MALTA AND SICILY. 
7 
sea,” but as the wind was more favourable we 
could now set some canvass, which prevented 
our vessel from rolling so vehemently. About 
noon it suddenly occurred to me, that sea¬ 
sickness was a disease of the imagination 
only, and that it might be conquered by a 
strong effort; pleased with this idea, I im¬ 
mediately dressed and went on deck, but in 
less than two hours I was compelled to admit, 
either that the theory was false, or that I had 
not sufficient resolution to give it a fair trial. 
We were now in the midst of that ever- 
troubled sea, the Bay of Biscay. Having 
once more taken refuge in my comfortable 
state-room, 1 resolved not to quit it again till 
the weather should become more moderate. 
However, in the evening our kind-hearted and 
attentive little steward persuaded me to take 
a cup of strong coffee, with a small piece of 
very highly-peppered beefsteak, and shortly 
