CHAPTER LXI.
VOYAGE TO THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE.
"Here's a sigh for those who love me,
And a smile for those who hate;
And whatever sky's above me,
Here's a heart for any fate.
"Though the ocean roar around me,
It still shall bear me on;
Though a desert should surround me,
It has springs that may be won."
Family Sorrows—Departure from England—The Carnatic—A Gale—The
Spirit of the Storm—Sunsets—Peak of Teneriffe—The Trade Wind—A
most Magnificent Comet—Phosphoric Lights—Visit of Neptune declined—Scarcity
of Provisions—Spray Bows—Albatross caught—Arrival at the
Cape of Good Hope.
1843.—I will pass over my wanderings in France, Belgium, and Germany without comment. My absence from India was prolonged far beyond the time originally allotted me, by the deep and numerous afflictions that fell upon me. One by one all those I loved had sunk into the grave: mental suffering, united to anxiety and bodily exertion, brought on severe illness, and that buoyancy of spirit which had hitherto supported me was gone. How can I express my gratitude to those dear friends who nursed me with such unwearied care and affection during a long and painful illness of nearly three months' duration, with which I had to struggle; until, with health regained, my
