CRUSOE LEAVES ENGLAND, 871

I was not long resolving; for indeed the importunities of my
nephew joined in so effectually with my inclination that nothing
could oppose me. On the other hand, my wife being dead, I had
nobody concerned themselves so much for me as to persuade me
one way or other, except my ancient good friend the widow, who
earnestly struggled with me to consider my years, my easy circum-
stances, and the needless hazards of a long voyage ; and, above all,
my young children. But it was all to no purpose. I had an irre-
sistible desire to the voyage; and I told her I thought there was
something so uncommon in the impressions I had upon my mind
for the voyage that it would be a kind of resisting Providence if I
should attempt to stay at home: after which she ceased her expos-
tulations, and joined with me not only in making provision for my
voyage, but also in settling my family affairs for my absence, and
providing for the education of my children.

In order to this I made my will, and settled the estate I had in
such a manner for my children, and placed in such hands, that I
was perfectly easy and satisfied they would have justice done them,
whatever might befall me; and for their education, I left it
wholly to my widow, with a sufficient maintenance to herself for
her care: all which she richly deserved, for no mother could have
taken more care in their education, or understood it better; and
as she lived until I came home, I also lived to thank her for it.

My nephew was ready to sail about the beginning of January
1694-5 ; and I with my man Friday went on board in the Downs
the 8th, having, besides that sloop which I mentioned above, a
very considerable cargo of all kinds of necessary things for my
colony, which, if I did not find in good condition, I resolved to
leave so.

First, I- carried with me some servants, whom I purposed to
place there as inhabitants, or at least to set on work there upon
my own account while I stayed, and either to leave them there or
carry them forward as they should appear willing: particularly I
carried two carpenters, a smith, and a very handy, ingenious fellow,
who. was a cooper by trade, but was also a general mechanic, for
he was dexterous at making wheels, and. hand-mills to grind corn,
was a good turner and a good pot-maker; he also made anything