mind into a new sphere of meditation. He had long and deeply
considered in what way he might essentially promote my happiness.
He had entertained a faint hope that I would one day be qualified
for a station like that to which he himself had been advanced.
This post required an elevation and stability of views which human
beings seldom reach, and which could be attained by me only by a
long series of heroic labours. Hitherto every new stage in my
intellectual progress had added vigour to his hopes, and he
cherished a stronger belief than formerly that my career would
terminate auspiciously. This, however, was necessarily distant.
Many preliminaries must first be settled; many arduous
accomplishments be first obtained; and my virtue be subjected to
severe trials. At present it was not in his power to be more
explicit; but if my reflections suggested no better plan, he
advised me to settle my affairs in Spain, and return to him
immediately. My knowledge of this country would be of the highest
use, on the supposition of my ultimately arriving at the honours to
which he had alluded; and some of these preparatory measures could
be taken only with his assistance, and in his company.

This intimation was eagerly obeyed, and, in a short time, I
arrived at Dublin. Meanwhile my mind had copious occupation in
commenting on my friend's letter. This scheme, whatever it was,
seemed to be suggested by my mention of a plan of colonization, and
my preference of that mode of producing extensive and permanent
effects on the condition of mankind. It was easy therefore to
conjecture that this mode had been pursued under some mysterious
modifications and conditions.

It had always excited my wonder that so obvious an expedient