OR THE DESERT ISLAND. 39

Alas! poor Philip was always his own worst enemy. In
lieu of resigning himself with fortitude to what he knew
must be inevitable, and of fulfilling his duties in such a
manner as would secure him the esteem of all his ship-
mates; instead of seeking to soften by his good conduct
the hatred of the count; he suffered his mind to become so
exasperated by desires of revenge, that neither fear nor
threats could either afftight or mollify him. Pains and
privations served only to render him more furious and des-
perate, and his indomitable obstinacy made him pass the
three first months of his service amidst punishments and
chastisements of every kind.

If, recalling to his heart the religious sentiments of his
infancy, the young Merville had extinguished the venom
of his hatred ; if he had only made use of the many talents
with which nature had gifted him; and if, applying him-
self with diligence to the duties of his new profession, he
had proved to his superiors that, young as he was, he could
perform his various duties as adroitly as the oldest seaman
aboard ; if, in fine, to an education and morals superior
to those of his own standing in life, he had added that
circumspect and regular behaviour which had character-
ized his early years, all would have respected him, and no
one more than his captain. His persecutor then would not -