Vado per mare

But my mother told my father about our conversation. Later I heard what he said. He sighed deeply and said to her, “If that boy stays at home, he could be happy. But if he goes to sea, he will be the most unhappy person on earth. I cannot give my permission.”

I waited almost a year. During this time my parents tried everything. They wanted me to learn a trade. They wanted me to work in a shop. But I refused. I could only think about ships and adventures. Nothing else interested me.

Then one day I went to Hull. I did not have a plan to run away. I was only visiting. But in Hull I met a friend. His father had a ship that sailed to London. “Come with me!” my friend said.

“It will not cost you anything,” he continued. “My father’s ship has space. London is full of life. You will like it!” I should have said no. I should have gone home. But I did not think. I did not pray. On 1 September 1651 I went on that ship. I did not write to my parents. I did not ask for my father’s blessing. It was the beginning of all my problems. The ship left Hull and went out into the open sea.

I waited almost a year. During this time my parents tried everything. They wanted me to learn a trade. They wanted me to work in a shop. But I refused. I could only think about ships and adventures. Nothing else interested me.

Then one day I went to Hull. I had no plan to run away. I was only visiting. But in Hull I met a friend. His father had a ship that went to London. “Come with me!” my friend said.

“It will not cost you anything,” he continued. “My father’s ship has space. London is full of life. You will like it!” I should have said no. I should have gone home. But I did not think. I did not pray. On 1 September 1651 I got on that ship. I did not write to my parents. I did not ask for my father’s blessing. It was the beginning of all my problems. The ship left Hull and went out into the open sea.