Start in life

(Het Begin van het Leven)

1. How can you ask this? she said. Your father loves you. He wants what is best for you. He will never agree to this foolish plan. And I will not ask him. I will not help you destroy your life!

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

3. 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 adventure. Nothing else interested me.

4. Then one day I went to Hull. I had no plan to run away. I was just visiting. But in Hull I met a friend. His father owned a ship going to London. Come with me! my friend said.

5. It will cost you nothing, he continued. My father's ship has space. London is exciting. You will love it! I should have said no. I should have gone home. But I did not think. I did not pray.

6. On September 1st, 1651, I stepped onto 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 troubles. The ship left Hull and entered the open sea.

7. Immediately the wind began to blow. The waves grew bigger and bigger. I had never been on a ship before. I became terribly sick. My stomach turned. My head spun. But worse than the sickness was the fear.

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