At this time a very rich Merchant at Amsterdam offered to take me into
his family in the capacity of his Butler, and I very willingly accepted
it.--He was a gracious worthy Gentleman and very good to me.--He treated
me more like a friend than a servant.--I tarried there a twelvemonth but
was not thoroughly contented, I wanted to see my wife; (that is now) and
for that reason I wished to return to _England_, I wrote to her once in
my absence, but she did not answer my letter; and I must acknowledge if
she had, it would have given me a less opinion of her.--My Master and
Mistress persuaded me much not to leave them and likewise their two Sons
who entertained a good opinion of me; and if I had found my Betty
married on my arrival in England, I should have returned to them again
immediately.
My Lady purposed my marrying her maid; she was an agreeable young woman,
had saved a good deal of money, but I could not fancy her, though she
was willing to accept of me, but I told her my inclinations were engaged
in England, and I could think of no other Person.
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