She was a vessel, bound on a voyage to a foreign port, and, therefore, I was charmed with her appearance.

In my eyes she was a model of excellence; as beautiful and graceful as the celebrated barge in which Cleopatra descended the Cyndnus to meet Mark Antony.
The captain led me to the mate, who was busily engaged about the decks.
"Mr.Thompson," said he, "here is a lad who wants to go to sea, and I have foolishly engaged to take him as a cabin boy.

Keep him on board the brig; look sharp after him; don't let him have an idle moment; and, if possible, make him useful in some way until the vessel is ready for sea." Mr.William Thompson was a worthy man, who subsequently became a shipmaster and merchant of great respectability in Portsmouth.

He treated me with consideration and kindness, and took pleasure in teaching me the details of the business I was about to undertake.
During the few days in which the Dolphin lay at the wharf I gained much nautical information.

I learned the names of the different parts of a vessel; of the different masts, and some portions of the rigging.