Robinson Crusoe [antikvár]

chapter i MY FIRST VOYAGE I was born in the year 1632, in the city of York, of a good family. As I was the third son, and had not been taught any trade, my head began to be filled early in life with ideas of seeing the world. My father, now very old, had given me a fairly_good education, and I had as much learning as could be expected from lessons given at home and in the local free school. ,My father wanted me to become a lawyer, but I would be satisfied with nothing but going to sea So powerful was this wish that it pulled me strongly against the will of my father, and even against his commands. My mother and other friends used persuasion and entreaty against the idea. But there seemed to be something fatal in that natural inclination to the sea, something leading me on to the life of misery which was to be my fate. My father begged me earnestly, and in the most affectionate manner, not to rush into miseries and hardships from which my social position could easily save me. It was unnecessary for me to go out into the world to earn my own living. He was willing to help me and would prepare me for the career he had recommended to me, If I were not comfortable and happy in the world, it must be because my own fate or fault were the cause, and he could not be held responsible. He had done his duty by warning me against plans which he knew would bring me unhappiness. In a word, he would treat me with the greatest kindness if I would follow his advice and settle at home, but he would take no responsibility for my misfortunes by giving me any encourage-