Swiss Family Robinson, Johann David Wyss [tools of titans ebook txt] 📗
- Author: Johann David Wyss
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persons a passage to England.
`Could anything suit better? I am most willing to undertake the charge
of those who may be committed to my care.
`Every circumstance has been wonderfully ordered and linked together by
Divine Providence, and if England gains a prosperous and happy colony,
it will prove a fitting clasp to this fortunate chain of events. Three
cheers for New Switzerland.’
Deep emotion stirred every heart as the party separated for the night.
Many felt that they were suddenly standing on the threshold of a new
life, while, for myself a weight was rolled from my heart, and I
thanked God that a difficulty was solved which, for years, had
oppressed me with anxiety.
After this nothing was thought of but making preparations for the
departure of the dear ones bound for England. Captain Littlestone
allowed as much time as he could spare; but it was necessarily short,
so that incessant movement and industry pervaded the settlement for
several days.
Everything was provided and packed up that could in any way add to our
children’s comfort on the voyage, or benefit them after their arrival
in England, and a large share of my possessions in pearls, corals,
furs, spices and other valuables would enable them to take a good
position in the world of commerce.
I committed to their care private papers, money, and jewels which I
knew to have been the personal property of the captain of our
ill-fated ship, desiring them to hand them over, if possible, to his
heirs. A short account of the wreck, with the names of the crew, a list
of which I had found, was given to Captain Littlestone.
His ship, the Unicorn, was amply stored by us with fresh provisions,
fish, vegetables and fruit, for in our gratitude to him for his
kindness and sympathy, we felt ready to offer every possible
assistance.
In a long conversation with my sons I solemnly charged them with the
future responsibilities of their life, in all its varied aspects, of
duty towards God, their fellow men, and themselves, pointing out the
temptations to which their different characters were likely to expose
them, and exhorting them affectionately to hold fast to the faith in
which they had been brought up.
Fritz, having previously made known to me, what indeed was very
evident, the attachment between himself and Jenny, I advised him to
mention it to Colonel Montrose as soon as possible after being
introduced to him, and ask for his sanction to their engagement.
I on my part, gladly bestowing mine, as did his mother, who loved the
sweet girl dearly, and heartily grieved to part with her.
On the evening before our separation, I gave to Fritz the journal in
which, ever since the shipwreck, I had chronicled the events of our
life, desiring that the story might be printed and published. `It was
written, as you well know,’ said I, `for the instruction and amusement
of my children, but it is very possible that it may be useful to other
young people.
`Children are, on the whole, very much alike everywhere, and you four
lads fairly represent multitudes, who are growing up in all
directions. It will make me happy to think that my simple narrative may
lead some of these to observe how blessed are the results of patient
continuance in well-doing, what benefits arise from the thoughtful
application of knowledge and science, and how good and pleasant a thing
it is when brethren dwell together in unity, under the eyes of parental
love.’
Night has closed around me.
For the last time my united family slumbers beneath my care. Tomorrow
this closing chapter of my journal will pass into the hands of my
eldest son.
From afar I greet thee, Europe!
I greet thee, dear old Switzerland!
Like thee, may New Switzerland flourish and prosper—good, happy and
free!
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**End of This COPYRIGHTED Project Gutenberg Etext, Details Above**
Swiss Family Robinson, by Johann David Wyss
This edition (c)2000
by
Pink Tree Press
PO Box 16536
Salt Lake City, Utah 84116
ISBN 1-930860-50-1
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