Page:Life of Robinson Crusoe, of York, mariner.pdf/8

 ladder, for I had no door, to ascend my wall, where I placed fire-arms, as though it were a castle. Here I was surprised by an earthquake, which gave me three sudden shocks, but it did me no harm.

It would be too tedious to mention every particular circumstance during the year. I shall only observe, that fishing and shooting were my pleasures, and contemplating on the word of God, and praying, were my employments on the sabbath. At last I fell sick of a fever, which after some time left me, for which I returned thanks to the Almighty Being. I had not been at this place ten months, when I had the curiosity to view the island and accordingly ascending a hill, I espied pleasant meadows on the other side, and coming there found the cassava root, which the Indians make bread of; also plants of aloes, and sugar canes. I went farther, and found the place adorned with most beautiful woods. Getting into a tree, I rested there that night. The next day’s journey I found the country charming, and often wished my habitation there.

In about a month’s time I came back to my castle, where I found my cat with three kittens. Besides her I had a dog and a parrot, which I taught to call Poor Robinson Crusoe. A great part of my time was employed in sowing corn, and making earthen pots to hold water.

One day as I walked out, my dog siezed a kid, which I tamed; but though I wanted