第15章

I had made some courtship during this time to Miss Read.I had a great respect and affection for her, and had some reason to believe she had the same for me; but, as I was about to take a long voyage, and we were both very young, only a little above eighteen, it was thought most prudent by her mother to prevent our going too far at present, as a marriage, if it was to take place, would be more convenient after my return, when I should be, as I expected, set up in my business.Perhaps, too, she thought myexpectations not so well founded as I imagined them to be.

My chief acquaintances at this time were Charles Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading.The two first were clerks to an eminent scrivener or conveyancer in the town, Charles Brogden; the other was clerk to a merchant.Watson was a pious, sensible young man, of great integrity; the others rather more lax in their principles of religion, particularly Ralph, who, as well as Collins, had been unsettled by me, for which they both made me suffer.Osborne was sensible, candid, frank; sincere and affectionate to his friends; but, in literary matters, too fond of criticising.Ralph was ingenious, genteel in his manners, and extremely eloquent; I think I never knew a prettier talker.Both of them great admirers of poetry, and began to try their hands in little pieces.Many pleasant walks we four had together on Sundays into the woods, near Schuylkill, where we read to one another, and conferr'd on what we read.

Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, not doubting but he might become eminent in it, and make his fortune by it, alleging that the best poets must, when they first began to write, make as many faults as he did.Osborne dissuaded him, assur'd him he had no genius for poetry, and advis'd him to think of nothing beyond the business he was bred to; that, in the mercantile way, tho' he had no stock, he might, by his diligence and punctuality, recommend himself to employment as a factor, and in time acquire wherewith to trade on his own account.I approv'd the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, so far as to improve one's language, but no farther.

On this it was propos'd that we should each of us, at our next meeting, produce a piece of our own composing, in order to improve by our mutual observations, criticisms, and corrections.As language and expression were what we had in view, we excluded all considerations of invention by agreeing that the task should be a version of the eighteenth Psalm, which describes the descent of a Deity.When the time of our meeting drew nigh, Ralph called on me first, and let me know his piece was ready.I told him I had been busy, and, having little inclination, had done nothing.He then show'd me his piece for my opinion, and I much approv'd it, as it appear'd to me to have great merit."Now," says he, "Osborne never will allow theleast merit in any thing of mine, but makes 1000 criticisms out of mere envy.He is not so jealous of you; I wish, therefore, you would take this piece, and produce it as yours; I will pretend not to have had time, and so produce nothing.We shall then see what he will say to it." It was agreed, and I immediately transcrib'd it, that it might appear in my own hand.

We met; Watson's performance was read; there were some beauties in it, but many defects.Osborne's was read; it was much better; Ralph did it justice; remarked some faults, but applauded the beauties.He himself had nothing to produce.I was backward; seemed desirous of being excused; had not had sufficient time to correct, etc.; but no excuse could be admitted; produce I must.It was read and repeated; Watson and Osborne gave up the contest, and join'd in applauding it.Ralph only made some criticisms, and propos'd some amendments; but I defended my text.Osborne was against Ralph, and told him he was no better a critic than poet, so he dropt the argument.As they two went home together, Osborne expressed himself still more strongly in favor of what he thought my production; having restrain'd himself before, as he said, lest I should think it flattery."But who would have imagin'd," said he, "that Franklin had been capable of such a performance; such painting, such force, such fire! He has even improv'd the original.In his common conversation he seems to have no choice of words; he hesitates and blunders; and yet, good God! how he writes!" When we next met, Ralph discovered the trick we had plaid him, and Osborne was a little laught at.

This transaction fixed Ralph in his resolution of becoming a poet.I did all I could to dissuade him from it, but he continued scribbling verses till Pope cured him.He became, however, a pretty good prose writer.More of him hereafter.But, as I may not have occasion again to mention the other two, I shall just remark here, that Watson died in my arms a few years after, much lamented, being the best of our set.Osborne went to the West Indies, where he became an eminent lawyer and made money, but died young.He and I had made a serious agreement, that the one who happen'd first to die should, if possible, make a friendly visit to the other, and acquaint him how he found things in that separate state.But he never fulfill'd his promise.

The governor, seeming to like my company, had me frequently to his house, and his setting me up was always mention'd as a fixed thing.I was to take with me letters recommendatory to a number of his friends, besides the letter of credit to furnish me with the necessary money for purchasing the press and types, paper, etc.For these letters I was appointed to call at different times, when they were to be ready, but a future time was still named.Thus he went on till the ship, whose departure too had been several times postponed, was on the point of sailing.Then, when I call'd to take my leave and receive the letters, his secretary, Dr.Bard, came out to me and said the governor was extremely busy in writing, but would be down at Newcastle before the ship, and there the letters would be delivered to me.