Todealplainlywiththereader，thecaptain，eversincehisarrival，atleastfromthemomenthisbrotherhadproposedthematchtohim，longbeforehehaddiscoveredanyflatteringsymptomsinMissBridget，hadbeengreatlyenamoured；thatistosay，ofMr。
Allworthy’shouseandgardens，andofhislands，tenements，andhereditaments；ofallwhichthecaptainwaspassionatelyfond，thathewouldmostprobablyhavecontractedmarriagewithhadhebeenobligedtohavetakenthewitchofEndorintothebargain。
AsMr。Allworthy，therefore，haddeclaredtothedoctorthatheneverintendedtotakeasecondwife，ashissisterwashisnearestrelation，andasthedoctorhadfishedoutthathisintentionsweretomakeanychildofhershisheir，whichindeedthelaw，withouthisinterposition，wouldhavedoneforhim；thedoctorandhisbrotherthoughtitanactofbenevolencetogivebeingtoahumancreature，whowouldbesoplentifullyprovidedwiththemostessentialmeansofhappiness。Thewholethoughts，therefore，ofboththebrotherswerehowtoengagetheaffectionsofthisamiablelady。
Butfortune，whoisatenderparent，andoftendothmoreforherfavouriteoffspringthaneithertheydeserveorwish，hadbeensoindustriousforthecaptain，thatwhilsthewaslayingschemestoexecutehispurpose，theladyconceivedthesamedesireswithhimself，andwasonhersidecontrivinghowtogivethecaptainproperencouragement，withoutappearingtooforward；forshewasastrictobserverofallrulesofdecorum。Inthis，however，sheeasilysucceeded；forasthecaptainwasalwaysonthelook-out，noglance，gesture，orwordescapedhim。
ThesatisfactionwhichthecaptainreceivedfromthekindbehaviourofMissBridget，wasnotalittleabatedbyhisapprehensionsofMr。Allworthy；for，notwithstandinghisdisinterestedprofessions，thecaptainimaginedhewould，whenhecametoact，followtheexampleoftherestoftheworld，andrefusehisconsenttoamatchsodisadvantageous，inpointofinterest，tohissister。
Fromwhatoraclehereceivedthisopinion，Ishallleavethereadertodetermine:buthoweverhecamebyit，itstrangelyperplexedhimhowtoregulatehisconductsoasatoncetoconveyhisaffectiontothelady，andtoconcealitfromherbrother。Heatlengthresolvedtotakeallprivateopportunitiesofmakinghisaddresses；butinthepresenceofMr。Allworthytobeasreservedandasmuchuponhisguardaswaspossible；andthisconductwashighlyapprovedbythebrother。
Hesoonfoundmeanstomakehisaddresses，inexpressterms，tohismistress，fromwhomhereceivedananswerintheproperform，viz。:theanswerwhichwasfirstmadesomethousandsofyearsago，andwhichhathbeenhandeddownbytraditionfrommothertodaughtereversince。IfIwastotranslatethisintoLatin，Ishouldrenderitbythesetwowords，NoloEpiscopari:aphraselikewiseofimmemorialuseonanotheroccasion。
Thecaptain，howeverhecamebyhisknowledge，perfectlywellunderstoodthelady，andverysoonafterrepeatedhisapplicationwithmorewarmthandearnestnessthanbefore，andwasagain，accordingtodueform，rejected；butashehadincreasedintheeagernessofhisdesires，sothelady，withthesamepropriety，decreasedintheviolenceofherrefusal。
Nottotirethereader，byleadinghimthrougheverysceneofthiscourtship(which，thoughintheopinionofacertaingreatauthor，itisthepleasantestsceneoflifetotheactor，is，perhaps，asdullandtiresomeasanywhatevertotheaudience)，thecaptainmadehisadvancesinform，thecitadelwasdefendedinform，andatlength，inproperform，surrenderedatdiscretion。
Duringthiswholetime，whichfilledthespaceofnearamonth，thecaptainpreservedgreatdistanceofbehaviourtohisladyinthepresenceofthebrother；andthemorehesucceededwithherinprivate，themorereservedwasheinpublic。Andasforthelady，shehadnosoonersecuredherloverthanshebehavedtohimbeforecompanywiththehighestdegreeofindifference；sothatMr。Allworthymusthavehadtheinsightofthedevil(orperhapssomeofhisworsequalities)tohaveentertainedtheleastsuspicionofwhatwasgoingforward。
Chapter12
Containingwhatthereadermay，perhaps，expecttofindinitInallbargains，whethertofightortomarry，orconcerninganyothersuchbusiness，littlepreviousceremonyisrequiredtobringthemattertoanissuewhenbothpartiesarereallyinearnest。Thiswasthecaseatpresent，andinlessthanamonththecaptainandhisladyweremanandwife。
ThegreatconcernnowwastobreakthemattertoMr。Allworthy；
andthiswasundertakenbythedoctor。
Oneday，then，asAllworthywaswalkinginhisgarden，thedoctorcametohim，and，withgreatgravityofaspect，andalltheconcernwhichhecouldpossiblyaffectinhiscountenance，said，"Iamcome，sir，toimpartanaffairtoyouoftheutmostconsequence；buthowshallImentiontoyouwhatitalmostdistractsmetothinkof！"Hethenlaunchedforthintothemostbitterinvectivesbothagainstmenandwomen；accusingtheformerofhavingnoattachmentbuttotheirinterest，andthelatterofbeingsoaddictedtoviciousinclinationsthattheycouldneverbesafelytrustedwithoneoftheothersex。"CouldI，"saidhe，"sir，havesuspectedthataladyofsuchprudence，suchjudgment，suchlearning，shouldindulgesoindiscreetapassion！orcouldIhaveimaginedthatmybrother-whydoIcallhimso？heisnolongerabrotherofmine-"
"Indeedbutheis，"saidAllworthy，"andabrotherofminetoo。"
"Blessme，sir！"saidthedoctor，"doyouknowtheshockingaffair？"
"Look’ee，Mr。Blifil，"answeredthegoodman，"ithathbeenmyconstantmaximinlifetomakethebestofallmatterswhichhappen。
Mysister，thoughmanyyearsyoungerthanI，isatleastoldenoughtobeattheageofdiscretion。Hadheimposedonachild，Ishouldhavebeenmoreaversetohaveforgivenhim；butawomanupwardsofthirtymustcertainlybesupposedtoknowwhatwillmakehermosthappy。Shehathmarriedagentleman，thoughperhapsnotquiteherequalinfortune；andifhehathanyperfectionsinhereyewhichcanmakeupthatdeficiency，IseenoreasonwhyIshouldobjecttoherchoiceofherownhappiness；whichI，nomorethanherself，imaginetoconsistonlyinimmensewealth。Imight，perhaps，fromthemanydeclarationsIhavemadeofcomplyingwithalmostanyproposal，haveexpectedtohavebeenconsultedonthisoccasion；butthesemattersareofaverydelicatenature，andthescruplesofmodesty，perhaps，arenottobeovercome。Astoyourbrother，Ihavereallynoangeragainsthimatall。Hehathnoobligationstome，nordoIthinkhewasunderanynecessityofaskingmyconsent，sincethewomanis，asIhavesaid，suijuris，*andofaproperagetobeentirelyanswerableonlytoherselfforherconduct。"
*Ofherownright。
ThedoctoraccusedMr。Allworthyoftoogreatlenity，repeatedhisaccusationsagainsthisbrother，anddeclaredthatheshouldnevermorebebroughteithertosee，ortoownhimforhisrelation。HethenlaunchedforthintoapanegyriconAllworthy’sgoodness；intothehighestencomiumsonhisfriendship；andconcludedbysaying，heshouldneverforgivehisbrotherforhavingputtheplacewhichheboreinthatfriendshiptoahazard。
Allworthythusanswered:"HadIconceivedanydispleasureagainstyourbrother，Ishouldneverhavecarriedthatresentmenttotheinnocent:butIassureyouIhavenosuchdispleasure。Yourbrotherappearstometobeamanofsenseandhonour。Idonotdisapprovethetasteofmysister；norwillIdoubtbutthatsheisequallytheobjectofhisinclinations。Ihavealwaysthoughtlovetheonlyfoundationofhappinessinamarriedstate，asitcanonlyproducethathighandtenderfriendshipwhichshouldalwaysbethecementofthisunion；and，inmyopinion，allthosemarriageswhicharecontractedfromothermotivesaregreatlycriminal；theyareaprofanationofamostholyceremony，andgenerallyendindisquietandmisery:forsurelywemaycallitaprofanationtoconvertthismostsacredinstitutionintoawickedsacrificetolustoravarice:andwhatbettercanbesaidofthosematchestowhichmenareinducedmerelybytheconsiderationofabeautifulperson，oragreatfortune？
"Todenythatbeautyisanagreeableobjecttotheeye，andevenworthysomeadmiration，wouldbefalseandfoolish。BeautifulisanepithetoftenusedinScripture，andalwaysmentionedwithhonour。
Itwasmyownfortunetomarryawomanwhomtheworldthoughthandsome，andIcantrulysayIlikedherthebetteronthataccount。Buttomakethisthesoleconsiderationofmarriage，tolustafteritsoviolentlyastooverlookallimperfectionsforitssake，ortorequireitsoabsolutelyastorejectanddisdainreligion，virtue，andsense，whicharequalitiesintheirnatureofmuchhigherperfection，onlybecauseaneleganceofpersoniswanting:
thisissurelyinconsistent，eitherwithawisemanoragoodChristian。Anditis，perhaps，beingtoocharitabletoconcludethatsuchpersonsmeananythingmorebytheirmarriagethantopleasetheircarnalappetites；forthesatisfactionofwhich，wearetaught，itwasnotordained。
"Inthenextplace，withrespecttofortune。Worldlyprudenceperhaps，exactssomeconsiderationonthishead；norwillIabsolutelyandaltogethercondemnit。Astheworldisconstituted，thedemandsofamarriedstate，andthecareofposterity，requiresomelittleregardtowhatwecallcircumstances。Yetthisprovisionisgreatlyincreased，beyondwhatisreallynecessary，byfollyandvanity，whichcreateabundantlymorewantsthannature。Equipageforthewife，andlargefortunesforthechildren，arebycustomenrolledinthelistofnecessaries；andtoprocurethese，everythingtrulysolidandsweet，andvirtuousandreligious，areneglectedandoverlooked。
"Andthisinmanydegrees；thelastandgreatestofwhichseemsscarcedistinguishablefrommadness；-Imeanwherepersonsofimmensefortunescontractthemselvestothosewhoare，andmustbe，disagreeabletothem-tofoolsandknaves-inordertoincreaseanestatealreadylargereventhanthedemandsoftheirpleasures。Surelysuchpersons，iftheywillnotbethoughtmad，mustown，eitherthattheyareincapableoftastingthesweetsofthetenderestfriendship，orthattheysacrificethegreatesthappinessofwhichtheyarecapabletothevain，uncertain，andsenselesslawsofvulgaropinion，whichoweaswelltheirforceastheirfoundationtofolly。"
HereAllworthyconcludedhissermon，towhichBlifilhadlistenedwiththeprofoundestattention，thoughitcosthimsomepainstopreventnowandthenasmalldiscomposureofhismuscles。Henowpraisedeveryperiodofwhathehadheardwiththewarmthofayoungdivine，whohaththehonourtodinewithabishopthesamedayinwhichhislordshiphathmountedthepulpit。
Chapter13
Whichconcludesthefirstbook；withaninstanceofingratitude，which，wehope，willappearunnaturalThereader，fromwhathathbeensaid，mayimaginethatthereconciliation(ifindeeditcouldbesocalled)wasonlymatterofform；weshallthereforepassitover，andhastentowhatmustsurelybethoughtmatterofsubstance。
ThedoctorhadacquaintedhisbrotherwithwhathadpastbetweenMr。
Allworthyandhim；andaddedwithasmile，"IpromiseyouIpaidyouoff；nay，Iabsolutelydesiredthegoodgentlemannottoforgiveyou:foryouknowafterhehadmadeadeclarationinyourfavour，I
mightwithsafetyventureonsucharequestwithapersonofhistemper；andIwaswilling，aswellforyoursakeasformyown，topreventtheleastpossibilityofasuspicion。"
CaptainBlifiltooknottheleastnoticeofthis，atthattime；
butheafterwardsmadeaverynotableuseofit。
Oneofthemaximswhichthedevil，inalatevisituponearth，lefttohisdisciples，is，whenonceyouaregotup，tokickthestoolfromunderyou。InplainEnglish，whenyouhavemadeyourfortunebythegoodofficesofafriend，youareadvisedtodiscardhimassoonasyoucan。
Whetherthecaptainactedbythismaxim，Iwillnotpositivelydetermine:sofarwemayconfidentlysay，thathisactionsmaybefairlyderivedfromthisdiabolicalprinciple；andindeeditisdifficulttoassignanyothermotivetothem:fornosoonerwashepossessedofMissBridget，andreconciledtoAllworthy，thanhebegantoshowacoldnesstohisbrotherwhichincreaseddaily；tillatlengthitgrewintorudeness，andbecameveryvisibletoeveryone。
Thedoctorremonstratedtohimprivatelyconcerningthisbehaviour，butcouldobtainnoothersatisfactionthanthefollowingplaindeclaration:"Ifyoudislikeanythinginmybrother’shouse，sir，youknowyouareatlibertytoquitit。"Thisstrange，cruel，andalmostunaccountableingratitudeinthecaptain，absolutelybrokethepoordoctor’sheart；foringratitudeneversothoroughlypiercesthehumanbreastaswhenitproceedsfromthoseinwhosebehalfwehavebeenguiltyoftransgressions。Reflectionsongreatandgoodactions，howevertheyarereceivedorreturnedbythoseinwhosefavourtheyareperformed，alwaysadministersomecomforttous；butwhatconsolationshallwereceiveundersobitingacalamityastheungratefulbehaviourofourfriend，whenourwoundedconscienceatthesametimefliesinourface，andupbraidsuswithhavingspotteditintheserviceofonesoworthless！
Mr。Allworthyhimselfspoketothecaptaininhisbrother’sbehalf，anddesiredtoknowwhatoffencethedoctorhadcommitted；
whenthehard-heartedvillainhadthebasenesstosaythatheshouldneverforgivehimfortheinjurywhichhehadendeavouredtodohiminhisfavour；which，hesaid，hehadpumpedoutofhim，andwassuchacrueltythatitoughtnottobeforgiven。
Allworthyspokeinveryhightermsuponthisdeclaration，which，hesaid，becamenotahumancreature。Heexpressed，indeed，somuchresentmentagainstanunforgivingtemper，thatthecaptainatlastpretendedtobeconvincedbyhisarguments，andoutwardlyprofessedtobereconciled。
Asforthebride，shewasnowinherhoneymoon，andsopassionatelyfondofhernewhusbandthatheneverappearedtohertobeinthewrong；andhisdispleasureagainstanypersonwasasufficientreasonforherdisliketothesame。
Thecaptain，atMr。Allworthy’sinstance，wasoutwardly，aswehavesaid，reconciledtohisbrother；yetthesamerancourremainedinhisheart；andhefoundsomanyopportunitiesofgivinghimprivatehintsofthis，thatthehouseatlastgrewinsupportabletothepoordoctor；andhechoserathertosubmittoanyinconvenienceswhichhemightencounterintheworld，thanlongertobearthesecruelandungratefulinsultsfromabrotherforwhomhehaddonesomuch。
HeonceintendedtoacquaintAllworthywiththewhole；buthecouldnotbringhimselftosubmittotheconfession，bywhichhemusttaketohissharesogreataportionofguilt。Besides，byhowmuchtheworsemanherepresentedhisbrothertobe，somuchthegreaterwouldhisownoffenceappeartoAllworthy，andsomuchthegreater，hehadreasontoimagine，wouldbehisresentment。
Hefeigned，therefore，someexcuseofbusinessforhisdeparture，andpromisedtoreturnsoonagain；andtookleaveofhisbrotherwithsowell-dissembledcontent，that，asthecaptainplayedhisparttothesameperfection，Allworthyremainedwellsatisfiedwiththetruthofthereconciliation。
ThedoctorwentdirectlytoLondon，wherehediedsoonafterofabrokenheart；adistemperwhichkillsmanymorethanisgenerallyimagined，andwouldhaveafairtitletoaplaceinthebillofmortality，diditnotdifferinoneinstancefromallotherdiseases-viz。，thatnophysiciancancureit。
Now，uponthemostdiligentenquiryintotheformerlivesofthesetwobrothers，Ifind，besidesthecursedandhellishmaximofpolicyabovementioned，anotherreasonforthecaptain’sconduct:thecaptain，besideswhatwehavebeforesaidofhim，wasamanofgreatprideandfierceness，andhadalwaystreatedhisbrother，whowasofadifferentcomplexion，andgreatlydeficientinboththesequalities，withtheutmostairofsuperiority。Thedoctor，however，hadmuchthelargershareoflearning，andwasbymanyreputedtohavethebetterunderstanding。Thisthecaptainknew，andcouldnotbear；forthoughenvyisatbestaverymalignantpassion，yetisitsbitternessgreatlyheightenedbymixingwithcontempttowardsthesameobject；
andverymuchafraidIam，thatwheneveranobligationisjoinedtothesetwo，indignationandnotgratitudewillbetheproductofallthree。
BOOKII
CONTAININGSCENESOFMATRIMONIALFELICITYINDIFFERENTDEGREESOF
LIFE；ANDVARIOUSOTHERTRANSACTIONSDURINGTHEFIRSTTWOYEARS
AFTERTHEMARRIAGEBETWEENCAPTAINBLIFILANDMISSBRIDGETALLWORTHY
Chapter1
Showingwhatkindofahistorythisis；whatitislike，andwhatitisnotlikeThoughwehaveproperlyenoughentitledthisourwork，ahistory，andnotalife；noranapologyforalife，asismoreinfashion；
yetweintendinitrathertopursuethemethodofthosewriters，whoprofesstodisclosetherevolutionsofcountries，thantoimitatethepainfulandvoluminoushistorian，who，topreservetheregularityofhisseries，thinkshimselfobligedtofillupasmuchpaperwiththedetailofmonthsandyearsinwhichnothingremarkablehappened，asheemploysuponthosenotableaeraswhenthegreatestsceneshavebeentransactedonthehumanstage。
Suchhistoriesasthesedo，inreality，verymuchresembleanewspaper，whichconsistsofjustthesamenumberofwords，whethertherebeanynewsinitornot。Theymaylikewisebecomparedtoastagecoach，whichperformsconstantlythesamecourse，emptyaswellasfull。Thewriter，indeed，seemstothinkhimselfobligedtokeepevenpacewithtime，whoseamanuensisheis；and，likehismaster，travelsasslowlythroughcenturiesofmonkishdulness，whentheworldseemstohavebeenasleep，asthroughthatbrightandbusyagesonoblydistinguishedbytheexcellentLatinpoet-
Adconfligendumvenientibusundiquepoenis，OmniacumbellitrepidoconcussatumultuHorridacontremueresubaltisaetherisauris；
IndubioquefuitsubutrorumregnacadendumOmnibushumanisesset，terraquemarique。
OfwhichwewishwecouldgiveourreadersamoreadequatetranslationthanthatbyMr。Creech-
WhendreadfulCarthagefrightedRomewitharms，Andalltheworldwasshookwithfiercealarms；
Whilstundecidedyet，whichpartshouldfall，Whichnationrisethegloriouslordofall。
Nowitisourpurpose，intheensuingpages，topursueacontrarymethod。Whenanyextraordinaryscenepresentsitself(aswetrustwilloftenbethecase)，weshallsparenopainsnorpapertoopenitatlargetoourreader；butifwholeyearsshouldpasswithoutproducinganythingworthyhisnotice，weshallnotbeafraidofachasminourhistory；butshallhastenontomattersofconsequence，andleavesuchperiodsoftimetotallyunobserved。
Theseareindeedtobeconsideredasblanksinthegrandlotteryoftime。Wetherefore，whoaretheregistersofthatlottery，shallimitatethosesagaciouspersonswhodealinthatwhichisdrawnatGuildhall，andwhonevertroublethepublicwiththemanyblankstheydisposeof；butwhenagreatprizehappenstobedrawn，thenewspapersarepresentlyfilledwithit，andtheworldissuretobeinformedatwhoseofficeitwassold:indeed，commonlytwoorthreedifferentofficeslayclaimtothehonourofhavingdisposedofit；bywhich，Isuppose，theadventurersaregiventounderstandthatcertainbrokersareinthesecretsofFortune，andindeedofhercabinetcouncil。
Myreaderthenisnottobesurprized，if，inthecourseofthiswork，heshallfindsomechaptersveryshort，andothersaltogetheraslong；somethatcontainonlythetimeofasingleday，andothersthatcompriseyears；inaword，ifmyhistorysometimesseemstostandstill，andsometimestofly。ForallwhichIshallnotlookonmyselfasaccountabletoanycourtofcriticaljurisdictionwhatever:forasIam，inreality，thefounderofanewprovinceofwriting，soIamatlibertytomakewhatlawsIpleasetherein。Andtheselaws，myreaders，whomIconsiderasmysubjects，areboundtobelieveinandtoobey；withwhichthattheymayreadilyandcheerfullycomply，IdoherebyassurethemthatIshallprincipallyregardtheireaseandadvantageinallsuchinstitutions:forIdonot，likeajuredivino*tyrant，imaginethattheyaremyslaves，ormycommodity。Iam，indeed，setoverthemfortheirowngoodonly，andwascreatedfortheiruse，andnottheyformine。NordoIdoubt，whileImaketheirinterestthegreatruleofmywritings，theywillunanimouslyconcurinsupportingmydignity，andinrenderingmeallthehonourIshalldeserveordesire。
*Bydivineright。
Chapter2
Religiouscautionsagainstshowingtoomuchfavourtobastards；
andagreatdiscoverymadebyMrs。DeborahWilkinsEightmonthsafterthecelebrationofthenuptialsbetweenCaptainBlifilandMissBridgetAllworthy，ayoungladyofgreatbeauty，merit，andfortune，wasMissBridget，byreasonofafright，deliveredofafineboy。Thechildwasindeedtoallappearancesperfect；butthemidwifediscovereditwasbornamonthbeforeitsfulltime。
ThoughthebirthofanheirbyhisbelovedsisterwasacircumstanceofgreatjoytoMr。Allworthy，yetitdidnotalienatehisaffectionsfromthelittlefoundling，towhomhehadbeengodfather，hadgivenhisownnameofThomas，andwhomhehadhithertoseldomfailedofvisiting，atleastonceaday，inhisnursery。
Hetoldhissister，ifshepleased，thenewborninfantshouldbebreduptogetherwithlittleTommy；towhichsheconsented，thoughwithsomelittlereluctance:forshehadtrulyagreatcomplacenceforherbrother；andhenceshehadalwaysbehavedtowardsthefoundlingwithrathermorekindnessthanladiesofrigidvirtuecansometimesbringthemselvestoshowtothesechildren，who，howeverinnocent，maybetrulycalledthelivingmonumentsofincontinence。
ThecaptaincouldnotsoeasilybringhimselftobearwhathecondemnedasafaultinMr。Allworthy。Hegavehimfrequenthints，thattoadoptthefruitsofsin，wastogivecountenancetoit。Hequotedseveraltexts(forhewaswellreadinScripture)，suchas，Hevisitsthesinsofthefathersuponthechildren；andthefathershaveeatensourgrapes，andchildren’steetharesetonedge，&c。
Whencehearguedthelegalityofpunishingthecrimeoftheparentonthebastard。Hesaid，"Thoughthelawdidnotpositivelyallowthedestroyingsuchbase-bornchildren，yetitheldthemtobethechildrenofnobody；thattheChurchconsideredthemasthechildrenofnobody；andthatatthebest，theyoughttobebroughtuptothelowestandvilestofficesofthecommonwealth。"
Mr。Allworthyansweredtoallthis，andmuchmore，whichthecaptainhadurgedonthissubject，"That，howeverguiltytheparentsmightbe，thechildrenwerecertainlyinnocent:thatastothetextshehadquoted，theformerofthemwasaparticulardenunciationagainstthejews，forthesinofidolatry，ofrelinquishingandhatingtheirheavenlyKing；andthelatterwasparabolicallyspoken，andratherintendedtodenotethecertainandnecessaryconsequencesofsin，thananyexpressjudgmentagainstit。ButtorepresenttheAlmightyasavengingthesinsoftheguiltyontheinnocent，wasindecent，ifnotblasphemous，asittorepresenthimactingagainstthefirstprinciplesofnaturaljustice，andagainsttheoriginalnotionsofrightandwrong，whichhehimselfhadimplantedinourminds；bywhichweweretojudgenotonlyinallmatterswhichwerenotrevealed，butevenofthetruthofrevelationitself。"Hesaidheknewmanyheldthesameprincipleswiththecaptainonthishead；buthewashimselffirmlyconvincedtothecontrary，andwouldprovideinthesamemannerforthispoorinfant，asifalegitimatechildhadhadfortunetohavebeenfoundinthesameplace。
Whilethecaptainwastakingallopportunitiestopresstheseandsuchlikearguments，toremovethelittlefoundlingfromMr。
Allworthy’s，ofwhosefondnessforhimhebegantobejealous，Mrs。
Deborahhadmadeadiscovery，which，initsevent，threatenedatleasttoprovemorefataltopoorTommythanallthereasoningsofthecaptain。
Whethertheinsatiablecuriosityofthisgoodwomanhadcarriedherontothatbusiness，orwhethershedidittoconfirmherselfinthegoodgracesofMrs。Blifil，who，notwithstandingheroutwardbehaviourtothefoundling，frequentlyabusedtheinfantinprivate，andherbrothertoo，forhisfondnesstoit，Iwillnotdetermine；butshehadnow，assheconceived，fullydetectedthefatherofthefoundling。
Now，asthiswasadiscoveryofgreatconsequence，itmaybenecessarytotraceitfromthefountain-head。Weshallthereforeveryminutelylayopenthosepreviousmattersbywhichitwasproduced；andforthatpurposeweshallbeobligedtorevealallthesecretsofalittlefamilywithwhichmyreaderisatpresententirelyunacquainted；andofwhichtheoeconomywassorareandextraordinary，thatIfearitwillshocktheutmostcredulityofmanymarriedpersons。
Chapter3
ThedescriptionofadomesticgovernmentfoundeduponrulesdirectlycontrarytothoseofAristotleMyreadermaypleasetorememberhehathbeeninformedthatJennyJoneshadlivedsomeyearswithacertainschoolmaster，whohad，atherearnestdesire，instructedherinLatin，inwhich，todojusticetohergenius，shehadsoimprovedherself，thatshewasbecomeabetterscholarthanhermaster。
Indeed，thoughthispoormanhadundertakenaprofessiontowhichlearningmustbeallowednecessary，thiswastheleastofhiscommendations。Hewasoneofthebest-naturedfellowsintheworld，andwas，atthesametime，masterofsomuchpleasantryandhumour，thathewasreputedthewitofthecountry；andalltheneighbouringgentlemenweresodesirousofhiscompany，thatasdenyingwasnothistalent，hespentmuchtimeattheirhouses，whichhemight，withmoreemolument，havespentinhisschool。
Itmaybeimaginedthatagentlemansoqualifiedandsodisposed，wasinnodangerofbecomingformidabletothelearnedseminariesofEtonorWestminster。Tospeakplainly，hisscholarsweredividedintotwoclasses:intheupperofwhichwasayounggentleman，thesonofaneighboringsquire，who，attheageofseventeen，wasjustenteredintohisSyntaxis；andinthelowerwasasecondsonofthesamegentleman，who，togetherwithsevenparish-boys，waslearningtoreadandwrite。
Thestipendarisinghencewouldhardlyhaveindulgedtheschoolmasterintheluxuriesoflife，hadhenotaddedtothisofficethoseofclerkandbarber，andhadnotMr。Allworthyaddedtothewholeanannuityoftenpounds，whichthepoormanreceivedeveryChristmas，andwithwhichhewasenabledtocheerhisheartduringthatsacredfestival。
Amonghisothertreasures，thepedagoguehadawife，whomhehadmarriedoutofMr。Allworthy’skitchenforherfortune，viz。，twentypounds，whichshehadthereamassed。
Thiswomanwasnotveryamiableinherperson。WhethershesattomyfriendHogarth，orno，Iwillnotdetermine；butsheexactlyresembledtheyoungwomanwhoispouringouthermistress’steainthethirdpictureoftheHarlot’sProgress。Shewas，besides，aprofestfollowerofthatnoblesectfoundedbyXantippeofold；bymeansofwhichshebecamemoreformidableintheschoolthanherhusband；for，toconfessthetruth，hewasnevermasterthere，oranywhereelse，inherpresence。
Thoughhercountenancedidnotdenotemuchnaturalsweetnessoftemper，yetthiswas，perhaps，somewhatsouredbyacircumstancewhichgenerallypoisonsmatrimonialfelicity；forchildrenarerightlycalledthepledgesoflove；andherhusband，thoughtheyhadbeenmarriednineyears，hadgivenhernosuchpledges；adefaultforwhichhehadnoexcuse，eitherfromageorhealth，beingnotyetthirtyyearsold，andwhattheycallajollybriskyoungman。
Hencearoseanotherevil，whichproducednolittleuneasinesstothepoorpedagogue，ofwhomshemaintainedsoconstantajealousy，thathedursthardlyspeaktoonewomanintheparish；fortheleastdegreeofcivility，orevencorrespondence，withanyfemale，wassuretobringhiswifeuponherback，andhisown。
Inordertoguardherselfagainstmatrimonialinjuriesinherownhouse，asshekeptonemaid-servant，shealwaystookcaretochuseheroutofthatorderoffemaleswhosefacesaretakenasakindofsecurityfortheirvirtue；ofwhichnumberJennyJones，asthereaderhathbeenbeforeinformed，wasone。
Asthefaceofthisyoungwomanmightbecalledprettygoodsecurityofthebefore-mentionedkind，andasherbehaviourhadbeenalwaysextremelymodest，whichisthecertainconsequenceofunderstandinginwomen；shehadpassedabovefouryearsatMr。Partridge’s(forthatwastheschoolmaster’sname)withoutcreatingtheleastsuspicioninhermistress。Nay，shehadbeentreatedwithuncommonkindness，andhermistresshadpermittedMr。Partridgetogiveherthoseinstructionswhichhavebeenbeforecommemorated。
Butitiswithjealousyaswiththegout:whensuchdistempersareintheblood，thereisneveranysecurityagainsttheirbreakingout；andthatoftenontheslightestoccasions，andwhenleastsuspected。
ThusithappenedtoMrs。Partridge，whohadsubmittedfouryearstoherhusband’steachingthisyoungwoman，andhadsufferedheroftentoneglectherworkinordertopursueherlearning。For，passingbyoneday，asthegirlwasreading，andhermasterleaningoverher，thegirl，Iknownotforwhatreason，suddenlystartedupfromherchair:andthiswasthefirsttimethatsuspicioneverenteredintotheheadofhermistress。
Thisdidnot，however，atthattimediscoveritself，butlaylurkinginhermind，likeaconcealedenemy，whowaitsforareinforcementofadditionalstrengthbeforeheopenlydeclareshimselfandproceedsuponhostileoperations:andsuchadditionalstrengthsoonarrivedtocorroboratehersuspicion；fornotlongafter，thehusbandandwifebeingatdinner，themastersaidtohismaid，Damihialiquidpotum:uponwhichthepoorgirlsmiled，perhapsatthebadnessoftheLatin，and，whenhermistresscasthereyesonher，blushed，possiblywithaconsciousnessofhavinglaughedathermaster。Mrs。
Partridge，uponthis，immediatelyfellintoafury，anddischargedthetrencheronwhichshewaseating，attheheadofpoorJenny，cryingout，"Youimpudentwhore，doyouplaytrickswithmyhusbandbeforemyface？"andatthesameinstantrosefromherchairwithaknifeinherhand，withwhich，mostprobably，shewouldhaveexecutedverytragicalvengeance，hadnotthegirltakentheadvantageofbeingnearerthedoorthanhermistress，andavoidedherfurybyrunningaway:for，astothepoorhusband，whethersurprizehadrenderedhimmotionless，orfear(whichisfullasprobable)hadrestrainedhimfromventuringatanyopposition，hesatstaringandtremblinginhischair；nordidheonceoffertomoveorspeak，tillhiswife，returningfromthepursuitofJenny，madesomedefensivemeasuresnecessaryforhisownpreservation；andhelikewisewasobligedtoretreat，aftertheexampleofthemaid。
Thisgoodwomanwas，nomorethanOthello，ofadispositionTomakealifeofjealousy，AndfollowstillthechangesofthemoonWithfreshsuspicions-
Withher，aswellashim，——Tobeonceindoubt，Wasoncetoberesolv’d——
shethereforeorderedJennyimmediatelytopackupherallsandbegone，forthatshewasdeterminedsheshouldnotsleepthatnightwithinherwalls。
Mr。Partridgehadprofitedtoomuchbyexperiencetointerposeinamatterofthisnature。Hethereforehadrecoursetohisusualreceiptofpatience；for，thoughhewasnotagreatadeptinLatin，heremembered，andwellunderstood，theadvicecontainedinthesewords:——
Levefit，quodbeneferturonus-
inEnglish:
Aburdenbecomeslightestwhenitiswellborne-
whichhehadalwaysinhismouth；andofwhich，tosaythetruth，hehadoftenoccasiontoexperiencethetruth。
Jennyofferedtomakeprotestationsofherinnocence；butthetempestwastoostrongforhertobeheard。Shethenbetookherselftothebusinessofpacking，forwhichasmallquantityofbrownpapersufficed；and，havingreceivedhersmallpittanceofwages，shereturnedhome。
Theschoolmasterandhisconsortpassedtheirtimeunpleasantlyenoughthatevening；butsomethingorotherhappenedbeforethenextmorning，whichalittleabatedthefuryofMrs。Partridge；andsheatlengthadmittedherhusbandtomakehisexcuses:towhichshegavethereadierbelief，ashehad，insteadofdesiringhertorecallJenny，professedasatisfactioninherbeingdismissed，saying，shewasgrownoflittleuseasaservant，spendingallhertimeinreading，andwasbecome，moreover，verypertandobstinate；for，indeed，sheandhermasterhadlatelyhadfrequentdisputesinliterature；inwhich，ashathbeensaid，shewasbecomegreatlyhissuperior。This，however，hewouldbynomeansallow；andashecalledherpersistingintheright，obstinacy，hebegantohateherwithnosmallinveteracy。
Chapter4
Containingoneofthemostbloodybattles，orratherduels，thatwereeverrecordedindomestichistoryForthereasonsmentionedintheprecedingchapter，andfromsomeothermatrimonialconcessions，wellknowntomosthusbands，andwhich，likethesecretsoffreemasonry，shouldbedivulgedtononewhoarenotmembersofthathonourablefraternity，Mrs。Partridgewasprettywellsatisfiedthatshehadcondemnedherhusbandwithoutcause，andendeavouredbyactsofkindnesstomakehimamendsforherfalsesuspicion。Herpassionswereindeedequallyviolent，whicheverwaytheyinclined；forasshecouldbeextremelyangry，socouldshebealtogetherasfond。
Butthoughthesepassionsordinarilysucceedeachother，andscarcetwenty-fourhourseverpassedinwhichthepedagoguewasnot，insomedegree，theobjectofboth；yet，onextraordinaryoccasions，whenthepassionofangerhadragedveryhigh，theremissionwasusuallylonger:andsowasthecaseatpresent；forshecontinuedlongerinastateofaffability，afterthisfitofjealousywasended，thanherhusbandhadeverknownbefore:and，haditnotbeenforsomelittleexercises，whichallthefollowersofXantippeareobligedtoperformdaily，Mr。Partridgewouldhaveenjoyedaperfectserenityofseveralmonths。
Perfectcalmsatseaarealwayssuspectedbytheexperiencedmarinertobetheforerunnersofastorm:andIknowsomepersons，who，withoutbeinggenerallythedevoteesofsuperstition，areapttoapprehendthatgreatandunusualpeaceortranquillitywillbeattendedwithitsopposite。Forwhichreasontheantientsused，onsuchoccasions，tosacrificetothegoddessNemesis，adeitywhowasthoughtbythemtolookwithaninvidiouseyeonhumanfelicity，andtohaveapeculiardelightinoverturningit。
Asweareveryfarfrombelievinginanysuchheathengoddess，orfromencouraginganysuperstition，sowewishMr。JohnFr——，orsomeothersuchphilosopher，wouldbestirhimselfalittle，inordertofindouttherealcauseofthissuddentransitionfromgoodtobadfortune，whichhathbeensooftenremarked，andofwhichweshallproceedtogiveaninstance；foritisourprovincetorelatefacts，andweshallleavecausestopersonsofmuchhighergenius。
Mankindhavealwaystakengreatdelightinknowinganddescantingontheactionsofothers。Hencetherehavebeen，inallagesandnations，certainplacessetapartforpublicrendezvous，wherethecuriousmightmeetandsatisfytheirmutualcuriosity。Amongthese，thebarbers’shopshavejustlybornethepreeminence。AmongtheGreeks，barbers’newswasaproverbialexpression；andHorace，inoneofhisepistles，makeshonourablementionoftheRomanbarbersinthesamelight。
ThoseofEnglandareknowntobenowiseinferiortotheirGreekorRomanpredecessors。Youthereseeforeignaffairsdiscussedinamannerlittleinferiortothatwithwhichtheyarehandledinthecoffee-houses；anddomesticoccurrencesaremuchmorelargelyandfreelytreatedintheformerthaninthelatter。Butthisservesonlyforthemen。Now，whereasthefemalesofthiscountry，especiallythoseofthelowerorder，doassociatethemselvesmuchmorethanthoseofothernations，ourpolitywouldbehighlydeficient，iftheyhadnotsomeplacesetapartlikewisefortheindulgenceoftheircuriosity，seeingtheyareinthisnowayinferiortotheotherhalfofthespecies。
Inenjoying，therefore，suchplaceofrendezvous，theBritishfairoughttoesteemthemselvesmorehappythananyoftheirforeignsisters；asIdonotremembereithertohavereadinhistory，ortohaveseeninmytravels，anythingofthelikekind。
Thisplacethenisnootherthanthechandler’sshop，theknownseatofallthenews；or，asitisvulgarlycalled，gossiping，ineveryparishinEngland。
Mrs。Partridgebeingonedayatthisassemblyoffemales，wasaskedbyoneofherneighbours，ifshehadheardnonewslatelyofJennyJones？Towhichsheansweredinthenegative。Uponthistheotherreplied，withasmile，ThattheparishwasverymuchobligedtoherforhavingturnedJennyawayasshedid。
Mrs。Partridge，whosejealousy，asthereaderwellknows，waslongsincecured，andwhohadnootherquarreltohermaid，answeredboldly，Shedidnotknowanyobligationtheparishhadtoheronthataccount；forshebelievedJennyhadscarceleftherequalbehindher。
"No，truly，"saidthegossip，"Ihopenot，thoughIfancywehaveslutsenowtoo。Thenyouhavenotheard，itseems，thatshehathbeenbroughttobedoftwobastards？butastheyarenotbornhere，myhusbandandtheotheroverseersaysweshallnotbeobligedtokeepthem。"
"Twobastards！"answeredMrs。Partridgehastily:"yousurprizeme！I
don’tknowwhetherwemustkeepthem；butIamsuretheymusthavebeenbegottenhere，forthewenchhathnotbeenninemonthsgoneaway。"
Nothingcanbesoquickandsuddenastheoperationsofthemind，especiallywhenhope，orfear，orjealousy，towhichthetwoothersarebutjourneymen，setittowork。Itoccurredinstantlytoher，thatJennyhadscarceeverbeenoutofherownhousewhileshelivedwithher。Theleaningoverthechair，thesuddenstartingup，theLatin，thesmile，andmanyotherthings，rusheduponherallatonce。ThesatisfactionherhusbandexpressedinthedepartureofJenny，appearednowtobeonlydissembled；again，inthesameinstant，tobereal；butyettoconfirmherjealousy，proceedingfromsatiety，andahundredotherbadcauses。Inaword，shewasconvincedofherhusband’sguilt，andimmediatelylefttheassemblyinconfusion。
AsfairGrimalkin，who，thoughtheyoungestofthefelinefamily，degeneratesnotinferocityfromtheelderbranchesofherhouse，andthoughinferiorinstrength，isequalinfiercenesstothenobletigerhimself，whenalittlemouse，whomithathlongtormentedinsport，escapesfromherclutchesforawhile，frets，scolds，growls，swears；butifthetrunk，orbox，behindwhichthemouselayhidbeagainremoved，sheflieslikelightningonherprey，and，withenvenomedwrath，bites，scratches，mumbles，andtearsthelittleanimal。
NotwithlessfurydidMrs。Partridgeflyonthepoorpedagogue。Hertongue，teeth，andhands，fellalluponhimatonce。Hiswigwasinaninstanttornfromhishead，hisshirtfromhisback，andfromhisfacedescendedfivestreamsofblood，denotingthenumberofclawswithwhichnaturehadunhappilyarmedtheenemy。
Mr。Partridgeactedforsometimeonthedefensiveonly；indeedheattemptedonlytoguardhisfacewithhishands；butashefoundthathisantagonistabatednothingofherrage，hethoughthemight，atleast，endeavourtodisarmher，orrathertoconfineherarms；indoingwhichhercapfelloffinthestruggle，andherhairbeingtooshorttoreachhershoulders，erecteditselfonherhead；herstayslikewise，whichwerelacedthroughonesingleholeatthebottom，burstopen；andherbreasts，whichweremuchmoreredundantthanherhair，hungdownbelowhermiddle；herfacewaslikewisemarkedwiththebloodofherhusband:herteethgnashedwithrage；andfire，suchassparklesfromasmith’sforge，dartedfromhereyes。Sothat，altogether，thisAmazonianheroinemighthavebeenanobjectofterrortoamuchboldermanthanMr。Partridge。
Hehad，atlength，thegoodfortune，bygettingpossessionofherarms，torenderthoseweaponswhichsheworeattheendsofherfingersuseless；whichshenosoonerperceived，thanthesoftnessofhersexprevailedoverherrage，andshepresentlydissolvedintears，whichsoonafterconcludedinafit。
ThatsmallshareofsensewhichMr。Partridgehadhithertopreservedthroughthissceneoffury，ofthecauseofwhichhewashithertoignorant，nowutterlyabandonedhim。Heraninstantlyintothestreet，hallowingoutthathiswifewasintheagoniesofdeath，andbeseechingtheneighbourstoflywiththeutmosthastetoherassistance。Severalgoodwomenobeyedhissummons，whoenteringhishouse，andapplyingtheusualremediesonsuchoccasions，Mrs。
Partridgewasatlength，tothegreatjoyofherhusband，broughttoherself。
Assoonasshehadalittlerecollectedherspirits，andsomewhatcomposedherselfwithacordial，shebegantoinformthecompanyofthemanifoldinjuriesshehadreceivedfromherhusband；who，shesaid，wasnotcontentedtoinjureherinherbed；but，uponherupbraidinghimwithit，hadtreatedherinthecruelestmannerimaginable；hadtorehercapandhairfromherhead，andherstaysfromherbody，givingher，atthesametime，severalblows，themarksofwhichsheshouldcarrytothegrave。
Thepoorman，whoboreonhisfacemanymorevisiblemarksoftheindignationofhiswife，stoodinsilentastonishmentatthisaccusation；whichthereaderwill，Ibelieve，bearwitnessforhim，hadgreatlyexceededthetruth；forindeedhehadnotstruckheronce；
andthissilencebeinginterpretedtobeaconfessionofthechargebythewholecourt，theyallbeganatonce，unavoce，*torebukeandrevilehim，repeatingoften，thatnonebutacowardeverstruckawoman。
*Inonevoice。
Mr。Partridgeboreallthispatiently；butwhenhiswifeappealedtothebloodonherface，asanevidenceofhisbarbarity，hecouldnothelplayingclaimtohisownblood，forsoitreallywas；ashethoughtitveryunnatural，thatthisshouldriseup(aswearetaughtthatofamurderedpersonoftendoth)invengeanceagainsthim。
Tothisthewomenmadenootheranswer，thanthatitwasapityithadnotcomefromhisheart，insteadofhisface；alldeclaring，that，iftheirhusbandsshouldlifttheirhandsagainstthem，theywouldhavetheirhearts’bloodsoutoftheirbodies。
Aftermuchadmonitionforwhatwaspast，andmuchgoodadvicetoMr。
Partridgeforhisfuturebehaviour，thecompanyatlengthdeparted，andleftthehusbandandwifetoapersonalconferencetogether，inwhichMr。Partridgesoonlearnedthecauseofallhissufferings。
Chapter5
ContainingmuchmattertoexercisethejudgmentandreflectionofthereaderIbelieveitisatrueobservation，thatfewsecretsaredivulgedtoonepersononly；butcertainly，itwouldbenexttoamiraclethatafactofthiskindshouldbeknowntoawholeparish，andnottranspireanyfarther。
And，indeed，averyfewdayshadpast，beforethecountry，touseacommonphrase，rungoftheschoolmasterofLittleBaddington；whowassaidtohavebeatenhiswifeinthemostcruelmanner。Nay，insomeplacesitwasreportedhehadmurderedher；inothers，thathehadbrokeherarms；inothers，herlegs:inshort，therewasscarceaninjurywhichcanbedonetoahumancreature，butwhatMrs。
Partridgewassomewhereorotheraffirmedtohavereceivedfromherhusband。
Thecauseofthisquarrelwaslikewisevariouslyreported；forassomepeoplesaidthatMrs。Partridgehadcaughtherhusbandinbedwithhismaid，somanyotherreasons，ofaverydifferentkind，wentabroad。Nay，sometransferredtheguilttothewife，andthejealousytothehusband。
Mrs。Wilkinshadlongagoheardofthisquarrel；but，asadifferentcausefromthetrueonehadreachedherears，shethoughtpropertoconcealit；andtherather，perhaps，astheblamewasuniversallylaidonMr。Partridge；andhiswife，whenshewasservanttoMr。Allworthy，hadinsomethingoffendedMrs。Wilkins，whowasnotofaveryforgivingtemper。
ButMrs。Wilkins，whoseeyescouldseeobjectsatadistance，andwhocouldverywelllookforwardafewyearsintofuturity，hadperceivedastronglikelihoodofCaptainBlifil’sbeinghereafterhermaster；andassheplainlydiscernedthatthecaptainborenogreatgoodwilltothelittlefoundling，shefancieditwouldberenderinghimanagreeableservice，ifshecouldmakeanydiscoveriesthatmightlessentheaffectionwhichMr。Allworthyseemedtohavecontractedforthischild，andwhichgavevisibleuneasinesstothecaptain，whocouldnotentirelyconcealitevenbeforeAllworthyhimself；thoughhiswife，whoactedherpartmuchbetterinpublic，frequentlyrecommendedtohimherownexample，ofconnivingatthefollyofherbrother，which，shesaid，sheatleastaswellperceived，andasmuchresented，asanyotherpossiblycould。
Mrs。Wilkinshavingtherefore，byaccident，gottenatruescentoftheabovestory，thoughlongafterithadhappened，failednottosatisfyherselfthoroughlyofalltheparticulars；andthenacquaintedthecaptain，thatshehadatlastdiscoveredthetruefatherofthelittlebastard，whichshewassorry，shesaid，toseehermasterlosehisreputationinthecountry，bytakingsomuchnoticeof。
Thecaptainchidherfortheconclusionofherspeech，asanimproperassuranceinjudgingofhermaster’sactions:forifhishonour，orhisunderstanding，wouldhavesufferedthecaptaintomakeanalliancewithMrs。Wilkins，hispridewouldbynomeanshaveadmittedit。Andtosaythetruth，thereisnoconductlesspolitic，thantoenterintoanyconfederacywithyourfriend’sservantsagainsttheirmaster:forbythesemeansyouafterwardsbecometheslaveoftheseveryservants；bywhomyouareconstantlyliabletobebetrayed。
Andthisconsideration，perhapsitwas，whichpreventedCaptainBlifilfrombeingmoreexplicitwithMrs。Wilkins，orfromencouragingtheabusewhichshehadbestowedonAllworthy。
ButthoughhedeclarednosatisfactiontoMrs。Wilkinsatthisdiscovery，heenjoyednotalittlefromitinhisownmind，andresolvedtomakethebestuseofithewasable。
Hekeptthismatteralongtimeconcealedwithinhisownbreast，inhopesthatMr。Allworthymighthearitfromsomeotherperson；
butMrs。Wilkins，whethersheresentedthecaptain’sbehaviour，orwhetherhiscunningwasbeyondher，andshefearedthediscoverymightdispleasehim，neverafterwardsopenedherlipsaboutthematter。
Ihavethoughtitsomewhatstrange，uponreflection，thatthehousekeeperneveracquaintedMrs。Blifilwiththisnews，aswomenaremoreinclinedtocommunicateallpiecesofintelligencetotheirownsex，thantoours。Theonlyway，asitappearstome，ofsolvingthisdifficulty，is，byimputingittothatdistancewhichwasnowgrownbetweentheladyandthehousekeeper:whetherthisarosefromajealousyinMrs。Blifil，thatWilkinsshowedtoogreatarespecttothefoundling；forwhileshewasendeavouringtoruinthelittleinfant，inordertoingratiateherselfwiththecaptain，shewaseverydaymoreandmorecommendingitbeforeAllworthy，ashisfondnessforiteverydayincreased。This，notwithstandingallthecareshetookatothertimestoexpressthedirectcontrarytoMrs。Blifil，perhapsoffendedthatdelicatelady，whocertainlynowhatedMrs。
Wilkins；andthoughshedidnot，orpossiblycouldnot，absolutelyremoveherfromherplace，shefound，however，themeansofmakingherlifeveryuneasy。ThisMrs。Wilkins，atlength，soresented，thatsheveryopenlyshowedallmannerofrespectandfondnesstolittleTommy，inoppositiontoMrs。Blifil。
Thecaptain，therefore，findingthestoryindangerofperishing，atlasttookanopportunitytorevealithimself。
HewasonedayengagedwithMr。Allworthyinadiscourseoncharity:
inwhichthecaptain，withgreatlearning，provedtoMr。Allworthy，thatthewordcharityinScripturenowheremeansbeneficenceorgenerosity。
"TheChristianreligion，"hesaid，"wasinstitutedformuchnoblerpurposes，thantoenforcealessonwhichmanyheathenphilosophershadtaughtuslongbefore，andwhich，thoughitmightperhapsbecalledamoralvirtue，savouredbutlittleofthatsublime，Christian-likedisposition，thatvastelevationofthought，inpurityapproachingtoangelicperfection，tobeattained，expressed，andfeltonlybygrace。Those，"hesaid，"camenearertotheScripturemeaning，whounderstoodbyitcandour，ortheformingofabenevolentopinionofourbrethren，andpassingafavourablejudgmentontheiractions；avirtuemuchhigher，andmoreextensiveinitsnature，thanapitifuldistributionofalms，which，thoughwewouldneversomuchprejudice，orevenruinourfamilies，couldneverreachmany；
whereascharity，intheotherandtruersense，mightbeextendedtoallmankind。"
Hesaid，"Consideringwhothediscipleswere，itwouldbeabsurdtoconceivethedoctrineofgenerosity，orgivingalms，tohavebeenpreachedtothem。And，aswecouldnotwellimaginethisdoctrineshouldbepreachedbyitsDivineAuthortomenwhocouldnotpractiseit，muchlessshouldwethinkitunderstoodsobythosewhocanpractiseit，anddonot。
"Butthough，"continuedhe，"thereis，Iamafraid，littlemeritinthesebenefactions，therewould，Imustconfess，bemuchpleasureinthemtoagoodmind，ifitwasnotabatedbyoneconsideration。I
mean，thatweareliabletobeimposedupon，andtoconferourchoicestfavoursoftenontheundeserving，asyoumustownwasyourcaseinyourbountytothatworthlessfellowPartridge:fortwoorthreesuchexamplesmustgreatlylessentheinwardsatisfactionwhichagoodmanwouldotherwisefindingenerosity；nay，mayevenmakehimtimorousinbestowing，lestheshouldbeguiltyofsupportingvice，andencouragingthewicked；acrimeofaveryblackdye，andforwhichitwillbynomeansbeasufficientexcuse，thatwehavenotactuallyintendedsuchanencouragement；unlesswehaveusedtheutmostcautioninchusingtheobjectsofourbeneficence。A
considerationwhich，Imakenodoubt，hathgreatlycheckedtheliberalityofmanyaworthyandpiousman。"
Mr。Allworthyanswered，"HecouldnotdisputewiththecaptainintheGreeklanguage，andthereforecouldsaynothingastothetruesenseofthewordwhichistranslatedcharity；butthathehadalwaysthoughtitwasinterpretedtoconsistinaction，andthatgivingalmsconstitutedatleastonebranchofthatvirtue。
"Astothemeritoriouspart，"hesaid，"hereadilyagreedwiththecaptain；forwherecouldbethemeritofbarelydischargingaduty？
which，"hesaid，"lettheworldcharityhavewhatconstructionitwould，itsufficientlyappearedtobefromthewholetenoroftheNewTestament。Andashethoughtitanindispensableduty，enjoinedbothbytheChristianlaw，andbythelawofnatureitself；sowasitwithalsopleasant，thatifanydutycouldbesaidtobeitsownreward，ortopayuswhilewearedischargingit，itwasthis。
"Toconfessthetruth，"saidhe，"thereisonedegreeofgenerosity(ofcharityIwouldhavecalledit)，whichseemstohavesomeshowofmerit，andthatis，where，fromaprincipleofbenevolenceandChristianlove，webestowonanotherwhatwereallywantourselves；where，inordertolessenthedistressesofanother，wecondescendtosharesomepartofthem，bygivingwhatevenourownnecessitiescannotwellspare。Thisis，Ithink，meritorious；
buttorelieveourbrethrenonlywithoursuperfluities；tobecharitable(Imustusetheword)ratherattheexpenseofourcoffersthanourselves；tosaveseveralfamiliesfrommiseryratherthanhangupanextraordinarypictureinourhousesorgratifyanyotheridleridiculousvanity-thisseemstobeonlybeinghumancreatures。Nay，Iwillventuretogofarther，itisbeinginsomedegreeepicures:forwhatcouldthegreatestepicurewishratherthantoeatwithmanymouthsinsteadofone？whichIthinkmaybepredicatedofanyonewhoknowsthatthebreadofmanyisowingtohisownlargesses。
"Astotheapprehensionofbestowingbountyonsuchasmayhereafterproveunworthyobjects，becausemanyhaveprovedsuch；surelyitcanneverdeteragoodmanfromgenerosity。Idonotthinkafewormanyexamplesofingratitudecanjustifyaman’shardeninghisheartagainstthedistressesofhisfellow-creatures；nordoIbelieveitcaneverhavesucheffectonatrulybenevolentmind。Nothinglessthanapersuasionofuniversaldepravitycanlockupthecharityofagoodman；andthispersuasionmustleadhim，Ithink，eitherintoatheism，orenthusiasm；butsurelyitisunfairtoarguesuchuniversaldepravityfromafewviciousindividuals；norwasthis，I
believe，everdonebyaman，who，uponsearchinghisownmind，foundonecertainexceptiontothegeneralrule。"Hethenconcludedbyasking，"whothatPartridgewas，whomhehadcalledaworthlessfellow？"
"Imean，"saidthecaptain，"Partridgethebarber，theschoolmaster，whatdoyoucallhim？Partridge，thefatherofthelittlechildwhichyoufoundinyourbed。"
Mr。Allworthyexprestgreatsurprizeatthisaccount，andthecaptainasgreatathisignoranceofit；forhesaidhehadknownitaboveamonth:andatlengthrecollectedwithmuchdifficultythathewastolditbyMrs。Wilkins。
Uponthis，Wilkinswasimmediatelysummoned；whohavingconfirmedwhatthecaptainhadsaid，wasbyMr。Allworthy，byandwiththecaptain’sadvice，dispatchedtoLittleBaddington，toinformherselfofthetruthofthefact:forthecaptainexprestgreatdislikeatallhastyproceedingsincriminalmatters，andsaidhewouldbynomeanshaveMr。Allworthytakeanyresolutioneithertotheprejudiceofthechildoritsfather，beforehewassatisfiedthatthelatterwasguilty；forthoughhehadprivatelysatisfiedhimselfofthisfromoneofPartridge’sneighbours，yethewastoogeneroustogiveanysuchevidencetoMr。Allworthy。
Chapter6
ThetrialofPartridge，theschoolmaster，forincontinency；theevidenceofhiswife；ashortreflectiononthewisdomofourlaw；
withothergravematters，whichthosewilllikebestwhounderstandthemmostItmaybewonderedthatastorysowellknown，andwhichhadfurnishedsomuchmatterofconversation，shouldneverhavebeenmentionedtoMr。Allworthyhimself，whowasperhapstheonlypersoninthatcountrywhohadneverheardofit。
Toaccountinsomemeasureforthistothereader，Ithinkpropertoinformhim，thattherewasnooneinthekingdomlessinterestedinopposingthatdoctrineconcerningthemeaningofthewordcharity，whichhathbeenseenintheprecedingchapter，thanourgoodman。
Indeed，hewasequallyintitledtothisvirtueineithersense；forasnomanwasevermoresensibleofthewants，ormorereadytorelievethedistressesofothers，sononecouldbemoretenderoftheircharacters，orslowertobelieveanythingtotheirdisadvantage。
Scandal，therefore，neverfoundanyaccesstohistable；forasithathbeenlongsinceobservedthatyoumayknowamanbyhiscompanions，soIwillventuretosay，that，byattendingtotheconversationatagreatman’stable，youmaysatisfyyourselfofhisreligion，hispolitics，histaste，andindeedofhisentiredisposition:forthoughafewoddfellowswilluttertheirownsentimentsinallplaces，yetmuchthegreaterpartofmankindhaveenoughofthecourtiertoaccommodatetheirconversationtothetasteandinclinationoftheirsuperiors。
ButtoreturntoMrs。Wilkins，who，havingexecutedhercommissionwithgreatdispatch，thoughatfifteenmilesdistance，broughtbacksuchconfirmationoftheschoolmaster’sguilt，thatMr。Allworthydeterminedtosendforthecriminal，andexaminehimvivavoce。Mr。
Partridge，therefore，wassummonedtoattend，inordertohisdefence(ifhecouldmakeany)againstthisaccusation。
Atthetimeappointed，beforeMr。Allworthyhimself，atParadise-hall，cameaswellthesaidPartridge，withAnne，hiswife，asMrs。Wilkinshisaccuser。
AndnowMr。Allworthybeingseatedinthechairofjustice，Mr。
Partridgewasbroughtbeforehim。HavingheardhisaccusationfromthemouthofMrs。Wilkins，hepleadednotguilty，makingmanyvehementprotestationsofhisinnocence。
Mrs。Partridgewasthenexamined，who，afteramodestapologyforbeingobligedtospeakthetruthagainstherhusband，relatedallthecircumstanceswithwhichthereaderhathalreadybeenacquainted；andatlastconcludedwithherhusband’sconfessionofhisguilt。
Whethershehadforgivenhimorno，Iwillnotventuretodetermine；
butitiscertainshewasanunwillingwitnessinthiscause；anditisprobablefromcertainotherreasons，wouldneverhavebeenbroughttodeposeasshedid，hadnotMrs。Wilkins，withgreatart，fishedalloutofheratherownhouse，andhadshenotindeedmadepromises，inMr。Allworthy’sname，thatthepunishmentofherhusbandshouldnotbesuchasmightanywiseaffecthisfamily。
Partridgestillpersistedinassertinghisinnocence，thoughheadmittedhehadmadetheabove-mentionedconfession；whichhehoweverendeavouredtoaccountfor，byprotestingthathewasforcedintoitbythecontinuedimportunitysheused:whovowed，that，asshewassureofhisguilt，shewouldneverleavetormentinghimtillhehadownedit；andfaithfullypromised，that，insuchcase，shewouldnevermentionittohimmore。Hence，hesaid，hehadbeeninducedfalselytoconfesshimselfguilty，thoughhewasinnocent；andthathebelievedheshouldhaveconfestamurderfromthesamemotive。
Mrs。Partridgecouldnotbearthisimputationwithpatience；andhavingnootherremedyinthepresentplacebuttears，shecalledforthaplentifulassistancefromthem，andthenaddressingherselftoMr。Allworthy，shesaid(orrathercried)，"Mayitpleaseyourworship，thereneverwasanypoorwomansoinjuredasIambythatbaseman；forthisisnottheonlyinstanceofhisfalsehoodtome。
No，mayitpleaseyourworship，hehathinjuredmybedmany’sthegoodtimeandoften。Icouldhaveputupwithhisdrunkennessandneglectofhisbusiness，ifhehadnotbrokeoneofthesacredcommandments。
Besides，ifithadbeenoutofdoorsIhadnotmattereditsomuch；
butwithmyownservant，inmyownhouse，undermyownroof，todefilemyownchastebed，whichtobesurehehath，withhisbeastlystinkingwhores。Yes，youvillain，youhavedefiledmyownbed，youhave；andthenyouhavechargedmewithbullockingyouintoowningthetruth。Isitverylikely，an’tpleaseyourworship，thatIshouldbullockhim？I
havemarksenowaboutmybodytoshowofhiscrueltytome。Ifyouhadbeenaman，youvillain，youwouldhavescornedtoinjureawomaninthatmanner。Butyouan’thalfaman，youknowit。Norhaveyoubeenhalfahusbandtome。Youneedrunafterwhores，youneed，whenI’msure——Andsinceheprovokesme，Iamready，an’tpleaseyourworship，totakemybodilyoaththatIfoundthema-bedtogether。
What，youhaveforgot，Isuppose，whenyoubeatmeintoafit，andmadethebloodrundownmyforehead，becauseIonlycivillytaxedyouwithadultery！butIcanproveitbyallmyneighbours。Youhavealmostbrokemyheart，youhave，youhave。"
HereMr。Allworthyinterrupted，andbeggedhertobepacified，promisingherthatsheshouldhavejustice；thenturningtoPartridge，whostoodaghast，onehalfofhiswitsbeinghurriedawaybysurprizeandtheotherhalfbyfear，hesaidhewassorrytoseetherewassowickedamanintheworld。Heassuredhimthathisprevaricatingandlyingbackwardandforwardwasagreataggravationofhisguilt；forwhichtheonlyatonementhecouldmakewasbyconfessionandrepentance。Heexhortedhim，therefore，tobeginbyimmediatelyconfessingthefact，andnottopersistindenyingwhatwassoplainlyprovedagainsthimevenbyhisownwife。
Here，reader，Ibegyourpatienceamoment，whileImakeajustcomplimenttothegreatwisdomandsagacityofourlaw，whichrefusestoadmittheevidenceofawifefororagainstherhusband。
This，saysacertainlearnedauthor，who，Ibelieve，wasneverquotedbeforeinanybutalaw-book，wouldbethemeansofcreatinganeternaldissensionbetweenthem。Itwould，indeed，bethemeansofmuchperjury，andofmuchwhipping，fining，imprisoning，transporting，andhanging。
Partridgestoodawhilesilent，till，beingbidtospeak，hesaidhehadalreadyspokenthetruth，andappealedtoHeavenforhisinnocence，andlastlytothegirlherself，whomhedesiredhisworshipimmediatelytosendfor；forhewasignorant，oratleastpretendedtobeso，thatshehadleftthatpartofthecountry。
Mr。Allworthy，whosenaturalloveofjustice，joinedtohiscoolnessoftemper，madehimalwaysamostpatientmagistrateinhearingallthewitnesseswhichanaccusedpersoncouldproduceinhisdefence，agreedtodeferhisfinaldeterminationofthismattertillthearrivalofJenny，forwhomheimmediatelydispatchedamessenger；
andthenhavingrecommendedpeacebetweenPartridgeandhiswife(thoughheaddressedhimselfchieflytothewrongperson)，heappointedthemtoattendagainthethirdday；forhehadsentJennyawholeday’sjourneyfromhisownhouse。
Attheappointedtimethepartiesallassembled，whenthemessengerreturningbroughtword，thatJennywasnottobefound；
forthatshehadleftherhabitationafewdaysbefore，incompanywitharecruitingofficer。
Mr。Allworthythendeclaredthattheevidenceofsuchaslutassheappearedtobewouldhavedeservednocredit；buthesaidhecouldnothelpthinkingthat，hadshebeenpresent，andwouldhavedeclaredthetruth，shemusthaveconfirmedwhatsomanycircumstances，togetherwithhisownconfession，andthedeclarationofhiswifethatshehadcaughtherhusbandinthefact，didsufficientlyprove。HethereforeoncemoreexhortedPartridgetoconfess；buthestillavowinghisinnocence，Mr。Allworthydeclaredhimselfsatisfiedofhisguilt，andthathewastoobadamantoreceiveanyencouragementfromhim。Hethereforedeprivedhimofhisannuity，andrecommendedrepentancetohimonaccountofanotherworld，andindustrytomaintainhimselfandhiswifeinthis。
Therewerenot，perhaps，manymoreunhappypersonsthanpoorPartridge。Hehadlostthebestpartofhisincomebytheevidenceofhiswife，andyetwasdailyupbraidedbyherforhaving，amongotherthings，beentheoccasionofdeprivingherofthatbenefit；
butsuchwashisfortune，andhewasobligedtosubmittoit。
ThoughIcalledhimpoorPartridgeinthelastparagraph，Iwouldhavethereaderratherimputethatepithettothecompassioninmytemperthanconceiveittobeanydeclarationofhisinnocence。
Whetherhewasinnocentornotwillperhapsappearhereafter；butifthehistoricmusehathentrustedmewithanysecrets，Iwillbynomeansbeguiltyofdiscoveringthemtillsheshallgivemeleave。
Herethereforethereadermustsuspendhiscuriosity。Certainitisthat，whateverwasthetruthofthecase，therewasevidencemorethansufficienttoconvicthimbeforeAllworthy；indeed，muchlesswouldhavesatisfiedabenchofjusticesonanorderofbastardy；
andyet，notwithstandingthepositivenessofMrs。Partridge，whowouldhavetakenthesacramentuponthematter，thereisapossibilitythattheschoolmasterwasentirelyinnocent:forthoughitappearedclearoncomparingthetimewhenJennydepartedfromLittleBaddingtonwiththatofherdeliverythatshehadthereconceivedthisinfant，yetitbynomeansfollowedofnecessitythatPartridgemusthavebeenitsfather；for，toomitotherparticulars，therewasinthesamehousealadneareighteen，betweenwhomandJennytherehadsubsistedsufficientintimacytofoundareasonablesuspicion；andyet，soblindisjealousy，thiscircumstanceneveronceenteredintotheheadoftheenragedwife。
WhetherPartridgerepentedornot，accordingtoMr。Allworthy’sadvice，isnotsoapparent。Certainitisthathiswiferepentedheartilyoftheevidenceshehadgivenagainsthim:especiallywhenshefoundMrs。Deborahhaddeceivedher，andrefusedtomakeanyapplicationtoMr。Allworthyonherbehalf。Shehad，however，somewhatbettersuccesswithMrs。Blifil，whowas，asthereadermusthaveperceived，amuchbetter-temperedwoman，andverykindlyundertooktosolicitherbrothertorestoretheannuity；inwhich，thoughgood-naturemighthavesomeshare，yetastrongerandmorenaturalmotivewillappearinthenextchapter。
Thesesolicitationswereneverthelessunsuccessful:forthoughMr。
Allworthydidnotthink，withsomelatewriters，thatmercyconsistsonlyinpunishingoffenders；yethewasasfarfromthinkingthatitispropertothisexcellentqualitytopardongreatcriminalswantonly，withoutanyreasonwhatever。Anydoubtfulnessofthefact，oranycircumstanceofmitigation，wasneverdisregarded:butthepetitionsofanoffender，ortheintercessionsofothers，didnotintheleastaffecthim。Inaword，heneverpardonedbecausetheoffenderhimself，orhisfriends，wereunwillingthatheshouldbepunished。
Partridgeandhiswifewerethereforebothobligedtosubmittotheirfate；whichwasindeedsevereenough:forsofarwashefromdoublinghisindustryontheaccountofhislessenedincome，thathedidinamannerabandonhimselftodespair；andashewasbynatureindolent，thatvicenowincreaseduponhim，whichmeanshelostthelittleschoolhehad；sothatneitherhiswifenorhimselfwouldhavehadanybreadtoeat，hadnotthecharityofsomegoodChristianinterposed，andprovidedthemwithwhatwasjustsufficientfortheirsustenance。
Asthissupportwasconveyedtothembyanunknownhand，theyimagined，andso，Idoubtnot，willthereader，thatMr。Allworthyhimselfwastheirsecretbenefactor；who，thoughhewouldnotopenlyencouragevice，couldyetprivatelyrelievethedistressesoftheviciousthemselves，whenthesebecametooexquisiteanddisproportionatetotheirdemerit。InwhichlighttheirwretchednessappearednowtoFortuneherself；forsheatlengthtookpityonthismiserablecouple，andconsiderablylessenedthewretchedstateofPartridge，byputtingafinalendtothatofhiswife，whosoonaftercaughtthesmall-pox，anddied。
ThejusticewhichMr。AllworthyhadexecutedonPartridgeatfirstmetwithuniversalapprobation；butnosoonerhadhefeltitsconsequences，thanhisneighboursbegantorelent，andtocompassionatehiscase；andpresentlyafter，toblamethatasrigourandseveritywhichtheybeforecalledjustice。Theynowexclaimedagainstpunishingincoldblood，andsangforththepraisesofmercyandforgiveness。
ThesecrieswereconsiderablyincreasedbythedeathofMrs。
Partridge，which，thoughowingtothedistemperabovementioned，whichisnoconsequenceofpovertyordistress，manywerenotashamedtoimputetoMr。Allworthy’sseverity，or，astheynowtermedit，cruelty。
Partridgehavingnowlosthiswife，hisschool，andhisannuity，andtheunknownpersonhavingnowdiscontinuedthelast-mentionedcharity，resolvedtochangethescene，andleftthecountry，wherehewasindangerofstarving，withtheuniversalcompassionofallhisneighbours。
Chapter7
Ashortsketchofthatfelicitywhichprudentcouplesmayextractfromhatred:withashortapologyforthosepeoplewhooverlookimperfectionsintheirfriendsThoughthecaptainhadeffectuallydemolishedpoorPartridge，yethadhenotreapedtheharvesthehopedfor，whichwastoturnthefoundlingoutofMr。Allworthy’shouse。
Onthecontrary，thatgentlemangreweverydayfonderoflittleTommy，asifheintendedtocounterbalancehisseveritytothefatherwithextraordinaryfondnessandaffectiontowardstheson。
Thisagooddealsouredthecaptain’stemper，asdidalltheotherdailyinstancesofMr。Allworthy’sgenerosity；forhelookedonallsuchlargessestobediminutionsofhisownwealth。
Inthis，wehavesaid，hedidnotagreewithhiswife；nor，indeed，inanythingelse:forthoughanaffectionplacedontheunderstandingis，bymanywisepersons，thoughtmoredurablethanthatwhichisfoundedonbeauty，yetithappenedotherwiseinthepresentcase。Nay，theunderstandingsofthiscoupleweretheirprincipalboneofcontention，andonegreatcauseofmanyquarrels，whichfromtimetotimearosebetweenthem；andwhichatlastended，onthesideofthelady，inasovereigncontemptforherhusband；andonthehusband’s，inanutterabhorrenceofhiswife。
返回顶部