Page:Unparalleled sufferings and surprising adventures of Philip Quarle.pdf/8

 from the monster, he concludes it must be an inspiration of Providence (whom the grave old lady did personate in the dream) who lately had preserved him from a death by all appearance unavoidable, to keep him from despair in this his great extremity, promising to be at hand upon occasion.

Having made these considerations, he, on his knees, returns kind Providence his hearty thanks for all the mercies that had been extended to him; begging the continuance of its assistance.

The wind being pretty high, fed his hopes, that each succeeding hour would gratify his wishing look with that object the preceding night could not bring forth: but he was disappointed. The night approaching, kept back all probability for that time; however, depending on better success the next day, he returns whence he came; and being hungry, makes a fire, and broils another slice of his fish, then lays the rest upon the broad green leaves, and strews salt thereon to keep it from spoiling, then goes to rest, and as he lay undisturbed the night before under the trees, and much more easy than a-top, he ventured again, committing himself to the care of Providence.

But his thoughts, which all day had been disturbed with the dread of those hardships he must probably undergo, if obliged to continue there all winter, so ran in his mind, that they occasioned ideas suitable to those he had formed the day before.

These reflections bred various melancholy thoughts, which almost led him to despair. Oh! said he, that I was but a mouse, bat, or yet a