IN
Pli
ary
ges
R
03
B
374
Melekat, monitoon.

—མ་བར -ཐ ཡནཞུམ ཁས ----
ARTES
LIBRARY
1837
SOLUTI
VERITAS
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
PLUNIDUS UNUM
TUEBOR
SCIENTIA
OF THE
SI-QUÆRIS PENINSULAM AMŒNAM,
CIRCUMSPICE
WAJAJAJA:
0.6.6/0.00NOMIKOONINOME:
GIFT OF
REGENT LLHUBBARD
LUZ
Hubbard
Imag. Voy.
PR
3403
•AI
185-h


Alumn
THE
Life and Adventures
OF
ROBINSON CRUSOE

NEW YORK:
PUBLISHED BY LEAVITT & ALLEN,
t
Reso
Regent L. L. Hubbard
9+
2-19-1925

A.
ROBINSON CRUSOE.
I was born at York, in the year 1632, of
a reputable family. My father was a native
of Bremen, who, by merchandising at Hull for
some time, gained a very plentiful fortune.
He married my mother at York, and, as her
maiden name was Robinson, I was called
Robinson Kreutznaer; which not being easily
pronounced in the English tongue, we are
commonly known by the name of Crusoe.
I was the youngest of three brothers.-No
charge or pains were wanting in my educa-
tion. My father designed me for the law, yet
nothing would serve me but I must go to sea,
both against the will of my father, the tears of
my mother, and the entreaties of friends. One
morning my father expostulated very warmly
with me: "What reason," says he, "have you
6
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
to leave your native country, and enter inta
a wandering condition of uneasiness and un-
certainty ?" He recommended to me Agar's
wish, "Neither to desire poverty nor riches;"
told me that a middle state of life was the
most happy, and that high, towering thoughts
of raising our condition by wandering abroad,
often ended in confusion and disappointment.
"I entreat you, nay, I command you," says
he, "to desist from these intentions. If you
will go," added he, "my prayers shall be
offered for your preservation; but a time may
come, when desolate, oppressed, or forsaken,
you may wish you had taken your poor father's
counsel." He pronounced these words with
such a moving and paternal eloquence, while
floods of tears ran down his aged cheeks, that
it seemed to shake my resolutions. But this
soon wore off, and a little after I informed my
mother, that I could not settle to any business;
and begged she would gain my father's consent
only to go one voyage; which if it did not
prove prosperous, I would never attempt &
second. My mother warmly expressed her
dislike of this proposal.
I was then, I think, nineteen years old,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
า
when one time being at Hull, I met a school-
fellow going with his father, who was master
of a ship, to London; and acquainting him
with my wandering desires, he assured me of a
free passage, and a plentiful share of what was
necessary. Thus, without imploring a bless-
ing, or taking farewell of my parents, I took
shipping on the 1st of September, 1651. We
set sail soon after, and our ship had scarce left
the Humber when there arose a violent storm,
and being extremely sea-sick, I concluded the
judgment of God deservedly followed me for
my disobedience to my dear parents. It was
then I called to mind the good advice of my
father; and I firmly resolved, if it pleased God
to set me on dry land once more, to return to
my parents, implore their forgiveness, and bid
a final adieu to my wandering inclinations.
Such were my thoughts while the storm con-
tinued; but these good resolutions decreased
with the danger, and I soon forgot the vows
and promises I made in my distress.
Upon the sixth day we came to anchor in
Harwich road, where we lay wind-bound with
some Newcastle ships; here the seamen forgot
their late toil and danger, and spent their time
8
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
as merrily as if they had been on shore. But
on the eighth day there arose a brisk gale of
wind, which prevented our tiding it up the
river; and still increasing, our ship rode fore-
castle in and shipped several large seas.
It was not long before horror seized the sea-
men themselves, and I heard the master ex-
claim, "Lord have mercy upon us, we shall be
all lost and undone " For my part, sick unto
death, I kept my cabin, till the universal and
terribly dreadful apprehensions of our speedy
fate made me get upon deck; and there I was
affrighted indeed. The sea ran mountains high;
I could see nothing but distress around us; two
ships had cut their masts on board, and another
was foundered; two more that had lost their
anchors, were forced out to the mercy of the
ocean; and to save our lives we were forced to
cut our foremast and mainmast quite away.
I was just ready to expire with fear, when
immediately all hands were called to the pump;
and the men forced me also to share with them
in their labor. While thus employed, the mas-
ter, espying some light colliers, fired a gun as a
signal of distress; and I, not understanding
what it meant, and thinking that either the ship
-
OF RODINSON CRUSOE.
9
broke, or some dreadful thing happen. d, fainted
away. However, nobody minded me, except-
ing to thrust me aside with their feet, thinking
me dead, and it was a great while before I
recovered.
ཟ
Happy it was for us, when, upon the signal
given, they ventured out their boats to save
our lives. All our pumping had been in vain,
had not they come to our ship's side: with
great difficulty we got into their boat, and we
perceived our ship sink within less than a
quarter of an hour.
Strange, after all this, like the prodigal son,
I did not return 'to my father; who, hearing
of the ship's calamity, for a long time thought
me entombed in the deep.
I thought at first I would return home; but
shame opposed that good notion, thinking I
should be laughed at by my neighbors and
acquaintance. So strange is the nature of
youth, who are not ashamed to sin, but yet are
ashamed to repent, and return to their duty,
which is the principal mark of wisdom. In
short, I travelled up to London, resolving upon
a voyage; and a voyage I soon heard of, to go
to the coast of Guinea. Having some money
10
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and appearing like a gentleman, I went on
board not as a common sailor or fore-mast
man; nay, the commander agreed I should go
the voyage with him without any expense;
that I should be his messmate and compa-
nion, and I was very welcome to carry any
thing with me, and make the best merchandise
I could.
I blessed my happy fortune, and humbly
thanked my captain for this offer; and acquaint-
ing my friends in Yorkshire, forty pounds were
sent me, the greatest part by my dear father
and mother, with which I bought toys and
trifles as the captain directed me. My captain
also taught me navigation, how to keep an
account of the ship's course, take an observa-
tion, and led me into the knowledge of several
useful branches of the mathematics. And in-
deed this voyage made me both a sailor and a
merchant; for I brought home' five pounds
nine ounces of gold-dust for my adventure;
which produced, at my return to London, al-
most three hundred pounds.
But alas! my dear friend, the captain, soon
departed this life. This was a sensible grief to
me; yet 1 resolved to go another voyage with
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
11
his mate, who had now the command of the
ship. My misfortunes in this unhappy voyage
were very great; for our ship sailing towards
the Canary Islands, we were chased by a
Salee Rover; and, in spite of all the haste we
could make, the pirate gained upon us, so that
we prepared ourselves to fight. They had
eighteen guns, and we had but twelve. About
three in the afternoon there was a desperate
engagement, wherein many were killed and
wounded on both sides; but finding ourselves
overpowered by numbers, we were forced to
surrender; and were all carried prisoners into
the Port of Salee. Our men were sent to the
emperor's court to be sold there; but the pirate
captain kept me to be his own slave.
In this condition, I thought myself the most
miserable creature upon earth, and the pro-
phecy of my father came afresh into my
thoughts. Some hopes, indeed, I had that my
new patron would go to sea again, where he
might be taken by a Spanish or Portuguese
man-of-war, and then I should be set at liberty.
But in this I was mistaken; for he never took
me with him, but left. me to look after his little
garden, and do the drudgery of his ho ise.
12
LIFE AND ADVENT RES
After some length of time my patrou, as I
found, grew so poor that he could not fit out
his ship as usual; and then he used constantly,
once or twice a week, if the weather was fair,
to go out a-fishing, taking me and a young
Moresco boy to row the boat; and so much
pleasea was he with me for my dexterity in
catching the fish, that he would often send me
with a Moor, who was one of his kinsmen,
and the Moresco youth, to catch a dish of fish
for him.
One morning, as we were at the sport, there
arose such a thick fog that we lost sight of the
shore; and rowing we knew not which way,
we labored all the night, and in the morning
found ourselves in the ocean, two leagues from
land; which however we at length reached,
extremely exhausted by long fasting; and in
order to prevent such disasters for the future,
my patron ordered a carpenter to build a little
state-room or cabin in the middle of the long
boat, with lockers for provisions.
In this he frequently took us out a-fishing;
and one time, inviting two or three persons of
distinction to go with him, made provisions
extraordinary, providing also three fusees, with
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
13
powder and shot, that they might have some
sport at fowling along the sea-coast. The
next morning the boat was made clean and
every thing ready, but their minds altering, my
patron ordered us to go a-fishing, as his guests
would certainly sup with him that night.
And now I began seriously to think of my
deliverance. In order to this, I persuaded the
Moor to get some provisions on board, not
daring to meddle with our patron's; and we
stored ourselves with rusk-biscuit, and three
jars of water. Besides, I privately conveyed
into the boat a bottle of brandy, some twine,
thread, a hammer, hatchet, and a saw; and, in
particular, some bees'-wax, which was a great
comfort to me, and served to make candles. I
then persuaded Muley (for so was the Moor
called) to procure some powder and shot, pre-
tending to kill sea-curlews, which he inno-
cently and readily agreed to In short, being
provided with all things necessary, we sailed
out; I resolving to make my escape, though it
should cost me my life.
When we had run from shore, I gave the
boy the helm, and pretending to stoop for
something, seized Muley by surprise and threw
14
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
him overboard. As he was an excellent swim-
mer, he soon arose, and made towards the
boat; upon which I took out a fusee, and pre-
sented it at him: "Muley," said I, "I never
yet designed to do you any harm, and scek
nothing now but my redemption. I know you
are able enough to swim to shore, and save
your life; but if you are resolved to follow me,
to the endangering of mine, the very moment
you proceed, I will shoot you through the
head." The harmless creature, at these words,
turned himself from me, and I make no doubt
got safe to land. Ther 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. So innocent did the child
then look, and with such an obliging smile
consented, that I readily believed him, and
from that day forward began to love him
entirely.
We then pursued our voyage; and having a
fresh gale of wind, with a pleasant, smooth sea,
by three o'clock next day I was one hundred
and fifty miles beyond the Emperor of Moroc-
co's dominions. Yet still having the dreadful
OF ROBINSON 15
NSON
CRUSOE.
apprehension of being retaken, I continued
sailing for five days successively, till the wind,
shifting to the southward, made me conclude
that if any vessel was in chase of me, they
would proceed no farther. After so much
fatigue, I anchored at the mouth of a little
river. What I principally wanted was fresh
water and I was resolved, about dusk, to
swim ashore. But no sooner did the gloomy
clouds of night begin to succeed the declining
day, than we heard such barking, roaring, and
howling of wild creatures, that one might have
thought the very strongest monster of nature or
infernal spirits had their residence there.
The next morning I was resolved to go on
shore to get fresh water, and venture my life
among the beasts or savages, should either
attack me. Xury said he would take one of
the jars and bring me some. I asked him why
he would go, and not I? The poor boy an·
swered, " If wild mans come, they eat me, you
go away." This nobleness of mind increased
my affection to the child. "Well, dear Xury,"
said I, "we will both go ashore, both kill wild
mans, and they shall eat neither of us." So
giving Xury a piece of rusk-bread to eat, and
16
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
a dram, we waded ashore, carrying nothing
with us but our arms, and two jars for water.
I did not go out of sight of the boat, as dread-
ing the savages coming down the river in their
canoes; but the boy seeing a low descent or
vale, about a mile in the country, he wandered
to it; and running back to me with great pre-
cipitation, I thought he was pursued by some
savage or wild beast; upon which I ap-
proached, resolving to perish or protect him
from danger. As he came nearer to me,
I saw
something hanging over his shoulders, which
was a creature he had shot, like a hare, but
different in color, and longer legs; however
we were glad of it, for it proved wholesome
and nourishing meat: but what added to our
'oy was, my boy assured me there was plenty
of water, and that he see no wild mans. In
this place I began to consider that the Canary
and Cape de Verde islands lay not far off
The place I was in was no doubt that wild
country that lies between the Emperor of Mo-
rocco's dominions and the Negroes. It is
filled with wild beasts, and the Moors chiefly
use it for hunting. From this place I thought
I saw the top of the mountain Teneriffe in the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
17
►
Canaries; and twice in vain I tried to at-
tain it.
Early one morning we anchored under a
little point of land; and the tide beginning to
flow, we lay ready to go further in. But Xury,
whose youthful and penetrating cyes were
sharper than mine, in a soft tone, desired me
to keep far from land, lest we should be de-
voured, "For look yonder, master," said he,
and see de dreadful monster fast asleep on de
side of de hill."-Accordingly, looking where
he pointed, I espied a fearful monster indeed.
It was a terrible great, lion, that lay on shore
covered as it were by a shade of a piece of the
hill. *
Xury," said I," you shall go on shore
and kill him." But the boy looked amazed:
Me kill him!" says he," he eat me at one
mouth;" meaning one mouthful. Upon which
I bid him lie still, and charging my biggest gun
with two slugs and a good charge of powder,
I took the best ain I could to shoot him through
the head, but his leg lying over his nose, the
slug broke his knee-bone. Te lion, awaking
with the pain, got up, but soon fell down, giving
the most hideous groan I ever heard; but
taking my second piece I shot him through the
18
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
head, and then he lay struggling for life. Upon
this Xury took heart, and desired my leave
to go on shore. "Go then," said I. Upon
which taking a little gun in one hand, he swam
to shore with the other, and coming close to
the lion, put a period to his life by shooting him
again through the head.
But this was spending our ammunition in
vain, the flesh not being good to eat. Xury
was like a champion, and came on board for a
hatchet, to cut off the head of his enemy; but
not having strength to perform it, he cut off
and brought me a foot. I bethought me, how-
ever, that his skin would be of use. This
work cost Xury and me a whole day; when
spreading it on the top of our cabin, the hot
beams of the sun effectually dried it in two
days' time, and it afterwards served me for a
bed to lic on.
1
And now we sailed southerly, living sparing-
ly on our provisions, and went no oftener on
shore than we were obliged for fresh water.
My design was to make the river Gambia or
Senegal, or any where about the Cape de Verde,
in hopes to meet some European ship. If
Providence did not so favor me, my next course
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
19
was to seek for the islands, or lose my life
amongst the Negroes.
One day, as we were sailing along, we saw
people stand on the shore locking at us; we
could also perceive they were black and stark
naked. I was inclined to go on shore, but
Xury cried, "No, no " however, I approached
nearer, and I found they ran along the shore
by me a good way. They had no weapons in
their hands, except one, who held a long stick,
which Xury told me was a lance, with which
they could kill at a great distance. I talked
to them by signs, and made them sensible I
wanted something to ent; they beckoned me
to stop my boat, while two of them ran up into
the country, and in less than half-an-hour came
back, and brought with them two pieces of
dried flesh and some corn, which we gladly
accepted; and to prevent any fears on either
side, they brought the food to the shore, laid it
down, then went and stood a great way off till
we fetched it on board, and then came close to
us again.
The Negroes having kindly furnished me
with water, and with what roots and grains
their country afforded, I took my leave, and,
20
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
after eleven days' sail, came in sight of the
Cape de Verde, and those islands called by its
name; when on a sudden, Xury cried out,
"Master! Master! a ship with a sail!" and
looked as affrighted as if it was his master's
ship sent in search of us. But I soon discovered
she was a Portuguese ship. Upon which I
strove for my life to come up to them. But
vain had it been, if through their perspective
glasses they had not perceived me and shortened
their sail to let me come up. Encouraged at
this, I fired a gun, as a signal of distress; upon
which they very kindly lay to, so that in
three hours' time I came up with them. They
spoke to me in Portuguese, Spanish, and
French, but none of these did I understand;
till at length a Scots sailor called, and then 1
told him I was an Englishman, who had
escaped from the Moors at Salee: upon which
they took me kindly on board, with all my
effects.
Surely none can express the inconceivable
joy. I felt at this happy deliverance! who, from
being a late miserable and forlorn creature,
was not only believed, but in favor with the
the ship to whom, in return for my
un
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
21
But he nobly
insisted upon
He gave me
deliverance, I offered all I had.
refused any recompense, and
paying for my boat its full value.
sixty pieces for my boy Xury. It was with
great reluctance I was prevailed upon to sell
the child's liberty, who had served me so faith-
fully; but he was willing himself; and it was
agreed, that after ten years he should be made
free, upon his renouncing Mohammedanism,
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. I
cannot forget the generous treatment of the
captain. He would take nothing for my
passage, gave me twenty ducats for the
leopard's skin, and thirty for the lion's. In
short I made about 220 pieces of my cargo;
and with this stock I entered once more into
the scene of life.
Being recommended to an honest planter, I
lived with him till I was informed of the
manner of their planting and making sugar:
and seeing how well they lived, and how sud-
denly they grew rich, I resolved to get the
money I had left in England remitted to me,
and to purchase a plantation.
2
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
I bought a settlement next to an hones. and
kind neighbor, born at Lisbon, of Englisk
parents, whose plantation joining mine, we
improved it very amicably together. Both our
stocks were low, and for two years we planted
only for food; but the third we planted some
tobacco, and each of us dressed a large piece
of ground the ensuing year for canes.
I now
found how much I wanted assistance, and re-
pented the loss of my dear boy Xury.
I was in some measure settled, before the
captain departed from the Brazils. One day
I went to him and told him what stock I had
in London, desiring his assistance in getting it
remitted; to which he readily consented, but
would only have me send for half my money,
lest it should miscarry.-His kindness towards
me was great, for he not only procured the
money I had drawn for, but sent me over a
servant with a cargo proportionable to my con-
dition; together with tools of all sorts, iron-
work, and utensils necessary for my plantation.
Uncommon success crowning my prosperous
labors, I might have rested happy in that
middle state of life my father had so often
recommended; but again I left
but again I left this happy
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
23
station from a foolish ambition of rising, and,
once more cast myself into the greatest gulf of
misery that ever a poor creature fell into.
Having lived four years in Brazil, I had not
only learned the language, but contracted
acquaintance with the most eminent planters;
to whom, once having given an account of my
two voyages to the coast of Guinea, and the
manner of trading there for mere trifles, by
which our plantations were furnished with
Negroes, they gave such attention to what I
said, that three of them came one morning and
proposed to me a voyage to Guinea, in order
to stock the plantation with Negroes, which,
as they could not be publicly sold, they would
divide among them; and if I would go as their
supercargo, to manage the trading part, I
should have an equal share of the Negroes,
without providing any stock. I could not
resist the proposal, but accepted the offer upon
condition of their looking after my plantation.
The ship being fitted out, and all things
ready, we set sail the first of September, 1659,
being the same day eight years I left my
father and mother in Yorkshire. We sailed
northward upon the coast, in order to gain
24
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Africa, ill we made Cape Augustine; from
whence going further into the ocean, out of
sight of land, we steered as though we were
bound for the Isle Fernand de Norenba, leaving
the islands on the east; and then it was that
we met with a terrible tempest, which con-
tinued twelve days, the winds carrying us
wherever they pleased. In this perplexity one
of our men died, and another and a boy were
washed overboard. When the weather cleared
up a little, we found ourselves in eleven
degrees north latitude, upon the coast of
Guinea. Upon this the captain gave reasons
for returning, which I opposed, counselling him
to stand away for Barbadoes, which, as I sup-
posed, might be attained in fifteen days. So,
altering our course, we sailed north-west and
by west, in order to reach the Leeward Islands;
but a second storm succeeding, drove us to the
westward; so that we were afraid of falling
into the hands of cruel savages, or the paws of
devouring beasts of prey.
In this great distress one of our men, early
in the morning, cried out, "Land! land!”
which he had no sooner said, but our ship
struck upon a sand-bank, and in a moment the
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
25
sea broke over her in such a manner, that we
expected we should all have perished im-
mediately. We knew not where we were, or
upon what and we were driven; and we
could not so much as hope that the ship would
hold out many minutes, without breaking in
pieces, except the wind, by a miracle, should
change immediately. While we stood looking
at one another, expecting death every moment,
the mate laid hold of the boat, and with the
help of the rest flung her over the ship's side,
and getting all into her, being eleven of us,
committed ourselves to God's mercy and the
wild sea. When we had rowed, or rather
were driven, about a league and a half, a
raging wave, like a lofty mountain, came rolling
astern of us, and took us with such fury, that
at once it overset the boat.
/
Men are generally accounted insensible when
struggling in the pangs of death; but while I
was overwhelmed with water, I had the most
dreadful apprehensions imaginable. For the
joys of heaven and the torments of hell seemed
to present themselves before me in these dying
'agonies. I was going, I thought, I knew not
whither, into a dismal gulf unknown, never to
26
LIFE AND ADVENT CRES
behold my friends, nor the light of this world
any more! I strove, however, to the last ex-
tremity, while all my companions were over-
powered 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. As soon as I got on my
feet, I ran as fast as I could, lest another wave ·
should pursue me, and carry me back again.
The sea came after me like a high mountain,
or furious enemy. The next dreadful wave
buried me at once twenty or thirty feet deep,
but at the same time carried me with a mighty
force and swiftness towards the shore; when
raising myself, I held out till the water, having
spent itself, began to return, at which I struck
forward, and feeling ground with my feet, I
took to my heels again. I was at length
dashed against a piece of rock, in such a
manner as left me senseless; but recovering
a little before the return of the wave, which, no
doubt, would have overwhelmed me, I pushed
hastily forward and reached the mainland;
when clambering up the cliffs of the shore, tired
and almost spent, I sat down on the grass, free
from the dangers of the foaming ocean.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
27
No tongue can express the ecstasies and
transports that my soul felt at the happy de-
liverance. I was wrapt in contemplation, and
often lifted up my hands, with the profoundest
humility, to the Divine powers, for saving my
life, when all the rest of my companions were
all drowned. I cast my eyes around to behold
what place I was in, and what I had next to
do. I could see no house nor people; I was
wet, yet had no clothes; hungry and thirsty,
yet had nothing to eat or drink; no weapon to
destroy any creature for my sustenance, nor
defend myself against devouring beasts; in short,
I had nothing but a knife, a tobacco pipe, and
a box half filled with tobacco. The darksome
night coming upon me, increased my fears of
being devoured by wild creatures; my mind
was plunged in despair, and having no prospect,
as I thought, of life before me, I prepared for
another kind of death than what I had lately
escaped. I walked about a furlong to see if I
could find any fresh water, which I did to my
great joy; and taking a quid of tobacco to
prevent hunger, I got up into a thick bushy
tree, and seating myself so that I could not fall,
a deep sleep overtook me, and for that night
buried my sorrows in quiet repose.
28
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
+
It was broad day the next morning before
I awaked; when I not only perceived the
tempest had ceased, but saw the ship driven
almost as far as the rock which the waves had
dashed me against, and which was about a
mile from the place where I was. When I
came down from my apartment in the tree, I
perceived the ship's boat two miles distant on
my right hand, lying on the shore as the waves
had cast her. I thought to have got to her; but
there being an inlet of water of about half a
mile's breadth between it and me, I returned
again towards the ship, as hoping to find some-
thing for my immediate subsistence. About
noon, when the sea was calm, resolving to get
to the ship, I stripped and leaped into the water
it was my good fortune to espy a small piece
of rope hanging so low, that by the help of it,
though with great difficulty, I got into the ship.
The provisions I found in good order, with
which I crammed my pockets, and, losing no
time, ate while I was doing other things. I
also found some rum, of which I took a hearty
dram; and now I wanted for nothing except a
boat to carry away what was needful for me.
Necessity quickens inve tion. We had seve
>
•
OF RUBINSON CRUSOE.
29
ral spar
vards, a spare topmast or two, and
two or three large spars. of wood. With these
I fell to work, and flung as many of them over-
board as I could manage, tying every one of
them with a rope, that they might not drive
away. This done, I went down to the ship's
gide, and tied four of them fast together at both
ends, in form of a raft, and laying two or three
short pieces of plank upon them crossways, l
found it would bear me, but not any consider-
able 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 labor and pains. I then considered
what I should load it with, it being not able to
bear a ponderous burden. And this I soon
thought of; first laying upon it all the planks
and boards I could get: next I lowered down
three of the seamen's chests, after I had filled
them with bread, rice, three Dutch cheeses,
five pieces of dried goat's flesh, and some Eu-
ropean corn; and for liquors I found several
cases of bottles belonging to our skipper, in
which were some cordial waters, and four or
five gallons of rack, which I stowed by them-
selves. By this time the tide beginning to
30
LIFE AND AгVENTURES
•
·
How, I perceived my coat, waistcoat, and shin
swim away, which I left on the shore; as for
my linen breeches and stockings, I swam with
them to the ship; but I soon found clothes
enough, though I took no more than I wanted
for the present. My eyes were chiefly on
tools to work with; and, after a long search, I
found out the carpenter's chest, which I got
safe down on my raft. I then looked for arms
and ammunition, and in the great cabin found
two good fowling-pieces, two pistols, several
powder-horns filled, a small bag of shot, and
two old rusty swords. I likewise found three
barrels of powder, two of which were good;
also two or three broken oars, two saws, an
axe and a hammer. I then put to sea, and in
getting to shore had three encouragements.
1. A smooth, calm sea. 2. The tide rising
and setting in to shore. 3. The little wind
there was blew towards the land. After I had
sailed about a mile, I found the raft drive a
little, distance from the place where I first
fanded; and then I perceived a little opening
of the land, with a strong current of the tide
running into it: upon which I kept the middle
of the stream. But great was my concern,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
31
when on a sudden the fore part of my raft ran
aground, so that had I not, with great diffi-
culty, for near half-an-hour, kept my back
straining against the chests to keep my effects
in their places, all I had would have gone in
the sea.
But after some time, the rising of the
water caused the raft to float again, and com.
ing up a little river with land on both sides, I
landed in a cave, as near the mouth as possi-
ble, the better to discover a sail, if any provi-
dentially passed that way.
Not far off, I espied a hill of stupendous
height, surrounded with lesser hills, and thither
I was resolved to go and view the country,
that I might see what part was best to fix my
habitation. Accordingly, arming myself with
a pistol, a fowling-piece, powder and ball, I
ascended the mountain. There I perceived I
was in an island, encompassed by the sea, no
distant lands to be seen, but scattering rocks
that lay to the west: it seemed to be a barren
place, inhabited only by wild beasts. I per-
ceived abundance of fowls, but ignorant of
what kind, or whether good for nourishment;
I shot one of them at my return, which occa-
sioned a confused screaming among the other
11+
32
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
birds, and I found it, by its color and beak, ty
be a kind of hawk, but its flesh was perfect
carrion.
When I came to my raft, I brought my
effects on shore; and fearing that some cruel
beasts might devour me in the night-time, I
made a kind of hut or barricade with the
chests and boards. I slept very comfortably:
and the next morning got on board as before,
and prepared a second raft far nicer than the
first, upon which I brought away the carpen-
ter's stores, two or three bags full of nails, a
great jack-screw, a dozen or two of hatchets,
and a grindstone. Two or three iron crows, twe
barrels of musket-bullets, another fowling-piece
a small quantity of powder, and a large bag
full of small shot. Besides these, I took all
the men's clothes I could find, a spare fore-top-
sail, a hammock, and some bedding; and thus
completing my second cargo, I made all the
haste to shore I could, fearing some wild beast
might destroy what I had there already. But
I only found a little wild cat, sitting on one of
the chests, which, seeming not to fear me, or
the gun that I presented at her, I threw her a
piece of biscuit, which she instantly ate and
departed.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
33
When I had got these effects on shore, I
went to work, in order to make me a little
tent with the sail and some poles which I had
cut for that purpose; and having finished it,
what things might be damaged by the weather
I brought in, piling all the empty chests and
casks in a circle, the better to fortify it against
any sudden attempt of man or beast. After
this I blocked up the doors with some boards,
charged my gun and pistol, and laying my bed
an the ground, slept comfortably till next
morning.
Now, though I had enough to subsist me a
long time, yet despairing of a sudden deliver-
ance, I coveted as much as I could; and so
long as the ship remained in that condition, I
daily brought away one necessary or other;
particularly the rigging, sails, and cordage,
some twine, a barrel of wet powder, some
sugar, a barrel of meal, three casks of rum,
and, what was most welcome to me, a whole
hogshead of bread.
Thirteen days I had now been in the island,
and eleven times on board, bringing away all
that was possible. As I was going the twelfth
time, the wind began to rise; however, I ven-
-
3
34
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
tured at low water, and rummaging the cabin,
in a locker I found several razors, scissors, and
some dozens of knives and forks; and in an-
other thirty-six pounds, of pieces of eight,
silver and gold. "Ah! simple vanity," said L
"whom this world so much dotes on, where is
now thy virtue, thy excellency to me? You
cannot procure me one thing needful, nor re-
move me from this desolate island to a place
of plenty. One of these knives, so meanly
esteemed, is to me preferable to all this heap.
E'en, therefore, remain where thou art, to sink
in the deep as unregarded, even as a creature
whose life is not worth preserving." Yet, after
all, I wrapt it up in a piece of canvas, and
began to think of making another raft; but I
soon perceived the wind began to rise, a fresh
gale blowing from the shore, and the sky over-
cast with clouds and darkness; so, 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 ashore, when soon
after it blew a fearful storm.
That night I slept very contentedly in my
little tent, surrounded with all my effects; but
when I looked out in the morning, no more
:
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
35
ship was to be seen. My next thoughts were,
how I should secure myself from savages
and wild beasts, if any such were in the island.
At one time I thought of digging a cave; at
another I was for erecting a tent; and, at
length, I resolved to do both.
I found a little plain near a rising hill, the
front towards which being as steep as a house-
side, nothing could descend on me from the
top. On the side of this rock was a little
hollow p'ace, resembling the entrance or door
of a cave. Just before this place, on the circle
of the green, I resolved my tent should stana.
This plain did not much exceed a hundred
yards broad, and about twice as long, like a
delightful green before my door, with a pleasing,
though an irregular descent every way to the
low grounds by the sea-side, lying on the N.
W. side of the hill; so that it was sheltered
from the excessive heat of the sun. After this
I drew a semicircle, containing ten yards in a
semi-diameter and twenty yards in the whole,
driving down two rows of strong stakes, not
six 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 te
—
36
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
their tops, which were more than five feet out
of the earth, and after drove another row of
piles, looking withinside against them, between
two and three feet high, which made me con-
clude it a little impregnable castle against men
and beasts. And for my better security I would
have no door, but entered in and came out by
the help of a ladder which I also made.
Here was my fence and fortress, into which
I carried a 1 my riches, ammunition, and stores.
After which, working on the rock, with what
dirt and stones I dug out, I not only raised my
ground two fect, but made a little cellar to my
mansion-house; and this cost me many days'
labor and pains. One day, in particular, a
shower of rain falling, thunder and lightning
ensued, which put me in terror lest my powder
should take fire. To prevent which, I fell to
making boxes and bags, in order to separate it.
having by me near 150 lbs. weight. And thus
being established as king of the island, every
day I went out with my gun to see what I
could kill that was fit to eat. I soon perceived
numbers of goats, and shot one suckling a
young kid; which not thinking its dam slain,
stood by her unconcerned; and when I took
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
37
the dead creature up, the young one followed
me even to the inclosure. I lifted the kid
over the pales, and would willingly have kept
it alive; but finding it would not eat, I killed,
that also.
It was, by the account I kept, the 30th of
September, when I first landed on this island.
About twelve days after, fearing lest I should
lose my reckoning of time, nay, even forget
the sabbath days, for want of pen, ink, and
paper, I carved with a knife upon a large post,
in great letters, these words, I came on shore,
Sept. 30, 1659. Every day I cut a notch with
my knife on the sides of this square post, and
that on the sabbath was as long again as the
rest; and every first day of the month as long
again as that long one. Had I made a more
strict search I need not have set up this mark;
for among my parcels, I found the very things
I wanted; particularly pens, ink, and paper
also two or three compasses, some mathie
matical instruments, dials, perspective glasses,
books of navigation, three English Bibles, and
several other good books, which I carefully
put up. A dog and two cats on board, I
made inhabitants with me in my castle.
38
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Thougn one might think I had all the ne-
cessaries that were desirable, yet still I found
several things wanting. My ink was daily
wasting; I wanted needles, pins, and thread,
to mend my clothes; and particularly a spade,
pickaxe, or shovel, to remove the earth. It
was a year before I finished my little bulwark.
Having raised a turf wall against the outside
of my habitation, I thatched it so close as
might keep it from the inclemency of the
weather; I also improved it within, enlarged
my cave, and made a passage and door in the
rock, which came out beyond the pale of my
fortification. I next proceeded, to make a
chair and a table. When I wanted a plank
or board, I hewed down a tree with my
hatchet, making it as thin with my axe as
possible, and then smooth enough with an adze
to answer my designs; thus in time I got
boards enough to shelter all my stores.,
ľ
But now a very strange event happened.
For one day finding a bag, which used to hold
corn for the fowls, I resolved to put gunpowder
in it, and shook all the husks and dirt upon
one side of the rock, little expecting what the
consequence would be. The rain had fallen
OF ROBINSON CRUS(E.
39
→
plentifully a few days before; and about a
month after, to my great amazement, some-
thing began to look 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 appearing in the very same
shape and make as that in England.
I can scarce express the agitations of my
mind at this sight. Hitherto I had looked
upon the actions of this life only as the events
of blind chance. But now the appearance of
this barley, flourishing in a barren soil, and my
ignorance in not conceiving how it should
come there, made me conclude, that miracles
were not yet ceased: nay, I even thought that
God had appointed it to grow there without
any seed, purely for my sustenance in this:
miserable and desolate island. And indeed
such great effect this had upon me, that it often
made me melt into tears, through a grateful.
sense of God's mercies; and the greater still
was my thankfulness, when I perceived about
this little field of barley some rice-stalks, also,,
wonderfully flourishing.
While thus pleased in mind, I concluded!
there must be more corn in the island; and
40
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
therefore inade a diligent search among the
rocks; but not being able to find any, on a
sudden it came into my mind how I had
shaken the husks of corn out of the bag, and
then my admiration ceased, with any gratitude
to the Divine being, as thinking it was bu
natural, and not to be conceived a miracle
though even the manner of its preservation
might have made me own it was a wonderful
event of God's kind providence.
It was about the latter end of June when the
ears of this corn ripened, which I laid up very
carefully, together with twenty or thirty stalks
of rice, expecting one day I should reap the
fruit of my labor; yet four years were expired
before I could allow myself to eat any barley-
bread, and much longer time before I had any
rice. After this. with indefatigable pains and
dustry, for three or four months, at last I
finished my wall on the 14th of April, having
no way to go into it, but by a ladder against
the wall; April 17th I finished uty ladder and
ascended it; afterwards pulled it up, then let
it down on the other side, and descended into
my new habitation, where I had space enough,
and so fortified that nothing could attack mo
without scaling the walls.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
41
But what does all human pains and industry
avail, if the blessing of God does not crown
our labors? Or who can stand before the
Almighty, when he stretcheth forth his arm?
For one time, as I was at the entrance of my
cave, there happened such a dreadful earth-
quake, that not only the roof of the cave came
tumbling about my ears, but the posts seemed
to crack terribly at the same time. This put
me in great amazement; and running to the
ladder, and getting over the wall, I then
plainly knew it was an earthquake; the place
I stood on sustained three terrible shocks in
less than three minutes. But judge of my
terror when I saw the top of a great rock roll
into the sea! I then expected the island
would be swallowed up every moment: and
what made the scene still more dreadful, was
to see the sea thrown in the most violent agita-
tion and disorder by this tremendous accident.
For my part, I stood like a criminal at the
place of execution, ready to expire. At the
moving of the earth I was, as it were, sea-
sick; and very much afraid lest the rock, under
which was my defence and habitation, should
overwhelm it and myself in a lasting tomb.
42
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
When the third dreadful shock had spent
itself, my spirits began to revive; yet still I
would not venture to ascend the ladder, but
continued sitting, not knowing what I should
do. So little grace had I then, as only to say,
Lord have mercy upon me! and no sooner
was the earthquake over, but that pathetic
prayer left me.
It was not long after that, when a horrible
tempest arose, at the same time attended with
a hurricane of wind. The sea seemed moun-
tains high, and the waves rolled so impetuously,
that nothing could be perceived but froth and
foam. Three hours did this storm continue,
and in so violent a manner, as to tear the very
trees up by the roots, which was succeeded by
abundance of rain. When the tempest was
over, I went to my tent: but the rain coming
on in a furious manner, I was obliged to take
shelter in the cave, where I was forced to cut
a channel through my fortification to let the
water out. It continued raining all that night,
and some time the next day. These accidents
made me resolve, as soon as the weather cleared
up, to build me a little hut in some open place,
walled round to defend me from wild creatures
-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
43
and savages; not doubting but at the next
earthquake the mountain would fall upon my
habitation and me, and swallow up all in its
bowels.
When I began to put my resolutions in
practice, I was stopped for want of tools and
instruments to work with. Most of my axes
and hatchets were useless, occasioned by cut-
ting the hard timber that grew on the island.
It took me full a week to make my grindstone
of use.
As I walked along the sea-shore, I found a
barrel of gunpowder, and several pieces of the
wreck, the sea had flung up. Having secured
these I made to the ship, whose stern was torn
off, and washed a great distance ashore; but
the rest lay in the sands.
At this time I was afflicted with an ague;
thirsty, yet could not help myself to water;
prayed to God in these words: "Lord in pity
look upon me: Lord have mercy upon me:
have mercy upon me!" After this I fell
asleep and dreamed.
Something refreshed with sleep, I arose,
and, after eating some turtle's eggs, I attempted
to walk again out of doors with my gun, but
44
LIFE AND ALVENTURES
was so weak, that I sat down, and looked at
the sea, which was smooth and calm. While
I continued here, these thoughts came into my
mind
In what manner is the production of the
earth and sea, of which I have seen so much?
From whence came myself, and all other
crcatures living, and of what are they made?
Our beings were assuredly created by some
almighty invisible Power, who framed the earth,
the sea, the air, and all therein. But what is
that Power?
•
Certainly it must follow, that God has created
all. Yet, said I, if God has made all this, he
must be the Ruler of all; for certainly the
Power that makes must indisputably be able
to guide and direct them. And if so, nothing
can happen without his knowledge and ap-
pointment. Then certainly God has appointed.
these my sufferings. I then proceeded to in-
quire, why should God deal with me in this
manner? Or what had I done to deserve his
ndignation?
Here conscience cried with a loud and
piercing voice, "Unworthy wretch! how darest
thou ask what thou hast done? Look on thy
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
45
+
past life, and see what thou hast left undone!
Ask thyself why thou wert not long ago in the
merciless hands of death? Why not drowned
in Yarmouth roads, or killed in the fight, when
the ship was taken by the Salee man-of-war
Why not entombed in the bowels of the wild
beasts on the African coast, or drowned here,
when all thy companions suffered shipwreck in
the ocean?"
Struck dumb with these reflections, I rose,
being so thoughtful that I could not sleep, and
fearing the dreadful return of my distemper. I
recollected that the Brazilians use tobacco for
almost all diseases, and going to my chest in
order to find some, Heaven, no doubt, directed
me to a cure for both soul and body; for there
I found one of the Bibles, which, till this time,
I had neither leisure nor inclination to look
into. And no sooner did I open it, but there
appeared to me these words, "Call on me in
the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee, and
thou shalt glorify me."
At first, this sentence made a very deep im-
pression on my heart, but it soon wore off
again, when I considered the word deliver
was foreign to me. And as the children of
46
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Israel said, when they were promised flesh to
eat, "Can God spread a table in the wilder-
ness?" in like manner I began to say,
"Can
God deliver me from this desolate island ?"
However, the words still returned to my mind,
and afterwards made a greater impression
upon me.
As it was now very late, I felt inclined to
sleep; 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 after-
wards drank the rum, wherein I had steeped
the tobacco, which, flying into my head, threw
me into such a profound sleep, that it was
three o'clock the next day before I awoke;
indeed I believe I slept two days, having lost
day in my account.
When I got up, my
pirits were lively and cheerful; I was very
hungry; and, in short, no fit returned the next
day, but I found myself much altered for the
better.
I had now been about ten months in the
island; and, as I never had seen any of the hu
man kind. I accounted myself as sole monarch;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
47
and as I grew better, having secured my habi-.
tation to my mind, I resolved to make a tour
round my kingdom, in order to make new
discoveries.
The 15th of July I began my journey; I
first went to the creek, where I had brought
my rafts on shore; and travelling further, found
that the tide went no higher than two miles
up, where there was a little brook of running
water, on the banks of which were many
pleasant savannas, or meadows, plain, smooth.
and covered with grass. On the rising parts,
where I supposed the water did not reach, I
perceived a great deal of tobacco growing to
a very strong stalk. Several other plants I
likewise found, the virtues of which I did not
understand. I searched a long time for the
cavassa-root, which I knew the Indians of 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;
also several sugar-canes, but imperfect for want
of cultivation. With these few discoveries, I
came back that night, and slept contentedly in
my little castle.
I saw
The next day going the same way, but
48
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
further 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 clus-
ters of grapes, ripe and very rich, spread over
the trees. You may imagine I was glad of
the discovery, yet ate very sparingly. The
grapes I found of excellent
use;
for when I
had dried then in the sun, which preserved
them as dried raisins are kept, they proved
very wholesome and nourishing, and served
me in those seasons when no grapes were to
be had. The night drawing on apace, I as-
cended a tree, and slept very comfortably,
though it was the first time I had lain our of
my habitation. And when the morning came,
I proceeded with great pleasure on my way,
travelling about four miles, as I imagined, by
the length of the valley, directing my course
northward. At the end of the valley, I came
to an opening, where the country seemed to
descend to the west: there I found a little
spring of fresh water proceeding out of the side
of the hill, with its crystal streams running
directly east. And, indeed, here my senses
were charmed with the most, beautiful land-
+
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
40.
:
scape nature could afford; for the country ap-.
peared flourishing, green, and delightful. I
then descended on the side of that delicious:
vale, when I found abundance of cocoa, orange,,
lemon, and citron trees, but very wild and bar-
ren at that time. The limes were delightful!
and wholesome, and the juice, mixed in water,.
was very cooling and refreshing. I resolved
to carry home a store of grapes, limes, and
lemons, against the approaching wet season
and returned to my little castle, after having:
spent three days in this journey.
;:
And now, contemplating the fruitfulness of
this valley, its security from storms, and the
delightfulness of the adjacent woods, I resolved!
to make a little kind of bower, surrounding it
with a double hedge, as high as I could reach,,
well staked and filled with bulrushes: 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 labor.
¿
On the 30th September, casting up the:
notches on my post, which amounted to 365, I
concluded this to be the anniversary of my
landing and, therefore, humbly prostrating my--
self on the ground, confessing my sins, acknow
4
50
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ledging God's righteous judgments upon me,
and praying to Jesus Christ to have mercy
upon me, I fasted for twelve hours till the
going down of the sun; and then, eating a
biscuit and a bunch of grapes, laid me on the
bed, and with great comfort took my night's
repose. You may call to mind what I have
mentioned of some barley and rice which I
had saved, about thirty stalks of the former,
and twenty of the latter; and, at that time, the
sun being in its southern position, going from
me, together with the rains, made me conclude
it a very proper season to sow it. Accordingly
I dug up a piece of ground with my wooden
spade, and dividing it into two parts, sowed
about two-thirds of my seed, preserving by me
about a handful of each. And happy it was I
did so; for no rains falling, it was choked up,
and never appeared above the earth till the
wet season came again; and then part of it
grew as if it had been newly sown.
I was resolved still to make another trial;
and seeking for a moister piece of ground near
my bower, I sowed the rest of my seed in
February, a little before the vernal equinox;
which having the rainy months of March and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
51
Hugh
April to water it, yielded a noble crop. I had
still saved part of the seed, not daring to
venture all; and by the time I found out the
proper seasons to sow it in, and that I might
expect every year two seed-times and two
harvests, my stock amounted to above half-a-
peck of each sort of grain.
No sooner were the rains over, but the
stakes, which I had cut from the trees, shot out
like willows, the first year after lopping their
heads. I was ignorant of the tree I cut them
from: but they grew so regularly beautiful, that
they made a most lively appearance, and so
flourished in three years' time, that I resolved
to cut more of them; and these soon growing
made a glorious fence.
And now I perceived that the seasons of
the year might generally be divided, not into
summer and winter, as in Europe, but into wet
and dry seasons.
The wet season continued longer or shorter,
as the winds happened to blow. But having
found the ill consequences of being abroad in
the rain, I took care beforehand to furnish
myself with provisions; and, during the wet
months, sat withrin doors as much as possible.
52
LIFE ANI ADVENTURES
At this time I contrived to make many things 1
wanted. The first I tried was a basket; but
all the twigs proved so brittle, that I could not
perform it. When a boy, I took great delight
in standing at a basket-maker's in the same
town where my father lived, to view them
work; and like other boys, curious and very
officious to assist, I perfectly learned the
method, and wanted nothing but tools. And
recollecting that the twigs of the tree of which
I made my stakes, might be as tough as osiers,
growing in England, I resolved to make an
experiment; went the next day to my country-
seat, and after cutting down a quantity, I dried
them, and when fit to work, carried them to
my cave, where I employed myself in making
several sorts of baskets. It is true they were
not cleverly made, yet they served my turn
upon all occasions.
Still I had no cask to hold my liquor: neither
had I a pot to boil any thing in. I wanted
likewise at the beginning of this dry season a
tobacco-pipe.
I now resumed my intention of exploring
the island; taking my dog, gun, hatchet, two
biscuit-cakes, a great bunch of raisins, with o
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
53
4
larger quantity of gunpowder and shot than
usual, I began my journey. Having passed
the vale where my bower stood, I came within
view of the sea, lying to the west; when, it
being a clear day, I descried land, extending
from the W. to the S. W. about ten or fifteen
leagues, but could not say whether it was an
island or continent.
As I proceeded forward, I found this side of
the island much more pleasant than mine; the
fields fragrant, adorned with sweet flowers and
verdant grass, together with several very fine
woods. There were parrots in plenty, which
made me long for one to be my companion;
but it was with great difficulty I could knock
one down; and I kept him some years before
I could get him to call me by my name.
In the low grounds, I found various sorts of
hares and foxes, but different from those in
England. Several of these I killed, but never
ate them; neither, indeed, had I any occasion,
for abounding with goats, pigeons, turtle, and
grapes, I could defy Leadenhall-Market to
furnish me a better table. When I came to
the sea-shore, I was amazed at the splendor.
The strand was covered with shells of the most
54
LIFE AND AI 'ENTURES
t
beautiful fish, and abounding with innumerable
turtles, and fowls of many kinds. I might
have shot as many as I pleased, but was
sparing of my ammunition, rather choosing to
kill a she-goat, which I did with much diffi-
culty, on account of the flatness of the country.
I continued my journey, travelling about
twelve miles further towards the east, where 1
set a great pile on the shore for a mark.-In
this journey my dog surprised a kid, and would
have killed it, had I not prevented him. As I
had often been thinking of getting a kid or two,
and so raising a breed of tame goats to supply
me after my ammunition was spent, I took this
opportunity of beginning: and having måde a
collar for this little creature, with a string of
rope-yarn, I brought it to my bower, and there
inclosed and left him; and having spent a month
in this journey, at length I returned to my own
habitation, and rested myself a week, which
time I employed in making a cage for my
pretty Poll. I now recollected ny poor kid I
had left in the bower, and immediately went
to fetch it home. When I came there, I found
I almost starved I gave it some food, and it
followed me like dog; and as I constartly
+
GF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
55
fed i, it became so loving, gentle, and fond,
that it would never leave me.
The rainy season of the autumnal equinox
being now come, I kept the 30th of September
In the most solemn manner, as usual: it being
the third year of my abode in the island. Į
spent the whole day in acknowledging God's
mercies, in giving him thanks for making this
solitary life as agreeable and less sinful than
that of human society; and for the communica-
tions of his grace to my soul, in supporting,
comforting, and encouraging me to depend
upon his Providence, and hope for his eternal
presence in the world to come.
One morning, opening my Bible, I imme-
diately fixed my eyes upon these words, "I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee!”
Surely, thought I, these words are directed to
me; and if God does not forsake, what matter
is it, since he can make me more happy in this
state of life than if I enjoyed the greatest
splendor in the world? I shut the Bible and
blessed kind Providence, that directed my good
friend in England to send it without any order,
and for assisting me to save it from the power
of the raging ocean.
56
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
And now beginning my third year, my
several daily employments were these:-First,
My duty to Heaven, and diligently reading the
Holy Scriptures; which I did twice or thrice
every day Secondly, Seeking provisions with
my gun, which commonly employed me when
it did not rain, three hours every morning:
Thirdly, The ordering, curing, preserving, and
cooking what I had killed, for my supply,
which took me up the greater part of the day.
I was no less than two-and-forty days making
a board fit for a long shelf, which two sawyers,
with their tools and saw-pit, would have cut
off the same tree in half a day. It was a large
tree, as my board was to be broad. I was
three days in cutting it down, and two more in
lopping off the boughs, and reducing it to a
piece of timber. This I hacked and hewed
off each side, till it became light to move: and
then I turned it, made one side of it smooth
and flat as a board from end to end, then turned
it downwards, cutting the other side, till 1
brought the plank to be about three inches
thick, and smooth on both sides.
The harvest months, November and De-
sember, were now at hand, in which I had the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
ان
But
pleasing prospect of a very good crop.
here I net with a new misfortune; for the
goats and hares having tasted the sweetness of
the blade, kept it so short that it had not
strength to shut up into a stalk. To prevent
this, I inclosed it with a hedge, and by day
shot some of its devourers; and my dog, which
I tied to the field gate, barking all night, so
frightened those creatures, that I got entirely
rid of them.
But no sooner did I get rid of these, than
other enemies appeared; whole flocks of seve-
ral sorts of birds only waited till my back was
turned to ruin me. So much did this provoke
me, that I let fly, and killed three of the male-
factors; and afterwards served them as they do
notorious thieves in England, hung them up in
chains as a terror to others. And so good an
effect had this, that they not only forsook the
corn, but all that part of the island, as long as
these criminals hung there.
My corn having ripened apace, the latter end
of December, which was my second harvest, I
reaped it with a scythe made of one of my
broadswords. I had no fatigue in cutting
down my first crop, it was so slender. The
58
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
{
ears I carried home in a basket, rubbing it
with my hands, instead of threshing it; and
when the harvest was over, found my half-peck
of seed produced near two bushels of rice, and
two bushels and a half of barley. I knew not
how to grind my corn, neither how to bake
the bread.
The want of a plough to turn up the earth,
or shovel to dig it, I conquered by making a
wooden spade. The want of a harrow I sup-
plied by 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, thresh it, and part it from the chaff.
And after all I wanted a mill to grind it, sieve
to dress it, yeast and salt to make it into bread,
and an oven to bake it. This set my brains
to work to find some expedient for every one
of these necessaries against the next harvest.
And now having more seed, my first care
was to prepare more land. I pitched upon
two large flat pieces of ground, near my castle,
for that purpose, in which I sowed my seed,
and fenced it with a good hedge. This took
me up three months; by which time the wet
season coming on, and the rain keeping me
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
59
44
within doors, I found several occasions to em-
ploy myself; and, while at work, used to divert
myself in talking to my parrot, learning him to
know and speak his own name, Poll; the first
welcome word I ever heard spoken in the
island. I had been a long time contriving
how to make earthen vessels, which I wanted
extremely, and when I considered the heat of
the climate, I did not doubt but if I could find
any such clay, I might make a pot, strong
enough, when dried in the sun, to bear hand-
ling, and to hold any thing that was dry, as
corn, meal, and other things.
The clay I found; but it would make the
most serious person smile, to see what awk-
ward, ugly, misshapen things I made; how
many cracked by the violent heat of the sun,
and fell in pieces when they were removed; so
that I think it was two months before I could
perfect any thing; and even then but two
clumsy things in imitation of earthen jars. As
for the smaller things, I made them with better
success; such as little round pots, flat dishes,
pitchers, and pipkins, the sun baking them
very hard.
Yet still I wanted one thing absolutely neces«
60
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
sary; and that was an earthen pot, not only to
hold my liquid, but also to bear the fire, which
none of these could do. It once happened,
that as I was putting out my fire, I found
therein a broken piece of one of my vessels
burnt as hard as a rock, and red as a tile.
This made me think of burning some pots, and
having no notion of a kiln, or of glazing them
with lead, I fixed three large pipkins, and two
or three pots in a pile one upon another. The
fire I piled round the outside, and dry wood
upon the top, till I saw the pots in the inside
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 six hours, till the clay melted by the
extremity of the heat, and would have run to
glass had I suffered it: upon which I slackened
my fire by degrees, till the redness abated;
and watching them till morning, I found I had
three very good pipkins, and two carthen pots,
as well burnt as I could desire.
No joy could be greater than mine at this
discovery. I filled one of my pipkins with
water to boil me some meat.
The next concern I had, was to get me a
OF ROBINSON •
RUSOE.
61
stone mortar to beat some corn in, instead of
a mill to grind it. But all the stones of the
island being of a mouldering nature, I resolved
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 labor,
made a hollow in it, just as the Indians
of Brazil make their canoes. When I had
finished this, I made a great pestle of iron-
wood, and then laid them up against my suc-
ceeding harvest.
My next business was to make a sieve to
sift my meal, and part it from the bran and
husk. Having no fine, thin canvas, I could
not tell what to do. What linen I had was
reduced to rags. At length I remembered I
had some neckcloths of calico or muslin, of the
sailors, which I had brought out of the ship,
and with these I made three small sieves,
proper enough for the work.
The want of an oven I supplied by making
some earthen pans, very broad but not deep.`
When I had a mind to bake, I made a great
fire upon the hearth, the tiles of which I had
made myself; and when the wood was burnt
into live coals, I spread them over it, till it
62
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
became very hot; then sweeping them away,
I set down my loaves, and turning down the
earthen pots upon them, drew the ashes and
coals all round the outsides of the pots, to con-
tinue the heat; and in this manner I baked
my barley loaves as well as if I had been a
complete pastry-cook, and also made of the
rice several cakes and puddings.
These things took me up the best part of a
year, and what intermediate time I had was
bestowed in managing my new harvest and
husbandry; for in the proper season I reaped
my corn, carried it home and laid it up in the
ear in my large baskets, till I had time to rub,
instead of threshing it.
All this while, the prospect of land, which I
had seen from the other side of the island, ran
in my mind. I still meditated a deliverance
from this place, though the fear of greater mis-
fortunes might have deterred me from it. For
allowing that I had attained that place, I ran
the hazard of being killed and eaten by the
devouring cannibals; and if they were not so,
yet I might be slain, as other Europeans had
been, who fell into their hands. Notwithstand-
ing all this, my thoughts run continually upon
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
63
that shore. I wished for my boy Xury, and
the long boat; the ship's hoat had been cast a
great way on the shore in the late storm. Her
bottom being turned up by the impetuosity and
fury of the waves and wind, I fell to work with
all the strength I had, with levers and rollers
I had cut from the wood, to turn her, and
repair the damages she had sustained. This
work took me up three or four weeks, when,
finding my little strength in vain, I fell to
undermining it by digging away the sand, and
so to make it fall down, setting pieces of wood
to thrust and guide it in the fall. But after
this was done, I was still unable to move it
towards the water, and so was forced to give
it over.
This disappointment, however, did not fright-
en me. I began to think whether it was not
possible for me to make a canoc, such 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,-I first cut down a cedar-tree,
which was five feet ten inches diameter at the
lower part next the stump, and four feet eleven
1
·
64
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
inches diameter at the end of twenty-two feet,
after which it lessened for a space, and then
parted into branches. Twenty days was I
a hacking and hewing this tree at the bottom,.
fourteen more in cutting off the branches and
limbs, and a whole month in shaping it like
the bottom of a boat. As for the inside, I was
three weeks with a mallet and chisel clearing
it, till it was big enough to carry twenty-six
men, much bigger than any canoe I ever saw
in my life, and consequently sufficient to trans-
port me and all my effects to that wished-for
shore.
Nothing remained now, but to get it into
the water, it lying about one hundred yards
from it. I proceeded to measure the distance
of ground, resolving to make a canal in order
to bring the water to the canoe, since I could
not bring the canoe to the water. But as this
seemed to be impracticable, under the space
of eleven or twelve years, I concluded the at-
tempt altogether vain. I now saw what stu-
pidity it is to begin work before we reckon on
its cost, or judge rightly our own abilities to go
through with its performance.
In the height of this work my fourth year
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
65
A
expired, from the time I was cast on this island.
At this time I did not forget my anniversary;
but kept it with rather greater devotion than
before. For now my hopes being frustrated, I
looked upon this world as a thing I had no-
thing to do with; and well might I say, as
father Abraham said unto Dives, " Between thee
and me there is a gulf fixed." I was sepa-
rated from its wickedness too, having neither
the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, nor the
pride of life; I had nothing to covet, being
lord, king, and emperor over the whole country,
without dispute and without control Corn,
plenty of turtles, timber in abundance, and
grapes above measure. What was all the rest
to me? The money I had, lay by me as
despicable dross, which I would freely have
given for a gross of tobacco-pipes, or a 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 further good to us, than they
are for our use; and that whatsoever we may
'heap up to give to others, we can but enjoy as
much as we use.
These thoughts rendered my mind more easy
5
66
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
than usual. Every time I sat down to meat, 1
did it with thankfulness, admiring the provi-
dential hand of God, who, in this wilderness,
had spread a table for me.
As long as my ink continued, which, with
water, I made last as long as I could, I used
o minute down the days of the month on
which any remarkable event happened. And,
First, I observed that the same day I forsook
my parents and friends, and ran away to Hull,
in order to go to sea; the same day in the
next year,
I was taken and made a slave by
the Salee rovers.
That the very day I escaped out of the
wreck of the ship in Yarmouth roads, a year
after, on the same day, I made my escape from
Salee in my patron's fishing-boat.
And, on the 30th of September, being my
birth-day, was I miraculously saved, and cast
ashore on this island.
The next thing that wasted after my ink,
was the biscuit which I had brought out of the
ship; and though I allowed myself but one
cake a day for above a twelvemonth, yet I was
quite out of bread for near a year, before I got
any corn of my own.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
67
In the next place, my clothes began to
decay, and my linen had been gone long before.
However, I had preserved about three dozen
of the sailors' checkered shirts, which proved
a great refreshment to me, when the violent
beams of the sun would not suffer me to bear
any of the seamen's heavy watch-coats; which
made me turn tailor, and after a miserable
botching manner, converted them into jackets.
To preserve my head, I made a cap of goat's
skin, with the hair outwards to keep out the
rain; and afterwards, a waistcoat and open-
kneed breeches of the same. I contrived a
sort of umbrella, covering it with skins, which
not only kept out the heat of the sun, but rain.
also. Thus being easy and settled in my
mind, my chief happiness was to converse with
God, in prayer.
For five years after this nothing extraordinary
occurred to me. My chief employment was to
cure my raisins, and plant my barley and rice,
of both which I had a year's provision before-
hand. Though I was disappointed in my first
canoe, I made, at intermediate times, a second,
of much inferior size; and it was two years
before I had finished it. But as I perceived it
68
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
would no wise answer my design of sailing to
the other shore, my thoughts were confined to
take a tour round the island, to see what further
discoveries I could make. To this intent, after
having moved her to the water, and tried how
she would sail, I fitted up a little mast to my
boat, and made a sail of the ship's sail, that lay
by me. I then made lockers or boxes at the
end of it, to put in necessaries, provision, and
ammunition, which would preserve them dry,
either from rain or the spray of the sea; and
in the inside of the boat, I cut a long, hollow
place to lay my gun in; and, to keep it dry,
made a flag to hang over it. My umbrella I
fixed in a step in the stern, like a mast, to keep
the heat of the sun off me. And now resolving
to see the circumference of my little kingdom,
I victualled my ship for the voyage, putting
in two dozen of my barley-bread loaves, an
earthen pot full of parched rice, a little bottle
of rum, half a goat, powder and shot, and two
watch-coats. It was the 6th of November, in
the 6th year of my captivity, that I set out on
this voyage; which was much longer than 1
expected, being obliged to put farther out, on
account of the rocks. And indeed, so much
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
69
did these rocks surprise me, that I was for
putting back, fearing that if I ventured farther
it would be out of my power to return. In this
uncertainty I came to anchor just on shore, to
which I waded with my gun on my shoulder,
and then climbing a hill, which overlooked that
point, I saw the full extent of it, and resolved
to run all hazards.-That night it grew so calm
that I ventured out; and here I may be a
monument to all rash and ignorant pilots; for
I was no sooner come to the point, and not
above a boat's length from shore, but I was got
into deep water, with a current like a mill,
which drove my boat along so violently, that
it was impossible for me to keep near the edge
of it, but forced me more and more out from
the eddy to the left of me; and all I could do
with my paddles was useless, there being no
wind to help me.
Who can conceive the present anguish of my
mind at this calamity? With longing eyes did
I look upon my little kingdom, and thought the
island the pleasantest place in the universe.
Happy, thrice happy desert, said I, shall I
never see thee more? Wretched creature!
whither am I gring? Why did I murmur at
I
70
LIFE ANL ADVENTURES
my lonesome condition, when now I would
give the whole world to be thither again?
While I was thus complaining, I found myself
driven about two leagues into the sea; how-
ever, I labored till my strength was far spent,
to keep my boat as far north as possible.
About noon, I perceived a little breeze of wind
spring up from the S. S. E. which overjoyed
my heart; and was still more elated, when, in
about half an hour, it blew a gentle, fine gale.
I set up my mast again, spread my sail, and
stood away northward as much as I could, to
get rid of the current. And no sooner did the
boat begin to stretch away, but I perceived, by
the clearness of the water, a change of the
current was near. About four o'clock in the
afternoon, I reached within a league of the
island, and in an hour came within a mile of
the shore, where I soon landed, to my un-
speakable comfort; and after an humble pros-
tration, thanking God for my deliverance, with
resolution to lay all thoughts of escaping aside,
I brought my boat safe to a little cove, and
laid down to take a welcome repose. When
I awoke, I considered how I might get my
boat home; and coasting along the shore, I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
71
came to a good bay which ran up to a rivulet
or brook, where, finding a good harbor, I
stowed her as safe as if she had been in a dry
dock made on purpose for her.
I now perceived myself not far from the
place where before I had travelled on foot; so
taking nothing with me, except my gun and
umbrella, I began my journey; and in the
evening came to my bower, where I again laid
me down to rest. I had not slept long before
I was awakened in great surprise, by a strange
voice that called me several times, Robin,
Robin, Robinson Crusoe, poor Robin! Where
are you, Robinson Crusoe? Where are you?
Where have you been?"
<<
So fast was I asleep at first, that I did not
awake thoroughly; but half asleep and half
awake, I thought I dreamed that somebody
spoke to me. But as the voice repeated
Robinson Crusoe several times, being terribly
affrighted, I started up; and no sooner were
my eyes fully open, out I beheld my pretty Poll
sitting on the top of the hedge, and soon knew
that it was he that called me; for just in such
bewailing language I used to talk and teach
him; which he so exactly learned, that he
靡
​72
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
would sit upon my finger, and lay his bill close
to my face, and cry, "Poor Robinson Crusoe,
where are you? where have you been? how
came you here ?" and such like prattle, I had
constantly taught him. But even though I
knew it to be the parrot, it was a great while
before I could adjust myself, being amazed how
the creature got thither. But now being
assured it could be no other than my honest
Poll, my wonder ceased, and reaching out my
hand, and calling familiarly, Poll, the creature
came to me, and perched upon my thumb as
he was wont, constantly prating to me with
"Poor Robinson Crusoe! and how did I come
here, and where had I been?". -as if the bird
was overjoyed to see me; so I took him home
with me.
I was now pretty well cured of my rambling
to sea, and began to lead a very retired life,
living near a twelvemonth in a very contented
manner, wanting for nothing except conversa-
tion. As to mechanic labors, which my ne-
cessities obliged me to, I fancied I could, upon
occasion, make a tolerable carpenter, were the
poor tools I had to work with but good. Be-
sides, as I improved in my earthenware, I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
73
contrived to make them with a wheel, which
I found much easier and better, making my
work shapely, which before was rude and ugly.
But I think I was never so elated with my
own performance, as for being able to make
a tobacco-pipe, which though it was an awk-
ward, clumsy thing, yet it was very sound, and
carried the smoke perfectly well. I also im-
proved my wicker-ware, making abundance
of baskets, which were very handy and con-
venient.
My powder beginning to fail, I contrived
many ways to ensnare the goats and see if I
could catch them alive, particularly a she-
goat with young. At last I had my desire;
for making pitfalls and traps, baited with
barley and rice, I found one morning, in one
of them, an old he-goat; and in the other,
three kids, one male, the other two females.
It was some time before they would feed; but
throwing them sweet corn, it so much tempted
them that they began to be tamer. I con-
cluded, that if I designed to furnish myself
with goat's flesh when my ammunition was
spent, the tamely breeding them up like a flock
of sheep, about my settlement, was the only
-
74
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
method I could take. I resolved to separate
the wild from the tame; and the best way for
this, was to have some inclosed piece of ground
well fenced, that those within might not break
out, or those without break in. Such an un-
dertaking was very great for one pair of hands;
but as there was an absolute necessity for 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 shelter to
keep them from the sun. I resolved to inclose
a piece of ground about one hundred and fifty
yards in length, and one hundred in breadth,
sufficient for as many as would maintain me
till my flock increased, and then I could add
more ground. I now vigorously prosecuted
my work, and it took me about three months
to hedge in the first piece. I tethered the
three kids in the best part of it, feeding them
as near me as possible, to make them familiar;
and indeed I very often carried some cars of
barley, or a handful of rice, and fed them out
of my hand; by which they grew so tame,
that when my inclosure was finished, and I let
them loose, they would run after me for a
handful of corn. In a year and a half's time I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
75
had a flock of about twelve goats, kids and all:
and in two years after they amounted to forty-
three, besides what I had taken and killed for
my sustenance. After which I inclosed five
pieces of ground to feed them in, with pens to
drive them into, that I might take them as I
had occasion.
In this project I likewise found additional
blessings; for I not only had plenty of goat's
flesh, but milk too, which at first I did not
think of. And indeed, though I had never
milked, or seen butter or cheese made, yet
after some essays and miscarriages, I made
both, and never afterwards wanted.
How mercifully can the Omnipotent Power
comfort his creatures, even in the midst of
their greatest calamities! He can
He can sweeten
the bitterest providences, and give us reason to
magnify him in dungeons and prisons! what a
bounteous table was here spread in a wilder-
ness for me, where I expected nothing at first
but to perish with hunger! When I dined, I
seemed a king, eating alone, none daring to
presume to do sc till I had done. Poll, as if
he had been my principal court favorite, was
the only person permitted to talk with me.
{
$6
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
My old, but faithful dog, continually sat on my
right hand; while my two cats sat on each
side of the table, expecting a bit from my hand,
as a mark of my royal favor. In this 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 resolved
to go along the shore by land to her; but had
any one in England met with such a figure, it
would either have affrighted them, or made
them burst into laughter.
The cap I wore on my head was great, high,
and shapeless, made of a goat's skin, with a
flap or pent-house hanging down behind, not
only to keep the sun from me, but to shoot the
rain off, nothing being more pernicious than
the rain falling upon the flesh in these climates.
I had a short jacket of goat's skin, whose hair
hung down such a length on each side, that' it
reached to the calves of my legs. As for my
shoes and stockings, they were made like
buskins, and laced on the sides like spatter-
dashes, barbarously shaped like the rest of my
habit. I had a broad belt of goat's skin dried,
girt round me with a coup e of thongs, instead
OF ROBINSON CRUSC E.
77
of buckles; on each of which, to supply the
deficiency of sword and dagger, hung my
hatchet and saw. Another belt not so broad,
yet fastened in the same manner, hung over
my shoulder, and at the end of it, under my
left arm, two pouches, made of goat's skin, to
hold my powder and shot. My basket I car-
ried on my back, and my gun on my shoulder;
and over my head a great, clumsy, ugly goat's
skin umbrella, which however, next to my gun,
was the most necessary thing about me. As
for my face, the color was not quite so swarthy
as the Mulattoes, as might have been expected
from one who took so little care of it, in a
climate within nine or ten degrees of the
equator. At one time my beard grew so long
that it hung down about a quarter of a yard;
but as I had both razors and scissors in store,
I cut it all off, and suffered none to grow, ex-
cept a large pair of Mohammedan whiskers,
like what I had seen worn by some Turks at
Salee, not long enough indeed to hang a hat
upon, but of such a monstrous size as would
have amazed any Englishman.
I had now two plantations in the island; the
first my little fortification, with many large and
78
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
spacious improvements. The piles with which
I had made my wall were grown so lofty and
great, as secured my habitation. And near this
commodious and pleasant settlement, lay my
well-cultivated and improved corn-fields, which
yielded me their fruit in proper season. My
second plantation was that near my country-
seat or little bower, where my grapes flourished,
and where, having planted many stakes, I made
inclosures for my goats, so strongly fortified by
labor and time, that it was much stronger than
a wall, and consequently impossible for them to
break through. As for my bower itself, I kept
it constantly in repair, and cut the trees in such
a manner, as made them grow thick and wild,
and form a most delightful shade. In the
centre of this stood my tent: I had driven four
piles in the ground, spreading over it a piece
of the ship's sail; beneath which I made a sort
of a couch with the skins of the creatures I
had slain, and other things; and having laid
thereon one of the sailor's blankets, which I
had saved from the wreck of the ship, and
covering myself with a great watch coat, I
took up this place for my country retreat. Very
frequently from this settlement did I visit my
boat and keep her in good order.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
79
You may easily suppose, that after having
been here so long, nothing could be more
amazing than to see a human creature. One
day it happened, that, going to my boat, I saw
the print of a man's naked foot on the shore,
very evident on the sand, as the toes, heel
and every part of it. Had I seen an appari
tion of the most frightful shape, I could not
have been more confounded. My willing ears
gave the strictest attention. I cast my eyes
around, but could satisfy neither the one nor
the other. I proceeded alternately to every
part of the shore, but with equal effect, neither
could I see any other mark, though the sand
about it was as susceptible to take impression
as that which was so plainly stamped. Thus,
struck with confusion and horror, I returned to
my habitation frightened at every bush and
tree, taking every thing for men; and pos-
sessed with the wildest ideas. That night my
eyes never closed: I formed nothing but the
most dismal imaginations; all my religious
hopes vanished, as though I thought God would
not now protect me by his power, who had
wonderfully preserved me so long.
What various changes of Providence are
80
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
there in the life of man! How changeable are
our affections, according to different circum-
stances! We love to-day what we hate to-
morrow we shun one hour what we seek the
next. This was evident in me in the most
conspicuous manner; for I, who before had so
much lamented my condition, in being banished
from all human kind, was now even ready to
expire, when I considered that a man had set
his foot on this desolate island. But when I
considered my station of life, decreed by the
infinitely wise and good providence of God, I
found it my duty to trust sincerely in him,
pray ardently to him, and humbly resign my-
self to his divine will.
One morning, lying on my bed, these words
of the sacred writings came into my mind:
"Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I
will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me."
Upon this sentence, rising more cheerfully
from my bed, I offered up my prayers in the
most heavenly manner; and when I had done,
taking up my Bible to read, these words ap-
peared first in my sight: "Wait on the Lord,
and be of good cheer, and he shall strengthen
thy heart: Wait, I say, on the Lord." Suck
·
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
81
2
divine comfort did this give me, as to remove
all cause of sadness upon that occasion.
I ventured out of my castle and milked my
goats, one of which was almost spoiled for wan;
of it. I next (though in great fear) visited my
bower, and milked my flocks there also; when,
growing bolder, I went down to the shore
again, and measuring the print of the foot to
mine, to see perhaps whether I myself had not
occasioned that mark, I found it much superior
in largeness; and so returned home, now ab-
solutely convinced, that either some men had
been ashore, or that the island must be in-
habited, and therefore that I might be surprised
before I was aware.
I began to think of providing for my securi-
ty, and resolved in any mind many different
schemes for that purpose. I first proposed to
cut down my inclosures, and turn my tame
cattle wild into the woods, that the enemy
might not find them, and frequent the island in
hopes of killing the same. Secondly, I was
for digging up my corn-fields for the very same
reason. And lastly, I concluded to demolish
my bower, lest, seeing a place of human con-
6
C
82
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
trivance, they might come farther, and find out
and attack me in my little castle.
Such notions did the fear of danger suggest
to me and I looked, I thought, like the un-
fortunate king Saul, when not only oppressed
by the Philistines, but also forsaken by God.
And it is strange, that, a little before, having
entirely resigned myself to the will of God, I,
should now have little confidence in Him,
fearing those more who could kill this fading
body, than him who could destroy my immortal
soul.
Wandering one day more to the west of the
island than ever I had yet done, and casting
my eyes towards the sea, methought I per-
ceived a boat at a great distance, but could
not possibly tell what it was for want of my
perspective-glass. I considered then it was
no strange thing to see the print of a man's
foot and concluding them cannibals, blessed
God for being cast on the other side of the
island, where none of the savages, as I thought,
ever came. But when I came down the hill
to the shore, which was the S. W. point of the
island, I was confirmed in my opinion; nor
can any one describe my horror and amaze-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
83
ment, when I saw the ground spread with
skulls, hands, feet, and bones of human bodies ;
and, particularly, I perceived a space like a
circle, in the midst of which had been a fire,
about which I conjectured these wretches sat,
and unnaturally sacrificed and devoured their
fellow-creatures.
The horror and loathsomeness of this dreadful
spectacle confounded my senses; I returned
towards my habitation; and, in my way
thither, shedding floods of tears, and falling
down on my knees, gave God thanks for
making my nature contrary to these wretches,
and delivering me so long out of their hands.
Though reason and my long residence here
had assured me, that these savages never came
up to the thick woody part of the country, and
that I had no reason to be apprehensive of a
discovery; yet such an abhorrence did I still
retain, that, for two years after, I confined
myself only to my plantations. In progress of
time my dreadful apprehensions began to wear
away, yet I was more vigilant for fear of being
surprised, and very cautious of firing my gun,
lest being heard by those creatures, they should
proceed to attack me. I resolved, however,
84
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
manfully to lose my life if they did, and went
armed with three pistols, stuck to my girdle,
which gave me a very formidable appearance.
-
My circumstances for some time remained
very calm and undisturbed; and when I com-
pared my condition with others, I found it fai
from being miserable. Would all persons
compare their circumstances, not with those
above them, but with those innumerable un-
happy objects beneath them, I am sure we
should not hear those daily murmurings and
complainings that are in the world. The
terror which the savages had put me in, spoiled
some inventions for my own convenience.
For now my inventions were, how I might
destroy some of these cannibals, when pro-
ceeding to their bloody entertainments; and
so saving a victim from being sacrificed, that
he might after become my servant.
To put
my design into execution, I was not long in
seeking for a place convenient for my purpose,
where unseen I might behold every action of
the savages. Here I placed my two muskets,
each of which was loaded with a brace of slugs,
and four or five smaller bullets about the size
of pistol bullets: the fowling-piece was charged
•
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
85
with near a handful of the largest swan shot,
and in every pistol were about four bullets.
But having waited in vain two or three months,
it not only grew very tiresome to me, but
brought me to some consideration, and made
me examine what right I had to kill these crea-
tures in this manner. Indeed, religion took their
part so much, as to convince me how contrary
it was to my duty, to be guilty of shedding
human blood, innocent as to me, 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, to do therein what seemed con-
venient to his heavenly wisdom. And on my
knees I thanked the Almighty for delivering
me from blood-guiltiness, and begged his pro-
tection, that I might never fall into their hands.
Thus giving over an attempt which I had
rashly begun, I never ascended the hill on that
occasion afterwards. I only removed my boat,
which lay on the other side 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 castle then became my
cell, keeping always retired in it, except when
86
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
I went out to milk my goats, and order my little
flock in the wood, which was quite out of
danger.
Anxiety of mind for my preservation put a
period to all future inventions and contrivances,
either for accommodation or convenience. I
now cared not to drive a nail, chop a stick, fire
a gun, or make a fire, lest either the noise
should be heard, or the smoke discover me.
And on this account, I used to burn my earthen-
ware privately, in a cave, which I found in the
wood, and which I made convenient for that
purpose; the principal cause that brought me
here was to make charcoal, so that I might
bake and dress my bread and meat without
any danger. At that time, a curious accident
happened me. While I was cutting down
some wood for making my charcoal, I per-
ceived a cavity behind a very thick branch of
underwood. Curious to look into it, I attained
its mouth, and perceived it sufficient for me to
stand upright in. But when I had entered,
and took a further view, two rolling, shining
eyes, like flaming stars, seemed to dart them-
selves at me; so that I made all the haste out
that I could. When I recovered a little from
A
OF ROBINSON RUSOE.
87
T
my surprise, resuming my courage, I took a
flaming firebrand, and in I rushed again. I
had not proceeded above three steps, when I
was more affrighted than before; for I heard a
loud sigh like that of a human creature in the
greatest agony, succeeded by a broken noise
resembling words half-expressed, and then a
sigh again. Encouraging myself with the
hopes of God's protection, I went forward, and
by the light of my firebrand, perceived it to
be a monstrous he-goat, lying on the ground,
gasping for life, and dying of mere old age.
At first I stirred him, thinking to drive him
out, and the poor creature strove to get upon
his feet, but was not able; so I e'en let him
lie still to affright the savages, should they
venture into this cave. I now looked round
and found the place small and shapeless. At
the further side of it, I perceived a sort of en-
trance, yet so low, it must oblige me to creep
?
, upon my hands and knees to it; so, having no
candle, I suspended my enterprise till the next
day, and then I came provided with two large
ones of my own making.
Having crept through this strait, I found the
roof, I think, about twenty feet high. But
";
88
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
surely mortal never saw such a glorious sight
before! The roofs and walls of this cave re-
flected a hundred thousand lights from my two
candles, as though they were indented with
shining gold, precious stones, or sparkling
diamonds. The floor was dry and level, and
had a kind of gravel upon it; no nauseous,
venomous creatures to be seen there, neither
any damp or wet about it. I could find no
fault but in the entrance, and I began to think
that even this might be very necessary for my
defence, and therefore resolved to make it my
principal magazine. I brought hither two fowl-
ing-pieces and three muskets, leaving only five
pieces upon my castle, planted in the nature
of cannon. Of the barrel of gunpowder which
I took up out of the sea, I brought away about
sixty pounds, which was not damaged; and
this, with a great quantity of lead for bullets, I
removed from my castle to this retreat, now
fortified both by art and nature.
I fancied myself now like one of the giants
of old, who were said to live in caves and
holes among the rocks, inaccessible to any but
themselves; or at least, a most dangerous at-
tempt. And now I despised both the cunning
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
89
and strength of the savages, either to find me
out, or to hurt me.
But I must not forget the old goat, which
caused my late dreadful amazement. The
poor creature gave up the ghost the day after
my discovery; and, it being difficult to drag
him out, I dug his grave, and honorably en-
tombed him in the same place where he de-
parted, with as much ceremony as any Welch
goat that had been interred about the high
mountains of Penmanmawr.
I think I now was in the twenty-third year
of my reign, and my thoughts much easier
than formerly, having contrived several pretty
amusements and diversions agreeably to pass
away the time. By this time my pretty Poll
had learned to speak English, and pronounce
his words very accurately and plain; so that
for many hours we used to chat together in a
familiar manner, and he lived with me no less
than twenty-six years. My dog, which was
nineteen years old, sixteen of which he lived
with me, died some time ago of mere old age.
As for my cats they multiplied so fast, that I
was forced to kill or drive them into the
woods, except two or three which became my
90
LIFE AND ADVENT JRES
particular favorites. Besides these, 1 con-
tinually kept two or three household kids about
me, which I learned to feed out of my hand,
and two more parrots which could talk indif-
ferently, and call Robinson Crusoe. I had also
several sea-fowls, which I had wounded and
cut their wings; and growing tame, they used
to breed among the low trees about my castle-
walls, all of which made my abode very agree-
able.
But what unforeseen events suddenly destroy
the enjoyment of this uncertain life! It was
now the month of December, in the southern
solstice, and time of my harvest, which re-
quired my attendance in the fields; when
going out pretty early one morning, before it
was light, there appeared from the sea-shore a
flaming light, about two miles from me, at the
east end of the island, where I had observed
some savages had been before, not on the other
side, but to my great affliction, it was on my
side the island.
Struck with a terrible surprise, and my usual
apprehensions, that the savages would perceive
my improvements, I returned directly to my
castle, pulled the ladder after me, making all
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
91.
0
things look as wild and natural as I possibly
could. In the next place I put myself in a
posture of defence, loaded my muskets and
pistols, and committing myself to God's pro
tection, resolved to defend myself till my las
breath. Two hours after, impatient for intelli
gence, I ascended to the top of a hill, where
laying myself down, with my perspective-glass,
I perceived no less than nine naked savages,
sitting round a small fire, eating, as I supposed,
human flesh, with their two canoes hauled on
shore, waiting for the flood to carry them off
again. I cannot easily express the consternation
I was in at this sight; but when I perceived
their coming must be always with the current
of the ebb, I became more easy, being fully
convinced that I might go abroad with security
all the time of flood, if they were not before
landed. Before they went off, they danced,
making ridiculous postures and gestures, for
above an hour, all stark-naked. When I saw
them gone, I took two guns upon my shoulders,
and placing a couple of pistols in my belt, with
my great sword hanging by my side, I went to
the hill, where at first I made the discovery of
these cannibals, and then saw there had been
}
$
92
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
•
three canoes more of the savages on shore at
that place, which with the rest were making
over to the main land.
But nothing could be more horrid to me,
when, going to the place of sacrifice, the blood,
the bones, and other mangled parts of human
bodies appeared in my sight; and so fired was
I with indignation, that I was fully resolved
to be revenged on the first that came there,
though I lost my life in the execution. It then
appeared to me, that the visits which they
make to this island are not very frequent, it
being fifteen months before they came again:
but still I was very uneasy lest they should
surprise me unawares.
On the 16th of May (according to my wooden
calendar)* the wind blew exceedingly hard, ac-
companied with abundance of lightning and
thunder all day, and succeeded by a very
stormy night. The seeming anger of the
Heavens made me have recourse to my Bible.
Whilst I was seriously pondering upon it, I
was suddenly alarmed with the noise of a gun,
which I conjectured was fired upon the ocean.
Such an unusual surprise made me start up in
a minute, when, with my ladder, ascending the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
93
mountain as before, that very moment a flash
of fire presaged the report of another gun,
which I presently heard, and found it was
from that part of the sea where the current
drove me away.
I could not but think, that
this must be a ship in distress, and that these
were the melancholy signals for a speedy de-
liverance. Great indeed was my sorrow upon
this occasion; but my labors to assist them
must have proved altogether fruitless. How-
ever, I brought together all the dry wood that
was at hand, and making a pretty large pile,
set it on fire on the hill. I was certain they
plainly perceived it, by their firing another gun
as soon as it began to blaže, and after that
several more from the same quarter. All night
long I kept up my fire; and when the air
cleared up, I perceived something a great way
at sea, directly east, but could not distinguish
what it was, even with my glass, as the weather
was very foggy out at sea. However, keeping
my eyes directly fixed upon it, and perceiving
it did not stir, I presently concluded it must be
a ship at anchor; and taking my gun, I went
450
to the S. E. part of the island, to the same
rocks where I had been formerly driven by
94
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
1
the current in which time the weather being
perfectly cleared up, to my great sorrow I per-
ceived the wreck of a ship cast away upon
those hidden rocks.
I had the affliction, some time after, to see
the corpse of a drowned boy come on shore, at
the end of the island which was next the
wreck; there was nothing on him but a sea-
man's waistcoat, a pair of open-kneed linen
drawers, and a blue linen shirt, but no particu-
lar mark to guess what nation he was of. In
his pocket were two pieces of eight, and a
tobacco-pipe. And now the calmness of the
sea tempted me to venture out in my boat to
this wreck, not only to get something neces-
sary out of the ship, but perhaps some living
creature might be on board, whose life I might
preserve.
This had such an influence upon my mind,
that immediately I went home, and prepared
every thing necessary for the voyage, carrying
on board my boat provisions of all sorts, with a
good quantity of rum, fresh water, and a com-
pass: so putting off, I paddled the canoe along
the shore, till I came at last to the northeast
part of the island, from whence I was to launch
C
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
95
Into the ocean; but here the currents ran so
violently, and appeared so terrible, that my
heart began to fail me; foresceing, that if I
was driven into any of these currents, I might
be carried not only out of the reach of the
island, but even inevitably lost in the boiling
surges of the ocean.
So oppressed was I at these troubles, that I
gave over my enterprise, sailing to a little creek
on the shore, where, stepping out, I sat down
on a rising hill, very pensive and thoughtful. I
then perceived that the tide was turned and
the flood came on, which made it impracticable
for me to go out for many hours.
That night I reposed myself in my canoe,
covered with my watch-coat, instead of a
blanket, the heavens being my tester. I set
out with the first of the tide full north, till I
felt the benefit of the current, which carried
me at a great rate eastward, yet not with such
impetuosity as before, as to take from me all
government of my canoe; so that in two hours'
time I came up to the wreck. It seemed to
be a Spanish vessel, stuck fast between two
rocks; her stern and quarter beaten to pieces
by the sea, her mainmast and foremast were
96
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
broken off short. As I approached near, 1
perceived a dog on board, who, seeing me
coming, yelped and cried, and no sooner did
I call him, but the poor creature jumped into
the sea, out of which I took him up, almost
famished with hunger and thirst; so that when
I gave him a cake of bread, no ravenous wolf
could devour it more greedily; and he drank
to that degree of fresh water, that he would
have burst himself, had I suffered him.
The first sight I met with in the ship, were
two men drowned in the cook-room or fore-
castle, inclosed in one another's arms: hence I
very probably supposed, that when the vessel
struck in the storm, so high and incessantly
did the waters break in and over her, that the
men, not being able to bear it, were strangled
by the constant rushing in of the waves. There
were several casks of liquor, whether wine 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 meddle with; likewise I
perceived several chests, which I supposed to
belong to the seamen, two of which I got into
my boat, without examining what was in them.
OF ROBINSON RUSOE.
97
Searching further, I found a cask, contain-
ing about twenty gallons of liquor, which, with
some labor, I got into my boat; in her cabin
were several muskets, which I let remain there,
but took away with me a great powder-horn,
with about four pounds of powder. I took also
a fire-shovel and tongs, two brass kettles, a
copper pot to make chocolate, and a gridiron,
all which were extremely useful to me, espe-
cially the fire-shovel and tongs. And so with
this cargo, accompanied by my dog, I came
away, the tide serving for that purpose: and
the same evening I attained the island, after
the greatest toil and fatigue imaginable.
That night I reposed my weary limbs in the
boat, resolving the next morning to harbor
what I had gotten, in my new-found subter-
raneous grotto; and not to carry my cargo
home to my ancient castle. Having refreshed
myself, and got all my effects on shore, I next
proceeded to examine them; and tapping the
cask, I found the liquor to be rum. In the
chest I found a very fine case of bottles, con-
taining the finest and best sorts of cordial
waters; each bottle held about three pints,
curiously tipt with silver. Also, two pots full
ry
98
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
of the choicest sweetmeats, and two more
which the water had utterly spoiled. There
were likewise several good shirts, exceedingly
welcome to me; and about one dozen and a
half white linen handkerchiefs and colored
neckcloths, the former of which was absolutely
necessary for wiping my face in a hot day:
and in the till I found three bags of pieces of
eight, about eleven hundred in all, in one
of which, decently wrapped up in a piece of
paper, were six doubloons of gold, and some
small bars and wedges of the same metal,
which I believe might weigh near a pound.
In the other chest, which I guessed to belong
to the gunner's mate, I found only some clothes
of very little value, except about two pounds
of fine glazed powder, in three flasks, kept, as
I believe, for charging the fowling-pieces; so
that, in the whole, I had no great advantage
by this voyage. The money was, indeed, as
mere dirt to me, useless and unprofitable, all
which I would have freely parted with for two
or three pair of English shoes and stockings;
things that for many years I had not worn,
except those which I had taken off the feet
of the unfortunate men I found drowned in the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
99
wreck. When I arrived at my castle, every
thing seemed safe and quiet.
Having retired to my castle after my late
voyage to the ship, my frigate laid up and
secured, as usual, and my condition the same
as before, except being richer, though I had as
little occasion for riches as the Indians of Peru
had for gold, before the cruel Spaniards came
among them; one night in March, being the
rainy season, in the four-and-twentieth year
of my solitude, I lay down to sleep, very well
in health, without distemper, pain, or uncom-
mon uneasiness either of body or mind; yet,
notwithstanding, I could not compose myself to
sleep. All this tedious time, it is impossible to
express what innumerable thoughts came into
my head. I traced the whole history of my
life in miniature, from my earliest remem-
brance of things till I came to this island, and
then proceeded to examine every thing that
had occurred since I had taken possession of
my kingdom. In my reflections upon the
latter, I was comparing the happy posture of
my affairs in the beginning of my reign, to this
life of anxiety, fear, and concern, since I had
discovered a print of a foot in the sand. While
100
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ny thoughts were agitated, my resignation to
the will of Heaven was entirely suspended, so
that I had no power to fix my mind to any
thing, but to the project of a voyage to the
main land; till nature, being, as it were,
fatigued and exhausted with the thoughts of it,
made me submit myself to a silent repose.
In such a situation, it is very strange that I
did not dream of what I was so intent upon;
but, instead of it, my mind roved on a thing
altogether foreign. I dreamed that as I was
issuing from my castle one morning, as cus-
tomary, I perceived upon the shore two canoes,
and eleven savages coming to land, who had
brought with them another Indian, whom they
designed to make a sacrifice of, in order to
devour; but just as they were going to give the
fatal blow, methought the poor victim jumped
away, and ran directly into my little thick
grove, to abscond from his enemies, when, per-
ceiving that the others did not follow him, I
appeared to him; that he humbly kneeled
down before me, and seemed to pray for my
assistance; upon which I showed him my
ladder, made him ascend, carried him to
my cave, and he became my servant.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
101
This dream brought me to reflect, that one
sure way of escaping was to get a savage; that
after I had ventured my life to deliver him from
the bloody jaws of his devourers, the natural
sense he might have of such a preservation,
might inspire him with a lasting gratitude, and
most sincere affection. I at length resolved,
right or wrong, to get one of these savages into
my hands, even though I should lose my life
in the attempt. Inspired with this resolution,
I set my wits at work, to find out what
methods I should take to accomplish my
design this, indeed, was so difficult a task,
that I could not pitch upon any probable
means to execute; I therefore resolved con-
tinually to be in a vigilant posture, to perceive
when the savages came on shore, and to leave
the rest to that event.
Such were my fixed resolutions; and ac-
cordingly I set myself upon the watch. I
waited for above a year and a half. This was
a very great discouragement; yet the edge of
my design was as keen as ever, and the longer
it seemed to be delayed, the more eager was I
for it.
I was one day seriously musing how I should
102
LIFE AND AI VENTURES
attain my end, when I was very much sur-
prised by seeing no less than five canoes all on
shore together, on my side of the island, and
the savages that belonged to them all landed,
and out of my sight. Such a number of them
disconcerted my measures; for, seeing so many
boats, each of which would contain six, and
sometimes more, I could not tell how to order
my measures; and much dispirited and per-
plexed, I lay still in my castle; which, how-
ever, I put in a proper posture for an attack:
and having formerly provided all that was
necessary, was soon ready to enter upon an
engagement. Having waited for some time,
my impatient temper would let me bear it no
longer. I set my guns at the foot of the ladder,
and, as usual, ascended to the top of the hill ;
and here, by the assistance of my perspective-
glass, I observed no less than thirty in number
around a fire, feasting upon what meat they had
dressed how they cooked it, or what it was, I
could not then perfectly tell; but they were all
dancing and capering about the flames, using
many frightful and barbarous gestures.
But while, with a curious eye, I was behold-
ing these wretches, my spirits sunk within me,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
103
when I perceived them drag two miserable
creatures from the boats, to act afresh the dread-
ful tragedy, as I supposed they had done before.
It was not long before one of them fell upon
the ground, knocked down, as I suppose, with
a club or wooden sword; while two or three
others went immediately to work, cutting him
open for their cookery, while the last unhappy
captive was left by himself, till they were ready
for him. The poor creature looked round him
with a wishful eye, trembling at the thoughts
of death; yet seeing himself a little at liberty,
nature, that very moment, as it were, inspired
him with hopes of life: he started away from
them, and ran, with incredible swiftness, along
the sands, directly to that part of the coast where:
my ancient and venerable castle stood.
You may well imagine I was dreadfully af
frighted upon this occasion. However, my spi-
rits beginning to recover, I still kept upon my
guard; and I now plainly perceived there were
but three men out of the number that pursued!
him. I was infinitely pleased to see with what:
swiftness the poor creature ran from his pursuers,,
gaining so much ground upon them, that I plain-.
ly perceived, could he thus hold out for half an
104
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
nour, there was not the least doubt but he would
save his life from the power of his enemies.
Between them and my castle there was a
creek, where I much feared the poor victim would
be taken, if he could not swim for his escape. But
soon was I out of pain for him, when I perceived
he made nothing of it, though at full tide, but
with an intrepid courage, spurred on by the
sense of danger, he plunged into the flood, swim-
ming over in about thirty strokes, and, then
landing, ran with the same incredible strength
and swiftness as before. When the three pur-
suers came to the creek, one of them, who I
perceived could not swim, returned to his com-
pany, while the others, with equal courage, but
much less swiftness, attained the other side, as
though they were resolved never to give over the
pursuit. And now or never, I thought, was the
time for me to procure me a servant, companion,
or assistant. I immediately descended my two
ladders with the greatest expedition; I took up
my guns, which, as I said before, were at the
bottom of them, ana taking a short cut down
the hill, I interposed between the pursuers and
pursued; hallooing aloud to the latter, who,
venturing to look back, was, no doubt, as much
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
105
terrified at me as I at them. I beckoned to
him with my hand, to return back; in the mean
time advancing towards the pursuers, and rush-
ing on the foremost, I knocked him down with
the stock of my piece, and laid him flat upon
the ground. I was very unwilling to fire, lest
the rest should hear. The other savage seeing
his fellow fall, stopped as if he had been amazed;
when, advancing towards him, I could perceive
him take his bow from his back, and fixing his
arrow to it, was preparing to shoot at me. In
this case of self-preservation, I immediately fired
at him, and shot him dead, just as his hand was
going to draw the fatal string. All this while
the savage, who had fled before, stood still, and
had the satisfaction to see his enemies killed;
so affrighted was he with the fire and noise of
my piece, that he stood fixed and immovable,
without either sense or motion. This obliged
me to halloo to him again, making the plainest
signs I could to him to draw nearer.
I per-
ceived he understood those tokens by his ap-
proaching to me a little way, when, as if afraid
I should kill him too, he stopped again. Se-
veral times did he advance, and as often stop in
this manner, till coming more to my view, I
*
106
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
perceived him trembling, as if he was to undergo
the same fate; upon which I looked upon him
witl. a smiling countenance, and still beckoning
to him, at length, he came close to me, and
kneeled down, kissing the ground, laid his head
upon it, and taking me by the foot, set it upon
his head; and this, as I understood afterwards,
was a token of swearing to be my slave for ever.
I took him up, and, making much of him, en-
couraged him in the best manner I could. But
my work was not yet finished; for I perceived
the savage whom I had knocked down was not
killed, but stunned with the blow, and began to
come to himself. Upon which I pointed to my
new servant, and showed him that his enemy
was not yet expired: he spoke some words to
me, but which I could not understand; yet, be.
ing the first sound of a man's voice that I had
heard for above twenty-five years, they were
very pleasing to me. But there was no time
for reflection now, the wounded savage recover-
ing himself so far as to sit upon the ground,
which made my poor prisoner as much afraid as
before. To put him out of fear, I presented my
other gun at the man, with an intent to shoot
him; but my savage, for so I must now call
OF ROBINSON CRISCE.
107
him, prevented my firing, by making a motion
to me to lend him a sword, which hung naked
in my belt by my side. No sooner did I grant
his request, but away he runs to his enemy, and
at one blow cut off his head as dexterously as
the most accomplished executioner in Germany
could have done; for it seems these creatures
make use of wooden swords, made of hard wood,
which will bear edge enough to cut off heads
and arms at one blow. When this valorous
exploit was done, he comes to me laughing, as
a token of triumph, delivered me my sword
again, with abundance of surprising gestures,
laying it, along with the bleeding and ghastly
head of the Indian, at my feet.
The great astonishment that my new ser-
vant conceived, was the manner of killing the
savage at such a distance, without a bow and
arrow. First he turned him on one side, then
on another, wondering he could perceive no
quantity of blood; and after sufficiently ad-
miring the wound the bullets had made in his
breast, he took up his bow and arrows, and
came back again; upon which I turned to go
away, making signs to him to follow, lest the
rest, missing their companions, might come in
108
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
pursuit of them: and this I found he under-
stood very well, by his making me understand
that his design was to bury them, that they
might not be seen if it happened, and which I
made him sensible I very much approved of.
Immediately he fell to work, and never was a
grave-digger more dexterous than he was; for
in an instant he scraped a large hole in the
sand with his hands, sufficient to bury the first
in; there he dragged him, and without any
ceremony he covered him over; in like man-
ner he served the other: all this was done in
less than a quarter of an hour. I then called
him away, and instead of carrying him directly
to my castle, I conveyed him to my cave on
the farther part of the island: and so my
dream was now fulfilled in that particular, that
my grove should prove an asylum or sanctuary
to him.
Here I gave him bread and a bunch of raisins
to cat, and water to drink; on which he fed
very cheerfully, to his exceeding refreshment.
I then made him a bed with a parcel of rice
straw, and a blanket upon it, and pointing to
it, made signs for him to lie down to sleep;
upon which the poor creature went to take a
welcome repose.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
109
Indeed he was a very handsome young fel-
low, extremely well made, with straight, long
limbs; not too large, but tall and well-shaped
and, as near as I could reckon, about twenty-
six years of age. His countenance had no-
thing in it fierce or surly, but rather a sort of
majesty; and, especially when he smiled, he
had all the sweetness and softness of an Euro-
pean. His hair was not curled like wool, as
many of the blacks are, but long and black,
with the most beautiful yet careless tresse¿S
spreading over his shoulders. He had a very
high and large forehead, with a great vivacity
and sparkling sharpness in his eyes.
His skin
was not so tawny as the Virginian Brazilians,
or other Americans, but rather of a bright dun
olive-color, that had something agreeable in it,
though not very easy to describe. His face
was round and plump, with a small nose, very
different from the flatness of the negroes; a
pretty small mouth, thin lips, fine teeth, very
well set, and white as the driven snow. In a
word, such handsome features, and exact sym-
metry in every part, made me consider that I
had saved the life of an Indian prince.
As I understood him in many things, I made
110
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
him sensible I was very well pleased with him;
and in a little time, I began to speak to him,
and taught him to talk to me again. In the
first place I made him understand his name
was to be Friday, because it was upon that
day I saved his life; then I taught him to say
Master, which I made him sensible was to be
my name. I likewise taught him to say Yes
and No, and to know what they meant.
gave him some milk in an earthen pot, making
him view me while I drank it before him, and
soaked my bread in it; I gave him a cake of
bread, and caused him to soak it likewise, to
which he readily consented, making signs of
the greatest satisfaction.
I
All that night I kept him there; but in the
morning I ordered him to arise, and come
along with me, with certain tokens that I
would give him some clothes like mine, at
which he seemed very glad, being stark naked.
I carried him with me to my castle, and
gave him a pair of linen drawers, which I had
taken out of the poor gunner's chest, and
which, with a little alteration, fitted him very
well in the next place I made him a jerkin
of goat's skin, such as my skill was able mul
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
111
manage; and indeed I thought myself then a
tolerable good tailor. I gave him also a cap
which I had made of a hare's skin, very con-
venient and fashionable. Thus being clothed
toberably well, my man was no less proud of
his habit than I was of seeing him in it. In-
deed he went very awkwardly at first, the
drawers being heavy on his thighs, not used to
bear any weight, and the sleeves of the waist-
coat galled his shoulders and the inside of his
arms: but by a little easing where he com-
plained they hurt him, and by using himself to
them, at length he took to them very well.
My next concern was, where I should lodge
him; and that I might do well by him, and
yet be perfectly easy myself, I erected a tent
for him in the vacant place between my two
fortifications, in the inside of the last and the
outside of the first, and as there was an en-
trance or door into my cave, I made a formal
framed door-case, and a door to open on the
inside; I barred it up in the night-time, taking
in my ladders too, so that, was my man to
prove treacherous, there could be no way to
come at me in the inside of my innermost wall,
without making so much noise in getting over
that it must waken me.
112
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
But there was no occasion for this precau-
tion; for surely a master never had a more
sincere, faithful, and loving servant than Friday
proved to me. Without passion, sullenness,
or design, perfectly obliging and engaging, his
affections were as much tied to me as those of
a child to its parents: and I might venture to
say, he would have sacrificed his life for the
saving of mine, upon any occasion whatsoever.
One morning I took him out with me, with
an intention to kill a kid out of the flock, and
bring it home and dress it. As I was going, I
perceived a she-goat lying down in the shade,
and two young kids sitting by her. Immedi-
ately I catched hold of my man Friday, and
bidding him stand still and not stir, I pre-
sented my piece, and shot one of the kids.
My poor servant, who, at a distance, perceived
me kill his adversary, and yet did not know by
what means, or how it was done, stood trem-
bling and surprised, and looked so amazed,
that I thought he would have sunk into the
earth. He did not see the kid I aimed at, or
behold I had killed it, but ripped up his waist-
coat to see if he was not wounded, thinking
my intention was to kill him; for coming to
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
113
me, he fell on his knees, earnestly proncuncing:
many things which I did not understand the:
meaning of; which at length I perceived was,.
that I would not take away his life. To con-.
vince him that I would do him no harm, I took:
him smiling by the hand, then laughing at him,,
and pointing to the kid which I had slain,.
made signs to him to fetch it, which accord-
ingly he did. He would not so much as touch!
the gun for several days after, but would come.
and communicate his thoughts to it, and talk.
to it, as if the senseless piece had understood
and answered him; all this I could perceive:
him do, when he thought my back was turned ;;
the chief intent of which was, to desire it not
to kill him, as I afterwards discovered.
I brought home the kid, and the same even-.
ing took off the skin and divided the carcass as
well as I could. Part. of the flesh I stewed ;;
and then, spreading my table, I sat down,.
giving my man some of it to eat, who was
wonderfully pleased: but what was most sur--
prising to him was to see me eat salt with it::
upon which he made me understand, that salt:
was very bad for me; when putting a little
into his mouth he seemed to nauseate it in
8
114
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
such a manner as to spit and splutter at it, and
then washed his mouth with fresh water. But
to show him how contrary his opinion was to
mine, I put some meat in my mouth without
salt, and feigned to spit and splutter as much
for the want of it as he had done at it; yet all
this proved of no signification to Friday; and
it was a long while before he could endure salt
in his meat or broth, and even then but a small
quantity.
·
Thus having fed him sufficiently with boiled
meat and broth at that time, the next day I
was resolved to feast him with a roasted piece
of the kid. And having no spit to fasten it,
nor jack to turn it, I made use of that common
artifice which many of the common people of
England have; that is, to set two poles upon
each side of the fire, and one across on the
top, hanging the meat thereon with a string,
and so turning round continually, roast it.
This practice caused great admiration in my
man Friday. But when he came to taste the
sweetness and tenderness of the flesh, he ex-
pressed his entire satisfaction in a thousand
different ways; and made it very plain to me,
that he would never, while he lived, cat man's
flesh more.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
115
It was now high time I should set my ser-
vant to work; so next day I set him to beat
out some corn, and sift it in the same manner
I had done before. And really the fellow was
very quick and handy in the execution of any
thing I ordered him to go about. I made him
understand that it was to make bread for us to
eat, and afterwards let him see me make it.
In short, he did every thing 1 ordered him in a
little me, as well as I could perform it myself.
But now, considering that I had two mouths
to feed instead of one, it was necessary that I
should provide more ground for my harvest,
and plant a larger quantity of corn than I used
to do; upon which I marked out a larger piece
of land, fencing it in, in the same manner as
before; in the execution of which I must give
Friday this good word, that no man could
work with better will than he did; and when
I made him sensible that it was for bread to
serve him as well as me, he made me under-
stand, that he thought I had much more labor
ọn his account than I had for myself; and that
no pains or diligence should be wanting in him,
f I would but direct him what to do.
I must own, that this was the most pleasant
VR
*
116
LIFE ANI ADVENTURES
year I ever had in the island; for after some
time Friday began to talk pretty well, and
understood the names of those things which I
was wont to call for, and the places where I
used to send him. So that my long silent
tongue, which had been useless so many years,
except in an exclamatory manner, either for
deliverance or blessings, now began to be
occupied in teaching and talking to my man
Friday; for so innocent did his simple a id un-
feigned honesty appear to me, that I began
entirely to love him.
I believe there is no state of life but what
may be happy, if people would but endeavor to
make it so. He is not the happiest man that
has the most riches; but he that is content
with what he has. Before I had my servant, I
thought myself miserable; and now that I had
enjoyed the happy benefits of him, I still com-
plained, and begged a deliverance from a place
of retirement, ease, and plenty, where Provi-
dence had sufficiently blessed me. In a word,
from this time I entertained some hopes that,
one time or other, I might find an opportunity
to make my escape from this island, and that
this poor savage might be a great furtherance
thereto.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
117
•
All this time, since my man became so in-
telligent as to understand and speak to me, I
spared no pains or diligence to instruct him,
according to my poor share of knowledge, in
the principles of religion, and the adoration
that he ought to pay to the true God. One
time, as I very well remember, I asked him
who made him? At first, the innocent crea-
ture did not understand what I meant, but
rather thought I asked him who was his
father? Upon which I took another way to
make him sensible. Friday, said I, who is it
that made the sea, this ground whereon we
walk, and all these hills and woods which we
behold and here indeed I did not miss my
intention; for he told me it was Old Bena-
muckee, (the god whom I suppose these
savages adored,) who lived a great way be-
yond all. But as to his attributes, poor Friday
was an utter stranger..
stranger. He could describe
nothing of this great person; and all that he
could say was, that he was very old, much
older than the sea and land, the moon, or the
stars. Friday, said I again, if this great and
old person has made all things in the world,
how comes it to pass, that all things, as you in
118
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
particular, do not adore and worship him !
Upon this, 100king very grave, with a perfect
sweet look of innocence, he replied, "Master
all things say O to him;" by which it may
be reasonably supposed he meant adoration.
And where, said I, do the people of your
country go when they die? He answered to
Benamuckee. What, and those people that are
eaten up, do they go there? "Benamuckee,"
said he, "love 'em dearly; me pray to Bena-
muckee in de canoe, and Benamuckee would
love me when they eat me all up."
Such discourses as these had I with my man,
which made me sensible, that the true God is
worshipped, though under imperfect similitudes;
and that the false adoration which the heathens
give to their imaginary deity, is as great an
argument of the divine essence as the most
learned Atheists can bring against it; for God
will be glorified in his works, let their denomi-
nation be what it will.
I began to instruct my servant in the saving
knowledge of the true Deity, in which the
directions of God's Holy Spirit assisted me.
I
lifted up my hands to Heaven, and pointing
thereto, told him, that the great Maker of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
119
heaven and earth lived there: that, as his in-
finite power fashioned this world out of a con-
fused chaos, and made it in that beautiful frame
which we behold, so he governs and preserves
by his unbounded knowledge, sovereign
greatness and peculiar providence; that he
was omnipotent, could do every thing for us,
give every thing to us, and take every thing
away from us; that he was the rewarder of
good and punisher of evil actions; that there
was nothing but what he knew, no thoughts so
secret but what he could bring to light: and
thus, by degrees, I opened his eyes, and de-
scribed to him the manner of the creation of
the world, the situation of paradise, the trans-
gression of our first parents, the wickedness
of God's peculiar people, and the universal
sins and abominations of the whole earth.-
When these things were implanted in his
mind, I told him, that as God's justice was
equal to his mercy, he resolved to destroy this
world, till his Son Jesus Christ interposed in
our behalf; and, to procure our redemption,
obtained leave of his heavenly Father to come
down from Heaven into the world, where he
took huraan nature upon him, instructed us in
padd
120
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
our way to eternal life, and died as a sacrifice
for our sins; that he was now ascended into
Heaven, mediating for our pardon, delivering
our petitions, and obtaining all those benefits
which we ask in his name, by humble and
hearty prayers, all of which were heard at the
throne of Heaven.
By the constant application I made to the
Scriptures, as I read them to my man Friday,
I earnestly endeavored to make him understand
every part of it, as much as lay in my power.
He also, on the other hand, by his very serious
questions and inquiries, made me a much better
proficient in Scripture knowledge than I should
have been by my own private reading and
study.
You may well suppose, that by the frequent
discourse we had together, my man and I be-
came most intimately acquainted, and that there
was but very little that I could say but what
Friday understood; indeed he spoke very flu-
ently, though it was but broken English.
I gave him a very particular description of
the territaries of Europe, and in a particular
manner of Old England, the place of my na-
tiv ty. I laid before him the manner of our
CF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
121
>>
worshipping God, our behavior one to another,
and how we trade in ships to every part of the
universe. I then told him my misfortunes in
being shipwrecked; I brought him to the ruins
of my boat, which before my whole strength
could not move, but now was almost rotten and
fallen to pieces. I observed my man Friday
viewed this boat with uncommon curiosity;
when he had done, he stood pondering a great
while, but said nothing. At last, said I, Friday,
what makes you ponder so? He replied, "O
master, me see like boat come to place at my
nation.'
It was some time before I understood what
my man meant; but examining strictly into it,
I plainly found, that a boat resembling mine
had come upon the country where he dwelt. It
then came into my mind, that some European
ship having been cast away, the poor distressed
creatures were forced to have recourse to the
boat to save their lives; and being all, as I
thought, drowned, I never concerned myself to
ask any thing concerning them, but my only
inquiry was about the boat, and what descrip-
tion my man could give of it.
Indeed, Friday answered my demands very
122
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
well, making every thing very plain to my un-
derstanding: but beyond measure was I satis-
fied, when he told me, with great warmth and
ardor, "O master, we save white mans from
drown:" upon which I immediately asked him,
if there were any white mans, as he called them,
in the boat? "Yes, yes," said he, "the boat
full, very full of white mans."
How many,
Friday? said I. Hereupon he numbered his
fingers, and counted seventeen. And when I
asked him what had become of them all, and
whether they lived or not? he replied, "Yes,
master, they all live; they be live among my
nation." This information put fresh thoughts
into my head, that these must be those very
men who before I concluded had been swal-
lowed up in the ocean, after they had left the
ship that had struck upon the rocks of my king-
dom, and, after escaping the fury of the deep,
landed upon a wild shore, and committed thern-
selves to the fury of the devouring Indians.
The manner of their cruelties to one another,
which consequently, as I thought, must be acted
with great barbarity to strangers, created in me
great anxiety, and made me still more curious
to ask Friday concerning them. He told me,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
123
he was sure they still lived there, having re-
sided among them above four years, and that
the savages gave them victuals to live upon.
But pray, Friday, said I, whence proceeded all
this good-nature and generosity? How came
it to pass that they did not kill and eat them?
No, no," said Friday, " they not kill 'em, they
make brothers with 'em." I had a more favor-
able opinion of the Indians upon Friday's utter-
ing these words: " My nation, t'other nation
no eat mans, but when mans make war-fight;"
as though he had said, that neither those of his
kingdom, nor any other nations that he knew
of, ever eat their fellow-creatures, but such as
their law of arms allowed to be devoured; that
is, those miserable captives, whose misfortune it
should be to be made prisoners of war.
Some considerable time after, upon a very
pleasant day, in most serene weather, my man
and I stood upon the top of a hill, on the east
side of the island, whence I had once before be-
held the continent of America. I could not
tell immediately what was the matter; for sud-
denly Friday began jumping and dancing as if
he had been mad; and upon my demanding
the reason of his behaviour, "O joy," said he,
124
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
}
O glad!, there see my country, there my na-
tion, there live white mans gether." And in-
deed a rapturous sense of pleasure appeared in
his countenance, his eyes had an uncommon
sparkling and brightness, as if he had a longing
desire to be in his country again.
As we were walking up the same hill another
day, when the weather was so hazy at sea that I
could not perceive the continent, Friday, said I,
don't you wish yourself in your own country,
among your old friends and acquaintances?
"Yes," said he, "me much O glad to be at my
own nation." And what would you do there, Fri-
day? Would you turn wild again, eat man's
flesh, and be as savage 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 surely, replied I, if you should
offer to do all this, they will kill you; and to
manifest their contempt of such instruction eat
you up when they have done. He then put on
a grave, yet innocent and smooth countenance,
saying, "No, they no kill me, they willing love
learn:" adding withal, "that they had learned
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
125
I
"C
much of the bearded mans that came in the
boat." Will you, said I, go back again, Friday?
He smiled at that, and told me he could not
swin so far. But, said I, I will make a canoe
for you.
Yes, master," said he, " me go if
you go; me no go if you stay." I go, Friday-
why would you have them to eat me up, and
devour your kind master? "No, no," said he,
"me make them not eat master, and me make
them much love you" and then he related to
me, as well as he was able, how exceedingly
kind those of his nation were to the white, or
bearded men, as he called them, who, in their
great calamity were driven into their country.
It was from this time I had strong inclina-
tions to venture over, and use my utmost efforts
to join these white-bearded men, who undoubt-
edly were Spaniards or Portuguese. Some
days after, Friday and I being at work, as
usual, I told him I had a boat which I would
bestow upon him, whenever he pleased to
return to his own nation and to convince him
of the truth of what I said, I took him with
me to the other side of the island, where my
frigate lay, and taking it from under the water,
(for I always kept it sunk for fear of a dis-
126
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
covery,) we went both into it to see how it
would manage on such an expedition.
And really never could any one be more
dexterous in rowing than my faithful servant,
making the boat go as fast again as I could.
Well now, Friday, said I, shall we go to your
so much admired nation? But instead of
meeting with that cheerfulness I expected, he
looked very dull and melancholy atʼmy saying
so; which indeed at first surprised me, till he
made me sensible that his concern was about
the boat being too small to go so far a voyage.
Upon which I let him understand I had a
much bigger; and accordingly, the next day,
went to the place where the first boat lay,
which I had made, when all the strength I
had, or art I could use, failed in any attempt to
get it into the water: but now, it having lain
in the sun two-and-twenty years, and no care
being taken of it all that while, it became in a
manner rotten. My man told me, that such
a boat would do very well for that purpose,
sufficient to carry enough victual, drink, bread,
for that was his manner of talking. In short,
my mind being strongly fixed upon my designs
of going over with him to the continent, I very
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
127
plainly told him that we would both go and
make a boat full as big, and more proportion-
able than that, wherein he might safely return
to his own nation.
These words made Friday look so very pen-
sive, that I thought he would have fallen at my
feet. It was some time before he could speak
a word, which made me ask him what was
the matter with him. He replied, in a very
soft and moving tone, "What has poor Friday
done? why are you angry, mad with poor
servant? What me done, O what me done ?”
Friday, said I, you never yet have offended
me; what makes you think I am angry with
you, when I am not angry at all?
"You no
angry, no angry," said he several times; "if
you be no angry, why den send Friday over
great water to my own nation?" Why surely,
Friday, answered I, did not you wish to be
there, when from a mountain you beheld the
place where you was born? Yes, yes," said
Friday, "me wish to be there, sure enough,
but then me wish master there too: no wish
Friday there, no master there." In short, he
could not endure the thoughts of going without
I go there! Friday, said I, what should
me.
•
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
(C
I do there? He answered very qui. ky, "Q
master, you do great deal much good; you
teach all de wild mans to be good tame mans:
you learn dem to be sober, live good life, to
know God, and pray God." Alas! poor Fri-
day, said I, what can I do against their priests
of Benamuckee? or indeed what good can I
make your nation sensible of, when I myself
am but a poor ignorant man?
No, no,
master," said he, "you be no ignorant, you
teachee me good, you teachee dem good.”
You shall go without me, Friday, said I, for I
don't care to accompany you thither; I would
rather live in this solitude than venture among
such inhuman savages. Go your way, since
you desire it, and leave me alone by myself, as
I was before I saved your life.
Never was any creature more thunder-struck
than Friday at these words.
"Go me away,
leave master away," said he, after a long
silence; "no, no, Friday die, Friday live not
master gone:" as though he had said, I neither
can nor will live, if my master sends me from
him.
After I had told Friday in a very careless
manner, that he should be at liberty as soon as
OF ROBINSON crusOE,
129
the boat was made, the language of his eyes
expressed the greatest confusion; and, imme-
diately running to one of his hatchets, which
he used to wear as a defensive weapon, he
gave it into my hand, with a heart so full, tha
he could scarcely speak.-Friday, said I, what
is it you mean? What must I do with this
"Only kill Friday," said he; "Friday care not
live long." But what must I kill you for re-
plied I again. "Ah! dear master, what made
you Friday save from eat a me up, so keep
long Friday, make Friday love God, and love
not Benamuckee, and now Friday send away;
never see Friday more." The tears ran down
his cheeks in such a plentiful manner, that 1
had much ado to refrain from weeping also. I
endeavored to comfort him in the best manner
I could, by telling him, if he was content to
abide with me,
I should be ever willing to keep
him.
After Friday's grief was somewhat abated,
more fully to convince me of his affection, he
said,
"O master, me not care to be in my
nation, leave you here: me desire nation learn
good, that's all." But as I had no apostolic
mission, nor any concern about their salvation,
9
130
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
so I had not the least intention or desire of
undertaking it; and the strength of my inclina-
tion, in order to escape, proceeded chiefly from
my late discourse with Friday, about these
seventeen white-bearded men, that had been
driven upon the barbarian coast, whom I de-
signed to join as the only means to further our
escape. To which intent my man and I went
to search for a proper tree to fell, whereof we
might make a large canoe, to undertake the
voyage; and indeed we were not long in find-
ing one fit for our purpose: threre being enough
wood in the island to have built a fleet of large
vessels; but the thing we principally wanted,
was to get one so near the water, that we
might launch it after it was finished, and not
commit such a mistake as I had done once
before.
After a great search for what was best and
most convenient, Friday, at last, whose judg-
ment in such affairs was much superior to
mine, pitched upon a kind of wood most fit for
it. But though my man exceeded me in his
knowledge of the most proper tree, yet I
showed him a much better and clearer way to
make a canoe than he knew before; for he
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
131
was for burning the hollow or cavity of the
tree, in order to make this boat; but I then
told him how ae might do it with tools, learn-
ing him at the same time, how to use them,
which he did very dexterously; so that in a
month's time we finished it, making it very
handsome, by cutting the outside in the true
shape of a boat. After this it took us a full
fortnight before we could get her into the
water, which we did, as it were, inch by inch,
upon great rollers; but when she was in, she
would have carried twenty men, with all the
ease imaginable.
As I was very well pleased, you may be
sure, at the launching of this man-of-war of
mine, I was no less amazed to behold with
what dexterity my man would manage her,
turn her, and paddle her along. Well, Friday,
said I, what do you think of it now? Do you
think this will carry us over? Yes, master,"
said he, "me venture over well, though great
blow wind." But my design was yet farther,
which he was insensible of; and that was to
make a mast and a sail, and to provide her
with an anchor and cable. As to a mast, that
was no difficult thing to procure: so I fixed
"C
132
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
i
upon a straight young cedar-tree, which 1
found near the place, great plenty of it
abounding in the island; and setting Friday
to cut it down, I gave him particular directions
how to shape and order it; but as to the sail,
that I managed myself. I very well knew I
had some old ones, or pieces of sails enough,
which had lain six-and-twenty years by me
but not being careful to preserve them, as
thinking I should have no occasion to use
them any more, when I came to overlook
them, I found them all rotten except two; and
with these I went to work, and, after a great
deal of pains, and awkward tedious stitching
for want of needles, at length I finished a
three-cornered ugly thing, like what we call in
England a shoulder-of-mutton sail, to go with
a boom at bottom, and a little small sprit at
the top, like those which our long-boats use,
and which I very well knew how to manage,
especially since it was like that which I had
in my patron's fishing-boat, when, with my
boy Xury, I made my escape from the barba-
rian shore.
14
It was near two months, I think, before I
completed this work, and when all was done, I
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
133
had my man to teach its navigation; for though
he very well understood how to paddle a canoe
along, he was an utter stranger to a sail and a
rudder, and was amazed when he saw me work
the boat by them, and how the sail gibbed and
filled this way or that way, as the course we
sailed changed. After some time and a little
use, I made all these things very familiar to
him, so that he became an expert sailor, except
in relation to the compass, and that I could
make him understand but little of. But as it
happened, there was seldom occasion for it,
there being but little cloudy weather, and scarce
any fog in those parts; the stars were always
visible in the night, and the shore perspicuous
by day, except in the rainy season, which con-
fined every one to his habitation. And this
season beginning to come on, obliged me to
keep the longer within doors; but before this, I
brought my new vessel into the creek, where
I had landed my rafts from the ship, and hauling
her up to the shore, I ordered my man Friday
to dig a dock sufficient to hold her in, and deep
enough to give her water, wherein she might
float; and
and then, when the tide was out, we
made a strong dam across the end of it, to keep
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
out the water; by which means she lay dry, as
to the tide from the sea; and to keep the rain
from her, we thatched her over, as it were,
with boughs of trees, like a house; so we waited
for the months of November and December, in
which I designed to venture over the ocean.
As soon as the seasonable weather began to
draw near, I prepared for the voyage. The
first thing I thought on was, to lay by a certain
quantity of provisions, as a sufficient store for
such an expedition, intending in a week or
fortnight's time to open the dock, and to launch
out the boat for that purpose. But one morn-
ing, as I was very busy upon something neces-
sary for this occasion, I called Friday to me,
and bid him go to the sea-shore, and see if he
could find a turtle or tortoise, a thing which we
commonly had once a week, as much upon
account of the eggs, as for the sake of the flesh.
He had not been long gone before he came run-
ning back, as though he was pursued for life,
and, as it were, flew over my outer wall, or
fence, like one that felt not the ground, and be-
fore I had time to inquire the reason of his pre-
cipitation, he cries out, "O dear, master; O
sorrow, O sorrow! Bad! O bad!" Why,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
135
• O yon-
what's the matter, Friday? said 1.
der, yonder!" said he, "there be one, two,
or three canoes! two, three!" Surely, thought
I, there must be six, by my man's way of reck-
oning; but on a stricter inquiry, I found there
were but three. Well, Friday, said I, don't be
terrified, I warrant you we will not only defend
ourselves against them, but kill most of these
cruel savages. But though I comforted him in
the best manner I could, the poor creature
trembled so, I scarce knew what to do with
him; "O master," said he, " they come look
Friday; cut pieces Friday, cut a me up." Why,
Friday, said I, they will eat me up as well as
you, and my danger is as great as yours. But
since it is so, we must resolve to fight for our
lives. What say you? Can you fight, Friday?
"Yes," said he, very faintly, "me shoot, me
kill what I can; but there come a great many
number." That's no matter, said I again, our
guns will terrify those we do not kill; I am very
willing to stand by you to the last drop of my
blood. Now tell me if you will do the like by
me, and obey my orders in whatsoever I com-
mand? Friday then answered, "O master,
me lose life for you; me die when you bid die."
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
Thus concluding all questions concerning his
fidelity, immediately I fetched him a good dram
of rum. After he had drank it, I ordered him
to take the two fowling-pieces, which we always
carried, and load them with large swan-shot,
as big as small pistol bullets; then I took four
muskets, and loaded them with two slugs and
five small bullets each, charging my two pistols
each with a brace: I hung my great sword, as
customary, naked to my side, and gave Friday
his hatchet, as a most excellent weapon for
defence.
Thus prepared, I took my perspective-glass,
and went up to the side of a hill, to see what I
could discover; and I perceived very soon by
my glass, that there were one-and-twenty sav-
ages, three prisoners, and three canoes, and that
their chief concern seemed to be the triumphant
banquet upon the three poor human bodies, a
thing which by this time I had observed was
very common with them. I also remarked, that
they did not land at that place from whence
Friday made his escape, but nearer to the creek,
where the shore was low, and where a thick
wood came very close to the sea. My soul was
then filled with indignation and abhorrence at
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
137
such inhuman wretches, which put a period to
all my former thoughts in their vindica.ion;
neither would I give myself time to consider
their right of conquest, as I had done before;
but descending from the mountain, I came down
to Friday, and told him I was resolved to go
speedily to them, and kill them all; asking him
again in the same breath, if he would stand by
me when by this time being recovered from
his fright, and his spirits much cheered by the
dram I had given him, he seriously told me, as
he did before, "When I bid die, he would die."
And I now divided the loaded arms betwixt
us. To my man Friday, I gave a pistol to stick
in his girdle, with three guns upon his shoulder,
a weight too great, I confess, to bear; but what
must a poor king do, who had but one soldier
in the world? But to show I made him bear
no more than what I would lay on myself, I
stuck the other pistol in my girdle, and the other
three guns upon my shoulders; nay, something
more, a small bottle of rum, which was soon
lightened to our exceeding refreshment. Thus
we marched out, under a ponderous load of
armor, like two invincible champions, with a
quantity of powder and bullets to stand our bat-
138
LIFE AND ADVENTU RES
tle, and load again when the pieces were cis-
charged. I charged Friday to keep close be-
hind me, and not to stir, or shoot, or attempt
any thing till I commanded him; and in the
interim, not to speak so much as one word.
I soon entered the thick wood, (my man
Friday following close behind,) when with all
possible wariness and silence I marched till I
came to the skirt of it, on that side which was
the nearest to them; for only one end of the
wood interposed between me and them. I called
very softly to Friday, and showing him a great
tree, that was just at the corner of the wood, I
ordered him to repair thither, and bring me word
if he could perceive their actions; he did as I
commanded him, and came back with this me-
lancholy story, that they were all about their
fire, eating the flesh of one of their prisoners;
and that another lay bound upon the sand, at a
little distance from them, which they designed
for the next sacrifice; and this, he told me, was
not one of their nation, but one of those very
bearded men who were driven by a storm into
their country, and whom he had so often talked
to me about. You may be sure that upon hear-
ing this, my soul was ready to sink within me;
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
139
when, ascending a tree, I saw plainly by my
glass a white man who lay upon the beach, with
his hands and feet tied with things resembling
rushes, being covered with clothes, and seemed
to be an European. From the tree where I
took this prospect, I perceived another tree and
a thicket beyond it, about fifty yards nearer to
them than where I was, which, by taking a
small circle round, I might come at undisco-
vered, and then I should be within half a shot
of these devourers. And going back about
twenty paces, I got behind some bushes, which
held all the way till I came to the other tree;
and then I ascended a little rising ground, not
above eighteen yards' distance, where I had a
full view of these creatures, and could perceive
all their actions.
No less than nineteen sat upon the ground,
close huddled together, expressing all the de-
light imaginable at so barbarous an entertain-
ment; and they had just sent the other two to
murder this poor unhappy Christian, and bring
him limb by limb to their fire; for they were
then going to untie the bands from his feet in
order for death, as fetters are knocked off the
feet of malefactors before they go to the place
140
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
of execution. Hereupon, immediately turning
to my man Friday; Now, Friday, said I, mind
what I say, fail in nothing, but do exactly as
you see me do. All which he promising, I set
down one of my muskets and fowling-piece
upon the ground, and Friday did the same by
his; and with the other musket I took my aim
at the savages, bidding him do the like. Are
you ready? said I; Yes, master," said he.
Why then fire at them, said I; and that very
moment I gave fire likewise.
<<
only killed one and wounded two; but my
man Friday, taking his aim much better than
I, killed two and wounded three. You may
be sure they were in a dreadful consternation
at such an unexpected disaster, and those who
had yet escaped our shot, immediately jumped
upon their feet, but were in such confusion, that
they knew not which way to run, not knowing
from whence their destruction came. We
threw down our pieces and took up others,
giving a second dreadful volley; but as they
were loaded only with swan-shot, or small pistol-
bullets, we perceived only two of them fall;
though many were wounded, who ran yelling
and screaming about like mad creatures. Now,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
141
Friday, said I, lay down your piece, and take
up the musket, and follow me.
He did so,
with great courage; when showing ourselves
to the savages, we gave a great shout, and
made directly to the poor victim, who would
have been sacrificed had not our first fire
obliged the butchers, with three others, to jump
into a canoe. By my order Friday fired at
them, at which shot I thought he had killed
them all, by their falling to the bottom of the
boat; however, he killed two, and mortally
wounded a third. In the mean time I cut the
flags that tied the hands and feet of the poor
creature, and lifting him up, asked him in
the Portuguese tongue, what he was? He
answered me in Latin, Christianus; but so
very weak and faint, that he could scarcely
stand or speak. Immediately I gave him a
dram and a piece of bread, and asked him what
countryman he was? He said, Hispaniola,
and then uttered all the thankfulness imagina-
ble for his deliverance. Seignior, said I, with
as much Spanish as I was master of, let us talk
afterwards, but fight now; here, take this
sword and pistol, and do what you can. And,
indeed, he did so with such courage and intro-
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
pidity, that he cut two of them in pieces in an
instant, the savages not having the power to
fly for their lives. I ordered Friday to run for
those pieces we had left at the tree, which he
brought me with great swiftness, and then I
gave him my musket, while I loaded the rest.
There happened a fierce encounter between
the Spaniard and one of the savages; and
though the former was as brave as could be
expected, having twice wounded his enemy in
the head, yet being weak and faint, the Indian
had thrown him upon the ground, and was
wresting my sword out of his hands, which the
Spaniard very wisely quitting, drew out his
pistol and shot him through the body before I
could come near him, though I was running to
his assistance. As for Friday, he pursued the
flying wretches with his hatchet, dispatching
three, but the rest were two nimble for him.
The Spaniard, taking one of the fowling-pieces,
wounded two, who running into the wood,
Friday pursued and killed; but the other,
notwithstanding his wounds, plunged himself
into the sea, and swam to those who were left
in the canoe, which, with one wounded, wero
all that escaped out of one-and-twenty.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
113
The savages in the canoe worked very hard
to get out of our reach, and Friday was eager
in pursuing them; and, indeed, I was no less
anxious about their escape, lest, after the news
had been carried to their people, they should
return in multitudes, and destroy us. So being
resolved to pursue them, I jumped into one of
their canoes, and bid Friday follow me; but
no sooner was I in, than, to my surprise, I
found another poor creature bound hand and
foot for the slaughter, just as the Spaniard had
been, with very little life in him. I unbound
him, and would have helped him up, but he
could neither stand nor speak, but groaned
piteously, thinking he was only unbound in
order to be slain. Hereupon I bid Friday
speak to him and tell him of his deliverance;
when pulling out my bottle, I made the poor
wretch drink a dram, which, with the joyful
news he had received, so revived him, that he
sat up.
As soon as Friday heard him speak,
and looked more fully in his face, it would
have moved any one to tears to perceive his
uncommon transports: he kissed, embraced
him, hugged him, cried, laughed, hallooed;
jumped about, danced, sung, wrung his hands.
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
and beat his head and face, like a distracted
creature, so that it was a great while before I
could make him speak or tell me what was the
matter; but at last he told me it was his father,
and ran and got water for him, which revived
his spirits more than the rum I had given him.
I then called Friday to me, and ordered him
to carry the Spaniard a cake, and some water,
who was reposing himself under the shade of
a tree, but so weak, that though he exerted
himself, he could not stand. Upon which I
ordered Friday to rub and bathe his ankles with
rum, as he had done his father's. Every
minute he was employed in this, he would cast
a wistful eye towards the boat, where he left
his father sitting; who, suddenly disappearing,
he flew like lightning to him, and finding he
had only laid himself down to ease his limbs,
he returned to me presently; and then I spoke
to the Spaniard to let Friday help him, and
lead him to the boat, in order to be con-
veyed to my dwelling, where I would take care
of him. Upon which Friday took him upon his
back, and caried him to the canoe, setting him
close by his father; and presently stepping out
again, launched the boat off, and paddled it
~
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
145
along .ne shore faster than I could walk,
though the wind blew very hard, and having
brought them safe to the creek, he took them
out of the boat; but so weak were they that I
was forced to make a kind of handbarrow to
convey them to my casile.
To get provisions for my poor weak subjects,
I ordered Friday to kill me a yearling goat;
which, when he had done, I cut off the hinder
quarters, and chopping it into small pieces,
boiled and stewed it, putting barley and rice
into the broth. This I carried into their tent,
set a table, dined with them myself, and en-
couraged them. Friday was my interpreter to
his father, and indeed to the Spaniard too, who
spoke the language of the savages pretty well.
After dinner I ordered Friday to fetch home
all our arms from the field of battle, and the
next day to bury the dead bodies, which he did
accordingly.
I made Friday inquire of his father, whether
he thought these savages had escaped the late
storm in their canoe? and if so, whether they
would not return with a power too great for us
to resist? He answered, that he thought it
impossible they could outlive the storm; or, if
146
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
they were driven southwardly, they would
come to a land where they would be certainly
devoured.
No canoes appearing soon after, as I ex-
pected, my apprehensions ceased; and my for-
mer thoughts of a voyage returned, especially
when Friday's father assured me, I should
have good usage in his nation. As to the
Spaniards, he told me, that sixteen more of his
countrymen and Portuguese, who had been
shipwrecked, made their escape thither; that
though they were in union with the savages,
yet they were very miserable for want of pro-
visions and other necessaries. When I asked
him about the particulars of his voyage, he
answered that their ship was bound from Rio
de la Plata to the Havanna; that when the
ship was lost, only five men perished in the
ocean; the rest, having saved themselves in
the boat, were now landed on the main con-
tinent. And what do they intend to do there?
said I. He replied, they had concerted mea-
sures to escape, by building a vessel, but they
had neither tools nor provisions, so that all
their designs came to nothing. Supposing,
said I, I should make a proposal, and invite
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
147
them here, would they not carry me prisoner
to New Spain? He answered, No; for he
knew them to be honest men, who would
scorn to act so basely to their deliverer: that, if
I pleased, he and the old savage would go over
and talk with them about it, and bring me an
answer: that they should all swear fidelity to
me as their leader; and he would not only do
the same, but stand to the last drop of his
blood, should there be occasion.
These solemn assurances made me resolve
to grant them relief, and to send these two
over for that purpose; but when every thing
was ready, the Spaniard raised an objection,
which carried great weight with it: "You
know, sir," said he, "that having been some
time with you, I cannot but be sensible of your
stock of rice and corn; sufficient, perhaps, for
us at present, but not for them, should they
come over presently, much less to victual a
vessel for an intended voyage. Want might
be as great an occasion for them to disagree
and rebel, as the children of Israel did against
God himself, when they wanted bread in the
wilderness. And, therefore, my advice is, to
wait anothe: harvest, and in the mean time
148
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
cultivate and improve more land, whereby we
may have plenty of provisions, in order to exe-
cute our design."
This advice of the Spaniard's I approved
extremely, and so satisfied was I of his fidelity,
that I esteemed him ever after. We all four
went to work upon some more land; and
against seed-time we had so much eured and
trimmed up as was sufficient to sow twenty-
two bushels of barley and sixteen jars of rice.
As we were four in number, and by this time
all in good health, we feared not a hundred
Indians, should they venture to attack us; and
while the corn was growing, I pitched upon
some trees, fit to build us a large vessel, in
case the Spaniards came over; which being
marked, I ordered Friday and his father to cut
them down, appointing the Spaniard, who was
now my privy-counsellor, to oversee and direct
the whole. I likewise increased my flocks of
goats, by shooting the wild dams, and bringing
home their kids to my inclosure. Nor did I
neglect the grape-season, but cured them as
usual, though I had such a quantity now as
would have filled eighty barrels with raisins.
And thus all of us being employed, they in
and
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
149
working, and I in providing for them, till
harvest came, God Almighty blessed the in-
crease of it so much, that out of twenty-two
barrels of barley, we threshed out two hundred
and twenty, and the like quantity of rice, suffi-
cient to victual a ship fit to carry me and all
the Spaniards to any part of America.
Thus the principal objection being answered,
I sent my two ambassadors over to the main
land, with a regal authority to administer the
oaths of allegiance and fidelity, and have an
instrument signed under their hands, though I
never asked whether they had pen, ink, or
paper; when giving each of them a musket,
eight charges of powder and ball, and provi-
sions enough for eight days, they sailed away
with a fair gale.
Scarce a fortnight had elapsed, when, im-
patient for their return, I laid down to sleep
one morning, when a strange accident hap-
pened, which was ushered in by Friday's
running to me, and calling aloud, Master,
master, they are come, they are come." Upon
which, not dreaming of any danger, out I
jumped from my bed, put on my clothes, and
hurried through my little grove; when looking
CC
150
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
towards the sea, I perceived a boat about a
league and a half distant, standing in for the
shore with the wind fair. I beheld they did
not come from the side where the land lay,
but from the southernmost end of the island:
so these being none of the people we wanted,
I ordered Friday to lie still, till I came down
from the mountain, which I now ascended, in
order to discover more fully what they were;
and with the help of my perspective-glass, I
plainly perceived an English ship, which filled
me with such uncommon transports of joy as I
cannot describe; and yet some secret doubts
hung about me, proceeding from I know not
what cause, as though I had reason to be upon
my guard.
It was not long before I perceived the boat
approach the shore, as if they were looking for
a place where they might conveniently land;
and at last they ran their boat on shore upon
the beach, about half a mile distant. Now I
was fully convinced they were all Englishmen,
three of which were unarmed and bound; when
immediately the first four or five leaped on
shore, and took those three out of the boat as
prisoners; one of whom, I could perceive used
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
151
⚫ the most passionate gestures of entreaty, afflic
tion, and despair, while the others showed great
concern.
Not knowing the meaning of this, I was very
much astonished, and I beckoned to Friday,
who was below, to ascend the mountain.
"O
master," said he to me, you see English mans
eat prisoners as well as savage mans."
"And
do you think they will eat them, Friday?" said
I. "Yes," said Friday, "they eat a all up."
“No, no,” said I, Friday, "I am much more
concerned lest they murder them; but as for
eating them up, that I am sure they will never
do."
CC
And now I not only lamented my misfortune
in not having the Spaniard and the savage with
me, but also that I could not come within shot
of them unperceived, and save these three men,
whom I thought they were going to kill. But
some comfort it was to me, that I perceived
they were set at liberty to go where they pleased,
the rascally seamen scattering about as though
they had a mind to see the place; and so long
did they negligent.y ramble, that the tide had
ebbed so low as to leave the boat aground.
Nor were the wo men who were in her more
152.
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
circumspect; for having drunk a little too much
liquor, they fell fast asleep; but one of them
waking before the other, and perceiving the
boat too fast aground for his strength to move,
he hallooed out to the rest, who made all pos-
sible expedition to come to him; but as Provi-
dence ordered it, all their force was ineffectual
to launch her, when I could hear them speak
to one another, "Why let her alone, Jack,
can't ye? she'll float next tide" by which I was
convinced they were my own countrymen. I
took two fusees on my shoulder, and gave Fri-
day three muskets; besides, my formidable
goatskin coat and monstrous cap made me look
as fierce and terrible as Hercules of old, espe-
cially when two pistols were stuck in my belt,
and my naked sword hanging by my side.
It was my design at first not to make any
attempt till it was dark; and it being now two
o'clock, in the very heat of the day, the sailors
were all straggling in the woods, and undoubt-
edly were lain down to sleep. The three poor
distressed creatures, too anxious to get any
repose, were seated under the shade of a great
tree, about a quarter of a mile from me. Upon
which, without any more ado, I approached
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
153
them, with my man following behind me, and
before I was perceived, I called aloud to them
in Spanish, "What are ye, gentlemen ?"
CC
At these words they started up in great con-
fusion, when they beheld the strange figure I
made; they returned no answer, but seemed as
if they would fly from me. Gentlemen," said
I, in English, "don't be afraid; perhaps you
have a friend nearer than you expect."
"He
must be from heaven,” said one of them, gravely,
pulling off his hat, "for we are past all help in
this world." "All help is from heaven," said I;
"but, Sir, as I have perceived every action be-
tween you and these brutes since your landing,
only inforın me how to assist you, and I will
do it to the utmost of my power."
CC
"Am I talking with God or man?" said he.
"Are you of human kind or an angel?" Sir,"
said I, "iny poor habit will tell you I am a
man, and an Englishman, willing to assist you,
having but this servant. Here are arms and
ammunition; tell freely your condition: Can
we save you?" "The story," said he, "is too
long to relate, since our butchers are so near;
but, Sir, I was master of that ship, my men have
mutinied, and it is a favor they have put my
154
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
<<
hate, this passenger, and me on shore, without
murdering us, though we expect nothing but
perishing here.” "Are your enemies gone?"
said I. "No," replied he, pointing to a thicket,
"there they lie; while my heart trembles, lest,
having seen and heard us, they should murder
uş all."
"Have they firearms," said I. “They
have but two pieces," said he, one of which is
left in the boat." He also told me there were
two enormous villains among them, that were
the authors of this mutiny, who, if they were
killed or seized, the rest might return to their
obedience. CC
Well, well," said I, "let us retire
farther under cover of the woods ;" and there it
was I made these conditions with him.
1. That, while they stayed in the island, they
should not pretenu to any authority; but should
entirely conform to my orders, and return me
the arms which I should put in their hands.
2. That, if the ship was recovered, they
should afford Friday and myself a passage gratis
to England.
When he had given me all the satisfaction I
could desire, I gave him and his two compan-
ions each of them a gun, with powder and ball
sufficient, advising them to fire upon them as
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
155
they lay sleeping. The captain modestly said
that he was sorry to kill them; though, on the
other hand, to bet those villains escape, who
were the authors of his misery, might be the
ruin of us all. "Well," said he, "do as you
think fit," and so accordingly I fired, killed one
of the captain's chief enemies, and wounded the
other, who eagerly called for assistance; but
the captain, who had reserved his piece, coming
up to him, "Sirrah," said he, "'tis too late to
call for assistance, you should rather cry to God
to pardon your villany;" and so knocked him
down with the stock of his gun; three others
were also slightly wounded, who, at my ap-
proach, cried out for help. This the captain
granted, upon condition that they would swear
to be true to him in recovering the ship, which
they solemnly did; however, I obliged the cap-
tain to keep them bound. After which I sent
Friday and the captain's mate to secure the boat,
and bring away the oars and sails: when, at
their return, three men coming back and seeing
their late distressed captain now their conqueror,
submitted to be bound also. And then it was,
that, having more liberty, I related the adven-
tures of my own life, which he heard with seri-
I
156
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
ous attention. After this, I carried him and
his two companions into my little fortified castle;
showed them all my conveniences, and refreshed
them with such provisions as I could afford.
When this was over, we began to consider about
regaining the ship. He said that there were
twenty-six hands on board, who, knowing their
lives were forfeited by the law for conspiracy and
mutiny, were so very hardened, that it would
be dangerous for our small company to attack
them. This was a reasonable inference indeed;
but something we must resolve on, and imme-
diately put in execution. We, therefore, heaved
the boat upon the beach, so high that she could
not shoot off at high water-mark, and broke
a hole in her not easily to be stopped; so that
all the signals they gave for the boat to come
on board were in vain. This obliged them to
send another boat ashore, with ten men armed,
whose faces the captain plainly described, the
boatswain being the chief officer; but he said
there were three honest lads among them, who
were forced into the conspiracy. Hereupon I
gave him fresh courage. When the sailors
landed, and beheld their boat in that condition,
they not only hallooed, but fired for their com-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
157
panions to hear, yet they received no answer.
This struck them with horror and amazement;
and thinking they were murdered, they made
as if they would return to the ship. I could
perceive the captain's countenance change at
this; till of a sudden, three men were ordered
to look after the boat, while the other seven
leaped on shore in order to search for their
companions; and, indeed, they came to the
brow of the hill, near my ancient castle, from
whence they could see to a great distance in
the woods, and there shouting and hallooing till
tired and weary, they at length seated them-
selves under a spreading tree. My opinion
was, that nothing could be done till night,
when I might use some artifice to get them all
out of the boat; but of a sudden they started
up, and made to the sea-side: I then ordered
Friday and the captain's mate to go over the
creek, and halloo as loud as they could, and so
decoying them into the woods, come round to
me again. And this, indeed, had good effect';
for they followed the noise, till coming west-
ward 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
158
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fastened her to the stump of a little tree on
shore. Hereupon immediately the captain and
our party passing the creek out of their sight,
we surprised them both, by the captain's knock-
ing down one and ordering the other to sur-
render upon pain of death; and who, being
the honestest of them all, sincerely joined with
us. By this time it was pretty late; when the
rest returning to their boat, which they found
aground in the creek, the tide out, and the
men gone, they ran about wringing their
hands, crying it was an enchanted island, and
that they should be all murdered by spirits or
devils. My men would willingly have fallen
upon them, but I would not agree to hazard
any of our party. But to be more certain,
Friday and the captain crawled upon their
hands and feet, as near as possible; and, when
the boatswain approached in sight, so eager
was the captain, that he fired and killed him
on the spot; Friday wounded the next man,
and a third ran away. Hereupon I advanced
with my whole army; and it being dark, I
ordered the man we had surprised in the boat,
to call them by their names, and to parley with
them, which he did, and they were at length
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
159
induced to lay down their arms in token of
submission.
After this, the captain expostulated with
them, telling them that the governor was an
Englishnan, who might execute them here
but he thought they would all be sent to Eng-
land, except Will Atkins, who was ordered to
prepare for death the next morning. Here-
upon Atkins implored the captain to intercede
for his life, and the rest begged they might not
be sent to England. This answered our pro-
ject for seizing the ship. For after sending
Atkins and two of the worst fast bound to the
cave, and the rest being committed to my
bower, I sent the captain to treat with them in
the governor's name, offering them pardon if
they would assist in recovering the ship. Upon
which they all promised to stand by him to the
last drop of their blood; and whoever acted
treacherously should be hanged in chains upon
the beach. They were all released on these
assurances; and the captain repaired to the
other boat, making his passenger captain of
her, and gave him four men well armed; while
himself, his mate, and five more went in the
other boat. By midnight they came within
160
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
call of the ship, when the captain ordered
Robinson to hail her, and tell them, that with
great difficulty they had found the men at last.
But while they were discoursing, the captain,
his mate, and the rest, entered. and knocked
down the second mate and carpenter, secured
those that were upon deck, by putting them
under the hatches, while the other boat's crew
entered and secured the forecastle; they then
broke into the round-house, where the mate,
after some resistance, shot the pirate captain
through the head; upon which all the rest
yielded themselves prisoners. And thus the
ship being recovered, the 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, com-
ing to me unawares, "There," says he, "my
dearest friend and deliverer, there is your ship,
and we are your servants;" a comfort so un-
speakable as made me swoon in his arms,
while, with gratitude to heaven, we were ten-
derly embracing each other.
Nothing now remained, but to consult what
we should do with the prisoners, whom he
thought it was not safe to take on board.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
161
•
Concerting with the captain, I dressed myself
in one of his suits, and sending for them, toldi
them, that I was going to leave the island with
all my people; if they would stay there, their
lives should be spared; if not, they should be
hanged at the first port they came to. They'
agreed to stay. Hereupon I told them my
whole story, charging them to be kind to the
Spaniards, that were expected, giving them all'
my arms, and informing them of every thing:
necessary for their subsistence; after which, I
and my man Friday went on board. But the-
next morning, two of the men came swimming:
to the ship's side, desiring the captain to take
them on board, though he hanged them after-
wards, complaining how barbarously the others:
used them. Upon which I prevailed with the:
captain to take them in; and being severely
whipped, they proved more honest for the:
future. Thus I bade farewell to this island.
carrying along with me my money, my parrot..
umbrella, and goat's skin cap; setting sail!
December 12, 1686, after twenty-eight years,.
two months, and nineteen days' residence, that:
same day and month that I escaped from Salee,
landing in England, June 11, 1687, after five-
Wa
162
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
7
and-thirty years' absence from my own country,
which rendered me altogether a stranger there.
I found my first captain's widow alive, but
in very mean circumstances. Soon after, I
went down to Yorkshire, where all my family
was expired, except two sisters, and two of my
'brother's children. I found no provision had
'been made for me, they concluding I had been
long since dead. Thus my circumstances
would have been very indifferent, had not my
partner conducted the affairs of my plantation
in the most honorable and profitable manner
during my absence, so that I found myself
possessed of five thousand pounds, besides an
income of one thousand pounds a year. I
discovered my excellent friend, the Portuguese
captain; and, as he was in necessitous cir-
cumstances, I evinced my gratitude for his past
kindness, by a handsome yearly allowance of
money.
Not liking to reside at the Brazils, I de-
termined to sell my plantation and settle in
England; and, marrying a young lady of very
good family, I seemed to bid adieu to my
roving inclinations. I had two sons and one
daughter; and purchasing a farm in the
OF RCBINSON CRUSOE.
163
County of Bedford, I led the life of a country
gentleman, and was as happy in my retirement
as the greatest monarch in the world-
Free from all vices, free from care,
Age had no pain, and youth no snare.
But in the midst of this my happiness, I was
suddenly plunged into the greatest scrrow, by
the death of my dear and tender wife. It is
impossible to express the beauties of her mind,
or the loveliness of her person; she had the
greatest influence
influence over my conduct and
character; she was the spirit of all my affairs,
and the centre of my enterprises; when she
was gone, I seemed like a ship without a pilot;
my country delights became as insipid and dull
as music and science to those who have neither
taste nor ingenuity. In short, I left my farm,
and in a few months returned to London.
But that great city, so famous for its variety of
entertainment, could afford me no delight. It
was now the beginning of the year 1694, at
which time my nephew, who was returned
from a short voyage to Bilboa, came to me one
morning, telling me, that some merchants of
his acquaintance had proposed to him to go a
164
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
voyage for them to the East Indies and China,
in the manner of private traders; " and now,
uncle," said he, "if you'll accompany me
thither, I'll engage to land you upon your own
island, to see the state of your little kingdom.”
Just before he came in, my thoughts were
fixed to get a patent for its possession, and
then to fill it with inhabitants. After I had
paused awhile, and looked steadfastly on him,
"What spirit," said I, "sent you with this
unlucky errand ?" He started at first; but
recovering himself, when he perceived I was
not offended," Sir," replied he," what I have
proposed cannot, I hope, be styled unlucky
since certainly you must be desirous to see
your little territory, where you reigned with
more content than any of your brother kings
in the universe." I was not long in forming
my resolution, which overswayed my good
friend the widow's persuasions, and the natu-
ral affection I bore my young children. I
made my will, and settled my estate in such
a manner, that I was perfectly sure my poor
infants would have justice done them. The
good widow not only undertook to make pro-
vision for my voyage, but also took charge of
ĐÔN
!
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
165
my domestic affairs, and to provide for my
children's education, and indeed no mother
could take more care, or understand the office
better; for which I lived to reward and return
her my hearty thanks.
The beginning of January, 1694-5, my
nephew being ready to sail, I and Friday
went on board in the Downs, on the 8th,
having, besides a framed sloop ready to be set
up in the island, a very considerable cargo
for my new colorry. I had servants, whom I
proposed to leave there, if they should appear
willing; two carpenters, a smith, and a very
ingenious fellow who was Jack-of-all-trades ;
for he was not only a cooper by trade, but was
also dexterous at making wheels, and hand-
mills to grind corn, likewise a good turner, and
a good pot maker. I also carried a tailor, who
consented to stay in my plantation, and proved
a most useful fellow in the island. My cargo
consisted of a sufficient quantity of linen, and
English stuffs for clothing the Spaniards that
I expected to find there; as likewise gloves,
hats, shoes, stockings; together with beds,
bedding and household stuff, especially kitchen
utensils, with pots, kettles, pewter, brass, &c.
166
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
also nails, tools of all sorts, staples, hooks,
hinges, and all other things necessary; which,
I think, cost me about three hundred pounds.
Nor was this all; for I carried a hundred
spare arms, muskets and fusees, besides some
pistols, a considerable quantity of several sorts
of shot, two brass cannon, besides swords,
cutlasses, and the iron part of some pikes and
halberds.
Well, we put out to sea; and though I can't
say this voyage was so unprosperous as my
others had been, yet contrary winds drove us
so far northward, that we were obliged to put
in at Galway, in Ireland, where we lay wind-
bound two-and-twenty days. Here, indeed,
provisions were very cheap, and we added to
our ship's stores by taking several live hogs,
two cows and calves, which I resolved to
put on shore in my island, if our necessities
did not call for them. On the 5th of February
we sailed from Ireland, with a very fair gale,
which lasted for some days; and I think it was
about the 20th of the same month, late in the
evening, when the mate informed us that he
saw a flash of fire, and heard a gun fired; and
when he was speaking, a boy came in, and.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
167
+
told us that the boatswain had heard another.
Upcn which we all ran to the quarter-deck,
from whence, in a few moments, we perceived
a terrible fire at a distance. We had im-
mediately recourse to onr reckonings, in which
we were all of opinion, that there could be no
land that way, it appearing to be at N. N. W.
We concluded that some ship had taken fire
at sea, and that i could not be far off, by the
report of the guns which we had heard. We
made up directly to it, and in half an hour's
time, the wind being fair, we could plainly
perceive a great ship on fire in the middle of
the sea. Touched with this unhappy disaster,
and considering my former circumstances,
when the Portuguese captain took me up, I
immediately ordered five guns to be fired, that
the poor creatures, not seeing us, it being dark,
(though we could perceive their flame,) might
be sensible there was deliverance at hand, and
consequently might endeavor to save them-
selves in their boats. Nor was it long before
the ship blew up in the air, and the fire was
extinguished in the ocean. But supposing
them to be all in their boats, we hung out our
lanterns, and kept firing till eight o'clock in
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LIFE AND ADVENTURES
the morning; when, with our perspectives
we beheld two boats full of people, making
towards us, though the tide was against them:
then spreading out our ancient, and hanging
out a waft as a signal for them to come on
board, in half an hour's time we came up with
them, and took them all in, there being no less
than sixty-four men, women and children. It
was a French merchant-ship of three hundred
tons, homeward-bound from Quebec, in the
river Canada. The master informed me how,
by the negligence of the steersman, the steerage
was set on fire: that, at his outcry for help, the
fire was, as he thought, totally extinguished;
but that some sparks getting between the
timber and within the ceiling, it proceeded into
the hold, where there was no resisting it; and
they got into their boats, as creatures in the
last extremity, with what provisions they had,
together with oars, sails, and a compass, in-
tending to go back to Newfoundland, the wind
blowing at S. E. by E., though there were
several chances against them; but, said he, in
this our great distress, we heard the welcome
report of your guns, when, with unspeakable
joy, taking down our masts and sails, we wers
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
169
resolved to lie by till morning; but perceiving
your light, we set our oars at work, to keep
our boat ahead; the sooner to attain your ship,
the happy instrument of our deliverance.
Indeed, no one can express the joy of these
poor creatures on this awful occasion. The
behavior of a young priest was very remark-
able. At his entrance on board the ship, he
fell on his face in the most humble prostration
to the Almighty. I thought he had fallen into
a ɛwoon, and ran to help him up; but he
modestly told me, he was returning thanks to
the Almighty, desiring me to leave him a few
moments, and that, next to his Creator, he
would return me thanks also. And indeed he
did so, about three minutes after, with great
seriousness and affection, while the tears stood
in his eyes, which convinced me of the
gratitude of his soul. The next day the
captain and priest desired to speak with me
and my nephew the commander. They told
us they had saved sore money and valuable
things out of the ruined vessel, which was at
our service; only that they desired to be set
on shore somewhere in our way. At first my
nephew was for accepting the money; but I
170
LIFE AND A VENTURES
(who knew how hard my case would have
been had the Portuguese captain served me so)
persuaded him to the contrary: and therefore
told them, that we had done nothing but what
we were obliged to do, by nature and humanity,
and what we ourselves might expect from
others in such calamity; we took them up to
save, not plunder them, and therefore would
not accept their money. But as to landing
them, that was a great difficulty; for being
bound to the East Indies, it was impossible to
change our voyage upon their account, nor
could my nephew answer it to the freighters.
All that we could do, was to put ourselves in
the way of meeting some ships homeward-
bound from the West Indies, that, if possible,
they might get a passage to France or England.
Indeed, they were very thankful for our first
kindness; but were under great concern, es-
pecially the passengers, at being carried to the
East Indies. They begged, therefore, I would
keep on the banks of Newfoundland, where
probably they might meet with some ship, or
sloop, to carry them to Canada, whence they
As this was but a reasonable request,
I was inclined to grant it; and, as it happened,
came.
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
171
in a week's time we made the banks of New-
foundland, where the French people hired a
bark to carry them to France.
Now, directing our course for the West
Indies, another adventure happened to exercise
our humanity. In the latitude of twenty-seven
degrees, five minutes north, the 19th of March,
1694-5, we perceived a sail which bore upon
us, and then she appeared to be a large vessel,,
having lost her main-topmast and bowsprit ;
when firing a gun as a signal of distress, we
soon came to speak with her. She was a ship*
from Bristol, bound home from Barbadoes, out
of which road she had been forced in a hurri-
cane to the westward, in which they lost their
masts.
In this ship were passengers, a youth, his
mother, and a maid-servant, who were in a
most deplorable condition for want of food.
He and they looked like skeletons. When
meat was set before them, I ordered them to
eat sparingly. When they were fed, we
ordered our mate to carry them a sack of
bread, and four or five pieces of beef; but the
surgeon charged them to see it boiled, and
keep a guard on the cook-room, to prevent the
172
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
men from eating it raw, and consequently kill
ing themselves with what was designed for
their relief. But, particularly, I desired the
mate to see what condition the poor passen-
gers were in; and the surgeon gave him a
pitcher of the same broth which he had pre-
pared for the men. And, being curious to see
this scene of misery myself, I took the captain
(as we called the mate of the ship) in our own
boat, and sailed after them.
Here was a sad sight indeed! Scarce were
the victuals half-boiled in the pot, but they
were ready to break open the cook-room door.
To stay their stomachs, the mate. gave them
biscuits, which were dipped and softened with
the liquor of the meat, which they call bruise;
telling them it was for their own safety, that
he was obliged to give them but a little at a
time; and so, feeding them gradually, the men
did very well again. But when they came to
the poor gentlewoman in the cabin, who, for
several days, had continued without food,
giving what she had to her son, they found her
in the arms of death. She was sitting upon
the floor of the deck, with her back against
the sides, between two chairs, which were
1
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
173
¥
lashed fast, and her head shrunk between her
shoulders, like a senseless corpse. Nothing
was wanting in my mate to revive and en-
courage her; opening her lips, and putting
some broth into her mouth with a spoon. But
not having strength to speak, she lifted up her
head with much difficulty, intimating that it
was now too late; at the same time pointing
to the youth, her son, as though she desired
him to do what he could, to save the lad; and,
in a little time after, she died.
The youth, indeed, was not so far gone, yet
lay stretched out on the cabin bed, like one
that had scarce any life. In his mouth was a
piece of an old glove, the rest of which he had
ate up.
At first he vomited what the mate
had given him; but at length began sensibly
to revive, though in the greatest concern fʊr
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 clasped
round the frame of a chair, which she grasped
so hard that it was with some difficulty we
separated her from it; her other arm lay over
her head, and her feet lay both together, set
174
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
fast against the frame of the cabin .able; not
only being starved with hunger, but overcome
with grief at the loss of her mistress, whom
she loved most tenderly. It was a great while
before the surgeon could bring her to life, and
a much longer time before she came to her
senses.
After we had sailed with them some days,
we sent them five barrels of beef, one of pork,
two hogsheads of biscuit, with peas, flour, and
other things; taking three casks of sugar, some
rum, and some pieces of eight as payment, we
left them, but took the youth and maid with
with all their goods.
us,
I had great difficulty in finding my little
kingdom, for as I came to and went from it
before, on the south and east side of the island,
as coming from the Brazils, so now approach-
ing between the main and the island, not
having any chart of the coast, nor landmark,
it obliged me to go on shore on several islands
in the mouth of the river Oronoko, but to no
purpose. Thus I perceived, that what I though
was a continent before, was no such thing, but
a long island, or rather a ridge of sands. At
length I came fair on the south side of my
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
175
island, and then I presently knew the coun-
tenance of my little kingdom.
▸
No sooner did I see the place, but calling
for Friday, I asked him where he was; when
he looked a little, he clapped his hands, cry-
ing, "O joy, O there, yes, O there!" pointing
O
to our old abode, and then began dancing and
capering as if he were mad, and I had much
ado to keep him from jumping into the sea, to
swim ashore. "Friday," said I, "what do
you think, shall we see your father?" At the
mentioning his father's name, the poor affec-
tionate creature fell a weeping:
(( No, no,"
says he, "me see him no more, never see poor
father more! he long ago die, die long ago;
he much old man." "You don't know that,"
said I; but shall we see any body else?" He
looks about, and pointing to the hill above my
house, cries out, We see there much men,
and there;" which, though I could not per-
ceive them with my perspective-glass, was
true, by what the men themselves told me the
next day.
When the English ancient was spread, and
three guns fired, as a signal of friendship, we
perceived a smoke rise from the creek; upon
176
L.FE AND ADVENTURES
which I ordered the boat out, taking Friday
with me, and hanging out a white flag of truce,
I went on shore, accompanied also by the
young friar, to whom I had related the history
of the first part of my life; besides, we had
sixteen men well armed, in case we had met
with any opposition.
After we had rowed directly into the creek,
the first man I fixed my eyes upon was the
Spaniard, whose life I had saved, and whose
face I perfectly well knew. I ordered them
all to stay in the boat for a while; but Friday,
perceiving his father at
father at a distance, would
have jumped into the sea, had they not let the
boat go. No sooner was he on shore, but he
flew like a swift arrow out of a bow to embrace
his aged father. Certainly it would melt a
man of the firmest resolution into the softest
tears, to see with what uncommon transports
of joy he saluted him; he first kissed him, ther
stroked his face, took him in his arms, laid him
under a shady tree, sat down by him, then
looked as earnestly at him, as one would do at
a picture, for a quarter of an hour together.
After this he would lie upon th' round, stroke
his legs and kiss them, ther et up and stare
OF ROBINSON CRUSOŁ.
177
at him, as though he was bewitched but the
next day one could not forbear laughing to see
his behavior; for he would walk several hours
with his father along the shore, leading him by
the hand; while every now and then, he would
run to the boat and get something for him, as
a lump of sugar, dram, biscuit, or something
or other that was good. His frolics ran in
another channel in the afternoon; when he set
old Friday on the ground, he would dance
round him, making comical postures and ges-
tures; and all the while telling him one story
or another of his travels and adventures.
It was on the 10th of April, 1695, that I set
my foot upon the island a second time. When
my faithful Spaniard, accompanied by one
more, approached the boat, he little knew
who I was, till I discovered myself to him.
Seignor," said I, in Portuguese, " don't you
know me?" He spoke not a word; but giving
his musket to his attendant, extended his arms,
and saying something in Spanish, that I did
not understand, he came forward and embraced
me, saying, he was inexcusable not to know
his deliverer; who, like an angel sent from
heaven, had saved his life. He then beckoned
12
178
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
to the men to call out his companions; asked
me if I would walk to my own habitation, and
take possession, where I should find some
mean improvements; but, indeed, they were
extraordinary ones; for they had planted trees
so close together, that the place was like a
labyrinth, which none could find out except
themselves, who knew its intricate windings.
I asked him the meaning of all these fortifica-
tions. In answer to this question, he gave me
a minute account of all that had taken place
during my absence, from which I found they
had been so much alarmed by the repeated
visits of the neighboring savages, that they had
found it necessary to adopt every possible
means of self-defence; on which account they
had planted those trees, whose rapid growth
had formed the fortifications which had created
in me so much surprise. I found they had
had many fierce encounters with the savages,
some of whom they had taken prisoners, and
by kind treatment had so far gained their
love and confidence, that they had become
naturalized among them, and their savage
habits much subdued; the Englishmen that
had remained on the island after my departure,
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
179
had also, by their obstinacy and insubordina-
tion, given them much trouble; but they had
also returned to their allegiance, and all, at the
time of my arrival, were in the enjoyment of
peace and comfort; some few were married
to the female savages they had rescued from
the hands of their devouring enemies, so that
the appearance of my little colony was much
changed in my nine years' absence.
After my faithful Spaniard had concluded
his account, I told him I was come to establish,
and not to remove them; and uprn that oc-
casion, had not only brought them necessaries
for convenience and defence, but also artificers,
and other persons, both for the necessary em-
ployments, and to add to their number. They
were all together when I thus talked to them;
and before I delivered the stores I brought, I
asked them one by one, if they had entirely
forgot their first animosities, would engage in
the strictest friendship, and shake hands with
one another? On this Will Atkins, who had
been the most troublesome among the English-
men, with abundance of good humor, said they
had had afflictions enough to make them all
sober, and enemies enough to make them all
180
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
friends as for himself he would live and die
among them.
After these kind declarations of friendship,
we appointed all to dine together the next
day; upon this I caused the ship's cook and
his mate to come on shore, to assist in dressing
our dinner.
After our merry and innocent feast was over,
I began to distribute my cargo among them.
First, I gave them linen sufficient to make
every one of them four shirts. The thin
English stuff I allotted to make every one a
light coat like a frock, agreeable to the climate,
and left them such a quantity as to make up
more on their decay; as also pumps, shoes,
hats, and stockings. It is not to be expressed
the pleasing satisfaction which sat upon the
countenances of these poor men, when they
perceived what care I took of them, as if I had
been a common father to them all; and they
all engaged never to leave the island till I
gave my consent for their departure. I then
presented to them the people I had brought,
viz., the tailor, smith, and the two carpenters.
The young man, (whose mother was un-
fortunately starved to death,) together with the
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
181
maid, a pious and well-educated young woman,
seeing things so well ordered on the shore, and
considering they had no occasion to go so far
a voyage as to the East Indies, both desired
of me, that I would leave them there, and
enter them among my subjects. This I readily
agreed to, ordering them a plot of ground, on
which were three little houses erected.
The affairs of the island being settled, I
began to think seriously of taking my final
leave of its inhabitants, and returning to my
native country, leaving them in a flourishing
condition, with a promise to send them further
relief from the Brazils, as sheep, hogs, and
cows; I went on board the ship again the 1st
of May, 1695, after having been twenty days
among them; and next morning, giving them
a salute of five guns at parting, we set sail for
the Brazils. The third day, towards evening,
there happening a calm, and the current being
very strong, we were driven to the N. N. E. to-
wards the land. Some hours after we perceived
the sea covered as it were with something very
black, not easily at first to be discovered: upon
which our chief mate ascending the shrouds a
little way and taking a view with the per-
41
182
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
spective glass, he cries out, "An army! an
army !"
You fool," said I," what do you
mean?" "Nay, sir," said he, "don't be
angry, I assure you it is not only an army, but
a fleet too, for I believe there are a thousand
canoes paddling along, and making with great
haste towards us."
Indeed every one of us were surprised at this
relation; and my nephew, the captain, could
not tell us what to think of it, but thought we
should all be devoured. Nor was I free from
concern, when I considered how much we were
becalmed, and what a strong current set to-
wards the shore; however, I encouraged him
not to be afraid, but bring the ship to an
anchor, as soon as we were certain that we
must engage them; accordingly we did so,
and furled all our sails. As to the savages, we
feared nothing, except that they might set the
ship on fire; to prevent which, I ordered them
to get their boats out, and fasten them, one
close by the head and another by the stern,
well manned, with sheets and buckets to ex-
tinguish the flames, should it so happen. The
savages soon came up with us; but there were
not so many as the mate had said, or instead of
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
183
a thousand canoes there were only one hundred
and twenty; too many indeed for us, several
of their canoes containing about sixteen or
seventeen men.
As they approached us, they seemed to be in
the greatest amazement, not knowing what to
make of us. They rowed round the ship,
which occasioned us to call to the men in the
boats not to suffer them to come near them.
Hereupon they beckoned to the savages to
keep back, which they accordingly did; but at
their retreat they let fly about fifty arrows
among us, and very much wounded one of our
men in the long-boat. I called to them not to
fire upon any account, but handing them down
some deal boards, the carpenters made them a
kind of fence to shield them from the arrows..
In half an hour after, they came so near astern
of us, that we had a perfect sight of them ;;
then they rowed a little further out, till they
came directly alongside of us, and then ap-
proached 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
184
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
meant. He immediately cried out they were
going to shoot; unfortunately for him, poor
creature, who fell under the cloud of three hun-
dred arrows, no less than seven piercing through
his body, killing one of the best servants, and
most faithful of companions in all my solitude
and afflictions.
So enraged was I at the death of poor Fri-
day, that the guns, which before were charged
only with powder to frighten thein, I ordered
to be loaded with small shot; nor did the gun-
ners fail in their aim, but at this broadside split
and overset thirteen or fourteen of their canoes,
which killed numbers of them and set the rest
swimming; the others, frightened out of their
wits, little regarding their fellows drowning,
:scoured away as fast as they could. One poor
wretch our people took up, swimming for his
life, an hour after. He was very sullen at first,
so that he would neither eat nor speak; but I
took a way to cure him, by ordering them to
throw him into the sea, which they did, and
then he came swimming back like a cork,
calling in his tongue, as I suppose, to save
him. So we took him on board, but it was a
long time before we cou'd make him speak or
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
185
understand English: yet when we had taught
him, he told us they were going with their
kings to fight a great battle; and when we
asked him what made them come up to us?
he said, "To makee de great wonder look."
Here it is to be noted, that those natives, and
those of Africa, always add two e's at the end
of English words, as makee, takee, and the like,
which it is a very difficult thing to make them
break off.
Being now under sail, we took our last fare-
well of poor honest Friday, and interred him
with all possible decency and solemnity, put-
ting him in a coffin, and committing him to
the deep, at the same time causing eleven guns
to be fired over him. Thus ended the life of
one of the most grateful, faithful, honest, and
affectionate servants, that ever any man was
blessed with in the world.
In our passage, we touched at the island of
Madagascar, where, though the inhabitants
are naturally fierce and treacherous, and so
constantly armed with bows and lances, yet
for some time they treated us civilly enough;
and in exchange for knives, scissors, and other
trifles, they brought us eleven good fat' bul-
186
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
locks, which we took partly for present victuals,
and the remainder to salt for the ship's use.
But in consequence of the rude conduct of one
of our sailors, this friendly disposition was
changed into malice and revenge; the in-
habitants attacked the offending sailor, killed
him, and hung him on a tree as an example to
the rest which so enraged his companions,
that they fell upon them, burnt their dwellings,
and massacred them without regard to age
or sex.
I was extremely angry with every one of
them, but particularly with the captain, who,
instead of cooling the rage of his men, had
prompted them on to further mischief; nor
could he make me any other excuse, but that
as he was a man, he could not master his pas-
sions at the sight of one of his men so cruelly
murdered. As for the rest, knowing they we, e
not under my command, they took no notice
of my anger, but rather boasted of their re-
venge. According to all their accounts, they
killed or destroyed about one hundred and fifty
men, women, and children, besides burning the
town to ashes. They took their companion,
Tom Jeffery, from the tree, covered him with
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
187
some of the ruins, and so left him. But how-
ever this action of our men might seem to
them justifiable, yet I always openly con-
demned it with the appellation of the Massacre
of Madagascar.
When we came to the Gulf of Persia, five
of our men, who ventured on shore, were either
killed or made slaves by the Arabians, the rest
of them having scarce time to escape to their
boat. This made me upbraid them afresh with
the retribution of Heaven for such actions;
upon which the boatswain very warmly asked
me, "
"Whether those men on whom the tower
of Siloam fell, were greater sinners than the
rest of the Galileans?" and, "besides, sir,"
said he, "none of these five poor men that are
lost were with us at the Massacre of Mada-
gascar, as you call it, and therefore your repre-
sentations are very unjust, and your application
improper. Besides," added he, "you are con-
tinually using the men very ill upon this ac-
count, and, being but a passenger yourself, we
are not obliged to bear it; nor can we tell
what evil designs you may have to bring us to
judgment for it in England; and, therefore, if
you do not leave this discourse, as also not
188
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
•
concern yourself with any of cur affairs, I will
leave the ship, and not sail among such dan-
gerous company." All this I heard very pa-
tiently; but it being often repeated, I at length
told him the concern I had on board was none
of his business; that I was a considerable owner
in the ship, and therefore had a right to speak
in common, and that I was in no way account-
able to him, nor anybody else.. As no more
passed for some time after, I thought all had
been over.
At this time we were in the road
of Bengal, where, going ashore with the super-
cargo one day, in the evening, as I was pre-
paring to go on board, one of the men came to
me, and told me, I need not trouble myself to
come to the boat, for that the cockswain and
others had ordered him not to carry me on
board any more. This insolent message much
surprised me, yet I gave him no answer to it
but went directly and acquainted the super-
cargo, entreating him to go on board, and by
acquainting the captain with it, to prevent the
mutiny which I perceived would happen. But
before I had spoken this, the matter was
effected on board; for no sooner was he gone
off in the boat, bu the oatswain, gunner,
OF ROBINSON RUSOE.
189
1
carpenter, and all the inferior officers, came to
the quarter-deck, desiring to speak with the
captain; and there the boatswain made a long
harangue, exclaiming against me, as before
mentioned, that if I had not gone on shore
peaceably for my own diversion, they, by
violence, would have compelled me, for their
satisfaction; and that as they had shipped with
the captain, so they would faithfully serve him;
but, if I did not quit the ship, or the captain
oblige me to it, they would leave the ship im-
mediately. Hereupon, turning his face about
by way of signal, they all cried out, " ONE And
ALL! ONE AND ALL!"
You may be sure, that though my nephew
was a man of great courage, yet he could not
but be surprised at their sudden and unexpected
behavior; and though he talked stoutly to
them, and afterwards expostulated with them,
that in common justice to me, who was a con-
siderable owner in the ship, they could not
turn me, as it were, out of my own house,
which might bring their lives in danger, should
they ever be taken in England; nay, though
he invited the boatswain on shore to accommo-
date matters with me, yet all this signified
190
LIFE AND ADVENTURES
nothing; they would have nothing to do with
me; and they were resolved to go on shore if
I came on board. "Well," said my nephew,
"if you are so resolved, permit me to talk
with him, and then I have done;" so he came
to me, giving me an account of their resolution,
how one and all designed to forsake the ship
when I came on board, for which he was
greatly concerned. "I am glad to see you,
nephew," said I," and rejoice it is no worse,
since they have not rebelled against you; I
only desire you to send my necessary things
on shore, with a sufficient sum of money, and
I will find my way to England as well as I
can." Though this grieved my nephew to the
heart, yet there was no remedy but compliance.
In short, all my necessaries were sent to me,
and so this matter was over in a few hours.
I think I was now near a thousand leagues
further off England, by sea, than at my little
kingdom. I took lodgings in an Englishwo-
man's house. The handsome entertainment I
met with here, occasioned me to stay nine
months, considering what course I should take.
One morning an English merchant, with whom
I was very intimate, came to me: «Country-
OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.
191
man," said he, "I have a project to coramuni-
cate to you, which I hope will suit to both our
advantage. If you will put a thousand pounds
to my thousand pounds, we will hire a ship,
you shall be captain, I will be merchant; and
we will
go a trading voyage to China; for why
should we lie still like drones, while the whole
world is in continual motion?"
This proposal was very agreeable to my
rambling genius; but it required some time
before we could get a vessel to our mind, and
sailors to man it; at length we bought a ship,
and got an Englah mate, boatswain, and
gunner, a Dutch carpenter, and three Portu-
guese fore-mast men; and for want of others
made shift with Indian seamen.
We went up
to Suskan, making a great voyagé, and, after
eight months' time, I returned to Bengal, very
well satisfied with this adventure.
The next voyage my friend proposed to me,
was to go among the Spice Islands, and bring
home a cargo of cloves from the Manillas,
islands belonging partly to Spain, but where
the Dutch trade very considerably. We were
not long in preparing for this voyage, which
we made no less successful than the last, touch-
192
LIFE AND ADVENTURES, ETC.
ing at Borneo, and several other places, which
I do not perfectly remember, and returned
home in about five months' time.
After a very great variety of adventures,
which prolonged my journey to a year, five
months, and three days, I reached once more
my native land in safety, cured of my rambling
inclinations, and only desirous to end my days
in peace.
THE EXT

McGirr's
STATE HOUSE
BOOK SHOP
221 S. Fifth Street
Philadelphia
A