Out of six years served in that capacity, I once made a calculation that two of them were passed away perched upon the cross-trees, looking down with calm philosophy upon the microcosm below.
Yet, although I _never_ deserved it, I derived much future advantage from my repeated punishments.

The mast-head, for want of something _worse_ to do, became my study; and during the time spent there, I in a manner finished my education.

Volumes after volumes were perused to while away the tedious hours; and I conscientiously believe it is to this mode of punishment adopted by my rigid superiors that the world is indebted for all the pretty books which I am writing.
I was generally exalted either for _thinking_ or _not thinking;_ and as I am not aware of any medium between the active and passive state of our minds (except dreaming, which is still more unpardonable), the reader may suppose that there is no exaggeration in my previous calculation of one-third of my midshipman existence having been passed away upon "the high and giddy mast." "Mr M----," would the first lieutenant cry out, "why did you stay so long on shore with the jolly-boat ?" "I went to the post-office for the officers' letters, sir." "And pray, sir, who ordered you ?" "No one, sir; but I _thought_--" "You _thought_, sir! How dare _you think_ ?--go up to the mast-head, sir." So much for _thinking_.
"Mr M----," would he say at another time, when I came on board, "did you call at the admiral's office ?" "No, sir; I had no orders.

I didn't _think_--" "Then why _didn't you think_, sir?
Up to the mast-head, and stay there till I call you down." So much for _not thinking_.

Like the fable of the wolf and the lamb, it was all the same; bleat as I pleased, my defence was useless, and I could not avert my barbarous doom.
To proceed: Captain L---- went over the side; the last pipe had been given, and the boatswain had returned his call into his jacket-pocket and walked forward, when the first lieutenant, in pursuance of his orders, looked up aloft, intending to have hailed the new lord, and have requested the pleasure of his company on deck; but the youngster, feeling a slight degree of appetite, after enjoying the fresh air for seven hours without any breakfast, had just ventured down the topmast rigging, that he might obtain possession of a bottle of tea and some biscuit, which one of his messmates had carried up for him, and stowed away in the bunt of the maintopsail.