even to the wild sea and unvisited regions I am about
to explore. But to return to dearer considerations.
Shall I meet you again, after having traversed immense
seas, and returned by the most southern cape of Africa
or America? I dare not expect such success,
yet I cannot bear to look on the reverse of the picture.
Continue for the present to write to me by every
opportunity: I may receive your letters on some
occasions when I need them most to support my spirits.
I love you very tenderly. Remember me with
affection, should you never hear from me again.
Your affectionate brother,
Robert Walton
To Mrs. Saville, England
July 7th, 17—
My dear Sister,
I write a few lines in haste to say that I am safe—and
well advanced on my voyage. This letter will
reach England by a merchantman now on its homeward
voyage from Archangel; more fortunate than I, who may
not see my native land, perhaps, for many years.
I am, however, in good spirits: my men are
bold and apparently firm of purpose, nor do the floating
sheets of ice that continually pass us, indicating
the dangers of the region towards which we are advancing,
appear to dismay them. We have already reached
a very high latitude; but it is the height of summer,
and although not so warm as in England, the southern
gales, which blow us speedily towards those shores
which I so ardently desire to attain, breathe a degree
of renovating warmth which I had not expected.
No incidents have hitherto befallen us that would
make a figure in a letter. One or two stiff
gales and the springing of a leak are accidents which
experienced navigators scarcely remember to record,
and I shall be well content if nothing worse happen
to us during our voyage.
Adieu, my dear Margaret. Be assured that for
my own sake, as well as yours, I will not rashly encounter
danger. I will be cool, persevering, and prudent.
But success shall crown my endeavours.
Wherefore not? Thus far I have gone, tracing
a secure way over the pathless seas, the very stars
themselves being witnesses and testimonies of my triumph.
Why not still proceed over the untamed yet obedient
element? What can stop the determined heart
and resolved will of man?
My swelling heart involuntarily pours itself out thus.
But I must finish. Heaven bless my beloved
sister!
R.W.
To Mrs. Saville, England
August 5th, 17—
So strange an accident has happened to us that I cannot
forbear recording it, although it is very probable
that you will see me before these papers can come
into your possession.
Last Monday (July 31st) we were nearly surrounded
by ice, which closed in the ship on all sides, scarcely
leaving her the sea-room in which she floated.
Our situation was somewhat dangerous, especially as
we were compassed round by a very thick fog.
We accordingly lay to, hoping that some change would
take place in the atmosphere and weather.
