I had often thought what a fine thing it was to be a lord, and as often wished that I had been born one.

The wind was still against us, when a merchant vessel ran down to us, that had left Civita Vecchia for Gibraltar.

I desired the captain of the xebeque to make a signal of distress, or rather I did myself, and the vessel, which proved to be English, bore down to us.
"I manned the boat to go on board, and the idea came into my head, that, although they might refuse to take me, they would not refuse a lord.

I put on the midshipman's uniform belonging to his lordship (but then certainly belonging to me), and went alongside of the merchant vessel; I told them that I had left my ship for the benefit of my health, and wanted a passage to Gibraltar, on my way home.

My title, and immediate acceptance of the terms demanded for my passage, was sufficient.