contrary to our nature. Were I a
tyrant, and wished to inflict the most cruel punishment human nature
could support, I would seclude criminals from the joys of society, and
deny them the endearing sight of their species.

I am certain I could not exist a year alone: I am miserable even in
that degree of solitude to which one is confined in a ship; no words
can speak the joy which I felt when I came to America, on the first
appearance of something like the chearful haunts of men; the first man,
the first house, nay the first Indian fire of which I saw the smoke
rise above the trees, gave me the most lively transport that can be
conceived; I felt all the force of those ties which unite us to each
other, of that social love to which we owe all our happiness here.

But to my hermit: his appearance disarmed my dislike; he is a tall
old man, with white hair and beard, the look of one who has known
better days, and the strongest marks of benevolence in his countenance.
He received me with the utmost hospitality, spread all his little
stores of fruit before me, fetched me fresh milk, and water from a
spring near his house.

After a little conversation, I expressed my astonishment, that a man
of whose kindness and humanity I had just had such proof, could find
his happiness in flying mankind: I said a good deal on the subject, to
which he listened with the politest attention.

"You appear," said he, "of a temper to pity the miseries of others.
My story is short and simple: I loved the most amiable of women; I was
beloved. The avarice of our parents, who both had more gainful views
for us, prevented an union on which our happiness depended. My Louisa,
who was threatened with an immediate marriage with a man she detested,
proposed to me to fly the tyranny of our friends: she had an uncle at
Quebec, to whom she was dear. The wilds of Canada, said she, may afford
us that refuge our cruel country denies us. After a secret marriage,
we embarked. Our voyage was thus far happy; I landed on the opposite
shore, to seek refreshments for my Louisa; I was returning, pleased
with the thought of obliging the object of all my tenderness, when a
beginning storm drove me to seek shelter in this bay. The storm
encreased, I saw its progress with agonies not to be described; the
ship, which was in sight, was unable to resist its fury; the sailors
crowded into the boat; they had the humanity to place my Louisa there;
they made for the spot where