with all
the good manners, and complaisance, and respect (look you,) that becomes
you, because you have not vouchsafed to advise with me in this affair.
I have in my time (look you,) been a man of some weight, and substance,
and consideration, and have kept house and home, and paid scot and lot,
and the king's taxes; ay, and maintained a family to boot. And moreover,
also, I am your senior, and your older, and your petter, Mr. Thompson."
"My elder, I'll allow you to be, but not my better!" cried Thompson,
with some heat. "Cot is my Saviour, and witness too," said Morgan, with
great vehemence, "that I am more elder, and therefore more petter by
many years than you." Fearing this dispute might be attended with some
bad consequence, I interposed, and told Mr. Morgan I was very sorry for
having been the occasion of any difference between him and the second
mate; and that, rather than cause the least breach in their good
understanding, I would eat my allowance to myself, or seek admission
into some other company. But Thompson, with more spirit than discretion
(as I thought), insisted upon my remaining where he had appointed me;
and observed that no man, possessed of generosity and compassion, would
have any objection to it, considering my birth and talents, and the
misfortunes I had of late so unjustly undergone.

This was touching Mr. Morgan on the right key, who protested with great
earnestness, that he had no objection to my being received in the mess;
but only complained that the ceremony of asking his consent was not
observed. "As for a sheltenman in distress," said he, shaking me by the
hand, "I lofe him as I lofe my own powels: for, Cot help me! I have had
vexations enough upon my own pack." And as I afterwards learned, in
so saying, he spoke no more than what was true; for he had been once
settled in a very good situation in Glamorganshire, and was ruined by
being security for an acquaintance. All differences being composed, he
untied his bundle, which consisted of three bunches of onions, and a
great lump of Cheshire cheese, wrapped up in a handkerchief: and, taking
some biscuit from the cupboard, fell to with a keen appetite, inviting
us to share of the repast. When he had fed heartily on his homely fare,
he filled a large cup, made of a cocoa-nut shell, with brandy, and,
drinking it off, told us, "Prandy was the best menstruum for onions and
sheese." His hunger being appeased, he began to be in better humour;
and