part of the Mediterranean.

Lisbon was presently fixed on in its room. The air here, as it
was near four degrees to the south of Aix, must be more mild and
warm, and the winter shorter and less piercing.

It was not difficult to find a ship bound to a place with which
we carry on so immense a trade. Accordingly, my brother soon
informed me of the excellent accommodations for passengers which
were to be found on board a ship that was obliged to sail for
Lisbon in three days. I eagerly embraced the offer,
notwithstanding the shortness of the time; and, having given my
brother full power to contract for our passage, I began to
prepare my family for the voyage with the utmost expedition.

But our great haste was needless; for the captain having twice
put off his sailing, I at length invited him to dinner with me at
Fordhook, a full week after the time on which he had declared,
and that with many asseverations, he must and would weigh anchor.

He dined with me according to his appointment; and when all
matters were settled between us, left me with positive orders to
be on board the Wednesday following, when he declared he would
fall down the river to Gravesend, and would not stay a moment for
the greatest man in the world. He advised me to go to Gravesend
by land, and there wait the arrival of his ship, assigning many
reasons for this, every one of which was, as I well remember,
among those that had before determined me to go on board near the Tower.