to see me, but
probably put me in danger of being imprisoned, or burnt by the
Inquisition." The captain persuaded me to accept a suit of clothes newly
made; but I would not suffer the tailor to take my measure; however, Don
Pedro being almost of my size, they fitted me well enough. He accoutred
me with other necessaries, all new, which I aired for twenty-four hours
before I would use them.

The captain had no wife, nor above three servants, none of which were
suffered to attend at meals; and his whole deportment was so obliging,
added to very good human understanding, that I really began to tolerate
his company. He gained so far upon me, that I ventured to look out of
the back window. By degrees I was brought into another room, whence I
peeped into the street, but drew my head back in a fright. In a week's
time he seduced me down to the door. I found my terror gradually
lessened, but my hatred and contempt seemed to increase. I was at last
bold enough to walk the street in his company, but kept my nose well
stopped with rue, or sometimes with tobacco.

In ten days, Don Pedro, to whom I had given some account of my domestic
affairs, put it upon me, as a matter of honour and conscience, "that I
ought to return to my native country, and live at home with my wife and
children." He told me, "there was an English ship in the port just ready
to sail, and he would furnish me with all things necessary." It would be
tedious to repeat his arguments, and my contradictions. He said, "it was
altogether impossible to find such a solitary island as I desired to live
in; but I might command in my own house, and pass my time in a manner as
recluse as I pleased."

I complied at last, finding I could not do better. I left Lisbon the
24th day of November, in an English merchantman, but who was the master I
never inquired. Don Pedro accompanied me to the ship, and lent me twenty
pounds. He took kind leave of me, and embraced me at parting, which I
bore as well as I could. During this last voyage I had no commerce with
the master or any of his men; but, pretending I was sick, kept close in
my cabin. On the fifth of December, 1715, we cast anchor in the Downs,
about nine in the morning, and at three in the afternoon I got safe to my
house at Rotherhith. {546}

My wife and family received me with great surprise and joy, because they
concluded me certainly dead; but I must freely confess the sight of them
filled me only with