Page 275 - Child's own book

PHILIP QUAELL.

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P h i l i p Q u a b l l was born in tbe parish of St. Giles, London.
His father, formerly a master-builder, having unfortunately
reduced himself in building, was at last reduced to work at the
mean business of brick-making. One day, a neighbour, who
had the care of the child in his mother’s absence, conceived an
inclination for him. She intended to have kept him till he
was qualified for some genteel trade; and to leave him some­
thing in her will, to set him up when out of his time. But ill-
fate already began to show its averseness to poor Phil's happi­
ness; the worthy lady died suddenly, to his great prejudice,
and threatening ruin. The master having conceived a particular
love for the boy, he, in consequence, continued to go to school
for the space of four years longer ; at the expiration of that
time, he had made such a progress in his learning, that he was
in some respects qualified to attend the school in the nature of
an usher, had his age permitted it. His father now dying, and
Iiis mother not being in a capacity to do for him, as his education
and natural talents really deserved, proposed his learning some
trade, in order to get his bread honestly. But one day, as
Philip was wandering by the Thames' side, a captain of a ship
bound for the East Indies, taking a particular fancy to him,
asked him whether he would go to sea, and that if he was so
disposed, he would take him to look after his cabin, and provide
very well for him. The gentle manner in which he spoke to
the boy, and his mild countenance, made a vast progress in his
affection : so having accepted his offer, he desired that he might
run home, and acquaint his mother with it. Tbe distress of his
mother on the occasion is beyond description ; having embraced