But his
generosity rested not here; for before he left the ship he made me
a present of a chest and some clothes that enabled me to support
the rank to which he had raised me.
I found my spirit revive with my good fortune; and, now I was an
officer, resolved to maintain the dignity of my station, against
all opposition or affronts; nor was it long before I had occasion
to exert my resolution. My old enemy, the midshipman (whose name
was Crampley), entertaining an implacable animosity against me for
the disgrace he had suffered on my account, had since that time
taken all opportunities of reviling and ridiculing me, when I was
not entitled to retort this bad usage; and, even after I had been
rated on the books, and mustered as surgeon's mate, did not think
fit to restrain his insolence. In particular, being one day present
while I dressed a wound in a sailor's leg, he began to sing a song,
which I thought highly injurious to the honour of my country, and
therefore signified my resentment, by observing that the Scots
always laid their account with finding enemies among the ignorant,
insignificant, and malicious. This unexpected piece of assurance
enraged him to such a degree, that he lent me a blow on the face,
which I verily thought had demolished my cheek-bone.
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