Page:Sir William Petty - A Study in English Economic Literature - 1894.djvu/19

20 mine, Mr. Samuel Cowper (prince of limners of his age), one of the likest that ever he drew.

I have heard Sir William say more than once that he knew not that he was purblind, till his master (a master of a ship) bade him climb up the rope ladder, and give notice, when he espied such a steeple (somewhere upon the coast of England or France, I have forgot where), which was a landmark for the avoiding of a shelf. At last the master saw it on the deck, and they fathomed and found they were but foot of water.20 Before he went into Ireland he solicited, and no doubt he was an admirable good solicitor. I have heard him say that in soliciting he could dispatch several businesses, nay, better than one alone, for by conversing with several he should gain the more knowledge and the greater interest.

In the time of the war with the Dutch they concluded at the council board at London, to have so many out of Ireland (I think 1,500). Away to Ireland came one with a commission, and acquaints Sir William with it. Says Sir William: "You will never raise this number here." "Oh," said the other, "I warrant you I will not abate you a man." Now, Sir William knew it was impossible, for he knew how many ton of shipping belonged to Ireland, and the rule is to so many ton of shipping so many men. Of these ships half were abroad, and of those at home so many men imperfect. In fine, the commissioner could not raise above 200 seamen there. So we may see how statesmen may mistake for want of this political arithmetic. Another time the council of Dublin were all in a great racket for the prohibition of coal from England and Wales, considering that all about