CHARLES WATERTON, ESQ. XXVli 
quated mansion. The abilities which I showed in 
curtailing the career of this voracious intruder did 
not fail to bring me into considerable notice. The 
cook, the baker, the gardener, and my friend old 
Bowren, could all bear testimony to my progress in 
this line. By a mutual understanding, I was consi- 
dered rat-catcher to the establishment, and also fox- 
taker, foumart-killer, and crossbow-charger, at the 
time when the young rooks were fledged. More- 
over, I fulfilled the duties of organ-blower, and foot- 
ball-maker, with entire satisfaction to the public. 
I was now at the height of my ambition. 
— — " Poteras jam, Cadme, videri 
. felix." 
I followed up my calling with great success. The 
vermin disappeared by the dozen ; the books were 
moderately well thumbed ; and, according to my 
notion of things, all went on perfectly right. 
When I had finished my rhetoric, it was my 
father's wish that I should return home. The day 
I left the Jesuits* college was one of heartfelt sor- 
row to me. Under Almighty God and my parents, 
I owe every thing to the fathers of the order of St. 
Ignatius. Their attention to my welfare was un- 
ceasing ; whilst their solicitude for my advancement 
m virtue and in literature seemed to know no 
bounds. The permission which they granted me to 
work in my favourite vocation, when it did not 
interfere with the important duties of education, 
enabled me to commence a career, which, in after 
times, afforded me a world of pleasure in the f^* 
distant regions of Brazil and Guiana. To the latest 
