Page:Honest debtor, or, The virtuous man struggling with, rising superior to, and overcoming misfortune (2).pdf/14

14 ' I landed at Amsterdam. On my arrival, my first care was to enquire who among the wealthy merchants of the city, was the man of the greatest character for honour and pro- bity; and all agreeing in naming Odelman, I repaired to him, Sir,' said I, ' a stranger persecuted by misfortunes flies to you for refuge, and to ask you whether he must sink under its weight, or whether by dint of resolution and labour he may be able to overcome it? I have one to patronize or be answerable for me. I hope in time, however to be my own security; and in the manwhile, I entreat you to employ a man that has been educated with care, is not destitute of know- ledge and of a willing disposition. Odel- man after having listened to, and surveyed me with attention, asked who had recom- mended me to him? “ The public opinion, said I. "on my arrival I enquired for the wisest and best man among the citizens of Amsterdam, and you were unanimously named.” He appeared much struck with a certain expression of spiritedness and frankness in my language and countenance, which mis- fortune imparts to resolute minds, and which nature seems to have made the dignity of the unfortunate. He was discreet in his questions, and I was sincere, but reserved in my answers. In a word, without betraying myself, I said enough to remove his distrust,