Maximum-assistance view: every word above everyday vocabulary is explained at every appearance; each name is introduced at its first appearance in the chapter.

Letter 3

To Mrs. Saville (Mrs Margaret Saville, Walton's sister in England, to whom he writes), England.

July 7th, 17—.

My dear Sister,

I write a few lines in haste (hurry) to say that I am safe—and well advanced on my voyage (a journey). This letter will reach England by a merchantman (a trading ship) now on its homeward (toward home) voyage (a journey) from Archangel; more fortunate (favored by fortune) than I, who may not see my native land, perhaps, for many years. I am, however, in good spirits: my men are bold (daring) and apparently firm of purpose, nor do the floating (to rest on water or air) sheets (a broad thin layer) of ice that continually (over and over without stop) pass us, indicating (to point out) the dangers of the region towards which we are advancing, appear to dismay (shocked loss of heart) them. We have already reached a very high latitude (distance north or south; freedom of range); but it is the height of summer, and although not so warm as in England, the southern gales (a strong wind), which blow us speedily (quickly) towards those shores (the water's edge) which I so ardently (with burning eagerness) desire to attain (to reach; achieve), breathe (to draw air) a degree of renovating (renovated: restored and made new) warmth (warm heat) which I had not expected.

No incidents have hitherto (up to now) befallen (to happen to) us that would make a figure in a letter. One or two stiff (not bending) gales (a strong wind) and the springing (the starting of a leak) of a leak (an escape through a hole) are accidents which experienced navigators (navigators: those who steer a course at sea) scarcely (hardly) remember to record, and I shall be well content if nothing worse happen to us during our voyage (a journey).

Adieu (farewell — French), my dear Margaret. Be assured (to promise; make sure) that for my own sake (for the good of), as well as yours, I will not rashly (without thinking of the danger) encounter (a meeting; to meet) danger. I will be cool, persevering (keeping on without giving up), and prudent (careful and wise).

But success shall crown my endeavours (to try hard). Wherefore (why — old form) not? Thus far I have gone, tracing (a left mark; to follow the track) a secure way over the pathless (without a path) seas, the very stars themselves being witnesses (witness: consider as proof — the old sense here) and testimonies (witness borne) of my triumph (glorious victory). Why not still proceed (to go on) over the untamed (wild) yet obedient (doing as told) element (a basic part)? What can stop the determined heart and resolved (to decide firmly) will of man?

My swelling (to grow bigger) heart involuntarily (without willing it) pours (to flow in a stream) itself out thus. But I must finish. Heaven bless (to call God's favor on) my beloved (dearly loved) sister!

R.W.