And what reward have they?
Scanty pay, for food the diet I have just described, and for their sleeping-place the smallest and most inconvenient part of the ship, a dark place frequently infested with vermin, and smelling offensively from being likewise used as a receptacle for oil-colours, varnish, tar, salt-fish, &c.

&c.
To be cheerful in the midst of all this requires a very quiet and contented mind.

That the Danish sailors are contented, I had many opportunities of observing during the voyage of which I am speaking, and on several other occasions.
But after all this long description, it is high time that I should return to the journey itself.
The favourable gale which had thus wafted us to the coast of Iceland within seven days, now unfortunately changed its direction, and drove us back.

We drifted about in the storm-tost ocean, and many a Spanish wave {22} broke completely over our ship.

Twice we attempted to approach the Westmann Islands {23} (a group belonging to Iceland) to watch an opportunity of casting anchor, and setting ashore our fellow-traveller Herr Bruge; but it was in vain, we were driven back each time.