Ran Away To Sea Etc PDF Download

I was just sixteen when I ran away to sea.I did not do so because I had been treated unkindly at home. On thecontrary, I left behind me a fond and indulgent father, a kind and gentlemother, sisters and brothers who loved me, and who lamented for me longafter I was gone.But no one had more cause to regret this act of filial disobedience than Imyself. I soon repented of what I had done, and often, in after life, did itgive me pain, when I reflected upon the pain I had caused to my kindredand friends.From my earliest years I had a longing for the sea-perhaps not so much tobe a sailor, as to travel over the great ocean, and behold its wonders. Thislonging seemed to be part of my nature, for my parents gave noencouragement to such a disposition. On the contrary, they did all in theirpower to beget within me a dislike for a sea life, as my father had designedfor me a far different profession. But the counsels of my father, and theentreaties of my mother all proved unavailing. Indeed-and I feel shame inacknowledging it-they produced an effect directly opposite to that whichwas intended; and, instead of lessening my inclination to wander abroad, they only rendered me more eager to carry out that design! It is often sowith obstinate natures, and I fear that, when a boy, mine was too much ofthis character. Most to desire that which is most forbidden, is a commonfailing of mankind; and in doing this, I was perhaps not so unlike others.Certain it is, that the thing which my parents least desired me to feel aninterest in-the great salt sea-was the very object upon which my mindconstantly dwelt-the object of all my longings and aspirations.I cannot tell what first imbued me with a liking for the sea, for I had such aliking almost from the years of childhood. I was born upon the sea-shore, and this fact might explain it; for, during my early life, when I was still but amere child, I used to sit at the window and look with admiring eyes on theboats with their white sails, and the beautiful ships with their tall taperingmasts, that were constantly passing and repassing. How could I dootherwise than admire these grand and glorious structures-so strong and sograceful? How could it be otherwise, than that I should imbibe a longing tobe on board of them, and be carried afar over yonder bright blue wate