t this abuse.

In the midst of these horrors a touching scene of filial piety drew our
tears. Two young men raised and recognised their father, who had
fallen, and was lying insensible among the feet of the people. They
believed him at first dead, and their despair was expressed in the most
afflicting manner. It was perceived, however, that he still breathed,
and every assistance was rendered for his recovery in our power. He
slowly revived, and was restored to life, and to the prayers of his
sons, who supported him closely, folded in their arms. Whilst our hearts
were softened by this affecting episode in our melancholy adventures, we
had soon to witness the sad spectacle of a dark contrast. Two ship-boys
and a baker feared not to seek death, and threw themselves into the sea,
after having bid farewell to their companions in misfortune. Already the
minds of our people were singularly altered; some believed they saw
land, others ships which were coming to save us; all talked aloud of
their fallacious visions.

We lamented the loss of our unfortunate companions. At this moment we
were far from anticipating the still more terrible scene which took
place on the following night; far from that, we enjoyed a positive
satisfaction, so well were we persuaded that the boats would return to
our assistance. The day was fine, and the most perfect tranquillity
reigned all the while on our raft. The evening came, and no boats
appeared. Despondency began again to seize our men, and then a spirit of
insubordination manifested itself in cries of rage. The voice of the
officers was entirely disregarded. Night fell rapidly in, the sky was
obscured by dark clouds; the wind which, during the whole of the day,
had blown rather violently, became furious and swelled the sea, which in
an instant became very rough.

The preceding night had been frightful, but this was still more so.
Mountains of water covered us at every instant, and burst with fury into
the midst of us. Very fortunately we had the wind from behind, and the
strength of the sea was a little broken by the rapidity with which we
were driven before it. We were impelled towards the land. The men, from
the violence of the sea, were hurried from the back to the front; we
were obliged to keep to the centre, the firmest part of the raft, and
those who could not get there almost all perished. Before and behind the
waves dashed impetuously, and swept away the men in spite of all their
r