Page:The Wanderer (1814 Volume 1).pdf/42

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loathsome captivity, with so little reverence, that not one amongst us should have fallen upon his knees, to give thanks, except just this poor outlandish gentlewoman; whose good example I recommend it to us all now to follow."

"What, and so overturn the boat," said the elderly man, "that we may all be drowned for joy, because we have escaped being beheaded?"

"I submit to your better judgment, Mr. Riley," replied the officer, "with regard to the attitude; and the more readily, because I don't think that the posture is the chief thing, half the people that kneel, even at church, as I have taken frequent note, being oftener in a doze than in a fit of devotion. But the fear of shaking the boat would be but a poor reason to fear shaking our gratitude, which seems to me to want it abundantly. So I, for one, give thanks to the Author of all things!"

"You are a fine fellow, noble Admiral!" cried Mr. Riley; "as fine a fellow