the mighty matter of that? I was made an honest woman then; and if you was to be made an honest woman, I should not be angry; but you must have to doing with a gentleman, you nasty slut; you will have a bastard, hussy, you will; and that I defy any one to say of me.'

ple are always trampled upon. The parish need not have been in such a fluster with Molly. You might have told them, child, your grandmother wore better things new out of the shop.'

'Well, but consider,' cried George, 'what answer shall I make to Madam?In this situation Black George found his 'I don't know what answer,' says she; family, when he came home for the pur-you are always bringing your family into pose before mentioned. As his wife and one quandary or other. Do you remem three daughters were all of them talking ber when you shot the partridge, the octogether, and most of them crying, it was casion of all our misfortunes? Did not I some time before he could get an opportu-advise you never to go into Squire Wesnity of being heard; but, as soon as such tern's manor? Did not I tell you many a an interval occurred, he acquainted the good year ago what would come of it? company with what Sophia had said to But you would have your own headstrong him. ways; yes, you would, you villain.'

Goody Seagrim then began to revile her Black George was, in the main, a peacedaughter afresh. Here,' says she, 'you able kind of fellow, and nothing choleric have brought us into a fine quandary in-nor rash; yet did he bear about him somedeed. What will madam say to that big belly? O that ever I should live to see this day!'

Molly answered with great spirit, 'And what is this mighty place which you have got for me, father? (for she had not well understood the phrase used by Sophia of being about her person.) 'I suppose it is to be under the cook; but I shan't wash dishes for any body. My gentleman will provide better for me. See what he hath given me this afternoon. He hath promised I shall never want money; and you shan't want money neither, mother, if you will hold your tongue, and know when you are well.' And so saying, she pulled out several guineas, and gave her mother one of them.

thing of what the ancients called the irascible, and which his wife, if she had been endowed with much wisdom, would have feared. He had long experienced, that when the storm grew very high, arguments were but wind, which served rather to increase than to abate it. He was, therefore, seldom unprovided with a small switch, a remedy of wonderful force, as he had often essayed, and which the word villain served as a hint for his applying.

No sooner, therefore, had this symptom appeared, than he had immediate recourse to the said remedy, which, though as it is usual in all very efficacious medicines, it at first seemed to heighten and inflame the disease, soon produced a total calm, and restored the patient to perfect ease and tranquillity.

and contaminates the hand employed in it, that no gentleman should endure the thought of any thing so low and detestable.

The good woman no sooner felt the gold within her palm, than her temper This is, however, a kind of horse medibegan, (such is the efficacy of that pana- cine, which requires a very robust consticea,) to be mollified. Why, husband,' tution to digest, and is, therefore, proper says she, would any but such a blockhead only for the vulgar, unless in one single as you, not have inquired what place this instance, viz. where superiority of birth was before he had accepted it? Perhaps, breaks out: in which case we should not as Molly says, it may be in the kitchen; think it very improperly applied by any and truly I don't care my daughter should husband whatever, if the application was be a scullion wench; for, poor as I am, I not in itself so base, that like certain appliam a gentlewoman. And thof I was cations of the physical kind, which need obliged, as my father, who was a clergy-not be mentioned, it so much degrades man, died worse than nothing, and so could not give me a shilling of potion, to undervalue myself by marrying a poor man, yet I would have you to know, I have a spirit above all them things. Marry come up! it would better become Madam Western to look at home, and remember who her own grandfather was. Some of my family, for aught I know, might ride in their coaches, when the grandfathers of some voke walked a-voot. I warrant she fancies she did a mighty matter, when she sent us that old gownd; some of my family would not have picked up such rags in the street: but poor peo

The whole family were soon reduced to a state of perfect quiet; for the virtue of this medicine, like that of electricity, is often communicated through one person to many others, who are not touched by the instrument. To say the truth, as they both operate by friction, it may be doubted whether there is not something analogous between them, of which Mr. Freke would do well to inquire, before he publishes the next edition of his book.

A council was now called, in which,

after many debates, Molly still persisting that she would not go to service, it was at length resolved, that Goody Seagrim herself should wait on Miss Western, and endeavour to procure the place for her eldest daughter, who declared great readiness to accept it but Fortune, who seems to have been an enemy of this little family, afterwards put a stop to her promotion.

CHAPTER X.

to the person who wore it, who, they tell me, is the daughter of Black George, your worship's game-keeper, whose sufferings, I should have opined, might have taught him more wit, than to dress forth his wenches in such gaudy apparel. She created so much confusion in the congregation, that if Squire Allworthy had not silenced it, it would have interrupted the service; for I was once about to stop in the middle of the first lesson. Howbeit, nevertheless, after prayer was over, and I was departed home, this occasioned a battle in the church-yard, where, among other tration of Squire Western. His great love for mischief, the head of a travelling fiddler his daughter, and the return to it made by her. was very much broken. This morning the fiddler came to Squire Allworthy for a THE next morning Tom Jones hunted warrant, and the wench was brought bewith Mr. Western, and was at his return fore him. The squire was inclined to have invited by that gentleman to dinner. compounded matters; when, lo! on a sudden the wench appeared, (I ask your ladyship's pardon,) to be, as it were, at the eve of bringing forth a bastard. The squire demanded of her who was the father? But she pertinaciously refused to make any response: so that he was about to make her mittimus to Bridewell when I

A story told by Mr. Supple, the curate.

The pene

The lovely Sophia shone forth that day with more gayety and sprightliness than usual. Her battery was certainly levelled at our hero; though, I believe, she herself scarce yet knew her own intention; but if she had any design of charming him, she now succeeded.

And is a wench having a bastard all your news, doctor?' cries Western; I thought it might have been some public matter, something about the nation.'

Mr. Supple, the curate of Mr. Allwor-departed.' thy's parish, made one of the company. He was a good-natured worthy man; but chiefly remarkable for his great taciturnity at table, though his mouth was never shut at it. In short, he had one of the best appetites in the world. However, the cloth was no sooner taken away, than he always made sufficient amends for his silence: for he was a very hearty fellow; and his conversation was often entertaining, never offensive.

At his first arrival, which was immediately before the entrance of the roast-beef, he had given an intimation that he had brought some news with him, and was beginning to tell, that he came that moment from Mr. Allworthy's, when the sight of the roast-beef struck him dumb, permitting him only to say grace, and to declare he must pay his respects to the baronet, for so he called the surloin.

When dinner was over, being reminded by Sophia of his news, he began as follows: 'I believe, lady, your ladyship observed a young woman at church yesterday at even-song, who was dressed in one of your outlandish garments: I think I have seen your ladyship in such a one. However, in the country, such dresses are

'I am afraid it is too common, indeed,' answered the parson; but I thought the whole story altogether deserved commemorating. As to national matters, your worship knows them best. My concerns extend no farther than my own parish."

'Why, ay,' says the squire, I believe I do know a little of that matter, as you say. But, come, Tommy, drink about; the bottle stands with you.'

Tom begged to be excused, for that he had particular business; and getting up from table, escaped the clutches of the squire, who was rising to stop him, and went off with very little ceremony.

The squire gave him a good curse at his departure; and then, turning to the parson, he cried out, "I smoke it; I smoke it. Tom is certainly the veather of this bastard. Zooks, parson, you remember how he recommended the veather o' her to me. D-n un, what a sly b-ch 'tis. Ay, ay, as sure as two-pence, Tom is the veather of the bastard."

'I should be very sorry for that,' says the parson.

Rara avis in terris, nigroque simillima cygno. "That is, madam, as much as to say, "A 'Why sorry,' cries the squire: where rare bird upon the earth, and very like a is the mighty matter o't? What, I suppose black swan." The verse is in Juvenal. dost pretend that thee hast never got a But to return to what I was relating. I bastard? Pox! more good luck's thine; was saying such garments are rare sights for I warrant hast done a therefore many's in the country; and perchance, too, it was the good time and often.' thought the more rare, respect being had

Your worship is pleased to be jocular,'

answered the parson; but I do not only animadvert on the sinfulness of the action, -though that surely is to be greatly deprecated, but I fear his unrighteousness may injure him with Mr. Allworthy. And truly, I must say, though he hath the character of being a little wild, I never saw any harm in the young man; nor can I say I have heard any, save what your worship now mentions. I wish, indeed, he was a little more regular in his responses at church; but altogether he seems

Ingenui vultus puer ingenuique pudoris.

That is a classical line, young lady; and, being rendered into English, is, "A lad of an ingenuous countenance, and of an ingenuous modesty:" for this was a virtue in great repute both among the Latins and Greeks. I must say, the young gentleman, (for so I think I may call him, notwithstanding his birth,) appears to me a very modest civil lad, and I should be sorry that he should do himself any injury in Squire Allworthy's opinion.'

ment which was highly applauded by the parson.

There now ensued, between the squire and the parson, a most excellent political discourse, framed out of newspapers and political pamphlets; in which they made à libation of four bottles of wine to the good of their country; and then the squire being fast asleep, the parson lighted his pipe, mounted his horse, and rode home.

When the squire had finished his halfhour's nap, he summoned his daughter to her harpsichord; but she begged to be excused that evening, on account of a violent headache. This remission was presently granted; for indeed she seldom had occasion to ask him twice, as he loved her with such ardent affection, that, by gratifying her, he commonly conveyed the highest gratification to himself. She was really, what he frequently called her, his little darling; and she well deserved to be so; for she returned all his affection in the most ample manner. She had preserved the most inviolable duty to him in all 'Pooh!' says the squire: 'Injury with things; and this her love made not only Allworthy! Why Allworthy loves a wench easy, but so delightful, that, when one of himself. Doth not all the country know her companions laughed at her for placing whose son Tom is? You must talk to an- so much merit in such scrupulous obeother person in that manner. I remem-dience, as that young lady called it, Sophia ber Allworthy at college.'

'I thought,' said the parson, he had never been at the university.'

'Yes, yes, he was,' says the squire; 'and many a wench have we two had together. As arrant a whoremaster as any within five miles o' un. No, no. It will do'n no harm with he, assure yourself; nor with any body else. Ask Sophy there -You have not the worst opinion of a young fellow for getting a bastard, have you, girl? No, no, the women will like un the better for't.'

answered, 'You mistake me, madam, if you think I value myself upon this account; for besides that I am barely discharging my duty, I am likewise pleasing myself. I can truly say, I have no delight equal to that of contributing to my father's happiness; and if I value myself, my dear, it is on having this power, and not on executing it."

This was a satisfaction, however, which poor Sophia was incapable of tasting this evening. She, therefore, not only desired to be excused from her attendance at the This was a cruel question to poor So- harpsichord, but likewise begged that he phia. She had observed Tom's colour would suffer her to absent herself from change at the parson's story; and that, supper. To this request, likewise, the with his hasty and abrupt departure, gave squire agreed, though not without some her sufficient reason to think her father's reluctance; for he scarce ever permitted suspicion not groundless. Her heart now her to be out of his sight, unless when he at once discovered the great secret to her was engaged with his horses, dogs, or botwhich it had been so long disclosing by tle. Nevertheless, he yielded to the desire little and little; and she found herself of his daughter, though the poor man was, highly interested in this matter. In such at the same time, obliged to avoid his own a situation, her father's malapert question company, (if I may so express myself,) by rushing suddenly upon her, produced some sending for a neighbouring farmer to sit symptoms which might have alarmed a with him. suspicious heart; but, to do the squire justice, that was not his fault. When she arose, therefore, from her chair, and told him, a hint from him was always sufficient to make her withdraw, he suffered her to leave the room; and then, with great gravity of countenance, remarked, That it was better to see a daughter

CHAPTER XI.

The narrow escape of Molly Seagrim, with some observations for which we have been forced to dive pretty deep into nature.

TOM JONES had ridden one of Mr. Wes

over-modest than over-forward,' a senti- tern's horses that morning in the chase;

so that having no horse of his own in the | doubt whether the breaking the laws of squire's stable, he was obliged to go home God and man, the corrupting and ruining on foot; this he did so expeditiously, that a poor girl, be guilt? own, indeed, it he ran upwards of three miles within the doth lie principally upon you; and so half-hour. heavy is it, that you ought to expect it should crush you.'

Just as he arrived at Mr. Allworthy's outward gate, he met the constable and company, with Molly in their possession, whom they were conducting to that house where the inferior sort of people may learn one good lesson, viz. respect and deference to their superiors; since it must show them the wide distinction Fortune intends between those persons who are to be corrected for their faults, and those who are not; which lesson, if they do not learn, I am afraid they very rarely learn any other good lesson, or improve their morals, at the house of correction.

"Whatever may be my fate,' says Tom, let me succeed in my intercessions for the poor girl. I confess I have corrupted her; but whether she shall be ruined depends on you. For Heaven's sake, sir, revoke your warrant, and do not send her to a place which must unavoidably prove her destruction.'

Allworthy bid him immediately call a servant. Tom answered, there was no occasion; for he had luckily met them at the gate, and, relying upon his goodness, had brought them all back into his hall,

tion, which, upon his knees, he besought him might be in favour of the girl; that she might be permitted to go home to her parents, and not be exposed to a greater degree of shame and scorn than must necessarily fall upon her. 'I know,' said he,

A lawyer may, perhaps, think Mr. All-where they now waited his final resoluworthy exceeded his authority a little in this instance. And, to say the truth, I question, as here was no regular information before him, whether his conduct was strictly regular. However, as his intention was truly upright, he ought to be excused in foro conscientia; since so many arbi-that is too much. I know I am the trary acts are daily committed by magistrates, who have not this excuse to plead for themselves.

Tom was no sooner informed by the constable whither they were proceeding, (indeed, he pretty well guessed it of himself,) than he caught Molly in his arms, and embracing her tenderly before them all, swore he would murder the first man who offered to lay hold of her. He bid her dry her eyes, and be comforted; for, wherever she went, he would accompany her. Then turning to the constable, who stood trembling with his hat off, he desired him, in a very mild voice, to return with him for a moment only to his father, (for so he now called Allworthy ;) for he durst, he said, be assured, that, when he had alleged what he had to say in her favour, the girl would be discharged.

wicked occasion of it. I will endeavour to make amends, if possible; and if you shall have hereafter the goodness to forgive me, I hope I shall deserve it.'

Allworthy hesitated some time, and at last said, "Well, I will discharge my mittimus.-You may send the constable to me.' He was instantly called, discharged, and so was the girl.

It will be believed that Mr. Allworthy failed not to read Tom a very severe lecture on this occasion; but it is unnecessary to insert it here, as we have faithfully transcribed what he said to Jenny Jones in the first book, most of which may be applied to the men, equally with the women. So sensible an effect had these reproofs on the young man, who was no hardened sinner, that he retired to his own room, where he passed the evening alone, in much melancholy contemplation.

The constable, who, I make no doubt, would have surrendered his prisoner, had Allworthy was sufficiently offended by Tom demanded her, very readily consent- this transgression of Jones; for, notwithed to this request. So back they all went standing the assertions of Mr. Western, it into Mr. Allworthy's hall; where Tom is certain this worthy man had never indesired them to stay till his return, and dulged himself in any loose pleasures with then went himself in pursuit of the good women, and greatly condemned the vice man. As soon as he was found, Tom of incontinence in others. Indeed, there threw himself at his feet, and, having beg-is much reason to imagine, that there was ged a patient hearing, confessed himself to be the father of the child of which Molly was then big. He entreated him to have compassion on the poor girl, and to consider, if there was any guilt in the case, it lay principally at his door.

If there is any guilt in the case!' answered Allworthy warmly: are you then so profligate and abandoned a libertine to

VOL. I.

not the least truth in what Mr. Western affirmed, especially as he laid the scene of those impurities at the university, where Mr. Allworthy had never been. In fact, the good squire was a little too apt to indulge that kind of pleasantry which is generally called rhodomontade; but which may, with as much propriety, be expressed by a much shorter word; and perhaps

we too often supply the use of this little he imagined Allworthy saw him in the monosyllable by others; since very much of what frequently passes in the world for wit and humour should, in the strictest purity of language, receive that short appellation, which, in conformity to the well-bred laws of custom, I here suppress.

same; but that he was resolved, from pride and stubbornness of spirit, not to give up the boy whom he had once cherished; since, by so doing, he must tacitly acknowledge that his former opinion of him had been wrong.

Square therefore embraced this opporBut whatever detestation Mr. Allworthy tunity of injuring Jones in the tenderest had to this or to any other vice, he was part, by giving a very bad turn to all these not so blinded by it but that he could dis-before-mentioned occurrences. 'I am sorcern any virtue in the guilty person, as ry, sir,' said he, 'to own I have been declearly indeed as if there had been no mix-ceived as well as yourself. I could not, I ture of vice in the same character. While confess, help being pleased with what I he was angry, therefore, with the inconti- ascribed to the motive of friendship, though nence of Jones, he was no less pleased it was carried to an excess, and all excess with the honour and honesty of his self- is faulty and vicious; but in this I made accusation. He began now to form in his allowance for youth. Little did I suspect mind the same opinion of this young fel- that the sacrifice of truth, which we both low, which, we hope, our reader may have imagined to have been made to friendship, conceived. And in balancing his faults was in reality a prostitution of it to a dewith his perfections, the latter seemed praved and debauched appetite. You now rather to preponderate. plainly see whence all the seeming generosity of this young man to the family of the gamekeeper proceeded. He supported the father, in order to corrupt the daughter, and preserved the family from starving, to bring one of them to shame and ruin. This is friendship! this is generosity! As Sir Richard Steele says, "Gluttons, who give high prices for delicacies, are very worthy to be called generous." In short, I am resolved, from this instance, never to give way to the weakness of human nature more, nor to think any thing virtue, which doth not exactly quadrate with the unerring rule of right."

It was to no purpose, therefore, that Thwackum, who was immediately charged by Mr. Blifil with the story, unbended all his rancour against poor Tom. Allworthy gave a patient hearing to their invectives, and then answered coldly, That young men of Tom's complexion were too generally addicted to this vice; but he believed that youth was sincerely affected with what he had said to him on the occasion, and he hoped he would not transgress again.' So that, as the days of whipping were at an end, the tutor had no other vent but his own mouth for his gall, the usual poor resource of impotent re

venge.

But Square, who was a less violent, was a much more artful man; and, as he hated Jones more perhaps than Thwackum himself did, so he contrived to do him more mischief in the mind of Mr. Allworthy.

The reader must remember the several little incidents of the partridge, the horse, and the bible, which were recounted in the second book: by all which Jones had rather improved than injured the affection which Mr. Allworthy was inclined to entertain for him. The same, I believe, must have happened to him with every other person who hath any idea of friendship, generosity, and greatness of spirit; that is to say, who hath any traces of goodness in his mind.

The goodness of Allworthy had prevented these considerations from occurring to himself; yet were they too plausible to be absolutely and hastily rejected, when laid before his eyes by another. Indeed, what Square had said sunk very deeply into his mind, and the uneasiness which it there created was very visible to the other; though the good man would not acknowledge this, but made a very slight answer, and forcibly drove off the discourse to some other subject. It was well perhaps for poor Tom, that no such suggestions had been made before he was pardoned; for they certainly stamped in the mind of Allworthy the first bad impression concerning Jones.

CHAPTER XII.

Square himself was not unacquainted with the true impression which those several instances of goodness had made on the excellent heart of Mr. Allworthy; for the philosopher very well knew what virtue was, though he was not always, perhaps, steady in its pursuit; but as for Thwackum, from what reason I will not determine, THE reader will be pleased, I believe, no such thoughts ever entered into his to return with me to Sophia. She passed head: he saw Jones in a bad light, and the night, after we saw her last, in no

Containing much clearer matters; but which flowed from the same fountain with those in the preceding chapter.