NOTA
00

!
ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
SCIENTIA
VERITAS
OF THE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
EL PLURIBUS
UNUM
TUEBOR
SI-QUÆRIS PENINSULAM·AMⱭNAM.
CIRCUMSPICE
GIFT OF
REGENT LLHUBBARD
1
THE
LIFE
AND MOST SURPRISING
;
ADVENTURE S
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE,
OF YORK, MARINER;
Who lived Eight and Twenty Years in an Unin....
habited Island on the Coast of America, near
the Mouth of the great River Oroonoque.
WITH AN ACCOUNT OF HIS DELIVERANCE THENCE,
AND HIS OTHER SURPRISING ADVENTURES.
THE TWENTY-SIXTH EDITION.
Liverpool:
PRINTEED BY J NUTTALL, for LACKINGTON ;.
ALLEN and Co. and W. BAYNES, LONDON;
J. HEMINGWAY, BLACKBURN;
W. BIBBY, CHORLEY...
18:00...
Res.
Regent &. R. Hubbard
10-6-1924
PREFACE.
IF ever the story of any private
man's adventures in the world were worth
making public, and were acceptable when
published, the editor of this account thinks
this will be fo.
The wonders of this man's life exceed
all that (he thinks) is to be found extant;
the life of one man being fcarce capable of
a greater variety.
The story is told with modefty, with fe-
rioufnefs, and with a religious application
of events to the uſes to which wife men
always apply them, viz. to the inftruction
of others by his example, and to justify
and bonour the wisdom of Providence in
all the variety of our circumstances, let
them happen bow they will.
!
The editor believes the thing to be a
just history of facts; neither is there any
appearance of fiction in it: and though be
iv
+
PREFACE.
is well aware there are many, who on
account of the very fingular preſervations
the author met with, will give it the name
of a romance; yet in which ever of theſe
lights it fhall be viewed, he imagines, that
the improvement of it, as well as the di-
verfion, as to the inftruction of the reader,
will be the fame; and as fuch without far-
ther compliment to the world he thinks he
does them a great fervice in the publi-
cation.
}
t
F
r
}
$
1
}
J
៥
}
THE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE.
I
WAS born in York, in the year 1632, of a re-
putable family. My father was a native of Bre-
men, who, by merchandizing at Hull for fome time,
gained a very plentiful fortune. He married my
mother at York, who received her first breath in
that country: and as her maiden name was Robin-
fon, I was called Robinſon Kreutznder; which not
being eafily pronounced in the English tongue, we
aie.commonly known by the name of Crufoe.
I was the youngest of three brothers. The eldeſt
was a lieutenant-colonel in Lockhart's regiment, but
flain by the Spaniards: what became of the other,
I could never learn.
No charge nor pains were wanting in my educa-
tion. My father defigned me for the law; yet no-
thing would ferve me but I muſt go to fea, both
against the will of my father, the tears of my mother,
and the entreaties of friends. One morning my fa-
ther expoftulated very warmly with me. What rea-
fon, fays he, have you to leave your native country,
where there muft be a more certain profpe&t of con-
tent and happineſs, to enter into a wandering con-
dition of uneafinefs and uncertainty? He recom-
mended to me Augur's wifh, Neither to defire poverty
nor riches; that a middle ftate of life was the moft
happy; and that the high towering thoughts of raifing
our condition by wandering abroad, were furrounded
B2
1
·
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
13:
1
+
with mifery and danger, and often ended with con-
fufion and difappointment. I entreat you, nay, I
cominand you, (fays he) to defift from thefe inten-
tions. Confider your elder brother, who laid down
his life for his honour, or rather loft it for his dif
obedience to my will. If you will go (added he)
my prayers fhall however be offered up for your
prefervation; but a time may come, when, defolate,
oppreffed, or forfaken, you may wish you had ta-
ken your poor defpifed father's council. He pro-
nounced theſe words with fuch a moving and pa-
ternal eloquence, while floods of tears ran down his
aged cheeks, that it feemed to ftem the torrent of
my refolutions. But this foon wore off, and a lit-
tle after I informed my mother, that I could not
fettle to any bufinefs, my refolutions were fo ftrong
to fee the world; and begged fhe would gain my
father's confent only to go one yoyage; which, if
it did not prove profperous, I would never attempt.
a fecond. But my defire was as vain as my folly in
alking. My mother paffionately expreffed her dil-
like of this propofal, telling me, That fhe faw I was
bent upon my own deflruction, contrary to their will and
my duty, he would fay no more, but leave me to myself to
do whatever I pleafed
I was then, I think, about nineteen years old, when
one time being at Hull, I met a fchool-fellow of
mine, going along with his father, who was mafter
of a hip, to London; and acquainted him with my
wandering defires, he affured me of a free paffage,
and a plentiful fhare of what was neceflary. Thus,
without imploring a bleffing, or taking a farewell of
my parents, I took fhipping on the first of Septem-
ber 1651. We fet fail foon after; and our thip had
fcarce left the Humber afern, when there arofe fo
violent a form, that being extremely fea-fick I con-
cluded the judgments of God defervedly followed
me for my difobedience to my dear parents. It
was then I called to mind the good advice of my
father; how eafy and comfortable was a middle
+
ì
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
3.
fate of life; and I firmly refolved, if it pleaſed God
to fet me on dry land once more, I would return to
my parents, implore their forgivenefs, and bid a
final adieu to my wandering inclinations.
Such were my thoughts while the ftorm conti-
nued; but thefe good refolutions decreafed with
the danger; more efpecially when my companion
4
me to me, clapping me on the fhoulder: What
Bob! faid he, fure you was not frightened last night with
fearce a capful of wind? And do you, cried I, call fuch
a violent form a capful of wind? a form, you fool you,
faid he, this is nothing; a good ship and sea-room always
baffles fuch a foolish Squall of wind as that: But you're a
fresh water failor: Come boy, turn out, fee what fine
weather we have now, and a good bowl of punch will
drown all our paf forrows. In fhort, the punch was
-made, I was drunk, and in one night's time drowned
both my repentance and my good refolutions, for-
getting entirely the vows and promifes I made in
my diftrefs and whenever any reflections would
return on me, what by company, and what by
drinking, 1 foon mastered thofe fits, as I deridingly
called them. But this only made way for another
trial; whereby I could not but fee how much I was
beholden to kind providence.
Upon the fixth day we came to an anchor in Har-
wich road, where we lay wind-bound with fomet
Newcastle fhips; and there being good anchorage,
and our cables found, the feamen forgot their late
toil and danger, and fpent their time as merty as if
they had been on fhore. But on the eighth day
there arofe a brifk gale of wind, which prevented our
tiding it up the river; and ftill increafing, our hip
rode forecaſtle in, and fhipped feveral large feas.
It was not long before horror feized the feamen
themfelves, and I heard the mafter exprefs this me-
lancholy ejaculation, Lord have mercy upon us, we shall
all be loſt and undone! For my part fick unto death, F
kept my cabin, till the univerfal and terribly dread-
ful apprehenfions of our fpeedy fate made me get
א
*
4
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
upon deck: and there I was affrighted indeed. The
fea went mountains high: I could fee nothing but
diftrefs around us; two hips had cut their nafts on
board, and another was foundered: two more that
had loſt their anchors, were forced out to the mercy
of the ocean: and, to fave our lives, we were forced
o cut the foremaft and mainmaft quite away.
Who is there fo ignorant as not to judge of my
dreadful condition? I was but a fresh-water failor,
and therefore it feemed more terrible. Our fhip
was very good, but overloaded; which made the
failors often cry out, She would founder: Words
was then ignorant of. All this while the ftorm con-
tinuing, and rather increasing, the mafter and the
moft fobier part of his men went to prayers, expect-
ing death every moment. In the middle of the
night one cried out, She had fprung a leak: another,
That there was four feet water in the hold. I was juft
ready to expire with fear, when immediately all
hands were called to the pump; and the men forced
me alfo in that extremity to share with them in their
labour. While we were thus employed, the mafter
efpying fome light colliers, fired a gun as a fignal of
diftrefs; and I not understanding what it meant
and thinking that either the ship broke,or fome dread
ful thing happened, fell into a fwoon. Even in that
common condition of woe, nobody minded me, ex-
cepting to thruft me afide with their feet, thinking
me dead, and it was a great while before I recovered.
.
Happy it was for us, whem, upon the fignal given,
they ventured out their boats, to fave our lives. All
our pumping had been in vain, and vain had all our
attempts been, had they not come to our fhip's fide,
and our men caft them a rope, over the ftern with a
buoy to it, which after great labour they got hold
of, and we hauling them to us, got into their boat,
and left our fhip, which we perceived fink in lefs
than a quarter of an hour; and thus I learned what
was meant by Foundering at sea. And now the men
incelfantly laboured to recover their own fhip but
4
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
5
the fea ran fo high, and the wind blew fo hard,
that they thought it convenient to hale within ſhore;
which with great difficulty and danger, at laft we
happily effected, landing in a place called Cromer,
not far from Winterton light-houfe; from whence
we all walked to Yarmouth, where, as objects of
pity, many good people furniſhed us with neceffaries
to carry us either to Hull or London.
Strange, after all this, like the prodigal fon, I did
not return to my father; who, hearing of the thip's
calamity, for a long time thought me entombed in
the deep. No doubt but I fhould have shared in his
fatted calf, as the fcripture expreffeth it: but my ill
fate ftill pushed me on, in fpite of the powerful con-
victions of reaſon, and confcience.
4
When we had been at Yarmouth three days, I met
my old companion, who had given me the invitation
to go on board along with his father. His behaviour
and ſpeech were altered, and in a melancholy manner,
afked ine how I did, telling his father who I was and
how I had made this voyage for a trial only to proceed
further abroad. Upon which the old gentleman
turning to me, gravely faid, Young man, you ought
never to go to fea any more, but take this for a certain fign
that you never will profper in a feafaring condition. Sir,
answered I, will you take the fame refolution? It is
a different cafe, laid he, it is my calling, and confequently
my duty; but as you have made this voyage for a trial, you
fee what ill fuccefs heaven has fet before your eyes; and
perhaps our miferies have been on your account, like Jonah
in the fhip of Tarthith. But pray what are you, and on
what account did you go to fea? Upon which I very
freely declared my whole ftory: at the end of which,
he made this exclamation: Ye facred powers! what
had I committed, that fuch a wretch fhould enter
into my ship, to heap upon me fuch a deluge of mi-
feries! But foon recollecting his paffions, Young man,
faid he, if you do not go back, depend upon it, wherever you
go, you will meet with difafters and diſappointments till your
Jather's words are fulfilled upon you. And fo we paited
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
A
I thought at first to return home, but flame op
pofed that good motion, as thinking' I fhould be
laughed at by my neighbours and acquaintance. So
ftrange is the nature of youth, who are not ashamed
to fin, but yet afhamed to repent'; and fo far from
being afhamed of thofe actions for which they may
Be accounted fools, they think it folly to return to
their duty, which is the principal mark of wiſdom.
In short, travelled up to London, refolving upon a
voyage; and a voyage I foon heard of,. by my ac-
quaintance with a captain who took a fancy to me, to
go to the coaft of Guinea. Having fome money,
and appearing like a gentleman, I went on board not.
ás a common failor or foremaft-man, nay, the com
mander agreed I fhould go that voyage with him with
out any expence; that I fhould be His meffmate and
companion, and I was very welcome to carry any thing.
with me, and make the beft merchandife I could.
}
I bleffed my happy fortune, and humbly thanked
my captain for this offer; and acquainting my friends.
in Yorkiire, forty pounds were fent me, the greateſt:
part of which my dear father and mother contri
buted to, with which I bought toys and trifles, as
the captain directed me. My captain alfo taught
me navigation, how to keep an account of the thip's
courfe, take arr obfervation, and led me into the
knowledge of feveral ufeful branches of the mathema
tics. And indeed this voyage made ine both a failor
and a merchant; for I brought home five pounds
nine ounces of gold duft for my adventure, which
produced, at my return to London, almoſt three hun-
dred pounds. But in this voyage I was extremely fick,
being thrown into a violent calenture through the
exceffive heat, trading upon the coaft from the lati-
tude of fifteen degrees north even to the line itſelf..
•
But alas!" my dear friend the captain departed this
life foon after his arrival. This was a fenfible grief
to me, yet I reſolved to go another voyage with his
mate, who had now got the command of the thip
This proved a very unfuccessful one; for though I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
7
did not carry quite a hundred pounds of my late ac-
quired wealth, (fo that I had two hundred pounds
left, which I repofed with the captains widow, who
was an honeft gentlewoman) yet my misfortunes in
this unhappy voyage were very great. For our ſhip
failing towards the Canary islands, we were chafed by
a Salee rover; and in ſpite of all the hafte we could
make, by crouding as much canvas as our yards could
fpread, or our mafts carry, the pirate gained upon us,
fo that we prepared ourfelves to fight. They had
eighteen guns, and we had but twelve. About three
in the afternoon, there was a deſperate engagement,
wherein many were killed and wounded on both
fides; but finding ourſelves overpowered with num-
bers, our fhip difabled, and we too impotent to have
the leaft hopes of fuccefs, we were forced to furren-
der; and accordingly were all carried prifoners into
the port of Salee. Our men were fent to the Empe-
ror's court to be fold there; but the pirate captain
taking notice of me, kept me to be his own flave.
In this condition, I thought myſelf the moft mi-
ferable creature on earth, and the prophecy of my
father came afresh into my thoughts. However, my
condition was better than I thought it to be, as will
foon appear. Some hopes indeed I had that my new
patron would go to fea again, where he might be
taken by a Spaniſh or Portugueſe man of war, and
then I should be fet at liberty. But in this I was
miftaken; for he never took me with him, but left
me to look after his little garden, and do the drudgery
of his houfe, and when he returned from fea, would
make me lie in the cabin, and look after the fhip. I
had no one that I could communicate my thoughts
to, which were continually meditating my efcape;
no Englishman, Irifhman, or Scotchman here, but
myſelf; and for two years could fee nothing praç-
ticable, but only pleafed myfelf with the imagination.
After fome length of time, my patron, as I found,
grew fo poor that he could not fit out his flrip as
ulual and then he ufed conftantly, once or twice a
8
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
week, if the weather was fair, to go out a fifhing,
taking me and a young Morefco boy to row the
boat; and fo much pleafed was he with me for my
dexterity in catching the fish, that he would often
fend me with a Moor, who yas one of his kinfmen,
and the Morefco youth, to catena difh of fish for him.
One morning. as we were at the fport, there aroſe
fuch a thick fog, that we loft fight of the flore; and
rowing we knew not which way, we laboured all the
night and in the morning found ourſelves in the
ocean, two leagues from land. However, we attained
there at length, and made the greater hafte, becauſe
our ftomachs were exceeding fharp and hungry. In
order to prevent fuch difafters for the future my pa-
tron ordered a carpenter to build a little ſtate-room
or cabin in the middle of the boat, with a place be-
hind it to fleer and to hale home the main-fheet, with
other conveniencies to keep him from the weather, as
alfo lockers to put in all manner of provifions, with a
fhoulder of mutton fail, gibing, over the cabin.
In this he frequently took us out a fifhing; and
one time inviting two or three perfons of diftinction
to go with him, made provifion extraordinary, pro-
viding allo three fufees with powder and ſhot, that
they might have fome fport at fowling along the fea-
coaft. The next morning the boat was made clean,,
her ancient and pendants out, and every thing
ready; but their minds altering, my patron ordered
us to go a fishing, for that his gueſts would certainly
fup with him that night.
And now I began to think of my deliverance in-
deed. In order to this I perfuaded the Moor to get
fome provifions on board, as not during to meddle
with our patron's; and he taking my advice, we
ftored ourſelves with rufk bifcuit, and three jars of
water. Befides, I privately conveyed into the boat
a bottle of brandy, fome twine, thread, a haminer,
hatchet, and a faw; and, in particular, fome beck-
wax, which was a great comfort to me, and lerved to
fake candles. I then perfuaded Muley (for fo was
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
J
7
the Moor called) to procure fome powder and ſhot,
pretending to kill fea curlews, which he innocently
and readily agreed to. In fhort, being provided
with all things neceffary we failed out, refolving for
my part to escape, though it thould coft me my life.
When we had paffed the caſtle, we fell to filhing;
but though I knew there was bite, I dillembled the
matter, in order to put further our to fea. Accord-
ingly we ran a league further when giving the boy
the helm, and pretending to ftoop for fomething, I
feized Muley by furprife, and threw him overboard.
As he was an excellent Twimmer, he foon arofe, and
made towards the boat upon which, I took out a
fufee, and prefented at him: Muley, faid I. I never
yet defigned to do you any harm, and Jeek nothing now but
my redemption. I know you are able enough to fwim to
Shore, and fave your life; but if you are refolved to follow
me, to the endangering of mine, the very moment you pro-
ceed, I will shoot you through the head. The barnilefs
creature, at thefe words, turned himfelf from me, and
I make no doubt got fafe to land. Then turning to
the boy Xury, I perceived he trembled at the action;
but I put him out of all fear, telling him, that if he
would be true and faithful to me, I would do well
by him. And therefore, fáid I, you must stroke your
face to be faithful, and, as the Turks have learned you,
fear by Mahomet, and the beard of your father, or elſe
I will throw you into the fea alfo. So innocent did the
child then look, and with fuch an obliging fmile
confented, that I readily believed him, and from that
day forward began to love him entirely.
We then purfued our voyage; and, left they
fhould think me gone to the Streights mouth, I kept
to the fouthward to the truly Barbarian coaft; but,
in the dufk of the evening I changed my courſe,
and fteering directly S. and by E. that I might keep
near the fhore; and having a frefh gale of wind, with
a plealant fmooth fea, by three o'clock next day I
was 150 miles beyond the Emperor of Morocco's
dominions. Yet ftill having the dreadful apprehen-
10
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
fion of being retaken, I continued failing for five
days fucceffively, till fuch time as the wind fhifting
to the fouthward, made me conclude, that if any
veffel was in chafe of me, they would proceed no
farther. After fo much fatigue and thought, I an-
chored at the mouth of a little river, I knew not
what, or where; neither did I then fee any people.
What I principally wanted was fresh water; and I
was refolved about duſk to fwim afhore. But no
fooner did the gloomy clouds of night begin to fuc-
ceed the declining day, than we heard fuch barking,
roaring, and howling of wild creatures, that one
might have thought the very ſtrongeſt monsters of
nature or infernal ſpirits, had their refidence there.
Poor Xury, almoft dead with fear, entreated me not
to go on fhore that night. Suppofing I don't, Xury,
faid I, and in the morning we should fee men who are
worse than those we fear, what then? O den we may give
dem de fhoot gun, replied Xury, laughing, and de gun
make dem all run away. The wit, and broken English
which the boy had learned among the captives of
our nation, pleafed me entirely; and, to add to his
cheerfulneſs, I gave him a dram of the bottle: we
could get but little fleep all the night for thofe ter-.
rible howlings they made; and, indeed, we were.
both very much affiighted, when, by the rollings
of the water, and other tokens, we justly concluded
one of thoſe monfiers made towards our boat. I
could not fee till it came within two oars length,
when taking my fufee, I let fly at him. Whether
I hit him or no, I cannot tell; but he made towards
the fhore, and the noife of my gun increaſed the
ftupendous noife of the monsters.
The next morning I was reſolved to go on fhore
to get fresh water, and venture my life among the
beafts or favages, hould either attack me. Xury,
faid, he would take one of the jars, and bring me
fome. I aſked him, why he would go, and not 1?
The poor boy answered, If wild mans come, they eat
me, you go away. A mind fcarcely now to be imi-
f
រ
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
11
iny
tated, fo contrary to ſelf-preſervation, the moſt pow-
erful law of nature! This indeed increaſed affec-
tion to the child. Well dear Xury, faid I, we will
both go ashore, both kill wild mans, and they shall eat
neither of us.
So giving Xury a piece of rufk bread
to eat, and a dram, we waded afhore carrying no-
thing with us but our arms, and two jars for water.
I did not go out of fight of the boat, as dreading
the favages coming down the river in their canoes;
but the boy feeing a low defcent or vale about a mile
in the country, he wandered to it: and then running
back to me with great precipitation, I thought he
was purfued by fome favage or wild beast; upon
which I approached, refolving to perish or protect
him from danger. As he came nearer to me I faw
fomething hanging over his fhoulders, which was a
creature he had fhot, like a hare, but different in co-
dour and longer legs; however, we were glad.of it:
for it proved wholeſome and nourishing meat: but
what added to our joy was, my boy affured me there
was plenty of water, and that he fee no wild mans..
And greater ftill was our comfort, when we found
freſh water in the creek, where we were, when the
tide was out, without going fo far into the country.
*
In this place I began to confider that the Canary
and Cape de Verde iflands lay not far off; but having
no inftrument, I knew not what latitude, or when to
tand off to fea for them; yet my hopes were, I
should meet fome English trading veffels, whe would
relieve and take us in.
The place I was in was no doubt that wild country,
inhabited only by a few, that lies between the Empe-
ror of Morocco's dominions and the Negroes. It is
filled with wild beasts, and the Moors ufe it for hunt-
ing chiefly. From this place I thought I faw the top
of the mountain Teneriffe in the Canaries: which
made me try twice to attain it; but was as often drove
back, and fo forced to purfue my fortune along ſhore.
Early one morning we came to an anchor under a
ittle point of land, but pretty high; and the tide be--
C
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ginning to flow, we lay ready to go further in. Bat
Xury, whofe youthful and penetrating eyes were
harper than mine, in a ſoft tone, defired me to keep
far from land, left we fhould be devoured. For look
yonder mayter, faid he, and fee de dreadful monfter faſt
afleep on defide of de hill. Accordingly looking where
the pointed, I efpied a fearful monfter indeed. It was
a terrible great lion that lay on fhore, covered as it
were by a shade of a piece of the hill.
Upon
Xury, faid I, you fhall go on fhore and kill him. But
the boy looked amazed Me kill him, fays he, he eat
‚me at one mouth: meaning one mouthful.
which I bid him lie ftill, and charging my viggeft gua
with two flugs, and a good charge of powder, I took
the beſt aim I could to fhoot him through the head;
but his leg lying over his nofe, the flug broke his
knee-bone. The lion awaking with the pain, got
up, but foon fell down, giving the moſt hideous groan
I ever heard: but taking my fecond piece, I fhot him
through the head, and then he lay ftruggling for life.
Upon this Xury took heart and defired my leave to
go on fhore. Go, then, faid I. Upon which, taking
a little gun in one hand, he ſwam to fhore with the
other, and coming cloſe up to the lion, put a period
to his life, by shooting him again through the head,
But this was ſpending our amunition in vain, the
flesh not being good to eat. Xury was like a cham-
pion and comes on board for a hatchet, to cut off the
head of his enemy; but not having ftrength to per-
form it, he cut off and brought me a foot. I bethought
me however that his fkin would be of ufe. This
work coft Yury and me a whole day: when spreading
it on the top of our cabin, the hot beams of the fun
effectually dried it in two days time, and it afterwards
derved me for a bed to lie on.
And now we failed foutherly, living fparingly on
our provifions, and went no oftner on fore than we
Avere obliged for fresh water. My defign was to
make the river Gambia or Senegal, or any where
About the Cape de Verde, in hopes to meet fome
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
European fhip. If Providence did not fo favour me,
my next couife was to feek for the iſlands, or lofe
my life among the negroes. And in a word, I put
my whole ftrefs upon this, "Either that I must meet
with fome fhip or certainly perifh."
One day as we were failing along, we faw people
ftand on the fhore looking at us; we could alſo per-
ceive they were black and ſtark naked. I was inclined
to go on ſhure, but Xury cried no, no; however, I
approached nearer, and I found they run along the
fhore by me a good way. They had no weapons in
their hands, except one, who held a long ftick, which
Xury told me was a lance, with which they could kill
at a great diftance. I talked to them by figns, and
mace them fenfible I wanted fomething to eat; they
beckoned to me to ftop my boat, while two of them
ran up into the country, and in less than half an hour
came back, and brought with them two pieces of
dry flesh, and fome corn, which we kindly accepted:
and to prevent any fears on either fide, they brought.
the food to the fhore, laid it down, then went and
ftood a great way off till we fetched it on board, and
then came close to us again
But while we were returning thanks to them, be-
ing all we could afford, two mighty creatures caine
from the mountains, one as it were purſuing the other
with great fury, which we were the rather inclined
to believe, as they feldom appear but in the night-
and both theſe fwiftly paffing by the negroes, jumped
into the fea, wantonly fwimming about, as though
the diverfion of the waters had put a stop to their
fierceness. At laft one of them coming nearer to my
boat than I expected or defired, I fhot him directly
through the head; upon which he funk immediately,
yet rifing again, would have willingly made to the
fhore; but between the wound and the ftrangling of
the water, he died before he could reach it.
It is impoffible to exprefs the confternation the
poor negroes were in at the firing of my gun; much
lefs can I mention their furprife, when they perceived
་
2
14
LIFF AND ADVENTURES
:
:
the creature to be flain by it. I made figns to them:
to draw near it with a rope, and then gave it to them.
to hale on fhore. It was a beautiful. leopard, which
made me deſire its fkin and the negroes feeming to.
covet the carcafe, 1 freely gave it them. As for the
other leopard, it made to fhore, and ran with a pro-
digious fwiftnefs out of fight. The negroes having
kindly furnished us with water, and with what roots
and grains their country afforded, I took my leave,
and, after eleven days fail, came in fight of the Cape,
de Verde and thoſe iſlands called after its name. But
the great diftance I was from it, and fearing contrary.
winds would prevent my reaching them, I began to
grow melancholy and dejected, when, upon a fudden,
Xury cried out, Mafter! Master! a fhip with a fail!
and looked as affrighted. as if it was his maſter's fhip
fent in ſearch of us. But I foon difcovered ſhe was a
Portugueſe ſhip,, as I thought bound for the coaſt of
Guinea for negroes. Upon which I ftrove for life to.
come up to them. But vain had it been, if through
their perfpective glaffes they had not perceived me,
and fhortened their fail to let me come up. Encou
raged at this, fet up my patron's ancient, and fired
gun, both as fignals of diftrefs; upon which they
very kindly tay to, fo that in three hours time I came
up with them. They fpoke to me in Portugueſe,
Spanish, and French, but neither of thefe did I un-
derstand; till at length a Scots failor called, and then
I told him I was an Englifhman, who had escaped
from the Moors at Salee; upon which they took me
kindly on board, with all my effects..
!
༣
Surely none can exprefs the inconceivable joy I felt.
at this happy deliverance! who from being a late mi-
ferable and forlorn creature, was not only relieved,,
but in favour with the mafter of the fhip, to whom,
in return for my deliverance I offered all Jhad. God.
forbid, faid he, that I should take any thing from you….….
Every thing fhall be delivered to you when you come to
Brazil. If I have faved your life, it is no more than I
Should expect, to receive myſelf from any other, when in
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
Mi
the fame circumstances I should happen to meet the like
deliverance. And ſhould I take from you
what you. have
and leave you at Brazil, why this would be taking away.
a life I have given. My charity teaches me better.
Thoſe effects you have will ſupport you there and provide:
you a paffage home again. And indeed, he acted with
the ftrictelt juftice in what he did, taking my things
into his poffeffion, and giving me an exact inventory,
even to my earthen jars. He bought my boat of me
for the fhips ufe, giving me a note of eighty pieces.
of eight, payable at Brazil; and if any body offered
more, he would make it up. He alſo gave me fixty
pieces for my boy Xury. It was with great reluc-
tance I was prevailed upon to fell the child's liberty,
who had ferved me fo faithfully; but the boy was
willing himself, and it was agreed, that after ten
years he fhould be made free, upon his renouncing
Mahometanifm, and embracing Chriftianity..
7
!
Having a pleafant voyage to the Brazils we arrived
in the Bay de Todos los Santos, or All-Saints Bay,
in twenty-two days after. And here I cannot forger
the generous treatment of the captain. He would
take nothing for my paffage, gave me twenty ducats
for the leopard's fkin; and thirty for the lion's.
Every thing he caufed to be delivered, and what
would fell be bought. In fhort, I made about 220
pieces of my cargo; and with this flock I entered
once more, as I may fay, into the feene of life.
Being recommended to an honeft planter, lived
with him till fuch time as I was informed of the man-
ner of their planting and making fugar; and ſeeing:
how well they lived, and how fuddenly they grew
rich, I was filled with a defire to fettle among them,
and refolved to get my money remitted to me, and to
purchaſe a plantation.
"
•
To be brief, I bought a fettlement next door to an
honeſt and kind neighbour, born at Liſbon, of Engliſhe
parents, whoſe plantation joining to mine, wo im
proved it very amicably together. Both our frocks
were low, and for two years we planted only for
→
1
C. 3
10
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
food: but the third year we planted fome tobacco,
and each of us dreffed a large piece of ground the
enfuing year for planting canes. But now I found
how much I wanted affiftance, and repented the tofs-
of my dear boy Xury.
Having none to affift me, my father's words came
into my mind:. and Fufed to afk myſelf, if what I
fought was only a middle ftation of life, why could its
not as well be obtained in England as here? when I
pondered on this with regret, the thoughts of my late
deliverance forfook me. I had none to converſe with
but my neighbour; no work to be done but by my
own hands; it often made me fay, my condition was
like to that of a man caft upon a defolate. ifland. So
unhappy are we in our reflections, fo forgetful of what
good things we receive ourſelves, and fo unthankful
for our deliverance from thofe calamities that others-
endure.
I was in fome meaſure fettled before the captain
who took me up, departed from the Brazils. One
day I went to him, and told him what ftock I had
in London, defiring his affiftance in getting it re-
mitted; to which the good gentleman readily con--
fented, but would only have me fend for half my
money, left it ſhould mifcarry; which, if it did, I
might ftill have the remainder to fupport me; and fo
taking letters of procuration from me, bid me trou-
ble myſelf no farther about it.
And, indeed, wonderful was his kindneſs towards
me; for he not only procured the money I had drawn
for upon my captains widow, but fent me over a fer
vant with a cargo proportionable to my condition.
He alfo fent me over tools of all forts, iron work,
and utenfils neceffary for my plantation, and which
proved of the greateft ufe to me in my bufinefs.
Wealth now.accumulating on me, and uncommon
fuccefs crowning my profperous labours, I might have
refted happy in that middle ftate of life my father had
fo often recommended; yet nothing would content:
mie,, fuch was my evil genius, but I must leave this
+
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
!
17C
•
happy ftation, for a fooliſh ambition in rifing; and
thus, once more, I caft myfelf into the deepeſt
gulph of mifery that ever poor creature fell into.
Having lived four years in Brazil, I had not only
learned the language, but contracted acquaintance
with the most eminent planters, and even the mer-
chants of Salvadore; to whom, once, by way of
difcourfe, having given an account of my two voy-
ages to the coaſt of Guinea, and the manner of trad
ing there for mere trifles, by which we furnish
our plantations with negroes, they gave fuch atten--
tion to what I faid, that three of them came one
morning to me, and told me they had a fecret pro-
pofal to make. After enjoining me to fecrecy (it
being an infringement on the powers of the kings
of Portugal and Spain) they told me they had a
mind to fit out a fhip to go to Guinea, in order to
ftock the plantation with negroes, which, as they.
could not be publicly fold, they would divide among
them; and if I would go their fupercargo in the
fhip, to manage the trading part, Ifhonld have an
equal fhare of the negroes, without providing any
ftock. The thing indeed was fair enough, had I
been in another condition.. But, I, born to be my:
own deftroyer, could not refift the propofal, but
accepted the offer, upon condition of their looking
after my plantation. So making a formal will, I
bequeathed my effects to my good friend the cap-
tain, as my univerfal heir; but obliged him to dif
poſe of my effects as directed, one half of the pro-
duce to himſelf, and the other to be shipped to
England:
р
The fhip being fitted out, and all things ready,
we fet fail Sept. 1, 1659, being the fame day eight
years I left my father and mother in Yorkshire..
We failed northward upon the coaft, in order to
gain Africa, till we made Cape Auguftine; from
whence going farther into the ocean, out of fight
of land, we fteered as though we were bound for
the ifle. Fernand de Norenba, leaving the iſlands of
18:
LIFE AND ADVENTURES™
the eaft; and then it was that we met with a terri
ble tempeft, which continued for twelve days fuc-
ceffively, fo that the winds carried us wherefoever
they pleafed. In this perplexity one of our men
died, and one man and a boy were wafhed over-
board.. When the weather cleared up a little, we
found ourſelves eleven degrees north latitude, upon
the coaft of Guinea. Upon this the captain gave
reafons for returning; which I oppofed, counſelling.
him to ſtand away, for Barbadoes, which, as 1-fup-
pofed, might be attained in fifteen days. So alter-
ing our courſe, we failed north-weft and by weft, in.
order to reach the leward islands; but a ſecond ſtorm
fucceeding, drove us to the weftward; fo that we
were juſtly afraid of falling into the hands of cruel
favages,. or the paws of devouring beafts of prey..
•
·
In this diftrefs, one of our men early in the morn-
ing, cried out, Land, land! which he no fooner did,.
but our fhip ftruck upon a ſandbank, and in a mo--
ment the ſea broke over her in fuch a manner that
we expected we should all have perished immediately.
We knew nothing where we were, or upon what
land we were driven; whether an island or the main,.
inhabited or not; and we could not fo much as hope:
that the ſhip, would hold out many minutes, with-
out breaking in pieces, except the wind by a mira-
cle, fhould turn about immediately. While wes
ſtood looking at one another, expecting death every
moment, the mate. lays hold of the boat, and with
the help of the reft got her flung over the ship's
fide, and getting all into her, being eleven, com..
mitted ourſelves to God's mercy, and the wild lea
And now we faw that this laſt effort would not be a
fufficient protection from death; fo high did the fea
rife, that it was impoffible the boat should live. As
to making: fail, we had none; neither if we had,-
could we make uſe of any. So that when we had
· rowed, or rather were driven about a league and a
half, a raging wave, like a lofty mountain, came
rolling aftern of us, and took us with fuch fury, -
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
ro
that at once it overfet the boat. Thus being
fwallowed up in a moment, we had hardly time to
call upon the tremendous name of God: much
lefs to implore, in dying ejaculations, his infinite
mercy to receive our departing fouls.
Men are generally counted infenfible, when
Aruggling in the pangs of death; but while I was
overwhelmed with water, I had the moft dreadful
apprehenfions imaginable. For the joys of heaven
and the torments of hell, feemed to prefent them-
felves before me in theſe dying agonies, and even
fmall ſpace of time, as it were, between life and
death. I was going, I thought, I knew not whither,
in a diſmal gulph unknown, and as yet unperceived,
never to behold my friends, nor the light of this
world any more! Could I even have thought of an-
nihilation, or a total diffolution of foul as well as
body, the gloomy thoughts of having no further
being, no knowledge of what we hoped for, but am
eternal quietus, without life or fenfe even that, F
fay, would have been enough to ftrike me with
horror and confufion! I ftrove however to the laſt
extremity, while all my companions were over-
powered and intombed in the deep and it was with
great difficulty I kept my breath till the wave fpent
itſelf, and retiring back, left me on the fhore half
dead with the water I had taken in. As foon as B
got on my feet, I ran as faft as I could, left another
wave ſhould purfue me, and carry me back again.
But, for all the hafte I made, I could not avoid ît ;
for the fea came after me like a high mountain, or
furious enemy; ſo that my buſineſs was to hold my
breath, and by railing myſelf on the water, preſerve-
it by fwimming. The next dreadful wave buried:
me at once twenty or thirty feet deep, but at the
fame time carried me with a mighty force and ſwift-
nefs towards the flore; when raifing myfelf, I held
out as well as poffible, till at length the water havi
ing ſpent itself, began to return, at which I ftruck
forward, and feeling ground with my feet, I took
to my heels again.." Thus being ferved twice more,.
T
?
30
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
I was at last dafhed against a piece of a rock, in fuch
a manner as left me fenfelefs; but recovering a lit
the before the return of the wave, which, no doubt,
would then have overwhelmed me, I held faft by
the rock till thofe fucceeding waves abated; and
then fetching another run, was overtaken by a finall
wave, which was foon conquered. But before any
more could overtake me, I reached the main land,
where clambering up the clifts of the fhore, tired.
and almoſt ſpent I fat down on the grafs, free from
the dangers of the foaming ocean.
i
No tongue can exprefs the ecftalies and tranſports
that my foul felt at the happy deliverance. It was
like a reprieve to a dying malefactor, with the halter:
about his neck, and ready to be turned off. I was
wrapt up in contemplation, and often lifted up my
hands, with the profoundeſt humility, to the divine
powers, for faving my life, when all my companions
we drowned. And now I began to caft my eyes.
around, to behold what place I was in, and what I
had next to do.. I could fee no houfe nor people:
I was wet, yet had no clothes to fhift me; hung y
and dry, yet had nothing to eat or drink; no wea-
pon to destroy any creature for my fuftenance nor
defend myfelf against devouring beafts; in fhort, I
had nothing but a knife, a tobacco-pipe, and a box
half filled with. tobacco. The darkfome night
coming on upon me, increaſed my fears of being.
devoured by wild creatures; my mind was plunge d
in deſpair, and having no profpect, as I thought, of
life before me, I prepared for another kind of death.
than what I had lately escaped. I walked about a
furlong to fee if I could find any fresh water, which
I did, to my great joy and taking a quid of to-
bacco to prevent hunger, I got up into a thick
hufhy tree, and feating myfelf fo that I could not
fall, a deep fleep overtook me, and for that night;
buried my ferrows in a quiet repofe.
1
L
•
It was broad day next morning before I awaked ;-
when I not only perceived the tempeft was ceafed,
but faw the fhip driven almoft as far as the rock.bes
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
21
}
fore mentioned, which I had been dafhed upon, and
which was about a mile from the place where I was.
When I came from my appartment in the tree,
I perceived the fhip's boat two miles diftant on my
right hand, lying on fhore, as the waves had caft
her. I thought to have got to her; but there be-
ing an inlet of water of about half a mile's breadth
between it and me I returned again towards the fhip,
as hoping to find fomething for my more immediate
fubfiftance. About noon, when the fea was calm,
that I could come within a quarter of a mile of her,
it was to my grief I perceived, that, if we had kept
on board, all our lives had been faved. Thefe
thoughts, and my folitude, drew tears from my
eyes, though all in vain. So refolving to get to
the fhip, I ftripped and leaped into the water, when
wimming round her I was afraid. I fhould not get
any thing to lay hold of; but it was my good for-
tune to elpy a fmall piece of tope hang down by
the fore-chains, fo low that, by the help of it,
though with great difficulty, I got into the fore-
caftle of the flip. Here I found that the fhip was
bulged, and had a great deal of water in her hold;
her ftern was lifted up against a bank, and her head
almoſt to the water. All her quarter, and what was
there, where free and dry. The provifions I found
in good order, with which I crammed my pockets;
and lofing no time,ate while i was doing other things;
I alfo found fome rum, of which I took a dram;
and now I wanted for nothing except a boat, which
indeed was all, to carry away what was needful.
•
•
Neceffity occafions quicknets of thought. We
had feveral fpare yards, a fpare top maft or two,
and two or three large fpars of wood. With thefe
I fell to work, and flung as many of them over-
board as I could manage, tying every one of them.
with a rope that they might not drive away. This
done, I went down the ship's fide, and tied four of
then faft together at both ends, in form of a-raft,
and laying two or three thort pieces of plank upon
them crofswife, I found it would bear me, but not
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
14
+
any confiderable weight. Upon which I went to
work again, cutting a fpare top-maft into three
lengths, adding them to my raft with a great deal
of labour and pains. I then confidered what I
fhould load it with, it being not able to bear a pon-
derous burden. And this I foon thought of, first
laying upon it all the planks and boards I could get,
next I lowered down three of the feamen's chefts,
after I had filled them with bread, rice, three Dutch
cheeſes, five pieces of dried goat's fleth, and fome
European corn, what little the rats had fpared; and
for liquors, I found ſeveral cafes of bottles belonging
to our ſkipper, in which were fome cordial waters,
and four or five gallons of rack, which I ftowed by
themſelves. By this time the tide beginning to flow,
I perceived my coat, waiſtcoat, and ſhirt, fwim away,
which I had left on fhore; as for my linen breeches,
and ſtockings, I fwam with them on to the ſhip:
but I foon found clothes enough, though I took no
more than I wanted for the prefent. My eyes were
chiefly on tools to work with; and, after a long
fearch, I found out the carpenter's cheft, which I
got ſafe down on my raft. I then looked for arms
and ammunition, and in the cabin found two good
fowling-pieces, two piftols, feveral powder horns
filled, a fmall bag of fhot, and two old rufty fwords.
I likewife found three barrels of powder, two of
which were good, but the third had taken water,
alfo two or three broken oars, two faws, an axe, and
a hammer. I then put to fea, and in getting to
fhore had three encouragements. 1. A footh
calm fea. 2. The tide rifing and fetting in to fhore.
3. The little wind there was blew towards the land.
After I had failed about a mile, I found the raft to
drive a little diftance from the place where I firſt
landed; and then I perceived a little opening of
the land, with a ftrong current of the tide running
into it: upon which I kept the middle of the ftrean.
But great was my concern when on a fudden the
foreput of my raft ran aground; fo that had I not,
with great difficulty, for near half an hour, kept
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
23
my back ftraining against the chefts to keep my ef-
fects in their places, all I had would have gone into
the fea. But after fome time, the rifing of the
water caufed the raft to float again, and coming up
a little river with land on both fides, I landed in a
little cave, as near the mouth as poffible, the better
to difcover a fail, if any fuch thould pals that way.
Not far off, I efpied a hill of a ftupendous height,
furrounded with leffer hills about it, and thither I
was refolved to go and view the country, that I
might fee what part was beft to fix my habitation.
Accordingly, arming myfelf with a piftol, a fowling-
piece, powder and ball, I afcended the mountain.
There I perceived I was in an island, encompaffed
by the fea; no diftant lands to be feen but fcattering
rocks that lay to the weft: that it feemed to be a
barren place, and, as I thought, inhabited only by
wild beatts. I perceived abundance of fowls, but
ignorant of what kind, or whether good for nou-
rifhment, I shot one of them at my return, which
occafioned a confufed Icreaming among the other
birds; and I found it, by its colours and beak, to
be a kind of a hawk, but its flelh was perfect carrion.
When I came to my raft, I brought my effects on
fhore, which work ſpent that day entirely; and fear-
ing that fome cruel beafts might devour me in the
night time, while I lept, I made a kind of hut or
barricade with the chefts and boards I had brought
on fhore. That night I flept very comfortably;
and the next morning my thoughts were employed
to make a further attempt on the fhip, and bring
away what necellaries I could find, before another
ftorm should break her to pieces. Accordingly I
got on board as before, and prepared a fecond raft,
far more nice than the firft; upon which I brought
away the carpenter's flores, two or three bags full
of nails, a great jack-lcrew, a dozen or two of
hatchets, and a grinding ftone. I alfo took away
feveral things that belonged to the gunner, particu-
larly two or three iron crows, two barrels of muſket
D
24.
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
bullets, another fowling piece, a fmall quantity of
powder, and a large bag full of fmall ſhot. Befides
thefe, I took all the men's clothes I could find, a
foretop-fail, a hammock, and fome bedding; and
thus completing my fecond cargo, I made all the
hafte to fhore I could, fearing fome wild beaft might
deftroy what I had there already. But I only found
a little wild cat, fitting on one of the chefts, which
not feeming to fear me, I threw her a piece of bif-
cuit which the inftantly ate, and departed.
When I had gotten theſe effects on flore, I went
to work, in order to make me a little tent with the
fail and fome poles which I had cut for that purpoſe;
and having finiſhed it, what things might be da-
maged by the weather I brought in, piling all the
empty chefts and cafks in a circle, the better to
fortify it againſt any fudden attempt of man or beaſt.
After this, I blocked up the doors with fome boards,
and an empty cheft turned the long way out." I
then charged my gun and piftol, and laying my bed
on the ground, flept as comfortably till next morn-
ing, as though I had been in a Chriftian country.
Now, though I had enough to fubfift me a long
time, yet deſpairing of a fudden deliverance, or that
both ammunition and provifion might be spent be-
fore fuch a thing happened, I coveted as much as I
could; and fo long as the fhip remained in that con-
dition, I daily brought away one neceffary or other;
particularly the rigging, fails, and cordage, fome
twine, a barrel of wet powder, fome fugar, a barrel
of meal, three caſks of rum, and, what indeed was
moſt welcome to me, a whole hogfhead of bread.
The next time I went, I cut the cables in pieces,
carried off a hawfer whole, with a great deal of iron
work, and made another raft with the mizen and
fprit fail-yaids; but this being fo unwieldy, by the
too heavy burden! had upon it, and not being able
fo dexterously to guide it, as the former, both my
cargo and I were overturned. For my part, all the
amage I fuliained, was a wet fkin; and at low wa-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
25
:
ter, after much labour in diving, I got moft of the
cables, and fome pieces of iron.
Thirteen days. I had now been on the island, and
eleven times on board, bringing away all that was
poffible; and, I believe, had the weather been calm,
I thould have brought away the whole fhip, piece
by piece. As I was going the twelfth time, the
wind began to rile; however, I ventured at low
water, and rummaging the cabin, in a locker I found
feveral razors, fcilfors, and fome dozens of knives.
and forks and in another thirty-fix pounds in
pieces of eight, filver and gold. Ah! fimple vanity,
faid I whom this world fo much doats on, where is now
thy virtue, thy excellency to me? You cannot procure me
one thing needful, nor remove me from this defolate iſland
to a place of plenty. One of thefe knives fo meanly esteemed
is to me more preferable than all this heap. E'en there-
fore remain where thou art, to fink in the deep as unre-
garded, even as a creature whofe life is not worth pre-
ferving. Yet, after all this exclamation, I wrapt it
up in a piece of canvas, and began to think of mak-
ing another raft; but I foon perceived the wind be-
gan to arife, a freſh gale blowing from the thore,
and the fky overcaft with clouds and darkness; fo
thinking a raft to be in vain, I let my felf into the
water with what things I had about me, and it was
with much difficulty I got afhore, when foon after
it blew a fearful ftorm.
That night I flept very contentedly in my little
tent, furrounded with all my effects; but, when I
looked out in the morning, no more fhip was to be
feen. This much furprised me for the prefent: yet,
when I confidered I had loft no time, abated no
pains, and had got every thing ufeful out of her, I
comforted myfelf in the beft manner, and entirely
fubmitted to the will of Providence.
My next thoughts were, how I fhould defend and
fecure myself from favages and wild beafts, if any
fuch were on the island. At one time I thought of
digging a cave,' at another I was for erecting a tent;
D 2
26
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and, at length, I refolved to do both: The man-
ner or form of which will not, I hope, be unpleafing
to deſcribe.
When I confidered the ground where I was, that
it was moorish, and had no fresh water near it, my
reſolutions were to fearch for a foil healthy and well
watered, where I might not only be fheltered from
the fun's fcorching heat, but be more conveniently
fituated, as well as to be fecured from wild men,
and beafts of prey, as more eafily to diſcover any
diftant fail, fhould it ever fo happen.
And, indeed, it was not long before I had my
defire. I found a little plain near a rifing hill, the
front towards which being as fteep as a houfe fide,
nothing could defcend on me from the top. On the
fide of this rock was a little hollow place, reſem-
bling the entrance or door of a cave. Juft before
this place, on the circle of the green I refolved my
tent ſhould ſtand. This plain did not much exceed
a hundred yards broad, and about twice as long,
like a delightful green before my door, with a plea-
fing, though irregular, defcent every way to the low
grounds by the fea-fide, lying on the N. W. fide of
the hill, fo that it was fheltered from the exceffive
heat of the fun. After this I drew a femicircle, con-
taining ten yards in its femi-diameter, and twenty
yards in the whole, driving two rows of ftrong ftakes
not fix inches from each other. Then with the
pieces of cable which I had cut on board, I regu-
Jarly laid them in the circle between the piles up to
their tops, which were more than five feet out of
the earth, and after drove another row of piles
looking within fide against them, between two or
three feet high, which made me conclude it a little
impregnable caftle for men and beafts. And for my
better fecurity I would have no door, but entered
in and came out 1y the help of a ladder which I
alfo made.
Here was my fence and fortrefs, into which I
carried all my riches, ammunition, and ftores. Af-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
27
;
{
ter which, working on the rock, what with dirt and
ftones I dug out, I not only raiſed my ground two
feet, but made a little cellar to my manfion-houfe;
and this coft me many days labour and pains. One
day in particular a fhower of rain falling, thunder
and lightning enfued, which put me in terror left
my powder fhould take fire, and not only hinder
my neceffary fubfiftence, by killing me food, but
even blow up me and my habitation. To prevent
which, I fell to making boxes and bags, in order to
feparate it, having by me near 150 weight. And
thus being eſtabliſhed as king of the iſland, every
day I went out with my gun to fee what I could kill
that was fit to eat. I foon perceived numbers of
goats, but very fhy, yet having watched them nar-
rowly, and feeing I could better fhoot off the rocks
than when in the low.grounds, I happened to fhoot
a fhe-goat fuckling a young kid; which not think-
ing its dam flain, ftood by her unconcerned; and
when I took the dead creature up, the young one
followed me even to the inclofure. I lifted the kid
over the pales, and would willingly have kept it
alive; but finding it could not be brought, to eat, I
was forced to lay it allo for my own fubfiftence.
Thus entered into as frange a ſtate of live as ever
any man was in, I had moft melancholy apprehen-
fions concerning my deplorable condition: and
many times the tears would plentifully run down
.my face, when I confidered how I was debarred
from all communication with human kind.
Yot
while thefe defponding cogitations would feem to
make me accule Providence, other good thoughts
would interpofe and reprove me after this manner:
Well, fuppofing you are defolate, is it not better to
be la than totally perih? Why were you fingled
out to be faved, and the reft deftroyed? Why
fhould you complain, when not only your life is
preferved, but the fhip driven even into your reach;
in order to take what was necellary out of her for
your fubfiftence? But to proceed. It was, by the
D 3
28
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
1
;
account I kept, the 30th of September, when firſt
I landed on this ifland. About twelve days after,
fearing left I should lofe my reckoning of time, nay,
even forget the Sabbath-days, for want of pen,
ink, and paper, I carved with a knife upon a large
poft, in great letters, and fet it up, in the fimili-
tude of a crofs, on the fea-fhore where I landed, I
came on fhore, Sept. 30, 1659. Every day I cut a
notch with my knife on the fides of this fquare poft,
and that o, Sabbath was as long again as the reft;
and every first day of the month as long again as
that long one. In this manner I kept my calender,
weekly, monthly, or yearly reckoning of time.¨
But had I made a more ſtrict ſearch (as I did after-
wards) I need not have fet up this mark. For
among the parcels belonging to the gunner, car-
penter, and captain's mate, I found thofe very
things I wanted; particularly pens, ink, and paper;
1 alfo found two or three compaffes, fome mathe-
matical inftruments, dials, perfpective glaffes books
of navigation, three Eng ifh bibles, and feveral other
good books, which I carefully put up. Here I
caupot but call to mind our having a dog and two
cats on board, whom I made inhabitants with me
in my caftle. Though one might think i had all
the neceffaries that were defirable, yet ftill I found
feveral things wanting. My ink was daily wafting;
I wanted needles, pins, and thread to mend or keep
my clothes together; and particularly a fpade,
pick-axe, or fhovel, to remove the earth. It was
a year before I finished my little bulwark; and.
having fome intervals of relaxation, after my daily
wandering abroad for provifion, I drew up this
plan, alternately, as creditor and debtor, to remind
me of the miferies and bleffings of my life, under
fo many various circumftances.
*VIL.
I am cift upon a defolate
iflund, no hopes, no prospect
of a welcome deliverance.
GOOD.
But yet I am preferved,
while my companions perif-
ed in the raging ocean.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
20.
:
How miferably am I fingled
out from the enjoyment or
company of all mankind.
Like an hermit (rather
Should I fay a lonely ancho-
rite) am I forced from hu-
man converſation.
My clothes after fome.
time will be worn out and
then I shall have none to
cover me.
When my ammunition is
wasted, then shall I remain
without any defence. against
wild men and beasts.
I have no creature, no
foul to speak to: none to beg
affiftance from. Some com-
fort would it be to refound
my woes where I am under-
flood, and beg affiftance where
I might hope for relief.
Yet fet apart to be spared
from death. And he, who
has fo preferved me, can de-
liver me from this condition,
However, I have food to
eat, and even a happy prof-
pect of fubfiftence whilst life
endures.
At prefent I enjoy what is
abſolutely needful; and the
climate is fo hot, that had
I never fo many, I should
hardly wear them.
·Yet if it does, I fee no
danger of any to hurt me,
as in Africa: And what if
I had been cast away upon
that coaft.
·
Is there not God to con-
verfe to and is he not able
to relieve thee? Already has
he aforded thee fustenance,
and put it in thy power to
provide for thyself till he
fends thee a deliverance.
And now eafing my mind a little by thefe reflec-
tions, I began to render my life as eafy as poffible.
I muft here add, to the deſcription I have given
of my habitation, that having raffed a turf-wall a-
gainst the outfde of it, I thatched it fo clofe, as
might keep it from the inclemency of the weather; /
I allo improved it within, enlarged my cave, and
made a paffage and door in the rock,, which came
out beyond the pale of my fortification. I next
proceeded to make a chair and table, and fo began to
Rudy fuch mechanical arts as feemed to me prac-
ticable. When I wanted a plank or board, 1 hewed
down a tree with my hatchet, making it as thin
with my axe as poffible, and then fimooth enough.
30
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
1
*
'with my adze to answer my defigns: yet, though I
could make no more this way than one board out
of a tree, in length of time I'got boards enough to
fhelter all, my ftores, every thing being regularly
placed, and my guns fecurely hanging againft the
fide of the rock. This made it a very plealant fight
to me, as being the refult of vaft labour and diligence:
which leaving for a while, and me to the enjoy-
ment of, I fhall give the reader an account of my
Journal from the day of my landing, till the fixing
and fettling of my habitation, as heretofore fhewn.
SEP
!
JOUR NA L.
EPTEMBER 30, 1659, I unhappy Robinſon
Crufoe, having fuffered fhipwreck, was driven
on this defolate ifland, which I named the Defolate
Ifland of Despair, the reft being fwallowed up in the
tempeftuous ocean. The next day I ſpent in con-
fideration of my'unhappy circumftances, having no
profpect but of death, either to be ftarved with hun-
ger, or devoured with beafts or mercilefs favages.
Oct. 1. That morning, with great comfort, I be-
held the fhip drove afhore. Some. hopes I had,
that when the ftorm was abated, I might be able to
get fome food and neceffaries out of her; which I
conceived were not damaged, becauſe the flip did
ftand upright. At this time I lamented the lofs of
my companions, and our misfortune in leaving the
veffel. When I perceived the fhip as it were lie
dry, I waded through the fands, then fwam aboard,
the weather being very rainy, and with fcarce any
wind.
To the 14th of this month, my time was employed
in making voyages, every tide getting what I could
out of the hip. The weather very wet and uncer-
tain...
Oct. 20. My raft and all the goods thereon were
overlet; yet I recovered moft again at low water.
Oct. 25. It blew hard, and rained night and day,
A
A
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
when the ship went in pieces, fo that nothing was
feen of her but the wreck at low water. This day
1 fecured my goods from the inclemency of the
weather.
Oct. 26. I wandered to fee where I could find a
place convenient for my abode. I fixed upon a rock
in the evening, marked out a half-moon, intending
to erect a wall, fortified with piles, lined within
with pieces of cables, and covered with turf.
I
Nov. 1. erected my tent under a rock, and took
up my lodgings very contentedly in a hammock
that night.
Nov. 2. This day I fenced myſelf in with tim-
ber, chefts, and boards.
Nov. 3. I fhot two wild fowl, reſembling ducks,
which were good to eat, and in the afternoon made
me a table.
Nov. 4. I began to live regularly. In the morn-
ing I allowed myſelf two or three hours to walk out
with my gun; I then worked till near eleven
o'clock, and afterwards refreshed myfelf with what
I had to eat. From twelve to two I would lie
down to fleep. Extremely fultry weather. In the
evening go to work again.
Nov. 5. Went out with my gun and dog, ſhot a
wild cat with a ſoft ſkin, but her flesh was good for
nothing. The ſkins of thoſe I killed, I preferved.
In my return, I perceived many wild birds, and
was terrified by fome feals which made off to fea.
Nov. 6. Completed my table."
Nov. 7. Fair weather. I worked till the 12th,
but omitted the 11th, which, according to my cal-
culation, I fuppofed to be Sunday.
Nov. 13. Rain in abundance, which, however,
much cooled the earth; with thunder and lightning,
cauſed in me a terrible furprize. The weather
clearing, I fecured my powder in feparate parcels.
Nov. 14.-16. I made little boxes for my powder,
lodging them in feveral places. I alfo fhot a large
fowl, which proved excellent meat.
32
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Nov. 17. I began to dig in the rock, yet was
obliged to defift for want of a pick-axe, fhovel, and
wheti-barrow. tion crows I caufed to fupply the
place of the firft; but with all my art I could not
make a wheel-burrow.
Nov. 18. It was my fortune to find a tree, re-
feinbling what the Brazilians call an iron tree, I had
like to have poiled my axe with cutting it, being
very hard and exceeding heavy; yet, with much la-
bour and duftry, I made a fort of a fpade out of it.
1
Nov. 23. The tools being made, I daily carried
on my bulinefs, eighteen days I allowed for enlarg-
ing my cave, that it might ferve me, not only for a
warehoufe, but kitchen, parlour, and cellar. I com-
monly lay in the tent, molefs the weather was rainy
that I could not lie dry. So wet would it be at cer-
tain feafons, that I was obliged to cover all within the
pale with long poles, in the form of rafters, leaning
against the rock, and load them with flags and larger
leaves of trees, refembling a thatch.
Dec. 10. No fooner did I think my habitatión
finiſhed, but fuddenly a great deal of the top broke in,
fo that it was a mercy I was not buried in the ruins.
This occafioned a great deal of pains and trouble to
me, before I could make it firm and durable.
•
1
Dec. 17: I-nailed up fome fhelves and drové nails.
and ftaples in the wall and pofts to hang things out
of the way.
Dec. 20. Everything I got into its place, then made
a fort of dreffer, and another table.
Dec. 24, 25. Rain in abundance.
Dec. 26. Very fair weather.
Dec. 27. I chanced to light on fome goats, fhot
one, and wounded another. I led it home in a ftring
bound up its leg, and cured it in a little time: at
length it became fo tame and familiar as to feed be-
fore the door, and follow me where I pleafed. This
put me in mind to bring up tame creatures, in cer
to fupply me with food after my amunition was spent.
Dec. 28, 29, 30. The weather being exceflive hot,
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
33.
with little air, obliged me, for the most part, to keep
within doors.
Jan. 1. Still fultry, However, obliged by neceffity,
I went out with my gun, and found a great ftore of
goats in the vallies: they where exceeding fhy, nor
could any dog hunt them down.
Jan. 3, to 14. My employment this time was to
finifh the wall before defcribed, and fearch the island.
I diſcovered a kind of pigeons like our houſe pigeons
in a neft among the rocks. I brought them home,
nurfed them till they could fly, and then they left
After this, 1 fhot fome, which proved excel-
lent food. Some time I fpent vainly in contriving to
make a cafk; I may well fay it was vain, becaufe I
could neither joint the ftaves, nor fix the heads, fo as
to make it tight: So leaving that, I took fome goat's
tallow I had by me, and a little oakhum for the wick,
and provided myfelf with a lamp, which ferved me
inftead of candles.
But now a very ftrange event happened. For being
in the height of my fearch, what fhould come into
my hand, but a bag, which was uſed to hold corn (as
1 fuppofed) for the fowls; fo immediatly refolving to
ut gunpowder in it, I fhook all the hufks and dirt.
u pon one fide of the rock, little expecting what the
confequence would be. The rain had fallen plentiful-
ly a few days before; and about a month after, to
my great amazement, fomething began to look out
very green and flouriſhing; and when I came to view
it more nicely, every day as it grew, I found about
ten or twelve ears of green barley appeared in the
very fame ſhape and make as that in England.
I can feare exprefs the agitation of my mind at
this fight. Hitherto I had looked upon the actions
of this life no otherwife than only as the events of
blind chance and fortune. But now, the appearance
of this barley, flourishing in a barren foil, and my
ignorance in not conceiving how it ſhould come
there, made me conclude, that miracles were not yet
ceaſed: nay, I even thought that God had appointed
*
34
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
it to grow there without any feed, purely for my fuf-
tenance in this miſerable and defolate iſland. And
indeed fuch great effect this had upon me, that it often
made me melt into tears, through a grateful fence
of God's mercies; and the greater ftill was my
thankfulneſs, when I perceived about this little field
of barley, fome rice ftalks, alfo wonderfully flourishing.
While thus pleafed in mind, I concluded there
muſt be more corn in the island; and therefore made
a diligent fearch narrowly among the rocks; but not
being able to find any, on a fudden, it came into my
mind, how I had fhaken the hufks of corn out of the
bag, and then my admiration ceafed, with my grati-
tude to the divine Being, as thinking it was but natural,
and not to be conceived a miracle: tho' even the man-
ner of its preſervation might have made me own it as
a wonderful event of Gon's kind providence.
It was about the latter end of June when the ears
of this corn ripened, which I laid up very carefully,
together with 20 or 30 ftalks of rice, expecting one
day I fhould reap the fruit of my labour; yet four
years were expired before I could allow myſelf to eat
any barley bread, and much longer time before I had
any rice. After this, with indefatigable pains and in-
duſtry for three or four months, at laſt I finiſhed my
houſe on the 14th of April, having no way to go into
it, but by a ladder against the wall.
April 16. I finished my ladder, and afcended it;
afterwards pulled it up, then let it down on the other
fide, and defcended into my new habitation, where I
had ſpace enough, and fo fortified, that nothing could
attack me, without fcaling the walls.
But what does all human pains and induftry avail,
if the bleffing of Gon does not crown our labours?
Or who can ftand before the Almighty, when he
ftretcheth forth his arm? For one time as I was at-
the entrance of my cave, there happened fuch a dread-
ful earthquake, that not only the roof of the cave
came tumbling about my ears, but the posts feemed
to crack terribly at the fame time. This put me in
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
35
great amazement; and running to the ladder, and
getting over the wall, I then plainly knew it was an
earthquake, the place I ftood on fuftaining three ter-
rible ſhocks in lefs than three minutes. But Judge of
my terror when I faw the top of a great rock roll into
the fea; I then expected the island would be fwallowed
up every moment: And what made the ſcene ſtill
more dreadful, was to fee the fea thrown into the moſt
violent agitations and diforders by this tremenduous
accident.
For my part I ftood like a criminal at the place of
execution ready to expire. At the moving of the
earth, I was, as it were, fea-fick; and very much
afraid leaft the rock, under which was my habitation,
fhould overwhelm me and it in a lafting tomb.
When the third dreadful fhock had ſpent itſelf, my
fpirits began to revive; yet ftill I would not venture
to aſcend the ladder, but continued fitting, not know-
ing what I fhould do. So little grace had I then, as
only to fay Lord have mercy upon me! and no fooner
was the earthquake over, but that pathetic prayer left
me.
It was not long after, when a horrible tempeft arofe,
at the fame time attended with a hurricane of wind.
The fea feemed mountains high, and the waves rolled
fo impetuouſly, that nothing could be perceived but
froth and foain. Three hours did this form continue,
and in fo violent a manner, as to tear the very trees
up by the roots, which was fucceeded by abundance of
rain. When the tempeft was over I went to my tent t;
but the rain coming on in a furious manner,
I was
obliged to take fhelter in the cave, where I was forced
to cut a channel through my fortification to let the
water out. It continued raining all that night, and
fometime the next day. Thefe accidents made me
refolve, as foon as the weather cleared up, to build me
a little hut in fome open place, walled round to defend
me from wild creatures and favages; not doubting,
but, at the next earthquake, the mountain would fall
on my habitation and me, and ſwallow up all in its
bowels.
L
36
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
April 16,-20. Theſe days I spent in contriving
how and in what manner I fhould fix my place of
abode. All this while, I was under the most dread-
ful apprehenfions. When I looked round my habita-
tion, every thing I found in its proper place. I had
'feveral refolutions whether I ſhould move or not; but
at length reſolved to ſtay where I was, till I found out
a convenient place where I might pitch my tent.
April 22. When I began to put my refolutions in
practice, I was ftopt for want of tools and inftruments
to work with. Moſt of my axes and hatchets were
ufelefs, occafioned by cutting the hard timber that
grew on the ifland. It took me up a full week to
make my grindstone of ufe to me; and at laft I found
out a way to turn it about with my foot, by help of a
wheel and a'ftring.
April 28, 29. Thefe days were ſpent in grinding
my tools.
April 30. My bread falling fhort, I allowed myfelf
but one biſcuit a- day.
May 1. As I walked along the fea-fhore, I found
a barrel of gunpowder, and ſeveral pieces of the wreck,
which the fea had flung up. Having fecured thole,
I made to the fhip, whofe ftern was torn off, and
wafhed a great diftance afhore; but the reſt lay in the
fands. This I fuppofe was occafioned by the earth-
quake I now reſolved to keep my old place of abode:
and alfo to go to the fhip that day, but then found it
impoffible.
May 3. This day I went on board, and with my
faw lawed off one of the beams, which kept her quar-
ter-deck. I then cleared the fand till flood.
May 4. I caught fome fifh, but they where not
wholefome. The fame day I also catched a young
dolphin.
May 5. This day I alſo repaired to the wreck, and
fawed another piece of timber; and when the flood
came, I made a float of three great planks, which
were driven afhore by the tide.
May 6, 7, 8, 9. Thefe days I brought off the iron
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
37
bolts, opened the deck with the iron crow, and car-
ried two planks to land, having made a way in the
very middle of the wreck.
May 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. All this time I fpent in
bringing off great quantities of iron and timber.
May 15. Took with me two hatchets on purpoſe
to cut of fome lead from the roll, but all in vain, for
it lay too low under water.
May 16. I omitted going to the wreck this day;.
for employing myfelf in looking for pigeons, 1 out-
ftaid my time
May 17. I perceived feveral pieces of the wreck
blown afhore, which I found belonged to the head of
the ſhip.
May 24. To this day I worked on the wreck, and
with great difficulty loofened fome things fo much
with the crow, that at the first blowing tide, ſeveral
cafks floated out, and many of the feamen's chefts;
yet that day nothing came to land but pieces of tim-
ber, and a hogfhead which had fome Brazil pork in
it. I continued working to the 15th of June; (except
neceffary times for food and reft) and had I known
how to have built a boat, I had timber and planks e-
nough; I had alfo near 100 weight of fheet lead.
June 16. As I was wandering towards the fea-fide,
I found a large tortoife or turtle, being the first I had
feen on the iſland, though, as I afterwards found, there
were many on the other fide of it.
June 17. This day I ſpent in cooking it, found in
her threefcore eggs, and her flesh the moſt favory and
pleafant I ever tafted in my life.
June 18. I ftaid within this day, there being a con-
tinual rain and it was fomewhat more chilly and
cold than uſual.
June 19. Exceeding bad, taken with a trembling
and fhivering.
June 20. Awake all night, my head racked with
pain, and feverish.
June 21. Sick unto death, and terrifed with the
E 2
38
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
C
difmal apprehenfions of my condition. Prayed to God
more frequently, but very confufedly.
June 22. Something better, but ſtill uneasy in my
mind.
June 23. Again relapfed much as before.
June 24. Mended a fecond time.
June 25. A violent ague for ſeven hours, cold and
hot fits, fucceeded with faint fweats.
June 26. Better, but very weak; yet I fcrambled
out, fhot a fhe-goat, brought it home, and broiled
fome of it: I would willingly have ftewed it, and
made fome broth, but had no pot.
June 27. All this day I was afflicted with an ague;
thirty, yet could not help myfelf to water: Prayed to
God in these words: Lord in pity, look upon me: Lord
have mercy upon me: have mercy upon me! After this
I fell asleep, which I found had much refreshed me
when I awaked. I fell afleep a fecond time, and fell
into this ftrange and terrible fort of dream.
Methought I was fitting on the fame ſpot of ground
at the outfide of the wall where I fat when the ftorm
blew after the earthquake; and that I faw a man de-.
fcending from a great black cloud, and light upon
the ground. He was aller as bright as a flath of
fire that a little before furrounded hini; his counte-
nance inconceivably terrible; the earth as it were
trembled when he ftept upon the ground and flathes
of fire feemed to fill all the air. No fooner I thought
him landed upon the earth, but with a long fpear, or
other weapon, he made towards me; but firft afcend-
ing a rifing ground, his voice added to my amaze-
ment, when I thought I heard him pronounce theſe
dreadful words, Unhappy wretch! feeing all these things
have not brought thee to repentance, thou halt immediately
die. In pronouncing this dreadful fentence, I thought
he went to kill me with the fpear that was in his
hand.
Any body may think it impoffible for me to exprefs
the horrors of my mind at this vifion and even when
I awaked, this very dream made a deep impreffion
ļ
•
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
39
upon my mind. The little divine knowledge I had,
I received from my father's inftructions, and that
was worn out by an uninterrupted feries of fea-faring
impiety for eight years fpace. Except what fick nefs
fickness
forced from me, I do not remember I had one fe-
rious thought of lifting up my heart towards God;
but rather had a certain ftupidity of foul, not having
the leaſt ſenſe of fear of the omnipotent Being when
in diftrefs, nor of gratitude to him for his deliver-
ances. Nay, when I was on the defperate "expe-
dition on the defert African fhore, I cannot remem-
ber I had one thought of what would become of me,
or to beg his confolation and affiftance iu my fuffer-
ings and diftrefs. When the Portugal_captain took
me up, aud honourably ufed me: nay, farther, when
I was even delivered from drowning by eſcaping to
this iſland, I never looked upon it as a judgment, but
only faid I was an unfortunate dog, and that's all.
Indeed, fome fecret tranfports of foul I had, which
was not through grace, but only a common flight of
joy, that I was yet alive, when my companions were
all drowned, and no other joy could I conceive -but
what is common with the failors over a bowl of
punch, after they have efcaped the greateft dangers.
;
The likelihood of wanting for neither food nor'
conveniencies, might have called upon me for a
thankful acknowledgement to Providence. Indeed,
the growth of my corn touched me with fome fenfe ;
but that foon wore off again. The terrible earth-
quake pointed to me, as it were, the finger of God,
but my dreadful amazement continued no lotiger
than its duration. But now, when my fpirits began
to fink under the burthen of a strong diffemper,
and I could leifurely view the miferies of death
prefent themfelves before my eyes, then my awa-
kened confcience began to reproach me with my part --
life, in which I had fo wickedly provoked the juf
tice of God to pour down his vengeance upon me.
Such reflections as thefe oppreffed me even in the
violence of my diftender. Soine prayers Itered;
E3
40.
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
which only proceeded from my fear of death. But
when I confidered my father's advice and prophecy,
I could not forbear weeping; for, he told me, That,
if I did perfift in my folly I should not only be deprived
of God's blessing, but have time enough to reflect upon :
my defpifing his inftructions, and this in a wretched time,
when none could help me. I now concluded it to be
fulfilled, having no foul in the ifland to adminifter
any comfort to me, I prayed earnestly to the Lord,
that he would help me in this my great calamity.
And, this, I think was the first time I prayed in fin-
cerity for many years. But now I must return to
my journal.
June 28.. Something refreshed with fleep, and the
fit quite off, 1 got up. My dream ftill occafioned in
me a great confternation, and, fearing that the
ague might return the fucceeding day, I concluded it
time to get fomething to comfort me. I filled a
cafe bottle with water, and fet it within reach of
my bed; and, to make it more nourishing and lefs
chilly, I put fome rum in it. The next thing I did
was to boil me a piece of goat flesh, of which I ate
but little. I was very weak; however, walked
about, dreading the return of my diftemper; and at
night I fupped on three turtle's eggs, which I roaf
ted and ate begging God's. bleffing therewith.
{
4
!
After I had eaten, I attempted to walk again out
of doors with my gun; but was fo weak, that I fat
down, and looked at the fea, which was fimooth and
calm. While I continued here theſe thoughts came
into my mind.
}
In what inanner is the production of the earth and
Tea of which I have feen fo much? From whence
came myfelf, and all other creatures living, and of
what are we made?
4
Our beings were affuredly created by fome al-
mighty invifible power, who framed the earth, fea,
and air, and all therein. But what is that power?
Certainly it muft follow, that God has created it
allet, faid I if God has made all this, he muft
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE. ·
41
be the ruler of them all, and what is relating there-
to; for certainly the power that makes, muſt indif-
putably have a power to guide and direct them.
And if this be fo (as certainly it muft) nothing can
happen without his knowledge and apointment.
Then, furely, if nothing happens without God's
appointment, certainly God has appointed theſe my
fufferings to befal me. And here I fixed my firm
belief, that it was his will that it fhould be fo; and
then proceeded to enquire, why should God deal
with me in this manner? Or what have I done thus
to deferve his indignation?
Here confcience flew in my face, reprehending me
as a blafphemer; crying with a loud aud piercing
voice, Unworthy wretch! dare you ask what you have
done? Look upon your past life, and fee what you have
left undone? Afk thy felf, why thou wert not long
ago in the mercilefs hand of death? Why not
drowned in Yarmouth roads, or killed in the fight,
when the fhip was taken by the Salee man of war?
Why not entombed in the bowels of wild beafts on
the African coaft, or drowned here when all thy
companions fuffered fhipwreck in the ocean?
I
Struck dumb with thefe reflections, I rofé up in
a penfive manner, being fo thoughtful that I could
not go to fleep; and fearing the dreadful return of
my diftemper, it caufed me to remember, that the
Brazilians ufe tobacco for almoſt all difeafes.
then went to my cheft, in order to find fome, where
heaven no doubt, directed me to find a cure both
for foul and body; for there I found one of the
bibles, which, till this time, I had neither leifure
nor inclination to look into; I took beth the to-
bacco and that out of the cheft, and laid them on
the table. Several experiments did I try with the
tobacco: Firft; I took a piece of leaf, and chewed
it; but it being very green and strong almoft Au-
pified me. Next 1 fteeped it in fome rum an hour
or two, refolving when I went to bed to take a
dofe of it: and, in the third place, 1 burnt fome
42
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
over a pan of fire, holding my nofe over it fo long
as I could endure it without foffocation.
In the intervals of this operation, though my
head was giddy and difturded by the tobacco, I took
up the bible to read. No fooner did I open it, but
there appeared to me theſe words, Call on me in the day
of trouble, and I will deliver thee and thou fhalt glorify
me.
At first this fentence made a very deep impreffion
on my heart; but it foon wore of again, when I
confidered the word deliver was foreign to me. And
as the children of Ifrael faid, when they were pro-
miſed fleſh to eat, Can God spread a table in the wilder-
nefs? in like manner I began to fay, Can God him-"
ſelf deliver me from this defolate ifland? However,'
the words would still return to my mind, and after-
wards made a greater impreffion upon me.
As it
now was very late, and the tobacco had dozed my
head, I was inclined to be fleep; but before I would
lie down, I fell on my knees, and implored the pro-
mife that God had made to me in the holy fcriptures,
that if I called on him in the day of trouble, he would
deliver me. With much difficulty I after drank the'
rum wherein I had ſteeped the tobacco, which flying
into my head, threw me into fuch a profound fleep,
that it was three o'clock next day before I awaked;
or, rather, I believe, I flept two days, having cer-
tainly loft a day in my account, and I could never
tell any other way. When I got up, my fpi-
rits were lively and chearful; my ftomach much
better, being very hungry; and in fhort no fit retur-
ned the next day, which was the 29th, but I found
myſelf much altered for the better.
The 30th I went abroad with my gun, but not far,
and killed a fea-fowl or two, refembling a "brand
goofe which however, I cared not to eat when I
brought them home, but dined on two more of the
turtle's egg's. In the evening I renewed my medi
cine, excepting that I did not take fo large a quanti
ty, neither did I chew the leaf, or hold my head over
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
43
the ſmoke: but the next day, which was the ift of
July, having a little return of the could fit I again
took my medicine as I did the firſt time.
July 3. The fit quite left me, but very weak. In
this condition, I often thought of theſe words, I will
deliver thee; and while at fome times I would think
of the impoffibility of it, other thoughts would repre-
hend me, for difregarding the deliverances I had re-
ceived, even from the moſt forlorn and diftreffed con-
dition. I asked myfelf, what regard have I had to God
for his abundant mercies? Have I done my part? He
kas delivered me, but I have not glorified him; as if I
had faid, I had not owned and been thankful for thefe
as deliverances, and how could I expect greater? So
much did this fenfibly touch my heart, that I gave
God thanks for my recovery from fickneſs in the
moſt humble proftration.
July 4. This morning I began ferioufly to ponder
on what is written in the New Teftament, refolving
to read a chapter every morning and night as long as
my thoughts would engage me. As foon as I fet
about this work feriously, I found my heart deeply
affected with the impiety of my paft life; thefe
words that I thought were fpoken to me in my
dream revived, all these things have not brought thee to
repentance. After this, I begged of God to affift me
with his Holy Spirit in returning to my duty. One
day, in perufing the fcriptures, I came to theſe words
He is exalted a Prince and a Saviour, to give
repentance, and to give remifion: Immediately I
laid down the book, and, with uplifted hands to
heaven, loudly cried, O bleffed Jefus, thou fon of Da-
vid, Jefus, thou exalted Prince and Saviour, give me
repentance! And now indeed I prayed with a true
fenfe of my condition, and a more certain hope,
founded on the word of God. Now I had a different
fenſe of theſe words, Call on me, and I will deliver
thee, that is, from the dreadful load of guilt, which
opprefled my finful foul, and not from a folitary life,
which might rather be called a bleffing, ſeeing I want-
44
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ed neither food nor raiment, when compared with
living among the human race, furrounded with ſo
much oppreffion, mifery, and affliction: In a word,
I came to this conclefion, that a deliverance from
fin was a much greater bleffing than a deliverance
from affliction. But again I proceed to my journal.
To the 14th of July, I walked about with my
gun, little and little at a time, having been reduced
to the greatest extremity of weaknefs. The appli-
cations and experiments I uſed were perfectly new:
neither could I recommend them to any ones prac-
tice. For though it carried off the fit, it very much.
weakened me; and I had frequently convulfions in
my nerves and limbs for fome time. From hence
I learned, that going abroad in rainy weather, ef-
pecially when it was attended with ftorms and hur-
ricanes of wind, was moft pernicious to health. I
had now been above ten months in the ifland; and
as I never had leen any of the human kind, I there-
fore accounted myfelf as fole monarch; and as I
grew better, having fecured my habitation to my
mind, I refolved to make a tour round my king.
dom, in order to make new difcoveries.
1
The 15th of July I began my journey, I firft
went to the creek, where I had brought my rafts.
on fhore; and travelling farther, found the tide
went no higher than two miles up, where there was
a little brook of running water, on the bank of
which were many pleafant favannahs or meadows,
plain, fmooth, and covered with grafs. On the
rifing parts, where I fuppofed the water did not
reach, I perceived a great deal of tobacco growing
to a very strong ftalk. Several other plants I like-
wife found, the virtues of which I did not under-
ftand. I fearched a long time for the Caflava root
which I knew the Indians in that climate made their
bread of; but all in vain. There were feveral
plants of aloes, though at that time I knew not what
they were; likewife I faw feveral fugar canes, but
imperfect for want of cultivation. With thele few
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
45
difcoveries I came back that night and flept con-
tentedly in my little caftle.
Here
The next day, being the 16th, going the fame
way, but farther than the day before, I found the
Country more adorned with woods and trees.
1 perceived different fruits in great abundance.
Melons in plenty lay on the ground, and cluflers of
grapes, ripe and very rich, pread over the trees.
You may imagine I was glad of this diſcovery, yet
ate very fparingly, left I fhould throw myfelf into
a flux or fever. The grapes I found of excellent
ufe; for when I had dried them in the fun, which
preferved them as dried raifins are kept, they proved
very whole fome and nourishing, and ferved me in
thofe feafons when no grapes were to be had.
The night drawing on apace, I afcended up a
tree, and flept very comfortably, though it was the
first time I had flept out of my habitation. And
when the morning came I proceeded with great
pleaſure on my way, travelling about four miles, as
I imagined, by the length of the valley, dijecting
my courfe northward, and there being a ridge of
hills on the fouth and north fide of me. At the
end of this valley. I came to an opening, where the
country feemed to defcend to the weft; there I
found a fpring of fresh water, proceeding out of
the fide of the hill, with its chryſtal ſtreams running
directly east. And indeed here my fenfes were
charmed with the most beautiful landſcape nature
could afford; for the country appeared to flouriſh-
ing, green and delightful, that to me it feemed like
a planted garden. I then defcended on the fide of
that delicious vale, when I found abundance of
cotoa, orange, lemon, and citron trees, but very
wild and barren at that time. As for the limes,
they were delightful and wholefome, the juice of
which I after ufed to mix in water, which made it
very cool and refreshing. And now I was refolved
to carry home and lay up a flore of grapes, limes,
and lemons, againſt the approaching wet feafon.
46
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
So laying them up in feparate parcels, and then
taking a few of each with me, I returned to my caffle,
after having ſpent three days in this journey. Be-
fore I got home, the grapes were fo bruifed that
they were utterly ſpoiled: the limes indeed were
good, but of thoſe I could bring only a few.
July 19. Having prepared two bags, I returned
thither again, but to my great furprize, found all
the grapes ſpread about, trod to pieces, and abun-
dance eaten, which made me conclude there were
wild beafts thereabouts. To prevent this happen-
ing again, I gathered a large quantity of the grapes,
and hung them upon the out branches of the tree,
both to keep them unhurt, and that they might
cure and dry in the fun and having well loaded
myſelf with limes and lemons, I returned once
more to my old place of refidence.
1
And now contemplating on the fruitfulneſs of this
valley, the pleaſantnefs of its fituation, its fecurity
from ftorms, and the delightfulneſs of the adjacent
woods, I concluded I was fettled in the worst part
of the country, and therefore was thinking to re-
move my habitation.
But when I confidered again, that though it was
pleaſant, it was off from the fea-fide, where there
was a poffibility, fome time or other, a fhip might
either be driven or fail by; and that to inclofe my-
felf among hills and woods muft certainly put an
end to my hopes of deliverance; I refolved to let
my caftle remain where Providence had firſt affigned
it. Yet fo ravifhed was 1 with this place, that I
made me a little kind of bower, furrounding it with
a double hedge, as high as I could reach, well
flaked, and filled with bullrufhes: and having fpent
a great part of July, I think it was the firft day of
Auguft before I began to enjoy my labour.
Aug. 3. Perceiving my grapes to be dry, I took
them from the trees, and they proved excellent good
raifins of the fun: the moſt of which I carried to
my cave; and happy for me I bid fo, by which I
faved the best part of my winter food.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
47
•
Aug. 14. This day it began to rain; and though
I had made me a tent like the other, yet having no
thelter of a hill to keep me from ftorms, nor a cave.
behind me to retreat to, I was obliged to return to
my old caftle, the rain continued more or lefs every
day, till the middle of October; and fometimes fo
violently, that I could not ftir out of my cave for fe-
veral days. This feafon I found my family to en-
creaſe; for one of my cats that ran away from me,
and which I thought had been dead, returned about
Auguft, with three kittens at her heels, like herſelf;
which I thought ftrange, becaufe both my cats were
females, and the wild cats of the iſland ſeemed to be
of a different kind from our European cats; but from
thefe cats proceeded fuch numbers, that I was forced
to kill and deſtroy them as I would do wild beafts
or vermin.
To the 26th of this month, I could not ftir out,
it raining inceffantly; when beginning to want
food, I was compelled to venture twice, the firft of
which I fhot a goat, and afterwards found a very
large tortoife. The manner of my regulating my
food was thus: a bunch of raifins ferved me for my
breakfast; a piece, of goat's flesh or turtle boiled
for my dinner, and two or three turtle eggs for
my fupper. While the rain lafted, I daily worked
two or three hours at enlarging my cave, and by de-
grees worked it on towards one fide of the hill, and
made a door or way out, which came beyond my
fence or wall, and ſo I came in and out this way. But
after I had done this, I was troubled to fee myſelf
thus expoſed; though I could not perceive any thing
to fear, a goat being the biggest creature I had ſeen
upon this ifland..
Sept. 30. Cafting up my knotches on my poft,
amounted to 365, I concluded this to be the aniver-
fary of my landing; and, therefore, humbly prof-
trating myſelf on the ground, confeffing my fins,
acknowledging God's righteous judgements upon me
and praying to Jeſus Chriſt to have mercy upon mè
F
48
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
i
I fafted for twelve hours till the going down of the
fun; and then eating a bifcuit and a bunch of grapes,
laid me on bed, and with great comfort took my
night's repoſe. Till this time I never had diftin-
guished the Sabbath day; but now I made a longer
notch than ordinary for the days of reft, and divided
the weeks as well as I could, though I found I had
loft a day or two in my account. My ink failing
foon after, I ommited in my daily memorandum
things of an indifferent nature, and contented my-
felf to write down only the moſt remarkable events
of my life. The rainy and dry feafons appeared
now regular to me, and experience taught me how
to provide for them; yet in one thing I am going
to relate, my experience very much failed me. You
may call to mind, what I have mentioned of fome
barley and rice which I had faved; about thirty
ftalks of the former, and twenty of the latter; and,
at that time,the fun being in its fouthern pofition,
going from me, together with the rains, made me
conclude it a very proper ſeaſon to fow it. Accor-
dingly I dug up apiece of ground, with my wooden
fpade and dividing it in two parts, fowed about two
thirds of my feed, prelerving by me about a hand-
ful of each. And happy it was I did fo; for no
rains falling, it was choked up, and never appeared
above the earth till the wet fealon came again, and
then part of it grew, as if it had been, newly fown.
I was refolved ftill to make another trial; and
fecking for a moifter piece of ground near my bower,
I there fowed the reft of my feed in February, a little
before the vernal equinox; which having the rainy
months of March and April to water it, yielded a
noble crop, and fprang up very pleafantly. I had
ftill faved part of the feed, not daring to venture all;
and by the time I found out the proper feafons to
fow it in, and that I might expect every year two
feed-times and two harvests, my stock amounted to
above half a peck of each fort of grain.
No fooner were the rains over, but the ftakes which
ļ
ܐ܂
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
49
+
I had cut froin the trees, fhot out like willows the
firſt year after lopping their heads. I was ignorant
of the tree I cut them from; but they grew fo re-
gularly beautiful, that they made a moft lively ap-
pearance, and fo flourished in three years time, that
I refolved to cut more of them; and theſe ſoon
growing made a glorious fence, as afterwards I fhall
obferve.
And now I perceived that the feafons of the year
might generally be divided, not into fummer and
winter, as in Europe, but in wet and dry feafons,
as in this manner:
February,
Half March,
2 April,
April,
}
Rainy, fun coming near the Equinox.
May,
Half June,
Dry, fun getting north of the line.
July,
August,
August,
Half September, Wet, the fun being then come backe
October,
October,
November,
Half December, Dry, fun running fouth of the line.
January,
February,
:
The wet feafons would continue longer or fhorter,
as the wind continued to blow. But having found
the ill confequences of being abroad in the rain, I
took care beforehand to furnish myself with provi-
fions; and, during the wet months, fat within doors
as much as poffible. At this time I contrived to
make many handy things that I wanted, though it
coft me much labour and pains, before I could ac-
complish them. The firft I tried was to make a
baſket ; but all the twigs I could get, proved ſo brit-
F 2
·50
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tle, that I could not then perform it. It now proved
of great ufe to me, that when a boy, I took great de-
light in ftanding at a baſket-maker's in the fame
town were my father lived, to view them at work:
and, like other boys, curious to fee the manner of
their working theſe things, and officious to affift,
I perfectly learned the method of it, and wanted no-
thing but tools. And it coming into my mind that
the twigs of that tree of which I made my ftakes,
might be as tough as fallow willow, or ofiers grows
ing in England, I refolved to try an experiment,
and went the next day to my country feat, and found
fome fit for my turn; and after cutting down a
quantity with my hatchet, I dried them in my pale,
and, when fit to work with, carried them to my
cave, where I employed myſelf in making feveral
forts of baskets, infomuch that I could put in what-
foever! pleaſed. It is true, they were not cleaverly
made, yet they ferved my turn upon all occafions.
But ftill I wanted two neceffary things. I had no
cafk to hold my liquor, except two rundlets almoft
full of rum, a few bottles of an ordinary fize, and
fome fquare cafe bottles; neither had I a pot to
boil any thing in, only a large kettle, unfit to
make 'broth, or ftew a bit of meat: I wanted like-
wife at the beginning of this dry feafon a tobacco-
pipe; but for this I afterwards found an expedient.
I kept myſelf employed in planting my fecond
row of ftakes. But remembering that when I tra-
velled up to the brook I had a mind to fee the whole
illand, I now refumed my intention, and taking
my dog, gun, hatchet, two biſcuit-cakes, a great
bunch of raifins, with a larger quantity of powder
and fhot than ufual, I began my journey. Having
paffed the vale where my bower ftood, I came
within view of the fea lying to the weft; when, it
being a clear day, I fairly defcried land, extending
from the W. to the S. W, about 10 or 15 leagues,
as I concluded; but could not fay whether it was
an ifland or a continent. Neither could I tell what
this place might be; only thought it was part of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
51
America, and where I might have been in a mile-
rable condition had I landed, Again 1 confidered,
that if this was the Spanifh coaft, certainly, one
time or other, I fhould fee fome fhip pafs by; and
if it was not, then it must be the favage coaft, be-
tween the Spanish country and Brazil; which abounds
with cannibals or man eaters.
As I proceeded forward, I found this fide of the
il and much more pleafant than mine; the fields
fragrant, adorned with fweet flowers and verdant
grafs, together with feveral very fine woods. There
were parrots in plenty which made me long for one
to be my companion; but it was with great difficuly
I could knock one down with my ftick; and I kept
him at home fome years, before I could get him to
call me by my name.
L
In the low grounds I found various forts of hares
and foxes as I took them to be, but much different
from thofe in England. Several of thefe I killed,
but never ate them; neither indeed had I any occa-
fion; for abounding with goats, pigeons, turtle,
and grapes, I could defy Leadenhall market to
furnish me a better table. In this journey I did
not travel above two miles a day, becaufe I took
feveral turns and windings, to fee what difcoveries
I could make, returning weary enough to the place
where I defigned to reft all night, which was either
in a tree, or to a place which I furrounded with
flakes, that no wild creature might fuddenly. fur-
prize me. When I came to the fea fhore, I was
amazed to fee the fplendor of it. Its ftrand: was
covered with fhells of the most beautiful filh, and
conftantly abounding with innumerable turtles,
and fowls of many kinds, which I was ignorant of,
except thofe, called penguins. I might have thot
as many as I pleated, but was fparing of my ammu-
nition, rather chufing to kill a fhe-goat, which I
did with much difficulty, on account of the Hat-
nefs of the country.
་
Now, though this journey produced the noft
3
Ka
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
33
pleafing fatisfaction, ye my habitation was fo much
to my liking, that I did not repine at my being
feated on the worst part of the island. I continued
my journey, travelling about twelve miles further
towards the eaft, where I fet a great pile on the
fhore for a mark, concluding that my next journey
fhould bring me to the other fide of the ifland, caft
from my cafile, and fo round till I came to my poft
again. As I had a conftant view of the country, I
thought I could not mifs my way; but fearce had I
travelled three miles, when I defcended into a very
Farge valley, fo furrounded with hills covered with
wood, that I having no guide but the fun, nor even
then, unless I knew well the pofition of the fun at
that time of the day; and to add to my misfortune,
the weather proving very hazy, I was obliged to re-
turn to my poft by the fea-fide, and fo backwards
the fame way. I came. In this journey my dog fur-
prifed a kid, and would have killed it, had I not
prevented him. As I had often been thinking of
getting a kid or two, and fo raifing a breed of tame
goats to fupply me after my ammunition was ſpent,
I took this opportunity of beginning: and, having
made a collar for this little creature, with a ſtring
made of rope-yarn, I brought it to my bower, and
there incloſed him; and having ſpent a month în
this journey, returned to my old habitation.
Nobody can doubt of my fatisfaction, when I ré-
turned to my little caftle, and repofed myfelf in my
hammock. After my journey I refted myfelf a
week, which time 1 employed in making a cage
for my pretty poll. I now began to confider of the
poor kid I had left in the bower, and immediately
went to fetch it home. When I came there, I found
the young creature almoſt ſtarved; I gave it ſome
food, and tied it as before but there was no octa-
fion, for it followed me like a dog; and as I con-
ftantly fed it, it became fo loving, gentle, and fond,
that it commenced one of my domefticks, and would
Bever leave me.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
53.
་
The rainy ſeafon of the autumnal equinox being
now come, I kept the 30th of September in the moft
folemn manner, as ufual, it being the third year of
my abode in the ifland. I ſpent the whole day in ac-
knowledging God's mercies, in giving thanks for
making this folitary life as agreable, and lefs fin-
ful, than that of human fociety; and for the com-
munications of his grace to my foul, in fupporting,
comforting, and encouraging me to depend upon his
Providence, and hope for his eternal prefence in the
world to come.
Indeed, I often did confider how much more hap
py I was, in this ftate of life, than in that accurfed
manner of living I formerly ufed, and fometimes
when hunting, or viewing the country, the anguiſh
of my foul would break out upon me, and my very
heart would fink within me, to think of the woods,
the mountains, the deferts I was in and how I was
a prifoner locked up within the eternal bars and
bolts of the ocean, in an uninhabited wildernefs,
without hopes, and without redemption. In this
condition I would often wring my hands, and weep
like a child: And even ſometimes in the middle of
'my work this fit would often take me; and then I
would fit down and figh, looking on the ground for
an hour or two together, till fuch time as my grief
got vent in a flood of tears.
One morning, as I was fadly employed in this man-
'ner I opened my Bible, when immediately I fixed
my eyes upon theſe words, I will never leave thee, nor
forfake thee! Surely, thought I, theſe words are dircted
to me, or elſe why ſhould they appear juſt at a mo-
ment when I am bemoaning my forlorn condition? and
if God does not forfake me, what matters it, fince he
can make me more happy in this ſtate of life, than if
1 enjoyed the greateft fplendor in the world? But
while I was going to return God thanks for my pre-
fent ftate, fomething feemed to fhock my mind, as if
it had thus faid: Unworthy wretch; can you pretend
'to be thankful for a condition, from which you would
}
}
54
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
:
*.
:
pray to be delivered! Here I ftopt?-and though I
could not fay, I thanked the Divine Majefty for being
there, yet I gave God thanks for placing to my view
my former wicked courſe of life, and granting me a
true knowledge of repentance. And whenever I open.
ed or fhut the Bible, I bleffed kind Providence, that
directed my good friend in England to fend it among
my goods without my order, and for affifting me to
fave it from the power of the raging ocean.
>
་
397
And now beginning my third year, my feveral daily
employments were thefe; First, My duty to Heaven,
and diligently reading the holy Scriptures, which
I did twice or thrice every day, Secondly, Seeking pro
vifion with my gun, which commonly took me up,
when it did not rain, three hours every morning,
Thirdly, The ordering, curing, preferving, and cooking
what I had killed, or catched for my fupply, which
took me up a great part of the day: for, in the middle
lof the day, the fun being in its height, it was fo hot,
that I could not ftir out; fo that I had only but four
hours in the evening to work in; and then the want
of tools, of affiftance, and fkill, wafted a great deal of
time to little purpofe, I was no less than two and forty
idays making a board fit for a long fhelf, which two
fawyers, with their tools and faw-pit, would have cut
out of the ſame tree in half a day. It was of a large.
tree, as my board was to be broad. I was three days
in cutting it down, and two more in lopping off the
boughs, and reducing it to a piece of timber. Thus I
hacked, and hewed off each fide,, till it became light to
move; then I turned it, made one fide of it fmooth
and flat as a board from end to end, then turned
it downward, cutting the other fide, till I brought
the plank to be about three inches thick, and ſmooth
on both fides. Any body may judge my great labour
and fatigue in fuch a piece of work; but this I went
through with patience, as allo many other things that
my circumstances made neceffary for me to do,
{
"
1
The harveft months, November and December,
were now at hand, in which I had the pleating pro-
fpect of a very good crop. But here I met with a new
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
55
?
וי
1
wisfortune; for the goats and hares, having tafted
of the ſweetneſs of the blade, kept it ſo ſhort that it
had no ftrength to fhoot up into a ftalk. To prevent
this, I encloſed it with a hedge, and by day fhot fome
of its devourers; and my dog which I had tied to
the field gate keeping barking all night, ſo frightened
thefe creatures that I got entirely rid of them.
.
But, no fooner did I get rid of thefe, than other
enemies appeared, to wit, whole flocks of feveral
forts of birds, who only waited till my back was turn-
ned, to ruin me. So much did this provoke me, that
let fly, and killed three of the malefactors; and
afterwards ferved them as they do notorious thieves
in England, hung them up in chains as a terror tó
others. And, indeed, fo good an effect had this,
that they not only forfook the corn, but all that part
of the ifland, fo long as thefe criminals hung there.
}
My corn having ripened apace, the latter end of
December, which was my fecond harveft, I reaped
it with a fcythe, made of one of my broad fwords. I
had no fatigue in cutting down my firſt crop, it was
fo flender. The ears I carried home in a bafket, rub-
bing it out with my hands, inftead of threshing it:
and when my harvelt was over, found my half peck
of feed produced near two bushels of rice, and two
bushels and a half of barley. And now I plainly fore
faw, that, by God's goodness, I ſhould be furniſhed
with bread; but yet I was concerned, becaufe I knew
not how to grind or make meal of my corn, nor
bread, neither knew how to bake it. I would not,
however, tafte any of the crop, but refolved to preferve
it againſt next feafon, and, in the mean while, ufe my
beſt endeavours to provide myfelf with other food.
But where were my labours to end? the want of
plough to turn up the earth, or fhovel to dig it, I con-
quered by making me a wooden fpade. The want of
a harrow I fupplied myfelf, with dragging over the
corn a great bough of a tree. When it was growing,
I was forced 'to fence it; when ripe, to move it, carry
it home, threſh it, part it from the chaff, and fave it
And, after all, I wanted a mill to grind it, fieve to
:
י -
56
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
dreſs it, yeſt and ſalt to make it into bread, an oven
to bake it. This fet my brains to work to find
fome expedient for every one of thefe neceffaries
against the next harveft.
And now having more feed, my firſt care was to
prepare me more land. I pitched upon two large
flat pieces of ground near my caftle, for that pur
pofe, in which I fowed my feed, and fenced it with
a good hedge. This took me up three months by.
which time the wet feafon coming on, and the rain
keeping me within doors, I found feveral occafions
to employ myfelf; and, while at work, uted to di-
vert myſelf with talking to my parrot, learning him
to know and fpeak his own name Poll, the first wel-
come word I ever heard ſpoke in the iſland. I had
been a long time contriving how to make earthen
veffels, which I wanted extremely; and when I
confidered the heat of the climate, I did not doubt
but if I could find any fuch clay, I might botch up
a pot, ftrong enough, when dried in the dun, to
bear handling, and to hold any thing that was dry.
To be hort, the clay I found; but it would oc-
cafion the moft ferious perfon to fmile, to fee what
awkward ways I took, and what ugly miſhapen
things I made; how many either fell out or cracked
by the violent heat of the fun, and fell in pieces
when they were removed; fo that I think it was
two months before I could perfect any thing: and
even then but two clumfy things in imitation of
earthen jars. Thefe, however I very gently placed
in wicker baſkets, made on purpofe for them, and
between the pot and the baſkets, ftuffed it full of
rice and barley ftraw: and thefe I prefumed would
hold my dried corn, and perhaps the meal, when
the corn was bruifed. As for the faller things, I
made them with better fuccefs; fuch as little round
pots, flat diſhes, pitchers, and pipkins, the fun
baking them very hard.
Yet ftill I wanted one thing abfolutely neceflary,
and that was an earthen pot, not only to hold my
}
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
51
+
1
liquid, butalfo to bear the fire, which none of thefe
could do. It once happened, that as was putting
out my fire, I found therein a broken piece of one of
my vedels burnt hard as a rock, and red as a tile.
This made me think of burning fome pots; and
having no notion of a kiln, or of glazing them with
lead, I fixed three large pipkins, and two or three
pots in a pile one upon another. The fire Ipiled
round the outfide, and dry wood on the top, till I
faw the pots in the infide red-hot, and found that
they did not crack at all; and when perceived
them perfectly red, I let one of them ftand in the
fire about fix hours, till the clay melted by the ex-
tremity of the heat, and would have run to glafs
had 1 fuffered it; upon which I flacked my fire bý
degrees, till the rednefs abated; and wat hing them
till morning, found I had three very good pipkins,
and two earthen pots, as well burnt and fit for my
turn as I could defire.
•
·
>
No joy could be greater than mine at this difco-
very. For after this, I may fay, I wanted for no
fort of earthen ware. I filled one of my pipkins
with water to boil me fome meat, which it did ad-
mirably well, and with a piece of kid I made me
fone good broth as well as my circumftances would
afford me at that time.
•
The next concern I had was to get me a ftone-
mortar to beat fome corn in, inftead of a mill tò
grind it. Here indeed I was at a great lofs, as not
being: fit for a tone-cutter; and many days I ſpent
to find out a great ftone big enough to cut hollow
and make fit for a mortar, and ftrong enough tó
bear the weight of a peftil, that would break the
corn without filling it with fand. But all the flonës
of the iſland being of a mouldering nature, rendered
my fearch fruitless; and then I refolved to look out
a great block of hard wood; which having found,
I formed it with my axe and hammer, and then with
infinite labour made a hollow in it, juſt as the Indi-
ans of Brazil make their "canoes. When I had
#
58 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
finiſhed this, I made a great peftil of iron wood,
and then laid them up against my fucceeding harveſt.
My next business was to make me a fieve, to fift
my meal and part it from the bran and hufk. Hav-
ing no fine thin canvas to ſearch the meal through,
I could not tell what to do. What linen I had was
reduced to rags; I had goat's hair enough, but, nei-
ther tools to work, it, nor did I know how to pin
it. At length I remembered I had fome neckcloths
of callico or muslin of the failors, which I had
brought out of the fhip, and, with thefe I made
three ſmall fieves proper enough for the work.
I come now to confider the baking part. The
want of an oven I fupplied by making tome earthen
pans very broad, but not deep. When I had a mind
to bake, I made a great fire upon my hearth, the
tiles of which I had made my felf; and when the
wood was burnt into live coals, I ſpread them over
it, till it became very hot;, then fweeping them
away, I fet down my loaves, and whelming down..
the earthen pots upon them, drew the afhes and
coals all around the outfides of the pots to continae.
the heat, and in this manner I baked my barley
loaves, as well as if I had been a complete paſtry-
cook, and allo made of the rice feveral cakes and
puddings
It is no wonder that all theſe things took me up
the best part of a year, fince what intermediate time
I had, was bestowed in, managing my new harveſt
and husbandry; for in the proper feafon I reaped
my corn, carried it home, and laid it up in the ear
in my large baſkets, till I had time to rub, inſtead
of threshing it. And now indeed my corn en-
creafed to much, that it produced me 20 bushels of
barley, and as much of rice, that I not only began
to uſe it freely, but was thinking how to enlarge
my bains, and refolved to low as much at a time as
would be fufficient for a whole year.
All this while, the profpect of land, which I had
feen from the other fide of the ifland, ran in my
་
A
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
59
}
mind. I ftill meditated a deliverance from this place,
though the fear of greater misfortunes might have
deterred me from it. For allowing that I had at-
tained that place, I run the hazard of being killed
and eaten by the devouring cannibals; and if they
were not fo, yet I might be ſlain, as other Europe-
ans had been, who fell into their hands. Notwith-
ftanding all this, my thoughts ran continually upon
that fhore. I now wifhed for my boy Xury, and
the long-boat, with the thoulder of mutton fail: I
went to the fhip's boat, that had been caft a great
way on the fhore in the late ftorm. She was remov-
ed but a little; but her bottom being turned up by
the impetuofity and fury of the waves and wind, I
fell to work with all the ftrength I had, and with
levers and rolers I had cut from the wood, to turn
her, and repair the damages fhe had faftained. This
work took me up three or four weeks, when finding
my little ftrength all-in vain, I fell to undermining
it by digging away the fand, and fo to make it fall
down, fetting pieces of wood to thrust and guide it
in the fall. But after this was done, I was ftill un-
able to ftir it up, or to get under it, much leſs to
move it forwards towards the water, and fo I was
forced to give it over.
►
This diſappointment, however, did not frighten
me. I began to think, whether it was not poſſible
for me to make a canoe or Perigua, fuch as the In-
dians make of the trunk of a tree. But here I lay
under particular inconveniencies; want of tools to
make it, and want of hands to move it into the water
when it was made. However, to work I went upon
it, ftopping all the enquiries I could make with this
very fimple answer I made to myfelf, let's first make
it, I'll warrant I'll find fome way or other to get it
along when it is done.
I firſt cut down a cedar tree, which was five feet
ten inches diameter at the lower part next the ſtump,
and four feet eleven inches diameter at the end of
twenty-two feet, after which it leffened for a space,
G
ნა
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and then parted into branches. Twenty days was I
a hacking and hewing it at the bottom, fourteen
more in cutting off the branches and limbs, and a
whole month in fhaping it like the bottom of a boat.
As for the infide, I was three weeks with a mallet and
chiffel, clearing it in fuch a manner, as that it was
big enough to carry 26 men, much bigger than any
canoe I ever faw in my life, and confequently fuffici-
ent to tranſport me and all my effects to that wiſhed
for fhore I fo ardently defired.
Nothing remained now, but, indeed, the greateſt
difficulty, to get it into the water, it lying about 100
yards from it. To remedy the first inconvenience,
which was a rifing hill between this boat and the
creek, with wonderful pains and labour I dug into
the furface of the earth, and made a declivity. But
when this was done, all the ftrength I had was as in-
fufficient to move it, as it was when I attempted to
move the boat. I then proceeded to meaſure the
diftance of ground, refolving to make a canal, in
order to bring the water to the canoe, fince I could
not bring the canoe to the water. But as this feem-
ed to be impracticable to myfelf alone, under the
fpace of eleven or twelve years, it brought me into
fome fort of confideration: fo, that I concluded this
alfo to be impoffible, and the attempt vain. I now
faw, and not before, what ftupidity it is to begin.
work before we reckon its cofts, or judge rightly our
own abilities to go through with its performance.
In the height of this work my fourth year expired
from the time I was caft on this iſland. At this time
I did not forget my anniverſary; but kept it with
rather greater devotion than before. For now my
hopes being fruftrated, I looked upon this world as a
thing I had nothing to do with; and very well night
I fay, as father Abraham faid unto Dives, Between
me, and thee there is a gulf fixed. And indeed I was
feparated from its wickednefs too, having neither
the luft of the flesh the luft of the eye nor the pride
of life; I had nothing to covet, being lord, king
'
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
}
•
and emperor over the whole country I had in pof-
feffion, without difpute and without controul: I had
loadings of torn, plenty of turtles, timber in abun-
dance, and grapes above meaſure. What was all
the reft to me? the money I had, lay by me as def-
picable drofs, which I would freely have given for a
grofs of tobacco pipes or a hand-mill to grind my
corn: in a word, the nature and experience of
thefe things dictated to me this juft reflection, That
the good things of this world are no further good to
us, than they are for our ufe; and that whatever
we may heap up to give others, we can but enjoy as
much as we ufe, and no tnore.
Thefe thoughts rendered my mind more eafy than
ufual. Eevery time I fat down to meat, I did it with
thankfulneſs, admiring the providential hand of God,
who in this wildernets had fpread a table to me. And
how I confidered what I enjoyed, rather than what I
wanted, compared my prefent condition with what
I at first expected it fhould be; how I fhould have
done, if I had got nothing out of the fhip; that I
muft have periſhed before I had caught fish or turtles;
or lived, had I found them like a mere favage, by
eating them raw, and pulling them to pieces with
my claws, like a beaft. I next compared my fta-
tion to that which I deferved: how undatiful I had
been to my parents; how deftitute of the fear of
God; how void of every thing that was good; and
how ungrateful for thofe abundant mercies I had
received from heaven, being fed, as it were, by a
miracle, even as great as Elijah's being fed by ravens ;
and caft on a place where there is no venemous crea-
tures to poiſon or devour me; in ſhort, making God's
tender mercies matter of great confolation, I relin-
quiſhed all ſadneſs, and gave way to contentment.
As long as my ink continued, which with water 1
made laft as long as I could, I used to minute down
the days of the month on which any remarkable thing
happened. And
First, I oblerved, that the fame day I forfook my
02
6:2
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
parents and friends, and ran away to Hull, in order
to go to fea, the fame day afterwards, in the next year,
I was taken and made a flave by the Sallee rovers:
That the very day 1 efcaped out of the wreck of the
fhip in Yarmouth roads, a year after, on the fame
day, I made my efcape from Sallee in my patron's
fishing-boat:
And, on the 30th of September, being the day of
the year
I was born on, on that day twenty-fix years
after, was I miraculoufly faved, and caft afhore on
this ifland.
The next thing that wafted after my ink, was the
bifcuit which I had brought out of the fhip; and
though I allowed myfelf but one cake a day for above
a twelvemonth, yet I was quite out of bread for near
a year, before I got any corn of my own.
In the next place, my clothes began to decay, and
my linen had been gone long before however, I had
preferved about three dozen of the failors chequered
fhirts which proved a great refreſhment to me, when
the violent beams of the fun would not ſuffer me to
hear any of the feamen's heavy watch-coats; which
made me turn tailor, and, after a miferable botching
manner, convert them to jackets. To preferve my
head, 1 made a cap of goatfkins, with the hair out-
wards to keep out the rain; which indeed ſerved
me fo well, that afterwards I made me a waiſtcoat
and open-kneed breeches of the fame: And then I
ntrived a fort of an umbrella, covering it with fkins,
which not only kept out the heat of the fun, but the
rain alfo. Thus being eafy and fettled in my mind,
my chief happiness was to converfe with God, in
moft heavenly and comfortable ejaculations.
For five years after this, I cannot fay any extraor-
dinary thing occurred to me. My chief employment
was to cure my raifins, and plant my barley and rice,
of both which I had a year's provifion before-hand, But
though I was diſappointed in my first canoe, I made
it, at intermediate times, my bufinefs to make a fe-
cond, of much inferior fize; and it was two years
t
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
63
!
before I had finifhed it. But as I perceived it would
no wife anſwer my defign of failing to the other
fhore, my thoughts were confined to take a tour
round the ifland, to fee what further diſcoveries I
could make. To this intent, after having moved
her to the water, and tried how fhe would fail, I
'fitted up a little maft to my boat, and made a fail of
the fhip's fails that lay by me.
1 then made lockers or
boxes at the end of it to put in neceffaries, provifion
and ammunition, which would preferve them dry from
either rain, or the fpray of the fea; and in the
infide of the boat, I cut me a long hollow place to
lay my gun, and to keep it dry made a flag to hang
over it. My umbrella I fixed in a ftep in the ftern,
like a maft, to keep the heat of the fun off me. And
now refolving to fee the circumference of my little
kingdom, I victualled my fhip for the voyage, putting
in two dozen of my barley bread loaves, an earthen
pot full of parched rice, a little bottle of rum, half
a goat, powder and ſhot, and two watch coats. It was
the 6th of November, in the 6th year of my reign, or
captivity, that I fet out in this voyage; which was
much longer than I expected, being obliged to put
farther out, by reafon of the rocks that lay a great
way in the fea. And indeed ſo much did thefe
rocks furprize me, that I was for putting back, fear-
ing that if I ventured farther, it would be out of my
power to return: in this uncertainty I came to an-
chor juft off shore, to which I waded with my gun
on my fhoulder, and then climbing up a hill, which
over-looked that point, I faw the full extent of it
and fo refolved to run all hazards.
In this profpect from the hill I perceived a violent
current running to the east, coming very clofe to the
point; which I the more carefully obferved, thinking
it dangerous, and that when I came to it, I might be
drove into the fea by its force, and not able to return
to the inland and certainly it muſt have been ſo, had
I not made this obfervation; for on the other fide
was the like current, with this difference, that it fet
:
1
G 3
64
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
off at a greater diftance; "and I perceived there was
a ftrong eddy under the land; fo that my chief bufi-
nefs was to work out of the firſt current, and con-
veniently get into the eddy. Two days I ftaid here,
the wind blowing very brifkly E. S. E. which being
contrary to the current, leaves a great breach of the
fea upon the point; fo it was neither fit for me to
keep too near the fhore, on account of the breach;
nor ftand at too great a distance for fear of the ſtreams.
That night the wind abating, it grew fo calm, that I
ventured out; and here I may be a monument to all
raſh and ignorant pilots: For I was no fooner come
to the point, and not above the boat's length from
fhore, but I was got into a deep water, with a cur-
rent like a mill, which drove my boat along fo vio-
lently, that it was impoffible for me to keep near the
edge of it, but forced me more and more out from the
eddy to the left of me, and all I could do with my
padlers was ufelefs, there being no wind to help me.
Now I began to look upon myself as quite loft, fince,
as the current ran on both fides of the ifland, I was
very certain they must join again, and then I had no
hopes but perifhing for want in the fea, after what
provifion I had was fpent, or before, if a ftorm ſhould
happen to arife.
Who can conceive the prefent anguifh of my mind
at this calamity? with longing eyes did 1 look upon
my little kingdom, and thought the island the plea-
fanteft place in the universe. Happy, thrice happy
deſert, ſaid I, thall I never fee thee more? Wretched
creature whither am I going? Why did I murmur
at my loneſome condition, when now I would give
the whole world to be thither again? While I was
-thus complaining, I found myfelf to be driven about
two leagues into the fea; however, I laboured till my
itrength was far fpent, to keep my boat as far north
as poffibly I could, to that fide of the current where
the eddy lay on. About noon I perceived a little
breeze of wind fpring up from the S. S. E. which o-
verjoyed my heart; and I was ftill more elated, when,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
65
in about half an hour, it blew a gentle fine gale. Had
any thick weather ſprung up, I had been loft another
way for having no compafs on board, I fhould ne-
ver have found the way to fleer towards the iſland,
if once it had difappeared; but it proving the con-
trary, I fet up my maft again, fpread my fail, and
ftood away northward, as inuch as I could, to get rid
of the current. And no fooner did the boat begin
to ſtretch away, but I perceived, by the clearnefs of
the water, a change of the current was near; for,
- where it was ftrong, the water was foul; and where
it was clear, the current abated. To the eaſt, I foon
faw, about half a mile, a breach of the fea upon fome
rocks, which cauſed it again to feperate; and as the
main force of it drove away more fouthwardly; leav-
ing the rocks to the north-eaft, fo the other came back
by the repulfe of the rocks, making a fharp eddy,
which returned back again to the north-weft with a
very ſwift ftream.
They who have experienced what it is to be re-
prived upon the ladder, or to be faved from thieves,
juſt going to take away their lives, or fuch as have
been in the like calamities with my own, may gueſs
my prefent excefs of joy, how heartily I ran my boat
into the ftream of this eddy, and how joyfully I fpread
my fail to the refreſhing wind, ftanding cheerfully be-
fore it, with a ſmart tide under foot. By the affiftance
of this eddy, I was carried above a league home again,
when, being in the wake of the island, betwixt the
two currents, I found the water to be in a fort of a
ftand. About four o'clock in the afternoon, I reached
within a league of the island, and perceived the
points of the rocks, which caufed this difafter, ftretch-
ing out, as I oblerved before, to the fouthward, which
throwing off the current more fouthwardly, had occa-
fioned another eddy to the north. But having a fair
briſk gale, I ftretched across this eddy, and in an hour
came within a mile of the fhore, where I foon landed
to my unfpeakable comfort; and after an humble
proftration, thanking God for my deliverance, with a
;
66
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
"
refolution to lay all thoughts of efcaping afide, I
brought my boat fafe to a little cove, and laid me
down to take a welcome repofe. When I awoke, I
was confidering how I might get my boat home; and
coafting along the fhore I came to a good bay, which
ran up to a rivulet or brook, where, finding a ſafe
harbour, 1 ftowed her as fafe as if the had been in
a dry dock made on purpofe for her.
I
now perceived myſelf not far from the place
where before I had travelled on foot; fo taking no-
thing with me, except my gun and umbrella, I be-
gan my journey, and in the evening came-to my
bower, where I again laid me down to reft I had
not flept long before I wakened in great furprize,
by a range voice that called me feveral times,
Robin, Robin, Robinson Crusoe, poor Robin! Where are
you, Robinson Crufoe? Where are you? Where have
you been?
+
So faft was I afleep, at firft that I did not awake,
thoroughly; but half afleep and half awake, I thought
1 dreamed that fomebody spoke to me. But, as the
voiſe repeated Robinfon Crufoe feveral times, being
terribly affrightened, I ftarted up in the utmoſt cori-
fufion; and, no fooner were my eyes fully open, but
I beheld my pretty poll fitting on the top of the
hedge, and foon knew that it was he that called me;
for juft in fuch bewailing language I ufed to talk
and teach him; which he fo exactly learned, that
he would fit upon my finger, and lay his bill clofe
to my face, and cry, Poor Robinson Crufoe, where are
you? where have you been? how came you here? and
fuch like prattle I had conftantly taught him. But
even tho' I knew it to be the parrot, it was a great
time before I could adjuk myfelf; being amazed
how the creature got thither, and that he should fix
about that place, and no where elfe. But now,
being affured it could be no other than my honeft
Poll, my wonder ceafed, and reaching out my hand,.
and calling familiarly Poll, the creature came to me,
and perched u, on my thumb, as he was wont, con-
<
A
"
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
67
ftantly prating to me with, Poor Robinfon Grufoe, and
how did I come here, and where had I been? as if the
bird was overjoyed to fee me; and fo I took him
home along with me. I was now pretty well cured
of my rambling to fea; yet I could with my boat,
which had coft me fo much trouble and pains, on
this fide the iſland once more, but which indeed was
impracticable. I therefore began to lead a very re-
tired life, living near a twelvemonth in a very con-
tented manner, wanting for nothing except con-
verfation. As to mechanic labours, which my ne-
ceffities obliged me to, I fancied I could, upon oc-
cafion, make a tolerable carpenter, were the poor
tools I had to work withal but good. Befides as I
improved in my earthen ware, I contrived to make
them with a wheel, which I found much eafier and
better, making any work fhapely, which before
was rude and ugly. But, I think I was never fo ele-
vated with my own performance or project, than
for being able to make a tobacco pipe, which,
though it proved an awkward clumfy thing, yet it
was very found, and carried the ſmoke perfectly well,
to my great fatisfaction.
I alfo improved my wicker ware, making me abun-
dance of neceffary baſkets, which, though not very
handſome, were very handy and convenient to fetch
things home in, as alfo for holding my ftores, barley,
rice, and other provifions.
My powder beginning to fail, made me examine
after what manner I fhould kill the goats or birds to
live on after it was all gone. Upon which I contrived
many ways to enfnare the goats, and fee if I could
catch them alive, particularly a fhe-goat with young.
At laft I had my defire; for, making pit-falls and
traps baited with barley and riee, I found, one morn-
ing, in one of them, an old he-goat, and in the
other three kids, one male the other two females.
So boisterous was the old one, that I could not
bring him away. But I forgot the old proverb, That
hunger will tame a lion: For, had I kept him three or
↑
68
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
four days without provifions, and then given him
fome water, with a little corn, he would have been
as tame as a young kid. The other creatures I
bound with ftrings together; but I had great diffi-
culty before I could bring them to my habitation.
It was fome time before they would feed; but,
throwing them fweet corn, it fo much tempted them
that they began to be tamer. From hence I con-
eluded, that if I defigned to furnish myſelf with
goat's flesh, when my ammunition was fpent, the
tamely breeding them up, like a flock of fheep,
about my fettlement, was the only method I could
take. I concluded alfo I muft feparate the wild.
from the tame, or elfe they would always run wild
as they grew up; and the beſt way for this, was to
have fome inclofed piece of ground, well fenced,
either with a hedge or pale, to keep them fo ef-
fectually, that thofe within might not brake out,
or thofe without brake in. Such an undertaking
was very great for one pair of hands; but as there
was an abfolute neceffity for doing it, my firft care
was to find a conveniènt piece of ground where there
was likely to be herbage for them to eat, water to
drink, and cover to keep them from the fun.
Here again I gave another inftance of my igno-
rance and inexperience,, pitching upon a piece of
ineadow land fo large, that had I encloſed it, the
hedge or pale muft have been at leaft two iniles about.
Indeed had it been ten miles I had time enough to
do it in; but then I did not confider that my goats
would be as wild in fo much compafs, as if they
had had the whole ifland, and confequently as
difficult for me to catch them.. This thought came
into my head, after I had carried it on, I believe,
about fifty yards: I therefore altered my fcheme
and refolved to inclofe a piece of ground about 150
yards in length, and 100 in breadth, fufficient.
enough for as many as would maintain me, till fuch
time as my flock increafed, and then I could add
more ground. I now vigorously profecuted my
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
69
t
work, and it took me about three months in hedg-
ing the first piece; in which time I tethered the
three kids in the best part of it; feeding them as
near me as poffible, to make them familiar: and
iudeed I very often would carry fome ears of barley
or a handful of rice, and feed them out of my hand;
by which
clofure wey grew fo tame, that when my in-
}
clofure was finished, and I had let them lofe, they
would run after me for a handful of corn.
This
indeed answered my end; and in a year and a half's
time I had a flock of about twelve goats, kids and
all, and in two years after, they amounted to 43,
befides what I had taken and killed for my fuftenance.
After which 1 inclofed five feveral pieces of ground
to feed them in, with pens to drive them into, that I
might take them as I had occafion.
In this project I likewife found additional blef-·
fings; for I not only had plenty of goats flesh, but
milk too, which in my beginning, I did not fo
much as think of. And, indeed, though I had
never milked a cow, much lefs a goat, or feen butter
or cheeſe made, yet, alter fome effays and mifcar-
riages, I made me both, and never afterwards wanted.
How mercifully can the omnipotent power com-
fort his creatures, even in the midft of their greateſt
calamities? How can he fweeten the bittereft provi-
dences, and give us reaſon to magnify him in dun-
geons and prifons; what a bounteous table was here
fpread in a wildernefs for me, where I expected no-
thing at first but to perifh with hunger?
Certainly a Stoic would have fmiled to fee me at
dinner. There fat my royal majefty, an abfolute
prince and ruler of my kingdom, attended by my
dutiful ſubjects, whom if I pleafed, I could either
hang, draw, quarter, give them liberty, or take it
away. When I dined, I feemed a king, eating alone,
none daring to preſume to do fo till I had done. Poll,
as if he had been my principal court favourite, was
the only perfon permitted to talk with me. My old
but faithful dog, now grown exceeding crazy, and
who had found no fpecies to multiply his kind upon,
·
7༠
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
continually fat on my right hand; while my two
cats fat on each fide of the table, expecting a bit
from my hand, as a principal mark of my royal fa-
vour. Thefe were not the cats I had brought from
the ship; they had been dead long before, and in-
terred near my habitation by mine own hand. But
one of them, as I fuppofe, generating with a wild
cat, a couple of their young I had made tame; the
reft run wild into the woods, and in time grew fo
impudent as to return and plunder me of my ftores,
till fuch time as I fhot a great many, and the reft
left me without troubling me any more. In this
plentiful manner did I live, wanting for nothing
but converfation. One thing indeed concerned
me, the want of my boat; I knew not which way
to get her round the island. One time I refolved
to go along the fhore by land to her; but had any
one in England met fuch a figure, it would either
have affrighted them, or made them burft into
laughter; nay, I could not but fmile myfelf at my
habit, which I think in this place will be very
proper to defcribe.
[
The cap I wore upon my head, was great, high
and fhapelefs, made of a goat's fkin, with a flap-
or penthoufe hanging down behind, not only to
keep the fun from me, but to floot the rain off from
running into my neck, nothing being more per-
nicious than the rain falling upon the flesh in ancie
climates. I had a fhort jacket of goat's ſkin, whoſe
hair hung down fuch a length on each fide, that it
reached down to the calves of my legs. As for
fhoes and stockings, I had none, but made a refem-
blance of fomething, I knew not what to call them;
they were made like buſkins, and laced on the fides
like fpatterdalhes, barbaroufly fhaped like the reft of
my habit. I had a broad belt of goat's fkin dried,
girt round me with a couple of thongs, inftead of
buckles; on each of which, to fupply the deficiency
of fword and dagger, hung my hatchet and faw. I
had another belt, not fo broad, yet faſtened in the
fame manner, which hung over my ihoulder, and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
71.
at the end of it, under my left arm, hung two
pouches, made of goat's fkin, to hold my powder
and fhot. My balket I carried on my back, and
my gun on my shoulder; and over my head a great
clumfy ugly goat's fkin umbrella, which, however
next to my gun, was the moſt neceffary thing about
me. As for my face, the colour was not fo fwarthy
as the Mulattoes, or as might have been expected
from one who took fo little care of it, in a climate
within nine or ten degrees of the Equinox. At one
time my beard grew fo long that it hung down a-
bove a quarter of a yard; but as I had both razors
and fciffars in ftore, I cut it all off, and ſuffered none
to grow, except a large pair of Mahometan whiſkers,
the like of which I had feen worn by fome Turks at
Salee, not long enough indeed to hang a hat upon,
but of fuch a monftrous fize, as would have amazed
any in England to have feen.
But all this was of no confequence here, there be-
ing none to obferve my behaviour or habit. And ſo,
without fear and without control, I proceeded on my
journey the proſecution of which took me up five or
fix days. I first travelled along the fea fhore, directly
to the place were I first brought my boat to an an-
chor, to get upon the rocks; but now having no
boat to take care of, I went overland a nearer way
to the fame height that I was before upon; when
looking forward to the point of the rock, which lay
out, and which I was forced to double with my boat,
I was amazed to ſee the ſea ſo ſmooth and quiet,
there being no ripling motion, nor current, any more
than in other places. This made me ponder fome
time to guess the reafon of it, when at laft I was
convinced that the ebb fetting from the weft and
joining with the current of water from fome great
river on fhore, must be the occaſion of theſe rapid.
ftreams; and that, confequently, as the winds blew
more wefterly, or more fouthwardly, fo the current
came the nearer, or went the farther from the fhore.
To fatisfy my curiofity, I waited there till evening,
རྗ
H
72
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
when the time of ebb being made, 1 plainly per-
ceived from the rock the current again as before,
with this difference, that it ran farther off, near half
a league from the fhore; whereas in my expedition,
it fet cloſe upon it, furiously hurrying me and my
canoe along with it, which at another time it would
not have done. And now I was convinced, that by
obferving the ebbing and flowing of the tide, I
night easily bring my boat round the ifland again.
But when I began to think of putting it in practice,
the remembrance of the late danger ftruck me with
fuch horror, that I changed my refolution, and form-
ed another, which was more fafe, though more labo
rious; and this was to make another canoe, and fo
have one for one fide of the iſland, and one for the
other.
I had now two plantations in the ifland; the firſt
my little fortification, fort, or caftle, with many large
and fpacious improvements: for by this time I had
enlarged the cave behind me with feveral little caves,
one within another, to hold my baskets, corn, and
ftraw, The piles with which I made my wall were
grown fo lofty and great as obfcured my habitation,
And near this commodious and plea fant fettlement,
lay my well cultivated and improved corn fields,
which kindly yielded me their fruit in the proper
feafon. My fecond plantation was that near my
country feat, or little bower, where my grapes flou-
rifhed, and where having planted my flakes, I made
incloſures for my goats, fo ftrongly fortified by la-
bour and time, that it was much fronger than a wall,
and co fequently impoffible for them to break
through. As for my bower itfelf, I kept it con-
ſtantly in repair, and cut the trees in fuch a manner,
as made them grow thick and wild, and form a moſt
delightful fhade. In the centre of this, ftood my
tent, thus erected, I had driven four piles in the..
ground, fpreading over it a piece of the fhip's fail:
beneath which I made me a fort of a couch with thẹ
fkins of the creatures I had flain, and other things;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
73
and having laid thereon one of the failor's blankets,
which I had faved from the wreck of the fhip, and
covering myfelf with a great watch coat, 1 took up
this place for my country retreat.
Very frequently from this fettlement did I ufe to
vifit my boat, and keep her in very good order. And
fometimes I would venture in her a caft or two from
fhore, but no farther, left either a ftrong current, a
fudden formy wind, or fome unlucky accident,
fhould hurry me from the ifland as before. But now
I entreat your attention, whilft I proceed to inform
you of a new, but moft furpriſing fcene of life which
here befel me.
You may eafily fuppofe, that, after having been'
here fo long, nothing could be more amazing than
to fee a human creature. One day it happened, that
going to my boat, I faw the print of a man's naked
foot on the thore, very evident on the fand, as the
toes, heels, and every part of it. Had I feen an
apparition, in the most frightful fhape, I could not
have been more confounded. My willing ears gave
the ftricteft attention. i caft my eyes around, but
could fatisfy neither the one or the other. I pro-
ceeded alternately to every part of the fhore, but
with equal effect; neither could 1 fee any other
mark, though the fand about it was as fufceptible:
to take impreffion, as that which was to plainly flamp-
ed. Thus, ftruck with confufion and horror, I re-
turned to my habitation, frightened at every bush
and tree, taking every thing for men; and poffeffed
with the wildeft ideas! That night my eyes never
clofed. I formed nothing but the moſt difmial
imaginations, concluding it must be the mark of
the devil's foot which I had feen. For otherwife
how could any mortal come to this ifland? where
was the fhip that tranfported them? and what figns.
of any other footfteps? though thete feemed very
ftrong reafons for fuch a fuppofition, yet, (thought
I) why fhould the devil make the print of his foot
to no purpofe, as I can fee, when he might have
}
H2
74
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
taken other ways to have terrified me? why fhould
he leave his mark on the other fide of the iſland, and
that too on the fand, where the furging waves of the
ocean might foon have erafed the impreffion. Sure-
ly this action was not confiftent with the fubtilty
of Satan, faid to myfelf; but rather muſt be fome
dangerous creature, fome wild favage of the main
land over against me, that, venturing too far in the
ocean, has been driven here, either by.the violent
current or contrary winds; and not caring to flay
on this defolate ifland, has gone back to fea again.
Happy indeed, thought I to myſelf, that none of
the favages had feen me in that place: yet I was not
altogether without fear, left, having found my boat,
they fhould return in numbers and devour me, or at
leaft carry away all my corn, and deftroy my flock
of tame goats. In a word, all my religious hopes
vanished, as though I thought God would now pro-
tect me by his power, who had fo wonderfully pre-
ferved me fo long.
What various chains of providence are there in
the life of man? How changeable are our affecti-
ous, áccording to different circumftances? We love
to-day, what we hate to-morrow; we fhun one hour,
what we feck the next. This was evident in me in
the molt confpicuous manner: For I, who before
had ſo much lamented my condition, in being ba-
nilhed from all humau kind, was now even ready to
expire, when confidered that a man had fet his foot
on this defolate ifland. But, when I confidered my
ftation of life, decreed by the infinitely wife and
good providence of God, that I ought not to dif
pute my Creator's fovereignty, who had an un-
doubted right to govern and diſpoſe of his creatures
as he thinks convenient; and that his juftice and
mercy could either punih or deliver me: I fay,
when I confidered all this, I comfortably found it
my duty to truft fincerely in him, pray ardently to
him, and humbly refign myſelf to his divine will.
One morning, lying on my bed, theſe words of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
75
:
the facred writings came into my mind, Call upon
me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou
fhalt glorify me. Upon this fentence, rifing more
chearfully from my bed, I offered up my prayers in
the moft heavenly manner: and when I had done,
taking up my Bible to read, thefe words appeared
firft in my fight: Wait on the Lord, and be of good
cheer, and he fhall strengthen thy heart; Wait, I fay,
on the Lord. Such divine comfort did this give me,
as to remove all caufe of fadnefs upon that occafion.
Thus, after a world of apprehenfions and fears,
for three days and nights, I at laft ventured out of
my caſtle, and milked my goats, one of which was
almoft fpoiled for want of it. Inext, (though in:
great fear) vifited my bower, and milked my flocks
there alfo when, growing bolder, I went down to
the fhore again, and mealuring the print of the foot
to mine, to fee perhaps whether I myself had nöt
occafioned that mark, I found it much fuperior in
largenefs; and fo returned home, now abfolutely
convinced, that either fome men had been on fhore,
or that the land muft be inhabited; and therefore
that I might be furprized before I was aware.
་
1
:
Inow began to think of providing for my fecurity,
and refolved in my mind many different fchemes
for that purpoſe. I first propofed to cut down my
incloſures, and turn my tame cattle wild into the
woods, that the enemy might not find them, and
frequent the ifland in hopes of killing the fame.-
Secondly, I was for digging up my corn fields for the
very fame reafon, And, laftly, I concluded to demo-
lifh my bower, left, feeing a place of human con-
trivance, they might come farther, and find out
and attack me in my little caftle.
Such notions did the fear of danger fuggeft to ·
me; and I looked I thought like the unfortunate
king Saul, when not only oppreffed by the Philif
tines, but alio forlaken by God himfelf. And, it
is ftrange, that a little before, having entirely re-
figned myfelf to the will of God, I thould now have
H 3
776
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
little confidence in him, fearing thofe more who
could kill this fading body, than him who could
deftroy my mortal foul.
Sleep was an utter ftranger to my eyes that night;
yet nature, ſpent and tired, fubmitted to a filent re-
poſe the next morning, and then joining reaſon with
fear, I confidered, that this delightful and pleafant
ifland might not be fo entirely forfaken as I might
think; but that the inhabitants from the other fhore
might fail, either with defign, or from neceffity, by
crofs winds; and, if the latter circumftance, I had
reafon to believe they would depart the first oppor-
tunity. However, my fear made me think of a
place of retreat upon an attack. I now repented
that I had made my door to come out beyond my
fortification; to remedy which, I refolved to make
me a fecond one: I fell to work, therefore, and
drove betwixt that double row of trees, which L
planted above twelve years before, feveral ftrong
piles, thickening it with pieces of timber and old
cables, and ftrengthening the foot of it with
earth which I dug out of my cave; I alfo made
me feven holes, wherein I planted my mufkets
like cannon, fitting them into frames refembling
carriages. This being finifhed with indefatigable
industry, for a great way every where, I planted
fticks of ofier like a wood, about twenty thoufand
of them, leaving a large fpace between them and
my wall, that I might have room to fee an enemy,
and that they might not be fheltered among the
young trees, if they offered to approach the outer
wall. And indeed, fcarce two years had paffed
over my head, when there appeared a lovely fhady
grove, and in fix years it became a thick wood,
perfectly impaffible. For my fafety, I left no ave-
nue to go in or out; inftead of which I fet two
ladders, one to a part of the rock which was low,
and then broke in, leaving room to place another
ladder upon that; fo that when I took thoſe down,
it was impoffible for any man to defcend without
}
}
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
t
•
hurting himself; and if they had, they would ftill
be at the outfide of my outer wall. But while I
took all theſe meaſures of human prudence for my
own prefervation I was not altogether unmindful of
other affairs. To preferve my flock of tame goats,
that the enemy fhould not take all at once, I looked
out for the most retired part of the island, which
was the place where I had loft myfelf beforementi
oned, and there finding a clear piece of land, con.
taining three acres, furrounded with thick woods, I
wrought ſo hard, that in lefs than a month's time, I
fenced it fo well round, that my flocks were very
well fecured in it, and I put therein two he goats
and ten fhe ones.
All this labour was occafioned purely by fearful
apprehenfions, on account of feeing the print of a
man's foot. And not contented yet with what i had
done, I fearched for another place towards the weft
point of the island, where I might alſo retain another
flock. Then wandering on this errand more to the
weft of the ifland than ever I had yet done, and caſt-
ing my eyes towards the fea, methought I perceived
a boat at a great diftance; but could not poffibly
tell what it was for want of my perfpective glafs. I
confidered then it was no ftrange thing to fee the
print of a man's foot; and, concluding them can-
nibals, blefed God for being caft on the other fide
of the island, where none of the favages, as I thought,
ever came. But when I came down the hill to the
ſhore, which was the S. W. point of the iſland, I was
foon confirmed in my opinion; nor can any one
defcribe my horror and amazement, when I faw the
ground spread with fculls, hands, feet, and bones of
human bodies; and particularly, I perceived a space
like a circle, in the midft of which had been a fire,
about which I conjectured thefe wretches fat, and
unnaturally facrificed and devoured their fellow-
creatures.
The horror and loathfomenefs of this dreadful fpec-
tacle, both confounded my fenfes, and made me dif-
8
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
charge from my ftomach in an exceffive manner. F
then returned towards my habitation: and, in my way
thither hedding floods of tears, and falling down on my
bended knees, gave God thanks for making my nature
contrary to thefe wretches, and delivering me ſo long
out of their hands.
Though reafon and my long refidence here had
aflured me, that theſe favages never came up to thể
thick woody part of the country, and that I had no
reafon to be apprehenfive of a difcovery; yet fuch an
abhorrence did I ftill retain, that, for two years after,..
I confined myfelf only to my three plantations; I
mean my cattle, country feat, and incloſure in the
woods. And tho" in procefs of time, my dreadful
apprehenfions began to wear away, yet my eyes were
more vigilant for fear of being furprifed, and I was
very cautious of firing my gun, left, being heard by
thofe creatures, they fhould proceed to atack me. I
refolved however, manfully to lofe my life if they did,
and went arted with three piftols ftuck in my girdle;
which, added to the defcription I have given of mytelf
before, made me look with a very formidable ap-
pearance.
Thus my circumftances for fome time remained
very calm and undisturbed': and when 1 compared my
condition to others, I found it far from being mifer-
able. And, indeed, would all perfons compare their
circumftances, not with thofe above them, but with'
thofe innumerable unhappy objects beneath them, I am
fure we ſhould not hear thofe daily murmurings and
complainings that are in the world. For my part, I
wanted but few things. Indeed, the terror the fa-
vages had put me in, fpoiled fome inventions for my
own conveniencies: One of my projects was to brew
me fome beer; a very whimsical one indeed, when it
is confidered, that I had neither cafks fufficient, nor
could make any to preferve it in ; neither had Ihops
to make it keep; yet to make it work, nor a copper
or kettle to make it boil. Perhaps, indeed, after fome
years, I might bring this to bear, as I had done other
2
I
طر
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
79
come my
things. But now my inventions were placed another
way; and day and night I could think of nothing but
how I might deftroy fome of thefe cannibals, when pro-
ceeding to their bloody entertainments; and fo faving
a victim from being facrificed, that he might after be
fervant. Many were my contrivances for
this purpofe, and as many more objections occurred,
after I hatched them. I once contrived to dig a hole
under the place where they made their fire, and put
therein five or fix pounds of gun-powder, which
would confequently blow up all thofe that were near
it; but then I was loth to spend fo much upon them,
left it ſhould not do that certain execution I could de-
fire, and but only affright and not kill them. Having
laid this deſign afide, I again propofed to lie privately
in ambuſh in fome convenient place, with my three
guns double loaded, and let fly at them in the midſt of
their dreadful ceremony; and having killed two or
three of them at every hot, fall upon the reft ſud-
denly with my three piftols, and let not one mother's
fon eſcape. This imagination pleafed my fancy fo
much that I uſed to dream of it in the night time.
To put my defign in execution, I was not long feek-
ing for a place convenient for my purpofe, where, un-
feen I might behold every action of the favages. Here
I placed my two mufkets, each of which was loaded
with a brace of flugs, and four or five bullets about
the fize of piftol bullets; the fowling piece was
charged with near a handful of the largest fwan fhot,
and in every piftol were about four bullets. And
thus all things being prepared, no fooner would the
welcome light fpread over the clement, but, like a
giant refreshed with wine, as the fcripture has it, would
I iffue forth from my caftle, and from a lofty hill,
three miles diftant, view if I could fee any invaders,
approach unlawfully to my kingdom. But having
waited in vain two or three months, it not only grew
very tireſome to me, but brought me to fame confi-
deration, and made me examine myfelf what right I
had to kill theſe creatures in this manner.
80
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
If (argued I to myfelf) this unnatural cuftom of
theirs be a fin offenfive to heaven, it belongs to the
Divine Being, who alone has the vindictive power in
his hands, to fhower down his vengeance upon them.
And perhaps he does fo, in making them become one
another's executioners. Or, if God thinks thefe
doings juft, according to the knowledge they conceive,
what authority have I to pretend to thwart the decrees
of providence, which has permitted theſe actions for
fo many ages, perhaps from almoft the beginning of
the creation? They never offended me, what right
have I then to concern myſelf in their hedding one
another's blood? And, indeed, I have fince known,
they value no more to kill and devour a captive taken
in war, than we do to kill an ox, or eat mutton.
I
then concluded, it neceffarily followed, that thele
people were no more murderers than chriftians, who
many times put whole troops to the fword, after throw-
ing down their arms. Again I confidered, that if I
fell upon them, I thould be as much in the wrong as
the Spaniards, who had committed the greatest barba-
rities upon theſe poople who had never offended them
in their whole lives, as if the kingdom of Spain was
evident for a race of men without common compaffion
to the iniferable, a principal fign of a moft ungenerous
temper: thefe confiderations made me paufe, and made
me think I had taken wrong meaſures in my refoluti-
ons; I now argued with myfelf, it was better for me
never to attack, but to remain undiſcovered as long
as I poffibly could; that an oppofite conduct would
certainly prove deftructive; for as it was fcarcely to
be fuppofed I could kill them all, I might either be
overpowered by the remaining, or that fome efcaping,
might bring thoufands to my certain deftruction. And
indeed, religion took their part fo much as to con-
vince me how contrary it was to my duty to be guilty
of fhedding human blood, innocent bloed, innocent as
to my particular, whatever they are to one another;
that I had nothing to do with it, but leave it to the
God of all power and dominion, as I faid before, to
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
81
1
N
do therein what feemed convenient to his heavenly
wifdom. And, therefore, on my knees I thanked the
Almighty from delivering me from blood-guiltineſs,
and begged his protection, that I might never fall into
their hands.
Thus giving over an attempt which I had rafhly be-
gun, I never afcended the hill on that occafion after-
wards; I only removed my boat, which lay on the
other fide of the island, and every thing that belonged
to her, towards the eaft, into a little cove, that there
might not be the leaft fhadow of any boat near, or
habitation upon the iſland My caftle then became
my cell, keeping always retired in it, except when I
went out to milk my the goats, and order my little
flock in the wood, which was quite out of danger:
for fure I was, that theſe favages never came here with
expectations to find any thing, and confequently ne-
ver wandered from the coaft; however, as they might
have feveral times been on hore, as well before as af-
ter my dreadful apprehenfions, I looked back with hor-
ror to think in what ftate I might have been, had I
fuddenly met them flenderly armed, with one gun on-
ly loaded with ſmall fhot; and how great would have
been my amazement, if, inftead of feeing the print
of one man's foot, I had perceived fifteen or twenty
favages, who, having once fet their eyes upon me,
by the fwiftneſs of their feet, would have left me no
poffibility of efcaping? Thefe thoughts would fink
my very foul, fo that I would fall into a deep melan-
choly, till fuch time as the confideration of my gra-
titude to the Divine Being moved it from my heart.
I then fell into a contemplation of the facred fprings
of providence; and how wonderfully we are deliver-
ed, when infenfible of it; and when intricated in un-
certain mazes or labyrinths of doubt or hesitation,
what fecret hint directs us in the right way when
we intended to go out of it; nay, perhaps, contrary
to our buſineſs, fenfe, or inclination. Upon which,
I fixed within me this as a certain rule, never to dif
obey thoſe ſecret impreffions of mind, to the acting
་
82
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
or not acting any thing that offered, for which
I could yet affign no reafon. But let it be how it
will, the advantage of this conduct very eminently
appeared in the latter part of my abode on this island;
I am a ftranger in determining whence thefe fecret
intimations of Providence derive; yet methinks they
are not only fome proof of the converfe of fpirits,
but alfo of the fecret communications they are fup-
poſed to have with thoſe that have not paffed through
the gloomy vale of death.
Theſe anxieties of mind, and the care of my pre-
fervation, put a period to all future inventions and
contrivances, either for accommodation, or conveni-
ence. I now cared not to drive a nail, chop a ſtick,
fire a gun, or make a fire, left either the noiſe
fhould be heard, or the fmoke difcover me. And on
this account I uſed to burn my earthen ware privately
in a cave which I found in the wood, and which I
made convenient for that purpofe; the principal cauſe
that brought me here was to make charcoal, fo that I
might bake and drefs my bread and meat without any
danger.
At that time a curious accident happened me,
which I fhall now relate.
While I was cutting down fome wood for making
my charcoal, I perceived a cavity behind a thick
branch of underwood. Curious to look into it, I
attained its mouth, and perceived it fufficient for me
to stand upright in. But when I had entered, and
took a further view, two rolling fhining eyes, like
flaming ftars, feemed to dart themfelves at me; ſo that
I made all the hafte out that I could, not knowing
whether it was the devil or a monster that had taken
his refidence in that place. When I recovered a lit-
tle from my furpriſe, I called myſelf a thouſand fools,
for being afraid to ſee the devil one moment, who had
now lived twenty years in the most retired folitude..
And therefore refuming all the courage I had, I took
up a flaming firebrand, and in I rushed again. 1 had
not proceeded above three fteps, when I was more
C
t
}
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
83
L
J
ffrighted than before; for then I heard a very
loud figh, like that of a human creature in the
greateft agony, fucceeded with a broken noife, re-
fembling words halt expreffed, and then a broken
figh again. Stepping back, Lord! (thought I to
myfelf) where am I got? into what enchanted place
have I plunged myſelf, fuch as are reported to
contain miferable captives, till death puts an end to
their forrow? And, indeed, in fuch great amazement
was I, that it ftruck me into a cold fweat; and had
my hat been on my head, I believe my hair would
have moved it off. But again encouraging myſelf
with the hopes of God's protection, I proceeded for--
ward, and, by the light, of my firebrand, perceived it
to be a monftrous he-goat, lying on the ground,
gafping for life, and dying of mere old age. At firft C
firred him, thinking to drive him out, and the poor
antient creature flrove to get upon his feet, but was
not able; fo I e'en let him lie ftill, to affright the
favages fhould they venture into this cave.. I now
looked round me, and found the place but fmall and
hapeless. At the farther fide of it I perceived a fort
of an entrance, yet fo.. low, as mult oblige me to
creep upon my hands and knees to it; fo, having ne
candle, I fufpended my enterprife till the next day,
and then I came provided with two large ones of my
own making.
Having crept upon my hands and feet through
this ftrait, I found the root higher up, I think about.
twenty feet. But furely never mortal faw fuch a
glorious fight before! the roof and walls of this cave
reflected a hundred thoufand lights to me from my
two candles, as though they were indented with
fhining gold, precious ftones, or fparkling dia-
monds. And indeed it was the most delightful ca
vity or grotto of its kind that could be defired,
though entirely dark. The floor was dry and level,
and had a kind of gravel upon it; no naufeous
venemous creatures to be feen there, neither any
damp or wet about it. I could find no fault but in
*
}
I
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
#
น
·
the entrance, and I began to think that even this
might be very neceffary for my defence, and therefore
refolved to make it my moft principal magazine. I
brought hither two fowling pieces and three mufkets,
leaving only five pieces at my caftie, planted in the
nature of cannon. In a barrel of gunpowder, which
I took out of the fea, I brought away about fixty
pounds of good powder, which was not damaged;
and this, with a great quantity of lead for bullets, I
removed from my caftle to this retreat, now fortified
both by art and nature.
I fancied myfelf now like one of the giants of old,
who were ſaid to live in caves and holes among the
rocks, inacceffible to any but themfelves, or, at least,
moft dangerous to attempt. And now I defpifed both
the cunning and ftrength of the favages, either to find
me out or to hurt me.
But I must not forget the old goat, which caufed my
Jate dreadful amazement. The poor creature gave up
the ghost the day after my difcovery; and it being
difficult to drag him out, I dug his grave, and honour..
ably intombed him in the fame place where he de-
parted, with as much ceremony as any welch-goat
that has been interred about the high mountain Pen-
menmoure.
I think I was now in the twenty-third year of my
reign, and my thoughts much calier than formerly,
having contrived feveral pretty amufements, and diver-
fions to pass away the time in a pleafant manner. By
this time my pretty Poll had learned to speak English,
and prononce his words very articulately and plain;
fo that for many hours we used to chat together after a
very familiar manner, and he lived with me no less
than twenty-fix years. My dog which was nineteen
years old, fixteen of which he lived with me, died fame
time ago, of mere old age. As for my cats, they multi-
plied ſo faſt, that I was forced to kill or drive them
into the woods, except two or three which became
may particular favourites. Befides thefe, I continually
kept two or three houf old kids about me, which I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
8
.:
learned to feed out of my hand, and two more parrots
which could talk indifferently, and call Robinfon Cru-
foe, but not fo excellently as the firft, as not taking
that pains with them. I bad alfo feveral fea fowls
which I had wounded and cut their wings; and grow-
ing tame, they ufed to breed among the low trees about
my caftle-walls, all of which made my abode very
agreeable.
But what unforeseen events fuddenly deftroy the en-
joyments of this uncertain ftate of life when we leaft
expect them! It was now the month of December, in
the fouthern folftice, and particular time of my har-
veft, which required my attendance in the field;
when going out pretty early in the morning, before
it was day-light, there appeared to me from the fea
fhore, a flaming light, about two miles from me at
the eaft end of the ifland, where I had obferved fome
favages had been before, not on the other fide, but to
my great affliction it was on my fide the iſland.
}
30
เ
Struck with a terrible furprife, and my ufual ap
prehenfions, that the favages would perceive my in-
provements, I returned directly to my caffle, pulled
the ladder after me making all things look as wild and
natural as I poffibly could. In the next place I put
myſelf in a poſture of defence, loading my mufkers
and piſtols, and commiting myſelf to God's protec-
tion, I refolved to defend myfelf tilf my laft breath.
Two hours after, impatient for intelligence, I fet my
ladder up to the fide of the hill, where there was a flat
place, and then pulling the ladder after me, aſcending
to the top, where laying myfelf on my belly, with my
perſpective glaſs 1 perceived no less than nine naked
favages, fitting round a fmall fire, eating as 1 fuppof-
ed, human fleth, with their two canoes halled on fhore,
waiting for the flood to carry them off again. You
cannot eafily exprefs the confternation I was in at this
fight, especially feeing them near me, but when I
perceived their coming muft be always with the cur-
rent of the ebb, I became more eafy in my thoughts,
being fully convinced that I might go abroad with fe-

"
i 2
86-
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
curity all the time of flood, if they were not before
landed. And, indeed, this proved juft as I imagined;
for no fooner did they all take boat and paddle away,
but the tide made N. W. Before they went off, they
danced, making ridiculous poftures, and geftures for
above an hour, all ftark naked; but whether men or
women, or both, I could not perceive. When faw
them gone, I took my two guns upon my fhoulders,
and placed a couple of piftols in my belt, with my
great fword hanging by my fide, I went to the hill,
where at first I made a difcovery of thefe cannibals,
and then faw there had been three canoes more of the
favages on thore at that place, which with the reſt,
were making over the main land.
1
But nothing could be more horrid to me, when go-
ing to the place of the facrifice, the blood, the bones,
and other mangled parts of human bodies appeared in
my fight and to fired was I with indignation, that I
was fully refolved to be revenged on the firft that came
there, though I loft my life in the execution. It
then appeared to me, that the vifits which they make
to this iſland are not very frequent, it being fifteen
months before they came again: but fill I was very
uneafy, by reaſon of the difmal apprehenfions of their
furpriſing me unawares; nor dared I offer to fire a
gun on that fide of the island where they ufed to ap-
pear, left, taking the alarm, they might return with
many hundred canoes, and then God only knows in
what manner I ſhould have made my end. Thus was
I a year or more before I faw any of thefe devouring
cannibals again.
But to wave this, the following accident, which
demands attention, for a while, eluded the force of
my thoughts in revenging myfelf on thofe heathens.
On the 16th of May (according to my wooden ca-
lendar) the wind blew exceeding hard, accompanied
with abundance of lightning and thunder all day, and
fucceeded by a very ftormy night. The feeming an-
ger of the Heavens made me have recourfe to my Bi-
ble. Whilft I was feriously pondering upon it, I was
14
87
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
1
fuddenly, alarmed with the noile of a gun, which I
conjectured was fired upon the ocean. Such an un-
ufual furprife made me ftart up in a minute; when,
with my ladder afcending the mountain as before, that
very moment a flash of fire prefaged the report of a-
nother gun, which I prefently heard, and found it
was from that part of the fea where the current drove
me away, I could not but then think, that this muft
be a fhip in diftrefs, and that theſe were the melan-
choly fignals for a speedy deliverance. Great, in-
deed, was my forrow upon this occafion; but my la-
bours to affift them muft have proved altogether vain
and fruitless. However, I brought together all the
dry wood that was at hand, and making a pretty large
pile, fet it on fire on the hill. I was certain they
plainly perceived it, by their firing another gun as
foon as it began to blaze, and after that feveral more
from the fanie quarter. All night long I kept up my
fire and when the air cleared up, I perceived fome-
thing a great way at fea, directly E. but could not
diftinguish what it was, even with my glafs, by rea-
fon the weather was fo very foggy out at fea. Howe-
ver, keeping my eyes directly fixed upon it, and per-
ceiving it did not ftir, I prefently concluded it muft
be a fhip at anchor, and fo very hafty was I to be fa-
tisfied, that, taking my gun, I went to the S. E. part
of the island, to the fame rocks where I had been for-
merly drove away by the current; in which time the
weather being perfectly cleared up, to my great for-
row. I perceived the wreck of a fhip caft away upon
thoſe hidden rocks 1 found when I was out with my
boat; and which, by making a kind of an eddy, were
the occafion of my prefervation.
1
Thus, what is one man's fafety, is another's ruin;
for undoubtedly the fhip has been driven on them in
the night, the wind blowing ftrong at E. N. E. Had
they perceived the ifland, as I now guefled they had
not, certainly inſtead of firing their guns for help,
they would rather have ventured in their boat, and
faved themselves that way. I then thought, that per-
13
88
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
haps they had done fo, upon feeing my fire, and were
caft away in the attempt; for I perceived no boat in
the fhip. But then I again imagined, that, perhaps,
they had another veffel in company, which upon fig.
nal, faved their lives, and took the boat up: or that
the boat might be driven into the main ocean, where
thefe poor creatures might be in the moft miferable
condition. But as all the fe conjectures were very un-
certain, I could do no more than commiferate their
diftrefs, and thank God for delivering me, in particu-
lar, when fo many perifhed in the raging ocean.
•
When I confidered feriously every thing concerning
this wreck, and could perceive no room to fuppofe
any of them faved, I cannot explain, by any poffible
force of words, what longings my foul felt on this
occafion, often breaking out in this manner: O that
there had been two or three, may even one perfon
faved, that we might have lived together, converfed
with, and comforted one another! and, fo much were
my defires moved, that when I repeated thefe words,
Oh that there had been but one my hands
would fo clench together, and my fingers prefs the
palms of my hands fo clofe, that, had any foft thing
been between, they would bave crufhed it involunta
rily while my teeth would ftrike together, and fet
against each other fo ftrong, that it required fome
sime for me to part them..
Till the last year of my being on this ifland, I ne-
ver knew whether or not any had been faved out of
this fhip. I had the affliction, fome time after, to fee
the corpfe of a drowned boy come on fhore, at the
end of the ifland which was next the fhipwreck; there
was nothing on him but a feaman's waiſtcoat, a pair
of open-knee'd linen drawers, and a blue linen fhirt,
but no particular mark to gueſs what nation he was.
of. In his pocket were two pieces of eight, and a
tobacco-pipe, the laft of which I preferred much more
than I did the firft. And now the calmness of the
fea tempted me to venture out in my boat to this
wreek, not only to get fomething neceffary out of the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
89
ship, but perhaps, fome living creature might be on
board, whofe life I could preferve. This had fuck
an influence upon my mind, that immediately I went
home, and prepared every thing neceffary for the voy-
age, carrying on board my boat provifions of all forts,
with a good quantity of rum, fresh water, and a com-
pafs fo putting off, I paddled the canoe along the
fhore, till I came at laft to the north-eaft part of the
ifland, from whence I was to launch into the ocean;
but here the current ran fo violently, and appeared fo
terrible, that my heart began to fail me; foreſeeing,
that if I was driven into any of theſe currents, I
might be carried not only out of the reach or fight of
the island, but even inevitably loft in the boiling
furges of the ocean:
1
So oppreffed was I at thefe troubles, that I gave
over my enterprize, failing to a little creek on the
fhore; where, ftepping out, I fat me down on a rifing
hill, very penfive and thoughtful. I then perceived
that the tide was turned, and the flood came on, which
made it impracticable for me to go out for fo many
hours. To be more certain how the fets of the tides
or currents lay when the flood came on, I afcended a
higher piece of ground, which overlooked the feat
both ways and here I found, that as the current of
the ebb fet out close by the fouth point of the ifland,
fo the current of the flood fet in clofe by the fhore of
the north fide; and all that I had to do, was to keep
to the north of the island in my return
That night I repofed myfelf in my canoe, covered:
with my
watch coat inſtead of a blanket, the heavens
being my tefter. I fet out with the first of the tidė,
full north, till I felt the benefit of the current, which
carried me at a great rate caft ward, yet not with fuch-
impetuofity as before, as to take from me all the go-
vernment of my canoe; fo that in two hours time I
came up to the wreck, which appeared to me a mot
melancholy fight. It feemed to be a Spanifh veffet
by its building, ftuck fat between two rocks; her
fern and quarter beaten to pieces by the fea; her
•
•
90%
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
main-maft and fore-maft were brought off by the
hoard; that is broken off. As I approached nearer,
I perceived a dog on board, who, feeing me coming,.
yelped and cried, and no fooner did I call him, but
the poor creature jumped into the fea, out of which
I took him up almoft famifhed with hunger and thirſt;
fo that when I gave him a cake of bread, no ravenous
wolf could devour it more greedily, and he drank to
that degree of fresh water, that he would have burft
himfelf had I fuffered him.
?.
The first fight I met with in the fhip, were two men,
drowned in the cock-room or forecaſtle, inclofed in
one another's arms: hence I very probably fuppofed,
that when the veffel ftruck in the ftorm, fo high and
inceffantly did the waters break in and over her, that,
the men not being able to bear it were ftrangled by
the conftant rufhing in of the waves.
There were
feveral cafks of liquor, whether wine or brandy I
could not be pofitive, which lay in the lower hold,
as were plainly perceptible by the ebbing out of the
water, yet were too large for me to pretend to meddle
with likewife 1 perceived several chefts, which I
ſuppoſed to belong to the feamen, two of which I
got into my boat, without examining what was in
them. Had the ftern of the fhip been fixed, and the
fore part broken off, 1 fhould have made a very prof
perous voyage; fince by what I after found in thefe
two chefts, I could not otherwife conclude, but that
the ſhip must have abundance of wealth on board;
nay, if I must guess by the courfe the fteered, the
must have been bound from the Buenos Ayres, or
the Rio de la Plata, in the fouthern parts of America,
beyond the Brazils, to the Havannah, in the gulph
of Mexico, and fo perhaps to Spain. What became
of the rest of the failors, I could not certainly tell;
and all her riches fignified nothing at that time to any
body.
Searching farther I found a cafk, containing about
twenty gallons, full of liquor, which, with fome la-
bour, I got into my boat; in a cabin were feveral
:
(
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
01
i
}
mufkets, which I let remain there; but took away
with me a great powder horn, with about four pounds
of powder in it. I took alfo a fire ſhovel and tongs,
two braſs kettles, a copper pot to make chocolate,
and a grid-iron; all which were extremely neceffary
to me, efpecially the fire hovel and tongs. And
fo with this cargo accompanied by my dog, I came
away, the tide ferving for that purpofe; and the
fame evening, about an hour within night, I attain-
ed the island, after the greatest toil and fatigue ima-
ginable.
-
*
That night I repofed my wearied limbs in the boat,
refolving the next morning to harbour what I had
gotten, in my new-found fubterraneous grotto; and
not carry my cargo home to my antient caftle. Hav-
ing refreſhed tuyfelf, and got all my effects on fhore,
I next proceeded to examine the particulars; and
fo tapping the cafk I found the liquor to be a kind
of rum, but not like what we have at the Brazils,
nor indeed near fo good. At the opening of the
cheft, feveral things appeared very afeful to me;
for inftance, I found in one a very fine cafe of bot-
tles containing the finest and beft forts of cordial
waters; each bottle held about three pints, curi-
oufly tipt with filver. I found alſo two pots of the
choiceft fweetmeats, and two more which the water
had utterly spoiled. There were likewife feveral
good fhirts, exceeding welcome to me, and about
one dozen and a half of white linen handkerchiefs,
and coloured neckcloths, the former of which was
abfolutely neceflary for wiping my face in a hot
day; and, in the till, I found three bags of eight,
about eleven hundred in all, in one of which, de-
cently wrapt up in a piece of paper, were fix doub-
loons of gold, and fome fmall bars and wedges of
the fame metal, which I believe might weigh near
a pound. In the other cheft, which I gueffed to
belong to the gunner's mate, by the mean cireum-
ftances that attended it, I only found fome clothes
af very little value, except about two pounds of
1
i
925
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fine glazed powder, in three flafks, kept, as I be-
lieve, for charging their fowling pieces on any oc-
cafion; fo that, on the whole, I made very little
of this voyage. The money was indeed as mere
dirt to me, ufelefs and unprofitable, all which I
would have freely parted with for two or three
pair of Engliſh fhoes or flockings, things that for
many years I had not worn, except thofe which I
had lately taken off the feet of thofe unfortunate
men I found drowned in the wreck, yet not fo good
as English fhoes either for eafe or fervice. I alſo.
found in the feamen's cheft about fifty pieces of
eight in rials, but no gold; fo.concluded that what
I took from the, firft belonged to an officer the lat-
ter appearing to have a much inferior perfon for its
owner. However, as defpicable as the money.
feemed, I lugged it to my cave, laying it up fe
curely, as I did the rest of my cargo.: and after I
had done all this, I returned back to my boat, row-
ing or paddling her along till I came to my old
harbour, where I carefully laid her up, and fo made
the beft of my way to my caftle. When I arrived
there, every thing feemed fafe and quiet: fo that
now my only buſineſs was to repofe mylelf after.
my wonted manner, and take care of my domeftic
affairs. But though I might have lived very eafy,
as wanting for nothing ablolutely needful, yet fill
I was more vigilant than ufual upon account of the
favages, never going much abroad; or, if I did, it
was to the eaft part of the illand, where I was well.
affured that the favages never came, and where. I
might not be troubled to carry that heavy load of
weapons for defence, as I was obliged to do if I
went the other.
}
J
1
Two years did. I live in this anxious condition, in
all which time, contrary to my former refolutions,
my head was filled with nothing but projects and
defigns, how I might efcape from the illand; and fo
much were my wondering thoughts bent upon a
Tambling difpofition, that: had, I the fame boat.
"OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
93
that I went from Salee in, I should have ventured
once more to the uncertainty of the raging ocean.
▸
I cannot however but confider myſelf as one of
the unhappy perfons, who made themſelves wretch-
ed by their diffatisfaction with the ftations which
God has placed them in; for, not to take a review
of my primitive condition, and my father's excel-
lent advice, the going contrary to which was, as I
may fay, my original fin, the following miftakes of
the fame nature certainly had been the means of my
prefent unhappy ftation. What bufinefs had I to
leave a fettled fortune, and well tocked plantation,
improving and increafing, where, by this time, Í
might have been worth a hundred thoufand noi-
dores, to turn fupercargo to Guinea, to fetch negroes,
when time and patience would have fo much en-
larged my ftock at home, as to be able to employ
thofe, whofe more immediate bufinefs it was to
fetch them home, even to my own door?
But as this is commonly the fate of young heads,
ſo a ſerious reflection upon the folly of it, ordina-
rily attends the exercife, when the dear bought ex-..
perience of time teaches us repentance. Thus was
it with me; but notwithſtanding the thoughts of
my deliverance ran fo ftrongly in my mind, that
i feemed to check all the dictates of reafon and
philofophy. And now to ufher in my kind reader
with great pleafure to the remaining part of my re-
lation, I flatter myſelf it will not be taken amifs,
to give him an account of my firft conceptions of
the manner of efeaping, and upon what foundati-
on I laid my foolifh fchemes.
Having retired to my caftle, after my late voyage
to the hip, my frigate laid up and fecured, as ufual,
and my condition the fame as before, except being
richer, though I had, as little occafion for riches as
the Indians of Feru had for gold, before the cruel
Spiniards came among them: one night in Mirch,
being the rainy featon, in the four and twentieth
year of my folitude, I lay down to fleep, very well
94
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
in health without diflemper, pain, or uncommon
uneafinefs either of body or mind; yet not with-
ftanding I could not compofe myſelf to fleep all the
night long. All this tedious while it is impoffible
to exprefs what innumerable thoughts came into my
head. I traced quite over the whole hiftory of my
life in miniature from my utmost remembrance of
things till I came to this ifland; and then proceeded
to examine every action and paffage that had occur-
red fince I had taken poffeffion of my kingdom. In
my reflections upon the latter, I was comparing the
happy pofture of my affairs in the beginning of my
reign, to this life of anxiety, fear, and concern, fince
I had difcovered the print of a foot in the fand;
that while 1 continued without apprehenfion, I was
incapable of feeling the dread and terror I now fuf-
fered. How thankful rather ought I to have been
for the knowledge of my danger fince the greateſt
happinefs one can be poffeffed of is to have fufficient
time to provide against it? How ftupendous is the
goodneſs of providence, which fets fuch narrow
bounds to the fight and knowledge of human na-
ture, that while men walk in the midft of fo many
dangers they are kept ferene and calm, by having
the events of things hide from their eyes, and know-
ing nothing of thofe many dangers that furround
them, till perhaps they are diffipated and vanifhed
away.
When I came more particularly to confider of the
real danger I had fo many years elcaped; how I
had walked about in the greateſt fecurity and tran-
quillity, at a time, perhaps, when even nothing but
the brow of a hill, a great tree, or the common ap-
proach of night, had interpofed between me and
the deflructive hand of the cannibals, who would
devour me with as good an appetite, as I would a
pigeon or curlew; furely all this, I fay could not
but make me fincerely thankful to my great pre-
fever, whofe fingular protection I acknowledged
}
i
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
95
1
!
with the greatest humility, and without which I
muft inevitably have fallen into the cruel hands of
thoſe devourers.
Having thus difcuffed my thoughts in the cleareſt
manner, according to my weak underſtanding, I next
proceeded to confider the wretched nature of theſe
deftroying favages, by feeming, though with great
reverence, to enquire, why God fhould give up any
of his creatures to fuch inhumanity, even to brutality
itſelf, to devour its own kind? but as this was rather
matter of obftrufe fpeculation, and as my milerable
fituation made me think this of mine the moft uncom-
fortable fituation in the world, I then began rather to
enquire what part of the world thefe wretches lived
in; how far of the coaft was from whence they
came; why they ventured over fo far from home;
what kind of boats conveyed them hither; and why
I could not order myſelf and my buſineſs ſo, that I
might be as able to attain their country, as they were
to come to my kingdom?
But then, thought I, how ſhall I manage myſelf
when I come thither? what will become of me if I
fall into the hands of the favages? or how fhall I ef-
cape then, if they make an attempt upon me? and
fuppofing I fhould not fall into their power, what
will I do for provifion, or which way thall I bend
my courfe? Thefe counter thoughts threw me into
the greateft horror and confufion imaginable; but
then I ftill looked upon my prefent condition to be
the moſt miferable that poffibly could be, and that
nothing could be worle, except death. For (thought)
I) could I but attain the fhore of the main, I might
perhaps meet with fome relief, or coaft it along, as I
did with my boy Xury, on the African fhore, till I
came to fome inhabited country, where I might meet
with ſome relief, or fall in with fome Chriftian hip
that might take me in; and if I failed, why then I
could but meet with death, which would put an end
to all my miferies. These thoughts, I muſt confeſs,
were the fruit of a diftempered mind, an impatient
K
96
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
temper made deſperate, as it were, by long conti-
nuance of the troubles and difappointments I had
met with in the wreck, where I hoped to have found
fome living perſon to ſpeak to, by whom I might
have known in what place I was, and of the pro-
bable means of my deliverance. Thus, while my
thoughts were agitated, my refignation to the will of
heaven was entirely fufpended! fo that I had no
power to fix my mind to any thing, but to the project
of a voyage to the main land. And indeed fo much
was I inflamed upon this account, that it fet my
blood into a ferment, and my pulfe beat high, as
though I had been in a fever; till nature being, as
it were, fatigued and exhaufted with the very
thoughts of it, made me fubmit myself to a filent
repofe.
In fuch a fituation, it is very ftrange, that I did
not dream of what I was fo intent upon; but, inſtead
of it, my mind roved on a quite different thing, alto-
gether foreign. I dreamed, that as I was iffuing from
my caftle, one morning, as cuftomary, I perceived
upon the fhore, two canoes, and eleven favages,
coming to land, who had brought with them another
Indian, whom they defigned to make a facrifice of,
in order to devour; but juft as they were going to
give the fatal blow, methought the poor defigned
victim jumped away, and ran directly into my little`...
thick grove before my fortification, to abfcond from
his enemies; when perceiving that the others did
not follow him that way, I appeared to him; that
he humbly kneeled down to me, feeming to pray for
my affiftance; upon which I fhewed him my ladder,
made him afcend, carried him to my cave, and he
became my fervant; and when I had gotten this
man, I faid to my felf, now furely I may have fome
hopes to attain the main land; for this fellow will
ferve me as a pilot, tell me what to do, and where
I must go for provifions, what places to fhun, what
to venture to, and what to efcape. But when I
awaked, and found all theſe inexpreffible impreffions
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
97
of joy entirely vanished, I fell into the greateft de-
jection of fpirit imaginable.
Yet this dreain brought me to reflect, that one fure
way of efcaping was to get a favage; that after I had
ventured mylife to deliver him from the bloody jaws
of his devourers, the natural fenfe he might have of
fuch a preſervation, might infpire him with a laſting
gratitude and moft fincere affection. But then this
objection reaſonably interpofed how can I effect
this, thought I, without I attack a whole company
of them, and kill them all? why fhould I proceed on
ſuch a deſperate attempt, which my fcruples before
had fuggefted to be unlawful? and indeed my heart
trembled at the thoughts of fo much blood, though
it were a means to procure my deliverance. Tis
true, I might reaſonably enough ſuppoſe theſe men
to be real enemies to my life, men who would devour
me, was it in their power: fo that it was felf-preſer-
vation in the highest degree to free myfelf, by at-
tacking them in my own defence, as lawfully as if
they were actually affaulting me: though all theſe
things, I fay, feemed to me to be of the greateſt
weight, yet, as I juft faid before, the dreadful
thoughts of fhedding human blood, ftruck fuch a
terror to my foul, that it was a long time before F
could reconcile myfelf to it.
But how far will the ardency of defire prompt us
on? For notwithstanding the many difputes and per-
plexities I had with myfelf, I at length refolved, right
or wrong, to get one of theſe ſavages into my hands,
coft what it would, or even though I fhould lofe my
life in the attempt. Infpired with this firm refolution,,
I fet all my wits to work, to find out what methods
I ſhould take to answer my defign; this, indeed was-
fo difficult a task, that I could not pitch upon any
probable means to execute it; I, therefore, refol-
ved continually to be in a vigilant pofture, to per-
ceive when the favages came on fhore, and to leave:
the rest to the event, let the opportunities offer as
they would.
X 2
98
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1.
Such were my fixed refolutions; and accordingly
I fet myfelf upon the fcout, as often as I could, till
fuch time as I was heartily tired of it. I waited for
above a year and a half, the greatest part of which
time I went out to the weft, and fouth-west corner
of the iſland, almost every day, to look for canoes,
but none appeared. This was a very great difcou-
ragement; yet, though I was very much concerned,
the edge of my defire was as keen as ever, and the
longer it ſeemed to be delayed, the more eager was I
for it in a word, I never before was fo careful to
fhun the loathing fight of theſe favages, as I was
now eager to be with them: and I thought myſelf
fufficiently able to manage one, two, or three fa-
vages, if I had them, ſo as to make them my en-
tire flaves, to do whatfoever I fhould direct them,
and prevent their being able at any time to do me
a mifchief. Many times did I pleafe myſelf with
theſe thoughts, with long and ardent expectations;
but nothing prefenting, all my deep projected
ſchemes, and numerous fancies, vaniſhed away, as
though, while I retained fuch thoughts, the decree
of Providence was fuch, that no favages were to
come near me.
About a year and a half after, when I was feri-
oufly mufing on fundry other ways how I fhould
attain my end, one morning early I was very much
furprized by feeing no lefs than five canoes all on
hore together, on my fide the liland, and the fa-
vages that belonged to them all landed, and out of
my fight. Such a number of them difconcerted all
my meaſures; for, feeing fo many boats, each of
which would contain fix, and fometimes more, 1
could not tell what to think of it, or how to order
my meaſures to attack twenty or thirty men fingle
handed upon which, much difpirited and per-
plexed, I lay fill in my caftle; which, however,
I put in a proper pofture for an attack; and having
formerly provided all that was neceffary, was
foon ready to enter upon an engagement, ſhould
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
99.
:
they attempt it. Having waited for fome time, my
impatient temper would let me bear it no longer;
I fet my guns at the foot of my ladder, and as ufual,
afcended up to the top of the hill at two ftages,.
ſtanding, however, in fuch a manner, that my head
did not appear above the hill, fo that they could!
not eafily perceive me; and here, by the affiftance
of my perspective glafs, I obferved no lefs than
thirty in number round a fire, feafting upon what
meat they had dreffed: how they cooked it, or
what it was, I could not then perfectly tell; but
they were all dancing and capering about the flames,,
using many frightful and barbarous geftures..
But while, with a curious eye, I was beholding:
theſe wretches, my ſpirits funk within me, when I
perceived them drag two miferable creatures from
the boats, to act afresh the dreadful tragedy, as I
fuppofed they had done before. It was not long
before one of them fell upon the ground, knocked
down, as I fuppofe, with a club or wooden fword,;
for that was their manner; while two or three others ·
went immediately to work, cutting him open for
their cookery, and then fell to devour him as they
had done the former; while the laft unhappy cap--
tive was left by himſelf, till fuch time as they were
ready for him. The poor creature looked roundi
him with a wifhful eye, trembling at the thoughts
of death yet, feeing himfelf a little at liberty,.
nature, that very moment, as it were, infpired him
with hopes of life: He ftarted away from them, and i
ran, with incredible fwiftaefs, along the fands, di-
rectly to that part of the coaft where iny antient and!
venerable caſtle ſtood..
You may well imagine, I was dreadfully affright--
ed, upon this occafion, when, as I thought they
purfued him in a whole body, all running towards ›
my palace. And, now, indeed, I expected, thatt
part of my dream was going to be fulfilled, and that:
he would certainly fly to my grove for protection ;;
but, for the reft of my dream, I could depend no-
100
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
thing on it, that the favages would purſue him thi-
ther, and find him there. However, my fpirits
beginning to recover, I ftill kept upon my guard;
and I now plainly perceived, there were but three
men out of the number that purfued him. I was
infinitely pleafed with what fwiftnefs the poor crea-
ture ran from his purfuers, gaining fo much ground
upon them, that I plainly perceived, could he thus
hold it out for half an hour, there was not the leaft
doubt but he would fave his life from the power of
his enemies.
Between them and my caftle there was a creek,
that very fame which I failed into with all my ef-
fects from the wreck of the fhip, on the fteep banks
of which I very much feared the poor victim would
be taken, if he could not fwim for his eſcape: But
foon was I out of pain for him, when I perceived
he made nothing of it, though at full tide, but,
with an intrepid courage fpurred on by the fenſe of
danger, he plunged into the flood, fwimming over
in about thirty flrokes, and then landing, ran with
the fame incredible ftrength and fwiftnefs as before.
When the three purfuers came to the creek, one
of them, who I perceived could not fwim, happily
for his part, returned to his company, while the
others, with as equal courage, but much lefs fwift-
nefs, attained the other fide, as though they were
reſolved never to give over the purſuit. And now
or never I thought was the time for me to procure
me a fervant, companion, or affiftant: and that I
was decreed by Providence to be the inftrument to
fave this, poor creature's life. I immediately de-.
fcended my two ladders with the greateft expedition;
I took up my two guns, which, I faid before were
at the bottom of them: and, getting up again with
the fame hafte towards the hill, I made, nearer the
fea. In a word, taking a fhort cut down the hill,
I interpofed between the purfuers and purfued, hal-
looing aloud to the latter, who, venturing to look
back, was, no doubt, as much terrified at ine as at
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
101
them. I beckoned to him, with my hand, to re-
turn back, in the mean time advancing towards the
purfuers, and ruſhing on the foremoſt I knocked him
down with the flock of my piece, and laid him flat
on the ground. I was very unwilling to fire left
the reft (hould hear, though at that diftance, I quef-
tioned whether they could or no; and, being out
of fight of the fmoke, they could not eafily have
known what to make of it. The other lavage
feeing his fellow fall, flopped as if he had been
amazed when, advancing towards him, I could
perceive him take his bow from his back, and, fix-
ing an arrow to it, was preparing to fhoot at me,
and, without difpute might have lodged the arrow
in my breaft; but in this abfolutely neceffary cafe
of felf-prefervation, I immediately fired at him,
and thot him dead, juft as his hand was going to
draw the fatal fring. All this while, the favage
who had fled before flood fill, and had the fatis-
faction to fee his enemies killed, as he thought,
who defigned to take away his life: fo affrighted
was he with the fire and noife of my piece, that he
flood as it were like Lot's wife, fixed and immo-
veable, without either fenie or motion. This ob-
liged me to halloo to him again, making the plain-
eft figns I could to him to draw nearer. I perceived
he understood thole tokens by his approaching to
me a little way, when, as if afraid I should kill him
too, he ſtopped again. Several times did he advance,
and as often flop in this manner, till, coming more
to my view, I perceived him trembling, as if he
was to undergo the lowe fate. Upon which I look-
ed upon him with a filing countenance, and ſtill
beckoning to him; at length he came clofe to me,
and kneeled down, kiffed the ground, laid his head
upon it, and taking me by the foot, fet it upon his
head; and this, as I underflood afterwards, was a
token of Tweiring to be my fave for ever. I took'
him up and making much of him, encouraged him
in the beft manner I could. But my work was not
102
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
yet finihed; for I perceived the favage whom I
knocked down, was not killed, but ftunned with
the blow, and began to come to himſelf. Upon
which I pointed to my new fervant and, fhewed
him that his enemy was not yet expired, he spoke
fome words to me, but which I could not under-
ftand; yet being the firft found of a man's voice I
had heard for above twenty-five years they were.
very pleafing to me. But there was no time for re-
flection now; the wounded fävage recovering him-
felf fo far as to fit upon the ground, which made
my poor prifoner as much afraid as before to put-
him out of fear, I prefented my other gun at the
man, with an intent to fhoot him; but my favage,.
for fo I must now call him, prevented my firing,
by making a motion to me, to lend him my fword,
which hung naked in a belt by my fide.. No fooner.
did I grant his requeft, but away he runs to his
enemy, and, at one blow, cut off his head as dex-
teroufly as the most accomplished executioner in
Germany could have done: for, it feems, thefe.
creatures make uſe of wooden fwords made of hard.
wogd, which will bear edge enough to cut off heads
and arms at one blow. When this valorous ex-
ploit was done, he comes to me laughing, as a to-
ken of triumph, delivered me my fword again,
with abundance of furprifing geftures, laying it
along with the bleeding and ghaftly head of the
Indian at my feet.
4
1
•
The greateft aftonishment that my new fervant
conceived, was the manner of killing the favage at
fuch a diftance, without a bow and arrow: and fuch
was his longing delite to know it, that he first-
pointed to the dead carcafe, and then made figns to
me to grant him leave to go to him. Upon which
Ibid him go, and as well as I could made him fen-
fible I granted his requeft. But when he came
there, how wonderfully he was firuch with amaze-
meut! Firft he turned him on one fide, then on
another, wondering he could perceive no quantity
·
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
103
:
of blood, he bleeding inwardly and after fuffi-
ciently admiring the wound the bullet had made
in his breaft, he took up his bow and arrows, and
came back again; upon which I turned to go
away, making figns to him to follow, left the reft
miffing their companions, might come in pui fuit
of thein, and this I found he understood very well,
by his making me underftand that his defign was
to bury them, that they might not be feen if it
happened; and which by figns again I made him
fensible I very much approved of. immediately
he fell to work, and never was grave-digger more
dexterous in the world than he was; for in an inftant
as I might fay, he fcraped a large hole in the funds
with his hands, fufficient to bury the firft in; there
he dragged him, and without any ceremony he co-
vered him over; in like manner he ferved the other:
fo that I am fure no undertaker could be more ex-
pert in his buſineſs; for all this was done in lefs
than a quarter of an hour. I then called him away,
and inftead of carrying him directly to my caſtle at
first, I conveyed him to my cave on the farther part
of the illand; and fo my dream was now fulfilled
in that particular, that my grove fhould prove an
afylum or fanctuary to him.
Weary and faint, hungry and thirsty, undoubt-
edly muft this poor creature be, fupported chiefly
by the vivacity of fpirit, and uncommon tranfports
of joy that his deliverance occafioned. Here I
Here I gave
him bread and a bunch of raifins to eat, and water
to drink, on which he fed very cheerfully, to his
excceding refreshment. I then made him a conve-
nient bed, with a parcel of rice ftraw, and a blan-
ket upon it, (a bed which I ufed myfelf fometimes)
and then pointing to it, made figns for him to lie
down to fleep, upon which the poor creature went
to take a welcome repole.
Indeed he was a very comely, hand fome, young
fellow, extremely well-made, with ftraight long
limbs, not too large, tall and well thaped and as
104
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
near as I could reckon about twenty-fix years of age.
His countenance had nothing in it fierce or furly,
but rather a fort of majesty in his face and yet eſpe-
cially when he ſmiled, he had all the fweetnefs of an
European. His hair was not-curled like wool, as
many of the blacks are, but long and black, with
the moſt beautiful, yet careleſs, treffes fpreading over
his fhoulders. He had a very high and large fore-
head, with a great vivacity and fparkling fharpneſs in
his eyes. His ſkin was not fo tawny as the Virgini-
ans, Brazilians, or other Americans; but rather of
a bright dun, olive colour, that had fomething agree-
able in it, though not very eaſy to give a defcription
of. His face was round and plump, with a fmall.
nofe, very different from the flatnefs of the negroes,
a pretty ſmall mouth, thin lips, fine teeth, very well
fet, and white as the driven fnow. In a word, fuck.
handfome features, and exact fymmetry in every part,
made me confider, that I had faved the life of an In-
dian prince, no lefs graceful and accomplished than
the great Oroonoko, whofe memorable behaviour and
unhappy contingencies of life have charmed the world,
both to admiration of his perfon, and compaffion to
his fufferings.
But let him be either prince or peafant, all my
happineſs centered in this, that I had now got a good
fervant or companion, to whom as he deferved, I
was refolved to prove a kind mafter and laſting
friend.
He had not, I think, flept above an hour, when he
awakened again, and while I was milking my goats
hard by, out he runs from the cave towards me in
my incloſure, and laying himſelf down on the ground
In the lowest proftration, made all the antic gestures
imaginable, to exprefs his thankfulneſs to me for be-
ing his deliverer. I confess, though the manner of his
behaviour feemed to be ludicrous enough to occafion
laughter; yet I was very much moved at his affection,
fo that my heart melted within me, fearing he might
die away in excess of joy, like reprieved malefactors;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
105
eſpecially as I was incapable either to let him blood,
or adminifter phyfic. My man, for the laſt ceremony
of obedience, laid down his head again upon the
ground, clofe to my foot, and fet my other foot upon
his head, as he had done before, making all the figns
of ſubjection, fervitude, and fubmiffion imaginable,
to let me underſtand he would ferve me as long as his
life endured. As I underſtood him in many things,
I made him fenfible I was very well pleaſed with him;
and, in a little time, I began to ſpeak to him, and
learn him how to talk to me again.
In the first place, I made him underſtand his name
was to be Friday, becauſe it was upon that day I
faved his life: I then taught him to fay Maſter,
which I made him fenfible was to be my mame ; I
likewife taught him to fay Yes and No, and to know
what they meant. I gave him ſome milk in an earthen
pot, making him view me while I drank it before
him, and foaked my bread in it; I gave him a cake
of bread, and cauſed him to foak it likewiſe, to
which he readily confented. making figns of the
greateſt fatisfaction imaginable.
鲁
​All that night did I keep him there; but no fooner
did the morning light appear, when I ordered him to
arife and come along with me, with certain tokens
that I would give him fome clothes like mine, at
which he ſeemed very glad, being ftark naked, with-
out the leaft covering whatever. As we paffed by the
place where the two men had been interred, my man
pointed directly to their graves, fhewing me the marks
that he had made to find them again, giving me to
underſtand, by figns, that we bould dig them up,
and devour them. At this I appeared extremely dif
pleafed, expreffed my utmoft abhorrence, as if I
would vomit at the apprehenfions of it, beckoning
with my hand to come away, which he did with the
greateft reverence and fubmiffion. After this I con-
ducted him to the top of rhe hill, to view if the reſt
of the favages were yet remaining there; but when I
looked through my perſpective glaſs, I could fee no
106
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
appearance of them, nor of their canoes; fo that it
was very evident they never minded their deceased
companions whom we had flain; which if they had,
they weuld furely have fearched for, or left one boat
behind for them to follow, after they returned from
their purſuit.
Curiofity, and a defire of fatisfaction, animating
me with courage to fee this fcene of barbarity, I took
my man Friday with me, putting a fword into his
hand, with the bow and arrows at his back, which I
perceived he could ufe vcry dexteroufly, caufing him
to carry one gun for me, and I two for myſelf; and
thus equipped, against all attacks, away we marched
directly to the place of their bloody entertainment.
But when I came there, I was ftruck with the utmoſt
horror at fo dreadful a fpectacle, whilft Friday was
no way concerned about it, being no doubt in his
turn, one of thoſe devourers. Here lay feveral hu-
man bones, there feveral pieces of humair fleſh, half
eaten, mangled and fcorched, whilft ftreams of blood
ran promifcuoufly as waters from a fountain. As I
was mufing on this dreadful fight, Friday took all the
pains he could by particular figns, to make me un-
derftand, that they had brought over four prifoners to
feaft upon, three of whom they had eaten up, and
that he was the fourth, pointing to himfelt: that
there having been a bloody battle between them and
his great king, in the juft defence of whom he was
taken prifoner, with many others; all of theſe were
carried off to different places to be devoured by their
conquerors; and that it was his misfortune to be
brought hither by thefe wretehes for the very fame
purpoſe.
After I was made fenfible of thefe things, I caufed
Friday to gather thoſe horrid remains, and lay them
together upon a heap, which I ordered to be fet on
fire, and burnt them to afhes: my man, however,
ftill retained the nature of a cannibal, having a han-
kering ftomach after fome of the flesh: but fuch an
extreme abhorrence did I exprefs at the leaft appear-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
107
-
1
ance of it, that he durft not but conceal it: for I
made him very fenfible, that if he offered any fuck
thing, I would certainly ſhoot him.
1
This being done, I carried my man with me to my
caftle, and gave him a pair of linen drawers, which I
had taken out of the poor gunner's chek before men-
tioned; and which, with a little alteration, fitted him
very well in the next place I made him a jerkin of
goat fkin, fuch as my fkill was able to manage, and
indeed I thought myfelf then a tolerable good tailor.
I gave him alſo a cap, which I made out of a hare's
ſkin, very convenient and faſhionable. Thus being
clothed tolerably well, my man was no lefs proud of
his habit, than I was in feeing him in it. Indeed he
went very aukwardly at firft, the drawers being two
heavy on his thighs, not uſed to bear any weight, and
the fleeves of the waistcoat galled his ſhoulders, and
the infide of his arms; but by a little eafing where
he complained they hurt him, and by ufing himself to
them, at length he took to them very well.
My next concern was, where I ſhould lodge him-
and that I might do well by him, and yet be perfeAly
eafy myfelf, I erected a tent for him in the vacant
place between my two fortifications, in the infide of
the last, and the outſide of the first; and as there was
an entrance or door into my cave, I made a formal
framed door-cafe, and a door to open on the infide;
I barred it up in the night time, taking in my ladders
too, ſo that, was my man to prove treacherous, thers
could be no way to come at me in the infide of my
innermoft wall, without making fo much noife in get-
sing over that it muſt needs waken me; for my first
wall had now a complete roof over it of long poles,
fpreading over my tent, and leaning up to the fide of
the mountain, which was again laid croſs with ſmaller
icks inftead of laths, and thatched over a great thick-
nefs with the rice fraw, which was as ftrong as reeds,
and at the hole of the place, left on purpoſe to go in
or out by the ladder, I had placed a kind of a trap door,
which, if it had been attempted on the outfide, would
7108
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
•
not have opened at all, but have fallen down, and made
a great noiſe; and as to my weapons, every night I
took them all to my bed fide,
But there was no occafion for this precaution; for
furely never mafter had a more fincere, faithful and
loving fervant than Friday proved to me. Without
paffion, fullennefs, or defign, perfectly obliging and
engaging, his affections were as much tied to me, as
thofe of a child to his parents; and I might venture to
fay, he would have facrificed his life for the faving
mine, upon any occafion whatſoever. And indeed the
many teſtimonies he gave me of this, fufficiently eon-
vinced me that I had no occafion to uſe theſe precau-
tions. And here I could not but reflect with great
wonder, that however it hath pleafed the Almighty in
his providence, and in the government of the creation,
to take from fo great a part of the world of his crea-
tures, the noblest uſes to which their faculties, and
the powers of their fouls are adapted; yet that he
has bestowed upon them the fame reafon, affections,
fentiments of kindnefs, and obligation, paffions of re-
fentment, fincerity, fidelity, and all the capacities of
doing and receiving good that he has given us; and
that when he is graciously pleafed to offer them occafi-
ons of exerting thefe, they are as ready; nay, more
ready to apply them to the proper ufes for which
they were bestowed, than we often are. Thefe thoughts
would make mie melancholy, efpecially when I confide
red how mean a ule we make of all thefe, even though
we have theſe powers enlightened by the Holy Spirit of
God, and by the knowledge of the world, as an addition
to our underſtanding; and why it has pleafed the hea-
venly wisdom to conceal the like faving knowledge
from fo many millions of fouls, who would certainly
make a much better ufe of it than generally mankind
do at this time. Theſe reflections would fometimes
Lead me fo far, as to invade the fovereignity of Provi
dence, and, as it were, arraign the juftice of fuch an
arbitrary difpofition of things, that fhould obfcure
that light from fome, and reveal it to others, and yet
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSON.
109+
་
>
expect a like duty from all. But I clofed it up, check-
ing my thoughts with this concluſion; firft, That we
were ignorant of that right and law by which theſe
fhould be condemned; but as the Almighty was ne-
ceffarily, and by the nature of his cffence, infinitely
juft and holy; fo it could not be otherwife, but that if
theſe creatures were all defined to abfence from him--
felf, it was on account of finning againſt that light;
which, as the fcripture fays, was a law to themselves,
and by fuch rules as their confciences would acknow-
ledge to be juft, though the first foundation was not
diſcovered to us. And, fecondly, That fill as we were
the clay in the hand of the potter, no veffel could thus
fay to him, Why haft thou fafhioned me after this
manner?
I had not been above two or three days returned to’
my castle, but my chief defign was, how I fhould bring
Friday off from his horrid way of feeding; and, to-
take from him that inhuman relifh he by nature had
been accuſtomed to, I thought it my duty to let him:
taſte other flesh, which might the rather tempt him to
the fame abhorrence I ſo often exprefled againft their
accurfed way of living. Upon which, one morning:
1.took him out with me, with an intention to kill a
kid out of the flock, and bring it home, and dreſs it.
As I was going, I perceived a fhe goat lying down in
the fhade, and two young kids fitting by her. Imme--
diately I catched hold of my man Friday, and bid--
ding him ftand ftill, and not ftir, I prefented my piece
and ſhot one of the kids. My poor fervant, who had
at a diſtance perceived me kill his adverfary, and yet
did not know by what means, or how it was done,
flood trembling and furprifed, and looked fo amazed,;
that I thought he would have funk into the earth.
He did not fee the kid I aimed at, or behold I had
killed it, but ripped up his waiſtcoat to ſee if he was
not wounded, thinking my refolution was to kill him;
for coming to me, he fell on his knees, earnestly pro-
nouncing many things which I did not understand
•
L 2
110
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
1
the meaning of; which at length I perceived was,
that I would not take away his life.
1
Indeed I was much concerned to fee him in that
condition, where nature is upon the fevereft trial,
when the immediate hand of death is ready to put for
ever a period to this mortal life and indeed fo much
compaffion had 1 to this creature, that it was with
difficulty I refrained from tears. But, however, as
another fort of countenance was neceffary, and to
convince him that I would do him no harm, I took
him, -fmiling, by the hand, then laughed at him, and
pointing to the kid which I had flain, made figns to
him to fetch it, which accordingly he did. No lefs
curious was he in viewing how the creature was kil-
led, than he was before in beholding the Indian;
which, while he was admiring, I charged my gun
again, and preſently perceived a great fowl like a hawk,
perching upon a tree within fhot; and therefore, to
let Friday understand what I was going to do, called
him to me again, pointing at the fowl, which I
found to be a parrot. I made him underftand that I
would ſhoot and kill that bird; accordingly I fired,
and bade him look, when immediately he faw the
parrot fall down. Again he stood like one amazed,
notwithſtanding all I had faid to him: and the more
confounded he was, becaufe he did not perceive me.
put any thing into my gun. Had I allowed it he
would have worshipped me, but as for the gun, he
would not ſo much as touch it for feveral days but
would come and communicate his thoughts to it,
and talk to it, as if the fenfelefs piece had under-
flood and anfwered him; all this I could perceive
him do, when he thought my back was turned, the
chief intent of which was, to defire it not to kill
him, as I afterwards came to underſtand.
•
3
I never ftrove to prevent his admiration, ner hin-,
der him from thefe comical geftures he uſed on ſuch
occafions; but when his aftonishment was a little
over, I made tokens to him to run and fetch the
rot that I had ſhot, which accordingly he did, ſtaying
par
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
TIF
ན
>
fome time longer than ufual, by reafon the bird, not
being quite dead, had fluttered fome way farther from
the place where the fell. In the mean time, as he
was looking for her, I took the advantage of charging
my gun again, that fo I might be ready for any other"
mark that offered; but nothing more occurred at that
time. So I brought home the kid, and the fame e-
vening took off the ſkin, and divided the carcafe as
well as I could. Part of the flesh 1 ftewed and boiled,
in a pot I had for this purpoſe. And then ſpreading
my table, 1 fat down, giving my man fome of it to
eat, who was wonderfully pleafed, and feemed to like
it very well but what was the most furpriſing to him
was to fee me eat falt with it: upon which he made
me underſtand, that the falt was very bad for me
when putting a little into his mouth, he ſeemed to
nauſeate it in fuch a manner, as to fpit and fputter at
it, and then washed his mouth with fresh water but
to thew him how contrary his opinion was to mine,-
I put fome meat in my mouth without falt, and feigned
to ſpit and ſputter as much for want of it, as he had i
done at it; yet all this proved of no fignification to
Friday; and it was a long while before he could endure
any falt in his meat or broth, and even then but a finall
quantity.
>
!
Thus, having fed him fufficiency with boiled meat
and broth at that time, the next day I was refolved
to feaft him with a roafted piece of the kid. · And
having no fpit to faften it, nor jack to turn it, I made a
ufe of that common artifice which many of the peo--
ple of England have, that is, to fet two poles upon
each fide of the fire, and one across on the top, hang-
ing the meat thereon with a fring, and fo turning it
round continually, roaft it in the fame manner as we
read bloody tyrants of old, cruelly roafted the holy
martyrs. This practice caufed great admiration in ›
my man Friday, being quite another way than that
to which the favages were accuftomed. But when he
came to taſte the ſweetneſs and tenderness of the fleſb, .
he exprefled his entire fatisfaction above a thousand d
ཆ་ ་
112
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
different ways. And as I could not but under-
ftand his meaning, you may be fure I was as won-
derfully pleaſed, elpecially when he made it alſo
very plain to me, that he would never, while he
lived, eat man's flesh more.
It is now high time I fhould fet my new fervant
to work; fo next day I put him to beat out fome
corn, and fift it in the fame manner as I had done
before. And really the fellow was very quick and
handy in the execution of any thing I ordered him,
to go about. I made him understand that it was to
make bread for us to eat, and afterwards let him fee
me bake it. In fhort, he did every thing as I or-
dered him in a little time as well as I could perform.
it myſelf.
But now confidering that I had two mouths to
feed inftead of one, it was neceffary that I muft
provide more ground for my harveft, and plant as
larger quantity of corn; upon which I marked out
a larger piece of land, fencing it in the fame man-
ner as I had done before; in the execution of which
I must give Friday this good word, that no man
could work harder, or with better will than he did:
and when I made him fenfible that it was for bread
to ferve him as well as me, he then very paffionately
made me understand, that he thought i had much
'more labour on his account, than had for myſelf;;
and that no pains or diligence fhould be wanting in
him, if I would but direct him in thofe works
wherein he might proceed..
I muſt certainly own, that this was the moft plea-
fant year I ever had in the ifland; for after fome:
time Friday began to talk pretty well, and under-
ftood the names of thofe things which I was wont
to call for, and the places where I uſed to fend
him. So that my long filent tongue, which had
been ufetefs fo many years,. except in an exclama-
tory manner, either for deliverance or bleflings,,
now began to be occupied, in teaching, and talk-
ng to my man Friday; for indeed I had fuch a
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
13
fingular fatisfaction in the fellow himself, fo inno-
cent did his fimple and unfeigned honefty appear
more and more to me every day, that I really be-
gan entirely to love him; and for his part I believe
there was no love loft, and that his nature had
been more charmed by my exceeding kinduels, and
his affections more placed upon me, than any other
object whatſoever among his. own countrymen.
once had a great inclination to try if he had any
hankering inclination to his own country again:
and by this time having learned English fo well,
that he could give me tolerable answers to any
queftion which I demanded, I asked him whether
that nation to which he belonged ever conquered
in battle?. This question made Friday to fmile, and
to which he answered yes, yes, we always fight the
better; as much as to fay, they always got the bet
ter in fight. Upon which we proceeded on the
following difcourfe: You fay, faid 1, that yeu al-
ways fight the better; why then, Friday, how
came you to be taken priſoner?
}
:
1
Friday. But for all that, my nation beat much..
Mafter. How, fay you, beat! if your nation
beat them, how came you to be taken ?
Friday. They more many mans than my nation
in the place where me was, they take one two, three,,
and me my nation, much overbeat them in the
yonder place where me no was, there my nation
mans beat one, two, three great toufands..
Master. Then why did not your men recover you
from the hands of your enemies?
Friday. They run one, two, or three, and me;
they make all go into the canoo; my nation have
no canoo that time.
Master. 'Tis very well, Friday; but what does.
your nation do with the prifoners they take? Do
they carry them away and eat them as thefe have
done?
Friday. Yes, yes, my nation cat mans too, cat
up all
114
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tp
}
}
Maſter. To what place do they carry them to be
devoured?
Friday. Go to other nations- where they think.
Mailer. Do they bring thein hither?
Friday. Yes, come over hither, come over other
place.
1
Mafter. And have you been with them here,
Friday?.
Friday. Yes, me been here,, (pointing to the north-
weft of the island, being the fide where they used to land.)
Thus having gotten what account i could; from
my man, I plainly understood, that he had been
as bad as any of the reft of the cannibal, having.
been formerly among the favages who uſed to come
on fhore on the fartheft part of the iſland, upon the
fame bloody occafion as he was brought hither for:
and fome time after I carried him to that place
where he pointed; and no fooner did he come
there, but he prefently knew the ground, fignifying
to me that he was once there when they eat up
twenty men, two women and a young child; but
as he could not, explain the number in Engliſh, he
did it by lo many ftones in a row, making a figo to
me to count them.

*
This paffage I have the rather mentioned, be-
caufe it led to things more important and uſeful
for me to know: for after 1 had this fatisfactory
difcourfe with him, my next queftion was, how far
it was from the, ifland to the flore, and whether the
canoes were not often loft in the ocean? to which
he answered, there was no danger; that no canoes
were ever loft; but that after a little way out to lea
there was a strong current, and a wind always one.
way in the afternoon. This I thought at firft to
be no more than the fets of the tide, of going out
or coming in but afterwards underflood it was
occafioned by the great draught and reflux of the
mighty river Oroonoko, in the mouth or gulph of
which I imaged my kingdom bay; and that the
land which I perceived to the W. and N..W. mult
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
115
be the great ifland Trinidad, on the north of the
river. A thouſand queſtions (if that would fatisfy
me) did I aſk Friday, about the nature of the coun-
try, the fea, the coafts the inhabitants, and what
nations were nearest them; to which queftions the
poor fellow declared all he knew, with the greateſt
openness, and utmoft fincerity. When I demanded
of him the particular names of the various nations.
of his fort of people, He could only anſwer me in
general that they were called Carabe, Hence it was
I confidered that theſe muſt be the Caribbees, ſo
much taken notice of by our maps, to be on that
part of America, which reaches from the mouth of
the river Oroonoko, to Guiana, and ſo on to St.
Martha. Then Friday proceeded to tell me, that,
up a great way beyond the moon, as much as to
fay, beyond the fetting of the moon, which muſt
he Weft from their country, there dwelt white
bearded men, fuch as I was, pointing to my whif-
kers, and that they kill much mans. I was not igno-
rant with what barbarity the Spaniards treated
thefe creatures; fo that I prefently concluded it
must be them, whofe cruelties had fpread through-
out America, to be remembered even to fucceed-
ing generations.
Well, you may be fure, this knowledge, which
the imperfect information of my man had led me
to, was very comfortable to me, and made me fo
curious as to ask him, how I might depart from this
iland, and get amongſt thoſe white men? He told
me, Yes, yes, I might go in two canoes. In two ca-
noes, thought I, what does my man mean? furely
he means one for himſelf, and another for me: and
if not, how muſt two canoes hold me without being
joined, or one part of my body being put in one,
and another in the other? And, indeed it was a
long time before I underflood his meaning, which
was, that it must be a large boat, as big as two ca-
noes, able to bear with the waves, and not fo liable
to be overwhelmed as one muft be.
F16
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
I believe there is no fate of life but what may
be happy, if people would but endeavour for their
part to make it fo. He is not the happieft man
that has the most riches, but he that is content
with what he hath. Before I had my fervant, I
thought myſelf milerable till I had him; and now
that I had enjoyed the happy benefits of him, I
fill complained, and begged deliverance from a
place of retirement, eafe, and plenty, where pro-
vidence had fufficiently bleffed me. In a word,
from this time I entertained fome hopes, that one
time or other I might find an opportunity to make:
my eſcape from this ifland, and that this poor fa»
vage might be a great furtherance thereto.
•
All the time fince my man became fo intelligent
as to underſtand and fpeak to me, I fpared no pains
nor diligence to inftruct him according to my poor
fhare of knowledge in the principles of religion,
and the adoration that he ought to pay to the True
God. One time, as I very well remember, I afked
him who made him? At firſt the innocent creature
did not underſtand what I meant, but rather thought
I aſked him who was his father? upon which I took
another way to make him fenfible, by demanding
from him an anſwer to this queſtion. Friday, faid.
I, who is it that made the fea, this ground whereon
we walk, and all thefe hills and woods which we
behold? And here, indeed, I did not mifs my in-
tention: for he told me it was old Benamuckee
(the God whom I fuppofed thefe favages adored)
who lived a great way beyond all. But as for his
attributes, poor Friday was an utter ftranger. He
could defcribe nothing of this great perlon; and
all that he could fay was, that he was very old,
much older than the fea and land, the moon, or
the ftars. Friday, faid I again, if this great and
old perfon has made all things in the world, how
comes it to pafs, that all things, and you in-parti-
cular do not adore and worship him? upon this,
looking very grave, with a perfect look of inno-
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
117
sence, he replied, Mafter, of all things fay O to him,
by which it may be realonably fuppofed he meant
adoration. And where, faid I, do the people of
your country go when they die? He aniweied to
Benamuckee. What, and thole people that are eaten
up, do they go there? Benamuckee, faid he, love 'em
dearly; me pray to Benamuckee in de canoe, and Bena-
muckee would love me w dey eat me all up.
Such difcourfes as thefe had I with my man, and
fuch made me fenfible, that the true God is wor-
fhipped, though under imperfect fimilitudes; and
that the falle adoration which the heathens give to
their imaginary deity, is as great an argument of
the divine effence, as the moft learned atheifts
falfely fo called) can bring againft it: for God
will be glorified in his works, let the denomination
be what it will; and. I cannot be of that opinion
which fome conceive, that God fhould decree men
to be damned for want of a right notion of faith,
in a place where the wildom of the Almighty has
not permitted it to be preached: therefore cannot
but conclude, that fince obedience is the beſt facri-
fice, thefe poor creatures, acting by that light and
knowledge which they are poffelfed of may un-
doubtedly obtain a happy falvation, though not
that enjoyment with Chrift, as his faints, confeffors,
and martyrs muft enjoy.
}
But leaving thefe determinations afide, more fit
for divines than me to difcufs, began to inftruct
my fervant in the knowledge of the true Deity, in
which the directions of God's Holy Spirit aflifted
me. I lifted up my hands to heaven, and pointing
thereto, told him, that the great Maker of heaven
and earth lived there: that as his infinite power
faſhioned this world out of a confufed chaos, and
made it in that beautiful frame which we behold,
fo he governs and preferves it by his unbounded
knowledge, fovereign greatnefs, and peculiar pro-
vidence that he was omnipotent, could do every
thing for us, and take every thing away: that he was
1
1 18
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
a rewarder and punisher of good and evil actions t
that there was nothing but what he knew, no thoughts
ſo ſecret but what he could bring to light; and thus,
by degrees, I opened his eyes, and defcribed to him the
manner of the creation of the world, the fituation of
paradife, the tranfgreffion of our firft parents, the
wickedness of God's peculiar people, and the univer-
fal fins and abominations of whole earth. When
theſe things were implanted in his mind, I told him,
that as God's juftice was equal to his mercy, he
refolved to destroy this world, till his fon Jefus Chrift
interpofed in our behalf; and, to procure our redemp-
tion obtained leave of his heavenly father to come
down from Heaven into the world, where he took
human nature upon him, inftructed us in our way to
eternal life, and died as a facrifice for our fins; that
he was now afcended into heaven, mediating for our
pardon, delivering our petitions, and obtaining all
thofe good benefits which we afk in his name, by
humble and hearty prayers, all which were heard at
the throne of Heaven. As very frequently I uſed to
inculcate things into his mind, Friday one day told me,
that if our great God could hear us beyond the fun,
he muſt ſurely be a greater God than their Benamuckee,
who lived but a little way off, and yet could not hear
them till they afcended the great mountains where he
dwelt, to ſpeak to him. What, faid 1, Friday, did you
go thither to ſpeak to him too? He answered, No,
they never went that were young men, none but old
men, called their Oowakakee, meaning the Indian
Prieſts, who went to ſay O, (fo he called faying their
prayers) and they returned back, and told them what
Benamuckee faid, from hence, I could not but ob-
ferve how happy we chriftians are, who have God's
immediate revelation for our certain guide; and that
our faith is neither milled, nor our reafon impoſed
upon, by any ſet of men, fuch as thefe Indian im-
poftors.
1
But, to clear up this palpable cheat to my man
Friday, I told him that the pretence of their ancient
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
119
men going up to the mountain to fay O to their God
Benumuckee was an impofture, and that their bringing
back an anſwer was all a fham, if not worſe, for that if
there was any fuch thing ſpoken to them, furely it inult
proceed from an infernal fpirit. And here I thought it
neceflary to enter into a long difcourfe with him, which
I did after this manner,
Friday, faid 1, you must know, that before this
world was made, there was an Almighty Power ex-
ifting, by whofe power all things were made, and
whofe Majefty fhall have no end. To be glorified
and adored by beings of a heavenly nature, he created
angels and arch-angels, that is, glorified fpirits re-
fembling himself, to encompafs his throne, eternally
finging forth his praife in the moſt heavenly founds
and divine harmony. And, among this heavenly
choir, Lucifer bore a great fway, as being then one
of the peculiar favourites of thefe celeftial abodes; but
he, contrary to that duty which he owed his heavenly
Sovereign, with unbounded ingratitude to his divine
Creator, not only envied him that adoration which
was his due, but thought to ufurp that throne which
he had neither power to keep, nor title to pretend
to. He railed a diffenfion and civil war in Heaven,
and had a number of angels to take his part. Un-
bounded folly! ftupendous pride! thus to hope for
victory, and afpire above his powerful Creator! The
Deity, not fearful of fuch an enemy, yet juftly pro-
voked at this rebellion, commiffioned his arch-angel
Michael to lead forth the heavenly hof, and give
him battle; the advantage of which was quickly
perceived, by Satan's being overthrown, and the prince
of the air (for fo the devil was called) with all his
fallen angels, driven headlong into a difimal place,
which is called Hell.
The recital of this truth made my man give the
greateſt attention, and he expreffed a great fatisfaction
by his geftures, that God had fent the devil into the
deep hole. And then I defired him to give great heed
to what I had further to ſay.
M
120
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
No fooner, proceeded I, was God freed from, and
the Heavens clear of this arch-traitor, but the father
fpeaks to the Son and Holy Spirit, who belonged to
his effence, and were equal to him in power and glory,
Come let us make man, faid he, in our own image, after
our own likeness, Gen, i. 26, to have dominion over the
creatures of the world which we have created. And.
theſe he intended fhould glorify him in Heaven, accor-
ding to their obedience in this ftate of probation on
earth, which was, as it were, to be the ſchool to train
them up for thefe heavenly manfions.
Now, Satan feeing him foiled; yet that God had
not taken the power from him as a prince of the air,
which power Heaven defigned he fhould retain, where-
by his creatures might be tried; in revenge for the dif
grace he had received, he tempts Adam's wife, Eve,
to tafte of the tree of knowledge of good and evil,
which God had forbidden, He appears to her in the
hape of a ferpent, then a moft beautiful creature, and
tells her, that it was no better than an impofition which
God had put upon her and her husband, not to eat of
that fair fruit which he had created; that the tafte
thereof would make them immortal like God himfelf;
and confequently as great and powerful as he. Upon
which the not only eat thereof herſelf, but made her
hufband eat alfo, which brought them both under the
heavenly diſpleaſure.
Here Friday exprefled a great concern; Ah, poor
mans! cried he, naughty womans! naughty devil! make
God not love de mans, make mans like devil himself.
Friday, faid I, God ftill loved mankind, and tho' the
devil tempted human nature fo far, he would not fuffer
him to have an abfolute power over them.
I have told you before of his tender love to his people,
till they, like Lucifer, difobeyed his commands and
rebelled against him; and even then, how Jefus Chrift,
his only fon, came to fave finners. But fill every
man that lives in the world is under temptation and
trial. The devil has yet a power, as prince of the air,
to fuggeft evil cogitations in our minds, and prompt us
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE,
121
}
·
+
ort to wicked actions, that he might glory in our def
truction. Whatever evil thoughts we have, proceed
from
him; fo that God, in this our diftrefs, expects we
fhould apply ourselves to him by fervent prayer for
fpeedy redrefs. He is not like Benamuckee, to let none
come near him but Oowakakee, but fuffers the people
as well as prieſts to offer themſelves at his feet, thereby
to be delivered from the power and temptation of the
devil..
But though at firft my man Friday expreffed fome
concern at the wickedness of Lucifer, I found it not
fo eafy to imprint the right notions of him in his
mind, as it was about the divine effence of God: for
there nature affifted me in all my arguments to ſhew
to him plainly the neceffity of a great caufe, and
over-ruling governing power, of a fecret directing
providence, and of the equity and reafonableneis
of paying adoration to our Creator; whereas there
appeared nothing of all this in the notion of an evil
fpirit, of his firft beginning, his nature, and above
all, of his inclination to evil actions, and his
power to tempt us to the like. And indeed this
unlearned Indian, by the mere: force of nature,
puzzled me with one particular queftion, more than
ever I could have expected.
I had, one day, been talking to him of the om-
nipotent power of God, and his infinite abhorrence
of fin, infomuch that the fcriptures ftyled him a
confuming fire to all the workers of iniquity; and
that it was in his power, whenever he pleated, to
deftroy all the world in a moment, the greater part
of which are continually offending him..
When, with a ferious attention, he had liftened!
a great while to what 1 faid, after I had been telling
him how the devil was God's enemy in the hearts
of men, and ufed all his malice and kill to defeat
the good defigns of Providence, and deftroy the
kingdom of Chrift in the world, and fo forth Very
well, mafter, faid Friday, you fay God is fo ftrong,
for great, is he not much strong, much mightier
M2
122
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
than the naughty devil? To be fure, Friday, faid
I, God is more wife, and much ftronger than the
ferpent: he is above the devil, which makes us,
pray to him, that he would tread down Satan under
is feet, enable us to refift the violent temptations,
and quench his fiery darts. Why then, anfwered
Friday quickly, if God, as you fay, has much frong,
much might as the devil, why God no kill devil, make no
more tempt, no more do wicked.
You may be certain, I was ftrangely furprized at
this queftion of my man's; and though an old man,
I was but a young doctor, and confequently very
ill qualified for a cafuift, or a refolver of intricate
doubts in religion, and, as it required fome time
for me to ftudy for an answer, I pretended not to
bear him, nor to afk him what he laid: but ſo ear-
neft was he for an answer, as not to forget his quef-
tion, which he repeated in the very fame broken
words as above. When had recovered myfelf a
little, Friday, faid I, God will at last punish him feverely,
being referved for judgment, and is to be cast into the
bottomlefs pit, to remain in fire everlafling. But all this
did not fatisfy Friday; for, returning upon me, he
repeated my words, RESERVE AT LAST, me no un-
derfand; but, why not kill devil now, not kill devil,
great, great while ago? Friday, faid 1, you may as
well alk me, why God does not kill you and me,
when by our wicked actions, we fo much offend
his divine majefty? He gives us time to re-
pent of our fins, that thereby we may obtain par-
don. At thefe words obtain pardon, Friday mufed a
great while; and, at laft, looking me ftedfaftly in
the face, Well, well, faid he, that's very well; fo you,
I, devil, all wicked mans, all preferve, repent, God par-
don all.
Indeed here I was run down to the laft extremity,
when it became very evident to me, how mere na-
tural notions will guide reafonable creatures to the
knowledge of a Deity, and to the homage due to
the fupreme being of God; but, however, nothing
4
}
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
123:
But divine revelation can form the knowledge of
Jefus Chrift, and of a redemption purchafed for
us, of the mediator of the new covenant, and of
an interceffor at the footftool of God's throne: and,
therefore, the gofpel of our Lord and Saviour Je-
fus Chrif; that is, the Word and Spirit of God,
promiſed for the guide and fanctifier of his people,
are the most neceffary inftructors of the fouls of
men, in the faving knowledge of the Alinighty,
and the means to attain eternal happinefs.
And now I found it necellary to put an end to›
this difcourfe between my man and me; for which
purpole I rofe up haftily, and made as if I had ſome
occafion to go out, fending Friday for fomething that
was a good way off. I then fell on my knees and
befeeched God that he would infpire me fo far as to
guide this poor favage in the knowledge of Chrift.
When he returned again, I entered into a long dif
courfe with him, upon the fubject of the world's
redemption by the Saviour of it, and the doctrine
of repentance preached from heaven, together with
an holy faith of our bleffed Redeemer Jefus Chrift:
and then I proceeded to explain to him, according
to my weak capacity, the reafon why our Saviour
took not on him the nature of angels, but rather
the feed of Abraham; and how the fallen angels
had no benefit by that redemption; and, laftly,'
that he came only to the loft fheep of the houfe of
Ifrael, and the like. God knows I had more fin---
cerity than knowledge, what I believe every body
that acts upon the fame principle will find, that ing
laying heavenly truths open before him I informed!
and inftructed mytelf in many things that either I
did not know, or had not perfectly confidered be--
fore; fo that, however this poor creature might
be improved by my inftructions, certain it is,-that I
myfelf had great reafon to be thankful to Provi-
dence for fending him to me. His company allayed
my grief, and made my habitation comfortable;
and, when I reflected that the folitary life to which
·
M.35
124
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
!
I had been fo long confined, had made me look fur-
ther towards heaven, by making me the inftrument,
under Providence, to fave the life, and, for ought I
know, the foul of this poor favage, by bringing him
to the knowledge of Jefus Chrift, it caufed a fecret
joy to spread through every part of my foul; and I
frequently rejoiced, that ever I was brought to this
place, which I once thought the moft miferable part
of the world.
In this thankful frame of mind did I afterwards
continue, while I abode on the ifland, and for three
years did my man and I live in the greatest enjoyment
of happineſs. Indeed, I believe the favage was as
good a Chriftian as 1; and I hope we were equally
penitent; and fuch penitents as were comforted and
restored by God's Holy Spirit; for now we had the
word of the Lord to inftrust us in the right way, as
much as if we had been on the Englifh fhore.
By the conftant application I made of the Scrip-
tures, as I read them to my man Friday, I earnestly
endeavoured to make him underfland every part of it,
as much as lay in my power. He alfo on the other
hand, by his very ferious queftions and enquiries,
made me a much better proficient in fcripture know-
ledge, than I fhould have been by my own private
reading and study. I must not omit another thing,
proceeding from the experience I had in my retire-
ment; it was that infinite and inexpreffible bleffing,
the knowledge of God, through Jefus Chrift, which
was fo plain and eafy to be understood, as immedi-
ately to direct me to carry on the great work of fin-
cere repentance for my fins, and laying hold of a Sa-
viour for eternal life, to a practical stated reformation,
and obedience to all God's inftitutions, without the
affiftance of any divine; and efpecially by this fame
inftruction, fo to enlighten this favage creature, as
to make him fo good a Chriftian, as few could ex-
ceed. And there was only this great thing wanting
that I had no authority to adminifter the holy facra-
ment, that heavenly participation of Chrift's body and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
125
blood, yet, however, we refted ourſelves content,
that God would accept our defires, and according to
our faith, have mercy on us.
+
But what we wanted one way, was made up in
another, and that was univerfal peace in our little
church. We had no difputes and wranglings about
the nature and equality of the holy, bleffed, and un-
divided Trinity; no niceties in doctrine, or fchemes
of church government; no four or morofe diffenters
to impoſe more fublimated notions upon us; no pen-
dant fophifters to confound us with unintelligible
myfteries: but, inftead of all this, we enjoyed the
moft certain guide to heaven; that is, the word of
God: befides which, we had the comfortable views
of his fpirit leading us to the truth, and making us
both willing and obedient to the inftruction of his
word.
You may well fuppofe, that, by the frequent dif-
courſe we had together, my man and I became most
intimately acquainted, and that there was but very
little that I could fay, but what Friday understood;
and indeed, he fpoke very fluently, though it was but
broken English. I now took a particular pleaſure in
relating all my adventures, eſpecially thofe that oc-
curred fince my being caft on this ifland. I made
him underſtand that wonderful myftery, as he con-
ceived, of gunpowder and bullet, and taught him how
to shoot. I alfo prefented to him a knife, which
pleafed him exceedingly, making him a belt, with a
frog hanging thereto, like thofe in which we wear
hangers in England; and, inftead of a hanger to put
in the frog, I gave him a hatchet, which was not on-
ly as good, but even a better weapon upon many oc-
cafions. In a word, my man thus accoutred, looked
upon himself as great as Don Quixote, when that ce-
lebrated champion went to combat the windmill.
1 next gave him a particular defcription of the ter-
ritories of Europe, and in a particular manner of
Old England, the place of my nativity. I laid be-
fore him the manner of our worſhipping God, oùr
F26 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
behaviour one to another, and how we trade in ſhips
to every part of the univeife. I then told him my
misfortune in being fhipwrecked, fhowing him as
near as I could the place where the hip lay, which
had been gone long before; but I brought him to the
ruins of my boat, which before my whole ftrength
could not move, but now was almoft rotten and fallen.
to pieces. I obferved my man Friday to view this
boat with an uncommon curiofity; which, when he
had done, he stood pondering a great while, and faid-
nothing. At laft, faid 1, Friday, what makes you
ponder fo much? He replied, O mafter, me fee like.
boat come to place at my nation.
It was fome time, indeed, before I understood what
my man meant;, but examining strictly into it,. F Is
plainly found, that fuch another boat, reſembling
mine, had come upon the country, where he dwelt:
that is to fay, by his farther explanation, that the
boat was driven there through ftrefs of weather. It
then came into my mind that fome European ſhip-
having been caft away; the poor diftreffed creatures
were forced to have recourſe to the boat to fave their
lives; and being all, as I thought, drowned, I never
concerned myself to afk any thing concerning them,
But my only enquiry was about the boat, and what
defcripton my man could give of it.
Indeed Friday anfwered my demands very well,
making every thing very plain to my understanding
but beyond meaſure was I fatisfied when he told me
with great warmth and ardour, O master, we fave
white mans from drown; upon which I immediately.
aſked him, if there were any white mans, as he called
them, in the boat; Yes, yes, faid he, the boat full in
very full of white mans. How many, Friday faid I.
Hereupon he numbered his fingers, and counted 17...
And when I aſked him what became of them all, and-
whether they lived or not? he replied, Yes, mafler„
they all live,, they be live among my nation. This infor
mation put freſh thoughts into my head, that the fe
must be thofe very men who before I concluded had
1
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
127
:
been fwallowed up in the ocean, after they had left
their (hip, that had ftruck upon the rocks of my
kingdom, and after efcaping the fury of the deep,
landed upon the wild fhore, and committed them-
felves to the fury of the devouring Indians.
The manner of their cruelties to one another,
which confequently, as I thought, muſt be acted
with greater barbarity to ftrangers, excited in me a
great anxiety, and made me ftill more curious to afk
Friday concerning them. He he told me was fure
they fill lived there, having refided among them
above four years, and that the favages gave them
victuals to live upon; but pray, Friday, laid I,
whence proceeded all this good nature and genero-
fity? How came it to pafs that they did not kill
and eat them, to pleaſe their devouring appetites ;
and occafion fo plendid an entertainment among
them? No, no, faid Friday, they not kill 'em, they
make brother with 'em; by which I underſtood there
was a truce between them. And then I had a more
favourable opinion of the Indians, upon Friday's
uttering theſe words: My nation t'other nation no eat
mans, but when mans make war fight: as though he
had faid, that neither thofe of his kingdom, nor
any other nations that he knew of, ever ate their
fellow-creatures, but fuch as their law of arms al-
lowed to be devoured that is, thofe miferable
captives, whofe misfortune it fhould be to be made
prifoners of war.
Some confiderable time after, upon a very plea-
fant day, in moft ferene weather, my man and I
flood upon the top of an hill, on the eaft fide of
the island, whence I had once before beheld the
continent of America. I could not tell imme-
diately what was the matter; for fuddenly Friday
fell a jumping and dancing as if he had been mad';
and upon my demanding the reafon of his behaviour,
O joy, faid he, O glad! there fee my country, there my
nation, there live white mans gether. And indeed fuch
a rapturous fenfe of pleaſure appeared in his coun-
#28
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tenance, that his eyes had an uncommon fparkling
and brightneſs, and fuch a ftrange eagerness, as if
he had a longing defire to be in his own country
again. This made me not fo well,fatisfied with
my man Friday as before; for by this appearance,
I made no difpute, but that if he could get back
thither again, he would not only be unmindful of
what religion I had taught him but likewife of the
great obligation he owed me for his wonderful de-
liverance: nay, that he would not only inform his
countrymen of me, but accompany hundreds of
them to my kingdom, and make me a miferable
facrifice like, thofe unhappy wretches taken in
battle.
Indeed I was very much to blame to have the fe
cruel and unjuft fufpicions, and muft freely own I
wronged the poor creature very much, who was of
a quite contrary temper. And had he had that dif
cerning acutenefs which moft Europeans have, he
would certainly have perceived my colduefs and in-
difference, and alfo have been very much concerned.
upon that account: as I was now more circumfpect,
I had mucn leffened my kindaefs and familiarity
with him, and while this jealoufy continued, I uſed
that artful way of pumping him daily, thereby to
diſcover whether he was deceitful in his thoughts
and inclinations; but certainly he had nothing in
him but what was confiftent with the beſt princi-
ples, both as a religious Chriftian and a grateful
friend; and, indeed, I found every thing he laid
was fo ingenuous and innocent, that I had no
room for ſuſpicion, and, in ſpite of all unea fineſs,
he not only made me entirely his own again, but
alfo caufed me much to lament that I ever con-
ceived one ill thought of him.
As we were walking up the fame hill another day,
when the weather was fo hazy at fea, that I could
not perceive the continent, Friday, faid I, don't
you with yourſelf to be in your own country, your
own nation, among your old friends and acquain-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
129
tances? Yes, faid he, me much O glad to be at my own
nation. And what would you do there Friday?
Would you turn wild again, eat man's fleſh, and be
a favage as you were formerly? No, no, (anſwered
he, full of concern, and baking his head) Friday
now tell them to live good, tell them pray God, tell them
to eat corn bread, cattle, flesh, milk, no eat man again.
But furely, replied 1, if you fhould offer to do all
this, they will kill you; and to manifeft their con-
tempt of fuch inftruction, eat you up when they
have done. He then put on a grave, yet innocent
and smooth countenance, faying, No, they no kill
me, they willing love learn: that is, that they would
be very willing to learn adding withall, that they
had learned very much of the bearded mans that came in
the boat. Will you, faid I, go back again, Friday?
He fmiled at that, and told me, that he could not
fwin fo far. But faid I, I will make a canoe for
you: Yes, maſter ſaid he, me go if you go, me no go
if you stay. I go, Friday! why, would you have
them eat me up, and devour your kind mafter? No,
no, faid he, me make them no eat master, and me make
them much love you; that is, he would tell them how
I had flain his enemies, and thereby faved his life,
for which reafon he would make them love me :
and then he related to me, as well as he was able,
how exceeding kind thofe of his nation were to the
white, or bearded men.
It was from this time, indeed, I had ftrong incli-
nations to venture over, and ufe my utmoſt efforts,
if poffible, to join with thefe white bearded men,
who undoubtedly were Spaniards or Portugueſe;
for, thought I, it must be certainly a better and fafer
way to elcape when there is a good company, than
for me alone, from an iſland 40 miles off the fhore,
and without any affiftance, Some days after, Fri-
day and I being at work, as ufual, at the fame time.
diverting ourselves with various difcourfes, I told
him I had a boat which I would beftow upon him,
whenever he pleaſed to return to his nation: and to
130
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
convince him of the truth of what I faid, I took
him with me to the other fide of the ifland, where
my frigate lay, and then taking her from under
water (for I always kept her funk for fear of a dif-
covery) we both went into it to fee how it would
manage fuch an expedition.
And really never could any be more dexterous in
rowing than my faithful fervant, making the boat
go as faft again as I could. Well, now, Friday,
faid I fhall we now go to your much defired nation?
But instead of meeting with that chearfulneſs I ex-
pected, he looked very dull and melancholy at my
faying fo; which indeed at firft furprifed me, till
he made me fenfible, that his concern was about the
boat's being too fmall to go fo far a voyage. Upon
which I let him underſtand I had a much bigger;
and, accordingly the next day went to the place.
where the firft boat lay, which I had made, when
all the ftrength I had, or ait I could ufe, failed ine
in my attempt to get it into the water: but now it
having lain in the fun two and twenty years, and
no care being taken of it all that while, it became
in a manner rotten. My man told me, that fuch
a boat would do very well for the purpofe, fufficient
to carry enough vittle, drink, bread, for that was his
manner of talking. In fhort, my mind being
ftrongly fixed upon my defign of going over with
him to the continent, I plainly told him, that we
would both go and make a boat full as big, and more
proportionable than that, wherein he might fafely
return to his own nation.
It
Theſe words made Friday look fo very penfive,
that I thought he would have fallen at my feet.
was fome time before he could fpeak a word, which
made me afk him, what was the matter with him?
He replied, in a very foft and moving tone, What.
has poor Friday done? why are you angry mad with poor
fervant? what me done, Ŏ what me done? Friday, faid
I, you never yet have offended me: what makes
you think I am angry with you, when I am not
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
131
In
angry at all, You no angry, no angry, ſaid he ſeveral
times; if you be no angry, why den fend Friday over
great water to my own nation? Why, furely, Friday,
anſwered I, did not you with to be there, when, from
a mountain, you beheld the place where you was born?
and is it not to fatisfy your defires that I am willing
to give you leave to return thither? Yes, yes, faid Fri-
day, me wifk be there fure enough, but me den wish master
there too no wish. Friday there, no master there.
fhort, he could not endure the thoughts of going
there without me. I go there, Friday faid I, what
fhall I do there?-He anfwered very quickly,, O maf-
ter, you do great deal much good, you teach all de wild
mans to be good tame mans: you learn dem to be fober,
live good life to know God, and pray God. Alas!
Alas! poor
Friday, faid I, what can I do against their priests of
Benamuckee, or indeed what good can I make your.
nation fenfible of, when I myfelf am but a poor igno-
rant man? No, no mafter, faid he, you be no ignorant,
you teachee me good, you teachee dem good. You ſhall
go without me, Friday, faid I, for I don't care to ac-
company you thither; I would rather live in this fo-
litude than venture among fuch inhuman favages.
Go your way, fince you defire it, and leave me
alone by myself, as I was before I faved your life.
Never was any creature more thunder ftruck than
Friday was at thefe words. Go me away, leave master
away, faid he, after a long filence, no, no, Friday die,
Friday live not majter gone; as though he had faid, I
neither can nor will live, if my mafter fends me from
him.
After I had told Friday, in a very carelefs manner,
that he fhould be at his liberty as foon as the boat was
made, the language of his eyes expreffed all imagina-
ble confufion; when, immediately running to one of
his hatchets, which he used to wear as a defenſive
weapon, he gives it into my hand, with a heart fo full,
that he could fcarcely fpeak. Friday, faid I, what is
it you mean? what muft do with this? Only kill
Friday, ſaid he, Friday care not live long. But what
N
$37 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
muft I kill you for? replied I again. Ah, dear maf
ter, what made you Friday fave from eat a me up, fo
keep long Friday, make Friday love God, and not love
Benamuckee, and now Friday fend away, never fee Fri-
day more.
After Friday's grief was fomething abated, more
fully to convince me of his affection, he faid, O maler,
me not care to be in my nation, leave you here, me defire
nation learn good, that's all; meaning, that his defire
was for the converfion of that barbarous people. Büt
as I had no apoftolic miffion, nor any concern about
their falvation; fo I had not the leaf intention or de-
fire of undertaking it; and the ftrength of my incli-
nation, in order to escape, proceeded chiefly from my
late difcourfe with Friday, about thefe feventeen white
beared men, that had been driven upon the barbarian
coaft; whom I defigned to join, as the only means
to further our efcape. To which intent my man and
I went to ſearch for a proper tree to fell, whereof we
might make a periagua or canoe, to undertake the
voyage; and, indeed, we were not long in finding one
fit for our purpofe, there being enough of wood in
the ifland to have built a fleet of large veffels, but the
thing we principally wanted, was, to get one fo near
the water, that we might launch it after it was finifh-
ed, and not commit fo horrid a mistake as I had done
once before.
-
་:
Well, after a great fearch for what was beft and
moft convenient, Friday at laft, whofe judgment in
fuch affairs was much fuperior to mine, pitches up-
on a kind of wood the moft fitting for it. To this
day I cannot tell the name of the tree, nor defcribe
it any other way, than only by ſaying, that it is
very like that we call fuftic, or between that and
the Nicaragua wood, being much of the fame co-
lour and fmell. But though my man exceeded me
in the knowledge of the moft proper tree, yet I
thewed him a much better and cleaner way to make
a canoe than ever he knew before: for he was for
burning the hollow or cavity of the tree, in order
(
OF KOBINSON CRUSOE.
133
D
to make this boat; but I then told him how we
might do it with the tools, learning him at the fame
time how to uſe them, which indeed he did very
dexterously;
fo that in a month's time we finished
it, making it very handfome, by cutting the out-
fide in the true fhape of a boat. After this it took
us a full fortnight before we could get her into the
water, which we did, as it were, inch by inch upon
great rollers but when in, (he would have carried
twenty men, with all eafe imaginable.
As I was very well pleafed, you may be fure, at
the launching of this man of war of mine, I was no
lefs amazed to behold with what dexterity my man
would manage her, turn her, and paddle her along.
Well, Friday, laid I, what do you think of it now
Do you think this will carry us over? Yes, mafter,
faid he, me veuture over well, though great blow wind.
But my defign was yet farther, which he was infen-
fible of; and that was to make a maft and fail, and
to provide her with an anchor and cable.
As to a
maft, that was no difficult thing at all to procure?
fo fixing upon a ftraight young cedar-tree, great
plenty of it abounding in the ifland; and fetting
Friday to cut it down, I gave him particular direc-
tions how to fhape and order it; but as to the fail,
that I managed myfélf. I very well knew I had
fome old ones, or pieces of fails enough, which
had lain fix and twenty years by me; but not being
careful to preferve them, thinking I fhould have
no occafion to uſe them; when I came to look over
them, I found them almoft all rotten, except two;
and with theſe I went to work, and after a great
deal of pains and awkward tedious ftitching for wart
of needles, at length I finished a three-cornered
ugly thing like that we call in England a fhoulder
of mutton fail, to go with a boom at bottom, and
a little fmall fprit at the top, like thefe which our
long-boats ufe, and which I very well knew how to
manage; efpecially fince it was like that which I
laad in my patron's fishing boat, when with my boy
N 2
་
134
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
"
Xury, I made my eſcape from the barbarian fhore.
It was near two months, I think, before I com-
pleted this work, that is, the rigging, and fitting
my maft and fails; and indeed they were nicely
done, having made a fmall ftay, and a fail, or fore-
fail to it, to affift, if we fhould turn to the weftward;
and, which was ftill more, I fixed a rudder to the
ftern of her, to fteer with; and though I was but
a very indifferent fhip-wright, yet, as I was fenfible
of the great uſefulneſs and abfolute neceffity of a
thing like this, I applied myfelf to it with fuch
conftant application, that at laft I accomplished my
defign; but what with the many contrivances I had,
and the failure of many things, it coft me as much
pains in ordering as in making the boat. Befides,
when all this was done, I had my man to teach
what belonged to its navigation; for though he
very well understood how to paddle a canoe alone,
he was an utter ftranger to a fail and a rudder, and
h:
was amazed when he faw me work the boat to and
again in the fea, by them, and how the fail gibbed
and filled this way or that way, as the courſe we
failed changed. After fome time, and a little ufe,
I made all theſe things very familiar to him, fo that
he became an expert failor, except in relation to
the compaſs, and that I could make him underftand
but little of. But as it happened, there was feldom
occafion for it, there being but little cloudy weather,
and fcarce any fog in thofe parts; the ſtars were al-
ways vifible in the night and the fhore perfpicuous
by day, except in the rainy ſeaſon, which confined
every one to his habitation. Thus entered into
the 27th year of my reign or captivity, which you
pleafe, (the last three of which, bleffed with the
company of my man Friday, ought not to be reckon-
ed) I kept the anniverfary of my landing here with
the fame thankfulneſs to God, for his tender mer-
cies, as I did before: and certainly, as I had great
caufe for thankful acknowledgement for my delive-
rance at firft; I had much greater now for fuch fin-.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE..
135°
/
gular and additional teftimonies of the care of Pro-
vidence over me, in all my diftreffes of both body
and mind, and the great hopes had of being ef-
fectually and ſpeedily delivered; for 1 had a ftrong,
impreffion upon my mind, that I fhould not be
another year in this ifland. But, however, I fill
continued on with my huſbandry, digging, plan-
ting, and fencing, as ufual; gathering and curing:
my grapes, and doing all other things that were
neceffary.
And now the rainy feafon beginning to come on,
obliged me to keep the longer within doors; but
before this, I brought my new veffel into the creek,
where I had landed my rafts from the fhip, and har
ling her up to the fhore, I ordered my man Friday,
to dig a dock fufficient to hold her in, and deep
enough to give her water, wherein the might float;
and then, when the tide was out, we made a ftrung
dam crofs the end of it, to keep out the water; by
which means the lay dry, as to the tide from the
fea; and to keep the rain from her, we thatched!
her over as it were with boughs of trees, like at
houfe; fo we waited for the months of November
and December, in which I defigned to venture over
the ocean.:
J
•
3
No fooner did the feafonable weather begin to
draw near, but fa much was I elevated with this
new defigned adventure, that I daily prepared fors
the voyage. The first thing I thought on was, to
lay by a certain quantity of provifions, as a fuffici--
ent ftore for fach an expedition, intending in a
week or a fortnights time to open the dock, and
lunch out the boat for that purpofe. But one:
morning as I was very bufy upon fomething necef-·
fary for this occafion, I called Friday to me, and
bid him go to the fea fhore, and fee if he could't
find a turtle or tortoife, a thing which we common-
ly had once a week, as much upon account of the:
eggs, as for the fake of the fleth. He had not been!
long gone, but he came ruuning back, as though
}
N3:
136
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
enquire the
he was purfued for life, and as it were flew over
my outer wall, or fence, like one that felt not the
ground, or fteps he fet his feet on; before I had
time to enquire the, reafon of his precipitation, he
cries out, O dear maſter, O forrow! forrow! Bad! O
bad! Why, what's the matter Friday, faid I. 0,
yonder, yonder, faid he, there be one, two, or three
canoes! two, three.
Surely (thought I) there must be fix, by my
man's way of reckoning; but on a ſtricter enquiry,
I found there were but three. Well, Friday, faid
1, don't be terrified. I warrant you we will not
only defend ourſelves againſt them, but kill the
moſt of theſe cruel favages. But though I comfor-
ted him in the beft manner I could, the poor crea-
ture trembled fo, that I ſcarce knew what to do
with him: 0, master, faid he, they come look Friday,
cut pieces Friday, cut a me up.
But
Why, Friday, faid I, they will eat me up as well
as you, and my danger is as great as yours.
fince it is fo, we must refolve to fight for our lives.
What lay you? can you fight, Friday? Yes, faid
he, very faintly, me fhoot, me kill what I can, but there
come great many number. That's no matter, faid I
again, our guns will terrify thofe that we do not
kill; I am very willing to ftand by you to the laſt
drop of my blood.
Now, tell me, if you will do the like by me, and
obey my orders in what foever I command? Friday
then anfwered, O master, me lofe life for you, me die
when you bid die. Thus concluding all queftions
concerning his fidelity, immediately i fetched him
a good dram of rum, (of which I had been a very
good husband) and gave it him to comfort his heart..
After he had drank it, I ordered him to take the
two fowling pieces, which we always carried, and
load them with large fwan fhot, as big as finall pif-
tol bullets; then I took four mufkets and loaded
them with two flugs, and five finall bullets each;
charging my two piftols each with a brace, I hung
}
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
137
my great fword, as cuftomary, naked to my fide, and
gave Friday his hatchet, as a moſt excellent weapon
for defence.
Thus prepared, I thought as well of myſelf as any
knight-errant that ever handled a fword and fpear. I
took
my perſpective glafs, and went up to the fide of
the hill, to fee what I could diſcover; and I perceiv-
ed very foon, by my glaſs, that there were one and
twenty favages, three prifoners, and three canoes,
and their chief concern feemed to be the triumphant
banquet upon the three poor human bodies, a thing
which by this time I had obſerved was very common
with them. I alſo remarked, that they did not land
at that place from whence Friday made his efcape,
but nearer to the creek where the fhore was low, and
where a thick wood came very cloſe to the ſea. My
foul was then filled with indignation and abhorrence
at ſuch inhuman wretches, which put a period to all
my former thoughts in their vindication, neither
would. I give myfelf time to confider their right of
conqueft, as I had done before: But defcending from
the mountain, I came down to Friday, and told him,
I was refolved to go ſpeedily to them, and kill them
all, afking him again in the fame breath, if he would
ftand by me: When by this time being recovered
from his fright, and his fpirit much cheered with the
dram 1 had given him, he was very pleafant; yet fe-
rioufly telling me, as he did before, When Ibid die, he
would die.
And now it was, having fixed my refolution in fo
ftrong a manner, that nothing could diveft my breaft
of its uncommon fury. I immediately divided the
loaded arms betwixt us. To my man Friday I gave
a piſtol to ſtick in his girdle, with three guns upon his
fhoulder, a weight too great I confefs to bear; but
what muſt a poor king do, who had but one foldier
in the world? But to fhew I made him bear no more
than what I would lay on myſelf, I ftuck the ober
piftol in my girdle, and the other three guns upou my
fhoulders nay fomething more, but that was like
138
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Elop's burden, a fmall bottle of rum, which was
foon lightened to our exceeding refreshment. Thus
we marched out, under a ponderous load of armour,
like two invincible champions, with a quantity of pow-
der and bullets to ftand our battle and load again,.
when the pieces were difcharged. And now my or-
ders being to be obeyed, 1 charged Friday to keep
clofe behind me, and not to ftir, or fhoot, or attempt
any thing till I commanded him; and, in the inte
rim, not to speak fo much as one word. It was in
this order I fetched a compafs to the right hand of
near a mile, as well to get over the creek, as to at-
tain the wood; and by this, I thought to come with-
in fhot of them before I could be difcerned, as I
found by my glaſs, would not be difficult to accom-
plifh.
But how fickle and wavering is the mind of men,
even in our greatet fury and ftrongefi inclinations?
for while I was taking this march, my refolution bé--
gan to abate, not through fear of their numbers, who
were a parcel of naked unarmed wretches, but thoſe
reflections occurred to my thoughts: what power
Was I commitioned with, or what occafion or necef-
fity had I to go and imbrue my hands in human blood,.
and murder people that had neither done nor intend-
ed to do mé any wrong? They were innocent in par--
ticular as to me; and their barbarous cuſtom was
not only their misfortune but a ſign that God had left:
them in the most inmenfe ftupidity; but yet did not
warmant me to be a judge of their actions, much lefs
an executioner of his righteous judgements: That
on the contrary, whenever he thought fit, he would
take vengeance on them himſelf and punish them in
a national way, according to their national crimes;
but this was nothing at all to me, who had no con-
cern with them. Indeed my man Friday might juf
tify himself, becaule they were his declared enemies,
of that very nation that went to facrifice him before;
and, indeed, it was lawful for him to attack them,
which I could not fay was fo with refpect to me. So
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
139
warmly did theſe things prefs upon my thoughts all
the way I went, that I only refolved to place myſelf fo
as to behold their bloody entertainment, without fal-
ling upon them, except fomething more than ordi-
nary, by God's special direction, ſhould oblige me
thereto.
Thus fixed in my refolution, I entered into the
thick wood, (my man Friday following me clofe be-
hind) when with all poffible warinefs and filence, I
marched till I came to the ſkirt of it, on that fide
which was the nearest to them; for only one end of
the wood interpofed between me and them. Upon
which I called very foftly to Friday; and fhewing
him a great tree, that was juft at the corner of the
wood, I ordered him to repair thither, and bring me
word, if he could plainly perceive their actions; ac-
cordly, he did as I commanded him, and came back
with this melancholy story, that they were all about
their fire, eating the flesh of one of their prifoners;
and that another lay bound upon the fand, à little dif
tant from them, which they defigned for their next fa-
crifice; and this he told me was not one of their na-
tion, but one of thofe very bearded men, who was
driven by a ſtorm into their country, and of whom
he had fo often ſpoke to me about. You
You may be fure,
that upon hearing this, my foul was ready to fink
within me when afcending up into a tree I faw
plainly, by my glafs, a white man, who lay upon the
beach of the fea, with his hands tied with flags or
things refembling rufhes, being covered with clothes,
and feemed to be an European. From the tree where
I took this profpect 1 perceived another tree, and a
thicket beyond it, about fifty yards nearer to them
than where I was, which, by taking a fmall circle
round, I might come at undifcovered and then I
fhould be within half a ſhot of theſe devourers.
this conſideration alone, to be more perfectly revenged
upon them, made me withold my paffion, though I
was enraged to the highest degree; when going back
about twenty paces, I got behind fome bushes, which
And
140
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
·
held all the way till I came to the other tree, and then
I afcended to a little rifing ground, and there I had a'
full view of theſe creatures, and I could' perceive all
their actions.
Such a fight did then appear, as obliged me not to
lofe a moment's time. No less than nineteen of
thefe wretches fat upon the ground, clofe together,
expreffing all the delight imaginable at fo baibarous
an entertainment; and they had juft fent two to mur-
der this unhappy. Chriftian, and bring him limb by
limb to their fire; for they were then juft going to
unite the bands from his feet, in order for death.
Hereupon, immediately turning to my man, Now,
Friday, faid 1, mind what I fay, fail in nothing, but
do exactly as you fee me do. All which he promif-
ing he would, 1 fet down one of my mufkets, and the
fówling piece upon the ground, and Friday did the
fame by his; and with the other mufket I took my
aim at the favages, bidding him to do the like: Are
you ready, faid 1, Yes mafler, faid he, why then fire
at them ſaid I; and that very moment I gave fire
likewife.
I only killed one and wounded two; bat my man
Friday taking his aim much better than 1, killed two,
and wounded three. You may be fure they were
in a dreadful confternation, at fuch an unexpected
difafter; and thole who had yet efcaped our pene-
trating fhot, immediately jumped upon their feet,
but were in fuch a confufion, that they knew not
Which way to run or look; not knowing from whence
their diftruction came. We threw down our pieces,
and took up others, giving a fecond dreadiul vol-
ley; but as they were loaded only with fwan fhot, or
fmall piftol bullets, we perceived only two of them
fall; though many were wounded, who run yelling
and.fcreaming about like mad creatures.
Friday, faid I, lay down your piece, and take up
the muſket and follow me. He did fo, with great
courage, when fhewing ourfelves to the favages, we
gave a great hout, and made directly to the poor
Now,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
141
victim, who would have been facrificed, had not
our first fire obliged the butchers, with three others,
to jump into a canoe. By my order, Friday fired at
them, at which thot I thought he had killed them
all, by reafon of their falling to the bottom of the
boat; however, he killed two and mortally wound-
ed a third. In the mean time i cut the flags that
tied the hands and fect of the poor creature, and
lifting him up, afked him in the Portugueſe tongue,
What he was? he answered me in Latin, Chriftianus:
but to very weak and faint that he could fcarce ftand
or speak.
I gave him immediately a dram and a piece of
bread to cherish him, and afked him, What coun-
tryman he was? He faid Efpaniola, and then uttered
all the thankfulnefs imaginable for his deliverance.
Signior, (faid I with as much Spanish as I was mafter
of) let us talk afterwards but fight now; here, take
this fword and piftol, and do what you can. And,
indeed, he did fo with fuch courage and intrepidity,
that he cut two of them to pieces in an inftant, the
favages not having the power to fly for their lives.
I ordered Friday to run for thofe pieces we had left
at the tree, which he brought me with great fwift-
nefs, and then I gave him my mufket, while I loa-
ded the reft. But now there happened a fierce en-
counter between the Spaniard and one of the fava-
ges, who made at him with one of their wooden
fwords; and though the former was as brave as
could be expected having twice wounded his enemy
in the head; yet being weak and faint, the Indian;
had thrown him upon the ground, and was wrefting
my fword out of his hand, which the Spaniard very
wifely quitting drew out his piftol, and fhot him
through the body before I could come near him
though I was running to his affiftance. As to Fri-
day, he purfued the flying wretches with his hat-
chet,, dispatching three, but the rest were too nim-
ble for him. The Spaniard taking one of the fow-
ling pieces, wounded two, who running into the
142
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
wood, Friday purfued and killed; but the other
notwithstanding his wounds, plunged himfelf into
the fea, and fwam to thoſe who were left in the ca-
noe, which with one wounded, were all that eſca-
ped out of one and twenty,
The favages in the canoe worked very hard to
get out of our reach, and Friday was as eager in
purfuing them; and, indeed, I was no lefs anxious
about their escape, left, after the news had been
carried to their people, they fhould return in mul-
titudes, and deftroy us. So being refolved to pur-
fue them, I jumped into one of their canoes, and
bid Friday follow me, but no fooner was Iin, than
to my furprife, I found another poor creature,
bound hand and foot for the flaughter, juſt as the
Spaniard had been, with very little life in him.
Immediately I unbound him, and would have
helped him up; but he could neither ftand nor
ſpeak but groaned fo piteoufly, as thinking he was
only unbound in order to be flain. Hereupon I bid
Friday ſpeak to him, and tell him of his deliverance;
when pulling out my bottle I made the poor wretch
drink a dram, which, with the joyful news he had
received, fo revived his heart, that he fat up in the
boat. As foon as Friday began to hear him fpeak,
and look more fully in his face, it would have mov-
ed any one to tears to perceive his uncommon tranf-
ports of joy for he kiffed, embraced him, hugged
him, cried, laughed, hallooed, jumped about,
danced, fung, then cried again, wrung his hands,
beat his face and head, then fung and jumped about
again, like a diftracted creature: fo that it was a
great while before I could make him ſpeak to me,
of tell me what was the matter with him; but
when he came to the liberty of his Ipeech, at laſt
he told me it was his father.
Here indeed I was infinitely moved to fee that
dutiful and tender affection this poor favage had to
his aged parent. He would fit down by him in the
boat, open his breaft, and hold his father's head
...OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
143
clofe to his botom, half an hour together, to che-
rith him: then he took his arms aud ancles, which
were ftiff and numbed, with binding, and chafed
and rubbed them with his hands; by which means,
perceiving what the cafe was, I gave him feme
ruin, which proved of great beneft to him.
While we were bufy in this action, the favages
had gotten almoft out of fight; and hippy it was
we did not purlue them: For there arofe from the
north-weft, which continued all night long, fuck
a violent florm, that I could not fuppofe other wife
but that they were all drowned. After this I called
Friday to me, and afked hin, if he had given his
father any bread? He fhook his head, and faid,
None, not one bit, me eat a up all; fo`l gave him a
cake of bread out of a little pouch I carried for
this end. I likewife gave a dram for himſelf and
two or three bunches of raifins for his father. Both
thefe he carried to him, for he would make hina
drink the dram to comfort him.
Away he then runs out of the boat as if he was
bewitched, with fuch extraordinary fwiftnefs, that
he was out of fight as it were in an inftant; but, at
his return I perceived him flacken his pace, becauſe
he had fomething in his hand. And this I found to
be, as he approached nearer, an earthen jug with
fome water for his father, with two more cakes of
bread, which he delivered into my hands. Being
very thirty mifelf, I drank fome of the water, of
which when his father had drank fufliciently, it
more revived his fpirits than all the rum i had given.
him.
I then called Friday to me, and ordered him te
carry the Spaniard one of the cakes, and foine waż
ter, who was repofing himfelf upon a green place
under the fhade of a tree, but lo weak, that though
he exerted himfelf, he could not stand upon his fects
Upon which ordered Friday to rub and bathe his
ancles with rum, as he did his father's.
But every
moment he was employed in this he would calt a
144
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
withful eye towards the boat, where he left his fa-
ther fitting; who fuddenly difappearing, he flew
like lightning to him, and finding he only laid him-
felf down to eafe his limbs, he returned back to me
preſently, and then I spoke to the Spaniard to let
Friday help him, and led him to the boat, in or-
der to be conveyed to my dwelling, where I would
take care of him. Upon which Friday took him.
upon his back, and fo carried him to the canoe, fet-
ting him close by his father; and preſently ſtepping
out again, launched the boat off, and 'paddled it
along the fhore fafter than I could walk, though the
wind blew very hard too; and having brought
them fafe to the creek, away he runs to fetch the
other canoe, which he brought to the creek almoft.
as foon as I got to it by land, when wafting nie over,
he took our new gueſts out of the boat; but fo
weak were they, that I was forced to make a kind
of a hand-barrow; and when I came to my caftle,
not being willing to make an entrance into my wall,
we made them a handfome tent, covered with old
fails, and boughs of trees, making two good beds
of rice ftraw, with blankets to lie upon and cover
them. Thus, like an abfolute king, over fubjects
who owed their lives to me, I thought myfelf very
confiderable, eſpecially as I had now three religions
in my kingdom, my man Friday being a proteftant,
his father a Pagan, and the Spaniard a Papiſt; but
I gave liberty of confcience to them all.
To get provifions for my poor weak fubjects, I
ordered Friday to kill me a yearling goat; which
when he had done, I cut off the hinder quarters,
and chopping it into finall pieces, boiled and flew-
ed it, putting barley and rice into the broth. This
I carried into their tent, fet a table, dined with
then nyfelf, and encouraged them. Friday was
my interpreter to his father, and indeed to the Spa-
niard too, who fpoke the language of the favages
Pretty well.
After dinner I ordered Friday to
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
149
fetch home all our arms from the field of battle,
and the next day to bury the dead bodies.
And now I made Friday enquire of his father whe-
ther he thought thofe favages had efcaped the late
ftorm in their canoe; and if fo, whether they would
not return with a force too great for us to refift? He
anfwered, that he thought it impoffible they could
outlive the ftorm: or if they were driven fouthward-
ly, they would come to a land where they would as
certainly be devoured, as if they were drowned in
the fea. And fuppofe they had attained their own
country, the strangeness of their fatal and bloody ate
tack, wonld make them tell their people, that the
reft of them were killed by thunder and lightning,
not by the hand of man, but by two heavenly fpirits
(meaning Friday and me) who were fent from above
to deftroy them. And this, he faid, he knew, be-
cauſe he heard them fay the fame to one another.
And indeed he was in the right on't; for I have
beard fince, that theſe four men gave out, that who-
ever went to that enchanted ifland, would be deftroy-
ed by fire from the gods.
No canoes appearing fome time after, as I expect-
ed my apprehenfions ceafed: Instead of which my
former thoughts of a voyage took place, efpecially
when Friday's father affured me I fhould have good
ufage in his nation. As to the Spaniard, he told me,
that fixteen more of his countrymen, and Portugueſe,
who had been fhipwrecked made their escape thither;
that though they were in union with the favages,
yet they were very miferable for want of provifions
and other neceffaries. When I asked him about the
particulars of his voyage, he answered, that their
fhip was bound from Rio de la Plata to the Havannah;
that w
n the (hip was loft, only five men perifhed in
the ocean; the reft having faved themselves in the
boat, were now landed on the main continent. And
what do they intend to do there? He replied, they
have conceited ineafures to escape by building a veffel,
but that they had neither tools nor provitions, that
0 2
146 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
all their defigns came to nothing. Suppofing I
fhould make a propofal, and invite them here, would
they not carry me prifoner to New Spain? he anfwer-
ed no; for he knew them to be fuch honeft men, as
would fcorn to act fuch inhuman bafenefs to their
deliverer That if I pleafed he and the old favage
would go over to them, talk to them about it, and
bring me an anſwer: That they fhould all fwear fide-
lity to me as their leader, upon the holy facrament;
and, for his part, he would not only do the fame,
but fland to the laft drop of his blood ſhould their be
occafion.
Thefe folemn affurances made me refolve to grant
them relief, and to fend theſe two over for that pur-
pofe; but when every thing was ready, the Spaniard
raiſed an objection, which carried a great deal of
weight in it: You know, Sir, faid he, that having
been" fome time with you, I cannot but be fenfible of your
tock of rice and corn, fufficient, perhaps, for us at pre-
fent, but not for them, fhould they conie over prefently;
much less to victual a veffel for an intended voyage. Want
might be as great an occafion for them to disagree and
rebel, as the children of Ifrael did against God himſelf,
when they wanted bread in the wilderness. And, there-
fore my advice is, to wait another harvef, and in the
mean time cultivate and improve fome more land, where-
hy we may have plenty of provisions, in order to execute
our defign.
This advice of the Spaniard's I approved extreme-
Jy; and fo fatisfied was I of his fidelity, that I efſteem-
ed him ever after. And thus we all four went to work
upon fome more land, and againft feed-time we had
gotten fo much cured and trimmed up, fufficient to
fow twenty-two bufhels of barley on, and fixteen.
jars of rice, which was in 'fhort all the feed we had
to fpare. As we were four in number, and by this
time all in good health, we feared not an hundred of
Indians, ſhould they venture to attack us; and while
the corn was growing, I pitched upon fome trees, fit
to build us a large veflel, in cafe the Spaniards came
}
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
147'
over; which being marked, I ordered Friday and his
father to cut down, appointing the Spaniard, who
was now my privy.counfellor, to overfee and direct
the work. I likewife encreafed my flocks of goats,
by fhooting the wild dams, and bringing home their
kids to my inclofure: Nor did I neglect the grape
feafon, but cured them as ufual, though I had fuch
a quantity now, as would have filled eighty barrels
with raifins,
And thus all of us being employed, they in work
ing, and I in providing for them, till harveft came,
God Almighty bleffed the encreaſe of it fo much,
that from twenty-two barrels of barley, we thrashed
out two hundred and tenty, and the like quantity of
rice, fufficient to victual a fhip fit to carry me and-
all the Spaniards to any part of America,
Thus the principal objection being anſwered, by
fufficient ftock of provisions, I fent my two ambafla-
dors over to the main land, with a legal authority to
adminifter the oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and
have an inftrument figned under their hands, though
never afked whether they had pen, ink or paper
when giving each of them a mufket with eight chargés
of powder and ball, and provifions enough for eight
days, they failed away with a fair gale, on a day when
the moon was at full.
Scarce a fortnight had pafled over my head; but
impatient for their return, I laid me down to fleep one
morning, when a frange accident happened, which
was ushered in by my man's coming running to me,
and calling aloud. Master, master, they are come, they'
are come. Upon which not dreaming of any danger,
out I jumped from my bed, put on my clothes, and
burried throngh my little grove; when looking to-
wards the fea I perceived a boat about a league and a
half diftaut ftanding in for the thore, with the wind
fair. I beheld they did not come from the fide where
the lapdlay on, but from the fouthermoft end of the-
iftand. So thefe being none of the people we wan~~
ed, I ordered Friday so›lie Bill, till fuch time at £.
• 3**
X
1
$43
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
came down from the mountain, which, with my
ladder I now afcended, in order to difcover more-
fully what they were; and now, with the help of my
perfpe&tive glafs, I plainly perceived an English thip,
which I concluded it to be, by the fafhion of its long.
boat; and, which filled me with fuch uncommon
trajſports of joy, that I cannot tell how to defcribe;
and yet fome fecret doubts hung about me, proceed.
ing from I know not what cauſe, as though I had rea-
fon to be upon my guard. And, indeed, I would
have no man contemn the ſecret hints and intimations
of danger; for had not I been warned by this filent
admonition, I had been in a worſe ſituation than be-
fore, and perhaps inevitably ined..
Not long it was, before I perceived the boat to ap-
proach the shore, as though they looked for a place
where they might conveniently land; and at laft they,
ran their boat on fore, upon the beach, about half a
mile's diſtance; which proved to much the happier
for me, fince, had they come into the creek, they had
landed juft at my door, and might not only have forc-.
ed me out of my cattle, but plundered me of all I had
in the world. Now I was fully convinced they were
all Englifhmen, three of whom were unarmed and
Hound, when immediately the first four or five leaped
on fhore, and took thoſe three out of the boat as prim
foners: one of whom I could perceive uſed the moft
paffionate geftures of entreaty, affliction and deſpair,.
while the others, in a leffer degree, fhewed abundance
of concern,
Not knowing the meaning of this, I beckoned to.
Friday, who was below, to afcend the mountain, and
likewife view this fight. O mafler, faid he to me, you.
fee Englifh mans cat prifoners as well as Savage muns.
And do you think they will eat them, Friday? faid:
Eris, faid Friday, they eat a all up. No, no, faid
1, Friday, Fajr much more concerned left they mur-
der them; but as for eating them up, that I am fure
they will never do.
And now I not only lamented my misfortune in not
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
140
having the Spaniard and Savage with me, but alſo
that I could not come within fhot of them unperceiv-
ed, they having no fire arms among them) and fave
thefe three men, whom I thought they were going to
-kill with their ſwords. But fome comfort it was to
1
·
me, that I perceived they were fet at liberty to go
where they pleaſed, the rafcally feamen fcattering about
as though they had a mind to fee the place: and fo
long did they negligently ramble, that the tide had
sbbed fo low, as to leave the boat aground. Nor
were the two men that were in her more circumspect:::
for having drunk a little too much liquor, they fell
faft alleep; but one of them waking before the other,.
and perceiving the boat too faft aground for his
frength to move it, he hallooed out to the reft, who
made all poffible expedition to come too him; but as
Providence ordered it, all their force was ineffectual
to launch her, when I could hear them. fpeak to one
another, Why, let her alone, Jack, can't ye, he'll flout
next tide by which words I was fully convinced
they were my own countrymen.. Ithis while lay very
quiet, as being fully fenfible it could be no leis then
ten hours before the boat would be afloat, and then it
would be fo dark, that they could not eafily perceive
me, by which means I fhould be at more liberty to
hear their talk, and obferve all their motions; not
but that I prepared for my defence: yet as 1 had ano-
ther fort of enemy to combat with, I acted with more
caution. I took two fufees on my fhoulder,. and gave
Friday three mufkets; befides, my formidable goat
fkin coat, and monftrous cap, made me look as fierce
and terrible as Hercules of old, cfpecially when two
piſtols were fluck in my belt, and my naked fword
hanging by my fice.
-
It was my deſign at firſt not to make any attempt
till it was dark; but, it being now two o'clock, in
the very heat of the day, the failors were all frag-
gling in the woods, and undoubtedly were lain down
to fleep.
The three ppor diftreffed creatures, too anxious.
to get any repole, wele, however, feated under
150
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
the ſhade of a great tree, about a quarter of a mile
from me.
Upon which, without any more ado, I approach-
ed towards them, with my man following behind
me, and, before I was perceived, I called aloud to
them in Spanish, what are ye gentlemen ?
At thele words they started up in great confufion,
when they beheld the ftrange figure I made; they
returned no anfwer, but feemed as if they would
fly from me: Gentlemen. (laid I in English) don't be
afraid, perhaps you have a friend nearer than you expect.
He must be from heaven, faid one of them, gravely
pulling off his hat, for we are paft all help in this
world. All help is from Heaven, Laid I, but Sir, as I
have perceived every action between you and these brutes
fince your landing, only inform me hore to affift you, and
will do it to the utmost of my power.
Am I talking with Ged or man, faid he, in tears.
Are you of human kind, or an angel? Sir, faid I,
my poor habit will tell you I am a man, and an Engli
man, willing to affist you, having but this fervant only,
here are arms and ammunition: tell freely your conditions,
can we save you? The flory, faid he, is too long to
relate, fince our butchers are fo near: bat, Sir,
'was mafter of that hip, my men having mutined,
and it is a favour they have put my mate, this paf-
fenger, and me, on fhore without murdering us,
Though we expect nothing but perithing here.
Are your enemies gone? faid I. No, replied he,
(pointing to a thicket,) there they lie, while my
heart trembles, left, having feen and heard us, they
thould murder us all. Have they firearms? faid L.
They have but two- pieces, faid he, one of which,
is left in the boat. He allo told me, there were,
・ two enormous villains amongst them, that were
the authors of this mutiny, who, if they were
killed or feized, might induce the reft to return to
their obedience. Well, well faid I, let us retire
farther under the covering of the woods; and there
de was I nude thefe conditions with him.
4
+
}
I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
151
1. That while they ftaid in the ifland, they fhould
not pretend to any authority; but fhould entirely
conform to my orders, and return me the arms
which I fhould put in their hands.
II. That if the fhip was recovered, they fhould
afford Friday and myſelf our pallage gratis to Eng-
land.
When he had given me all the fatisfaction I could
defire, I gave him and his two companions each of
them a gun, with powder and ball fufficient, ad-
vifing them to fire upon them while they were
fleeping. The Captain modely faid that he was
forry to kill them; though, on the other hand, to
let thefe villains efcape, who were the authors of
his mifery, might be the ruin of us all.-Well,
faid he, do as you think fit and fol fired, killed
one of the Captain's chief enemies, and wounded
the other, who eagerly called for affiftance; but
the Captain (who had referved his piece) coming
up to him, Sirrah, faid he, it is too late to call for
alfiftance, you should rather cry to God to pardon your
villany and to knocked him down with the flock
of his gun three others were flightly wounded,
who, at my approach, cried out for mercy. This,
the Captain granted, upon condition that they
would fwear to him to be true in recovering the
fhip, which they folemnly did however I obliged
the Captain to keep them bound. After which I
fent Friday and the Captain's mate to fecure the
boat and bring away the oars and fail; when, at
their return, three men coming back, and feeing
their late diftreffed Captain, now their conqueror,
fubmitted to be bound alfo. And then it was, that
having more liberty, I related the adventures of
my whole life, which he heard with a ferious at-
tention. After this, I carried him and his two
companions into my little fortified caftle, fhewed
them all my conveniencies, and, when this was
over, we began to confider about regaining the
hip: he ſaid that there were twenty-fix hands on
152
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
board, who knowing their lives were forfeited by
the law, for confpiracy and mutiny, were fo very
hardened, that it would be dangerous for our ſmall
company to attack them. This was a reaſonable
inference, indeed; but fomething we muft refolve
on, and immediately put in execution: we there
före heaved the boat upon the beach fo high that
fhe thould not fhoot off at high water mark, and
broke a hole in her, not eafily to be ftopped; ſo
that all the fignals they gave for the boat to come
on board were in vain. This obliged them to fend
another boat afliore, with ten men armed, whofe
faces the Captain plainly defcried, the boatswain
being the chief officer; but he faid there were
three honeft lads among them, who were forced
into the confpiracy. Hereupon I gave him freſh
Courage, (for I perceived he was in concern) in
the mean time fecuring our prifoners, except two,
whom we took to our affiftance, we thought our-
felves able enough to adventure a battle. When
the failors landed, and beheld their boat in that
condition, they not only hallooed, but fired, for
their companions to hear, yet they received no an
fwer. This ftruck thenr with horror and amaze-
ment, thinking their companions were murdered,
they made as if they would return to the fhip. I
could perceive the Captain's countenance change at
this, till, of a fudden, three men were ordered to
look after the boat, while the other feven leapt on
fhore, in order to fearch for their companions :
and, indeed, they came to the brow of the hill,
near my antient caftle, from whence they could
fee to a great diftance in the woods, and there fhout-
ing and hallooing till tired and weary, they feated
themfelves under a fpreading tree. My opinion
was, that nothing could be done till night, when I
might ufe fome artifice to get them all out of the
boat; but of a fudden they started up and made tọ-
wards the fea fide; hereupon I ordered Faiday and
the Captain's inate to go over the creek, and halloo
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
153
as loud as they could, and fo decoying them into
the woods, come round to me again. And, this
indeed had a good effect; for they followed the
noife, till coming weftward to the creek, they call-
ed for their boat to carry them over, and taking
one of the men out of her, left two to look after
her, having faftened her to the ftump of a little
tree on shore. Hereupon immediately the Captain
and our party paffing the creek out of their fight,
we furprized them both, by the Captain's knocking
down one, and ordering the other to furrender up-
on pain of death, and who, being the honefteſt of
them all, fincerely joined with us. By this time
it was pretty late; when the reft returning to
their boat, which they found aground in the creek,
the tide out, and the men gone, they ran about
wringing their hand-, crying it was an enchanted
ifland, and that they thould be all murdered by fpi-
rits or devils. My men would willingly have fallen
upon them, but I would not agree to hazard any of
our party. But to be more certain, Friday and the
Captain crawled upon their hands and feet, as near
as poffible; and, when the boatfwain approached
in fight, fo eager was the Captain, that he fired, and
killed him on the fpot; Friday wounded the next
man, and a third ran away. Hereupon I advanced
with my whole army; and, it being dark, I order-
ed the man we had furpriſed in the boat, to call
then by their names, and to parley with them.
Accordingly he called out aloud Tom Smith, Tom
Smith! He anfwered, Who's that; Robinfon! an-
fwered the other, For Gods fake, Tom, furrender
immediately, or you're all dead men. Who muft we
furrender to? fays Smith. To our Captain and fifty
men here, who have ta en me prifoner, wounded Will
Frye, and killed the boatswain. Shall we have quar-
ters then? faid he. Hereupon the Captain calls
out, You Smith, you know my voice, furrender immedi-
ately, and you shall all have your lives granted, except
Will Atkins. Hereupon Atkins calls out, What
7
154
LIFE AND ADVENTURES/
t
have I done, Captain, more than the reft, who have been
as bad as me; but that was a lie, for he was the per-
fon that laid hold of him, and bound him. However,
he was ordered to fubmit to the governor's mercy,
for fuch was I called. And fo laying down their
arms, we bound them all and feized their boat.
After this, the Captain expoftulated with them,
telling them that the governor was an Englishman,
who might execute them there; but he thought they
would be fent to England, except Will Atkins, who
was ordered to prepare for death next morning.
Hereupon Atkins implored the Captain to intercede
for his life, and the reft begged they might not be
fent to England. This answered our project for feiz-
ing the fhip. For after fending Atkins, and two of
the worst, faft bound to the cave, and the reft being
committed to my bower, I fent the Captain to treat
with them in the governor's name, offering them par-
don if they would affift in recovering the fhip. Up-
on which they all promifed to fland by him till the
laft drop of their blood; and whoever acted treacher-
oufly, fhould be hanged in chains upon the beach.
They were all releaſed on thefe affurances and then
the Captain repaired to the othsr boat, making his
paſſenger Captain of her, and gave him four men well
armed; while himself, his mate, and five more, went
in the other boat. By midnight they came within
call of the fhip, when the Captain ordered Robinfon
to hail her, and tell them that with great difficulty
they had found the men at laft. But while they were
difcourfing, the Captain, his mate, and the reft enter-
ed, and knocked down the fecond mate, and carpenter,
fecured thofe that were upon the deck, by putting
them under hatches, while the other boat's crew en-
tered and fecured the forecaſtle; they then broke into
the round houfe, where the mate, after fome refiit-
ance, fhot the pirate Captain through the head, upon
which all the reft yielded themſelves prifoners. And
thus the hip being recovered, the joyful fignal was
fired, which I heard with the greateſt joy imaginable :
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
155
nor was it long before he brought the fhip to an an-
chor at the creeks mouth, where coming to me una-
wares, There, fays he, my dearest friend and deliverer,
there is your ship, and we are your fervants; a comfort
fo unspeakable, as made me fwoon in his arms, while
with gratitude to heaven, we were tenderly embracing
each other..
Nothing now remaining, but to confult what we
fhould do with the prifoners, whom he thought it
was not fafe to take on board. Hereupon concerte
ing with the Captain, I dreffed myfelf in one of
his fuits, and fending for them, told them, that as
I was going to leave the island with all my people,
if they would tarry there, their lives fhould be ipa-
red; if not, they fhould be hanged at the firft port.
They agreed to ftay. Hereupon I told them my
whole ftory, charging them to be kind to the Spa-
niards that were expected, gave them all my arms,
and informing them of every thing neceffary for
their fubfiftence, I and my man Friday went on
board. But the next morning two of the men camé
fwimming to the fhip's fide, defiring the Captain to
take them on board, though he hanged them, com-
plaining mightily how barbaroudly the others ufed
them. Upon which I prevailed with the Captain to
take them in; and being feverely whipt and pickled,
they proved honeft for the future. And fo I bid
farewell to this ifland, carrying along with me my
money, my parrot, umbrella, and goat fkin cap
fetting fail December 12, 1668, after twenty-eight
years, two months, and nineteen days refidence,
that fame day and month that I efcaped from Salee,
landing in England, June 11, 1687, after five and
thirty years abfence from my own country.
Here I found my firft Captain's widow alive, who
had buried a fécond huſband, but in very mean cir-
cumſtances, and whom I made eafy upon this ac
count. Soon after I went down to Yorkshire,
where all my family were expired, except two filters,
and as many of my brother's children. I found no
756
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
provifion had been made for me, they concluding
I had been long fince dead, fo that I was but in à
very flender ftation. Indeed the Captain did me a
great kindness, by his report to the owners, how I
had delivered their fhip on a defolate ifland, upon
which they made me a prefent of 2001. fterling I
next went to Lifhon, taking my man Friday with
ime, and there arriving in April, I met the Portu-
guefe Captain, who had taken me on board on the
African coaft; but being ancient he had left off the
fea, and refigned all his bufinefs to his fon, who fol-
lowed the Brazil trade. So altered, both of us were,
that we did not know each other at firft, till I dif-
covered myſelf more fully to him. After a few em-
braces, I began to enquire of my concerns; and
then the old gentleman told me, that it was nine
years fince he had been at Brazil, where my partner
was then living, but my trustees were both dead;
that he believed I fhould have a good account of
the product of my plantation that the imagination
of my being loft, had obliged my trustees to give an
eftimate of my fhare to the procurator-fifcal, who,
in cafe of my not returning, had given one third to
the king, and the reft to the monaftery of St. Au-
guftine but if I put in my claim, or any one for
me, it would be returned, except the yearly product
which was given to the poor. I then defired him
to tell me what improvement he thought had been
made of my plantation, and whether he thought it
worth my while to look after it? he anfwered, be
did not know how much it was improved; but this
he was certain of, that my partner was grown vaftly
rich upon his half of it; and that he had been in-
formed, that the king had 200 moidores per annum
for his third part. He added, that the furvivois of
my truflees were perfons of an ingenuous character;
that my partner could witnefs my title, my name
being registered in the country, by which means I
fhould indifpenfibly recover confiderable fums of
money. But, anfwered I, how could my trustees
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
157
:
difpofe of my effects, when I made you my only
heir This, he faid, was true; but, their being no
affidavit made of my death, he could not act as my
executor. However, he had ordered his fon (then
at Brazil) to act by procuration upon my accourt,
and he had taken poffethon of my tugar-houfe, ha-
ving accounted himfelf for eight years with my part-
ner and trustees for the profis, of which he would give
me a very good account.
And indeed this he performed very faithfully, in
a few days, making himfelf indebted to me 470
moidores of gold, over and above what had been
loft at fea, after I had left the place. And then he
recounted to me what misfortunes he had gone thro'
which forced my money out of his hands to buy
part of a new fhip: but, faid he, you fhail not wait,
take this; and when my fon returns, every farthing fhall
be paid you. Upon which he put into my hand a
purie of 150 moidores in gold, as likewife an in-
ftrument containing the title to the fhip which his
fon was in, and which he offered as fecurity for the
remainder. But really when I faw fo much good-
nefs, generofity, tenderness, and real honesty, L
had not the heart to accept it, for fear he thould
ftraiten himfelf upon my account. It is true, faid
he, it may be fo; but then the money is yours, not mine,
and you may have the greatest occafion for it. However
I returned fifty of them back again, promifing that
I would freely forgive him the other hundred when
I got my effects into my hands, and that I defigned
to go myfelf for that purpofe. But he told me he
could fave me that trouble, and fo caufed me to
enter my name with a public notary, as likewife
my affidavit, with a procuration affixed to it; and
this he ordered me to fend in a letter to one of his
acquaintance, a merchant in Brazil and, indeed,
nothing could be more faithfully and honourably
obferved; for, in feven months time, I had a very
faithful account of all my effects, what fums of
money were raifed, what expended, and what re-
P 2
158
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
mained for my ufe: In a word, I found myfelf
to be worth 5oool. ferling, and 1000l per annum.
Nor was this all; for my partner congratulated me
upon my being alive, telling me how much my
plantation was improved, what negroes were at
work, and how many Ave Marias he had faid to the
Virgin Mary for my prefervation, defiring me to.
accept kindly fome prefents he had fent me, which
I found fhewed the greatest generofity.
No fooner did the hip arrive, but I rewarded my
faithful Captain, by returning him the hundred
moidores, and not only forgiving him all he owed
me, I allowed him yearly a hundred more, and
fifty to his fon, during their lives. And now being
relolved to go to England, I returned letters of
thanks to the Prior of St. Auguftine, and in parti
cular to my old partner, with very fuitable pre-
fents. By the Captain's advice, I was perfuaded
to go by land to Calais, and there take paffage for
England; when as it happened, I got a young Eng-
Lih gentleman, a merchants fon at Lifbon, to ac-
company me, together with two English, and two
Portugueſe gentlemen; fo that with a Portugueſe
fervant, an English failor, and my man Friday,
there were nine of us in number.
Thus armed and equipped, we fet out, and came
to Madrid, when the fummer decaying, we hafted
to Navarre, where we were informed, that there
was fcarcely any paffing, by reason of the prodi-
gious quantity of fhow; fo that we were obliged
to abide near twenty days at Pampeluna, and at laſt
to take a guide to conduct us fafe towards Thou-
loufe. And now twelve other gentlemen joined
with us, together with their fervants, we had a ve-
ry jolly company. Away our guide led us by the
fightful mountains, and through fo many intricate
mazes and windings, that we infenfibly paffed them,
which, as we travelled along, ufhered us into the
profpect of the fruitful and charming provinces of
Languedoc and Gafcoigne,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE
159
But now came on two adventures, both tragical
and comical. Firft, our guide was encountered by
three wolves and a bear, who let upon him and his
horſe, and wounded him in three place; upon
which my man riding up to his affiftance, fhot one
of them dead upon the ſpot, which made the others
retire into the woods. But the pleafanteft adventure
was, to behold my man attack the bear. "is fuch
a creature, that if you let him alone he will never
meddle with you: and this my man very well knew,
and to begging leave of me in broken English, he
told us he would make good laugh. Why you filly fool,
faid I, he'll eat you up at a mouthful. Eatee me up,
replied he, by way of ſcorn, me not only eat him, bus!
make much good laugh. Upon which, pulling off his
boots, he claps on his pumps, and running after
the monftrous beaft, he called out that he wanted
to difcourfe with him, and then throwing ftones on
purpoſe to incenfe him, the beaſt turns about in fu-
ry, and with prodigious ftrides fhuffles after him.
But though he was not ſwift enough to keep up pace
with Friday, who made up to us as it were for help
yet being angry, You dog, faid I, immediately take
horſe, and let us fhoot the creature. But he cried, Dear
maſter, no ſhoot, me make you laugh much. And, fo he
turned about, making figns to follow, while the
bear ran after, till coming to a great oak, he afa-
cended in a minute, leaving his gun at the bottom
of it. Nor did the bear make any difficulty of it,
but afcended-like a cat, though his weight was ve
ry gre You muſt think I was not a little amaz
a at the folly of my man, as not perceiving any
thing to occafion our laughter, till fuch time as we
rode up nearer, and heheld the beaſt mounted upon
the oak, on the beginning of the fame branch to
which Friday clung, at the farther end, where the
bear durft hot come. Hereupon Friday cried out,
Now mafter, me make much laugh, me make bear dances -
Upon which he fell (haking the bough, which made
the creature look behind him, to fee how he could

P 3
160
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
retreat. Then as if the bear had understood his
tammering English; Why you no come farther, Mr.
Bear? faid he, pray Mr. Bear, come farther: and
then indeed we all burft into laughter, especially
when we perceived Friday drop like a fquirrel upon
the ground, leaving the beaft to make the beft of
his way down the tree.
And now thinking it the moft convenient time to
fhoot the creature, Friday cried out, O dear master, no
Shoot, me shoot by and by; when taking up the gun,
Me no fhoot yet, faid he, me make once more much laugh.
And accordingly, he was as good as his word, for
the creature defcending from the tree very leifurely,
before he could lay one foot on the ground, Friday
fhot him through the ear, ftone dead: and looking
to ſee whether we were pleaſed, he burst out into
hearty laughter, faying, So we kill de bear in my coun-
try, not with the gun, but with much long arrows. Thus
ended our diverfion, to our great fatisfaction; efpe-
cially in a place where the terrible howlings ftruck us
with a continual terror. But the fnows now growing
very deep, particularly on the mountains, the rave-
nous creatures were obliged to feek for fuftenance in
the villages, where coming by furprize on the coun-
try people, they killed feveral of them, befides a great
number of their ſheep and horfes.
Our guide told us, we had yet one more dangerous
place to paſs by; and if there were any more wolves
in the country, there we ſhould find them. This was
a fmall plain, encompaffed with woods, to get thro'
a long lane, to the village where we were to lodge.
When we entered the wood, the fun was within half
an hour of letting; and a little after it was fet, we
came into the plain, which was not above two fur-
longs over, and then we perceived five great wolves
crofs the road, without taking any notice of us, and
fo fwift as though they wore purſuing after their prey.
Hereupon our guide, believing there were more com-
ing, defired us to be upon our guard. Accordingly
our eyes were very circumfpect, till about half
OF ROBINSON. CRUSOE.
161
་
}
league farther, we perceived a dead horſe, and near a
dozen of wolves devouring its carcafe, My man Fri-
day would fain have fired at them, but I would not
permit him; nor had we gone half over the plain,
but we heard dreadful howlings in a wood on our left,
when preſently we faw an hundred come up against
us, as though they had been an experienced army.
This obliged us to form our felves in the beft manner;
and then I ordered that every other man ſhould fire,
that thoſe who did not, might be ready to give a ſe-
cond volley, fhould they advance upon us; and then
every man ſhould make uſe of his piſtols.
But there was no neceffity for this; for the enemy
being terrified, ftopped at the noife of the fire; four
of them were fhot dead, and feveral others being
wounded, went bleeding away, as we could very
plainly difcover by the fnow. And now remembering
what had been often told me, that fuch was the ma-
jefty of a man's voice, as to ftrike terror even in the
fierceft of creatures, I ordered all our companions to
halloo as loud as poffible; and in this notion I was
not altogether miſtaken; for they immediately turn-
ed about upon the firft halloo, and began to retire;
upon which, ordering a fecond volley in their rear,
they gallopped into the woods with great precipita-
tion.
Thus we had fome ſmall time to load our pieces
again, and then made all the hafte we could on our
way; but we had not rode far before we were obliged
to put ourſelves, in a pofture of defence as before,
being alarmed with a very dreadful noife in the fame
wood, on our left hand through which we were to
pals, only that it was at fonie diftance from us. By
this time the darkfome clouds began to tpread over
the elements, and the night growing very dufky,
made it fo much the more to our difadvantage; buụt
ftill the noife increafing, we were.fully affured that it
was the howling and yelling of thote ravenous crea-
tures; when prefently three troops of wolves on our
front, appeared in fight, as though a great number
162
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
:
of them had a defign to furround us, and devour
us in fpite of fate. But as they did not fall upon
ús immediately, we proceeded on our journey in as
Swift a manner as the roads would permit our horfes,
which was only a large trot. It was in this manner
we travelled, till fuch time as we difcovered another
wood, and had the profpect of its entrance through
which we were to pals, at the fartheft fide of the
plain. But furely none can exprefs the terror we
were in, when approaching the lane, we perceived a
confufed number of the fierceft wolves, ftanding, as
it were, guarding its entrance. Nor were we long
in this amazement, before another occafion of hor-
For prefented itself; fór fuddenly we heard the report
of a gun at another opening in the wood, and, look
ing that way, out ran a horfe bridled and faddled,›
fying with the greateft fwiftnefs, and ho lefs than
fixteen or feventeen wolves purfuing after him, in
order to devour the poor creature and unqueftion-
ably they did fo, after they had run him down, not
being able to hold out that fwiftnefs with which he
at fit elcaped them.?***
❤
When we rode up to that entrance from whence
the horſe cattle forth, there lay the carcafes of ano
ther horſe and two men, mangled and torne by theſe
devouring wolves and undoubtedly one of thefe
men was the perton who fired the gun which we
heard, for the piece lay by him but alas! moſt of
the upper part of his body and his head were entomb
ed in the bowels of these ravenous creaturés.
1
X
What courfe to take, whether to proceed ar re
treat, we could not tell; but it was not long when
the wolves themfelves made as come to a refolution t
for luch numbers furrounded up, every one of whom
expected their prey, that, were our bodies to be di
vided among them, there would not be Half a mouth-
Ful apiece. But happy, very happy it was for us,
that but 'a' Hittle way from the entrance, there lay
fome very large timber trees, which I fuppofed had
been car down'atid laid there for fafe's amongſt which
*
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
163
I drew my little troop, placing ourſelves in a line be-
hind one long tree, which ferved us for a breaſt work,
when defiring them to alight, we flood in a triangle,
or three fronts, inclofing our horfes in the centre, the
only place where we could preſerve them.
Never certainly was there a more furious charge
than what the wolves made upon us in this place;
and the fight of the horfes, which was the principal
prey they aimed at, provoked their hunger, and added
to their natural fiercenefs. They came on us with a
moſt dreadful noiſe, that made the woods ring again;
and beginning to mount the pieces of timber, I or-
dered every man to fire as before directed: and, in-
deed, fo well did they take their aim, that they kill.
ed ſeveral of the wolves at the first volley; but ftill
we were obliged to keep a continual firing, by reafon
they came on like devils, pufhing one another with
the greatest fury. But our fecond volley fomething
abated their courage, when, flopping a little, we
hoped they would have made the best of their way;
however, it did not pro: e fo, for others made a new
attempt upon us; and though in four filings we killed
feventeen or eighteen of them, laming twice as many,
yet they feveral times fucceffively came on, as though
they valued not their lives for the fake of their prey.
Unwilling was I to fpend our last fhot too fuddenly,
and therefore calling my other fervant, and giving
him a horn of powder, bid him lay a large train quite
along the timber, which he did, while Friday was
charging my fufce and his own with the greatest dex-
terity. By this time the wolves coming up the tim
ber, I fet fire to the train, by ſnapping a difcharged
piftol cloſe to the powder. This fo fcorched and
terrified them, that foine fell down and others jump-
ed in among us; but theſe we immediately diſpatch-
ed, when all the reft, frighted with the light which
the darkfome night caufed to appear fill more dread-
ful, began at length to retire; upon which, ordering
our laſt piſtols to be fired at once, giving at the fame
time a great hout, the wolves were obliged to have
164
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
?
recourfe to their fwiftnefs, and turn tail; and ther
we fallied out upon twenty lames ones, cutting them
in pieces with our fwords, which obliged them to
howl Jamentably, to the terror of their fellows, who,
refigned to us the field as victorious conquerors.
1
Thus ended our bloody battle with the beafts, hav-
ing killed three-ſcore of them. and faved our lives:
from their fury. We ftill had a league farther to go,
when, as we went, our ears was faluted with their
moft unwelcome howlings, and we expected every
moment another attack. But, in an hour's time, we
arrived at the town where we were to lodge; and
here we found the place ftrictly guarded, and all in
terrible confufion, as well they might, for fear of the
bears and wolves breaking into the village, in order
to prey upon their cattle and people. The next morn-
ing we were obliged to take a new guide, by reafon
the other fell very bad of his wounds, which he had
received, as before mentioned. After we had reach-
ed Thoulouse, we came into a warm, pleaſant, and
fruitful country, not infested with wolves, nor any
fort of ravenous creatures; and when we told our
tory there, they much blamed our guide, for con-
ducting us through the foreft at the foot of the moun-
tains, in ſuch a ſevere feaſon, when the fnow obliged
the wolves to feek for ſhelter in the woods. When
we informed them in what manner we placed. eur.
felves, and the horfes in the centre, they exceedingly
reprehended us, and told us, it had been an hundred-
to one, but we had been all deftroyed; for that it
was the very fight of the horfes, their fo much defired
prey, that made the wolves more ragingly furious
than they would have been, which was evident, by
their being at other times really afraid of a gun; but
then being exceeding hungry and furious upon that
account, their eagernefs to come at the horſes made
them infenfible of their danger; and that, if we had
not, by a continual fire, and at laft by the cunning
Aratagem of the train of powder, got the better of
them, it had been odds if their numbers had not over-
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
165
powered us; befides, it was a great mercy we alight-
ed from our horfes, and fought them with that cou-
rage and conduct, which, had we failed to do," every
man of us, with our beaſts, had been devoured; and
indeed, this was nothing but truth, for never, in my
life, was I fo fenfible of danger.
!
I think I have nothing uncommon in my paſſage
thro' France to take notice of, fince other traveller's
of greater learning and ingenuity, have given a more
ample account than my pen is able to fet forth.
From Thouloufe, I travelled to Paris, from hence to
Calais, where I took fhipping, and landed at Dover,
the 14th of January, in a very cold feaſon.
}
حمد
2
Thus come to the end of my travels, I foon dif-
covered my new found eftate, and all the bills of
exchange I had, were currently paid. The good
ancient widow, my only privy counſellor, thought
no pains, nor care too great to procure my advani-
tage; nor had I ever occafion to blame her fidelity,
which drew from me an ample reward. I was for
leaving my effects in her hands, intending to fet
out for Lifbon, and fo to the Brazils: but as in the
Defolate Iſland I had ſome doubts about the Romish
religion, ſo I knew there was but little encourage-
ment to fettle there, unless I would apoftatize from
the orthodox faith, or live in continual fear of the
Inquifition. Upon this account I refolved to fell
my plantation; and, for that intent, I wrote to my
old friend at Lifbon, who returned me an anſwer to
my great ſatisfaction; which was, that he could fell
it to good account; however, if I thought it con
venient to give him liberty to offer it in my name
to the two merchants, the furvivors of my trustees,
refiding at the Brazils, who confequently knew it's
intrinfic value, having lived juft upon the fpot,
and who I was fenfible were very rich, and, there-
fore might be the more willing to purchase it, he
did'not in the leaft doubt, but that I ſhould make
four or five thousand pieces of eight more of it,
1
166
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
than I could do, if I diſpoſed of it in any other man-
mer whatfoever.
You may be fure I could not but agree with this
kind and ingenuous propofal; and immediately I
fent him an order to offer it to them, which he ac-
cordingly did; fo that, about eight months after,
the thip being in that time returned, he gave me a
fatisfactory account, that they not only willingly
accepted the offer, but that they had alfo remit-
ted 33,000 pieces of eight to a correfpondent of
their own at Liſbon, in order to pay for the pur-
chaſe.
Hereupon, in return, I figned the inftrument of
fale according to form, which they lia fent from
Liſbon, and returned it again to my old friend, he
having fent me, for my eftate, bills of three hundred
twenty-eight thoufand pieces of eight, referving the
payment of one hundred moidores per annum, which
I had allowed him during life, likewife fifty to his
fon during his life alfo, according to my faithful pro-
mife, which the plantation was to make good as a
rent charge.
And thus having led my reader to the knowledge.
of the firft parts of my life, fo remarkable for the
many peculiar providences that attended it, floating
in an ocean of uncertainty and difappointment, of
adversity and profperity, beginning foolishly, and
yet ending happily; methinks, now, that I am
come to a fafe and pleafant haven, it is time for me
to caft out my anchor, and laying up my veffel, bid,
for a while, adieu to foreign adventures. I had no
other concerns to look after, but the care of my
brother's two fons, which, with the good widow's
perfuafions, obliged me to continue at home feven
years. One of thefe children I bred up a gentle-
man, and the other an experienced failor, remark-
able for his courage and bravery. Befides this, I
married a virtuous young gentlewoman, of a very
good family, by whom I had two fons and a daugh-
ter. But my dear and tender wife, leaving this
រ
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
F67
earthly ftage (as in the fecond part of my life you
will hear) which rent my foul as it were afunder, my
native country became weary and tireſome to me:
and my nephew happening to come from fea, tempt-
ed me to venture another voyage to the Eaft Indies,
which I did in the year 1694, at which time I vifited
my iſland, and informed myfelf of every thing that
happened three fince my departure.
One might reafonably imagine, that what I had
fuffered, together with an advanced age, and the fear
of loling not only what I had gotten, but my life allo,
might have choaked up all the feeds of youthful am-
bition and curiofity, and put a lafling period to my
wandering inclinations. But as nothing but death
can fully allay the active part of my life, no lefs re-
markable for the many various contingencies of it;
you will next perceive how I vifited my little king-
dom, faw my fucceflors the Spaniards, had an ac
count of the ufage they met with from the English-
men, agreeing and difagreeing, uniting and feparat
ing, till at laft they were fubjected to the Spaniards,
who yet ufed them yery honourably, together with
the wonderful and fuccefsful, battles gained over the
Indians, who invaded, and thought to have conquer-
ed the island, but were repelled by their invincible
courage, and bravery, having taken eleven men and
five women prifoners, by which, on my return, I
found about 20 young children on my little kingdom.
Here I laid twenty days, left them fupplies of all
neceflary things, as alfo a carpenter and fmith, and
fhared the illand into parts, referving the whole pro-
perty to myfelf. Nor will you be infenfible, by the
account of theſe things, of feveral new adventures [
have been engaged in, the battles I have fought, the
deliverances I have met with and while, in the fur-
priting relation of fuch remarkable occurrences, I
ihall defcribe many of God's kindest providences to
me, no lefs confpicuous in the fame goodnefs, power,
and majesty of our Creator, fhewn, one way or other,
over the face of the earth, if duly adverted to
Q
168
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
The further Adventures of Robinfon Crufoe, wherein
are contained ſeveral ſtrange and ſurprizing accounts:
of his travels, and the most remarkable tranfactions
both by fea and land; with his wonderful vision of the
Angelic World.
WHE
#
•
;
+
THEN we confider the puiflant force of Na-
ture, and what mighty influence it has ma-
my times over the temper of the mind, it will be no
fuch great wonder to think, that my powerful reafon
fhould be overcome by a much stronger inclination. ·
My late acquired kingdom ran continually in my
houghts all the day, and I dreamed of it in the
night: nay, I made it the continual fubject of my
ralk, even,to impertinence, when I was awake. 1
had fuch vapours in my head, that I actually fuppofed
myfelf at my caftle; that I had not only perceived
Friday's father, but the old Spaniard, and the wick-
ed failors, but that I talked and difcourfed with them
about their manner of living that I heard thefe
things related to me, which I found afterwards to be
too true; and that I executed my judgments with
the greatèft feverity upon the offenders. And, in-
deed, this anticipating all the pleafing joys of my
life, fcarcely afforded me one pleafant hour: my
dear and tender wife could not but take notice of it,
which drew thefe affectionate fpeeches from her:
My dear, faid the, I am fully perfuaded that fome fe-
cret impulfe from heaven occasions in you a determination
to fee the island again, nor am I less fenfible, but your
being engaged to me, and these dear children, is the only
hindrance of your departure. I know, my dear, if I
was in the grave,' you would not long continue at home;
prevent not your happiness upon my account, whofe only
comfort centers in you. All that I can object is, that
fuch on hazardous underta ing is no way confiflent with a
perfon of your years; but if you are refolved to go, ad-
ded the weeping, only permit me to bear you company,
and that is all that I defire.
}
2
t
Such endearing tenderness, graced with the moft
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
169
1
•
innocent, and yet moft powerful charms, brought me
infenfibly into my right underſtanding; and when I
confidered all the tranfactions of iny life, and parti-
cularly my new engagement; that I had now one
child already born, and my wife big of another; and
that I had no occafion to feek for more riches, who
already was bleft with fufficiency, with much frug-
gling, I altered my refolutions at laft, refolving to
apply myself to fome bufinefs or other, which might
put a period to fuch wandering inclinations. Here-
upon I bought a little country farm in the county of
Bedford, with a refolution to move thither; upon:
this there was a pretty convenient houfe, furrounded
with land, very capable of improvement, which fuit-
ed my temper as to planting, managing, and culti-
vating. Nor was I long before I entered upon my
new fettlement, having bought ploughs, harrows,
carts, waggons, horfes, cows and fheep: fo that I
now led the life of a country gentleman, and as hap-
py in my retirement as the greatest monarch in the
world. And what made me think my happinefs the
greater was, that I was in the middle flute of life,
which my father had fo often recommmended, much
refembling the felicity of a rural retirement, which
is elegantly defcribed by the poet in thefe lines:
Free from all vices, free from care,
Age has no pain, and youth no fnare:
But, in the midst of this my happineſs, I was fud
denly plunged in the greateft forrow that I could pof-
fibly endure; for when I leaft expected it, my dear
and tender wife was forced to fubmit to the irreſiſtible
power of death, leaving this tranfitory life for a bet-
ter.
It is impoffible for me to exprefs the beauties
of her mind, or the lovelinefs of her perfon; neither
can I too much lament her lofs, which my latest
breath fhall record; her influence was greater over
me than the powers of my reafon, the importunities
of friends, the inftructions of a father, or the melt-
ing tears of a tender and difconfolate mother; in a
1
Q 2
170
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
word, fhe was the fpirit of all my affairs, and the cen-
ter of my enterprizes. But now, fince the cruel
hand of death, hath clofed my deareft's eyes, 1-feem-
ed in my thoughts a ftranger to the world; my privy
counfellor being gone, I was like a fhip without a
pilot, that could only run before the wind. And
when I looked around me in this buly world, one
part labouring for bread, and the other fquandering
away their eftates; this put me in mind how I had
lived in my little kingdom, where reafon and reli-
gion dictated to me, that there was fomething that
certainly was the reafon and end of life, which was
far fuperior to what could be hoped for on this fide
the grave. My country delights were now as infipid
and dull, as mufic aud fcience to thofe who have
neither tafte nor ingenuity. In fhort, refolving to
leave off houſe-keeping, I left my farm, and in a few
months, returned to London.
+
But neither could that great city, fo famous for
its variety of entertainment, afford me any agree-
able delight; a flate of idlenefs I found to be the
very diegs of life, and mof hurtful to body and
foul. It was now the beginning of the year 1694,
at which time my nephew (who, as I before ob-
ferved, had been brought up to the lea, and ad-
vanced to be captain of a hip) was returned from
a fhort voyage to Bilboa, the fiift he had made in
that ſtation. He comes to me one morning, telling
me, that fome merchants of his acquaintance had
propofed for him to go a voyage for them, to the
Eaft Indies and China, in the manner of private
traders and now, uncle faid he, if you'll accompany
me thither, I'll engage to land you upon your old ifland,
to visit the state of your little kingdom.
Juft before he came in my thoughts were fixed to
get a patent for its poffeffion, and then to fill it with
inhabitants. After I had paufed a while, and look-
ed fedfaftly on him, What devil, or fpirit, faid F,
fent you with this unlucky errand? He ftarted at firft;
but recovering himſelf, when he perceived I was
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
171
- not offended; Sir, replied he, what I have pro-
pofed, cannot, I hope, be fiyled lucky, fince
certainly you must be defirous to fee your little
territory, where you reigned with more content
than any of your brother kings in the univerſe.
Nephew, faid I, if you will leave me there, and
call for me as you come back, I care not if I give ·
my consent? but he anfwered, that the merchants
would not allow their veffel, loaden with infinite
value, to return there again, which was a month's
fail out of the way; befides, Sir, faid he, if I
fhould mifcarry, was your requeft granted, why
then you would be locked up as before. This,
indeed, carried a great deal of reafon in it; but we
found out a remedy, and that was to carry a framed
floop on board, ready to be ſet up in the iſland, by`
the affiftanee of fome carpenters, which we ſhould
carty with us, that might be fitted in a few days to
go to fea. I was not long in forming my refolution.
which over-fwayed my good friend the widow's per-
fuafions, and the natural affection I bore to my
young children. I made my will, and fettled my
eftate in fuch a manner, that I was perfectly fure
that my poor infants would have juftice done them.
The good widow not only undertook to make pro-
vifion for my voyage, but also took the charge of
my domeftic affairs, and to provide for my chil-
dren's education; and indeed no mother could take
more care, or underſtood that office better; for
which I lived to reward, and return her my hearty.
thanks.
The beginning of January 1694-5, my nephew
being ready to fail, I and Friday went on board in:
the Downs on the 8th, having, befides that floop
already mentioned, a very confiderable cargo for
my new colony. First, I had fome fervants, whom
I propofed to leave there, as they fhould appear
willing; there were two carpenters, a fmith, and
a very ingenious fellow who was Jack of all trades;:
for he was not only a cooper by trade, but alſo he-
23
172
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
was dexterous at making wheels and hand-mills to
grind corn, likewife a good turner, and a good pot-
maker. I alſo carried a tailor, who confented to
Atay in my plantation, and proved a moft neceffary
fellow in the island. As to my cargo, it confifted
of a fufficient quantity of linen, and Engliſh ſtuffs,
for clothing the Spaniards that I expected to find
there; as likewife gloves, hats, fhoes, flockings;
together with beds, bedding, and houſehold ftuff,
efpecially kitchen utenfils; with pots, kettles,
pewter, brats, &c. alfo nails, tools of all forts,
ftaples, hooks, hinges, and all other things necef-
fa.y; all which, I think, coft me about three hun-
dred pounds. Nor was this all: for I carried an
hundred fpare arms, mufkets, and fufees, befides
fome piſtols, a confiderable quantity of feverál
forts of fhot, two brafs cannon, befides fwords, cut-
Jaffes, and the iron part of fome pikes and halberts.
I made my nephew take with us two fmall quarter-
deck guns, more than he had occaſion for in his
hip, to leave behind, if there was a neceffity; fo
we might built a fort there, and man it againſt all
oppoſers whatſoever.
Well, we put out to fea; and though I can't fay
this voyage was fo unprofperous as my others had
been, yet contrary winds drove us to far northward,
that we were obliged to put in at Galway in Ireland,
where we lay wind bound two and twenty days.
Here indeed provifions were very cheap, and we
added to our fhip's ftores by taking feveral live
hogs, two cows and calves, which I then refolved
to put on fhore on my island, if our neceffities did
not call for them. On the 5th of February we fail-
ed from Ireland, with a very fait gale, which lafted
for fome days; and I think it was about the 20th
of the fame mouth, late in the evening, when the
mate informed us that he faw a flath of fire, and
heard a gun fired: and when he was fpeaking, a
boy came in, and told us, that the boatfwain had
heard another. Upon which we all ran to the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
173
quarter-deck, from whence in a few moments we
perceived a terrible fire at a diſtance. We had im-
mediately recourſe to our reskonings, in which we
were all of opinion, that there could be no land
that way, it appearing to be at N. N. W. Here-
upon we concluded that fome fhip had taken fire at
fea, and that it could not be far off, by the report
of the guns which we had heard. We made up di-
rectly to it, and in half an hour's time, the wind
being fair, we could plainly perceive a great ſhip
on fire in the middle of the fea. Touched with
this unhappy difafter, and confidering my former
circumftances, when the Portugueſe Captain took
me up, I immediately ordered five guns to be fired,
that the poor creatures, not feeing us, it being
dark, (though we could perceive their flame) might
be fenfible there was deliverance at hand, and con-
fequently might endeavour to fave themſelves in
their boat. Nor was it long before the fhip blew
up in the air, and the fire was extinguilhed in the
ocen. But fuppofing them all to be in their boats
we hung out our lanterns, and kept up firing till
eight o'clock in the morning; when, with our per-
fpectives, we beheld two boats full of people, ma-
king towards us, though the tide was agaiuft them :
then ſpreading out our autient, and hanging out a
waft, as a fignal for them to come on board, in
half an hour's time, we came up to them, and took
them all in, there being no less than fixty-four men,
women and children. It was a French merchant
ſhip of 300 tons, homeward-bound from Quebec, in
the river of Canada. The mafter informed me how,
by the negligence of the fteerfman, the fteerage was
fet on fire: that, at his out-gry for help, the fie
was, as they thought, totally extinguilhed; but,
that fome (piks getting between the timber, and
within the ceiling, it proceeded into the hold, where
there was no refifting it: that then they got into
their boats, as creatures in the laft extremity, with
what provifion they had, together with oars, fails,
-
174
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
and a compafs, intending to go back to Newfound-
land, the wind blowing at S. E. and by E. though
there were feveral chances against them, as ftorms
to overfet and founder them, rains and colds to be-
numb and perifh their limbs, and contrary winds to
keep them back and ftarve them; but faid he, in
this our great diftrefs, we heard the welcome report
of your guns, when, with unspeakable joy, tak-
ing down our mafts and fails, we were refolved
to lie by till morning: but perceiving your light,
we let our oars at work to keep our boat a-head, the
fooner to attain your fhip, the happy inftrument of
our deliverance.
Indeed, no one can exprefs the joy of theſe poor
creatures on this occafion; fear and grief are eafily
fet forth; fighs and tears, with a few motions of the
hands and head, are all the demonftrations of thefe-
paffions; but an excess of joy, carries in it a thou-
fand extravagancies; efpecially, I think, amongſt
the French, whofe temper is allowed to be more
volatile, paffionate, fprightly and gay, than that of
other nations. Some were weeping, tearing them-
felves in the greateft agonies of forrow, and running
ftark mad about the fhip, while the rest were flamp-
ing with their feet, wringing their hands, finging,
laughing, fwooning away, fainting, with a few re-
turning hearty thanks to the Almighty, and croffing
themfelves. I think, if I am not miftaken, our
furgeon was obliged to let thirty of them blood.
But among the paffengers, there were two prieſts,
the one an old, the other a young man; but what
amazed me more was, the oldeft was in the worſt
plight; for no fooner did he perceive himſelf free'd
from danger, but he dropt down, as it were without
life, and, to appearance, quite dead; but the fur-
geon, chafing and rubbing his arm, opened a vein,
which at first dropped, and then flowing more freely,
he began to open his eyes, and in a quarter of an
hour was well again. But foon remembering his
happy change, the joy of which whirled his blood
I
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
175
about fafter than the veffels could convey it, he be-
came fo feverish, as made him more fit for bedlam
than any other place; but the furgeon giving him
a fleepy doſe, he was perfectly compofed the next
morning.
·
1
Remarkable, indeed, was the behaviour of the
young prieft. On his entrance on board the fhip,
he fell on his face in the most humble proftration to
the Almighty. I thought, indeed, he had fallen
inte a fwoon, and fo ran to help him up; but he
modeftly told me, he was rerurning thanks to the
Almighty, defiring me to leave him a few moments,
and that, next to his creator, he would return me
thanks alfo. And, indeed, he did fo in about three
minutes after, with great ferioufneſs and affection,
while the tears flood in his eyes, which convinced
me of the gratitude of his foul. Nor did he lefs
fhew his piety and wiſdom, in applying himſelf to
his country people, and labouring to compofe them,
by the most powerful reafons, arguments, and per-
fuafions. And, indeed, when theſe people had ta-
ken their nighi's repofe, in fuch lodgings as our
thip would allow, we found nothing but the beft of
manners, and the moft civil acknowledgements, for
which the French are eminently remarkable. The
next day the Captain and one of the priests defired
to ſpeak to me and my nephew the commander,
They told us, that they had faved fome money and
valuable things out of the ruined veffel, which was
at our ſervice; only that they defired to be ſet on
fhore fome where in our way. At the firft, my ne-
phew was for accepting the money; but I (who
knew how hard my cafe would have been, had the
Portugueſe Captain ferved me fo) perfuaded him to
the contrary and therefore told them, that as we
had done nothing but what we were obliged to do
by nature and humanity, and what we ourfelves
might expect from others in fuch calamity; fo we
took them up to fave them, not to plunder them,
or leave them naked upon the land, to perish for
··176.
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
want of fubfiftence, and therefore would not accept
their money but as to landing them, that was a
great difficulty; for being bound to the Eaft Indies,
it was impoffible, wilfully to change our voyage
upon their particular account, nor could my ne-
phew (who was under charter-party to purfue it by
way of Brazil) anfwer it to the freighters. All that
we could do, was to put ourfelves in the way of
meeting fome hips homeward bound from the Weſt
Indies, that, if poffible, they might get a paffage to
France or England. Indeed, they were very
thank-
ful for our kindness; but were under great con-
cern, efpecially the paffengers, at their being car-
ried to the Eaft Indies. They begged, therefore I
would keep on the banks of Newfoundland, where
probably, they might meet with fome fhip or floop
to carry them to Canada; whence they came. As
this was but a reafon ble requeft; I was inclined to
grant it, fince it was no breach of charter-party,
and that the laws of God and nature obliged us to
do what good we could to our fellow-creatures; and
befides the danger we ourselves fhould be in for
want of provifions; fo we confenfed to carry them
to Newfoundland, if wind and weather would per-
mit; if not, that we should carry them to Martinico
in the West Indies. But as it happened in a week's
time, we made the banks of Newfoundland, where
the 'French people hired a bark to carry them to
France. But the young pricft being defirous to go
to the Eaft. Indies, I readily agreed to it, becauſe I
Jiked his converfation, and two or three of the
French failors alfo entered themfelves on board our
ipi
霉
​Now directing our courfe for the Web Indies,
feering S. and S. by E. about twenty days, with lit
tle wind, another adventure happened, to exerciſe
our humanity. In the latitude of 27 degrees 5 mi-
nutes north, the 19th of March 1694-5, we percei-
ved a fail (our courfe S. E. and by S.) which bore
to us, and then he appeared to be a large veffel,
老
​}
+
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
117
having loft her main top-maft, and boltfprit; when
firing a gun, as a fignal of diftrefs, wind N. N. W.
we foon came to ſpeak with her. She was a fhip
from Bristol, bound home, from Barbadoes, out of
which road the had been forced by a hurricane to the
weftward, in which they loft their mafts.
:
They told us, their expectations were to fee the
Bahama itlands, but were driven away by a ftrong
wind at N. N. W. and having no fails to work the
fhip with, but the main courfe, and a kind of fquare
fail upon jury fore-maft, because they could not
come near the land, where endeavouring to ftand for
the Canaries; nay, what was worfe, befides their
fatigue, were almoſt ſtarved for want of provifion,
having eat nothing for 11 days; all they had aboard
was fugar, a barrel of frell water, and feven cafks
oferum. In this flip were three paffengers a youth,
his mother, and a maid fervant, who were in a moft
deplorable condition for want of food. If I had
not gone on board their thip, the knowledge of
their mifery had been concealed from me, and they
would have inevitably perished, though, indeed,
their fecond inate (who was Captain, by reafon the
true Captain was not on board when the hurricane
happened) had before informed me that there were
fuch perfous on board, whom he fuppoled to be
dead, being afraid to enquire after them, becaufe he
had nothing to give them for relief. Hereupon we
refolved to let them have what we could fpare, or-
dering the mate to bring fome of his men on board
us, which he did accordingly; as he and they looked
like ſkeletons, when meat was fet before them, I or-
dered them to eat fparingly. But, however, they
foon fell fick which obliged the furgeon to mix
fomething in their broth, which was to be to them.
both food and phyfic. When they were fed, we
ordered our mate to carry then a fack of bread,
and four or five pieces of beef, but the furgeon
charged them to fee it boiled, and to keep a guard
on the cook-room, to prevent the men from eating
4
178
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
it raw, and confequently killing themfelves with
what was defigned for their relief. But, particular-
ly, defired the mate to fee what condition the poor
paffengers where in, and the furgeon gave him a pit-
cher of the fame broth which he had prepared for
the men. And, being curious to fee this ſcene of
mifery myſelf, I took the captain (as we called the
mate of the hip) in our own boat, and failed after
them.
Here was a fad fight indeed!. fcarce were the vic-
tuals half boiled in the pot, but they were ready
to break open the cook-room door. To ftay their
ftomachs the mate gave them bifcuits, which were
dipped in, and foftened with the liquor of the meat
which they call Breuife; telling them it was for
their own fafety, that he was obliged to give them
little at a time and fo feeding them gradually,
their bellies were, comfortably filled, and the men
did very well again. But when they came to the
poor gentlewoman in the cabin, who, for feveral
days, had continued without food, giving what ſhe
had to her fon, they found her as it were in the arms.
of death. She was fitting upon the floor of the
deck, with her back up againft the fides, between
two chairs, which were lathed faft, and her head
fhrunk between her fhoulders, like a corple. No-
thing was wanting in my mate to revive and encou-
rage her; opening her lips, and putting fome broth
into her mouth with a fpoon. But not having
frength to fpeak, the lifted up her head with much
difficulty, intimating it was, now too late! at the
fime time pointing to the youth her fon, as though
the defired him to do what he could to fave the lad;
and in a little time, after, fhe expired.
The youth, indeed, was not fo far gone, yet lay
ftretched out on a cabin bed, like one that had
fearce any a piece of an
life. In his mouth, was
old glove, the reft of which he had eaten up. At
first he vomited what the mate had given him; but
at length he began fenfibly to revive, though in
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
179
the greateſt concern for the death of his tender
mother.
As to the poor maid, the lay by her miſtreſs, like
one in the laſt pangs of death: her limbs were dif
torted, one of her hands was clafped round the frame
of a chair, which ſhe griped fo hard, that it was with
fome difficulty we feperated her from it; her other
arm lay over her head, and her feet lay both together,
fet faft against the frame of the cabin table; not
only being ftarved with hunger, but overcome with
grief for the lofs of her miſtreís, whom ſhe loved moſt
tenderly. It was a long time before the furgeon
could bring her life, and much longer time before
he came to her fenfes.
After we had failed with them fome days, we fent
them five barrels of beef, one of pork, two hogf-
heads of bifcuit, with peafe, flour, and other
things, taking three cafks of fugar, fome rum, and
fome pieces of eight for fatisfaction, we left them
but took the youth and maid with us, with all their
goods. Tne lad was about feventeen years old,
very handfome, modeft, fenfible, and well-bred,
but mightily concerned for the lofs of his honoured
mother, having loft his father at Barbadoes but a
few months before. He befeeched the furgeon to
for
intercede with me to take him out of the fhip;
that the failors, not fparing a fmall fubfiftence, had
ftarved his mother. But hunger has no bounds, no
right, and confequently is incapable of any com-
paffion. When the furgeon told him, that our voy»
age might put him in bad circumftauces, and far-
ther from his friends, he antwered, he did not care,
fo he was delivered from that terrible crew: that as
the Captain (meaning me) had faved him from death
fo he was fure he would do him no harm; and as
for the maid, when he was rellored to her fenfes,
The would be no lefs thankful, let us carry them
where we would. And, indeed, the furgeon fo re-
prefented their cafe to me, that I confented, and
took them on board, with all their goods, except
180
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
eleven hogsheads of fugar; but the youth having a
bill of lading, I made the commander oblige him-
felf to deliver a letter and the deceafed widow's
goods to Mr. Rogers, a merchant in Briſtol; but I
believe the thip was loft at fea, for we could never
hear what became of her afterwards. We were now
in the latitude of 19 deg. 32 min. having as yet a
tolerable good voyage. But pafling by feveral little
incidents relating to wind and weather, I fhall relate
what is oft remarkable concerning my little king-
dom, to which I was then drawing near. 1 had
great difficulty in finding it; for as I came to, and
went from it before, on the fouth and eaſt ſide of
the island, as coming from the Brazils; fo now ap-
proaching between the main and the ifland; not ha-
ving any chart for the coaft, nor land mark, it ob-
liged us to go on fhore feveral iflands on the mouth
of the river Oroonoko, but to no purpofe. This 1
perceived, that what I thought was a continent be-
fore, was no fuch thing, but a long ifland, or ra-
ther ridge of fands. On one of theſe iſlands I found
fome Spaniards, but they belonged to the Ifle de
Trinidad, who came hither in a floop to make falt,
and to try to find fome pearl mufcles. But, at length,
I came fair on the fouth fide of my iſland, and then
I prefently knew the countenance of my little king-
dom, fo we brought the fhip fafe to an anchor,
broadfide within the little creek, where ftood my
antient and venerable caftle.
No fooner did I fee the place, but calling for Fri-
day, I asked him where he was? But when he looked
a little, he clapped his hands, crying, O joy, O there,
Oyes, O there! pointing to our old abode, and then
tell a dancing and capering as if he was mad, and I
had much ado to keep him from jumping into the
fea, to fwim afhore. Friday, faid I what do you
think, fhall we go fee your father? at the menti-
oning his father's name, the poor affectionate crea-
ture fell a weeping: No, no, fays he, me fee him no
more, never fee poor father more! he long ago die, die
F
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
18:
܂
long ago; he much old man. You don't know that,
Friday, faid 1, but fhall we fee any body elfe? He
looked about, and pointing to the hill above my
houſe, cries out, We fee, we fee, there much men, and
there! which though I could not perceive them with
my perspective glafs, was true, by what the men
themſelves told me the next day.
When the English ancient was ſpread, and three
guns fired es a fignal of friendship, we perceived a
fmoke rife from the creek; upon which I ordered the
boat out, taking Friday with me, and hanging out a
white flag of truce, I went on fhore, accompanied al
fo by the young friar, to whom I had related the hif
tory of the first part of my life; befides we had fix-
teen men well armed, in cafe we had met with any
oppofition.
After we had rowed directly into the creek, the
first man I fixed my eye upon, was the Spaniard,
whofe life I had faved, and whofe face I perfectly
well knew. I ordered them all to ſtay in the boat
for a while; but Friday perceiving bis father at a dif-
tance, would have jumped into the fea, had they not
let the boat go. No fooner was he on fhore, but he
flew like an arrow out of a bow, to embrace his aged
father. Certainly it would melt a man of the firmeft:
refolution, into the fofteft tears, to fee with what un-
common tranfports of joy he faluted him: he furt
kiffed him, then ftroked his face, took him in his
arms, laid him under a fhady tree, fat down by him,
then looked as earnest at him, as one would do at a
picture, for a quarter of an hour together. After
this he would lie upon the ground, ftroke his legs,
and kifs them, then get up and ftare at him, as though
he was bewitched: but the next day one could not
forbear laughter to fee his behaviour, for he would
walk feveral hours with his father along the fhore,.
leading him by the hand, as though he was a lady ;;
while every now and then he would run to the boat,
to get fomething for him, as a lump of fugar, drain,,
bifcuit, or fomething or other that was good. His
R 2
182
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
frolics ran in another channel in the afternoon; for
when he fet old Friday on the ground, he would
dance round him, making comical poftures and gef-
tures: and all this time would be telling him one
fory or other of his travels and adventures.
It was on the 10th of April, 1695, that I fet my
foot on the ifland a fecond time. When my faith-
ful Spaniard, accompanied by one more, approached
the boat, he little knew who I was, till I difcovered
myſelf to him: Seignor, faid I, in Portugueſe, don't
you know me? he spoke never a word, but giving his
mufket to his tttendant, extended his arms, and fay-
ing fomething in Spanish, that I did not then under-
and, he caine forward, and embraced me, faying,
he was inexcufable, not to know his deliverer; who,
like an angel fent from heaven, had faved his life.
He then beckoned to the man to call out his compa-
nions, aſking me, if I would walk to my own habita-
tion, and take peffion, where I fhould find fome
mean, improvements: but indeed they were extraor-
dinary ones; for they had planted fo many trees fo
clofe together, that the place was like a labyrinth,
which none could find out, except themſelves, who
knew its intricate windings. I asked him the mean-
ing of all thefe fortifications; he told me he would
give me a large account of what had pafled fince my
departure to this time, and how he had fubdued fome
English, who thought to be their murderers, hoping I
would not be difpleafed, fince neceffity compelled
them to it. As I knew they were wicked villains, fo
I told him, that I was not only far from finding fault
with it. but was rather heartily glad that they had
fubdued them. While we were thus talking, the man
whom he had fent returned, accompanied by eleven
more, but in fuch habits, that it was impoffible to tell
what nations they were of. He first turned to me,
and pointing to them: Thefe, Sir, faid he, are fome
of the gentlemen who owe their lives to your good-
nefs; then turning to them, and pointing to me, he-
made them ſenſible who I was: and then indeed they
१
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE,
183
faluted mo one by one; not as ordinary men, but as
though they had been ambaſſadors or noblemen, and
I a triumphant conqueror; for their behaviour not
only agreed with a manlike, majeſtic gravity, but as
the fame time was fo obliging and courteous, as made
them admirable to the laft degree.
Before I relate the hiftory of the tranfactions o
my kingdom, as I had it from the Spaniard's own
mouth, I must here infert what I omitted in my for-
mer relation. The matter is thus: Juft before we
weighed anchor to fet fail, there happened a quarrel
on board the hip, which had like to have occafioned
a fecond mutiny, till fuch time as the courageous ·
Captain, taking two of the most refractory prifoners,
laid them in irons, threatening, as they were concern.
ed in the former diforders, to have them hanged in
England, for running away with the fhip. This
frightened fome of the reft, as thinking the Captain
would ferve them in the fame manner, though he
feemed to give them good words for the prefent. Buz
the mate having intelligence of this made me acquaint--
ed with their fears; fo that to make them more eaſy,
and ourſelves more fafe from their confpiracies, (
was obliged to go down, and pafs my word of ho-
nour for it, that, upon their good behaviour, all that
was paft fhould be pardoned; in teftimony of which
I ordered the two men's irons to be taken off, and
themfelves forgiven. But as this had brought us to '
an anchor that night, in which there was a calm, the
two men that had been in irons, fole each of them.
a mufket, and fome other weapons, and taking the
fhip's pinnace, not yet hauled up, ran away to their
brother rogues. The next morning we fent the long
boat, with two men to purfue them; but all in vaing
the mate, in revenge, would have demolished my lic..
tle caſtle, burnt its furniture, and defroyed their plan-
tations but having no orders for it he did not put is
in execution. And thus there were five Engliſhmen :
in the ifland, which caufed great differences, 25-ary ·
R3
184
$
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
faithful Spaniard gave me a perfect account of it in
the following manner.
You cannot, Sir, but remember the embaffy you
ſent me about, and what a difappointment we met
with, by your abſence, at our return. There is but
little variety in the relation of our voyage, being blef-
fed with calm weather, and a ſmooth fea. Great, in-
deed, was the joy of my countrymen, having acted as
the principal man on board, the Captain of the fhip-
wrecked veffel dying before; nor was their furprize
lefs, at knowing I was taken prifoner by the favages
of another nation, they thought me long fince en-
tombed in their monftrous bowels. But when I fhew-
ed them the arms, ammunition, and provifions I had
brought for them, they looked upon me as a fecond
Jofeph advanced in Pharaoh's court, and immediately
prepared to come along with me. Indeed, they were
obliged to treſpaſs upon their friendly favages, by bor-
rowing two of their canoes, under a pretext for fish-
ing; and they came away the next morning, but
without any provifions of their own, except a few
roots, which ferved them inftead of bread. After
three weeks abfence, we arrived at your habitation.
Here we met with three English failors, who I con-
fels, gave us provifions, and that letter of directions
you had left us, which informed us how to bring
up tame goats, plan: corn, cure grapes, make pots;
and, in short, every thing that was neceffary for our
ufe; as in particular, I knew your method beſt, ſo
taking Friday's father to affift me, we managed all
the affairs; nor were the rest of the Spaniards wan-
ting in their kind offices, drefling food for the Eng-
lithmen, who did nothing but ramble and divert
themſelves in the woods, either fhooting parrots, cr
catching tortoifes. But we had not been long afhore
before we were informed of two more Englifhmen,
unnaturally turned out of their common place of refi-
dence by the three others above mentioned: this made
my Spaniards and me (whom they now looked upon
as their governor in your abfence) endeavour to per-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
185
fuade them to take them in, that we might be as one
family;
but all our intreaties were in vain, ſo that
the poor fellows, finding nothing to be done without
induſtry, pitched their tents on the north fide of the
ifland, a little inclining to the weft, for fear of fa-
vages. Here they built two huts, one to lodge, the
other to lay their flores in; for my good natured Spa-
niards giving them fome feeds, they dug and planted
as I had done, and began to live prettily. But while
they were thus comfortably going on, the three unna-
tural brutes, their countrymen, in a mere bullying
humour, infulted them, by faying, the governor
(meaning you) had given them poffeffion of the ifland
and d-mn'em, they fhall build no houfes upon their
ground, without paying rent.
The two honeſt men
(for fo let me now diftinguiſh them) thought their
three countrymen only jefted, and one of them invit-
ed them in, to fee their fine habitations; while the
other facetiouſly told them, that fince they built tene-
ments with great improvements, they fhould, accord-
ing to the cuftom of the landlords, give them a longer
leafe; at the fame time defiring them to fetch a fcri-
viner to draw the writings. One of the wretches
fwearing he should pay for the jeft, fnatches up a fire
brand, and clapping it to the outfide of the hut, very
fairly ſet it on fire, which would foon have confumed
it, had not the honeft man thruſt him away, and trod
it out with his feet. Hereupon the fellow returns
with a pole, with which he would have ended his
days, had not the poor man avoided the blow; when
fetching the mufket, he knocked down the villain
that began the quarrel. The other two coming to
affift their fellow, obliged the honeft man to take his
mufket alfo, and both of the prefenting their pieces,
bid the villains ftand off; and if they did not lay
down their arms, death fhould decide the difpute
one way or other. This brought them to a parley,
in which they agreed to take their wounded man and
be gone; but they were in the wrong that they did
not difarm them when they had the power, and then
186
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
make their complaint to me and my Spaniards for
juftice, which might have prevented their farther de-
figns against them. And indeed fo many trefpaffes
did they afterwards commit, by treading down their
corn, fhooting their young kids and goats, and plagu-
ing them night and day, that they refolved to come
to my cattle, challenge all the three, and decide their
right by one plain battle, while the Spaniards ftood
by to fee fair play. One day it happened, that two of
my Spaniards (one of them understood Engliſh) be-
ing in the woods, were met by one of the honeft men,
who complained how barbarous their countrymen
had been in deſtroying their corn, killing their milch-
goats, and three kids, which deprived them of their
fubfiftance; that if we did not grant them relief,
they must be inevitably ftarved; and fo they parted;
but when my Spaniard came home at night, and fup-
per being on the table, one of them began to repre-
hend the Englishmen, but in a very mannerly way;
which they refenting, replied, What bufinefs had
their countrymen there without leave, when it was
none of their ground? Why, faid my Spaniaid, calm-
ly, Inglese, they muſt not ſtarve; but they replied,
Let them farve and be d-mn'd, they ſhould neither
plant nor build, and d-mn them they fhould be their
fervants, and work for them, for the iſland was theirs
and they would burn all the huts they could find in
the land. By this rule, faid my Spaniard, fmiling,
we ſhall be your fervants too. Aye, by G-d, and
fo you fhall, replied the impudent rafcal. Upon
which, ftarting up, Will Atkins cries, come, Jack,
let's have t'other brush with them; who dare to
build in our dominions? Thus leaving us fomething
heated with a juft paffion, away they trooped, every
man having a gun, piftol, and fword, muttering fomne
threatening words, that we could then but imperfect-
ly understand. That night they defigned to murder
their two companions, and flept till midnight in the
bower, thinking to fall on them in their fleep: not.
were the honeft men lefs thoughtful concerning them
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
187
for, at this juncture, they were coming to find them
out, but in a much fairer way. As foon as the vil-
lains came to the huts, and found nobody there, they
concluded that I and my Spaniards had given them
notice, and therefore fwore to be revenged on us.Then
they demolished the poor men's habitation; not by
fire, as they attempted before, but pulled down their
houfes, limb by limb, not leaving ftick nor ftone on
the ground where they ftood; broke their houſehold
ſtuff in pieces, tore up their trees, ſpoiled their inclo-
fures, and, in fhort, quite ruined them of every
thing they had. Had thefe people met together, no
doubt but there would have been a bloody battle;
but providence ordered it for the better; for juſt as
the three were got thither, the two were at our caftle;
and, when they left us, the three came back again,
but in a great rage, fcoffingly telling us what they
had done; when one taking hold of a Spaniard's hat,
twirls it round, faying, And you, Signior, Jack Spa-
niard, fhull have the fame fauce, if you don't mend your
manners. My Spaniard, a grave, but courageous
man, knocked him down with one blow of his fift; at
which another villain fired his piftol, and narrowly
miffed his body, but wounded him a little in the ear.
Hereat enraged, the Spaniard takes up the fellow's
mufket whom he had knocked down, and would have
fhot him, if I and the rest had not come out, and ta-
ken their arms from every one of them.
Thefe Engliſhmen, perceiving they had made all
of us their enemies, began to cool; but notwithftand-
ing their better words, the Spaniards would not re-
turn them their arms again, telling them they would
do them no manner of harm, if they would live
peaceably: but, if they they offered any injury to the
plantation or cattle, they would fhoot them as they
would do ravenous beafts. This made them ſo mad,
that they weut away raging like furies of hell. They
were no ſooner gone, but In came the two honeft
men, fired with the jufteft rage, if fuch can be, hav-
ing been ruined as aforefaid. And, indeed, it was
788
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
very hard that nineteen of us fhould be bullied by
three villains: continually offending with impunity.
It was a great while, Sir, before we could per-
fuade the two Englishmen from purſuing, and un-
doubtedly killing them with their fire arms: but
we promifed juftice fhould be done them, and in
the mean time they fhould refide with us in our ha
bitation. In about five days after thefe three va-
grants almoft ftarved with hunger, drew near our
grove, and perceiving me, the governor, and two
others walking by, the fide of the creek they very
fubmiffively defired to be received into the family
again. We told them, of their incivility to us,
and of their unnatural barbarity to their country.
men; but yet we would fee to what the rest agreed
to, and in half an hour's time would bring them
word. After fome debate, we called them in,
where their two countrymen laid a heavy charge
against them, for not only ruining but defigning
to murder them, which they could not deny. But
here I was forced to interpofe as a mediator, by ob-
liging the two Englishmen not to hurt them being
unarmed; and that the other three fhould make
them reftitution, by building their two huts, and
fencing their ground in the faine manner as it was-
before. Well, being in a miferable condition,
they fubmitted to this at prefent, and lived foine
time regularly enongh, except as to the working
part, which they did not care for, but the Spani-
ards would have difpenfed with that, had they con-
tinued eaſy and quiet. Their arms being given
them again, they fearce had them a week, when
they became as troubleſome as ever; but an accident
happened foon after, obliged us to lay afide
private refentments, and look to our common pre-
fervation.
One night, Sir, I went to bed, perfectly well in
health and yet by no means could I compofe myfelf-
to fleep.. Upon which, being very uneafy, I got
up, and looked out; but it being dark, I could
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
189
perceive nothing but the trees around our caftle, I
went to bed again; but it was all one, I could not
fleep; when one of my Spaniards, hearing me walk
about, aſked who was up? I anfwered, it is I.
When I told him the occafion; Sir, ſaid he, fuch
things are not to be flighted: for certainly there is
fome mifchief plotting near us. Where are the
Engliſhmen? faid 'I. He aufwered, in their huts;
for they lay feparate from us, Sir, fince the laft mu-
tiny. Well, faid I, fome kind fpirit gives this in-
formation, for our advantage. Come, let us go a-
broad, and fee if any thing offers to juftify our
fears. Upon which I and fume of my Spaniards
went up the mountain, not by the ladder, but
through the grove; and then we were ftruck with a
panic fear, on feeing a light, as though it were a
fire, at a very little diftance, and hearing the
voice of feveral men. Hereupon we retreated im-
mediately, and raifing the reft of our forces, made
them fenfible of the impending danger; but, with
all my authority, I could not make them ftay where
they were, fo earneſt were they to fee how things
went. Indeed, the darknefs of the night gave
them opportunity enough to view them (by the
light of the fire) undifcovered. As they were in
different parties, and ftraggling over the fhore, we
were much afraid that they fhould find out our ha-
bitations and deflroy our flocks of goats. To pre-
vent which we fent an Englond and two Spaniards to
drive the goats into the valley where the cave lay: or
or, if there was occafion, into the cave itfelf. As
to ourfelves, refuming our native courage and pru-
dent conduct, had we been divided, we durft ven-
ture to attacft u hundrec of them; but before it was
yet light, we refolved to fend Friday's father out as a
fpy, who, immediately, tripping himſelf naked, gets
among them undifcovered, and, in two hour's time,
brings word, that they were two parties of two dif
ferent nations, who lately having a bloody battle with
•
190
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
one another, happened to land by mere chance, in the
fame ifland to devour their miferable prifoners. That
they were intirely ignorant of any perfon's inhabit-
ing here but rather being filled with rage and fury
against one another, and he believed that by daylight
there would be a terrible engagement. Old Friday
had ſcarce ended his relation, when we heard a very
uncommon noife, and perceived that there was a hor-
rid engagement between the two armies.
Such was the curiofity of our party, efpecially the
Engliſhmen, that they would not lie clofe, though old
Friday told them their fafety depended upon it: and
that if we had patience, we ſhould behold the favages
kill one another. However they ufed fome caution,
by going further into the woods, and placing them-
felves in a convenient place to behold the battle.
Never could there be a more bloody engagement,
nor men of more invincible fpirits, and prudent con-
duct, according to their way and manner of fighting.
It lafted near two hours, till that party which was
neareft our caftle began to decline, and at laft to fly.
from their conquerors. We were undoubtedly put
into a great confternation on this account, left they
fhould run into our grove and confequeutly bring us
into the like danger. Hereupon we refolved to kill
the first that came, to prevent difcovery; and that
too with our ſwords and the but encs of our muskets,
for fear the report of our guns ſhould be heard.
And fo indeed, as we thought it happened: for
three of the vanquifhed army croffing the creek,
ran directly to the place, as to a thick wood for
ſhelter; nor was it long before our fcout gave'us
notice of it; as alfo, ihat the victors did not think
fit to purſue them. Upon this I would not fulfer
them to be flain, but had them furpriſed and taken
by our party and afterwards they proved very
good fervants, being flout young creatures, and
able to do a great deal of work. The remainder of
the conquered favages fled to their canoes, and put
out into the ocean, while the conquerors, joinin
23
together, fhouted by way of triumph: and about
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
three in the afternoon they alfo embarked for their
own nation..
Thus we we were freed at once from the favages
and our fears, not perceiving any of thefe creatures
for a confiderable time after. We found two and
thirty men dead on the field of battle; fome were
flain with long arrows, which we found fticking in
their bodies; and the rest were killed with great
unwieldy wooden fwords which denoted their vaft
ftrength, and of which we found feventeen, befides
bows and arrows: but we could not find one wound-
ed creature among them alive; for they either kill
their enemies quite, or elfe carry thole wounded
away with them.
This terrible fight tamed the English for fome
time, confidering how unfortunate they might have
been, had they fallen into their hands, who would
not only kill them as enemies, but alfo for food, as
we do cattle; and, indeed this did fo much naufeate
their ftomachs, that it not only made them very ſick,
but more tractable to the common neceffary bufincfs
of the whole fociety, planting, fowing, and reaping,
with the greateſt figus of amity and friendfhip: lo
that now being all good friends, we began to confi-
der of circumstances in general and the first thing
we thought of, was, whether, as we perceived the
favages haunted that fide of the iland, and there be-
ing more retired parts of it, and yet as well fuited to
our manner of living, and equally to our advantage
we ought not rather to move our place of refdence,
and plant it, in a much fafer place, both for the ſe-
curity of our corn and cattle?
After a long debate on this head, it was refolved
or rather voted nemine contradicente, not to remove
our antient caftle, and that for this very good rea-
fon, that, fome time or other, we expected to hear
from our fupreme governor, (meaning you Sir)
whofe meffengers not finding us there, might think
the place demolithed, and all his fubjects deftroyed
by the favages.
S
192
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
As to the next concern, relating to our corn and
cattle, we confented to have them removed to the
valley where the cave was, that being moft proper
for both. But yet, when we confidered further,
we altered one part of our refolution; which was, to
remove only part of our corn there; fo that in cafe
one part was deftroyed the other might be preferv
ed. Another refolution we took, which really had
a great deal of prudence in it: and that was, in not
trufting the three favages whom we had taken pri-
foners, with any knowledge of the plantations which
we had made in the valley, of what number of cat-
tle we had there, much leſs of the cave, wherein we
kept feveral arms, and two barrels of powder you
left for us, at your departure from this ifland. But
though we would not change our habitation, we
reſolved to make it more fortified, and more fecret.
To this end, Sir, as you had planted trees at fome
diſtance before the entrance of your palace; fo we,
imitating your example, planted and filled up the
· whole ſpace of ground, even to the banks of the
creek, nay, into the very ooze, where the tide flow-
ed, not leaving a place for landing and among thofe
I had planted they had intermingled fo many fhort
ones, all of which growing wonderfully faft and thick,
a little dog could ſcarce find a paffage through them.
Nor was this lufficient, as we thought, før we did the
fame to all the ground to the right and left hand of
us, even to the top of the hill, without ſo much as
leaving a paffage for ourfelves, except by the ladder :
which being taken down, nothing but what had
wings or witchcraft could pretend to come near us.
And, indeed, this was exceedingly well contrived,
efpecially to ferve that occafion, for which we after-
wards found it neceſſary.
:
Thus we lived two years in a happy retirement,
having, all this time, net one vifit from the favages.
Indeed one morning, we had an alarm, which put
us into fome amazement: for a few of my Spaniards
being out very early, perceived no lefs than twenty
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
19
canoes, as it were coming on fhore: upon which
returning home, with great percipitation, they gave
us the alarm, which obliged us to keep at home all
that day, and the next, going out only in the night-
time to make our obfervations; but, as good luck
would have it, they were upon another defign, and
did not land that time upon the island.
But now there happened another quarrel between
the three Englifhmen, and fome of my Spaniards.
The occafion was this: One of them being enraged
at one of the favages, whom we had taken prifoner,
for not being able to comprehend fomething which
he was fhewing him, fnatched up a hatchet in a
great fury, not to correct but to kill him; yet mif-
fing his head, he gave him fuch a barbarous cut on
the fhoulder, that he had like to have ftruck off his
arm at which one of my good-natured Spaniards
interpofing between the Englishman and the favage,
befeeched the former not to murder the poor crea-
ture: but this kindneſs had like to have coft the
Spaniard his life, for the Englishman firuck at him
in the fame manner, which he nimbly and wifely
avoided, returned fuddenly upon him with his fho-
vel, (being at work about their corn-land) and very
fairly knocked the brute down. Hereupon, another
Englishman coming to his fellow's affiftance, laid
the good Spaniard on the earth; when immediately
two others coming to his relief, were attacked by the
third Englishman, armed with an old cutlafs, who
wounded them both. This uproar foon reached our
ears, when we, rufhing out upon them, took the
three Englishmen prifoners! and then our next
queftion was, what should be done to fuch mutinous
and impudent fellows, fo furious, defperate, and
idle, that they were mifchievous to the higheſt de-
gree, and confequently not fafe for the fociety to
let them live among them.
Now, Sir, as I was governor in your abſence, fo
I alfo took the authority of a judge; and, having
them brought before me, I told them, that if they
1
S2
194
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
had been of my country, I would hang every one
of them; but, fince it was an Englishman (meaning
you, Sir) to whom we were indebted for our pre-
fervation and deliverance, I would, in gratitude,
ufe them with all poffible mildnefs; but at the fame
time, leave thein to the judgment of the other two
Englishmen, who, I hoped forgetting their refent-
ments, would deal impartially by them.
Hereupon, one of his countrymen ftood up: Sir,
faid he, leave it not to us for you may be fenfible we have
reaſon to ſentence them to the gallows: befides, Sir, this
fellow, Will Atkins, and the two others, propofed to us,
that we might murder you all in your feep, which we
would not confent to: but knowing their inability and
your vigilance, we did not think fit to difcover it before
now.
1
How, Seignior, faid I, do you hear what is alledg-
ed against you? What can you fay to juftify fo hor-
rid an action, as to murder us in cold blood? So
far, Sir, was the wretch from denying it, that he
wore, dn him but he would do it fill. But
what have we done to you, Seignior Atkins, faid 1,
or what will you gain by killing us? What ſhall we
do to prevent you? Muft we kill you, or you kill
us: Why will you, Seignior, Atkins, (faid 1, fiai-
ling) put us to fuch an unhappy dilemma, fuch a
fatal neceffity: But fo great a rage did my fcoffing,
and yet ſevere jeft, put him into, that he was going
to fly at me, and undoubtedly had attempted to
kill me if he had been poffeffed of weapons, and
had not been preventod by the Spaniards. This
unparalelled and villainous carriage, made us feri-
ouſly confider what was to be done. The two Eng-
lifhmen and the Spaniard, who had faved the poor
Indian's life, mightily petitioned me to hang one
of them for an example to the others, which fhould
be him that had twice attempted to commit murder
with his hatchet, it being at that time thought im-
poffible the poor flave could recover. But they
could never gain my confent to put him to death,
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
195
for the reafons above, mentioned, fince it was an
Englishman (yourfelf) who was my deliverer: and
as merciful counfels are moft prevailing, when ear-
neftly preſſed, ſo I got them to be of my opinion as
to clemency. But, to prevent their doing us any
farther mifchief, we all agreed, that they fhould
have no weapons, as fword, gun, powder, or ſhot,
but be expelled from the fociety, to live has they
pleafed by themfelves; that neither the two Eng-
lifhmen, nor the reft of the Spaniards, fhould have
converfation with them upon any account: that
they ſhould be kept from coming within a certain
diſtance of our caſtle; and if they dared to offer us
any violence, either by fpoiling, burning killing,
or deftroying any corn, plantations, buildings,
fences, or cattle belonging to the ſociety, we would
ſhoot them as freely as we would do beasts of
prey.
This fentence feemed vcry juft to all but them--
felves; when, like a merciful judge, I called out
to the two honeft Englifhmen, faying, You muft
confider they ought not to be ftarved neither; and
fince it will be fome time before they can raiſe corn
and cattle of their own, let us give them fome corn
to last them eight months, and for feed to ſow, by
which time they'll raife fome for themfelves; let us:
alfo bestow upon them fix milch-goats, four he ones,
and fix kids, as well for their prefent-fupport, as
for their further increafe; with tools neceffary for
their work, as hatchets, an axe, faw, and other
things convenient to build them huts: all which
were agreed to: but before they took them into-
poffeffion, I obliged them folemnly to fwear, never
to attempt any thing againft us or their countryment
for the future. Thus difmiffing them from our fo-
ciety they went away, fullen and refractory, as though
neither willing to go nor to ftay; however, feeing
no remedy they took what provifion was given them,
propofing to chule a convenient place, where they?
night live by themselves.
-
S. 3·
196
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
About five days after, they came to thofe limits
appointed, in oider for more victuals, and fent me
word by one of the Spaniards, whom they called to
where they had pitched their tents, and marked
themſelves an habitation and plantation, at the N.
E. and moſt remote part of the ifland. And indeed
there they built themſelves two very handfome cot-
tages, refembling our little caftle, being under the
fide of a mountain, with fome trees already growing
on three fides of it; fo that planting a few more,
it would be obſcured from the fight, unleſs parti-
cularly fought for. When thefe huts were finished,
we gave them fome dry goat fkins for bedding and
covering; and upon their giving us fuller affuran-
ces of their good behaviour for the future, we gave
them fome peas, bailey, and rice for fowing, and
whatever tools we could fpare.
Six months did they live in this feparate condi-
tion, in which they got their fift harveft in, the
quantity of which was but fmall, becauſe they had
planted but little land: for indeed, all their plan-
tation being to form, made it more difficult, efpe-
cially as it was a thing out of their element; aud
when they were obliged to make their boards and
pots, &c. they could make little or nothing of it.
But the rainy feafon coming, on, put them into a
greater perplexity for want of a cave to keep their
corn dry, and prevent it from fpoiling; and fo
much did this humble them, that they begged of
my Spaniards to help them, to which the good-na-
zured men readily confented, and in four days
fpace, worked a great hole in the fide of the hill for
them, large enough for their purpofe, to fecure their
corn and other things from the rain, though not
comparable to ours, which had feveral additional
apartments.
But a new whim poffe ffed thefe rogues about three
quarters of a year after, which had like to have
ruined us and themfelves too: for it feems being
tired and weary of this fort of living, which made
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
197
them work for themfelves, without hope of chang-
ing their condition, nothing would ferve them but
they would make a voyage to the continent, and
try if they could feize upon fome of the favages,
and bring them over to do their drugery, while they
lived at eafe and pleasure.
Indeed the project was not fo prepofterious, if
they had not gone farther; but, they neither did,
nor propofed any thing but what had mischief in the
defign, or the event. One morning thefe three
fellows came down to the limited ſtation, and hum-
bly defied to be admited to talk with us, which we
readily granted; they told us in fhort, that being
tired of their manner of living and the labour of
their hands, in fuch employments, not being fuf-
ficient to procure the ncceffaries of life, they only
defired one of the canoes we came over in, with
fome arms and ammuniton, for their defence, and
they would feek their fortunes abroad, and never
trouble us any more. To be fure, we were glad
enough to get rid of fuch wretched plagues; but
yet honefty made us ingenuously reprefent to them
by what we ourſelves had fuffered, the certain de-
firuction they were running into, either of being
ftarved to death or murdered by the favages. To
this they very audaciously replied, that they nei-
ther could nor would work; and confequently they
might as well be ſtarved abroad as at home; and as
to their falling into the hands of the favages, why if
they were murdered, that was nothing to us, there
was an end of them; neither had they any wives or
children to cry after them; nay, fo intent were they
upon their voyage, that if the Spaniards had not
given them arms, fo they had but the canoe they
would have gone without them.
Though we could not well fpare our fire-arms,
rather than they ſhould go like naked men, we let
them have two mutkets, a piftol, a cutlafs, and thice
hatchets, which were thought very fufficient; we
gave them alfo fome goat's Bell, a great baſket full
198
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
of dried grapes, a pot of fresh butter, a young live
kid, and a large canoe fufficient to carry twenty
men. And thus, with a maft, made of a long pole,
and a fail of fix large goat fkins dried, having a fair
breeze, und a flood tide with them, they merrily
failed away, the Spaniards calling after them, Bon
veyajo, no man ever expecting to fee them more.
1
When they were gone, the Spaniards and English-
men would often fay to one another, O how peace-
ably do we now live fince thofe turbulent fellows have left
us? Nothing could be farther from their thoughts
than to behold their faces any more; and yet ſcarce
two and twenty days had paffed over their heads,
but one of the Engliſhmen, being abroad, a plant-
ing, perceived, at a distance, three men, well armeď,
approaching towards him. Away he flies with
fpeed to our caftle, and tells me and the reft, that
we were all undone, for that firangers were landed
upon the island, and who they were he could not
tell; but added, that they were not favages, but
men habited, bearing arms. Why then, faid I, we
have the lefs occafion to be concerned, fince, if they
are not Indians, they must be friends; for I am fure
there is no Chriftian people upon earth, but what
will do us good rather than harm. But while we
were confidering of the event, up came the three
Engliſhmen, whofe voices we quickly knew, and
fo all our admiration of that nature ceafed at once.
And our wonder was fucceeded by another fort of
enquiry, which was, what could be the occafion of
their returning fo quickly to the island, when we
Fittle expected, and much lefs defired their compa-
ny? But as this was better to be related by them-
felves, I ordered them to be brought in, when they
gave me the following relation of their voyage.
น
After two days fail, or fomething lefs, they reach-
ed land, where they found the people coming to
give them another fort of a reception than what
they expected or defired; for as the favages were
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
199
armed with bows and arrows, they durft not ven-
ture on shore, but fteered northward, fix or ſeven
hours, till they gained an opening, by which they
plainly perceived, that the land that appeared from
this place, was not the main land, but an island.-
At their entrance into the opening of the fea, they
diſcovered another ifland, on the right hand north-
ward, and feveral more lying to the weftward; but
being refolved to go on fhore fome where or other,
they put over to one of the weſtern iflands. Here
they found the natives very courteous to them, giv-
ing them ſeveral roots and dried fifh: nay, even the
women too were as willing to fupply them with
what they could procure them to eat, bringing it a
great way to them upon their heads. Among thefe
hofpitable Indians they continued fome days, en-
quiring by figns and tokens, what nations lay around
them; and they were informed, that there were fe-
veral fierce and terrible people lived every way, ac-
cuſtomed to eat mankind: but they never uſed fuch
dict, except thofe that were taken in battle, and of
them they made a folemn feaft.
The Englishmen enquired how long it was fince
they had a feaſt of that kind? they anfwered, about
two moons ago, pointing to the moon, and then to
two fingers; that, at this time, their king had two
hundred prifoners, which were fattening for the
flaughter. The Englishmen were mighty defirous
of feeing the priſoners, which the others miftaking,
thought that they wanted fome of them for their
own food: upon which they then pointed to the
rifing, and then to the fetting of the fun: meaning,
that by the time it appeared in the eaft next morn-
ing, they would bring them fome: and indeed they
were as good as their word; for by that time they
brought eleven men and five women, juſt as ſo ma-
ny cows and oxen are brought to fea-port towns to
victual a fhip. But as brutifh as thefe Englishmen
were, their ftomachs turned at the fight. What to
do in this cafe, they could not tell to refuſe the
200
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
prifoners, would have been the higeft affront offered
to the favage gentry; and to difpofe of them, they
knew not in what manner: however, they refolved to
accept them, and fo gave them, in return, one of
their hatchets, an old key, a knife, and fix or feven
of their bullets; things which, though they were
wholly ignorant of, yet feemed entirely contented
with; and dragging the poor wretches into the boat,
with their hands bound behind them, delivered them
to the Englishmen. But this obliged them to put off
as foon as they had thefe prefents, left the donors
fhould have expected two or three of them to have
been killed, and to be invited to dinner the next day:
and fo taking leave with all poffible refpect and thanks
though neither of them underſtood what the others
faid, they failed away back to the ifland, and there
fet eight of the prifoners at liberty.
;
In their voyage they endeavoured to comfort, and
have fome converfation with the poor captives; but
it was impoffible to make them fenfible of any thing;
and nothing they could fay, or give, or do for them,
could make them otherwife perfuaded, but that they
were unbound only to be devoured: if they gave
them any food, they thought it was only to fatten
them for the flaughter; or looked at any one more
particularly, the poor creature fuppofed itfelf to be
the firft facrifice; and even when we brought them
to our iſland, and began to uſe them with the great-
eft humanity and kindness, yet they expected every
day that their new mafters would devour them.
And thus Sir, did thefe three ftrange wanderers
conclude their unaccountable relation of their voy-
age, which was both amazing and entertaining. Here-
upon, I aſked them where their new family was?
They told us in one of their huts, and they canie to
beg fome victuals for them. This, indeed, made us
all long to fee them; and taking Friday's father with
us, leaving only two at our caftle, we came down to be-
hold theſe poor creatures.
:
}
201
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
When we arrived at the hut, (they being bound a-
gain by the Engliſhmen, for fear of efcaping) we
found them ftark naked, expecting their fatal trage-
dy; there were three lufty men, well fhaped, with
ſtraight and fair limbs, between thirty and five and
thirty years old; and five women, two of them
might be from thirty to forty, two more not above four
and twenty; and the laft a comely tall maiden of about
feventeen. Indeed, all the women were very agree-
able, both in proportion and features, except that
they were tawny, which their modeft behaviour and
other graces made amends for, when they afterwards
came to be clothed.
+
This
This naked appearance, together, with their mifer-
able circumstances, was no very comfortable fight to
my Spaniards, who, for their parts, I may venture
Sir, without flattery, to fay, are men of the beſt be-
haviour, calmeft tempers, and ſweeteft nature, that
can poffibly be; for they immediately ordered Friday's
father to fee if he knew any of them, or if he under-
ftood what they could fay. No fooner did the old In-
dian appear, but he looked at them with great feri-
oufnefs; but, as they were not of his nation, they
were utter ſtrangers to him, and none could under-
ftand his fpeech, or figns, but one woman.
was enough to anſwer the defign, which was to af-
fure them they would not be killed, being fallen into
the hands of Chriftians, who abhorred ſuch barbarity.
When they were fully fatisfied of this, they expref-
fed their joy by fuch ftrange geftures, and uncom
mon tones, as it is not poffible for me to deſcribe.
But the woman, their interpreter, was ordered next
to inquire, whether they were content to be fervants,
and would work for the men, who had brought them
hither to fave their lives? Hereupon, being at this
time unbound, they fell a capering and dancing, one
taking this thing upon their fhoulders, and the other
that, intimating, that they were willing to do any
thing for them. But now, Sir, having women among
us, and dreading that it might occafion fome ftrife,
202.
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
if not blood. I asked the three men what they
would do, and how they intended to ule thefe crea-
tures, whether as fervants or women? One of them
very pertly and readily anfwered, that they would
afe them as both. Gentlemen, faid I, as you are
your own mafters, I am not going to reftrain you
from that; but, methinks, for avoiding diffentions
among you, I would only defire you to engage,
that none of you will take more than one for a wo-
man or wife, and that having taken this one, none
fe fhould prefume to touch her; for though we
have not a prieftly authority to marry you, yet it is
but reafonable to maintain her fince nobody has
any thing to do with her: and this, indeed, appeared
fo juft to all prefent, that it was unanimoufly agreed
to.
The Englishmen then aſked my Spaniards, whe-
ther they defigned to take any of them? but they all
anfwered, No; fome declaring they had already
wives in Spain; and others that they cared not to
join with infidels. On the reverfe, the Engliſhmen
took each of them a temporary wife, and fo fet up a
new method of living. As to Friday's father and the
Spaniards, and the three favage fervants we had taken
in the late battle, they all lived with me in our anci-
ent caftle; and indeed we fupplied the main part of
the island with food, as neceffity required.
But the moſt remarkable part of the ſtory is, how
thefe Englifhmen, who had been fo much at wari-
ance, fhould agree about the choice of thefe wo-
men; yet they took a way good enough to prevent
quarrelling among themfelves. They fet five wo-
men in one of their huts, and going themſelves to
the other, drew lots which should have their firft
choice. Now, he that had the first lot went to the
hut, and fetched out her he chofe, and it is remark-
able, that he took her that was moft homely and
eldeft of the number, which made the rest of the
Englishmen exceedingly merry; the Spaniards
themſelves could not but finile at it but as it hap-
pened, the fellow had the best thought, in chufing
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
203
one fit for application and bufinefs; and indeed fhe
proved the best wife of all the parcel.
But when the poor creatures perceived themſelves
placed in a row, and feparated one by one, they
were again feized with an unspeakable terror, ag
now thinking they were going to be flain in earneſt :
and when the Englishman came to take the firft, the
reft fet up a lamentable cry, clafped their arms
about her neck, and hanging about her, took their
laft farewel, as they thought in fuch trembling ago-
nies, and affectionate embraces, as would have fof-
tened the hardeft heart in the world, and made the
drieft eyes melt into tears; nor could they be perfua-
ded, but that they were going to die, till fuch time
as Friday's father made them fenfible that the Eng-
lifhmen had chofen them for their wives, which
ended all their terror and concern upon this oc-
cafion.
Well, after this, the Englishmen went to work,
and being affifted by my good natured Spaniards, in
a few hours they erected every one of them a new
hut or tent, for their ſeparate lodging, fince thoſe
they had already were filled with tools, houſehold ſtuff,
and provifion. They all continued on the north
fhore of the island, but feparate as before; the
three wicked ones pitching farther off, and the
two honeft men near our caftle; fo that the ifland
feemed to be peopled in three places, three towns
beginning to be built for that purpofe. And here I
cannot but remark, what is very common, that the
two honeft men had the worst wives (I mean as to
induftry, cleanlinefs, and ingenuity) while the three
reprobates enjoyed the women of quite contrary
qualities.
But another obfervation I made was, in favour of
the two honeft men, to fhew what diſparity there is
between a diligent application to bulinels, on the one
hand, and a flothful, negligent, and le temper on
the other. Both of them had the fame parcel of
ground laid out, and corn to fow, fufficient for them;
T
204
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Ꮕ
both did not make the fame improvements, either in
their cultivation or in their planting. The two ho-
eft had a multitude of young trees planted about
their habitations, fo that when you approached near
them, nothing appeared but a wood, very pleafing
and delightful. Every thing they did profpered and
flourished; their grapes planted in order, feemed as
though managed in a vineyard, and were infinitely
preferable to any of the others. Nor were they
wanting to find out a place of retreat, but dug a cave
in the moſt retired part of a thick wood, to fecure
their wives and children, with their provifion and
chiefeft goods, furrounded with innumerable ftakes,
and having a moft fubtle entrance, in cafe any miſ-
chief fhould happen, either from their fellow coun-
trymen, or the devouring favages.
As to the reprobates, (though I must own they
were much more civilized than before) inſtead of a
delightful wood furrounding their dwellings, we found
the words of king Solomon too. truly verified; I went
by the vineyard of the flothful, and it was all overgrown
with thorns. In many places their crop was obfcured
by weeds; the hedges having feveral gaps in them,
the wild goats had got in, and eaten up the corn, and
here and there was a dead bufh, to ſtop thofe gaps
for the prefent, which was no more than fhutting the
ftable door when the freed was ftolen away. But as
to their wives, they, (as I obferved before) were more
diligent, and cleanly enough, eſpecially in their vic-
tuals, being inftructed by one of the honeft men, who
had been cook's mate on board a fhip: and very well
it was fo; for as he cooked himfelf, his companions.
and their families lived as well as the idle hufbends,
who did nothing but loiter about, fetch turtle's eggs,
catch fil and birds, and do any thing but work, and
lived accordingly; while the diligent lived in a very
comfortable manner,
And now, Sir, I come to lay before your eyes, a
feene quite different from any thing that ever hap-
pened to us before, and perhaps ever befe! you in all
"OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
205
the time of your refidence on this ifland, I fhalline
form you of its original in the following manner
One morning, Sir, very early, there came five or
fix canoes of Indians on fhore, indifputably upon
their old cuftom of devouring their prifoners. All
that we had to do upon fuch an occafion was to lie
concealed, that the favages not having any notice of
inhabitants, might depart quietly, after performing
their bloody execution; whoever firft difcovered the
favages, was to give notice to all the three planta-
tions to keep within doors, and then a proper fcout
was to be placed to give intelligence of their depar
ture. But, notwithstandig thefe wife meafures, an
unhappy difafter difcovered us to the favages, which
was like to have cauled the defolation of the whole
iffand; for, after the favages were gone off in their
canoes, fome of my Spaniards and I looking abroad,
and being inflamed with a curiofity to fee what they
had been doing, to our great amazement, beheld three
favages faſt aſleep on the ground, who, either being
gorged, could not awake when the others went off,
or having wandered too far into the woods, did not
come back in time.
What to do with them at firft, we could not tell
as for flaves we had enough of them already; and as
to killing them, neither Chriftianity nor humanity
would fuffer us to fhed the blood of perfons who ne
ver did us wrong. We perceived they had no boat
left them to tranſport them to their own nation; and
that, by letting them wander about, they might dif
cover us, and inform the firſt favages that fhould
happen to land upon the fame bloody occafion,
which information might entirely ruin us; and there-
fore I counfelled my Spaniard to fecure them, and
fet them about fome work or other, till we could bet-
ter difpofe of them.
:
Hereupon we all went back, and making them
awake, took them prifoners. It is impoffible to ex.
prefs the horror they were in, efpecially when bound,
as thinking they were going to be murdered and eas
T 2.
206
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
*2
ten, but we foon eafed them of their fear as to that
point. We first took them to the bower, where the
chief of our country work lay, as keeping goats, plant-
ing corn, &c. and then carried them to the two En-
gliſhmen's habitation, to help them in their buſineſs;
but happy it was for us all, we did not carry them to
our caftle, as by the fequel will appear. The En-
gliſhmen, indeed, found them work to do; but whe-
ther they did not guard them ftrictly, or that they
thought they could better themfelves, I cannot tell;
but certainly one of them ran into the woods, and
they could not hear of him for a long time after.
Undoubtedly, there vs reafon enough to fuppofe
he got home in foiue of the canoes, the favages re-
turning in about four weeks time, and going off in
the ſpace of two days. You may be certain, Sir, this
thought could not but terrify us exceedingly, and
make us juftly conclude, that this favage would in-
form his countrymen of our abode in the ifland, how
few and weak we were in conipariſon to their numbers
and we expected it would not be long before the Eng-
lifhmen would be attacked in their habitations: but
the favages had not ſeen their places of fafety in the
woods, nor our caftle, which it was a great happiness
they did not know.
;
Nor were we mistaken in our thoughts upon this
occaſion; for, about eight months after this, fix canoes,
with about ten men in each canoe came failing by
the north fide of the island, which they were never
accuſtomed to do before, and landed about an hour
after funrise, near a mile from the dwelling of the
two Engliſhmen, who, it ſeems, had the good fortune
to diſcover them about a league off: fo that it was an
hour before they could attain the fhore, and fome
time longer before they could come at them. And
now being confirmed in this opinion, that they were
certainly betrayed, they immediately bound the two
flaves which were left, caufing two of the three men
whom they brought with the women, and who proved
very faithful, to lead them with their wives, and other
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
207?
י
conveniencies, into their retired cave in the wood,-
and there to bind the two fellows hand and foot, till
they had further orders. They then opened their
fences, where they kept their milch goats, and drove:
them all our, giving the goats liberty to ramble in
the woods, to make the favages believe they were'
willones; but the flave had given a truer information,
which made them come to the very incloſures. The
two frighted men fent the other flave of the three,
who had been with them by accident, to alarm the:
Spaniards, and defire their affiftance; in the mean:
time they took their arms and amunition, and made:
to the cave where they had fent their wives, and
fecuring their flaves, feated themfelves in a private:
place, from whence they might behold all the actions
of the favages. Nor had they gone far, when afcend-
ing a rifing ground, they could fee a little army of
Indians approach to their beautiful dwelling, and in a
few moments more, perceive the fame, and their fur--
niture, to their unfpeakable grief, burning in a con--
fuming flame and when this was done, they ſpread'
here and there, fearching every bush and place for
the people, of whom it was very evident, they had!
information. Upon which the two Engliſhmen, not
thinking themfelves fecure where they food, retreat--
ed about half a mile higher in the country, rightly-
concluding, that the farther the favages ftrolled, there
would be lefs numbers together: upon which they
next took their ſtand by the trunk of an old tree, very
hollow and large, whence they refolved to fee what
would offer; but they had not flood long there before?
two favages came running direally towards them,"
as tho' having knowledge of their being there, who
feemed refolved to attack them; a little farther were:
three more, and five more behind them again, all
running the fame way. It cannot be imagined what
perplexity the poor men were in at this fight, thinking,
that if affiftance did not fpeedily come, their cave in
the wood would be difcovered, and confequently all
therein loft; fo they refolved to refift them there,
}
208
LIFE AND ADVENTURES ·
and when overpowered, to aſcend to the top of the
trees, where they might defend themfelves as long
as their ammunition lafted, and fell their lives as
dear as poffible to thofe devouring favages. Thus
fixed in their refolution, they next confidered, whe-
ther they should fire at the firſt two, or wait for the
three, and fo take the middle party, by which the
two first and the five laft would be feparated. In
this regulation the two favages alfo confirmed them,
by turning a little to another part of the wood;
but the three, and the five after them, came direct-
ly towards the tree. Hereupon they refolved to
take them in a direct line, as they approached near-
er, becaufe perhaps the first hot might hit them
all three; and, upon this occafion, the man who was
to fire, charged his piece with three or four bullets.
And thus, while they were waiting, the favages came
on, one of then was the runaway, who had caufed
all the miſchief; fo they refolved he fhould not ef-
cape, if they both fired at once. But however,
though they did not fire together, they were ready
charged; when the first who let fly was too good a
markſman to mifs his aim; for he killed the foremoſt
outright, the fecond (who was the runaway Indian,)
fell on the ground being ſhot through the body, but
not dead, and the third was a little wounded on
the fhoulder, who, fitting down on the ground, fell
a fcreaming in a moft fearful manner. The noiſe
of the guns, which not only made the moſt reſound-
ing echoes from one fide to another, but raiſed the
birds of all forts, fluttering with the most confuſed
noife, fo much terified the favages behind, that
they flood ſtill at firft like fo many inanimate ima-
ges. But when all things were in profound filence,
they came to the place where their companions lay:
and there, not being fenfible that they were liable to
the fame tate, ftood over the wounded man, un-
doubtedly inquiring the occafion of this fad calami-
ty; and it is reaſonable to fuppofe, he told then
that it came by thunder and lightening from the
OF ROBINSON CRUSCE.
209
gods, having never feen nor heard of a gun before,
in the whole courfe of their lives. By this time, the
Englishmen having loaded their pieces, fired both
together a fecond time, when feeing them all fall
immediately upon the ground, they thought they
had killed every creature of them. This made them
come up boldly before they had charged their guns,
which was indeed a wrong ftep, for, when they
came to the place, they found four alive, two of
them very little wounded, and one not at all, w which
obliged them to fall upon them with their mufkets.
They first knocked the runaway favage on the head,
and another that was but very little wounded in
the arm, and then put the other languithing wretches
out of their pain; while he that was not hurt, with
bended knees and uplifted hands, made piteous.
moans and figns to them to fpare his life: nor in-
deed were they unmerciful to the poor wretch, but
pointed to him to fit down at the root of a tree hard
bye; and then one of the Englifhnen, with a piece
of rope twine he had in his pocket, by mere chance,
tying his two feet together, and his two hands be-
hind him, they left him there, making all the hafte
they could after the other two, fearing they fhould
find out their cave: but though they could not over-
take them, they had the fatisfaction to perceive
them, at a diſtance, croſs a valley towards the ſea,
a quite contrary way to their retreat; upon which
they returned to the tree, to look after their priſo-
ner; but when they came there he was gone, lea-
ving the piece of rope-yarn, wherewith he was
bound, behind him.
Well, now they were as much concerned as ever,
as not knowing how near their enemies might be,
or in what numbers; immediately they repaired to
their cave, to ſee if all was well there, and found
every thing fafe, except the women, who were
frighted upon their husband's account, whom they
now loved entirely. They had not been long here,
before feven of my Spaniards came to affift them;
210
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
while the other ten, their fervants and Friday's fa
ther, were gone to defend their bower, corn, and
cattle, in cafe the favages fhould have rambled fo
far. There accompanied the feven Spaniards one
of the three favages that had formerly been taken
prifoners; and with them alfo, that very Indian
whom the Englishmen had a little before left under
the tree; for it feems they piffed by the way were
the flaughter was made, and fo carried along with
them that poor wretch that was left bound.
But fo many prifoners now becoming a burden to
us, and fearing the dreadful confequences of their
efcaping, most of the Spaniards and English urged
the abfolute neceffity there was of killing them for
our common prefervation: but, Sir, the authority I
bore as governor over ruled that piece of cruelty;
and then I ordered them to be fent priſoners to the
old cave in the valley, bound hands and feet, with
two Spaniards to guard them.
So much encouraged were the Englishmen at the
approach of the Spaniards, and fo great was their
fury againſt the favages, for deſtroying their habiţa-
tions, that they had not patience to flay any longer;
but, taking five Spaniards along with them, armed
with four muskets, a piftor, and a quarter-ftaff, away
they went in purfuit of their enemics. As they paffed
by the place where the favages were flain, it was very
eafy to be perceived that more of them had been
there, having attempted to carry off their dead bo-
dies, but found it impracticable. From a rifing
ground, our party had the mortification to fee the
finoke that proceeded from the ruins; when com-
ing farther in fight of the fhore, they plainly per-
ceived that the favages had embarked in their ca-
noes, and were putting out to fea. This they were
very forry for, there being no coming at them to
give them a parting falute; but, however, they
were glad enough to get clear of fuch anwelcome
guests.
Thus the two honeft, but unfortunate English-
A.
A
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
211
men, being ruined a fecond time, and their improve-
ments quite deftroyed, most of my good-natured
Spaniards helped them to rebuild, and we all affifted
them with needful fupplies; nay, what is more re-
markable, their three mifchievous countrymen,
when they heard it, (which was after thefe difas
ters were over, they living remote eaftward) very
friendly fympathifed with them, and worked for
them feveral days; fo that in a little time, their ha-
bitation was rebuilt, their neceffities were fupplied,
and themſelves restored to their former tranquility.
Though the favages had nothing to boaft of in
this adventure, (feveral canoes being driven afhore,
followed by two drowned creatures, having doubt-
lefs met with a form at fea that very night they de-
parted) yet it was natural to be fuppofed, that thoſe
whofe better fortune it was to attain their native
fhore, would inflame their nation to another ruin-
ous attempt, with a greater force, to carry all be-
fore them. And, indeed, fo it happened; for about
feven months after, our ifland was invaded with a
formidable navy, no less than twenty-eight canoes,
full of lavages, armed with wooden fwords, mon-
Arous clubs, bows and arrows, and fuch like in-
ftruments of war, landing at the caft fide of the
ifland.
You may well, Sir, imagine, what confternation
our men were in upon this account, and how fpeedy
they were to execute their refolution, having only
that night's time allowed them. They knew, that
fince they could not withſtand their enemies, con-
cealment was the only way to procure their ſafety;
and, therefore, they took down the huts that were
built for the two Englifhmen, and drove their flock
of goats, together with their own at the bower, to
the old cave at the valley, leaving as little a, pear-
ance of inhabitants as poffible; and then pofted
themſelves, with all their force, at the plantation of
the two men. As they expected fo it happened;
for, early the next morning the Indians, leaving
212
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
their canoes at the east end of the island, came run-
ning along the fhore, about two hundred and fifty
in number, as could be gueffed. Our army wast
but little indeed; and what was our greatest mis-
fortune, we had not arms fufficient for them. The
account, as to the men, Sir, is as follows:
Seventeen Spaniards, Five Englishmen, Old Friday,
the Three Savages, taken with the women, who proved
fuithful fervants, Three other Slaves, living with the
Spaniards.To arm thefe they had Eleven Muskets,
Five Pistols, Three Fowling-pieces, Two Swords, Three
Halberts, Five Mufkets, or Fowling-pieces taken from the
Sailors whom you reduced.
*
As to the flaves, we gave three of them halberts,
and the other three long ftaves with great iron fpikes
at the end of them, with hatches by their fides; we
alfo had hatches fticking in our girdles, befides the
fire-arms; nay, two of the women, infpired with
amazonian fortitude, could not be diffuaded from
fighting along with their dearest huſbands, and if
they died, to die with them. Seeing their refolu-
tion, we gave them hatchets likewife; but what
pleafed them beft, were the bows and arrows (which
they dexteroutly knew how to ufe) that the Indians
had left behind them, after their memorable Lattle
one againſt another.
Over this army, which though fmall was of great
intrepidity, I was conftituted chief general and com-
mauder; and knowing Will Atkins, though exceed-
ing wicked, yet a man of invincible courage, I gave
him the power of commanding under me; he and
fix men with their muſkets loaded, with fix or ſeven
bullets a piece, were planted juft behind a finall
thicket of bushes, as an advanced guard, having or-
ders to let the first pafs by: and then, when he fired
into the middle of them, make a nimble retreat round
a part of the wood, and fo come in the rear of the
Spaniards, who were thaded by a thicket of trees;
for though the favages came on with the fiercenefs of
lions, yet they wanted the fubtlety of foxes, being
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
213
+
F
out of all manner of order, and ftraggling in heaps:
every way; and, indeed when Will Atkins, after
fifty of the favages had paffed by, had ordered his
men to give fire, fo great was their confternation, to
fee ſo many men killed and wounded, and hear ſuch
a dreadful noife, and yet not know whence it came,
that they were frightened to the highest degree; and
when the ſecond valley was given, they concluded
no lefs but that their companions were flain by thun-
der and lightning from heaven. In this notion they
would have continued, had Will Atkins and his men
retired as foon as they fired, according to order: or
had the reft been near them, to pour in their fhot
continually, there might have been a compleat vic-
tory obtained; but ftaying to load their pieces again,
diſcovered the whole matter. They were perceived
by fome fcattering favages at a diftance, who let fly
their arrows amongst them, wounded Atkins him-
felf, and killed his fellow Englishman, and one of
the Indians taken with the women. Our party did
not fail to anſwer them, and in their retreat killed
about twenty favages. Here I cannot but take notice
of our poor dying flave, who, though ftopt from his
retreat by a fatal arrow, yet with his ftaff and hatch-
et, defperately and gallantly affailed his purfuers, and
killed five of the favages, before his life fubmitted to
a multiplicity of wounds. Nor is the cruelty or
malice of the Indians to be leís remarked, in break-
ing the arms, legs and heads of the two dead bodies
with their clubs and wooden fwords, after a moſt
wretched manner. As Atkins retreated, our party
advanced, to interpofe between him and the favages;
but after three vollies, we were obliged to retreat al-
fo; for they were fo numerous and defperate, that
they came up to our very teeth, fhot their arrows
like a cloud, and their wounded men, enraged with
cruel pain, fought like madmen. They did not how-
ever, think fit to follow us, but drawing themſelves
up in a circle, they gave two triumphant fhouts in
ૐ
214
H
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
token of victory, though they had the grief to fee
feveral of their wounded men bleed to death.
After I had, Sir, drawn up our little army toge-
ther upon a rifing ground, Atkins, wounded as he
was, would have had us attack the whole body of
the ſavages at once. I was extremely well pleafed
with the gallantry of the man: but upon confide-
ration, I replied, You perceive Seignior Atkins, howe
their wounded men fight; let them alone till morning,
when they will be faint, stiff and fore, and then we ſhall
have fewer to combat with. To which Will Atkins
fmiling replied, That's very true and fo fhall I too: and
that's the reafon I would fight them now I am warm. We
all anfwered, Seignior Atkins, as for your part,
you have behaved very gallantly; and, if you are
not able to approach the enemy we will fight for
you, till then we think it convenient to wait, and
fo we tarried.
-
By the brightness of the moon that night, we
perceived the favages in great diſorder about their
dead and wounded men. This made us change our
refolution, and refolve to fall upon them in the
night, if we could give them one volley undiſcover-
ed. This we had a fair opportunity to do, by one
of the two Englishmen leading us round, between
the woods and the fea-fide weftward, and turning
hort fouth, came privately to a place where the
thickest of them were. Unheard and unperceived,
eight of us fired among them and did dreadful exe-
cution; and in half a minute eight more of us let
fly, killing and wounding abundance of them; and
then dividing ourfelves into three bodies, eight
perfons in each body, we marched from behind the
trees, to the very teeth of the enemy, feuding forth
the greatest acclamations. The favages hearing a
different noife from three quarters at once, food in
the utmoſt confufion; but coming in fight of us let
fly a volley of arrows, which wounded poor old
Friday, yet, happily it did not prove mortal. We
did not, however, give them a fecond opportunity :
OF ROBINSON 2135
་་
CRUSOE.
but rushing in among them, we fired three leveral
ways, and then fell to work with our fwords, ftaves,
hatchets, and the butt ends of our mufkets, with
a fury not to be refifted; fo that, with the moſt
difmal fcreaming and howling, they had recourfe
to their feet, to fave their lives by a fpeedy flight.
Nor muft we forget the valour of the two women;
for they expoled themſelves to the greatest dangers,
killed many with their arrows, and valiantly deftroy-
ed feveral more with their hatchets.
In fighting thele two battles, we were fo much
tired, that we did not trouble ourſelves to purfue
them to their canoes, in which we thought they
would prefently put out to the ocean; but there
happening a dreadful ftorm at fea, which continuing
all that night, it not only prevented their voyage,
but dafhed feveral of their boats to pieces and drove
the reft fo high upon the fhore, that it required in-
finite pains to get them off. After our men had
taken fome refre(hment and a little repofe, they re-
folved early in the morning to go towards the place
of their landing, and fee whether they were gone
off, or in what pofture they remained. This no-
ceffarily led them to the place of battle, where, fe-
veral of the favages where expiring, a fight no way
pleafing to generous minds; but our own Indian
flaves put them out of their pain, by dilpatching
them with their hatchets. At length, coming in
view of the remainder of the army, we found them
leaning upon their knees, which were bended to-
wards their mouth, and the head between the two
hands. Hereupon, coining within mufket-hot of
them, I ordered two pieces to be fired without ball
to alarm them, that we might know, whether they
had the courage to venture another battle, or were
utterly dilpirited from fuch an attempt, that fo we
might accordingly manage them. And, indeed,
the project took very well; for, no fooner did the
favages hear the report of the firft gun and perceive
the Hall of the fecond, but they fuddenly farted
U
216
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
upon their feet, in the greateſt confternation; and
when we approached towards them, they ran howl~
ing and creaming away up the hill into the
Country.
We could rather, at firft, have wifhed that the
weather had permitted them to have gone off to the
fea; but when we confidered, that their escape
might occafion the approach of multitudes, to our
utter ruin and diffolution, we were very well plea-
fed the contrary happened: And Will Atkins (who,
though wounded, would not part from us all this
while) adviſed us not to let flip this advantage, but
clapping between them and their boats, deprive
them of the capacity of ever returning to plague
the ifland; I know, (faïd he), there is but one ob-
jection you can make, which is, that thefe, crea-
tures, living like wild beafts in the woods, may
make excurfions, rifle the plantations, and deſtroy
the tame goats; But confider, we had better have
to do with an hundred men, whom we can kill or
make flaves of, at leifure, than with an hundred na-
tions, whom it is impoffible we fhould fave ourselves
from, much lefs fubdue. This advice, and thefe
arguments being approved of, we fet fire to their
boats; and though they were fo wet that they
would not burn entirely, yet we made them inca-
pable for fwimming in the feas. As foon as the In-
dians perceived what we were doing, many of them
ran out of the woods, in fight of us, and kneeling
down piteously cried, Oa, Oa, Waramakoa, inti-
mating, I fuppofe, that if we would but fpare their
canoes, they would never trouble us again.
But all their complaints, fubmiffions and entrea-
ties, were in vain. For felf-prefervation obliged
Is to the contrary, we deftroyed every one of them
that had escaped the fury of the ocean. When the
Indians perceived this, they raiſed a lamentable cry,
and ran into the woods, where they continued run-
ring about, making the woods ring with their la-
mentation, Here we fhould have confidered, that
A
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
217
1
making theſe creatures thus defperate, we ought,
at the fame time, to have fet a fufficient guard upon
the plantations: For the favages, in the ranging
about, found out the bower, deftroyed their fences,
trod the corn down under their feet, and tore up
the vines and grapes. It is true, we were always
able to fight thefe creatures; but as they were too
fwift for us, and very numerous, we durft not go
out fingle, for fear of them; though that too was
needlefs, they having no weapons, nor any materials to
make them; and indeed their extremiry appeared in a
little time after.
7
Though the favages, as already mentioned, had
deftroyed our bower, and all our corn, grapes, &c.
yet we had ftill left our flock of cattle in the valley
by the cave, with fome little corn that grew there,
and the plantation of Will Atkins and his compa-
nions, one of whom being killed by an arrow, they
were now reduced to two: It is remarkable, that
this was the fellow who cut the poor Indian with his
hatchet, and had a defign to murder me and my
counrtymen the Spaniards. As our condition was
fo low, we came to the refolution to drive the fava-
ges up to the farther part of the island, where no
Indians landed: To kill as many of them as We
could, till we had reduced their number: And
then to give the remainder fome corn to plant, and
to teach them how to live by their daily labour..
Accordingly we pursued them with our guns, at
the hearing of which they were fo terrified, that
they would fall to the ground. Every day we killed
and wounded fome of them, and many we found!
ftarved to death, fo that our hears began to relent at
the fight of fuch miferable objects. At laft, with
great difficulty, taking one of them alive, and ufing
him with kindness and tendernefs, we brought him
to Old Friday, who talked to him, how good we
would be to them all, giving them corn and land to
plant and live in, and prefent nourishment, provi-
ded they would keep within fuch bounds as fhould.
12.
218
LIFE :
AND ADVENTURES
be allotted them: and not to do prejudice to others
Go then, faid he, and inform your couutrymen of
this; which, if they will not agree to, every one
ef, them fhall be slain.
The poor creatures, being reduced to about thirty-
feven, joyfully accepted the offer, and carneftly
begged for food; hereupon we fent twelve Spani-
ards, and two Englifhmen, well armed, together
with old Friday, and three Indian flaves who march-
ad to the place were they were. They were loaded
with a large quantity of bread, and rice cakes, with
three live goats: and the poor Indians being order
ed to fit down on the fide of the hill, they ate their
victuals very thankfully, and have proved faithful
to the laft, never trefpaffing beyond their bounds,
where, at this day, they quietly and happily remain,
and where we now and then vifit them. They are
confined to a neck of land about a mile and a half
broad, and three or four in length, on the fouth-
eaft corner of the ifland, the fea being before and
lofty mountains behind them, free from the appear-
ance of canoes: and indeed their countrymen ne-
ver enquired after them. We gave them twelve.
hatchets, and three or four knives; have taught
them to build huts, make wooden fpades, plant
corn, make bread, breed tame goats, and milk
them; as likewife to make wicker-work, in which
muft ingenuoufly confefs, they infinitely outdo us,
having made theinfelves feveral pretty neceffaries
and fascio, as bufkets, fieves, bird-cages, and cup¬
boards; as alfo ftools, beds, and couches, no lefs
ufeful that delightful; and now they live the most
innocent and inoffenfive creatures that ever were
fubdued in the world, wanting nothing but wives
to make them a nation.
Thus, kind Sir, have I given you according to
my ability, an impartial account of the various tranf
actions that have happened in the island fince your de-
parture, to this day; and we have great reafon to
acknowledge the kind providence of heaven in our
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
2159
merciful deliverance. When you inſpect your little
Kingdom, you will find in it fome little improvement,
your flocks increafed, and your fubjects augmented:
fo that from a defolate ifland, as this was before your
wonderful deliverance upon it, here is a vifible prof-
pect of its becoming a populous and well governed
fittle kingdom, to your immortal fame and glory. -
End of the Spanish Governor's relation,
The contination of the life of Robinſon Crufoe, both of
the paffages that happened during the time of his conti
nuance on the ifland, and after his departure, till he ar
rived again in his native country.
HERE is no doubt to fuppofe, but that the pre
THE
ceding relation of my faithful Spaniard was
very agreeable, and no lefs furprifing to me, to the
young priest, and to all who heard it: nor were thefe
people lefs pleafed with thofe neceflary utenfils that I
brought them, fuch as the knives, fciffars, fpades,
fhovels, and pickaxes, with which they now adorn ·
their habitations.
So much had they addicted themfelves to wicker-
work, prompted by the ingenuity of the Indians, who
affifted them, that when viewed the Englifhmen's
colonies, they feemed at a diftance as though they
had lived like bees in a hive: for Will Atkins who
was now become a very induftrious and fober man,
had made himſelf a tent of basket-work round the
outfide; the walls were worked in as a baſket, in
pannels or frong fquares of thirty-two in number,
tanding about feven feet high in the middle was
another, not above twenty-two paces round, but
much stronger built, being of an octogonal form,
and in the eight corners flood eight ftrong pofts,
round the top of which he laid frong pieces, pin-
ned with wooden pins, from which he railed a pyra-1
·
F
ን
€ 3.
220
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ր
mid for the roof, mighty pretty, I affure you, and
joined very well together with iron fpikes, which he
inade himfelf; for he had made him a forge, with a
pair of wooden bellows, and charcoal for his work,
forming an anvil out of one of the iron crows, to
work upon, and in this manner would he make him-
felf hooks, ftaples, fpikes, bolts and hinges. Af-
ter he had pitched the roof of his innermoft tent,
he made it fo. firm between the rafters with basket-
work, thatching that over again with rice-ftraw,
and over that a large leaf of a tree, that his houſe
was as dry as if it had been tiled or flated. The
outer circuit was covered as a lean to, quite round
his apartment, laying long rafters from the thirty
two angles to the top pofts of the inner houſe,
about twenty feet diftant: fo that there was a fpace-
like a wall between the outer and inner wall, near
twenty feet in breadth. The inner place he parti-
tioned off with the faine wicker-work dividing it in-
to fix apartments, every one of which had a door,.
firft into the entry of the main tent, and another
into the ſpace and walk that was round it, not only
convenient for retreat, but for family neceffaries.
Within the door of the outer circle, there was a
paffage directly to the door of the inner houfe; on
either fide was a wicker partition, and a door, by
which you go into a room twenty-two feet wide,.
and about thirty long, and through that into ano-
ther of a ſmaller length, fo that in the outer cir-
cle were ten hand fome, rooms, fix of which were
only to be come át through the apartments of the
inner tent, ferving as retiring rooms to the relpec-
tive chambers of the inner circle, and four large
warehouſes, which went in through one another,
two on either hand of the paffage that led through
the outer door of the inner tent. In fhort,. nothing
could be built more ingeniouſly, kept more neat, or
have better conveniencies; and here lived the three
families, Will Atkins, his companion, their wives
and children, and the widow of the deceafed.. As
↑
A
[
>
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE..
22L
1
to religion, the men feldom taught their wives the
knowledge of God, any more than the failors"
cuftom of fwearing by his name. The greateft im-
provement their wives had, was, they taught them.
to ſpeak Engliſh, fo as to be understood.
None of their children were then above fix years
old; they were all fruitful enough; and, I think,
the cook's mate's wife was big of her fixth child.
When I enquired of the Spaniards about their
circumftances while among the favages, they told
that they abandoned themſelves to defpair, rec-
koning themſelves a poor and miferable people, that
had no means put into their hands, and confequent-
ly muft foon be ftarved to death. They owned,
however, that they were in the wrong to think fo,
and for refufing the affiftance that reafon offered,
for their fupport, as well as future deliverance, con-
feffing that grief was a moft infignificant paffion, as
it looked upon things as without remedy, and hav-
ing no hope of good things to come, all which ve-
rified this noted proverb:
:
In trouble to be troubled,
Is to have your trouble doubled.
1.1
i
Nor did his marks end here; for, making ob
fervations upon my improvements, and on my con
dition, at firft infinitely work than theirs, he told
me, that Englishmen had, in their diftrefs, greater
prefence of mind than thofe of any other country,
that he had met with; and that they and the Por-
tuguese were the worft men to ftruggle under mis-
fortunes. When they landed among the favages,,
they found but little provifion except they would
turn cannibals, there being but few roots and herbs,
with little fubftance in them, and of which the na-
tives gave them very fparingly. Many were the
ways they took to civilize and teach the favages, but
in vain for they would not allow them to be their
inftru&tors whole lives were owing to their bounty.
Their extremities were very great, many days being
entirely without food, the favages there being more
222
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
indolent and lefs devouring than thofe who had bette
fupplies. When they went out to battle, they were
obliged to affift thefe people, i one of which my
faithful Spaniard being taken, had like to have been
devoured. They had loft their ammunition, which:
rendered their fire arms ufelefs; nor could they uſe
the bows, and arrows that were given them, fo that
while the armies were at a diftance, they had no
chance, but when clofe, then they could be of fer-
vice with halberts, and (harpened ticks put into the
muzzles of their mufkets. They made themſelves
targets of wood, covered with the fkins of wild
beafts; and when one happened to be knocked
down, the rest of the company fought over him till
He recovered and then ftanding clofe in a line,
they would make their way through a thouſand fa-
vages. At the return of their friend who they
thought had been entombed in the bowels of their
enemies, their joy was inconceivable. Nor were
they lefs furprized at tlie fight of the loaves of bread
I had fent them, things that they had not feen for
feveral years, at the fame time croffing and bleffing
it, as though it was
when they kn manna fent from heaven: but
the errand, and perceived the boat
which was to carry them to the perfon and place
from whence fuch relief came, this ftruck them
with fuch a furprize of joy, as made fome of them
faint away, and others burst out into tears.
蠱
​This was the fummary account that I had from.
them. I thall now inform the reader what I next
did for them, and in what condition left them. As
we were all of opinion that the favages would fcarce.
trouble them any more, fo we had no apprehenfions-
on that icore. Í told them I was come purely to:
eſtabliſh, and not to remove them; and upon that
occafion, had not only brought them neceffaries for
convenience and defence, but alfo artificers and?
other perfons, both for their neceflary employments,
and to add to their number, they were all together
when I thus talked to them; and before I delivered:
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
223
to them the ftores I brought, I aſked them one by
one, if they had entirely forget their animofities,
would engage in the ftricteft friendship, and fhake
hands with one another? On this, Will Atkins,
with abundance of good humour, faid, they had
afflictions enough to make them all fober, and ene-
mies enough to make them all friends: as for him-
felf, he would live and die among them, owning
that what the Spaniards had done to him, his own
mad humour had made neceſſary for them to do.-
Nor had the Spaniards occafion to juftify their pro-
ceedings to me; but they told me, that, fince Will
Atkins had behaved himſelf fo valiantly in fight,
and at other times fhewed fuch a regard to the com-
mon intereft of them all, they had not only forgot-
ten all that was past, but thought he ought as much
to be trufted with arms and neceffaries as any of
them, which they teftified by making him next in
command to the governor and they moft heartily
embraced the occafion of giving me, this folemn af-
furance, that they would never feperate their inte-
reft again as long as they lived.
After thefe kind declarations of friendship, we
appointed all of us to dine together the next day;
upon this I caufed the fhip's cook and his mate ta
come afhore for that purpoſe, to affift in dreffing our
dinner. We brought from the fhip fix pieces of
beef, and four of pork, together with our punch-
bowl, and materials to fill it; and in particular I
gave them ten bottles of French claret, and ten of
English beer, which was very acceptable to them.
The Spaniards added to our feaft five whole kids,
which being roafted, three of them were fent as
fresh meat to the failors on board, and the other two
we ate ourſelves. After our merry and innocent
feaft was over, I began to diftribute my cargo among
them. First, I gave them linen fufficient to make
every one of them four fhirts, and at the Spaniard's
request made them up fix. The English ftuffs I al-
lotted to make every one a light coat like a frock,
224
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
agreeable to the climate, and left them fuch a quan-
tity, as to make more upon their decay: as alfo
pumps, fhoes, hats and flockings. It is not to be
expreffed the pleafing fatisfaction which fat upon
the countenances of thefe poor men, when they
perceived what care I took of them, as if I had been
a common father of them all: and they all engag-
ed never to leave the ifland, till I gave my confent
to their departure. I then prefented to them the
people I brought, to wit, the tailor, fmith, and two
carpenters; but my Jack of all trades was the moft
acceptable prefent I could make them. My tailor
fell inmediately to work, and made every one of
them a fhirt; after which he learned the women
how to ſew and ftich, thereby to become the more
ufeful to their hufbands. Neither were the carpen-
ters lefs ufeful, taking in pieces their clumfy things,
inftead of which, they made convenient and hand-
fome tables, tools, bedfteads, cupboards, lockers,
and ſhelves. But when I carried them to fee Will
Atkin's basket houfe, they owned they never faw
fuch a piece of natural ingenuity before: I am fure
faid one of the carpenters, the man that built this has
no need of us you need, Sir, do nothing but give him
tools.
I divided the tools armong them in this manner:
to every man I gave a digging fpade, a fhovel and a
rake, as having no harrows or ploughs; and to
every feperate place a pick axe, a crow, a broad
axe, and a faw, with a ftore for a general fupply,
fhould any be broken or worn out,
I left them allo
nails, ftaples, hinges, hammers, chiffels, knives and
fciffars, and all forts of tools and iron work; and
for the ufe of the fmith, gave them three tons of
unwrought iron for a fupply and as to arms and
ammunition, I ftored them even to profufion : or at
leaft, to equip a fufficient little army against all op-
pofers whatfoever.
き
​The young man (whofe mother was unfortunate-
by ſtarved to death) together with the maid, a pious
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
225
and well educated young woman, ſeeing things fo
well ordered on fhore, for I made them accompany
me, and confidering they had no occafion to go fo
far a voyage as to the Eaft-Indies, they both defired
of me, that I would leave them there, and enter
them among my fubjects. This I readily agreed to,
ordering them a plat of ground, on which there were
three little houfes erected, environed with baſket-
work, pallifadoed like Atkins's, and adjoining to his
plantation. So contrived were their tents, that each
of them had a room apart to lodge in, while the
middle tent was not only their ſtore-houſe, but their
place for eating and drinking. At this time the two
Englishmen removed their habitation to their former
place; fo that now the island was divided into three
colonies. First, Thoſe I have just now mentioned:
Secondly, That of Will Atkins, where were four
families of Englishmen with their wives and children,
the widow and her children: the young man and the
maid, who, by the way, we made a wife of before
our departure; three favages, who were flaves; the
tailor, fmith, (who ſerved alſo as a gunſmith) and my
other celebrated perfon called Jack of all trades.
Thirdly, my chief colony, which confifted of the
Spaniards, with old Friday, who ftill remained at my
old habitation, which was my capital city: and fure-
ly never was there fuch a metropolis, it now being
hid in ſo obſcure a grove, that a thousand men might
have ranged the island a month, and looked purpoſe-
ly for it, without being able to find it, though the
Spaniards had enlarged its boundaries, both without
and within, in a moft furprifing manner.
But now I think it high time to ſpeak of the
young French prieft of the order of St. Benedict,
whole judicious and pious difcourfes, upon fundry
Occafious, merit an extraordinary obfervation; nor
cap his being a French Papift prieft, I prefume,
give offence to any of my readers, when they have
this affurance from me, that he was a perfon of the
moft courteous difpofition, extenfive charity, and
في
↓
226
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
exalted piety. His arguments were always agreea-
ble to reafon, and his converfation the moſt accept-
able of any perfon that I had ever yet met with in
my life.
Sir, faid he to me one day, fince under God (at the
fame time croffing his breaft) you have not only faved
my life; but, by permiting me to go this voyage, have
granted me the happiness of free converfation, I think it
my duty, as my profeffion obliges me, to fave what fouls I
can, by bringing them to the knowledge of fome Catholic
doctrine, necessary to falvation, and, fince these people
are under your immediate government, in gratitude, jus-
tice, and decency for what you have done for me, I fhall
offer no further points in religion, than what hall merit
your approbation. Being pleafed with the inodeſty of
his carriage, I told him he fhould not be worfe ufed
for being of a different perfuafion, if, upon that very
account, we did not differ in points of faith, not de-
cent in a part of the country, where the poor In-
dians ought to be inftructed in the knowledge of
the true God, and his fon Jefus Chrift. To this
he replied, that converfation might eafily be feparated
from difputes, that he would difcourfe with me
rather as a genlteman than a religious; but that if
we did enter upon religious arguments, upon my
defiring the fame. I would give him liberty to de-
fend his own principals. He farther added, thar he
would do all that became him in his office, as a
prieft and a Chriflian, to procure the happiness of all
thote in the fhip: that though he could not pray with,
he would pray for us, on all occafions; and then he
told me feveral extraordinary events in his life, with-
in a few years paft; but particularly in this laft,.
which was the moft remarkable: that in this voyage,
he had the misfortune to be five times fhipped and
unifhipped: his firft defign was to have gone to Mar-
tinico: for which, taking fhip at St. Malo, he was
forced into Lisbon by bad weather, the veffel run-
ning aground in the mouth of the Tagus: that from
thenice he went on boad a Portugufe fhip bound to
J
辈
​OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
227
the Madeiras, whofe mafter being but an indifferent
mariner, and out of his reckoning, they were drove
to Fial, where felling their commodity, which was
corn, they refolved to take in their loading at the ifle
of May, and to fail to Newfoundland; at the banks
of which; meeting a French fhip bound to Quebec,
in the river of Canada, and from thence to Martinico,
in this fhip he embarked; the mafter of which dying
at Quebec, that voyage was fufpended; and laftly,
fhipping himfelf for France, this laft thip was deftroyca
by fire, as before has been related.
At this time we talked no further: but another
morning he comes to me, juft as I was going to vifit
the Englifhmen's colony, and tells me, that as he
knew the profperity of the ifland was my principal
defire, he had fomething to communicate agreeable
to my deſign, by which perhaps he might put it,
more than he yet thought it was, in the way of the
Benediction of heaven. How, Sir? faid 1, in a fur-
prize, are we not yet in the way of God's bleffing,
after all thele fignal providences and deliverances, of
which you have had fuch an ample relation? He re-
plied, I hope, Sir, you are in the way, and that your
good defign will profper: but ftill there are fome
among you that are not equally right in their actions;
and remember, 1 befeech you, Sir, that Achan, by
his crime, removed God's blefling from the camp of
the children of Ifrael; that though fix and thirty were
entirely innocent, yet they became the objects of di-
vine vengeance, and bore the weight of the punishment
accordingly.
So fenfibly was I touched with this difcourfe, and
fo fatisfied with that ardent piety that inflamed his
foul, that I defired him to accompany me to the Eng-
lifhinen's plantations, which he was very glad of, by
reason they were the fubject of what he defigned to dif-
courfe with me about: and while we walked on toge-
ther, he began in the following manner:
Sir, faid he, I must confefs it is a great unhappi-
nels that we difagree in feveral doctrinal articles of
}
X
228
LITE AND ADVENTURES
religion; but, furely both of us acknowledge this,
that there is a God, who having given us fome ftated
rules for our fervice and obedience, we ought not
willingly and knowingly to offend him, either by
neglecting what he has commanded, or by doing
what he has forbidden. This truth every Chriftian
owns, that when any one prefumptuoufly fins against
God's command, the Almighty then withdraws his
kindness from him; every good man therefore ought
certainly to prevent fuch neglect of, or fin againſt
God and his commands. I thanked the
I thanked the young priest
for expreffing fo great a concern for us, and defired
him to explain the particulars of what he had obfer-
ved, that, according to the parable of Achan, I might
remove the accurfed thing from among us. Why
then, Sir, faid he, in the first place, you have four
Engliſhmen, who have taken favage women to their
wives, by whom they have feveral children, though
none of them are legally married, as the law of God
and man requires; they, I fay, Sir, are no less than
adulterers, and as they ftill live in adultery, are liable
to the curfe of God, I know, Sir, you may object
the want of a priest or a clergyman of any kind; as
alfo pen ink and paper, to write down a contract of
marriage, and have it figned between them. But
neither this, nor what the Spanish governor has told
you of their chufing by confent, can be reckoned a
marriage, nor any more than an agreement to keep
them from quarreling among themfelves; for, Sir,
the effence or facrament of matrimony (fo he called
it) not only confifts in mutual confent but legal ob-
ligation, which compels them to own and acknow-
ledge one another, to abftain from other perfons, the
men to provide for their wives and children, and the
women to the fame and like conditions, mutatis, mu-
tandis, on their fide; whereas, Sir, thefe men, upon
their own pleature, on any occafion, may forfake
thoſe women, and marry others, and by difowning
their children, fuffer them utterly to perifh. Now,
Sir, added he, can God be honoured in fuch an up-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
229
lawful liberty as this? how can a bleffing fucceed
the best endeavours, if men are allowed to live in
fo licentious a way? I was indeed ftruck with the
thing myfelf, and thought that they were much to
blame, that no formal contract had been made,
though it had been but breaking a flick between
them, to engage them to live as man and wife, ne-
ver to feparate, but love, cherish and comfort one
another all their lives; yet, Sir, faid I, when they
took theſe women I was not here, and if it is adul-
try it is paſt my remedy, and I cannot help it.-
True, Sir, anfwered the young prief, you cannot le
charged with that part of the crime which was done in
your abſence: but I beseech you, don't flatter yourſelf,
that you are under no obligation now to put a period to it ;
which if you neglect to do, the guilt will be entirely on you
alone, fince it is certainly in nobody's power but yours, to
alter their condition. I must confefs, I was fo dull,
that I thought he meant I fhould part them, and
knowing this would put the whole ifland into confus
fion, I told him I would not confent to it upon any
account whatſoever. Sir, faid he in a great fürprize ;
I do not mean that they fhould feper ate, but marry them,
by a written contract, figned by both man and woman,
by all the witneffes preſent, which all the European law's
decree to be of fufficient efficacy. Amazed with fuch
true piety and fincerity, and confidering the validity
of a written contract, I acknowledged all that he
laid to be very juſt and kind; and that I would dif-
courfe with the men about it; neither could I fee
what reafon they could have not to let him marry
them, whofe authority in that affair is owned to be
as authentic as if they were married by any of our
clergymen in England.
and
The next complaint he had to make to me was
this, that though thefe English fubjects of inine had
lived with thofe women feven years, and though they
were of good underſtanding, and capable of inftruc-
tion, having learned not only to ſpeak, but to read
Engli, yet all this while they had never taught them
X a
230
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
any thing of the Chriflian religion, or the knowledge
of God, much lefs in what manner he ought to be
ferved. And, is not this an unaccountable negle&t? faid
he, warmly. Depend upon it, God Almighty will call
them to an account for fuch contempt. And though I am
not of your religion, yet I should be glad to fee these peo-
ple releafed from the devil's power, and be faved by the
principles of the Chriftian religion, the knowledge of God,
of a Redeemer, the refurrection, and of a future fate.
But as it is not too late, if you pleafe to give me leave to
inftruct them, I doubt not but I ſhall ſupply this great de-
fest, by bringing them into the great circle of Chriflianity,
even while you continue in the island.
1
I could hold no longer, but embracing him, told
him, with a thouſand thanks, I would grant whatever
he requested, and defired him to proceed in the third
article, which he did in the following manner.
Sir, faid he, it should be a maxim among all Chrißians,
That Chriflian knowledge ought to be propagated by all
poffible means, and on all occafions. Upon this account our
church fends miffionaries into Perfia, India, and China,
men who are willing to die for the fake of God and the
Christian faith, in order to bring poor infidels in the way
of falvation. Now, Sir, as here is an opportunity to con-
vert feven and thirty poor favages, How can you pass by
fuch an occafion of doing good, which is really worth the
expence of a man's whole life?
:
I must confefs I was fo confounded at this diſcourſe,
I could not tell how to anfwer him.Sir, faid he, fee--
ing me in diſorder, I shall be very forry if I have given
you offence. No, Sir, faid I, I am rather confound-
ed and you knew my circumftances, that being
bound to the Eaft-Indies in a merchant fhip, I can-
not wrong the owners fo much, as to detain the fhip
here, the men laying on victuals and wages on their
account. If I ftay above twelve days, I must pay
gi. fterling per diem demurrage, nor muft the hip
fay above eight days more; fo that I am unable to
engage in this work, unless I would leave the fhip,
and be reduced to my fortner condition. The priest,
D
ப
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
234
though he owned this was hard upon me, yet laid ¹t
to my confcience, whether the bleffing of faving fe-
ven and thirty fouls was not worth venturing all that
I had in the world? Sir, faid I, it is very true; but
as you are an ecclefiaftic, it naturally falls in your
profeffion: Why therefore don't you rather offer to
undertake it yourfeif, than prefs me to it; Upon this
he turned about, making a very low bow, I moft hum-
bly thank God and you, Sir, faid hic, for fo bleffed a call;
and most willingly undertake fo glorious an office, which
will fufficiently compenfate all the hazards and difficulties
I have gone through in a long and uncomfortable voyage,
hin
While he was thus fpeaking, I could difcover a
rapture in his face, by his colour going and coming;
at the fame time his eyes fparkled like fire, with all
the figns of the moſt zealous tranfports. And when
afked whether he was in earneft: Sir, faid he, ir
was to preach to the Indians, I confented to come along
with you; thefe infidels, even in this little island, are in-
finitely of more worth than my poor life. If ſo that I
fhould prove the happy injtrument of faving thefe pvor
creatures fouls, I care not if I never fee my native coun-
try again. One thing I only beg of you more, is, that you
would leave Friday with me, to be my interpreter, with-
out whofe affistance neither of us will underland each
other
This requeft very fenfibly troubled me; firft, upon
Friday's being bred a Proteflant; and fecondly, for
the affection I bore to him for his fidelity: But in-
mediately the remembrance of Friday's father com-
ing into my head, I recommended him to him as
having learned Spanish, which the prieft alfo under-
ftood, and fo was thoroughly fatisfied with him.
1
When we came to the Engliſhmen, after having
told them what neceflary things I had done for them;
I talked to them of the fcandalous life they led, told
them what notice the clergyman had taken of it, and
afked them if they were married inen or batchelors?
They answered, two of them were widowers, and the:
other three fingle men. But, faid I, with what con--
*
3:
282
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fcience can you call thefe your wives, by whom you
have fo many children, and yet are not lawfully mar-
ried? They all faid, that they toc: them before the
governor as fuch, having nobody elfe to marry them,
which they though as legal as if they had had a par-
fon.
No doubt, faid I, but in the eye of God you
are fo: But unless I am affured of your honeft in-
tentions never to defert theſe poor creatures, I can
do nothing more for you, neither can you expect
God's blefling while you live in fuch an open courſe
of adultery. Hereupon Will Atkins, who fpoke
for the reft, told me, that they believed their wives.
the most innocent and virtuous creatures in the world;
that they would never for fake them while they had
breath: And that if there was a clergyman in the
fhip, they would be married to them with all their
hearts. I told you before, faid I, that I have a mi-
nifter with me, who fhall marry you to-morrow
morning, if you are willing; fo I would have you to
confult to-night, with the reft about it. I told him,
the clergymen was a Frenchman, and knew not a
word of English; but that I would act as clerk be-
tween them. Aid indeed this bufinefs met with fuch
fpeedy fuccefs, that they all told me, in a few mi-
nutes after, that they were ready to be formally-
married as foon as I pleafed, with which informing
the prieſt, he was exceedingly rejoiced.
Nothing now remained, but that the women ſhould
be made fenfible of the meaning of the thing; with
which being well fatisfied, they with their husbands
attended at my apartment the next morning. There
was my prieft, habited in a black veft, fomething
like a caflock with a fafh round it, much refembling
a minifter, and I was his interpreter. But the feri-
cufneſs of his behaviour, and the fcruples he made
of marrying the women, who were not baptized,
gave them an exceeding reverence for his perfon:
Nor indeed would he marry them at all, till he ob-
rained my liberty to diſcourſe both with the men and
women, and then he told them, That in the fight of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
233
indifferent men, and in the fenfe of the laws of fo-
ciety, they had lived in open adultery, which nothing
now but their confent to marry, or final feparation,
could put an end to; and even here was a difficulty
with refpect to the laws of Chriftian matrimony, in
marrying a profeffed Chriftian to a heathen idolater,
unbaptized; but yet there was time enough to make
them profefs the name of Chrift, without which no-
thing can be done: That, befides, he believed them-
felves very indifferent Chriftians: And confequently
had not difcourfed with their wives upon that fub-
ject; and that unless they promiſed him to do ſo, he
could not marry them, as being exprefsly forbidden
by the laws of God.
All this they heard attentively, and owned readily.
But, Lord, Sir, faid Will Atkins to me how fhould
we teach them religion, who know nothing of it our-
felves? How can we talk to our wives of God, Jefus
Chrift, heaven and hell? why they, would only laugh
at us, who never yet have practifed religion, but, on
the contrary, all manner of wickednefs. Will At-
kins, faid I, cannot you tell your wife, fhe is in the
wrong, and that her gods are idols which can neither
hear, speak, nor understand; but that our God who
has made, can deftroy all things; that he rewards the
good, and punishes the wicked? and at laft will bring
us to judgement? cannot you tell her theſe things ?
That's true, faid Atkins, but then the'll tell me, it is
utterly falfe, fince I am not puniſhed and fent to the
devil who hath been fuch a wicked creature. Theſe
words I interpreted to the prieft! O! faid he, tell
him, his, repentance will make him a very good mi-
nifter to his fpoufe, and qualify him to preach on the
mercy and long fuffering of a merciful Being, who de-
fires not the death of a finner, and even defers dam-
nation to the laft judgement; this will lead him to
the above do&rine, and will make him an excellent
preacher to his wife. I repeated this to Atkins, who
being more than ordinary affected with it, replied, I
know all this, Sir, and a deal more, but how can I
1
234
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
A
have the impudence to talk thus to my wife, when my
confcience witneffes against me? Alas, faid he, (with
tears in his eyes; and giving a great figh), as for re-
penting, that it was for ever paft me. Paft you! At-
kins, faid I, what do you mean? You know well
enough, faid he, what I mean, I mean it is too late.
When I told the Priest what he faid, the poor af-
fectionate man could not refrain from weeping; but
recovering himfelf, Pray, Sir, faid he, afk him if he
is contented that it is too late; or is he concerned,
and wishes it were not fo? This question I put fair-
ly to Atkins, who replied in a paffion, How can I
be eaſy in a state which I know muft terminate in
my ruin? For I really believe, fome time or other,
1 (hall cut my throat to put a period to my life, and
to the terrors of my confcience.
At this the clergyman fhook his head. Sir, faid
he, pray tell him it is not too late: Chrift will give
him repentance, if he has recourfe to the merit of
his paffion. Does he think he is beyond the power
of divine mercy? There may indeed be a time when
provoked mercy will no longer ftrive, but never too
late for men to repent in this world. I told At-
kins every word the prieſt had faid, who then part-
ed from us to talk to his wife, while we difcourfed
with the reft. But thefe were very ftupid in religi-
ous matters, yea, all of them promiled to do their
endeavours to make their wives tuin Chriftians: and.
upon which promifes the priest married the three
couple. But as Atkins was the only fincere con-
vert, and of more fenfe than the refi, my clergyman
was earnefly enquiring after him; Sir, faid he, let
us walk out of this labyrinth, and I dare fay we
fhall find this poor aan preaching to his wife al-
ready. And indeed we found it true, for coming
to the edge of the wood, we perceived Atkins and
his lavage wife fitting under the shade of a bulb, in-
very earnest difcourfe: He pointed to the fun, to
the quarters of the earth, to himself, to her, the
woods and the trees.. But our misfortune was, wo´
·
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
235
could not hear one word that paffed between them.
A little after, we oblerved by her motion, as fre-
quently lifting up her hands, and laying them on her
breaft, that he was mightily affected with his dif-
courſe, and do they withdrew from our fight.
J
When we came back, we found them both wait-
ing to be called in: upon which we agreed to exa-
mine him; Prithee, Will Atkins, faid I, what edu-
cation had you; what was your father?
IV. A. A better man than ever I fhall be: he was
Sir, a clergyman, who gave me good inftruction, or
correction, which I defpiled like a brute as I was,
and murdered my father.
Pr. Ha! a murderer.
[Here the prieft ftarted and looked pale, as think-
ing he had really killed his father.
R. C. What, did you kill him with your hands?
W. A. No, Sir, I cut not his throat, but broke
his heart, by the most unnatural turn of difobedience
to the tendereſt and beſt of fathers.
R. C. Well, I pray God grant you repentance: I
did not aſk you to extort a confeffion; but I asked
you, becauſe I fee you have more knowledge of what
is good than your companions.
IV. A. O, Sir, whenever I look back upon my
paft life, confcience upbraids me with my father;
the fins against our parents make the deepeſt
wounds, and their weight lies the heaviest upon the
mind.
R. C. You talk, Will, too feelingly and fenfible
for me: I am not able to bear it.
W. A. You bear it, Si! you know nothing of it
R. C. But yes, Atkins, I do; and every fhore.
valley, and tree in this illand, witnefs the anguiſh, of
my foul for my undutifulneſs to my
fuinels to my kind father,
whom I have muidered likewife; Yet my repen-
tance falls infinitely thort of yours. But, Will,
how comes the fenfe of this matter to touch you
just now.
236 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
7
W. A. Sir, the work you have fet me about haa
occafioned it; for talking to my wife about God
and religion, fhe has preached me fuch a fermon,
that I fhall retain it in lafting remembrance.
R. C. No, no, it is your own moving pious ar
guments to her, has made confcience Bing, them
back upon you. Bat pray, Atkins, inform us what
paffed between you and your wife, and what manner
did you begin?
W. A. I talked to her of the laws of marriage,
the reafon of fuch compacts, whereby order and juf-
tice is inaintained; without which men would run
from their wives and children, to the diffolution of
families or inheritances.
R. C. Well, and what did fhe fay to all this?
W. A. Sir, we began our difcourfe in the follow-
ing manner, which I fhall exactly repeat, if you
think it worth your while to honour it with your at-
tention.
}
The DIALOGUE between Will Atkins and his Wife
in the wood.
Wife.OY tell me marriage God appoint; have
marriage God appoint; have
you God in your country?
YoY
W. A. Yes, child, God, is in every nation.
Wife. No, grant old Benamuckee gold is in my
country, not yours.
W. A. My dear, God is in heaven, which he
made, he alfo made the earth, the fea, and all that is
therein,
Wife. Why you not tell me much long ago?
W. A. My dear, I have been a wicked wretch,
having a long time lived without the knowledge of
God in the world.
Wife. What, not know great God in own na-
tion? No, no good ting? No lay O to him? that's
Arange?
W. A. But, my dear, many live as if there was
no. God in heaven for all that.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
237
Wife. Why God fuffer this; why makee not live
well?
W. A. It is our own faults, child.
Wife. But, if he much great, can makee kill, why
no makee kill when no ferve him? No be good mans,
no cry O to him?
W. A. That's true, my dear, he may ftrike us
dead, but his abundant mercy fpareth us.
Wife. Did not you tell God tankee for that ?
W. A. No, I have neither thanked him for his
mercy, nor feared him for his power.
Wife. Then me not believe your God be good,
nor makee kill, when you makee him angry.
W. A. Alas! muft my wicked life hinder you from
believing in him?
Wife. How can me tink your God live there?
(pointing to heaven.) Sure he no ken what you
do here.
IV. A. Yes, yes, my dear, he hears as peak,
fees what we do, and knows what we even think.
Wife. Where then makee power ftrong, when
hears you curfe, fwear de great damn?
W. A. My dear, this fhews he is indeed a God,
and not a man, who has fuch tender mercy?
Wife. Mercy! what you call mercy?
W. A. He pities and fpares us: As he is our great
Creator, fo he is alfo our tender Father.
Wife. So God never angry, never kill wicked;
then he no good, no great mighty.
W. A, O my dear, don't fay fo, he is both; and
many times he fhews terrible examples of his judge-
ment and vengeance.
Wife. Then you make de bargain with him; you
do bad ting, he no hurt you he hurt other mans.
W. A. No indeed, my fans are all prefumtions
upon his goodnefs.
Wife. Well, and yet no makee you dead? and
you give him no tankee neither?
W. A. 'Tis true, I am an ungrateful, unthankful
dog, that I am.
238
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Wife. Why, you fay, he makee you, why makee
you no much better then?
W. A. 'Tis I alone that have deformed myſelf,
and abufed his goodneſs.
Wife. What you put down knee, for? For what
hold up hand? Who you fpeak to?
W. A. My dear, I bowed in token of fubmiffion
to him that inade ine, and prayed that he would
open your eyes and underftanding.
Wife. And can he do that too? And will he hear
what you fay?
W. A. Yes, my dear, he bids us pray, and has
given us promife that he will hear us.
Wife. When did he bid you pray? What, do you
hear him fpeak?
W. A. No, my dear, but God has fpoken for-
merly to good men from heaven: And by divine
revelation they have written all his laws down in a
book.
Wife. O where dat good book?
W. A. I have it not now by me but one time
or other I fhall get it for
you to read.
Wife. Pray tell a mee, did God teachee them to
write that book.
W. A. Yes, and by that rule we know him to
be God.
Wife. What way, what rule you know him?
W. A. Becauſe he teaches what is good, juft, and
holy; and forbids all wicked and abominable actions
that incur his difpleafure.
Wife. O me fain understand that, and if he do all
things you fay he do, furely he hear me fay O to
him; he makee me good if I wish to be good; he
no kill me if I love him; me tink, believe him
great God; me fay O to him, along with you, my
dear.
Here the poor man fell upon his knees, and made
her kneel down by him, praying with the greateſt
fervency that God by his providence would fend
them a Bible for their inftructions.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
239
Such a furprising account as this was proved very
affecting to us both, but particularly to the young
clergyman, who was mightily concerned he could
not talk to her himfelf: Sir, faid he, there is fome-
thing more to be done to this woman than to marry her : I
mean, that he ought to be baptized. To this pre ent-
ly agreed: Pray, faid he again, ask her husband, whe-
ther he has cyer talked to her of Jefus Christ, the falea
tion of finners, the nature of faith, and redemption in and
by him, of the holy fpirit, the refurrection, lajt judgement,
and a future ftate: But the poor fellow melted into
tears at this queftion, faying, that he had faid fome-
thing to her of theſe things, but his inability to
talk of thein, made him afraid left her knowledge of
them fhould rather make her contemn religion than
be benefited by it: But that if I would difcourfe
with her, it would be very evident my labour would
not be in vain. Accordingly I called her in, aud
placing myfelf as interpreter between the religious
prieſt and the woman, I entreated him to go on:
but furely never was fuch a fermon preached by any
clergyman in thefe latter days, with fo much zeal,
knowledge, and fincerity. Ia thort, he brought
the woman to embrace the knowledge of Chriſt,
and of redemption by him, with fo furpiling a de-
gree of underſtanding, that the made it her own re-
queft to be baptized. He then performed the office
of baptifin, in a devout and foleinn manner, and I
(18 being her godfather) gave her the name of Ma-
ly. Thus the woman being made a Chriftian, he
inarried her to Will Atkins, whom he affectionately
exhorted to lead a holy life in future.
The affairs of the iſland being fettled, I was pre-
paring to go on board, when the young man (whole
mother was starved) came to me, faying, that as
he understood I had a clergyman with me, who had
martied the Englithmen with favages, he had a
inatch to make between two Chriftians, which he
defired might be finished before I departed. Think-
ing that it was he limfelf that had courted his o-
Y
240
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ther's maid, I perfuaded him not to do any thing
rafhly upon the account of his folitary circumftan-
ces that the maid was an unequal match for him,
both in respect to fubftance and years; and that it
was very probable he would live to return to his
own country, where he might have a far better
choice. At thefe words, fmiling, he interrupted
ine, thanked me for my good advice; that as he had
nothing to beg of me but a fmall fettlement, with
a fervant or two, or fome few neceffaries, fo hoped
I would not be unmindful of him when I returned
home, but give his letters to his relations; and that
when he was redeemed, the plantation and all its
improvements, however valuable, fhould be return
ed to me again. But as for the marriage he propo-
fed, that it was not himſelf, but that it was between
Jack of all trades, and the maid Sufan.
my
I was indeed agreeably furpriſed at the mention-
ang
this match, which feemed very fuitable, the one
being a very ingenious fellow, and the other an ex-
cellent, dexterous, and fenfible houfe-wife, fit to
be governefs of the whole ifland: So we married
them the fame day, and as I was her father, and gave
her away, fo I gave her a handfome portion, ap-
pointing her and her husband a convenient large fpace
of ground for their plantation. The fharing out of
the land I left likewife to Will Atkins, who readily
divided it very justly, to every perſon's fatisfaction.
They only defired one general writing under my
hand for the whole, which I caufed to be drawn up,
figned and fealed to them, fetting out their bounds,
and giving them a right to the whole poffeffion of
their respective plantations, with their improvements
to them and their heirs, referving all the rest of the
land as my own property, and a certain rent for
every plantation after eleven years. As to their
Jaws and goverment, I exhorted them to love one
another. And as to the Indians, who lived in a
Book by themselves, I alloted three or four of them
plautations, and the reft willingly chofe to become
:
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
24
fervants to the other families, by which means they
were employed in ufelul Lbour, and fared much
better than they did before. Belid:s, the favages be-
ing thus mixed with the Chriftians, the work of their
converſion might be fet on foot by the latter, in the
clergyman's ablence, to our equal farisfaction. The
young priest, however, was a little anxious, left the
Chriftians fhould not be willing to inftruct thoſe poor
Indians; I therefore told him, we fhould call them
together, and make them promife never to make
any diftinction in religion, but teach the general
true knowledge of God and his Son Jefus Chrift, in
order to convert the poor favages: And this indeed
they all promifed us accordingly.
•
་
When I came to Will Atkinis's houfe, I found his
baptized wife, and the young woman newly married
to my Jack of all trades, were become great in.i-
mites, and difcourfing of religion together. Osir,
faid Will Atkins, when God has finners to reconcile
to himfelf, he never wants an inftructor: I know I
was unworthy of fo good a work, and therefore this
young woman has been fent hither, as it were from
heaven, who is fufficient to convert a whole ifland of
favages. The young woman bluſhed, and was go-
ing to rife, but I defired her to fit fill, and hoped
God would blefs her in fo good work: And then pul-
ling out a Bible, here, Atkins, faid I, here is an af
fiftant that perhaps you had not before. So confound-
ed was the poor man, that it was fometime before
he could ſpeak; at laſt, turning to his wife, My dear,
faid he, did I not tell you that God could hear what
we faid? Here's the book I prayed for, God heard
us, and has fent it. The woman was furpriſed, and
thought really God had fent that individual book
from heaven; but I turned to the young woman,
and defired her to explain to the new convert, that
God may properly be faid to answer our petitions,
when, in the courfe of his Providence, fuch particu
lar things came to paſs as we petitioned for.
K.2.
242
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
•
After feveral religious difcourfes, I defired her to
give me an account of the anguifh fhe felt when the
was ftarving to death for hunger: to which the rea-
dily confented, and began in the following manner:
Sir, faid the, all our victuals being gone, after I had
falled one day, my stomach was very fichish, and, at the
approach of night, I was inclined to yawning, and fleepy.
When I slept upon the couch three hours, I awaked a little
refreshed: Three hours after, my stomach being more and
more fickish, I lay down again, but could not fleep, being
very faint and ill. Thus paft the fecond day with range
ariety, firft hungry, then fick again, with reachings to
vomit: That night I dreamt I was at Barbadoes, buying
plenty of proviſions, and dined heartily. But when I
awaked, my spirits were exceedingly funk, to find myself
in the extremity of famine. There was but one glaſs of
wine, which being mixed with fugar, I drank up; but for
want of fubflance to digeft upon, the fumes of it got into
my head, and made me fenfeless for fome time. The third:
day I was fo ravenous and furious, that I could have caten
a little child, if it had come in my way; during which
time I was as mad as any creature in Bedlam. In one of
thefe fits I fell down, and ftruck my face against the cor-
ner of a pallet bed, where my mijlrefs lay: The blood
gushed out of my nose, but by my exceffive bleeding, both
the violence of the fever, and the ravenous part of the
hunger abated. After this I grew fick again, frove to
romit, but could not; then bleeding again, I fwooned
owry as dead when I came to myself, I had a dreadful...
gnawning pain in my ftomach, which went off towards
night, with a longing defire for food. I took a draught
of water and fugar, but it came up again, afterwards I
drank water without fugar, and that flaid with me. I laid
me down on the bed; praying God would take me away;
after I had flumbered, I thought myſelf a dying, there-
fore recommended my foul to God, and wished fomebody
would throw me into the fea. All this time my dying mis-
trefs lay by me; the last bit of bread fhe had fhe gave it to
her child, my young master. The morning after, I fell
¡nto a violent paſſion of crying, and after that into hunger.

OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
24
At night I had the ufual variations, as pain in the flomach,
fick, fleepy, and ravenous; and thought that I should die
before morning The morning after brought on terrible
gripings in my bowels. At this time I understood my mis-
trefs was dead! Soon after the failors cried, a fail! a fail!
hallowing as if they were distracted, for joy of that relief"
which we afterwards received from your hands.
•
1
"
Surely never was a more diftin&t account of ſtar~~
ving to death than this. But, to return to the dif-
pofition of things among my people, I did not take
any notice to them of the floop, that I had framed,
neither would I leave them the two pieces of brafs
cannon, or the two quarter deck guns that I had on
board, left, upon any difguft, they fhould have
feparated, or turned pirates, and fo made the ifland
a den of thieves, inftead of a plantation of fober
pious people: But leaving them in a flourishing
condition, with a promife to fend them further re-
fief from Brafil, as theep, hogs, and cows, (being"
obliged to kill the latter at fea, having no hay to
feed them) went on board the ſhip again, the firft
of May 1695, after having been twenty days among
them And next morning, giving them a falute of
five guns at parting, we fet fail for the Brafils. The
third day, towards evening, there happened a calm,
and the current being very ftrong, we were drove
to the N. N. E. towards the land. Some hours
after we perceived the fea covered as it were with"
fomething very black, not eafily at fir to be difco-
vered: Upon which our chief mate alcending the
fhrouds a little way, and taking a view with a per-
fpective glafs, he cries out, An army an army
You fool, faid I, what do you mean? Nay, Sir,
faid he, don't be angry, I affure you 'tis not only
an army, but a fleet too; for I believe there are a
thouſand canoes paddling along, and making with
great hafte towards us.
+
་
أ
Indeed, every one of us were furprised at this re-
Tation; and my nephew the captain could not tell
what to think of it, but thought we thould all be
+
Y 3
244
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
devoured. Nor was I free from concern, when I
confidered how much we were becalmed, and what
a ftrong current fet towards the fhore: However I
encouraged him not to be afraid, but bring the fhip
to an anchor, as foon as we were certain that we
muft engage them. Accordingly we did fo, and
furled all our fails: As to the favages, we feared
nothing, but only that they might fet the fhip on
fire, to prevent which, I ordered them to get their
boats out, and faſten them, one cloſe by the head and
the other by the stern, well manned, with fkeets and
buckers to extinguifh the flames, fhould it fo happen.
The favages foon came up with us, but there were
not fo many as the mate had faid; for instead of a
thouſand canoes, there were only one hundred and
twenty; two many indeed for us, feveral of them
containing fixteen or feventeen mén.
•
.
As they approached us, they feemed to be in the
the greateft amazement, not knowing what to make
of us. They rowed round the fhip, which occafi-
oned us to call to the men in the boats, not to fuffer
them to come near. Hereupon they beckoned to the
favages to keep back, which they accordingly did;
but at their retreat they let fly about fifty arrows at
us, and very much wounded one of our nien in the
long boat. I called to them not to fire upon any ac-
count, but handing them down fome deal boards, the
'carpenters made them a kind of fence to fhisld them
from the arrows. In half an hour after, they came
fo near a-ftein of us, that we had a perfect fight of
them; then they rowed a little farther out, till they
came directly along fide of us, and then approached
fo near that they could hear us fpeak. This made
me order all our men to keep clofe, and get their
guns ready. In the mean time, I ordered Friday
to go out upon deck, and aſk them in his language
what they meant. No fooner did he do ſo, but fix
of the favages, ftooping down, fhewed us their na-
ked backfides, as much as to fay in English, Kifs
our; but Friday quickly knew what this meant,
{
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
243
by immediately crying out they were going to fhoot;
unfortunately for him, poor creature! who fell un-
der the cloud of three hundred arrows, no lefs than
feven piercing through his body, killing one of the
best of fervants, and faithfulleft of companions in
all my folitudes and afflictions.
So enraged was I at the death of poor Friday,
that the guns, which before were charged only
with powder, to frighten them, I ordered now to be
loaded with fmall fhot; nor did the gunners fail in
their aim, but at this broad fide ſplit and overfet
thirteen or fourteen of their canoes, which killed a
number of them, and fet the reſt a ſwimming; the
other frighted out of their wits, little regarding
their fellows drowning, fcoured away as faft as they
could. One poor wretch our people took up, fwim-
ming for his life, an hour after. He was very ful-
len at firft, fo that he would neither eat nor ſpeak :
But I took a way to cure him, by ordering them to
throw him into the fea again, which they did, and
then he came fwimming back like a cork, calling in
his tongue, as I fuppofe, to fave him. So we took
him on board, but it was a very long time before we
could make him ſpeak or underſtand English; yet
when we had taught him, he told us they were go-
ing with their kings to fight a great battle: And on
being afked, what made them come up to us? he re-
plied, to make de great wonder look.
•
Being now under fail, we took our laft farewel of
honeft Friday, and interred him with all poffible de-
cency and folemnity: putting him into a coffin and
committing him to the deep, firing eleven guns for
him. Thus ended the life of honeft Friday.
•
Having now a fair wind for Brafils, in about ten
days time we made land in the latitude of five de-
grees fouth of the line. Four days we kept on S.
by E. in fight of fhore, when we made cape St. Au-
guftine, and in three days we came to an anchor off
the bay of All Saints. I had great difficulty here.
to get leave to hold correfpondence on fhore; for
245
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
<
4
neither the figure of my partner, my two merchant"
trustees, nor the fame of my wonderful prefervation.
in the ifland, could procure me the favour, till fuch
time as the prior of the monaftery of the Auguftines
(to whom had given 500 moidores) obtained leave
from the governor, for me perfonally, with the cap
tain and one more, together with eight failors, to
come on fhore; upon this condition, that we fhould:
not land any goods out of the fhip, or carry any per
fon away without licence. I found means, how-
ever to get on fhore three bales of Engliſh goods,
fuch as fine broad cloths, 'ſtuffs, and ſome linen,.
which I brought as a prefent for my partner, who
had fent me on board a prefent of fresh provifibi's,.
wine, and fweetmeats, worth about thirty moidores,
including fome tobacco, and three or four fine gold
medals..
"
1
*
2
Here 1-delivered in my partner goods to the value.
of rook fterling, and obliged him to fit up the floop.
bought, for the ufe of my ifland, in order to ferid
them refreshments. Afdfo active was he in this
matter, that he had the weflel finifhed in a few days,..
to the mafter of which I gave particular inftructions
to find the place, I foon onded him with a fall.
eargo; and one of our failors offered to fettle there,
upon my.letter to the Spanith governor, if I would
ablot him tools and a plantation. This willingly
I
granted, and gave him the favage we had taken pri
foner to be his flave. All things being ready for
the voyage, my old partner told ine, there was an
acquaintance of his, a Brafil planter, who having
fallen under the displeature of the inquifition, which
obliged him to be concealed, world be glad of fuck
amfopportunity to make his etc.ipe, with his wife and
ewo daughters, and if I would allow him a planta
tion in ny ifland, he would allow him a fmall ftock
to begin with, for that the officers had feized his of
forts and eſtate, and left him nothing but a littlė
Houfrould ftuff, and two flaves.. This requeft I pre--
fently granted,, concealing him and his family or
1
'
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
247
board our fhip, till fuch time as the floop (where all
the effects were) was gone out of the bay, and then
we put them on board, who carried fome materials,
and plants for planting fugat-canes along with them.
By this floop, among other things, I fent my fubjects
3 milk cows, and 5 calves, about 22 hogs, 3 fows big
with pig, two mares and a fone-horle. I alfo en-
gaged three Portugal women to go for the fake of the
Spaniards, which, with the perfecuted man's two
daughters, were fufficient, fince the reft had wives
of their own, though in another country: All which
cargo arrived fafe, no doubt, to their exceeding com-
fort, who, with this addition, were about fixty or fe-
venty people, befides children.
At this place my truly honeft and pious clergyman
left me for a fhip being ready to fet fail for Lifben,
he asked me leave to go thither, but I affure you,
it was with the greateft reluctance I parted from
a perſon, whofe virtue and piety mirited the greatest
cfteem.
From the Brafils we made directly over the Atlan-
tic ocean to the Cape of Good Hope, having a to-
lerable good voyage, fteering for the most part S. E.
We were on a trading voyage, and had a fupercargo
on board, who was to direct all the thip's motions
after the arrived at the Cape; only being limited to
a certain number of days, or fay, by charter-party,
at the feveral ports, fhe was to go. At the Cape ive
only took in fresh water, and then failed for the coaft
of Coromandel: We were there informed, that a
French man of war of 50 guns, and two large mer-
chant fhips, were failed for the Indies, but we heard
no more of them.
So curious was. I to view every corner of the
world, where I came to, that I went on fhore as often
as I could. One evening, when on thore, we ob-
ferved numbers of people ftanding gazing at us at a
diſtance. We thought ourſelves in no danger, as
they had hitherto ufed, us kindly. However, we cut
three boughs out of a tree, fticking them at a dif
}
248 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tance from us, which, it feems, in that country, is
not only a token of truce and amity, but when poles
or boughs are fet up on the other fide, it is a fign
the truce is accepted. In thefe treaties, however,
there is one principal thing to be regarded, that nei-
ther party come beyond one another's three poles or
boughs fo that the middle ſpace is not only fecure,
but is alfo allowed as a market for traffic and com-
merce: When the truce is thus accepted, they flick
up their javelins and lances at the firft poles, and
come on unarmed; but if any violence is offered,
away they run to their poles, take up their weapons,
and then the truce is at an end. This evening it hap-
pened that a greater number of people than ufual
both men and women, traded among us for juch toys
as we had, with fuch great civility, that we made us
a little tent of large boughs of trees, fome of the men
refolving to lie on the fhore all night. But, for my
part, I and fome others took our lodging in the boat,
with boughs of trees fpread over it, having a fail
fpread at the bottom to lie upon. About two o'clock
in the morning, we were awakened by the firing of
muſkets, and our men crying out for help, or elfe-
they would all be murdered. Scarce had we time to
get the boat on fhore, when our men came plunging
themſelves into the water, with about four hundred
of the iſlanders at their heels. We took up leven of
the men, three of them very much wounded, and left
one behind killed, while the enemy poured their ar-
Fows fo thick among us, that we were forced to make
a barricade, with boards lying at the fide boat, to
thield us from danger: And having got ready our
fire-arms, we returned them a volley, which
wouded feveral of them, as we could hear by their
aries. In this condition we lay till brack of day, and
then making figuals of diftrefs to the hip, which my
nephew the captain heard and understood, he weighed
anchor and flood as near the fhore as poffible, and
then ſent another boat with ten hands in her to affift
ma: but we called to them not to come near, informa
:
•
>
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
249
ing them of our unhappy condition. However, they
ventured: when one of the men taking the end of a
tow line in his one hand, and keeping our boat be-
tween him and our adverfaries, fwam on board us,
and made faft our line to the boat; upon this, flip-
ping our cables, they towed us out of the reach of
their arrows, and quickly after, a broadfide was given
them from the fhip, which made a moft dreadful ha-
vock among them. When we got on board, we ex-
amined into the occafion of this fray; the men who
fled informed us, that an old woman who fold milk
within the poles, had brought a young woman with
her, who carried roots or herbs, the fight of whom fo
much tempted our men, that they offered rudeness to
the maid, at which the old woman fet up a great cry;
nor would the failors part with the prize, but car-
ried her among the trees, while the old woman went
and brought a whole army down upon them. At the
beginning of the attack one of our men was killed
with a lance, and the fellow, who begun the mif-
chief, paid dear enough for his miftrefs, though as
yet we did not know what had become of him; the
relt luckily elcaped.
The third night after the action, being curious
to underſtand how affairs ftood, I took the fupercar-
go, and twenty ftout fellows with me, and landed
about two hours before midnight, at the fame place
where thofe Indians ftood the night before, and
there we divided our men into two bodies, the boat-
fwain commanding one, and I another. It was fo
dark, that we could fee nobody, neither did we
hear any voice near us: But by and by the boat-
fwaiu falling over a dead body, we agreed to halt
till the moon thould rife, which we knew would be
in an hour after. We perceived here no fewer than
two and thirty bodies upon the ground, whereof
two were not quite dead, Satisfied with this difco-
very, I was for going on board again; but the boat-
fvain and the reft told me, they would make a viſit
to the ludian town, where thole dogs, fo they called
!
250
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
them, refided afking me at the fame time to go along
with them; for they did not doubt, befides getting
a good booty, but they fhould find Tom Jeffrey
there, for that was the unhappy man we miffed.
But I utterly refufed to go, and commanded them.
back, being unwilling to hazard their lives, as the
fafety of the fhip wholly depended upon them.
Notwithstanding all I could fay to them, they all
left me but one, and the fupercargo: So we three
returned to the boat, where a boy was left, refolving
to ſtay till they returned. At parting, I told them
I fuppofed moft of them would fhare the fame fate
with Tom Jeffery. To this they replied, Come,
boys, come along we'll warrant we'll come off lafe
enough And fo away they went, notwithflanding
all my admonitions, either concerning their own
fafety, or the prefervation of the thip. Indeed,
they were well armed, every man having a musket,
bayonet, and a piftol, belides cutlaffes, hangers,
pole axes, and hand granades. They came to a few
İndian houſes at firft, which not being the town they
expected, they went farther, and finding a cow tied
to a tree, they concluded that fhe would be a fuffi.
cient guide, and fo it proved; for after they untied
her, the led them directly to the town, which con-
fifted of above two hundred houfes, feveral families.
living in fome of the huts together. At their ar-
rival, all being in a profound fleep, the failors agreed
to divide themſelves into three bodies, and fet three
parts of the town on fire at once, to kill thoſe that
were eſcaping, and plunder the reft of the houſes.
Thus defperately refolved they went to work; but
the first party had not gone far, before they called
out to the reft, that they had found Tom Jeffreys;
whereupon they all ran up to the place, and found
the poor fellow indeed hanging up naked by one arm,
and his throat cut alinoft from ear to ear: In a houſe
that was hard by the tree they found fixteen or fe-
venteen Indians, who had been concerned in the
fray, two or three of them being wounded, who had
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
*25*
not gone to fleep; this houfe they fet on fire firft;
and in a few minutes after, five or fix places more in
the town appeared in flames. The conflagration
fpread like wild fire, their houfes being all of wood,
and covered with ftags or rules. The poor af-
frighted inhabitants endeavoured to run out to fave
their lives, but they were driven back into the
flames by the failors, and killed without mercy.
At the first houfe above-mentioned, after the boat-
fwain had flain two with his pole-axe, he threw a
hand-granade into the houfe, which, burfting, made
a terrible havock, killing and wounding moſt of
them; and their king and most of his train, who
were then in that houfe, fell victims to their fury,
every creature of them either being fmothered or
burnt. All this while they never fired a gun, left
the people should awaken fafter than they could
overpower them. But the fire awakened them faft
enough, which ob'iged our fellows to keep together
in bodies. By this time the whole town was in a
flame, yet their fury rather increaſed, calling out to
one another to remember Tom Jeffiey. The terri-
ble light of this conflagration made me very uneafy
and roufed my nephew the captain, and the reft of
his men, who knew nothing of the matter. When
he perceived the dreadful imoke, and heard the
guns go off, he readily concluded his men were in
danger; he therefore took another boat, and comes
allore himself, with thirteen men well armed, He
was greatly furprifed to fee me and only two men
in the boat, but more fo when I told him the ftory;
but though I argued with him, as I did with his men,
about the danger of the voyage, the interefts of the
merchants and owners, and the fafety of the fhip,
yet my nephew, like the reft declared, that he
would rather lefe the fhip, his voyage, his life, and
all, than his men fhould be loft for want of help.
And ſo away he went. For my part, feeing him
refolved to go, I had not power to lay behind. So
Then we marched directly as the flame guided us.
Z
252
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
r
*
&
?
+
The first object, I think, we met with, was the
ruins of one of their habitations, before which lay
four men and three women killed, and two more
burnt to death among the fire, which was now de-
caying. Nothing could appear more barbarous than
this revenge: None more cruel than the authors of
it. As we went on, the fire increafed, and the cry
proceeded in proportion. We had not gone much
farther, when we beheld three naked women, fol-
lowed by fixteen or feventeen men, flying with the
greateft fwiftnefs from our men, who shot one of
them in our fight. When they perceived us, whom
they fuppofed alfo their murderers, they fet up a
moft dreadful fhriek, and both of them fwooned
This was a fight which might have foftened
the hardest hearts; and in pity we took fome ways
to let them know we would not hurt them, while
the poor creatures, with bended knees, and lift up
hands, made pireous lamentations to us to fave
their lives. I ordered our men not to hurt any of
the poor creatures whatfoever; but being willing to
underſtand the occafion of all this, I went among
thefe unhappy wretches, who neither understood
me, nor the good I meant them. However, being
refolved to put an end to this barbarity, I ordered
the men to follow me. We had not gone fifty
yards before we came up with the boatfwain, with
four of our men at his heels all of them covered
with blood and duft, and in ſearch of more people
to fatiate their vengeance. As forn as we faw them
we called out, and made them underſtand who we
were; upon which they caine up to us, fetting up
a halloo of triumph, that more help was come,
Noble captain, faid he to my nephew, I am glad
you are come; We have not half done with thele
villainous hell hound dogs; we will rout out the very
nation of them from the earth, and kill more than
poor Tom has hairs upon his head: And thus he
went on till I interrupted him. Blood-thirfty dog!
faid I, will your cruelty never end! ftop your hands
4
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
2537
and ſtand ſtill, or you are a dead man this moment.
Why, Sir, faid he, you neither know whom you
are protecting, or what they have done; but pray,
come hither, and behold an inftance of compaffion,
if ſuch can merit your clemency; and with that he
fhewed me the poor fellow with his throat cut, hung
upon a tree.
1
4
Indeed here was enough to fill their breafts with
rage, which however I thought had gone too far.
But this fight made my nephew and the reft as bad!
as themſelves; nay, my nephew declared, his only
concern was for his men; as for the people not one
of them ought to live. Upon which the boatswain
and eight more turned about to finish the intended
tragedy; which being out of my power to prevent.
I turned back both from the difmal fight, and the
piteous cries of thoſe unfortunate creatures, who
were made victims to their fury. Indeed it was moltí
egregious fully in me to attempt to return to the
boat with but one attendant. When I had got to
the bout, the fire was almoft extinguifhed, and the
noiſe was abated; therefore I went on board along
with the fupercargoe: I had fearce been on board:
the ſhip half an hour, when I heard another volley
given by our failors, and a great (moke, which, as I
afterwards found, was our men falling upon thoſe
houſes and perfons that food between them and the
fea. But here they fpared the wives and children,
and killed only the men, to the number of fixteen-
or feventeen. By the time they got to the fhore,
the pinnance and fhip's boat were ready to receive
them, and they all got fafe on board, not a man of
them having received the leaft hurt, except two, one
of them ftrained his foot, and the other burnt his
hand a little; for they met with no refiftance, the
poor Indians being unprepared.
While we were under fail, the boatfwain would
often defend this bloody action, by ſaying, that the
Indians had broken the tru ce the night before, by
fhooting one of our men without provocation and
#
2-2
254
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
!
+
though the poor fellow had taken a little liberty
with the wench, he ought not to have been murder-
ed in fo villainous a manner: And that they had ac-
ted nothing but what the divine laws commiffioned.
to be done to fuch homicides. However, I was in
the fame mind as before, telling them that they were
murderers, and bid them depend upon it, that God
would blaft their voyage for fuch unparalleled bar-
barity.
When we came into the gulf of Perfia, five of
our men, who ventured on fhore, were either killed
or made flaves by the Arabians, the reft of them.
having fcarce time to efcape to their boat. This in-
duced me to upbraid them afresh with the juſt re-
tribution of Heaven for fuch actions. Upon which
the boatfwain very warmly asked me, whether thofe
men on whom the tower of Siloam fell were greater.
Anners than the rest of the Galileans: and befides,
Sir, faid he, none of theſe five poor men were with
us at the maffacre of Madagascar, as you call it;
and therefore your application is unjuſt and impro-
per. Befides, added he, you are continually ufing
the men very ill, upon this account, and being but
a pallenger yourſelf, we are not obliged to bear it;
nor can we tell what ill defigns you may have to bring
us to judgement for it in England;, and therefore, if
you do not leave this difcourfe, as alfo not concern
yourſelf with any of our affairs, I will leave the
hip, and not fail among fuch dangerous company.
All this I heard very patiently; but it being re-
peated, I at length told him, the concern I had on
board was none of his bufinefs; that I was a confi-
derable owner in the fhip, and therefore had a right
to ſpeak in common, and that I was no way ac-
countable, to him, npr. any, body elfe.. As no more
paffed for fome time after, I thought all had been
over. At this time we were in the road of Bengal,
where going an fhore with the fupercargoe one day,
in the evening as I was preparing to on board, one
of the men came to me, and told me, I need not
**
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
255
trouble myſelf to come to the boat, for that the men
had ordered him not to carry me on board any more.
This infolent meffage much furprifed me; yet I gave
no answer to it, but went directly and acquained
the fupercargo, entreating him to go on board, and
by acquainting the captain with it, prevent the mu-
tiny which I perceived would happen. But before I
had ſpoken thus, the matter was effected on board;
for ho fooner was he gone off in the boat, but the
boatswain, gunner, carpenter, and all the inferior.
officers, came to the quarter-deck, defiring to ſpeak
with the captain and there the boatfwain made a
long harangue, exclaiming againft me; as before
mentioned, that if I had not gone on fhore peace-
ably, they would have compelled me to it for their
own fatisfaction, that as they had fhipped themſelves
with the captain, fo they would faithfully ferve him;
but if I did not quit the fhip, or the captain oblige.
me to it, they would leave the fhip immediately, and
turning his face about by way of fignal, they all cried
out, one and all, one and all. ·
J
You may be ſure that though my nephew was a
man of great courage, yet he could not but be fur-
priſed at their fudden and unexpected behaviour :-
And though he talked ftoutly to them, and expoftula-
ted with them, that, in common juice to me, they
could not turn me out of my own houſe as it were,
which might bring their lives in danger, fhould they
ever be taken in England. Nay, though he invited
the boatswain on fhore to accommodate matters with
me, yet all this, I fay, fignified nothing:-They in-
fifted upon having nothing to do with me, and were
refolved to go on fhore, if I came on board. Well,
faid my neyhew, if you are fo refolved, permit me "
to talk with him, and then I have done. And fo he
came to me, giving me an account of their refolu-
tion, for which he was mightily concerned. I am
glad to fee you, nephew, faid 1, and rejuice it is no
worſe, fince they have not rebelled against you. I
only defire you to fend ny neceflaries on fhore, with
•
•
•
'
23
256
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
a fufficient fum of money, and I will find my way to
England as well as I can. Though this grieved my
nephew to the heart, yet there was no remedy but
compliance all my neceffaries were accordingly fent
me, and fo this matter was over in a few hours.
My nephew left me two perfons to attend me; one
of them was his own fervant, and the other clerk to
the purfer, was engaged to be mine.. I took lodg-
ings in an Engliſh woman's houſe, where feveral mer-
chants refided... The handfome entertainment I met
with hers, occafioned me to ftay nine months, con-
fidering what courfe. I fhould take. Some English
goods I had with me of great value, befides a thou-.
fand pieces of eight, and a letter of credence for
more, if there was any fuch neceffity... The goods I
foon diſpoſed of to advantage, and bought there fe-
veral good diamonds, which I could eaſily take with.
me. One morning the English merchant came to
me, as being very intimate together, Countryman,..
faid he, I have a project to communicate to you, and
I hope it will fuit both our advantage. To be ſhort,
Sir, we are both in a remote part of the world from.
our country, but yet in a place where men of bufi-
nefs may get a great deal of money.. Now, if you
will put a thousand pounds to my thouſand pounds,
we will hire a ſhip, to our fatisfaction; you fhall be
captain, I will be mercnt, and we'll go a trading
voyage to China; for why should we lie like drones, .
while the whole world is in continual motion.
/
/
This propofal foon got my confent, being very
agreeable to my ramtg genius; and the more fo,.
because I looked upe my countryman to be a very
fincere perfon t it required fome time before we could.
get a vellel to our mind and failors to man it accord-
ingly at length we bought a ſhip, and got an Eng-
Jih imate, boatfwain, and gunner, a Dutch carpenter,
and three Portugueſe fore-maft men ; and, for want
of others, made thift with, Indian feamen. We firft:
failed to Achin, in the ifland of Sumatra, and then to
Siam, where we bartered our wate for fome arrack:
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
OF
257
"
and opium, the laft of which bore a great price among
the Chineſe; in a word, we went up to Sufkan, mak-
ing a very great voyage; and after eight months time,
I returned to Bengal, very well fatisfied with this ad-
venture, having not only got a fufficient quantity of
money, but an infight of getting a great deal more.
"
The next voyage my friend propoſed to me was to
go among the Spice iflands, and bring home a load of
cloves from the Manillas, or thereabouts, iflands be-
longing partly to Spain, but where the Dutch trade-
very confiderably. We were not long preparing for
this voyage, which we made no lefs fuccefsful than
the laft, touching at Bornea, and ſeveral other places
which I do not perfectly remember, and returning
home in about five months. We foon fold our ſpi--
ces, which were chiefly cloves, and fome nutmegs,.
to the Perfian merchants, who carried them away for
the gulf; and, in fhort, making five to one advan--
tage, we were loaded with money.
·
Not long after my friend and I had made up our
accounts, to our entire fatisfaction, there came in a
Dutch coafter from Batavia, of about two hundred
tons. The crew of this veffel pretended themſelves-
fo fickly, that there were not hands fufficient to un-
dertake a voyage, and the captain having given out:
that he intended to go to Europe, public notice was
given that the fhip was to be fold. No fooner did
this come to our ears, but we bought the fhip, paid
the mafter, and took poffeffion. We would alfo ve-
ry willingly have entertained fome of the men: But
they having received their fhare of booty, were not to
be found, bring altogethether fled to Agra, the great
city of the Mogul's refidence; and from thence were.
to travel to Surat, and fo by fea to the Perfian gulf.
And indeed they had reafon to Ay in this manner ::
For the truth of it was, the pretended captain was the.
gunner only, and not the commander: That, hav
ing been on a trading voyage, they were attacked on
fhore by the Melayans, who killed three men and the
captain: After whole death,, the other eleven meno
258
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
run away with the frip to the bar of Bengal, and left
the mate and five other men on fhore, but of this af
fair we fhall have occafion to fpcak more at length
hereafter.
However they came by the fhip, we thought we
bought it honeftly neither did we fufpect any thing
of the matter when the man fhewed us a bill of fale
for the thip, undoubtedly forged to one Emanuel
Clofterfhoven, which name he went by. And fo
without any more to do, we picked up fome Dutch
and English feamen, refolving for another voyage for
cloves among the Phillippian Melacca iflands: in
fhort we continued thus five or fix years, trading
from port to port with extraordinary fuccefs ;in the
feventh year we undertook a voyage to China, defign-
ing to touch at Siam, and buy fome rice by the way.
In this voyage contrary winds beat us up and down
for a confiderable tiine among the islands in the ftraits
of Malacca. No fooner were we clear of thofe
rugged feas but we perceived our fhip had fprung a
leak, which obliged us to put into the river Cam-
bodia, which lies northward of the gulf, and goes up
to Slain.
One day as I was on fhore refreſhing myfelf, there
comes to me an Englifhman, who was a gunner's
mate on board of an English Eaft India fhip, riding
up the river, near the city of Cambodia; Sir, faid he
you may wonder, at my bufinefs, having never feen
you in my life; but though I am a ftranger, I have
fomething to tell you that very nearly concerns you:
and indeed it is the imminent danger you are in has
moved me to give you this timely notice. Danger!
faid, what danger? I know of none, except my
fhip being leaky, for which I defign to have run her
aground to-morrow morning. Sir,. faid he, I hope
you will be better employed, when you fhall hear
what I have to fay to you. You know the town of
Cambodioa is about fifteen leagues up this river:
About three leagues on this fide of it, there lies two
Dutch and three English (hips. And would you ven-
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
3·59.
ture here, without confidering what ftrength you
have to engage them? I knew not what he meant by
this difcourfe, and turuing fhort upon him, Sir, faid I,
I know no reafon I have to be afraid of any Engliſh
or Dutch fhips. I am no interloper, and what buſi-
nefs have they then with me? Well Sir, faid the man,
if you do think yourſelf fecure, all as I can fay, yoa
muft take your chance; however, I am very forry
you are fo deaf to good advice; but I affure you, if
you do not put to fea immediately, you will be attack-
ed by long boats full of men, hanged yourſelf for a
pirate, if you arc taken, and the particulars examined
afterwards. Sir, faid 1, I never was ungrateful to
any man: But pray explain yourfelf, and I will gø
on board this minute, whether the leak be ftopped
or no. Why, Sir, faid he, to be ſhort, becauſe time.
is precious, the matter is this: you know well enough
that you was with the, ſhip at Sumatra, where your
captain was murdered by the Malayans, with three of
his failors, and that either you, or ſome who were on
board you, ran away with the fhip, and are fince
turned pirates at fea. Now, Sir, this is the fum of
what I had to fay. And I can. pofitively affure you,
that if you be taken, you will be executed without
much ceremony; for undoubtedly you cannot but
be fenfible what little law merchants fhew to pirates,
whenever they fall into their unmerciful hands.
4
Sir, faid I, I thank you for your kind informa-
tion; and though I no man could come more ho-
neftly by the fhip than I have done, yet knowing
their enterprife, and being fatis fied of your honeſt
intention, I will be upon my defence. Talk not of
that faid the man, the beft defence you can make is
to be out of danger: and therefore if you have any
regard to your life, and the lives of your men, put
out to fea at high water, and you will be gone too
far out of their reach before they come down.
I am mighty well fatisfied, faid I, in this parti-
cular, and of your kindnefs, which merits my ut-
moſt eſteem, pray, Sir, what amends. fhall I make
360
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
❤
you: He replied, on board of the English fhips I
have nineteen months pay due to me, and this man
that is with me has feven months pay due to him,
which if you will make good to us we will go along.
with your
So reafonable did this every way appear, that I im-
mediately confented, and we went directly on board.
As foon as we came on board, my partner calls joy-
fully out, that they had flopped the leak! Well,
thank God, faid I, but pray let us weigh anchor
forthwith. Weigh! faid he, what is the meaning
of this hurry? Pray afk no quefions, faid I, but
all hands to work, without losing a moment's time.
Upon which, in great furprife, the captain was cal-
Ted, who immediately ordered the anchor to be got
up; and though the tide was not quite down, yet
being affifted with a little land breeze we flood out.
to fea. I then called my partner into the cabin, and
related the story at large. Scarce had we finifhed
our diſcourſe, upon this head, when a failor came
to the cabin door, with a meffage from the captain,
that we were chafed by five floops full of armed
men. Very well, faid I, it is plain now there is
fomething in it. And fo going upon deck, 1 told
the men there was a defign for feizing the fhip, and
executing us for pirates; and afked them whether or
not they would faithfully ftand by us? To which
they unanimously replied, that they would fight to
their laft drop of blood. We now perceived the
boats following us with all the fail they could make,
and we found the two foremoſt were English, and
would foot be up with us. Hereupon we fired a.
gun without ball, intimating that they fhould bring
too, and we put a flag of truce out, as a fignal for
parley: but finding them ftill crouding after us, we
Irung out the red flag, and immediately fired at them
with ball, calling to them with a fpeaking trumput,
and defiring them to keep off.
·
But all this fignified nothing: for depending on
the ftrength that followed them, they were refolutely
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
261
bent for miſchief: Hereupon I refolved to bring to;
by which means, they laying upon our broadfide, we
let fly at them at once, one of whom carried away
the ftern of the hindermoft boat, and obliged them
not only to take down their fail, but made them all
run to the head of the boat to keep her from finking;
and fo the lay by, having enough of it. In the mean
time we prepared to welcome the foremoſt boat in
the fame manner. While we were doing this, one of
the three hindermoft boats came up to the relief of
that which was difabled, and took the men out of
her. We again called to parley with them; but in-
ftead of an anfwer one of the boats came close under
our stern: whereupon our gunner let fly his two
chace guns, but miffing the men in the boat fhouted,
and waving their caps, came on with great fury.-
The gunner foon got ready, and firing again, did a
great deal of mifchief among the enemy.
We now
waved in turn, and bringing our quarter to bear
upon them, fired three guns more, when we found
the boat a-finking, and feveral men already in the
fea hereupon manning our pinnace, I gave orders
to fave as many as they could, and inftantly come
on board, because the rest of the boats were ap-
proaching accordingly they did fo, and took up
three of them, one of whom was almoft paft reco-
very; and then crowding all the fail we could, after
our men came on board, we ftood out farther to ſea,
fo that the other three boats gave over the chace,
when they came up with the first two. Thus deli-
vered from imminent danger, we changed our courfe
to the eastward.
4
Being now at fea, and inquiring more parricular-
ly of the two feamen the meaning of all this, the
Dutchman, at once, let us into the fecret. He in-
formed us, that the fellow who fold the fhip, was
an arrant thief, who had run away with her; that*
the captain was treacherously murdered on the coast
of Malacca by the natives there, with three of his
men that he, the Dutchman, and four more, be-
262
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ing obliged to have recourfe to the woods for their
fafety, at length efcaped by means of a Dutch fhip,
in its way to China, which had fent their boat on
fhore for fresh water; that after this he went to
Batavia, where two of the feamen belonging to the
hip (who had deferted the reft in their travels) ar-
rived, and there gave an account that the fellow who
ran away with the ſhip, had fold her at Bengal, to‘a
fet of pirates, who went a cruifing, and had already
taken one Engliſh and two Dutch fhips richly laden.
L
•
Now, though this was abfolutely falfe, yet con-
cerning us directly, my partner truly faid, that
our deliverance was to be efteemed fo much the
more, by reaſon, had we fallen into their hands,
we could have expected nothing from them but im-
mediate death, confidering our accufers would have
been our judges: And therefore his opinion was,
to return directly to Bengal, where, being known,
we could prove how honeftly we came by the ſhip,
of whom we bought her, and the like, and where,
we are fure of fome juftice; at least, would not be
hanged firſt, and judged afterwards. I was at first
of my partner's opinion; but when I had more fe-
rioufly confidered of the matter, I told him we run
a great hazatd in attempting to return, being on the
wrong fide of the ftraits of Malacca, and that if,
upon alarm given, we fhould be taken by the Dutch
on Batavia or English elfewhere, our running away
would be a fufficient evidence to condemn us. This
danger indeed ftartled not only my partner, but al-
fo the whole fhip's company; fo we changed our
former refolution, and determined to go to Ton-
quin, and foto that of China, where, purfuing our
firft defign as to trade, we might likewife have an
opportunity to difpofe of the thip fome way or
other, and to return to Bengal in any country vef-
fel we could procure. Tnis being agreed to, we
eered away N. N. E. about fifty leagues off the
ufual courſe to the eaft, which put us to fome n-
conveniencies. As the wind blew fteadily againft
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
203
us, our voyage became very tedious, and we began
to be afraid for want of provifions; and, what was
ftill worse, we apprehended, that as thofe fhips,
from whoſe boats we had escaped, were bound to
China, they might get before us and have given
freſh information, which might create another vi-
gorous purfuit. Indeed I could not help being
grieved, when I confidered that I, who had never
wronged nor defrauded any perfon in my life, was
now purfued like a common thief; and, if taken,
to run the greatest danger of being executed as
fuch; and though innocent, I found myſelf under
the neceffity of flying for my fafety: And thereby
efcape being brought to fhame of which I was even
more afraid than of death itfelf. It was eafy to read
my dejection in my countenance, but my partnes
feeing me fo concerned, encouraged me as well as
he could: And, after defcribing to me the feverai
ports of the coaft, he told me, he would either put
in on the coaft of Cochinchina, or elfe in the bay
of Tonquin, from whence we might go to Macoa, a
town once poffeffed by the Portugueſe, and where
fill many European families refided.
To this place we fteered, and early next morning
came in fight of the coaft; but thought it adviſable
to put into a finall river where we could either over
land; or by the fhip's pinnace, know what veſſels
were in any ports thereabouts. This happy tep
proved our deliverance; for next morning there came
to the bay of Tonquin two Dutch ſhips, and a third
without any colours; and, in the evening, two Eng-
lifh fhips fteered the fame courſe. The river where
we were was but fmall, and run but a few leagues
up the country north-ward; the country wild and
barbarous, and the people thieves, having no cor-
refpondence with any other nation, dealing only
with fish, oil, and fuch grofs commodities: and one
barbarous cuſtom they ſtill retained, that when any
veffel was unhappily ſhipwrecked upon their coaft,
they make the men prifoners or flaves: So that now
A a
264
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
we might fairly fay we were furrounded by enemies
both by fea and land.
As the fhip had been leaky, we took the opportu-
nity, in this place, to fearch her, and to ftop up the
places which let in the water. We accordingly
lightened her, and bringing our guns and other
moveable things to one fide, we effayed to bring
her down, that we might come at her bottom. But
upon fecond confideration, we did not think it fafe
for her to lie on dry ground, neither indeed was the
place convenient for it. The inhabitants, not uſed
to fuch a fight as to fee the fhip lie down on one fide,
and heel in towards the fhore, not perceiving her
men, who were at work on her bottom, with flages
and boats on the off fide, prefently imagined the
fhip had been caft away, and lay faft on the ground.
Agreeable to this fuppofition they furrounded us,
with ten or twelve large boats, with a refolution
undoubtedly, to plunder the fhip, and to carry away
thofe they found alive for flaves to their king. But
when they perceived our men herd at work on the
fhip's bottom and fide, washing, graving, and ftop-
ping her, it filled them all with fuch furprife, that
they stood gazing as though they were confounded:
Nor could we imagine what their defign was; how-
ever, for fear of danger, we handed down arms and
ammunition to thofe at work, in order to defend them-
felves; and indeed this precaution was abfolutely ne-
ceffary; for, in about a quarter of an hour after, the
natives, concluding it was really a fhipwreck and that
we were faving our lives and goods, which they
thought belonged to them, came down upon our
men, as though it had been in a line of battle. We
lay at preſent in a very unfit poſture to fight, and
before the ftages could be got down, or the men in
the boat come on board, as they were ordered, the
Cochineſes were upon them, and two of their boats
boarding our long boat, they began to lay hold of
our men as prifoners. The firft they feized was a
tout English failor, who never fired hs muket,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
265
}
like a fool, as I imagined, but laid it down in the
boat, but he knew what he was doing, for by main
force he dragged the pagan out of the boat into ours
by the two ears, and knocked his brains out againſt
the boat's gunnel: A Dutchman that was next him
fnatched up the mufket, and knocked down five
more with the butt end of it however, this was
doing very little to their number; but a ſtrange un-
expected accident, which rather merits laughter than
any thing elfe, gave our men a complete victory
over them.
It feems the carpenter, who was preparing to grave
the outfide of the fhip, as well as to pay the feams,
where he caulked, to flop the leaks, had gotten two
kettles just let down in the boat, one filled with boil-
ing pitch, and the other with rofin, tallow, oil, and
fuch ftuff as the fhipwrights ute: The carpenter's
man had a great iron Faddle with which he used to
fupply the workmen with hot fluff, and as two of the
enemies entered the boat where the fellow ftood, he
faluted them with a full faddle of the hot boiling li-
quor, which, the poor creatures being half naked,
made then roar out, and jump into the fea. Well
done, Jack, fays the carpenter, give them the other
dofe And fo stepping forward himſelf, took a mop,
and dipping it into the pitch pot, he and his man fo
plentifully flung it among them, as that none eſcaped
being fcalded: Upon which they all made the best
of their way, crying and howling. And indeed ne-
ver was I better pleafed with any conqueft than F
was with this, there being fo little bloodshed, and
having an averfion to killing fuch wretches, as know-
ing they came on errands which their laws and cuf-
toins made them think were juſt and equitable. By
this time all things being in order, and the fhip fwim-
ming, they found their mistake, fo they did not ven-
ture a fecond attack: and having got fome rice,
bread, roots, and fixteen good hogs on board the
day before, we fet fail, not daring to go into the
bay of Tonquin, but ftecred N. E. towards the Ife
A a 2
266
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
of Formofa, or as though we would go to theManil
las, or Phillipine islands for fear of meeting with any
European fhips. When we anchored at the ille
Formofa, the inhabitants not only courteouſly fup-
plied us with previfions and fresh water but dealt ve
Ey fairly and honeftly with us in their bargains and
agreements. From this place we fteered north, keep
ing ftill off the coaſt of China, till we were beyond
all its ports where European fhips ufually come, and
at length being come to the latitude of thirty de-
grees, we refolved ro put into the firft trading port
we should come at; and ftanding for the fhore à boat
came off two leagues to us with an old Portuguefe
pilot on board, who offered his fervice; we very
gladly accepted him, and fent the boat back again.
And now, having the old man on board, I talked to.
him of going to Nanquin, the moft northward part
of the coaft of China. What will you do there:
faid be, fmiling: I told nim we would fell our car-
go, and purchaſe callicos, raw and wrought filks,
&c. and fo return the fame way back, Oh, faid he,
you had better put in at Macoa, where you may
buy China wares as cheap as at Nanquin, and fell
your opium at a greater advance. But, faid I, we
are gentlemen as well as merchants, and defign to
fee the great city of Pekin, and the magnificent
court of the monarch of China.. Why then, faid
he, you fhould go to Ningpo, where there is a na-
vigable river that goes through the heart of that vaſt
empire, two hundred and ſeventy leagues from the
fea, which croffes all the rivers, paffes confiderable
hills, by the help of the fluices and gates, and goes
even up to the city of Pekin. You may go to Nan...
quin if you pleafe, and travel to Pekin, and there is
a Dutch fhip juft before bound that way. At the
name of a Dutch or English fhip, I was ftruck, with
confufion they being as great a terror to me in this
veffel, as an Algerine man of war is to them in the
mediterranean. The old man finding me troubled,
Sir, faid he, I hope the Dutch are not now at war
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
267
with your nation: No, faid I, but God knows what
liberty they may take when out of reach of the law.
Why, fays he, what occafion is there for peaceable
merchants to fear? For believe me, they never med-
dle with any but pirates.
·
At the mentioning of the word pirates, my coun-
tenance turned to that of fcarlet: nor was it poffi-
ble for me to conceal it from the old pilot! who
taking notice of it, Sir, faid he, take what courſe
you pleafe, I will do you all the fervice I can. Sig-
nior, faid I, I am a little concerned at your menti-
oning pirates; I hope there are none fuch in theſe
feas, becauſe you fee in what a weak condition we
are to defend ourſelves. O Sir, faid he, if that's all
do not be concerned, I do not remember one in
theſe ſeas theſe fifteen years, except about a month
ago one was ſeen in the bay of Siam, but fhe is gone
to the fouth neither was fhe built for a privateer,
but was run away with by a reprobate captain, and
fome of his men, the right captain having been:
murdered by the Malayans.
What! faid I, (as though ignorant of what had
happened), did they kill the captain? No, faid he, it
is generally thought the Malayans murdered him;
but perhaps they might procure them to do it, and
therefore they justly deferve hanging. The rogues™
were lately difcovered in the bay of Siam, in the ri-
ver of Cambodia, by fome Dutchmen who belonged·
to the ſhip, who had much ado to efcape the five
boats that pursued them, but they have all given ›
fuch an exact deſcription of the fhip, that wherever.
they find her, they will be fure to know her, and'
they have folemnly fwore to give no quarter to the
captain or the feamen, but hang them every one at
the yard arm
Being fenfible, that having the old man on board,
he was incapable of doing me any mifchief, Well,
Signior, faid I, it is for this very reaſon I would have
you carry us to Nanquin, where neither Engliſh nor
Dutch. thips come. And I muſt tell you their cap--
да 3:
:
268
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
A
tains are a parcel of rafh, proud, infolent rafcals, tha.
neither know what belongs to juſtice, nor how to
behave themſelves as the laws of God, or nature di-
rect. Fellows that would prove murderers to pu
niſh robbers and take upon them to adjudge inno-
cent men to death, without any proof to prove them.
guilty; but perhaps I may live to call them to ac-
count for it, in a place where they may be taught:
how juftice is executed. And fo I told him all the
ftory of buying the fhip,. and how we were faved by
the means of two men: That the murder of the
captain by the Malayans,. as alfo the running away
with the ship, I believed to be true; but that we,
who bought it, were turned pirares, was a mere fic-
tion, to cover their cowardice and foolish behaviour,.
when they attacked us,. and the blood of thoſe men.
we killed on our own juft defence, lay to their door,.
who fent to attack us by furpriſe.
2
Sir, faid the old man amazed, you have taken the
right courfe to fteer to the north, and if I might ad-
vife you, I would have you fell your ſhip in China,.
and buy or build another in that Country; and I will
procure people to buy the one and fell the other..
Well, but Signior, faid I, if you fell the ſhip in this
manner; I may bring fome innocent perfons into the
fame danger as I have gone through perhaps worſe,.
even death itfelf, whereby I fhould be as guilty of
their murder as villainous executioners. That need:
not trouble you, fays the old man ; I will find a way
to prevent that; for thefe commanders you talk of
I know them very well, will inform them rightly of
the matter as you have related, and I am perfuaded
they will not only believe me,, but act more cauti-
oufly for the future.. And will you deliver one mef
fage from me to them? Yes, faid he, if you will.
give it under your hand, that may prove it is not
my own production. Hereupon I wrote a large ac-
count of their attacking me in their long boat, the
pretended reafon and unjust defign of it that they had
done what they might be afhamed of, and could not.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
269.
•
1
Ac-
anſwer for at any tribunal in England.. But this let-
ter was written in vain.. Providence ordered things
another way. We failed directly for Nanquin, and
in about thirteen days fail, came to an anchor at the
fouth-west point of the great gulph of that place,
where we learned that two Dutch fhips were gone the
length before us, and that we fhould certainly fall
into their hands. We were all at a great lofs in this
exigency, and would very gladly have been on ſhore-
almoſt any where; but our old pilot told me, that if
1 would fail to the fouthward about two and forty
leagues there was a little port called Quinchance,
where no European fhips ever came, and where we
might confider what was further to be done.
cordingly we weighed anchor the next day, calling
only twice on fhore by the way to get fresh water.
The country people very courteoufly fold us roots;
tea, rice, fowls,. and other provifions. After five
days fail we came to the port, and landed with un-
fpeakable joy. We refolved to difpofe of ourſelves
and effects in any other way. poffible, than enter on
board that ill-fated veffel more ;, for no ftate can be
more miferable than a continued fear, which is a life
of death, a confounder of our underſtandings, that
fets the imagination at work to form a thoufand frigh-
ful things that may never happen.. And we ſcarce
flept one night, without dreaming of halters, yard-
arms, or gibbets; of fighting, being taken, and being
killed; nay, fo violent were our apprehenfions, that
we would bruiſe our hands and heads againſt the fides
of the cabin, as though actually engaged. The fto-
ry of the Dutch cruelty at Ampona often came into
our thoughts when awake. And,. for my part I
thought my condition very hard, that, after fo many
difficulties, and fuch fignal deliverances, I ſhould be
hanged in my old age, though innocent of any crime
that deferved fuch punishment..
•
But now, thank kind heaven, being ashore, our old
pilot procured us a lodging and a warehouſe for our:
goods; it was a lile one with a large warehoufe
•
270
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
joining to it, all built with canes, and pallifadoes
round with large ones, to keep out pilfering thieves,,
which are very numerous in that country! The
Magiftrates allowed us a little guard during the night,
and we employed a centinel for three pence a day!
The fair or mart, we found, had been over for fome
time: however, there remained in the river four
junks and two Japan fhips, the merchants of the lat-
ter being on thore. In the first place, our old pilot
brought us acquainted with the miffionary Roman
priefts, who were converting the people to Chriftia-
nity: Two of them were referved, rigid, and auftere,
applying themſelves to the work they came about
with great carneftnefs; but the third who was a
Frenchman, called Father Simon, was of a freer con-
verfation, not feemingly fo ferious and grave, yet
no worſe Chriftian than the other two, one of whom
was a Portugueſe, and the other Genoefe. Father, Si-
it feems, was appointed to go to Pekin, the
royal feat of the Emperor of China; and he only
waited for another priest, who was ordered from Ma-
coa to accompany him. We never met. together
but he was prompting me to keep him company in
his journey; Sir, faid he, I will fhew you the glori-
ous things of this mighty empire, the city of Pekin,,
far exceeding London or Paris, put them both toge-
ther. One day in particular, being at dinner with
him, fhewed fome inclination to go: which made
him prefs the more upon me and my partner, to gain
our perfect confent.
mon,
3
But we fhall leave him a while, to confider of ouo
fhip and the merchandife which we had to difpofe of..
There was but very little trade in the place where
we were; and I was once refolved to venture to
fail to the river Kilam, and fo to the city of Nan-
quin: But Providence ordered it otherwife, by our
old pilot's bringing a. Japan merchant to us, to fee
what goods we had. He immediately bought our
opium, for which he gave us a very good price in
gold by weight, fome. wedges of which were about
ન
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
278
1
tén or eleven ounces. It came into my head, that
perhaps he might buy the fhip too; and I ordered
his interpreter to propofe it to him. He faid no-
thing then, but fhrunk up his ſhoulders; yet in a
few days he came, accompanied by a miffionary
prieft, who was his interpreter, with, this propofal,
that, as he had bought a great quantity of our,
goods, he has not money enough to purchaſe our
Thip; but if I pleafed he would hire her with all my
men, to go to Japan, and from thence with another
loading to the Philippian iflands, the freight of both
which he would very willingly pay to us before:
and, at their return to Japan, would buy the fhip.
Upon this we afked the Captain and his men, i
they were willing to go to Japan: to which they
unanimously agreed. While this was in agitation,
the young man my nephew left to attend me, told,
me, That as I did not care to accept this profpe&t
of advantage, he would manage it for me as I pleafed
and render me a faithful account of his fuccefs,
which should be wholly mine. Indeed, I was very
unwilling to part with him: But confidering it
might be for the young man's good, I diſcourſed
my partner about it, who, of his own generofity,
gave him his fhare of the veffel, fo that I could do
no otherwife than give him mine; but, however,
we let him have but the property of half of it, and
referved a power, that, when we met in England,
if he had obtained fuccefs, he fhould account to us
for one half of the profits of the fhip's freight, and
the other fhould be his own.
Thus having taken a writing under his hand, away
he failed to Japan, where the merchant dealt very ho-
neftly by him, got him a licence to come on thore,
fent him loaded to the Philippines with a Japaneſe
fupercargo, from whence he came back again loaded
with European goods, cloves and other fpiceries. By
this voyage he cleared a confiderable fum of money,
which determined him not to fell his fhip, but to
trade on his own account: So he returned to the
272
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Manillas, where getting acquaintance, he made hist
fhip free, was hired by the governor privately to go
to Acapulco in America, on the Mexican coaft, with
a licence to travel to the great city of Mexico. This
traffic turned out greatly to account, and my friend
Anding means to get to Jamaica, returned nine years
after, exceeding rich into England.
In parting with the fhip it comes intourfe to con-
fider of thofe men who had faved our lives when in the
river of Cambodia: And though, by the by, they
were a couple of rogues, who thought to turn pirates
themſelves, yet we paid them what they had before
demanded, and gave each of them a fmall fum of
money, making the Englishman a gunner and the
Dutchman a boatfwain, with which they were very
well contented.
We were now about a thou fand leagues farther
from home than when at Bengal. All the comfort
we could expect was, that there being another fair to'
be kept in a month's time, we might not only pur-
chafe all forts of that country's manufactures, but ve-
ry poffibly find fome Chineſe junks, or veffel from
Tonquin, to be fold, which would carry us and our
goods wherefoever we pleafed. Upon thefe hopes,
we refolved to continue; and, to divert ourſelves, we
took feveral little journeys in the country. About
ten days after we parted with our hip, we travelled
to fee the city of Nanquin. This city lies in lati-
tude thirty deg. north of the line; it is regularly
built, and the streets are exactly ftraight, and crofs
one another in direct lines, which fets it out to the
greatest advantage. At our return, we found the
prieft was come from Macoa that was to accompany
Father Simon to Pekin. That Father earneftly fo-
licited me to accompany him, and I referred him to
my partner. In (hort, we both agreed, and prepared
accordingly and we were fo lucky as to have liberty
to travel among the retinue of one of their Manda-
rines, who is a principal Magiftrate, and much re-
verenced by the people.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
273
We were five and twenty days travelling through
this miferable country, infinitely populous, but as
indifferently cultivated; but yet their pride is infinite-
ly greater than their poverty, infomuch that the
priefts themfelves derided them. As we paffed by the
houfe of one of their country gentlemen, two leagues
off Nanquin, we had the honour, forfooth to ride
with the Chineſe ſquire about two miles. Never was
Don Quixote fo exactly imitated, never fuch a com-
pound of pomp and poverty feen before!
}
At length we arrived at the great city of Pekin,
accompanied by two fervants, and the old Portu-
guefe pilot, whofe charges we bore, and who ſerved
us as an interpreter by the way. We had ſcarce
been a week at Pekin, but he comes laughing to us,
Ah! Signior Inglife, faid he, me fomething tell you
make your heart glad, but make me forry: for you
bring me here twenty-five days journey, and now
you will leave me go back alone; and which way
fhall I make my port after, without de fhip, with-
out de horſe, without pecune? fo he called money
in his broken Latin. He then informed me, that
there was a great caravan of Mufcovite and Polif
merchants in the city, who were preparing to fet
out for Muscovy by land within fix week: and that
he was certain we would take this opportunity, and
confequently that he muft go home by himfelf. In-
deed this news infinitely furpriſed and pleafed me.
Are you certain of this faid I? Yes, Sir, faid he me
fure it is true. And fo he told me, that having met
an old acquaintance of his, an Armenian, in the
freet, who was among them, and who had come
from Aftracan, with a defign to go to Tonquin, but
for certain reafons, having altered his refolution, he
was now refolved to go with the Caravan, and to
return by the river Walga to Aftracan. Well, Sig-
nior, faid I, do not be difcontented about your re-
turning alone; and if by this means I can find a paf-
fage to England, it will be your own fault if
you re
turn to Macoa at all. And fo confulting with my
274 LIFE AND ADVENTURES
partner what was beſt to be done, he referred it to me
as I pleafed, having our affairs fo well fettled at
at Bengal, that if we could convert the good voyage,
we had made in China filks, wrought raw, he would
be fatisfied to go to England, and ſo return to Ben-
gal in the company's fhips.
Thus refolved we agreed, that if our pilot would
go with us, we would bear his charges either to
Mufcow or England, and to give him in a preſent
the fum of 170 pounds fterling. Hereupon we
called him in, and told him the caufe of his com-
plaint fhould be removed, if he would accompany
us with the caravan: And therefore we defired to
know his mind. At this he fhook his head. Great
long journey, faid he, me no pecune, carry me
to Muſcow, or keep me. But we foon put him
out of that concern, by making him fenfible of what
we would give him here to lay out to the best advan-
tage; and as for his charges, we would fet him ſafe
on fhore, God willing, either in Mufcovy, or Eng-
land, as he pleaſed, at our own charge, except the
carriage of his goods. At this propofal he was like
a man tranſported, telling us, he would go with us
all the world over: and we made preparations for
our journey, but it was near four months before all
the merchants were ready.
In the mean time, my partner and the pilot went
exprefs to the port where we first put in, to difpofe
of what goods had been left there, while I accom-
panied a Chineſe merchant, who was going to Nan-
quin, and there bought twenty-nine pieces of da-
mafk, with about three hundred more of other fine
filks; and by the time my partner returned to Pe-
kin, I had them all carrird thither; our cargo in
filks amounted to 45,000l. Sterling, which, toge-
ther with tea, fine calicoes, nutmegs, and cloves,
loaded eighteen camels for our fhare, befides what
we rode upon, with two or three fpare horfes, and
two more loaden with provifions: the company
now was very great, making about four hundred
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
275
horfe, and about a hundred men, well armed and
provided. We were of feveral nations, and twenty
among whom were five Scots merchants inhabiting in
Mufcow, and well experienced in trade.
We ſet out from Pekin the beginning of Febru-
ary; and in two days more, we paffed through the
gate of the great China wall, which was erected as
a fortification against the Tartars, being one hundred
and eight Engliſh miles long. We then entered a
country not near fo populous, chiefly under the
power of plundering Tartars, feveral companies of
whom we perceived riding on poor ftarved horfes,
contemptible as themſelves, without any difcipline.
One time our leader for the day gave us leave to go
a hunting. But what do you think we hunted, err-
ly a parcel of ſheep, which, indeed exceeded any in
the world for wildneſs and fwiftnefs; but while we
were purſuing this game, it was our chance to meet
with about forty Tartars, who no fooner perceived
us, but one of them blew a horn, at the found of
which there foon appeared a troop of forty or fifty
more, at about a mile diftance. Hereupon one of
the Scots merchants (who knew their way) ordered
us to advance towards them, and attack them im-
mediately. As we advanced, they let fly a volley
of arrows, which happily fell a little fhort of us
This made us halt a little, to return the compliment
with bullets; and then being led up by the bold
Scot, we fired our piftols in their faces, and drew
out our ſwords, but there was no occafion, for they
flew like timorous fheep, and only three of them re-
mained, beckoning to the reft to come back. But
our brave commander gallops up to them by him/elf,
fhot one dead, knocks another off his hore, while
the third ran away and thus ended our battle with
the Tartars.
·
We travelled a month more through the Emperor
of China's dominions and at length coming to one
of their towns about a day and a half's journey froth.
the city of Naum, I wanted to buy a cemel. The
4
**b.
276
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
"
perfon I fpoke, to would have brought me one, but,
like a fool, I must go along with him about two
miles from the village. My old pilot and I walked
on foot, forfooth, for fome variety, when coming to
the place where the camels were kept as in a park
guarded by Chine fe foldiers, we there agreed and
bought one, which the Chineſe man that came with
me led along the road. But we had not gone far
before we were attacked by five Tartars, mounted
on horfeback, two of whom feized the man, took
the camel from him, and rode away, while the other
three approached us the firft of whom fuddenly
feized me as I was drawing my fword, the fecond
knocked me down; but my old trusty Portugueſe,
taking a pistol out of his pocket, which I knew no-
thing of, and coming up to the fellow that ftruck
me, he, with one hand, pulled him off his horſe,
and then hot him dead upon the fpot; then taking
his fcymitar he ftruck at the man that topt us, but
miffing him, cut off one of his horfe's ears, the
pain of which made him throw his rider to the
ground. The poor Chineſe who had led the camel,
feeing the Tartar down, runs to him, and feizing
upon his pole-axe, wrenched it from his hands, and
knocked his brains out. But there was another
Tartar to deal with, who feemed neither inclined
to fight nor to fly, and my old man having begun
to charge his piftol, the very fight of it ftruck fuch a
terror into the wretch, that away he fcoured, leaving
my old pilot, rather my champion and defender, an
abfolute victory.
By this time being awakened from my trance, I
began to open my eyes, wondering where I was,
having quite forgot all that paft: but my fenfes re-
turning, and feeling a great pain in my head, and
feeing the blood was running over my clothes, I in-
ftantly jumped upon my feet, and grafped my fword
in my hand, with a refolutiou to take revenge; but
no enemies now remained, except the dead Tartar,
with his horfe ftanding by him. The old man fee-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
277
1
ing me recovered, whom he thought flain, ran to-
wards me, and embraced me with the greateſt ten-
dernefs, at the fame time examining into my wounds.
which was far from being mortal. When we retur-
ned to the village, the man demanded payment for
his camel, which I refufing, we brought the cauſe
before a Chineſe judge, who acted with great im-
partiality: Having heard both fides, he aſked the
Chineſe man that went with me, whofe fervant he
was? Sir, faid he, I am nobody's but went with
the flranger, at his requeft: Why then, faid the
judge, you were the franger's fervant for the time,
and the camel being delivered to his fervant, it is
the fame as though delivered to himſelf, and accur-
dingly he muft pay for it. Indeed, the cafe was fo
fairly ftated, that I had nothing to object to it; fo
having paid for that I was robbed of, 1 fent for ano-
ther, but did not.go myself to fetch it, as I had e-
nough of that fport before,
When we were within a days march of, we had
information that the governor bad fent meffengers
to every part of the road, to inform the travelleis
and caravans to halt, till a guard was fent to protect
them from the numerous bodies of Tartars, that
lately appeared about the city. This news put us
into great confternation; but, obeying the orders,
we ftopt, and two days after there came two hun-
dred foldiers from a garrifon of the Chinefe, and
three hundred more from Naum: Thus guarded
both in the front and rear, with our men on the
flanks, we boldly advanced, thinking we were able
to combat with ten thoufand Mogul Tartars, if they
appeared.
Early next morning, in our march from a little
well fituated town called Changu, after having paf-
fed a river, and entered upon a delert of about fif-
teen or fixteen miles over, we foon beheld, by a
cloud of duft the city of Naum that was raifed,
that the enemy was approaching. This much dif
pirited the Chineſe. My old pilot took notice of
B ba
€78
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
it, and called out, Signior Inglefe, thofe fellows.
muſt be encouraged or they will ruin us all; and´I.
am afraid, if the Tartars attack us, they will alt.
run away. Why, Signior, faid I, what will be
done in this cafe? Done, fays he, why, let fifty of
our men advance, and flank them on each wing. I
know the fellows will fight well enough in company..
We accordingly took his advice, and marched fifty..
to the right wing, and the fame number to the left,
and with the reft made a line of referve, leaving the
laft two hundred men to guard the camels, or to
affift us as occafion required.
Thus prepared, a party of the enemy came for-
ward, viewing our posture, and traverfing the ground
on the front of our line. Hereupon we ordered
the two wings to move on, and give them a falute
with their fhot; which accordingly was done. This
put a flop to their proceedings; for immediately
wheeling off to their left they all marched away, and
we faw no more of them. They had undoubtedly
given an account to their companions of what recep-
tion they might expect, which made them fo eafily
give over their enterpriſe..
When we came to the city of Naum, we returned
the governor hearty thanks, and diſperſed a hundred
crowns among the foldiers that guarded us. We
refted there one day, then proceeded on our travels,
paffing feveral great rivers and defarts; and on the
13th of April, we came to the frontiers of Mufcovy,
the firft town of which was called Argun.
This happy occafion, as I thought, of coming in- .
to a Chriftian country, made me congratulate the
Scots merchant upon it: He fmiled at that,, telling
me not to rejoice too foon; for, faid he, except
the Ruffian foldiers in garrifon, and a few inhabi-
tants of the cities upon the road, all the reſt
of this country, for above a thousand miles, is
inhabited by the moft ignorant and barbarous
pagans.
We advanced from the river Arguna, by moderate
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
279
journeys, and found convenient garrifons on the
road, filled with Chriftian foldiers, for the fecurity
of commerce, and for the convenient lodging of
travellers; but the inhabitants of the country
were mere pagans, worshipping the moon, fun,
and ftars.
When we came to the city of Jarewena, we refed
five days, and then entered into a frightful defart,
which held us twenty-three days march, infefted
with feveral fmall companies of robbers, or Mogul
Tartars, who never had the courage to attack us.
Nothing remarkable occurred in our march through
this country.
When we had got through the defart,
after two days further travil, we came to Jenezo,
a Muſcovite city, on the great river ſo called, which
we were told parted Europe from Afia.
From this city to the river of Oby, we travelled
over a pleaſant, fruitful, but very uncultivated-
country, for want of good management and people,
and thoſe few are moſtly Pagans. This is the place
where the Mufcovite criminals are banished to, if
they are not put to death. The next city we came
to was the capital city of Siberia, called Tobolſki,
when, having been almoft feven months on our
journey, and winter drawing on apace, my partner
and I confulted about our particular affairs, in what
manner we ſhould difpofe of ourselves. We had
been told of fledges and reindeer to carry us over
the fnow in the winter ſeaſon, the fnow being frozen
fo hard, that the fledges can run upon the furface.
without any danger of going down. As I was bound
to England, it now behoved me either to go with the
caravan to Jeroilaw, from thence weft to Narva, and
the gulph of Finland, and fo by land or fea to Den-
mark, or elſe I muſt leave the caravan at a little
town on the Dwina, and fo to Archangel, where
I was certain of fhipping either to England, Hol-
land, or Hamburgh. One night I happened to get
into the company of an illuftrious but banished prince
whoſe company and virtues were fuch as made me
propoſe to him a method how he might obtain his
.
280
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
liberty. My dear friend, faid he as I am here hapa-
pily free from my miferable greatnefs, with all its
attendants of pride, ambition, avarice, and luxury;
if I fhould efcape from this place, thefe pernicious
feeds may again revive, to my lafting difquietude!
therefore let me remain in a bleffed confinement, for
I am but fleſh, a mere man, with paffions and affec-
tions as fuch: O be not my friend and tempter too;
Struck dumb with ſurpriſe, I ftood filent a while, nor
was he in lefs diforder; by which perceiving he
wanted to give vent to his mind, I defired him to
confider of it, and fo withdrew. But about two
hours after he came to my apartment: Dear friend;
faid he, though I cannot confent to accompany you
Ifhall have this fatisfaction in parting, that you
leave me an honeft man ftill: but as a teftimony of
my affection to you, be pleaſed to accept this prefent
of tables...
In return for this compliment, I fent my fervant
next morning to his Lordship, with a fmall prefent
of tea, two pieces of China damask, and-four little
wedges of gold: But he only accepted the tea, one
piece of damaſk, and a piece of gold, for the curi-
ofity of the Japan ftamp that was upon it. Not
long after he fent for me, and told me, that what.
he had refufed himfelf, he hoped, upon his account
I would grant to another, whom he fhould name :
In fhort, it was his only for, who was about two
hundred miles diftance from him, on the other fide
of the Oby, whom he faid he would fend for if I
gave my confent. This 1 foon complied with :
Upon which he fent his fervants next day for his
fon, who returned in twenty days time, bringing
feven horfes loaded with valuable furs. At night
the young lord was conducted incognito into our a
partment, where his father prefented him to me.
We then concerted the best ways for travelling;
and after having bought a confiderable quantity of
fables, black fox fkins, fine ermines, &c. (which
I fold at Archangel at a good price), we fet out.
from this city the beginning of June making a fmalk
+
281
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
•
こ
​4
caravan, being about thirty-two horfes and camels,
of which I reprefented the head. My young lord
had with him a very faithful Siberian fervant, well
acquainted with the roads: We fhunned the prin-
cipal towns and cities, as Tumen, Soli-Kamofkoi,
and feveral others, by reafon of their ftrictneſs in
examining travellers, left any of the banished per-
fons of diftinction fhould efcape. Having paffed
the river Kama, we came to a city on a European
fide, called Soloi Komofkoi, where we found the
people 'moftly Pagans as before. We then paffed
a defart of about two hundred miles over but in
other places it is near feven hundred. In paſsing
this wild place, we were befet by a troop of men
on horseback, and about five and forty men armed
with bows and arrows. But perceiving a ſmall grove
at a little diftance, with a marchy piece of ground
and a fpring of water we retreated thither without
oppofition, and waited till within two hours of night;
when they attacked us with great fury. We firft
fired without ball, calling to them in the Ruffian
tongue to know their bufnefs; but they, either not
knowing, or feeming not to understand us, came di-
rectly to the wood-fide, not confidering that we had
fo fortified it by cutting the boughs nearly off ſome
trees and joining them to others fo that they could
not break in upon our rear.
In the mean while we loaded our pieces with two
or three bullets each, fired again, and wounded 14,
and fallying out, fecured four or five of their horſes,
whofe riders we found were killed, and perceived
them to be Tartars. About an hour after, they -
made another attempt, to fee where they might break
in; but finding us ready to receive them, they
retired.
All that night we wrought hard, in ftrengthening
onr fituation, and barricading the entrances into the
woods: but when day-light came, we had a very un-
welcome difcovery; for the enemy being encouraged
by their affiftance, had fet up eleven or twelve tents
in form of a camp, about three quarters of a mile
{
282
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
•
from us.
I must confefs I was never more concerned
in my life, giving myfelf and all that I had over for
loft. And my partner declared, that as the lofs of
his goods would be his ruin, before they fhould be
taken from him, he would fight to the laft drop of
his blood. As we could not pretend to force our
way, we had recourfe to a ftratagem; we kindled a
large fire which burnt all night; and no fooner was
it dark, but we purfued our journey towards the
pole, or north ftar, and travelling all night, by fix
o'clock in the morning we came to a Ruffian village,
called Kertza, and from thence came to a large town
named Ozonoys, where we heard that feveral troops.
of Calmuch Tartars had been abroad upon the de-
fert, but that we were paft all danger. In five days
after we came to Veuflima, upon the river Witzedga;
from thence we came to Lawrenfkoy on the third of
July, where, providing ourſelves with two luggage
boats and a convenient bark, we embarked the 7th,
and arrived at Archangel the 18th, after a year five
months, and three days journey, including the eight
months, and odd days at Tobolfkoi. We came
from Archangel the 20th of Auguft in the fame year,
and arrived at Hamburgh rhe 30th of September.
Here my partner and I made a very good fale of our
goods, both thoſe of China and Siberia; when, di-
viding our effects, my fhare came to 34751. 17s. 3d.
after all the loffes we had fuftained, and charges we
had been at. Here the young lord took his leave of
me, in order to go to the courr of Viena, not only
to fcek protection, but to corefpond with his father's
friends. After we had ftaid four months in Ham-
burgh, I went from thence over land to the Hague,
where, ebmarking in the packet, I arrived in Lon-
don the 10th of January 1705, after ten years and
nine months abfence from England.
IN IS.
J. Nuttall, Printer, Liverpool.

1