after, my uncle set out for his ship, having settled the necessary
funds for my maintenance and education.

CHAPTER VI

I make great progress in my Studies--am caressed by Everybody--my female
Cousins take notice of me--I reject their Invitation--they are incensed,
and conspire against me--am left destitute by a Misfortune that befalls
my Uncle-Gawky's Treachery--my Revenge

As I was now capable of reflection, I began to consider my precarious
situation; that I was utterly abandoned by those whose duty it was to
protect me: and that my sole dependence was on the generosity of one
man, who was not only exposed by his profession to continual dangers,
which might one day deprive me of him for ever; but also (no doubt)
subject to those vicissitudes of disposition which a change of fortune
usually creates, or which a better acquaintance with the world might
produce; for I always ascribed his benevolence to the dictates of a
heart as yet undebauched by a commerce with mankind. Alarmed at these
considerations, I resolved to apply myself with great care to my
studies, and enjoy the opportunity in my power: this I did with such
success that, in the space of three years, I understood Greek very well,
was pretty far advanced in the mathematics, and no stranger to moral and
natural philosophy: logic I made no account of; but, above all things,
I valued myself on my taste in the belles lettres, and a talent for
poetry, which had already produced some pieces that had met with a
favourable reception. These qualifications, added to a good face and
shape, acquired the esteem and acquaintance of the most considerable
people in town, and I had the satisfaction to find myself in some degree
of favour with the ladies; an intoxicating piece of good fortune to one
of my amorous complexion! which I obtained, or at least preserved, by
gratifying their propensity to scandal, in lampooning their rivals.

Two of my female cousins lived in this place, with their mother, since
the death of their father, who left his whole fortune equally divided
between them; so that, if they were not the most beautiful, they were
at least the richest toasts in town; and received daily the addresses of
all the beaux and cavaliers of the country. Although I had hitherto been
looked upon by them with the most supercilious contempt, my character
now attracted their notice so much that I was given to understand I
might be honoured with their acquaintance, if