcargo,worthaltogetherfourorfivethousandpounds.Wedidnotconsiderthatthecaptainsofshipshavenoauthoritytoactthus;andifwehadsurrenderedprisonerstothem,theycouldnotanswerthedestroyingus,ortorturingus,butwouldbeaccountableforitwhentheycametotheircountry.However,iftheyweretoactthuswithus,whatadvantagewoulditbetousthattheyshouldbecalledtoanaccountforit?-orifwewerefirsttobemurdered,whatsatisfactionwoulditbetoustohavethempunishedwhentheycamehome?IcannotrefraintakingnoticeherewhatreflectionsInowhaduponthevastvarietyofmyparticularcircumstances;howhardIthoughtitthatI,whohadspentfortyyearsinalifeofcontinualdifficulties,andwasatlastcome,asitwere,totheportorhavenwhichallmendriveat,viz.tohaverestandplenty,shouldbea
volunteerinnewsorrowsbymyownunhappychoice,andthatI,whohadescapedsomanydangersinmyyouth,shouldnowcometobehangedinmyoldage,andinsoremoteaplace,foracrimewhichIwasnotintheleastinclinedto,muchlessguiltyof.Afterthesethoughtssomethingofreligionwouldcomein;andIwouldbeconsideringthatthisseemedtometobeadispositionofimmediateProvidence,andIoughttolookuponitandsubmittoitassuch.For,althoughIwasinnocentastomen,IwasfarfrombeinginnocentastomyMaker;andIoughttolookinandexaminewhatothercrimesinmylifeweremostobvioustome,andforwhichProvidencemightjustlyinflictthispunishmentasaretribution;andthusIoughttosubmittothis,justasIwouldtoashipwreck,ifithadpleasedGodtohavebroughtsuchadisasteruponme.Initsturnnaturalcouragewouldsometimestakeitsplace,andthenIwouldbetalkingmyselfuptovigorousresolutions;thatIwouldnotbetakentobebarbarouslyusedbyaparcelofmercilesswretchesincoldblood;thatitweremuchbettertohavefallenintothehandsofthesavages,thoughIweresuretheywouldfeastuponmewhentheyhadtakenme,thanthosewhowouldperhapsgluttheirrageuponmebyinhumantorturesandbarbarities;thatinthecaseofthesavages,Ialwaysresolvedtodiefightingtothelastgasp,andwhyshouldInotdosonow?Wheneverthesethoughtsprevailed,Iwassuretoputmyselfintoakindoffeverwiththeagitationofasupposedfight;mybloodwouldboil,andmyeyessparkle,asifIwasengaged,andIalwaysresolvedtotakenoquarterattheirhands;butevenatlast,ifIcouldresistnolonger,Iwouldblowuptheshipandallthatwasinher,andleavethembutlittlebootytoboastof.CHAPTERXIII-ARRIVALINCHINATHEgreaterweighttheanxietiesandperplexitiesofthesethingsweretoourthoughtswhilewewereatsea,thegreaterwasoursatisfactionwhenwesawourselvesonshore;andmypartnertoldmehedreamedthathehadaveryheavyloaduponhisback,whichhewastocarryupahill,andfoundthathewasnotabletostandlongerunderit;butthatthePortuguesepilotcameandtookitoffhisback,andthehilldisappeared,thegroundbeforehimappearingallsmoothandplain:andtrulyitwasso;theywerealllikemenwhohadaloadtakenofftheirbacks.FormypartIhadaweighttakenofffrommyheartthatitwasnotableanylongertobear;andasIsaidaboveweresolvedtogonomoretoseainthatship.Whenwecameonshore,theoldpilot,whowasnowourfriend,gotusalodging,togetherwithawarehouseforourgoods;itwasalittlehut,withalargerhouseadjoiningtoit,builtandalsopalisadoedroundwithcanes,tokeepoutpilferers,ofwhichtherewerenotafewinthatcountry:however,themagistratesallowedusalittleguard,andwehadasoldierwithakindofhalf-pike,whostoodsentinelatourdoor,towhomweallowedapintofriceandapieceofmoneyaboutthevalueofthree-penceperday,sothatourgoodswerekeptverysafe.Thefairormartusuallykeptatthisplacehadbeenoversometime;however,wefoundthattherewerethreeorfourjunksintheriver,andtwoshipsfromJapan,withgoodswhichtheyhadboughtinChina,andwerenotgoneaway,havingsomeJapanesemerchantsonshore.ThefirstthingouroldPortuguesepilotdidforuswastogetusacquaintedwiththreemissionaryRomishpriestswhowereinthetown,andwhohadbeentheresometimeconvertingthepeopletoChristianity;butwe
thoughttheymadebutpoorworkofit,andmadethembutsorryChristianswhentheyhaddone.OneofthesewasaFrenchman,whomtheycalledFatherSimon;anotherwasaPortuguese;andathirdaGenoese.FatherSimonwascourteous,andveryagreeablecompany;buttheothertwoweremorereserved,seemedrigidandaustere,andappliedseriouslytotheworktheycameabout,viz.totalkwithandinsinuatethemselvesamongtheinhabitantswherevertheyhadopportunity.Weoftenateanddrankwiththosemen;andthoughImustconfesstheconversion,astheycallit,oftheChinesetoChristianityissofarfromthetrueconversionrequiredtobringheathenpeopletothefaithofChrist,thatitseemstoamounttolittlemorethanlettingthemknowthenameofChrist,andsaysomeprayerstotheVirginMaryandherSon,inatonguewhichtheyunderstoodnot,andtocrossthemselves,andthelike;yetitmustbeconfessedthatthereligionists,whomwecallmissionaries,haveafirmbeliefthatthesepeoplewillbesaved,andthattheyaretheinstrumentsofit;andonthisaccounttheyundergonotonlythefatigueofthevoyage,andthehazardsoflivinginsuchplaces,butoftentimesdeathitself,andthemostviolenttortures,forthesakeofthiswork.FatherSimonwasappointed,itseems,byorderofthechiefofthemission,togouptoPekin,andwaitedonlyforanotherpriest,whowasorderedtocometohimfromMacao,togoalongwithhim.Wescarceevermettogetherbuthewasinvitingmetogothatjourney;tellingmehowhewouldshowmeallthegloriousthingsofthatmightyempire,and,amongtherest,Pekin,thegreatestcityintheworld:"Acity,"saidhe,"thatyourLondonandourParisputtogethercannotbeequalto."ButasIlookedonthosethingswithdifferenteyesfromothermen,soIshallgivemyopinionoftheminafewwords,whenIcomeinthecourseofmytravelstospeakmoreparticularlyofthem.DiningwithFatherSimononeday,andbeingverymerrytogether,Ishowedsomelittleinclinationtogowithhim;andhepressedmeandmypartnerveryhardtoconsent."Why,father,"saysmypartner,"shouldyoudesireourcompanysomuch?youknowweareheretics,andyoudonotloveus,norcannotkeepuscompanywithanypleasure."-"Oh,"sayshe,"youmayperhapsbegoodCatholicsintime;mybusinesshereistoconvertheathens,andwhoknowsbutImayconvertyoutoo?"-"Verywell,father,"saidI,"soyouwillpreachtousalltheway?"-"Iwillnotbetroublesometoyou,"sayshe;"ourreligiondoesnotdivestusofgoodmanners;besides,weareherelikecountrymen;andsoweare,comparedtotheplacewearein;andifyouareHuguenots,andIaCatholic,wemayallbeChristiansatlast;atleast,weareallgentlemen,andwemayconverseso,withoutbeinguneasytooneanother."Ilikedthispartofhisdiscourseverywell,anditbegantoputmeinmindofmypriestthatIhadleftintheBrazils;butFatherSimondidnotcomeuptohischaracterbyagreatdeal;forthoughthisfriarhadnoappearanceofacriminallevityinhim,yethehadnotthatfundofChristianzeal,strictpiety,andsincereaffectiontoreligionthatmyothergoodecclesiastichad.Buttoleavehimalittle,thoughheneverleftus,norsolicitedustogowithhim;wehadsomethingelsebeforeusatfirst,forwehadallthiswhileourshipandourmerchandisetodisposeof,andwebegantobeverydoubtfulwhatweshoulddo,forwewerenowinaplaceofverylittlebusiness.OnceIwasabouttoventuretosailfortheriverofKilam,andthecityofNankin;but
Providenceseemednowmorevisibly,asIthought,thanevertoconcernitselfinouraffairs;andIwasencouraged,fromthisverytime,tothinkIshould,onewayorother,getoutofthisentangledcircumstance,andbebroughthometomyowncountryagain,thoughIhadnottheleastviewofthemanner.Providence,Isay,beganheretoclearupourwayalittle;andthefirstthingthatofferedwas,thatouroldPortuguesepilotbroughtaJapanmerchanttous,whoinquiredwhatgoodswehad:and,inthefirstplace,heboughtallouropium,andgaveusaverygoodpriceforit,payingusingoldbyweight,someinsmallpiecesoftheirowncoin,andsomeinsmallwedges,ofabouttenortwelvesounceseach.Whileweweredealingwithhimforouropium,itcameintomyheadthathemightperhapsdealfortheshiptoo,andIorderedtheinterpretertoproposeittohim.Heshrunkuphisshouldersatitwhenitwasfirstproposedtohim;butinafewdaysafterhecametome,withoneofthemissionarypriestsforhisinterpreter,andtoldmehehadaproposaltomaketome,whichwasthis:hehadboughtagreatquantityofourgoods,whenhehadnothoughtsofproposalsmadetohimofbuyingtheship;andthat,therefore,hehadnotmoneytopayfortheship:butifIwouldletthesamemenwhowereintheshipnavigateher,hewouldhiretheshiptogotoJapan;andwouldsendthemfromthencetothePhilippineIslandswithanotherloading,whichhewouldpaythefreightofbeforetheywentfromJapan:andthatattheirreturnhewouldbuytheship.Ibegantolistentohisproposal,andsoeagerdidmyheadstillrunuponrambling,thatIcouldnotbutbegintoentertainanotionofgoingmyselfwithhim,andsotosetsailfromthePhilippineIslandsawaytotheSouthSeas;accordingly,IaskedtheJapanesemerchantifhewouldnothireustothePhilippineIslandsanddischargeusthere.HesaidNo,hecouldnotdothat,forthenhecouldnothavethereturnofhiscargo;buthewoulddischargeusinJapan,attheship'sreturn.Well,stillIwasfortakinghimatthatproposal,andgoingmyself;butmypartner,wiserthanmyself,persuadedmefromit,representingthedangers,aswelloftheseasasoftheJapanese,whoareafalse,cruel,andtreacherouspeople;likewisethoseoftheSpaniardsatthePhilippines,morefalse,cruel,andtreacherousthanthey.Buttobringthislongturnofouraffairstoaconclusion;thefirstthingwehadtodowastoconsultwiththecaptainoftheship,andwithhismen,andknowiftheywerewillingtogotoJapan.WhileIwasdoingthis,theyoungmanwhommynephewhadleftwithmeasmycompanioncameup,andtoldmethathethoughtthatvoyagepromisedveryfair,andthattherewasagreatprospectofadvantage,andhewouldbeverygladifIundertookit;butthatifIwouldnot,andwouldgivehimleave,hewouldgoasamerchant,orasIpleasedtoorderhim;thatifeverhecametoEngland,andIwasthereandalive,hewouldrendermeafaithfulaccountofhissuccess,whichshouldbeasmuchmineasIpleased.Iwasloathtopartwithhim;butconsideringtheprospectofadvantage,whichreallywasconsiderable,andthathewasayoungfellowlikelytodowellinit,Iinclinedtolethimgo;butItoldhimIwouldconsultmypartner,andgivehimananswerthenextday.Idiscoursedaboutitwithmypartner,whothereuponmadeamostgenerousoffer:"Youknowithasbeenanunluckyship,"saidhe,"andwebothresolvenottogotoseainitagain;ifyoursteward"(sohecalledmyman)"willventurethevoyage,
Iwillleavemyshareofthevesseltohim,andlethimmakethebestofit;andifwelivetomeetinEngland,andhemeetswithsuccessabroad,heshallaccountforonehalfoftheprofitsoftheship'sfreighttous;theothershallbehisown."Ifmypartner,whowasnowayconcernedwithmyyoungman,madehimsuchanoffer,Icouldnotdolessthanofferhimthesame;andalltheship'scompanybeingwillingtogowithhim,wemadeoverhalftheshiptohiminproperty,andtookawritingfromhim,obliginghimtoaccountfortheother,andawayhewenttoJapan.TheJapanmerchantprovedaverypunctual,honestmantohim:protectedhimatJapan,andgothimalicencetocomeonshore,whichtheEuropeansingeneralhavenotlatelyobtained.Hepaidhimhisfreightverypunctually;senthimtothePhilippinesloadedwithJapanandChinawares,andasupercargooftheirown,who,traffickingwiththeSpaniards,broughtbackEuropeangoodsagain,andagreatquantityofspices;andtherehewasnotonlypaidhisfreightverywell,andataverygoodprice,butnotbeingwillingtoselltheship,thenthemerchantfurnishedhimgoodsonhisownaccount;andwithsomemoney,andsomespicesofhisownwhichhebroughtwithhim,hewentbacktotheManillas,wherehesoldhiscargoverywell.Here,havingmadeagoodacquaintanceatManilla,hegothisshipmadeafreeship,andthegovernorofManillahiredhimtogotoAcapulco,onthecoastofAmerica,andgavehimalicencetolandthere,andtotraveltoMexico,andtopassinanySpanishshiptoEuropewithallhismen.HemadethevoyagetoAcapulcoveryhappily,andtherehesoldhisship:andhavingtherealsoobtainedallowancetotravelbylandtoPortoBello,hefoundmeanstogettoJamaica,withallhistreasure,andabouteightyearsaftercametoEnglandexceedingrich.Buttoreturntoourparticularaffairs,beingnowtopartwiththeshipandship'scompany,itcamebeforeus,ofcourse,toconsiderwhatrecompenseweshouldgivetothetwomenthatgaveussuchtimelynoticeofthedesignagainstusintheriverCambodia.Thetruthwas,theyhaddoneusaveryconsiderableservice,anddeservedwellatourhands;though,bytheway,theywereacoupleofrogues,too;for,astheybelievedthestoryofourbeingpirates,andthatwehadreallyrunawaywiththeship,theycamedowntous,notonlytobetraythedesignthatwasformedagainstus,buttogotoseawithusaspirates.Oneofthemconfessedafterwardsthatnothingelsebutthehopesofgoinga-roguingbroughthimtodoit:however,theservicetheydiduswasnottheless,andtherefore,asIhadpromisedtobegratefultothem,Ifirstorderedthemoneytobepaidthemwhichtheysaidwasduetothemonboardtheirrespectiveships:overandabovethat,Igaveeachofthemasmallsumofmoneyingold,whichcontentedthemverywell.IthenmadetheEnglishmangunnerintheship,thegunnerbeingnowmadesecondmateandpurser;theDutchmanImadeboatswain;sotheywerebothverywellpleased,andprovedveryserviceable,beingbothableseamen,andverystoutfellows.WewerenowonshoreinChina;ifIthoughtmyselfbanished,andremotefrommyowncountryatBengal,whereIhadmanywaystogethomeformymoney,whatcouldIthinkofmyselfnow,whenIwasaboutathousandleaguesfartherofffromhome,anddestituteofallmannerofprospectofreturn?Allwehadforitwasthis:thatinaboutfourmonths'timetherewastobeanotherfairattheplacewherewewere,andthenwemightbeableto
purchasevariousmanufacturesofthecountry,andwithalmightpossiblyfindsomeChinesejunksfromTonquinforsail,thatwouldcarryusandourgoodswhitherwepleased.ThisIlikedverywell,andresolvedtowait;besides,asourparticularpersonswerenotobnoxious,soifanyEnglishorDutchshipscamethither,perhapswemighthaveanopportunitytoloadourgoods,andgetpassagetosomeotherplaceinIndianearerhome.Uponthesehopesweresolvedtocontinuehere;but,todivertourselves,wetooktwoorthreejourneysintothecountry.First,wewenttendays'journeytoNankin,acitywellworthseeing;theysayithasamillionofpeopleinit:itisregularlybuilt,andthestreetsareallstraight,andcrossoneanotherindirectlines.ButwhenIcometocomparethemiserablepeopleofthesecountrieswithours,theirfabrics,theirmannerofliving,theirgovernment,theirreligion,theirwealth,andtheirglory,assomecallit,ImustconfessthatIscarcelythinkitworthmywhiletomentionthemhere.Wewonderatthegrandeur,theriches,thepomp,theceremonies,thegovernment,themanufactures,thecommerce,andconductofthesepeople;notthatthereisreallyanymatterforwonder,butbecause,havingatruenotionofthebarbarityofthosecountries,therudenessandtheignorancethatprevailthere,wedonotexpecttofindanysuchthingsofaroff.Otherwise,whataretheirbuildingstothepalacesandroyalbuildingsofEurope?WhattheirtradetotheuniversalcommerceofEngland,Holland,France,andSpain?Whataretheircitiestoours,forwealth,strength,gaietyofapparel,richfurniture,andinfinitevariety?Whataretheirports,suppliedwithafewjunksandbarks,toournavigation,ourmerchantfleets,ourlargeandpowerfulnavies?OurcityofLondonhasmoretradethanhalftheirmightyempire:oneEnglish,Dutch,orFrenchman-of-warofeightygunswouldbeabletofightalmostalltheshippingbelongingtoChina:butthegreatnessoftheirwealth,theirtrade,thepoweroftheirgovernment,andthestrengthoftheirarmies,maybealittlesurprisingtous,because,asIhavesaid,consideringthemasabarbarousnationofpagans,littlebetterthansavages,wedidnotexpectsuchthingsamongthem.Butalltheforcesoftheirempire,thoughtheyweretobringtwomillionsofmenintothefieldtogether,wouldbeabletodonothingbutruinthecountryandstarvethemselves;amillionoftheirfootcouldnotstandbeforeoneembattledbodyofourinfantry,postedsoasnottobesurrounded,thoughtheywerenottobeonetotwentyinnumber;nay,IdonotboastifIsaythatthirtythousandGermanorEnglishfoot,andtenthousandhorse,wellmanaged,coulddefeatalltheforcesofChina.NoristhereafortifiedtowninChinathatcouldholdoutonemonthagainstthebatteriesandattacksofanEuropeanarmy.Theyhavefirearms,itistrue,buttheyareawkwardanduncertainintheirgoingoff;andtheirpowderhasbutlittlestrength.Theirarmiesarebadlydisciplined,andwantskilltoattack,ortempertoretreat;andtherefore,Imustconfess,itseemedstrangetome,whenIcamehome,andheardourpeoplesaysuchfinethingsofthepower,glory,magnificence,andtradeoftheChinese;because,asfarasIsaw,theyappearedtobeacontemptibleherdorcrowdofignorant,sordidslaves,subjectedtoagovernmentqualifiedonlytorulesuchapeople;andwerenotitsdistanceinconceivably,greatfromMuscovy,andthatempireinamannerasrude,impotent,andillgovernedasthey,theCzarofMuscovymightwitheasedrivethem
alloutoftheircountry,andconquertheminonecampaign;andhadtheCzar(whoisnowagrowingprince)fallenthisway,insteadofattackingthewarlikeSwedes,andequallyimprovedhimselfintheartofwar,astheysayhehasdone;andifnoneofthepowersofEuropehadenviedorinterruptedhim,hemightbythistimehavebeenEmperorofChina,insteadofbeingbeatenbytheKingofSwedenatNarva,whenthelatterwasnotonetosixinnumber.Astheirstrengthandtheirgrandeur,sotheirnavigation,commerce,andhusbandryareveryimperfect,comparedtothesamethingsinEurope;also,intheirknowledge,theirlearning,andintheirskillinthesciences,theyareeitherveryawkwardordefective,thoughtheyhaveglobesorspheres,andasmatteringofthemathematics,andthinktheyknowmorethanalltheworldbesides.Buttheyknowlittleofthemotionsoftheheavenlybodies;andsogrosslyandabsurdlyignorantaretheircommonpeople,thatwhenthesuniseclipsed,theythinkagreatdragonhasassaultedit,andisgoingtorunawaywithit;andtheyfallaclatteringwithallthedrumsandkettlesinthecountry,tofrightthemonsteraway,justaswedotohiveaswarmofbees!AsthisistheonlyexcursionofthekindwhichIhavemadeinalltheaccountsIhavegivenofmytravels,soIshallmakenomoresuch.Itisnoneofmybusiness,noranypartofmydesign;buttogiveanaccountofmyownadventuresthroughalifeofinimitablewanderings,andalongvarietyofchanges,which,perhaps,fewthatcomeaftermewillhaveheardthelikeof:Ishall,therefore,sayverylittleofallthemightyplaces,desertcountries,andnumerouspeopleIhaveyettopassthrough,morethanrelatestomyownstory,andwhichmyconcernamongthemwillmakenecessary.Iwasnow,asnearasIcancompute,intheheartofChina,aboutthirtydegreesnorthoftheline,forwewerereturnedfromNankin.IhadindeedamindtoseethecityofPekin,whichIhadheardsomuchof,andFatherSimonimportunedmedailytodoit.Atlengthhistimeofgoingawaybeingset,andtheothermissionarywhowastogowithhimbeingarrivedfromMacao,itwasnecessarythatweshouldresolveeithertogoornot;soIreferredittomypartner,andleftitwhollytohischoice,whoatlengthresolveditintheaffirmative,andwepreparedforourjourney.Wesetoutwithverygoodadvantageastofindingtheway;forwegotleavetotravelintheretinueofoneoftheirmandarins,akindofviceroyorprincipalmagistrateintheprovincewheretheyreside,andwhotakegreatstateuponthem,travellingwithgreatattendance,andgreathomagefromthepeople,whoaresometimesgreatlyimpoverishedbythem,beingobligedtofurnishprovisionsforthemandalltheirattendantsintheirjourneys.Iparticularlyobservedinourtravellingwithhisbaggage,thatthoughwereceivedsufficientprovisionsbothforourselvesandourhorsesfromthecountry,asbelongingtothemandarin,yetwewereobligedtopayforeverythingwehad,afterthemarketpriceofthecountry,andthemandarin'sstewardcollecteditdulyfromus.Thusourtravellingintheretinueofthemandarin,thoughitwasagreatactofkindness,wasnotsuchamightyfavourtous,butwasagreatadvantagetohim,consideringtherewereabovethirtyotherpeopletravelledinthesamemannerbesidesus,undertheprotectionofhisretinue;forthecountryfurnishedalltheprovisionsfornothingtohim,andyethetookourmoneyforthem.Weweretwenty-fivedaystravellingtoPekin,througha
countryexceedingpopulous,butIthinkbadlycultivated;thehusbandry,theeconomy,andthewayoflivingmiserable,thoughtheyboastsomuchoftheindustryofthepeople:Isaymiserable,ifcomparedwithourown,butnotsotothesepoorwretches,whoknownoother.Theprideofthepoorpeopleisinfinitelygreat,andexceededbynothingbuttheirpoverty,insomeparts,whichaddstothatwhichIcalltheirmisery;andImustneedsthinkthesavagesofAmericalivemuchmorehappythanthepoorersortofthese,becauseastheyhavenothing,sotheydesirenothing;whereastheseareproudandinsolentandinthemainareinmanypartsmerebeggarsanddrudges.Theirostentationisinexpressible;and,iftheycan,theylovetokeepmultitudesofservantsorslaves,whichistothelastdegreeridiculous,aswellastheircontemptofalltheworldbutthemselves.ImustconfessItravelledmorepleasantlyafterwardsinthedesertsandvastwildernessesofGrandTartarythanhere,andyettheroadsherearewellpavedandwellkept,andveryconvenientfortravellers;butnothingwasmoreawkwardtomethantoseesuchahaughty,imperious,insolentpeople,inthemidstofthegrossestsimplicityandignorance;andmyfriendFatherSimonandIusedtobeverymerryupontheseoccasions,toseetheirbeggarlypride.Forexample,comingbythehouseofacountrygentleman,asFatherSimoncalledhim,abouttenleaguesoffthecityofNankin,wehadfirstofallthehonourtoridewiththemasterofthehouseabouttwomiles;thestateherodeinwasaperfectDonQuixotism,beingamixtureofpompandpoverty.Hishabitwasveryproperforamerry-andrew,beingadirtycalico,withhangingsleeves,tassels,andcutsandslashesalmostoneveryside:itcoveredataffetyvest,sogreasyastotestifythathishonourmustbeamostexquisitesloven.Hishorsewasapoor,starved,hobblingcreature,andtwoslavesfollowedhimonfoottodrivethepoorcreaturealong;hehadawhipinhishand,andhebelabouredthebeastasfastabouttheheadashisslavesdidaboutthetail;andthusherodebyus,withabouttenortwelveservants,goingfromthecitytohiscountryseat,abouthalfaleaguebeforeus.Wetravelledongently,butthisfigureofagentlemanrodeawaybeforeus;andaswestoppedatavillageaboutanhourtorefreshus,whenwecamebythecountryseatofthisgreatman,wesawhiminalittleplacebeforehisdoor,eatingarepast.Itwasakindofgarden,buthewaseasytobeseen;andweweregiventounderstandthatthemorewelookedathimthebetterhewouldbepleased.Hesatunderatree,somethinglikethepalmetto,whicheffectuallyshadedhimoverthehead,andonthesouthside;butunderthetreewasplacedalargeumbrella,whichmadethatpartlookwellenough.Hesatlollingbackinagreatelbow-chair,beingaheavycorpulentman,andhadhismeatbroughthimbytwowomenslaves.Hehadtwomore,oneofwhomfedthesquirewithaspoon,andtheotherheldthedishwithonehand,andscrapedoffwhatheletfalluponhisworship'sbeardandtaffetyvest.Leavingthepoorwretchtopleasehimselfwithourlookingathim,asifweadmiredhisidlepomp,wepursuedourjourney.FatherSimonhadthecuriositytostaytoinformhimselfwhatdaintiesthecountryjusticehadtofeedoninallhisstate,whichhehadthehonourtotasteof,andwhichwas,Ithink,amessofboiledrice,withagreatpieceofgarlicinit,andalittlebagfilledwithgreenpepper,andanotherplantwhichtheyhavethere,somethinglikeourginger,butsmellinglikemusk,and
tastinglikemustard;allthiswasputtogether,andasmallpieceofleanmuttonboiledinit,andthiswashisworship'srepast.Fourorfiveservantsmoreattendedatadistance,whowesupposedweretoeatofthesameaftertheirmaster.Asforourmandarinwithwhomwetravelled,hewasrespectedasaking,surroundedalwayswithhisgentlemen,andattendedinallhisappearanceswithsuchpomp,thatIsawlittleofhimbutatadistance.Iobservedthattherewasnotahorseinhisretinuebutthatourcarrier'spackhorsesinEnglandseemedtometolookmuchbetter;thoughitwashardtojudgerightly,fortheyweresocoveredwithequipage,mantles,trappings,&c.,thatwecouldscarceseeanythingbuttheirfeetandtheirheadsastheywentalong.Iwasnowlight-hearted,andallmylatetroubleandperplexitybeingover,Ihadnoanxiousthoughtsaboutme,whichmadethisjourneythepleasantertome;inwhichnoillaccidentattendedme,onlyinpassingorfordingasmallriver,myhorsefellandmademefreeofthecountry,astheycallit-thatistosay,threwmein.Theplacewasnotdeep,butitwettedmeallover.Imentionitbecauseitspoiledmypocket-book,whereinIhadsetdownthenamesofseveralpeopleandplaceswhichIhadoccasiontoremember,andwhichnottakingduecareof,theleavesrotted,andthewordswereneveraftertoberead.AtlengthwearrivedatPekin.Ihadnobodywithmebuttheyouthwhommynephewhadgivenmetoattendmeasaservantandwhoprovedverytrustyanddiligent;andmypartnerhadnobodywithhimbutoneservant,whowasakinsman.AsforthePortuguesepilot,hebeingdesiroustoseethecourt,weborehischargesforhiscompany,andforouruseofhimasaninterpreter,forheunderstoodthelanguageofthecountry,andspokegoodFrenchandalittleEnglish.Indeed,thisoldmanwasmostusefultouseverywhere;forwehadnotbeenaboveaweekatPekin,whenhecamelaughing."Ah,SeigniorInglese,"sayshe,"Ihavesomethingtotellwillmakeyourheartglad."-"Myheartglad,"saysI;"whatcanthatbe?Idon'tknowanythinginthiscountrycaneithergivemejoyorgrieftoanygreatdegree."-"Yes,yes,"saidtheoldman,inbrokenEnglish,"makeyouglad,mesorry."-"Why,"saidI,"willitmakeyousorry?"-"Because,"saidhe,"youhavebroughtmeheretwenty-fivedays'journey,andwillleavemetogobackalone;andwhichwayshallIgettomyportafterwards,withoutaship,withoutahorse,withoutPECUNE?"sohecalledmoney,beinghisbrokenLatin,ofwhichhehadabundancetomakeusmerrywith.Inshort,hetoldustherewasagreatcaravanofMuscoviteandPolishmerchantsinthecity,preparingtosetoutontheirjourneybylandtoMuscovy,withinfourorfiveweeks;andhewassurewewouldtaketheopportunitytogowiththem,andleavehimbehind,togobackalone.IconfessIwasgreatlysurprisedwiththisgoodnews,andhadscarcepowertospeaktohimforsometime;butatlastIsaidtohim,"Howdoyouknowthis?areyousureitistrue?"-"Yes,"sayshe;"Imetthismorninginthestreetanoldacquaintanceofmine,anArmenian,whoisamongthem.HecamelastfromAstrakhan,andwasdesignedtogotoTonquin,whereIformerlyknewhim,buthasalteredhismind,andisnowresolvedtogowiththecaravantoMoscow,andsodowntheriverVolgatoAstrakhan."-"Well,Seignior,"saysI,"donotbeuneasyaboutbeinglefttogobackalone;ifthisbeamethodformyreturntoEngland,itshallbeyourfaultifyougobacktoMacaoatall."Wethenwentto
consulttogetherwhatwastobedone;andIaskedmypartnerwhathethoughtofthepilot'snews,andwhetheritwouldsuitwithhisaffairs?HetoldmehewoulddojustasIwould;forhehadsettledallhisaffairssowellatBengal,andlefthiseffectsinsuchgoodhands,thataswehadmadeagoodvoyage,ifhecouldinvestitinChinasilks,wroughtandraw,hewouldbecontenttogotoEngland,andthenmakeavoyagebacktoBengalbytheCompany'sships.Havingresolveduponthis,weagreedthatifourPortuguesepilotwouldgowithus,wewouldbearhischargestoMoscow,ortoEngland,ifhepleased;nor,indeed,werewetobeesteemedover-generousinthateither,ifwehadnotrewardedhimfurther,theservicehehaddoneusbeingreallyworthmorethanthat;forhehadnotonlybeenapilottousatsea,buthehadbeenlikeabrokerforusonshore;andhisprocuringforusaJapanmerchantwassomehundredsofpoundsinourpockets.So,beingwillingtogratifyhim,whichwasbutdoinghimjustice,andverywillingalsotohavehimwithusbesides,forhewasamostnecessarymanonalloccasions,weagreedtogivehimaquantityofcoinedgold,which,asIcomputedit,wasworthonehundredandseventy-fivepoundssterling,betweenus,andtobearallhischarges,bothforhimselfandhorse,exceptonlyahorsetocarryhisgoods.Havingsettledthisbetweenourselves,wecalledhimtolethimknowwhatwehadresolved.Itoldhimhehadcomplainedofourbeingwillingtolethimgobackalone,andIwasnowabouttotellhimwedesignedheshouldnotgobackatall.ThataswehadresolvedtogotoEuropewiththecaravan,wewereverywillingheshouldgowithus;andthatwecalledhimtoknowhismind.Heshookhisheadandsaiditwasalongjourney,andthathehadnoPECUNEtocarryhimthither,ortosubsisthimselfwhenhecamethere.Wetoldhimwebelieveditwasso,andthereforewehadresolvedtodosomethingforhimthatshouldlethimseehowsensiblewewereoftheservicehehaddoneus,andalsohowagreeablehewastous:andthenItoldhimwhatwehadresolvedtogivehimhere,whichhemightlayoutaswewoulddoourown;andthatasforhischarges,ifhewouldgowithuswewouldsethimsafeonshore(lifeandcasualtiesexcepted),eitherinMuscovyorEngland,ashewouldchoose,atourowncharge,exceptonlythecarriageofhisgoods.Hereceivedtheproposallikeamantransported,andtoldushewouldgowithusoverallthewholeworld;andsoweallpreparedforourjourney.However,asitwaswithus,soitwaswiththeothermerchants:theyhadmanythingstodo,andinsteadofbeingreadyinfiveweeks,itwasfourmonthsandsomedaysbeforeallthingsweregottogether.CHAPTERXIV-ATTACKEDBYTARTARSITwasthebeginningofFebruary,newstyle,whenwesetoutfromPekin.Mypartnerandtheoldpilothadgoneexpressbacktotheportwherewehadfirstputin,todisposeofsomegoodswhichwehadleftthere;andI,withaChinesemerchantwhomIhadsomeknowledgeofatNankin,andwhocametoPekinonhisownaffairs,wenttoNankin,whereIboughtninetypiecesoffinedamasks,withabouttwohundredpiecesofotherveryfinesilkofseveralsorts,somemixedwithgold,andhadallthesebroughttoPekinagainstmypartner'sreturn.Besidesthis,weboughtalargequantityofrawsilk,andsomeothergoods,ourcargoamounting,inthesegoodsonly,toaboutthreethousandfivehundredpoundssterling;which,togetherwithteaandsomefinecalicoes,and
threecamels'loadsofnutmegsandcloves,loadedinalleighteencamelsforourshare,besidesthosewerodeupon;these,withtwoorthreesparehorses,andtwohorsesloadedwithprovisions,madetogethertwenty-sixcamelsandhorsesinourretinue.Thecompanywasverygreat,and,asnearasIcanremember,madebetweenthreeandfourhundredhorses,andupwardsofonehundredandtwentymen,verywellarmedandprovidedforallevents;forastheEasterncaravansaresubjecttobeattackedbytheArabs,soarethesebytheTartars.Thecompanyconsistedofpeopleofseveralnations,buttherewereabovesixtyofthemmerchantsorinhabitantsofMoscow,thoughofthemsomewereLivonians;andtoourparticularsatisfaction,fiveofthemwereScots,whoappearedalsotobemenofgreatexperienceinbusiness,andofverygoodsubstance.Whenwehadtravelledoneday'sjourney,theguides,whowerefiveinnumber,calledallthepassengers,excepttheservants,toagreatcouncil,astheycalledit.Atthiscouncileveryonedepositedacertainquantityofmoneytoacommonstock,forthenecessaryexpenseofbuyingforageontheway,whereitwasnototherwisetobehad,andforsatisfyingtheguides,gettinghorses,andthelike.Here,too,theyconstitutedthejourney,astheycallit,viz.theynamedcaptainsandofficerstodrawusallup,andgivethewordofcommand,incaseofanattack,andgiveeveryonetheirturnofcommand;norwasthisformingusintoorderanymorethanwhatweafterwardsfoundneedfulontheway.Theroadallonthissideofthecountryisverypopulous,andisfullofpottersandearth-makers-thatistosay,people,thattempertheearthfortheChinaware.AsIwascomingalong,ourPortuguesepilot,whohadalwayssomethingorothertosaytomakeusmerry,toldmehewouldshowmethegreatestrarityinallthecountry,andthatIshouldhavethistosayofChina,afteralltheill-humouredthingsthatIhadsaidofit,thatIhadseenonethingwhichwasnottobeseeninalltheworldbeside.Iwasveryimportunatetoknowwhatitwas;atlasthetoldmeitwasagentleman'shousebuiltwithChinaware."Well,"saysI,"arenotthematerialsoftheirbuildingstheproductsoftheirowncountry,andsoitisallChinaware,isitnot?"-"No,no,"sayshe,"ImeanitisahouseallmadeofChinaware,suchasyoucallitinEngland,orasitiscalledinourcountry,porcelain."-"Well,"saysI,"suchathingmaybe;howbigisit?Canwecarryitinaboxuponacamel?Ifwecanwewillbuyit."-"Uponacamel!"saystheoldpilot,holdingupbothhishands;"why,thereisafamilyofthirtypeoplelivesinit."Iwasthencurious,indeed,toseeit;andwhenIcametoit,itwasnothingbutthis:itwasatimberhouse,orahousebuilt,aswecallitinEngland,withlathandplaster,butallthisplasteringwasreallyChinaware-thatistosay,itwasplasteredwiththeearththatmakesChinaware.Theoutside,whichthesunshonehotupon,wasglazed,andlookedverywell,perfectlywhite,andpaintedwithbluefigures,asthelargeChinawareinEnglandispainted,andhardasifithadbeenburnt.Astotheinside,allthewalls,insteadofwainscot,werelinedwithhardenedandpaintedtiles,likethelittlesquaretileswecallgalley-tilesinEngland,allmadeofthefinestchina,andthefiguresexceedingfineindeed,withextraordinaryvarietyofcolours,mixedwithgold,manytilesmakingbutonefigure,butjoinedsoartificially,themortarbeingmadeofthesameearth,thatitwasveryhardtoseewherethetilesmet.Thefloorsofthe
roomswereofthesamecomposition,andashardastheearthenfloorswehaveinuseinseveralpartsofEngland;ashardasstone,andsmooth,butnotburntandpainted,exceptsomesmallerrooms,likeclosets,whichwereall,asitwere,pavedwiththesametile;theceilingandalltheplasteringworkinthewholehousewereofthesameearth;and,afterall,theroofwascoveredwithtilesofthesame,butofadeepshiningblack.ThiswasaChinawarehouseindeed,trulyandliterallytobecalledso,andhadInotbeenuponthejourney,Icouldhavestayedsomedaystoseeandexaminetheparticularsofit.Theytoldmetherewerefountainsandfishpondsinthegarden,allpavedonthebottomandsideswiththesame;andfinestatuessetupinrowsonthewalks,entirelyformedoftheporcelainearth,burntwhole.AsthisisoneofthesingularitiesofChina,sotheymaybeallowedtoexcelinit;butIamverysuretheyexcelintheiraccountsofit;fortheytoldmesuchincrediblethingsoftheirperformanceincrockery-ware,forsuchitis,thatIcarenottorelate,asknowingitcouldnotbetrue.Theytoldme,inparticular,ofoneworkmanthatmadeashipwithallitstackleandmastsandsailsinearthenware,bigenoughtocarryfiftymen.Iftheyhadtoldmehelaunchedit,andmadeavoyagetoJapaninit,Imighthavesaidsomethingtoitindeed;butasitwas,Iknewthewholeofthestory,whichwas,inshort,thatthefellowlied:soIsmiled,andsaidnothingtoit.Thisoddsightkeptmetwohoursbehindthecaravan,forwhichtheleaderofitforthedayfinedmeaboutthevalueofthreeshillings;andtoldmeifithadbeenthreedays'journeywithoutthewall,asitwasthreedays'within,hemusthavefinedmefourtimesasmuch,andmademeaskpardonthenextcouncil-day.Ipromisedtobemoreorderly;and,indeed,Ifoundafterwardstheordersmadeforkeepingalltogetherwereabsolutelynecessaryforourcommonsafety.IntwodaysmorewepassedthegreatChinawall,madeforafortificationagainsttheTartars:andaverygreatworkitis,goingoverhillsandmountainsinanendlesstrack,wheretherocksareimpassable,andtheprecipicessuchasnoenemycouldpossiblyenter,orindeedclimbup,orwhere,iftheydid,nowallcouldhinderthem.TheytellusitslengthisnearathousandEnglishmiles,butthatthecountryisfivehundredinastraightmeasuredline,whichthewallboundswithoutmeasuringthewindingsandturningsittakes;itisaboutfourfathomshigh,andasmanythickinsomeplaces.Istoodstillanhourorthereaboutswithouttrespassingonourorders(forsolongthecaravanwasinpassingthegate),tolookatitoneveryside,nearandfaroff;Imeanwhatwaswithinmyview:andtheguide,whohadbeenextollingitforthewonderoftheworld,wasmightyeagertohearmyopinionofit.ItoldhimitwasamostexcellentthingtokeepouttheTartars;whichhehappenednottounderstandasImeantitandsotookitforacompliment;buttheoldpilotlaughed!"Oh,SeigniorInglese,"sayshe,"youspeakincolours."-"Incolours!"saidI;"whatdoyoumeanbythat?"-"Why,youspeakwhatlookswhitethiswayandblackthatway-gayonewayanddullanother.YoutellhimitisagoodwalltokeepoutTartars;youtellmebythatitisgoodfornothingbuttokeepoutTartars.Iunderstandyou,SeigniorInglese,Iunderstandyou;butSeigniorChineseunderstoodyouhisownway."-"Well,"saysI,"doyouthinkitwouldstandoutanarmyofourcountrypeople,withagoodtrainofartillery;orourengineers,withtwocompaniesof
miners?Wouldnottheybatteritdownintendays,thatanarmymightenterinbattalia;orblowitupintheair,foundationandall,thatthereshouldbenosignofitleft?"-"Ay,ay,"sayshe,"Iknowthat."TheChinesewantedmightilytoknowwhatIsaidtothepilot,andIgavehimleavetotellhimafewdaysafter,forwewerethenalmostoutoftheircountry,andhewastoleaveusalittletimeafterthis;butwhenheknewwhatIsaid,hewasdumballtherestoftheway,andweheardnomoreofhisfinestoryoftheChinesepowerandgreatnesswhilehestayed.Afterwepassedthismightynothing,calledawall,somethinglikethePicts'wallssofamousinNorthumberland,builtbytheRomans,webegantofindthecountrythinlyinhabited,andthepeopleratherconfinedtoliveinfortifiedtowns,asbeingsubjecttotheinroadsanddepredationsoftheTartars,whorobingreatarmies,andthereforearenottoberesistedbythenakedinhabitantsofanopencountry.AndhereIbegantofindthenecessityofkeepingtogetherinacaravanaswetravelled,forwesawseveraltroopsofTartarsrovingabout;butwhenIcametoseethemdistinctly,IwonderedmorethattheChineseempirecouldbeconqueredbysuchcontemptiblefellows;fortheyareamerehordeofwildfellows,keepingnoorderandunderstandingnodisciplineormannerofit.Theirhorsesarepoorleancreatures,taughtnothing,andfitfornothing;andthiswefoundthefirstdaywesawthem,whichwasafterweenteredthewilderpartofthecountry.Ourleaderforthedaygaveleaveforaboutsixteenofustogoahuntingastheycallit;andwhatwasthisbutahuntingofsheep!-however,itmaybecalledhuntingtoo,forthesecreaturesarethewildestandswiftestoffootthateverIsawoftheirkind!onlytheywillnotrunagreatway,andyouaresureofsportwhenyoubeginthechase,fortheyappeargenerallythirtyorfortyinaflock,and,liketruesheep,alwayskeeptogetherwhentheyfly.InpursuitofthisoddsortofgameitwasourhaptomeetwithaboutfortyTartars:whethertheywerehuntingmutton,aswewere,orwhethertheylookedforanotherkindofprey,weknownot;butassoonastheysawus,oneofthemblewahideousblastonakindofhorn.Thiswastocalltheirfriendsaboutthem,andinlessthantenminutesatroopoffortyorfiftymoreappeared,ataboutamiledistance;butourworkwasoverfirst,asithappened.OneoftheScotsmerchantsofMoscowhappenedtobeamongstus;andassoonasheheardthehorn,hetoldusthatwehadnothingtodobuttochargethemwithoutlossoftime;anddrawingusupinaline,heaskedifwewereresolved.Wetoldhimwewerereadytofollowhim;soherodedirectlytowardsthem.Theystoodgazingatuslikeamerecrowd,drawnupinnosortoforderatall;butassoonastheysawusadvance,theyletflytheirarrows,whichmissedus,veryhappily.Notthattheymistooktheiraim,buttheirdistance;fortheirarrowsallfellalittleshortofus,butwithsotrueanaim,thathadwebeenabouttwentyyardsnearerwemusthavehadseveralmenwounded,ifnotkilled.Immediatelywehalted,andthoughitwasatagreatdistance,wefired,andsentthemleadenbulletsforwoodenarrows,followingourshotfullgallop,tofallinamongthemswordinhand-forsoourboldScotthatledusdirected.Hewas,indeed,butamerchant,buthebehavedwithsuchvigourandbraveryonthisoccasion,andyetwithsuchcoolcouragetoo,thatIneversawanymaninactionfitterforcommand.Assoonaswecameuptothemwefiredourpistols
intheirfacesandthendrew;buttheyfledinthegreatestconfusionimaginable.Theonlystandanyofthemmadewasonourright,wherethreeofthemstood,and,bysigns,calledtheresttocomebacktothem,havingakindofscimitarintheirhands,andtheirbowshangingtotheirbacks.Ourbravecommander,withoutaskinganybodytofollowhim,gallopsupclosetothem,andwithhisfuseeknocksoneofthemoffhishorse,killedthesecondwithhispistol,andthethirdranaway.Thusendedourfight;butwehadthismisfortuneattendingit,thatallourmuttonwehadinchasegotaway.Wehadnotamankilledorhurt;asfortheTartars,therewereaboutfiveofthemkilled-howmanywerewoundedweknewnot;butthisweknew,thattheotherpartyweresofrightenedwiththenoiseofourgunsthattheyfled,andnevermadeanyattemptuponus.WewereallthiswhileintheChinesedominions,andthereforetheTartarswerenotsoboldasafterwards;butinaboutfivedaysweenteredavastwilddesert,whichheldusthreedays'andnights'march;andwewereobligedtocarryourwaterwithusingreatleathernbottles,andtoencampallnight,justasIhaveheardtheydointhedesertofArabia.Iaskedourguideswhosedominionthiswasin,andtheytoldmethiswasakindofborderthatmightbecallednoman'sland,beingapartofGreatKarakathy,orGrandTartary:that,however,itwasallreckonedasbelongingtoChina,butthattherewasnocaretakenheretopreserveitfromtheinroadsofthieves,andthereforeitwasreckonedtheworstdesertinthewholemarch,thoughweweretogooversomemuchlarger.Inpassingthisfrightfulwildernesswesaw,twoorthreetimes,littlepartiesoftheTartars,buttheyseemedtobeupontheirownaffairs,andtohavenodesignuponus;andso,likethemanwhometthedevil,iftheyhadnothingtosaytous,wehadnothingtosaytothem:weletthemgo.Once,however,apartyofthemcamesonearastostandandgazeatus.Whetheritwastoconsideriftheyshouldattackusornot,weknewnot;butwhenwehadpassedatsomedistancebythem,wemadearear-guardoffortymen,andstoodreadyforthem,lettingthecaravanpasshalfamileorthereaboutsbeforeus.Afterawhiletheymarchedoff,buttheysaluteduswithfivearrowsattheirparting,whichwoundedahorsesothatitdisabledhim,andwelefthimthenextday,poorcreature,ingreatneedofagoodfarrier.WesawnomorearrowsorTartarsthattime.Wetravellednearamonthafterthis,thewaysnotbeingsogoodasatfirst,thoughstillinthedominionsoftheEmperorofChina,butlayforthemostpartinthevillages,someofwhichwerefortified,becauseoftheincursionsoftheTartars.Whenwewerecometooneofthesetowns(abouttwodaysandahalf'sjourneybeforewecametothecityofNaum),Iwantedtobuyacamel,ofwhichthereareplentytobesoldallthewayuponthatroad,andhorsesalso,suchastheyare,because,somanycaravanscomingthatway,theyareoftenwanted.ThepersonthatIspoketotogetmeacamelwouldhavegoneandfetchedoneforme;butI,likeafool,mustbeofficious,andgomyselfalongwithhim;theplacewasabouttwomilesoutofthevillage,whereitseemstheykeptthecamelsandhorsesfeedingunderaguard.Iwalkeditonfoot,withmyoldpilotandaChinese,beingverydesirousofalittlevariety.Whenwecametotheplaceitwasalow,marshyground,walledroundwithstones,piledupdry,withoutmortarorearthamongthem,likeapark,withalittleguardofChinesesoldiersatthedoor.Having
boughtacamel,andagreedfortheprice,Icameaway,andtheChinesethatwentwithmeledthecamel,whenonasuddencameupfiveTartarsonhorseback.Twoofthemseizedthefellowandtookthecamelfromhim,whiletheotherthreesteppeduptomeandmyoldpilot,seeingus,asitwere,unarmed,forIhadnoweaponaboutmebutmysword,whichcouldbutilldefendmeagainstthreehorsemen.Thefirstthatcameupstoppedshortuponmydrawingmysword,fortheyarearrantcowards;butasecond,cominguponmyleft,gavemeablowonthehead,whichIneverfelttillafterwards,andwondered,whenIcametomyself,whatwasthematter,andwhereIwas,forhelaidmeflatontheground;butmynever-failingoldpilot,thePortuguese,hadapistolinhispocket,whichIknewnothingof,northeTartarseither:iftheyhad,Isupposetheywouldnothaveattackedus,forcowardsarealwaysboldestwhenthereisnodanger.Theoldmanseeingmedown,withaboldheartsteppeduptothefellowthathadstruckme,andlayingholdofhisarmwithonehand,andpullinghimdownbymainforcealittletowardshim,withtheothershothimintothehead,andlaidhimdeaduponthespot.Hethenimmediatelysteppeduptohimwhohadstoppedus,asIsaid,andbeforehecouldcomeforwardagain,madeablowathimwithascimitar,whichhealwayswore,butmissingtheman,struckhishorseinthesideofhishead,cutoneoftheearsoffbytheroot,andagreatslicedownbythesideofhisface.Thepoorbeast,enragedwiththewound,wasnomoretobegovernedbyhisrider,thoughthefellowsatwellenoughtoo,butawayheflew,andcarriedhimquiteoutofthepilot'sreach;andatsomedistance,risinguponhishindlegs,threwdowntheTartar,andfelluponhim.InthisintervalthepoorChinesecameinwhohadlostthecamel,buthehadnoweapon;however,seeingtheTartardown,andhishorsefallenuponhim,awayherunstohim,andseizinguponanuglyweaponhehadbyhisside,somethinglikeapole-axe,hewrencheditfromhim,andmadeshifttoknockhisTartarianbrainsoutwithit.ButmyoldmanhadthethirdTartartodealwithstill;andseeinghedidnotfly,asheexpected,norcomeontofighthim,asheapprehended,butstoodstockstill,theoldmanstoodstilltoo,andfelltoworkwithhistackletochargehispistolagain:butassoonastheTartarsawthepistolawayhescoured,andleftmypilot,mychampionIcalledhimafterwards,acompletevictory.BythistimeIwasalittlerecovered.Ithought,whenIfirstbegantowake,thatIhadbeeninasweetsleep;but,asIsaidabove,IwonderedwhereIwas,howIcameupontheground,andwhatwasthematter.Afewmomentsafter,assensereturned,Ifeltpain,thoughIdidnotknowwhere;soIclappedmyhandtomyhead,andtookitawaybloody;thenIfeltmyheadache:andinamomentmemoryreturned,andeverythingwaspresenttomeagain.Ijumpeduponmyfeetinstantly,andgotholdofmysword,butnoenemieswereinview:IfoundaTartarlyingdead,andhishorsestandingveryquietlybyhim;and,lookingfurther,Isawmydeliverer,whohadbeentoseewhattheChinesehaddone,comingbackwithhishangerinhishand.Theoldman,seeingmeonmyfeet,camerunningtome,andjoyfullyembracedme,beingafraidbeforethatIhadbeenkilled.Seeingmebloody,hewouldseehowIwashurt;butitwasnotmuch,onlywhatwecallabrokenhead;neitherdidIafterwardsfindanygreatinconveniencefromtheblow,foritwaswellagainintwoorthreedays.Wemadenogreatgain,
however,bythisvictory,forwelostacamelandgainedahorse.Ipaidforthelostcamel,andsentforanother;butIdidnotgotofetchitmyself:Ihadhadenoughofthat.ThecityofNaum,whichwewereapproaching,isafrontieroftheChineseempire,andisfortifiedintheirfashion.Wewanted,asIhavesaid,abovetwodays'journeyofthiscitywhenmessengersweresentexpresstoeverypartoftheroadtotellalltravellersandcaravanstohalttilltheyhadaguardsentforthem;forthatanunusualbodyofTartars,makingtenthousandinall,hadappearedintheway,aboutthirtymilesbeyondthecity.Thiswasverybadnewstotravellers:however,itwascarefullydoneofthegovernor,andwewereverygladtohearweshouldhaveaguard.Accordingly,twodaysafter,wehadtwohundredsoldierssentusfromagarrisonoftheChineseonourleft,andthreehundredmorefromthecityofNaum,andwiththeseweadvancedboldly.ThethreehundredsoldiersfromNaummarchedinourfront,thetwohundredinourrear,andourmenoneachsideofourcamels,withourbaggageandthewholecaravaninthecentre;inthisorder,andwellpreparedforbattle,wethoughtourselvesamatchforthewholetenthousandMogulTartars,iftheyhadappeared;butthenextday,whentheydidappear,itwasquiteanotherthing.CHAPTERXV-DESCRIPTIONOFANIDOL,WHICHTHEYDESTROYEARLYinthemorning,whenmarchingfromalittletowncalledChangu,wehadarivertopass,whichwewereobligedtoferry;and,hadtheTartarshadanyintelligence,thenhadbeenthetimetohaveattackedus,whenthecaravanbeingover,therear-guardwasbehind;buttheydidnotappearthere.Aboutthreehoursafter,whenwewereentereduponadesertofaboutfifteenorsixteenmilesover,weknewbyacloudofdusttheyraised,thattheenemywasathand,andpresentlytheycameonuponthespur.OurChineseguardsinthefront,whohadtalkedsobigthedaybefore,begantostagger;andthesoldiersfrequentlylookedbehindthem,acertainsigninasoldierthatheisjustreadytorunaway.Myoldpilotwasofmymind;andbeingnearme,calledout,"SeigniorInglese,thesefellowsmustbeencouraged,ortheywillruinusall;foriftheTartarscomeontheywillneverstandit."-"Ifamofyourmind,"saidI;"butwhatmustbedone?"-"Done?"sayshe,"letfiftyofourmenadvance,andflankthemoneachwing,andencouragethem.Theywillfightlikebravefellowsinbravecompany;butwithoutthistheywilleverymanturnhisback."ImmediatelyIrodeuptoourleaderandtoldhim,whowasexactlyofourmind;accordingly,fiftyofusmarchedtotherightwing,andfiftytotheleft,andtherestmadealineofrescue;andsowemarched,leavingthelasttwohundredmentomakeabodyofthemselves,andtoguardthecamels;onlythat,ifneedwere,theyshouldsendahundredmentoassistthelastfifty.AtlasttheTartarscameon,andaninnumerablecompanytheywere;howmanywecouldnottell,buttenthousand,wethought,attheleast.Apartyofthemcameonfirst,andviewedourposture,traversingthegroundinthefrontofourline;and,aswefoundthemwithingunshot,ourleaderorderedthetwowingstoadvanceswiftly,andgivethemasalvooneachwingwiththeirshot,whichwasdone.Theythenwentoff,Isupposetogiveanaccountofthereceptiontheywereliketomeetwith;indeed,thatsalutecloyedtheirstomachs,fortheyimmediatelyhalted,stoodawhiletoconsiderofit,andwheelingofftotheleft,theygaveovertheirdesign
forthattime,whichwasveryagreeabletoourcircumstances.TwodaysafterwecametothecityofNaun,orNaum;wethankedthegovernorforhiscareofus,andcollectedtothevalueofahundredcrowns,orthereabouts,whichwegavetothesoldierssenttoguardus;andherewerestedoneday.Thisisagarrisonindeed,andtherewereninehundredsoldierskepthere;butthereasonofitwas,thatformerlytheMuscovitefrontierslaynearertothemthantheynowdo,theMuscoviteshavingabandonedthatpartofthecountry,whichliesfromthiscitywestforabouttwohundredmiles,asdesolateandunfitforuse;andmoreespeciallybeingsoveryremote,andsodifficulttosendtroopsthitherforitsdefence;forwewereyetabovetwothousandmilesfromMuscovyproperlysocalled.Afterthiswepassedseveralgreatrivers,andtwodreadfuldeserts;oneofwhichweweresixteendayspassingover;andonthe13thofAprilwecametothefrontiersoftheMuscovitedominions.Ithinkthefirsttownorfortress,whicheveritmayhecalled,thatbelongedtotheCzar,wascalledArguna,beingonthewestsideoftheriverArguna.IcouldnotbutfeelgreatsatisfactionthatIwasarrivedinacountrygovernedbyChristians;forthoughtheMuscovitesdo,inmyopinion,butjustdeservethenameofChristians,yetsuchtheypretendtobe,andareverydevoutintheirway.ItwouldcertainlyoccurtoanyreflectingmanwhotravelstheworldasIhavedone,whatablessingitistobebroughtintotheworldwherethenameofGodandaRedeemerisknown,adored,andworshipped;andnotwherethepeople,givenuptostrongdelusions,worshipthedevil,andprostratethemselvestomonsters,elements,horrid-shapedanimals,andmonstrousimages.Notatownorcitywepassedthroughbuthadtheirpagodas,theiridols,andtheirtemples,andignorantpeopleworshippingeventheworksoftheirownhands.Nowwecamewhere,atleast,afaceoftheChristianworshipappeared;wherethekneewasbowedtoJesus:andwhetherignorantlyornot,yettheChristianreligionwasowned,andthenameofthetrueGodwascalleduponandadored;anditmademysoulrejoicetoseeit.IsalutedthebraveScotsmerchantwithmyfirstacknowledgmentofthis;andtakinghimbythehand,Isaidtohim,"BlessedbeGod,weareonceagainamongstChristians."Hesmiled,andanswered,"Donotrejoicetoosoon,countryman;theseMuscovitesarebutanoddsortofChristians;andbutforthenameofityoumayseeverylittleofthesubstanceforsomemonthsfurtherofourjourney."-"Well,"saysI,"butstillitisbetterthanpaganism,andworshippingofdevils."-"Why,Iwilltellyou,"sayshe;"excepttheRussiansoldiersinthegarrisons,andafewoftheinhabitantsofthecitiesupontheroad,alltherestofthiscountry,foraboveathousandmilesfarther,isinhabitedbytheworstandmostignorantofpagans."Andso,indeed,wefoundit.Wenowlaunchedintothegreatestpieceofsolidearththatistobefoundinanypartoftheworld;wehad,atleast,twelvethousandmilestotheseaeastward;twothousandtothebottomoftheBalticSeawestward;andabovethreethousand,ifweleftthatsea,andwentonwest,totheBritishandFrenchchannels:wehadfullfivethousandmilestotheIndianorPersianSeasouth;andabouteighthundredtotheFrozenSeanorth.WeadvancedfromtheriverArgunabyeasyandmoderatejourneys,andwereveryvisiblyobligedtothecaretheCzarhastakentohavecitiesandtownsbuiltinasmanyplacesasitispossibleto
placethem,wherehissoldierskeepgarrison,somethinglikethestationarysoldiersplacedbytheRomansintheremotestcountriesoftheirempire;someofwhichIhadreadofwereplacedinBritain,forthesecurityofcommerce,andforthelodgingoftravellers.Thusitwashere;forwhereverwecame,thoughatthesetownsandstationsthegarrisonsandgovernorswereRussians,andprofessedChristians,yettheinhabitantsweremerepagans,sacrificingtoidols,andworshippingthesun,moon,andstars,orallthehostofheaven;andnotonlyso,butwere,ofalltheheathensandpagansthateverImetwith,themostbarbarous,exceptonlythattheydidnoteatmen'sflesh.SomeinstancesofthiswemetwithinthecountrybetweenArguna,whereweentertheMuscovitedominions,andacityofTartarsandRussianstogether,calledNortziousky,inwhichisacontinueddesertorforest,whichcostustwentydaystotravelover.InavillagenearthelastoftheseplacesIhadthecuriositytogoandseetheirwayofliving,whichismostbrutishandunsufferable.Theyhad,Isuppose,agreatsacrificethatday;fortherestoodout,uponanoldstumpofatree,adiabolicalkindofidolmadeofwood;itwasdressedup,too,inthemostfilthymanner;itsuppergarmentwasofsheepskins,withthewooloutward;agreatTartarbonnetonthehead,withtwohornsgrowingthroughit;itwasabouteightfeethigh,yethadnofeetorlegs,noranyotherproportionofparts.Thisscarecrowwassetupattheoutersideofthevillage;andwhenIcameneartoitthereweresixteenorseventeencreaturesalllyingflatuponthegroundroundthishideousblockofwood;Isawnomotionamongthem,anymorethaniftheyhadbeenalllogs,liketheidol,andatfirstIreallythoughttheyhadbeenso;but,whenIcamealittlenearer,theystartedupupontheirfeet,andraisedahowl,asifithadbeensomanydeep-mouthedhounds,andwalkedaway,asiftheyweredispleasedatourdisturbingthem.Alittlewayofffromtheidol,andatthedoorofahut,madeofsheepandcowskinsdried,stoodthreemenwithlongknivesintheirhands;andinthemiddleofthetentappearedthreesheepkilled,andoneyoungbullock.These,itseems,weresacrificestothatsenselesslogofanidol;thethreemenwerepriestsbelongingtoit,andtheseventeenprostratedwretcheswerethepeoplewhobroughttheoffering,andwereofferingtheirprayerstothatstock.IconfessIwasmoremovedattheirstupidityandbrutishworshipofahobgoblinthaneverIwasatanythinginmylife,and,overcomewithrage,Irodeuptothehideousidol,andwithmyswordmadeastrokeatthebonnetthatwasonitshead,andcutitintwo;andoneofourmenthatwaswithme,takingholdofthesheepskinthatcoveredit,pulledatit,when,behold,amosthideousoutcryranthroughthevillage,andtwoorthreehundredpeoplecameaboutmyears,sothatIwasgladtoscourforit,forsomehadbowsandarrows;butIresolvedfromthatmomenttovisitthemagain.Ourcaravanrestedthreenightsatthetown,whichwasaboutfourmilesoff,inordertoprovidesomehorseswhichtheywanted,severalofthehorseshavingbeenlamedandjadedwiththelongmarchoverthelastdesert;sowehadsomeleisureheretoputmydesigninexecution.IcommunicatedittotheScotsmerchant,ofwhosecourageIhadsufficienttestimony;ItoldhimwhatIhadseen,andwithwhatindignationIhadsincethoughtthathumannaturecouldbesodegenerate;ItoldhimifIcouldgetbutfourorfivemenwellarmedtogowithme,I
wasresolvedtogoanddestroythatvile,abominableidol,andletthemseethatithadnopowertohelpitself,andconsequentlycouldnotbeanobjectofworship,ortobeprayedto,muchlesshelpthemthatofferedsacrificestoit.Heatfirstobjectedtomyplanasuseless,seeingthat,owingtothegrossignoranceofthepeople,theycouldnotbebroughttoprofitbythelessonImeanttoteachthem;andaddedthat,fromhisknowledgeofthecountryanditscustoms,hefearedweshouldfallintogreatperilbygivingoffencetothesebrutalidolworshippers.Thissomewhatstayedmypurpose,butIwasstilluneasyallthatdaytoputmyprojectinexecution;andthatevening,meetingtheScotsmerchantinourwalkaboutthetown,Iagaincalleduponhimtoaidmeinit.Whenhefoundmeresolutehesaidthat,onfurtherthoughts,hecouldnotbutapplaudthedesign,andtoldmeIshouldnotgoalone,buthewouldgowithme;buthewouldgofirstandbringastoutfellow,oneofhiscountrymen,togoalsowithus;"andone,"saidhe,"asfamousforhiszealasyoucandesireanyonetobeagainstsuchdevilishthingsasthese."Soweagreedtogo,onlywethreeandmyman-servant,andresolvedtoputitinexecutionthefollowingnightaboutmidnight,withallpossiblesecrecy.Wethoughtitbettertodelayittillthenextnight,becausethecaravanbeingtosetforwardinthemorning,wesupposethegovernorcouldnotpretendtogivethemanysatisfactionuponuswhenwewereoutofhispower.TheScotsmerchant,assteadyinhisresolutionfortheenterpriseasboldinexecuting,broughtmeaTartar'srobeorgownofsheepskins,andabonnet,withabowandarrows,andhadprovidedthesameforhimselfandhiscountryman,thatthepeople,iftheysawus,shouldnotdeterminewhowewere.Allthefirstnightwespentinmixingupsomecombustiblematter,withaquavitae,gunpowder,andsuchothermaterialsaswecouldget;andhavingagoodquantityoftarinalittlepot,aboutanhourafternightwesetoutuponourexpedition.Wecametotheplaceabouteleveno'clockatnight,andfoundthatthepeoplehadnottheleastsuspicionofdangerattendingtheiridol.Thenightwascloudy:yetthemoongaveuslightenoughtoseethattheidolstoodjustinthesamepostureandplacethatitdidbefore.Thepeopleseemedtobeallattheirrest;onlythatinthegreathut,wherewesawthethreepriests,wesawalight,andgoingupclosetothedoor,weheardpeopletalkingasiftherewerefiveorsixofthem;weconcluded,therefore,thatifwesetwildfiretotheidol,thosemenwouldcomeoutimmediately,andrunuptotheplacetorescueitfromdestruction;andwhattodowiththemweknewnot.Oncewethoughtofcarryingitaway,andsettingfiretoitatadistance;butwhenwecametohandleit,wefoundittoobulkyforourcarriage,sowewereatalossagain.ThesecondScotsmanwasforsettingfiretothehut,andknockingthecreaturesthatwerethereontheheadwhentheycameout;butIcouldnotjoinwiththat;Iwasagainstkillingthem,ifitwerepossibletoavoidit."Well,then,"saidtheScotsmerchant,"Iwilltellyouwhatwewilldo:wewilltrytomakethemprisoners,tietheirhands,andmakethemstandandseetheiridoldestroyed."Asithappened,wehadtwineorpackthreadenoughaboutus,whichweusedtotieourfirelockstogetherwith;soweresolvedtoattackthesepeoplefirst,andwithaslittlenoiseaswecould.Thefirstthingwedid,weknockedatthedoor,whenoneofthepriestscomingtoit,weimmediatelyseizeduponhim,stoppedhismouth,andtiedhis
handsbehindhim,andledhimtotheidol,wherewegaggedhimthathemightnotmakeanoise,tiedhisfeetalsotogether,andlefthimontheground.Twoofusthenwaitedatthedoor,expectingthatanotherwouldcomeouttoseewhatthematterwas;butwewaitedsolongtillthethirdmancamebacktous;andthennobodycomingout,weknockedagaingently,andimmediatelyoutcametwomore,andweservedthemjustinthesamemanner,butwereobligedtogoallwiththem,andlaythemdownbytheidolsomedistancefromoneanother;when,goingback,wefoundtwomorewerecomeoutofthedoor,andathirdstoodbehindthemwithinthedoor.Weseizedthetwo,andimmediatelytiedthem,whenthethird,steppingbackandcryingout,myScotsmerchantwentinafterthem,andtakingoutacompositionwehadmadethatwouldonlysmokeandstink,hesetfiretoit,andthrewitinamongthem.BythattimetheotherScotsmanandmyman,takingchargeofthetwomenalreadybound,andtiedtogetheralsobythearm,ledthemawaytotheidol,andleftthemthere,toseeiftheiridolwouldrelievethem,makinghastebacktous.Whenthefuzewehadthrowninhadfilledthehutwithsomuchsmokethattheywerealmostsuffocated,wethrewinasmallleatherbagofanotherkind,whichflamedlikeacandle,and,followingitin,wefoundtherewerebutfourpeople,who,aswesupposed,hadbeenaboutsomeoftheirdiabolicalsacrifices.Theyappeared,inshort,frightenedtodeath,atleastsoastosittremblingandstupid,andnotabletospeakeither,forthesmoke.Wequicklytookthemfromthehut,wherethesmokesoondroveusout,boundthemaswehaddonetheother,andallwithoutanynoise.Thenwecarriedthemalltogethertotheidol;whenwecamethere,wefelltoworkwithhim.First,wedaubedhimallover,andhisrobesalso,withtar,andtallowmixedwithbrimstone;thenwestoppedhiseyesandearsandmouthfullofgunpowder,andwrappedupagreatpieceofwildfireinhisbonnet;thenstickingallthecombustibleswehadbroughtwithusuponhim,welookedabouttoseeifwecouldfindanythingelsetohelptoburnhim;whenmyScotsmanrememberedthatbythehut,wherethemenwere,therelayaheapofdryforage;awayheandtheotherScotsmanranandfetchedtheirarmsfullofthat.Whenwehaddonethis,wetookallourprisoners,andbroughtthem,havinguntiedtheirfeetandungaggedtheirmouths,andmadethemstandup,andsetthembeforetheirmonstrousidol,andthensetfiretothewhole.Westayedbyitaquarterofanhourorthereabouts,tillthepowderintheeyesandmouthandearsoftheidolblewup,and,aswecouldperceive,hadsplitaltogether;andinaword,tillwesawitburnedsothatitwouldsoonbequiteconsumed.Wethenbegantothinkofgoingaway;buttheScotsmansaid,"No,wemustnotgo,forthesepoordeludedwretcheswillallthrowthemselvesintothefire,andburnthemselveswiththeidol."Soweresolvedtostaytilltheforagehasburneddowntoo,andthencameawayandleftthem.Afterthefeatwasperformed,weappearedinthemorningamongourfellow-travellers,exceedinglybusyingettingreadyforourjourney;norcouldanymansupposethatwehadbeenanywherebutinourbeds.Buttheaffairdidnotendso;thenextdaycameagreatnumberofthecountrypeopletothetowngates,andinamostoutrageousmannerdemandedsatisfactionoftheRussiangovernorfortheinsultingtheirpriestsandburningtheirgreatChamChi-Thaungu.Thepeopleof
Nertsinkaywereatfirstinagreatconsternation,fortheysaidtheTartarswerealreadynolessthanthirtythousandstrong.TheRussiangovernorsentoutmessengerstoappeasethem,assuringthemthatheknewnothingofit,andthattherehadnotasoulinhisgarrisonbeenabroad,sothatitcouldnotbefromanybodythere:butiftheycouldlethimknowwhodidit,theyshouldbeexemplarilypunished.Theyreturnedhaughtily,thatallthecountryreverencedthegreatChamChi-Thaungu,whodweltinthesun,andnomortalwouldhavedaredtoofferviolencetohisimagebutsomeChristianmiscreant;andtheythereforeresolvedtodenouncewaragainsthimandalltheRussians,who,theysaid,weremiscreantsandChristians.Thegovernor,unwillingtomakeabreach,ortohaveanycauseofwarallegedtobegivenbyhim,theCzarhavingstrictlychargedhimtotreattheconqueredcountrywithgentleness,gavethemallthegoodwordshecould.AtlasthetoldthemtherewasacaravangonetowardsRussiathatmorning,andperhapsitwassomeofthemwhohaddonethemthisinjury;andthatiftheywouldbesatisfiedwiththat,hewouldsendafterthemtoinquireintoit.Thisseemedtoappeasethemalittle;andaccordinglythegovernorsentafterus,andgaveusaparticularaccounthowthethingwas;intimatingwithal,thatifanyinourcaravanhaddoneittheyshouldmaketheirescape;butthatwhetherwehaddoneitorno,weshouldmakeallthehasteforwardthatwaspossible:andthat,inthemeantime,hewouldkeeptheminplayaslongashecould.Thiswasveryfriendlyinthegovernor;however,whenitcametothecaravan,therewasnobodyknewanythingofthematter;andasforusthatwereguilty,wewereleastofallsuspected.However,thecaptainofthecaravanforthetimetookthehintthatthegovernorgaveus,andwetravelledtwodaysandtwonightswithoutanyconsiderablestop,andthenwelayatavillagecalledPlothus:nordidwemakeanylongstophere,buthastenedontowardsJarawena,anotherMuscovitecolony,andwhereweexpectedweshouldbesafe.Butuponthesecondday'smarchfromPlothus,bythecloudsofdustbehindusatagreatdistance,itwasplainwewerepursued.Wehadenteredavastdesert,andhadpassedbyagreatlakecalledSchanksOser,whenweperceivedalargebodyofhorseappearontheothersideofthelake,tothenorth,wetravellingwest.Weobservedtheywentawaywest,aswedid,buthadsupposedwewouldhavetakenthatsideofthelake,whereasweveryhappilytookthesouthside;andintwodaysmoretheydisappearedagain:forthey,believingwewerestillbeforethem,pushedontilltheycametotheUdda,averygreatriverwhenitpassesfarthernorth,butwhenwecametoitwefounditnarrowandfordable.Thethirddaytheyhadeitherfoundtheirmistake,orhadintelligenceofus,andcamepouringinuponustowardsdusk.Wehad,toourgreatsatisfaction,justpitcheduponaconvenientplaceforourcamp;foraswehadjustentereduponadesertabovefivehundredmilesover,wherewehadnotownstolodgeat,and,indeed,expectednonebutthecityJarawena,whichwehadyettwodays'marchto;thedesert,however,hadsomefewwoodsinitonthisside,andlittlerivers,whichranallintothegreatriverUdda;itwasinanarrowstrait,betweenlittlebutverythickwoods,thatwepitchedourcampthatnight,expectingtobeattackedbeforemorning.AsitwasusualfortheMogulTartarstogoaboutintroopsinthatdesert,sothecaravansalwaysfortifythemselveseverynightagainstthem,asagainst
armiesofrobbers;anditwas,therefore,nonewthingtobepursued.Butwehadthisnightamostadvantageouscamp:foraswelaybetweentwowoods,withalittlerivuletrunningjustbeforeourfront,wecouldnotbesurrounded,orattackedanywaybutinourfrontorrear.Wetookcarealsotomakeourfrontasstrongaswecould,byplacingourpacks,withthecamelsandhorses,allinaline,ontheinsideoftheriver,andfellingsometreesinourrear.Inthispostureweencampedforthenight;buttheenemywasuponusbeforewehadfinished.Theydidnotcomeonlikethieves,asweexpected,butsentthreemessengerstous,todemandthementobedeliveredtothemthathadabusedtheirpriestsandburnedtheiridol,thattheymightburnthemwithfire;anduponthis,theysaid,theywouldgoaway,anddousnofurtherharm,otherwisetheywoulddestroyusall.Ourmenlookedveryblankatthismessage,andbegantostareatoneanothertoseewholookedwiththemostguiltintheirfaces;butnobodywastheword-nobodydidit.Theleaderofthecaravansentwordhewaswellassuredthatitwasnotdonebyanyofourcamp;thatwewerepeacefulmerchants,travellingonourbusiness;thatwehaddonenoharmtothemortoanyoneelse;andthat,therefore,theymustlookfurtherfortheenemieswhohadinjuredthem,forwewerenotthepeople;sotheydesiredthemnottodisturbus,foriftheydidweshoulddefendourselves.Theywerefarfrombeingsatisfiedwiththisforananswer:andagreatcrowdofthemcamerunningdowninthemorning,bybreakofday,toourcamp;butseeingussowellposted,theydurstcomenofartherthanthebrookinourfront,wheretheystoodinsuchnumberastoterrifyusverymuch;indeed,somespokeoftenthousand.Heretheystoodandlookedatusawhile,andthen,settingupagreathowl,letflyacrowdofarrowsamongus;butwewerewellenoughshelteredunderourbaggage,andIdonotrememberthatoneofuswashurt.Sometimeafterthiswesawthemmovealittletoourright,andexpectedthemontherear:whenacunningfellow,aCossackofJarawena,callingtotheleaderofthecaravan,saidtohim,"IwillsendallthesepeopleawaytoSibeilka."Thiswasacityfourorfivedays'journeyatleasttotheright,andratherbehindus.Sohetakeshisbowandarrows,andgettingonhorseback,heridesawayfromourreardirectly,asitwerebacktoNertsinskay;afterthishetakesagreatcircuitabout,andcomesdirectlyonthearmyoftheTartarsasifhehadbeensentexpresstotellthemalongstorythatthepeoplewhohadburnedtheChamChi-ThaunguweregonetoSibeilka,withacaravanofmiscreants,ashecalledthem-thatistosay,Christians;andthattheyhadresolvedtoburnthegodScal-Isar,belongingtotheTonguses.AsthisfellowwashimselfaTartar,andperfectlyspoketheirlanguage,hecounterfeitedsowellthattheyallbelievedhim,andawaytheydroveinaviolenthurrytoSibeilka.Inlessthanthreehourstheywereentirelyoutofoursight,andweneverheardanymoreofthem,norwhethertheywenttoSibeilkaorno.SowepassedawaysafelyontoJarawena,wheretherewasaRussiangarrison,andtherewerestedfivedays.Fromthiscitywehadafrightfuldesert,whichheldustwenty-threedays'march.Wefurnishedourselveswithsometentshere,forthebetteraccommodatingourselvesinthenight;andtheleaderofthecaravanprocuredsixteenwaggonsofthecountry,forcarryingourwaterorprovisions,andthesecarriageswereourdefenceeverynightroundourlittlecamp;sothathadtheTartarsappeared,unless
theyhadbeenverynumerousindeed,theywouldnothavebeenabletohurtus.Wemaywellbesupposedtohavewantedrestagainafterthislongjourney;forinthisdesertweneithersawhousenortree,andscarceabush;thoughwesawabundanceofthesable-hunters,whoareallTartarsofMogulTartary;ofwhichthiscountryisapart;andtheyfrequentlyattacksmallcaravans,butwesawnonumbersofthemtogether.Afterwehadpassedthisdesertwecameintoacountryprettywellinhabited-thatistosay,wefoundtownsandcastles,settledbytheCzarwithgarrisonsofstationarysoldiers,toprotectthecaravansanddefendthecountryagainsttheTartars,whowouldotherwisemakeitverydangeroustravelling;andhisczarishmajestyhasgivensuchstrictordersforthewellguardingthecaravans,that,ifthereareanyTartarsheardofinthecountry,detachmentsofthegarrisonarealwayssenttoseethetravellerssafefromstationtostation.ThusthegovernorofAdinskoy,whomIhadanopportunitytomakeavisitto,bymeansoftheScotsmerchant,whowasacquaintedwithhim,offeredusaguardoffiftymen,ifwethoughttherewasanydanger,tothenextstation.Ithought,longbeforethis,thataswecamenearertoEuropeweshouldfindthecountrybetterinhabited,andthepeoplemorecivilised;butIfoundmyselfmistakeninboth:forwehadyetthenationoftheTongusestopassthrough,wherewesawthesametokensofpaganismandbarbarityasbefore;only,astheywereconqueredbytheMuscovites,theywerenotsodangerous,butforrudenessofmannersandidolatrynopeopleintheworldeverwentbeyondthem.Theyareallclothedinskinsofbeasts,andtheirhousesarebuiltofthesame;youknownotamanfromawoman,neitherbytheruggednessoftheircountenancesnortheirclothes;andinthewinter,whenthegroundiscoveredwithsnow,theyliveundergroundinvaults,whichhavecavitiesgoingfromonetoanother.IftheTartarshadtheirChamChi-Thaunguforawholevillageorcountry,thesehadidolsineveryhutandeverycave.Thiscountry,Ireckon,was,fromthedesertIspokeoflast,atleastfourhundredmiles,halfofitbeinganotherdesert,whichtookusuptwelvedays'severetravelling,withouthouseortree;andwewereobligedagaintocarryourownprovisions,aswellwaterasbread.Afterwewereoutofthisdesertandhadtravelledtwodays,wecametoJanezay,aMuscovitecityorstation,onthegreatriverJanezay,which,theytoldusthere,partedEuropefromAsia.AllthecountrybetweentheriverObyandtheriverJanezayisasentirelypagan,andthepeopleasbarbarous,astheremotestoftheTartars.Ialsofound,whichIobservedtotheMuscovitegovernorswhomIhadanopportunitytoconversewith,thatthepoorpagansarenotmuchwiser,ornearerChristianity,forbeingundertheMuscovitegovernment,whichtheyacknowledgedwastrueenough-butthat,astheysaid,wasnoneoftheirbusiness;thatiftheCzarexpectedtoconverthisSiberian,Tonguse,orTartarsubjects,itshouldbedonebysendingclergymenamongthem,notsoldiers;andtheyadded,withmoresinceritythanIexpected,thatitwasnotsomuchtheconcernoftheirmonarchtomakethepeopleChristiansastomakethemsubjects.FromthisrivertotheObywecrossedawilduncultivatedcountry,barrenofpeopleandgoodmanagement,otherwiseitisinitselfapleasant,fruitful,andagreeablecountry.Whatinhabitantswefoundinitareallpagans,exceptsuchasaresentamongthemfromRussia;forthisisthecountry-I
meanonbothsidestheriverOby-whithertheMuscovitecriminalsthatarenotputtodeatharebanished,andfromwhenceitisnexttoimpossibletheyshouldevergetaway.IhavenothingmaterialtosayofmyparticularaffairstillIcametoTobolski,thecapitalcityofSiberia,whereIcontinuedsometimeonthefollowingaccount.Wehadnowbeenalmostsevenmonthsonourjourney,andwinterbegantocomeonapace;whereuponmypartnerandIcalledacouncilaboutourparticularaffairs,inwhichwefounditproper,aswewereboundforEngland,toconsiderhowtodisposeofourselves.Theytoldusofsledgesandreindeertocarryusoverthesnowinthewintertime,bywhichmeans,indeed,theRussianstravelmoreinwinterthantheycaninsummer,asinthesesledgestheyareabletorunnightandday:thesnow,beingfrozen,isoneuniversalcoveringtonature,bywhichthehills,vales,rivers,andlakesareallsmoothandhardisastone,andtheyrunuponthesurface,withoutanyregardtowhatisunderneath.ButIhadnooccasiontourgeawinterjourneyofthiskind.IwasboundtoEngland,nottoMoscow,andmyroutelaytwoways:eitherImustgoonasthecaravanwent,tillIcametoJarislaw,andthengooffwestforNarvaandtheGulfofFinland,andsoontoDantzic,whereImightpossiblysellmyChinacargotogoodadvantage;orImustleavethecaravanatalittletownontheDwina,fromwhenceIhadbutsixdaysbywatertoArchangel,andfromthencemightbesureofshippingeithertoEngland,Holland,orHamburg.Now,togoanyoneofthesejourneysinthewinterwouldhavebeenpreposterous;forastoDantzic,theBalticwouldhavebeenfrozenupandIcouldnotgetpassage;andtogobylandinthosecountrieswasfarlesssafethanamongtheMogulTartars;likewise,astoArchangelinOctober,alltheshipswouldbegonefromthence,andeventhemerchantswhodwellthereinsummerretiresouthtoMoscowinthewinter,whentheshipsaregone;sothatIcouldhavenothingbutextremityofcoldtoencounter,withascarcityofprovisions,andmustlieinanemptytownallthewinter.Therefore,uponthewhole,Ithoughtitmuchmybetterwaytoletthecaravango,andmakeprovisiontowinterwhereIwas,atTobolski,inSiberia,inthelatitudeofaboutsixtydegrees,whereIwassureofthreethingstowearoutacoldwinterwith,viz.plentyofprovisions,suchasthecountryafforded,awarmhouse,withfuelenough,andexcellentcompany.Iwasnowinquiteadifferentclimatefrommybelovedisland,whereIneverfeltcold,exceptwhenIhadmyague;onthecontrary,Ihadmuchtodotobearanyclothesonmyback,andnevermadeanyfirebutwithoutdoors,whichwasnecessaryfordressingmyfood,&c.NowIhadthreegoodvests,withlargerobesorgownsoverthem,tohangdowntothefeet,andbuttonclosetothewrists;andalltheselinedwithfurs,tomakethemsufficientlywarm.Astoawarmhouse,ImustconfessIgreatlydislikeourwayinEnglandofmakingfiresineveryroomofthehouseinopenchimneys,which,whenthefireisout,alwayskeepstheairintheroomcoldastheclimate.SoItookanapartmentinagoodhouseinthetown,andorderedachimneytobebuiltlikeafurnace,inthecentreofsixseveralrooms,likeastove;thefunneltocarrythesmokewentuponeway,thedoortocomeatthefirewentinanother,andalltheroomswerekeptequallywarm,butnofireseen,justastheyheatbathsinEngland.Bythismeanswehadalwaysthesameclimateinalltherooms,andan
equalheatwaspreserved,andyetwesawnofire,norwereeverincommodedwithsmoke.Themostwonderfulthingofallwas,thatitshouldbepossibletomeetwithgoodcompanyhere,inacountrysobarbarousasthis-oneofthemostnortherlypartsofEurope.ButthisbeingthecountrywherethestatecriminalsofMuscovy,asIobservedbefore,areallbanished,thecitywasfullofRussiannoblemen,gentlemen,soldiers,andcourtiers.HerewasthefamousPrinceGalitzin,theoldGermanRobostiski,andseveralotherpersonsofnote,andsomeladies.BymeansofmyScotchmerchant,whom,nevertheless,Ipartedwithhere,Imadeanacquaintancewithseveralofthesegentlemen;andfromthese,inthelongwinternightsinwhichIstayedhere,Ireceivedseveralveryagreeablevisits.CHAPTERXVI-SAFEARRIVALINENGLANDITwastalkingonenightwithacertainprince,oneofthebanishedministersofstatebelongingtotheCzar,thatthediscourseofmyparticularcasebegan.Hehadbeentellingmeabundanceoffinethingsofthegreatness,themagnificence,thedominions,andtheabsolutepoweroftheEmperoroftheRussians:Iinterruptedhim,andtoldhimIwasagreaterandmorepowerfulprincethanevertheCzarwas,thoughmydominionwerenotsolarge,ormypeoplesomany.TheRussiangrandeelookedalittlesurprised,and,fixinghiseyessteadilyuponme,begantowonderwhatImeant.IsaidhiswonderwouldceasewhenIhadexplainedmyself,andtoldhimthestoryatlargeofmylivingintheisland;andthenhowImanagedbothmyselfandthepeoplethatwereunderme,justasIhavesinceminuteditdown.Theywereexceedinglytakenwiththestory,andespeciallytheprince,whotoldme,withasigh,thatthetruegreatnessoflifewastobemastersofourselves;thathewouldnothaveexchangedsuchastateoflifeasminetobeCzarofMuscovy;andthathefoundmorefelicityintheretirementheseemedtobebanishedtothere,thaneverhefoundinthehighestauthorityheenjoyedinthecourtofhismastertheCzar;thattheheightofhumanwisdomwastobringourtempersdowntoourcircumstances,andtomakeacalmwithin,undertheweightofthegreateststormswithout.Whenhecamefirsthither,hesaid,heusedtotearthehairfromhishead,andtheclothesfromhisback,asothershaddonebeforehim;butalittletimeandconsiderationhadmadehimlookintohimself,aswellasroundhimtothingswithout;thathefoundthemindofman,ifitwasbutoncebroughttoreflectuponthestateofuniversallife,andhowlittlethisworldwasconcernedinitstruefelicity,wasperfectlycapableofmakingafelicityforitself,fullysatisfyingtoitself,andsuitabletoitsownbestendsanddesires,withbutverylittleassistancefromtheworld.Thatbeingnowdeprivedofallthefanciedfelicitywhichheenjoyedinthefullexerciseofworldlypleasures,hesaidhewasatleisuretolookuponthedarksideofthem,wherehefoundallmannerofdeformity;andwasnowconvincedthatvirtueonlymakesamantrulywise,rich,andgreat,andpreserveshiminthewaytoasuperiorhappinessinafuturestate;andinthis,hesaid,theyweremorehappyintheirbanishmentthanalltheirenemieswere,whohadthefullpossessionofallthewealthandpowertheyhadleftbehindthem."Nor,sir,"sayshe,"doIbringmymindtothispolitically,fromthenecessityofmycircumstances,whichsomecallmiserable;but,ifIknowanythingofmyself,Iwouldnotnowgoback,thoughtheCzarmymastershouldcallme,and
reinstatemeinallmyformergrandeur."Hespokethiswithsomuchwarmthinhistemper,somuchearnestnessandmotionofhisspirits,thatitwasevidentitwasthetruesenseofhissoul;therewasnoroomtodoubthissincerity.ItoldhimIoncethoughtmyselfakindofmonarchinmyoldstation,ofwhichIhadgivenhimanaccount;butthatIthoughthewasnotonlyamonarch,butagreatconqueror;forhethathadgotavictoryoverhisownexorbitantdesires,andtheabsolutedominionoverhimself,hewhosereasonentirelygovernshiswill,iscertainlygreaterthanhethatconquersacity.Ihadbeenhereeightmonths,andadark,dreadfulwinterIthoughtit;thecoldsointensethatIcouldnotsomuchaslookabroadwithoutbeingwrappedinfurs,andakindofmaskoffurbeforemyface,withonlyaholeforbreath,andtwoforsight:thelittledaylightwehadwasforthreemonthsnotabovefivehoursaday,andsixatmost;onlythatthesnowlyingonthegroundcontinually,andtheweatherbeingclear,itwasneverquitedark.Ourhorseswerekept,orratherstarved,underground;andasforourservants,whomwehiredheretolookafterourselvesandhorses,wehad,everynowandthen,theirfingersandtoestothawandtakecareof,lesttheyshouldmortifyandfalloff.Itistrue,withindoorswewerewarm,thehousesbeingclose,thewallsthick,thewindowssmall,andtheglassalldouble.Ourfoodwaschieflythefleshofdeer,driedandcuredintheseason;breadgoodenough,butbakedasbiscuits;driedfishofseveralsorts,andsomefleshofmutton,andofbuffaloes,whichisprettygoodmeat.Allthestoresofprovisionsforthewinterarelaidupinthesummer,andwellcured:ourdrinkwaswater,mixedwithaquavitaeinsteadofbrandy;andforatreat,meadinsteadofwine,which,however,theyhaveverygood.Thehunters,whoventureabroadallweathers,frequentlybroughtusinfinevenison,andsometimesbear'sflesh,butwedidnotmuchcareforthelast.Wehadagoodstockoftea,withwhichwetreatedourfriends,andwelivedcheerfullyandwell,allthingsconsidered.ItwasnowMarch,thedaysgrownconsiderablylonger,andtheweatheratleasttolerable;sotheothertravellersbegantopreparesledgestocarrythemoverthesnow,andtogetthingsreadytobegoing;butmymeasuresbeingfixed,asIhavesaid,forArchangel,andnotforMuscovyortheBaltic,Imadenomotion;knowingverywellthattheshipsfromthesouthdonotsetoutforthatpartoftheworldtillMayorJune,andthatifIwastherebythebeginningofAugust,itwouldbeassoonasanyshipswouldbereadytosail.ThereforeImadenohastetobegone,asothersdid:inaword,Isawagreatmanypeople,nay,allthetravellers,goawaybeforeme.ItseemseveryyeartheygofromthencetoMuscovy,fortrade,tocarryfurs,andbuynecessaries,whichtheybringbackwiththemtofurnishtheirshops:alsootherswentonthesameerrandtoArchangel.InthemonthofMayIbegantomakeallreadytopackup;and,asIwasdoingthis,itoccurredtomethat,seeingallthesepeoplewerebanishedbytheCzartoSiberia,andyet,whentheycamethere,wereleftatlibertytogowhithertheywould,whytheydidnotthengoawaytoanypartoftheworld,wherevertheythoughtfit:andIbegantoexaminewhatshouldhinderthemfrommakingsuchanattempt.ButmywonderwasoverwhenIentereduponthatsubjectwiththepersonIhavementioned,whoansweredmethus:"Consider,first,sir,"saidhe,"theplacewhereweare;and,secondly,thecondition
wearein;especiallythegeneralityofthepeoplewhoarebanishedthither.Wearesurroundedwithstrongerthingsthanbarsorbolts;onthenorthside,anunnavigableocean,whereshipneversailed,andboatneverswam;everyotherwaywehaveaboveathousandmilestopassthroughtheCzar'sowndominion,andbywaysutterlyimpassable,exceptbytheroadsmadebythegovernment,andthroughthetownsgarrisonedbyhistroops;inshort,wecouldneitherpassundiscoveredbytheroad,norsubsistanyotherway,sothatitisinvaintoattemptit."Iwassilencedatonce,andfoundthattheywereinaprisoneveryjotassecureasiftheyhadbeenlockedupinthecastleatMoscow:however,itcameintomythoughtsthatImightcertainlybemadeaninstrumenttoprocuretheescapeofthisexcellentperson;andthat,whateverhazardIran,IwouldcertainlytryifIcouldcarryhimoff.Uponthis,Itookanoccasiononeeveningtotellhimmythoughts.Irepresentedtohimthatitwasveryeasyformetocarryhimaway,therebeingnoguardoverhiminthecountry;andasIwasnotgoingtoMoscow,buttoArchangel,andthatIwentintheretinueofacaravan,bywhichIwasnotobligedtolieinthestationarytownsinthedesert,butcouldencampeverynightwhereIwould,wemighteasilypassuninterruptedtoArchangel,whereIwouldimmediatelysecurehimonboardanEnglishship,andcarryhimsafealongwithme;andastohissubsistenceandotherparticulars,itshouldbemycaretillhecouldbettersupplyhimself.Heheardmeveryattentively,andlookedearnestlyonmeallthewhileIspoke;nay,IcouldseeinhisveryfacethatwhatIsaidputhisspiritsintoanexceedingferment;hiscolourfrequentlychanged,hiseyeslookedred,andhisheartfluttered,tillitmightbeevenperceivedinhiscountenance;norcouldheimmediatelyanswermewhenIhaddone,and,asitwere,hesitatedwhathewouldsaytoit;butafterhehadpausedalittle,heembracedme,andsaid,"Howunhappyarewe,unguardedcreaturesasweare,thatevenourgreatestactsoffriendshiparemadesnaresuntous,andwearemadetemptersofoneanother!"Hethenheartilythankedmeformyoffersofservice,butwithstoodresolutelytheargumentsIusedtourgehimtosethimselffree.Hedeclared,inearnestterms,thathewasfullybentonremainingwherehewasratherthanseektoreturntohisformermiserablegreatness,ashecalledit:wheretheseedsofpride,ambition,avarice,andluxurymightrevive,takeroot,andagainoverwhelmhim."Letmeremain,dearsir,"hesaid,inconclusion-"letmeremaininthisblessedconfinement,banishedfromthecrimesoflife,ratherthanpurchaseashowoffreedomattheexpenseofthelibertyofmyreason,andatthefuturehappinesswhichInowhaveinmyview,butshouldthen,Ifear,quicklylosesightof;forIambutflesh;aman,amereman;andhavepassionsandaffectionsaslikelytopossessandoverthrowmeasanyman:Oh,benotmyfriendandtempterbothtogether!"IfIwassurprisedbefore,Iwasquitedumbnow,andstoodsilent,lookingathim,and,indeed,admiringwhatIsaw.Thestruggleinhissoulwassogreatthat,thoughtheweatherwasextremelycold,itputhimintoamostviolentheat;soIsaidawordortwo,thatIwouldleavehimtoconsiderofit,andwaitonhimagain,andthenIwithdrewtomyownapartment.AbouttwohoursafterIheardsomebodyatornearthedoorofmyroom,andIwasgoingtoopenthedoor,buthehadopeneditandcomein."Mydearfriend,"sayshe,"youhadalmostoversetme,
butIamrecovered.DonottakeitillthatIdonotclosewithyouroffer.Iassureyouitisnotforwantofsenseofthekindnessofitinyou;andIcametomakethemostsincereacknowledgmentofittoyou;butIhopeIhavegotthevictoryovermyself."-"Mylord,"saidI,"IhopeyouarefullysatisfiedthatyoudonotresistthecallofHeaven."-"Sir,"saidhe,"ifithadbeenfromHeaven,thesamepowerwouldhaveinfluencedmetohaveacceptedit;butIhope,andamfullysatisfied,thatitisfromHeaventhatIdeclineit,andIhaveinfinitesatisfactionintheparting,thatyoushallleavemeanhonestmanstill,thoughnotafreeman."Ihadnothingtodobuttoacquiesce,andmakeprofessionstohimofmyhavingnoendinitbutasinceredesiretoservehim.Heembracedmeverypassionately,andassuredmehewassensibleofthat,andshouldalwaysacknowledgeit;andwiththatheofferedmeaveryfinepresentofsables-toomuch,indeed,formetoacceptfromamaninhiscircumstances,andIwouldhaveavoidedthem,buthewouldnotberefused.ThenextmorningIsentmyservanttohislordshipwithasmallpresentoftea,andtwopiecesofChinadamask,andfourlittlewedgesofJapangold,whichdidnotallweighabovesixouncesorthereabouts,butwerefarshortofthevalueofhissables,which,whenIcametoEngland,Ifoundworthneartwohundredpounds.Heacceptedthetea,andonepieceofthedamask,andoneofthepiecesofgold,whichhadafinestampuponit,oftheJapancoinage,whichIfoundhetookfortherarityofit,butwouldnottakeanymore:andhesentwordbymyservantthathedesiredtospeakwithme.WhenIcametohimhetoldmeIknewwhathadpassedbetweenus,andhopedIwouldnotmovehimanymoreinthataffair;butthat,sinceIhadmadesuchagenerousoffertohim,heaskedmeifIhadkindnessenoughtoofferthesametoanotherpersonthathewouldnametome,inwhomhehadagreatshareofconcern.Inaword,hetoldmeitwashisonlyson;who,thoughIhadnotseenhim,wasinthesameconditionwithhimself,andabovetwohundredmilesfromhim,ontheothersideoftheOby;butthat,ifIconsented,hewouldsendforhim.Imadenohesitation,buttoldhimIwoulddoit.Imadesomeceremonyinlettinghimunderstandthatitwaswhollyonhisaccount;andthat,seeingIcouldnotprevailonhim,Iwouldshowmyrespecttohimbymyconcernforhisson.Hesentthenextdayforhisson;andinabouttwentydayshecamebackwiththemessenger,bringingsixorsevenhorses,loadedwithveryrichfurs,which,inthewhole,amountedtoaverygreatvalue.Hisservantsbroughtthehorsesintothetown,butlefttheyounglordatadistancetillnight,whenhecameincognitointoourapartment,andhisfatherpresentedhimtome;and,inshort,weconcertedthemannerofourtravelling,andeverythingproperforthejourney.Ihadboughtaconsiderablequantityofsables,blackfox-skins,fineermines,andsuchotherfursasareveryrichinthatcity,inexchangeforsomeofthegoodsIhadbroughtfromChina;inparticularfortheclovesandnutmegs,ofwhichIsoldthegreatestparthere,andtherestafterwardsatArchangel,foramuchbetterpricethanIcouldhavegotatLondon;andmypartner,whowassensibleoftheprofit,andwhosebusiness,moreparticularlythanmine,wasmerchandise,wasmightilypleasedwithourstay,onaccountofthetrafficwemadehere.ItwasthebeginningofJunewhenIleftthisremoteplace.Wewerenowreducedtoaverysmallcaravan,havingonlythirty-two
horsesandcamelsinall,whichpassedformine,thoughmynewguestwasproprietorofelevenofthem.ItwasnaturalalsothatIshouldtakemoreservantswithmethanIhadbefore;andtheyounglordpassedformysteward;whatgreatmanIpassedformyselfIknownot,neitherdiditconcernmetoinquire.Wehadheretheworstandthelargestdeserttopassoverthatwemetwithinourwholejourney;Icallittheworst,becausethewaywasverydeepinsomeplaces,andveryuneveninothers;thebestwehadtosayforitwas,thatwethoughtwehadnotroopsofTartarsorrobberstofear,astheynevercameonthissideoftheriverOby,oratleastveryseldom;butwefounditotherwise.MyyounglordhadafaithfulSiberianservant,whowasperfectlyacquaintedwiththecountry,andledusbyprivateroads,sothatweavoidedcomingintotheprincipaltownsandcitiesuponthegreatroad,suchasTumen,SoloyKamaskoy,andseveralothers;becausetheMuscovitegarrisonswhicharekeptthereareverycuriousandstrictintheirobservationupontravellers,andsearchinglestanyofthebanishedpersonsofnoteshouldmaketheirescapethatwayintoMuscovy;but,bythismeans,aswewerekeptoutofthecities,soourwholejourneywasadesert,andwewereobligedtoencampandlieinourtents,whenwemighthavehadverygoodaccommodationinthecitiesontheway;thistheyounglordwassosensibleof,thathewouldnotallowustolieabroadwhenwecametoseveralcitiesontheway,butlayabroadhimself,withhisservant,inthewoods,andmetusalwaysattheappointedplaces.WehadjustenteredEurope,havingpassedtheriverKama,whichinthesepartsistheboundarybetweenEuropeandAsia,andthefirstcityontheEuropeansidewascalledSoloyKamaskoy,thatis,thegreatcityontheriverKama.Andherewethoughttoseesomeevidentalterationinthepeople;butweweremistaken,foraswehadavastdeserttopass,whichisnearsevenhundredmileslonginsomeplaces,butnotabovetwohundredmilesoverwherewepassedit,so,tillwecamepastthathorribleplace,wefoundverylittledifferencebetweenthatcountryandMogulTartary.Thepeoplearemostlypagans;theirhousesandtownsfullofidols;andtheirwayoflivingwhollybarbarous,exceptinthecitiesandvillagesnearthem,wheretheyareChristians,astheycallthemselves,oftheGreekChurch:buthavetheirreligionmingledwithsomanyrelicsofsuperstition,thatitisscarcetobeknowninsomeplacesfrommeresorceryandwitchcraft.Inpassingthisforest(afterallourdangerswere,toourimagination,escaped),Ithought,indeed,wemusthavebeenplunderedandrobbed,andperhapsmurdered,byatroopofthieves:ofwhatcountrytheywereIamyetatalosstoknow;buttheywereallonhorseback,carriedbowsandarrows,andwereatfirstaboutforty-fiveinnumber.Theycamesoneartousastobewithintwomusket-shot,and,askingnoquestions,surroundeduswiththeirhorses,andlookedveryearnestlyuponustwice;atlength,theyplacedthemselvesjustinourway;uponwhichwedrewupinalittleline,beforeourcamels,beingnotabovesixteenmeninall.Thusdrawnup,wehalted,andsentouttheSiberianservant,whoattendedhislord,toseewhotheywere;hismasterwasthemorewillingtolethimgo,becausehewasnotalittleapprehensivethattheywereaSiberiantroopsentoutafterhim.Themancameupnearthemwithaflagoftruce,andcalledtothem;butthoughhespokeseveraloftheirlanguages,ordialectsoflanguagesrather,hecouldnot
understandawordtheysaid;however,aftersomesignstohimnottocomenearthemathisperil,thefellowcamebacknowiserthanhewent;onlythatbytheirdress,hesaid,hebelievedthemtobesomeTartarsofKalmuck,oroftheCircassianhordes,andthattheremustbemoreofthemuponthegreatdesert,thoughheneverheardthatanyofthemwereseensofarnorthbefore.Thiswassmallcomforttous;however,wehadnoremedy:therewasonourlefthand,ataboutaquarterofamiledistance,alittlegrove,andveryneartheroad.Iimmediatelyresolvedweshouldadvancetothosetrees,andfortifyourselvesaswellaswecouldthere;for,first,Iconsideredthatthetreeswouldinagreatmeasurecoverusfromtheirarrows;and,inthenextplace,theycouldnotcometochargeusinabody:itwas,indeed,myoldPortuguesepilotwhoproposedit,andwhohadthisexcellencyattendinghim,thathewasalwaysreadiestandmostapttodirectandencourageusincasesofthemostdanger.Weadvancedimmediately,withwhatspeedwecould,andgainedthatlittlewood;theTartars,orthieves,forweknewnotwhattocallthem,keepingtheirstand,andnotattemptingtohinderus.Whenwecamethither,wefound,toourgreatsatisfaction,thatitwasaswampypieceofground,andontheonesideaverygreatspringofwater,which,runningoutinalittlebrook,wasalittlefartherjoinedbyanotherofthelikesize;andwas,inshort,thesourceofaconsiderableriver,calledafterwardstheWirtska;thetreeswhichgrewaboutthisspringwerenotabovetwohundred,butverylarge,andstoodprettythick,sothatassoonaswegotin,wesawourselvesperfectlysafefromtheenemyunlesstheyattackedusonfoot.Whilewestayedherewaitingthemotionoftheenemysomehours,withoutperceivingthattheymadeanymovement,ourPortuguese,withsomehelp,cutseveralarmsoftreeshalfoff,andlaidthemhangingacrossfromonetreetoanother,andinamannerfencedusin.Abouttwohoursbeforenighttheycamedowndirectlyuponus;andthoughwehadnotperceivedit,wefoundtheyhadbeenjoinedbysomemore,sothattheywerenearfourscorehorse;whereof,however,wefanciedsomewerewomen.Theycameontilltheywerewithinhalf-shotofourlittlewood,whenwefiredonemusketwithoutball,andcalledtothemintheRussiantonguetoknowwhattheywanted,andbadethemkeepoff;buttheycameonwithadoublefuryuptothewood-side,notimaginingweweresobarricadedthattheycouldnoteasilybreakin.Ouroldpilotwasourcaptainaswellasourengineer,anddesiredusnottofireuponthemtilltheycamewithinpistol-shot,thatwemightbesuretokill,andthatwhenwedidfireweshouldbesuretotakegoodaim;webadehimgivethewordofcommand,whichhedelayedsolongthattheyweresomeofthemwithintwopikes'lengthofuswhenweletfly.Weaimedsotruethatwekilledfourteenofthem,andwoundedseveralothers,asalsoseveraloftheirhorses;forwehadallofusloadedourpieceswithtwoorthreebulletsapieceatleast.Theywereterriblysurprisedwithourfire,andretreatedimmediatelyaboutonehundredrodsfromus;inwhichtimeweloadedourpiecesagain,andseeingthemkeepthatdistance,wesalliedout,andcaughtfourorfiveoftheirhorses,whoseriderswesupposedwerekilled;andcominguptothedead,wejudgedtheywereTartars,butknewnothowtheycametomakeanexcursionsuchanunusuallength.Aboutanhouraftertheyagainmadeamotiontoattackus,androderoundourlittlewoodtosee
wheretheymightbreakin;butfindingusalwaysreadytofacethem,theywentoffagain;andweresolvednottostirforthatnight.Wesleptlittle,butspentthemostpartofthenightinstrengtheningoursituation,andbarricadingtheentrancesintothewood,andkeepingastrictwatch.Wewaitedfordaylight,andwhenitcame,itgaveusaveryunwelcomediscoveryindeed;fortheenemy,whowethoughtwerediscouragedwiththereceptiontheymetwith,werenowgreatlyincreased,andhadsetupelevenortwelvehutsortents,asiftheywereresolvedtobesiegeus;andthislittlecamptheyhadpitchedupontheopenplain,aboutthree-quartersofamilefromus.IconfessInowgavemyselfoverforlost,andallthatIhad;thelossofmyeffectsdidnotliesonearme,thoughveryconsiderable,asthethoughtsoffallingintothehandsofsuchbarbariansatthelatterendofmyjourney,aftersomanydifficultiesandhazardsasIhadgonethrough,andeveninsightofourport,whereweexpectedsafetyanddeliverance.Astomypartner,hewasraging,anddeclaredthattolosehisgoodswouldbehisruin,andthathewouldratherdiethanbestarved,andhewasforfightingtothelastdrop.Theyounglord,amostgallantyouth,wasforfightingtothelastalso;andmyoldpilotwasofopinionthatwewereabletoresistthemallinthesituationwewerethenin.Thuswespentthedayindebatesofwhatweshoulddo;buttowardseveningwefoundthatthenumberofourenemiesstillincreased,andwedidnotknowbutbythemorningtheymightstillbeagreaternumber:soIbegantoinquireofthosepeoplewehadbroughtfromTobolskiiftherewerenoprivatewaysbywhichwemightavoidtheminthenight,andperhapsretreattosometown,orgethelptoguardusoverthedesert.Theyounglord'sSiberianservanttoldus,ifwedesignedtoavoidthem,andnotfight,hewouldengagetocarryusoffinthenight,toawaythatwentnorth,towardstheriverPetruz,bywhichhemadenoquestionbutwemightgetaway,andtheTartarsneverdiscoverit;but,hesaid,hislordhadtoldhimhewouldnotretreat,butwouldratherchoosetofight.Itoldhimhemistookhislord:forthathewastoowiseamantolovefightingforthesakeofit;thatIknewhewasbraveenoughbywhathehadshowedalready;butthatheknewbetterthantodesireseventeenoreighteenmentofightfivehundred,unlessanunavoidablenecessityforcedthemtoit;andthatifhethoughtitpossibleforustoescapeinthenight,wehadnothingelsetodobuttoattemptit.Heanswered,ifhislordshipgavehimsuchorders,hewouldlosehislifeifhedidnotperformit;wesoonbroughthislordtogivethatorder,thoughprivately,andweimmediatelypreparedforputtingitinpractice.Andfirst,assoonasitbegantobedark,wekindledafireinourlittlecamp,whichwekeptburning,andpreparedsoastomakeitburnallnight,thattheTartarsmightconcludewewerestillthere;butassoonasitwasdark,andwecouldseethestars(forourguidewouldnotstirbefore),havingallourhorsesandcamelsreadyloaded,wefollowedournewguide,whoIsoonfoundsteeredhimselfbythenorthstar,thecountrybeinglevelforalongway.Afterwehadtravelledtwohoursveryhard,itbegantobelighterstill;notthatitwasdarkallnight,butthemoonbegantorise,sothat,inshort,itwasratherlighterthanwewishedittobe;butbysixo'clockthenextmorningwehadgotabovethirtymiles,havingalmostspoiledourhorses.HerewefoundaRussianvillage,namedKermazinskoy,wherewerested,andheardnothingof
theKalmuckTartarsthatday.Abouttwohoursbeforenightwesetoutagain,andtravelledtilleightthenextmorning,thoughnotquitesohardasbefore;andaboutseveno'clockwepassedalittleriver,calledKirtza,andcametoagoodlargetowninhabitedbyRussians,calledOzomys;thereweheardthatseveraltroopsofKalmuckshadbeenabroaduponthedesert,butthatwewerenowcompletelyoutofdangerofthem,whichwastoourgreatsatisfaction.Herewewereobligedtogetsomefreshhorses,andhavingneedenoughofrest,westayedfivedays;andmypartnerandIagreedtogivethehonestSiberianwhoconductedusthitherthevalueoftenpistoles.InfivedaysmorewecametoVeussima,upontheriverWitzogda,andrunningintotheDwina:wewerethere,veryhappily,neartheendofourtravelsbyland,thatriverbeingnavigable,insevendays'passage,toArchangel.FromhencewecametoLawremskoy,the3rdofJuly;andprovidingourselveswithtwoluggageboats,andabargeforourownconvenience,weembarkedthe7th,andarrivedallsafeatArchangelthe18th;havingbeenayear,fivemonths,andthreedaysonthejourney,includingourstayofabouteightmonthsatTobolski.Wewereobligedtostayatthisplacesixweeksforthearrivaloftheships,andmusthavetarriedlonger,hadnotaHamburghercomeinaboveamonthsoonerthananyoftheEnglishships;when,aftersomeconsiderationthatthecityofHamburghmighthappentobeasgoodamarketforourgoodsasLondon,wealltookfreightwithhim;and,havingputourgoodsonboard,itwasmostnaturalformetoputmystewardonboardtotakecareofthem;bywhichmeansmyyounglordhadasufficientopportunitytoconcealhimself,nevercomingonshoreagainallthetimewestayedthere;andthishedidthathemightnotbeseeninthecity,wheresomeoftheMoscowmerchantswouldcertainlyhaveseenanddiscoveredhim.WethensetsailfromArchangelthe20thofAugust,thesameyear;and,afternoextraordinarybadvoyage,arrivedsafeintheElbethe18thofSeptember.HeremypartnerandIfoundaverygoodsaleforourgoods,aswellthoseofChinaasthesables,&c.,ofSiberia:and,dividingtheproduce,myshareamountedto3475pounds,17s3d.,includingaboutsixhundredpounds'worthofdiamonds,whichIpurchasedatBengal.Heretheyounglordtookhisleaveofus,andwentuptheElbe,inordertogotothecourtofVienna,whereheresolvedtoseekprotectionandcouldcorrespondwiththoseofhisfather'sfriendswhowereleftalive.HedidnotpartwithouttestimonialsofgratitudefortheserviceIhaddonehim,andformykindnesstotheprince,hisfather.Toconclude:havingstayednearfourmonthsinHamburgh,IcamefromthencebylandtotheHague,whereIembarkedinthepacket,andarrivedinLondonthe10thofJanuary1705,havingbeenabsentfromEnglandtenyearsandninemonths.Andhere,resolvingtoharassmyselfnomore,Iampreparingforalongerjourneythanallthese,havinglivedseventy-twoyearsalifeofinfinitevariety,andlearnedsufficientlytoknowthevalueofretirement,andtheblessingofendingourdaysinpeace.End
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