spoke, and when it was
ready, ate together.

I imagined my acquaintance with the Scottish priest if properly managed,
might turn out to my advantage, and therefore resolved to cultivate
it as much as I could. With this view we visited him at his convent,
according to his invitation, where he treated us with wine and
sweetmeats, and showed us everything that was remarkable in the
monastery. Having been thus entertained, we took our leave, though not
before I had promised to see him next day, and the time fixed for my
uncle's embarking being come, I accompanied him to the harbour, and saw
him on board. We parted not without tears, after we had embraced and
wished one another all manner of prosperity: and he entreated me to
write to him often, directing to Lieutenant Bowling, at the sign of the
Union Flag, near the Hermitage, London.

I returned to the house in which we had met, where I passed the night
in a very solitary manner, reflecting on the severity of my fate, and
endeavouring to project some likely scheme of life for the future; but
my invention failed me; I saw nothing but insurmountable difficulties in
my way, and was ready to despair at the miserable prospect! That I might
not, however, neglect any probable reason, I got up in the morning, and
went directly to the father, whose advice and assistance I implored. He
received me very kindly, and gave me to understand, that there was one
way of life in which a person of my talents could not fail of making a
great figure. I guessed his meaning, and told him, once for all, I was
fully determined against any alteration in point of religion; therefore
if his proposal regarded the church, he might save himself the trouble
of explaining it. He shook his head and sighed, saying, "Ah! son, son,
what a glorious prospect is here spoiled by your stubborn prejudice!
Suffer yourself to be persuaded by reason, and consult your temporal
welfare, as well as the concerns of your eternal soul. I can, by my
interest procure your admission as a noviciate to this convent, where I
will superintend and direct you with a truly paternal affection." Then
he launched out into the praises of a monastic life, which no noise
disturbs, no cares molest, and no danger invades--where the heart
is weaned from carnal attachments, the grosser appetite subdued and
chastised, and the soul wafted to divine regions of philosophy and
truth, on the wing of studious contemplation. But his eloquence was lost