 had no cause to complain of the accommodations provided for me; being
boarded at the house of an apothecary, who had married a distant relation of my
mother. In a few days after, my uncle set out for his ship, after having settled
the necessary funds for my maintenance and education.
 

                                   Chapter VI

I make great progress in my studies -- am caressed by every body -- my female
cousins take notice of me -- I reject their invitation -- they are incensed and
conspire against me -- I am left destitute by a misfortune that befals my uncle
- Gawky's treachery -- my revenge
 
As I was now capable of reflection, I began to consider my precarious situation;
that I was utterly abandoned by those whose duty it was to protect me; and that
my sole dependance was on the generosity of one man, who was not only exposed by
his profession, to continual dangers, which might one day deprive me of him for
ever; but also (no doubt) subject to those vicissitudes of disposition, which a
change of fortune usually creates; or, which a better acquaintance with the
world might produce: - for I always ascribed his benevolence to the dictates of
a heart as yet undebauched by a commerce with mankind. - Alarmed at these
considerations, I resolved to apply myself with great care to my studies, and
enjoy the opportunity in my power: This I did with such success, that in the
space of three years, I understood Greek very well, was pretty far advanced in
the mathematics, and no stranger to moral and natural philosophy: logick I made
no account of; but above all things, I valued myself on my taste in the Belle
Lettre, and a talent for poetry, which had already produced some morceaus, that
brought me a great deal of reputation. These qualifications added to a good face
and shape, acquired the esteem and acquaintance of the most considerable people
in town, and I had the satisfaction to find myself in some degree of favour with
the ladies; an intoxicating piece of good fortune, to one of my amorous
complexion! which I obtained, or at least preserved, by gratifying their
propensity to scandal, in lampooning their rivals. - Two of my female cousins
lived in this place, with their mother, after the death of their father, who
left his whole fortune (which was considerable) equally divided between them; so
that if they were not the most beautiful, they were at least the richest toasts
in town; and received daily the addresses of all the beaux and cavaliers of the
country. - Although
