When I cast my
eye on the expanse of waters, my heart bounded like that of a
prisoner escaped. I felt an inextinguishable curiosity kindle in
my mind, and resolved to snatch this opportunity of seeing the
manners of other nations, and of learning sciences unknown in
Abyssinia.
"I remembered that my father had obliged me to the improvement of
my stock, not by a promise, which I ought not to violate, but by a
penalty, which I was at liberty to incur; and therefore determined
to gratify my predominant desire, and, by drinking at the fountain
of knowledge, to quench the thirst of curiosity.
"As I was supposed to trade without connection with my father, it
was easy for me to become acquainted with the master of a ship, and
procure a passage to some other country. I had no motives of
choice to regulate my voyage. It was sufficient for me that,
wherever I wandered, I should see a country which I had not seen
before. I therefore entered a ship bound for Surat, having left a
letter for my father declaring my intention."
CHAPTER IX--THE HISTORY OF IMLAC (continued).
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