RESCUE OF THE SOLITARY. . * 687

running through them, that tumbled into cascades from rock to rock, as the
bottom of the valleys, by the course of the neighbouring hills, was at any
time broken into a sudden sharp descent. Some particular spots occurred
in these valleys, where the shade and fragrance of the contiguous woods, the
loftiness of the overhanging rocks, and the transparency and frequent falls
of the neighbouring streams, presented scenes of such elegance and dignity
as are but rarely paralleled in any other part of the globe. It is on this
place, perhaps, that the simple productions of unassisted nature may be said
to excel all the fictitious descriptions of the most animated imagination.”

In 1708, an expedition against the French and Spanish was equipped by
several merchants of Bristol, consisting of the Duke, of thirty guns, Captain
Woodes Rogers; and the Duchess, of twenty-five guns, Captain Courtney
(afterwards Captain Dover). As they were destined to act in the South
Seas, they carried Dampier as their pilot; a post for which he was well fitted
by his nautical experience. They sailed from Bristol on the 1st of August;
left Cork on the 1st of September ; anchored at the island of La Granda, off
the Brazilian coast, on the 18th of November; doubled Cape Horn in
December ; and on the 81st of January 1709, came in sight of Juan Fer-
nandez.

“ Slowly,” says Mr. Howell, “ the vessels rose into view, and Selkirk could
scarcely believe the sight real; for often had he been deceived before. They
gradually approached the island, and he at’ length ascertained them to be
English. Great was the tumult of passions that rose in his mind; but the
love of home overpowered them all. It was late in the afternoon when they
first came in sight; and lest they should sail again without knowing that
there was a person on the island, he prepared a quantity of wood to burn as
soon as it was dark. He kept his eye fixed upon them until night-fall, and
then kindled his fire, and kept it up until morning dawned. His hopes and
fears having banished all desire for sleep, he employed himself in killing
several goats, and in preparing an entertainment for his expected guests,
knowing how acceptable it would be to them after their long run, with
nothing but salt provisions to live upon.”

The next day, about noon, Woodes Rogers sent a boat on shore. The
reader will understand with what delight its approach was observed by the
solitary, and with what eagerness he welcomed his countrymen. He em-
braced them by turns; but at first his excess of joy fettered his voicejfand
he could not speak. He had at this time his last shirt upon his back; his
feet and legs were bare; the skins of wild animals partly covered his thighs
and body. His beard was of patriarchal length, and a rough goat’s skin
cap crowned his unkempt locks. The first transports of happiness over, his
tongue was loosed ; he overwhelmed his visitors with questions, and eagerly
replied to all which they addressed to him. Curiosity satisfied on both sides,
the boat returned to the Duke, taking Selkirk with them, who, being recom-