which would leave me free to prosecute the plans to which I had devoted
the whole energies of my mind. As it was, I had only obtained
permission to go abroad for the benefit of my health; but the remedy
was in itself an incitement to further travel, so that I should no
sooner have reaped the advantage of my leave of absence, and with
renewed health, acquired an increased desire for exploring distant
countries, than I should be compelled to relinquish my undertaking,
and the apprehension of a sudden recall constantly presenting itself
to my mind, checked in a great measure the enjoyment of my pursuit.
But my sanguine wishes, and unconfessed hopes, faded like a dream; and
I turned again to the sea, to contemplate the bounds that were placed
to my ambitious projects. Had it been otherwise--could I have followed
unchecked the course of my own impulses, I should not have
circumscribed my plan to any precise limits, but would have pursued my
travels, wherever the slightest point of interest encouraged me to
proceed.

Possibly it is better as it is. I have much reason to be grateful for
the protecting hand of Providence that preserved me throughout my
wanderings; and, had I been less restrained by the force of
circumstances, I might not now, perhaps, possess the power of recording
the results of my researches.

In consequence of having been confined to my bed by severe indisposition,
I was unable to walk to the boat when the Eden was ready to sail, and
had nearly lost my passage; but my anxiety to proceed overcame all my
difficulties, and ill as I was I saved my distance by hastening in a
coach to the waterside, where Captain Owen had kindly provided a boat
for my reception.