The Rambling Thoughts
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You are born in the city of York, of a good family. Your father, a wise and grave man, has designed you for the law. He calls you into his chamber one morning to warn you against your desire to go to sea.
He tells you that the middle station of life is the best—not exposed to the miseries of the poor nor the pride and envy of the rich. He pleads with tears in his eyes, warning that if you take this foolish step, God will not bless you, and you will have leisure hereafter to reflect upon having neglected his counsel.
Despite this, your head is filled with rambling thoughts. You are eighteen years old, and the urge to see the world is irresistible.