Section 116. EARLY PRIVATIONS[1].
Reading edition
Section 116. EARLY PRIVATIONS[1].
Admiral Jervis, Earl of St. Vincent, tells us the[1] story of his early struggles, and, among[2] other things, of his determination (S. 1, N. 2) to[3] keep out of debt. “My father had a very large family,” said he, “with limited means. He gave me twenty pounds (S. 58, N. 3) at[4] starting, and that was all (S. 3, N. 7) he ever[5] gave me. After I had been a considerable time at[6] the station at sea I[7] drew for twenty more, but the bill came[8] back protested. I[9] was mortified[10] at this rebuke, and made[11] a promise, which I have ever[12] kept, that[13] I would never draw another bill without[14] a certainty of its being paid. I immediately changed my mode of living, quitted[15] my mess[16], lived[17] alone, and[18] took up the ship’s allowance, which I found quite sufficient; washed and mended[19] my own clothes; made a pair of trousers out of the ticking of my bed[20], and, having (S. 55, N. 1) by[21] these means saved as much money as[22] would redeem my honour, I took[23] up my bill. From (S. 102, N. 4) that time to this I[24] have taken care to[25] keep within my means.”
Jervis (S. 5, N. 2) for six years endured pinching[26] privation, but preserved his integrity, studied his profession with success, and gradually rose[27] by merit and bravery to the highest rank.—S. Smiles, Self-Help.