46 
REIKEVIG. 
a score of the lustiest of these fellows might have 
overpowered our sailors, who were almost as 
wholly unacquainted with the use of fire-arms 
as the Icelanders, and were, moreover, a most 
wretched set, picked up from the vilest parts of 
Gravesend. In the evening, the bishop waited 
on Mr. Phelps, and entreated that the Count 
might be allowed to have his liberty, or, at least, 
to remain on shore as a prisoner. This being 
refused, he begged that he himself might be 
permitted to go on board, and speak to him; 
but, being disappointed in this request, also, he 
came to me, and, after expressing the pleasure 
he felt on the information he had received, that 
my object in visiting Iceland was of a peaceable 
nature, as a naturalist, adding every now and 
then, “ tibi semper pax est ” he hoped that I 
would use my influence with Mr. Phelps, to 
permit the governor, to come on shore for a few 
hours; at the same time offering, as a surety 
for his returning to the ship, that his own son, 
who was then standing in tears by his side, 
should be sent on board, during the Count’s 
absence. It was thought proper, however, not 
to grant this wish. We witnessed a more affect¬ 
ing scene, soon after, when the Count’s secretary, 
a most amiable young man, about seventeen 
years of age, a native of Norway, came and 
pleaded strongly for the release of his master; 
