Ran Away to Sea

From my earliest years I had a longing for the sea-perhaps not so much tobe a sailor, as to travel over the great ocean, and behold its wonders. Thislonging seemed to be part of my nature, for my parents gave noencouragement to such a disposition. On the contrary, they did all in theirpower to beget within me a dislike for a sea life, as my father had designedfor me a far different profession. But the counsels of my father, and theentreaties of my mother all proved unavailing. Indeed-and I feel shame inacknowledging it-they produced an effect directly opposite to that whichwas intended; and, instead of lessening my inclination to wander abroad, they only rendered me more eager to carry out that design! It is often sowith obstinate natures, and I fear that, when a boy, mine was too much ofthis character. Most to desire that which is most forbidden, is a commonfailing of mankind; and in doing this, I was perhaps not so unlike others