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ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
VERITAS
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
BUS UNUM
PLURIQU
UNIJOJAJ
TUEBOR
CIRCUMSPICE
SCIENTIA
"SI-QUÆRIS PENINSULAM-KMT NAM
OF THE
All
K
ALMIZAT
GIFT OF
REGENT LLHUBBARD
da steng
?
1
1
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
PR
3403
•AI
1811
嘴
​
7807
ROBINSON CRUSOE,
de dererib'd in Page 176.
THE
LIFE
AND MOST
J
SURPRISING ADVENTURES
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE,
OF YORK, MARINER,
WHO LIVED EIGHT AND TWENTY YEARS
IN AN
UNINHABITED ISLAND,
ON THE COAST OF AMERICA, NEAR THE MOUTH OF THE
GREAT RIVER OROONOQUE.
WITH AN
ACCOUNT OF HIS DELIVERANCE THENCE;
AND HIS AFTER
SURPRISING ADVENTURES.
A New Edition, complete in One Volume;
~ WITH PLATES, descriptive of the SUBJECT.
London:
PUBLISHED AND SOLD BY THE BOOKSELLERS ;
AND BY THOMAS WILSON AND SON, PRINTERS,
HIGH-OUSEGATE, YORK,
1811.
Res.
Regent L. L. Hubbard
10-21-1924
PREFACE.
IF ever the story of any private man's ad-
ventures in the world were worth making
public, and were acceptable when published,
the Editor of this account thinks this will
be so.
The wonders of this man's life exceed all
that (he thinks) is to be found extant; the
life of one man being scarce capable of a
greater variety.
The story is told with modesty, with seri-
ousness, and with a religious application of
events, to the uses to which wise men always
apply them, viz. to the instruction of others
by this example, and to justify and honour
the wisdom of Providence in all the variety
of our circumstances, let them happen how
they will.
A 2
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{
2
$
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f
X
PREFACE.
:
The Editor believes this narrative to be
just history of fact; neither is there any ap-
pearance of fiction in it; and though he is
well aware there are many who, on account
of the very singular preservations the Author
met with, will give it the name of romance;
yet, in which ever of these lights it shall be
viewed, he imagines, that the improvement
of it, as well as the diversion, as to the in-
struction of the reader, will be the same,
and as such, he thinks, without farther
compliment to the world, he does them a
great service in the publication.
3
روحمد
*
+
{
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1
TRE
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE.
I was born at York, in the year 1632, of a reputable fa-
mily. My father was a native of Bremen, who by mer-
chandizing 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 Robinſon, I was called Robinſon Kreutznaer; which not
being eaſily pronounced in the English. tongue, we are
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.
to me
No charge or pains were wanting in my education.-
My father defigned me for the law, yet nothing 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 father expoftulated very warmly with me:
What reafen, fays he, have you to leave your native coun-
try, where there must be a more certain profpect of con-
tent and happineſs, to enter into a wandering condition of
uneafineſs and uncertainty? He recommended
Augur's wifh, Neither to defire poverty nor riches:"
that a middle ftate of life was the most happy, and that
the high towering thoughts of raifing our condition by wan-
dering abroad, were furrounded with mifery aud danger,
and often ended with confufion and difappointment. I
entreat you, nay, I command you, (fays he,) to deſiſt from
theſe intertions. Confider your elder brother, who laid
down his life for his honour, or rather loft it for his diſobe-
die ce to my will. If you will go, (added he,) my prayers
ſhail however be offered for your prefervation; but a time
may come, when defolate, oppreffed, or foríakca, you
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
may wish you had taken your poor defpifed father's counſel.
He pronounced theſe words with fuch a moving and pater-
nal eloquence, while floods of tears ran down his aged cheeks,
that it feemed to ſtem the torrent of my refolutions. But
this foon wore off, and a little 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 voyage; which if it did not
prove profperous, I would never attempt a fecond. But my
defire was as vain as my folly in afking. My mother paf-
fionately expreffed her diflike of this propofal, telling me
"That as the faw I was bent upon my own destruction, con-
"trary to their will and my duty, he would fay no more,
"but leave me to my felf to do whatever I pleafed."
I was then, I think, nineteen years old, when one time be-
ing at Hull, I met a fchool-fellow of mine going along with
his father, who was mater of a flip, to London; and ac-
quainting him with my wandering defir.s, he affured me of
a free paffage, and a plentiful thare of what was neceff.ry.
Thus, without imploring a bleſſing, or taking farewell of my
parents, I took hipping on the first of September, 1651. We
fet fail foon after, and our hip had ſcarce left the Humber
a-ller, when there arofe ſo vi lent a ſtorm, that being ex-
tremely fea-fick, I concluded the judgment of God deſerv-
edly followed me for my d'fobedience to my dear parents.
It was then I called to mind the good advice of my father;
how cafy and comfortable was a middle ftate of life; and
I firmly refolved, if it pleafed God to let me on dry land
once more, I would return to my parents, implore their fir-
giveneſs, and bid a final adieu to my wandering inclinations.
Sach were my thoughts while the florm continu:d; but
thefe good refolutions decreaſed with the danger; more
especially when my companion came to me, clapping me on
the fhoulder: "What, Bob!" faid he, "fure you was not
"frightened last night with fcarce a capful of wind "—
"And do you," cried I, "call fuch a violent ſtorm a capful
"of wind?” “A ftorm, you fool you!" faid he, "this is no-
"thing: a good fhip and fearoom always baffles fuch a
"fooliſh fquall of wind as that: But you're a freſh-water
"failor: Come boy, turn out, fee what fine weather we have
dr
now, and a good bowl of punch will drown all your paſt
"forrows." In fhort, the punch was made, I was drunk, and
in one night's time drowned both my repentance and my
}
*

****
Hoy
A
Robinson Crusoe Shipwreckitat Yarmouth
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE,
7
good refolutions, forgetting 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, I
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 Harwich
road, where we lay wind-bound with fome Newcaſtle ſhips;
and there being good anchorage, and our cables found, the
feamen forgot their late toil and danger, and ſpent the time
as merry as if they had been on thore. But on the eighth day
there aroſe a brifk gale of wind, which prevented our tiding
it up the river; and ſtill increaſing, our ſhip rode forecaſtle
in, and hipped feveral large feas.
**
It was not long before horror feized the feamen theme
felves, and I heard the mafter exprefs this melancholy
ejaculation, Lord have mercy upon us, we ſhall be all loft
and undone!" For my part, fick unto death, I kept my cabin,
till the univerfal and terribly dreadful apprehenfions of our
Speedy fate made me ge: upon deck; and there I was af-
frighted indeed. The fea went mountains high; I could
fee nothing but diftrefs around us; two fhips had cut their
mafts on bard, and another was foundered; two more that
had loft their anchors, were forced cut to the mercy of the
ocean: and to fave cur lives we were forced to cut our
foremaſt and mainmaſt quite away.
+
C
Who is there ſo ignorant as not to judge of my dreadful
condition? I was but a fresh-water failor, and therefore it
ſeemed more terrible. Our fhip was very good, but over-
loaded; which made the failors often cry out, .. She would
"founder!" Words I then was ignorant of. All this while
the form continuing, and rather increafing, the mafter and
the moſt fober part of his men went to prayers, expecting
death every moment. In the middle of the night one cried
out, "We had ſprung a leak !" another, "That there were
"four feet water in the hoid!" I was just ready to expire
with fear, when immediately all hands were called to the
pump; and the men forced me alfo in that extremity to
fhare with them in their labour. While thus employed, the
maller efpying fome light colliers, fired a gun as a lignal of
diſtreſs; and I, not underflanding what it meant, and think-
ing that either the fhip broke, or fome dreadful thing hap-
pened, fell into a fwoon. Even in that common condition
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
of wce, nobody minded me, excepting to thrust me afide
with their feet, thinking me dead, and it was a great while
before I recovered.
Happy it was for us, when 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 ſhip'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 up to us, got into their boat,
and left our ſhip, which we perceived fink within leſs than a
quarter of an hour; and thus I learned what was meant by
foundering at Sea. And now the men inceffantly laboured to
recover their own fhip; but the fea ran fo high, and the wind
blew fo hard, that they thought it convenient to hale within
fhere; which, with great difficulty and danger, at last we
happily effected, landing at 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 fur-
nished us with neceffaries to carry us either to Hull or London.
Strange, after all this, like the prodigal fo, I did not re-
turn to my father; who hearing of the fhip's calamity, for a
long time thought me entombed in the deep. No doubt
but I fhould have shared on his fatted calf, as the Scripture
expreffeth it; but my ill fate ftill pushed me on, in fpite of
the powerful convictions of reaſon and confcience.
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 fpeech
were altered, and in a melancholy marner afked me how I
did, telling his father who I was, and how I had made this
voyage, only for a trial 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 to
"take this for a certain fign that you never will profper in
"a feafaring condition." "Sir," anfwered I,
will you
take the fame refolution " "It is a different cafe," faid
he; it is my calling, and confequen:ly my duty; but as
r
[6
you have made this voyage for a trial, you fee what ill
fuccefs Heaven has fet before your eyes; and perhaps
"our mifries have been on your account, like Jonah in the
st
hip of Tarkish. 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
66
OF ROBINSON CRUSOF.
exclamation, "Yea facred Powers, what had I committed,
"that fuch a wretch fhould enter into my hip to heap upon
(C me fuch a deluge of miferies!" But foon recollecting
his paffion, "Young man," ſaid he, "if you do not go back,
depend upon it, wherever you go, you will meet with
"difafters and difappointments till your father's words are
fulfilled upon you. And fo we parted.
«<
I thought at first to return home; but flame oppoſed that
good motion, as thinking I fhould be laughed at by my neigh-
bours 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 fhort, I
travelled up to London, refolving upon a voyage; and a
voyage I foon heard of, by my acquaintance with a captain
who rock a fancy to me, to go to the coaft of Guinea. Hav
ing fome money, and appearing like a gentleman, I went
on board, not as a common failor or foremaft man; nay,
the commander agreed I fhould go that voyage with him
without any expente; that I fhould be his mefsmate and
companion, and I was very welcome to carry any thing
with me, ard make the beſt merchandiſe I could.
}
>>
Ke
14
-
I bleffed my happy fortune, and humbly thanked my cap-
tain for this offer; and acquainting my friends in Yorkshire,
forty pounds were fent me, the greateſt part of which my
dear father and mother contributed to, with which I bought
toys and trifles, as the captain directed me. My captain
alfo taught me navigation, how to keep an account of the
ſhip's courſe, take an obſervation, and led me into the know-
ledge of feveral ufeful branches of the mathematics. And
indeed this voyage made me 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 hundred pounds. But in this voyage I was ex-
tremely fick, being thrown into a violent calenture through
the exceflive heat, trading upon the coaft from the latitude
of fifteen degrees north, even to the line itſelf."
But alas! my dear friend, the captain, foon departed this
life after his arrival. This was a fenfible grief to me: yet.
I refolved to go another voyage with his mate, who had
now got command of the fhip. This proved a very unfuc-
cessful one; for though I did not carry quite a hundred
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
pounds of my late acquired wealth, (ſo that I had two hun-
dred pounds left, which I repofed with the Captain's widow,
who was an honeft gentlewoman,) yet my misfortunes in
this unhappy voyage were very great. For our fhip failing
towards the Canary iſlands, we were chaſed by a Salee
rover; and in fpite of all the hafte we could make, by crowd,
ing as much canvas as our yards could ſpread, or our maits
carry, the pirate gained upon us, fo that we prepared our-
felves 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 ſhip diſabled, and ourſelves too impotent to have
the least hopes of fuccefs, we were forced to furrender; ard
accordingly were all carried prifoners into the port of Salee.
Our men were fent to the Emperor'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 my felf the moft miferable.
creature on earth, and the prophecy of my father came afreſh
into my thoughts. However, my condition was better than
I thought it to te, 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 miſtaken;
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 fe', would make me lie in the cabin, and
look after the ship. I had no one that I could communicate
my thoughts to, which were continually meditating my
efcape; no Englishman, Irishman, or Scotchman here, but
myfelf; and for two years I could fee nothing practicable,
but only pleafed myf lf with the imagination.
After fome leng h of time, my patron, as I found, grew fo
poor that he could not fit out his fhip as ufual; and then he
uſed conſtantly, once or twice a week, if the weather was
fair, to go out a fishing, taking me and a young 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 was one of his kinfmen, and the Mo-
refco youth, to catch a dish of fish for him.
One morning, as we were at the fport, there aroſe ſuch
a thick fog, that we loft fight of the fhore; and rowing we
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
11
ง
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 ſtomachs were exceedingly fharp
and hungry.
In order to prevent fuch difafters for the
future, my patron ordered a carpenter to build a little ftate-
room or cabin in the middle of the long-boat, with a place
behind it to ſteer and hale home the main fleet, with other
conveniences to keep in from the weather; as alſo lockers to
put in all manner of provifions, with a handſome ſhoulder
of mutton fail, gibing over the cabin.
In this he frequently took us out a fishing; and one time
inviting two or three perfons of diftinction to go
with him,
made provifions extraordinary, providing alfo three fufees,
with powder and fhor, that they might have fome ſport at
fowling along the fea-coaft. The next morning the boat
was made clean, her arcient 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 indeed. In
order to this I perfuaded the Moor to get fome provifions
on board, as not daring to meddle with our patron's; and
he taking my advice, we ftored ourſeives with ruſk biſcuit,
and three jars of water. Befides, I privately conveyed
into the boat a bottle of brandy, fome twine, thread, a ham-
mer, hatchet, and a faw; and, in particular, fome bees-wax,
which was a great comfort to me, and ferved to make can-
dles. Ithen perfuaded Muley (for fo was the Moor called)
to procure fome powder and hot, pretending to kill fea cur-
lews, which he innocently and readily agreed to.
In short,
being provided with all things neceflary, we failed out, re-
folving for my own part to make my escape, though it ſhould
coft me my life.
When we had paffed the caftle, we fell a fhing; but
though I knew there was a bite, I diffembled the matter, in
order to put out further to fea. Accordingly we ran a league
further; when giving the boy, the neim, and pretending to
ſtoop for fomething, I feized Muley by furpife and threw
him overboard. As he was an excellent fwimmer, he foon
arcfe, and made towards the boat; upon which, I took out
a fufce, and preſented at him: “ Muley," faid I, "I never
"yet deſigned to do you any harm, and feek nothing now
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
CC
'sc
"but my redemption. I know you are able enough to fim
to fhore, and fave your life; but if you are refolved to
"follow me, to the er dangering of mine, the very moment
'you proceed, I will fhoot you through the head." The
harmless creature at thefe words, turned himſelf from me,
and I make no doubt got fafe to lard. 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,"
faid I, "you mull ſtroke your face to be faithful; and, as the
"Turks have learned you, fwear by Mahomet, and the beard
"of your father, or el'e I will throw you into the fea alfo."
So innocent did the child then look, and with fuch an oblig-
ing fmile confented, that I readily believed him, and from
that day forward began to love him entirely.
7
We then pursued our voyage; and left they fhould think
me gone to the traits' mouth, I kept to the fouthward to
the truly Barbarian coaft; but in the dufk of the evening, I
changed my courfe, and fteering directly S. and by E. that I
might keep near the fore; and having a freſh gale of wind,
with a pleafant ſmooth fea, by three o'clock next day I was
one hundred and fifty miles beyond the Emperor of Morocco's
dominions. Yet fill having the dreadful apprehenfion 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 chaſe of me, they would
proceed no farther. After fo much fatigue and thought, I
anchored 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 fucceed the declining day, when we heard fuch
barking, roaring, and howling of wild creatures, that one
might have thought the very ftrongeft monsters of nature, or
infernal fpirits had their r.fidence there. Poor Xury, almoſt
dead with fear, entreated me not to go on fore that night.
rr
Suppoling I don't, Xury," faid I, "and in the morning we
"fhould fee men who are worse than thoſe we fear, what
"then?" "Oden we may give dem de fhco gun," replied Xury,
laughing, "ard de gun make dem all run away." The wit and
broken English which the boy had lear ed among the captives
of our nation, p'eafed ne entirely; and to add to his cheer-
fulness, I gave him a dram of the bottle. We could get but
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
13
little ſleep all the night for thofe terrible howlings they made;
and, indeed, we were both very much affrighted, when, by
the rolling of the water, and other tokens, we justly con-
cluded one of thoſe menfters made towards our boat. I cou'd
not fee, till it came within two cars length, when taking my
fufee, I let fly at him. Whether I hit him or no, I cannot
teli; but he made towards the fho e, and the noiſe of my
gun increafed the ftupendous noife of the moafters.
(C
The next morning I was refolved to go on ſhore to get
freſh water, and venture my life among the beafts or ſavage:,
fhould either attick me. Xury faid, he would take one of
the jars and bring me fome. I asked him, why he would
go, and not I: The poor boy answered, "if wild mans come,
they eat me, you go away." Am nd ſcarcely now to be
imitated, fo contrary to felf-prefervation, the most powerful
law of Nature. This, indeed, increafel my affections to the
child. "We'l, dear Xury," faid I, we will both go ashore,
both kill wild mans, and they ſhall eat neither of us." S
giving Xory a piece of rufk-bread to eat, and a dram, we
waded athore, carrying nothing with us but cur arms, and
two jars of 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 precipita ion, I thought he was purſued by fome
favage or wild beast; upon which I approached, retolving
to perih 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 colour,
and longer legs; however we were gl d of it, for it proved
wholeſome and nour thing 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 till was our comfort, when
the tide was out, without going fo far up into the country.
In this place I began to conder that the Canary and Cape
de Verce iſlands lay not far cff; but having no inftrument,
I knew not what latitude, or when to fland off to ſea for .
them; yet my hopes were I fhould meet fome of the Eng-
lith trading veffe's, who would relieve and take us in.
+
The place I was in was no doubt that wild country, in-
habited only by a few, that lies between the Emperor of
Merocco's dominions and the Negroes. it is filled with
wild beatis, and the Mours uſe it for hunting chiefly. From
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
this place I thought I faw the top of the mountain Teneriff
in the Canaries; which made me try twice to attain it;
but as often was I drove back, and fo forced to purſue my
fortune along ſhore.
Early one morning we came to an anchor under a little
point of land, but pretty high: and the tide beginning to
flow, we lay ready to go further in. But Xury, whofe
youthful and penetrating eyes were fharper than mine, in a
foft tone, defired me to keep far from land, lest we should
be devoured, "For look yonder, maſter," faid he," and fee
"de dreadful monster faſt aſleep on de fide of de hill."
Accordingly, locking where he pointed, I efpied a fearful
monfter indeed. It was a terrible great lion that lay on
thore, covered as it were by a fhade of a piece of the hill.
"Xury," faid I, "you fhall go on fhore and kill him." But
the boy looking amazed: "Me kill him!" fays he," he eat
me at one mouth;" meaning one mouthful. Upon which I
bid him lie ftill, and charging my biggest gun with two
flugs, and a good charge of powder, I took the beſt aim I
could to ſhoot him through the head, but his leg lying over
his noſe, the 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 ſhot 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 fwam to ſhore with the other, and
coming clofe to the lion, put a period to his life by fhooting
him again through the head.
>
But this was fpending our ammunition in vain, the flesh
not being good to eat. Xury was like a champion, and
comes on board for a hatchet, to cut off the head of his ene-
my; but not having strength to perform it, he cut off and
brought me a foot. I bethought me, however, that his ſkin
would be of ufe. This work coft Xury 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 ferved me for a bed to lie on.
A
And now we failed foutherly, living fparingly on our pro-
vifions, and went no oftener on fhore than we were obliged
for fresh water. My deſign was to make the river Gambia
or Senegal, or any where about the Cape de Verde, in hopes
to meet fome European fhip. If Providence did not fo fa-

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Robinson Crusoe and his boy Kury
Coast of Guinea shooting a Lyon
on the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
15
vour me, my next courfe was to feek for the iſlands, or lofe
my life amongst 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 ſaw people ſtand
on the shore looking at us; we could alſo perceive they
were black and ſtark naked. I was inclined to go on ſhore,
but Xury cried, "No, no;" however, I approached nearer,
1
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 distance. I talked to them by ſigns,
and made them fenfible I wanted fomething to eat; they
beckoned me to flop my boat, while two of them ran up
into the country, and in lefs than half an hour came back,
and brought with them two pieces of dried fleſh and ſome
corn, which we kindly accepted; and to prevent any fears
on either 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, being all we
could afford, two mighty creatures came from the mɔuntains;
one as it were purfuing the other with great fury, which we
were the rather inclined to believe, as they feldom appear
but in the night; and both thefe fwiftly paffing by the ne-
groes, jumped into the fea, wantonly fwimming about, as
though the diverfion of the waters had put a stop to their fierce-
nefs. At last one of them coming nearer to my boat than I
expected or deſired, I ſhot him directly through the head; upon
which he funk immediately, yet rifing again, would have
willingly made 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 Ne-
groes were in at the firing of my gun; much less can I men-
fion their furpriſe, when they perceived the creature to be
flain by it. I made figns to them to drav near it with a
rope, and then gave it them to hale on fhore. It was a beau-
tiful leopard, which made me defire its ſkin, and the Ne-
grees feeming to covet the carcafe, I freely gave it to them.
As for the other leopard, it made to ſhore, and ran with pro-
digious fwiftnefs out of fight. The Negroes having kindly
furnished me with water, and with what roots and grains
their country afforded, I took my leave, and after eleven
*
2
16
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
days fail, came in fight of the Cape de Verde, and thoſe
islands called by its name. But the great diflance I was from
it, and fearing contrary winds would prevent my reaching
them, I begun to grow melancholy and dejected, when, upon
a fuddin, Xury cried out, "Matter! Mafter! a fhip with a
fail!" and locking as affrighted as if it was his master's fhip
fent in ſearch of us. But I fon difcovered fhe was a Por-
tugueſe ſhip, as I thought bound to 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 perspective glaffes they
had not perceived me and shortened their fail to let me come
up. Encouraged at this, I fet up my patron's ancient, and
fired a gun, both as fignals of diftrefs; upon which they
very kindly lay to, fo that in three hours time I came up
with them. They ſpoke to me in Portugueſe, Spanish, and
French, but none of thefe did I underland; till at length
a Scots failer called, and then I told him I was an Engliſh-
man, who had eſcaped from the Mo-rs at Salee; upon
which they took me kindly on board, with all my effects.
Surely none can exprefs the inconceivable joy I felt at
this happy deliverance! who from being a late miſerable
and forlorn creatu e, was not only relieved, but in favour,
with the master of the ship, to whom in return for my de-
liverance, I offered all I had. "God forbid," faid he,
"that I fhould 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 fhould expect to re-
"ceive myſelf from any other, when in the fame circum-
"itance I ſhould happen to meet the like deliverance.
"And ſhould I take from you what you have, and leave you
"at Brazil, why, this would be only taking away a life I
"had given. My charity teaches me better. Thoſe effects
>>
you have will fupport you there, and provide you a paſ-
"fage home again. And, indeed, he acted with the ftit-
et jullice in what he did, taking my things into his pi ffef
fion, and giving me an exact inventory, even to my earthen
jars. He bought my boat of me for the fhip's 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
reluctarce I was prevailed upon to fell the child's liberty,
who had feived me fo faithfully; but the boy was willing
himself; and it was agreed, that after ten years he ſhould
•
È
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
17
be made free, upon his renouncing Mahometanifm, and
embracing Chriſtianity.
Having a pleaſant voyage to the Brazils, we arrived in
the Bay de Todos los Santos, or All Saints Bay, in twenty-
two days after. And here I cannot forget the generous
treatment of the captain. He would take nothing for my
paffage, gave me twenty ducats for the leopard's ſkin, and
thirty for the lion's. Every thing he cauſed to be delivered,
and what I would fell he bought. In short I made about
220 pieces of my cargo; and with this flock I entered
once more, as I may fay, into the fcene of life.
Being recommended to an honeft planter, I lived with
him till fuch time as I was infor.ned of the manner of their
planting and making fugar; and feeing how well they
lived, and how fuddenly they grew rich, I was filled with a
defire to ſettle 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 English parents,
whofe plantation joining to mine, we improved it very ami-
cably together. Both cur flocks were low, and for two
years we planted only for 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 affittance, and repented the
lo s of my dear boy Xury.
Having none to affitt me, my father's words came into
my mind; and I uſed to alk myfelf, if what I fought was
only a middle ſtation of life, why could it not as well be ob-
tained in England as here? When I pondered on this with
regret, the thoughts of my late deliverance forfook me. [
had none to converfe with but my neighbour; no work to be
done but by my own hands; it often made me fay, my con-
dition was like to that of a man cast upon a defolate iſland.
So unhappy are we in our reflections, ſo forgetful of what
good things we receive ourfelves, 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 flock I had in London, defiring his
affittance in geting it remitted; to which the good gentle-
man readily confented, but would only have me fend for
half my money, let it fhould mifcarry; which if it did I
A
18
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
might fill have the remainder to fupport me: and fo taking
letters of procuration of me, bid me trouble myſelf no far-
ther about it.
{
And indeed wonderful was his kindneſs towards me; for
he not only procured the money I had drawn for upon my
captain's widow, but fent me over a fervant with a cargo
proportionable to my condition. He alfo fent me over
tools of all forts, iron-work, and utenfils neceffary for my
plantation, which proved to be of the greateſt uſe to me
in my business.
Wealth now accumulating on me, and uncommon fuccefs
crowning my profperous labours, I might have reſted happy
in that middle ftate of life my father had fo often recom-
mended; yet nothing would content me, fuch was my evil
genius, but I mult leave this happy ftation, for a foolish am-
bition in rifing; and thus, once more, I call myſelf into the
greatest gulf 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 moit
eminent planters, and even the merchants of St. Salvador;
to whom, once, by way of diſcourſe, having given account
of my two voyages to the coaft of Guinea, and the manner
of trading there for mere trifles, by which we furnish our
plantations with negroes, they gave fuch attention to what I
faid, that three of them came one morning to me, and told
me they had a fecret propofal 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 fteck the plan-
tation with Negroes, which as they could not be publicly
fold, they would divide among them; and if I would go
their fuper-cargo in the fhip to manage the trading part, I
fhould have an equal thare of the Negroes, without provi-
ding any stock. The thing indeed was fair enough, had. I
been in another condition. But I was born to be my own
deftroyer, could not refift the propofal, but accepted the of
fer upon condition of their looking after my plantation. So
making a formal will, I bequeathed my effects to my good
friend the captain, as my univerfal heir; but obliged him
to difpofe of my effects as directed, one half of the produce
to himſelf, and the other to be ſhipped to England.
The ſhip being fitted out, and all things ready, we fet
fail the firit of September, 1659, being the fame day eight
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
19
years I left my father and mother in Yorkshire. We failed
northward upon the coaſt, 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 Ile Fernand de Norenba, leaving the iflands
on the caft; and then it was that we met with a terrible
tempeft, which continued for twelve days fucceffively, fo
that the winds carried us wherefoever they pleafed. In this
perplexity one of our men died, and one man and a boy
were waſhed overboard. When the weather cleared up a
little, we found ourfelves in eleven degrees north latitude,upon
the coaft of Guinea. Upon this the captain gave reafons
for returning which I oppofed, counſelling him to ftand
away for Barbadoes, which, as I fuppofed, might be attained
in fifteen days. So altering our courle, we failed north-
weft and by weft, in order to reach the Leeward iflands;
but a ſecond ſtorm fucceeding, drove us to the weftward;
ſo that we were july afraid of falling into the hands of
cruel favages, or the paws of devouring brafts of prey.
;
In this great diftrels, one of our men, early in the morn-
ing, cried out, "Land, land!" which he had no fooner cried
out, but our ſhip ſtruck upon a fand-bank, and in a moment
the fea broke over her in fuch a manner, that we expected
we should all have perished immediately. We knew no-
thing where we were, or upon what land we were driven;
whether an iſland or the main, inhabited or not inhabited;
and we could not ſo much as hope that the fhip would hold out
many minutes, without breaking in pieces, except the wind,
by a miracle, fhould turn about immediately. While we
flood looking at one another, expecting death every moment,
the mate lays hold of the boat, and with the help of the reſt
got her flung over the ſhip's fide, and getting all into her,
being eleven of us, committed ourſelves to God's mercy and
the wild fea. And now we faw that this laſt effort would
not be fufficient protection from death; ſo high did the fea
rife, that it was impoffible the boat fhould live.
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 lofy mountain, came rolling a-ſtern of us, and took us
with fuch fury, that at once it overfet the boat. Thus being
ſwallowed 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.
As to
{
i
}
20'
LIEE AND ADVENTURES
4
Men are generally counted infenfible when ſtruggling in
the pangs of death; but while I was overwhelmed with
water, I had the most dreadful apprehenfions imaginable.
For the joys of heaven and the torments of hell, feemed to
preſent themselves before me in thefe dying agonies, and
even ſmall ſpace of time, as it were, between life and death.
I was going I thought I knew not whither, into a difmal
gulf unknown, and as yet unperceived, never to behold
my friends, nor the light of this world any more! Could F
even have thought of annihilation, or a total diffolution of
foul as well as body, the gloomy thoughts of having no far-
ther being, no knowledge of what we hoped for, but an
eternal quietus, without life or fenfe: even that, I fay,
would have been enough to ftrike me with horror and con-
fufion! I ftrove, however, to the laft extremity, while all
my companions were overpowered and entombed in the
deep and it was with great difficulty I kept my breath till
the wave ſpent itſelf, and retiring back, left me on the ſhore
half dead with the water I had taken in. As foon as I got
on my feet, I ran as fast as I could, left another wave
fhould purſue me, and carry me back again. But for all
the hafte I made, I could not avoid it: for the fea came
after me like a high mountain, or furious enemy; fo that
my buſineſs was to hold my breath, and by railing myſelf
on the water, preferve it by fwimming. The next dread-
ful wave buried me at once twenty or thirty feet deep, but at
the fame time carried me with a mighty force and fwiftnefs
towards the fhore; when railing myself, I held out as well
as poffible, till at length the water having fpent itself, be-
gan to return, at which I ftruck forward, and feeling ground
with my feet I took to my heels again. Thus being ferved
twice more, I was at length dashed againſt a piece of rock,
in fuch a manner as left me fenfelefs; but recovering a
little 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 ſmall wave, which was foon conquered.
But before any more could overtake me, I reached the main
land, when 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. X
No tongue can exprefs the ecftafies and tranſports that
my foul felt at the happy deliverance. It was like a reprieve
·
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
21
to a dying malefactor, with a halter about his neck, and
ready to be turned off. I was wrapt up in contemplation,
and often lifted up my hands, with the profoundest humility,
to the Divine Powers, for faving my life, when the rest of
my companions were all 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 houſe nor people; I
was wet, yet had no clothes to ſhift me; hungry and thirsty,
yet had nothing to eat cr drink; no weapon to destroy any
creatures for my fuftenance, ncr defend myſelf againſt de-
vouring 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 plunged
in defpair, and having no profpect, as I thought, of life be-
fore 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 tobacco to prevent hunger, I got up
into a thick bushy tree, and feating myfelf fo that I could
not fall, a deep fleep overtook me, and for that night buried
my forrows in a quiet repoſe.
It was broad day the next morning before I awaked;
when I not only perceived the tempeft was ceaſed, but ſaw
the hip driven almoſt as far as the rock before-mentioned,
!
4
{
which the waves had dafhed me againft, and which was
about a mile from the place where I was. When I came
down from my apartment in the tree, I perceived the ſhip's
boat two miles diftant on my right-hand, lying on fhore, as
the waves had caft her. I thought to have got to her; but
there being an inlet of water of about half a mile's breadth
between it and me, I returned again towards the fhip, as
hoping to find fomething for my more immediate fubfift-
ence. About noon, when the fea was calm, that I could come
within a quarter of a mile of her, it was to my grief that I
perceived, that if we had kept en board all our lives had
been faved. Theſe thoughts, and my folitude, drew tears
from my eyes, though all in vain. So refolving to get to
the ship, I ftripped and leapt into the water; when fwim-
ming round her, I was afraid I ſhould not get any thing to
lay hold of; but it was my good fortune to eſpy a ſmall
piece of rope hang down by the fore-chains, fo low that by
the help of it, though with great difficulty, I got into the
"
L
*
22
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
forecaſtle of the fhip. Here I found that the fhip was
bulged, and had a great deal of water in her hold; her ſtern
was lifted up againſt a bank, and her head almoſt to the
water. All her quarters, and what was there, was free and
dry. The provifions I found in good order, with which I
crammed my pookets, and lofing no time, ate while I was
doing other things; I alfo found fome rum, of which I took
a hearty dram; and now I wanted for nothing except a
boat, which indeed was all, to carry away what was need-
ful for me.
200
Neceffity occafions quickneſs of thought. We had fe-
veral ſpare yards, a fpare topmaft or two, and two or three
large fpars of wood. With theſe I fell to work, and flung
as many of them overboard as I could manage, tying every
one of them with a rope, that they might not drive away.
This done I went down to the fhip's fide, and tied four of
them faſt together at both ends, in form of a raft, and laying
two or three fhort pieces of plank upon them croſſwiſe, I
found it would bear me, but not any confiderable weight.
Upon which I went to work again, cutting a ſpare topmaſt
into three lengths, adding them to my raft with a great deal
of labour and pairs. I then confidered what I fhould load
it with, it being not able to bear a ponderous 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 fea-
men's chefts, after I had filled them with bread, rice, three
Dutch cheeſes, five pieces of dried goat's fleſh, and ſome
European corn, what little the rats had fpared; and for
liquors, I found feveral 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 fhirt, fwim away, which I had left on the
fhore; as for my linen-breeches and ſtockings, I fwam with
them to the fhip; 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 fafe down on
my raft. I then looked for arms and ammunition, and in the
great cabin found two good fowling-pieces, two piſtols, ſe-
veral powder-horns filled, a ſmall 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,

37
APELY
Ave -3
9275
Robinson Crusoe saving his Goods out of
the Wreck of his Ship
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
23
alfo two or three broken oars, two faws, an ax, and a ham-
mer. I then put to fea, and in getting to fhore had three
encouragements. 1. A ſmooth 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 diſtance 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: up-
on which I kept the middle of the ftream. But great was
my concern, when on a ſudden the forepart of my raft ran
aground, fo that had I not, with great difficulty, for near
half an hour, kept my back ſtraining againſt the chefts to
keep my effects in their places, all I had would have gone
into the fea. But after fome time, the rifing of the water
cauſed 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 diſcover a fail, if any fuch
providentially paffed that way.
Not far off, I efpied a hill of ftupendous height, fur-
rounded 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 my-
felf with a piftol, a fowling-piece, powder and ball, I af-
cended the mountain. There I perceived I was in an iſland,
encompaſſed 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
beafts. I perceived abundance of fowls, but ignorant of
what kind, or whether good for nouriſhment; I fhot one of
them at my return, which occafioned a confufed fcreaming
among the other birds, and I found it by its colour and beak
to be a kind of hawk, but its fleſh was perfect carrion.
When I came to my raft, I brought my effects on fhore,
which work ſpent that day entirely; and fearing that fome
cruel beaſts might devour me in the night time while I flept, I
made a kind of hut or barricade with the chefts and boards
I had brought on shore. That night I ſlept very comfort-
ably; and the next morning my thoughts were employed to
make a further attempt on the fhip, and bring away what
neceffaries 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 firſt, upon
which I brought away the carpenter's ftores, two or three
I
}
;
24
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
bags full of nails, a great jack-fcrew, a dozen or two of
hatchets, and a grind-ftone. I alfo took away feveral things
that belonged to the gunner, particularly two or three iron
crows, two barrels of mufket-bullets, another fowling piece,
a fmall quantity of powder, and a large bagful of fmall fhot.
Befides thefe, I took all the men's clothes I could find, a
fpare fore top-fail, a hammock, and fome bedding; and
thus completing my feccnd cargo, I made all the hafte to
fhore I could, fearing fome wild beaſt might deſtroy what
1 had there already. But I only found a little wild cat
fitting on one of the chefts, which feeming not to fear me
or the gun that I prefented at her, I threw her a piece of
bifcuit, which the inftantly ate and departed.
[
When I had gotten thele effects on fhore, I went to work,
in order to make me a little tent with the failand fome poles
which I had cut for that purpoſe; and having finiſhed it,
what things might be damaged by the weather I brought
in, piling all the empty chefts and cafks in a circle, the
better to fortify it against any fudden attempt of man or
beaf. 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 morning, as though I
had been in a Chriſtian country.
Now, though I had enough to fubfift me a long time, yet
defpairing of a fudden deliverance, or that both ammunition
and provifion might be ſpent before fuch thing happened, I
coveted as much as I could; and fo long as the fhip re-
mained in that condition, I daily brought away one necef-
fary 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 yard; but
this being fo unwieldy, by the too heavy burden I 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 damage 1 fuftained was a wet fkin; and, at low water,
after much labour in diving, I got moſt of the cables, and
fome pieces of iron.
Thirteen days I had now been in the iſland, and eleven
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
25
<<
times on board, bringing away all that was poffible; and I
believe had the weather been calm, I ſhould have brought
away the whole fhip piece by piece. As I was going the
twelfth time, the wind began to rife; however I ventured
at low water, and rummaging the cabin, in a locker I found
ſeveral razors, fcillors, and fome dozens of knives, and
forks; and in another thirty-fix pounds of pieces of eight,
filver and grld. "Ah! fimple vanity," faid I, "whom
"this world fo much dotes 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 then 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 making another raft:
but I foon perceived the wind began to arife, a freſh gale
blowing from the shore, and the ſky overcaft with clouds
and darkness; fo thinking a raft to be in vain, I let myſelf
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 form.
<<
**
That night I flept very contentedly in my little tent, fur-
rounded with all my effects; but when I looked out in the
morning, no more fhip was to be feen. This much fur-
prifed me for the prefent; yet, when I confidered I had loft
no time, abated no pains, and had got every thing uſeful
out of her, I comforted my flf in the beſt manner, and
entirely fubmitted to the will of Providence.
My next thoughts were, how I fhould defend and fecure
myfelf from favages and wild bealls, if any fuch were in
the iſland. At one time I thought of digging a cave; at
another I was for erecting a tent; and, at length, I refolved
to do both: The manner or form of which will not, I hope,
be unpleafing to defcribe.
When I confidered the ground where I was, that it was
moorish, and had no fresh water near it, my refolutions
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 fi uated, as well to be fecured
from wild men and beafts of prey, as more cafily to diſcover
any diftant fail, fhould it ever fo happen.
B
the gums
26
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
And, indeed, it was not long before I had my deſire. I
found a little p'ain near a rifing hill, the front towards
which being as ſteep as a houſe-fide, nothing could defcend
on me from the top. On the fide of this rock was a little
hollow place, refembling the entrance or door of a cave.
Juft before this place, on the circle of the green, I reſolved
my tent fhould ftand. This plain did not much exceed
a hundred yards broad, and about twice as long, like a de-
lightful green before my door, with a pleafing though an
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 femi-circle, containing ten yards in a femi-diameter,
and twenty yards in the whole, driving down two rows of
ftrong ftakes, not fix inches from each other. Then with a
piece of cable which I had cut on board, I regularly laid
them in a circle between the piles up to their tops, which
were more than five feet out of the earth, and after drove
another row of piles looking within fide against them, be-
tween two or three feet high, which made me conclude it a
little impregnable caftle against men and beats. And for
my better fecurity I would have no door, but entered in and
came out by the help of a ladder, which I alſo made.
·
Here was my fence and fortrefs, into which I carried all
my riches, ammunition and ftores. After which, working
on the rock, what with dirt and flones I dug out, I not
only raiſed my ground two feet, but made a little cellar to
my manſion-houfe; and this coſt 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 ne-
ceflary fubfifence, my killing me food, but even blown up
me and my habitation. To prevent which, I fell to making
boxes and bags, in order to feparate it, having by me near
150lb. weight. And thus being eſtabliſhed as king of the
ifland, every day I went out with my gun to fee what I
could kill that was fit to eat. I fcon perceived numbers of
goats, but very thy; yet having watched them narrowly,
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 thinking its dam flain, flood by her
unconcerned; and when I took the dead creature up, the
young one followed me even to the incloſure. I lifted the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
27
kid over the pales, and would willingly have kept it alive;
but finding it could not be brought to eat, I was forced to
flay it alfo for my fubfiftence.
:
Thus entering into as ftrange a ſcene of life as ever any
man was in, I had most melancholy apprehenfions concern-
ing 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. Yet while thefe defponding cogitations would feem
to make me accufe Providence, other good thoughts would
interpofe and reprove me after this manner: Well, fuppo-
fing you are defolate, is it not better to be ſo than totally
perith? Why were you fingled out to be faved, and the reft
destroyed? Why should you complain, when not only your
life is preferved, but the fhip driven even into your reach, in
order to take what was neceffary out of her for your ſub-
fiftence? But to proceed. It was, by the account I kept,
the 30th of September, when I first landed on this iſland.
About twelve days after, fearing left 1 fheuld 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 fimilitude of
a crafs on the fea-fhore where I landed, I came on fhore,
Sept. 30, 1659. Every day I cut a notch with my knite on
the fides of this fquare poft, and that on the 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 ca-
lendar, weekly, monthly, or yearly reckoning of time. But
had I made a more rict fearch (as afterwards I did) I
needed not have fet up this mark; for among the parcels
belonging to the gunner, carpenter, and cap:ain's mate, I
found thoſe very things I wanted; particularly pens, ink,
and paper alfo I found two or three compaffes, fome ma-
thematical inftruments, dials, perfective glaffes, books of
navigation, three English Bibles, and feveral other good
books, which I carefully put up.-Here I carnot but call to
mind our having a dog and two cats on board, whom I
made inhabitan's with me in my caftle. Though one might
think I had all the neceffaries that were defirable ye: ſtill
I found fveral things wanting My ink was daily waftings
I wanted needles, pins, and thread to merd or keep my
clothes tegether; and particularly a fpade, pickaxe, or
thovel, to remove the earth. It was a year before I finished.
B2
1
f
28
LIFE AND ADVENTURES.
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 ſo many
various circumstances. -
EVIL.
GOOD.
I am cast upon a desolate But yet I am preserved
island, having no hopes, no while my companions are pe-
prospect of a welcome
welcome de-rished in the raging ocean.
liverance.
Yet set apart to be spared
And he, who
How miserable am I sin-from death.
gled out from the enjoyment or
has so preserved me, can de-
liver me from this condition.
-company of mankind.
However, I have food to eat,
an
Like hermit (rather and even a happy prospect of
.should I say a lonely an- subsistence whist life en-
chorite) am I forced from dures.
humun conversation.
At present I enjoy what is
My clothes after some time absolutely needful; and the
will be worn out; and then Ic imate is so hot, that had I
shall have none to cover me. noter SO many, I should
hardly wear them.
is
Yet if it does, I see no dar-
remain
against rica: And what if I had been
ger of any hurt to me, as in Aƒ-
cast away upon that coast;
When my ammunition
wasted, then I shall
without any defence
wild men and beasts.
I have no creature, no soul Is there not God to con-
to speak to; none 10 begverse to, and is not he able
assistance from. Some com-to relieve thee? Already has
fort would it be to resound he afforded thee sustenance,
my woes where I am under- and put it in thy power to
stood, and beg assistance provide for thyself till he
where I might hope for relief. sends thee a deliverance.
And now eafing my mind a little by thefe reflections,
1
I began to render my life as cafy as poffible.
I must here add, to the defcription I have given of my
habitation, that having raifed a turf-wall againſt the outfide
of it, I thatched it fo clofe, as might keep it from the incle-
mercy of the weather; I allo improved it within, enlarged
my.cave, and made a paffage and door in the rock, which
came cut beyond the pale of my fortification. I next pro-
ceeded to make a cha'r and a table, and fo began to fiudy
fuch mechanical arts as feemed to me practicable. When
1
L
OF ROBIN ON CRUSOE.
29
I wanted a plank or board, I hewed down a tree with my
hatchet, making it as thin with my axe as poffible, and then
fmooth enough with an adze to answer my defigns: yet
thought I could make no more this way than one board out
of a tree, in length of time I got boards enough to ſhelter
all my flores, every thing being regularly placed, and my
guns fecurely hanging against the fide of the rock. This
made it a very pleaſant fight to me, as being the refult of
vast labour and diligence; which leaving for a while, and
me to the enjoyment of it, 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 fhown.
JOURNAL.
SEPTEMBER 30th, 1659, I, unhappy Robinſon Crufce,
having fuffered fhipwreck, was driven on this defolate.
lfland, which I named the Defola e Iſland of Deſpair, my
companions being ſwallowed up in the tempeftuous ocean.
The next day I ſpent in confideration of my unhappy cir
cumftances, having no profpect but of death, either to be
ftarved with hunger, or devoured with beafts or merciless
favages.
4
Oct. 1. That morning with great comfort I beheld the '
ſhip drove ashore. Some hopes I had, that when the ſtorm-
was abated, I might be able to get fome food and neces-
faries out of her, which I conceived were not damaged, be-
cauſe the ſhip did ſtand 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 fcarcely any wind.
To the 14th of this month, my time was employed in
making voyages, every tide getting what I could out of the
fhip. The weather very wet and uncertain.
oa. 20. My raft and all the goods thereon were over-
fet; yet I recovered moſt agam at low water.
Oct. 25. It blew hard, and rained night and day, when-
the fhip went in pieces, fo that nothing was fee of her but
the wreck at low water. This day i fecured my g.ods from
the i.clemency of the weather.
سمجھے
B 3
30
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Oct. 26. I wandered to fee where I could find a place
convenient for my abode. I fixed upon a rock in the even-
ing, marked out a half-moon, intending to erect a wall,
fortified with piles, lined within with pieces of cables, and
covered with turf.
Nov. 1. I erected my tent under a rock, and took up
my lodgings very contentedly in a hammock that night.
Nov. 2. This day I fenced myſelf in with timber, chefts,
and boards.
Nov. 3. I fhot two wild fowls, refembling ducks, which
were good to eat, and in the afternoon made me a table..
Nov. 4. I began to live regularly. In the morning, I
allowed myſelf two or three hours to walk out with my gun;
1 then worked till near eleven o'clock, and afterwards re-
freshed myſelf 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, fhot a wild
cat with a foft fkin, but her fleth 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 workel till the 12th, but.
omitted the 11th, which, according to my calculation, E fup-
poſed to be Sunday.
Nov. 13. Rain in abundance, which, however, much
cooled the air; with thunder and lightning, caufed in me a
terrible forpriſe. The weather clearing, I fecured my
powder in feparate parcels.
Nov. 14-16. I made little boxes for my powder, lodg-
ing them in feveral places. I alfo (hot a large fowl, which
proved excellent meat.
Nov. 17. I began to dig in the rock, yet was obliged to
defit for want of a pickaxe, ſhovel, and wheelbarrow. Iron
crows I cauſed to ſupply the place of the first; but with all
my art I could not make a wheelbarrow.
Nov. 18. It was my fortune to find a tree, reſembling
what the Brazillians call an iron-tree. I had like to have fɔoiled
my axe with cutting it, being very hard and exceedingly
heavy; yet, with much labour and induſtry, I made a fort
of a spade out of it.
Nov. 23. Theſe tools being made, I daily carried on my
business; eighteen days I allowed for enlarging my cave,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE-
31
that it might ferve me, not only for a warehouſe, but kit-
chen, parlour, and cellar. I commonly lay in the tent, un-
lefs the weather was rainy that I could not lie dry. So wet
would it be at certain feafons, that I was obliged to cover
all within the pale with long poles; in the form of rafters,
leaning against the rock, and loaded them with flags and
large leaves of trees, refembling a thatch.
t
Dec. 10. No fooner did I think my habitation 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.
Dec. 17. I nailed up ſome ſhelves, and drove nails and
ſtaples in the wall and poſts, to hang things out of the way
Dec. 20. Every thing I got into its place, then made
a fort of a dreffer, and another table.
Dec. 24, 25. Rain in abundance.
Dec. 26. Very fair weather.
Dec. 27. I chanced to light on fome goats, that one, and
wounded another. I led it home in a fring, bound up its
leg, and cured it in a little time; at length it became fo
tame and familiar as to feed before the door, and follow me
where I pleaſed. This put me in mind to bring up tame
creatures, in order to fupply me with food after my ammu-
nition was spent.
Dec. 28, 29, 30. The weather being exceffively hot,
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 ſtore of goats in the
valleys; they were exceedingly fhy, nor could my dog
hunt them down.
Jan. 3 to 14. My employment this time was to finish the
wall before deſcribed, and ſearch the iſland. I diſcovered
a kind of pigeons, like our houfe pigeons, in a nest among
the rocks. I brought them home, nurfed them till they could
fly, and then they left me. After this, I thot fome, which
proved excellent food. Some time I ſpent vainly in con-
triving 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, took fome goat's tallow I
had about me, and a little oakum for the wick, and provided
myſelf with a lamp, which ferved me instead of candles.
B 4
32
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
But now a very frange event happened. For being in
the height of my fearch, what ſhould come into my hand,
but a bag, which uſed to hold corn (as I fuppofed) for the
fowls; o immediately refolving to put gunpowder in it, I
fhook all the huſks and dirt upon one fide of the rock, little
expecting what the confequence would be. The rain had
fallen plentifully 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 Englard.
+
I can fcarce exprefs the agitations 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, nl my jgn rance in not conceiving how it
fhou'd come there, made me conclude, that miracles were not
jet ceofed: nay I even th ught that God had appointed it
to grow there without any ferd, purely for my luften-nce
in this miferable and deflate ifland. And indeed fuch
great effect this had upon me, that it often made me melt
into tears, through a grateful fenfe of God's mercies; and
the greater ftil was my thankfulness, when I perceived
about this little field of barley fome nice ftalk's, alío wonder-
fully four thing.
-
W
While thus pleafed in mind, I concluded there muſt be
more corn in the ifland; and therefore made a diligent
fearch rarrowly among the recks; but not being able to
find any, on a fudden it came into mind, how I had fhaken
the buks of corn cut of the bag, and then my admiration
ceaſed, with my gratitude to the Divine Being, as thinking
it was but natural, and not to be conceived a miracle; though
even the ma cer of its prefervation might have made me
own it was a wonderful eve. t of God's kind Providence.
It was about the latter end of June when the ears of
this corn ripened, which I laid up very carefully, together
with 20 or 50 stalks of rice, expecting ore day I ſhould reap
the fruit of my labour; yet four years were expired be-
fore I could allow mfelf to eat any barley bread, and much
longer time before I had any rice. After this, with indefa-
tigable pains and induiry, for three or four months, at laſk
I finished my wall on the 14th of April, having no way to
ge imo it, but by a ladde. against the wall.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
33
April 17. I finished my ladder, and afcended it; after-
wards pulled it up, then let it down on the other ſide, and
defcended into my new habitation, where I had fpace
enough, and ſo fortified that nothing could attack me wi.h-
cut fcaling the walls.
But what does all human pains and indufry avail, if the
blefling of God does not crown our labours? Or who can
ftand before the Almighty, when he ſtretcheth forth his arm?
For one time as I was at the entrance of my cave, there hap-
pened fuch a dreadful earthquake, that not only the roof of
the cave came tumbling about my ears, but the poſts ſeemed.
to crack terribly at the fame time. This put me in great
amazement; and running to the ladder, and getting over the
wall, I then plainly knew it was an earthquake; the place L
ftcod on. fultained three terrible hocks in less than three
minutes. But judge of my terror when I ſaw 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
fill more dreadful, was to fre the fca thrown into the mot
violent agitations and diforders by this tremendous accident.
For my part I stood like a criminal at the place of exccu--
tion, ready to expire. At the moving of the earth, I was,
as it were, fea-lick; and very much afraid left the rock,
under which was my defence and habitation, fhould over-
whelm it and myfeif in a lafting tomb.
When the third dreadful hock had spent itſelf, my fpirits
began to revive: yet till I would not venture to afcend
the ladder, but continued fitting, not knowing what I should
do. So little grace had I then, as only to fay, Lord bace -
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 aroſe, 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 foam. 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 tempelt was over, I went
to my tent: but the rain coming on in a furious manner, I
was obliged take ſhelter in the cave, where I was forced
to cut a channel through my fortification to let the water out.
It continued raining all that night, and fome time the next
day. Theſe accidents made me refolve, as foon as the
-21
-
B-5
IM
34
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
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 upon my habitation and me, and ſwal-
low up all in its bowels.
April 16-20. Thefe days I fpent in contriving how
and in what manner I should fix my place of abode. All
this while I was under the most dreadful apprehenfions.-
When I locked round my habitation, every thing I found in
its proper place. I had feveral.refolutions whether I ſhould
move or not; but at length refolved to ſtay where I was till
I found out a covenient place where I might pitch my tent.
April 22. When I began to put my refolution in prac-
tice, I was ftopt for want of tools and inftruments to work
with. Moft of my axes and hatchets were uſeleſs, ccca-
fioned by cutting the hard timber that grew on the island.
It took me up a full week to make my grindstone of uſe to
me; and at laft I found out a way to turn it about with my
foot, by help of a whel and a fring,
April 28.29. Thefe days were fpent in grinding my tools.
April 30. My bread failing fhort, I allowed myſelf but
one biſcuit a day.
May 1 As I walked along the fea-fhore, I found a barrel
of gunpowder, and feveral pieces of the wreck, the ſea had
furg up. Having ſecured trofe, I made to the ſhip, whoſe
fern was tore off, and waſhed a great diſtance afhore; but
the reft lay in the fands. This I fuppofed was occafioned
by the earthquake. I now reſolved to keep my old place
of abode; and alſo to go to the ſhip that day, but then
found it impoffible.
May 3. This day I went on board, and with my faw
fawed off one of the beams, which kept the quarter-deck.
then cleared the fand till food.
May 4. I caught fome fish, but they were not wholeſome.
The fame day I alſo catched a young dolphin.
May 5. This day 1 alfo repaired to the wreck, and ſawed
another piece of timber, and when the flood came, I made
a fibat of three great planks, which were driven afhore by
the tide.
May 6, 7, 8, 9. Thefe days I brought off the iron bolts,
opened the deck with the iron crow, and carried two planks
to land, having made a way into the very middle of the
wreck.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
35
1
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
off 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 em-
ploying myſelf to look for pigeons, I outstayed my time.
May 17. I perceived ſeveral pieces of the wreck driven
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 firfl flowing tide, feveral cafks floated out, and
many of the ſeamen's chefts; yet that day nothing came to
land but pieces of timber, and a hogshead which had fome
Brazil pork in it. 1 continued working to the 15th of June;
(except neceffary time for food or rett;) and, had I known
how to have built a boat, I had timber and planks enough:
I had alſo near 100 weight of ſheet lead.
June 16. As I was wardering towards the fea-fide, I
found a large tortoise or turtle, being the firft I had ſeen on
the island; though, as I afterwards found, they were many
on the other fide of it.
June 17. This day I fpent in cooking it, found in her
threescore eggs, and her flesh the most favoury and pleaſant
1 ever tafted in my life.
Ju-e 18. I ſaid within this day, there being a continual
rai and it was fomewhat more chilly and cold than ufual.
June 19. Exceedingly bad, being taken with a trembling
and fhivering.
June 20.
and feverish.
Awake all night, my head racked with pain
June 21. Sick unto death, and terrified with the difmal.
apprehenfions of my condition. Prayed to God more fre-
quently, but very confuſedly.
June 22. Something better, but ftill uneafy in my mind.
June 23. Again relapſed 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 ſcrambled out, fhot
a fhe-goat, brought it home and boiled fome of it; I would
willingly have ſtewed it, and made fome broth, but had no
pot.
B 6
1
1
44
36
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
June 27. All this day I was afflicted with an ague;
thirty, ye: could not help myſelf to water: Prayed to God
in theſe words: "Lord, in pity look upon me:
Lord have
Ci
mercy upon me: have mercy upon me!" After this I
fell asleep, which I found had much refreshed me, when I
awaked. I fell faft afleep a fecond time, and fell into this
ſtrange and terrible ſuit of dream.
J
}
"}
Methought I was fitting on the fame fpot of ground at the
outside of the wall where. I fat when the florm blew after
the earthquake; ard that I faw a man defcending from a
great black c'oud, and alight upon the ground. He was all
over as bright as a flash cf fire that a tile before ſurrounded
him; his countenance inconceivably terrible; the earth, as
it were, trembled when he fept upon the ground, and flashes
of fire feemed to fill all the air. No fooner, I thought, he
landed upon the earth, but with a long fpear, or other wea-
pon, he made towards me; but first afcending a rifing
ground, h's voice added to my amazement, when I thought
I heard him pronounce thefe dreadful words, "Unhappy
wretch feeing a'l thefe things have n´t brought thee to
"repentance, thou fhalt immediately die" In pronouncing
this dreadful fentence, I thought he meant to kill me with
the fpear that was in his hand.
1
Any body may think it impoffible for me to exprefs the
horros of my mind at this vifion; and even when I awaked,
this very dream made a deep impreffion upon my mind.-
The little divine knowledge I had, I received from my fa-
ther's inftructions, and that was worn out by an uninter-
rupted feries of fea-faring impiety for eight years fpace. Ex-
cept what ficknefs forced from me, I do not remember I had
one the ught of lifting up my heart towards God, but rather
had a certain ſtupidity of foul, not having the leaſt ſenſe or
fear of the Omnipotent Being when in diftrefs, nor of gra-
titude to him for h's deliverances. Nay, when I was on the
defperate expedition on the defert African fhore, I cannot
1emen:ber I had one thought of what would become of me,
or to beg his confolation and affillarce in my fufferings and
diftrefs. When the Portugal captain took me up, and ho-
nourably uf.d me, ray, farther, when I was even delivered ·
from drowning, by efcaping to this ifland, I never looked
upon it as a judgment, but only faid I was an unfortunate
dog, and that's all. Indeed, fome fecret tranfperis of foul I
had, which was not through grace, but only a common flight
+
tr
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
37
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 escaped the greateft dangers.
The likelihood of wanting for neither food nor conveni-
ences, might have called upon me for a thankful acknow-
ledgment to Providence. Indeed the growth of my corn
touched me with fome fenfe; but that foon wore off again.
The terrible earthquake pointed to me, as it were, the fin-
ger of God, but my dreadful amazement continued no longer
than its duration. But now when my fpirits began to fink
under the burden of a strong distemper, and I could leifurely
view the miferies of dea.h prefent them felves before my
eyes, then my awakened confcience began to reproach me
with my past life, in which I fo wickedly provoked the
justice of God to pour down his vengeance upon me.
Such reflections as thefe oppreffed me even in the violence-
of dilemper. Some prayers buttered, which only proceeded
from the 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 fhould not only
"be deprived of God's bleffing, but have time enough to
"reflect upon my defpifing his inftructions, and this in a
'wretched time, when none could help me."
And now
concluding it to be fulfilled, having no foul in the iſland to
adminiſter 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 firft time I prayed in fincerity for
many years. But now I must return to my journal.
June 28. Something refreshed with fleep, and the fit
quite off, I got up. My dream ſtill occaſioned in me a great
confternation; and, fearing that the ague might return the
fucceeding day, I concluded it time to get fomething to com-
fort 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
broil me a piece of goat's fleſh, of which I ate but little;
was very weak; however, walked about, dreading the return
of my diftemper; and at night I fupped on three of the
tur.le's eggs, which I roafted and ate, begging God's blef-
fing therewith.
After I had eaten, I attempted to walk again out of doors
with my gun; but was fo weak, that I fat down, and look-
1
}
!
+
38
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ed at the fea, which was ſmooth and calm.
tinued here, theſe thoughts came into my mind :
In what manner is the production of the earth and fea, of
which I have feen fo much? From whence came myfelf,
and all other creatures living, and of what are they made?
Our beings were affuredly created by fome almighty in-
vifible Power, who framed the earth, the fea, the air, and
all therein. But what is that Power?
3
While I con-
Certainly it muſt follow that God has created it all. Yet,
faid 1, if God has made all this, he muſt be the Ruler of
them all, and what is relating thereto; for certainly the
Power that makes, muft indifputably have a power to guide
and direct them. And if this be lo, (as certainly it muft,)
nothing can happen without his knowledge and appoint-
ment. Then, ſurely, if nothing happens without God's ap-
pointment, certainly God has appointed theſe my fufferings
to befall me. And here I fixed my firm belief that it was
his will that it fhould be fo; and then proceeded to inquire,
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 and piercing voice,
"Un-
"worthy wretch! how dare you aſk what you have done?
"Look on your pal life, and fee what you have left undone !
"Aſk thyfelf, why thou wert rot long ago in the mercileſs
hands of death? Why not drowned in Yarmouth roads,
“or killed in the fight, when the fhip was taken by the
"Sales man of war? Why not entombed in the bowels of
"wild beasts on the African coaft, or drowned here when
"all thy companions fuffered fhipwreck in the ocean ?”
<
Struck dumb with theſe reflections, I role up in a pen-
five manner, being, fo thoughtful that I could not go to
fleep; and, fearing the dreadful return of my distemper, it
cauſed me to remember,, that the Brazillians ufe tobacco for
almoſt all difeales. I then went to my chest in order to
find fome, where Heaven, no doubt, directed me to find a
cure for both foul and body; for there I found one of the
Bibles,, which, till this time, I had neither leiture nor incli-
nation to look into. I took both the tobacco and that out of
the chest, and laid them on, the table. Several experiments
did I try with the tobacco: First, I took a piece of leaf, and
chewed it; but it being very green and ftrong, almoſt
lupified, me. Next
Next I fleeped it in fome rum an hour or
&
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
39
two, refolving when I went to bed to take a doſe of it;
and, in the third place, I burnt lome over a pan of fire,
holding my nofe over it as long as I could endure it with-
out fuffocation.
In the intervals of this operation, though my head was
giddy and disturbed 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 shalt glorify me.
이맛
​At firſt, this ſentence made a very deep impreffion on
my heart, but it foon wore off again, when I confidered the
word deliver was foreign to me. And as the children of
Ifrael faid, when they were promifed fleſh to eat,
❝ Can
God fpread a table in the wilderneſs?" In like manner I
began to fay, "Can God himself deliver me from this defo-
late ifland?" However, the words would ſtill return to my
mind, and afterwards made a greater impreffion upon me.
As it was now very late, and the tobacco had dozed my
head, I was inclined to fleep; but before I would lie down
I fell on my knees, and implored the promiſe that God had
made me in the Holy Scripture, that "if I called upon him
in the day of trouble, he would deliver me.” With much
difficulty, I afterwards drank the rum, wherein I had ſteeped
the tobacco, which flying into my head, threw me into fuch
a profound fleep; that it was three o'clock the next day before
I awaked; or rather I believe, I ſlept two days, having cer-
tainly loſt a day in my account, and I could never tell any
other way.
When I got up, my fpirits were lively and
cheerful; my ftomach much better, being very: hungry;
and, in ſhort, no fit returned the next day, which was the
29th, but I found myſelf much altered for the better.
The 30th It went abroad with my gun, but not far, and
killed a fea-fowl or two, reſembling a brand goofe, which,
however, I cared not to eat when I brought them home,
but dined on two more of the turtle's eggs. In the evening
I renewed my medicine, excepting that I did not take fo
large a quantity, neither did I chew the leaf, or hold my
head over the ſmoke: but the next day, which was the lit
of July, having a little return of the cold fit, I again took
my medicine as I did the firſt time.
•
7
July 3. The fit quita left me, but very weak. In this
condition, I often thought of these words, I will deliver
thee;" and' while, at ſome times, I would think of the im-
40
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
poflibility of it, other thoughts would reprehend me for dif
regarding the deliverances I had received even from the
moft forlorn and diftreffed condition. I asked myſelf, what
regard have I had to God for his abundant mercies? Have
I done my part? He has delivered me, but I have not
glorified him:"-as if I had 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 feriously to ponder on what
is written in the New Teftament, refolving to read a chap-
Ler every morning and night as long as my thoughts would
engage me. As foon as I fet about this work Jeriously, I
found my heart deeply affected with the impiety of my paſt
life; theſe words that I thought were (poken to me in my
dream, revived, "All these things have not brought thee to
"repentance." After this, I begged of God to affitt me
with his Holy Spirit in returning to my duty. One day, in-
perufing the Scriptures, I came to theſe words, "Him hath
Gedexalted to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance
"and to give remiffion:" immediately I laid down the
book, and with uplified hands to Heaven, loudly cried, "O
bleiled Jefus, thou fon of David, Jefus thou exalted Prince
and Saviour, give me repentance !" And now ind:ed 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 lead of guilt which cppreffed my fiuful
foul, and rot from a folitary life, which might rather be
called a bleffing, fecing I wanted neither food nor rais
ment, when compared with living among the human race,
furrounded with fo much oppreffon, mifery, and affliction :
In a word, I came to this conclufion, 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 waiked about with my gun, litle
and little at a time, having been reduced to the greateſt
extremity of weaknefs. The applications and experiments
I uſed, were perfectly new: neither could I recommend
them to any one's practice. For, though it carried off the
fit, it very much weakened me, and I had frequent convul-
Cons in my nerves and limbs for fome time. From this, I
*
-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
41
:
learned, that going abroad in rainy weather, eſpecially when
it was attended with forms and hurricanes of wind, was
moſt pernicious to health. I had now been about ten
months in the iſland; and, as I never had ſeen any of the
human kind, I therefore accounted myſelf as fole monarch;
and as I grew better, having fecured my habitation to my
mind, I refolved to make a tour round my kingdom, in or-
der to make new difcoveries.
W
The 15th of July, I began my journey; I first went to
the creek, where I had brought my rafts on ſhore; and, tra-
velling farther, found that the tide went no higher than two
miles up, where there was a little brook of ruaning water,
on the banks of which were many pleaſant 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 likewife found, the virtues of
which I did not understand. I ftarched a long time for the
Caffavi root, which I knew the Indians in that climate
made their bread of, but all in vain. There were ſeveral
plants of aloes, though at that time I knew not what they
were; likewiſe I faw feveral fugar canes, but imperfect for
want of cultivation. With theſe few difcoveries, I cane
back that night, and flept contentedly in my little cafile.
The next day, being the 15th, going the fame way, but
farther than the day before, I found the country more adorned
with woods and trees. Here I perceived different fruits in
great abundance. Melons in plenty lay on the ground, and
clufiers of grapes, ripe and very rich, fpread over the trees.
You may imagine I was glad of the diſcovery, yet ate very
fparingly, let I should throw myſelf into a flux or fever.
The grapes I found of excellent ufe; for when I hal dried
them in the fun, which preferved them as dried raiſins are
kept, they p oved very wholefome and nourishing, and
ferved me in theſe ſeaſons when no grapes were to be had.
The night drawing on apace, I aícended up a tree, and
flept very comfortably, though it was the first time I had
lain out of in y bab:tation. 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, di-
recting my courfe northward, 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
¿
42
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
}
to the weft; there I found a little fpring of fresh water,
proceeding out of the fide of the hill, with its cryſtal ſtreams
running directly eaft. And, indeed, here my fenfes were
charmed with the most beautiful landscape Nature could af
ford; for the country appeared flourishing, green, and de-
lightful; that to me it feemed like a planted garden. I then
defcended on the fide of that delicious vale, when I found
abundance of cocoa, orange, lemon, and citron.trees, bur
very wild and barren at that time. As for the limes, they
were delightful and whole fome, the juice of which lafterwards
ufed to mix in water, which made it very cooling and re-
freshing. And now I was refolved to carry home and lay
up a store of grapes, limes, and lemons, againſt the approach-
ing wet feafon. So laying them up in feveral parcels, and
then taking a few of each with me, I returned to my little
caſtle, after having (pent three days in this journey. Before
I got home, the grapes were fo bruifed that they were
utterly spoiled; the limes, indeed, were good; but of thofe
I could bring only a few.
th
July 19. Having prepared two bags, I returned thither
again,, but, to my great furprife, found all the grapes ſpread
about, trod to preces, and abundance eaten, which made me
conclude there were wild beaſts thereabouts. To prevent
this happening again, I gathered a large quantity of the
grapes, and hung them upon the out-branches of the tree,
both to keep them unhurt, and that they might cure and dry
in the fun and having well loaded myſelf with limes and
lemons, I returned once more to my old. place of refi-
dence.
L
And now contemplating on the fruitfulness of this valley,
and pleaſartneſs of its fituation, its fecurity from ſtorms,
and the delightfulness of the adjacent woods, I concluded
I was fettled in the worst part of the country, and there-
fore, was thinking to remove 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 ſhip might either be driven or fail by;
and, that to inclofe myſelf among hills and woods, mult cer-
tainly put an end to my hopes of deliverance; I refolved
to let my cafle remain where Providence had firſt aſſigned
its Yet fo raviſhed was I 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 ſtaked and filled with bull-
E
|
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
43
ruſhes and having ſpent a great part of the month of July
I think it was the first of Auguſt before I began to enjoy
my labour.
Aug. 3. Perceiving my grapes to be dry, I took them from
the trees, and they proved excellent good raifins of the fun:
the moſt of which I carried to my cave; and happy for me
I did fo; by which I faved the best part of my winter food.
}
Aug. 14. This day it began to rain; and though I had
made me a tent like the other, yet having no ſhelter of a hill
to keep me from ſtorms, nor a cave behind me to retreat to,
I was obliged to return to my old cattle.
The rain con-
tinued more or lefs every day, till the middle of October;
and ſometimes. fo violent, that I could not ftir out of my
cave for ſeveral days. This feaſon. I found my family to
increafe; for one of my cats that ran away from me, and
which I thought had been dead, returned about Auguſt,
with three kittens at her heels, like herſelf, which I thought
ſtrange, becauſe both my cats were females, and the wild
cats of the island feemed to be of a different kind from our
European cats; but from thefe cats proceeded fuch num-
bers, that I was forced to kill and defiroy them as I would
do wild beaſts and vermine.
To the 26th of this month, I could not ſtir out, it raining
inceffantly; when beginning to want food, I was compelled
to venture twice; the first of which I ſhot a goat, and af-
terwards 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 fleth, or turtle, boiled, for
my dinner, and two or three turtle's eggs for my fupper.
While the rain laſted, I daily worked two or three hours at
enlarging my cave, and by degrees worked it on towards
one fide; till I came to the outſide of the hill, and made a
door or way out, which came beyond my fence or wall, and
ſo I came in and out this way. But after I had done this, I
was troubled to ſee myſelf thus expoſed; though I could
not perceive any thing to fear, a goat being the biggest
creature I had ſeen upon this iſland.
Sept. 30. Cafting up my notches on my poft, which
amounted to 365, I concluded this to be the anniverſary of
my landing; and, therefore, humbly proftrating myſelf on
the ground, confeffing my fins, acknowledging God's
righteous judgments upon me, and praying to Jefus Chrift
to have mercy upon me, I falted for twelve hours till the
44
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
going down of the fun; and then eating a bifcuit and a
bunch of grapes, laid me on the bed, and with great comfort
took my night's repofe. Till this time, I never had diſtin-
guished the Sabbath-day but now I made a longer notch
than ordinary for the days of reft, and divided the week as
well as I could, though I found I had loft a day or two in
my account. My ink failing foon after, I omitted in my
daily memorandum things of an indifferent nature, and con-
tented myſelf to write down only the most remarkable events
of my life. The rainy and dry feaſons 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 men-
tioned 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
prper feaſon to fow it. Accordingly I dug up a piece of
ground with my wooden fpade, and dividing it into two
parts, fowed about two-thirds of my feed, preferving by
me about a handful of each. And happy it was I did fo; for
no rains falling, it was choaked up, and never appeared.
above the earth till the wet feafon came again; and then
part of it grew as if it had been newly fown.
I was refolved ftill to make another trial; and ſeeking
for a muiſter piece of ground near my bower, I there fowed
the rest 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 ſprang up very
pleafantly. I had ſtill faved part of the feed, not daring 10
venture all; and by the time i found out the proper fealous
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 fconer were the rains over, but the ſtakes which I had
cut from the trees, hot out like willows, the first year after.
lopping their heads. I was ignorant of the tree I cut them
from: but they grew fo regularly beautiful, that they made
a mot lively appearance, and fo flouriſhed in three years
time, that I refolved to cut more of them; and thefe foon
growing, made a glorious fence, as afterwards I fhall obferve.
D
And now I perceived that the fe fons of the year might
generally be divided not into fummer and winter, as in
Europe, but into wet and dry feaſons, as in this maɔner;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
45
2
February,
Half March,
April,
April,
May,
Half June,
July,
Auguft,
(Auguft,
Half September,
October,
October,
November,
Half December,
January,
February,
Rainy, fan coming near the Equinox.
Dry, fun getting North of the Line.
Wet, the fun being then come back,
Dry, fun running South of the Line.
The wet ſeaſon would continue longer or ſhorter, as the
winds happened to blow. But having found the ill confe-
quences of being abroad in the rain, I took care beforehand
to furnish myſelf with provifions; and, during the wet
months, fat within doors as much as poffible. At this time I
contrived to make many things that I wanted, though it coſt
ine much labour and pains, before I could accomplish them.
The first I tried was to make a baſket; but all the twigs I
could get, proved fo brittle, that I could not then perform it.
It now proved of great advantage to me, that, when a boy, I
took a great delight at flanding at a baſket-maker's in the
fame town where my father lived, to view them at work;
and like other boys, curious to fee the manner of their
working thefe things, and very officious to affift, I perfectly
learned the method of it, and wanted nothing but the tools.
And, it coming into my mind, that the twigs of that tree of
which I made my ftakes, might be as tough as a fallow-
willow or ofiers, growing in Ergland, I refolved to make
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, info-
much that I could put in whatſoever I pleaſed. It is true,
they were not cleverly made, yet they ferved my turn upon
all occafions.
F
1
46
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
But ftill I wanted two neceffary things. I had no caſk
to hold my liquor, except two runlets almoft full of rum, a
few bottles of an ordinary fize, and ſome ſquare cafe bottles;
neither had I a pot to boil any thing in, only a large kettle
unfit to make broth, or ſtew a bit of meat: I wanted like-
wife at the beginning of this dry feaſon, a tobacco pipe;
but for this I afterwards found an expedient.
I kept myſelf employed in planting my fecond row of
flakes. But remembering that when I travelled up to the
brook, I had a mind to ſee the whole iſland, I now reſumed
my intention; and taking my dog, gun, hatchet, two biſcuit
cakes, a great bunch of raifins, with a larger quantity of
powder and fhot than ufual, I began my journey. Having
paffed the vale where my bower flood, I came within view
of the fea, lying to the west; when it being a clear day, I
fairly defcried land, extending from the W. to the S. W.
about ten or fifteen leagues, as I concluded; but could not
fay whether it was an island or a continent. Neither
could I tell what this place might be; only thought it was
part of America, and where I might have been in a mifer-
able condition, had I landed. Again, I confidered, that if
this was the Spaniſh coaſt, certainly, one time or other, I
fhould fee fome fhip pafs by; and if it was not, then it
must be the favage coaft, between the Spanish country and
Brazil, which abounds with cannibals or man-eaters.
•
As I proceeded forward, I fourd this fide of the iſland
much more pleaſant than mine; the fields fragrant, adorned
with ſweet 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 difficulty I could knock one down with my ſtick; and
I kept him at home fome years before I could get him to
call me by my name.
In the low grounds, I found various forts of hares and
foxes, as I took them to be, but much different from thoſe
in Englard. Several of thefe I killed, but never ate them;
neither, indeed, had I any cccafion ;` for ab urding with
goats, pigeons, turtle, and grapes, I could defy Leadenhall
market to furnish me a better table. In this journey, I did
not travel above two miles a day, becauſe I tock feveral
turns and windings, to fee what difcoveries I could make,
returning weary encugh to the place where I defigned to
reft all night, which was either in a tree, or in a place
*
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
47
which I furrounded with ſtakes, that no wild creature might
fuddenly ſurpriſe me. When I came to the fea-fhore, I was
amazed to fee the fplendour of it. Its flrand was covered
with fhells of the most beautiful fiſh, and conftantly abound-
ing with innumerable turtles, and fowls of many kinds,
which I was ignorant of, except thofe called penguins. I
might have shot as many as I pleaſed, but was ſparing of
my ammunition, rather chocfing to kill a fhe-goat, which I
did with much difficulty, on account of the flatneſs of the
country.
Now though this journey produced me the most pleafing
fatisfaction, yet my habitation was fo much to my liking,
that I did not repine at my being feated on the worst part
of the ifland. I continued my journey, travelling about
twelve miles further towards the eat, where I fet a great
pile on the ſhore for a mark, concluding that my next jour-
ney ſhould bring me to the other fide of the iſland, eaft from
my caſtle, and fo round till I came to my poſt again. As I
had a conftant view of the country, I thought I could not
mifs my way; but fcarcely had I travelled three miles,
when I defcended into a very large valley, fo furrounded
with hills, covered with wood, that I having no guide but
the fun, nor even that, unleſs I knew well his poſition at
that time of the day; and, to add to my misfortune, the wea-
ther proving very hazy, I was obliged to return to my poſt
by the fea-fide, and fo backwards the fame way I came.—
In this journey my dog furpriſed 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 raiſing a breed of
tame goats to fupply me after my ammunition was fpent, I
took this opportunity of beginning and having made a
collar for this little creature, with a ftring made of rope-
yarn, I brought it to my bower, and there incloſed and left
him; and having ſpent a month in this journey, at length
1 returned to my own habitatio n.
Nobody can doubt of my fatisfaction, when I returned to
my little cattle, and repofed myſelf in my hammock. After
my journey, I refted myfelf a week, which time I employed
in making a cage for my pretty Poll. I now began to
confider my poor kid I had left in the bower, and I imme-
diately went to fetch it home. When I came there, I found
the young creature almoſt flarved; I gave it fome food, and
tied it as before: but there was no occafion, for it followed
1
+
48
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
me like a dog; and, as I conftantly fed it, it became fo
loving, gentle, and fond, that it commenced one of my do-
meſtics, and would never leave me.
The rainy feaſon of the autumnal equinox being now
come, I kept the 30th of September in the moſt folemn
manner, as ufual: it being the third year of my abcde in
the island. I spent the whole day in acknowledging God's
mercies, in giving him thanks for making this folitary life as
agreeable and lefs finful, than that of human fociety; and
for the communications of his grace to my foul, in fupport-
ing, comforting, and erccuraging 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 happy I was
in this flate of life, than in that accurfed manner of living I
formerly used; 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
wcods, 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 wilderness, without hopes, and
without redemption. In this condition I would often wring
my hands and weep like a child: And even ſometimes, in
the middle of my work, this fit would take me; and then I
would 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 manner, I
opened my Bible, when I immediately fixed my eyes upon
thefe words, "I will never leave thee, nor forfake thee !"
Surely, thought I, thefe words are directed to me, or elſe why
fhould they appear juſt at a moment when I am bemoaning
my forlorn concition; and if God does not forfake, what
matters it, fince he can make me more happy in this ftate of
life, than if I enjoyed the greateſt ſplendour in the world?
But while I was going to return God thanks for my preſent
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 pray to be delivered!
Here I flopt;-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 courfe of life, and granting
me a true knowledge of repentance. And whenever I opened
·
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
4.9
or fhut the Bible, I bleffed kird Providence, that dirc&ed
my good friend in England to fend it among my goods with-
out any order, and for affifting me to ſave it from the power
of the raging ocean.
And now beginning my third year, my feveral daily em-
ployments were thefe: First, My duty to Heaven, and di-
ligently reading the Holy Scriptures; which I cid twice or
thrice every day: Secondly, Seeking provifions with my gun,
which commonly took me us, when it did not rain, three
hours every morning: Thirdly, The ordering, curing, pre-
ferving and cooking what I killed, or catched for my fup-
ply, which took me up great part of the day; for, in the
middle of the day, the fun being in its height, it was fo liot,
that I could not flir out; fo that I had only but four hours
in the evening to work in: and then the want of tools, of
affiftance, and kill, wafted a great deal of time to little
purpoſe. I was no lefs than two and forty days making a
board fit for a long shelf, which two fawyers, with their
tools and faw-pit, would have cut off the fame 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 tim-
ber. This I hacked and hewed off each ſide, till it became
light to move; and then I turned it, made one fide of it
fmooth and flat as a board from end to end, then turned it
downwards, cutting the other fide, till I brought the plank
to be about three inches thick, ard ſmooth on both fides,
Any body may judge my gre: t labour, and fatigue in fuch a
piece of work; but this I went through with patience, as
alfo many other things that my circumstances made necef-
fary for me to do.
The harvest months. November and December, were
now at hand, in which I had the pleafing profpect of a very
good crop. But here I met with a new misfortune; for
the goats and hares, having tafied of the fweetneſs of the
blade, kept it fo fhort, that it had rot ftrength to the ot up
into a ſtalk. To prevent this, I encloſed it with a hedge,
and by day flot fome of its devourers; and my dog which I
had tied to the field gate, keeping barking all night, fo
frightened thefe creatures, that I got enitely rid of them.
But no fooner did I get rid of theſe, than other enemics
appeared, to wit, whole flocks of feveral forts of birds, who
only waited till my back was turned to ruin me. So much
C
=
1
50
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
did this provoke me, that I let fly, and killed three of the
malefactors; and afterwards ferved them as they do notori-
ous thieves in England, hung them up in chains, as a terror
to others. And, indeed, ſo good an effect had this, that they
not only forfook the corn, but all that part of the iſland, fo
long as theſe criminals hung there.
1
My corn having ripened apace, the latter end of Decem-
ber, which was my fecond harvest, I reaped it with a fithe,
made of one of my broad fwords. I had no fatigue in cut-
ting down my firft crop, it was fo flender. The ears I car-
ried home in a baſket, rubbing it with my hands, inſtead of
thrashing it; and when the harvest was over, found my
half peck of feed produced near two bushels of rice and
two bufhels and a half of barley. And now I plainly fore-
faw, that, by God's gordnefs, I fhould be furniſhed with
bread; but yet I was concerned, becauſe I knew not how
to grind or make meal of my corn, or bread, neither knew
how to bake it. I would not, however, take any of the
crop, but refolved to preferve it againſt next feaſon, and,
in the mean while, ufe my beſt endeavours to provide my-
felf with other food.
But where were my labours to end? The want of a
plough to turn up the earth, or fhovel to dig it, I conquered
by making me a wooden fpade. The want of a harrow I
ſupplied myſelf with dragging over the corn a great bough
of a tree. When it was growing I was forced to fence it;
when ripe to mow it, carry it home, thrash it, part it from
the chaff, and fave it. And, after all, I wanted a mill to grind
it, fieve to dreſs it, yeft and falt to make it into bread, and
an oven to bake it. This fet my brains to work to find
fome expedient for every one of theſe neceſſaries againſt the
next harveſt.
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 caſtle, for that purpoſe, 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 ſeveral oc-
cafions to employ myself; and, while at work, uſed to di-
vert myself in talking to my parrot, learning him to know
and fpeak his own name Poll, the, firft welcome word I ever
heard spoke in the island. I had been a long time con-
triving how to make earthen veffeis, which I wanted ex-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
51
tremely, and when I confidered the heat of the climate, I did
not doubt but if I could find any fuch clay, I might potch
up a pot, ſtrong enough when dried in the fun, to bear
handling, and to hold any thing that was dry, as corn, meal,
and other things.
To be fhort, the clay I found; but it would occafion the
moft fericus 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 time before I could perfect any thing; and
even then but two clumfy things in imitation of earthen jars.
Theſe, however, I very genily placed in wicker baſkets,
made on purpoſe for them, and between the pot and the
baſkets, ſtuffed it full of rice and barley-ftraw, and theſe I
prefumed would hold my dried corn, and perhaps the meal
when the corn was bruifed. As for the ſmaller 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 neceffary, and that
was an earthen pot, not only to hold my liquid, but alſo to
bear the fire, which none of theſe could do. It once hap-
pened, that as I was putting out my fire, I found therein a
broken piece of one of my veffels burnt as hard as 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,
1 fixed three large pipkins, and two or three pots in a pile
one upon another. The fire I piled round the outſide, and
dry wood on the top, till I faw the pots in the i fide red
hot, and found that they were not cracked at all: and when
I perceived them perfectly red, I let one of them ſtand in
the fire about five or fix hours, till the clay melted by the ex-
tremity of the heat, and would have run to glaſs had I fuf-
fered it upon which I flackened my fire by degrees, till the
redness abated; and watching them till the morning, I found
I had three very good pipkins, and two earthen pots, as
well burnt and fit for my turn as I could defire.
1
No joy could be greater than mine at this difcovery. 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 admirably well, and with a piece of kid, I made
me fome good broth, as well as my circumftances would
afford me at that time.
52
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
The next concern I had, was to get me a ftone mortar to
beat fome corn in, inftead of a mill to grind it. Here, in-
deed, I was at a great lofs, as not being fit for a ftone-cutter;
and many days I fpent to find out a great ftone big enough
to cut hollow and make fit for a mortar, and strong enough
to bear the weight of a pestle, and that would break the corn
without filling it with fand. But all the ftones of the island
being of a mouldering nature, rendered my fearch f uitlefs;
and then I refolved to look out for 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,
When I
juft as the Indian's of Brazil, make their canoes.
had finished this, I made a great pefile of iron wood, and
then laid them up against my fucceeding harvest.
t+
My next bufinefs was to make me a fieve to fift my meal,
and part it from the bran and huſk. Having no fine thin
canvas to fearce the meal through, I could not tell what to
do. What linen 1 had was reduced to rags: I had goat's
hair enough, but neither tools to work it, nor did I know
how to fpin it: At length I remembered I had ſome neck-
cloths of calico or muflin of the failors, which I had brought
out of the fhip, and with theſe I made three fmall fieves,
proper enough for the work.
I come now to confider the baking part. The want of
an oven I ſupplied by making fome earthen pans very broad
but not deep. When I had a mind to bake, I made a great
fire upon the hearth, the tiles of which I had made myſelf;
and when the wood was burnt into live coals, I fpread 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 ashes and coals all around the outfides
of the pot to continue the heat; and in this manner I baked
my barley loaves, as well as if I had been a complete paftry-
cook, and alfo made of the rice feveral cakes and puddings.
It is no wonder that theſe things took me up the best
part of a year, fince what intermediate time I had was be-
ftowed in managing my new harvest and husbandry; for in
the proper feafon 1 reaped my corn, carried it home, and
laid it up in the ear in my large, baskets, till I had time to
rub, inftead of thrashing it. And, now, indeed, my corn
increaſed fo much, that it produced me twenty bushels of
barley, and as much rice, that not only began to ufe it
freely, but was thinking how to enlarge my barns, and re-
K
•
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
53
¡
folved to fow as much at a time as would be fufficient for
me for a whole year.
All this while, the profpect of land, which I had feen
from the other fide of the iſland, ran in my mind. Eftilk
meditated a deliverance from this place, though the fear
of greater misfortunes might have deterred me from it. For,
alowing that I had attained that place, I ran the hazard of
being killed and eaten by the devouring canniba's; and if
they were not fe, yet I might be fl in, as other Europeans
had been, who fell into their hands. Notwithſtanding all
this, my thoughts ran continually upon that flore. 1 now
wished for my boy Xury, and the long-boat with the fhoul-
der of mutton lail: sent on the fhip's boat that had been
ca: a great way on the fhore in the late ftorm. She w23
removed but a little; but her bott m being turned up by
the impetuofity and fury of the waves and wind, I fell to
work with all the ſtrength I had, with levers and rollers I
had cut from the wood, to turn her; and repair the damages
fhe had fustained. This work took me up three or four
weeks, when finding my little firength all in vain, 1 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 unable to
ftir it up, or to get under it, much leſs to move it forward
towards the water, and fo I was forced to give it over.
I.
This diſappoitment, however, did not frighten me.
began to think whether it was not poffible for me to make
a canoe or perigua, fuch as the Indians make of the trunk
of a tree. But here I lay under particular inconveniences;
want of tools to make it, and want of hands to move it in
the water when it was made. However, to work I went:
upon i, stopping all the inquiries I coa'd make, with this
very fimple answer I made to myſelf, Let's first make it,
I'l warrant I'll; find fome way or other to get it along when
it is doner.
.
I firit cut down a cedar-tree, which was, five feet ten
inches diameter at the lower, part next the ftump, and four
feet eleven inches diameter at the end of twenty-two feet,,
after which it leffened for a fpace, and then parted into
branches. Twenty days was la hacking and hewing this
tree 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
·
C 3
54
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
mallet and chiffel, clearing it in fuch a manner, as that it
was big enough to carry twenty-fix men, much bigger than
any canoe I ever faw in my life, and confequently fufficient
to tranfport me and all my effects to that wished-for ſhore
I fo ardently defired.
Nothing remained now, but, indeed, the greateſt diffi-
culty to get it into the water, it lying about one hundred
yards from it. To remedy the first inconvenience, which
was a rifing hill between the boat and the creek, with won-
derful pains and labours I dug into the bowels of the earth,
and made a declivity. But when this was done, all the
ftrength I had was as infufficient to remove it, as it was when
I attempted to remove the boat. I then proceeded to meaſure
the distance of ground, refolving to make a canal in order
to bring the water to the canoe, fince I could not bring the
cance to the water. But as this feemed to be impracticable
to myſelf 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 alto-
gether vain. I now faw, and not before, what ftupidity it
is to begin work before we reckon its coft, 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 de-
votion 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 might I fay, as father Abraham faid unto Dives,
"Between thee and me there is a gulph fixed." And in-
deed I was ſeparated from its wickedneſs too, having nei-
ther the luft of the flesh, the luft of the eye, nor the pride
of life; I had nothing to covet, being lord, king, and em-
peror over the whole country I had in poffeffion, without
difpute and without control: I had loadings of corn, plenty
of turtles, timber in abundance, and grapes above meaſure.
What was all the reft to me? The money I had lay by me
as deſpicable 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 theſe things dictated
to me this just reflection: That the good things of this world
are no farther good to us, than they are for our uſe; and
that whatever we may heap up to give to others, we can
but enjoy as much as we ufe and no more.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
55
Thefe thoughts rendered my mind more eafy than ufual.
Every time I fat down to meat, I did it with thankfulneſs,
admiring the providential hand of God, who, in this wilder-
nefs, had ſpread a table to me. And now I confidered what
I enjoyed, rather than what I wanted; compared my prefent
condition with what I at firft expected it should be: how
I fhould have done, if I had got nothing out of the ship;
that I must have perished before I had caught fish or turtles;
or lived, had 1 found them, like a mere lavage, by eating
them raw, and pulling them to pieces with my claws, like a
beift. I next compared my ftation to that which I deferv-
ed; how undutiful I had been to my parents; how deititute
of the fear of God: how void of every thing that was good;
and how ungrateful for thoſe abundant mercies I had re-
ceived from Heaven, being fed, as it were, by a miracle,
even as great as Elijah's being fed by ravens; and caſt on
a place where there is no venomous creatures to poiſon or
devour me; in fhort, making God's tender mercies matter
of great confolation, I relinquished all fadnefs, and gave
way to contentment.
As long as my ink continued, which with water I made
laft as long as I could, I uſed to minute down the days of the
month on which any rema kable event happened.-And,
First, I obſerved, that the fame day I forfook my 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 Salee rovers.
That the very day I efcaped out of the wreck of the fhip
in Yarmouth roads, a year after, on the fame day, I made
my eſcape from Salee in my patron's fiſhing-boat.
And, on the 30th of September, being the day in the year
I was born on, on that day twenty-fix years afier, was I
miraculouſly ſaved, and caſt aſhore on this iſland.
The next thing that waſted after my ink, was the bif-
cuits which I had brought out of the fhip; and though I al-
lowed myſelf but one cake a day for above a twelvemonth,
yet I was quite out of bread for near a year, before I got
any corn of my own.
In the next place, my clothes began to decay, and my
linen had been gone long before. However, I had pre-
ferved about three dozen of the failors' chequered fhirts,
which proved a great refreſhment to me, when the violent
beams of the fun would not fuffer me to bear any of the fea-
£
C4
64
}
广
​00 .
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
men's heavy watch-coats; which made me turn tailor, and
after a miferable botching manner, convert them to jackets,
To preferve my head, I made me a cap of goat's ſkin, with
the hair cutwards to keep out the rain; which indeed ferved.
me fo well, that afterwards I made me a waiſtcoat and open-
kneed breeches of the fame: And then I contrived a
fort of an umbrella, covering it with fkins, which not only
kept cut the heat of the fun, but rain alfo. Thus being eaſy
and fettled in my mind, my chief happiness was to converfe
with God, in most heavenly and comfortable ejaculations.
t-
ปี
For five years after this I cannot fay any extraordinary
thing occurred to me.. My chief employment was to cure
my raifins, and plant my barley and rice, both of which I
had a year's provifion beforehand. But though I was dif-
appointed in my first canoe, I made it, at intermediate times,
my buſineſs to make a fecond, of much inferior ſize; and it
was two years before I had finiſhed it. But as I perceived
it would no wife anfwer my defign of failing to the other
hore my thoughts were confined to take a tour round the
illand, to fre what further discoveries I could make. To
this intent, after having moved her to the water, and tried
how he would fil, I fitted up a little maft to my boat, and
made, a fail of the fhip's fail that lay by me. I then made
lockers or boxes at the end of it, to put in neceffàries, pro-
vifion, and ammuni ion, which would preferve them dry,
either from rain or the fray of the fea; and in the infide
of the boat, I cut me a long hollow place to lay my gun in;
and to keep it dry, made a flag to hang over it. My um-
brella I fixed in a' ftep in the fters; like a mat, to keep the
heat of the fun off me. And now refolving to fee the cir.
cumference of my little kingdom, I victualled my fhip for
the voyage, putting in two dozens of my barley-bread loaves,
an earthen pot full of parched rice, a little bottle of rum,
half a goat,p wder and hot, and two warch coats.
the 6th of November, in the 6th year of my reign, or capti-
vity, that I fet out in this voyage; which was much longer
than I expected, being obliged to put farther cut, by sealon
of the rocks that lay a great way in the fea. And indeed
fo much did trefe rocks furprife me, that I was for putting
back, fearing that if I ventured farther it would be out of
my power to return. In this uncertainty I came to an an-
chor just on fhore, to which I waded with my gun on my
houlder, and then climbing up a hill, which overlooked
It was
·
·
胄
​OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
57
£
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 cur-
rent running to the eaft, 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 lea
by its force, and not able to return to the iflard; ard cer-
tainly it must have been fo, had I not made this obfervation;
for on the other fide was the like current, with this differ-
ence, that it fet off at a greater diftance; and I perceived
there, was a frong eddy under the land; ſo that my chief
bufirefs, was to work out of the first current, and conveni-
ently 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 shore, on
account of the breach; nor ftand at too near a diftance, for
fear of the freams. That night the wind abating, it grew
fo: calm that I ventured out; and here. I may be a monu-
ment 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 1 was got into deep water, with a current like
a mill, which drove my boat along fo violently, that it was
imp ffible 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 paddles were 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 iſland, I was very cer-
tain they must join again, and then I had no hopes but of
perifhing for want in the fea, after what provifiors I had
was spent, or before, if a storm fhould happen to ar fe.
Who can conceive the prefent angu'll of my mind at
this calamity? With longing eyes did I look upon my little
kingdom, and thought the ifland the pleafanteft place in
the univerfe. Happy, thrice happy defert, faid I, fhall 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 compla ning, I found myfelf to be driven
about two leagues into the fea; however, I laboured till 1.
my ftrength was far fpent, to keep my boat as far north as
poffibly I could, to that fide of the current where the eddy
C 5
A
ť
嘴
​1
}
1
;
58
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
lay on. About noon I perceived a little breeze of wind
fpring up from the S. S. E. which overjoyed my heart; and
was ftill more elated, when in about half an hour, it blew a
gentle fine gale. Had any thick weather fprung up, I had
been loft another way; for having no compass on board, I
fhould never have found the way to fleer towards the iſland,
if once it had diſappeared; but it proving the contrary, I
fet up my maft again, ſpread my fail, and flood away
northward as much as I could, to get rid of the current. And
no fooner did the boat begin to fretch away, but I perceiv-
ed, by the clearness of the water, a change of the current
was near; for, where it was strong, the water was foul;
and where it was clear the current abated. To the eaſt, I
ſoon ſaw about half a mile, a breach of the fea upon fome
rocks, which caufed it again to feparate; and as the main
force of it drove away more foutherly, leaving the
rocks to the north-eaft; fo the other came back by the re-
pulfe of the rocks, making a sharp eddy, which returned
back again to the north-weft with a very fwift ftream.
They who have experienced what it is to be reprieved
upon the ladder, or to be faved from thieves, just going to
take away their lives, or fuch as have been in the like cala-
mities with my own, may gueſs my prefent excéls of joy;
how heartily I ran to my boat into the ftream of this eddy, and
how joyfully I ſpread my fail to the refreſhing wind, ftand-
ing cheerfully before 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 ſtand.
About four o'clock in the afternoon, I reached within a
league of the island, and perceived the points of the rock,
which caufed this difafter, ftretching cut, as I obſerved be-
fore, to the fouthward, which throwing off the currents more
fouthwardly, had occafioned another eddy to the north. But
having a fair brifk gale, I ftretched acroſs this eddy, and in
an hour came within a mile of the fhore, where I foon
landed to my unspeakable comfort; and after an hùmble
proftration, thanking God for my deliverance, with refo-
Iution, to lay all thoughts of eſcaping afide, I brought my
boat fafe to a little cove, and laid me down to take a wel-
come repofe. When I awoke, I was confidering how I
might get my boat home; and coaſting along the fhore, I
came to a good bay which ran up to a rivulet or brook,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
59
;
where finding a fafe harbour, I ftowed her as fafe as if fhe
had been in a dry dock made on purpoſe for her.
I now perceived myſelf not far from the place where be-
fore I had travelled on foot; ſo taking nothing with me,
except my gun, and umbrella, I began my journey; and in
the evening came to my bower, where I again laid me down
to reſt. I had not ſlept long before I was awakened in
great furpriſe, by a strange voice that called me feveral
times, "Robin, Robin, Robinſon Crufoe, poor Robin !
"Where are you, Robinfon Crufoe? Where are you?
"Where have you been ?”
61
So faft was I afleep at first, that I did not awake thorough-
ly but half aſleep and half awake, I thought I dreamed
that fomebody spoke to me. But, as the voice repeated
Robinson Crusoe feveral times, being terribly affrighted,
I ſtarted up in the utmoſt confuſion; and no fooner were
my eyes fully open, but I beheld my pretty Poll fitting on
the top of the hedge, and ſoon knew that it was he that call-
ed me; for juft in fuch bewailing language I uſed to talk
and teach him; which he fo exactly learned, that he would
fit upon my finger, and lay his bill cloſe to my face, and
cry, "Poor Robinſon Crufoe, where are you? where have
you been? how came you here?" and fuch like pra:tle I
had conſtantly taught him. But even though I knew it to
be the parrot, it was a great while before I could adjust my-
felf; being amazed how the creature got thither, and that
he fhould fix about that place, and no where elſe. But
now being affured it could be no other than my honeſt
Poll, my wonder ceased, and reaching out my hand, and
calling familiarly Poll, the creature came to me, and perch-
ed upon my thumb as he was wont, conftartly prating to-
me with "Poor Robinſon Crufoe, and how did I come here,
" and where had I been?" as if the bird was overjoyed to
fee me; and ſo 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 cost me fo much trouble
and pains, on this fide the iſland once more, but which in-
deed was impracticable. I therefore began to lead a very
retired life, living near a twelvemonth in a very conten el
manner, wanting for nothing except converfation. Asto
mechanic labours, which my neceflities obliged me tɔ, I
fancied I could, upon occafion, make a to`erable carpenter,
were the poor tools I had to work withal bat gɔod. Be-
C 6
}
S
Co
fides, as I improved in my earthen-ware, I contrived to
make them with a wheel, which I found much easier and
better, m king my work fhapely, which before was rude
and ugly. But, I think, I was never fo elated with my
own performance or project, than for being able to make a
tobacco-p'pe, which, though it proved an awkward clumfy
thing, yet it was very found, and carried the ſmoke per-
fealy well, to my great fati faction.
I alfo improved my wicker ware, making me abundance of
neceffary baskets, which, though not very handfome, were
very handy and convenient to fetch things home in, as allo
for holding my flores, barley, rice, and other proviſions.
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. parti-
cularly a fhe-goat with young. At laft I had my defire;
for, making pitfalls and traps baited with barley ard rice, I
found one morning, in one of them, an old he-goat, and in
the other, three kids, one male, the other two females.
LITE AND ADVENTURES
}
So boilerous was the old one, that I could not bring him
away. But I forgot the old proverb, "That hunger will
“tame a lion;" for had I kept him three or four days with-
out proviſions, and then given him fome water, with a litt´e
corn, he would have been as tame as a young kid. The
other creatures 1 bound with ftrings together: but I had
great difficulty before I could bring them to my habitation.
It was fome time before they would feed; but throwing them
ſweet corn, it ſo much tempted them that they began to be
tamer. From thence I concluded, that if I defigned to fur-
nish myfelf with goat's flefli, when my ammunition was
fpent, the tamely breeding them up, like a flock of theep,
about my fettlemer t, was the only method I could take. ´Í
concluded, alſo, I muſt ſeparate the wild from the tame, or
elle 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
effectually, that thoſe within might not break out, or thoſe
without break in. Such an undertaking was very great for
one pair of hands; but as there was an abfolute neceffity for
doing it, my first care was to find a convenient piece of
ground where there was likely to be herbage for them to eat,
water to drink, and cover to keep them from the fun.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
GC
i
Here again I gave another infance of my ignorance and
inexperience, pitching upon a piece of meadow land fo large,
that had I enclosed it, the hedge or pale had been at least:
two miles about. Indeed, had it been ten miles, I had
time enough to do it in; but then I did not confider that my
goats would be as wild in fo much compafs, as if they had
had the whole iſland, and confequently as difficult for me
to catch them. This thought came into my head, after I
had carried it on. I beleve, about fif y yards; I therefore-
altered my ſcheme, and refolved to inclofe a piece of ground
about one hundred and fiity yards in length, and one hur--
dred in breadth, fufficient enough for as many as would main-
tain me, till fuch time as my fleck increaſed, and then I could
add more ground. I now vigorously profecuted my work,-
and it took me about three months in hedging the first piece,..
in which time I tethered the three kids in the best part of
it, feeding them as near me as poffible, to make them fami-
liar; and indeed I very often would carry fome ears of bar-.
ley, or a handful of rice, and feed them out of my hand; by
which they grew fo tame, that when my encloſure was
finished, and I had let them loofe, 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 forty-three, befides what I had taken and killed for my
fuftenance. After which I enclofed five feveral pieces of
ground to feed them in, with pens to drive them into, that
I might take them as I had occafion.
·
*
1
'
7
*
In this project I likewife found additional bleſſings; for "
I not only had plenty of goat's 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, after ſome effays and mifcar-
riages, I made me both, and never afterwards wanted.
How mercifully can the omnipotent Power comfort his
creatures, even in the midft of their greatest calamities?
How can he ſweeten the bitteret providences, and give us
reaſon to magnify him in dungeons and prifons! what a
bounteous table was here feread in a wilderness for me,
where I expected nothing at first but to perish for hunger!
Certainly a Stoic would have ſmiled to ſee me at dinner.
There fat my royal majeſly, an abfolute prince and ruler
of my kingdom, attended by my dutiful fubjects, whom, if I
F
62
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
pleafed, I could either hang, draw, quarter, give them
liberty, or take it away. When I dined, I ſeemed a king,
eating alone, none daring to prefume 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 exceedingly crazy, and who
had no fpecies to multiply his kind upon, 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 favour. Theſe were not the cats I had brought
from the fhip; they had been dead long before, and interred
near my habitation by my own hand. But one of them, as
I ſuppoſe, generating with a wild cat, a couple of their
young had made tame; the reſt 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 shot a great many, and the
reft left me without troubling me any more. In this plen-
tiful manner did I live, wanting for nothing but converſa-
tion. 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 shore by land to her;
but had any one in England met with fuch a figure, it would
either have affrighted them, or made them burst into
laughter; nay, I could not but fmile to myſelf at my habit,
which I think in this place will be very proper to deſcribe.
The cap I wore on my head, was great, high, and ſhape-
lefs, made of a goat's fkin, with a flap or pent-houfe hang-
ing down behind, not only to keep the fun from me, bui to
fhoot the rain off from running into my neck, nothing being
more pernicious than the rain falling upon the flesh in theſe
climates. I had a fhort jacket of goat's fkin, whofe 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 femblance of ſome thing, I know 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, instead of ruckles; on
each of which, to fupply the deficiency of ford and dag-
ger, hung my hatchet and faw. I had another belt, not fo
broad, yet faftened in the fame manner, which hung over
my shoulder, and at the end of it, under my left arm, hung
two pouches, made of goat's ſkin, to hold my powder and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
63
fhot.
My baſket I carried on my back, and my gun on my
fhoulder; and over my head a great clumſy ugly goat's
ſkin unbrella, which however, next to my gun, was the
moſt neceſſary thing about me. As for my face, the colour
was not ſo ſwarthy as the Mulattoes, 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 about a quarter
of a yard; but as I had both razors and fciffors in ſtore, I
cut it all off, and fuffered none to grow, except a large pair
of Mahometan whiskers, the like of which I had feen wore
by fome Turks at Salee, not long enough indeed to hang a
hat upon, but of fuch a monstrous fize, as would have
amazed any in England to have ſeen.
But all this was of no confequence here, there being none
to obferve my behaviour or habit. And fo without fear
and without control, I proceeded on my journey, the profe-
cution of which took me up five or fix days. I firſt travelled
along the fea-fhore, directly to the place where I first brought
my boat to an anchor, to get upon the rocks; but now hav.
ing 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 fee
the fea fo fmooth and quiet, there being no rippling motion,
nor current, any more than in other places. This made me
ponder fome time to guefs the reafon of it, when at aft I
was convinced that the ebb fetting from the weſt and joining
with the current of water from ſome great river on ſhore,
must be the occaſion of theſe rapid ftreams; and that, con-
fequently, as the winds blew more weftwardly or more
fouthwardly, fo the current came the nearer, or went the
farther from the hore. To fatisfy my curiofity, I waited
there till evening, when the time of ebb being made, I
plainly perceived from the rock the current again as before,
with this difference, that it ran farther off, near half a league
from the shore, whereas, in my expedition, it fet cloſe up-
on 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 might easily bring my boat round the iſland
again. But when I began to think of putting it in practice
the remembrance of the late danger ftruck me with ſuch
{
1
64
LIFE AND´ADVENTUREŠ ·
horror, that I changed my refolution, and formed another,
which was more fafe, though more laborious; and this was
to make another canoe, and to have one for one fide of the
ifland, and one for the other.
*
I had now two plantations in the island; the firft my
little fortification, fort, or caftle, with many large and fpa-
cious improvements; for by this time I had enlarged the cave
behind me wie 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 pleaſant
fett'ement, lay my well-cultivated and improved corn-fields,
which kindly yielded me their fruit in the proper ſeaſon.
My fecond plantation was that near my country feat, or
little bower, where my grapes flouriſhed, and where, having
planted many ſtakes, I made encloſures for my goats, lo
ftrongly fortified by labour and time, that it was much ſtronger
than a wall, and confequently impoffible for them to break
through. As for my bower i:felf, I kept it conſtantly in
repair, and cut the trees in ſuch a manner, as made them
grow thick and wild, and form a moſt delightful ſhade. In
the centre of this, flood 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 a fort of a couch with the
fkins of the creatures I had flain, and other things; and
having laid thereon one of the failor's blankes, which I had
faved from the wreck of the fhip, and covering myſelf with a
great watch-coat, I took up this place for my country retreat.
Very frequently from this feitlement did I ufe to vifit
my boat, and keep her in very good order. And fometimes
I would venture in her a caf or two from the shore, but
no farther, left either a ftrong current, a fudden ſtormy
wind, or fome unlucky accident fhould hurry me from the
inland as before. But now I entreat your attention, whilſt
1 proceed to inform you of a new, but moſt ſurprising,
ſcene of life which here befel me.
M
>
-
You may easily fuppofe, that after having been here fo
long, nothing could be more amazing than to ſee a human
creature. One day it happened, that, going to my boat, I
faw the print of a man's naked foot on the fhore, very evi-
dent on the fand, as the toes, heels, and every part of it.
Had I feen an apparition of the most frightful shape, I could
not have been more confounded. My willing ears gave
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
05
Eu
I
the fricteſt attention. I caſt my eyes around, but could
fatisfy neither the one nor the other. I proceeded alter-
nately to every part of the fhore, but with equal effect;
neither could I fee any other mark, though the fand about
it was as ſuſceptible to take impreffion, as that which was
fo plainly ftamped. Thus, ftruck with confufion and hor
ror, I returned to my habitation, frightened at every buſh:
and tree, taking every thing for men; and p feffed with
the wildest ideas: That night my eyes never cloſed.
formed nothing but the moſt diſmal imaginations, concluding
it must be the mark of the devil's feet which I had feen.:
For otherwife how could any mortal come to this iſland?
where was the hip that tranffor ed them? and what figns
of any other footsteps? Trough theſe femed very trong
reaſons for ſuch a fuppofition, yet (thought I) why ſhould
the devil make the print of his foot to no purpofe, as I can
fee, when he might have taken other ways to have terrified
me? why should he leave his mark on the other fide of the
island, and that too on the fands, where the furging waves
of the ocean might foon have eraſed the impreffion. Surely
this action is not confiftent with the fubtlety of Satan, faid
I to myſelf; but rather muſt be fome dangerous creature,
fome wild favage of the main land over against me, that,
venturing too far in the ccean, has been driven here; either
by the violent currents or contrary winds; and not caring
to stay on this defolate ifland, has gone back to fea again.
Happy, indeed, faid I to my felf, that none of the favage
had ſeen me in that place; yet I was not altogether with-
out fear, left, having found my boat, they ſhould return in.
numbers and devour me, or at leaft carry away all my corn
and destroy my flock of tame goats. In a word, all my reli-
gious hopes vanished, as though I thought God wou'd not
now protect me by his power, who had fo wonderfully pre-
ferved me fo long.
What various changes of Providence are there in the life
of man? How changeable are our affections, according to
different circumstances? We love to day, what we hate
to-morrow; we hun ore hour what we feek the next.
This was evident in me in the moſt conspicuous manner:
For I, who before had fo much lamented my condition, in
being banished fron all human kind, was now even ready
to expire, when I confidered that a man had fet his foot on:
66
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
this defolate island. But when I confidered my ftation of
life, decreed by the infinitely wife and good providence of
God, that I ought not to difpute my Creator's fovereignty,
who has an undoubted right to govern and diſpoſe of his
creatures as he thinks convenient; and that his juftice and
mercy could either punish or deliver me: I fay, when I
confidered all this, I comfortably found it my duty to troft
fincerely in him, pray ardently to him, and humbly refign
myſelf to his divine will.
One morning lying on my bed, theſe words of the facred
writings came into my mind, "Call upon me in the day of
“trouble, and I will deliver thee, and thou ſhalt glorify me."
Upon this fentence, rifing more cheerfully from my bed, I
offered up my prayers in the moſt heavenly manner: and
when I had done, taking up my Bible to read, theſe words
appeared first in my 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 cauſe of ſadneſs upon that occafion.
Thus, after a world of apprehenſions and fears, for three
days and nights, 1 at aft ventured out of my caſtle and
milked my goats, one of which was almoſt (poiled for want
of it. I next (though in great fear) viſited my bower, and
milked my flocks there allo; when growing bolder, I went
down to the ſhore again, and meafuring the print of the foot
to mine, to ſee, perhaps, whether I myſelf had not occafion-
ed that mark, I found it much fuperior in largenefs: and fo
returned home, now abſolutely convinced that either fome
men had been afhore, or that the iſland must be inhabited,
and therefore that I might be ſurpriſed before I was aware.
I now began to think of providing for my fecurity, and
refolved in my mind many different fchemes for that pur-
poſe. 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 iſland in hopes of killing
the fame. Secondly, I was for digging up my corn-fields
for the very fame reaſon. And, laltly, I concluded to de-
moliſh my bower, leſt, ſeeing a place of human contrivance,
they might come farther, and find out, and attack me in my
little cafile.
Such notions did the fear of danger fuggeft to me: and I
looked, I thought, like the unfortunate king Sail, when not
only opprelled by the Pailistines, but alſo forfaken by God
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
67
himſelf. And, it is ſtrange, that a little before, having en-
tirely refigned myself to the will of God, I ſhould now have
little confidence in him, fearing thoſe more who could kill
this fading body, than him who could defroy my immortal
foul.
Sleep was an utter ftranger to my eyes that night; yet
nature, ſpent and tired, fubmitted to a filent repoſe the next
morning, and then joining reafon with fear, I confidered
that this delightful and pleaſant iſland might not be ſo en-
tirely forfaken, as I might think; but that the inhabitants.
from the other ſhore might fail, either with a defign or from
neceffity, by cross winds; and, if the latter circumstance,
I had reaſon to believe they would depart the first oppor-
tunity. However, my fear made me think of a place for re-
treat 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, there-
fore, and drove betwixt that double rows of trees, which I
planted above twelve years before, ſeveral ſtrong 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 alſo made me ſeven holes, wherein I planted my
mulkets like cannon, fitting them into frames reſembling
carriages. This being finiſhed with indefatigable induſtry,
for a great way every where, I planted ſticks of ofiers like a
wood, about twenty thousand of them, leaving a large space
between them and my wall, that I might have room to fee
aa enemy, and that they might not be ſheltered mong the
young trees, if they offered to approach the outer wall.-
And, indeed, ſcarce 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 life-
ty, I left no avenue to go in or out; inſtead of which I fet
two ladders, one to a part of a rock which was low, and
then broke in, leaving room to place another ladder upon
that; fo that when I took thefe down, it was impoſſible for
any man to defcend without hurting himfeif; and if they
had, they would ftill be at the outide of my outer wall.
But while I took all theſe meaſures of human prulence for
my own prefervation, I was not altogether unmindful of other
affairs. To preferve my flock of tame goats, that the ear-
my ſhould not take all at once, I looked out for the moit
1
68
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
retired part of the iſland, which was the place where I had
loft myſelf before-mentioned, and there finding a clear piece
of land, containing three acres, furrounded with thick woods,
I wrought fo hard, that in less than a month's time, I fenced
it fo well round, that my flocks were very well fecured in
it, and put therein two he-geats and ten fhe-goats.´.
All this labour was occafioned purely by fearful appre-
henfions, on account of feeing the print of a man's foct.-
And not contented yet with what I had don", I fearched
for another place towards the west point of the island,
where I might alſo retain another flock. Then wandering
on this errand more to the welt of the island than ever I had
yet done, and cafting my eyes towards the fea, methought
I perceived a boat at a great diftance, but could not poffi-
bly tell what it was for want of my perſpective glaſs. I
conficered then it was no ftrange thing to fee the print of
a man's foot; and concluding them cannibals, bleſſed 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 fhore, which was the S. W. point of
the ifland, I was foon confirmed in my opinion; nor can.
any one defcribe my horror and amazement, when I faw
the ground fpread with fkulls, hands, feet, and bones cf
human bodies; and, particularly I perceived a fpace like
a circle, in the midit of which had been a fire, about which
I conjectured theſe wretches fat, and unnaturally facrificed
and devoured their fellow-creatures.
•
+
·
The horror and loathfomeneſs of this dreadful fpectacle,
both confounded my fenfes, and made me discharge from my
ftomach in an exceffive manner. I then retur. ed 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 theſe wretches,
and delivering me to long out of their hands.
·
Though reafon and, my long refidence here had affared
me, that thefe favages never came up to the thick woody.
part of the country, and that I had no reaf n to be appre-
henfive of a difcovery; yet fuch an abhorrence did I ftill
retain, that, for two years after, I confined myſelf only to
my three plantations; I mean my calle, country-feat, and
incloſure in the woods. And though in proceſs of time my
dreadful apprehenfions began to wear away, yet my eyes.
were more vigilant for fear of being ſurpriſed, and I was
14
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
60
very cautions of firing my gun, left being heard by thoſe
I refolved,
creatures, they fhould proceed to attack me.
however, manfully to lofe my life if they did, and went
armed with three piftols, ftuck to my girdle, which, added
to the defcription I have given of myfelt before, made me
look with a very formidable appearance.
Thus my circumftances for fome time remained very
calm and undiſturbed; and when I compared my condition
to others, I found it far from being miferable. And indeed,
would all perfons compare their circumstances, not with
thoſe above them, but with thofe innumerable unhappy ob-
jects beneath them, I am fure we should not hear thoſe
daily murmurings and complainings that are in the world.
For my part I wanted but few things. Indeed, the terror
which the favages had put me in, fpoiled fome inventions
for my own conveniences. One of my projects was to brew
me fome beer; a very whimfical one indeed, when it is
confidered that I had neither cafks fufficient, nor could I
make any to preſerve it in; neither had I hops 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 things. But now my inven-
tions were placed another way; and day and night I could
think of nothing but how I might destroy fome of thefe
cannibals, when proceeding to their bloody entertainments;
and fo faving a victim from being facrificed, that he might
after become my fervant. Many were my contrivances
after this purpoſe, and as many more objections occurred,
after I had 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 gunpowder, which would confequently
blow up all thofe that were near it; and then I was loath to
fpend fo much upon them, left it ſhould not do that certain
execution I could defire, and but only affright and not kill
them. Having laid this defign afide, I again propoſed to
myfelf to lie privately in ambuſh, in fome convenient place,
with my three gus double loaded, and let fly at them ina
the midst of their dreadful ceremony: ard having kuled
two or three of them at every fhot, fail upon the reft fud-
denly with my three piftols, and not let one mother's fon
elcape. This imagination p'eafed my fancy fo much, that
I used to dream of it in the night time. To put my deſign
•
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70
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
in execution, I was not long in feeking for a place conve-
nient for my purpofe, where unfeen 1 might behold every
action of the favages. Here I placed my two muſkets, each
of which was loaded with a brace of flugs, and four or
five ſmaller 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 was about four bullets.-
And thus all things being prepared, no fooner would the
welcome light spread over the element, but, like a giant re-
freſhed with wine, as the Scripture has it, would I iſſue forth
from my caſtle, and from a lofty hill, three miles diſtant,
view it 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 fome confideration, and made me examine myself,
what right I had to kill theſe creatures in this manner.
If (argued I to myſelf) this unnatural cuſtom of their's be
a fin offenfive to Heaven, it belongs to the Divine Being,
who alone has the vindictive power in his hands, to flower
down his vengeance upon them. And, perhaps he does fo
in making them become one another's executioners. Or,
if not, 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
thefe actions for fo many ages, perhaps from almoſt the be-
ginning of the creation? They never offenced me, what
right have I then to concein myſelf in their fhedding 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 co`cluded
it neceffarily followed, that theſe people were no
murderers than Chriflians, who many times put whole troops
to the fword, after throwing down their arms.-Again, I
confidered that if I fell upon them, I should be as much in
the wrong as the Spaniards, who had committed the great-
elt barbarities upon thete people who had never offended
them in their whole lives; as if the kingdom of Spain was
emirent for a race of men without common compaffion to
the miferable, a principal fign of the most generous temper:
thefe confiderations made me paufe, and made me think I
had taken wrong meaſures in my reſolution: I now argued
with my lelf, it was better for me never to attack, but to re-
main undiſcovered as long as I poffibly could; that an op-
mere
¿
{
*
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
71
pofite conduct would certainly prove deftructive; for as it
was ſcarcely to be fuppofed I could kill them all, I might
either be overpowered by the remaining, or that fome
eſcaping, might bring thouſands to my certain deſtruction.
And, indeed, religion took their part fo much as to convince
me how contrary it was to my duty to be guilty of fhedding
human blood, innocent as to my particular, whatever they
are to one another; that I had nothing to do with it, but
leave it to the God of all power and dominion, as I faid
before, to do therein what feemed convenient to his heavenly
wiſdom. And, therefore, on my knees I thanked the Al-
mighty for delivering me from blood-guiltinefs, and begged
his protection that I might never fall into their hands.
Thus giving over an attempt which I had rafhly begun,
I never afcended the hill on that occafion afterwards: I only
removed my boat, which lay on the other fide of the iſland,
and every thing that belonged to her, toward the east, into
a little cove, that there might not be the leaſt ſhadow of any
boat near, or habitation upon the island.-My cafle then
became my cell, keeping always retired in it, except when
I went out to milk my fhe-goats, and order my little flock in
the wood, which was quite out of danger: for fure I was
that theſe ſavages never came here with expectations to
find any thing, and confequently never wandered from the
coaft: however, as they might have been ſeveral times on
fhore, as well before as after my dreadful apprehenfions, I
looked back with horror to think in what ſtate I might have
been, had I fuddenly met them flenderly armed, with one
gun only loaded with fmall hot; and how great would
have been my amazement, if, instead of one man's foot, I
had perceived fifteen or twenty favages, who having once
fet their eyes upon me, by the fwiftnets of their feet would
have left me no poffibility of efcaping? Theſe thoughts
would fink my very foul, fo that I would fall into a deep
melancholy, till fuch time as the confideration of my grati-
tude to the Divine Being moved it from my heart. I then
fell into a contemplation of the fecret fprings of Providence,
and how wonderfully we are delivered, when infentible of
it; and when intricated in uncertain mazes or labyrinths of
doubt or heſitation, what fecret hints direct us in the right
way, when we intended to go out of it; nay, perhaps con-
trary to our buſineſs, fenfe, or inclination. Upon which I
fixed within me this as a certain rule, never to disobey thoſe
C
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fecret impreffions of the mind, to the acting or not acting
any thing that offered, for which I yet cou'd affign no rea-
fon. But let it be how it will, the advantage of this con-
duct very eminently appeared in the latter part of my abcde
on this ifland: I am a franger in determining whence thefe
fecret intin.ations of Providence derive; yet methinks they
are not only fome proof of the converſe of ſpirits, but alſo
of the fecret communications they are fuppofed to have
with thofe that have not paffed through the gloomy vale of
death.
▸
Theſe anxieties of mind, and the care of my prefervation,
put a period to all future inventions and contrivances, either
for accommodation or convenience. I now cared not to
drive a rail, chop a ſtick, fire a gun, or make a fire, left
either the noife 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 caufe that
brought me, here was to make charcoal, fo that I might bake
and dress my bread and meat without any danger. At that
time, a curious accident happened me, which I fhall now
relate.
W
While I was cutting down fome wood for making my
charcoal, I perceived a cavity behind a very thick branch
of underwood. Curious to look into it, I attained its mouth,
and perceived it fufficient for me to ftand upright in. But
when I had entered, and took a further view, two rolling
fhining eyes, like flaming fars, ſeemed to dart themſelv.s
at me; fo that I made all the haſte out that I could, as hot
knowing whether it was a devil or a monster that had taken
his refidence in that place. When I recovered a litle from
my furprife, I called myfelf a thousand fools, for being
afraid to fee the devil one moment, who had now lived
almost twenty years in the most retired folitude. And
therefore refuming all the courage I had, I took a flaming
firebrand, and in I rushed again. I had not proceeded
above three fteps, when I was more affrighted than before;
for then I heard a very loud figh, like that of a human crea-
ture in the greateſt agony, fucceeded with a broken noiſe,
refembling words half expreffed, and then a broken figh
again. Stepping back, Lord! (thought I to my felf) where
am I got, into what enchanted place have I plunged my-
felf, fuch as are reported to contain miferable captives, till
{
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
73
1
death puts an end to their forrows? And, indeed, in fuch
grea, am, zement was 1, that it truck 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 forward, and by the
light of my firebrand, perceived it o be a monftrous he-goat,
lying on the ground, gafping for life, and dying of mere old
age. At firt 1 ftirred him, thinking to drive nim cut, and
the poor ancient creature trove to get upon his feet, but
was not able; fo I e'en let him lie ftil to affright the fava-
ges. fhould they venture into this cave. I now locked
round me and found the place but fmail and ſhapeless. At
the farther fide of it, I perceived a fort of an entrance, yet
fo low, it must oblige me to creep upon my hands ard
knees to it; fo, having no candle, I fufpended my enter-
prife till the next day, and then I came provided with two
large ones of my own making.
Having crept upon my hands and feet through this ſtrait,
I found the roof higher up, I think about twenty feet. But
furely mortal never faw fuch a glorious fight before! The
roof and walls of this cave reflected a hundred thouſand
lights to me, fr m my two candles, as though they were in-
dented with thining gold, precious ftones, or fparkling
diamonds. And, indeed, it was the most delightful cavity or
grotto of its kind that could be de fired, though entirely
ry. The floor was dry and level, and had a kind of
gravel upon it; no nauſeous venomous creatures to be ſeen
there, neither any damp or wet about it. I could find no
fault but in the entrance, and I began to think that even
this might be very neceflary for my defence, and therefore
refolved to make it my moſt principal magazine. 1 brought
hither two fowling pieces, and three mufkets, leaving only
five pieces at my cattle, planted in the nature of canncn.
Of the barrel of gunpowder which I took up cut 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, 1 removed from my caille to this retreat, now
fortified both by art and nature.
I fancied myfelf now like one of the giants of old, who
were faid to live in caves and holes among the rocks, inac-
ceffible to any but themfelves; or, at leaf, a most danger-.
ous attempt. And now I deſpiled both the cunning and
frength of the favages, either to find me out or to hurt me.
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
But I must not forget the old goat, which caufed my late
dreadful amazement. The poor creature gave up the
ghoft the day after my discovery; and it being difficult to
drag him out, I dug his grave, and honourably entombed
him in the fame place where he departed, with as much
ceremony as any Welch goat that has been interred about
the high mountain Penmanmawr.
I think I now was in the twen y third year of my reign,
and my thoughts much eaſier than formerly, having contri-
ved feveral pret y amufements and diverfions to pafs away
the time in a plealant manner. By this time my pre ty Poll
had learned to fpeak English, and pronounce his words
very articulately ard plain; fo that for many hours we uſed
to chat together after a 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
fome time ago of mere old age. As for my cats, they mul-
tiplied fo fat, that I was forced to kill or drive them into
the woods, except two or three which became my particular
favourites. Befides thefe, I continually kept two or three
houſehold kids about me, which I learned to feed out of my
hand, and two more parrots which could talk indifferently,
and call Robinſon Crufe, but not fo excellently as the first,
as not taking that pains with them. I had alfo feveral fea-
fowls which I had wounded and cut their wings; and
growing tame, they uſed to breed among the low trees
about my calle walls, all which made my abode very
agreeable.
But what unforeseen events fuddenly deftroy the enjoy-
ment of this uncertain ftate of life, when we leaſt expe&t
them! It was now the month of December, in the fouthern
folftice, and particular time of my harvest, which required
my attendance in the fields; when going out pretty early
one morning, before it was day-light, there appeared to me
from the fea-fhore, a flaming light, about two miles from
me at the east 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 ifland.
Struck with a terrible forprife, and my ufual apprehen-
fions, that the favages would perceive my improvements, I
returned directly to my castle, pulled the ladder after me,
making all things look as wild and natural as I poffibly
could. In the next place, I put myself in a pofture of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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+
defence, loaded my mufkets and piftols, and committing
myſelf to God's protection, I refolved to defend myſelf till
my last 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, aſcended
to the top, where, laying myfelf on my belly, with my per-
fpective giafs, I perceived no less than nine naked favages,
fitting round a ſmall fire, eating, as I fuppofed, human fleſh,
with their two canoes hailed on thore, waiting for the flood
to carry them cff again. You cannot eafily exprefs the
confternation I was in at this fight, especially feeing them
near me; but when I perceived their coming muſt be
always with the current of the ebb, I became more eafy in
my thoughts, being fully convinced that I might go abroad
with fecurity all the time of flood, if they were not before
landed. And, indeed, this proved juſt 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 poſtures and gestures, for above an hour,
all ftark-naked: but whether men or women, or both, I
could not perceive. When I faw them gone, I took two
guns upon my shoulders, and placing a couple of pistols in
my belt, with my great fword hanging by my fide, I went
to the hill, where at first I made a diſcovery of theſe can-
nibals, and then faw there had been three canoes more of
the lavages on fhore at that place, which with the reſt were
making over to the main land.
But nothing could be more horrid to me, when going to
the place of facrifice, the blood, the bones, and other mangled
parts of human bodies appeared in my light; and fo fired
was I with indignation, that I was fully reſolved to be re-
venged on the firſt that came there, though I lost my lite
in the execution. It then appeared to me, that the vifits
which they make to this ifland are not very frequent, it be
ing fifteen months before they came again: but fill
I was very unealy, by reaf:n of the dismal apprehenfi: ns
of their furprifing me unawares; nor cared I offer to fire a
gun on that fice of the island where they used to appear,
lett, taking the alarm, the favages might return with many
hundred cances, and then Gcd knows in what manner I
fhould have made my end. Thus was I a year or more be-
fore I faw any of thefe devouring cannibals again.
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
But to wave this, the foliowing accident, which demands
attention, for a while eluded the force of my thoughts in
revenging myself on theſe Heathens.
1
On the 16th of May (according to my wooden calendar)
the wind blew exceedingly hard, accompanied with abun-
dance of lightning and thunder all day, and fucceeded by a
very formy night. The feeming anger of the Heavens
made me have recourfe to my Bible. Whilft I was feri-
ously pondering upon it, I was suddenly alarmed with the
noife of a gun, which I conjectured was fired upon the
ocean. Such an unusual forpr:fe 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 another 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 muſt be a ſhip in dif-
treſs, and that theſe were the melancholy fignals for a
fpeedy deliverance. Great, indeed, was my forrow upon
this occafion; but my labours to affift them must have
proved altogether vain and fruitlefs. 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 fon
as it began to blaze, and after that ſeveral more from the
fame quarter. All night long I kept up my fire: and
when the air cleared up, I perceived fomething a great way
at fea directly E. but could not diftinguish what it was,
even with my glafs, by reaſon the weather was fo very
foggy out at fea. However, keeping my eyes directly fixed
upon it, and perceiving it did not flir, I prefently concluded
it must be a fhip at archor, and fo very hafty I was to be
fatisfied, that taking the gun, I went to the S. E. part of the
ifland, to the fame rocks where I had been formerly drove
away by the current: in which time the weather being
perfectly cleared up, to my great forrow, I perceived the
wreck of a fhip catt away upon thofe hidden rocks I found
when I was out with my beat; and which, by making a
kind of an eddy, were the rccafion of my prefervation.
2
Thus, what is one man's fafety is another's ruis; for un-
doubtedly this fhip had been driven on them in the night,
the wind blowing ftrong at E. N. E. Had they perceived
the iſland, as I now gueffed they had not, certainly, inſtead
of firing their guns for help, they would rather have ven-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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1
fured in their boat, and ſaved themſelves that way. I then.
thought, that perhaps they had done fo, upon feeing my
fire, and were caft away in the attempt; for I perceived
no boat in the ship. But then I again imagined, that, per-
haps, they had another veffel in company, which, upon
fignal, faved their lives, and took the boat up: or that the
boat might be driven into the main ccean, where these poor.
creatures might be in the moſt miferable condition. But
as all theſe conjectures were very uncertain, I could do nơ
more than commiferate their diftrefs, and thank God for
delivering me, in particular, when fo many periſhed 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 at this occafion, often breaking out
in this manner: "O that there had been but two or three,
"nay, even one perſon faved, that we might have lived
"together, converfed with, and comforted one another !"
and fo much were my defires moved, that when I repeated
theſe words, "Oh! that there had been but one!" my
hands would clench together, and my fingers prefs the
palms of my hands fo clofe, that, had any foft thing been.
between, it would have crushed it involuntarily, while my
teeth would ſtrike together, and ſet againſt each other ſo
ftrong, that it required fome time for me to part them.
Till the laſt year of my being on this ifland, I never
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 island which
was next the fhipwreck; there was nothing on him but a
feaman's waiſtcoat, a pair of open-kneed 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 last 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 wreck,
not only to get fomething neceffary out of the fhip, but
perhaps fome living creature might be on board, whofe
life I might preſerve. This had fuch an influence upon
my mind, that immediately I went home, and prepared
every thing neceflary for the voyage, carrying on board
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78
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
my boat provifions of all forts, with a good quantity of rum,
freſh water, and a compafs: fo putting off, I paddled the
canoe along the fhore, till I came at laſt to the north-eaft
part of the iſland, from whence I was to launch into the
ocean; but here the currents ran fo violently, and appeared
fo terrible, that my heart began to fail me; foreſeeing that
if I was driven into any of thefe currents, I might be car-
ried not only out of reach or fight of the island, but even
inevitably loft in the boiling furges of the ocean.
So oppreffed was I at thefe troubles, that I gave over
my enterpriſe, failing to a little creek on the fhore, where
ftepping out, I fet 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 rides or currents lay when the food came in, I
afcended a higher piece of ground, which overlooked the
fea both ways; and here I found that as the current of the
ebb ſet out c'ofe by the fouth point of the island, fo the
current of the flood fet in cloſe by the ſhore 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, inftead of a blanket, the heavens being my
teller, I fet out with the first of the tide full north, till I
felt the benefit of the current, which carried me at a great
rate eastward, yet not with fuch impetuofity as before, as
to take from me all government of my canoe; fo that in
two hours time I came up to the wreck, which appeared
to me a moft melancholy fight. It ſeemed to be a Spanish
veffel by its building, ſtuck fall between two rocks; her
ftern and quarter beaten to pieces by the fea; her main-
maft and foremaft were brought off by the board, that is,
broken off short. As I approached near, 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, almoſt famiſhed with
hunger and thirft; 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
burſt himſelf, had I ſuffered him.
11
The first fight I met with in the fhip, were two men
drowned in the cook-room or forecastle, incloſed in one
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
79:
ļ
another's arms: hence I very probably ſuppoſed, that when
the veſſel ſtruck 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 conflant ruſhing in of
the waves. There were ſeveral cafks of liquor, whether
wine or brandy I could not be positive, which lay in the
lower hold, as were plainly perceptible by the ebbing out
of the water, yet were too large for me to pretend to med-
dle with; likewife I perceived feveral chefts, which I
fuppofed to belong to the feamen, two of which I got into
my boat, without examining what was in them. Had the
ftern of the ſhip beea fixed, and the forepart broken off, I
fhould have made a very profperous voyage; fince, by
what I after found in theſe two chefts, I cou'd not other-
wife conclude, but that the hip muſt have abundance of
wealth on board; nay, if I mut guefs by the courſe the
Neered, the must have been bound from Buenos Ayres,
or the Rio de la Plata, in the fouthern parts of America,
beyond the Brazils, to the Havanab, 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 figni-
fied nothing at that time to any body.
Searching further, I found a cafk, containing about
twenty gallons, full of liquor, which, with ſome labour, I
got into my boat; in her cabin were feveral inufkets, which
I let remain there, but took away with me a great powder-
horn, with about four pounds of powder in it. I took allo
a fire-thovel and tongs, two brafs kettles, a copper pot to
make chocolate, and a gridiron, all which were extremely
neceſſary to me, eſpecially the fire fhovel and tongs. And
fo with this cargo, accompanied with my dog, I came
away, the tide ferving for that purpoſe: and the fame
evening, about an hour within night, I attained the iſland,
after the greatest toil and fatigue imaginable.
That night I repofed my wearied limbs in the boat, re-
folving the next microing to harbour what I had gotten in
my new-found fubterraneous grotto; and not to carry
my cargo home to my ancient castle. Having refreshed
my fel, and got all my effets 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
had at the Brazils, nor indeed near fo good. At the open-
D
80
T
!
'
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ing of the cheft, feveral things appeared very uſeful to me,
for inftance, I found in one a very fine caſe of bottles, con-
taining the fineſt and beſt forts of cordial waters; each
bottle held about three pints, curiously tipt with filver. I
found alfo two pots full of the choiceft fweetmeats, and
two more which the water had utterly fpoiled. There
were likewiſe feveral good fhirts, exceedingly welcome to
me; and about one dozen and a half of white linen handker-
chiefs and coloured neckcloths, the former of which was
abfolutely neceffary for wiping my face in a hot day; and,
in the till, I found three bags of pieces of eight, about eleven
hundred in all, in one of which, decently wrapped up in a
piece of paper, were fix doubloons of gold, and fome ſmall
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 circumstances
which attended it, I found only fome clothes of very little
value, except about two pounds of fine glazed powder, in
three flasks, kept, as I believe, for charging the fowling-
pieces on any occafion; fo that, in the whole, I had no
great advantage by this voyage. The money was indeed
as mere dirt to me, uíelefs and unprofitable, all which I
would have freely parted with for two or three pair of Eng-
lifh fhoes and stockings; things that for many years I had
not worn, except lately thofe which I had taken off the feet
of thoſe unfortunate men I found drowned in the wreck,
yet not fo good as English fhoes, either for eafe or fervice,
I alfo found in the feaman's chest about fifty pieces of eight
in royals, but no gold; fo concluded that what I took
from the firft belonged to an officer, the latter appearing
to have a much inferior perfon for its owner. However,
as deſpicable as the money feemed, I likewife lugged it to
my cave, laying it up fecurely as I did the rest of my
cargo; and after I had done all this, I returned back to
my boat, rowing and paddling her along till I came to my
old harbour, where I carefully laid her up, and ſo made the
best of my way to my cattle. When I arrived there, every
thing feemed fafe and quiet: fo that now my only buſineſs
was to repofe myſelf after my wonted manner, and take
care of my domeftic affairs. But though I might have lived
very eaſy, as wanting nothing abfolutely needful; yet
ftill I was more vigilant than ufural upon account of the fa-
vages, never going much abroad; or, if I did, it was to the
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
81
east part of the island, where I was weil affured the
favages never came, and where I might not be troubled to
carry that heavy load of weapons for my defence, as I was
obliged to do if I went the other way.
Two years did I live in this anxious condition, in all which
time, contrary to my former reſolutions, my head was filled
with nothing but projects and defigns, how I might efcape
from this ifland; and fo much were my wandering thoughts
bent upon a rambling difpofition, that had I had the fame
boat that I went from Salee in, I fhould have ventured
once more to the uncertainty of the raging ocean.
I cannot, however, but confider myfeif as one of the nn-
happy perfons, who make themſelves wretched by their
diffatisfaction with the ftation which God has placed them
in; for, not to take a review of my primitive condition, and
my father's excellent advice, the going contrary to which
was, as I may fay, my original fin, the following miſtakes
of the fame nature certainly had been the means of my pre-
fent unhappy ftation. What buſineſs had I to leave ſet-
tled fortune and well flocked plau:ation, improving and
increafing, where, by this time, I might have been worth
a hundred thousand maidores, to turn fuper-cargo to
Guinea, to fetch Negroes, when time and patience would
fo much enlarge my flock at home, as to be able to employ
thoſe whoſe more immediate bufin:fs was to fetch them
home even to my door.
-
But as this is commonly the fate of young heads, fo a fe-
rious reflection upon the folly of it ordinarily attends the
exercife of future years, when the dear bought experience
of time teaches us repentance. Thus was it with me; bat,
notwithstanding, the thoughts of my deliverance ran fo
ftrongly in my mind, that it feemed to check all the dictates
of reafon and philofophy. And now to usher in my kind
reader with greater pleaſure to the remaining part of my
relation, I flatter myfelf it will not be takes amifs, to give
him an account of my first conceptions of the manner of
efcaping, and upon what foundation I laid my footith
fchemes.
Having retired to my caftle, after my late voyage to the
fhip, my frigate laid up and fecured, as uſual, and my con-
dition the lame as before, except being rich-r, though I had
as little occafion. for riches as the Indians of Peru had for
gold before the cruel Spaniards came among them; one
D 5
$2
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
night in March, being the rainy feafon, in the four and
twentieth year of my folitude, I lay down to fleep, very
well in health, without diftemper, pain, or uncommon un-
eafinefs either of body or mind; yet, notwithstanding, I
could not compofe myself to sleep all the night long. All
this tedious while, it is impoffible to expreſs what innumer-
able thoughts came into my head. I traced quite over the
whole hiftory of my life in miniature, from my utmoſt re-
membrance of things till I came to this ifland, and then
proceeded to examine every action and paffage that had
occurred 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 discovered a
print of a foot in the fand; that while I continued without
apprehenfions I was incapable of feeling the dread and ter-
ror I now fuffered. How thankful rather ought 1 to
have been for the knowledge of my danger, fince the
greatest happineſs one can be poffeffed of is to have fuffi-
cient time to provide against it? How ftupendous is the
goodness of Providence, which fets fuch narrow bounds to
the fight and knowledge of human nature, that while men
walk in the midft of fo many dangers, they are kept ferene
and calm, by having the events of things hid from their eyes,
and knowing nothing of thofe many dangers that furrcund
them, till perhaps they are diffipated and vanifh away.
When I came more particularly to confider of the real
danger I had for fo many years efcaped; how I had walked
about in the greatest fecurity and tranquillity, at a time,
perhaps, when even nothing but the brow of a hill, a great
tree, or the common approach of night, had interpofed be-
tween me and the deſtructive hands of the cannibals, who
would devour me with as good an appetite, as I would a
pigeon or curlew; forely all this, I fay, could not but
make me fincerely thankful to my great Preſerver, whoſe
fingular protection I acknowledge with the greatest humi-
lity, and without which I muit inevitably have fallen into
the cruel hands cf thofe devourers.
1
Having thus difcuffed my thoughts in the clearefi manner,
according to my we k underflanding, I next proceeded to
confider the wretch'd nature of thofe deftroying favages,
by feeming, though with great reverence, to inquire, why
God ſhould give up any of his creatures to fuch inhumanity,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE,
83
even to brutality itſelf, to devour its own kind? but as this
was rather matter of abftrufe fpeculation, and as my mifer-
&
able fituation made me think this of mine the moſt uncom-
fortable fituation in the world, I then began rather to inquire
what part of the world thefe wre ches lived in; how far off
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
fo, that I might be as-able to attain their country, as they
were to come to my kingdom?
But then, thought I, how- fhall Fmanage myfelf when I
come hither? what will become of me if I fall into the
hands of the favages? or how fhall I efcape from them, if
they make an attempt upon me? and fuppofing I ſhould not
falt into their power, what fhall I do fer provifions, or which
way fhall I bend my courfe? Thefe counter-though's threw-
me into the greatest horror and confuſion imaginable; but
then I ftill looked upon my prefent condition to be the most-
miſerable that poſſible could be; and that ne thing could be-
worle, except death. For (thought I) could I but attain
the fhore of the main, I might perhaps meet with ſome re-
Itef, 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 fome relief, cr fall in with fome Chriftian
ſhip that might take me in ; and if I failed, why then I could
but meet with death, which would put an end to all my mife-
Theſe thoughts, I muft confefs, were the fruit of a
diſtempered mind, an impatient temper, made defperate, as it
were, by long continuance of the troubles and disappoint-
ments I bad met with in the wreck, where I hoped to have
found fome living perfons to ſpeak to, by whom I might
have known in what place I was, and of the probable means
of my deliverance Thus, while my thoughts were agitated,
my refignation to the will of Heaven were entirely fufpend-
ed, ſo that I had to power to fix my mind to any thing, but
to the project of a voyage to the main land. And, indeed,
ío much was I inflamed upon this account, that it fet my
blood in o a ferment, and my pufe beat high, as though I
had been in a fever; till nature being, as it were, fatigued
and exhauſted with the thoughts of it, made me fubmit my-
felf to a filent repofe:
ries.
+
In fuch a fituation, it is very firange, that I did not:
dream of what I was fo intent upon; but, instead of it, my.
+
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1
84
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
mind roved on a quite different thing, altogether foreign.
I dreamed, that as I was iffuing from my cafle one morn-
ing, as cuſtomary, when 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 just 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 before
me, feemed to pray for my affiftance; upon which I
fhowed 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 myfelf, now furely I may have
Tome 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 eſcape. But when I awaked, and found all
theſe inexpreffible impreffions of joy entirely vanished, I
fell into the greateft dejection of spirit imaginable.
Yet this dream brought me to reflect, that one fure way
of eſcaping was to get a favage; that after I had ventured
my life to deliver him from the bloody jaws of his devourers,
the natural fenſe he might have of fuch a prelervation,
might infpire him with a lafting gratitude and molt fincere
affection. But then this objection reafonably interpofed:
how can I effect this, thought I, without I attack a whole
company of them, and kill them all? why thould I proceed
on fuch a deſperate attempt, which my fcruples before had
fuggeſted to be unlawful? and indeed my heart trembled
at the though's of ſo much blood, though it were a means
to procure my deliverance. 'Tis true, I might reafona ›ly
enough ſuppoſe theſe men to be real enemies to my lite,
men who would devour me, was it in their power; ſo that
it was felf-prefervation in the highest degree to free myself,
by attacking them in my own defence, as lawfully as if
they were actually affaulting me; though all thefe things,
I fay, feemed to me to be of the greatest weight, yet, as I
juft faid before, the dreadful thoughts of thedding human
blood, ftruck fuch a terror to my foul, that it was a long
time before I could reconcile myſelf to it.
But how far will the ardency of defire prompt us on? For
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
85
notwithstanding the many difputes and perplexities I had
with myſelf, I at length reſolved, right or wrong, to get one
of thefe favages into my hands, colt what it would, or even
though I should lefe my life in the attempt. Infpired with
this firm reſolution, I fet all my wits at work, to find out
what methods I fhould take to answer my defign: this, in-
deed, was fo difficult a task, that I could not pitch upon any
probable means to execute it: I therefore reſolved conti-
nually to be in a vigilant pofture, to perceive when the fa-
vages came on ſhore, and to leave the rest to the event, let
the opportunities offer as they would.
Such was my fixed refolutions; and accordingly I fet
myfelf upon the ſcout, as often as I could, till fuch times as I
was heartily tired of it. I waited for above a year and a
half, the greatest part of which I went out to the weſt and
fouth-west corner of the itland, almost every day, to look
for canoes, but none appeared. This was a very great dif
couragement; yet though I was very much concerned, the
edge of my defign was as keen as ever, and the longer it
feemed 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, wo,
or three favages, if I had them, fo as to make them my en-
tire flaves, to do whatfoever I fhould direct them, and pre-
vent their being able at any time to do ne a miſchief. Many
times did I ufe to pleaſe myſelf with thefe thoughts, with
long and ardent expectations; but nothing prefenting, all
my deep projected ſchemes and numerous fancies vanithed
away, as though while I retained fuch thoughts, the decrees of
Providence were fuch that no favages were to come near me.
About a year and a half after, when I was ſeriouſl: ma-
fing of fundry other ways how I ſhould attain my ead, one
morning early, I was very much furprifed by feting a lefs
than five canoes all on fhore together, on my fide the island,
and the favages 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 wou d
contain fix, and fometimes more, I could not tell what to
think of it, or how to order my meaſures, attack tenty
or thirty men fingle-handed; upon which, much difpirited
and perplexed, I lay ftill 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
3
:
1
86
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
upon an engagement, ſhould they attempt. Having waited
for fome time, my impatient temper would let me bear it no
Jonger; I fet my guns at the foot of my ladder, and, as
ufual, afcended up to the top of the hill at two stages, ftand,
ing, however, in fuch a manner, that my head did not ap-
pear above the hill, fo that they could not easily perceive
me; and here, by the affiftance of my perſpective glaſs, I
obſerved no less than thirty in number around a fire, feafling
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 geflures.
But while, with a curious eye, I was beholding thefe:
wretches, my fpirits 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
grourd, knocked down, as I fuppofe, with a club or wooden
{word, for that was their manner; while two or three others-
went immediately to work, cutting him open for their cook--
ery, and then fell to devour him as they had done the for-
mer, while the laft unhappy captive was left by himſelf,
till fuch time as they were ready for him. The poor crea-
ture looked round him with a wishful eye, trembling at the
thoughts of death; yet, ſeeing himſelf a little at liberty, na-
ture, that very moment, as it were, infpired him with hopes
of life: He ſtarted away from them, and ran, with incre-
dible wifinefs, along the fands, directly to that part of the
coaft where my ancient and venerable cattle flood.
-
Cla
J
·
You may well imagine I was dreadfully affrighted upon
this occafion, when, as I thought, they purſued him in a
whole body, all running towards my palace. And now,.
indeed, I expected that part of my dream was going to
be fulfilled, and that he would certai ly f to my grove
for protection; but, for the rest of my dream, I could de-
pend nothing on it, that the favages would purfus him
thither, and find him there. However, my fpuits.begin.
ning to recover, I fill kept upon my guard; and I now
plainly perceived there were but three men out of the num
ber that pursued him. I was infini ely pleafed with what
fwiftnefs the poor creature ran from his purfuers, gaining fo
much ground upon them, that I plainly perceived could he
thus hold cut for half an hour, there was not the least doubs
but he would fave his life from the power of his enemies.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
87
Between them and my caftle there was a creek, that
very fame which I failed into with all my effects 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 efcape: 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 ftrokes, and then landing, ran with the
fame incredible ftrength and fwiftness 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 equal courage, but
much leſs ſwiftnefs, attained the other fide, as though they
were refolved never to give over the purfuit. And now
or never I thought was the time for me to procure me a
fervant, companion, or aſſiſtant; and that I was decreed
by Providence to be the inftrument to fave this poor crea-
ture's life. I immediately defcended my two ladders with
the greatest expedition; I took up my two guns, which, as I
faid before, were at the bottom of them, and getting up
again with the fame hatte 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; hallooing
aloud to the latter, who, venturing to look back, was, no
doubt, as much terrified at me as I at them. I beckoned
to him with my hand, to return back; in the mean time
advancing towards the purfuers, and rushing on the fore-
moft, I knocked him down with the ſtock of my piece,
and laid him flat on the ground. I was very unwilling to
fire, leaſt the reft fhould hear, though, at a distance, I quef-
tioned whether they could or no; and being out of fight of
the ſmoke, they could not eaſily have known what to make
of it. The other favage feeing his fellow fall, ſtopped as
if he had been amazed; when, alvancing 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, with-
out difpute, might have lodged the arrow in my breaſt
but, in this abfolutely neceflary cale of felf-prefervation, I
immedia ely fired at him, and fhot him dead, juſt as his
band was going to draw the fatal fring. All this while,
the favage who had fled before, Itood still, and had the fa-
tisfaction to fee his enemies killed, as he thought, who de-
;
88
LIEE AND ADVENTURES
?
figned to take away his life; fo affrighted was he with the
fire and noiſe of my piece, that he ftood, as it were, like
Lot's wife, fixed and immovable, without either ſenſe or
motion. This obliged me to halloo to him again, making
the plaineft figns I could to him to draw nearer.
I per-
ceived he understood thoſe 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 fame
fate. Upon which I looked upon him with a ſmiling
countenance, and ſtill beckoning to him, at length he
came cloſe to me, and kneeled down, kiffing the ground,
laid his head upon it, and taking me by the foot, fet it
upon his head; and this, as I understood afterwards, was
a token of fwearing to be my flave for ever. I took him
up, and, making much of him, encouraged him in the beſt
manner I could. But my work was not yet finiſhed;
for I perceived the favage whom I had 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
fhowed him that his enemy was not yet expired; he ſpoke
fome words to me, but which I could not understand; yet
being the first found of a man's voice I had heard for above
twenty-five years, they were very pleaſing to me. But
there was no time for reflection now, the wounded favage
recovering himſelf ſo 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 ther gun at the man, with
an intent to fhoot him; but my favage, for fo I mult now
call him, prevented my firing, by making a motion to me
to lend him my iword, which bung naked in my belt by my
fide. No fooner did I grant his requeſt, but away he runs
to his enemy, and at one blow cut off his head as dexterouſly
as the moſt accompliſhed executioner in Germany could have
done; for, it feems, thefe creatures make uſe of wooden
fwords made of hard wood, which will bear edge enough to
cut off heads and arms at one blow. When this valerous
exploit was done, he comes to me laughing, as a token of
triumph, delivered me my fword again, with abundance of
furprising geftures, laying it along with the bleeding and
ghaftly head of the Indian, at my feet.
¦
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
89
અમર
1
4
The greatest aftonishment that my new fervant conceived,
was the manner of killing the favage at fuch a distance,
without a bow and arrow; and fuch was his longing defire
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 I bade him go, and, as well as I could, made
him fenfible I granted his requeft. But when he came
there, how wonderfully was he truck with amazement!
Firſt he turned him on one fide, then on another, wonder-
ing he could perceive no quantity of blood, he bleeding
inwardly; and after fufficiently admiring the wound the
bullets had made in his breaſt, he took up his bow and ar-
rows, and came back again: upon which I turned to go
away, making my figns to him to follow, left the reft mif-
fing their companions, might come in purfuit of them, and
this I found he understood very well; by his making me
underſtand that his defign was to bury them, that they might
not be ſeen if it happened, and which by figns again I
made him fenfible 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 ſcraped a large hole in the fand with his hands, fufficient
to bury the first in; there he dragged him, and without any
ceremony he covered him over; in like manner he ferved
the other; fo that I am fure no undertaker could be more
expert in his bufinefs; for all this was done in efs 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 island; 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 thirfty, undoubtedly muft
this poor creature be, fupported chiefly by the vivacity of
fpirit, and uncommon tranfports of joy that his deliverance
occafioned. Here I gave him bread and a bunch of raifins
to eat, and water to drink, on which he fed very cheerfully,
to his exceeding refreshment. I then made him a conveni-
ent bed with a parcel of rice ſtraw, and a blanket upon it,
(a bed which I uſed myſelf 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 repofe.
Indeed he was a very comely, handfome young fellow, ex-
tremely well-made, with ſtraight long limbs, not too large,
3
00
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
{
but tall and well-shaped, and, as near as I could reckon,
about twenty-fix years of age. His countenance had no-
thing in it fierce or furly, but rather a fort of majesty in his
face; and yet, especially when he fmiled, he had all the
fweetness and foftne's 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 houlders. He had a very high and large forehead,
with a great vivacity and fparkling ſharpneſs in his eyes.
His fkin was not fo tawny as the Virginian Brazilians, or
other Americans, but rather of a bright uun olive colɔur,
that had ſomething agreeable in it, though not very easy to
give a deſcription 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, fuch bandſome
features, and exact fymmetry in every part, made me con-
fider, that I had faved the life of an Indian price, no leſs
graceful and accomplished than the great Oroonoko, whole
memorable behaviour, and unhappy contingences of life,
have charmed the world, both to admiration of his perſon,
and compaffion to his ſufferings.
But let him be either prince or peafant, all my happineſs
centered in this, that I had now got a good fervant or com-
panion, to whom, as he deſerved, I was refolved to prove a
kind maſter, and a laſting friend. He had not, I think, flept
above an hour, when he awaked again, and while I was
milking my goats hard by, out he runs from the cave towards
me in my incloſure, and laying himflf down on the
ground, in the lowest proftration, made all the antic geltures
imaginable, to exprefs his thankfulness to me, for being his
deliverer. I confefs, though the manner of his behaviour
feemed to be ludicrous enough to occaſion 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: efpecially as I was incapable
either to let him blood, or adminifter phylic.
It were
to be wished that Chriftians would take example by this
Heathen, to have a laſting remembrance of the benefits and
deliverances they have received, by the kind mediation
and powerful interpofition of their benefactors and deliver-
ers: and it would be likewiſe happy for mankind, were
there no occaſion to blame many, who, inſtead of thankfully
ING
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
91
1
acknowledging favours and benefits, rather abuſe and con-
demn thofe who have been the inftruments to fave them
from deſtruction.
But leaving thefe reflections, I returned to the object
that occaſioned them; for my man, to conclude the lat
ceremony of obedience, laid down his head again on the
ground, clofe to my foot, and fet my other foot upon his
bead, as he had done before, making all the figns of fubjec-
tion, fervitude, and fubmiffion imaginable, and let me un-
derſtand 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 to talk to me again. In the
firit place I made him underſtand his name was to be Fri-
day, becauſe it was upon that day I faved his life; then I
taught him to fay Matter, which I made him fenfible was
to be my name. I likewife taught him to fay Yes and No,
and to know what they meant. I gave him fome 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 cauled him to foak it likewife, to which he readily con-
fented, making figns of the greateſt fatisfaction imaginable.
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, without the leaſt covering whatever.-
As we paffed by the place where the two men had been
interred, my man pointed directly to their graves, ſhowing
me the marks that he had made to find them again, giving
me to underſtand, by figns, that we ſhould dig them up,
and devour them. At this I appeared extremely difpleaſed,
expreffed my utmoſt abhorrence, as if I would vomit at the
apprehenfion of it, becko›ing with my hand to come away,
which he did with the greatest reverence and fubmiffion.
After this I conducted him to the top of the hill, to view if
the rest of the favages were yet remaining there; but when
I looked through my perspective glafs, I could fee no ap-
pearance of them, nor of their canoes; fo that it was very
evident they never minded their deceafed companions whom
we had flain; which if they had, they would furely have
fearched for, or left one boat behind for them to follow,
after they returned from their purfuit.
}
92
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Curiofity, and a defire of fatisfaction, animating me with
courage to fee this ſcene of barbarity, I took my man Fri-
day with me, putting a fword into his hand, with the bow
and arrows at his back, which I perceived he could ufe
very dextrouſly, caufing him to carry one gun for me, and
I two for myfelf; and thus equipped against all attacks,
away we marched directly to the place of their bloody en-
tertainment. 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 theſe devourers. Here lay feveral human bones, there
feveral pieces of mangled flesh, half eaten, mangled and
fcorched; whilft ftreams of blood ran promifcuously as
waters from a fountain. As I was muſing on this dreadful
fight, Friday took all the pains he could, by particular
figns, to make me understand, that they had brought over
four priſoners to feaft upon, three of whom they had eaten
up, and that he was the fourth, pointing to himſelf; that
there having been a bloody battle between them and his
great king, in the juft defence of whom he was taken pri-
foner, with many others, all of thefe were carried off to
different places to be devoured by their conquerors; and
that it was his misfortune to be brought thither by theſe
wretches for the fame purpoſe.
After I was made fenfible of theſe things, I caufed Fri-
day to gather thofe horrid remains, and lay them together.
upon a heap, which I ordered to be fet on fire, and burn
them to aſhes; My man, however, ftill retained the nature
of a cannibal, having a hankering ftomach after fome of the
flesh; but fuch an extreme abhorrence did I exprefs at the
leaft appearance of it, that he durft not but conceal it; for
I made him very ſenſible, that if he offered any fuch thing,
I would certainly fhoot him.
This being done, I carried my man with me to my caſtle,
and gave him a pair of linen drawers, which I had taken
out of the poor gunner's chelt before mentioned, and
which, with a little alteration, fitted him very well: in the
next place I made him a jerkin of goat's fkin, ſuch as my
fkill was able to manage, and indeed I thought myſelf then
a tolerable good tailor. I gave him alfo a cap which I
made of a hare's ſkin, very convenient and faſhionable.-
Thus being clothed tolerably well, my man was no leſs
proud of his-habit, than I was at ſeeing him in it. Indeed he
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
93
!
went very awkwardly at first, the drawers being too heavy
on his thighs, not uſed to bear any weight, and the reves
of the waincoat galled his fhoulders and the intde of his
arms; but by a little cafing where he complained they hurt
him, and by uſing himſelf to them, at length he took to
them very well.
My next concern was, where I should lodge him; and
that I might do weil by him, and ye: be perfectly eafy my-
felf, I erected a tent for him in the vacant pace between
my two fortifications, in the infide of the laft, and the out-
fide of the first; and, as there was an entrance or door in-
to 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, ta-
king in my ladders too, fo that, was my man to prove treach-
erous, there could be no way to come at me in the inſide
of my innermeft wall, without making fo much noife in
getting over, that it muſt needs waken me; for my first
wall had now a complete roof over it of long poles, fpread-
ing over my tent, and leading up to the fide of the moun-
tain, which was again laid croſs with ſmaller ſticks inſtead
of laths, and thatched over a great thickneſs with the rice
ftraw, which was as ftrong as reeds: and at the hole of the
place, left on purpofe to go in and out by the ladder, had
placed a kind of trap-door, which, if it had been attempted
on the outſide, would not have opened at all, but have
fallen down, and made a great noife: and as to my wea-
pons, every night I took them all to my bedfide.
But there was no occaſion for this precaution; for ſurely
never maßer had a more fincere, faithful, and loving fer-
vant than Friday proved to me. Without paffion, fullen-
nefs, or defign, perfectly obliging and engaging, his affec-
tions were as much tied to me, as thofe of a child to its
parents; and I might venture to fay, he would have facri-
ficed his life for the faving mine, upon any occafion what-
foever. And, indeed, the many teftimonies he gave me of
this, fufficiently convinced me that 1 had no occafion to uſe
theſe precautions. And here I could not but reflect with
great wonder, that, however it hath pleaſed the Almighty
in his providence, and in the government of the creation,
to take from fo great a part of the world of his creatures,
the nobleſt uſes to which their facuities, and the powers of
their fouls are acapted; yet that he has bettowed upon
1
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
94
them the fame reafon, affections, fentiments of kindneſs
and obligation, paffi ns of refentmert, fincerity, fidelity,
and all the capacities of doing and receiving good that he
has given us; and that when he is graciouſly pleaſed to
offer them occafions of exerting thefe, they are as ready,
nay, more ready, to apply them to the proper uſes for
which they were beftewed, than we often are. Theſe
thoughts would make me melancholy, efpecially when I
corfidered how mean a ufe we make of all thefe, even
though we have the fe powers enlightened by the Holy
Spirit of God, and by the knowledge of this world, as an
addition to our understanding; and why it has pleafed the
heavenly wisdom to conceal the like faving knowledge
from fo many millions of fouls, who would certainly make
a much better uſe of it than generally mankind do at this
time. Theſe reflections would fometimes lead me fo far
as to inveigh the fovereignty of Providence, and, as it were,
arraign the juftice of fuch an arbitrary difpefition of things,
that should obfcure that light from fome, and reveal it to
But I closed
others, and yet expect a like duty from all.
it up, checking my thoughts with this conclufion; first,
That we were ignorant of that right and law by which
thofe ſhould be condemned; but as the Almighty was ne-
ceffarily, and by the nature of his effence, infinitely juſt
and holy; fo it could not be otherwife, but that if theſe
creatures were all defined to abfence from himſelf, it was
on account of finning against that light, which, as the
Scripture fays, was a law to themſelves, and by fuch a rule
as their confciences would acknowledge to be juft, though
the first foundation was not difcovered to us. And, fe-
condly, That fill as we were the clay in the hand of the
potter, no veffel could thus fay to him, "Why haft thou
"fafhiored me after this manner.
I had not been above two or three days returned to my
caftle, but my chief deſign was, how I fhould bring Friday
off from this horrid way of feeding; and to take from him
that inhuman relish he by nature had been accuſtomed to,
I thought it my duty to let him tafle other flesh, which
might the rather tempt him to the fame abhorrence I fo
often expreffed against their accurled way of living. Upon
which, one morning I took him out with me, with an in-
tention 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
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
95
down in the fhade, and two young kids fitting by her.-
Immediately I catched hold of my man Friday, and bidding
him ſtand ſtill, and not ftir, I prefented my piece, and ſhot
one of the kids. My poor fervant, who at a diſtance per-
ceived me kill his adverſary, ard yet did not know by what
means, or how it was done, flood trembling and ſurpriſed,
and looked fo amazed, that I thought he would have funk
into the earth He did not fee the kid I aimed at, or be-
held I had killed it, but ripped up his waistcoat to fee if he
was not wourded, thinking my refolution was to kill him;
for coming to me, he fell on his knees, earnestly prenoua-
cing many things which I did not underſtand the meaning
of; which at length I perceived was, that I would not
take away his life.
Indeed I was much concerned to fee him in that con-
dition, where nature is upon the fevereſt trial, when the
immediate hand of death is ready to put for ever a period
to this morta! life; and, indeed, fo much compaffion had I
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 laughing 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 killed, than
he had been before in beholding the Indian; which, while
he was admiring at, I charged my gun again, and prefently
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, I called him to me again, pointing at the
fowl, which I found to be a parrot. I made him under-
ftand that I would fhoot and kill that bird; accordingly I
fired, and bade him look, when immediately he ſaw the
parrot fall down. Again he stood like one amazed, not-
withstanding all I had laid to him: and the more confound-
ed he was, becauſe he did not perceive me put any thing
into my gun. Uudoubtedly a thing fo utterly frange,
carrying death along with it, far or near, either to man or
beast, mult certainly create the greatest aftoniſhment to one
who never had heard fuch a thing in his whole life; and
really his amazciment continued fo long, that had I allowed
it he would have proftrated himself before me and my gun,
with the greateſt worſhip and adoration. As for the gun
:
96
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
in particular, he wru'd not fo much as touch it for feveral
days after, but would come and communicate his thoughts
to it, and talk to it, as if the fenfelefs piece had understood
and answered him; all this I could peiceive 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.
I never ftrove to prevent his admiration, nor hinder him
from thoſe comical geftures he used on fuch occafions; but
when his aftonishment was a little over, I made tokens to
him to run and fetch the parrot that I had ſhot; which
accordingly he did, ftaying fometime longer than ufual, by
reaſon the bird not being quite dead, had fluttered fome
way further from the place where he fell. In the mean
time, while he was locking for her, I took the advantage of
charging my gun again, fo that 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 evening
took off the fkin and divided the carcafe as well as I could.
Part of the flesh 1 ftewed and boiled in a pot I had for this
purpofe. And then ſpreading my table, I fat down, giv-
ing my man fome of it to eat, who was wonderfully pleaſed,
and ſeemed 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 feemed to
naufeale in fuch a ranner, as to fpit and splutter at it,
and then washed his mouth with fresh water: but to fhow
him how contrary his opinion was to mire, I put fome
meat into my mouth without falt, and feigned to ſpit and
fplutter as much for the want of it, as he had done at it;
yet all this proved of no fignification to Friday; and it was
a long while before he could endure falt in his meat or bro.h,
and even then but a small quantity.
Thus having fed him fufficiently with boiled meat and
broth at that time, the next day I was refolved to feafl him
with a roafled piece of the kid. And having no fpt to
faflen it, nor jack to turn it, I made ufe of that commen
artifice which many of the common people of England have,
that is, to fet two poles upon each ſide of the fire, and
one croſs on the top, hanging the meat thereon with a
ftring, and fo turning round continually, roaft it, in the
fame manner as we read bloody tyran s of cld crually roafl-
VA
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE
97
ed the holy martyrs. This practice cauſed great admira-
tion in my man Friday being quite another way than that
to which the favages were accuitomed. But when he came
to taste the Tweetness and tenderneſs of the flesh, he ex-
preffed his entire fatisfaction above a thouſand different
ways. And as I could not but underſtand his meaning, you
may be fure I was as worde fully pleafed, eſpecially when
he made it alſo very plain to me, that he would never,
while he lived, eat man's flesh more.
It was now high time I ſhould fet my fervant to work
fo next day I fet him to beat out fome corn, and fift it in
the fame manner as I had done before. And really the fel-
low was very quick and handy in the execution of any thing
I ordered him to go abɛut. I made him underſtand that it
was to make bread for us to eat, and afterwards let him ſee
me make it In short, he did every thing as I ordered him,
and in a little time as well as I could perform it myſelf.
But new confi, ering that I had two mouths to feed in-
ſtead of one, it was neceflary that I muft provide more
ground for my harvelt, and plant a larger quantity of corn
than I comm nly uled tɔ dʊ; upon which I marked out a
larger piece of land, fercing it in, in the fame manner as
1 bad done before; in the execution of which I muſt give
Friday this good word, that no man could work more hardy,
r with better will than he did; and when I made him fer-
fible that it was for bread to ferve him as well as me, he
hen very paffionately made me understand, that he thought
+
I had much m re labour on his account, than I had for my-
elf; and that no pains or diligence fhould be wanting in
him, if I would but direct him in thoſe works wherein he
night proceed.
I must certainly own, that this was the moſt pleaſant year
I ever had in the island; for after tometime, Friday began
Ο talk pre.ty well, and understood the names of thofe things
which I was wont to call for, and the places where I uſed
o fend him. So that my long filent tongue, which had been
felefs to many years, except in an exclamatory manner,
either for deliverance or bleffings, now began to be occu-
Died in tracing, and talking to my man Friday; for indeed
I had fuch a fingular fatisfaction in the fellow himself, fo
nnocent did his limple and unfeigned honesty appear more
and more to me every day, that I really began entirely to
ove him; and for his part, I believe there was no love loft,
E
k
}
·OS!
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
犟
​and that his nature had been more charmed by his exceed-
ing kindness, and his affections more placed upon me, thận,
any other object, whatſoever among his own countrymen.
I once had a great mind to try if he had any hankering in-.
clination to his own country again; and by this time having
learned the English fo well, that he could give me tolerable:
apfwers to any question, which I demanded; I aſked him
whether that nation, to which he belonged, ever conquered
in battle? The queftion 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 better in fight. Upon
which we proceeded on the following difcourfe: You fay,
faid I, that you always fight the better; why, then, Friday,
how came you to be taken prifoner ?
C
Friday. But for all that, my nation. beat much.
ז
Mafer. How fay you, beat? if your nation beat them,
how came you to be taken, prifoner?
Friday. They more, many mans than my nation in the
place where me was; they take one, two, three, and me:
my, nation much over beat them in the ynder place where
me no, was, there my nations man beat one, two, three great
toufand.
h
Mafter. Then why did not your nation recover you, from
the hands of your enemies?
Friday, They run one, two, or three, and me: they make
all go in the cance; my nation have no canoe that time.
Mafter. '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 natio eats mans too, eat up all.
Mafler. To what place do they carry them to be devoured ?
Friday. Go to other nations where they think.
Mafler. Do they bring them hither?
Friday. Yes, come over hither, come over other place.
Mafter. And have you been with them here, Friday?
Friday. Yes, me been here (pointing to the north-west of
the fland, being the fide, where they used to land).
A
F
Thus having goties what account I could from my man,
I plainly underilood, that he had been as bad as any of the..
relt of the cannibals, having been formerly among the fa-
vages, who used to come on fhore on the farthest part of the
inland, upon the fame bloody occafion as he was brought
hither for; and fome time after I carried him to that place
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
99
+
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 ate up twenty men, two women, and
a young child but as he could not explain the number in
English, he did it by fo many flones in a row, making a
fign for me to count them.
This paffage I had the rather mentioned, becauſe it led
to things more important and uſeful for me to know; for
after I had the fatisfactory difcourfe with him, my next
queftion was, how far it was from the ifland to the fhore,
and whether the canors were not often loft in the ocean?
to which he anſwered there was no danger; that no canoes
were ever lit; but, that after a little way out to the fea,
there was a strong current, and a wind always one way in
the afte noon. This I thought at firſt to be no more than
the ſets of the tide, of going cut or coming in; but 1 after-
wards underfood it was occafioned by the great draught
and reflux of the mighty river Oroonoko, in the mouth or
gulf of which I imagined my kingdom lay; and that the
land which I perceived to the W. or N. W. muſt be the
great ifland Trinidad, on the north of the river. A thru-
fand questions (if that wou'd fatisfy me) did I aſk Friday,
about the nature of the country, the fea, the coafis, the in-
habitants, and what nations were neareſt them; to which
queftions the poor fellow declared all he knew, with the
grealell opennefs, and utmoll fincerity. When I demand-
ed of him the particular names of the various nations of his
fort of people, he could only arfwer me in general, that
they were called Caribbe Hence it was I confidered that'
theſe muſt be the Caribbees, ſo much taken notice of by.
our maps, to be rn that part of America, which reaches
from the mouth of the river Orooncko to Guiana, and fo
I
on to St. Martha. Then Friday proceeded to tell me, that
up a great way beyond the noon, as much as to lay, bes
yond the letting of the moon, which must be W. from their
c. untry, there dwelt white-bearded men, fuch as I was,
pointing to my whitke.s, and that they kill much mans.
was not ignorant with what barbarit; the Spaniards treated-
thefe creatures; fo that I prefently concluded it muſt be
them, whoſe cruelties had fpread throughout America, to
be remembered even to fucceeding generations.
Well, you may be fure, this knowledge, which the im-
perfect knowledge of my man had led me to, was very
E 2.
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
""
comfortable to me, and made me fo curious as to ask him
how I might depart from this ifland, and get amongſt thoſe
white men? He told me, "Yes, yes, I might go in two
canoes. In two canoes, thought I, what does my man
mean? furely he means one for himself, and another for me;
and if not, how muft two canoes ho'd me without being
joined, or one part of my body being put in one, and ano-
ther in another? And indeed it was a long time before I
understood his meaning, which was, that it muſt be a large
boat as big as to canoes, able to bear with the waves, and
not fo liable to be overwhelmed as a ſmall one must be.
I believe there is no ſtate of life but what may be happy,
if people would but endeavour for their part 'o make it to.
He is not the happiest man that has the moſt riches; but he
that is content with what he has. Before I had my fer-
vart, I thought myself miferable till I had him; and now that
I had enjoyed the happy benefits of him, I ftill complained,
and b-gged a deliverance from a place of retirement, eafe,
and plenty, where Providence had fufficiently bleſſed me.
In a word, from this time I erte:tained fume hopes, that
one time or other I might find an opportunity to make my
eſcape from this ifland, and that this poor favage might be
a great furtherance thereto.
All the time fince my man became fo intelligent as to un-
derſtand and fpeak to me, I fpared no pains nor diligence
to inftruct him, according to my poor fhare of knowledge,
in the principles of religior, and the adoration that he ought
to pay to the true God. One time, as I very well remem-
ber, I asked him who made him? At fit the innocent
creaturé did not understand what I meant, but rather thought
I aſked him who was his father? Upon which I took ano-
ther way to make him fenfible, by demarding from him an
answer to this question. Friday, faid I, who is it that made
the fea, this ground whereon we walk, and all theſe hills
and woods which we behold? and hers, indeed, I did not
mifs my intention; for he told me it was Old Benamuckee
(the God whom I ſuppoſe theſe favages adored) who lived
a great way beyond ail. But as to his attributes, poor Fri-
day was an utter ftranger. He could defcribe nothing of
this great perfon; 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 per-
fon has made all things in the world, how comes it to pafs,
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
that all things, as you in particular, do not adore and wor-
thip him Upon this, looking very gave, with a perfec
fweet lo k of innocence, be replied, Mafter, all things lay
O to him," by which it may be reafonably fuppofed he
meant adoration. And where, faid I, do the people of your
country go when they die? He answered to Benamuckee.
What, and thofe people that are eaten up, do they go there?
"Benamuckee," faid be, "love 'em dearly; me pray to
Benamuckee in de canoe, and Benamuckce would love me
"when they eat me all up.
"9
Such difcourfes as thefe had I with my man, and fuch
made me fenfible, that the true God is worshiped, though
under imperfect fimilitudes; and that the talfe adoration
which the Heathens give to their imaginary Deity, is as great
an argument of the divine effence, as the moft learned
Atheiſts (falfely fo called) can bring against it; for God
will be glorifi.d in his works, let their 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 wifdom
of the Almighty has not permitted it to be preached; and
therefore cannot but conclude, that, fince obedience is the
beſt facrifice, thele poor creatures, acting by that light and
knowledge which they are poffeffed of, may, undoubtedly,
obtain a happy falvation, though not that enjoyment with
Christ, as his fai ts, confeffors, and martyrs muſt enjoy.
But laying thefe determinations afide, more fit for divines
than me to diſcuſs, I began to inftruct my fervant in the
faving knowledge of the true Deity, in which the directions
of God's Holy Spirit affifted 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 i. finite
power faſhioned this world out of a confuſed 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 providence; that he was
omnipotent, could do every thing for us, give every thing to
as, and take every thing away from us; that he was a re-
warder and punisher of good and evil actions; that there was
nothing but what he knew, no thoughts lo fecret but what he
could bring to light and thus by degrees I opened his eyes,
and deſcribed to him the manner of the creation of the
:
•
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
world, the fituation of paradife, the tranfgreffion of our
firft parents, the wickednefs of God's peculiar people, and
the univeral fins and abom nations of the whole earth.-
When theſe things were implanted in his mind, I to'd him,
that as God's justice was equal to his mercy, he refolved to
deftroy this world, till his Son Jefus Chrift interpofed in our
behalf; and, to procure our redemption, obtained leave of
his heavenly Father to come down from Heaven into the
world, where he took human nature upon him, inftructed us
in our way to eternal life, and died as a facrifice for our fins;
that he was now afceaded into Heaven, medialing for our
pardon, delivering our pititio s 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 bear
us beyond the fun, he mutt furely 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 fpeak to him. What, faid I, Friday,
did you go thither to speak to him too? He answered,
No, they never went that were young men, none but old
men, called their Ocwakaker," meaning the Indian priell;,
"who went to Tay O, (fo he called faying their prayers,)
1
4
1
*
and they returned back, and told them whit Benamuckee
"faid." From hence, I could not but obferve how happy
we Chrillians are, who have God's immediate revelation
for our certain guide; and that our faith is neither miſled,
nor our reafon impofed upon, by any fet of men, fuch as
there Indian impoftors.
But, to clear up this palpable cheat to my man Friday, I
told him, that the pretence of their ancient men going up to
the mountain to fay O to their God Benamuckee, was an im-
pollure, and that their bringing back an answer was all a
fham, if not worse; for that, if there was any ſuch thing
fpoken to them, furely it must proceed from an infernal
fpirit. And here I thought it neceffary to enter into a long
difcourfe with him, which I did after this manner:
Friday, faid I, you must know, that before this world
was made, there was an Almighty power exifting, by whofe
power all things were made, and whofe Majeſty ſhall have
no end. To be glorified and adored by beings of a heaven-
ly nature, he created angels and archangels, that is, glorified
J
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103-
}
fpirits refembling himself, to encompass his throne, eter-
rally finging forth his praife in his 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 theſe celestial abodes; but he, contrary to that
duty he owed his heavenly Sovereign, with unbounded
ingratitude to his Divine Creator, not only envied him that
adoration which was his due, but thought to ulurp that
Throne, which he had neither power to keep, nor title to pre-
tend to. He raifed a difkntion and civil war in Heaven,
-and had a number of angels to take his part. Unbounded
folly! ftupendous pride! to hope for victory, and afpire
above his powerful Creator! The Deity, not fearful of fuch
an enemy, yet juftly provoked at his rebellion, commif
-fioned his archangel Michael to lead forth the heavenly hoft,
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 is called, with all his fallen angels,
driven headlong into a difmal 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 gef-
"tures, "that God had fent the devil into the deep hole.
And then I'defired him to give great heed to what Fhad
further to fay.
•
5
+
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ษ
No fooner, proceeded J, was God freed from, and the
-Heaven 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 'otën Imaye, after our own likeneſs, Gen. i. 26.
to have dominion over the creatures of the world which we
have created. And thefe he intended fhould glorify him
in Heaven, according to their obedience in this state of
probation on earth, which was, as it were, to be the ſchool
to train them up for theſe heavenly manfions. Now, Satan
feeing himself foiled, yet that God had not taken the power
from him as prince of the air, which power Heaven defign-
ed he should retain, whereby his creatures might be tried;
in revenge for the difgrace he had received, he tempts
Adam's wife, Eve, to talte of the tree of knowledge of good
-and 'evil, which God had forbidden. He appears to her in
the ſhape of a 'ferpent, then a most beautiful creature, and
tells her that it was no better than an impofition which God
had put upon her and 'her hofband, not to eat of that fair
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
- fruit which he had created; that the taste thereof would
make the immortal like God himself; and confequently
as great and powerful as he. Upon which the not only eat
thereof herself, bet made her huſband eat alfo, which brought
them both under the heavenly diſpleaſure.
Here Friday expreffed a great concern: “Ah, poor mans!"
cried he, "naughty womans! naughty devil! make God not
"love de mans, make mans like devil himself."
•
4
{
+
1+
Friday, faid I, God ftill loved mankind; and though the
devil tempted human nature fo far, he would not fuffer him
to have an abfolute power over them. I have told you be-
·fore of his tender love to his prople, till they, like Lucifer,
difobeyed his commands and rebelled against him; and
even then, how Jefis Chrift, his only Son, came to fave
finners. But ft:1 every man that lives in the world is un
der temptation and trial: The Dev:1 has yet a power, as
prince of the air, to fuggeft evil cogitations in our minds,
and prompt us on to wicked actions, that he might glory in
our deftruction. Whatever evil th ughts we have, proceed
- from him; fo that God, in this our difir. fs, expects we
fhould apply curfelves to him by fervent prayer for ſpeedy
redrels. He is not like Benamuckee, to let none come near
him but Oorvakaker, but foffers 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 ſome con-
cern at the wickedness of Lucifer, I found it not ſo eaſy to
imprint the right notions of him in his mind, as it was about
the divine effence of God; for there nature affifted me in
all my arguments, to fhow to him plainly, the neceffity of a
Great Firit, Caule, an overruling, governing Power; of a
fecret directing Providence, and of the equ ty, and reaſon-
ableness of paying adoration to our Creator; whereas there
appeared nothing of al. this in the notion of an evil fpirit,
of his firft beginning, his nature, and, abɔve all, of his in-
clination to evil actions, and his power to tempt us to the
like. And indeed this unlearned Indian, by the mere force
of nature, puzzled me with one particular queſtion, more
than ever I could have expected.
Jade
I had, it fecmis, one day, been talking to him of the om-
nipotent power of God, and his infinite abhorrence of fin,
infomuch that the Scriptures ſtyled him a confuming fire to
all the workers of iniquity; and that it was in his power,
}
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
105
whenever he pleaſed, to deſtroy all the world in a moment,
the greater part of which are continually offending him.
When, with a ferious atten ion, he had liftened a great
while to what I 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 ſkill to defeat the good deſigns of Providence,
and defroy the kingdom of Chrift in the world, and fo
forth: "Very well, Mafter," ſaid Friday, "you fav God is
"fo ftrong, ſo great, is he not much strong, much mightier
"than the naughty devil!" To be fure. Friday, faid I, God
is more wife and ſtronger than the ferpent: he is above the
devil, which makes us pray to him, that he would tread down
Satan under hs feet, enable us to refift the violent tempta-
tions, and quench his fiery darts. Why then," anſwered
Friday quickly, "if God, as vou fav, has much strong, much
might as the devil, why God no kill devil, make no more
"tempt, no more do wicked."
..
You may be certain I was ftrangely furpriſed at the quef-
tion of my man's: and, though an old man, I was but a
young doctor, and confequently very ill qualified for a ca-
fuift, or a refolver of intricate doubts of religion; and as it
required fome time for me to ftudy for an anſwer, I
pre-
tended not to hear him, ner to ask him what he faid; but,
fo earnest was he for an anfwer, as not to forget his question,
which he repeated in the very fame broken words as above.
When I had recovered myself a lit.le; Friday, faid I, God
will at last punith him feverely, being referved for judg
ment, and is to be caft into the bottomlefs pit, to remain in
fire everlasting. But all this did not fatisfy Friday; for
returning upon me, he repeated my words, "RESERVE AT
"LAST, me no underſtand; but, why not kill devil now,
"
not kill devil great, great while ago?" Friday, faid I, you
may as well ask me why God does not kill you and me,
when, by our wicked actions, we ſo much offended his divine
Majefty? He gives us time to repent of our fins, that there-
by we may obtain pardon. At theſe words obtain pardon,
Friday mufed a great while; and, at last, looking me ftead-
fatly in the face, " Well, well," ſaid he, "that's very well;
fo you, I, devil, all wicked mans, all preferve, repent,
"God pardon all.”
Indeed, here I was run down to the last extremity, when
it became very evident to me, how mere natural notions
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106
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
will guide reafonable creatures to the knowledge of a Deity,
and to the homage due to the Supreme Being of God; but
however, nothing but divine revelation can form the know-
ledge of Jefus Chrift, and of a redemption purchaſed for
us, of the mediator of the new covenant, and of an inter-
ceffor at the footstool of God's throne; and, therefore, the
Goſpel of our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift; that is, the
word and fpirit of God, promifed for the guide and fancti-
fer of his people, are his moft neceffary inftructers of the
fouls of men, in the faving knowledge of the Almighty, and
the means to attain eternal happi efs.
✔
And now I found it neceffary to put an end to this dif-
courſe between my man and me: for which purpoſe I rofe
up haftily, and made as if I had fome occafion to go out,
fending Friday for fomething that was a good way off.
then fell on my knees, and befeeched God that he would
infpire me fo far as to guide this poor favage in the know-
ledge of Christ, to answer his queſtions more clearly, that
his confcience might be convinced, his eves opened, and
his foul faved. When he returned again, I entered into a
very long difcurfe with him, upon the fubject of the world's
xdemptioh by the Saviour of it, and the doctrine of repent-
ance preached from Heaven, together with an holy faith
of our bleffed Redeemer J. fus Chrift; and then I proceeded
to explain to him, according to my weak capacity, the
reafon why cur Savicur tock 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 sheep of the hocfe cf Ifrael, and the like.-
God knows I had more fincerity than knowledge in all the
ways I took for the poor Indian's inftruction; and I mult
acknowledge what I believe every body that acts upon the
fame principle will find, that in laying heavenly truths open
before him, I informed and inftructed myself in many things
that either I did not know, or had not perfectly confidered
before; ſo that, however, this poor creature might be im-
proved by my inftructions, certain it is, that I my felf had
great reafon to be thankful to Providence for fending him
to me. His company allayed my grief, and made my ba-
bitation comfortable; and when I reflected that the folitary
life to which I had been fo long confined, had made me to
look further towards Heaven, by making me the inftrument,
under Providence, to fave the life, and, for cught I know,
Į
P
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
107
the foul of this poor favage, by bringing him to the know-
ledge 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 illand, and for three years did my
man and I live in the greateſt enjoyment of happiness. In-
deed, I believe the favage was as good a Chriftian as I;
and I hope we were equally penitent; and fuch penitents
as were comforted and reftored by God's Holy Spirit: for
now we had the word of the Lord, to inſtruct us in the right
way, as much as if we had been on the English Thore.
'
By the conflant application I made to the Scriptores, as
I read them to my man Friday, I earneſtly endeavoured to
make him underſtand every part of it, as much as lay in my
power. He alfe, on the other hand, by his very ferious
questions and inquiries, made me a much better proficient
in Scripture knowledge, than I should have been by my
own private reading and fudy. I must not omit another
thing, proceeding from the experience I had in my retire-
ment: It was that infinite and inexp emble blefing, the
knowledge of God through Jefus Chrift, which was fo plain
and caly to be underſtood, as immediately to direct me tô
carry on the great work of fincere repentance for my fins,
and laying hold of a Saviour for eternal life, to á practical
ſtated reformation, and obedience to all God's infitations,
without the affittance of a reverend and orthodox divine;
and especially by this fame inftruction, fo to enlighten this
favage creature, as to make him fo good a Chriftian, as very
few could exceed him. And there was only this great thing
wanting, that I had no authority to adminifter the Holy Sa-
crament, that heavenly participation of Chrift's body and
blood; yet, however, we reſted ourselves content, that God
would accept our defires, and according to our faith, have
mercy on us.
•
2
•
But what we wanted one way, was made up in another,
and that was univerfal peace in our little church. We had
ña difputes and wranglings about the nature and equality of
the holy, bleffed, and undivided Trinity; no nice.ies in
doctrine, or fchemes of church government; 10 four or
morofe diffenters to impofe more fublimated notions upon
us; no pedant ſophiſters to confound us with unintelligible
}
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}
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108
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
myfteries: but instead of all this, we enjoyed the moſt cer-
tain guide to Heaven; that is, the word of God; befides
which, we had the comfortable views of his Spirit leading
us to the truth, and making us both willing and obedient to
the inftruction of his word. As the knowledge and prac-
tice of this are the principal means of falvation, I cannot
fee what it avails any Chriftian church, or man in the world,
to amufe himſelf with fpeculations and opinions, except it
be to diſplay their particular vanity and affectation.
You may well fuppofe, that, by the frequent diſcourſe we
had together, my men and I became most intimately ac-
quainted, and that there was but very lit.le that I c uld fay
but what Friday underſtood; and, indeed, he spoke very
fluently, though it was but br ken English. I now took a
particular pleaſure in relating all my adventures, especially
those that occured fince my being caft on this ifland. I
mnade him underſtand that wonderful myſtery, as he cou-
ceived, of gunpowder and bullet, and taught him how to
fhoot. I alſo preſented to him a knife, which pleaſed him
exceedingly, making him a belt, with a frog hanging there-
to, like thoſe in which we wear bangers in England; and,
inſtead of a hanger to put in the frog, I gave him a hatchet,
which was not only as good, but even a better weapon upon
many occafions. In a word, my man thus accoutred, look-
ed upon himſelf as great as Don Quixote, when that cele-
brated champion went to combat the windmill.
W
I next gave him a very particular deſcription of the ter-
ritories of Europe, and in a particular manner of Old Eng-
land, the place of my nativity. I laid before him the man-
ner of our worshiping God, our behaviour one to another,
and how we trade in fhips to every part of the univerſe.-
I then told him my misfortunes in being fhipwrecked, ſhow-
ing, as near as I coul, the place where the fhip lay, which
had been gone long before; but I bought 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 cu-
ricfity; which, when he had done, he flood pondering a
great while, and faid nothing. At left, faid 1, Friday, what
makes you ponder fo much? He replied, "O maſter, me
fee like boat come to place at my nation."
It was fome time, indeed, before I underſtood what my
a meant; but exam ning frictly into it, I plainly found,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
109
that ſuch another boat reſembling mine, had come upon the
country where he dwelt; that is to fay, by his farther explana-
tion, that the boat was driven there through ſtreſs of weather.
It then came into my mind that fome European ſhip having
been caft away, the poor diflreffed creatures were forced
to have recourfe to the boat to fave their lives; and being
all, as I thought, drowned, I never concerned myſelf to aſk
any thing concerning them, but my only inquiry was about
the boat, and what defcription my man could give of it.
"
Indeed, Friday anſwered 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 mafter, we fave white mans from drown;"
upon which I immediately afked him, if there were any
white mans, as he called them, in the boat? **
Yes, yes,
ſaid he, “the boat full, very full of white mans.” How
many, Friday? faid I. Hereupon he numbered his fingers,,
and counted ſeventeen. And when I asked him what be-
came of them all, and whether they lived or not? he replied
"Yes, maſter, they all live, they be live among my nation."
This information put fresh thoughts into my head, that theſe
must be thofe very men who before I concluded had been
fwallowed up in the ocean, after they had left the thip, that
had truck upon the rocks of my kingdom, and after efca-
ping the fury of the deep, landed upon the wild fhore, and
committed themf Ives to the fury of the devouring Indians."
The manner of their cruelties to one another, which con-
fequently, as I thought, must be acted with great barbarity
to ſtrangers, created in me a great anxiety, and made me
fill more curious to afk Friday concerning them. He told
me, he was fure they fill lived there, having refided among
them above four years, and that the favages gave them vic-
tuals to live upon; But pray, Friday, faid I, whence pro-
ceeded all this good nature and generofity? How came it
to paſs that they did not kill and eat them, to pleaſe their
devouring appetites, and occafion fo fplendid an entertain-
ment among then?" No, no,” faid Friday, "they not kill
'em, they make brothers with 'em;" by which I underſtood
there was a truce between them. And then I had a more
favourable opinion of the Indians, upon Friday uttering
thefe words:" My nation, t'other nation no eat mans, but
when mans make war fight:" as though he had faid, that
neither thoſe of his kingdom, nor any other nation's that he
110-
LIFE AND ADVENTURÉS
knew of, ever ate their-fellow creatures, but fuch as their
law of arms allowed to be devoured; that is thofe mifera-
able captives, whofe misfortune it fhould be to be made při-
foners of war.
C
L
•
Some confiderable time after, upon a very pleaſant day,
in moſt ſérene weather, my man and I ftood upon the top
of a hill, on the eaft fide of the island, whence I had once
before beheld the continent of America. I could not tell
immediately 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 countenance, that his eyes
had an unconimon (parkling and brightneſs, and fuch a
ftrange eage: nefs, as if he had a longing defire to be in his
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 Ikewife of the great obligation he owed me for
his wonderful deliverance; nay, that he would not only in-
form his countrymen of me, but accompany hundreds of them
to my kingdom, and make me a miferable facrifice, like
thofe unhappy wretekes taken in battle.
Indeed I was very much to blame to have thofe cruel and.
unjuſt ſuſpicions, and must freely own I wronged the poor
creature very much, who was of a quite contrary temper.
And had he had that diſcerning acuteness which many Eu- ·
ropeans have, he would certainly have perceived my cold-
nefs and indifference, and alfo have been very much con--
cerned upon that account: as I was how-more circumfpect,
I had much leſened my kindness and familiarity with him,
and while this jealoufy continued, I uſed that artful way
(now too much in faſhion, the occafion of ftrife and diffen-.
fion) of pumping him daily, thereby 10 difcover whether he
was deceitful in his thoughts and inclinations; but certainly
he had nothing in him but what was confiftent with the beſt
principles, both as a religious Chriftian and a grateful friend;
and, indeed, I found every thing he faid was ingenuous-and-
inn ceat, that I had no room for fufpicion, and, in ſpite of
all uneasiness, he not only made me entirely his own again,
but alſo cauſed me much to lament that I ever conceived
one ill thought of him.
+
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
Ti
ફ્
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 wish yourſelf to be
in your own country, your nation, among your old friends
and acquaintances?" "Yes," faith 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 as favage as you were formerly?" No, no," (anſwered
he, full of concern, and ſhaking 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 I, if you fhould offer to do all this, they will
kill you; and to manifeft their contempt of fuch inflruction
eat you up when they have done. He then put on a grave,
yet innocent and fmooth countenance, faying,
"No, they
66
no kill me, they willing love learn;" that is, that they
would be very willing to learn: adding withal, that they
had learned much of the bearded mans that came in the
"boat.'
Will you, faid I, go back agair, Friday? He
fmiled at that, and told me, that he could not ſwim fo far.
But, faid I, I will make a canoe for you. "Yes, matter,"
faid he, 16 me go if you go; me no go, if you flay.
you flay." I go,
Friday! why would you have them to eat me up, and de-
vour your kind mafter "No, no," faid he, "
me make
"them not eat mafter, and me make them much love you;"
that is, he would tell them how I had flain his enemies, and
thereby ſaved his life, for which reafon he would make them
love me; and then he related to me, as well as he was able,
how exceedingly kind thofe of his nation were to the white,
or 'bearded men, as he called them, who, in their great cala-
mity, were driven into their country.
It was from this time, indeed, I had ftrong inclinations to
venture over, and ule my utmoft efforts, if poffible, to join
theſe white bearded men, who undoubtedly were Spaniards
or Portugueſe; for, thought I, it must certainly be a better
and fafer way to elcape when there is a good company, than
for me alone, from an ifland forty miles off the fhore, and
without any affiftance. Some days after, Friday and I be-
ing at work, as ufual, at the fame time diverting ourſelves
with various difcourfes, I told him I had a boat which I
would beltow upon him, whenever he pleaſed to return to
his own nation; and to convince him of the truth of what I
ſaid, I took him with me to the other fide of the iſland, where
112
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
my frigate lay, and then taking it from under the water, (for
I always kept it funk for fear of a diſcovery,) we went both
into it to fee how it would manage fuch on 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 fo much admired nation? But instead of meeting with
that cheerfuln-fs I expected, he looked very dull and me-
lancholy at my faying fo; which indeed at firft furp ifed me,
till he made me fenfible that his concern
was about
the boat being too fmall to go fo far a voyage. Upon
which I let him underſtand I had a much bigger; and, ac-
cordingly, the next day went to the place where the first
boat lay, which I had made, when all the ftrength I had, or
art I could uſe, failed me in my attempt to get it into the
water: but now it having lain in the fun two and twenty
years. and no care being taken of it all that while, it became
in a manner roten. My man told me, that ſuch a boar
would do very well for the purpoſe, fufficient to carry
enough vittle, drink, bread, for that was his manner of talking.
In short, my mind being strongly fixed upon my defigns of
going over with him to the Continent, I very plainly told
him that we would both go and make a boat full as big, and
more proportionable than that, wherein he might fafely re
turn to his own nation.
"
C
}
Thefe words made Friday look ſo very penſive, that I
thought he would have fallen at my feet. It 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, O 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 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, an-
fwered I, did not you wish to be there, when from a moun-
tain you beheld the place where you was born? and is it
not to fatisfy your defies that I am willing to give you
leave to return thither?" Yes, yes," faid Friday,
(* me with
"to be there, fure enough, but then me with mafter there
too: no wiſh Friday there, no mafter there." In ſhort,
he could not endure the thoughts of going there without me.
(
<3
:
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1
=
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
11:3
MEN
I go there! Friday, faid I, what fhall I do there? He an-
fwered very quickly, "O mafter, you do great deal much
C
good, vou teach all de wild mans to be good tame mans:
.. you learn d:m to be ſuber, live good life, to know God,
"and pray God." Alas! poor Friday, faid 1, what can [
do against their piefts of Benamuckee, or indeed what
good can I make your nation ſenſible of, when I myſelf am
but a poor ignorant man? “No, no, master," 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 accompany you thither; I would rather live
in this folitude than venture among fuch inhuman ſavages.
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 thun lerftruck than Fidav
was at theſe words. "Go me away, leave maler away,"
ſaid he, after a long filence, "nɔ, no, Friday die, Friday live
"not matter gone," as though he had faid, I neither can
nor will live, if my mafter fends me from him. And here I
cannot but take notice of the ftrong ties of friendſhip, which
many times furpafs thofe of confanguinity: For often we
find a great difagreement among kindred; and when there
is any feeming regard for each other, it is very ſeldom trae,
and ſcarce ever lafting, if powerful intereft does not bear
the ſway; and that alone is often the occafion of the great-
eſt hatred in the world, which is to defire the death of p3-
rents and relations, for the fake of acquiring their fortunes.
But there was no fuch thing between my fervant and me;
inſtead of which there was the greatest gratitude and the
moft fincere love; he found me not only his deliverer, but
his preferver and comforter; not a fevere and cruel tyrant,
but a kind, loving, and affable friend. He wanted for no
manner of fuftenance; and when he was ill or out of order,
I was his phyfician, not only for his body but his foul; and
therefore no wonder was it, that ſuch an innocent creature,
long fince diveſted of his former natural cruelty, ſhould have
an uncommon concern at fo cruel a feparation from me,
which pierced him to the very foul, and made him defire
even to die, rather than live without me.
After I had told Friday, in a very careleſs manner, that
he ſhould be at liberty as foon as the boat was made, the
language of his eyes expreffed all imaginable confufion;
when, immediately running to one of his hatchets, which he
'
P14
LIFE AND ADVENTURES^
*
ufed to wear as a defenfive weapon, he gives it into my
hand, with a heart fo full, that he cou'd fcarcely fpeak.-
Friday, faid I, what is it you mean? What must I do with
this? Only kill Friday," faid he, "Friday care not live-
"long." "But what mut I kill you for?” replied 1 again.
res
6.
>
Ah! dear mafter, what made you Friday fave from eat a
me up, fo keep long Friday, make Friday, love God, and
"love not 'Benamuckee, and how Friday fend away; never
fée Friday more." As though the poor creature had faid,
Alas! my dearest kird mafter, how comes it to pass, that
after having ventured your precious life to fave me from the
jaws of devouring cannibals, like myſelf, after ſuch a tender
regard to provide for me fuch comfortable nouriſhimëht,
and continuing fo long a kind mafer, and a moft fincere
friend; and after making me forfake the falfe notion of an
Indian deity, and worship the true God in fpiriëandm
truth; and after all this, how comes it now, that you are.
willing to fend me away to my former courſe of living, by
which means undoubtedly we ſhall be 'dead to each other;
but greater must be my misfortune, that Ffhall never behold
"my best friend' I have in the world any more. And this un-
doubtedly, though he could not express himself fo clearly,
müft be his fentiments; for the tears ran down his cheeks.
In'fuch a plentiful manner, that I had much ado to refrain from
weeping alfe, when I beheld the poor Creature's afféčtion;
fo that I was forced to comfort him in the beſt mánnér I-
could, which lidid by telling him, if he was confent to abide
with me, Thould be ever willing to keep him.
*
1
Į
❤
+
•
1
!
After Friday's grief was fomewhat abated, more fully to
"convince me of his affection, he ſaid, "Omaſter, ''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. But as I had no apof-
tolic miffion, nor any concern about their falvation, fo
had not the leaft intention or defire of undertaking it; and
the strength of my inclination, in order to escape, proceed-
ed chiefly from my late difcourfe with Friday, about theſe
feventeen white bearded men, 'that had been driven upon
the barbarian coaft, whom I 'déſigned to join as the only
means to further our eſcape. To which intent my man
and I went to fearch for a proper 'trée to fell, whereof we
might make a large perigua or cance, to undertake the voy-
age; and, indeed, we were not long in finding one fit for
•
*
4
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
115
our purpofe, there being enough of wood in the iſland to
have built a fleet of large veffes; but the thing we princi-
pilly wanted, was to get one forear the water, that we
might launch it after it was finished, and not commit fo
horrid a mistake as I had done once before.
¿
Well, after a great fearch for what was beſt and moſt
convenient, Friday, at laſt, whoſe judgment in (uch affirs
was much fuperior to mine, pitches upon a kind of wood
the most fitting for it. To this day I cannot tell the name
of the tree, nor deſcribe it any other way, than only by lay-
ing, that it is very like what we call futic, or between thất
and the Niacaragua wood, being much of the fame colour
and froell. But though my man exceeded me in my know-
ledge of the most proper tree, yet I thowed him a much
better and clearer way to make a canoe than ever he knew
before; for he was for burning the hollow or cavity of the
tree, in order to make this boat; but I then told him how he
might do it with tools, learning him at the fuiné time how
to use them, which indeed he did very dexterously;' ſo that
in a month's time we finiſhed it, making it very handſome
by cotting the outfide in the true shape of a boat. After
this it took us a full fortnight before we could get her into
the water, which we did as it were inch by inch, upon great.
rollers; but whom'fhe was in, the would have carried twen-
ty men, with all the eafe imaginable.
<
ta
V
As I was very well pleafed, you may be fure, at the
launching of this man of war of mine, I was no leſs amazed
1
to behold with what dexterity my man would manage her,
turn her, and paddle her along. Well, Friday, faid I, what
do you think of it now? Do you think this will carry us
over? Yes, mafter," ſaid he, "me venture over well,
though great blow wird." But my defign was yet far-
ther, which he was infeffiole of; and that was to make a
maft and a fail, and to provide her with an anchor and
cable. As to a mat, that was no difficult thing at all to
procure: fo I fixed upon a ftraight young cedar-tree, which
I found near the place, great plenty of it abounding in the
ifland; and fetting Friday to cut it down, I gave him parti-
cular directions how to fhape and order it; but as to the
fail, that I managed myfelf. I very well knew I had ſome
old ones, or pieces of fails enough, which had lain fix and
twenty years by me; but not being careful to preſerve them,
as thinking I thould have no occafion to ufe them any more,
*
π
1
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+
+
+
116
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
when I came to overlook them, I found them almoſt all
rotten, except two; and with thefe I went to work, and
after a great deal of pains and awkward tedious flitching
for want of needles, at length I finished a three-cornered
ugly thing, like what we call in England a ſhoulder of mut-
ton fail, to go with a boom at bottom, and a little (mall ſprit
at the top, like thofe which our long-boats afe, and which
I very well knew how to manage, efpecially fince it was
like that which I had in my patron's fishing-boat, when,
with my boy Xury, I made my escape from the barbarian
fhore.
+
It was near two months, I think, before I completed this
work, that is, the rigging and fitting my mafts and fails
ard indeed they were nicely done, having made a ſmall ſtay
and a fail or a forefail to it, to affift, if we ſhould turn to
the weftward; and, what is ftill more, I fixed a rudder to
the flern of her, to fteer with; and though I was but a very
indifferent fhipwright, yet, as I was fenfible of the great
uſefulneſs and abfolute neceffity of a thing like this, I ap-
plied my felf to it with fuch conftant application, that I at
last accomplished my defign; but what with the many dull.
contrivances I had about it, and the failure of many things,
it cost me as much pains in ordering as in making the boat.
Besides, when all this was done, I had my man to teach
what belonged to its, navigation; for though he very well
underſtood how to paddle a canoe along, he was an utter
ftranger to a fail, and a rudder, and was amazed when he
faw me work the boat to and again in the ſea, by them, and
how the fail gibbed and filled this way or that way, as the
courfe we failed changed. After ſome time and a little
ufe, I made all theſe things very familiar to him, ſo that he
became an expert failor, except in relation to the compaſs,
and that I could make him underſtand but little of. But as
it happened, there was feldom occafion for it, there being
but little cloudy weather, and ſcarce any fog in thoſe parts;
the ſtars were always visible in the night, and the ſhore
perfpicuous by day, except in the rainy feafon, which con-
fined every one to his habitation. Thus entered in the
feven and twentieth year of my reign, or captivity, which
you pleafe, (the laſt three of which, bleffed with the com-
pany of my man Friday, ought not to be reckoned,) I kept
the anniverſary of my landing here, with the fame thank-
fulneſs to God, for his tender mercies, as I did before; and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
117
certainly as I had great caufe for a thankful acknowledg-
ment for my deliverance at first, I had much greater now
for fuch fingular and additional teftim ries of the care of
Providence over me, in all my diflreffes of both body and
mind, and the great hopes I had of being effectually and
speedily delivered; for I had a strong impreffion upon my
mind, that I fhould not be another year in this ifland. But,
however, I fill continued on with my hufbandry, digging,
planting, and fencing, as ufual; gathering and curing my
grapes, and doing all other things that were neceffary.
-
↓
And now the rainy ſeaſon beginning to come on, obliged
me to keep the longer w.thin doors; but before this, I brought
my new veffel into the creek, where I had landed my rafts
from the ſhip, and hailing 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 ſtrong dam acroſs
the end of it, to keep out the water; by which means fhe
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 a houfe, fo we waited for the months of Novem-
ber and December, in which I defigned to venture over the
Ocean.
No fooner did the feafonable weather begin to draw
near, but to much was I elevated with this new defigned
adventure, that I daily prepared for the voyage. The firft
thing I thought on was, to lay by a certain quantity of pro-
vifions, as a fufficient ftore for fuch an expedtion, intend-
ing in a week or fortnight's time to open the dock, and to
launch out the boat for that purpoſe. But one morning as I
was very bufy upon fomething neceffary for this occaſion,
I called Friday to me, and bid him go to the fea-fhore, and
fee if he could find a turtle or tortoise, a thing which we
commonly had once a week, as much upon account of the
eggs, as for the fake of the flesh. He had not been long
gone, but he came running back, as though he was rurfued
for life, and, as it were, flew over my outer wall, or fence,
like one that felt not the ground, or had steps to fet his feet on,
and before I had time to inquire the reaſon of his precipi-
tation, he cries out, " dear Mafter, O forrow, forrow!
"Bad! O bad!" Why what's the matter, Friday, ſaid I.
"O yonder, yonder!" iaid he," there be one, two, or three
"canoes! two three!" Surely thought I, there must be
118:
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fix, by my man's way of reckoning; but on a · ·ftricter
inquiry, I found there were but three. Well, Friday, faid I,
don't be terrified, I warrant you we will not only defend:
ourfelves against them, but kill the moſt of theſe cruel ſa-
vages. But though I comforted him in the beſt manner I
could, the poor creature trembled fo, that I ſcarce knew
what to do with him: "O mafter;" faid he "they come look
1
+
Friday, cut pieces Friday, cut a me up." Why, Friday,
faid I, they will eat me up as well as you, and my danger is.
as great as yours. But fince it is fo, we muſt reſolve to
fight for our lives. What fay you? Can you fight, Friday?
"Yes," faid he, very faintly, “me.
meſhoot, me kill what I
“can, but there come a great many number."
That's no
matter, faid I again, our guns will terrify thoſe 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 whatsoever I command? Friday then:
anfvered, "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 loaded them with. large fwan fhot, as big as fmall piftol
bullets; then: I took four muskets, and loaded them with:
two flugs; and five fmall bullets each, charging my two.
piſtols each with a brace; I hung my great fword, as cuf-
tomary, n ked to my fide, and gave Friday his hatchet, as a
moſt excellent weapon for defence.
Thus prepared, I thought as well of my felf as any knight-
errant that ever handled a fword and fpear. I took my per-
frective glafs, and went up to the fide of the hill, to fee.
what I could diſcover; and I perceived very foon, by my
glass, that there were one and twenty favages, three prifoners,
and three canoes, and that their chief concern feemed to
be the triumphant barquet upon the three poor human
bodies, a thing which by this time: 1 had obferved was very
common with them. I alſo remarked, that they did not
land at that place from whence Friday made his elcape, but
nearer to the creek, where the fhore was low, and where a
thick wood came very cofe to the fea. My foul was then
filled with indignation and abhorrence at fuch inhuman
wretches, which put a period to all my former thoughts in
their vindication, neither would I give myself time to con
T
}
,
·
•
f
拿
​→
*
1
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L
t
等
​i
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE..
119
"
fider their right of conqueft, as I had done before: but de-
fcending from the mountain, I came down to Friday, and
told him I was refolved to go fpeedily 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 fpirits much cheered, with the dram I had,
given him, he was very pleafant, yet feriously telling me,
as he did before, "When' I bid die, he would die.”
2.215.
1
And now it was, having fixed my refolution in fo ftrong:
a manner, that nothing could diveft my breast of its uncom
mon fury, immediately divided the loaded arms betwixt.
To my man Friday I gave a piftol to ſtick in his gir
dle, 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 ſhow I made him, bear
-no more than what I would lay on myfelf, I fuck the other
piftol in my girdle, and the other three guns upon my;
fhoulders; nay, fomething more, but that was like Æf p's.
burden, a ſmall bottle of rum, which was fon lightened to
-Our exceeding refreshment. Thus we marched out, under.
a ponderous load of armour, like two invincible champions,
with a quantity of powder and bullets to ſtand our battle,
and load again when the pieces were dilcharged. Ani
now my orders being to be obeyed, I charged Friday to..
keep cloſe behind me, and not to ſtir, or ſhoot, or attempt:
any thing till I commanded him; and in the interim, not to
fpeak fo much as one word. It was in this order I fetched..
a compals to the right hand, of near a mile, as well to get
over the creek, as to attain the wood; and by this I thought
to come within. fhot of them before I could be diſcerned, as
I found, by my glafs, would not be difficult to accompliſh.
But how fickle and wavering is the mind of men, even in
· our greateſt fury and frongeft inclinations! For while I
was taking this march, my refolution began to abate, not
through fear of their numbers, who were a parcel of naked
unarmed wretches, but thofe reflections occurred to my
thoughts: what power was. I commiflioned with, or what
cccaſion or neceffity had I to go and-imbrue my hands in
human blood, and murder people that had neither done, nor
intended to do, me any wrong? They were innocent in
particular as to me; and their barbarous cuftom was not
only their misfortune, but a fign that God had left them in
the most immenfe lupidity; but yet did not warrant me to
4
L
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氰
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T
Y
พี
120
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
be a judge of their actions, much lefs an executioner of his
righteous judgments: That on the contrary, whenever he
thought fit, he would take vengance on them himſelf, and
purifh them in a national way, according to their national
crimes; but this was nothing at all to me, who had n con-
cern with them. Indeed my mas Friday might juſtify him-
felf, becauſe they were his declared enemies, of that very
fame nation that went to facrifice him before; and, indeed,
it was lawful for him to attack them, which I could not lay
was to with refpe&t to me. So warmly did thele thin s prefs
upon my though's all the way I went, that I only refolved
to place myfelt fo as to behold their bloody entertainn at
without falling upon them, except fomething more than or-
dinary, by God's ſpecial direction, ſhould oblige me thereto.
·
45
}
Thus fixed in my refolution, I entered into the thick wood,
(my man Friday following me cloſe behind.) when with all-
poffible warirefs and filé ce, I marched till I came to the
fkirt of it, on that fide which was the nearell to them; for
only one end of the wood interpoſed between me and them,
Upon which I called very foftly to Friday, and ſhowing him
a great tree, that was just at the corner of the wood, I or-
dered him to repair thither, and bring me word if he could
plaicly perceive their actions; accordingly he did as I com-.
manded 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 land,
at a little diflance from them, which they defigned for the
next facrifice, and tais he told me was not one of their na-
tion, but one of thofe very bearded men, who were driven
by a form into their country, and of whom he had to oiten
talked to me about. You may be fure, that upon hearing this,
my foul was ready to tink within me: when, afcending into
a tree, I fa plainly by my glaſs, a white man, who lay upon
the beach of the fea, with his hands and feet tied with flags,
or things reſembling ruthes, being covered with clothes,
and frented to be an European. From the tree where I took
this proſpect, I perce ved ano her tree and a thicket beyond
i', about fifty yards nea er to them than where I was, which,
by taking a ſmall circle round, I might come at incifcovered,
and then I fh uld be within half a hot of thefe devourers.
And this confideration alone, to be more perfectly revenged
upon them, made me withhold my paffion, though I was
enraged to the highest degree imaginable; when going
1
S
121
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
back about twenty paces, I got behind fome bushes, which
he'd all the way til I came to the other tree; and then I
afcended to a little rifing ground, not above eighteen yards
diſtance, and there I had a full view of thefe 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 lefs than nineteen of these dreadful
wretches fat upon the ground, clofe nu idled together, ex-
preffing all the delight imaginable at fo barbarous an en-
tertainment; and they had juit fent the other two to murder
this poor unhappy Chriftian, and bring him limb by limb
to their fire; for they were th n juſt going tɔ un ie the
bands from his feet in rder for death, as fetters are knock-
ed off the feet of malefactors before they go to the place of
execution. Hereupon, immediately turning to my man,
now, Friday, faid Ì, mind what I ſay, fail in nothing, but
do exactly as you fee me do. All which he promiſing be
would perform, I fet down one of my muſkets and fowling-
piece upon the ground, and Friday did the fame by his; and
with the other musket I took my aim at the favages, bidding
him do the like: Are you ready? laid I: "Yes, matter,
faid he; why then fire at then, faid I; and that very mo-
ment I gave fire likewiſe.
I only killed one and wounded two; but my man Friday,
taking his aim much better than I, killed two and wounded
three. You may be fure they were in a dreadful conſte-na-
tion at fuch an unexpected difafter, and tho e who had yet
efcaped our penetrating hot, immediately jumped upod
their feet, but were in such a confusion, that they knew not
which way to run or look, not knowing iron whence their
deftruction came. We threw down our pieces and took up
ohers, giving a fecond dreadful volley; but as they were
loaded only with fwan thot, or (mall piltol bullets, we per-
ceived only two of them fall; though many were wounded,
who ran yelling and freaming ab ut like mad creatures.
Now, Friday, laid I, lay down your piece, and take up the
mulket, and follow me. He did fo, with great courage;
when, fhowing curfelves to the favages, we gave a great
fhout, and made directly to the poor victim," who would ·
have been facrificed had rot cur fitft fire obliged the butch-
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 reaſon of their falling to the bottom of the boat;
F
ers,
T
}
}
f
122
LIEE AND ADVENTURES
however, he killed two, and mortally wounded a third. In
the mean time, I cut the flags that tied the hands and fe.t
of the por creature, and lifting him up, afk d him in the
Portugueſe tongue, What he was? He answered me in Latin,
Chriftianus; but fo very weak and faint, that he could fcarce
fland or speak. Immediately I gave him a dram, and a
piece of bread to cherish him, and afked him what country-
man he was? He faid Hifpaniola, and thin uttered all the
thankfulness imaginable for his deliverance. Seignior, faid I,
with as much Spanish as I was mafler of, let us talk after-
wards, but fight now; here take this ford and piftol, and
do what you can. And, indeed, he did fo with fuch cou-
rage and intrep dity, that he cut two of them in pieces in
an inftant, the favages not having the power to fly for their
lives. I ordered Friday to run for th fe pieces we had left
at the tree, which he brought me with great swiftnefs, and
then I gave him my mufket, while I loaded the reft. But
now there happened a fi.rce encounter between the Spani-
ard and on: cf the favages who had made at him with one
of their wooden fwords; and though the f rmer was as
brave as could be expected, having twice wounded his ene-
my in the head, yet being weak and fain, the Indian had
thrown him upon the ground, and was wrefting my fword
out of his bands, which the Spaniard very wifely quitting,
drew out his pistol and fhot him through the body before I
could come near him, though I was running to his affiance.
As for Friday, he perlued the flying' wretches with his hatch-
et, difpatching three, but the reft were too nimble for h´m.
The Spaniard taking one of the fowling-pieces, wounded
two, who running into the wood, Friday purfued and killed;
but the other, notwithstanding his wounds, plunged himſelf
into the fea, and (wam to thofe who were left in the canoe,
which, with one wounded, were all that efcaped out of o..e
and twenty. The account is as follows:
Killed at firſt ſhot from the tree,
At the fecond ſhot,
By Friday in the boat,
Ditto, of thofe firſt wounded,
Ditto, in the wood,
1
By the Spaniard,
Killed, or died of their wounds,
N N ∞
3
2
2
2
3
4
Escaped in the boat, whereofone was wounded if not flain, 4
Total 21
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
123
The favages in the canoe worked very hard to get out
of our reach, and Friday was as eager in purſuing them;
and indeed I was no lefs anxious about their eſcape, left,
after the news had been carried to their people, they ſhould
return in multitudes and deltroy us. So being refolved to
purſue them, I jumped into one of their canoes, and bil
Friday follow me; but no fooner was I in, than, to my fur-
prife, I found another poor creature bound hand and toot
for the flaughter, juſt as the Spaniard had bren, with very
little life in him. Immediately I anbound him, and would
have helped him up, but he could neither ftand nor fpeak,
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 bat. As foon as Friday began to hear him
ſpeak, and look more fully in his face, it would have moved
any one to tears to perceive h's uncommon transports of
joy; for he killed, embraced him, hugged him, cried,
laughed, ha'looed, jumped about, danced, fung, then cried
again, wrurg his hands, beat his face and head, then fung
and jumped about again, like a diflracted crea:ure; fo that
it was a great while before I could make him ſpeak to me,
or tell me what was the matter with him; but when he
came to the liberty of his ſpeech, atthe 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 cloſe to his bofom, halt an hour toge-
ther, to cherish him: then he took his arms and ancles,
which were ſtiff and numbed with binding, and chafed and
rubbed them with his ha ds; by which means, perceiving
what the cafe was, I gave him tome rum, which proved of
great benefit to him.
▸
While we were buſy in this action, the favages had got-
ten almoſt out of fight; and happy it was we did not pr
lue them: For there aroſe from the north-wel, which con-
tinued all night long, fuch a violent form, that I could not
fuppofe otherwife but that they were all crowned. Alter
this I called Friday to me, and afked him if he had given
his father any bread? He fhock his head and fai`,
"None.
'
F 2
1 2 Է
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
11
"not cne bit, me eat a up all;" fo I gave him a cake of
'bread out of a little pouch I carried for this end. I like-
wife gave him a dram for himf-lf, and two or three bunches
of raifins for his father. Both thefe he carried to him, for
he would make him drink the dram to comfort him.
Away then he runs out of the boat as if he was bewitched,
with fuch an 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
thirsty myself, I drunk fome of the water, of which when
his father had drank fufficiently, it more revived his fpirits -
than all the rum I had given him.
I then called Friday to me, and ordered him to carry the
Spaniard one of the cakes, and fome water, who was
repofing himself under a green place, under the fhade of a
tree, but fo weak, that though he exerted himſelf, he could
not stand upon his feet. Upon which I ordered Friday to
rub and bathe his ancles with rum, as he did his father's.
But every minute he was employed in this he would caft a
wishful eye towards the boat, where he left his father fit-
ting; who fuddenly disappearing, he flew like lightning
to him, and finding he had only laid himself down to eale
his limbs, he returned back to me prefectly, and then I
ſpoke to the Spaniard to let Friday help him, and lead him
to the boat, in order to be conveyed to my dwelling, where
I would take care of him. Upon which Friday took him
upon his back, and fo carried him to the canoe, fetting him
clofe by his father; and prefently ftepping out again,
launched the boat off and padd'ed it along the ſhore 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 almoſt
as foon as I got to it by land, when wafting me 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 cafle, 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
Thus, like an abſolute king over fubjects who owed
them.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
125
their lives to me, I thought myself very confiderable, efpe-
cially as I had now three religions in my kingdom, my man
Friday being a Protestart, his father a Pagan, and the Spa--
niard a Papift: 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 t e hinder quarters, and chopping it ieto fmall
pieces, boiled and ftewed it, putting barley and rice into
the broth. This I carried into their tent, fet a table, dined.
with them myſelf, and ercouraged them. Friday was my
interpreter to his father, and indeed to the Spaniard too,
who spoke the language of the favages pretty well. After
d nner, I ordered Friday to fetch home all our arms from the
field of battle, and the next day, to bury the dead bodies,
which he did accordingly.
I
V
And now I made Friday inquire of his father, whether
he thought theſe favages had efcaped the late ftorm in their
canoe? and if fo, whether they would not return with a
power too great for us to refit? He answered, that he
thought it impoffible they could outlive the form; or, if
they were driven fouthwardly, they would come to a land
where they would be as certainly devoured, as if they were
drowned in the fea. And fuppofe they had attained their
own country, the flrangeness of their fatal and bloody at-
tack, would make them tell their people, that the rest of
them were killed by thunder and lightning, not by the
hand of man, but by two heavenly fpirits, (meaning Friday
and me,) who were fent from above to deſtroy them. And
this, he ſaid, he knew, becauſe he had heard them fay the fame
to one another. And indeed he was in the right on't; for
I have heard fince, that theſe four men gave out that who-
ever went to that enchanted ifland, would be destroyed by
fire from the gods.
1
No canoes appearing foon after, as I expected, my ap-
prehenfions ceaf d: Inftead of which my former thoughts
of a voyage took place, eſpecially when Friday's father af
fured me, I fhould have good uſage in his nation. As to
the Spaniard, he told me, that fix een more of his country-
men and Portugueſe, who had been shipwrecked, made
their escape thither; that though they were in union with
the favages, yet they were very miferable for want of pro-
vifions and other neceffaries. When I asked him ab ut
the particulars of his voy ge, he antwe.ed that their hip-
-து
F 3
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126
LIFE AND, ADVENTURES
was bound from Ro de la Plata to the Havannah; that
when the hip was loft, only five men perished in the ocean;
the reft, having faved themfelves in the boat, were now
landed on the main continent. And what do they intend
to do there ? faid I. He replied, they have concerted mea
fures to eſcape, by building a veffel, but that they had nei-
ther tools nor provifions, fo that all their defigns came to
nothing. Suppofing, faid. I, I fhould make a propofal, and
invite them here, would they not carry me prifoner to New
Spa'n? He anfwered no; for he knew them to be fuch họ-
nest men, as would fcorn to act fuch inhuman baſeneſs to
their deliverer: That, if I pleaſed, he and the old favage
ould go over to them, talk with them about it, and bring
me an answer: That they should all fwear fidelity to me
as their leader, upon the Holy Sacrament; and, for his part,
he w uld not only do the fame, but ftand to the laſt drop
of his blod, ſhould there be occaſion.
Theſe folemn affurances made me refolve to grant them.
relief, and to fend thefe two over for that purpoſe; but
when every thing was ready, the Spaniard raifed an objec-
tion, which carried a great deal of weight in it: "You
"kn.w, Sir," faid he, "that having been fome time with
you, I cannot but be ſenſible of your ftock of rice and
"corn, fufficient, perhaps, for us at prefent, but not for them,
#1
**
hould hey come over prefently, much lefs to visual a
* veffet 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 waned
"bre d in the wilderneſs. And, therefore, my advice is,.
s to wait another harveft, and in the mean time cultivate
and improve fome more land, whereby we may have
plenty of provifiors, in order to execute our defign."
This advice of the Spaniard's I appro ed extremely, and
fo fatisfi d was I of his fidelity, that I esteemed him ever-
aft'r. And thus we all four went to work upon, fome more
land, and againſt feed-time we had gotten ſo much cured
and trimmed up, as was fufficient to fow twenty-two bushels
of barley on, and fix een jars of rice, which was, in fhort,.
all the fe d we had to fpare. As we were four in number,.
and by this time all in good health, we feared not a hun-
dred Indians, thould they venture to attack us; and while
the corn was growing, I pitched upon fome trees, fix to
build us a large veffel, in cafe the Spaniards came over i
"
*
"
OF ROBINION CRUSOE.
127
which being marked, I ordered Friday and his father to cut
them down, appointing the Spaniard, who was now my
privy counsellor, to overfee and direct the whole. I like-
wife increafed my flocks of goats, by thooting the wild
dam‹, and bringing home their kids to my incloſure. Nor
did I neglect the grape feafon, but cured them as ufual,
though I had fuch a quantity now, as would have filled
eighty barres with raisins, And thus all of us being em-
ploved, they in werking, and I in providing for them, till
harvel came, God Almighty bleffed the increaſe of it ſo
much, that from twenty-two barrels of bar ey, we thrash d
out two hundred and twenty, and the like quantity of rice,
fuffici nt to victual a fhip fit to carry me and all the Spani-
ards to any part of America.
-
Thus the principal objection being anfwered, by a fuffi-
ciert flock of provifions, I fent my two ambaſſadors over
to the main land, wkh a regal authority to adminifter the
oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and have an infrument
figned under their hands, though I never asked whether
they had pen, ink, or paper; when giving each of them a
musket, eight charges of powder and ball, and prov fions.
enough for eight days, they filed away with a fair gale,
on a day wh n the moon was at full.
"
Scarce a fortnight had paffed over my head, but im-
patient for their return, I laid me down to fl ep one morning,
when a firarge accident happened, which was ushered in
by Friday's coming running to me, and calling aloud,
"Mafter, mafter, they are come, they are come. Upon
which, not dreaming of any danger; out I jumped from my
bed, put on my c'otes, and hurried through my little grove;
when, looking towards the fea, I perceived a boat about a
league and a half diftant, ftanding in for the fhore with the
wind fair. I be held they did not come from the ſide where
the land lay on, but from the fouthernmost end of the iſland :
So there being none of the people we wanted, I ordered
Friday to he ſtill, till fuch time as I came down from the
mountain, which with my ladder I now afcended, in order
to diſcover more fully what they were; and now with the
help of my perspective glafs, I plainly perceived an Eng--
lifh fhip, which I concluded it to be, by the faſhion of its-
long bat; and which filled me with fuch uncommon trans-
ports of joy, that I cannot tell how to defcribe; and yet
fome fecret doubts hung about me, proceeding from I know
FA
!
វ
4
128
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
not what taufe, as though I had reafon to be upon my
guard. And, indeed, I wou'd have no man contemn the
fecret hints and intimations of danger, which very often are
given, when we may imagine there is no poffibility of its
being real; for had I not been warned by this filent admo-
nition, I had been in a worle fituation than before, and
perhaps inevitably ruined,
Not long it was, before I perceived the boat to approach
the fhore, as though they looked for a place where they
might conveniently land; and at laſt they ran their boat on
fhore upon the beach, about half a mile's distance; which
proved fo much the happier for me; (ince, had they come
into the creek, they had landed juft at my door, and might
not only have forced me out of my castle, but plundered
me of all I had in the world. Now I was fully con-
vinced they were a'l Engliſhmen, three of which were un-
armed and bound; when immediately the first four or five
leared on fho:e, and took thofe three out of the boat as
prifoners; one of whom I could perceive uſed the moſt
paffi nate gestures of entreaty, affliction, and deſpair, while
the others, in a leffer degree, fhowed abundance of concern.
Not knowing the meaning of this, I was very much as.
toniſhed, and I beck ned to Friday, who was below, to
afcend the mountain, and likewife to view this fight.
"O
and
m "faid he to me, "you fee English mahs eat pri-
"foners as well as f vage mans. And do you think they
will eat them, Friday? faid I, "Yes," faid Friday, "they
"cat-a all up." No, no, ſaid I, Friday, I am much more
concerned left they murder them, but as for eating them
up, that I am fure they will never do.
And now I rot only lamented my misfortune in not hav.
ving the Spaniard and the lavage with me, but alſo that I
could not come within fhot of them unperceived, (they hav-
ing no fire-arms among them,) and fave thefe three men,
whom I thought they were going to kill with their ſwords.
But fome confort it was to me, that I perceived they were
fet at lib rty to go where they pleafed, 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
ebbed fo lov as to leave the boat aground. Nor were the
two men who were in her more circumfpect; for having
drunk a little too much liquor, they fell fat afleep; but one
of them waking before the other, and perceiving the beat
/
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
129:
too fast aground for his ftrength to move it, he hallooed out
to the reft, who made all poffible expedition to come to
him; but as Providence ordered it, all their force was in-
effectual to launch her, when I could hear them ſpeak to
one another, "Why let her alone, Jack, can't ye; he'll
float next tide;" by which words I was fully convinced they'
were my own cou-trymen. I all this while lay very quiet,
as being fully fenfible it could be no less than ten hours be-
fore the boat could be afloat, and then it would be fo dark,-
that they could not cafily perceive me, by which means I
fhould be more at liberty to hear their talk, and obferve all
their motions; not but that I prepared for my defence; yet,.
as I had another fort of an enemy to combat with, I acted
with more caution. I took two fufees on my shoulder, and
gave Friday three muke s; befides my formidable goat-
ſkin coat and m nitrous cap made me look as fierce and:
terrible as Hercules of old, efpecially when two piftols were
ftuck in my belt, and my naked fword hanging by my fide.
↓
It was my defign at firſt not to make any attempt til it:
was dark; and it being now two o'clock, in the very heat
of the day, the failors were all fraggling in the woods, and
undoubtedly were lain down to fleep. The three poor diſ- ·
treffed creatures, too anxious to get any repoſe, were how-
ever feared under the fhade of a great tree, about a quarter
of a mile from me. Upon which, without any more ado, I'
approached towards them, with my man following behind
me, and, before I was perce ved, I called aloud to them in ›
Spanish, "What are ye, Gentlemen ?"--
i
At thefe words, they farted up in great confufion, when
they beheld the range figure I made; they returned no
anſwer, but feemed as if they would fly from me. "Gen-
"tlemen,"fad i, in English, "don't be afraid; perhaps you
"have a friend n arer thin you expect." "He must be
"from Heaven," faid one of them, gravely, pulling off his
hat, "for we are paft ll help in th´s world.”
"All help
"is from Heaven," ſaid 1; "bit, Sir, as I have perceived:
"every action between you and theſe brutes. firce your
"landing, only inform me how to afliſt you, and I will do
it to the utmost of my power,"
X
}
"Am I talking with God er man," faid he, in melting
tears. "Are you of human kind or an angel?" Sir,"
faid 1, "my poor habit will tell you I am a man, and an
"Englishman, willing to afft you, having but this fervans.
•
F
*
•
4
F 5.
T30
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
"only: Here are arms and ammunition; tell freely your
"condition: Can we fave you?" "The ftory," faid he,
is too long to relate, fince our butchers are ſo near; but
"Sir, I was mafter of that ſhip, my men have mutinied,,
"and it is a favour they have put my mate, this paffenger,
"and me, on fhore without murdering us, though we ex-
"pect nothing but perifhing 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 fhou'd murder us all." "Have they
"fire-arms "" faid 1. "They have but two pieces," faid
he, "one of which is left in the boat." He also told me
there were two enormous villains among them, that were
the authors of this mutiny, who, if they were killed or
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 it was I made thefe
conditions with him.
GI
**
45
1. That, while they flaid in the iſland, they ſhould not
pretend to any authority; but fhould entirely conform to
my orders, and return me the arms which I ſhould put in
their hands.
II. That, if the fhip was recovered, they fhould afford
Friday and myſelf a paffage gratis to England.
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, advifing them to fire upon
them as they lay fleeping. The Captain modeftly faid, that
he was forry to kill them; though, on the other hand, to
let thefe villains eſcape, who were the authors of his mifery,
might be the ruin of us all. "Well," faid he, “do as you
"think fit;" and fo accordingly I fired, killed one of the
Captain's chief enemies, and wounded the other, who eagerly.
called for affiance; but the Captain who had referved
his piece, coming up to him, " "Sirrah,” ſaid he, “'tis too
4.6.
late to call for affistance, you hru'd rather cry to God to
"pardon your villany," and fo knocked him down with
the flock of his gun; three others were alfo flightly wound-
ed, who at my approach cried cut for help. This the Cap-
tain granted, upon cordition that they would fwear to be-
true to him in recovering the fhip, which they fo'emnly did;
however I obliged the Captain to keep them b und. After
which I fent Friday and the Captain's mate to fecue the
Y
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
134.
7
boat, and bring away the oars and fails; when, at their re-
turn, three men coming back, and ſeeing their late diſtreſſed
Captain now their c nqueror, fubmitted to be bound alſo.
And then it was, that having more liberty, I related the ad--
ventures of my own life, which he heard with a ferious
and wonderful attention. After his, I carried him and his-
two companions into my li tle fortified caftle; ſhowed them
all my conveniences, and refreshed them with fuch provi-
ons as I could afford. When this was over we began.to
confider about regaining the fhip. He faid that there were
twenty-fix hands on board, who knowing their lives were
forfeited by the law for confpiracy and mutiny, were fo very
hardened, that it would be dar gerous for our fmall company
to attack them. This was a reaſonable inference indeed;
but fomething we must refolve or, and immediately put in
execution. We therefore heaved the boat upon the beach
fo high that he could not shoot off at high water-mark, and
broke a hole in her not eafily to be stopped; fo that all the
fignals they gave for the boat to come on board were in
vain. This obliged them to fend another boat athore, with
ten men armed, whofe faces the Captain plainly deſcried,
the boat wain being the chief officer; but he faid there
were three honed lads among them, who were forced
in o the confpiracy. Hereopen I gave him freſh courage,.
(for I had perceived he was in concern.) in the mean while
fecuring our prifoner, except two, whom we took to our
affiftance, we thought ourselves able enough to adventure:
a battle. When the failors linded, and beheld their boat-
in that condition, they not only hallooed, but fired for their
companions to hear, yet they received no answer. This
lruck them with horror and amazement; and thinking their
companions were murdered, they made as if they wou d re-
turn to the hip. I could perceive the Captain's counte-
nance change at this, till of a fudden,ubree men were or-
dered to look after the boat, while the other feven leapt on
fhore in order to fearch for their companions; and, in deed,.
they came to the brow of the hill, near my ancient castle,.
from whence they could fee to a great diftance innhe woods.
and there fhouting and hallooing till ared and weary, the
at length, feated themfelves under a fpreading tree.
My
opinion was, that nothing could be dore till night, when Ei
might ufe fome artifice to get them all out of the boat; but
of a fudden they started up, and made to the fea-fide
F. Qu
1
+
?
My
A
q Shamele
132
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
hereupon I ordered Friday and the Captain's mate to go
over the clerk, and hailco as loud as they could, and fo de-
coving them into the woods, come round to me again. And
this, indeed, had good effect; for they followed the noiſe,
till coming weftward to the creek, they called for their boat
to carry them over, and taking one of the men out of her,
left two to look after her, having faftened her to the flump
of a little tree on fhore. Hereupon immediately the Cap-
tain ard our party paffing the creek, out of their fight, we
furpriſed them both, by the Captain's knocking down one
and ordering the other to furrender upon pain of dea h,
and who being the honefleft of them all, fincerely joined
with us. By this time it was pretty fate; when the reſt
returning to their boat, which they found aground in the
creek, the tide cut, and the men gone, they ran about wring-
ing their hands, crying it was an encharted ifland, and that
they ſhould be all murdered by fpirits 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 bea fwain approached
in fight, fo eager was the Captain, that he fired and killed
him on the fpo.; Friday wounded the next man, and a third
ran away. Hereupon I advanced with my whole army;
and, it being dark, I ordered the man we had ſurpriſed in
the boat, to call them by their names, and to puley with
them. Accordingly he called out aloud, Tom Smith,
Tom Smith!" He answered, "Whofe that?" "Robinfon!"
anfwered the other. "Fer God's fake, Tom, furrender
"immediately, or you're all dead men.”
"Who muſt we
fays Smith. "To our Captain and fifty men
here, who have taken me prifɔner, wounded Will Fryer,
" and killed the boathwain.”
Shall we have quarters,
then?" fail be. Hereupon the Captain calls out,
Smith, you know my v ice, furrender inmediately, and
you } fhil have all your lives granted, except Will A kins.”
Her upon Atkins cried out,
Wrat have I done, Captain,
more than the re, who have been as bad as me " But
that was a le, for he was the p rfoa 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 byund them all, and feized on their
boat.
furrender to
"You
46
#
ct
7
+
OF ROBINEON CRUSOE.
133
After this, the captain expoftulated with them, telling
them that the governer was an Englishman, who might ex-
ecute them there; but he thought they would all be fent to
England, except Will Atkins, who was ordered to prepare
for death the next morning. Hereupon Atkins implored the
Captain to intercede for his life, and the rest begged they
might not be fent to England. This answered our project
fr feizing the hip. For after fending Atkins and two of
the wort falt bound to the cave, and the reft being com-
mitted to my bower, I fent the Captain to treat with them
in the governor's name, offering them pardon if they would
affift in recovering the hip. Upon which they all promif-
ed to ſtand by him to the last drop of their blood; and who-
ever acted treacherously, fhould be hanged in chains upon.
the beach. They were all releafed on theſe affurances;
and then the Captain repaired to the other boat, making his
paffenger Captain of her, and gave him four men well arm-
ed; while himſelf, his mate, and five more went in the
other boat. By midnight they came within call of the ſhip,
when the Captain ordered 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 rest entered and knocked down the ſecond
male and carpenter, fecured thofe that were upon deck,
by putting them under hatches, while the other boat's crew
entered and fecured the forecafle; they then broke into
the round-houfe, where the ma:e, after fome refiftance, fhot
the pirate captain through the head, upon which all the reſt
yielded themſelves prifoners. And thus the hip being re-
covered, the jo, ful ſignal was fired, which I heard with
the greatest joy imaginable; nor was it long before he
brought the ship to an anchor at the creek's mouth, where
coming to me unawares, "There," fays he, "my deareſt
<friend and deliverer, there is your fhip, and we are your
"fervants:" a comfort fo unspeakable, as made me fwoon
in his arms, while, with gratitude to heaven, we were ten-
derly embracing each other.
+
Nothing now remained, but to confult what we ſhould
do with the prifoners, whom he thought it was not fafe to
take on board. Hereupon concerting with the Captain, E
dieffed myſelf in one of his fuits, and fending for them, told
them, that I was going to leave the island with all my peo-
1
134
LIFE AND ADVENTURES,
ple, if they would tarry there, there lives ſhould be (pared.
if not, they ſhould be hanged at the first port they came at:
They agreed to ftay. Hereupon I told them my whole ſtory,
charging them to be kind to the Spa iards, that were ex--
pected, giving them all my arms, and informing them of every
thing neceffery for their fubfiftence, after which, I and my
man Friday went on board. But the next morning, two of the
men came fwimming to the fhip's fide, defiring the Captain
to take them on board, though he hanged them afterwards,
complaining mightily how barbaroufly the other uſed them.
Upon which I prevailed with the Captain to take them in ;
and being feverely whipt and pickled, they proved more
honeft for the future. And fo I bid farewell to this ifland,
carrying along with me my money, my parrot, umbrella,
and goat's-fkin cap; fetting fail December 12, 1686, after
twenty-eight years, two months, and nineteen days ref-
dence, that fame day and month that I escaped from Salee,
landing in England June 11, 1687, after five and thirty-
years abfence from my own country, which rendered me
altogether a stranger there-
J
Here I found my first Captain's widow alive, who had
buried a fecond husband, but in very mean circumflances,
and whon I made easy upon his account. Soon after, E
went down to Yorkshire, where all my family was expired,
except two fifters, and as many of one of my brother's
children. I found ro provifion had been made for me,
they concluding I had been long fince dead; fo that I was
but in a very fler der ftation. Indeed the Captain did me
a great kindness, by his report to the owners, how I had
delivered their fhip on the D-folate Iſland, upon which they
made me a preſent of 2001. fterling. I next went to Lif-
bn, taking my man Friday with me, and there arriving in
April, I met the Portugueſe Captain, who had taken me on.
board on the African coaft; but being ancient, he had left
off the fea, and refigned all his bulinefs o his for, who
followed the Brazil trade. So altered both of us were, that
we did not know each other at first, till I difcovered my--
felf more fully to him. After a few embraces, I began to
inquire of my concerns; and then the old gentleman told
me, that it was nine years fince he had been at Brazil,
where my partrer was then living, but my trufees were
both dead; that he believed I fhould have a good account
of the product of my plantation; that the imagination of
F
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
135
my being loft, had obliged my trustees to give an eſtimate
of my ſhare to the procurator fifcal, who in cafe of my not
returning, had given one-third to the king, and the rest to
the monaftery of St. Auguftine: 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 imagined it was worth my
while to look after it? He answered he did not know how
much it was improved; but th's he was certain of, that my
partner was grown vaftly rich upon his half of it; and, that
he had been informed, that the king had 200 moidores per
annum for his third part. He added, that the furvivors of
my truſtees were perfons of an ingenuous character; that
my partner could witneſs my title, my name being regifler-
ed in the country, by which means I ſhould indiſpenſably.
recover confiderable fums of money. But, anſwered I,
how could my trustees difpoſe of my effects, when I made
you only my heir? This, faid he, was true; but, there be-
ing no affidavit made of my death, he could not act as my
executor. However he had ordered his fon,. (then at Bra-
zil,) to act by procuration upon my account, and he had
taken poffeffion of my fugar-houſe, having accounted him
felf for eight years with my partner and truſtees for the pro-
fits, of which he would give me a very good account.
And, indeed, this he performed very faithfully in a few
days, making himſelf indebted to me 470-moidores of gold,
over and above what had been loft at fea, after I had left.
the place. And then he recounted to me what misfortunes.
he had gone through, which forced my money out of his
hands, to buy a part in a new fhip: "But," fays he, "you
"hall not want; take this; and, when my fun returns,
"every farthing fhall be paid you." Upon which he put
into my hands a purfe of 150 mʊidores in gold; as likewife
the inftrument, containing the title to the fhip which his
fon was in, and which he off.red as fecurity for the remain-
der. But really when I faw fo much goodness, generofity,
tenderness, and real honesty, I had not the heart to accept
it, for fear he should ftraiten himſelf upon my account.-
"It is true," faid he, "it may be fo; but then the money
+
64
is yours, not mine, and you may have the greateſt occa-
Gon for it." However I returned fifty of them back.
again, p omifing that I would freely forgive him the other
+
136
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
RES
hundred when I got my effects into my hands, and that I
defigned to go myself for that purpoſe. But he told me
he c.uld 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 honour-
ably obſerved; for, in feven months time, I had a very faith-
ful account of all my effects, what fums of money were
raifed, what expended, and what remained for my ufe: In
a word, I found myſelf to be worth 50001. fterling, and 10001
per annum. Nor was this all; for my partner congratulated
me upon my being alive, telling me how much my planta-
tion 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 ſhowed the greatest generofity.
-
·
No fooner did the hip arrive, but I rewarded my faith-
ful Captain, by returning him the hundred moidores, and
noto ly forgave him all he owed me, but I allowed him yearly
a hundred more, and fifty to his fon, during their lives. And
now being refolved to go to England, I returned letters of
thanks to the Prior of St. Auguftine, and in particular to my
old partner, with very fuitable prefents. 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 English gentleman, a merchant's fon at Liſbon, to ac-
company me, together with two English and two Portu-
guefe gentlemen; fo that with a Portuguele fervant, an
English failer, and my man Friday, there were nine of us in
number.
I hus armed and equipped, we fet out, and came to Ma-
drie, when the fummer decaying we hafted to Navarre,
where we were informed, that there was fcarcely any pal-
fing, by realon of the prodigious quantity of fnow; fo that
we were obliged to abide near twenty days at Pampeluna,
and at laſt to take a guide to corduct us ſafe towards Thou-
loufe. And now twelve other gentlemen joining with us,
together with their fervants, we had a very jolly company.
Away cur guide led us by frightful mountains, and through
So many intricate mazes and wirdings, that we infenfibly
paffed them, which as we travelled along, ufhered us into
the profpect of the fruitful and charming provinces of Lan-
guedoc and Galcony.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
137
But now came on two adventures, both tragical and co-
mical. Firſt, our guide was encountered by three wolves
and a bear, who ſet upon him and his norſe, and wounded
him in three places; upon which my man, riding up to his
affistance, that one of them dead upon the ſpot, which
made the other retire into the woods. But the pleaſanteſt
adventure was, to behold my man attack the bear. 'Tis
fuch a creature, that if you let him alone, he will rever
meddle with you; and this my man very well knew, and
fo begging leave of me in broken English, he told us
"he
"would make good laugh." "Why, you filly fool," ſaid
I,"he'll eat you up at a mouthful.” Eatee me up!" re-
plied he, by way of fcorn, me not only eatee him, but
"make much good laugh." Up n which, pulling off his
boots, he claps on his pumps, and runingafter the monitrous
beaft, he called out that he wanted to difcourfe with him,
and then throwing ftones on purpoſe to incenſe him, the
beat turns about in fury, and, with prodigious ftrides,
fhumes after him. But though he was not (wift enough to
keep up pace with Friday, who made up to us as it were
for help; yet being angry, "You dog," faid I, "immedi
**
''
ately take horſe, and let us ſhoot the crea、ure." But he
cried, "Dear maſter, no ſhoot, me make you laugh much.”
And ſo he turned about, making figns to follow, while the
bar ran after, till coming to a great oak, he afcended in a
minure, 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 very great, You must confider I was not
a little amazed at the folly of my ma", as not perce ving any
thing to ccaſion our laughter, till fuch time as we rode up
nearer and beheld the best mounted upon the oak, on the
beginning of the fame branch, to which Fr day clung at the
farther end, where the bear durft not come. Hereupon
Friday cried out, "Now, matter, me make much laugh; me
make bear dance." Upon which he fell a fhaking the
bough. which made the creature look behind him, to fee
how he could retreat. Then, as if the bear had understood
bis ftammering English; Why you no come farther, Mr.
"Bear?" Gid he, pray, Mr. Bear, come far here;" and
then indeed we all ourft in o a laughter, eſpecially when
we perceived Friday drop like a fqui rel upon the ground,
leaving the beat to make the best of his way down the tree.
< C
T
*
138
IFE AND ADVENTURES
And now thinking it the most convenient time to shoot the
creature, Frida cried out, "O dear mafter, no fhoot, me
"hoot by and by;" when taking up the gun,
61 me no
"fhoot yet," faid he, "me make che more much laugh."
And accordingly he was as good as his word; for the crea-
ture defcending backward from the tre very leifurely, be-
fore he could lay one foot on the ground, Friday fhot him
through the ear, ftone dead; nd looking to fee whether
we were pleaſed, he burst out into a hearty laughter, fay-
ing, "So we kill de bear in my country, not with the gun,
•but with much long arrows. Thus ended our diverfion
to cur great fatisfaction; efpecially 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 ravenous creatures were then obliged to frek
for fuftenance in the villages,where coming by furpriſe on
the country' people, k lled 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 coun-
try, there we ſhould find them. This was a ſmall plain,
encompaffed with woods, to get through a long lane to the
village where we were to lodge. When we entered the
wood, the fun was within half an hour of fetting; and a
little after it was fet, we came into the plain, which was
not above two furlongs over, and then we perceived five
great wolves crofs the road, without taking notice of us,
ard fo fwift as though they were perfuing after their prey.
Hereupon our guide, beleving there were more coming,
defired us to be upon our guard. Accordingly or eyes
were very circumfpe&t, till about half a league farther, we
perceived a dead horfe, and near a dozen of welties devour-
ing its carca'e. My man Friday fain would have fired at
them, but I would not permit him; nor bad we gone half
over the plain, but we heard dreadful howlings in a wood
on cur left, when preſently we faw a hundred come up
against us, as though they had been an experienced army.
This obliged us to form ourſelves in the best manner; ard
then I ordered that every other ran fhould fire; and thoſe
who did not, might be ready to give a fecond volley, fhould
they advance upon us; and then every man should make
ufe of his piſtols. But there was no neceffity for this; for
the enemy being terrified, ftopped at the roife of the fire;
#
H
.OF ROBINSON CRUSOE
139
four of them were thot dead, and ſeveral others being
wounded, went bleeding away, as we could very p'ainly
diſcover by the fnow. And now remembering what had
been often told me, that fuch was the majefty of a man's
voice, as to ftrike terror even in the fiercest creatures, I or-
dered all our companions to halloo, as loud as poffible; and
in this notion I was not altogether mift ken; for they im-
mediately turned about upon the first halloo, and began to
retire; upon which, orde ing a fecord volley in their
rear, they galloped into the woods with great precipitation.
Thus we had fome fmall 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 poſture of defence as before, being alarmed with a very
dreadful noite in the fame wood, on our left hand, the fame
way as we were to pafs, only that it was fome diſtance
from us.
By this time the darkfome clouds began to ſpread
over the elemen's, and the night growing very dufky, made
it ſo much the more to our difadvantage; but ftill the noiſe
increasing, we were fully affured that it was the howling
and yelling of thofe ravenous creatures; when preſently
three troops of wolves on our front appeared in fight, as
though a great number of them had a deſign to furround us
and devour us in fpite of fate. But as they did not fall
upon us immediately, we proceeded on our journey in as ſwift
a manner as the roads would permit our horfes, which was
only a large trot. It was in this man er we travelled, till
fuch a time as we difcover d another wood, and had the
profpect of its entrance, through which we were to pass, at
the fartheft fide of the plain. But furely none can exprefs
the terror we were in, when approaching the lane, we per-
ceived a co fufed number of the fiercest wolves, ſtanding,
as it were, guarding its entrance. Nor were we long in
this amazemen, before another occafion of horror prefent-
ed itself; for fuddenly we heard the report of a gun at ano-
the ope ing in the wood; and looking that way, out ran a
horfe bri iled and faddled, fving with the greateſt fwiftnefs,
and no less than fixteen or leventeen wolves purfuing after
him, in order to devour the poor creature; and unquestions
ably they did fɔ, after they had run him down, not being able
to hold out that ſwiftneſs with which he at first eſcaped
them.
T
中
​140
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
When we rode up to that entrance from whence the horſe
came fo th, bere lay the carcafe of another horſe and two
men, mangled and torn by theſe devouring wolves; and un-
doubtedly one of thefe men was the perfon who fired the
gun which we had heard, for the piece lay by him; but,
alas! off of the upper part of his body and his head were
entombed in the bowels of thefe ravenous creatures.
What courfe to take, whether to proceed or retreat, we
could not te'l; but it was not 'ong before the wolves them-
felves made us to come to a reſolution: for fuch numbers
furrounded us, every one of whom expected their prey,
that were our bodies to be divided among them, there would
not be half a mouthful a-piece. But happy, very happy it
was for us, that but a little way from the entrance, there lay
fome very large timber trees, which I fu pofed had been
cut down and laid there for fale; amongst which I drew my
little trop, placing ourſelves in a line behind o e long tree,
which ferved us for a breaft-work, when defiring them to
aligh, we food in a triangle, or three fronts, clofing our
bodies in the centre, the only place where we could pre-
ferve them.
|
Never certainly was there a more furicus charge than
what the wolves made upon us in th's place: and the fight
of the horfes, which were the principal prey they aimed at,
provoked their hunger, and added to their ratural fierceness.
They came on us with a moft dreadful no fe, that made the
woods ring again; and beginning to mount the pieces of
timber, I ordered every man to fire, as before directed:
and, irdeed, ſo well did they take their aim, that they killed
feveral of the wolves at the firft volley; but still we were
obliged to keep a continual firing, by reaſon they came on
like devils, pushing one another with the greatest fury.-
But our fecond volley ſomething abated their courage, when
ftopping a little, we hoped they would have made the best
of their way; however it did not prove fo, for others made
a new attempt upon us; and though in four firings.we killed
feven een 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 laft 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 fufee and his
甫
​OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
141
own, with the greateft dexterity. By this time the wolves
coming up the timber, I fet fire to the train, by fnapping a
diſcharged piſtol cloſe to the powder. This ſo ſcorched
and terrified them, that fome fell down, and others jumped
in among us; but thefe were immediately difpatched,
when all the reft, frightened with the light, which toe dark-
fome night caufed to appear more dreadful, began at length
to retire; upon which, ordering our last pistols to be fired
at once, giving at the fame time a great fhout, the wolves
were obliged to have recourfe to their ſwiftnefs, and turn
tail; and then we fallied out upon twenty lame ones, cut-
ting them in pieces with our fwords, which obliged them
to howl lamentably, to the terror of their fellows, who re-
figned to us the field s victorious conquerors. And, in-
deed, I question whether Alexander, king of Macedonia,
in any of his conquests, had more occafion for triumph than
we had; for he was but attacked with numerous armies of
foldiers, whereas our little army was obliged to combat a
·legi n of devils, as it were, worſe than the cannibals, who,
the fame moment they had flain us, would have facrificed
us, to fatisfy their voracious appetites.
Thus ended our bloody battle with the beafts, having
killed threefcore of them, and faved our lives from their
fury. We still had a league farther to go, when, as we
went, our ears were faluted with their most unwelcome
howlings, and we expected every moment another attack.
But, in an hour's time, we arrived at the town where we
were to lodge; and here we found the place ftrictly guard-
ed, 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 morning
we were obliged to take a new guide, by reafen the other
fell very bad of his wounds, which he had received, as be-
fore mentioned. After we had reached Thouloufe, we
came into a warm, pleaſant, and fruitful country, not infeft-
ed with wolves, nor any fort of ravenous creatures: and
when we told our story there, they much blamed our guide,
for conducting us through the foreft at the foot of the moun-
tains, in ſuch a ſevere ſeaſon, when the ſnow obliged the
wolves to feek for fhelter in the woods. When we inform-
ed them in what manner we placed ourselves, and the
horfes in the centre, they exceedingly reprehended us, and
4
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
142
told us,
it was a hundred to one but we had been all de-
ftroyed; for that it was the very fight of the ho fes (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 gu; but then
being exceed ngly hungry and furious upon that account,
their eagerness to come at the horfes made them infenfible
of their danger; and that, if we had not, by a continual
fire, and at laft by the cunning ftratagem of the train of
powder, got the better of them, it had been great odds if
their number had not overpowered us; beſides, it was a
great mercy we alighted from cur horfes, and fought them
with that courage and conduct, which had we failed to do,
every man of us, with cur beaſts, had been devoured; and,
indeed, this was nothing but truth; for never, in my life,
was I fo fenfible of danger, as when three hundred devils
came roaring upon us, to fhun whofe unwelcome company,
if I was fure to meet a florm every week, I would rather
go a thoufand leagues by fea.
I think I have nothing uncommon in my paffage through
France to take notice of, fince other travel ers of greater
learning and ingenuity have given a more amp'e acc unt
than my pen is able to fit forth. From Tnouloute I travel-
led to Paris, from thence to Calais, where I took thipping,
and landed at Dover the 14th of January, in a very cold
feafon.
Thus come to the end of my travels, I fcon diſcovered
my new found eſtate, and all the bills of exchange I had
were currently paid. The good ancient widow, my only
privy counsellor, thought no pains or care too great to pro-
cure my advantage; 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
Lisbon, and to the Brazils; but, as in the Diſolate Iſland,
1 had fome doubts about the Romish religion, fo I knew
there was little ercouragement to fettle there, unleſs I
would apofatize from the crthodox faith, or live in conti-
nual fear of the Inquifition. Upon this account I reſolved
to fell my plantation; and, for that in ent, I wrote to my
old friend at Lifben, who returned me an anſwer to my great
fatisfaction; which was, that he wou'd fell it to good ac-
count; however, if I thought it convenient to give him li-
berty to offer it in my name to the two merchants, the fur
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
143
vivors of my truſtees, refiding at the Brazils, who confequently
knew its introfic value, having lived juft upon the ſpot,
and who I was fenfible were very rich, and therefore might
be the more willing to purchaſe it, he did not in the leaſt
doubt, but that I thou'd make four or five thousand pie es
of eight more of it, than I could if I diſpoſed of it in any
other manner whatſoever.
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 accordingly did; ſo that about
eight moths after, the ſhip being in that time returned, he
gave me a fatis´actory account, that they not only willingly
accepted the offer, but that they had all remitted 33,000
pieces of eight to a correfcondent of their own at Liſbon,
in order to pay for the purchaſe.
Hereupon, in return, 1 figned the inftrument of fale, ac-
cording to for n, which they had fent from Liſbon, and re-
turned it again to my old friend, he having fent me, for my
eftate, bil's of three hundred and twenty eight thouſand
pieces of eight, refe ving the payment of one hundred moi..
dores per annum, which I had allowed him during life,
likewife fifty to his for during life alfo, according to my
faithful promife, which the plantation was to make good as
a rent charge.
And thus having lel my reader to the knowledge of the
first parts of my life, fo remarkable for the many peculiar
p ovidences that attended it, flating in the ocean of uncer-
tainty and disappointment, of adverfity and profperity,
beginning foolishly, and yet ending happily; methinks now
that i am come to a fafe and pleaſant haven, it is time to
caft out my anchor, aud, laying up my vellel, bid, for a
while, adieu to foreign adventures. I had no other concerns
to look a ter, but the care of my brother's two funs, which,
with the good widow's perfuafiens, obliged me to continue
at home feven years. One of these child:en I b ed up a
gentleman, and the other an experienced failor, remarkable
for his courage and bravery. Budes this, I married a vir-
tuous young gentlewoman of a very good family, by whom
I had two fons and one daughter. But my dear and tender
wife leaving this earth'y ftage, (as in the ſecond part of my
life you will hear,) which rent my fou!, as it were, afunder,
my native country became weary and tirefeme to me; and
my nephew happening to come from fea, tempted me to
y
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
venture another voyage to the Eaft-Indies, which I did in
the year 1694, at which time I vified my iſland, and in-
formed myself of every thing that happened fince my de-
parture.
Į
One might reaſonably imagine, that what I had ſuffered,
together with advanced age, ard the fear of lofing, not only
what I had gotten, but my life alfo, might have choked
up all the feeds of ufclefs ambition and curiofity, and put
a lafting period to my wandering inclinations. But as no-
thing but death can fully allay the active part of my life, no
lefs remarkable for the many various contingencies of it,
you will next perceive how I vifited my little kingdom,
faw my fucceffors the Spaniards, had an account of the
ufage they met with from the Engliſhmen, agreeing and
difagiering, un ting and feparating, till at last they were
fubjected to the Spaniards, who yet ufed them very ho-
nourably, together with the wonderful and fuccefsful battles
over the Indians, who invaded and thought to have con-
quered the island, but were repelled by their invincible
courage and bravery, having taken eleven men and five
women prifoners, by which, at my return, I found about
twenty young children on my little kingdom Here I ft id
twenty days, left them fupplies of all neceffary things, as
alfo a carpenter and fmith, and ſhared the island into parts,
referving the whole property to myfelf. Nor will you be
infenfible, by the account of thefe things, of ſeveral new
adventures I have been engaged in, the battles I have fought,
the deliverances I have met with and while, in the fur-
prifing relations of ſuch rema kable occurrences, I fia'l de-
fcribe many of God's kindest providences to me in particu-
lar, no less confpicuous in the fame goednefs, power, and
majeſty of our great Creator, shown one way or other over
the face of the earth, if duly adverted to.
I
:
1
{
1
ROBINSON CRUSOE;
Wherein are contained ſeveral ſtrange and ſurpriſing accounts
of his Travels, and his moſt remarkable Tranfactions both
by Sea and Land; with his wonderful vifion of the Angelic
World.
THE FURTHER ADVENTURES OF
WHEN we confider the puiffant force of Nature, and
what mighty influence it has many 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
fronger inclination. My late acquired kingdom ran con-
tinually in my thoughts all the day, and I dreamed of it in
the night; nay, I made it the continual fubject of my talk,
even to impertinence, when I was awake. I had fuch va-
pours in my head, that I actually fuppofed my felf at my
caftle; that I not only perceived Friday's father, the old
Spaniard, and the wicked failors, but that I talked and dif
courfed with them about their manner of living; that I heard
the things related to me, which I found afterwards to be
too true; and that I executed my judgments with the greatest
ſeverity upon the offenders. And, indeed, this anticipating
all the pleafing joys of my life, fcarcely afforded me one
pleaſant hour: my dear and tender wife could not but take
notice of it, which drew theſe affectionate ſpeeches from
her: "My dear," faid he, "I am really perſuaded that
"fome fecret impulfe from Heaven occafions in you a de-
"termination to fee the iſland again; nor am I leſs fenfible,
"but your being engaged to me and thele dear child:en, is
"the only hinderance of your departure. I know, my dear,
"if I were in the grave, you would not long continue at
"home; prevent not your happiness on my account, whofe
"only comfort centres in you. All that I can object is, that
"luch an hazardous undertaking is no way c nfitent with
"a perf n of your years; but if you are refolved to go,'
added fhe, weeping, "only permit me to bear you com-
pany, and that is all that I defire."
7
**
Such endearing tendernets, graced with the moſt inno-
cent, and yet moft powerful charms, brought me infenfibly
ince my right understanding; and when I confidered all the
G
T
fofque
脾
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!
146
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tranfactions of my life, and particularly my new engage-
ment; that I had now one child already born, and my wife
big of another; and that I had no occaſion to ſeek for more
riches, who already was bleffed with fufficiency, with much
ftruggling I altered my refolutions at last, refolving to apply
myfelf to fome business or other, which might put a period
to fuch wardering inclinations. Hereupon I bought a little
farm in the county of Bedford, with a refolution to move
thither; upon this there was a pretty convenient houſe,
furrounded with land, very capable of improvement, which
fuited my temper, as to planting, managing, and cultivating.
Nor was I long before I entered upon my new fettlement,
having bought ploughs, arrows, carts, waggons, horſes,
cows, and fheep; fo that I now led the life of a country
gentleman, and as happy in my retirement as the greateſt
monarch in the world. And what made me think my
happineſs the greater was, that I was in the middle ftate of
life, which my father had fo often recommended, much re-
fembling the felicity of a rural retirement which is elegantly
deſcribed by the port in theſe lines :
Free from all vices, free from care,
Age has no pain, and youth no fnare.
r
But in the midſt of this my happinefs, I was fuddenly
plunged in the greateſt forrow that I could poffibly endure;
fer, when I least expected it, my dear and tender wife was
forced to fubmit to the irrefiflible power of Death, leaving
this tranfitory life for a beter. 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 own reafon, the importunities of
friends, the inftructions of a father, or the melting tears of a
tender and difconfolate mother; in a word, he was the
fpirit of all my affairs, and the centre of my enterprizes.—
But now,
fince the cruel hand of Death had cloſed my dear-
eft's eyes, I feemed in my thoughts a ftranger to the world;
my privy counsellor 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 bufy 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,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
147
where both reafon and religion dictated to me, that there
was ſomething 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 and fcience to thoſe who have neither
taste nor ingenuity. In short, 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 agreeable delight; a fiate
of idleness I found to be the very dregs of life, and moſt
hurtful to body and foul. It was now the beginning of the
year 1684, at which time my nephew (who, as I before ob-
ferved, had been brought up to the fea, and advanced to be
captain of a ship) was returned from a ſhort voyage to Bil-
boa, the first he had made in that ſtation. He comes to me
one morning, telling me, that fome merchants of his ac-
quaintance had propofed to him to go a voyage for them to
the Eaft-Indies and China, in the manner of private traders;
" and now, uncle," ſaid he, " if you'll accompany me thither,
“I'll engage to land you upon your own iſland, to vifit the
"ftate 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 looked fteadfastly on him,
"What devil or fpirit," faid I, "fent you with this un-
lucky errand ?" He started at firft; but recovering him-
felf, when he perceived I was not offended, "Sir,” replied
he, "what I have propofed cannot, I hope, be styled un-
lucky, fince certainly you muſt be defirous to ſee your little
territory, where you reigned with more content than any of
your brother kings in the univerſe.”—“ Nephew,” ſad I,
"if you will leave me there, and call for me as you come
back, I care not if I give my confent:" but he anſwered,
that the merchants would not allow their veffel, loaden
with an infinite value, to return there again, which was a
month's fail out of their way; "be fides, Sir," faid he, "if [
fhould mifcarry, was your request granted, why then you
would be locked up as before." This, indeed, carried a
great deal of reafon in it; bu: we found out a remedy, and
that was to c-rry a framed floop on bard, ready to be fet
up in the inland, by the alliance of fome ca-peners, which
we ſhould carry with us, that might be fitted in a few days,
>>
100
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}
14-8
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
to go to fea. I was rot long in forming my reſolution,
which overſwayed my good friend, the widow's, perfuafions,
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 my poor infan's would have juftice done.
them. The good widow not only undertook to make pro-
viſion for my voyage, but alſo tuck the charge of my do-.
melic affairs, and to provide for my children's education;
and indeed no mother could take more care, or underfood
the office better; for which I lived to reward and return
her my hearty thanks.
1
The beginning of January, 1694-5, my nephew being
ready to fail, I and Friday went on board in the Downs on
the Sth, having, befides that floop already mentioned, a
very confiderable cargo for my new colony. Firſt, I had
fome fervants, whem I propofed to leave there, as they
fhould appear willing; there were two carpenters, a ſmith,
and a very ingenious fellow who was Jack-of-all-trades; for
he was not only a cooper by trade, bur alfo was dexterous at
making wheels, and hard-mills to grird corn, likewiſe a
good turner, and a good pot-maker. I alfo carried a tailor,'
who confented to flay in my plantation, and proved a moſt
neceffary fellow in the inland. As to my cargo, it confifted
of a fufficient quantity of linen, and English ftuffs for cloth-
ing the Spaniards that I expected to find there; as likewife
gloves, hats, thoes, ftockings; together with beds, bedding,
and houſehold fluff, especially kitchen utensils, with pots,
kettles, pewter, brafs, &c. alfo nails, tools of all forts,
flaples, hocks, hinges, and all other things neceffary; all
which, I think, coft me about three hundred pounds. Nor
was this all; for I carried a hundred ſpare arms, muſkets,
and fufees, befides fome piſtols, a confiderable quantity of
feveral forts of fhot, two brafs cannon, befides fwords,
cutlaffes, 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 occafion for in his fhip, to leave be-
hind, if there was a neceffity; fo that we might build a
fort there, and man it against all oppoſers whatfoever.
Well, we put out to fea; and though I can't ſay this
voyage was ſo unprofperous as my others had been, yet
contrary winds drove us fo far northward, that we were
obliged to put in at Galway in Ireland, where we lay
wind-bound two and twenty days. Here, indeed, our pro-
$
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
149
vilions were very cheap, and we added to our fhip's fores
by taking ſeveral live hogs, two cows and calves, which I
then refolved to put on shore in my iſland, if our neceflities
did not call for them. On the 5th of February we failed
from Ireland, with a very fair gale, which lafted for fome
days; and I think it was about the 20th of the fame month,
late in the evening, when the mate informed us, that he
faw a flaſh of fire, and heard a gun fired; and when he was
fpeaking, a boy came in and told us, that the boatſwain had
heard another. Upon which we all ran to the quarter-deck,
from whence, in a few moments, we perceived a terrible
fire at a diſtance. We had immediately recourfe to our
reckonings, in which we were all of opinion, that there
could be no land that way, it appearing to be at N. N. W.
Hereupon we concluded that fome thip 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 directly to it, and
in half an hour's time, the wind being fair, we could plaiuly
perceive a great fhip on fire, in the middle of the fea.-
Touched with this unhappy difater, and confidering my
former circumſtances, when the Portuguefe 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 de-
liverance at hand, and confequently might endeavour to
fave themſelves in their boat. Nor was it long before the
ſhip blew up in the air, and the fire was exunguished in
the ocean. But fuppofing them all to be in the r boats, we
hung out our lanterns, and kept firing till eight o'clock in
the morning; when, with our perfpectives, we behed two
boats full of people, making towards us, though the tile was
against trem: then spreading out our ancient, and hanging
out a waft, as a fignal for them to come on board, in haif
an hour's time we came up with them, and took them all in,
there being no lefs than fixty-four men, women, and child-
ren. It was a French merchant ſhip of three hund ed tons,
hore-ward bound from Quebec in the river of Canada.—
The mafter informed me how, by the negigence of the
Reerfman, the teerage was fet on fire: that, at his cutery
for help, the fire was, as he thought, totally extinguifhed;
but that fome parks geting between the timber and within
the ceiling, it proceeded into the hold, where there was no
refifling it; and then they got into their boats, as creatures
1
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150
LAFE AND ADVENTURES
in the laſt extremity, with what provifion they had, together
with cars, fails, and a compafs, intending to go back to
Newfoundland, the wind blowing at S. E. and by E. though
there were feveral chances against them, as ftorms to over-
fet and founder them, rains and colds to benumb and perish
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 unfpeak-
able joy, taking down our mafts and fails, we were refolved
to lie by till morning; but perceiving your light, we fet
our oars at work, to keep our boat a-head, the fooner to
attain your fhip, the happy inftrument of our deliver-
ance.
Indeed no one can exprefs the joy of thefe poor crea-
tures on this occafion; fear and grief are easily fet forth;
fighs and tears, with a few motions of the hands and head,
are all the demonftrations of theſe paffions; but an excefs
of joy carries in it a thouſand extravagances; eſpecially,
I think, among the French, whofe temper is allowed to be
more volatile, paffionate, fprightly, and gay, than that of
other nations. Some were weeping. tearing themſelves in
the greateſt agonies of forrow, and running ftark mad about
the hip, while the reft were ftamping with their feet,
wringing their hands, finging, laughing, fwooning away,
vomitting, fainting, with a few returning hearty thanks to
the Almighty, and croffing themſelves. I think, if I am
not mistaker, our furgeon was obliged to let thirty of them
blood. But among the paffengers, there were two prieſts,
the one an old, and the other a young man; but what amazed
me more was, that the oldeſt was in the worſt plight; for
no foner did he perceive himſelf freed from danger, but he
dropped down, as it were, without life, and to every one's ap-
pearance quite dead; but the furgeon chafing and rubbing
his arm, opened a vein, which at first dropped, and then
flowing more freely, the old man began to open his eyes,
ard in a quarter of an hour was well again. But foon re-
membering this happy change, the joy of which whirled his
blood about fafter than the veffels could convey it, he be-
came ſo feverish, as made him more fit for bedlam than any
other place; but the furgeon giving him a fleeping dofe,
he was perfectly compofed the next morning.
"
Remarkable, indeed, was the behaviour of the young
priet. At his entrance on board the ſhip, he fell on his face
M
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
151
AMM
****
in the moſt humble proftration to the Almighty. I thought,
indeed, he had fallen into a fwoon, and fo ran to help him
up; but he modeftly told me, he was returning 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, about three minutes after, with
great ſeriouſnels and affection, while the tears flood in his
eyes, which convinced me of the gratitude of his foul. Nor
did he lefs fhow his piety and wiſdom, in applying himſelf
to his country people, and labouring to compofe them, by
the most powerful reafons, arguments, and perfuafions.-
And when, indeed, theſe people had taken their night's re-
poſe, in fuch lodgings as our fhip would allow, we found
nothing but the best of manners, and the moſt civil acknow-
ledgments, for which the French are eminently remarkable.
The next day the Captain and one of the priests defired to
ſpeak with me and my nephew the commander, They
told us, that they had faved ſome money and valuable things
out of the ruined vefel, which was at cur fervice; only
that they defired to be fet on fhore fome where in our way.
At the first my nephew 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 con-
trary; and therefore told them, that as we had done nothing
but what we were obliged to do, by nature and humanity,
and what we ourselves might expect from others in fuch
calamity, fo we took them up to fave them, not to plunder
them, or leave them naked upon the land, to perith for
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 wil-
fully to change our voyage upon their particular account,
nor could my nephew (who was under charter-party to
purfue it by way of Brazil) anſwer it to the freighters.-
All that we could do, was to put ourſelves in the way of
meeting fome fhips homeward-bound from the Weſt Indies,
that, if poffible, they might get a paffage to France or
England. Indeed, they were very thankful for our firit
kindness; but were under great concern, eſpecially the
paſſengers, at their being carried to the Eaſt Indies. They
begged, therefore, I would keep on the banks of Newfound-
land, where probably they might meet with fome ſhip or
floop, to carry them to Canada, whence they came.
As
:
į
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
this was but a reaſonable requeſt, I was inclined to grant it,
fince it was no breach of charter-party, and 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 confented to
carry them to Newfoundland, if wind and weather would
permit; if not, that we fhould 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
prieft being defirous to go to the East Indies, I readily agreed
to it, becauſe I liked his converfation, and two or three of
the French fa'lors alfo entered themſelves on board our ſhip.
In the
Now, directing our course for the Weft Indies, flecring
S. and S. by E. about twenty days, with little wind, ano-
ther adventure happened to exercife cur humanity.
latitude of 27 degrees, 5 minutes north, the 19th of March,
1694-5, we perceived a fail, (our courſe S. E. and by S.)
which bore upon us, and then the appeared to be a large
veffel, having loft her main top-maft and boltfprit; when
firing a gun as a figral 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 he had been forced
in a hurricane to the weftward, in which they left their
mafis.
A
They told us, their expectations were to fee the Bahama
iflands, but were driven away by a frong wind at N. N. W.
and having no fails to work the fhip with, but the main-
courſe, and a kind of a fquare fail upon a jury fore-maſt,
becauſe they could not come near the land, were endeavour-
ing to ftand for the Canaries: nay, what was worſe, befides
all their fatigue, they were almoft ftarved for want of pro-
vifion, having ate nothing for eleven days; all that they had
aboard was fugar, a barrel of fresh water, and feven cafks
of rum.
In this hip were paffengers, a youth, his mother,
and a maid-ſervant, who were in a moft deplorable condition
for want of food. If I had not gone on board their fhip,
the knowledge of their mifery had been concealed from me,
and they would have inevitably perished, though, indeed,
their fecond mate who was Captain, by reafon the true
Captain was not on board when the hurricane happened,
had before informed me that there were fuch perfons on
board, whom he fuppofed to be dead, being afraid to inquire
*
}
I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
153
after them, becauſe he had nothing to give them for relief
Hereupon we refolved to let them have what we could
fpare, ordering the mate to bring fome of his men on board
us, which he did accordingly: as he and they looked like
fkeletons, when meat was fet before them I ordered them
to eat sparingly. 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 them a fack of bread,
and four or five pieces of beef; but the furgeon charged
them to fee it boiled, and keep a guard on the cook-room,
to prevent the men from eating it raw, and confequently
killing themselves with what was defigned for their relief.
But, particularly, I defired the mate to fee what condition
the poor paffengers were in, and the furgeon gave him a
pitcher of the fame broth which he had prepared for the
meu. And being curious to fee this fcene of mifery myſelf,
I took the Captain (as we called the mate of the thip) in
our own boat, and failed after them.
Here was a fad fight indeed! fcarce were the victuels
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 and foftened with the
liquor of the meat, which they call bruife; tel'ing them it
was for their own fafety, that he was ob iged to give them
but a 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 he had to her fin, they found her, as it were,
in the arms of death. She was fitting on the floor of the
deck, with her back up agairt the fides, between two
chairs, which were lashed fait, and her head fhrenk be-
tween her fhoulcers, like a fenielefs corpfe. Nothing was
wanting in ms mate to revive and encourage her; opening
her lips, and putting fome br. th into her mouth with a poor.
But not having trength to peak, the lifted up her head
with much difficulty, intimating that it was now too late >
at the fame time pointing to the youth, her foa, as though
The delired him to do what he could to fave the lad; and,
in a little time after, the died.
•
The youth, indeed, was not fo far gore, yet lay ftretched
out on the cabin bed, like one that had fcarce any life. In
G 5
?
}
→
i
154
:
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
his mouth was a piece of an old glove, the rest of which he
had ate up.
At first he vomited what the mate had given
him; but at length began fenfibly to revive, though in the
greatest concern for the death of his tender mother.
As to the poor maid, ſhe lay by her miſtreſs, like one in
the laſt pangs of death: her limbs were diſtorted, one of her
hands was clafped round the frame of a chair, which the
grafped fo hard, that it was with ſome difficulty we ſepa-
rated her from it; her other arm lay over her head, and her
feet lay both together, fet faſt againſt the frame of the cabin
table; not only being ftarved with hunger, but overcome
with grief at the lofs of her miſtreſs, whom ſhe loved most
tenderly. It was a great while before the furgeon could
bring her to life, and a much longer time before ſhe came
to her fenfes.
After we had failed with them fome days, we fent them
five barrels of beef, one of pork, two hogtheads of bifcuit,
with peas, flour, and other things; taking three cafks of
fugar, fome rum, and fome pieces of eight as payment, we
left them, but took the youth and maid with us, with all
their goods. The 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 be.
feeched the furgeon to intercede with me to take him out
of the ſhip; for that the failors, by not ſparing a ſmall fufte-
nance, had ſtarved his mother. But hunger has no bounds,
no right, and confequently is incapable of any compaffion.
When the furgeon told him, our voyage might put him in
bad circumstances, and farther from his friends, he faid he
did not care, if he was delivered from that terrible crew;
that as the Captain (meaning me) had ſaved him from death,
fo he was fure he would do him no harm; and, as for the
maid, when he was reflored to her fenfes, fhe would be
no le's thankful, let us carry them where we would. And
indeed the furgeon fo reprefented their cafe to me, that I
confented, and took them cn board, with all their goods,
except eleven hogfheads of fugar; but the youth having a
bill of lading, I made the Commander oblige himſelf to de-
liver a letter and the deceaſed widow's goods to Mr. Rogers,
a merchant in Briſtol; but I believe the hip was loft at fea,
for we never could bear what became of her afterwards.
We were now in latitude 19 deg. 32 min. having as yet a
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
155
tolerable good voyage. But, paffing by feveral little incidents
relating to wind and weather, I fhall relate what is moft re-
markable concerning my little kingdom, to which I was
then drawing near. I had great difficulty in finding it, for
as I came to, and went from it before, on the ſouth and east
fide of the island, as coming from the Brazils, fo now ap-
proaching between the main and the iſland, not having any
chart of the coaft, nor land mark, it obliged us to go on
thore on ſeveral iſlands in the mouth of the river Orconoko,
but to no purpoſe. Thus I perceived, that what I thought
was a continent before, was no ſuch thing, but a long iſland,
or rather a ridge of fands. On one of theſe iſlands I found
fome Spaniards, but they belonged to the iſle de Trinidad,
who came hither in a flocp to make falt, and try to find
fome pearl mufcles. But at length I came fair on the
fouth-fide of my ifland, and then I prefently knew the
countenance of my little kingdom: fo we brought the fhip
ſafe to an anchor, broad&de within the creek, where ftocd
my ancient and venerable caitle.
F_)
17
No fooner did I fee the place, but calling for: Friday, I.
afked him where he was; But when he locked a little, he
clapped his hands, erying, "O jcy, O there, O yes, O
there!" pointing to our old abode, and then fell a dancing.
and capering as if he was mad, and I had much ado to keep
him from jumping into the fea, to fwim afhore.
"Friday,'
faid I ; "what do you think, fhall we go to ſee your father?”
At the mentioning his father's name, the poor affectionate
creature fell a weeping: No, no," fays he, "me fee him
no more, never ſee poor father more! he long ago die, die
long ago; he much old man.” "You don't know that,"
faid I; but ſhall we fee any body elfe ?"He looks about,
and pointing to the hill above my houfe, cries out,
"We
fee, we ſee there much men and there;" which though I
could not perceive them with my perfpe&ive glafs, was
true, by what the men themſelves told me the next day.
<<
When the English ancient was fpread, ard three guns
fired, as a fignal of friendship, we perceived a fmcke rife
from the creek; upon which I ordered the boat out, taking.
Friday with me, and hanging out a white flag of trace, I
went on fhore, accompanied also by the young friar, to
whom I had related the hiſtory of the first part of my life;
befides, we had fixteen men well armed, in cafe we had
met with any oppofition.
▼
F
1
*7
G 6
f
136
LIFE AND ADVENTURÈS
I
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 lay in the boat for a while; but Friday, per-
ceiving his father at a diſtance, would have jumped into the
fea, had they not let the boat go. No fooner was he on
fhore, but he flew like a fwift arrow out of a bow to em-
brace his aged father. Certainly it would melt a man of
the firmeft refolution into the fofteft tears, to ſee with what
uncommon tranſports of joy be faluted him; he firſt kiffed
him, then froked his face, trok him in his arms, laid him
under a fhady tree, fat down by him, then looked as ear-
nefly at him, as one would do at a picture, for a quarter of
an hour together. After this he would lie upon the ground,
froke his legs and kifs them, then get up and flare 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, dram, biſcuit, or fomething or other that
was good. His frolics ran in another channel in the after-
noon; when he fet old Friday on the ground, he would
dance round him, making comical poftures and geftures;
and all this while would be telling him one ftory or another
of his travels and adventures.
It was on the 10th of April, anno 1695, that I fit my
foot upon the iſland a fecond time. When my faithful
Spaniard, accompanied by one more, approached the boat,
he little knew who I was, till I diſcovered myſelf to him.
C
Seignior," ſaid 1, in Port guefe, " don't you know me?”
He spoke never a word, but giving his muket to his attend-
ant, extended his arms, and faying fomething in Spanish
that I did not then understand, he came forward and em-
braced me, faying, he was inexcufable not to know his de-
liverer, who, like an angel fent from heaven, had faved his
-life. He then beckoned to the man to call out his com-
parions; afked me if I would walk to my own habitation,
and take poffeffion, where I should find feme mean im-
provements; but indeed they were extraordinary ones; for
they had planted fo many trees to clofe together, that the
place was like a labyrinth, which rone could find out ex-
cept themfelves, who knew its intricate windings. I asked
}
Ma
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
157
him the meaning of all theſe fortifications? he told me he
would give a large account of what had paffed fince my
departure till this time, and how he had fubdued fome Eng-
lish, who thought to be their murderers, hoping I would
not be diſpleaſed, 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 fent, returned, accompanied
by eleven more, but in fuch habits, that it was impoffible
to tell what nation 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 goodness;" then
turning to them, and pointing to me, he made them fenfi-
ble who I was; and then indeed they faluted me one by
one, not as ordinary men, but as though they had been am-
baſſadors or noblemen, and I a triumphant conqueror; for
their behaviour not only agreed with a manlike, majeſtic
gravity, but at the fame time was fo obliging and courteous,
as made them agreeable to the laſt degree.
Before I relate the hiftory of the tranfactions of my king-
dom, as I had it from the Spaniard's own mouth, I muſt
here infert what I omitted in my former relation. The
matter is this: Juft before we weighed anchor and ſet fail,
there happened a quariel on board the fhip, which had like to
have occafioned a fecond mutiny, till fuch time as the cou-
rageous Captain, taking two of the most refractory prisoners,
laid them in irons, threatening, as they were concerned in
the former diſorders, to have them hanged in England for
running away with the ship. 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. But the mate having intelligerce of this,
made me acquainted with their fears; fo that, to make
them more ealy, and ourſelves more fafe from their confpi-
racies, I was obliged to go down, ard paſs m honour's
word for is, that upon their good behaviour, all that was
pat ſhould be forgiven; in teltimony of which, I ordered
the two men's iros to be taken cff, and themſelves for-
given. But as this had brought us to an anchor at night,
in which there was a calm, the two men that had been in
irons, ftile each of them a muket, and fome other weapons,
and taking the fhip's pirnace, not yet hauled up, ran away
1
1+
158
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
to their brother rogues. The next morning we ſent the
long-boat, with men to purſue them, but all in vain; the
mate, in revenge, would have demolished my little caftle,
burnt its furniture, and deftroyed their plantations, but
having no orders for it, he did not put it in execution.-
And thus there were five Engliſhmen in the iſland, which
caufed great differences, as my faithful Spaniard gave me a
perfect account of, in the following manner
+
"You cannot, Sir, but remember the embaffy you ſent
me about, and what a diſappointment we met with, by your
abfence, at our return. There is but little variety in the
relation of all our voyage, being bleffed with calm weather,
and a ſmooth fea. Great indeed was the joy of my coun
trymen to ſee me alive, having acted as the principal man
on board, the Captain of the fhipwrecked veffel dying before;
nor was their furpriſe leſs, as knowing I was taken prifoner
by the favages of another nation, they had thought me long
fince entombed in their monflrous bowels. But when I
fhowed them the arms, ammunition, and proviſions 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 trefpafs
upon their friendly favages, by borrowing two of their
canoes, under a pretext for fishing; and they came away
the next morning, but without any provifions of their own,.
except a few roots, which ferved them inflead of bread.
After three weeks abfence, we arrived at our habitation.
Here we met with three Engliſh fai'ors, who, I confefs,.
gave us provifions, and that letter of direction you had left
for us, which informed us how to bring up tame goats, plant:
corn, cure grapes, make pots, and, in fhort, every thing.
that was neceſſary for our ufe. As, in particular, I knew
your method beft, fo taking Friday's father to affift me, we
managed all the affairs; nor were the rest of the Spaniards-
wanting in their kind offices, dreffing food for the English-
men, who did nothing but ramble and divert themſelves in
the woods, either fhooting parrots, or catching tortoises.
But we had not been long afhore, before we were informed
of two Englishmen, unnaturally turned out of their com-.
mon place of refidence, by the three others above-mention-
ed; this made my Spaniards and me (whom they now
looked upon as their governor in your abſence) endeavour to
perfuade them to take them in, that we might be as one family;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
159
7
1
but all our entreaties were in vain, ſo that the poor fellows
finding nothing to be done without induftry, pitched their
tents on the north fide of the iſland, a little inclining to the
weſt, for fear of favages, Here they built two huts, one to
lodge, and the other to lay their flores in; for my good natur-
ed Spaniard 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 unnatural brutes,
their countrymen, in a mere bullying humour, infulted them,
by faying, the governer (meaning you) had given them
poſſeſſion of the iſland, and d-mn 'em they ſhould build no
houſes upon their ground, without paying rent. The two
honeft men (for fo let me now diftinguish them) thought their
three countrymen only jefted, and one of them invited them
in, to fee their fine habitations; while the other facetiouſly
told them, that fince they built tenements with great im-
provements, they ſhould, according to the cuſtom of lords,
give them a longer leafe; at the fame time defiring them to
fetch a fcrivener to draw the writings. One of thefe
wretches fwearing he should pay for the jeft, fnatches up a
fire-brand, and clapping it to the outfide of their hut, very
fairly fet it on fire, which would foon have confumed it,
had not the honeft man thruft him away, and trod it out
with his feet. Hereupon the fellow returns with his pole,
with which he would have ended his days, had not the
poor man avoided the blow, when fetching his musket, he
knocked down the villain that began the quarrel. The
other two coming to affift their fellow, obliged the honeſt
man to take his mufket alfo, and both of them 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 make their complaint to me
and my Spaniards for juftice, which might have prevented
their farther defigns against them. And, indeed, ſo many
trefpaffes did they afterwards commit, by treading down
their corn, ſhooting their young kids and goats, and plagu-
ing them night and day, that they refolved to come to my
calle, 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
*
貔
​160
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
<<
<(
whom understood English) being in the woods, were met.
by one of the honest men, who complained how barbarous
their countrymen had been in deſtroying their corn, killing
their milk-goat, and three kids, which deprived them of their
fubfiftence; and that if we did not grant them relief, they
muſt be inevitably ſtarved, and fo they parted; but when
my Spaniards came home at night, and fupper being on the
table, one of them began to reprehend the Engliſhmen, but
in a very mannerly way; which they refenting, replied,
"What buſineſs had their countrymen in that place without
leave, when it was none of their ground?" Why," faid
my Spaniard, calmly, “Inglife, they must not ftarve;" but
they replied, "Let them ftarve, and be damn'd, they ſhould
neither plant nor build; and damn them, they ſhould be
their fervants, and work for them, for the iſland was theirs,
and they would burn all the huts they ſhould find in the
ifland." "By this rule," faid my Spaniard, fmiling, "We
fhall be your fervants too." "Aye, by G-d, and ſo you
fhall," replied the impudent rafcal. Upon which, ſtarting
up, Will Atkins cries, Come, Jack, let's have t'other
brush with them, who dare to build in our dominions!”—
Thus leaving us fomething heated with juft paffion, away
they trooped, every man having a gun, piftol, and fword,
muttering fome threatening words, that we could then but
imperfectly understand. That night they defigned to mur-
der their two companions, and flept till midnight in the
bower, thinking to fall upon them in their fleep; nor were
the honeft men lefs thoughtful concerning them; for at this
juncture they were coming to find them out, but in a much
fairer way.
As ſoon as the villains came to the huts, and
found nobody there, they concluded that I and my Spaniard
had given them notice, and therefore fwore to be revenged
on us. Then they demolished the poor men's habitations;
not by fire as they attempted before, but pulled down their
houfes limb from limb, not leaving ftick or ſtone on the
ground where they flood, broke their h ufehold ſtuff in
pieces, tore up their trecs, fpoiled their encloſure, and, in
fhort, quite ruined them of every thing they had. Had
theſe people met together, no doubt but there would have
been a bloody battle; but Providence ordered it for the
better; for juft as the three were got together, the two
were at our caflle; and when they left us, the three came
back again, but in great rage, fcoffingly telling us what
V
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
161
they had done; when one taking hold of a Spaniard's hat,
twirls it round, faying, “And you, Seignior Jack Spaniard,
fhall 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 piſtol, 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 reft had not come out,
and taken their arms from every one of them.
"C
Theſe Englishmen perceiving they had made all of us
their enemies, began to cool; but notwithſtanding their
bitter words, the Spaniards would not return them their
arms again, telling them they would do them no manner of
harm, if they would live peaceably; but if they offered any
injury to the plantation or caſtle, they would fhoot them as
they would do ravenous beats. This made them ſo mad,
that they went away raging like furies of hell. They were
no fooner gone, but in came the two honeft men, fired with
the jufteft rage, if fuch can be, having being ruined as afore-
faid. And indeed it was 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 perfuade the
two Engliſhmen from purſuing, and undoubtedly killing
them with their fire-arms; but we promifed them juftice
ſhould be done them; and, in the mean time, they should
refide with us in our habitation. In about five days after,
theſe three vagrants, almoſt ſtarved with hunger, drew near
our grove, and perceiving me, the governor, and two others
walking by the fide of the creek, they very fubmithively
defired to be received into the family again. We told
them of their great incivility to us, and of their unnatural
barbarity to their countrymen; but yet we would ſee what
the reft 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 obliging the two Englishmen not to hurt
them, being naked and unarmed; and that the other three
fhould make them reftitution, by building their two huts,
羹
​44
162
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and fencing their ground in the fame manner as it was be-
fore. Well, being in a miſerable condition, they ſubmitted
to this at prefent, and lived fome time regularly enough,
except as to the working part, which they did not care for,
but the Spaniards would have difpenfed with that, had they
continued eafy and quiet. Their arms being given them
again, they ſcarce had them a week when they became as
troubleſome as ever; but an accident happening foon after,
obliged us to lay aſide private refentments, and look to our
common preſervation.
"One night, Sir, I went to bed, perfectly well in health,
and yet by no means could I compofe myſelf to fleep; upon
which, being very uneafy, I got up and looked out, but it
being dark, I could perceive nothing but the trees around
the 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 answered, "It is I." When
I told him the occafion, "Sir," ſaid he, "fuch things are
not to be flighted; for certainly there is fome miſchief plot-
ting against us." "Where are the Englishmen " faid I.
He answered, "In their huts; for they lay feparate from
us, Sir, fince the laft mutiny.' "Well," ſaid I, “ fome
kind ſpirit gives this information for advantage. Come let
us go abroad, and fee if any thing offers to juſtify our fears."
Upon which I and fome of my Spaniards went up the moun-
tain, 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
voices of ſeveral men. Hereupon we retreated immediate-
ly, and raiſed the reft of our forces, and made them fenfible
of the impending danger; but with all my authority, I could
not make them ftay where they were, ſo earnest were they
to ſee how things went. Indeed, the darkneſs of the night
gave them opportunity enough to view them by the light of
the fire, undifcovered. As they were in different parties,
and fraggling over the fhore, we were much afraid that
they fhould find out our habitations, and deffroy our Accks
of goats; to prevent which, we fent immediately an Eng-
liſhman and two Spaniards to drive the goats into the val-
ley where the cave lay; or, if there was occaſion, into the
cave itfelf: As to ourſelves, refuming our native courage
and prudent conduct, had we not been divided, we durft
venture to attack a hundred of them; but before it was
-
I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
163
very light, we refolved to ſend out Friday's father as a ſpy,
who, immediately ftripping himſelf naked, gets among them
undiſcovered, and in two hours time, brings word, that they
were two parties of two different nations, who lately having
a bloody battle with one another, happened to land by mere
chance in the fame ifland, to devour their miſerable pri-
foners; that they were entirely ignorant of any perfons
inhabiting here; but rather being filled with rage and fury
againſt one another, he believed, that as foon as day-light
appeared, there would be a terrible engagement. Old Fri-
day had fcarce ended his relation, when we heard an un
common noife, and perceived that there was a horrid en-
gagement between the two armies.
"Such was the curiofity of our party, especially the Eng-
liſhmen, that they would not lie cloſe, though Old Friday told
them their ſafety depended upon it; and that if we had
patience, we ſhould behold the favages kill one another.
However they uſed fome caution, by going farther into
the woods, and placing themſelves in a convenient place to
behold the battle.
"Never could there be a more bloody engagement, or
men of more invincible fpirits and prudent conduct, ac-
cording to their manner and way of fighting. It lasted near
two hours, till the party which was nearer our caſtle began
to decline, and at laſt to fly from their conquerors.
We
were undoubtedly put into a great confternation on this
account, left they should run into our grove, and confe-
quently bring us into the like danger. Hereupon we re-
folved to kill the first that came, to prevent difcovery, and
that too with our ſwords, and the butt ends of our muſkets,
for fear the report of our guns fhould be heard.
"And fo indeed, as we thought, it happened; for three
of the vanquished army croffing the creek, ran directly to
the place, as to a thick wood for fhelter; nor was it long
before our ſcout gave us notice of it; as alſo, that the vic-
tors did not think fit to purfue them. Upon this I would
not fuffer them to be flain, but had them furpriſed and taken
by our party; afterwards they proved very good fervants
to us, being flout young creatures, and able to do a great
deal of work. The remainder of the conquered favages
fled to their cances, and put out into the ocean, while the
conquerors, joining together, fhouted by way of triumph;
1
1
;
*
}
!
}
164
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and about three in the afternoon they alſo embarked for
their own country. Thus we were freed at once from thoſe
favages and our fears, not perceiving any of theſe creatures
for fome confiderable time after. We found two and thirty
men dead in the field of battle; fome were flain with loog
arrows, which we found ticking in their bodies; and the
reft were killed with great unwieldly woodens (words, which
denoted their vaiì ſtrength, and of which we found ſeven-
teen, beſides bows and arrows; but we could not find o
wounded creature among them alive; for they either kill
their enemies quite, or carry thoſe wounded away with
them.
"This terrible fight tamed the Englishmen for fome time,
confidering how unfortunate they might have been had they
fallen into their hands, who would not nly kill them as
enemies, but alſo for food, as we do cattle: and indeed fo
much did this naufeate their ftomachs, that it not only made
them very fick, but more tractable to the common neceffary
bufinefs of the whole fociety, planting, fowing, and reap-
ing, with the greateft figns of amity and friendship; to,
that being now all good friends, we began to confider of
circumstances in general; and the first thing we thought.
of was, whether, as we perceived the favages haunted that
fide of the island, and there being 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 refidence, and plant it in a much fafer place, both for
the ſecurity of our corn and cattle.
A
"After a long debate on this head, it was refolved, or
rather voted nemine contradicente, not to remove our ancient
caſtle, and that for this very good reaſon, that ſome time
or other we expected to hear from cur fupreme governor,
(meaning you, Sir,) whofe meffengers not finding us there,
might think the place demolished, and all his ſubjećts de-
ftroyed by the favages.
"As to the next concern relating to our corn ard cattle,
we conſented to have them removed to the valley where
the cave was, that being moſt proper and fufficient for both.
But yet, when we confidered farther, we altered one part
of our refolution, which was to remove part of our cattle
thither, and plant only part of our corn there;. ſo that in
cafe one part was deſtroyed, the other might be preſerved.
Another refolution we took, which really had a great deal
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
165
:
3
7
of prudence in it, and that was, in not trufting the three
favages whom we had taken priſoners, with any knowledge
of the plantations we had made in the valley, of what num-
ber of cattle we had there, much less of the cave, wherein
we kept ſeveral arms, and two barrels of powder you left
for us at your departure from this ifland. But though we
could not change our habitation, we refolved to make it
more fortified and more fecure. To this end, Sir, as you
planted trees at fome diftance before the entrance of your
palace; fo we, imitating your example, planted and filled
up the whole fpace of ground, even to the banks of the
creek, nav, into the very ooze where the tide flowed, not
leaving a place for landing; and among thofe 1 had planted,
they had intermingled fo many fhort ones, all of which
growing wonderfully faft and thick, a little dog could
ſcarcely find a paffage through them. Nor was this fuffi-
cient, as we thought, for we did the fame to all the ground
on the right and left hand of us, even to the top of the hill,
without fo 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, especially
to ferve that occafion, for which we afterwards found it
neceffary.
"Thus we lived two years in a happy retirement, hav-
ing, all this time, not one vifit from the favages. Indeed
one morning we had an alarm, which put us in fome amaze-
ment; for a few of my Spaniards being out very early,
perceived no less than twenty canoes, as it were, coming
on fhore: upon which returning home with great precipi-
tation, 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 wicked Englishmen, and fome of my Spaniards.-
The occafion was this: One of them being enraged at one
of the favages, whom he had taken prifoner, for not being
able to comprehend fomething which he was ſhowing him,
fnatched up a hatchet in a great fury, not to correct, but to
kill him; yet miffing his head, gave him fuch a barbarous
cut in the fhoulder that he had like to have fìruck off his
Add
1
}
1
}
}
166
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
arm; at which one of my good-natured Spaniards inter-
pofing between the Englishman and the favage, befeeched
the former not to murder the poor creature; but this kind-
nefs had like to have coft the Spaniard his life, for the
Englishman ftruck at him in the fame manner; which he
nimbly and wifely avoided, returning fuddenly upon him
with his fhovel, (being all at work about their corn land,) and
very fairly knocked the brutish creature 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 ruſhing out upon
them, took the three Englishmen prifoners, and then our next
queftion was, what fhould be done to fuch mutinous and
impudent fellows, fo furious, defperate, and idle, that they
were mischievous to the highest degree, and confequently
not fafe for the fociety to let them live among them.
י
"Now, Sir, as I was a governor in your abfence, fo I alſo
took the authority of a judge; and having them brought
before me, I told them, that if they had been of my country,
I would have hanged every mother's fon of them; but,
fince it was an Englishman, (meaning you, kind Sir,) to
whom we were indebted for cur prefervation and deliver-
ance, I would, in gratitude, uſe them with all poffible mild-
nefs; but, at the fame time, leaving them to the judgment of
the other two Englishmen, who, I hoped, forgetting their
refentments, would deal impartially by them.
60
Hereupon one of his countrymen ftood up: "Sir,"
faid he, leave it not to us, for you may be fenfible we
have reaſon to fentence them to the gallows: beſides, Sir,
this fellow, Will Atkins, and the two others, propofed to us,
that we might murder you all in your fleep, which we could
not confent to: but knowing their inability, and your vigi-
lance, we did not think fit to difcover it before row."
"Now, Seignior," ſaid I, "do you hear what is alleged
against you? What can you fay to jullify fo horrid an action
as to murder us in cold blood?" So fir, Sir, was the wre.ch
from denying it, that he swore, d--mn him but he would do
it fill. But what have we done to you, Seignior Aikins,”
faid I;
or what will you gain by killing us? What fhall
we do to prevent you? Mult we kill you, or you kill us?
Why will you, Seignior A.kins," faid I, fmiling, "put us to
''
*
I
J
t
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
167
fuch an unhappy dilemma, fuch a fatal neceffity?" But fo
great a rage did my scoffing and yet ſevere jeſt, put him
into, that he was going to fly at me, and undoubtedly had
attempted to kill me if he had been poſſeſſed of weapons,
and had not been prevented by three Spaniards. This un-
paralleled and villanous carriage, made us feriouſly confider
what was to be done. The two Englishmen and the Spa-
niard, who had faved the poor Indian's life, mightily peti-
tioned me to hang one of them for an example to the others,
which should be him that had twice attempted to commit
murder with his hatchet, it being at that time thought im-
poffible the poor flave fhould recover. But they could
never gain my confent to put him to death, for the reaſons
above-mentioned, fince it was an Englishman (even your-
ſelf) who was my deliverer; and as merciful counfels are
moſt prevailing when earneftly preffed, fo I got them to be
of the fame opinion as to clemency. But to prevent them
doing us any farther miſchief, we all agreed, that they ſhould
have no weapons, as fword, gun, powder, or fhot, but be
expelled from the fociety, to live as they pleaſed by them-
felves; that neither the two Engliſhmen, nor the rest of the
Spaniards, fhould have converfation with them upon any ac-
count whatſoever; that they fhould be kept from coming
within a certain diſtance of our caſtle; and if they dared
to offer us any violence, either by ſpoiling, burning, killing,
or deſtroying any of the corn, plantings, buildings, fences,
or cattle, belonging to the fociety, we would fhoot them as
freely as we would do beafts of prey, in whatſoever places
we should find them.
"This fentence feemed very juſt to all but themſelves;
when, like a merciful judge, I called out to the two honeſt
Englishmen, faying, "You muit confider they ought not to
be itarved, neither; and fince it will be ſome 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 fow, by which
time they'll raife fome for themfelves; let us alfo below
upon them fix milch goats, four he ones, and fix kids, as
well for their prefent fupport, as for a further increase;
with tools neceffary for their work, as hatchets, an axe, faw,
and other things convenient to build them huts: all which
were agreed but before they took them into poffeffion, I
obliged them folemnly to fwear, never to attempt any thing
against us, or their countrymen, for the future. Thus dif-
i
I
1
}
"
1
168
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
miffing them from our fociety, they went away, fullen and
refractory, as though neither willing to go nor ftay; how-
ever ſeeing no remedy, they took what provifion was given
them, propofing to chooſe a convenient place where they
might live by themſelves.
"About five days after, they came to thofe limits appoint-
ed, in order for more victuals, and fent me word by one of
my Spaniards, whom they called to, where they had pitched
their tents, and marked themſelves out a habitation and
plantation, at the N. E. and moft remote part of the island.
And, indeed, there they built themſelves two very handfome
cottages, refembling our little caftl, 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
fight, unless particularly fought for. When hefe huts were
finiſhed, we gave them fome dry goat fkins for bedding and
covering; and upon their giving us fuller affurances of their
good behaviour for the future, we gave them fome peas, bar-
ley, and rice for fowing, and whatever tools we could fpare.
"Six months did the live in this feparate condition, in
which they got their first harvest in, the quantity of which
was but ſmall, becauſe they had planted but little land; for,
indeed, all their plantations being to form, made it more
difficult, eſpecially as it was a thing out of their element;
and when they were obliged to make their boards aud 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 lo much did this humble them, that they beg-
ged of my Spaniards to help them, to which the good-natured
men readily confented, and in four days ſpace, wo ked a
great hole in the fide of the bill for them, large enough for
their purpoſe, to fecure their corn and other things from the
rain, though not comparable to ours, which had feveral ad-
ditional apartments.
"But a new whim poffeffed theſe rogues about three
quarters of a year after, which had like to have ruined us,
and themfelves too; for it frems, being tired and weary of
this fort of living, which made them work for themfelves,
without hopes of changing their condition, nothing would
ſerve them, but that they would make a voyage to the con-
tinent, and try if they could feize upen fome of the favages,
and bring them over as flaves, to do their drudgery, while
they lived at eaſe and pleaſure.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
169
"Indeed the project was not fo prepofterous, if they had
not gone farther; but they neither did, nor propoſed any
thing, but what hed mischief in the defign, or the event.-
One morning, these three fellows came down to the limited
ftation, and humbly defired to be admitted to talk with us,
which we readily granted; they told us, in fort, that be-
ing tired of their manner of living, and the labour of their
hands in fuch employments not being fufficient to procure
the neceffaries of lite, they only defired one of the cances
we came over in, with fome arms and ammunition for their
defe ce, and they would feck 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
honelly made us ingenuous reprefent to them, by what
we ourſelves had ſuffered, the certain deſtruction they were
running into, either of being ſtarved to death or murdered
by the favages. To this they very audaciously replied,
that they neither could nor would work; and confequently
that they might as well be ftarved 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 bat
the canoe they would have gone without them.
!
Co
Though we could not well fpare our fire-arms, rather
than they ſhould go like naked men, we let them have two
muſkets, a pistol, a cutlaſs, and three hatchets, which were
thought very fufficiens; we gave them alfo geaty fleſh, a
great basket full 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 most made of a long pole, and a
fail of fix large goat-fkins dried, having a fair breeze, and
flood-tide with them, they merrily failed away, the Spa-
niards calling after them, Bon vejajo, no man ever expecting'
to ſee them more.
"When they were gone, the Spaniards and Engliſhmen
would often fay to one another, “ O how peaceably do we
"now live, fince thoſe turbulent fellows have left us !'
Nothing could be farther from their thoughts than to be sold
their faces any more; and yet ſcarce two and twenty days
had paid over their heads, but one of the Englishmen, be-
ing abroad a planting, perceived, at a diflance, three men,
H
¦
*
;
[
170
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
well armed, approaching towards him. Away he flies with
Speed to our caftle, and tells me and the reft, that we were
all urdo e, for that ftrangers were landed upon the iſland,
and who they were he could not tell; but added, that they
were not favages, but men habited, hearing arms. Why
then, faid I, we have the lefs occafion to be concerned,
fince, if they were 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 cur admiration
of that nature ceafed at once. And our wonder was fuc-
ceeded by another fort of inquiry, which was, what could
be the occafion of their returning fo quickly to the iſland,
when we little expected, and much lefs defired, their com-
pany? but as this was better to be related by t emfelves,
I ordered them to be brought in, when they gave me the
following relation of their voyage.
"After two days' fail, or fomething lefs, they reached
land, where they found the people coming to give them
another fort of reception than what they expected or defi
red; for, as the favages were armed with bows and arrows,
they durft not venture on ſhore, but ſteered northwards, fix
or feven hours, till they gained an opening, by which they
plainly perceived, that the land that appeared from this
At their en-
place, was not the main land, but an island.
trance into the opening of the fea, they difcovered another
inland on the right hand northward, and feveral more ling
to the weftward; but being refolved to go on ſhore fome
where or other, they put over to one of the weſtern iſlands.
Here they found the natives very courteous to them, giving
them ſeveral roots and dried fish; nay, even their women
too were willing to fupply them with what they could
procure them to eat, bringing it a great way to them upon
their heads. Among thofe hofpitable Indians they con-
tinued fome days, inquiring, by figns and tokers, what na-
tions lay around them; and were informed, that there were
feveral fierce and terrib'e people lived every way, accuf-
tomed to eat mankind; but for themſelves they never ufed
fuch diet, except thofe that were taken in batt'e, and of
them they made a folemn feaſt.
}
"The Englishmen inquired how long it was fince they
had a feast of that kind? They answered, about tiyo moons
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
171
{
ago, pointing to the moon; and then two fingers; that,
at this time, their king had two hundred priſoners, which
were fattening up for the laughter. Tre Engliſhmen
were mighty defirous of feei g the prifoners, which the
others miftaking, thought that they wanted fome of them
for their own food; upon which they beckoned to them,
pointing to the rifing, and then to the fetting of the fun;
meaning, that by the time it appeared in the eaſt next
morning, they would bring them fome; and indeed they
were as good as their word; for by that time they brought
eleven men and five woren, just as fo many cows and
oxen are brought to fea-port t wns, to victual a fhip. But
as brutish as thefe Englishmen were, their ftomachs turned
at the fight. What to do in this cafe, they could not tell:
to re'ufe the priſoners would have been the higheſt aff ont
offered to the favage gentry; and to difpofe of them, they
knew not in what manner; however they refolved to ac-
cept them, and fo gave them, in return, one of their
hatchets, an old key, a knife, and 6x or ſeven of thei?
bullets; things which, though they were wholy ignorant of,
yet they 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 přef nts, left the
donors fuld have expected two cr three of them to be
killed, and to be invited to dinner the next day; and f
taking leave with all poffible reſpect and thanks, though
neither of them urderstood what the others faid, they fa led
away back to the firft ifland, and there fet eight of the
Frifoners at liberty. In their voyage they endeavoured to
comfort, and have fome conve fa ion with the poor cap-
riyes; 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 devcured: if they gave them any
food, they thought it was orly to fatten them for the
flaughter; or looked at any one more particularly, the
poor creature fuppofed itfelf to be the firit facrifice; and
even when we brought them to our ifland, and began to
ufe them with the grea eft humanity and kindneſs, yet they
expected every day that their new mafters would devcur
*
them.
[
"And thus, Sir, did thefe three frarge wanderers con- ·
11 2
172
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
clude their unaccountable relation of their voyage, which
was both amazing and entertaining, Hereupon, I aſked
them where their new family was? They told me, they had
put them into one of their huts, and they came 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 behold thefe poor creatures.
"When we arrived at the hut, (they being bound again
by the Englishmen, for fear of escaping,) we found them
itark naked, expecting their fatal tragedy; they were
three lufty men, weil fhaped, with ftraight and good limbs,
between thirty and five and thirty years old; and five wo-
men, 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 agreeable, 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.
F
►
"This naked appearance, together with their miſerable
circumftances, was no very comfortable fight to my Spa-
niards, who, for their parts, I may venture, Sir, without
Hattery, to fay, are men of the best behaviour, calmeft
tempers, and fweetelt nature, that can puffibly be; for
they immediately ordered Friday's father to fee if he knew
any of them, or if he understood what they could fay.
No fooner did the old Indian appear, but he looked at
them with great feriouſneſs; yet as they were not of his
nation, they were u ter frangers to him, and none could
underfland his fpeech or figns, but one woman.
This was
enough to anſwer his defign, which was to affure them
they would not be killed, being fallen into the hands of
Chriftian, who abhorred fuch barbarity. When they
were fully fatisfied of this, they expreffed their joy by ſuch
ftrange geftures, and uncommon 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 her fhoulders, and the others that, intima-
ting, that they were willing to do any thing for them. But
now, Sir, having women amongst us, and dreading that
I
4
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
173
it might occafion fome ftrife, if not blood, I aſked the three
men what they would do, and how they intended to ufe
thefe creatures, whether as fervants or women? One of them
very pertly and readily answered, they would uſe them as-
both. Gentle nen, faid I, as you are your own maſters, I
am not going to reftrain you from that; but, methinks, for
avciding diffenfions 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 elſe ſhould
prefume to touch her; for though we have not a prieſtly
authority to marry you, yet it is but reaſonable, that who-
ever thus takes a woman, ſhould be obliged to maintain her,
fince nobody has any thing to do with her; and this, in-
deed, appeared fo juft to all preſent, that it was unanimoufly
agreed to. The Englishmen then aſked my Spaniards, whe-
ther they defigned to take any of them? but they all an-
fwered, No; tome declaring they had already wives in
Spain; and others, that they cared not to join with infidels.
On the reverſe, the Englishmen took each of them a tem-
porary wife, and fo fet up a new method of living. As to
Friday's father, the Spaniards, and the three favage fervants
we had taken in the late battle, they all lived with me in
our ancient castle; and indeed we fupplied the main part
of the iſland with food, as neceflity required. But the most
remarkable part of the ftcry is, how theſe Engliſhmen, who
had been fo much at variance, fhould agree about the choice
of thoſe women! yet they took a way good enough to pre-
vent quarrelling among themfelves. They fet the five wo-
men in one of their buts, and going themſelves to the other,
drew lots which fhould have the first choice. Now, he
that had the first lot went to the hut, and fetched out her
he choſe; and it is remarkable, that he took her that was
the moſt homely and eldeſt of the number, which made the
reft of the Englishmen exceedingly merry; the Spaniards
themfelves could not but fmile at it; but, as it happened,
the fellow had the beſt thought, in choofing one fit for ap-
p'ication and bufinefs; and, indeed, the proved the beſt
wife of all the parcel.
But when the poor creatures perceived themfelves placed
in a row, and ſeparated one by one, they were again feized
with an unspeakable terror, as now thinking they were going
to be fain in earneft; and when the Englishmen came to
take the first, the reft fet up a lamentable cry, claſped their
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
arms round ter neck, and hanging about her, took their
laft farewell, as they thought, in fuch trembling agonies,
and affectionate embraces, as would have fortened the hard-
eft heart in the world, and made the diell eyes melt into
tears; nor could they be perfuaded but that they were going
to die, till fuch time as Friday's father made them feaſible
that the Engliſhmen had choſen them for their wives, which
ended all their terror and concern upon this occafion.
I
"Well, after this, the Englishmen went to work, and, be-
ing affiled 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 thofe they had already were filled
with tools, houſehold ftuff, and provifion. They all con-
tinued on the north shore of the island, but feparate as be-
fo e; the three wicked ores pitched farther off, and the two
honeft men nearer our caftle; fo that the iflard feemed to
be peopled in three places, three towns beginning to be built
for that perpofe. And here I cannot but remaik, what is
very common, that the two hon: A men had the worst wives,
(I mean as to induſtry, cleanlinefs, and ingenuity,) while the
three reprobates enjoyed women of contrary qualities.
"But another obfervation I made was, in favour of the
two honeft men, to fhow what difparity there is between a
diligent application to butinefs, on the one hand, and a fl›th-
ful, negligent, and idle temper, on the ober. Both of
them had the fame parcel of ground laid out, and corn to
fow fufficient for them; but both did not in ke the fame
improvements, either in their cultivation or ter planting.
The two honelt men 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 de-
lightful. Every thing they aid profpered and flour:fhed;
their grapes planted in order, feenied as though managed in
a vineyard, and were in fiitely preferable to any of the others.
Nor were they wanting to fin out a place of retreat, but
dug a cave in the moll retired part of a thick wood, to fe-
cure their wives and chil rer, with their proviſion and ch ef-
eft goods, furrounded with i numerable takes, and having
a molt fubtle entrance, in cafe any mischief should happen.
either from their fellow countrymen, or the devouring favages.
"As to the reprobates, (th ugh I mul own they were
much more civilized than before, inftead of a delightf Iwood
furrounding their dwelligs, we found the words of King
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
175
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 buſh to flop
thefe gaps for the prefent, which was no more than ſhutting
the table door after the feed was ftolen away. But as to
their wives, they (as I obferved before) were more diligent,
and cleanly enough, eſpecially in their victuals, being in-
firucted by one of the honefì men, who had been a cook's
mate on bard a hip: and very well it was fo; for as he
cooked himself, his companion and their families lived as
well as the idle hufbinds, who did nothing but loiter about,
fetch turtles' eggs, catch fish and birds, and do any thing but-
work, and lived accordingly; while the diligent lived very
handſomely and plentifully, in the most comfortable manner.
"And now, Sir, I come to lay before your eyes a fcene
quite different from any thing that ever happened to us be-
fore, and perhaps ever befel you in all the time of your
refidence on this ifland. I ali inform you of its original
in the full wing manner:
"One morning, Sir, very early, there came five or fix
canoes of Indians on thore, indifputably upon their old cuf-
tom of devouring their prisoners. All that we had to đơ
upon fuch an occafion, was to lie concealed, that they, not
having any notice of inhabitants, might depart quietly, after
performing their bloody execution: whoever firil difcovered
the favages, was to give notice to all the three plantations
to keep within doors, and then a proper fcout was to be
placed to give intelligence of their departure. But, not-
with ftanding theſe wife meaſures, an unhappy difaller dif-
covered us to the favages, which was like to have cauſed
the defolation of the whole ifland; 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' falt alleep 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 firſt, 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
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176
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
We
fhed the blood of perfons who never did us wrong.
perceived they had no beat left them to tranfport them to
their own nation; and that, by letting them wander about,
they might dicover us, and inform the first favages that
fhould happen to land upon the fame bloody occafion, which
information might entirely ruin us: and therefore I coun-
felled my Spaniards to fecure them, and let them about fome
work or other, till we cou'd better difpofe of them.
"
'Hereupon we all went back, and making them awake,
took them prifoners. It is impoffible to exprefs the horror
they were in, eſpecially when bound, as thinking they were
going to be murdered and eaten, 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,
planting corn, &c. and then carried them to the two Eng-
fhmen's habitation, to help them in their buſineſs; but
happy it was for us all we did not carry them to our caffle,
as by the fequel will appear. The Engliſhmen, indeed,
found them work to do but whether they did not guard
them ftrictly, or that they thought they could not better them-
felves, I cannot tell; but certainly one of them ran away into
the woods, and they could not hear of him for a long time after.
"Undoubtedly there was reafon enough to fuppofe he got
home in fome of the canoes, the favages returning in about
four weeks time, and going off in the space of two days.
You may be certain, Sir, this thought could not but terrify
us exceedingly, and make u, juftly conclude, that the favage
would inform his countrymen of our abode in the island,
how few and weak we were in compariſon to their numbers;
and we expected it wou'd not be long before the English-
men would be attacked in their habitations: but the favages
Aad not feen their places of fafety in the woods, nor our
caffle, which it was a great happineſs they did not know.
"Nr were we mistaken in our thoughts upon this oc-
cafion; for about eight months after this, fix canoes, with
about ten men in each cance, came failing by the north-fide
of the iflard, which they were never accult med to do before,
and landed about an hour after fun-rife, near a mile from the
dwelling of the two Eaglifhmen, who it feems, 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
And now
time longer before they could come at them.
being confirmed in this opinion that they were certainly
KY
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
177
betrayed, they immediately bound the two flaves which were
left, causing two <f the three men, whom they brought with
the women, and who proved very faithful, to lead them with
the'r wives, and other conveniences, into their retired cave
in the wood, and there to bind the two fellows hand and
foot, till they had further orders. Then they opened their
fences, where they kept their milch goats, and drove them
all out, giving the goats liberty to ramble in the woods, to
make the favages believe that they were wild ones; but the
flave had given a truer information, which made them come
to the very enclufures. The two frightened men fent the
other flave of the three, who had been with them by acci-
dest, to alarm the Spaniards, and defire their affittance; in
the mean time they took their arms and ammunition, and
made to the cave where they had fent their wives, and fe-
curing their flaves, feated themselves in a private place,
from whence they might behold all the actions of the lavages.
Nor had they gone far, waen, afcending 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 furniture, to their unspeakable grief,
burning in a confiming flame: and when this was done,
they spread here and there, fearching every buth and place
forthe people, of whom it was evident they had information...
Upon which the two Engliſhmen, not thinking themselves
fecure where they ftood, retreated about half a mile higher
into the country, righ ly concluding, that the farther the
favages frolled, there would be leís numbers together: upon
which they next took their ftand by the trunk of an old tree. :
very hollow and large, whence they refolved to fee what
would offer; but they had not food long there, before two
favages came running directly towards them, as though
having knowledge of their being there, who feemed refolved -
to at ack them; a little farther were three more, and five
more behind them again, all running the fame way. It
cannot be imagined the perplexity the poor men were in at
this fight, thinking that if affiance-did not speedily come,
their cave in the wood would be diſcovered, and confequently.
all therein loft; fo they refolved to refill them there, and,
when overpowered, to afcend to the top of the trees, where
they might defend themſelves as long as their ammunition
lafted, and fell teir lives as dear as poflible to thofe
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
devouring favages. Thus fixed in their refolution, they
next confidered, whether 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 lafl 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 directly towards the tree.
H. reupon
they refolved to take them in a direct line, as they approach-
ed nearer, becaufe, perhaps, the firft fhot 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 them
was the runaway, who had caufed all the mischief: fo they
refolved he ſhould not escape, if they both fired at once.
But, however, though they did not fire together, they were,
ready charged; when the first that let fly was to good a
markfman to mifs his aim, for he killed the foremost our-
right, the fecond (who was the runaway Indian) fill to the
ground, being hit through the body, but not dead, and the
third was a little wounded in the fhoulder, who, fitting
down on the ground, fell a fcreaming in a moft fearful man-
ner. The ncife of the guns, which not only made the moſt
refounding echoes, fr m one fide to the other, but raiſed
the birds of all forts, futtering with the most confuſed noiſe,
fo much ter red the five favages behind, that they flood
fill at first, like fo many inanimate images. But when all
thing's were in profound filence, they came to the place where.
their companions lay; and here, not being fenable that.
they were liable to the fame fate, food over the wounded
man, undoubtedly ing iring the occafion of this calamity;.
and is as reaforable to fuppofe, he told them, that it came
by thunder and lightning from the gods, having never ſeen
or heard of a gan be ore, in the whole courfe of their lives..
By this time the Eng'ithmen, having loaded their pieces,
fred both together a fecond time, when feeing them all fall
immediately on the ground, they thought they had killed,
every creature of them. This made them come up baldly
before they had huged their guns, which, ind ed, was a
wrong ſtep; for, when they came to the place, hey found
four alive, two of them very little wounded, and one not at
all, which obliged them to fall upon them with t er muskets
they first knocked the runaway favage on the head, and
another that was but little wouded in the arm, and then
¿
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
179
put the other languishing wretches out of their pain; while
he that was not hurt, with bended knees and uplift hands,
made piteous moans and figns to them to fpare his life;
nor, indeed, were they unmerciful to the poor wreich, but
pointed to him to fit down at the root of a tree hard by; and-
then one of the Engliſhmen, with a piece of rope-twine he
had in his pocket by mere chance, tying his feet faft to-
gether and his two hands behind him, they left him there,
making all the hafte they could after the other two, fearing
they should find out their cave; but though they could not
overtake them, they had the fatisfaction to perceive them
at a distance cross a valley towards the fea, a quite con-
trary way to their retreat; upon which they returned to the
tree, to look after their prifoner; but when they came there
be was gone, leaving the piece of rope-yarn, wherewith he
was bound, behind him.
"Well, now they were as much concerned as ever, as-
not knowing how near their enemies might be, or in what
numbers. Immediately they repaired to the cave, to fee if
all was well there, and found every thing fafe, except the
women who were frightened upon their husbands' accoun',
whom they now loved entisely. They had not been long
here, before faven of my Spaniards came to affift them;
while the other ten, their fervants, and Friday's father, were
gone to defend their bower, corn, and cattle; in cafe the
favages should have rambled fo far. There accompanied
the feven Spaniards, one of the three favages that had for-
merly been taken priſoner; and with them alſo that very
Indian whom the Englishmen had, a little before, left under:
the tree; for, it feems, they paſſed by that way where 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
confequence of their efcaping, moft of the Spaniards and.
English urged the abfolute neceffity there was of killing
them for our commen prefervation; but, Sir, the authority
I bore, as governor, over-ruled that piece of cruelty; and
then I ordered them to be feal prifoners to the old cave in
tre.valley, bound hands and feet, with two Spaniards to
guard them.
1
L
"So much encouraged were the Englishmen at the ap-
proach of the Spaniards, and fo great were their fury against
the lavages for deftroying, their habitations, that they had
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
*
not patience to ſtay any longer; but, taking five Spaniards
along with them, armed with four mulkets, a piſtol, and a
quarter ftaff, away they went in purfuit of their enemies.
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 bodies,
but found it impracticable. From a rifing ground, our party
had the mortification to fee the fmoke that proceeded from
the ruins when, coming farther in fight of the fhore, they
plainly perceived that the favages had embarked in their
canoes, 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 unwelcome guests.
"Thus the two honeft, but unfortunate Englishmen, being
ruined a ſecond time, and their improvements quite deſtroyed,
moft of my good natured Spaniards helped them to rebuild,
and we all affifted them with needful ſupplies; nay, what is
more remarkable their three mischievous country men, when
they heard of it, (which was after all theſe difaflers were over,
they living more remote eastward,) very friendly fympathized
with them, and worked for them feveral days; fo that in a
little their habitations were rebuilt, their neceffi.ies fupplied,
and themſelves restored to their former tranquillity.
"Though the favages had nothing to bait of in this ad-
venture, (ſeveral canoes being driven afhore, followed by
two drowned creatures, having undoubtedly met with a
format fea, that very night they departed,) yet it was natural
to be fuppofed, that thofe whofe better fortune it was to
tain their native fhore, would inflame their nation to
another ruincus attempt, with a greater force, to carry all
Before them. And, indeed, fo it happened: for about feven
months after, our land was invaded witha moft formidable
navy, no less than eight and twenty canoes full of favages,
armd with wooden fwrds, monftrous clubs, bows and
arrows, and fuch like inftruments of war, landing at the eaſt
end of the iſland.
&
"You may well, Sir, imagine, what confternation our
men were in upon this account, and how speedy they were
to execute their refolution, having only that night's time
allowed them. They knew that fince they could not with-
fland their enemies, concealment was the only way to pro
cure their ſafety; and, therefore, they took down the huts
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
181
¦
that were built for the two Engliſhmen, and drove their
flock of goats, together with their own at the bower, to the
old cave in the valley, leaving as little appearance of in-
habitants as poffible; and then posted themselves, with all
their force, at the plantation of the two men. As they ex-
pected fo it happened; for early the next morning, the
Indians, leaving their canoes at the east-end of the iſland,
came running along the shore, about two hundred and fifty
in number, as near as could be gu·ſſeð. Our army was but
little indeed; and what was our greatest misfortune, we had
not arms fufficient for them. The account, as to the mɛn,
Sir, is as follows: viz. 17 Spaniards, 5 Engliſhmen, old Fri-
day, the three favages, taken with the five women, who
proved faithful fervants, and three other lives, living with
the Spaniards. To arm thefe, they had 11 muſkets, 5 pi
tols, 3 fowl ng-pieces, 2 fwords, 3 old halberts, 5 muſkets,
or fowling-pieces, taken from the failors whom you reduced.
As to the flaves, we gave three of them halberts, and the
other, three long ftaves, with great iron ſpikes at the end
of them, with hatchets by their fides; we alfo had hatche s
flicking 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 dear huſbands,
and if they died, to die with them. Seeing their refolution,
we gave them hatchets likewife; but what pleaſed them
beſt, were the bows and arrows (which they dexterously
knew how to uſe) that the Indians had left behind them,
after their memorable battle one againſt another.
>
"Over this army, which, though little, was of great in-
trepidity, I was conftituted chief general and commander
and knowing Will Atkins, though exceedingly wicked, yet
a man of invincible courage, I gave him the power of com-
marding under me; he had fix men with their muſkets
loaded wih fix or ſeven bulle:s a piece, and were planted
jufl behind a ſmall thicket of bushes, as an advanced guard,
having orders to let the firit by; and then, when he
fired into the middle of them, make a nimble retreat round
a part of the wo d, and fo come in the rear of the Spaniards,
who were fhaded by a thicket of trees: for, though the fa-
vages come on with the fierceness of lions, yet they wanted
the fubtlety of fixes, being 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
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
three of his men to give fire, fo great was their confterna,
tion, to ſee ſo many men killed and wounded, and hear ſuch
a dreadful noife, and yet knew not whence it came, that
they were frightened to the highest degree; and when the
fecord volley was given, they concluded no lefs but that
their companions were fin by thunder and lightning from
Heaven. In this notion they would have continued, had
Will Akins and his men retired, as foon as they had fired,
according to order; or had the relt been near them to pour
in their hot continually, there might have been a complete
victory obtained; but ftayi.g to load their pieces again,
difcovered the whole matter. They were perceived by
fome of the fcattering lavages at a distance, who let fy their
arrows among them, weunded Atkins himself, and killed his
fellow Englishman, and one of the Indians taken with the
women. Our party did no: fail to anſwer them, and in their
retreat killed about twenty favages. Here I cannot but
take notice of cur poor dying flave, who though ftopt from
his retreat by a fatal arrow, yet with his ſtaff and hatchet
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 less remarked, in breaking the arms, legs, and heads of
the two dead bodies, with their clubs and wooden fwords,
after a moft wretched manner. As Atkins retreated our
party advanced, to interp fe between him and the ſavaes:
but, after three volleys, we were obliged to retreat alfo; for
they were ſo 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, however, think fit to follow us, but drawing.
themfelves up in a circle, they give two triumphant fhours in
token of victory, though they hid the grief to fee ſeveral of
their wounded men bleed to death before them.
"After I had, Sir, drawn up my little army together upon
a rifg ground, Atkins, wounded as he was, would have
had us a tack the whole body of the favages at once. I
was extremely well pleafed with the gallantry of the man:
but, up n confideration, I replied, "You perceive, Seig-
"nior Atkins, how their wounded men fight, let them
alone till morning, when they will be faint, fluff, and fore;
and then we shall have fewer to combat with." To
which Atkins, fmiling, repli:d, "That's very true, Seig
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
183
"nior, fo fhall I too; and that's the reafon I would fight
"them now I am warm." We all answered, Seignior
Atkins, for your part you have behaved very gallantly; and
if you are not able to approach the enemy in the morning,
we will fight for you, till then we thi k it convenient to
wait, and fo we tarr ed.
<<
By the brightnefs 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 reſolve to
fall upon them in the night, if we could give them one vol-
ley urdifcovered. 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 fhort
fouth, came privately to a place where the thickest of them
were. Unheard and unperceived, eight of us fired among
them, and did dreadful execution; and in half a minute'
after, eight more of us let Av, killing and wounding abund-
ance of them; and then dividing ourſelves into three bodies,
eight perfons in each body, we marched from among the
trees, to the very teeth of the enemy, fending forth the
greateſt ſhouts and acclamations. The favages hearing a
different noiſe from three quarters at once, ftood in the
utm it confuſion; 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; but rushing in among them, we fired'
three feveral ways, and then fell to work with our ſwords,
ftaves, hatchets, and the butt-end of our muſkets, with a'
fery not to be sefited; fo that, with the moft difmal fcream-
ing and howling, they had recourfe to their feet, to fave their
lives by a fpecay flight. Nor muft we forget the valour of
the two women; for they expoſed themfelves to the greatest
dangers, killed many with their a rows, and valiantly de-
ftroyed feveral more with their ha chets.
T
+
"In fighting theſe two battles, we were fo much tired,
that we did not then trouble oui felves to puriue them to
their canoes, in which we thought they would prefently'
put to the ocean; but there happening a dreadful form at
fea, which continuing all that night, it not only prevented their
voyage, but dalhed feveral of their boats to pieces against
the beach, and drove the reſt fo high upon the thore, that it
required infinite labour to get them off. After our men had
taken fome refreshment and a little repofe, they refolved
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181
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
early in the morning to go towards the place of their land-
ing, and fee whether they were gone off, or in what poſture
they remained. This neceffarily led them to the place of
battle, where ſeveral of the favages were expiring, a fight
no way pleaſing to generous minds, to delight in mifery,
though obliged to conquer them by the law of arms; but
our own Indian flaves put them out of their pain, by de-
fpatching 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 toward their mouth,
and the head between the two hands. Hereupon, coming
within mufket-fhot of them, I ordered two pieces to be fired
without ball, in order to alarm them, that we might plainly
know, whether they had the courage to venture another battle,
ar were utterly difpirited from fuch an attempt, that fo we
might accordingly marage them. And, indeed, the project
took very well; for, no fuoner did the favages hear the firſt
gun, and perceive the flash of the fecond but they fuddenly
farted upon their feet, in the greatest confternation; and
when we approached towards them, they ran howling and
fcreaming away up the hill irto the country.
I
..
"We could rather, at first, have wished that the weather
had permitted them to have gone off to the fea; but when
we confider that their escape might occafion the approach
of multitudes, to our utter ruin and defolation, we were
very well pleafed the contrary happened: Will Atkins
(who, though wounded, would not part from us all this whi'e).
adviſed us not to let flip this advantage, but clapping be-
tween them and their boats, deprive them of the capacity
of ever returning to plague the ifland: "I know," said he,
there is but one objection you can make, which is, that
thefe creatures living like beafts in the wood, may make
excurfions, rifle the plantations, and deftroy the tame
.. goats; but then, confider, we had better to do with an.
"hundred men, whom we can kill, or make flaves of at-
"leiſure, than with an hundred nations, whom it is im-
"poffible we should fave ourſelves from, much lefs fub-
"dee." This advice, and theſe arguments being approved.
of, we set fire to their boats; and though they were fo wet:
that we could not burn them entirely, yet we made them
incapable of fwimming in the feas. As feon as the Indians
perceived what we were doing, many of them ran out of the
woods, in fight of us, and kneeling down, piteouſly cried our
64
►
"
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
185
Oa, Oa, Waramakoa. Intimating, I fuppofe, that, if we would
but fpare their cances, they would never trouble us again.
"But all their complaints, fubmiffions, and entreaties,
were in vain; for ſelf-preſervation obliging us to the con
trary, we destroyed every one of them that had escaped the
fury of the ocean. When the Indians perceived this, they
raiſed a lamentable cry, and ran into the woods, where they
continued ranging about, making the woods ring with their
lamentations. Here we should have confidered, that making
thefe creatures thus defperate, we ought, at the fame time,
to have fet a ſufficient guard upon the plantations: for the
favages, in their ranging about, found out the bower, de-
Atroyed the fences, trode the corn down under their feet, an
tore up the vines and grapes. It is true, we were always
able to fight theſe creatures; but as they were too ſwift för
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 extremity appeared in a little time after.
"Though the favages, as already mentioned, had de-
ftroyed our bower, and all our corn, grapes, &c. yet we
had ſtill left our stock of cattle in the valley, by the cave,
with fome little corn that grew there, and the plantation of
Will Atkins and his companions, one of whom being killed
by an arrow, they were now reduced to two: it is remark-
able that this was the fellow who cut the poor Indian with
bis hatchet, and had a defign to murder me and my coun
trymen the Spaniards. As our condition was fo lɔw, wė
came to the reſolution to drive the favages up to the farther
part of the iſla d, where no I: dians landed; to kill as many
of them as we could, til: we had reduced their number; and
then to give the remainder ſome corn to plant, and to teach
th m 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
were found ftarved to death, fo that our hearts began to re-
lent at the light of ſuch miferable objects. But at last, with
great difficulty, taking one of them alive, and uſing him
with kinduefs and endernefs, we brought him to old Fri-
day, who talked to him, and told him how good we would
be to them all, giving them corn and land to plant and live
in, and prefent nourishment, provided they should keep
I
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186
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Bithin fuch bounds as fhou'd be allotted them, and not do
prejudice to others: "Go then," faid he," and inform
your countrymen of this; which, if they will not agree to,
"every one of them thall be flain.”
#6
"The poor creatures, thoroughly humbled, being reduced
to about thirty-feven, joyfully accepted the offer, and earn-
eftly begged for food; hereupon we fent twelve Spaniards
and two Englishmen, well armed, together with old Friday,
and three Indian laves were loaded with a large quantity
of bread and rice cakes, with three live goats; and the
poor Indians being ordered to fit down on the fide of the
bill, they ate the victuals very thankfully, and have proved
faithful to the laft, never trefpafling beyond their bounds,
where at this day they quietly and happily remain, ard
where we now and then viſit them. They are co: fined to
a neck of land about a mi'e and a half broad, and three or
four in length, on the fouth-east corner of the iſland, the
fea being before, and lofty mountains behind them, free
from the appearance of canoes; and indeed their country-
men never made any inquiry after them. We gave them
twelve hatchets, and three or four knives; have taught
them to build buts, make wooden ſpades, plant corn, meke
bread, breed tame goats and milk them, as likewiſe to make
wicker work, in which, I must ingenuously confefs, they
infinitely outdo us, having made themlelves feveral pretty
neceffaries and fancies, as baſkets, fieves, birdcages, and
cupboards, as al tools, beds, and couches, no leſs uſeful
than deli htful; and now they 1 ve the maft innocent and
inoffentive creatures that ever were fubdued in the world,
want ng nothing but wives to make them a nation.
When
Thus, kind Sir, have I given you, according to my
ability, an impartial account of the various tranfactions that
have happened in the ill-nd lince your departure, to this
day; and we have great reafon to ack sowledge the kind
providence of Heaven in our merciful deliverance.
you infpect your lit.le kingdom, you will find in it fome
little improvement, your flocks increaſed, and your fubjects
a-gmented, fo that from a defulate iſland, as this was before
your wonderful, deliverance upon it, here is a viſible prof-
pect of its becoming a populous and well governed little
kingdom, to your immortal fame and glory."
There is no doubt to fuppofe but that the preceding re-
lation of my faithful Spaniard was very agreeable, and no
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
187
lefs furprising to me, to the young prieft, and to all who
heard it: nor were thefe people leis pleafed with thofe
neceffary ute fils that I brought them, fuch as the knives,
fcillors, (pades, shovels, and pick-axes, with which they now
adorned their habitations.
So much had they addicted themfelves to wicker-work,
prompted by the ingenuity of the Indians, who affitted them,
that when I viewed the Englihmea's colonies, they ſeemed
at a diftance as tho gh they had lived like bees in a nive;
for Will Atkins, who has now become a very induftricus
and fober man, had made himſelf a tent of "batket-work
round the outfide; the walls were worked in as a basket,
in pannels or strong fquares of tairty-two in number, ſtand-
ing about feven feet high: in the middle was another, not
above twenty-two paces round, but much ftronger built,
being of an octagonal form, and in the eight corners ſtood
eight irong poils, round the top of which he laid frong
pieces, pinned with wooden pins, from which he raiſed a
pyramid for the roof, mighty pretty, I affare you, and joined
very well together with iron fpik:s, which he made him-
felf; 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 hinfelf hooks, flaples, fpikes, b.ls, and
hinges. After he had pitched the roof of nis innermoft tent,
he made it to firm between the rafters with baſket-work,
thatching that over again with rice-traw, and over that a
large leaf of a tree, that his houfe was as dry as if it had
been tied or flued. The outer circuit was covered as a
lean-to, quite round this inner apartment, laying long rafters
from the thirty-two angles to the top pelts of the ioner
houfe, about twenty feet diflance, fo that there was a space
like a wall between the outer and inner wall near twenty
feet in breadth. The inner place he partit o ed off with
the ſame wicker-work, divid ng it into lix neat apartments,
eve:y ore of which had a door, first into the entry of the
main tert, and another into the space and walk that was
round it, not only convenient for retreat, but for family ne-
ceffaries. With n te door of the outer circle, there was a
paflige directly to the dour of the inner-houſe; on either
fide was a wicker partition, and a door, by which you got
into a room twen y-two feet wide, and about thisty long,
t
188
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and through that into another of a ſmaller length; ſo that in
the outer circle were ten bandſome rooms, fix of which
were only to be come at through the apartments of the in-
ner tent, ferving as retiring rooms to the respective cham-
bers of the inner circle, and four large warehouſes, which
went in through one another, two on either hand of the
paffages that led through the outer door to the inner tent.—
In short, nothing could be built more ingeniously, kept more
reat, or have better conveniences; and here lived the
three families, Will Atkins, his companions, their wives and
children, and the widow of the deceaſed. As to religion,
the men feld:m taught their wives the knowledge of God,
any more than the failors' cuftom of fwearing by his name,
The greatest improvement their wives had, was, they
taught them to speak English, fo as to be underftcod.
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 inquired of the Spaniards about their circum-
ftances while among the favages, they told me, that they
abandoned themſelves to deſpair, reckoning themſelves a
poor and miferable people, that had no means put into their
hands, and confequently muft foon be ftarved to death.-
They owned, however, that they were in the wrong to think
fo, and for retufing the affiftance that reafon offered for
their fupport, as well as future deliverance, confeffing that
grief was a moft infignificant paffion, as it looked upon
thi-gs as without remedy, and having no hope of things to
come; all which verified this noted proverb,
In trouble to be troubled,
Is to have your trouble doubled.
Nor did theſe remarks end here; for, making obſerva-
tions upon my improvement, and on my condition at firſt,
infinitely worse than theirs, he told me that Engliſhmen
had, in their diftrefs, greater preſence of mind than thoſe
of any other country that he had met with; and that they
and the Portugueſe were the worft men in the world to
ftruggle under misfortunes. When they landed among the
favages, they fourd but little provifion, except they would
turn cannibals, there being but a few roots and herbs, with
little ſubſtance in them, and of which the natives gave them
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
189
1
but very fparingly. Many were the ways they took to
civilize and teach the favages, but in vain; for they would
not own them to be their intracters, whole lives were ow-
ing to their bounty. Their extremities were very great,
being many days entirely without food, the f vages the e
being more indolent and lefs devouring than thofe who
had better fpplies. When they went out to battle, they
were obliged to affift these people, in one of which my
faithful Spaniard being taken, had like to have been de
voured. They had loft their ammunition, which rendered
their fire-arms uſeleſs: nor could they use the
Ows and
arrows that were given them, fo that while the a mies were
at a diſtance they had no chance, but when clofe, then they
could be of ſervice with halberts, and fharpened ticks put
into the muzzles of their muskets. They made themselves
largets of wood, covered with the ſkins of wild beafts; and
when one happened to be knocked down, the rest of the
comp ny fought over him till he recovered: and then ſtand-
ing cofe in a line, they would make their way through a
thousand favages. At the return of their friends, who they
thought had been entombed in the bowels of their enemies,
their joy was inconceivable. Nor were they lefs ſurpriſed
at the fight of the loaves of bread I had fent them, things,
that they had not feen for feveral years, at the fame time
coffing and bleffing it, as though it was manna fent from
Heaven but when they knew 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 ſurpriſe of joy as made fome of them faint away, and
others burft out into tears.
-
This was the fummary account that I had from them.-
I fhall now inform the reader what I next did for them, and
in what condition I left them. As we were all of opinion
that as the favages wou'd ſcarce trouble them any more, fo
we had no apprehenſions on that ſcore. I 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 neceſſary employments, and to add
to their number. They were all together when I thus taiked
to them and before I delivered to them the ftores I brought,
I aſked them one by one, if they had entirely forgot their
{
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190
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
first animofities, would engage in the strictest friendship,
and ſhake hands with one another? On this Will Atkios,
with abundance of good humour, faid, they had afflictions
enough to make them all fober, and enemies enough to
make them all frierds: as for himſelf, he would live and
die among them, owning that what the Spaniards had done
to him, his own mad bumour had made neceffary for them
to do. Nor had the Spaniards occafion to justify their pro-
ceedings to me: but they told me, that fince Will Atkins
had behaved himſelf ſo valiantly in fight, and at other times
ſhowed ſuch a regard to the common intereſt of them all,
they had not only forgotten all that was paſt, but thought
he ought as much to be trufted with arms and neceffries
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 affurance, that they
would never feparate their intereft again as long as they lived.
After theſe kind declarations of friendship, we app irted
all of us to dine together the next day; upon this I caufed
the hip's cook and his mate to come on ſhore for that pur-
pofe, to affift in dreffing our dinner. We brought from
the fhip fix picces of beef, and four of pork, together with
our punch-bowl, and materials to fill it; and in particular [
gave them ten bottles of French claret, and ten of English
beer, which was very acceptable to them. The Spaniards
added to cur feast five whole kids, which being roaſt d,
three of them were fent as fresh meat to the failors on board,
and the other two we ate our felves. After cur merry and
innocent feaſt was over, I began to diſtribute my cargo
among them. First, I gave them linen fufficient to make
every one of them four fhirts, and at the Spaniards' requeſt
made them up fix. The thin Engliſh ftuffs I allotted to
make every one a light coat like a frock, agreeable to the
climate, and left them fuch a quantity as to make more up n
their decay; as alfo pumps, fhies, hats, and ſtockings. It
is not to be expreffed the pleafing fatisfaction which ft
upon the countenances of the fe poor men, when they per-
ceived what care I took of them, as if I had been a common
father to them all; and they all engaged never to leave the
iſland, till I gave my confent for their departure. I then
prefented to them the people I bought, viz, the tailor,
fmith, and the two carpenters; but my Jack-of-all-Trades
was the most acceptable prefent I could make them. My
}
Jan
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
191
tailor fell immediately to work, and made every one of them
a fhirt; af er which, he learned the women how to few and
ftitch, thereby to become the more helpful to their huſbands.
Neither were the carpenters lefs ufeful, taking in pieces their
clumfy things; inftead of which they made convenient and
handſome tables, ftools, bedsteads, cupboards, lockers, and
fhelves. But when I carried them to fee Will Atkins's
basket-houfe, they owned they never faw fuch a piece of
natural ingenuity before: "I am fire," faid one of the car-
penters, the man that built this, has no need of us; you
“need, Sir, do nothing but give hi.n tools.”
I d'vided the tools among 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 feparate place a pick-
axe, a crow, a broad axe, and a ſaw, with a ftore for a general
fupply, fhou´d any be broken or worn ou´. I left them alfo
nails, flaples, hinges, hammers, chiffeis, knives, fciflors, and
all forts of tools and iron work; and for the ufe of the
fmith, gave them three tons of unwrought iron, for a fup-
ply; and as to arms and ammunition, I ſtored them even to
profufion; or, at leaft, to equip a fuflicient little army
againſt all oppofers whatſoever.
Ꮮ
The young man (whoſe mother was unfortunately farved
to death) together with the maid, a pious and well-educated
young woman, feeing things fo well o-dered on ſhore, (for
I made them accompany me,) and confidering they had no
occafion to go ſo far a voyage as to the Eat-Indies, they
both desired 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 were three little
houfes erected, environed with basket-work, pallifadced
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 their middle tent was not only their ftore-
houfe, but their place for eating and drinking. At this
time the two Englishmen removed their habitation to their
former place; fo that now the ifland was divided into three
colonies: first, Thoſe I have juſt now mentioned; fecondly,
That of Will Atkins, where there were four families of
English men, 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 fa-
vages, who were flaves; the tailor, fmith, (who ſerved alfo
1
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192
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
asa genfmith,) and my other celebrated perfon called Jack-
of-all- Trades: Thirdly, My chief colony, which confided of
the Spaniards with old Friday, who ftill remained at my
old habitation, which was my capital city; and furely never
was there fuch a metropolis, it being now hid in ſo obſcure
a grove, that a thousand men might have ranged the illand
a month, and locked purpoſely for it, without being able to
hind it, though the Spaniards had enlarged its boundaries,
Beth without and within, in a moſt furpriſing manner.
But now I think it high time to ſpeak of the young French
priel, of the order of St. Benedict, whofe judicious and pious
difcourfes, upon fundry occafions, merit an extraordinary
obfervation; nor can his being a French Papilt prieſt, I pre-
fume, give offence to any of my readers, when they have
this affurance from me, that he was a perſon of a moſt
courteous difpofition, ex:enfive charity, and exalted piety.
His arguments were always agreeable to reafon, and his
converfation the most acceptable of any perſon that I had
ever yet met with in my life.
((
Sir," faid he to me one day, "fince, under Gad,'
at the fame time croffing his breaft, "you have roc only
"faved my life; but by permitting me to go this voyage,
"have granted me the happiness of free converfaton, I
*think it my dury, as my profeffion obliges me, to fave
"what fouls I can, by bringing them to the knowledge of
"fome catholic doctrine, neceffary to falvation: and fince
"theſe people are under your immediate government, in
gratitude, juflice, and decency, for what you have done
"for me, I fhall offer no farther points in religion, than
"what merit your approbation." Being pleaſed with the
modely of his carriage, I told him he ſhould not be worfe
ufed for being of a different perfuafion, if upon that very
account we did not differ in points of faith, not decert in
a part of the country where the poor Indians ought to be
inftructed in the knowledge of the true God, and his Son
Jefus Chrift. To this he replied, that converſation might
easily be feparated from difputes; that he would difcourfe
with me rather as a gentleman than on religion: but that,
if we did enter upon religious arguments, upon my deliring
the fame, I would give him liberty to defend his own prin-
ciples. He farther added, that he would do all that became
him in his office, as a priest as well as a Chriflian, to pro-
cure the happineſs of all that were in the hip: that though
i
#
17
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
103
he could not pray with, he would pray for us on all occa-
fions; and then he told me leveral extraordinary events of
his life, within a few years paft; but particularly in this
laft, which was the most remarkable: that in this voyage,
he had the misfortune to be five times hipped and unſhipped:
his first defign was to have gone to Martinico; for which
taking ſhip at St. Maloes, he was forced into Liſbon by bad
weather, the veſſel running 2-ground in the mouth of the
Tagus; that from thence he went on board a Portugueſe
ſhip, boud to the Madeiras, whoſe maſter bring but an in-
different marier, and out of his reckoning, they were crove
to Fial, where felling their commodity, which was corn, they
refolved to take in their loading at the Iſle of May, and to
fail to Newfoundland; at the Banks of which, meeting a
French flip bound to Quebec, in the river of Canada, ard
from thence to Martinico, in this fhip he embarked; the
maſter of which dying at Quebec, that voyage was fuf-
pended; and lafly fhipped himſelf for France, this laſt
ſhip was deſtroyed by fire, as before has been related.
<
"
At this time we talked no further; but another morning
he comes to me, juſt as I was going to viſit the English-
men's colony, and tells me, that as he knew the proſperity
of the island 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 bered ation of Heaven. How, Sir!" ſaid I, in a
furpriſe, are we not yet in the way of God's bleffings,
after all theſe fignal providences and deliverances, of which
you have had fuch an ample relation "He replied, "I hope,
Sir, you are in the way, and that your good deſign will
profper: but fill there are fome among you that are not
equally right in their actions; and remember, I befeech
you, Sir, that Achan, by his crime, removed God's bleffing
from the camp of the children of Ifrael; that though fix
and thirty were entirely innocert, yet they became the ob-
jeas of Divine vengearce, and bore the weight of his puniſh-
ment accordingly."
So fenfibly was I touched with his difcourfe, and fo fa-
tisfied with that ardent piety that ir flamed his foul, that I
defired him to accompany me to the Englifhmen's planta-
tions, which he was very glad of, by reaſon they were the
fubject of what he defigned to difcourfe with me about:
and while we walked on together, he began in the follow-
ing manner:
1
12.
-
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194
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
#.
46
"Sir, faid he, I must confefs it as a great unhappiness
that we disagree in ſeveral doctrinal articles of religion; but
furely both of us acknowledge this, that there is a God,
who having given us ſome flated rules for our ſervice and
obedience, we ought not willingly and knowingly to offend
him; either by neglecting what he has commanded, or by
doing what he has forbidden. This truth every Chriſtian
owns, that when any one prefumptuously fins againſt God's
command, the Almighty then withdraws his bleffing from
him; every go´d man therefore cught certainly t› prevent
fuch neglect of, or fin against, God and his commands. [
thanked the yung prieft for expreffing fo great a concern
for us, and defired him to explain the particulars of what
he had obferved, that according to the parable of Achan, I
might remove that accurfed thing from among us." Why
then, Sir, ſaid he, in the firſt place, you have four Engliſh-
men, 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 ſtill live
in adultery, are liable to the care of God. I know, Sir,
you may object the want of a prieſt, or clergyman of any
kind; as alío, pen, ink, and paper, to write down a con-
Bot
tract of marriage, and have it figned between them.
neither this nor what the Spanish governor has t ld you of
their choosing by confent, can be reckoned a marriage, nor
any more than an agreement to keep them from quarrelling
among themſelves: for, Sir, the effence or facrament of
matrimony (fo he called it) not only confists in mutual con-
fent, but in the legal obligation which compels them to
own and acknowledge one another, to abstain 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, taeſe men, upon their
own pleaſure, on any occafion, may forfake thoſe women,
and marry others, and by dilowning their children, fuffer
them utterly to perish. "Now, Sir," added he, "can
.God be honoured in fuch an unlawful 1:berty as this? how
can a bleffing fucceed to the beſt endeavours, if men are
allowed to live in fo licentious a way ?" I was indeed firuck
with the thing myſelf, and thought that they were much to
blame, that no formal contract had been made, though it
had been but breaking a flick between them, to engage
M
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
195
“Yet,
<<
+
you can-
them to live as and man wife never to feparate, but love,
cheriſh, and comfort one another all their lives."
Sir," faid I, "when they took these women, I was not here;
and if it is adultery, it is paft my remedy, and I cannot help
it. “›
"True, Sir," a fered the yourg prief,
not be charged with that part of the crime which was done
in your abſence: but I beseech you don't flatter yourfelf,
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 fhuld part them, and knowing that
this would put the whole island into confufion, I told him I
could not confent to it upon any account whatſoever. "Sir,"
faid he, in great furprife, "I do not mean that you should
ſeparate, bet marry them, by a written contract, figned by
both man and woman, and by all the witneffes prefent,
which all the European laws decree to be of fufficient ef-
ficacy." Amazed with fuch true piety and fincerity, and
confidering the validity of a written contract, I acknowledged
all that be faid to be very juft and kind, and that I would
diſcourſe with the men about it; neither could I fee what
reaſon 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 cur clergymen in England.
The next complaint he had to make to me was this, that
though theſe English fubjects of mine have lived with thefe
women feven years, and though they were of good under-
Standing, and capable of inftruction, having learned not
only to fpeak, but to read Ergliſh, yet all this while they
had never taught them any thing of the Chriftian religion,
or the knowledge of God, much leſs in what manner he
ought to be fived And is not this an unaccountable
neglec" ſaid he wirm'y; "Depend upon it, God Al-
mighty will call them to account for fuch contempt. And
though I am not of your religion, yet I fhould be glad to
fee theſe people rel: afed from the Devil's power, and be
faved by the principles of the Chriſtian religion, the krow-
ledge of God, of a Redeemer, the refurrection, and of a
future ftate. But as it is not too late, if you pleaſe to give
me leave to inftruct them, I doubt not but I shall fupply
this great defect, by bringing them into the great circle of
Chriſtianity, even while you continue in the ifland,
1 2
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196
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
I could held no longer, but embracing him, told him,
with a thouſand thanks, I would grant whatever he requeſt-
ed, and defired him to "roceed in the third article, which
he did in the following manner :
·
"Sir," faid he, "it ſhould be a maxim among all Chriſt-
ans, that Chriäin knowledge ought to be propagated
by all poſſible means, and on all occafions. Upon this
account our ci urch tends miffionaries into Perfia, India, and
China, men who are willing to die for the fake of G da d
the Chriftian faith, in or er to bring poor infidels into the
way of falvation. Now, Sir, as here is an opportunity to
convert feven and thirty poor favages, I wonder how you
can pafs by fuch an occasion of dring gond, which is really
worth the expeufe of a man's whole life."
I mun confefs I was fo confounded at this difcourfe, that
I could not tell how to answer him. "Si-,"faid he, feeing
me in diforcer, I fhall be very forry if I have given you
offence." "No, ir," faid 1, "I am rather contunded;
and you know my circumftances, that being b und to the
Eat-Indies in a n erchant ship, I cannot wrong the owners
fo much, as to detain the fhip here, the men laving a vic-
tua's and wages on their account. If I Ray above twelve
days, I must pay 31. ferling per diem demurrage, nor muſt
the hip flop above eight days mere; fo that I am unable
to engage in this work, unl is I would leave the ſhip, and
be reduced to my former condition." The priest, though
he owned this was hard upon me, yet laid it to my con-
fcie ce, whether the bieffing of faving ſeven and thirty
fouls was not worth venturing all that I had in the world ?"
• Sir," faid 1, "it is very true: but as you are an ecclefias-
tic, it naturally falls into your profeffion; why, therefore,
don't you rather offer to undertake it ourſelf, than prefs
me to it?" upon this he turned about, making a very low
how, I moſt humbly think God and you, Sir, (faid he,)
for fo bleſſed a call; and mofi willi gly undertake fo glo-
rious anffice, which will fufficiently compenfate all the
difficulties I have gone through in a long and
hazards an
uncomfortable voyage."
1
C
While he was thus fpeaking, I could diſcover a rapture
in his face, by his colour going and coming; at the fame
time his eyes fparkled like fire, and all the figns of the
moft zealous tranfpor.s. And when I asked whether he
was in earneſt? "Sir," faid he, "it was to preach to the
1
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197
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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Indians I confented to come along with you; thefe infidels,
even in this little ifland, are infinitely of more worth than
my poor life: if fo that I should prove the happy inftrument
of faving thefe poor creatures fouls, I care not if I never
fee my native country again. One thing I only beg of you
more is, that you would leave Friday with me, to be my
interpreter, without whofe affiftance neither of us will
underſtand each other.”
This requeſt very fenfibly troubled me: firft upon Fri-
day's being bred a Proteftant; and, fecondly, for the af-
fection I bore to him for his fidelity: But immediately the
remembrance of Friday's father coining into my head, I re-
commended him to him as having learned Spaniſh, which
the priest alfo understood; and fo was thoroughly fatisfied
with him.
yba
When we came to the Engliſhmen, after I had told them
what neceffary things I had done for them, I talked to them
of the ſcandalous life they led ;- told them what notice the
clergyman had taken of it, and aſked them if they were
married men or bachelors? They answered, two of them
were widowers, and the other three single men. Bat faid
I, with what confcience can you call thefe your wives, by
whom you have fo many children, and yet are not lawfully
married? They all faid, that they took them before the
Governor, as fuch, having nobody elſe to marry them, which
they thought as legal, as if they had had a parfon. No-
doubt, ſaid I, but in the eye of God it is fo: but unleſs I
am affured of your honeft intent, never to defert theſe poor
Creatures. { can do nothing more for you, neither can you
expect God's bleffing while you live in fuch an open courfe
of adultery. Hereupon Will Atkins, who fpoke for the reft,.
told me, that they believed their wives the mall innocent
and virtuous creatures in the world; that they would never
forsake them while they had breath; and that, if there was-
a. clergyman in the thip, they would be married to them
with all their hearts. Ito'd you before, faid I, that I have
am nifter with me, who fhall mar y you to-morrow morn-
ing, if you are willing; fo I would have you confult to.
night with the relt about it. I to'd him the clergyman was
a Frenchman, and knew rot a word of English, but that I
would act as a clerk b tween thein. And need this bufi-
nefs met with fuch ſpeedy fuccefs, that tacy all told me:
1
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198
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
in a few mitutes 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 be-
ing well fatisfied, they, with their husbands, a tended at my
apartment the next morning; there was my prieft, habited
in a black vel, fomething like a caffuck, with a faſh round.
it, much refembling a minifter, and I was h's interpreter.
But the ſeriouſneſs of his behaviour, and the fcruples he
made of marrying the women who were not bap ized, gave
them an exceeding reverer ce for his perfon: nor, indeed,
would he marry them at all, ull he obtained my liberty to
difcourfe both with the men and women, and then he told
them, That in the fight of all in fferent men, and in the
fente of the laws of focicty, they had lived in open adultery,
which nothing now, but their confent to marry, or final ·
feparation, could put an end to; ard even here was a diffi-
culty with refpect to the laws of Chritian matrimony, in
marrying a prof. ffed Chriftian to a heathen. idolater, un-
baptized; but yet there was time enough to make them
profefs the name of Chrift, without which nothing could be
done; that, befides, he believed they were very indifferent
Chriftians and confequently had not difcourfed with their
wives upon that fubject; and that unless they promifed
him to co f, he could not marry them, as being expressly
forbidden by the laws of God.
$
All this they had heard attentively, and owned readily.
"But, Lord, Sir," faid Will Atkins to me, "how thould
we teach them religion, who know nothing of it ourſelves? ·
How can we talk to our wives of God, Jefus Chrift, hea-
ven and hell?" why they would only laugh at us, who never
yet have practifed religion, but on the contrary all manner
of wickedness." "Will A.kins," faid 1, "cannot you tell
your wife he is in the wrong, and that her gods are idels,
which can neither ſpeak nor understand; but that our God,
who has made, can destroy all things; that he rewards the
good and punishes the wicked; and at laft will bring us to
judgment? cannot you tell her thefe things?"
That's
true," faid Will Atkins, "but then the'il tell me it is utterly
falſe, fince I am not puniſhed and fent to the devil, who
hath been fuch a wicked creature." Thele words 1 inter-
preted to the preft. "On!" faid he, " tell him, his rep.nt-
*
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
199.
! ance will make him a very good minifter to his froule, and
qualify him to preach on the mercy and long-fuffering of a
merciful Being, who defires not the death of a finrer, and
even defers damnation to the last judgment; this will lead
him to the doctrine of the refurrection, and will make him
an excellent preacher to his wife." I repeated this to Atkins,
who being more than crdinarily affected with it, replied,
"I know all this, Sir, and a great deal more; but how can
I have the impudence to talk thus to my wif, when my
confcience witaeffes againft me ?" "Alas!" faid he, (with
tears in his eyes, and giving a great figh,)" as for repenting,
that is for ever past me. "Paſt you! Ak ns," faid 1,
"what do you mean "You know well enough," ſaid he,
"what I mean; I mean it is too late.”
>>
¦
{
J
When I told the prieft what he faid, the poor affectionate
man could not refrain from weeping; but recovering
himſelf, "Pray, Sir," faid he, "afk him if he is contented
that it is too late; or is he concerned, and wifhes it were
not fo?" This queſtion I pit fairly to Atkins, who replied
in a paffion, "How can I be eafy in a fiate which I know
muft terminate in my ruin for I really believe, fome time
or other, I fhall cut my throat, to put a period both to my
life, and to the terrors of my confcience."
At this the clergyman ſhook his head : "Sir," faid he,
pray tell him it is not too late; Chrift will give him re-
pentance, if he has recourſe 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 Atkins every word the prieſt had ſaid, who
then parted from us to walk with his wife, while we dif-
courfed with the reft. But theſe were very ſtupid in reli-
gious matters yet all of them promiled to do their endea-
vours to make their wives turn Chriftians: and upon which
promifes the priest married the three couple. But as Ai-
kins was the only fincere convert, and of more fenfe than
the reft, my clergyman was earnestly inquiring after him :
"Sir," ſaid he, let us wak ou, of this labyrinth, and I
dare fay we ſhall find this poor man preaching to his wife
aiready." And indeed we i und it true; for coming to the
edge of the wood, we perceived Atkins and nis favage wife
fiting under the fhade of a buth, in very earnest difcourfes
缕​情
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200
LIFE AND ADVENTURES ·
he pointed to the fun, to the quarters of the earth, to himſelf,
to her, the woods, and the trees. Immediately we could
perceive him flart upon his feel, fall down upon his knees,
and lift up both his hands; at which the tears ran down my
clergyman's checks: but our great misfortune was, we
could not hear one word, that paſſed between them. Ano-
ther time he would embrace her, wiring the tears from her
eyes, kiling her with the greateſt tranfports, and then bo h
kuse: down for fome minutes ogether. Such raptures of
joy did this occafion in my young priest, that he could
fcarcely contain himfelf: And a little after this we obferved
by ner motion, as fr: quently liſting up her hands, and lating
them on her breaft, that the was mig tily affected with
his difcourfe, and fo they withdrew from our fight.
*
32
.f
When we came back we found them both waiting to be
called in; upon which we agreed to examine him alone, and
fo I began thus to difcourfe to him. "Prithee, Will Atkins,'
faid I. what education have you? What was your Father ?"
W. A. A better man than ever I thali be; he was, Sir, a
c'erayman, who gave me good inftruction, or correction,
waich I de pifed, like a bru e as I was, and murdered my
Por fa her.
Pr. Ila! a murderer!
[Here the Priest flaried and looked pale, as thinking he had
really killed bis Father ]
R. C. What, did you kill him with your hands?
W. 4. No, Sir, I cut not his thr at, but broke his heart
by the most unnatural turn of difobedience to the tencerekt
and best of fathers.
R. C. Well, I pray God grant you repentance: I did
not ask you to extort a confeffien; but I ask you becauſe I
fee you have more knowledge of what is good than your
companiors,
W. A. O Sir, whenever, I look back upon my paſt life,
ccofcience upbraids me with my father: the fins againſt
cur parents m ke the deepest wounds, and their weight lies
the heavielt upon the mind,
R. C. You talk, Will, too feelingly and feaſibly for me;
I am not able to bear it.
W. A. You bear it, Sir! you know nothing of it.
R. C. But yes, Atkins, I co; and every fhore, valley,
and tree in the iflend, witness the anguish of my foul for
my a dutifulcefs to my kind father, whom I have murder-
ว
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
201
ed likewife: yet my repentance falls infi-it-ly fhort of yours.
But, Will, how comes the fenfe of this matter to touch you
juſt now?
W. A. Sir, the work you have fet me about, has occa-
fioned it; for talking to my wife about God and religion,
fhe has preached me fuch a fermon, that I fhall retain it
in laſting remembrance.
R. C. No, no, it is your own moving pious arguments to
her, has made confcience fling them back upon you. Bac
pray, Atkins, inform us what paffed between you and your
wife, and in what manner did you begin.
W. A. I talked o her of the laws of marriage, the reafon
of fuch compacts whereby order and justice is maintained;
without which men would run from their wives and children,
to the diſſolution of families or inheritances.
R. C. Well, and what did the fay to all this?
W. A. Sir, we began cur difcourfe in the following manner,
which I fhall exactly repeat, according to my mean capacity,
if you think it worth your while to honour it with your
attention.
THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN WILL ATKINS AND-
HIS WIFE, IN THE WOOD.
Wife.-YOU tell me marriage God appoint, have you
God in your country?
W. A. Yes, child, God is in every nation. -
Wife. No; great old Benamuckee God is in my country,
not yours.
W. A. My dear, God is in heaven, which he made; he
alfo made the earth, the ſea, 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 nation? No
do good ting? No ſay O to him? that's ſtrange!
W. A. But, my dear, many live as if there was no God
in heaven, for all that.
Wife. Why God fuffer them; why makee not live well
W. A. It is our own faults, child.
Wife. But if he is much great, can makee kill, why no
makee kill when no ferve him? No be good mans, no cry
O to him?
1.5.
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202
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
W. A. That's true, my dear, he may ftrike us dead, but
his abundant mercy (pareth 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 make him angry.
W. A. Alas! muft my wicked life hinder you from be-
lieving in him?
1
暑
​Wife. How can me tink your God live there? (pointing to
Heaven.) Sure he no ken what do you here.
W. A. Yes, my dear, he hears us fpeak, fees what we do,
and knows what we even think.
4
Wife. Where then makee power ftrong, when he hears you
curfe, fwear de great damn?
W. A. My dear, this fhows indeed he is a God and not
a man, who has fuch tender mercy.
Wife. Mercy! what you call mercy?
W. A. He pi.ies 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 shows terrible examples of his judgment and ven-
geance.
Wife. Then you makee de bargain with him; you do bad
ting, he no hurt you, he hurt other mans.
W. A. No, indeed my fins are all preſumptions upon his
goodness.
Wife. Well, and yet no makee you dead; and you give
him no tankee neither?
W. A. It is true I am an ungrateful, unthankful dog, that
I am.
Wife. Why, you fay he makee you, why makee you no
}
much better then?
W. A. It is I alone that have deformed myſelf, and abuſed
his goodness.
•
Wife. Pray makee God know me, me no makee him an-
gry, no do bad ting.
W. A. You mean, my dear, that you defire I would teach
you to know God: alas! poor dear creature, be must teach
thee, and not I. But I'll pray earnestly to him to direct
thee, and to forgive me,'a miferable finner. (Hereupon he
7
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
203
went a little diſtance, and kneeling down, prayed earneſtly.
to Ged to enlighten her mind, and to pardon his fins; when
this was done, they continued their difcrurfe thus :)
Wife. What you put down knee for? For what hold up-
hand? Who you ſpeak to?
W. A. My dear, I bowed in token of fubmiffion to him
that made me, and prayed that he would open your eyes-
and understanding.
Wife. And can he do that too? And will be hear what
you fiy?
W. A. Yes, my dear, he bids us pray, and has given us-
promiſe that he will hear us.
Wife. When did he bid you pray? What do you hear
him ſpeak?
W. d. No, my dear, but God has fpoken formerly to
good men from heaven; and by divine revelation they have:
written all his laws down in a book.
I
Wife. O where that good book ♪
W. A. I have it not now by me; but one time or other
I fhall get it for you to read. Then he embraced her with-
great affection.
Wife. Pray tell me, did God teachee them 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 difpleasure.
Wife. O me fain underſtand that, and if he do all things
you lay he do, furely he hear me fay O to him; he makee.
me good if I wish to be good; he not kill me if I love him ;.-
me link, believe him great God; me fay O to him, along
with you, my dear.
1
Here the poor man fell upon his knees, and made her
kneel down by him, praying with the greatest fervency,
that God would inftruct her by his Holy Spirit; and that
God, by his providence, would fend them a Bible for both
their inftructions. And fuch was the early piety of this
new convert, that he made him promife never to forfake
God any more, left being made dead, as the called it, fhe
fhould not only want her inftructer, but himſelf be mifer-
able in a long eternity.
Such a furprising account as this was, proved very af--
fecting to us both, but particularly to the young clergyman,.
I 6
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204
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
who was mightily concerned he could not talk to her himſelf;
"Sir," faid he, "there is fomething more to be done to
this woman than to marry her: I mean that ſhe ought to
be baptized." To his I prefeatly agreed: "Pray," faid
he, afk her huſband, whether he has ever talked to her of
Jefus Chrift, the ſalvation of finners, the nature of faith, and
redemption in and by him, and of the Holy Spirit, the refur-
rection, laſt judgmen', and a future ftate;" but the poor
fellow melted into tears at this question, faying that he had
faid fomething to her of theſe things, but his inability to
ta'k of them, made him afraid, left her knowledge of them
ſhould rather make hr 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. Accord-
ingly I called her in, and placing myf. If as interpreter be-
tween 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 lo much zeal, know-
ledge, and fincerity: ia fhort, he brought the woman to
embrace the knowledge of Chrift, ard of redemption by
him, with fo furpfing a degree of understanding, that the
made it her own requeſt to be baptized.
He then performed his office in the facrament of baptiſm,
firft, bv laying fome words ever to himſelf in Latin, and
then afking me to give her a name, as being her godfather;
and pouring a whole diſhful of water upon the woman's
head, he faid, "Mary, I baptize thee in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, apd of the Holy Ghoſt;" ſo that
none coold know of what religion he was. After this he
pronounced the benediction in Latin.
Thus the woman
being made a Chriftian, he married her to Will Atkins-:
which being finished, he affectionately exhorted him to
lead a holy life for the future; and fince the Almighty. for
the convictions of his conicierce, had honoured him to be
The inftrument of his wife's converfion, he should not dif
honove the grace of God, that while. the favage was con-
verted, the inftrument ſhould be caft away. Thus ended a
ceremony, to me. the most pleafant and agreeable I ever
paffed, in my life.
The affairs of the iſland being fended, I was preparing to
go on board, when the young man (whoſe mother was (tary-
ed) came to me, faying, that as he underſtood I had a cler-
gyman with me, who tad married the Englishmen with
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
205
favages, he had a match to make between two Chriftians
which he defired might be finiſhed before 1 departed.-
Thinking that it was he him felf that had courted his mother's
maid, I perfuaded him not to do any thing rafhly upon the
account of his folitary circumſtances; that the maid was an
unequal match for him, both in reſpect to fubitance and
years; and that it was very probable he would live to re-
turn to his own country, where he might have a far better
choice. At these words, fmiling, he interrupted me, thank-
ing me for my good advice; that as he had nothing to beg
of me but a ſmall fettlemen', with a fervant or two, or fome
few receffaries, fo he hoped I would not be uamindful of
him when I returned to England, but give his letter to his
friends; and that when he was redeemed, the plantation,
and all its improvements, however valuable, ſhould be re-
turned to me again. But as for the marria e he propo ed,
that it was not himſelf, but that it was between my Jack-of-
all-trades and the maid Sulan.
I was indeed agreeably ſurpriſed at the mentioning this
match, which feered very tuitable, the one being a very
ingenious fellow, and the other an excellent, dexterous, and
fenfible houſewife, fit to be governess of the whole island:
fo we married them tae fame day; and as I was her father
and gave her away, fo I gave her a bandfome portion, ap-
pointing her and her huſband, a convenient large pot of
ground for their plantation. The tharing out of the land I
left to Will Atkins, who really divided it very juftly, to
every perf n's fatisfaction; they only defired one general
writing under my hand for the whole, which I cauſed to be
drawn up, figned, and teated to them. fetting out their
bounds, and giving them a right to the whole poffeffion of
their re'p.tive plantations, with their improvements, to
them and their heirs, referving all the rest of the iſland as
my own property, and a certain rent for every particular
plantation, after eleven years. As to their laws and go-
vernment, I exhorted them to love one another; and ´s to
the Indians who lived in a nook by themfelves, I allotted.
three or four of them plantations, and the rest willingly
choſe to become fervants to the other families, by which
means they were employed in uſeful labour, and fared
much better than they did before. Befides the favages be-
ing thus mixed with the Chriflians, the work of their con-
verfion might be fet on foot by the latter, in the clergy-
کر -
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206
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
man's abfence, to our equal fatisfaction. The young prieſt,
however, was a little anxicus left the Chriftiars fhould not
be willing to do their parts in inftructing theſe poor Indi-
ans; I therefore told him we should call them all together;
that he should fpeak to the Spaniards who were Papifts,
and I to the English who were Proteftants, and make them
promife that they would never make any diflinction in re-
ligion, but each the general true knowledge of God, and
h's Son Jefus Chrift, in order to convert the poor favages.
And this, indeed, they all pro nifed us accordingly.
When I came to Will Atkins's houfe, I found his baptized
wife, and the young woman newly married to my Jack-of-
al-trades, were become great intimates, and difcourfing of
religion together. "O, Sir," fays Will Atkins,
"when
God has finners to reconcile to himſelf, he never wants an
inftru&ter; I knew 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 nation of
favages." The young woman bluſhed, and was going to
rife; but I defired her to fit ftill, and hoped that God.
would blefs her in fo good a work; and then pulling out
a Bible, (which I brought on purpoſe in my pocket for him,)
"Here Atkins," faid I, "here is an afliftant that perhaps
you had not before." So confounded was the poor man,
that it was fome time before he could fpeak; at laft 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, when you and I kneeled under the bufh; God then
heard us, and now has fent it." The woman was ſurpriſed,
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 young convert, that God may properly be
faid to aniwer our petitions, when, in the course of his pro-
vidence, fuch particular things came to pafs as we petition-
ed for. This the young woman did effectually; but furely
Will Atkins's joy cannot be expreffed; no man being more.
thankful for any thing in the world, than he was for his
Bible, nor defired it fr. m a better principle.
After feveral religious difcourfes, 1 defired the young
woman to give me an account of the anguifh fhe felt when
fhe was starving to death with hunger; to which the readily
confented, and began in the following manner:
**
Sir," faid the, "all our victuals being gone, after I had
fafted one day, my ftomach was very fickly, and, at the ap-
7
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
207
proach of night, I was inclined to yawning and fleepy.-
When I flept upon the couch three hours, I awaked a lit-
tle refreſhed: three hours after, my ftomach being more
and more fickly, I lay down again, but could not fleep, be-
ing very faint and ill. Thus I paffed the fecond day with
a ftrange variety, first hungry, then fick again, with retch-
ings to vomit: that night I dreamed I was at Barbadies,
buying plenty of provisions, and dined heartily. But when
I awakened, my fpirits 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 fr
want of fubftance to digeft upon, the fumes of it got into
my head, and made me fenfelefs for fome time. The taird
day I was fo ravenous and furious, that I could have eaten
a little child if it had come in my way; during which time
I was as mad as any creature in Bedlam. In one of theſe
fits I fell down, and ftruck my face against the corner of
a pallet-bed, where my miftrefs lay; the blood gushed out
of my nose, but by my exceſſive bleeding, both the violence
of the fever, and the ravenous part of the hunger abated.-
After this I grew fick again, strove to vomit but could not;
then bleeding a fecond time, I fwooned away as dead;
when I came to myfelf, I had a dreadful gnawing pain in
my ftomach, which went off towards night, with a longing
defire for food. I took a draught of water and ſugar, but
it came up again; then I drank water without fugar, and
that ftaid with me. I laid me down on the bed, praying
God would take me away: after I had flumbered, I thought
myſelf a dying, therefore recommended my foul to God,
and wished fome body would throw me into the ſea. All
this while my departing miftrefs lay by me; the laſt bit of
bread the had, he gave to her dear child, my young mafler.
The morning after I fell into a violent paffion of crying,
and after that into hunger. I efpied the blood that came
from my nofe in a bafin, which I immediately ſwallowed
up. At night I had the ufual variations, as the pain in the
ftomach, fick, fleepy, and ravenous; and I had no thought
but that I should die before morning. In the morning came
on terrible gripings in my bowels. At this time I heard my
young mafter's lamentations, by which I understood his
mother was dead. Soon after this, the failors cried, "A
fail! a fail!" hallooing as if they were distracted for joy of
that relief, which afterwards we received from your hands."
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208
LIFE AND ADVENTURES-
+-
Surely never was a more diftinct account of ftarving to
death than this. But to return to the difpofition of things
amorg my people. I did not take any notice to them of the
floop tha: 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 diſguſt, they ſhould have
feparated, or turned pirates, and fo m ke the island a den
of thieves, instead of a plantation of fober, pious people:
but leaving them in a flouriſhing condition, with a promiſe
to fend them for her relief from Brazil, as ſheep, hogs, and
cous, (being obliged to kill the latter at fea, having no hay
to feed them, I went on board the fhip again, the first of
May, 1695, after having been twenty days among them;
´and next morring, giving them a falute of five guns at
parting, we fet fail for the Braz`ls. The third day, towards
evening, there happening a calm, and the current being
very frong, 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 easily at firft to
be difcovered upon which our chief mate afcending the
ſhrouds a little way, and taking a view with the perfpec-
tive glass, 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 it is 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.
Indeed, every one of us were furpriſed at this relation;
and my nephew, the captain, could not tell what to think
of it, but thought we fhou'd all be 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
ſhip to an anchor, as foon as we were certain that we must
engage them. Accordingly we did fo, and furled all our
fails; as to the favage 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 faften them one clofe by the
head, and another by the ſtern, well manned, wito ſkeets and
buckets to extinguish 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 inftead of a thousand canoes there
were only one hundred and twenty; too many indeed for
us, feveral of their canoes containing about fixteen or ſeven-
teen men
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
200
}
As they approached us, they feemed to be in the great-
eft amazement, not knowing what to make of us. They
rowed round the fhip, which occafioned us to call to the
men in the boats not to luffer them to come near them.-
Hereupon they beckoned to the lavages to keep back, which
they accordingly did; but at their retreat they let fly ab ut
filty arrows among us, and very much wounded one of our
men in the long-boat. I called to them not to fire upon
any account, but handing them down fome deal boards, the
carpenters made them a kind of fence to shield them from
the arrows. In half an hour after they came fo near altern
of us, that we had a perfect fight of them; then they rowe
a little further out, till they came directly along-lide of us,
and then approached ſo near, that they could hear us ſpeak:
this made me order all my men to keep cloſe, and get their
guns ready. In the mean time I ordered Friday to go out
upon deck, and aſk them in his language what they meant.
No fooner did he do fo, but fix of the lavages, who were
in the former canoes, tooping down, thowed us their
naked backſides, as much as to ſay in Engliſh, Kiſs our
: but Friday quick'y knew what this meant, by im.
mediately crying out they were going to fhost; unforta
nately for him, poor creature, who fell under the cloud of
three hundred arrows, no less than feven p:ercing through
his body, killing one of the beſt fervants, and faithfullest of
companions in all my folitudes and affliction.
→
So enraged, was I at the death of poor Friday, that the
guns, which before were charged only with powder, to
frighten them, I ordered to be loaded with ſmall fhet; nor
did the gunners fail in their aim, but at this broadfide ſplit
and overfet thirteen or fourteen of their canoes, which
killed numbers of them, and ſet the reſt a ſwimming: the
others, frightened out of their wits, little regarding their
fellows drowning, fcoured away as fal as they could. One
peor wretch our people took up, fwimming for his life, an
hour after. He was very fullen at first, to that he would
neither eat nor ſpeak; but I took a way to cure him, by
ordering them to throw him into the lea, which they did,
and then he came (wimming back like a cork, calling in his
tongue, as I fuppofe, to fave him. So we took him on
board, but was a long time before we could make him ſpeak
or underſtand English: yet when we had taught him, he
told as, they were going with their kings to fight a great-
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
battle; and when we asked him, what made them come up
to us? he faid, “to makee de gre´t wonder look;" hɛre
it is to be noted, that thoſe natives, and thoſe of Africa,
always add two e's at the end of Engliſh werd², as makee,
takee, and the like, from which it is a very difficult thing to
make them break off.
Being now under fail, we took our laſt farewell of poor
honest Friday, and interred him with all poffib'e decency
and folemnity. puting him in a coffin, and committing
him to the deep, at the fame time caufing eleven guns to
be fired over him. Thus ended the life of one of the mɔſt
grateful, faithful, honeſt, and affectionate fervants, that ever
any man, was bleffed with in the world.
Having now a fair wind for Brazil, in about twelve days
time we made land in the latitude of five degrees fouth of
the line. Four days we kept on S. by E.in fight of fhere,
when we made Capt. St. Augustine, and in three days we
came up to an anchor off the Bay of all Saints. I had great
difficulty here to get leave to hold correſpondence on ſhore;
for neither the figure of my partner, my two merchant truf-
tees, nor the fame of my wonderful preſervation in the
iſland, could procure me the favour, till fuch time as the
prior of the monastery of the Auguftines (to whom I had
given 500 moidores) ob.ained leave from the Governor, for
me, perfonally, with the Captain and one more, together
with eight failers, to come on fhore; upon this condition,
that we fhould not land any goods out of the ſhip, nor
carry any perlon away without licence: I found means,
however, to get on fhore three bales of English goods, fuch
as fine broad cloths, ftuffs, and fome linen, which I brought
as a prefent for my partner, who had fent me on board a
preſent of freſh provifions, wine, and ſweetmeats, worth
about thirty moidores, including fome tobacco, and three
or four fine gold medals.
Here I delivered my partner in goods to the value of
100/. fterling, and obliged him to fit up the floop I bought
for the use of my island, in order to fend them refreshments;
and fo active was he in this matter, that he had the veſſel
finiſhed in a few days, to the matter of which I gave par-
ticular inſtructions to find the place. I foon loaded him.
with a fmall cargo; and one of our failors offered to fettle
there, upon my letter to the Spanish governor, if I would
allot him tools and a plantation. Tois I willingly granted,
I
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
211.
and gave him the lavage we had taken prifoner to be his
flave. All things being ready for the voyage, my old
partner told me there was an acquaintance of his, a Brazil:
planter, who having fallen under the difpleafare of the
church, and in fear of the Inquifition, which obliged him to
be concealed, would be glad of fuch an opportunity to
make his eſcape, with his wife and two daughters; and if I
would allot them a plantation in my fland, he would give
them a ſmall ſtock to begin with, for that the officers had al-
ready fized his effects and eſtate, and lef. him nothing but
a little nousehold fteff and two flaves. This request I pre-
fently granted, concealing him and his family on board our
fhip, till fuch time as the flop (where all the effects were)
was gone out of the bay, and then we put them on board,
who carried tome materials, and plants for planting figar-
canes, along with them. By this flo p, among other things,
I fent my fubjects three milch cows and five calves, about
22 hogs, three fows big with pig, two mares and a ftone-
horſe. I alfo engaged three Portugal women to go for 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 comfort, who, with this addi-
tion, were about fixty or feventy people, befides children.
At this place, my truly honeft and pious clergyman left
me; for a ſhip being ready to fet fail for Liſbon, he aſked
me leave to go thither; but I affure you it was with the
greatest reluctance I parted from a perfon, whoſe virtue
and piety merited the greateſt eſteem.
From the Brazils, we made directly over the Atlantic
Ocean to the Cape of Good Hope, having a tolerable good
voyage, 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 ship's motions after the arrived at the Cape,
only being limited to a certain number of days, for ſtay, by
charter party, at the feveral ports ſhe was to go to. At the
Cape we 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 merchant hips, were
failed for the Indies, but we heard no more of them.
In our paffage, we touched at the island of Madagaſcar,
where, though the inhabitants are naturally fierce and trea-
*
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212
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
cherous, and go conftantly armed with bows and lances,
yet for fore time the treated us civilly enough; and, in
exchange for knives, fciffors, and other trifles, they brought
us eleven good fat bullocks, which we tork partly for pre-
fen: victuals, and the remainder to falt for the ship's ufe.
So curi us was I to view every corner of the world where
I came to, th! I went on flore as often as I could. One
evening when on ſhore, we obferved numbers of the people
fland gazing at us at a dillance. We thought ourſelves in
no dar ger, as they had hitherto ufed us kindly. However
we cu: three bughs cut of a tree, ſticking them at a diſtance
from us, which it feems in that country, is not only a token
of truce and am ty, but when po es er boughs are fet up on
the o her fide, it is a fign he truce is accepted. In
thefe treaties, however, there is one principal thing to be
regarded, that neither 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 stick up
their javelins and lances at the first poles, and come on un-
armed; but if any violence is offered, away they run to
their poles, take up their weapons, ard then the truce is
a: an end. This evening it happened that a greater num--
ber of people than ufual, both men and women, traded
among us for fech toys as we had, with fach great civility,
that we made us a little tent. of large boughs of trees, fome
of the men refolving to lie on fhore all night; but for my
part, I and ſome others took our lodgings in the boat, with
boughs of tree: fpread over it, having a fail fpread at the
bottom to lie uprn.
About two o'clock in the morning we
were awakened by the firing of mufket, and our men cry-
ing out for help, or else they would all be murdered. Scarce
had we time to get the boat afhore, when our men came
plunging themselves into the wa er, with about four hun-
dred of the iſlanders at their heels. We took up ſeven of
the men, three of them very much wounded, and one left
behind killed, while the eremy poured their arrows fo
thick among us, that we were forced to make a barricado,
with boards lying at the fide of the beat, to fhield us from
danger; and, having got ready our fire-arms, we returned
them a volley, which wourded ſeveral of them, as we could
hear by their cries. In this condition we lay till break of
day, and then making figuals of diftrefs to the fhip, which
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
213
;
my nephew, the captain, heard and underflood, he weighed
anchor, and ſtood as near the ſhore as poffible, and then
fet another boat with ten hands in her to affitt us; but we
called to them not to come near, informing them of our un-
happy condition. However they ventured; when one of
the men taking the end of a tow-line in one hand, and keep-
ing our boat between him and cur adverfàries, fwam to us,
and flipping ur cables, they towed us out of reach of their
arr ws, and quickly after a broadfide was given them from
the fhip, which made a moft dreadful havock among them.
When we got on board, we examined into the occafion of
this fray. The men who fled informed us, that an old wo-
man, who fld milk within the poles, had brought a young
woman with her, who carried roots and herb, the fight of
whom fo much empted our men, that they offered rude-
nefs to the maid, at which the old woman fet up a great
cry; nor would the failors part with their prize, but carried
her among the trees, while the old woman went and
brought a whole army down upon them. At the beginning
of the attack, one of our men was killed with a lence, and
the fellow who began the miſchief paid dear enough for
his miſtreſs, though as yet we did not know what had be-
come of him; he reft luckily efcaped. The third night
after the action, being curious to understand how affairs.
flood, 1 took the fupercargo and twenty ftout fellows with
me, and landed about two hours before midnight at the fame
place where thoſe Indians flood the night before, and there
we divided our men into two bodies, the boatswain com-
manding 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 boatiwain falling over a dead body, we
agreed to halt till the moon fhould rife, which we knew
would be an hour after. We perceived here no fewer than
two and thirty bodies upon the ground, whereof two were
not quite dead. Satisfied with this diſcovery, I was for go-
ing on board again; but the boatswain and the reft told me,
they would make a vifit to the Indian town, where thefe
dogs, fo they called them, reſided, aſking me at the fame
time to go along with them, for they did not doubt, beſides
getting a good booty, but they should find Tom Jeffery
there, for that was the urhappy man we miffed. But I
utterly refuſed to go, and commanded them back, being
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214
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
"
unwilling to hazard their lives, as the fafety of the fh'p
wholly depended upon them. Notwithstanding all I could
ſay to them, they a 1 left me but one, and the fupercargo;
fo we three returned to the boat, where a boy was left, re-
folving to flav till they returned.
As parting I told them
I fuppofed most of them would run the fame fate with Tom
Jeff ry.
To this they replied, "Come boys, come along,
we'll warrant we'll come off fafe enough" and ſo away
they went notwithstanding all my admonitions, either con-
cerring their own fafety or tre prefervation of the hip.-
Ind-ed they were gallantly armed, every men having a
moſket, bayonet, and a piftel, befides cutlaffes, hangers,
pole xes, and hand-granades. They came to a few In-
diar houfes at firft, which not being the town they expected,
they went farther, and finding a cow tied to a tree, they
concluded that ſhe would be a fufficient guide, and fo it
proved; for after they untied her, the led them directly
to the town, which confifted of above two hundred houſes,
feveral families living in fame of the huts together. At
their arrival, all berg in a profound fleep, the failors agreed
to divide themfelves into three b dies, and fet three parts
of the town on fire at once, to kill thofe that were eſcaping,
and plunder the rest of the houſes. Thus deſperately re-
folved, they went to work; but the first party had not
gone far before they called to the reft that they had found
Tom Jeffery; whereupon they all ran up to the place, and
found the poor fellow indeed hanging up naked by one
arm, and his throat almost cut from ear to ear. In a houfe
that was hard by the tree, they found fixteen or feventeen
Indians, who had been concerned in the frav; two or three
of them being wounded, were not gone to fleep: this huule
they ſet on fire firft and in a few m nutes afer, five o. fix
places more in the town appeared in flames. The confla-
gration (pread like wild-fire, their houſes being all of wood,
and covered with flags or ruſhes. The poor affrighted in-
habitants endeavoured to run out to fave their lives, but
they were driven back into the flames by the failois, and
killed without mercy,
<t the firft houſe above men ioned,
after the boatswain had flain two with his pole xe, he threw
a hand-granate into the h. ufe. which burning, mace a ter-
rible havock, killing and wounding most of them; and their
king and most of his trair, who were in hat houſe, tell
victims to their fury, every creature of them being either
<.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
215
I
fmcothered or burnt. All this while they never fired a gun,
left the people fhould awaken fafter than they could over-
power them. But the fire awakened them fait enough,
which obliged our fellows to keep together in bodies. By
this time the whole town was in a flame, yet the fury ra-
tner increaſed, calling out to one another to remember Tom
Jeffery. The terrible light of this conflagration made me
very uneafy, and rouled my nephew the Čaptain, and the
refl of his men, who knew nothing of the mater. When
he perceived the dreadful fmoke, and heard the guns go
cff. he readily concluded his men were in danger; he there-
fore takes another boat, and comes athore himſelf, with
thir een men well armed. He was greatly furprised to fee
me and only two men in the boat, bu: more fo whe- I told
him the story; but though I urged with him, as I did
with the men, about the dangers of the voyage, the interefts
of the merchants and owners, and the fafety of the thip, yet
my nephew, like the reft, declared, that he would rather
lofe tre hip, his voyage, his life and all, than his men thould
be loft for want of help; and fo away he we t. For my
part, feeing him refolved to go, I had not power to itay
behind. He ordered the pinnace back again for welve
men more, and then we marched directly as te flame
guided us. But furely never was iuch a fcene of error
beeld, or more difmal cries h-ard, except ween Oliver
Cromwell took Drogheda, in Ireland, wher he neither
fpared man, woman, nor child.
The first object, I think, we met with, was the ruins of
one of their habitations, before which lay four men and three
women killed, and two more burnt to deata among the fire,
which was now decaying. Nothing could appear more
barbarous than this revenge; none more cruel than the
authors of it. As we went on, the fire increaſed, and the
cry proceeded in prop rtion. We had not gone much far-
ther, when we beheld thee naked women, followed by fix-
teen or feven een men, flying with the great-ft fwiftnefs
from our men, who fhot one of them in cu figat. When
they perceived us, whom they fuppofed alfo their murderers,
they fet up a mift dreadful fhriek, and both of them fwoon-
ed away in fright. This was a fight which might nave
foftened the hardeſt heart; and i.. pity we took fame wais
to let them know we would not hurt them, while the poor
creatures, with bended knees and lifted-up hands, made
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piteous lamentations to us to fave their lives. I ordered
our men not to hurt any of the poor creatures whatſoever;
but being willing to underftand the occafion of all this; I
went among thefe unhappy wetches, who neither under-
Alcod 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 gore fifty yards before we came
up with the boatswain, with four of cur men at his heels, all
of them covered with blood and duſt, and in fearch of mere
people to fatiate their vengeance. A foon as we ſaw them
we called out ard made them underftand who we were;
upon which they came up to us, fetting up a halloo of tri-
un pb, in token that more help was come. "Noble Captain,
faid he to my nephew, "I'm glad you're come; we have
not half done with thefe villanous hellhound dog; we'll
Joot 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 1 interrupted him-Blood-thirdly dog," faid
1, "will your cruelty never end? I charge you touch n tone
creature more; flop your hands and fand fill, or you're
a dead man this moment." Why, Sir," faid he, you
neither know whom you are protecting, nor what they have
done but pray come hither, and behold an inftance of
compaffion, if fuch can merit your clemency ;" and with
that he showed me the poor fellow with his throat cut,
hanging upon the tree.
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Indeed, here was enough to fill their breafls with rage,
which, however, I thought had gone too far, agreeable to
thefe words of Jarob to his fans Simeon and Levi: "Curfed
be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it
was cruel." But this fight made my rephew and the
rest as bad as they: nay, my nephew declared, his con-
cern was only for his men: as for the people, rot a foul
of them ought to live. Upon this, the boatswain and eight
more direly turned about, and went to finish the intended
tragedy; which being cut of my power to prevent, I re-
turned back from the difmal fight; and the piteous cries of
thofe unfortunate creatures, who were made victims to their
fury. Indeed it was an egregious piece of fully in me to
return to the beat with but one altendant; and I had very
near paid for it, having narrowly efcaped forty armed In-
dians, who had been alarmed by the conflagration; but
having paffed the place where they food, I got to the boat,
$
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
217
4
accompanied with the fupercargo, and fo went on board,
fending the pinnace back again, to affift the men in what
might happen. When I had got to the boat, the fire was
almoſt extinguiſhed, and the noile abated; but I had ſcarce
been half an hour on board the fhip, when I heard another
volley given by our failors, and a great ſmoke, which, as I
afterwards found, was our men falling upon thoſe houfes
and perfons that flood between them and the fea; but here
they ſpared the wives and children, and killed only the men,
to the number of about fixteen cr feventeen. By the time
they got to the fhore, the pinnace and the hip's boat were
ready to receive them, and they all got fife on board, nor
a man of them having received the leaſt hurt, except two,
one of them having ſtrained his foot, and the other burnt his
hand a little; for they met with no refiftance, the poor
Indians being unprepared, amazed, and confounded
I was extremely angry with every one of them, but par-
ticularly with the captain, who, inſtead of cooling the rage
of the men, had prompted them on to further mischief: nor
could he make me any other excufe, but that as he was a
man, he could not matter his paffions at the fight of one of
his men fo cruelly murdered. As for the reft, knowing
they were not under my command, they took no notice of
my anger, but rather boafled of their revenge. According
to all the r accounts, they killed or defiroyed about 150
men, women, and children, beſides burning the town to
aftes.
They took their compacion Tom Jeffery from the
tree, covered him with fome of the ruins, and fo left him.
But however this action of our men might feem to them
juftifiable, yet I always openly condemned it with the ap-
pellation of the Maffacre of Madaga'car. For though the
natives had flain this Jeffery, yet certainly he was the first
aggreffor, by attempting to violate the chaflity of a young
innocent woman, who ventured down to them, on the faith of
the public capitulation, which was fo treacherouſly broken.
While we were under fail, the boatfwain would often
defend his bloody action, by faying, that the Indians had
broke the truce the night before, by fhooting one of cur
men without juft provocation: and what if the poor fellow
had taken a little liberty with the wench, he ought not to
have been murdered in fo villanous a manner; and that
they had acted nothing but what the divine laws commif-
fioned to be done to fuch homicides. However I was in
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
the fame mind as before, telling them that they were mur-
derers, and bid them depend upon it that Gid would blaſt
their voyage, for fu:h an unparalleled piece of barbarity.
'
When we came to the Gulph of Perfia, five of our men
who ventured on fhete, were either killed or made flaves
by the Arabians, the rest of them having fearce time to
efcape to their boat. This made me upbraid them afreth
with the retribution of Heaven for fuch actions; upon
which the boatswain very warmly aſked me, " Whether
thofe men on whom the tower of Siloam fell, were greater
firners than the reft of the Galileans and befides, Sir,"
faid he, "none of thefe five poor men that are loft were
with us at the Maffacre of Madagaſcar, as you call it, and
therefore your reprefentations are very unjuſt, and your ap-
plication improper. Belides," added he, "you are con-
tinually using the men very il upon this account, and, be-
ing but a paffenger yourfelf, we are not obliged to bear it
nor can we tell what evil defigns you may have to bring us
to judgment for it in England; and, therefore, if you do
not leave this difcourfe, as also not concern yourſelf with
any of our affairs, I will leave the hip, and not fail among
fuch dangerous company."
;
C
All this I heard very patiently; bur, it being often re-
peated, I at length told him, the concern I had on board
was none of his bufinefs; that I was a confiderable owner
in the ſhip, and therefore had a right to ſpeak in common,
and that I was no way accountable to him, nor any body
elfe. As no more paffed for fome time after, I thought
a'l had been over. At this time we were in the road of
Bengal, where, going on fhore with the f-percargo cne day,
in the evening, as I was preparing to go on ba d, one of
the men came to me, and told me, I need not trouble my-
felf, to come to the boat, for that the cockfwain and others
had ordered him not to carry me on board any more. This
infolent meffage much furprifed me, yet I gave him no
anſwer to it, but went directly and acquainted the fuper-
cargo, entreating him to go on board, and, by acquainting
the Captain with it, prevent the mutiny which I perceived
would happen. But before I had fpuke this, the matter
was effected on board; for no focner was he gone off in
the boat, but the boat/wain, gunner, carpenter, and all the
inferior officers, came to the quarter-deck, defiring to speak
with the Captain; and there the boatswain made a long
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
219
harangue, exclaiming against me, as before-mentioned, that
if I had not gone on fhore peaceably for my own diverfion,
they, by violence, would have compelled me, for their fa-
tisfaction that as they had fhipped with the Captain, fo
they would faithfully ferve him; but if I did not quit the
hip, or the Captain oblige me to it, they would leave the
ſhip immediately: hereupon, turning his face about, by
way of fignal, they all cried out, " ONE and ALL! ONE
and ALL!"
<
You may be fure, that though my nephew was a man of
great courage, yet he could not but be furprised at their
ludden and unexpected behaviour; and though he talked
fcutly to them, and afterwards expoftulated with them,
that in common juftice to me, who was a confiderable own-
er in the hip, they could not turn me, as it were, out of my
own houſe, which might bring their lives in danger thould
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 rothing; they would have nothing to
do with me; and they were refolved to go on thore it I
came on board. "Well," faid my nephew, if you are
fo refolved, permit me to talk with him, and then I have
done;" and lo he came to me, giving me an account of their
refolution, how one and all defigned to forfake the ship
when I came on board, for which he was mightily concern-
ed. “I am glad to lee you, nephew," faid I," and rejoice
it is no warle, fince they have not rebelled against you;
I only defire you to fend my neceffary things on fhore,
with a fuficient fum of mor ev, and I will find my way to
England as well as I can." Though this grieved my ne-
phew to the heart, yet there was no remedy but compliance:
in fhort, all my neceffaries were fint to me, and fo this
matter was over in a low hours.
I think I was now near a thouſand leagues farther off
England by fea, than at my little kingdom, except this dit-
ference, that I might travel by land over the Great Mogul's
country to Surat, from thence to Baffera, by fea up the
Pelin Gulph, then take the way of the caravans over t.e
Aration Defcit to Aleppo and Scanderoon, there take fhip-
ping to Italy, and fo travel by land into France, and from
thence acrols the fea to England.
+
My nephew left me two perfons to attend me; one of
th.a was his fervant, and the other clerk to the purfer,
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
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who engaged to be mine. I took lodgings in an Engliſh
woman's houfe, where feveral French, one English, and two
Italian merchants refided. The handfome entertainment
I met with here, occafioned me to ftay nine months, con-
fidering what courfe I fhould take. Some English goods
I had with me of great value, beſides a thouſand pieces of
eight, and a letter for more, if there was fuch neceffity.-
The goods I foon difpofed of to advantage, and bought here
feveral good diamonds, which I could eaſily carry about
with me.
One morning the English merchant came to me,
as being very intimate together, "Countryman," ſaid he,
"I have a project to communicate to you, which I hope
will fuit to both our advantage. To be ſhort, Sir, we are
both in a remote part of the world from our country; but
yet in a place where men of business may get a great deal
of money. Now, if you will put a thoufand pounds to my
thousand pounds, we will hire a fhip to our fatisfaction;
you fhall be Captain, I will be merchant; and we'll go a
trading voyage to China, for why fhould we lie ftill like
drones, while the whole world is in continual motion.”
This propofal foon got my confent; being very agreeable
to my rambling genius; and the more fo, becauſe I looked
upon my countryman to be a very fincere perfon; it re-
quired fome time before we could get a veffel to cur mind,
and failers to man it accordingly; at length we bought a
fhip, and got an English mate, boatswain, and gunner, a
Dutch carpenter, and three Portugueſe foremalt-men; and,
for want of others, made fhift with Indian feamen. We firſt
failed to Achin, in the iſland of Sumatra, and thence to Siam,
where we bartered our wares for fome arrack and opium,
the last of which bore a great price among the Chineſe; in
a word, we went up to Sulkan, making a very great voyage;
and, after eight months time, I returned to Bengal, very well
fatisfied with this adventure, 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 islands, and bring home a load of cloves
from the Manillas, or ti ereabouts; islands belonging part-
ly to Spain, but where the Dutch trade very confiderably.
We were not long in preparing for this voyage, which we
made ro lef fuccefsful than the laft, touching at Borneo,
and feveral other places which I do not perfectly remem-
ber, and returned home in abcut five months time. We
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
221
foon fold our fpices, which we c chiefly cloves and fome
nutmegs, to the Perſian merchants, who carried them away
for the Gulph; and, in fhort, making five to one advantage,
we were loaded with money.
Not long after my friend and I had made up our accounts,
to our entire fatisfaction, there came in a Dutch coafler
from Batavia, of about two hundred tons. The crew of
this veffel preten ed themſelves fo fickly, that there were
not hands fufficient to undertake 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 tais come to our cars, but we bought the ſhip, paid the
mafter, and took poffeffion. We would alſo have very
willingly entertained fome of the men; but they having
received their ſhare of booty, were not to be found, being
altogether fled to Agra, the great city of the Mogul's refi-
dence: and from thence went to travel to Surat, and fo by
the fea to the Perfian Gulph. And indeed they had reafon
to fly in this manner; for the truth of it was, the pretended
Captain was the gunner only, and not the commander
that having been on a trading voyage, they were attacked
on the fhore by the Malayans, who killed three men and
the. Captain; after whofe death the other eleven men run
away with the thip to the Bay of Bengal, and left the mate
and five men more on fhore; but of this affair we fhall
have occafion to ſpeak 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 fhowed us a bill of fale for the fhip (undoubt
edly forged) to one Emanuel Clofterthoven, which name he
went by. And fo, without any more to do, we picked up
fome Durch and English feamen, refolving for another voy-
age for cloves among the Philippine and Molucca iſlands :
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, defigning to touch
at Siam, and buy fome rice by the way. In this voyage
contrary winds beat us up and down for a confiderable time
among the iſlands in the Straits of Molucca. 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 Cambodia, which lies northward of the Gulph, and
goes up to Siam.
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
3)
***
One day, as I was on fhore refreshing myself, there
came to me an Engliſhman, who was a gunner's matc on
board an English Eaft-India fhip, riding up the river near
the city of Cambodia: "Sir," faid he, "
you may wonder
at my business, having never feen me in your life; but tho'
I am a stranger I have fomething to tell you that very near-
ly concerns you; and indeed it is the imminent danger you
are in has moved me to give you this timely notice."
"Danger!" faid I, "what danger? I know of none, ex-
cept my hip being leaky, for which I'defign to have her
run aground to-morrow morning. "I hope you will be
better employed when you fhall hear what I have to lay to
you. You know the town of Cambodia is about fifteen
leagues up this river; about three leagues on this fide of it,
there lie two Dutch and three English (hips. And would
you venture here without conficering what ftrength you
have to engage them?" I knew not what he meant by this
difcourfe, and turning fhort upon him, "Sir," faid I,
f Í
know no reason I have to be afraid either of any Dutch or
English fhips. I am no interloper, and what bafinefs have
they with me "Well, Sir," faid the man, "if you do
think your felf fecure, all as I can fay, you muſt take your
chance; however, I am very forry you are fo deaf to gond
advice; but I affure you, if you do not put to fea immedi-
ately, you will be attacked by five long boats full of men,
hanged yourſelf for a p'rate, if you are taken, and the par-
ticulars examined afterwards. I thought, Sir,” added be,
"I might have met a better reception for ſuch a fingu.
lar piece of fervice." "Sir," faid I, "I never was un-
grateful to any man; but pray explain yourſelf, and I'll go
on board this minute, whether the leak be ftopped or no.
is Why, Sir," faid he, " to be ſhort, becaufe time is precious,
the matter is this: You know well enough that you was
with the fhip at Sumatra, when your Captain was murdered
by the Malayans, with three of his failors; and that either
you, or fome who were on board you, ran away with the
m
p, and are fince turned pira es at fea. Now, Sir, this
is the fum of what I have to fay; and I can pofitively affure
you, that if you are taken, you will be executed without
much ceremony, for undoubtedly you cannot but be fen-
ficle what little law merchant fhips how to pirates, when-
ever they fall into their hards.”
**
*( Sir," faid I, "I thank you for your kind information;
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
223
FL
and though I am fare no man could come more honeftly
by the fhip than I have done, yet knowing their enterprize,
and being fatisfer of your beneft intention, I'll be upon my
defence. "Pr'thee, Sir," said the man, "don't talk of
being upon your defence, the belt that you can make is to
be out of danger; and, therefore, if you have any regard for
your life, and the lives of your men, take the advantage,
without fail, of putting out to fea at high-water: by which
means, as you have a whole tide before you, you will be goce
too far out of their reach before they can come down."
2
*
"I am mightily well fatisfied," faid I, in this particular;
and for your kindneſs, which mer ts my great elleem, pray,
Sir, what amends thall I make you?" He replied, "I know
not what amends you are willing to make, becauic you
may have fome doubts of its certainty: bat, to convince
you of the truth of what I fay, I have one offer to make to
you. On board one of the Engliſh fhips, I have nineteen
months pay due to me, and this Dutchman that is with me,
has feven months pay due to him, which if you will make
good to us, we will go along with you. If you shall find
that there is nothing in what we have faid, then we ſhall
defire nothing; but when you are convinced that we have
faved the fhip, your life, and the lives of the men, we ſhall
leave the whole to your generoſity.
So reaſonable did this every way appear, that I immedi-
ately confented, and we went direâly on board. As foon
as we came on board, my partner calls joyfully out, << That
they had ſtopped the leak!" "Well, thank God," faid 1,
"but pray let us weigh anchor forthwith." Weigh!"
faid he, "what is the meaning of this hurry?" "s Pray afk
no questions," faid I, "but all hands to work, without
lofing a moment's time." Upon which, in great furpriſe,
the Captain was called, who immediately ordered the anchor
to be get up: and though the tide was not quite down,
yet being affifted with a little land breeze, we ftood to fea.
I then called my partner into the cabin, and related the
flory at large, which was confirmed and more amplified by
the two men I had brought on board. Scarce had we
finished our difcourfe upon this head, but a failor came to
the cabin door, with a meffage from the Captain, that we
were chafed by five flops full of armed men. Very
well;" faid I, "it is plain now there is fomething in it.”
And fo, going upon deck, I told all the men there was a
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
defign for feizing the fhip, and of executing us for pirates;
and aſked them whether they would faithfully ftand by us,
and by one another " To which they unanimously replied,
"That they would fight to their laft drop of blood." I
then asked the Cap ain, which way he thought beft for us
to manage the battle? "'é Sir," faid he, "the only method
is to keep them off with our great shot as long as we are
able, and then have recourfe to our fmall arms; and when
both theſe fail us, then retire to clofe quarters, when per-
haps the enemy, wanting materials, can neither break open
cur bulk-heads, nor get in upon us." Mean-time the gun-
ner was ordered to bring two guns to bear fore and aft out
of the fteerage, and fo load them with muſket-bullets and
fmall pieces of old iron; and the deck being cleared, we
prepared for the engagement, fill, however, keeping out
at fea.
The boats followed us with all the fail they could
make, and we could perceive the two foremost were Eng-
lith, which out failed the rett by two leagues, and which we
found would come up with us: hereupon, we fired a gun
without ball, intimating that they ſhould bring to, and we
put out a flag of truce, as a fignal for parley; but finding
them crowding after us, till they came within fhot, we took
in our white, and hanging out the red flag, immediately
fired at them with ball: we then called to them with a
fpeaking trompet, bidding them at their peril keep off.
But all this fignified nothing; for depecding upon the
frength that followed them, they were refolutely bent for
mifchief: hereupon I o dered them to bring the ship to, by
which means, they lying upon our broadfile, we let fly at
them at once, one of whom carried away the itein 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 them from finking, and fo he lay by, having enough
of it. In the mean time, we prepared to welcome the fore-
moft boat in the fame manner. While we were doing this,
one of the three hindermolt boats came up to the relief of
that which was diſabled, and took the men out of her. We
again called to parley with them; but, in lead of an anſwer,
one of the boats came close under our ftern; whereupon
our gunner let fly his two chafe guns, but miffing, the men
in the boat thouted, and waving their caps, came on with
greater fury. To repair this leeming difgrace, the gunner
foon got ready, and firing a fecond time, did a great deal of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
225
miſchief among the enemy.
We waved again, and bring-
ing our quarter to bear upon them, fired three guns more,
when we found the boat a finking, and ſeveral men already
in the fea; hereupon, manning our pinnace, I gave orders
to fave as many as they could, and inftantly to come on
board, becauſe the rest of their boats were approaching:
accordingly they did fo, and took up three of them, one of
whom was almoft paft recovery; and then crowding all the
fail we could, after our men came on board, we flood out
farther to fea, fo that the other three boats gave over the
chaſe, when they came up to the first two. Thus delivered
from imminent danger, we changed our courſe to the eaſt-
ward, quite out of the courfe of all European fhips.
Being now at fea, and inquiring more particularly of the
two feamen, the meaning of all this, the Dutchman at once
let us into the fecret. He told us that the fellow who fold
us the fhip was an arrant thief, who had run away with her;
that the captain was treacherously murdered on the coaft
of Molucca by the natives there, with three of his men;
that he, the Dutchman, and four more, being obliged to
have recourfe to the woods for their fafety, at lengt 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; there two of the feamen belonging to
the fhip (who had deſerted the rest in their travels) arrived,
and there gave an account that the fellow who ran away
with the fhip had fold her at Bengal to a ſet of pirates, who
went a cruifing, and had already taken one English and two
Dutch hips richly laden..
Now, though this was abfolutely falfe, 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 immediate death,
confidering our accofers would have been our judges; and,
the efore, his opinion was to return directly t Bengal,
where, being known, we could prove how honeſtly we cime
by the thip, of whom we bought her, and the like, and
where we were fure of fome juice; at least would not be
hanged first and judged afterwards. I was at hirt of my
partner's opinion, but when I had more feriously confider-
ed of the matter, I told him we ran a great hazırd in at-
tempting to return, being on the wrong fide of the Straits
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
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of Molucca, and that, if, upon alarm given, we ſhould be
taken by the Dutch at Batavia, or English elfewhere, cur
running away would be a fufficient evidence to condemn us.
This danger indeed ftartled not only my partner, but like-
wife all the fhip's company; fo we changed our former re-
flution, and refolved to go to the coaft of Tonquin, and
fo to that of China, where purfuing our first defign as to
trade, we might likewife have an opportunity to difpofe of
the fhip fore way or other, and to return to Bengal, in any
country veffel we could procure. This being agreed to,
we feered away N. N. E. about 50 leagues off the ufual
courfe to the eaft, which put us to fome inconveniences.
As the wind blew fteadily against us, our voyage became
'more tedious, and we began to be afraid of want of provi-
tions; and what was ftill worfe, we apprehended that as
thole hips, from whole boats we had efcaped, were bound
to Chira, they might get before us, and have given freſh
information, which might create another vigorous parlait.
Indeed I could not help being grieved, when I confidered
that I, who had never wr nged or defrauded any pe fon in
my life, was now purfued like a common thi: f, and, if taken,
to run the greatest danger of being executed as fuch; and,
though innocent, I found my felf under the neceffity of fly-
ing for my fafety, and thereby elcape bei g brought to
fhame, of which 1 was even more afra d than of death itſelf.
It was easy to read my dejection in my countenance. My
mird was oppreffed, like thofe unhappy, innocent perfons,
who being overpowered by blafphemous and perjured evi-
dences, wickedly refolved to wake away their lives, or rain
their reputation, have no other recourfe in this world to
cafe their forrow, but fighs, raye.s, and tears.
My partner
feeing me fo concerned, encouraged me as well as he cou'd;
and after defcribing to me the feveral ports of that coaft,
he told me, he wou d either pot me in on the coat of Cochin-
China, or elſe in the Bay of T quin, from waence we might
go to Macao, a town nee poffeffed by the Portuguefe, and
where till many European families rended. `
(
To this place we fleered, and early ext morning came
in fight of the coaſt; but thought it advisable to put into
a fmall river where we could, eit er overland, or b the
hip's pinnace, know what vellels were in a
paris there-
abouts. This happy fcp proved our deliv r nce: for, next
morning, there came to the Bay of Torquin two Dutch
2
?
1
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOF.
227
[
L
:
ľ
thips, and a third without any colours; and in the evening
The river
two English ships feered the fame courfe.
where we were was but fmall, and run but a few leagues up
the country northward; the country was wild and barbarous,
and the people thieves, having ro correfpondence with any
other nation, dealing only in hifh, oil, and fech grofs com-
modities; and one barbarous cuftom they fill retained, that:
when any veffel was unhapoily fhipwrecked up:n their
coaft, they make the men prif ners or flaves; fo that now
we might fairly fay we were furrounded by enemies both by
fea and land.
As the thip had been leaky, we took the opportunity, in
this place, to ſearch her, and to top up the places which
let in the water. We accordingly lightened her, and bri-g-
ing our guns and other moveable things to one fide, we ef-
fayed to bring her down, that we might come to her bot-
tom; but, upon fecond confideration, we did not think it
fafe to let her lie on dry ground, Leither, indeed, was the
place convenient for it. The inhabitants, not uſed to ſuch
a fight as to fee a fhip lie down on one fide, and heel in to-
wards the fhore, and no: perceiving the men who were at
work on her bottom, with ſtages and boats on the off-ſide,
presently imagined the hip had been eat away, and lay
fall on the ground. Agreeable to this fuppofition, they
furrounded us with ten or twelve large boats, with a refo-
lution, undoubtedly, to plunder the fhip, and carry away
thoſe they found alive for flives to their king. But when
they perceived our men hard at work on the hip's bottom
and fide, washing, graving, and topping her, it filled them
all with fuch fürprife, that they food gazing as though they
were confounded. Nor could we imagine what their de--
fign was; however, for fear of danger, we handed down
arms and ammuni ion to thofe at work, in order to defend
themſelves; and, i´deed, this precaution was abfolutely
neceflary; fr, in a quarter of an hour after, the natives,
conclading it was realy a thipwreck, ca that we were fa-
ving our lives and goods, which they th aght belonged to
them, came down upon aur men, as though it h-d-been in
line of batile. We lay a prefent be in a very unfit ofture
to fight; and before the ages could be got down, or the
me in the boat cm on board as they were orde:ed, the
Cochin-Chineſe were upon them, and two of their boats
boarding our long-boat, they began to lay hold of our men
1
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12
The
228
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
as priſoners. The first they ſeized was a tout English
failor, who never fired his mufket, 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 muſket, and knocked down five more with
the butt-end of it; however, this was doing very little to
their number; but a flrange unexpected 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
outſide of the ſhip, as well as to pay the feams, where he
caulked to top the leaks, had gotten two kettles just let
down in the boat, one filled with bailing pitch, and the
other with rofin, tallow, oil, and fuch ftuff as the hip-
wrights ufe; the carpenter's man had a great iron ladle
with which he used to fupply the workmen with hot ftuff,
and as two of the enemies entered the boat where the fel-
low ſtood, he faluted them with a full ladle of the hot boil-
ig liquor, which, the poor creatures being half naked, made
them roar out, and jump in o the ſea. "Well done, Jack,'
fays the carpenter, "give them the other dofe:" and fo
Hepping forward himfelf, takes a mop, and dipping it into
the pitch-pot, he and his man fo plentifully flu: g it among
them, as that none eſcaped being fcalded; upon which they
all made the beft of their way, crying and howling in fuch
a fiightful manner, that, in all my adventures, I never heard
the like. And, indeed, never was I better pleaſed with
any conqueft than I was with this, there being fo little
bloodshed, and having an averfion to killing fuch favage
wretches, (more than was neceffary,) as knowing they came
on errands, which their laws and cuftoms made them think
were juſt and equitable. By this time all things being in
order, and the ſhip (wimming, they found their miflake, ſo
they did not venture a fecond attack. Thus ended our
merry fight, and, having got 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 fleered N. E. toward
the island of Formofa, or as though we would go to the
Manillas, or Philippine iflands, for fear of meeting with any
European fhips; when we anchored at the ifle of Formefa,
ine inhabitants not only courteously fupplied us with pio-
C
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
229
vifions and freſh water, but dealt very fairly and honeftly
with us in their bargains and agreements. From this place
we ſteered north, keeping ftill off the coaft of China, till
we were beyond all its ports where European fhips ufually
come; and, at length, being come to the latitude of thirty
degrees, we refolved to put into the firft trading port we
fhould come at; and standing for the fhore, a boat came off
two leagues to us, with an old Portugueſe 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 most
northward part of the coaſt of China. "What will you do
there ?" faid he, fmiling. I told him we would fell our
cargo, and purchaſe calicoes, raw and wrought filks, tea,
&c. and fo return the fame way back.
"O," ſaid he, “you
had better put in at Macao, 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 ſee the great city of Pekin, and
the magnificent court of the monarch of China."
• Why,
then," laid he, ፡፡
you should go to Ningpo, where there is
a navigable river that goes through the heart of that valt
empire, two hundred and feventy leagues from the ſea,
which croſſes 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 Nanquin, if you pleaſe, 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 firding me troubled, "Sir," faid he, " I hope
the Dutch are not now at war with your nation."
"No,"
faid I, “but God knows what liberty they may take when
out of the reach of the law.” “ Why," fays he, “ what occa-
fin is there for peaceable merchants to fear? For, believe
me, they never meddle with any but PIRATES.”
CL
At the mentioning the word Pirates, my countenance
turned to that of fcarlet; nor was it poffible for me to con-
ceal it from the old pilot; who taking notice of it, "Sir,"
faid he, “take what courfe you pleafe, I'll do you all the
fervice I can. Seignior," faid I, “I am
"I am a little con-
cerned at your mentioning pirates; I hope there are none
fuch in theſe feas, becauſe you fee in what weak condition
<<
>>
230
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
we are to defend ourfelves." "O, Sir," faid he, "if that's
all, don't be concerned,; I don't remember one in theſe ſeas
thefe fifteen years, except about a month age one was feen in
the bay of Siam, but he is gone to the fouthward; neither was
The built for a privateer, but was run away with by a repro-
bate Captain, and fome of his men, the right Captain having
been murdered by the Malayans."
"What!" faid I, (as though ignorant of what had hap-
pened) "did they kill the Captain !" "No," faid he, "it is
generally thought the Malayas murdered him; but rerhaps
they might procure them to do it, and therefore they juftly
deferve hanging. The rogues were lately difcovered in
the Bay of Siam, in the river o Cambodia, by f me Dutch--
men who belonged to the fhip, and had much ado to eſcape
the five boats that purfued them, but they have folemnly
fworn to give no quarter to the Captain cr the feamen, but
hang them every one up at the yard-arm, without any fur-
mal business of bringing them to a court of judicature."
1
#C
Being fenfible that, having the old man on b ard, he
was incapable of doing me any mifchief, "Well, Seignior,'
faid 1, it is for this very realos I would have you carry
us up to Narquin, where neither English nor Dutch hips
come; and I muſt tell you, their Captains are a parcel of
rash, proud, infolent rafcals, that neither know what belongs
to jullice, or how to behave themfelves as the laws of God
or nature direct; fellows that would prove murderers to
puniſh robbers, and take upon them to jucge innocent men
to death, without any proof to prove them guilty; but
per-
haps I may live to call them to account for it, in a place
where they may be taught how juftice is to be executed."
And ſo I told him all the story of buying the hip, and how
we were faved by the means of two men: that the murder
of the Captain by the Malayans, as allo the running aw y
with the thip, I believed to be true; bus that we who bought
it, were turned pirates, was a mere fiction, to c ver their
cowardice and foolish behavior, when they attacked us;
and the blood of thoſe men e killed in our own jult defence
lay at their door, who were fent to attack us by lurpric
Sir," faid the old man amazed, (C you have taken he
right courſe to ſteer to the nort, and if I might auvife
you, I would have ou fell your fhip in China, and buy or
build arother in that coun.ry; and l'il procure pe ple to
buy the one, and fell the other." Well, but Seignior,"
>>
.C
}
}
-
A
231
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
faid I," if I fell the fhip in this manner, I may bring fome
innocent perfons into the fame dangers I have gone through,
perhaps worſe than even death itself: whereby I fhould be as
guilty of their murder as their villanous executioners.".
"That need not trouble you," fays the old man, " I'll find
a way to prevent that; for theſe commanders, you talk of,
I know very well, and will inform them rightly of the mat-
ter as you have related, and am perfuaded they will not
only believe me, but act more cautiously for the future.".
"And will you deliver one meffage from me to them?"
"Yes," faid he, "if you will give it under your hand, that
I may prove it is not of my own production." Hereupon
I wrote a large account of their attacking me in their long-
boat, the pretended reafon and unjuft design of it; that
they had done what they might be flamed of, and could
not anfwer for at any tribunal in England. But this letter
was writ 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-weft point of the great
gulf of that place, where we learned, that two Dutch
ſhips were gone the length before us, and that we thould
certainly fall into their hands. We were all at a great lofs
in this exigency, and would very gladly have been on thore
almost any where; but our old pilot told me that if I
would fail to the fouthward about two and forty leagues,
there was a little port called Quinchang, where no Euro-
pean ſhips ever came, and where we might confider what
was further to be done. Accordingly we weighed anchor
the next day, calling only twice on thore by the way to
get fresh water. The country peo le very courteously
fold us roots, tea, rice, fowls, and ther provifioes.
five days fail we came to the port, and landed with unfpeak-
able joy.
We refalved to difpole of ou:fe ves and effects
in any other wav poffible, than enter on board that ill-fated
veſſel more; for no itate can be more milerable than a
continued fear, which is a life of death, a confounder of
our underflandings, that fets the imagination at work to
form a thouſand frightful things that may never happen.
And we ſcarce flept one night, without dreaming of halters,
yard-arm, or gibbes, cf fighting, being aken and being
killed; nay fo violent were our apprehenfios, that we
would bruiſe our hands and heads ag at the tides of the
cabin as though actually engaged. The story of the Dutch
After
I
i
232
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
cruelty at Amboyna, 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 deliver-
ances, I ſhould be hanged in my old age, though innocent
of any crime that deferved fuch punishment; but then re-
ligion would feem to reprefent to me, as though the voice
of it had faid, confider, O man! what fins you have been
formerly guilty of; which now thou art called to an account
for, to expiate with thy blood! And as to thy innocence,
what art thou more innocent than thy bleſſed Redeemer
Jefus Chrift, who fuffered for thy offences, and to whofe
providence you ought to fubmit, let what will happen?
After this, natural courage would inſpire me to refift to the
laft drop of blood, and fooner die than fuffer myſelf to be
taken by boorish rafcally Dutchmen, who had arts to torment.
beyond death itſelf.
!
But now, thank kind Heaven, being aſhore, our old pilot
procured us a lodging and warehoufe for our goods; it
was a little hu, with a large warehouſe joining to it, all
built with canes, and palifadoed round with large ones, to
keep out pilfering thieves, which are very numerous in that
country. The magistrates allowed us a little guard during
the night, and we employed a centinel with a kind of hal-
bert for threepence 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 latter being on fhore. In the first place, our old pilot
brought us acquainted with the miffionary Roman prielts,
who were converting the people to Chriftianity: two of
them were relerved, rigid, and auftere, applying themſelves
to the work they came about with great earneftneſs; but
the third, who was a Frenchman, called Father Simeon, was
of a freer converfation, not feemingly fo ferious and grave,
yet no worfe Chriftian than the other two, one of whom
was a Portugueſe, and the other a Genoefe. Father Simeon,
it feems, was appointed to go to Pekin, the royal feat of
the Emperor of the Chineſe; and he only waited for ano-
ther priest, who was ordered from Macao to accompany
him. We never met together, but he was prompting me
to accompany hit in that journey: "Sir," aid he,
will show you the glorious things of this mighty empire,
and a city, the city of Pekin, far exceeding London and
Paris, put them both together." One day in particular, be
<< I
I
т
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
233
1
1
1
ing at dinner with him, I fhowed fome inclination to go;
which made him prefs the more upon me and my partner,
to gain our perfect confent. "But, Father Simeon," faid
my partner, "what fatisfaction can you have in our com-
pany, whom you eſteem as heretics, and confequently objects
not worthy your regard ?"" O,” ſaid he, “ you may be as
good Catholics in time as thofe I hope to convert to our
religion." "And fo," ſaid I," we shall have your preach-
ing to us all the way, instead of pleafing us with a deferip-
tion of the country. "Sir," faid he, however our reli-
gion may be vilified by fome people, it is very certain it
neither diveſts us of good manners or Chriftian charity; and
as we are gentlemen, as fuch we may converfe together,
without making one another uneasy."
32
But we ſhall leave him awhile, to confider our fhip and
the merchandiſe which we had to diſpoſe of. There was
but very little trade in the place where we were; and I
was once refolved to venture to fail to the river Kilam, and
fo to the City of Nanquin; but Providence ordered it other-
wife, 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,
fame wedges of which were about ten or eleven ounces.
It came into my head that perhaps he might buy the ship
too; and I ordered his interpreter to propofe it to him.—
He ſaid nothing then, but fhrugged up his fhoulders; yet
in a few days after he came, accompanied by a millionary
priest, who was his interpreter, with this propoſal, "That
as he had bought a great quantity of our goods, he had not
money enough to purchaſe our fhip; but if I pleafed he
would hire her, with all my men, to go to Japan, and from
thence with another loading to the Philippine islands, the
freight of which he would very willingly pay to us before;
and at their return to Japan, would buy the fhip." Upon
this we asked the Captain and his men, if they were willing
to go to Japan; to which they unanimously agreed. While
this was in agitation, the young man, my nephew left to
attend me, told "That as I did not care to accept this
profpect of advantage, he would manage it for me as I
pleafed, and render me a faithful account of his fuccefs,
which would be wholly mine." Indeed I was very unwil-
ling to part with him; but confidering it might be for the
me,
÷
1
f
284
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
་
.
young man's gro³, I difcourfed with my partner about it,
who, of his own gererofty, gave him his fhare of the veffel,
fo that I could do no otherwife than give him mice: but,
however, we let him have but the proper half of it, and
preferved 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 th hip's freight, and the other ſhould be his
own. Thus ba ing taken a writing under his hand, away
he failed to Japan, where the merchant dealt very honeftly
by him, got him a license to cove on fhore; fent him loaded
to the Philippines with a Japaneſe fupe cargo, from whence
he came back again loaded with European goois, cloves, and
other fpices. By this voyage he cleared a confiderable
lum of mosey, which determined him not to fell his ship,
but to trade on his own account; fo he returned to the Ma-
nillas, where, seltirg acquaintance, he made his hip free,
was hired by the governor privately to go to Acapulco in
America, on the Mexican coaft, with a licenſe to travel to
the great city of Mexico. This traffic turned out greatly to
accoun', and my friend finding means to get to Jamaica, re-
turned nine years after exceedingly rich into England.
In parting with the fhip, it comes in courie to confider
of those men who had faved our lives when in the river of
Cambodia; and though, by the way, they were a couple of
rogues, who thought to turn pirates themselves, yet we
paid them what they had before demanded, and gave each
of them a fmall fum of money, making the Englishman a
gunner, and the Dutchman a boatfwain, with which they
were very well contented.
!
}
Brk
r
We were now about 1000 leagues farther from home
than when at Bengal.
All the comfort we could expect
was, that there being another fair to be kept in a month's
time, we might not only parchafe all forts of that country's
manufactures, but very poffibly find fome Chineſe junks,
or veffels 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 fhip, we travelled to fee the city of
Nanquin. The city lies in latitude 30 degrees north of the
line: it is regularly built, and the streets are exactly ftraight,
and croſs one another in direct lines, which fets it out to
the greateſt advantage. At our return, we found the priest
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
235
was come from Macao, that was to accompany father Si-
meon to Pekin. That father earnestly folicited me to ac-
company him, and I referred him to my partner. In short,
we both agreed, and prepared accordingly; and we were
fo lucky as to have liberty to travel among the retinue of
one of their Mandarines, who is a principal magiftrate, and
much reverenced by the people.
We were five and twenty days travelling through this mifer-
able country, infinitely populous, but as indifferently cul-
tivated; and yet their pride is infinitely greater than their
poverty, infomuch that the pries themf-lves deride them.
As we paffed by the houſe of one of their country gentle-
men, two leagues off Nanquin, we had the honour, forfooth,
to ride with the Chineſe fquire, about two miles.
Never
was Don Quixote fo exactly imitated! Never fuch a com-
pound of pomp and poverty feen before!
His habit, made of calico, was dirty, greafy, and very
proper for a Merry Andrew or Scaramouch, with all its
tawdry tappings, as hanging fleeves, taffels, &c. though
torn and rent in almost every part; his veft underneath it
was no less dirty, but more greafy, refembling the most ex-
quifite floven, or greafy butcher: his horſe (worſe than Ro-
finance, or the famous fteed of doughty Hudibras) was a
poor starved, decrepit thing, that would not fell for thirty
filings in England; and yet this piece of worshipful pomp
was attended with ten or twelve flaves, who guarded their
matter to his country feat. We stopped at a little village
for refreſhment; and when we came by the country feat of
this great man, we found him fitting under a tree before his
door, eating a meſs of boiled rice, with a great piece of
garlic in the middle, and a bag filled with green pepper by
him, and another plant like ginger, together with a piece
of lean mutton in it: this was his worthip's repaft: but
pray obſerve the ſtate of the food! two women flaves brought
him his food, which being laid before him, two others ap-
peared to perform their refpective offices; one fed him
with a fpoon, while the other fcraped off what fell upon his
beard and taffety vest, and gave it to a particular favourite
to eat. And thus we left the wretch pleafed with the con-
ceit of our admiring his magnificence, which rather merited
our fcorn and deteftation.
At length we arrived at the great city of Pekin, accom-
panied by two fervants, and the old Portugueſe pilot, whofe
.
!
ļ
£36
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
the way.
rr
*
charges we bore, and who ferved us as an interpreter by
We had ſcarce been a week at Pekin, but he
comes laughing to us, "Ah! Senior 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 leave me go back alone; and which way
fhall I make my port after, without de fhip, without de
horfe, without pecune?" fo he called money in his broken
Latin. He then informed me, that there was a great ca-
ravan of Muſcovite and Polish merchants in the city, who
were preparing to fit out for Mufcovy by land within fix
weeks: and that he was certain we would take this oppor-
tunity, and confequently that he muft go home by himself.
Indeed this news it finitely furprised and pleafed me.-
"Are you certain of this "faid I. "Yes, Sir," fays he,
me fure its true." And fo he told me that having met
an old acquaintance of his, an Armenian, in the ftreer, who -
was among them, and who had come from Aftracan, with
a defign to go to Tonquin, but for certain reaſons having
altered his refolution, he was now refolved to go with the
caravan, and to return by the river Wolga to Aftracan.-
"Weil, Seignior," faid I "don't be difcontented about
your returning alone: and if, by this means, I can find a
paffage to England, it will be your own fault if you return
to Macao at all." And fo confulting with my partner what
was best to be done, he referred it to me as I pleaſed, hav-
ing our affairs fo well fettled at Bengal, that if he could
convert the good voyage he had made in China filks,
wrought or raw, he would be fatisfied to go to England,
and fo return to Bengal in the Company's fhips. Thus re-
folved, we agreed that if our pilot wonld go with us, we
would bear his charges either to Mofcow, or England; and
to give him in a prefent the fum of one hundred and feventy
pounds ferling, Hereupon. we called him in, and told
him the caufe of his complaint fhould be removed, if he
would accompany us with the caravans; and, therefore, we
defied to know his mind. At this he shook his head,
"Great long journey," faid he, "me no pecune carry me
to Moſcow, or keep me there." 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 advantage; and, as for.
his charges, we would fet him fafe on fhore, God willing,
either in Muscovy, or England, as he pleaſed, at our own
-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
237
charge, except the carriage of his goods. At this propoſal,
he was like a man tranfported, 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 mer-
chants were ready.
In the mean time, my partner and the pilot went exprefs
to the part where we first put in, to difpofe of what goods
had been left there, while I accompanied a Chineſe mer-
chant who was going to Nanquin, and there bought twenty-
nine pieces of damak, with about three hundred more of
other fine filks; and by the time my partner returned to
Pekin, I had them all carried thither; our cargo in fiks
amounted to 4500/. fterling, which, together with tea, fine
calicoes, nutmegs, and cloves, loaded eighteen camels for
our ſhare, befides what we rode upon, with two or three
ſpare horſes, and two more loaded with provisions; the
Company now was very great, making about four hundred
horfe, and above one hundred and twenty mea, well armed
and provided. We were of feveral nations, among whon
were five Scotch merchants, inhabiting in Moſcow, and
well experienced in trade.
We fet out from Pekin the beginning of February, our
ftyle; and in two days more, we paffed through the gale
of the great China wall, which was erected as a fortifica-
tion against the Tartars, being one hundred English miles
long. We then entered a country not near fo populous,
chiefly under the power of plundering Tartars, feveral com-
panies of whom we perceived riding on poor ftarved horfes,
contemptible as themfelves, without order or difcipline.
One time our leader, for the day, gave us leave to go a
hunting; but what do you think we hunted? only a parcel
of theep, which indeed exceeded any in the world for wild-
Refs and fwiftnefs; but while we were purfaing 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's distance. Hereupon one of
the Scorch merchants (who knew their ways) ordered us to
advance towards them, and attack them immediately. As
we advanced, they let fly a volley of arrows, which happily
fell a little fhort of us; this made us halt a little, to return
the compliment with bullets; and then being led up by
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238
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
the bold Scot, we fired our piſtols in their faces, and drew
out our fwords; but there was no occafion; for they flew
like timorous fheep, and only three of them remained,
beckoning on the reft to come back. But our brave com-
mander galloped up to them by himself, fhot one dead,
krocked another off his horse, while the third ran away;
and thus ended cur battle with the Tartars.
ܐ ܕ
→
We travelled a month more through the Emperor of
China's dominions; ard at length coming to one of their
towns about a day and a half's journey from the city of
Naum, I wanted to buy a camel. The perfon I spoke to
would have brought me one, but, like a fool, I must go
along with him, about two miles from the village. My
old pilot and I walked on foot, forfooth, for fome variety,
when coming to the place where the camels were kept as
in a park guarded by Chinefe foldiers, we there agreed
and bought one, which the Chineſe man that came along
with me led along the road. But we had not gone far, be-
fore we were attacked by five Tartars, m unted on horfe-
hack, two of whom feized the man, took the camel from
him, and rode away, while the other three approached us,
the first of whom fuddenly feized me as I was drawing my
fword, the fecond knocked me down, but my old truly
Portugueſe, taking a pistol out of his pocket, which I knew
nothing of, and coming up to the fellow that ftruck me, he
with one hand pu'led him off his horfe, and then ſhot him
dead upon the fpot; then taking his cimeter, he firuck
at the man that flopped 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 ſeizing
upon his pole-axe, wrenched it from his hands, and knocked
his brains out. But there was another Tartar to deal with,
who feeming neither inclined to fight or fly, and my old
man having begun to charge his pilol. the light of it ftruck
fuch a terror into the wretch, that away he ſcoured, leav-
ing 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
forget all that palled; but my fenfes returning, and feeling
a great pain in my head, and feeing the blood was ruining
over my clothes, I inftantly jumped upon my fest, and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
239
grafped my fword in my hand, with a refolution to take re-
venge: but no enemies now remained, except the dead
Tartar, with his horfe #tanding by him. The old man
fering me recovered, whom he thought flain, ran towards
me, and embraced me with the greate tenderreſs, at the
fame time examining into my wound, which was far from
being mortal. When we returned to the village, the man
demanded payment for his camel, which I refufing, we
brought the caufe before a Chineſe judge, who acted with
great impartiality: Having heard both fides, he aſked the
Chineſe man that went with me, whofe fervánt he was?
"Sir," faid he, I am nobody's, but went with the firan-
ger at his requeſt:" "What then," ſaid the judge, "you
are the ranger's fervant for the time, and the camel be-
ing delivered to his fervant, it is the fame as though de-
livered to himſelf, and accordingly he must 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, I
fent for another, but did not go myſelf to fetch it, as I had
enough of that fport before.
<<
The city of Naum is a frontier of the Chineſe empire, fo
fortified, as fome will tell you, that millions of Tai tars can-
not batter down their walls; by which certainly one might
think one of our cannons would do more execution than all
their legions.
-
When we were within a day's march of that city, we
had information that the governer had fent meffengers to
every part of the road, to inform the travellers and caravans
to halt, till a guard was fent to protect them from the nu-
merous bodies of Tartars that lately appeared about the
city. The news put us into great confternation: but,
obeying the orders, we ftopt; and two days afer, there
came two hundred foldiers from a garrifon of the Chineſe,
and three hundred more from Naum; thus guarded both
in the front and rear, with our own men in the flanks, we
boldly advanced, thinking we were able to combat with
ten thoufaed Mogul Tartars if they appeared.
Early next morning, in our march from a little well-fitu-
ated town, called Changu, after having paffed a river, and
entered upon a defert of about fifteen or fixteen miles over,
we toon beheld, by a cloud of duft that was raiſed, that
the enemy was approaching. This much difpirited the
Chineſe. My old pilot took notice of it, and called out,
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
""
"Seignior Inglife, thofe fellows must be encouraged, or they
will ruin us all; and I am afraid if the Tartars attack us,
they will all run away.' "Why, Seignior," faid 1, "what
fhall be done in this caſe?” « 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 reſerve, leaving the last two hundred men
to guard the camels, or to affift us, as occaſion required.
Thus prepared, a party of the enemy came forward, view-
ing our pofture, and traverfing the ground on the front of
our line. Heupon we ordered the two wings to move
on, and give them a falute with their fhot; which accord-
ingly 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 reception
they might expect, which made them fo eafily give over
their enterprize.
1
When we came to the city of Naum, we returned the
governor hearty tharks, and diftributed a hundred crowns
among the foldiers that guarded us. We refted there one
day, and then proceeded en our travels, paffing feveral
great rivers and deferts; and on the 13th of April we came
to the frontiers of Mufcovy, the firfl town of which was
called Argun.
This happy occafion, as I thought, of coming into a
Chriflian country, made me congratulate the Scots mer-
chart upon it. He fmiled at that, telling me not to rejoice
teo fcon; "for," faid he, "except the Ruffan foldiers in
garrifon, and a few inhabitants of the cities upon the road,
all the rest of this country, for above a thouſand miles, is
inhabited by the moſt ignorant and barbarcus Pagans."
We advanced from the river Arguna by moderate jour-
neys, and found convenient garrifons on the road, filled with
Chriftian foldiers, for the fecurity of commerce, and for
the convenient lcdgings of travellers: but the inhabitants
of the country were mere Pagans, worshiping the fun, moon,
and ſtars. We particularly cbferved this idolatry near the
river Arguna, at a city inhabited by Tartars and Ruffians,
called Nerifinkey. Being curicus to lee their way of 1 v-
irg, while the car: van continued to refl themfelves in that
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
211
city, I went to one of their villages, where there was
to be one of their solemn sacrifices. There I beheld,
upon the stump of an old tree, an idol of wood, more ugly
than the representation of the devil himself: its head
resembling no living creature; its ears were as big and as
high as goats horns, a crooked nose, four-cornered mouth,
and horrible teeth: it was clothed in sheep skins, had a
great Tartar bonnet, with two horns growing through it,
and was eight feet high, without feet, legs, or proportion.
Before this idol there lay sixteen or seventeen people, who
brought their offerings, and were making their prayers,
while at a distance stood three men and one bullock, as
victims to this ugly monster.
Such stupendous sacrilege as this in robbing the true
God of his honour, filled me with the greatest astonishment
and reflection: which soon turning to rage and fury, I
rode up to the image, and cut in pieces the bonnet that
was upon his head with my sword, so that it hung down by
-one of the horns, while one of my men that was with me
pulled at it by his sheep skin garment. Immediately an
hideous howling and outery ran through the village, and
two or three hundred people coming about our ears, we
were obliged to fly for it.
But I had not done with the monster; for the caravan
being to rest three nights in the town, I told the Scots mer-
chant what I had seen, and that I was resolved to take four
or five men well armed with me, in order to destroy the
idol, and show the people how little reason they had to trust
in a god who could not save himself. At first he laughed
at me, representing the danger of it; and when it was de-
stroyed, what time had we to preach to them better things,
whose zeal and ignorance were in the greatest degree,
and both unparelleled? that if I should be taken by them, I
should be served as a poor Russian who condemned their
worship; that is, to be stripped naked, and tied to the top
of the idol, there shot at with arrows till my body was full
of them, and then burnt as a sacrifice to the monster; "but
Sir," said he, since your zeal carries you so far, rather
than you should be alone I will accompany you, and bring
a stout fellow equal to yourself, if you will, to assist you in
this design and accordingly he brought one captain Rich-
ardson, who, hearing the story, readily consented; but my
partner declined it, being altogether out of his way: and
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
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so we three, and my servant, resolved to execute this ex-
ploit about midnight; but upon second thoughts we defer-
red it to the next night, by reason that the caravan being
to go from hence the next morning, we should be out of
the governor's power. The better to effectuale my design,
I procured a Tarlar's sheep skin robe, a bonnet, with bow
and arrows, and every one of us got the like habits. The
first night we spent in mixing combustible matter with aqua-
vitæ, gunpowder, &c. having a good quantity of tar in a
little pot: the next night we came up to the idol about eleven
o'clock, the moon being up. We found none guarding it;
but we perceived a light in the house, where we had
seen the priests before. One of our men was for firing the
hut, another for killing the people, and a third for ma-
king them prisoners, while the idol was destroyed. We
agreed to the latter; so knocking at the door, we seized
the first that opened it, and stopping his mouth and tying
his feet, we left him. We served the other two in the like
manner and then the Scots merchant set fire to the com-
position, which frightened them so much that we brought
ihem all away prisoners to their wooden god. There we
fell to work with him, daubing him all over with tar mixed
with tallow and brimstone, stopping his eyes, ears, and
mouth full of gunpowder, with a great piece of wild-fire in
his bonnet, and environed it with dry forage. All this be-
ing done, we unloosed and ungagged the prisoners, and set
the idol on fire, which the gunpowder blowing up, the
shape of it was deformed, rent, and split, which the forage
utterly consumed: for we stayed to see its destruction, lest
the ignorant, idolatrous people should have thrown them-
selves into the flames. And thus we came away undis-
covered, in the morning appearing as busy among our fellow
travellers, as nobody could have suspected any other, but
that we had been in our beds all night.
Next morning we set out, and had gone but a small
distance from the city, when there came a multitude of
people of the country to the gates of the city, demanding
satisfaction of the Russian governor for insulting their priests,
and burning their great Cham Chi-Thaungu, who dwelt in
the sun, and no mortal would violate this image but some
Christian miscreants; and being already no less than thirty
thousand strong, they announced war against him and all
his Christians.
▾
Jag
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
243
¡
The governor assured them he was ignorant of the mat-
ter, and that none of his garrison had been abroad; that in-
deed there was a caravan that went away that morning, and
that he would send after them to inquire into it; and who-
ever was the offender, should be delivered into their hands.
This satisfied them for the present, but the governor sent
to inform us, that if any of us had done it, we should make
all the haste away possible, while he kept them in play as
long as he could. Upon this we marched two days and
two nights, stopping but very little, till at last we arrived
at a village called Plothus, and hastened to Jarawena, another
of the Czar's colonies. On the third day, having entered
the desert, and passed the lake called Shaks Oser, we beheld
a numerous body of horse on the other side of it to the
north, who supposed we had passed on that side of the lake;;
but either having found the mistake,, or being certainly in-
formed of the way we took, they came upon us towards the
dusk of the evening, just as we had pitched our camp be-
tween two little but very thick woods, with a little river
running before our front and some felled trees with which
we covered our rear; a precaution we always took, and
which we had just finished when the enemy came up.-.
They did not fall on us immediately, but sent three messen-
gers, demanding the men who had insulted their priests,
and burnt their god Cham Chi-Thaungu, that they might
be burnt with fire; that if this was complied with, they
would peaceably depart; but if not, they would de-
stroy one and all of us. Our men stared at one another
on receipt of this message, but nobody was the word, as
indeed nobody knew it, but he who did it.. Upon which
the leader of the caravan returned for answer, "That they
were peaceable merchants, who meddled with none of their
priests and gods; and therefore desired them not to disturb ·
us, and put us under the necessity of defending ourselves."
But so far was this from satisfying them, that the next morn-
ing coming to our right, they let fly a volley of arrows among
us, which happily did not hurt any, because we sheltered
ourselves behind our baggage. We expected, however, to
come to closer engagement: but were happily saved by
a cunning fellow, a Cossack, who obtaining leave of the
leader to go out, mounts his horse, rides directly from our
rear, and taking a circuit, comes up to the Tartars, as
though he had been sent express, and tells them a formal
·
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When we came to the city of Jarawena, we rested five
days, and then entered into a frightful desert, which held us
twenty-three days march, infested with several small com-
panies of robbers, or Mogul Tartars, wino never had the
courage to attack us. After we had passed over this desert,
we found several garrisons to defend the caravans from the
-violence of the Tartars: In particular the Governor of Adin-
skoy offered us a guard of fifty men to the next station, if
we apprehended any danger. The people here retained
the same paganism and barbarity, only they were not so
dangerous, being conquered by the Muscovites. The cloth-
ing, both of men and women, is of the skins of beasts, living
under the ground in vaults and caves, which have a -com-
munication with one another. They have idols almost in
every family: besides, they adore the sun and stars, water
and snow; and the least uncommon thing that happens in
the elements, alarms them as much as thunder and light-
ning does the unbelieving Jews.
Nothing remarkable occurred in our march through this
country, When we had gone through the desert, after two
days farther travel, we came to Jenezoy, a Muscovite city,
on the great river so called, which we were told parted Eu-
rope from Asia. The inhabitants here were very little bet-
ter, though intermixed with the Muscovites, but the won-
der will cease, when I inform my reader of what was ob-
served to me, that the Czar rather converts the Tartars
with soldiers than clergymen, and is more proud to make
them faithful subjects, thận good Christians.
From the city to the river Oby, we travelled over a
pleasant, fruitful, but very uncultivated country, for want
of good management and people, and those few are mostly
Pagans. This is the place where the Muscovite criminals
are banished to, if they are not put to death. The next
city we came to, was the capital city of Siberia, called To-
bolski, when having been almost seven months on our jour-
ney, and winter drawing on apace, my partner and I con-
sulted about our particular affairs, in what manner we should
L
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
story, that the wretches who had burnt the Châm Chi-
Thaungu, were gone to Shiheilka, with a resolution to burn
the god Shal-Isar, belonging to the Tongueses. Upon which
believing this cunning Tartar, who was servant to our Mus-
covites, away they drove to Shiheilka, and in less than three
minutes were out of sight, nor did we ever hear of them more.
T
I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
215
dispose of ourselves. We had been told of sledges and
rein-deer to carry us over the snow in the winter season,
the snow being frozen, so hard, that the sledges can run
As I
upon the surface without any danger of going down.
was bound to England, I now behoved either to go with the
caravan to Jereslaw, from thence west to Narva, and the
gulf of Finland, and so by land or sea to Denmark; or
else I must leave the caravan at a little town on the Dwina,
and so to Archangel, where I was certain of shipping either
to England, Holland, or Hainburgh. One night I happened
to get into the company of an illustrious, but banished Prince,
whose company and virtues were such as made me pro-
pose to hin: a method how he might obtain his liberty.-
"My dear friend," said he, "as lani here happily free from
my miserable greatness, with all its a tendants of pride, am-
bition, avarice, and luxury, if I should escape from this place,
those pernicious seeds may again-revive, to my lasting dis-
quietude; therefore letne remain in a blessed confinement,
for I am but flesh, a mere man, with passions and affections
as such O be not my friend and tempter too!" Struck
dumb with surprise, I stood silent awhile; nor was he less
in disorder, by which perceiving he wanted to give vent to
his mind, I desired him to consider of it, and so withdrew,
But about two hours after he came to my apartment: "Dear
friend," said he, though I cannot consent to accompany
you, I shall have this satisfaction in parting, that you leave
me an honest man still; but as a testimony of my affection *
to you, be pleased to accept this present of sables."
(C
:
In return for his compliment, I sent my servant next
morning to his Lordship with a small present of tea, two
pieces of China damask, and four little wedges of gold;
but he only accepted the tea, one piece of damask, and one
piece of gold, for the curiosity of the Japan stamp that was
upon it.
it. Not long after he sent for me, and told me that-
what he had refused himself, he hoped, upon his account, I-
would grant to another, whom he should name: In short it
was his only son, who was about two hundred miles distant
from him, on the other side of the city, whom he said he
would send for, if I gave my consent. This I svou com-
plied with; upon which he sent his servant next day for
his son, who returned in twenty days time, bringing seven
horses loaded with valuable furs. At night the young Lord
was conducted incognito into our-apartment, where his fa-
•
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246
4
ther presented him to me. We then concerted the best
ways for travelling, and after having bought a considerable
quantity of sables, black fox skins, fine ermines, &c.
(which I sold at Archangel at a good price,) we set out from
this city the beginning of June, making a small caravan, be-
ing about thirty-two horses and camels, of which I repre-
sented the head. My young Lord had with him a very
faithful Siberian servant, well acquainted with the roads.
We shunned the principal towns and cities, as Tumen, Soli,
Kamoskoi, and several others, by reason of their strictness
in examining travellers, lest any of the banished persons of
distinction should escape. Having passed the river Kama,
we came to a city on the European side, called Soloy Ka-
moskoi, where we found the people mostly Pagans as before.
We then passed a desert of about two hundred miles over;
but in other places it is near seven hundred. In passing
this wild place, we were beset by a troop of men on horse-
back, and about five and forty men armed with bows and
arrows. At first they looked earnestly on us, and then
placed themselves in our way. We were above sixteen
men, and drew up a little line before our camels. My
young Lord sent out his Siberian servant to know who
they were; but, when he approached them, he neither
knew a word they said, nor would they admit him to come.
near them at his peril, but prepared to shoot him. At his
return, he told us he believed them to be Calmuck Tar-
tars; and that there were more upon the desert. This was
but a small comfort to us; yet seeing a little grove, about
a quarter of a mile distance, we moved to it, by the old
Portuguese pilot's advice, without meeting with any oppo-
sition. Here we found a marshy piece of ground, and a
spring of water running into a little brook on one side,
which joined another like it a little farther off, and these
two formed the head of the river called Writska. As soon
as we arrived, we went to work, cutting great arms off the
trees, and laying them hanging not quite off from one tree
to another. In this situation we waited the motion of the
enemy, without perceiving any advancement they made
towards us. About two hours before night, being joined
by some others, in all about fourscore horses, among whom
we fancied were some women, they came upon us with great
fury. We fired without ball, calling to them in the Russian
tongue, to know their business; but they either not know-
1
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
IF
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
247
}
ing, or seeming not to understand us, came directly to the
wood-side, not considering that we were so fortified, as that
they could not break in. Our old pilot, the Portuguese,
proved both our captain and engineer; and desired us not
to fire till they came within pistol shot; and when he gave
the word of command, then to take the surest aim; but he:
did not bid us give fire, till they were within two pikes length
of us, and then we killed fourteen of them, wounded seve-
ral, as also their horses, having every one of us loaded our
pieces with two or three bullets at least. So much were
they surprised at our undauntedness, that they retired about
a hundred roods from us. In the mean while we loaded-
our pieces again, and sallying out, secured four or five of
their horses, whose riders we found were killed, and per-
ceived them to be Tartars. About an hour after, they
made another attempt, to see where they might break in;
but finding us ready to receive them, they retired.
All that night we wrought hard, in strengthening our
situation, and barricading the entrance into the woods;
but when daylight came, we had a very unwelcome dis-
covery; for the enemy being encouraged by their num-
bers, had set up eleven or twelve tents, in form of a camp,
about three quarters of a mile from us.
ile from us. I must confess, E
was never more concerned in my life, giving myself and
all that I had over for lost. And my partner declared, that
as the loss of his goods would be his ruin, before they should
be taken from him, he would fight to the last drop of his
blood. As we could not pretend to force our way, we had
recourse to a stratagem; we kindled a large fire, which
burnt all night; and no sooner was it dark, but we pursued
our journey towards the pole, or north star; and travelling
all night, by six o'clock in the morning we came to a Rus-
sian village, called Kertza, and from thence came to a large
town named Ozonzoys, where we heard that several troops
of Calmuck Tartars had been abroad upon the desert, but
that we were past all danger. In five days after we came
to Veuslima, upon the river Witzedga; from thence we
came to Lawrenskoy, on the third of July, where, provi-
ding ourselves with two luggage-boats, and a convenient
bark, we embarked the seventh, and arrived at Archangel
the eighteenth, after a year, five months, and three days
journey, including the eight months and odd days at To-
bobki. We came from Archangel the 20th of August in
?
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Here are
*
}
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
248
the same year, and arrived at Hamburgh the 30th of Sep-
tember. Here my partner and I made a very good sale on
our goods, both those of China and Siberia; when, dividing
our effects, my share came to 34757. 17s. 3d, after all the
losses we had, sustained, and charges we had been at.
Here the young Lord took his leave of me, in order to go
to the Court of Vienna, not only to seek protection, but to
correspond with his father's friends, Alter we had staid
four months in Hamburgh, I went from thence over-land
to the Hague, where embarking in the packet, I arrived in
London the 10th of January, 1705, after ten years and nine-
months absence from England.
VISION OF THE ANGELIC WORLD.
· CHAR. I.
OF SOLITUDE.
}
1
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HOWEVER Sulitude is looked upon as a restraint to the
pleasure of the world, in company and conversation, yet it
is a happy state of exemption from a sea of trouble, an
inundation of vanity and vexation, of confusion and disap-
pointment. While we erjoy ourselves, neither the joy nor
sorrow of other men affect us: We are then at liberty,
with the voice of our soul, to speak to God. By this we
shun such frequent trivial discourse, as often becomes an ob-
struction to virtue and how often do we find that we had
reason to wish we had not been in company, or said nothing
when we were there? for either we offended God by the im-
piety of our discourse, or lay ourselves open to the violence
of designing people by our unguarded expressions; and
frequently feel the coldness and treachery of pretended
friends, when once involved in trouble and affliction; of
such unfaithful intimates, (I should say enemies,) who rather
by false inuendoes would accumulate miseries upon us, than
honestly assist us when under the hard hand of adversity.
But in a state of solitude, when our tongues cannot be heard,
except from the great Majesty of Heaven, how happy are
we in the blessed enjoyment of conversing with our Ma-
ker! It is then we make him our friend, which sets, u$
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above the envy and contempt of wicked men. When a
man converses with himself, he is sure that he does not
converse with an enemy. Our retreat should be to good
company, and good books. I mean not by solitude, that
a man should retire into a cell, a desert, or a monastery:
which would be altogether an useless and unprofitable re-
straint: for as men are formed for society, and have an
absolute necessity and dependence upon one another, so~
there is a retirement of the soul, with which it converses in
heaven, even in the midst of men; and indeed no man is
more fit to speak freely, than he who can, without any
violence to himself, refrain his tongue, or keep silence alto-
gether. As to religion, it is by this the soul gets acquaint- -
ed with the hidden mysteries of the holy writings; here
she finds those floods of tears, in which good men wash them-
selves day and night, and only makes a visit to God, and
his holy angels. In this conversation the truest peace and
most solid joys are to be found; it is a continual feast of:
contentment on earth, and the means of attaining everlast-.-
ing happiness in heaven..
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CHAP. II. -
OF HONESTY.
HONESTY is a virtue beloved by good men, and pretended
to by all other persons. In this there are several degrees;
to pay every man his own is the common law of honesty;
but to do good to all mankind, is the chancery law of ho-
nesty; and this chancery court is in every man's breast,
where his conscience is a Lord Chancellor. Hence it is,
that a miser, though he pays every body their own, cannot
be an honest man, when he does not discharge, the good
offices that are incumbent on a friendly, kind, and generous
person: for, saith the prophet Isaiah, chap. xxxii. ver. 7, 8,
The instruments of a churlare evil: he deviseth wicked ·
devices to destroy the poor with lying words, even when
the needy speaketh right. But the liberal soul deviseth
Mberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand."` It is -
certainly honest to do every thing the law requires; but
should we throw every poor debtor into prison till he has
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
paid the utmost farthing, hang every malefactor without
mercy, exact the penalty of every bond, and the forfeiture
of every indenture, this would be downright cruelty, and
not honesty'; and it is contrary to that general rule, "To do
to another, that which you would have done unto you."
Sometimes necessity makes an honest man a knave; and a
rich man an honest man, because he has no occasion to be
a knave. The trial of honesty is this: Did you ever want
bread, and had your neighbour's loaf in keeping, and would
starve rather than eat it? Were you ever arrested, having
in your custody another man's cash, and would rather go to
gaol, than break it? if so, this indeed may be reckoned ho-
nesty. For King Solomon tells us, "That a good name is
better than life, and is a precious ointment, and which,
when a man has once lost, he has nothing left worth keeping.'
CHAP. 111.
I
Of the present state of RELIGION in the World.
I DOUBT, indeed, there is much more devotion than reli-
gion in the world; more adoration than supplication; and
more hypocrisy than sincerity: and it is very melancholy to
consider, what numbers of people there are furnished with
the powers of reason and gifts of nature, and yet abandoned
to the grossest ignorance and depravity. But it would be
uncharitable for us to imagine (as some papists, abounding
with too much ill-nature, the only scandal to religion, do)
that they will certainly be in a state of damnation after this
life: or how can we think it consistent with the mercy and
goodness of an infinite Being, to damn those creatures, when
he has not furnished them with the light of the gospel? or
how can such proud, conceited, and cruel bigots, prescribe
rules to the justice and mercy of God?
We are told by some people, that the great image which
King Nebuchadnezzar set up to be adored by his people,
held the representation of the sun in his right-hand, as the
principal object of adoration. But to wave this discourse of
Heathens, how many self-contradicting principles are there
held among Christians? and how do we dooth one another
to the devil, while all profess to worship the same Deity,
and to expect. the same salvation.?
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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When I was in Portugal, there was held at that time the
court of justice of the inquisition. All the criminals were
carried in procession to the great church, where eight of
them were habited in gowns and caps of canvas, whereon
the torments of hell were displayed, and they were con-
demned and burnt for crimes against the Catholic faith and.
blessed Virgin.
I am sorry to make any reflections upon Christians; but
indeed in Italy the Roman religion seems the most cruel and
mercenary upon earth; and a very judicious person, who··
travelled through Italy from Turkey, tells, "That there is
"only the face and outward pomp of religion there: that
"the church protects murderers and assassins, and then de-
"livers the civil magistrates over to Satan for doing justice
"interdicts whole kingdoms, and shuts up the churches for
"want of paying a few ecclesiastical dues, and so puts a
a stop to religion for want of their money: that the court
of inquisition, burut two men for speaking dishonourably
of the blessed Virgin; and the missionaries of China to--
"lerated the worshiping the devil by their new converts:
"that Italy was the theatre, where religion was the grand
opera; and that the popish clergy were no other than
"the stage players."
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As to religion in Poland, they deny Christ to be the-
Messiah, or that the Messiah has come in the flesh. And?
as to their Protestants, they are the followers of Lælius So--
cinus, who denied our Saviour's divinity; and have no con--
cern about the divine inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
In Muscovy, their churches are built of wood, and indeed,.
they have but wooden priests, though of the Greek church;:
they pray as much to saint Nicholas, as the Papists do to the.
Virgin Mary, for protection in all their difficulties or afflictions.
J
As to the Lutherans, they only differ from the Romans in-
believing consubstantiation, instead of transubstantiation ;:
but, like them, they are much pleased with the externalgal-
lantry and pomp, more than the true and real practice of it.
W
In France I found a world of priests, the streets every
where crowded with them, and the churches full of women ::
but surely never was a nation so full of blind guides, so ig.
norant of religion, and even so void.of murals, as thuse
people who confess their sins to them..
Does it not seem strange, that, while all men owa ther
Divine Being, there should be so many different opinionse
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
as to the manner of paying him obedience in the Christian
church! I know not what reason to assign for this, except
it be their different capacities and faculties.
And, indeed, upon this account, we have perceived, irr
all Christian countries, what mortal feuds have been about
religion; what wars and bloodshed have molested Europe,
till the general pacification of the German troubles at the
treaty of Westphalia; and since those times, what persecu-
tion in the same country among the churches of the Luthe-
rans; and should I take a prospect at home, what unhappy
divisions are between Christians in this kingdom, about
Episcopacy and Presbytery; the church of England and the
Dissenters opposing one another like St. Paul and St. Peter,
even to the face; that is, they carry on the dispute to the
utmost extremity.
It might be a question, why there are such differences in
religious points, and why these breaches should be more
hol and irreconcilable? All the answer I can give to this,.
is, that we inquire more concerning the truth of religion,
than any other nation in the world; and the anxious con-
cern we have about it, makes us jealous of every opinion,
and tenacious of our own and this is not because we are
more furious and rash than other people; but the truth is,.
we are more concerned about them, and being sensible that
the Scripture is the great rule of faith, the standard for life.
and doctrine, we have recourse to it ourselves, without sub-
mitting to any pretended infallible judge upon earth,
There is another question pertinent to the former, and
that is, What remedy can we apply to this malady? And to
this I must negatively answer, Not to be less religious, that
we may differ the less. This is striking at the very root of
all religious differences; for, certainly, were they to be
carried on with a peaceable spirit, willing to be informed,
our variety of opinions would not have the name of differ-
ences; nor should we separate in communion of charity,
though we did not agree in several articles of religion.
Nor is there a less useful question to start, namely, Where
will our unhappy religious. differences end? To which, I
hope, I may answer, in Heaven; there all unchristian and
unbrotherly differences will find a period; there we shall
embrace many a sinner, that here we think it a dishonour
to converse with; and perceive many a heart we have bro-
ken here with censures, reproaches, and revilings, made.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
253
whole again by the balm of the same Redeemer's blood.-
Here we shall perceive there have been other flocks than
those of our fold; that those we have excommunicated have
been taken into that superior communion; and, in a word,
that those contradicting notions and principles which we
thought inconsistent with true religion, we shall then find
reconcilable to themselves, to one another, and to the foun-
tain of truth. If any man ask me, Why our differences can-
not be ended on earth? I answer, Were we all thoroughly
convinced that then they would be reconciled, we would
put an end to them before; but this is impossible to be done;
for as men's certain convictions of truth are not equal to
one another, or the weight of significancy of such veracity,
so neither can a general effect of this affair be expected on.
this side of time.
Before I conclude this chapter, I shall beg leave to ‹lise
course a little on the wonderful excellency of negative re-
ligion and negative virtue. The latter sets out, like the
Pharisee, with-God, I thank thee: it is a piece of religi-
ous pageantry, the hypocrite's hope: and, in a word, it is
positive vice for it is either a mask to deceive others, or a
mist to deceive ourselves. A man that is clothed with ne--
gatives, thus argues: I am not such a drunkard as my land-
lord, such a thief as my tenant, such a swearer as his neigh-
bour; neither am I a cheat, an atheist, a rakish fellow, or
a highwayman; no! I live a sober, regular, retired life: I
am a good man, I go to church; God, I-thank thee. Now,
though a man boast of his virtue in contradiction to the
vices mentioned, yet a person had better have them alto-
gether than the man himself; for he is full of himself; so
persuaded that he is good and religious enough already,
that he has no thoughts of any thing, except it be to pull off
his hat to God Almighty now and then, and thank him that
he has no occasion for him; and has the vanity to think
that his neighbours must imagine well of him too.
The negative man, though he is no drunkard, is yet in-
toxicated with the pride of his own worth; a good neigh-
bour and peace-maker in other families, but a tyrant in his'
own; appears in a church for a show, but never falls upon
his knees in his closet; does all his alms before men, to be
seen of them; eager in the duties of the second table, but
regardless of the first; appears religious, to be taken notice
of by men, but without intercourse or communication bẹ-
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tween God and his own soul: Pray, what is this man?
of what comfort is there of the life he lives? He is insensible
offaith, repentance, and a Christian mortified life: in a word,
he is perfectly a stranger to the essential part of religion.
Let us for a while enter into the private and retired part
of his conversation: What notions has he of his mis-spent
hours, and of the progress of time to the great centre and
gulf of life, eternity? Does he know how to put a right
value on time, or esteem the life-blood of his soul, as it
really is, and act in all the moments of it, as one that must
account for them? if then you can form an equality between
what he can do and what he shall receive, less can be
founded upon his negative virtue, or what he has forborne
to do: And if neither his negative nor positive piety can
be equal to the reward, and to the eternity that reward is
to last for, what then is to become of the Pharisee, when
he is to be judged by the sincerity of his repentance, and
rewarded, according to the infinite grace of God, with a
state of blessedness to an endless eternity?
#
When the negative man converses with the invisible
world, he is filled with as much horror and dread as Felix,.
when St. Paul reasoned to him of temperance, righteous-
ness, and of judgment to come; for Felix, though a great
philosopher, of great power and reverence, was a negative.
man, and he was made sensible by the Apostle, that, as a
life of virtue and temperance was its own reward, by giving
a healthy body, a clear head, and a composed life, so eter-
nal happiness must proceed from another spring; namely,
the infinite unbounded grace of a provoked God, who hav-
ing erected a righteous tribunal, Jesus Christ would sepa-
rate such as by faith and repentance he had brought home
and united to himself by the grace of adoption, and on the
foot of his having laid down his life as a ransom for them,.
had appointed them to salvation, when all the philosophy,
temperance, and righteousness in the world besides had
been ineffectual. And this, I say, it was, that made Felix,,
this negative man, tremble.
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CHAP. IV.
Of listening to the voice of Providence.
THE magnificent and wise king Solomon bids us cry after-
knowledge, and lift up our voice for understanding; by-
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which is meant, religious knowledge; for it follows: "Then
shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the
knowledge of God." By which undoubtedly he meant to
inquire after every thing he has permitted us to know, and
not search into those ways that are unsearchable, and are
effectually locked up from our knowledge.-Now, "as
listening to the voice of Providence" is my present subject,
I intend, in the first place, to write to those who own-
That there is a God, a first great moving cause of all things,
an eternal power, prior, and consequently superior to all
created power or being.-2. That this eternal power, which
is God, is the sovereign creator and governor of heaven and
earth.
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To avoid all needless distinctions, what persons in the God-
head exercises the creating, and what the governing power,
I offer that glorious text, Psal. xxiii. 6. where the whole
Trinity is entitled to the whole creating work: and therefore,
in the next place, I shall lay down these two propositions:
I. That the eternal God guides, by his Providence, the
whole universe, which was created by his power.
II. That this Providence manifests a particular care over,
and concern in, the governing and directing man, the most
noble creature upon earth.
It is plain, that natural religion proves the first, by `inti-
mating the recessity of a Providence guiding and govern-
ing the world, from the consequence of the wisdom, justice,
prescience, and goodness of the Almighty Creator: for
otherwise it would be absurd to think, that God should
create a world, without any care or providence over it, in
guiding the operations of nature, so as to preserve the
order of his creation.
Revealed religion gives us a light into the care and con-
eérn of his providence, by the climate's being made habit-
able, the creatures subjected and made nourishing, and all
vegetative life made medicinal; and all this for the sake of
man, who is made viceroy to the King of the earth. The
short description I shall give of Providence is this: "That
it is that operation of the power, of the wisdom, justice,
and goodness of God, by which he influences, governs, and
directs, not only the means, but the events of all things,
which concerns us in this sublunary world; the sovereignty
of which we ought always to reverence, obey its motions,..
observe its dictates, and listen to its voice. The prudent
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; that is, as I take
it, there is a secret Providence intimates to us, that some
danger threatens, if we strive not to, shun it.”
The same day that Sir John Hotham kept out Hull against
the royal Martyr King Charles I. the same day Sir John
Hotham was put to death by the parliament for that very
action: The same day that the King himself signed the war-
rant for the execution of the Earl of Strafford, the same day
of the month was he barbarously murdered by the blood-
thirsty Oliverian crew: and the same day that King James II.
came to the crown against the bill of exclusion, the same
day he was voted abdicated by the parliament, and the
throne filled with King William and Queen Mary.
The voice of signal deliverances from sudden danger, is
not only a just call to repentance, but a caution against fail-
ing into the like danger; but such who are utterly careless-
of themselves after, show a lethargy of the worst nature,
which seems to me to be a kind of practical atheism, or at
least living in a contempt of Heaven, when he receives
good at the band of his Maker, but is unconcerned from
whence it comes, or to thank the bountiful hand that gave
it; neither, when he receives evil, does it alter his manner
of life, or bring him to any state of humiliation.
We have a remarkable story of two soldiers being con-
demned to death in Flanders. The General being prevailed ·
upon to spare one of them, ordered them to cast dice upon
the drum-head for their lives; the first having thrown two-
sixes, the second fell a wringing his hands, having so poor a
chance to escape; however, having thrown, he was surprised.
when he also threw other two sixes. The officer appointed
to see the execution, ordered them to throw again; they
did so, and each of them threw fives; at which the soldiers
that stood round, shouted, and said, neither of them was to
die. Upon this, the officer acquainted the council of war,
who ordered them to throw a third time, when they threw -
two fours: the General being acquainted with it, sent for
the men, and pardoned them; I love, said he, in such ex-
traordinary cases, to listen to the voice of Providence.
We read in the holy writings, how God speaks to men
by appearances of angels, or by dreams and visions of the
night. As God appeared to Abraham, Lot, and Jacob:
so angels have appeared to many in other cases, as to Ma-
noan and his wife, Zachariah, the Virgin Mary, and to the
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
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Apostles; others have been warned in a dream, as King
Abimelech, the false prophet Balaam, and many others.
It is certainly a very great and noble inquiry, “What we;
shall be after this life?" for there is scarce a doubt that
there is a place reserved for the reception of our souls after
death; for if we are to be, we must have a where, which
the Scriptures assert by the examples of Dives and Lazarus.
The doctrine of spirits was long believed before our Sa-
viour's time; for when the disciples of the blessed Jesus
perceived our Saviour walking on the sea, they were as
much surprised as though they had seen a spirit. Nay, in
those ages of the world, it was believed that spirits inter-
meddled in the affairs of mankind; and throughout the Old
Testament, I do not find any thing that in the least con-
tradicts it. All the pains and labour that some learned men
have taken, to confute the story of the witch of Endor, and
the appearance of an old man personating Samuel, cannot
make such apparitions inconsistent with nature or religion;.
and it is plain, that it was either a good or a bad spirit, that
prophetically told the unfortunate king what should happen
the next day; for, said the spirit, "The Lord will deliver
thee into the hands of the Philistines; and to-morrow
“shalt thou and thy sons be with me.”
Abundance of strange notions possessed me, when I was
in the desolate island; especially on a moonshine night,
when every bush seemed a man, and every tree a man on
horseback. When I crept into the dismal cave where the
old goat lay expiring, whose articulate groans even resem
bled those of a man, how was I surprised! my blood chil-
led in my veins, a cold sweaty dew sat on my forehead,
my hair stood upright, and my joints, like Belshazzar's
knees, struck against one another. And, indeed, though I
afterwards found what it was, the remains of this surprise
did not wear off for a great while; and I had frequently
returns of those vapours on different occasions, and some-
times without any occasion at all.
One night, after having seen some appearance in the air,
as I had just laid down in my bed, one of my feet pained
me; alter that came a numbness, succeeded with a tingling
in my blood; when on a sudden I thought something alive
lay upon me, from my knee to above half my leg. Upon
this I flung myself out of bed where I thought the creature
lay; but finding nothing, "Lord, deliver me from an evil
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
spirit," said I; "what can this be?" When I lighted a
candle, I could perceive no living creature in the place
with me, but the poor parrot, who being frightened, cried
out, "Hold your tongue," and "What's the matter with
you?" which words I had taught him by saying so to him,
when he had made such screaming noises as I did not like.
"Lord," said I aloud, "surely the devil has been here."
"Hold your tongue," says Poll. I was then mad at the
bird, and putting on my clothes, cried, "I am terribly
frightened. "What's the matter with you?" says Poll.
"You toad," said I, " I'll knock your brains out."
*
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"Hold
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your tongue," cried he again, and so fell a chattering,
and called Robinson Crusoe, as he did before. But after
I had composed myself, and went to bed again, I began
plainly to see it was a distemper that affected my nerves,
and so my terrors vanished at once.
How intelligences are given or received, we do not know;
nor are we sensible how they are conveyed from spirits em-
bodied to ours that are in life; or, on the contrary, from us
to them; the latter is certainly done without the help of the
organs, and the former is conveyed by the understanding,
and the retired faculties of the soul.
The spirits, without the help of voices, converse; and
the more particular discoveries of converse of the spirits,
seem to me as follow: to wit, dreams, voices, noises, im-
pulses, hints, apprehensions, involuntary sadness, &c.
Dreams of old were the ways by which God himself was
pleased to warn men what services to perform and what to
shun. Joseph was directed of God in a dream to go LO
Egypt; and so were the wise men warned in a dream to
depart into their own country another way, to avoid the
fury of Herod. I am not like those who think dreams are
the mere designs of a delirious head, or the relics of a day's
perplexities or pleasures; but on the contrary, I must beg
leave to say, I never met with any capital mischief in my
life, but I had some notice of it by a dream; and had I not
been a thoughtless, unbelieving creature, I might have taken
many a warning, and avoided many of the evils I after-
wards fell into, merely by total neglect of those dreams.
I was once present at a dispute between a layman and a
clergyman, upon the subject of dreams. The first thought
no regard should be given unto them: that their communi-
cation from the invisible to the visible world was a mere
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chimera; without any solid foundation. For, først, said he,
if dreams were from the agency of any prescient being, the
motives would be more direct, and the discoveries more
plain, and not by allegories and emblematic fancies, ex-
pressing things imperfect and obscure. 2. Since, with the
notice of evil, there was not a power given to avoid it, it
is not likely to proceed from a spirit, but merely fortuitous.
3. That the inconstancy of such notices, in cases equally
important, proves they did not proceed from any such agent.
4. That as our most distinct dreams had nothing in them of
any significancy, it would be irrational and vain to think
that they came from heaven. And, 5. That as men were
not always thus warned or supplied with notice of good or
evil, so all men are not alike supplied with them; and what
reason could we give, why one man or one woman should
not have the same hints as another?
To all this the clergyman gave answer: 1. That as to
the signification of dreams, and the objections against them,
as being dark and doubtful, they are expressed generally by
hieroglyphical representations, similies, allusions, and figura-
tive emblematic ways, by which means, for want of inter-
pretation, the thing was not understood, and, consequently,
the evil not shunned. 2. That we charge Gɔd foolishly.
to say, that he has given the notice of evil, without the
power to avoid it; for, if any one had not power to avoid
the evil, it was no notice to him; and it was want of giving
due heed to that notice, that men first neglected themselves,
and then charged the Judge of all the earth with injustice.
3. That we ought not to find fault with the inconstancy of
these notices, but rather with our weak understandings,
by pretending dreams were not to be regarded, and negli-
gent when the voice really spoke to us for our good. It is
a mistake to say dreams have no import at all: we might,
with more reason, have said, none that we could perceive
the reason of, owing to our blindness and supine negligence,
too secure at one time, and too much alarmned at another;
so that the spirit, which we might be said to be conversing
with in a dream, was constantly and equally kind and care-
ful; but our powers are not always in the same state of
action, not equally attentive to, or retentive of the hints
that were given. And 4. To answer the last question,
Why people are not equally supplied? This seems to be
no question; for Providence itself might have some share in
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
the direction of it, and then that Providence might be li
mited by a superior direction; that as to the converse of
spirits, he could not call it a stated converse: such a thing
there was, but why there was so much of it, and no more,-
was none of his business, and that no such discovery had
ever yet been made to mankind. Nor were we to imagine,
less of waking dreams, trances, visions, noises, hints, im-
pulses, and all the waking testimonies of an invisible world,-
and of the communication that there is between us and
them, which commonly entertain us with our open eyes,
One time my fancy soared on high, to see what disco--
veries I could make in those clearer regions. I found that
such immense bodies as the sun, stars, planets, and moon,
in the great circle of the lower heaven, are far from being
found in the study of nature on the surface of the earth.
Here I saw many things that we can entertain little or no
notion of, in a state of common life, and the emptiness of
our notion, that the planets are habitable worlds; that is,
created like ours, for the subsistence and existence of man
and beast, and the preservation of the vegetative and sensi-
tive life: No, no; this is, I assure you, a world of spirits;
for here I saw a clear demonstration of Satan, being the
prince of the power of the air, keeping his court or camp,-
with innumerable angels to attend him; but his power is-
not so great as we imagine, he can tempt us to the crime,
but cannot force us to commit: Humanum esi peccare. Nei
ther has the devil power to force the world into a rebellion
against heaven, though his legions are employed among
savage nations, to set up their master for a god, who make
the heathens either worship him in person, or by his repre.
sentatives, idols and monsters, with the cruel sacrifices of
human blood. Now, as to the limitatiens of the devil's
power, you must understand, that, as there are numbers of
evil spirits employed in mischief, so there are numbers of
good angels sent from the higher and blessed abodes to dis-
concert and oppose their measures; and this every Christian,
I hope, believes, when he prays to God, the fajker of spi--
rits, to give his angels charge over him while he slumber-
eth and sleepeth. For if by these preventing powers the
devil was not restrained, the earth would be subjected to-
dearth, droughts, and famine; the air infected with noxious-
fumes; and, in a word, mankind would be utterly destroyed,
which might oblige our Maker (if I may be allowed the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
261
expression) to the necessity of a new fiat, or else have no
more creatures to honour and worship him.
As the devil never wanted insinuators, I shall observe
that I learned a way how to make à man dream of what I
pleased. For instance, let us suppose one to be sound
asleep, let another lay his mouth close to his ear, and whis-
per any thing so softly, as not to awake him, the sleeping
man shall dream of what has been so whispered in his ear;
nay, I can assure you, these insinuating devils can do this
even when we are awake, which Icall impulses of the mind:
for from whence, but from these insinuators, come our cause-
less passions, involuntary wickedness, or sinful desires? Who
else form ideas in the mind of man when he is asleep, or pre-
sent terrible or beautiful figures to his fancy? Mr. Milton
represents the devil tempting Eve in the shape of a toad,
lying just at her ear, when in her bower she lay fast asleep;
and brings in Eve telling Adam what an uneasy night's
rest she had, and relating her dream to him. And likewise
I believe that good spirits have the same intercourse with
us, in warning us against those things that are evil, and
prompting us to that which is good.
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Were we to have the eyes of our souls opened, through
the eyes of our bodies, we should see this very immediate
region of air which we breathe in, thronged with spirits
now invisible, and which otherwise would be the most ter-
rible; we should view the secret transactions of those mes-
sengers who are employed when the parting soul takes its
leave of the reluctant body, and perhaps see things Nature
would shrink back from with the utmost terror and amaze-
ment. In a word, the curtain of Providence for the dis-
position of things here, and the curtain of judgment for the
determination of the state of souls hereafter, would be alike
drawn back; and what heart could support here its future
state in life; much less that of its future state after life,
even good or bad.
[C
A gentleman of my acquaintance, being about seven miles
distant from London, a friend that came to dine with him,
solicited him to go to the city. What," said the gentle-
man, “is there any occasion for me?” « No, Sir," said the
other," nothing at all, except the enjoyment of your good
company" and so gave over importuning him. "Just then
a strong impulse of mind urged the gentleman, and pursued
him like a voice, with, "Go to London, Go to London.”
“Go
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
"Hark ye," says he to his friend, is all well at London?
Am I wanted there? Or, did you ask me to go with you on
any particular account? Are all my family well?” “ Yes,
indeed, Sir," said he, "I perceived them all very hearty;
and I did not ask you to go to London upon any particular
account whatsoever, except it was for the sake of your good
company," Again be put off his resolution: but still the
impulse suggested to him, "Go to London ;" and at length
he did so.
Wien he came there, he found a letter, and a
messenger had been there to seek him, and to tell him of a
particular business, which was at first and last above a thou-
sand pounds to him, and which might inevitably have been
lost, had he not gone to London that night.
The obeying of several hir.ts, or secret impulses, argues
great wisdom. I knew a man that was under misfortunes,
being guilty of misdemeanors against the government;
when, absconding for fear of his ruin, all his friends advi--·
sing him not to put himself into the hands of the law, one
morning as he awaked, he felt a strong impulse darting in-
to his mind thus, "Write a letter to them;" and this was
repeated several times to his mind, and at last he answered.
to it, as if it had been a voice, • Whom shall I write toì”
Immediately it replied, "Write to the Judge:" and this
impulse pursued him for several days, till at length he took
pen, ink, and paper, and sat down to write to him: when
immediately words flowed from his pen like streams from
a fair fountain, that charmed even himself with hopes of
success. In short, the letter was so strenuous in argument,
so pathetic in its eloquence, and so persuasively moving,
that when the judge had read it, he sent him an answer, he
might be easy, he would endeavour to make that matter
light to him: and, indeed, never left exerting himself till-
he had stopt the prosecution, and restored him to his liberty
and family.
?
While I am mentioning these things, methinks it is very
hard that we should obey the whispers of evil spirits, und
not much rather receive the notices which good ones are
pleased to give. We never perceive the misfortune of this,
but when in real danger; and then we cry,
CC My mind mis-:
gave me when I was going about it:" but if so, why do you
slight the caution? Why not listen to it as to a voice? and,
then there had been no reason to make this complaint.
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OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
263
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I remember about fourteen or fifteen years ago (as to
time I cannot be very positive) there was a young clergy-
man in the city of Dublin, in Ireland, who dreamed a very
uncommon dream, That a gentleman had killed his wife, a
relation of his, by stabbing her in several places; the fright
of this awakened him, but finding it a dream, he composed
himself again to sleep, when he dreamed a second time the
same dream. This made him a little uneasy; but thinking
it proceeded from the impression made upon his mind by the
former, he went to sleep again, and dreamed the same
dream a third time also. So troubled was he at this, that
he rose, and knocked at his mother's chamber, told his
concern, and his apprehensions that all was not right at his
relation's house. "Dear Son," says the good old gentle.
woman," do not mind those foolish dreams; and I very
much wonder, that you, being a person in holy orders, should
have regard to such illusions." Upon this he went to bed
again, fell asleep, and dreamed a fourth time as before.—
And then indeed he put on his night-gown, and went to
Smithfield, the place where his relation dwelt. Here it
was, alas he perceived his dream too sadly fulfilled, by
seeing his relation, the young lady, big with child, who was
a protestant, stabbed in several places by her barbarous
husband, Mr. Eustace, a violent Papist, only for some dis-
courses of religion that happened the day before. After
the wretch had stabbed her in three places, he went to
make his escape out at a window; but she cried out,
'My dear! don't leave me, come back and I shall be well
again." At which he returned in a hellish rage, and gave
her four wounds more; when even in this condition, rising
from her bed, she wrapped herself in her night gown, and
went to the Lord Bishop of Rapho's chamber door, (the
Bishop lodging at that time in the house,)" My Lord,” said
she, "O my Lord, make haste unto me:" but as soon as
his Lordship came, she expired in his arms, resigning her
precious soul into the hands of Almighty God. The cruel
wretch, her husband, was shot by the pursuers; too good a
death for one who deserved the gibbet: and the lady was
universally lamented by all tender and religious people.
And this tragical relation I have mentioned, upon, the ac-
count of that impulse, or dream, that the clergyman had
at the fatal time of the bloody action.
Some people make a very ill use of the general notion,
that there are no apparitions nor spirits at all: which is
<
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES, &C.
Ap
264
worse than those who fancy they see them upon every oc-
casion; for those carry their notions further, even to an-
nihilate the devil, and believe nothing about him, neither
of one kind er other: the next step they come to, is to
conclude, "There is no God," and so atheism takes its
rise in the same sink, with a carelessness about futurity.
But there is no occasion to enter upon an argument to prove
the being of the Almighty, or to illustrate his power by
words, who has so many undeniable testimonies in the
breasts of every rational being to prove his existence: and
we have sufficient proofs enough to convince us of the
great superintendency of Divine Providence in the minutest
affairs of this world; the manifest existence of the invi-
sible world; the reality of spirits, and intelligence between
us and them. What I have said, I hope, will not mislead
any person, or be a means whereby they may delude them-
selves; for I have spoken of these things with the utmost
seriousness of mind, and with a sincere and ardent desire
for the general good and benefit of the world.
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THE END.
X
From the Office of
THIOMAS WILSON and SON,
Iligh-Ousegate, York.
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