told the poor steward that I had begged him for my assistant, and
desired him to go down and help my mates to get ready the instruments
and dressings. Notwithstanding the satisfaction he must have felt at
those tidings, he affected a shyness of quitting the upper deck; and
said, he hoped I did not imagine he was afraid to do his duty above
board; for he believed himself as well prepared for death as any man in
the ship, no disparagement to me or the captain. I was disgusted at this
affectation; and, in order to punish his hypocrisy, assured him he might
take his choice, either of going down to the cockpit with me, or staying
upon deck during the engagement. Alarmed at this indifference, he
replied, "Well, to oblige you, I'll go down, but remember it is more
for your sake than my own." So saying, he disappeared in a twinkling,
without waiting for an answer.

By this time, we could observe two tier of guns in the ship which
pursued us, and which was now but two short miles astern. This discovery
had an evident effect upon the sailors, who did not scruple to say, that
we should be torn to pieces, and blown out of the water, and that, if
in case any of them should lose their precious limbs, they must go a
begging for life, for there was no provision made by the merchants
for those poor souls who are maimed in their service. The captain,
understanding this, ordered the crew abaft, and spoke to them thus: "My
lads, I am told you hang an a--se. I have gone to sea thirty years, a
man and a boy, and never saw English sailors afraid before. Mayhap you
may think I want to expose you for the lucre of gain. Whosoever thinks
so, thinks a d--ned lie, for my whole cargo is insured; so that, in case
I should be taken, my loss would not be great. The enemy is stronger
than we, to be sure. What then? have we not a chance for carrying away
one of her masts, and so get clear of her? If we find her too hard for
us, 'tis but striking at last. If any man is hurt in the engagement,
I promise on the word of an honest seaman, to make him a recompense
according to his loss. So now, you that are lazy, lubberly, cowardly
dogs, get away and skulk in the hold and bread-room; and you, that are
jolly boys, stand by me, and let us give one broadside for the honour
of Old England." This eloquent harangue was so well adapted to the
disposition of his hearers, that one and all of them, pulling off their
hats, waved them over their heads, and saluted him with