Keimer and I liv'd on a pretty good familiar footing（means relationship), and agreed tolerably well, for he suspected nothing of my setting up. He retained a great deal of his old enthusiasms and lov'd argumentation. We therefore had many disputations. I used to work him so with my Socratic(苏格拉底的） method, and had trepann'd him so often by questions apparently so distant from any point we had in hand, and yet by degrees lead to the point, and brought him into difficulties and contradictions, that at last he grew ridiculously cautious, and would hardly answer me the most common question, without asking first, "What do you intend to infer from that?" However, it gave him so high an opinion of my abilities in the confuting（驳倒） way, that he seriously proposed my being his colleague in a project he had of setting up a new sect（流派）. He was to preach the doctrines, and I was to confound（means defeat) all opponents.
When he came to explain with me upon the doctrines, I found several conundrums(谜语，难题） which I objected to, unless I might have my way a little too, and introduce some of mine.

Keimer wore his beard at full length, because somewhere in the Mosaic law it is said, "Thou shalt（shall） not mar（means destroy) the corners of thy beard." He likewise kept the Seventh day, Sabbath（安息日）; and these two points were essentials with him. I dislik'd both; but agreed to admit them upon condition of his adopting(采用，收养） the doctrine of using no animal food. "I doubt," said he, "my constitution will not bear that." I assur'd him it would, and that he would be the better for it. He was usually a great glutton（暴食者）, and I promised myself some diversion（解闷，娱乐） in half starving him. He agreed to try the practice, if I would keep him company. I did so, and we held it for three months.
We had our victuals（means food） dress'd, and brought to us regularly by a woman in the neighborhood, who had from me a list of forty dishes to be prepar'd for us at different times, in all which there was neither fish, flesh, nor fowl（家禽）, and the whim（一时的兴致，奇想，怪念头） suited me the better at this time from the cheapness of it, not costing us above eighteenpence sterling each per week. I have since kept several Lents most strictly, leaving the common diet for that, and that for the common, abruptly, without the least inconvenience, so that I think there is little in the advice of making those changes by easy gradations（顺序，阶级）. I went on pleasantly, but poor Keimer suffered grievously, tired of the project, long'd for（means desire ） the flesh-pots（暖衣饱食or奢侈的生活） of Egypt, and order'd a roast pig. He invited me and two women friends to dine with him; but, it being brought too soon upon table, he could not resist the temptation（诱惑）, and ate the whole before we came.

I had made some courtship（求爱） during this time to Miss Read. I had a great respect and affection for her, and had some reason to believe she had the same for me; but, as I was about to take a long voyage（航行）, and we were both very young, only a little above eighteen, it was thought most prudent by her mother to prevent our going too far at present, as a marriage, if it was to take place, would be more convenient after my return, when I should be, as I expected, set up in my business. Perhaps, too, she thought my expectations not so well founded as I imagined them to be.

My chief acquaintances at this time were Charles Osborne, Joseph Watson, and James Ralph, all lovers of reading. The two first were clerks to an eminent（means famous） scrivener（公证人，代笔人） or conveyancer（运输者，传达者） in the town, Charles Brogden; the other was clerk to a merchant. Watson was a pious（虔诚的，尽责的）, sensible young man, of great integrity（诚实）; the others rather more lax（松懈的，不严格的） in their principles of religion, particularly Ralph, who, as well as Collins, had been unsettled by me, for which they both made me suffer. Osborne was sensible, candid（公正的）, frank; sincere and affectionate（挚爱的） to his friends; but, in literary matters, too fond of criticising. Ralph was ingenious, genteel（上流社会的） in his manners, and extremely eloquent; I think I never knew a prettier talker. Both of them great admirers of poetry, and began to try their hands in little pieces. Many pleasant walks we four had together on Sundays into the woods, near Schuylkill, where we read to one another, and conferr'd（means exchange the opinon ) on what we read.

Ralph was inclin'd to pursue the study of poetry, not doubting but he might become eminent in it, and make his fortune by it, alleging that the best poets must, when they first began to write, make as many faults as he did. Osborne dissuaded(劝阻） him, assur'd him he had no genius for poetry, and advis'd him to think of nothing beyond the business he was bred to; that, in the mercantile way, tho' he had no stock, he might, by his diligence and punctuality（准时）, recommend himself to employment as a factor（代理人）, and in time acquire wherewith to trade on his own account. I approv'd the amusing one's self with poetry now and then, so far as to improve one's language, but no farther.

His drinking continu'd, about which we sometimes quarrell'd;, for, when a little intoxicated(喝醉的,极其兴奋的), he was very fractious(易怒的,急躁的). Once, in a boat on the Delaware with some other young men, he refused to row(means boat) in his turn. "I will be row'd home," says he. "We will not row you," says I. "You must, or stay all night on the water," says he, "just as you please." The others said, "Let us row; what signifies it?" But, my mind being soured with his other conduct, I continu'd to refuse. So he swore(means promise) he would make me row, or throw me overboard; and coming along, stepping( 跨步, 迈步)on the thwarts(横座板,划手座), toward me, when he came up and struck at(means beat) me, I clapped(拍手；击掌) my hand under his crutch(胯部), and, rising, pitched(means cast or throw) him head-foremost into the river.
I knew he was a good swimmer, and so was under little concern about him; but before he could get round to lay hold of the boat, we had with a few strokes(尾桨) pull'd her out of his reach; and ever when he drew near the boat, we ask'd if he would row, striking a few strokes to slide( 滑动; 滑行)her away from him. He was ready to die with vexation(means anger), and obstinately(means stubbornly) would not promise to row. However, seeing him at last beginning to tire, we lifted him in and brought him home dripping(滴下) wet in the evening. We hardly exchang'd a civil word afterwards, and a West India captain, who had a commission to procure(means get or obtain) a tutor for the sons of a gentleman at Barbadoes, happening to meet with him, agreed to carry him thither( 到那边). He left me then, promising to remit me the first money he should receive in order to discharge the debt; but I never heard of him after.

The breaking into this money of Vernon's was one of the first great errata( 正误表,勘误表)of my life; and this affair show'd that my father was not much out in his judgment when he suppos'd me too young to manage business of importance. But Sir William, on reading his letter, said he was too prudent. There was great difference in persons; and discretion did not always accompany years, nor was youth always without it. "And since he will not set you up," says he, "I will do it myself. Give me an inventory of the things necessary to be had from England, and I will send for them. You shall repay me when you are able; I am resolv'd to have a good printer here, and I am sure you must succeed." This was spoken with such an appearance of cordiality(热诚,诚挚), that I had not the least doubt of his meaning what he said. I had hitherto kept the proposition of my setting up, a secret in Philadelphia, and I still kept it.
Had it been known that I depended on the governor, probably some friend, that knew him better, would have advis'd me not to rely on him, as I afterwards heard it as his known character to be liberal of promises which he never meant to keep. Yet, unsolicited(未被恳求的,主动提供的) as he was by me, how could I think his generous offers insincere(means inveracious)? I believ'd him one of the best men in the world.

I presented him an inventory of a little print'g-house, amounting by my computation to about one hundred pounds sterling. He lik'd it, but ask'd me if my being on the spot in England to chuse(means choose) the types, and see that every thing was good of the kind, might not be of some advantage. "Then," says he, "when there, you may make acquaintances, and establish correspondences in the bookselling（书籍贩卖） and stationery（文具） way（means industry）." I agreed that this might be advantageous. "Then," says he, "get yourself ready to go with Annis;" which was the annual ship, and the only one at that time usually passing between London and Philadelphia. But it would be some months before Annis sail'd, so I continu'd working with Keimer, fretting(烦恼，焦急） about the money Collins had got from me, and in daily apprehensions（理解, 忧惧, 拘捕） of being call'd upon by Vernon, which, however, did not happen for some years after.

I believe I have omitted mentioning that, in my first voyage（means sail or navigation) from Boston, being becalm'd（ 使安静, 因无风而使停航）off Block Island, our people set about catching cod(鳕), and hauled(拖, 拉) up a great many. Hitherto I had stuck to my resolution of not eating animal food, and on this occasion consider'd, with my master Tryon, the taking every fish as a kind of unprovoked murder, since none of them had, or ever could do us any injury that might justify the slaughter. All this seemed very reasonable. But I had formerly(means once or aforetime)been a great lover of fish, and, when this came hot out of the frying-pan(煎锅）, it smelt admirably well. I balanc'd some time between principle and inclination, till I recollected that, when the fish were opened, I saw smaller fish taken out of their stomachs; then thought I, "If you eat one another, I don't see why we mayn't eat you." So I din'd upon cod very heartily, and continued to eat with other people, returning only now and then occasionally to a vegetable diet.
So convenient a thing it is to be a reasonable creature, since it enables one to find or make a reason for everything one has a mind to do.

The sloop(单桅纵帆船) putting in at Newport, Rhode Island, I visited my brother John, who had been married and settled there some years. He received me very affectionately(挚爱地,亲切地), for he always lov'd me. A friend of his, one Vernon, having some money due to him in Pensilvania, about thirty-five pounds currency, desired I would receive it for him, and keep it till I had his directions what to remit(汇付，汇款)it in. Accordingly, he gave me an order. This afterwards occasion'd me a good deal of uneasiness.

At Newport we took in a number of passengers for New York, among which were two young women, companions, and a grave, sensible, matron(已婚老妇人;夫人)-like Quaker(教友会教徒) woman, with her attendants. I had shown an obliging(  乐于助人的)readiness to do her some little services, which impress'd her I suppose with a degree of good will toward me; therefore, when she saw a daily growing familiarity between me and the two young women, which they appear'd to encourage, she took me aside, and said: "Young man, I am concern'd for thee, as thou has no friend with thee(means you), and seems not to know much of the world, or of the snares(陷阱;圈套) youth is expos'd to; depend upon it, those are very bad women; I can see it in all their actions; and if thee art not upon thy(means yours) guard, they will draw thee into some danger; they are strangers to thee, and I advise thee, in a friendly concern for thy welfare, to have no acquaintance with them.
" As I seem'd at first not to think so ill of them as she did, she mentioned some things she had observ'd and heard that had escap'd my notice, but now convinc'd me she was right. I thank'd her for her kind advice, and promis'd to follow it. When we arriv'd at New York, they told me where they liv'd, and invited me to come and see them; but I avoided it, and it was well I did; for the next day the captain miss'd a silver spoon and some other things, that had been taken out of his cabbin, and, knowing that these were a couple of strumpets(means callet) , he got a warrant to search their lodgings, found the stolen goods, and had the thieves punish'd. So, tho' we had escap'd a sunken(沉没的, 沉入水底的)rock, which we scrap'd upon in the passage, I thought this escape of rather more importance to me.

At New York I found my friend Collins, who had arriv'd there some time before me. We had been intimate from children, and had read the same books together; but he had the advantage of more time for reading and studying, and a wonderful genius for mathematical learning, in which he far outstript(maybe means surpass) me. While I liv'd in Boston most of my hours of leisure for conversation were spent with him, and he continu'd a sober( 清醒的,冷静的 )as well as an industrious(means diligent or hardworking) lad(also means guy); was much respected for his learning by several of the clergy and other gentlemen, and seemed to promise making a good figure in life. But, during my absence, he had acquir'd a habit of sotting(嗜酒) with brandy; and I found by his own account, and what I heard from others, that he had been drunk every day since his arrival at New York, and behav'd very oddly(means  in a strange or peculiar manner ). He had gam'd, too, and lost his money, so that I was oblig'd to discharge(执行; 履行) his lodgings, and defray(means pay) his expenses to and at Philadelphia, which prov'd extremely inconvenient to me.

The then governor of New York, Burnet (son of Bishop Burnet), hearing from the captain that a young man, one of his passengers, had a great many books, desir'd he would bring me to see him. I waited upon him accordingly, and should have taken Collins with me but that he was not sober. The gov'r. treated me with great civility, show'd me his library, which was a very large one, and we had a good deal of conversation about books and authors. This was the second governor who had done me the honor to take notice of me; which, to a poor boy like me, was very pleasing.

We proceeded to Philadelphia. I received on the way Vernon's money, without which we could hardly have finish'd our journey. Collins wished to be employ'd in some counting-house, but, whether they discover'd his dramming(means drink) by his breath, or by his behaviour, tho' he had some recommendations, he met with no success in any application, and continu'd lodging and boarding at the same house with me, and at my expense. Knowing I had that money of Vernon's, he was continually borrowing of me, still promising repayment as soon as he should be in business. At length he had got so much of it that I was distress'd( means worry )to think what I should do in case of being call'd on to remit( 免除，赦免（债务、职责、惩罚等）)it.

About the end of April, 1724, a little vessel offer'd for Boston. I took leave of Keimer as going to see my friends. The governor gave me an ample(充足的，丰富的） letter, saying many flattering things of me to my father, and strongly recommending the project of my setting up at Philadelphia as a thing that must make my fortune. We struck on a shoal(浅滩，沙洲） in going down the bay, and sprung（触发，means touch off) a leak; we had a blustering time at sea, and were oblig'd to pump almost continually, at which I took my turn. We arriv'd safe, however, at Boston in about a fortnight. I had been absent（means disappear) seven months, and my friends had heard nothing of me; for my br. Holmes was not yet return'd, and had not written about me. My unexpected appearance surpriz'd the family; all were, however, very glad to see me, and made me welcome, except my brother. I went to see him at his printing-house.
I was better dress'd than ever while in his service, having a genteel(上流社会的） new suit from head to foot, a watch, and my pockets lin'd with near five pounds sterling(纯银制的） in silver. He receiv'd（接待，接见） me not very frankly（means honestly), look'd me all over, and turn'd to his work again.

The journeymen were inquisitive(means curious) where I had been, what sort of a country it was, and how I lik'd it. I prais'd（means glorify) it much, the happy life I led in it, expressing strongly my intention of returning to it; and, one of them asking what kind of money we had there, I produc'd(means show) a handful of silver, and spread(means put) it before them, which was a kind of raree-show(西洋景，街头演示） they had not been us'd to, paper being the money of Boston. Then I took an opportunity of letting them see my watch; and, lastly (my brother still grum（闷闷不乐的） and sullen（愠怒的, 沉沉不乐的, (天气等)阴沉的）), I gave them a piece of eight to drink, and took my leave. This visit of mine offended him extreamly; for, when my mother some time after spoke to him of a reconciliation（和解, 调和）, and of her wishes to see us on good terms together, and that we might live for the future as brothers, he said I had insulted him in such a manner before his people that he could never forget or forgive it. In this, however, he was mistaken.

My father received the governor's letter with some apparent（means obvious） surprise, but said little of it to me for some days, when Capt. Holmes returning he showed it to him, ask'd him if he knew Keith, and what kind of man he was; adding his opinion that he must be of small discretion（ 判断力）to think of setting a boy up in business who wanted yet three years of being at man's estate. Holmes said what he could in favor of the project, but my father was clear in the impropriety of it, and at last gave a flat denial to it. Then he wrote a civil（means polite） letter to Sir William, thanking him for the patronage（保护人的身份） he had so kindly offered me, but declining to assist me as yet in setting up, I being, in his opinion, too young to be trusted with the management of a business so important, and for which the preparation must be so expensive.

My friend and companion Collins, who was a clerk in the post-office, pleas'd with the account I gave him of my new country, determined to go thither also; and, while I waited for my father's determination, he set out before me by land to Rhode Island, leaving his books, which were a pretty collection of mathematicks and natural philosophy, to come with mine and me to New York, where he propos'd to wait for me. （Collins also looking for a new way of life that is so correct for him. that's right. I think I should try to do some things that I do not dare to do it )

My father, tho' he did not approve Sir William's proposition, was yet pleas'd that I had been able to obtain so advantageous a character from a person of such note where I had resided, and that I had been so industrious（勤勉的，刻苦的） and careful as to equip myself so handsomely(帅气的，熟练的） in so short a time; therefore, seeing no prospect（means expectation) of an accommodation between my brother and me, he gave his consent to my returning again to Philadelphia, advis'd me to behave respectfully to the people there, endeavor to obtain the general esteem, and avoid lampooning(嘲讽） and libeling（诽谤）, to which he thought I had too much inclination; telling me, that by steady（坚定不移的） industry（means diligence） and a prudent（谨慎的） parsimony（ 过度节俭, 吝啬）I might save enough by the time I was one-and-twenty to set me up; and that, if I came near the matter, he would help me out with the rest. This was all I could obtain, except some small gifts as tokens of his and my mother's love, when I embark'd again for New York, now with their approbation and their blessing.

Keimer's printing-house, I found, consisted of an old shatter'd press, and one small, worn-out(不能再用的） font（字体） of English which he was then using himself, composing an Elegy（悲歌，挽歌） on Aquila Rose, before mentioned, an ingenious young man, of excellent character, much respected in the town, clerk（职员） of the Assembly, and a pretty poet. Keimer made verses too, but very indifferently. He could not be said to write them, for his manner was to compose them in the types directly out of his head. So there being no copy, but one pair of cases, and the Elegy likely to require all the letter, no one could help him. I endeavor'd to put his press (which he had not yet us'd, and of which he understood nothing) into order fit to be work'd with; and, promising to come and print off his Elegy as soon as he should have got it ready, I return'd to Bradford's, who gave me a little job to do for the present, and there I lodged and dieted, A few days after, Keimer sent for me to print off the Elegy.
And now he had got another pair of cases, and a pamphlet to reprint, on which he set me to work.

These two printers I found poorly qualified for their business. Bradford had not been bred to it, and was very illiterate; and Keimer, tho' something of a scholar, was a mere compositor(排字工人）, knowing nothing of presswork（印刷品）. He had been one of the French prophets（提倡者）, and could act their enthusiastic agitations（煽动）. At this time he did not profess（means show) any particular religion, but something of all on occasion; was very ignorant of the world, and had, as I afterward found, a good deal of the knave(流氓） in his composition（means writing). He did not like my lodging at Bradford's while I work'd with him. He had a house, indeed, but without furniture, so he could not lodge me; but he got me a lodging at Mr. Read's, before mentioned, who was the owner of his house; and, my chest(箱，柜） and clothes being come by this time, I made rather a more respectable appearance in the eyes of Miss Read than I had done when she first happen'd to see me eating my roll in the street.

I began now to have some acquaintance among the young people of the town, that were lovers of reading, with whom I spent my evenings very pleasantly; and gaining money by my industry（means diligence)  and frugality(means thrift), I lived very agreeably, forgetting Boston as much as I could, and not desiring that any there should know where I resided, except my friend Collins, who was in my secret, and kept it when I wrote to him. At length, an incident happened that sent me back again much sooner than I had intended. I had a brother-in-law(妹妹的丈夫）, Robert Holmes, master of a sloop（单桅帆船） that traded between Boston and Delaware. He being at Newcastle（美国Pennsylvania州西部的一城市), forty miles below Philadelphia, heard there of me, and wrote me a letter mentioning the concern of my friends in Boston at my abrupt departure, assuring me of their good will to me, and that every thing would be accommodated to my mind if I would return, to which he exhorted（劝诫，忠告） me very earnestly.
I wrote an answer to his letter, thank'd him for his advice, but stated my reasons for quitting Boston fully and in such a light as to convince him I was not so wrong as he had apprehended.

Sir William Keith, governor of the province, was then at Newcastle, and Captain Holmes, happening to be in company with him when my letter came to hand, spoke to him of me, and show'd him the letter. The governor read it, and seem'd surpris'd when he was told my age. He said I appear'd a young man of promising(有前途的) parts(角色,means one), and therefore should be encouraged; the printers at Philadelphia were wretched(I guess means wreck or ruin) ones; and, if I would set up there, he made no doubt I should succeed; for his part, he would procure(获得，取得） me the public business, and do me every other service in his power. This my brother-in-law afterwards told me in Boston, but I knew as yet nothing of it; when, one day, Keimer and I being at work together near the window, we saw the governor and another gentleman (which proved to be Colonel French, of Newcastle), finely dress'd, come directly across the street to our house, and heard them at the door.（Oboviously, there is an important people to benjamin's life.Sir William Keith)

Keimer ran down immediately, thinking it a visit to him; but the governor inquir'd for me, came up, and with a condescension(谦虚） of politeness I had been quite unus'd to, made me many compliments, desired to be acquainted with me, blam'd me kindly for not having made myself known to him when I first came to the place, and would have me away with him to the tavern（酒馆，客栈）, where he was going with Colonel French to taste, as he said, some excellent Madeira（一种酒名）. I was not a little surprised, and Keimer star'd like a pig poison'd. I went, however, with the governor and Colonel French to a tavern, at the corner of Third-street, and over the Madeira he propos'd my setting up my business, laid before me the probabilities of success, and both he and Colonel French assur'd me I should have their interest and influence in procuring the public business of both governments.
On my doubting whether my father would assist me in it, Sir William said he would give me a letter to him, in which he would state the advantages, and he did not doubt of prevailing with him. So it was concluded I should return to Boston in the first vessel（means boat), with the governor's letter recommending me to my father. In the mean time the intention was to be kept a secret, and I went on working with Keimer as usual, the governor sending for me now and then to dine with him, a very great honor I thought it, and conversing with me in the most affable(和蔼可亲的）, familiar, and friendly manner imaginable.

Then I walked up the street, gazing about till near the market-house I met a boy with bread. I had made many a meal on bread, and, inquiring where he got it, I went immediately to the baker's(面包师） he directed me to, in Secondstreet, and ask'd for bisket, intending such as we had in Boston; but they, it seems, were not made in Philadelphia. Then I asked for a three-penny loaf, and was told they had none such. So not considering or knowing the difference of money, and the greater cheapness nor the names of his bread, I made him give me three-penny worth of any sort. He gave me, accordingly, three great puffy（膨胀的） rolls（卷形物）. I was surpriz'd at the quantity, but took it, and, having no room in my pockets, walk'd off with a roll under each arm（手臂）, and eating the other. Thus I went up Market-street as far as Fourth-street, passing by the door of Mr. Read, my future wife's father; when she, standing at the door, saw me, and thought I made, as I certainly did, a most awkward（笨拙的）, ridiculous appearan ce.
Then I turned and went down Chestnut-street and part of Walnut-street, eating my roll all the way, and, corning round（don't know what's mean), found myself again at Market-street wharf, near the boat I came in, to which I went for a draught( 拖, 拉, 一网(鱼), 气流)of the river water; and, being filled with one of my rolls, gave the other two to a woman and her child that came down the river in the boat with us, and were waiting to go farther.

Thus refreshed, I walked again up the street, which by this time had many clean-dressed people in it, who were all walking the same way. I joined them, and thereby was led into the great meeting-house of the Quakers(教友派信徒, 贵格会会员) near the market. I sat down among them, and, after looking round awhile(片刻, 一会儿) and hearing nothing said, being very drowsy(昏昏欲睡的, 催眠的, (街、市等)沉寂的) thro' labor and want of rest the preceding(在前的） night, I fell fast asleep, and continued so till the meeting broke up, when one was kind enough to rouse me. This was, therefore, the first house I was in, or slept in, in Philadelphia.

Walking down again toward the river, and, looking in the faces of people, I met a young Quaker man, whose countenance（面容，脸色） I lik'd, and, accosting（搭话） him, requested he would tell me where a stranger could get lodging. We were then near the sign of the Three Mariners. "Here," says he, "is one place that entertains strangers, but it is not a reputable house; if thee（means you）wilt（憔悴） walk with me, I'll show thee a better." He brought me to the Crooked Billet in Water-street. Here I got a dinner; and, while I was eating it, several sly（狡猾的） questions were asked me, as it seemed to be suspected from my youth and appearance, that I might be some runaway.

After dinner, my sleepiness return'd, and being shown to a bed, I lay down without undressing（脱衣服）, and slept till six in the evening, was call'd to supper（晚餐）, went to bed again very early, and slept soundly till next morning. Then I made myself as tidy as I could, and went to Andrew Bradford the printer's. I found in the shop the old man his father, whom I had seen at New York, and who, travelling on horseback（马背, 隆起的条状地带）, had got to Philadelphia before me. He introduc'd me to his son, who receiv'd me civilly（谦恭地, 民法上）, gave me a breakfast, but told me he did not at present want a hand, being lately suppli'd with one; but there was another printer in town, lately set up（开业), one Keimer, who, perhaps, might employ me; if not, I should be welcome to lodge at his house, and he would give me a little work to do now and then till fuller business should offer.（means get a job)

The old gentleman said he would go with me to the new printer; and when we found him, "Neighbor," says Bradford, "I have brought to see you a young man of your business; perhaps you may want such a one." He ask'd me a few questions, put a composing stick(排字盘) in my hand to see how I work'd, and then said he would employ me soon, though he had just then nothing for me to do; and, taking old Bradford, whom he had never seen before, to be one of the town's people that had a good will for him, enter'd into a conversation on his present undertaking and projects; while Bradford, not discovering that he was the other printer's father, on Keimer's saying he expected soon to get the greatest part of the business into his own hands, drew( 拉, 曳, 牵)him on by artful (巧妙的, 狡猾的)questions, and starting little doubts, to explain all his views, what interests he reli'd on, and in what manner he intended to proceed.
I, who stood by and heard all, saw immediately that one of them was a crafty(狡猾的，诡计多端的） old sophister（诡辩家）, and the other a mere novice（means beginner). Bradford left me with Keimer, who was greatly surpris'd when I told him who the old man was.

In the evening I found myself very feverish(发烧的）, and went in to bed; but, having read somewhere that cold water drank plentifully was good for a fever, I follow'd the prescription, sweat plentiful most of the night, my fever left me, and in the morning, crossing the ferry（渡船）, I proceeded（进行，继续下去） on my journey on foot, having fifty miles to Burlington, where I was told I should find boats that would carry me the rest of the way to Philadelphia.

It rained very hard all the day; I was thoroughly soak'd（浸泡）, and by noon a good deal tired; so I stopt at a poor inn（旅馆）, where I staid（沉静的） all night, beginning now to wish that I had never left home. I cut so miserable a figure, too, that I found, by the questions ask'd me, I was suspected to be some runaway（逃亡的） servant, and in danger of being taken up on that suspicion. However, I proceeded the next day, and got in the evening to an inn, within eight or ten miles of Burlington, kept by one Dr. Brown. He entered into conversation with me while I took some refreshment, and, finding I had read a little, became very sociable and friendly. Our acquaintance continu'd as long as he liv'd. He had been, I imagine, an itinerant(巡回的） doctor, for there was no town in England, or country in Europe, of which he could not give a very particular account.
He had some letters, and was ingenious, but much of an unbeliever, and wickedly（坏透地，不愉快地） undertook（承担，保证）, some years after, to travestie the Bible in doggrel（打油诗） verse, as Cotton had done Virgil. By this means he set many of the facts in a very ridiculous light, and might have hurt weak minds if his work had been published; but it never was.

At his house I lay that night, and the next morning reach'd Burlington, but had the mortification（羞辱, 禁欲, 动物体组织局部的坏死） to find that the regular boats were gone a little before my coming, and no other expected to go before Tuesday, this being Saturday; wherefore I returned to an old woman in the town, of whom I had bought gingerbread（姜饼） to eat on the water, and ask'd her advice. She invited me to lodge at her house till a passage by water should offer; and being tired with my foot travelling, I accepted the invitation. She understanding I was a printer, would have had me stay at that town and follow my business, being ignorant of the stock necessary to begin with. She was very hospitable, gave me a dinner of ox-cheek with great good will, accepting only a pot of ale（淡色啤酒） in return; and I thought myself fixed till Tuesday should come. However, walking in the evening by the side of the river, a boat came by, which I found was going towards Philadelphia, with several people in her.
They took me in, and, as there was no wind, we row'd all the way; and about midnight, not having yet seen the city, some of the company were confident we must have passed it, and would row no farther; the others knew not where we were; so we put toward the shore, got into a creek（小湾）, landed near an old fence（栅栏, 围墙）, with the rails（ 横杆, 围栏, 扶手）of which we made a fire, the night being cold, in October, and there we remained till daylight. Then one of the company knew the place to be Cooper's Creek, a little above Philadelphia, which we saw as soon as we got out of the creek, and arriv'd there about eight or nine o'clock on the Sunday morning, and landed at the Market-street wharf(码头）.

I have been the more particular in this description of my journey, and shall be so of my first entry into that city, that you may in your mind compare such unlikely beginnings with the figure I have since made there. I was in my working dress, my best cloaths being to come round by sea. I was dirty from my journey; my pockets were stuff'd out with shirts and stockings, and I knew no soul（精力） nor where to look for lodging. I was fatigued with travelling, rowing, and want of rest, I was very hungry; and my whole stock of cash consisted of a Dutch dollar, and about a shilling（先令） in copper. The latter I gave the people of the boat for my passage, who at first refus'd it, on account of my rowing; but I insisted on their taking it. A man being sometimes more generous when he has but a little money than when he has plenty, perhaps thro' fear of being thought to have but little.

At length, a fresh difference arising between my brother and me, I took upon me to assert（断言，声称） my freedom, presuming that he would not venture（means dare） to produce the new indentures. It was not fair in me to take this advantage, and this I therefore reckon one of the first errata（正误表，勘误表） of my life; but the unfairness of it weighed little with me, when under the impressions of resentment for the blows（突然的打击） his passion too often urged him to bestow（给予，安放） upon me, though he was otherwise not an ill-natur'd man: perhaps I was too saucy（漂亮的；粗鲁的和不尊敬的） and provoking.

When he found I would leave him, he took care to prevent my getting employment in any other printing-house of the town, by going round and speaking to every master, who accordingly refus'd to give me work. I then thought of going to New York, as the nearest place where there was a printer; and I was rather inclin'd to leave Boston when I reflected that I had already made myself a little obnoxious（不愉快的，讨厌的） to the governing party, and, from the arbitrary proceedings of the Assembly in my brother's case, it was likely I might, if I stay'd, soon bring myself into scrapes（困境）; and farther, that my indiscrete（不分开的） disputations about religion began to make me pointed at with horror by good people as an infidel（异教徒） or atheist（无神论者）. I determin'd on the point, but my father now siding with my brother, I was sensible that, if I attempted to go openly, means would be used to prevent me. My friend Collins, therefore, undertook to manage a little for me.
He agreed with the captain of a New York sloop（ 单桅帆船）for my passage, under the notion of my being a young acquaintance of his, that had got a naughty（顽皮的，淘气的） girl with child, whose friends would compel me to marry her, and therefore I could not appear or come away publicly. So I sold some of my books to raise a little money, was taken on board（上船） privately, and as we had a fair wind（i don't know what's means), in three days I found myself in New York, near 300 miles from home, a boy of but 17, without the least recommendation to, or knowledge of any person in the place, and with very little money in my pocket. (life made him to walk to difficult road that give him a wonderful future ,though it had many trouble in before him)

My inclinations for the sea were by this time worne out, or I might now have gratify'd them. But, having a trade, and supposing(不妨去……吧） myself a pretty good workman, I offer'd my service to the printer in the place, old Mr. William Bradford, who had been the first printer in Pennsylvania, but removed from thence upon the quarrel of George Keith. He could give me no employment, having little to do, and help enough already; but says he, "My son at Philadelphia has lately lost his principal hand, Aquila Rose, by death; if you go thither（到那边）, I believe he may employ you." Philadelphia was a hundred miles further; I set out, however, in a boat for Amboy, leaving my chest and things to follow me round by sea. （don't know）

In crossing the bay, we met with a squall（暴风雨） that tore（撕破，分裂） our rotten sails to pieces, prevented our getting into the Kill and drove us upon Long Island. In our way, a drunken Dutchman（荷兰人）, who was a passenger too, fell overboard; when he was sinking, I reached through the water to his shock（蓬乱的） pate（脑袋，头顶）, and drew him up, so that we got him in again. His ducking（钻入水中） sobered（镇定） him a little, and he went to sleep, taking first out of his pocket a book, which he desir'd I would dry for him. It proved to be my old favorite author, Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, in Dutch, finely printed on good paper, with copper（警察） cuts, a dress better than I had ever seen it wear in its own language. I have since found that it has been translated into most of the languages of Europe, and suppose it has been more generally read than any other book, except perhaps the Bible.
Honest John was the first that I know of who mix'd narration and dialogue; a method of writing very engaging to the reader, who in the most interesting parts finds himself, as it were, brought into the company and present at the discourse（演讲，谈话）. De Foe in his Cruso, his Moll Flanders, Religious Courtship, Family Instructor, and other pieces, has imitated it with success; and Richardson has done the same, in his Pamela, etc.

When we drew（移近，挨近） near the island, we found it was at a place where there could be no landing, there being a great surff（海浪） on the stony（多石的，无情的） beach. So we dropt anchor, and swung round towards the shore. Some people came down to the water edge and hallow'd to us, as we did to them; but the wind was so high, and the surff so loud, that we could not hear so as to understand each other. There were canoes（独木舟，轻舟） on the shore, and we made signs, and hallow'd that they should fetch(带来，取来） us; but they either did not understand us, or thought it impracticable, so they went away, and night coming on, we had no remedy（修补） but to wait till the wind should abate（减轻，缓和）; and, in the meantime, the boatman and I concluded to sleep, if we could; and so crowded into the scuttle（天窗, 舱室小孔）, with the Dutchman, who was still wet, and the spray（means surf) beating over the head of our boat, leak'd thro' to us, so that we were soon almost as wet as he.
In this manner we lay all night, with very little rest; but, the wind abating the next day, we made a shift to reach Amboy before night, having been thirty hours on the water, without victuals(食物）, or any drink but a bottle of filthy（不洁的） rum（浪姆酒）,and the water we sail'd on being salt（风趣，刺激）.

My brother had, in 1720 or 1721, begun to print a newspaper. It was the second that appeared in America, and was called the New England Courant(报纸，仅用于报刊名）. The only one before it was the Boston News-Letter. I remember his being dissuaded(劝阻） by some of his friends from the undertaking（事业）, as not likely to succeed, one newspaper being, in their judgment, enough for America. At this time (1771) there are not less than five-and-twenty. He went on, however, with the undertaking, and after having worked in composing the types and printing off the sheets, I was employed to carry the papers thro' the streets to the customers.

He had some ingenious men among his friends, who amus'd themselves by writing little pieces for this paper, which gain'd it credit and made it more in demand, and these gentlemen often visited us. Hearing their conversations, and their accounts of the approbation（官方批准，认可，嘉许） their papers were received with, I was excited to try my hand（maybe means my writing） among them; but, being still a boy, and suspecting that my brother would object to printing anything of mine in his paper if he knew it to be mine, I contrived to disguise my hand, and, writing an anonymous paper, I put it in at night under the door of the printing-house. It was found（完成） in the morning, and communicated to his writing friends when they call'd in as usual. They read it, commented on it in my hearing, and I had the exquisite（异常的） pleasure of finding it met with their approbation, and that, in their different guesses at the author, none were named but men of some character among us for learning and ingenuity.
I suppose now that I was rather lucky in my judges（世师记）, and that perhaps they were not really so very good ones as I then esteem'd them.

Encourag'd, however, by this, I wrote and convey'd in the same way to the press several more papers which were equally approv'd; and I kept my secret till my small fund of sense for such performances was pretty well exhausted and then I discovered it, when I began to be considered a little more by my brother's acquaintance, and in a manner that did not quite please him, as he thought, probably with reason, that it tended to make me too vain. And, perhaps, this might be one occasion of the differences that we began to have about this time. Though a brother, he considered himself as my master, and me as his apprentice, and accordingly, expected the same services from me as he would from another, while I thought he demean'd（贬低身份） me too much in some he requir'd of me, who from a brother expected more indulgence（放任）. Our disputes were often brought before our father, and I fancy I was either generally in the right, or else a better pleader（抗辨人）, because the judgment was generally in my favor.
But my brother was passionate, and had often beaten me, which I took extreamly amiss（有毛病的，出差错的）; and, thinking my apprenticeship very tedious（单调乏味的，沉闷的）, I was continually wishing for some opportunity of shortening it, which at length offered in a manner unexpected.<3>

One of the pieces in our newspaper on some political point, which I have now forgotten, gave offense （进攻）to the Assembly. He was taken up, censur'd, and imprison'd for a month, by the speaker's warrant, I suppose, because he would not discover his author. I too was taken up and examin'd before the council; but, tho' I did not give them any satisfaction, they content'd themselves with admonishing（劝告，训诫） me, and dismissed me, considering me, perhaps, as an apprentice, who was bound to keep his master's secrets.

During my brother's confinement（被紧闭，限制）, which I resented（愤恨，怨恨） a good deal, notwithstanding（尽管） our private differences, I had the management of the paper; and I made bold to give our rulers some rubs（摩擦） in it, which my brother took very kindly, while others began to consider me in an unfavorable light, as a young genius that had a turn for libelling（诽谤罪，侮辱） and satyr（欲望好强的人）. My brother's discharge（放出） was accompany'd with an order of the House (a very odd one), that "James Franklin should no longer print the paper called the New England Courant."

There was a consultation（磋商） held in our printing-house among his friends, what he should do in this case. Some proposed（被提议的） to evade（规避） the order by changing the name of the paper; but my brother, seeing inconveniences in that, it was finally concluded on as a better way, to let it be printed for the future under the name of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN; and to avoid the censure（责难） of the Assembly, that might fall on him as still printing it by his apprentice, the contrivance（发明，想出的办法） was that my old indenture（契约） should be return'd to me, with a full discharge（履行） on the back of it, to be shown on occasion, but to secure to him the benefit of my service, I was to sign new indentures for the remainder of the term, which were to be kept private. A very flimsy（浅薄的，不足信的） scheme it was; however, it was immediately executed, and the paper went on accordingly, under my name for several months.

-----

<3> I fancy his harsh（苛刻的） and tyrannical（残暴的） treatment of me
might be a means of impressing me with that aversion（厌恶，讨厌的人和事）
to arbitrary power that has stuck to me through my
whole life.

When about 16 years of age I happened to meet with a book, written by one Tryon, recommending a vegetable diet. I determined to go into it. My brother, being yet unmarried, did not keep house, but boarded himself and his apprentices in another family. My refusing to eat flesh occasioned an inconveniency, and I was frequently chid( 斥责, 责骂)for my singularity(异常）. I made myself acquainted with Tryon's manner of preparing some of his dishes, such as boiling potatoes or rice, making hasty（草率的） pudding（布丁）, and a few others, and then proposed to my brother, that if he would give me, weekly, half the money he paid for my board, I would board myself. He instantly agreed to it, and I presently found that I could save half what he paid me. This was an additional fund for buying books. But I had another advantage in it.
My brother and the rest going from the printing-house to their meals, I remained there alone, and, despatching（派遣）presently my light repast(餐）, which often was no more than（只有，不超过） a bisket（浓汤）or a slice of bread, a handful of raisins（葡萄干） or a tart（果馅饼） from the pastry-cook's（面粉糕饼厨师）, and a glass of water, had the rest of the time till their return for study, in which I made the greater progress, from that greater clearness of head and quicker apprehension which usually attend temperance（节欲） in eating and drinking.

And now it was that, being on some occasion made asham'd of my ignorance in figures, which I had twice failed in learning when at school, I took Cocker's book of Arithmetick, and went through the whole by myself with great ease. I also read Seller's and Shermy's books of Navigation, and became acquainted with the little geometry（几何学） they contain; but never proceeded far in that science. And I read about this time Locke On Human Understanding, and the Art of Thinking, by Messrs. du Port Royal.

While I was intent on improving my language, I met with an English grammar (I think it was Greenwood's), at the end of which there were two little sketches of the arts of rhetoric（花言巧语的） and logic, the latter finishing with a specimen of a dispute in the Socratic（苏哥拉底的） method; and soon after I procur'd Xenophon's Memorable Things of Socrates, wherein there are many instances of the same method. I was charm'd with it, adopted it, dropt my abrupt contradiction and positive argumentation, and put on the humble inquirer and doubter.
And being then, from reading Shaftesbury and Collins, become a real doubter in many points of our religious doctrine, I found this method safest for myself and very embarrassing to those against whom I used it; therefore I took a delight in it, practis'd it continually, and grew very artful and expert in drawing people, even of superior knowledge, into concessions（I don't know how to explain this sentence）, the consequences of which they did not foresee, entangling（纠缠，卷入） them in difficulties out of which they could not extricate(解脱） themselves, and so obtaining victories that neither myself nor my cause always deserved. （pay attention to the long sentence. )
I continu'd this method some few years, but gradually left it, retaining only the habit of expressing myself in terms of modest diffidence; never using, when I advanced any thing that may possibly be disputed, the words certainly, undoubtedly, or any others that give the air(means tone) of positiveness to an opinion; but rather say, I conceive or apprehend a thing to be so and so; it appears to me, or I should think it so or so, for such and such reasons; or I imagine it to be so; or it is so, if I am not mistaken.( long sentence)
This habit, I believe, has been of great advantage to me when I have had occasion to inculcate my (诤诤劝导）opinions, and persuade men into measures that I have been from time to time engag'd in promoting; and, as the chief ends of conversation are to inform or to be informed, to please or to persuade, I wish well-meaning（善意的，好心的）, sensible men would not lessen（减少） their power of doing good by a positive, assuming（傲慢的，不逊的） manner, that seldom fails to disgust, tends to create opposition, and to defeat every one of those purposes for which speech was given to us, to wit（才智）, giving or receiving information or pleasure. For, if you would inform, a positive and dogmatical(教义的，武断的） manner in advancing your sentiments may provoke contradiction and prevent a candid（公正的，坦白的) attention.
If you wish information and improvement from the knowledge of others, and yet at the same time express yourself as firmly fix'd in your present opinions, modest, sensible men, who do not love disputation, will probably leave you undisturbed in the possession of your error. And by such a manner, you can seldom hope to recommend yourself in pleasing your hearers, or to persuade those whose concurrence you desire. Pope says, judiciously（明智的）:

"Men should be taught as if you taught them not,
And things unknown propos'd as things forgot;"

farther recommending to us

"To speak, tho' sure, with seeming diffidence."

And he might have coupled with this line that which he has coupled with another, I think, less properly,

"For want of modesty is want of sense."

If you ask, Why less properly? I must repeat the lines,

"Immodest words admit of no defense,
For want of modesty is want of sense."

Now, is not want of sense (where a man is so unfortunate as to want it) some apology for his want of modesty? and would not the lines stand more justly thus?

"Immodest words admit but this defense,
That want of modesty is want of sense."

This, however, I should submit to better judgments.

（This page the author used many long sentence that happen to a full paragraph, It make me difficult to read or apprehend what's mean. I must read this page once again)