Ixxxvi author's preface. 



more difficult, than Settlements in the New World, 

 notwithstanding the fine Colours in which the 

 particular Interests of some Persons will have 

 them Painted ? Cou'd you be ignorant of the 

 great Labour, and the great Danger that attend 

 the execution of such Projects as these ? ' 



In a word, My Pieason was this : After having been 

 forc'd to leave my Native Country, with so many Thousands 

 of my Brethren, to abandon my small Inheritance, and to 

 forsake for ever, according to all outward appearance, those 

 Persons that were dear to me, without finding in the New 

 Country, to which I first Transported my self, that sufficient 

 Eelief which my present Necessity demanded, I gave my 

 self up entirely to Providence, and determin'd humbly and 

 patiently to make use of the Means that offer'd for me, 

 perhaps to preserve my Life. Weary of the bustle of th'^ 

 World, and fatigu'd with the Troubles I had endur'd in it, I 

 quitted Variety and Tumult without any regret, and at an 

 Age already advanc'd beyond its Prime, I thought I wou'd 

 endeavour to live in a Place where I might be free from the 

 common and frequent Dangers to which I was expos'd. I 

 had nothing to lose, and therefore risk'd nothing, tho' I had 

 a great deal to hope, at least that I might find that delicious 

 Eepose which I never knew ; but for the two years that I 

 remain'd in the Desart Island, where I had without doubt 

 finish'd my Course, if the wicked man^ who carry'd us thither 

 had not betray'd us, and ruin'd the Design that had been 

 form'd in Holland. 



After all, I breath'd an admirable Air there, without the 

 least alteration of my Health. I liv'd like a Prince at ease, 

 and in abundance without Bread, and without Servants. I 

 had there been liich without Diamonds, and without Gold 

 as well as without Ambition. I had tasted a secret and 



1 Captain Valleau. 



