' io8 



of the galley might be deemed a fit opponent 

 for Hercules, although his appearance fome- 

 times calls up the idea of a fable fpirit who had 

 been long broiling in the dark regions of Pluto. 

 His profeffional ignorance is only exceeded 

 by his general ftupidity. He makes us a claily 

 vifit at breakfaft-time, to receive inftrudions 

 regarding dinner ; and he, ufually, ftumbles 

 upon feme outrageous miftakc, or, totally, 

 fpoils whatever is put into his hands. A few 

 days ago he was defired, together with other 

 difhes, to let us have fome beef-fteaks ; and ha- 

 ving received his infl:ru£tions, he bent his neck, 

 in refpeftful civility, and haflened away : but, 

 within a fmgle hour after, lo, and behold ! 

 came our cook running and puffing into the 

 ward-room, with a great difh of beef-fteaks, 

 all hot and fmoking. He had ufed uncommon 

 expedition In getting them ready, and, added to 

 the blunder of giving us dinner an hour after 

 breakfaft, he had burnt the fteaks as black as his 

 own fl^in, and as dry as the outfide of a tea- 

 kettle. 



As foon as the other veffels are ready, the 

 Ulyfles, we are told, is to proceed with them 



