on my frail raft; I cut the rope by which it was fastened to the ship.
I was confused to think of my situation; I could hardly believe that I
had dared to enter alone on the waste of waters. I endeavoured to
compose myself, but in vain. As far as I could see, nothing presented
itself to my view but the vessel I had left; the sea was perfectly
still, for not the least wind was stirring. I endeavoured, with two
pieces of board, which supplied the place of oars, to row myself
along; but the very little progress I made alarmed me. If the calm
should continue, I should perish of hunger. How I longed to see the
little sail I had made, agitated by the breeze! I watched it from
morning to night; it was my only employment; but in vain. The weather
continued the same. Two days passed over; I looked at my store of
provisions; it would not, I found, last above three or four days
longer, at the farthest. They were quickly passing away. I almost gave
myself up for lost. I had scarcely a hope of escaping.

On the fourth day since my departure from the ship, I thought I
perceived something at a distance; I looked at it intently--it was a
sail. Good heavens! what were my emotions at the sight! I fastened my
handkerchief on a piece of wood, and waved it, in hopes that it would
be observed, and that I should be rescued from my fearful condition.
The vessel pressed on its course; I shouted;--I knew they could not
hear me, but despair impelled me to try so useless an expedient. It
passed on--it grew dim--I stretched my eyeballs to see it--it
vanished--it was gone! I will not attempt to describe the torturing
feelings which possessed me, at seeing the chance of relief which had
offered itself destroyed. I was stupified with grief and
disappointment. My stock of provisions was now entirely exhausted, and
I looked forward with horror to an excruciating death.