to be able to manoeuvre a ship, a knowledge you will gain by constant observation and experience, but I shall insist on your knowing how to rig a mast, handle a gun, cut a sail, build a boat, stow a hold, and to be personally an adept in all the exercises with small arms.

"I trust you will pay particular attention to the manner of stationing the men; and that you will understand the complete system of discipline, in such a practical way, as will enable you to see the necessity and appreciate the merits of it.

"You may quickly comprehend the laws, and must soon understand the customs of the service; and I hope a due attention to those acquirements which I have pointed out to you, will control your thoughts in a laudable and useful channel, and prevent you from contracting vicious, foolish, or idle habits.

"Your father has instructed you so well in your religious and moral principles, as to leave me little to say on those subjects. I have had

some experience, however; and, believe me, no bad man can continue to the end to be a brave one. It is true, that his animal courage may keep him up for a while in his character to the eyes of the world, but there is a time when that must fail him; whereas, a good man runs no such risk, inasmuch as the soul is of superior and longer duration than the body.

'Cowards die many deaths ; the brave live on.'

This is the fate of the good, who are alone the truly brave.

"It frequently happens that ridicule, in which there is little merit and no reason, is the most difficult to be withstood. But fear not the appellation of a psalm-singer, or Methodist, terms often ironically applied to persons who are no more than strict observers of good principles. He that fails in his duty to God, will as surely neglect it towards man.

"With respect to your moral conduct, let that justice and honour which is founded upon your religion be your guide.

"Never condescend to do a mean thing; the moment you do so, you will become miserable; and beware of every description of falsehood, or exaggeration, in your conversation; for, besides being in itself degrading and contemptible, it leads to every kind of vice. The government of your temper is strictly necessary to the observance of justice; and ever remember you are not serving to gratify your own passions, but that it is your duty to exert yourself to the utmost for the public good; and when your country's government shall raise you to distinction and command, recollect those whose fate it is to serve in subordinate situations, and while your no' is said with courtesy, and your 'yes' with pleasure, be considerate in administering to their comforts in every way consistent with the preservation of the strictest discipline, for you will have occasion to observe that strictness and decision are as essential to the preservation of good order, as they are ultimately conducive to humanity. Let me lastly

advise you, if you should arrive at that rank which calls upon you to sit in judgment on others, not to allow any petty motive of convenience, deference to men's opinions, or carelessness, to lead you to give judgment contrary to your sentiments of justice; and beware of that disgusting indifference which appears to treat the sufferings of others with levity or contumely."

The Captain, having said thus much to his nephew, dismissed him to join his messmates.

A few cruises served to initiate Morland into some of the duties, as well as amusements, of his fellow-midshipmen.

The preparations which were continually making to contend against the elements and the enemy, had not escaped his notice. He had been stationed in one of the tops, and had been often aloft while sails were bent or reefed. He had attended his quarters, and had been sluiced* more than once for sleeping during his watch, besides having enjoyed the exercise of "single

* Water thrown over him while sleeping.

stick,"*"hunt the bear," and "sling the

monkey."‡

The ship was shortly afterwards ordered to Portsmouth, to equip for foreign service; but their stay in that port did not exalt Morland's idea of the morality of his shipmates; and before their refitment was complete, there ap peared to be a considerable relaxation of discipline. His uncle, whose health was indifferent, felt it prudent to retire for a while on half-pay; and, on their arrival at Spithead, another captain was appointed, who in point of conduct and reputation was very similar to his relation;

* The broadsword exercise practised with sticks.

+ Following the track of a person up and down the rigging.

A game, wherein an individual, called the Monkey, is slung in a rope, with a certain scope, his feet touching the deck. He is armed with a piece of chalk; and his tormentors flog him with twisted handkerchiefs, till he succeeds in marking one of them, who is then doomed to serve the office of monkey till he liberates himself by his agility in a similar manner; the person chalked, if he attempts to escape, being flogged by all till he reaches the ring.