unbecoming, O ye Gods, nay unjust, and unreasonable, t'afflict me thus. Ah what dreadful Punishments must Villains meet with, if vertuous Persons be so hardly dealt withal? If I cou'd call to mind any o' m' own or Parents Faults, I shou'd bear it better; but 'tis my Ma∣ster's, I'm punish'd for; his Crimes fall heavy upo' my Head. He has lost his Ship, and all he's worth, ex∣cept me, th' only remainder of his Fortune; for my Companion i'the Boat, is perish'd, and now I'm all alone. Were she but safe, her Company wou'd ha' been some relief to my Griefs. But now, what hope, help, or Counsel am I capable of? I'm forc'd to wander all alone i'these wild Desarts. On one side, craggy Cliffs; on th' other, the Ocean's foaming Surges; and not a living Soul to meet with. My Cloaths are my Riches; and I know neither where to find Sustinence, or a House to hide my Head in. What desire can I have to live then? I'm a Stranger to this Place; ne'r was here before this Time.—Ah wou'd some good Body wou'd but direct m'into some Road, or Foot-Path.—Shall I take this way, or that way? I am n't able to resolve; and I can't perceive a foot of Habi∣table Land hereabouts. A Chilness, a Faintness, and the great Fright, ha' seiz'd on all my Joints. Alas, my dear Father and Mother! you know nothing o' these sad Afflictions. I was born a Gentlewoman, it avails no∣thing; I'm more miserable than if born a Slave; for I can ne'r be any Comfort to those who ga' me Birth and Education.
[she weeps.