in which the coins of nearly every Christian people were
blended, "we are not without the means of paying those who serve us
faithfully."

The sudden exhibition of a horde of wealth, which not only greatly
exceeded any thing of the kind he had ever before witnessed, but which
actually surpassed his limited imaginative powers, was not without its
effect on the sensitive feelings of the good-man After feasting on the
sight, for the few moments that his companion left the treasure exposed to
view, he turned to the envied possessor of so much gold, and
demanded,--the tones of increased confidence gradually stealing into his
voice, as the inward man felt additional motives of encouragement,--

"And what am I expected to perform, mighty Seaman, for my portion of this
wealth?"

"That which you daily perform on the land--to cut, to fashion, and to sew.
Perhaps, too, your talent at a masquerade dress may be taxed, from time to
time."

"Ah! they are lawless and irreligious devices of the enemy, to lead men
into sin and worldly abominations But, worthy Mariner, there is my
disconsolate consort, Desire; though stricken in years, and given to wordy
strife, yet is she the lawful partner of my bosom, and the mother of a
numerous offspring."

"She shall not want. This is an asylum for distressed husbands. Your men,
who have not force enough to command at home, come to my ship as to a city
of refuge. You will make the seventh who has found peace by fleeing to
this sanctuary. Their families are supported by ways best known to
ourselves, and all parties are content. This is not the least of my
benevolent acts."

"It is praiseworthy and just, honourable Captain and I hope that Desire
and her offspring may not be forgotten. The labourer is surely worthy of
his hire and if, peradventure, I should toil in your behalf through
stress of compulsion, I hope the good and her young, may fatten on your
liberality."

"You have my word; they shall not be neglected."

"Perhaps, just Gentleman, if an allotment should be made in advance from
that stock of gold, the mind of my consort would be relieved, her
inquiries after my fate not so searching, and her spirit less troubled. I
have reason to understand the temper of Desire; and am well identified,
that, while the prospect of want is before her eyes, there will be a
clamour in Newport. Now that the Lord has graciously given me the hopes of
a respite, there can be no sin in wishing to enjoy it