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Almost spent, as I was, by fatigue and the dreadful suspense I

endured for several hours, this sudden certainty of life rushed

like a flood of warm joy to my heart, and tears gushed from my

eyes.

How mutable are our feelings, and how strange is that clinging

love we have of life even in the excess of misery! I constructed

another sail with a part of my dress and eagerly steered my

course towards the land. It had a wild and rocky appearance, but

as I approached nearer I easily perceived the traces of

cultivation. I saw vessels near the shore and found myself

suddenly transported back to the neighbourhood of civilised man.

I carefully traced the windings of the land and hailed a steeple

which I at length saw issuing from behind a small promontory. As

I was in a state of extreme debility, I resolved to sail directly

towards the town, as a place where I could most easily procure

nourishment. Fortunately I had money with me. As I turned the

promontory I perceived a small neat town and a good harbour,

which I entered, my heart bounding with joy at my unexpected

escape.