eyes that they must combat with the winds, the waves, and the foam every
time that they adventure upon the deep.

"Because it is indisputable that this is the very Theatre of the storms,
and the place in the world most capable of all sorts of violence and
tragic adventure. This, however, does not prevent those who covet the
perishable goods of this world from straying upon the sea, even in
unknown and untraversed regions, without ceasing and without rest.

"If, however, they abandon the ocean for a time, it is but to return to
it again to seek once more war with their ships, in order unjustly to
make themselves masters of the bodies and of the riches of others.

"Of such it may be remarked to-day are, in all the maritime coasts, the
implacable Corsairs of Barbary. For, however great may be the dangers of
which we have just spoken, and no matter now many examples they may see
of the fury and inconstancy of Neptune, they cease not their irritating
performances, kindling warfare in all the coasts of the Christian
nations. It is there that they exercise their infamous piracies, and
there also that they glory in the most shameful of all commerce--the
trade of the brigand.

"Which in all towns that are well policed have always met with a swift
and just retribution, because the law is ordained against those who
maintain such practices.

"But such does not happen among these pirates.

"On the contrary, it may truthfully be said that, while in towns in
which good persons dwell good actions receive the palms and the crown,