OF ROBINSON CRUSOE. 805

had seen that he had done that already: but I added, that it was
nothing but what reason and humanity dictated to all men, and that we
had as much reason as he to give thanks to God, who had blessed us so
far as to make us the instruments of his mercy to many of his crea-
tures.

After this the young priest applied himself to his country folks;
laboured to compose them; persuaded, entreated, argued, reasoned with
them, and did his utmost to keep them within the exercise of their
reason; and with some he had success, though others were, for a time,
out of all government of themselves.

I cannot help committing this to writing, as perhaps it may be use-
ful to those into whose hands it may fall, in the guiding themselves in
all the extravagances of their passions; for if an excess of joy can
carry men out to such a length beyond the reach of their reason, what
will not the extravagances of anger, rage, and a provoked mind carry
us to? And, indeed, here I saw reason for keeping an exceeding watch
over our passions of every kind, as well those of joy and satisfaction,
as those of sorrow and anger.

We were something disordered by these extravagances among our
new guests for the first day; but when they had been retired, lodgings
provided for them all as well as our ship would allow, and they had
slept heartily, as most of them did, being fatigued and frightened, they
were quite another sort of people the next day.

Nothing of good manners, or civil acknowledgments for the indlees
shown them, was wanting; the French, it is known, are naturally apt
enough to exceed that way. The captain and one of the priests came
to me the next day, and, desiring to speak with me and my nephew,
the commander began to consult with us what should be done with them ;
and, first, they told us, that as we had saved their lives, so all they had
was little enough for a return to us for the kindness received. The
captain said, they had saved some money, and some things of value in
their boats, catched hastily out of the flames; and if we would accept
it, they were ordered to make an offer of it all tous; they only desired

to be set on shore somewhere in our way, where, if possible, they might.

get a passage to France.
My nephew was for accepting their money at first word, and to con-
sider what to do with them afterwards: but I overruled him in that

part; for I knew what it was to be set on shore in a strange country ;
and if the Portugal captain that took me up at sea had served me so, ©
and took all I had for my deliverance, I must have starved, or Rave:

beer asmuch a slave at the Brazils asI had been at seen oy

vold to a Mohammedan only excepted; and perhaps. 2
20