ROBINSON CRUSOE. 259

Nothing can be a greater demonstration of a future state,
and of the existence of an invisible world, than the concurrence
of second causes with the ideas of things which we form in our
minds, perfectly reserved, and not communicated to any in the
world.

My nephew knew nothing how far my distemper of wan-
dering was returned upon me, and I knew nothing of what
he had in his thought to say, when that very morning, be-
fore he came to me, I had, in a great deal of confusion of
thought, and revolving every part of my circumstances in my
mind, come to this resolution, that I would go to Lisbon,
and consult with my old sea-captain; and if it was rational
and practicable, I would go and see the island again, and
what was become of my people there. I had pleased myself
with the thoughts of peopling the place, and carrying inhab-
itants from hence, getting a patent for the possession, and I
know not what: when, in the middle of all this, in comes
my nephew, as I have said, with his project of carrying me
thither in his way to the East Indies.

I paused awhile at his words, and looking steadily at him,
“What devil,” said I, “sent you on this unlucky errand?”
My nephew stared as if he had been frightened, at first ;
but perceiving that I was not much displeased with the pro-
posal, he recovered himself. “I hope it may not be an un-
lucky proposal, sir,” says he; “I dare say you would be
pleased to see your new colony there, where you once reigned
with more felicity than most of your brother monarchs in the
world.”

In a word, the scheme hit so exactly with my temper,
that is to say, the prepossession I was under, and of which
I have said so much, that I told him, in a few words, if he
agreed with the merchants, I would go with him; but I told
him I would not promise to go any farther than my own
island. ‘Why, sir,” says he, “you don’t want to be left there
again I hope?” “Why,” said I, “can you not take me up again
on your return?” He told me it would not be possible to do
so; that the merchants would never allow him to come that way
with a laden ship of such value, it being a month’s sail out of
his way, and might be three or four. “ Besides, sir, if I should
miscarry,” said he, “and not return at all, then you would be
just reduced to the condition you were in before.”

This was very rational ; but we both found out a remedy for
it ; which was to carry a framed sloop on board the ship, which
being taken in pieces, and shipped on board the ship, might, by