第3章

Then I walked up the street, gazing about till near the market-house I met a boy with bread. I had made many a meal on bread, and, inquiring where he got it, I went immediately to the baker's he directed me to, in Secondstreet, and ask'd for bisket, intending such as we had in Boston; but they, it seems, were not made in Philadelphia. Then I asked for a three-penny loaf, and was told they had none such. So not considering or knowing the difference of money, and the greater cheapness nor the names of his bread, I made him give me three-penny worth of any sort. He gave me, accordingly, three great puffy rolls. I was surpriz'd at the quantity, but took it, and, having no room in my pockets, walk'd off with a roll under each arm, and eating the other.

Thus I went up Market-street as far as Fourth-street, passing by the door of Mr. Read, my future wife's father; when she, standing at the door, saw me, and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward, ridiculous appearance. Then I turned and went down Chestnut-street and part of Walnut-street, eating my roll all the way, and, corning round, found myself again at Market-street wharf, near the boat I came in, to which I went for a draught of the river water; and, being filled with one of my rolls, gave the other two to a woman and her child that came down the river in the boat with us, and were waiting to go farther.

Thus refreshed, I walked again up the street, which by this time had many clean-dressed people in it, who were all walking the same way. I joined them, and thereby was led into the great meeting-house of the Quakers near the market. I sat down among them, and, after looking round awhile and hearing nothing said, being very drowsy thro’labor and want of rest the preceding night, I fell fast asleep, and continued so till the meeting broke up, when one was kind enough to rouse me. This was, therefore, the first house I was in, or slept in, in Philadelphia.

Walking down again toward the river, and, looking in the faces of people, I met a young Quaker man, whose countenance I lik'd, and, accosting him, requested he would tell me where a stranger could get lodging. We were then near the sign of the Three Mariners.

"Here, " says he, "is one place that entertains strangers, but it is not a reputable house; if thee wilt walk with me, I'll show thee a better."

He brought me to the Crooked Billet in Water-street. Here I got a dinner; and, while I was eating it, several sly questions were asked me, as it seemed to be suspected from my youth and appearance, that I might be some runaway.

After dinner, my sleepiness return'd, and being shown to a bed, I lay down without undressing, and slept till six in the evening, was call'd to supper, went to bed again very early, and slept soundly till next morning. Then I made myself as tidy as I could, and went to Andrew Bradford the printer's. I found in the shop the old man his father, whom I had seen at New York, and who, travelling on horseback, had got to Philadelphia before me. He introduc'd me to his son, who receiv'd me civilly, gave me a breakfast, but told me he did not at present want a hand, being lately suppli'd with one; but there was another printer in town, lately set up, one Keimer, who, perhaps, might employ me; if not, I should be welcome to lodge at his house, and he would give me a little work to do now and then till fuller business should offer.

The old gentleman said he would go with me to the new printer; and when we found him, "Neighbor, " says Bradford, "I have brought to see you a young man of your business; perhaps you may want such a one."

He ask'd me a few questions, put a composing stick in my hand to see how I work'd, and then said he would employ me soon, though he had just then nothing for me to do; and, taking old Bradford, whom he had never seen before, to be one of the town's people that had a good will for him, enter'd into a conversation on his present undertaking and projects; while Bradford, not discovering that he was the other printer's father, on Keimer's saying he expected soon to get the greatest part of the business into his own hands, drew him on by artful questions, and starting little doubts, to explain all his views, what interests he reli'd on, and in what manner he intended to proceed.

I, who stood by and heard all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty old sophister, and the other a mere novice. Bradford left me with Keimer, who was greatly surpris'd when I told him who the old man was.

Keimer's printing-house, I found, consisted of an old shatter'd press, and one small, worn-out font of English which he was then using himself, composing an Elegy on Aquila Rose, before mentioned, an ingenious young man, of excellent character, much respected in the town, clerk of the Assembly, and a pretty poet. Keimer made verses too, but very indifferently. He could not be said to write them, for his manner was to compose them in the types directly out of his head. So there being no copy, but one pair of cases, and the Elegy likely to require all the letter, no one could help him. I endeavor'd to put his press (which he had not yet us'd, and of which he understood nothing) into order fit to be work'd with; and, promising to come and print off his Elegy as soon as he should have got it ready, I return'd to Bradford's, who gave me a little job to do for the present, and there I lodged and dieted, A few days after, Keimer sent for me to print off the Elegy. And now he had got another pair of cases, and a pamphlet to reprint, on which he set me to work.

These two printers I found poorly qualified for their business. Bradford had not been bred to it, and was very illiterate; and Keimer, tho’something of a scholar, was a mere compositor, knowing nothing of presswork. He had been one of the French prophets, and could act their enthusiastic agitations. At this time he did not profess any particular religion, but something of all on occasion; was very ignorant of the world, and had, as I afterward found, a good deal of the knave in his composition. He did not like my lodging at Bradford's while I work'd with him. He had a house, indeed, but without furniture, so he could not lodge me; but he got me a lodging at Mr. Read's, before mentioned, who was the owner of his house; and, my chest and clothes being come by this time, I made rather a more respectable appearance in the eyes of Miss Read than I had done when she first happen'd to see me eating my roll in the street.

I began now to have some acquaintance among the young people of the town, that were lovers of reading, with whom I spent my evenings very pleasantly; and gaining money by my industry and frugality, I lived very agreeably, forgetting Boston as much as I could, and not desiring that any there should know where I resided, except my friend Collins, who was in my secret, and kept it when I wrote to him.

At length, an incident happened that sent me back again much sooner than I had intended. I had a brother-in-law, Robert Holmes, master of a sloop that traded between Boston and Delaware. He being at Newcastle, forty miles below Philadelphia, heard there of me, and wrote me a letter mentioning the concern of my friends in Boston at my abrupt departure, assuring me of their good will to me, and that every thing would be accommodated to my mind if I would return, to which he exhorted me very earnestly. I wrote an answer to his letter, thank'd him for his advice, but stated my reasons for quitting Boston fully and in such a light as to convince him I was not so wrong as he had apprehended.

Sir William Keith, governor of the province, was then at Newcastle, and Captain Holmes, happening to be in company with him when my letter came to hand, spoke to him of me, and show'd him the letter.

The governor read it, and seem'd surpris'd when he was told my age. He said I appear'd a young man of promising parts, and therefore should be encouraged; the printers at Philadelphia were wretched ones; and, if I would set up there, he made no doubt I should succeed; for his part, he would procure me the public business, and do me every other service in his power. This my brother-in-law afterwards told me in Boston, but I knew as yet nothing of it; when, one day, Keimer and I being at work together near the window, we saw the governor and another gentleman (which proved to be Colonel French, of Newcastle), finely dress'd, come directly across the street to our house, and heard them at the door.

Keimer ran down immediately, thinking it a visit to him; but the governor inquir'd for me, came up, and with a condescension of politeness I had been quite unus'd to, made me many compliments, desired to be acquainted with me, blam'd me kindly for not having made myself known to him when I first came to the place, and would have me away with him to the tavern, where he was going with Colonel French to taste, as he said, some excellent Madeira.

I was not a little surprised, and Keimer star'd like a pig poison'd. I went, however, with the governor and Colonel French to a tavern, at the corner of Third-street,and over the Madeira he propos'd my setting up my business, laid before me the probabilities of success, and both he and Colonel French assur'd me I should have their interest and influence in procuring the public business of both governments. On my doubting whether my father would assist me in it, Sir William said he would give me a letter to him, in which he would state the advantages, and he did not doubt of prevailing with him.

So it was concluded I should return to Boston in the first vessel, with the governor's letter recommending me to my father. In the mean time the intention was to be kept a secret, and I went on working with Keimer as usual, the governor sending for me now and then to dine with him, a very great honor I thought it, and conversing with me in the most affable, familiar, and friendly manner imaginable.

About the end of April, 1724, a little vessel offer'd for Boston. I took leave of Keimer as going to see my friends. The governor gave me an ample letter, saying many flattering things of me to my father, and strongly recommending the project of my setting up at Philadelphia as a thing that must make my fortune.

We struck on a shoal in going down the bay, and sprung a leak; we had a blustering time at sea, and were oblig'd to pump almost continually, at which I took my turn. We arriv'd safe, however, at Boston in about a fortnight. I had been absent seven months,and my friends had heard nothing of me; for my br. Holmes was not yet return'd, and had not written about me. My unexpected appearance surpriz'd the family; all were, however, very glad to see me, and made me welcome, except my brother. I went to see him at his printing-house. I was better dress'd than ever while in his service, having a genteel new suit from head to foot, a watch, and my pockets lin'd with near five pounds sterling in silver. He receiv'd me not very frankly, look'd me all over, and turn'd to his work again.

The journeymen were inquisitive where I had been, what sort of a country it was, and how I lik'd it. I prais'd it much, the happy life I led in it, expressing strongly my intention of returning to it; and, one of them asking what kind of money we had there, I produc'd a handful of silver, and spread it before them, which was a kind of raree-show they had not been us'd to, paper being the money of Boston. Then I took an opportunity of letting them see my watch; and, lastly (my brother still grum and sullen), I gave them a piece of eight to drink, and took my leave.

This visit of mine offended him extreamly; for, when my mother some time after spoke to him of a reconciliation, and of her wishes to see us on good terms together, and that we might live for the future as brothers, he said I had insulted him in such a manner before his people that he could never forget or forgive it. In this, however, he was mistaken.

My father received the governor's letter with some apparent surprise, but said little of it to me for some days, when Capt. Holmes returning he showed it to him, ask'd him if he knew Keith, and what kind of man he was; adding his opinion that he must be of small discretion to think of setting a boy up in business who wanted yet three years of being at man's estate. Holmes said what he could in favor of the project, but my father was clear in the impropriety of it, and at last gave a flat denial to it. Then he wrote a civil letter to Sir William, thanking him for the patronage he had so kindly offered me, but declining to assist me as yet in setting up, I being, in his opinion, too young to be trusted with the management of a business so important, and for which the preparation must be so expensive.

My friend and companion Collins, who was a clerk in the post-office, pleas'd with the account I gave him of my new country, determined to go thither also; and, while I waited for my father's determination, he set out before me by land to Rhode Island, leaving his books, which were a pretty collection of mathematicks and natural philosophy, to come with mine and me to New York, where he propos'd to wait for me.

My father, tho’he did not approve Sir William's proposition, was yet pleas'd that I had been able to obtain so advantageous a character from a person of such note where I had resided, and that I had been so industrious and careful as to equip myself so handsomely in so short a time; therefore, seeing no prospect of an accommodation between my brother and me, he gave his consent to my returning again to Philadelphia, advis'd me to behave respectfully to the people there, endeavor to obtain the general esteem, and avoid lampooning and libeling, to which he thought I had too much inclination; telling me, that by steady industry and a prudent parsimony I might save enough by the time I was one-and-twenty to set me up; and that, if I came near the matter, he would help me out with the rest. This was all I could obtain, except some small gifts as tokens of his and my mother's love, when I embark'd again for New York, now with their approbation and their blessing.

The sloop putting in at Newport, Rhode Island, I visited my brother John, who had been married and settled there some years. He received me very affectionately, for he always lov'd me. A friend of his, one Vernon, having some money due to him in Pensilvania, about thirty-five pounds currency, desired I would receive it for him, and keep it till I had his directions what to remit it in. Accordingly, he gave me an order. This afterwards occasion'd me a good deal of uneasiness.

At Newport we took in a number of passengers for New York, among which were two young women, companions, and a grave, sensible, matron-like Quaker woman, with her attendants. I had shown an obliging readiness to do her some little services, which impress'd her I suppose with a degree of good will toward me; therefore, when she saw a daily growing familiarity between me and the two young women, which they appear'd to encourage, she took me aside, and said: "Young man, I am concern'd for thee, as thou has no friend with thee, and seems not to know much of the world, or of the snares youth is expos'd to; depend upon it, those are very bad women; I can see it in all their actions; and if thee art not upon thy guard, they will draw thee into some danger; they are strangers to thee, and I advise thee, in a friendly concern for thy welfare, to have no acquaintance with them."

As I seem'd at first not to think so ill of them as she did, she mentioned some things she had observ'd and heard that had escap'd my notice, but now convinc'd me she was right. I thank'd her for her kind advice, and promis'd to follow it. When we arriv'd at New York, they told me where they liv'd, and invited me to come and see them; but I avoided it, and it was well I did; for the next day the captain miss'd a silver spoon and some other things, that had been taken out of his cabbin, and, knowing that these were a couple of strumpets, he got a warrant to search their lodgings, found the stolen goods, and had the thieves punish'd. So, tho’we had escap'd a sunken rock, which we scrap'd upon in the passage, I thought this escape of rather more importance to me.

At New York I found my friend Collins, who had arriv'd there some time before me. We had been intimate from children, and had read the same books together; but he had the advantage of more time for reading and studying, and a wonderful genius for mathematical learning, in which he far outstript me. While I liv'd in Boston most of my hours of leisure for conversation were spent with him, and he continu'd a sober as well as an industrious lad; was much respected for his learning by several of the clergy and other gentlemen, and seemed to promise making a good figure in life. But, during my absence, he had acquir'd a habit of sotting with brandy; and I found by his own account, and what I heard from others, that he had been drunk every day since his arrival at New York, and behav'd very oddly. He had gam'd, too, and lost his money, so that I was oblig'd to discharge his lodgings, and defray his expenses to and at Philadelphia, which prov'd extremely inconvenient to me.

The then governor of New York, Burnet (son of Bishop Burnet), hearing from the captain that a young man, one of his passengers, had a great many books, desir'd he would bring me to see him. I waited upon him accordingly, and should have taken Collins with me but that he was not sober.

The gov'r. treated me with great civility, show'd me his library, which was a very large one, and we had a good deal of conversation about books and authors. This was the second governor who had done me the honor to take notice of me; which, to a poor boy like me, was very pleasing.

We proceeded to Philadelphia. I received on the way Vernon's money, without which we could hardly have finish'd our journey. Collins wished to be employ'd in some counting-house, but, whether they discover'd his dramming by his breath, or by his behaviour, tho’he had some recommendations, he met with no success in any application, and continu'd lodging and boarding at the same house with me, and at my expense. Knowing I had that money of Vernon's, he was continually borrowing of me, still promising repayment as soon as he should be in business. At length he had got so much of it that I was distress'd to think what I should do in case of being call'd on to remit it.

His drinking continu'd, about which we sometimes quarrell'd; , for, when a little intoxicated, he was very fractious. Once, in a boat on the Delaware with some other young men, he refused to row in his turn.

"I will be row'd home, " says he.

"We will not row you, " says I.

"You must, or stay all night on the water, " says he, "just as you please."

The others said, "Let us row; what signifies it? "

But, my mind being soured with his other conduct, I continu'd to refuse. So he swore he would make me row, or throw me overboard; and coming along, stepping on the thwarts, toward me, when he came up and struck at me, I clapped my hand under his crutch, and, rising, pitched him head-foremost into the river. I knew he was a good swimmer, and so was under little concern about him; but before he could get round to lay hold of the boat, we had with a few strokes pull'd her out of his reach;and ever when he drew near the boat, we ask'd if he would row, striking a few strokes to slide her away from him. He was ready to die with vexation, and obstinately would not promise to row. However, seeing him at last beginning to tire, we lifted him in and brought him home dripping wet in the evening. We hardly exchang'd a civil word afterwards, and a West India captain, who had a commission to procure a tutor for the sons of a gentleman at Barbadoes, happening to meet with him, agreed to carry him thither. He left me then, promising to remit me the first money he should receive in order to discharge the debt; but I never heard of him after.

The breaking into this money of Vernon's was one of the first great errata of my life; and this affair show'd that my father was not much out in his judgment when he suppos'd me too young to manage business of importance. But Sir William, on reading his letter, said he was too prudent. There was great difference in persons; and discretion did not always accompany years, nor was youth always without it.

"And since he will not set you up, " says he, "I will do it myself. Give me an inventory of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able; I am resolv'd to have a good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed."

This was spoken with such an appearance of cordiality, that I had not the least doubt of his meaning what he said. I had hitherto kept the proposition of my setting up, a secret in Philadelphia, and I still kept it. Had lt been known that I depended on the governor, probably some friend, that knew him better, would have advis'd me not to rely on him, as I afterwards heard it as his known character to be liberal of promises which he never meant to keep. Yet, unsolicited as he was by me, how could I think his generous offers insincere? I believ'd him one of the best men in the world.

I presented him an inventory of a little print'g-house, amounting by my computation to about one hundred pounds sterling. He lik'd it, but ask'd me if my being on the spot in England to chuse the types, and see that every thing was good of the kind, might not be of some advantage.

"Then, " says he, "when there, you may make acquaintances, and establish correspondences in the bookselling and stationery way." I agreed that this might be advantageous. "Then, " says he, "get yourself ready to go with Annis; " which was the annual ship, and the only one at that time usually passing between London and Philadelphia. But it would be some months before Annis sail'd, so I continu'd working with Keimer, fretting about the money Collins had got from me, and in daily apprehensions of being call'd upon by Vernon, which, however, did not happen for some years after.

I believe I have omitted mentioning that, in my first voyage from Boston, being becalm'd off Block Island, our people set about catching cod, and hauled up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my resolution of not eating animal food, and on this occasion consider'd, with my master Tryon, the taking every fish as a kind of unprovoked murder, since none of them had, or ever could do us any injury that might justify the slaughter. All this seemed very reasonable. But I had formerly been a great lover of fish, and, when this came hot out of the frying-pan, it smelt admirably well. I balanc'd some time between principle and inclination, till I recollected that, when the fish were opened, I saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs; then thought I, "If you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you." So I din'd upon cod very heartily, and continued to eat with other people, returning only now and then occasionally to a vegetable diet. So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.

Keimer and I liv'd on a pretty good familiar footing, and agreed tolerably well, for he suspected nothing of my setting up. He retained a great deal of his old enthusiasms and lov'd argumentation. We therefore had many disputations.

I used to work him so with my Socratic method, and had trepann'd him so often by questions apparently so distant from any point we had in hand, and yet by degrees lead to the point, and brought him into difficulties and contradictions, that at last he grew ridiculously cautious, and would hardly answer me the most common question, without asking first, "What do you intend to infer from that? " However, it gave him so high an opinion of my abilities in the confuting way, that he seriously proposed my being his colleague in a project he had of setting up a new sect. He was to preach the doctrines, and I was to confound all opponents. When he came to explain with me upon the doctrines, I found several conundrums which I objected to, unless I might have my way a little too, and introduce some of mine.

Keimer wore his beard at full length, because somewhere in the Mosaic law it is said, "Thou shalt not mar the corners of thy beard." He likewise kept the Seventh day, Sabbath; and these two points were essentials with him. I dislik'd both; but agreed to admit them upon condition of his adopting the doctrine of using no animal food.

"I doubt, " said he, "my constitution will not bear that." I assur'd him it would, and that he would be the better for it. He was usually a great glutton, and I promised myself some diversion in half starving him. He agreed to try the practice, if I would keep him company. I did so, and we held it for three months. We had our victuals dress'd, and brought to us regularly by a woman in the neighborhood, who had from me a list of forty dishes to be prepar'd for us at different times, in all which there was neither fish, flesh, nor fowl, and the whim suited me the better at this time from the cheapness of it, not costing us above eighteenpence sterling each per week.

I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common diet for that, and that for the common, abruptly, without the least inconvenience, so that I think there is little in the advice of making those changes by easy gradations.

I went on pleasantly, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, tired of the project, long'd for the flesh-pots of Egypt, and order'd a roast pig. He invited me and two women friends to dine with him; but, it being brought too soon upon table, he could not resist the temptation, and ate the whole before we came.

I had made some courtship during this time to Miss Read. I had a great respect and affection for her, and had some reason to believe she had the same for me; but, as I was about to take a long voyage, and we were both very young, only a little above eighteen,it was thought most prudent by her mother to prevent our going too far at present, as a marriage, if it was to take place, would be more convenient after my return, when I should be, as I expected, set up in my business. Perhaps, too, she thought my expectations not so well founded as I imagined them to be.

My chief acquaintances at this time were Charles Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading. The two first were clerks to an eminent scrivener or conveyancer in the town, Charles Brogden; the other was clerk to a merchant.

Watson was a pious, sensible young man, of great integrity; the others rather more lax in their principles of religion, particularly Ralph, who, as well as Collins, had been unsettled by me, for which they both made me suffer.

Osborne was sensible, candid, frank; sincere and affectionate to his friends; but, in literary matters, too fond of criticising. Ralph was ingenious, genteel in his manners, and extremely eloquent; I think I never knew a prettier talker. Both of them great admirers of poetry, and began to try their hands in little pieces.

Many pleasant walks we four had together on Sundays into the woods, near Schuylkill, where we read to one another, and conferr'd on what we read.

Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, not doubting but he might become eminent in it, and make his fortune by it, alleging that the best poets must, when they first began to write, make as many faults as he did. Osborne dissuaded him, assur'd him he had no genius for poetry, and advis'd him to think of nothing beyond the business he was bred to; that, in the mercantile way, tho’he had no stock, he might, by his diligence and punctuality, recommend himself to employment as a factor, and in time acquire wherewith to trade on his own account. I approv'd the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, so far as to improve one's language, but no farther.

On this it was propos'd that we should each of us, at our next meeting, produce a piece of our own composing, in order to improve by our mutual observations, criticisms, and corrections. As language and expression were what we had in view, we excluded all considerations of invention by agreeing that the task should be a version of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of a Deity. When the time of our meeting drew nigh, Ralph called on me first, and let me know his piece was ready. I told him I had been busy, and, having little inclination, had done nothing. He then show'd me his piece for my opinion, and I much approv'd it, as it appear'd to me to have great merit.

"Now, " says he, "Osborne never will allow the least merit in any thing of mine, but makes 1000 criticisms out of mere envy. He is not so jealous of you; I wish, therefore,you would take this piece, and produce it as yours; I will pretend not to have had time, and so produce nothing. We shall then see what he will say to it."

It was agreed, and I immediately transcrib'd it, that it might appear in my own hand.

We met; Watson's performance was read; there were some beauties in it, but many defects. Osborne's was read; it was much better; Ralph did it justice; remarked some faults, but applauded the beauties. He himself had nothing to produce. I was backward;seemed desirous of being excused; had not had sufficient time to correct, etc.; but no excuse could be admitted; produce I must. It was read and repeated; Watson and Osborne gave up the contest, and join'd in applauding it.

Ralph only made some criticisms, and propos'd some amendments; but I defended my text. Osborne was against Ralph, and told him he was no better a critic than poet, so he dropt the argument. As they two went home together, Osborne expressed himself still more strongly in favor of what he thought my production; having restrain'd himself before, as he said, lest I should think it flattery.

"But who would have imagin'd, " said he, "that Franklin had been capable of such a performance; such painting, such force, such fire! He has even improv'd the original. In his common conversation he seems to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet, good God! how he writes! "

When we next met, Ralph discovered the trick we had plaid him, and Osborne was a little laught at.

This transaction fixed Ralph in his resolution of becoming a poet. I did all I could to dissuade him from it, but he continued scribbling verses till Pope cured him. He became, however, a pretty good prose writer. More of him hereafter. But, as I may not have occasion again to mention the other two, I shall just remark here, that Watson died in my arms a few years after, much lamented, being the best of our set. Osborne went to the West Indies, where he became an eminent lawyer and made money, but died young. He and I had made a serious agreement, that the one who happen'd first to die should, if possible, make a friendly visit to the other, and acquaint him how he found things in that separate state. But he never fulfill'd his promise.

The governor, seeming to like my company, had me frequently to his house, and his setting me up was always mention'd as a fixed thing. I was to take with me letters recommendatory to a number of his friends, besides the letter of credit to furnish me with the necessary money for purchasing the press and types, paper, etc. For these letters I was appointed to call at different times, when they were to be ready, but a future time was still named. Thus he went on till the ship, whose departure too had been several times postponed, was on the point of sailing. Then, when I call'd to take my leave and receive the letters, his secretary, Dr. Bard, came out to me and said the governor was extremely busy in writing, but would be down at Newcastle before the ship, and there the letters would be delivered to me.

Ralph, though married, and having one child, had determined to accompany me in this voyage. It was thought he intended to establish a correspondence, and obtain goods to sell on commission; but I found afterwards, that, thro’some discontent with his wife's relations, he purposed to leave her on their hands, and never return again.

Having taken leave of my friends, and interchang'd some promises with Miss Read, I left Philadelphia in the ship, which anchor'd at Newcastle. The governor was there;but when I went to his lodging, the secretary came to me from him with the civillest message in the world, that he could not then see me, being engaged in business of the utmost importance, but should send the letters to me on board, wish'd me heartily a good voyage and a speedy return, etc. I returned on board a little puzzled, but still not doubting.

Mr. Andrew Hamilton, a famous lawyer of Philadelphia, had taken passage in the same ship for himself and son, and with Mr. Denham, a Quaker merchant, and Messrs.Onion and Russel, masters of an iron work in Maryland, had engag'd the great cabin;so that Ralph and I were forced to take up with a berth in the steerage, and none on board knowing us, were considered as ordinary persons. But Mr. Hamilton and his son (it was James, since governor) return'd from Newcastle to Philadelphia, the father being recall'd by a great fee to plead for a seized ship; and, just before we sail'd, Colonel French coming on board, and showing me great respect, I was more taken notice of, and, with my friend Ralph, invited by the other gentlemen to come into the cabin, there being now room. Accordingly, we remov'd thither.

Understanding that Colonel French had brought on board the governor's despatches, I ask'd the captain for those letters that were to be under my care. He said all were put into the bag together and he could not then come at them; but, before we landed in England, I should have an opportunity of picking them out; so I was satisfied for the present, and we proceeded on our voyage. We had a sociable company in the cabin, and lived uncommonly well, having the addition of all Mr. Hamilton's stores, who had laid in plentifully. In this passage Mr. Denham contracted a friendship for me that continued during his life. The voyage was otherwise not a pleasant one, as we had a great deal of bad weather.

然后，我走上街，四处游览。直到我走到市场时，我遇见了一个手拿面包的男孩子。我曾好几次以面包当饭吃，在问了他是从哪里买的之后，我立即跑到他指给我的位于第二街的一家面包店，要买我们在波士顿买过的那种硬面包，但是好像他们在费城不做这种面包。然后，我就要3便士一个的面包，却被告知没有。这样，由于没有考虑到或不知道货币价值的差异，在费城物价很低，而且我也不知道有什么面包，于是我就请他给我3便士的任何种类的面包。他给了我3个又大又肥的面包卷。我对这么多面包感到很惊异，但是接了过来。由于我的口袋装不下，就两个胳膊下各夹一个，边走边吃另外一个面包。

我就这样沿着市场街一直走到第四街，经过了李德先生的门口，他后来成了我岳父；而我未来的妻子此时正巧站在门口，她看见了我，觉得我非常邋遢，而事实上也真的是这样。接着，我拐了一个弯，走到了板栗街和胡桃街的一段，一路上吃着面包卷；又拐了一个弯之后，发现我又回到了市场街码头，紧靠着我刚才坐来的那艘船。我跑到码头上，喝了一口河水。由于一个面包卷就将肚子填饱了，我把剩余的两个面包给了一个妇女和她的孩子，她和我们一同坐船来这里的，正等着继续前进。

吃完饭之后，我又跑到了街上。这时，街上有许多穿戴整齐的人都在朝同一个方向走。我加入了他们的行列，这样就被带到了市场附近一个巨大的教友会会所。我在他们中间坐了下来，朝四周看了一下，没有听到人讲话。由于第一天晚上的劳动和缺乏睡眠，我感到非常疲倦，很快就睡着了，直到散会才醒过来。这时，一个人好心地叫醒了我。因此，这个会所是我在费城踏进过或是睡过的第一间屋子。

我又朝河边走去，观察着人们的脸。我遇到了一位年轻的教友会教徒，他脸色和蔼，我和他打了招呼，请他告诉我外地人在哪里可以找到住的地方。我们当时正好是在“三个水手”的招牌边上。

“这儿，”他说，“正好是接待外地人的旅店，但是它的声誉不好。如果你愿意跟我来，我可以告诉你一家更好的旅店。”

他把我带到了位于水街的“弯曲旅店”。在这里，我吃了一顿午餐。我在吃饭时，有人问了我几个试探性的问题，因为从我的年轻和我的服装来看，我好像被怀疑成一个私逃者。

午饭后，我又感到困了，他们给了我一张床，我衣服没脱就躺下了，一直睡到晚上六点钟，被叫去吃晚饭，晚上又很早上床，一直酣睡到第二天早上。接着，我把自己尽可能收拾得整整齐齐的，再到安得鲁·勃拉福的印刷厂去。在店里，我看见了我在纽约曾见过的那个老人，也就是他的父亲。由于他是骑马来的，所以比我要早到费城。他把我介绍给了他的儿子，他儿子很客气地接待了我，请我吃了早餐，但是告诉我他目前不需要人手，因为最近他刚增加了一个人；不过，他又说城里有另一家新开业的印刷厂，主人叫凯莫尔，或许可以雇用我；如果不能的话，我可以暂时住在他的店里，他会不时地给我一些零活，直到我找到全职工作。

那位老先生说，他愿意和我一同去见那家新印刷厂的老板。当我们找到了他时，勃拉福说：“朋友，我带了一个年轻的印刷工来见你，或许你正需要这样一个人。”

他问了我一些问题，并给了我一个排字架，看我如何工作。然后，他说虽然他暂时还没有事情给我做，但是他不久就可以雇用我。虽然以前从未见过勃拉福，但是他却把老勃拉福当作镇上对他抱有善意的人，和他谈起目前企业的进展和对未来的抱负。由于不知道勃拉福是城里另外一家印刷厂老板的父亲，当听到凯莫尔说他预期不久就可以接下城里绝大部分印刷事务时，勃拉福就通过一些巧妙的提问和一些小小的怀疑，就把对方的全部意图诱了出来，例如他是依靠谁的势力，他准备如何进行，等等。

我站在一旁，听了全部谈话，立刻看出他们中间有一个是一只狡猾的老狐狸，而另一个还是新手。勃拉福让我留在凯莫尔那里。当我告诉凯莫尔那老人是谁的时候，他大为惊讶。

我发现凯莫尔的印刷厂只有一台旧印刷机和一套磨损了的小号英文铅字，他此时正在用这套铅字排印一首前面已经提过的纪念阿克拉·罗斯的挽歌。罗斯是一个聪明的年轻人，有高尚的品德，在城里很受人们尊敬，是州议会的秘书，也是一个不作的诗人。凯莫尔也写诗，但是非常差劲。他实际上不能说是在写诗，因为他做诗的方式，就是把他头脑中的东西直接排成铅字。这样，因为没有稿子，而且又只有两个活字盘，而挽歌又很可能用上全部的铅字，所以没有人能帮他。我设法把他的印刷机修整了一下（他还没有用过它，他对印刷机一窍不通），使它能够运行；而且我答应，等他把他的挽歌排好版，我就来印刷。然后，我就回到了勃拉福的厂子。勃拉福暂时给了我一点儿零活，我就在他那里住宿吃饭。几天以后，凯莫尔来叫我去印挽歌。这时，他已经弄到了另外两个活字盘，还有一个小册子要重印，他就让我做这工作。

我发现这两个印刷厂老板对他们的业务都知之甚少。勃拉福原来不是学印刷的，文化程度也低。凯莫尔虽然有点儿学问，但也只能排字，却不懂印刷业务。他曾是法国先知派教友之一，能像他们那样热烈和激动地行动。这时，他并不表明什么特殊的信仰，而只各种教派都相信一点。他完全不懂世故，而且后来我发现，在他性格里有许多无赖的成分。当我在他这里工作的时候，他不喜欢我住在勃拉福那里。他原来有一所房子，只是里面没有家具，所以他不能让我去住；不过，他替我在前面提过的李德先生家里找到了住的地方，他是他的房东。我的箱子和衣服这时已经运来了，在李德小姐的眼里，我的样子比她第一次碰巧看见我在街上吃面包卷时体面得多了。

我现在开始认识城里一些喜欢读书的年轻人，晚上和他们愉快地待在一起。靠着我的勤快和节俭，我赚了一点钱，生活过得很舒适。我尽可能地忘掉波士顿，而且除了我的朋友格林斯以外，我也不希望波士顿的任何人知道我的住处。格林斯知道我的地址，我写信给他时，他保守了秘密。

最后，发生了一件偶然的事情，又使我重新回到那里，这比我原定的时间要早得多。我有一个姐夫罗伯特·荷麦斯，是一艘在波士顿和道拉瓦之间经商的帆船的船主。当他在费城南面64公里的纽卡斯特尔时，听到了关于我的消息，就给我写了一封信，说到了我突然出走后，在波士顿的朋友们对我的挂念，向我保证了他们对我的善意，而且只要我愿意回去，一切都可以按照我的心愿安排。他十分诚意地劝我回去。我给他写了一封回信，感谢了他的忠告，但是我详尽地叙述了我离开波士顿的理由，这样就可以让他相信，我的出走并不像他以前想象的那样不近情理。

宾夕法尼亚的州长威廉·基夫爵士这时在纽卡斯特尔。当我的信送到我姐夫荷麦斯船主手上时，他正好和州长在一起，就和州长谈到了我，并把我的信给州长看。

州长看了信，当他得知我的年龄时，好像感到很惊异。他说，看来我是一个有前途和才华的青年，因此应当得到鼓励；而且费城的印刷厂质量低劣，如果我在那里开业，他敢肯定我一定会成功的；在他个人这方面，愿意设法替我招揽公家的生意，并在他的权力范围之内，在任何其他方面都尽力帮助我。这是我姐夫后来在波士顿告诉我的，但我当时还一无所知。有一天，当我和凯莫尔一起在窗口工作的时候，我们看见州长和另外一位绅士（后来知道他是纽卡斯特尔的富兰克上校）穿着华丽的衣服，穿过街径直朝我们工厂走来，接着就听见了敲门声。

凯莫尔立刻跑下楼去，以为是来看他的；然而，州长要求见我，来到了楼上，用一种我以前不习惯的谦逊，非常礼貌地向我说了许多客气话，表示愿意认识我，还善意地责怪我，说我刚到费城时不让他知道，同时邀我和他同去酒馆，他和富兰克上校原来是想去那里，据他说是去品尝一些上等白葡萄酒。

我惊讶之极，而凯莫尔却呆了，但我还是陪着州长和富兰克上校到了一家位于第三街拐角的酒馆。州长一面喝着酒，一面劝我自己开业，并向我分析成功的可能性。他和富兰克上校都向我保证，我可以利用他们的势力和影响去承接军队和政府两方面的公家生意。当我提出不知我父亲是否愿意在这件事情上帮助我时，威廉爵士说他准备给我一封写给我父亲的信，在信里他会叙述这项计划的优点，而且确信他一定能说服我父亲。

事情就这样定下来了，我将坐下一班船回波士顿，带上州长给我父亲的推荐信。但在这期间，我们的计划暂时保密，我还和往常一样继续到凯莫尔的印刷厂工作，州长还不时地邀请我去吃饭，当时我想这是一种极大的荣耀；同时，他用一种想象不到的殷勤、亲密和友好的态度和我谈话。

大约在1724年4月底，一艘开往波士顿的小船来了，我辞别了凯莫尔，理由是去看朋友。州长给了我一封厚厚的信，里面对我父亲说了许多恭维我的话，极力推荐我在费城开业的计划，认为这项事业必然会使我成功。

我们的船在驶入海湾时，碰到了沙洲，出现了裂痕，这时海上波涛汹涌，必须几乎不断地抽水，我也轮流上阵。但是，大约过了两个星期，我们安全抵达波士顿。我已经离开7个月了，我的亲友们听不到我的任何消息，因为我姐夫荷麦斯还没有回来，也没有写信提到我。我的意外出现，使全家很是惊异，但是大家看到我都很高兴，除了我哥哥，大家都款待了我。我去他的印刷厂看他。我的服饰比我在他那里当学徒的任何时候都要好，从头到脚穿了一套新的时髦西装，还有一只表，而且我的口袋里装了将近5英镑的银币。他勉强接见了我，从头到脚打量了我一番，然后又转身工作去了。

厂里的工人很想知道我一直待在哪里，到了一个什么样的地方，以及我是否喜欢那里。我极力地赞扬了那个地方和我在那里的愉快生活，强烈地表示了我打算回去的意图。他们中间有一个人问，我们在那里用哪种钱，我就拿出一把银币，铺在他们面前，这种银币是他们以前从来没有见过的奇观，因为波士顿用的是纸币。然后，我又借机让他们看了我的表；最后（我哥哥仍然绷着脸，很不高兴），我送了他们一块钱买酒喝，就离开了。

这次拜访极大地激怒了我哥哥，因为当我母亲过了一段时间向他提出和解，并表示她希望看到我们和睦相处，将来还能兄弟往来的时候，他却说我在他的工人面前侮辱了他，用了一种他永远不能忘记或饶恕的方式。但是，在这一点上他错了。

我父亲收到州长的信显然有点儿惊奇，但是他好几天都没有向我提到这件事。当荷麦斯船主回来时，他把信给他看，问他是否认识基夫，以及他是哪种人；又补充他的观点说，此人考虑事情一定欠妥，竟然让一个离成年还差3岁的男孩子去经商。荷麦斯尽力表达了他对这项计划的支持，但是我父亲清楚地表示这项计划不合适，最后直截了当地否决了它。然后，他给威廉爵士写了一封措辞委婉的信，感谢他对我的恩德和栽培，但是他不能资助我开业，因为在他看来，我还年纪太小，不相信我能经营管理这么一个需要巨额资金的重大企业。

我的朋友和伙伴格林斯，是邮局的一位职员，在听了我对他讲的关于我到的新地方的事情后非常高兴，决定也要去那里。当我还在等我父亲的决定时，他就在我之前先从陆路出发上罗德岛了。他把他的一些书留了下来，这是一些关于数学和自然哲学的书，将它们和我自己的书以及我本人一同送到纽约，他准备在那里等我。

虽然我父亲不赞同威廉爵士的计划，但是他仍然感到欣慰的是，我能够从我所在地如此有声望的人那里获得这样一封饱受赞誉的推荐函，以及我在这么短的时间内通过自己的勤劳和谨慎而把自己打扮得如此体面。因此，既然看不到我和我哥哥之间和解的可能，他就答应让我回费城，并且劝我对当地人士应当谦恭有礼，努力获得人们普遍的好评，尽量避免讽刺和诽谤，他认为我非常喜欢这样做。他还告诉我，通过不断的辛勤劳动和谨慎节约，那么到我21岁时，我或许能攒足开业的资金；假如那时候我的积蓄接近所需数额的话，他会帮我凑齐剩余的钱款。除了我上船重返纽约时，他给我的表示父母爱子之心的一些小纪念品之外，这就是我所能得到的一切了。不过，我这次去纽约，是得到了他们的同意和祝福的。

帆船停靠在罗德岛的新港，我去看了我哥哥约翰。他已经结了婚，已经在这里安家好几年了。他很亲热地接待了我，因为他一直爱着我。他的一个朋友，一个叫弗朗斯的人，在宾夕法尼亚有人欠了他一笔钱，大约35英镑，他希望我能代他收这笔钱，并代他保管，直到我接到他的通知，把款汇给他为止。因此，他给了我一张汇票。这件事后来给我带来极大的不安。

在新港，我们船上来了好几位去纽约的旅客，在他们中间有两个年轻的女子（她们是一起的伙伴）和一位严肃、明智、管家婆似的教友会妇人及其仆人。我谦逊地对她表示，很乐意为她做些小事，我想这使她对我有了一些好感。因此，当她看到我和那两个年轻女子的关系一天天变得亲热，而且她们好像也鼓励这种发展时，她就把我拉到一边，说：“年轻人，我真替你担心，因为你身边没有朋友，而且你好像也不大懂得世事，或者是那些年轻人很容易上的圈套。要知道，那是些很坏的女人，我可以从她们的各种行动中看出来。假如你不提高警惕的话，她们将会置你于危险境地。你又不认识她们，为了对你的幸福表示友好的关怀，我劝你还是不要和她们来往。”

由于我起初好像对她们并没有她那样的厌恶感，她就提到了一些她观察到和听到的事情，而这些却正是我疏忽了的。当时她使我相信她是对的，我就感谢了她的善意忠告，答应听她的话。当我们到达纽约时，她们告诉我她们住在什么地方，还邀请我去看她们，但是我没有去；也幸亏我这样做了，因为第二天船主就丢失了一只银勺子和其他一些东西，这些东西是从他的舱房里被偷走的。由于船主知道这两个女子是妓女，就领了一张搜查证，搜查了她们的住所，找到了被偷的东西，让这两个小偷受到了处罚。所以，虽然我们在途中躲过了一块沉在海底的暗礁——它曾擦过我们的船边，但是我想这次避开这两个女人，对我来说却更重要。

在纽约，我找到了我的朋友格林斯，他比我先到那儿一段时间。我们从童年时代就很亲密，而且在一起读了一些相同的书；但是他有更多的时间来读书和钻研，同时在数学方面有极好的天赋，所以在这方面他远远跑在我前面。当我在波士顿的时候，我大部分空闲聊天的时间就是和他一起度过的。他当时不仅是个勤劳的小伙子，而且滴酒不沾，他的学识受到当地几个牧师和其他绅士们的高度尊敬，在人生道路上似乎是一个大有作为的青年。但是，当我不在波士顿的时候，他染上了酗酒的坏毛病。从他自己的叙述以及我从别人那里所听到的，得知他自从到纽约以后，每天都喝得醉醺醺的，而且举止怪异。他还赌博，并且输掉了钱，这样我就只好替他付房租，并承担他去费城的路费和在费城生活的费用，这些后来给我带来了极大的不便。

当时的纽约州州长博耐特（博耐特主教的儿子）从船主那里听说在乘客中有一个年轻人，带了一大堆书，就要求带我去见他，因此我就去拜访他。如果格林斯当时不是喝醉酒的话，我一定会带他同去的。

州长非常热情地招待了我，带我参观了他的藏书室，那是一个很大的藏书室，我们谈了许多关于书和作家的话题。这是第二位赏识我的州长，对我而言是一种荣幸。对于像我这样的穷小子来说，这种赏识是十分令人高兴的。

我们向费城前进了。我在路上收到了弗朗斯的钱。假如没有这笔钱，我们就几乎无法走完我们的旅程。格林斯想从事会计工作，虽然他有一些推荐信，但人家或者是从他的呼吸中，或者是从他的举止上看出了他喜欢喝酒，所以他一直没有找到工作，只好继续和我在同一个地方食宿，费用则由我承担。由于知道我有弗朗斯的钱，他就不断向我借钱，而且一直许诺说，只要他有了工作就还给我。到后来，他用了弗朗斯那么多钱，就使我焦虑地想，如果弗朗斯要我把这笔钱寄过去的话，我该如何是好。

他还是经常喝酒，我们有时候也为这件事而争吵，因为当他稍微喝醉酒的时候，脾气就会很坏。有一次，他和其他几个年轻人在道拉瓦划船，当轮到他划船时，他不肯。

“我要你们把我划回家去。”他说。

“我们决不替你划。”我说。

“你们非划不可，否则整个晚上就待在水上。随你们的便。”他说。

其他人说：“就让我们划吧，有什么大不了的呢？”

但是，因为我正对他另外的事情生气，就坚持不肯划。于是，他发誓一定要我划船，否则就把我扔进河里。他站在船板上，朝我走了过来。当他跑上来打我时，我伸手抓住他的腿，站了起来，把他头朝下脚朝天抛进了水中。我知道他是个游泳高手，所以一点儿也不担心他。但是在他回转身来攀住船舷之前，我们划了几下船，使他抓不到；每当他游近船边时，我们就问他是否愿意划船，同时划几下船离开他。他气得要死，固执地不肯答应划船。但是，当后来看到他开始疲惫时，我们将他拉上了船，在晚上将他湿淋淋地送回了家。后来，我们几乎没有好言好语说过一句话。一个西印度的船主受人之托，替巴巴多群岛一个地主的儿子找一位家庭教师，正好遇到他，答应带他去那儿。然后，他离开了我，答应等他领到第一笔钱就寄给我还债，但是此后我再也没有听到他的消息。

挪用弗朗斯这笔钱，是我一生中最大的错误之一。这件事说明我父亲的判断是相当正确的，当时他认为我太年轻，还不能经营重大企业。但是当威廉爵士读了我父亲的信时，他说我父亲过分谨慎了，人与人之间存在很大差异，年长者不一定都很谨慎，而年轻人也不全都是不谨慎的。

“既然他不愿意帮你开业，”他说，“那我自己来得了。你把必须从英国购买的东西开一张单子给我，我去订购。等你以后有能力时再还给我。我决定要让这里有一家出色的印刷厂，我相信你一定会成功的。”

他这些话是以诚恳的态度说出来的，我深信他是很认真的。在那以前，我对于在费城开业的计划是保密的，到这时我仍然没有告诉别人。但是假如有人知道我把希望寄托在州长身上，也许一些知道他性格的友人会劝我不要指望他的，因为我后来听说他有一个人尽皆知的脾气，那就是随意许下心愿却又不打算履行诺言。不过，由于我根本没有请他帮忙，我怎么能想到他那慷慨的支持是虚伪的呢？我还认为他是这个世界上最好的人呢。

我给他提供了一份小型印刷厂的设备清单。根据我的估计，大约需要100英镑。州长很高兴地接过清单，但是又问我，如果我自己在英国，亲自到场选铅字，并检查各种器件的质量，是不是要更好些。

“那么，”他说，“你在那里的时候，可以认识一些人，在贩卖书籍和文具方面建立一些联系。”我同意这样做或许会有帮助。“那好，”他说，“准备坐安妮斯号去那里。”

在当时，安妮斯号是每年经常往来于伦敦和费城之间的唯一船只。但是离安妮斯号起航还有好几个月的时间，所以我继续和凯莫尔在一起工作，一面忧虑格林斯从我这里拿走的钱，每天都在担心弗朗斯来要钱；但是，好几年过去了，这件事一直都没有发生。

我相信我遗漏了这件事：在我第一次从波士顿来费城的旅途中，由于风浪太大而将船停靠在布洛克岛，我们这些乘客开始捕捉鳕鱼，而且打捞到了许多。直到这时，我还坚持不吃荤食的习惯，而且在这种场合下，我和我的老师特瑞昂一样，认为每捉一条鱼，就相当于一种无缘无故的谋杀，因为它们过去既没有伤害我们，将来也不会，我们没有正当的理由去杀害它们。这一切好像很有道理。但是我过去非常爱吃鱼，所以当鱼儿热乎乎地从煎锅里盛出来时，香味扑鼻。我会在原则和嗜好之间犹豫好长时间，直到我记起来，我看见剖鱼时从鱼肚子里拿出来的小鱼，这时我就想：“如果你们都互相吞食，我就为什么不能吃你们呢？”于是，我痛痛快快地吃了一顿鳕鱼，以后还继续和别人一起吃鱼，只是偶尔恢复一下素食。做一个有理性的生物原来是这么的方便，因为它能使人找到或者是制造出理由，去做人心里想做的事。

凯莫尔和我相处得很好，意见也合得来，因为他一点都不知道我开业的事。他还保持着他原来的极度虔诚，而且喜欢争辩，所以我们有过很多次争论。

我常常用我的苏格拉底方法来和他辩论，用一些显然离题很远的问题，逐渐把他引入困境，诱进各种困难和矛盾之间，这种方法常常使他中圈套，最后甚至使他变得可笑般地谨慎，几乎不愿意回答我最普通的问题了，而且总是先问“你究竟想从这一点引导出什么？”但是，这件事却使他对我的辩才给予了很高的评价，以至于认真地提议要我成为他的同事，帮他成立一个新教派。他打算去讲道，我将驳斥一切反对者。当他向我解释那些教义时，我发现其中有一些莫名其妙的东西正是我所反对的，除非我也可以参加一点意见，介绍一些我自己对宗教的看法。

凯莫尔留着长长的胡子，因为在摩西律法中有一条说：“不得毁坏你胡须的边缘。”他同样也将星期六作为安息日，这两点对他来说是必须遵守的，而我却全都不喜欢；但是我同意遵守它们，假如他接受不吃荤食这一条的话。

“我担心，”他说，“我的身体会支持不住。”我向他保证，身体不会受到影响，而且他的健康会因此而变得更好。他平常是个贪吃的人，因此我想他将来半饥半饿的样子倒是很好玩。他同意试试，假如我愿意陪他的话。我陪了他，我们坚持了3个月。我们的食物经常是由一个邻家妇女做好之后送来的，她从我这里拿去一张菜单，上面列了40种菜肴，在不同的时间为我们做好这些菜。这其中既没有鱼，也没有鸡鸭。这时，这种想入非非的念头更适合我的要求，因为它省钱，我们每周的花费不超过18个便士。

从那以后，我曾好几次十分严格地保持饮食习惯。突然从平常的食物改为吃斋，或从吃斋改为平常的伙食，对于我没有一点儿不便，因此我认为，当有人劝我说吃斋应当依照易行原则逐渐改变时，是没有什么道理的。

我很愉快地吃斋，但是可怜的凯莫尔却痛苦难堪，厌倦了这项计划，一心向往着美食佳肴，因此订了一份烤猪肉。他请了我和两位女友与他一同进餐，但是因为烤猪肉端上桌太早了，他抵挡不住那种诱惑，在我们到达之前就把它全吃光了。

在这期间，我和李德小姐恋爱了。我非常尊敬她，也很爱慕她；而且我有理由相信，她对我也是如此。但是，因为我即将去海外长途旅行，而且我们都很年轻，才刚过18岁，她母亲认为最稳妥的办法就是我们目前不要操之过急，因为如果要结婚的话，最合适的时间是在我回来之后。到那时候，就像我所预料的那样，我将自己开业。也许她也觉得，我的期望并不像我所想象的那样有依据。

这时，我的主要朋友是查理·奥斯本、约瑟夫·沃特森和詹姆斯·拉尔夫，他们全都喜欢读书，前两人是镇上一位有名的公证人查理·博洛戈登的书记，另一位是商店的职员。

沃特森是一个虔诚而聪明的年轻人，十分正直诚实；其他两人在宗教信仰方面比较淡漠，尤其是拉尔夫，他就像格林斯，由于受了我的影响而动摇了宗教信仰，为此他们两人都使我自食其果。

奥斯本通情达理、正直、坦率，对待朋友诚恳而富有热情；但是，他在文笔方面过于喜欢批评。拉尔夫很有才华，举止优雅，而且十分雄辩，我想我从没有见过比他更善于辞令的人。这两个人都酷爱诗歌，并且试着写了几首小诗。

在星期天，我们四个人常常一起愉快地去斯古基河附近的森林中散步。我们在森林里相互朗读作品，然后评论我们所读的作品。

拉尔夫喜欢研究诗，而且深信他会因此而出名发财，还说即使是最出色的诗人，当他们刚开始写诗时，也必定会像他一样有许多缺点。奥斯本却劝阻他，让他相信他没有诗人的天赋，建议他不要好高骛远，而是专心致志地做好他的生意；他认为，拉尔夫在商业方面虽然没有资金，但是靠他的勤奋和坚持，他可能当得上一个代理商，再经过适当的锻炼，可以独立经商。我赞成偶尔写写诗来消遣一下，以改进自己的语言风格，但是除此之外别无他意。

关于写诗，有人提议，为了相互观摩、批评和提高，在下次见面时，我们每个人都要拿出一篇自己写的诗来。因为我们只将目标限于语言和表达方式，而不去考虑虚构和幻想，因此我们都同意改写诗篇第十八篇，这一篇描述的是上帝降临。当我们的会期将到时，拉尔夫首先来拜访我，告诉我说他的诗已经完成了。我告诉他我一直很忙，而且没有兴趣，因此什么也没写。然后，他将他的诗给我看，征求我的意见。我大大地赞扬了它，因为在我看来，它好像是一首非常优秀的诗。

“但是，”他说，“奥斯本从来都不肯承认我的任何作品中一丝一毫的优点，由于忌妒，他只会有上千条批评。他对你并不这么嫉妒，因此我希望你带这首诗去，就当是你自己的；我则假装没有时间，什么也没有写。然后，我们就可以看他说些什么。”

这项提议得到了我的同意，我立刻把它誊写下来，这样它看起来就像是出自我的手。

我们开会了。沃特森的诗宣读了，里面有一些妙语佳句，但是缺点也很多；奥斯本的诗也宣读了，比沃特森的诗还要好；拉尔夫倒是很公道，指出了一些缺点，但是称赞了里面的佳句。拉尔夫自己什么也没有交。我很忸怩，好像想请求得到豁免似的，说我没有时间修改等，但是他们不允许有任何借口，我必须宣读我的诗。我就读了出来，而且重复了一遍。沃特森和奥斯本自愧不如，就退出了比赛，和大家一起鼓掌称赞。

拉尔夫只是提出了一些批评，并建议做一些修改；但是我替我的诗辩护。奥斯本反对拉尔夫，讽刺他说，他的批评比他的诗高明不了多少，所以拉尔夫也就不再争辩了。当他们两人一起回去时，奥斯本对于我的作品（他认为是我的）更加赞誉不绝，据他自己说，他在这之前控制了自己，免得我认为他是在拍马屁。

“但是，谁能想得到，”他说，“富兰克林竟然能写出这样的作品，如此绘声绘色，如此坚强有力，如此火热！他甚至改进了原来的诗篇。在他的日常谈话中，他好像言词枯燥乏味，他讲话犹犹豫豫，错误百出。但是，天啊！他写得太妙了！”

当我们下次碰头时，拉尔夫揭穿了我们对他开的玩笑，奥斯本被大家嘲笑了好一阵子。

这件事使拉尔夫决心成为一位诗人。我尽我之所能地劝阻他，但是他继续写诗，直到蒲柏治了他。但是，他后来成了一位相当不错的散文家，我后面还要提到他。但是，因为我以后也许再也不会有机会提到其他两人了，所以我要在这里交代一下：几年后，沃特森躺在我怀里死去了，我非常悲痛，他是我们当中最优秀的一个。奥斯本去了西印度群岛，在那里成为一位著名的律师，赚了许多钱，但是英年早逝。他和我曾认真地订了一份合同：谁先死，如果可能的话，就应当向另外一个人做一次友好的探访，告诉他死后的情况如何。但是他从来没有履约。

州长看上去好像很愿意和我来往，经常让我去他家，而且总是将他帮我开业之事当作已经定好的议题提出来。除了给我信用证，以便为我提供必要的资金购买印刷机、铅字和纸张等之外，他说还要给我一些介绍信，将我介绍给他的一些朋友。他和我约定了好几次，说是写好信就让我去取；但是，到了约定的时候，他总是指定一个更远的日期。他就这样一直拖着，直到那艘船也延期好几次以后就要起航了。然后，当我去向他辞别取信时，他的秘书巴德博士出来见我，说州长正忙着写信，但是在船开走之前，他会到纽卡斯特尔来，在那里把信交给我。

拉尔夫虽然已经结了婚，而且有了一个孩子，但仍然决定陪我出海。据我推测，他是想建立通信联系，以便获得代销商品，提取佣金；但是我后来发现，由于他对他妻子的亲戚不满，他打算把他的妻子交给他们，而他永远都不回来了。

辞别了我的朋友，和李德小姐交换了海誓山盟之后，我就坐船离开了费城，船停在了纽卡斯特尔。州长到了那里，当我到他的住所去的时候，秘书出来接见我，传达了他的口信，其措辞之谦恭堪称世界第一，说他因为有要务缠身，所以那时候不能见我，但是会把信送到船上来，还衷心地祝我一路顺风，早日归来，等等。我有些迷惑不解地回到船上，但是我仍然没有怀疑。

费城一位著名的律师安德鲁·汉弥尔顿先生带了他的儿子乘坐同一艘船，他和丹尼先生（一个教友会商人）及安宁先生和赖瑟尔先生（马里兰一家铁工厂的两个老板）包下了正舱，所以拉尔夫和我只好坐三等舱。由于我们在船上不认识一个人，所以他们把我们当作普通人。但是汉弥尔顿先生和他的儿子（詹姆斯，后来当了州长）从纽卡斯特尔回费城去了，老汉弥尔顿为了替一艘被没收的船进行辩护，而被人以重金请了回去。我们刚要起航，富兰克上校来到船上，对我表示出极大的尊敬，我这才得以引起他们的注意，那些绅士就邀请我和我的朋友拉尔夫住到正舱，因为这时有地方腾出来了。于是，我们就搬进了正舱。

因为我猜想富兰克上校已经把州长的公文送到船上来了，所以我就向船主要那些委托由我保管的信件。他说所有的信件全都放在信袋中，他这时还不好将它们拿出来，但是在我们到达英国之前，他会给我机会将信件挑出来。这样，我暂时安下心来，我们继续向前航行。我们舱中的乘客很喜欢交谈，而且除了普通的伙食外，还额外有汉弥尔顿先生的物品，他原来贮备了很丰富的食物，所以我们的饮食非常丰盛。在这次旅途中，丹尼先生和我结成了朋友，这种友谊在他活着的时候一直持续着。但是，从另一方面来看，这次旅行并不舒适，因为我们遇到了许多恶劣的天气。