could only run before the wind.  And when I looked around me in this busy world, one party labouring for bread, and the other squandering away their estates; this put me in mind how I had lived in my little kingdom, where both reason and religion dictated to me, that there was something that certainly was the reason and end of life, which was far superior to what could be hoped for on this side the grave.  My country delights were now as insiped and dull, as music and science to those who have neither taste nor ingenuity.  In short, resolving to leave off house-keeping, I left my farm, and in a few months returned to London.

But neither could that great city, so famous for its variety of entertainment, afford me any agreeable delight; a state of idleness I found to be the very dregs of life, and most hurtful to body and soul.  It was now the beginning of the year 1684, at which time my nephew (who as I before observed had been brought up to the sea, and advanced to be captain of a ship) was returned from a short voyage to Bilboz, the first he had made in that station.  He comes to me one morning, telling me that some merchants of his acquaintance had proposed to him to go a voyage for them to the East Indies and China in the manner of private traders; and now uncle, said he, if you’ll accompany me thither, I’ll engage to land you upon your old island, to visit the state of your little kingdom.

Just before he came in, my thoughts were fixed to get a patent for its possession, and then to fill it with inhabitants.  After I had paused a while, and looked stedfastly on him. What devil or spirit, said I, sent you with this unlucky errand?  He started at first; but recovering himself, when he perceived I was not offended; Sir, replied he, what I have proposed cannot I hope, be styled unlucky, since certainly you must be desirous to see your little territory, where you reigned with more content, than any of your brother kings in the universe.  Nephew, said I, if you will leave me there, and call for me as you came back, I care not if I give my consent:  but he answered, that the merchants would not allow their vessel loaden with an infinite value, to return there again, which was a month’s sail out of the way; besides, Sir said he, if I should miscarry, was your request granted, why then you would be locked up as before.  This indeed carried a great deal of reason in it; but we found out a remedy, and that was to carry a framed sloop on board, ready to be set up in the island, by the assistance of some carpenters, which we should carry with us, that might be fitted in a few days to go to sea.  I was not long in forming my resolution, which overswayed my good friend the widow’s persuasions, and the natural affection I bore to my young children.  I made my will, and settled my estate in such manner, that I was perfectly sure my poor infants would have justice done them.  The good widow not only undertook to make provision, for my voyage, but also took the charge of my domestic affairs, and to provide for my children’s education; and indeed no mother could take more care, or understood that office better; for which I lived to reward and return her my hearty thanks.