so infamous a wretch,
'whom,' said he, 'I shall never think on, without hating myself for
having ever loved.'

The good-natured merchant, as well as his father, perceiving these
reflections began to take too much root in him, joined in endeavouring
to alleviate the asperity of them, by telling him, that it was their
opinion, as indeed it seemed highly probable, that when he was once
gone, she would be more easily prevailed upon; especially as the
reconciliation between him and his father was to be kept an inviolable
secret. The old gentleman also added, in order to make him easy, that
how exorbitant soever she might be in her demands, and whatever it
should cost, though it were the half of his estate, he would rid him
of the contract; which second proof of paternal affection, renewed in
Natura, as well it might, fresh sentiments of love, joy, and duty; and
the same promise being again and again reiterated, he soon resumed his
former chearfulness, and thought of nothing but the new scenes he was
going to pass through.

In fine, not many days elapsed before he departed, with his governor
and one footman, who had been an antient servant in the family.--As
their first route was to France, they went in the Dover stage, and
thence embarked for Calais, without any thing material happening,
except it were, that on sight of the ocean, Natura was fired with a
devout rhapsody at the thoughts of finding himself upon it, in a
manner so vastly different from that in which, but a few months since,
his despair had led him to project; and the resolution he made within
himself never to be guilty of any thing hereafter, which should
occasion a blush on his own face, or incur the displeasure of a
father, to whom he looked upon himself as much more indebted, for the
forgiveness he had received, than for being the author of his
existence.

So great an effect has mercy and benevolence over a heart not hardened
by a long practice of vice! How far Natura persevered in these good
intentions, we shall hereafter see; but the very ability of forming
them, shews that there is a native gratitude and generosity in the
human mind, which, in spite of the prevalence of unruly passions,
will, at sometimes, shine forth, even in the most thoughtless and
inconsiderate.

BOOK the Second.

CHAP. I.

The inconsideration and instability of youth; when unrestrained by
authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarke