you.' He then laughed, and turned about to coquet it with Fanny. their first meeting, which was not till after fifteen years' absence, most of which time Mrs. Adams had been all this time beg- Lennard had spent in the East Indi-es.'ging and praying the ladies to sit down, a Pronounce it short, Indies,' says Adams.— favour which she at last obtained. The Pray, sir, be quiet,' says the lady. The little boy to whom the accident had hap-boy repeated, in the East Indies, whilst pened, still keeping his place by the fire, Paul had served his king and country in was chid by his mother for not being more the army. In which different services, they mannerly: but Lady Booby took his part, had found such different success, that Lenand commending his beauty, told the par-nard was now married, and retired with a son he was his very picture. She then fortune of thirty thousand pound; and Paul seeing a book in his hand, asked, 'If he was arrived to the degree of a lieutenant of could read? Yes,' cried Adams, a little foot: and was not worth a single shilling. Latin, madam: he is just got into Quæ Genus.'-' A fig for quere genius,' answered she, 'let me hear him read a little English.' -Lege, Dick, Lege,' said Adams; but the boy made him no answer, till he saw the parson knit his brows; and then cried, 'I don't understand you, father.'-'How, boy!' says Adams; 'what doth Lego make in the imperative mood? Legito, doth it not?" "Yes,' answered Dick. And what besides?' says the father. 'Lege,' quoth the son, after some hesitation. A good boy,' says the father: 'and now, child, what is the English of Lego?'-To which the boy, after long puzzling, answered, he could not tell. How,' cries Adams, in a passion,what, hath the water washed away your learning? Why, what is Latin for the English verb, read? Consider before you speak.'-The child considered some time, and the parson cried twice or thrice, 'Le-, Le-.' Dick answered, Lego.'-Very well;-and then, what is the English,' says the parson,' of the verb Lego? To read,' cried Dick. Very well,' said the parson; 'a good boy; you can do well if you will take pains.-I assure your ladyship he is not much above eight years old, and is out of his Propria quæ Maribus, already.-Come, Dick, read to her ladyship;'-which she again desiring, in order to give the beau time and opportunity with Fanny, Dick began as in the following chapter. CHAPTER X. "The regiment in which Paul was stationed, happened to be ordered into quarters, within a small distance from the estate which Lennard had purchased, and where he was settled. This latter, who was now become a country gentleman, and a justice of peace, came to attend the quarter sessions, in the town where his old friend was quartered, soon after his arrival. Some affair, in which a soldier was concerned, occasioned Paul to attend the justices. Manhood, and time, and the change of climate, had so much altered Lennard, that Paul did not immediately recollect the features of his old acquaintance: but it was otherwise with Lennard. He knew Paul the moment he saw him; nor could he contain himself from quitting the bench, and running hastily to embrace him. Paul stood at first a little surprised; but had soon sufficient information from his friend, whom he no sooner remembered, than he returned his embrace, with a passion which made many of the spectators laugh, and gave to some few a much higher and more agreeable sensation. 'Not to detain the reader with minute circumstances, Lennard insisted on his friend's returning with him to his house that evening; which request was complied with, and leave for a month's absence obtained for Paul of the commanding officer. 'If it was possible for any circumstance to give any addition to the happiness which Paul proposed in this visit, he received that additional pleasure, by finding, on his arrival at his friend's house, that his lady was The history of two friends, which may afford an an old acquaintance which he had formerly useful lesson to all those persons who happen to contracted at his quarters, and who had take up their residence in married families. always appeared to be of a most agreeable 'LEONARD and Paul were two friends.'- temper; a character she had ever main'Pronounce it Lennard, child,' cried the tained among her intimates, being of that parson. Pray, Mr. Adams,' says Lady number, every individual of which is called Booby, let your son read without interrup-quite the best sort of woman in the world. tion." Dick then proceeded. 'Lennard and 'But, good as this lady was, she was still Paul were two friends, who, having been a woman; that is to say, an angel, and not educated together at the same school, com- an angel. You must mistake, child,' cries menced a friendship which they preserved a long time for each other. It was so deeply fixed in both their minds, that a long absence, during which they had maintained no correspondence, did not eradicate nor lessen it but it revived in all its force at the parson, 'for you read nonsense.'-'It is so in the book,' answered the son. Mr. Adams was then silenced by authority, and Dick proceeded. For though her person was of that kind to which men attribute the name of angel, yet, in her mind, she was perfectly woman. Of which, a great degree of obstinacy gave the most remarkable, and, perhaps, most pernicious instance. in which he seconded her, and both agreed he was the worthiest and wisest man upon earth. When next they met, which was at A day or two passed after Paul's arrival, supper, though she had promised not to before any instances of this appeared; but mention what her husband told her, she it was impossible to conceal it long. Both could not forbear casting the kindest and she and her husband soon lost all apprehen- most affectionate looks on Paul, and asked sion from their friend's presence, and fell to him with the sweetest voice, whether she their disputes with as much vigour as ever. should help him to some potted woodcock ? These were still pursued with the utmost Potted partridge, my dear, you mean, says ardour and eagerness, however trifling the the husband. My dear, says she, I ask your causes were whence they first arose. Nay, friend, if he will eat any potted woodcock; however incredible it may seem, the little and I am sure I must know, who potted it. consequence of the matter in debate was I think I should know, too, who shot them, frequently given as a reason for the fierce- replied the husband, and I am convinced ness of the contention, as thus, "If you loved that I have not seen a woodcock this me, sure you would never dispute with me year; however, though I know I am in the such a trifle as this." The answer to which right, I submit, and the potted partridge is is very obvious; for the argument would potted woodcock, if you desire to have it so. hold equally on both sides, and was con- It is equal to me, says she, whether it is one stantly retorted, with some addition, as-"I or the other; but you would persuade one am sure I have much more reason to say out of one's senses; to be sure, you are so, who am in the right." During all these always in the right in your own opinion; disputes, Paul always kept strict silence, and but your friend, I believe, knows which he preserved an even countenance, without is eating. Paul answered nothing, and the showing the least visible inclination to either party. One day, however, when madam had left the room in a violent fury, Lennard could not refrain from referring his cause to his friend. Was ever any thing so unreasonable, says he, as this woman? What shall I do with her? I dote on her to distraction; nor have I any cause to complain of, more than this obstinacy in her temper; whatever she asserts, she will maintain against all the reason and conviction in the world. Pray give me your advice. · First, says Paul, I will give my opinion, which is, flatly, that you are in the wrong; for supposing she is in the wrong, was the subject of your contention any ways material? What signified it whether you was married in a red or yellow waistcoat? for that was your dispute. Now, suppose she was mistaken, as you love her you say so tenderly, and I believe she deserves it, would it not have been wiser to have yielded, though you certainly knew yourself in the right, than to give either her or yourself any uneasiness? For my own part, if ever I marry, I am resolved to enter into an agreement with my wife, that in all disputes, (especially about trifles,) that party who is most convinced they are right, shall always surrender the victory; by which means we shall both be forward to give up the cause. I own, said Lennard, my dear friend, shaking him by the hand, there is great truth and reason in what you say; and I will for the future endeavour to follow your advice. They soon after broke up the conversation, and Lennard, going to his wife, asked her pardon, and told her, his friend had convinced him he had been in the wrong. She immediately began a vast encomium on Paul, dispute continued, as usual, the greatest part Ay, but I should endeavour, said she, to set him right. Pardon me, madam, an swered Paul: I will apply to your own experience, if you ever found your arguments had that effect. The more our judgments err, the less we are willing to own it; for my own part, I have always observed the persons who maintain the worst side in any contest are the warmest. Why, says she, I must confess there is truth in what you say, and I will endeavour to practise it. The husband then coming in, Paul departed. And Lennard approaching his wife, with an air of good-humour, told her, he was sorry for their foolish dispute the last night; but he was now convinced of his error. She answered smiling, she believed she owed his condescension to his complaisance; that she was ashamed to think a word had passed on so silly an occasion, especially as she was satisfied she had been mistaken. A little contention followed, but with the utmost good-will to each other, and was concluded by her asserting that Paul had thoroughly convinced her she had been in the wrong. Upon which they both united in the praises of their common friend. chery of Paul, and agreed that he had been the occasion of almost every dispute which had fallen out between them. They then became extremely loving, and so full of condescension on both sides, that they vied with each other in censuring their own conduct, and jointly vented their indignation on Paul, whom the wife, fearing a bloody consequence, earnestly entreated her husband to suffer quietly to depart the next day, which was the time fixed for his return to quarters, and then drop his acquaintance. 'However ungenerous this behaviour in Lennard may be esteemed, his wife obtained a promise from him, (though with difficulty,) to follow her advice; but they both expressed such unusual coldness that day to Paul, that he, who was quick of apprehension, taking Lennard aside, pressed him so home, that he at last discovered the secret. Paul acknowledged the truth, but told him the design with which he had done it-To which the other answered, He would have acted more friendly to have let him into the whole design; for that he might have assured himself of his secrecy. Paul replied, with some indignation, he had given him a sufficient proof how capable he was of concealing a secret from his wife. Lennard returned with some warmth-He had more reason to upbraid him, for he had caused most of the quarrels between them by his strange conduct, and might, (if they had not discovered the affair to each other,) have been the occasion of their separation. Paul then said'-But something now happened which put a stop to Dick's reading, and of which we shall treat in the next chapter. CHAPTER XI. Paul now passed his time with great satisfaction; these disputes being much less frequent, as well as shorter than usual; but the devil, or some unlucky accident, in which perhaps the devil had no hand, shortly put an end to his happiness. He was now eternally the private referee of every difference; in which, after having perfectly, as he thought, established the doctrine of submission, he never scrupled to assure both privately that they were in the right in every argument, as before he had followed the contrary method. One day a violent litigation happened in his absence; and both parties agreed to refer it to his decision. The husband professing himself sure the decision would be in his favour; the wife answered, he might be mistaken; for she believed his friend was convinced how seldom she was to blame--and that if he knew all-The husband replied-My dear, I have no desire of any retrospect; but I believe, if you knew all too, you would not imagine my friend so entirely on your side. Nay, says she, since you provoke me, I will mentioned him from interfering, whilst the beau one instance. You may remember our dis- confined himself to the use of his tongue pute about sending Jacky to school in cold only; but the said beau watching an opporweather, which point I gave up to you from tunity whilst the ladies' eyes were disposed mere compassion, knowing myself to be in another way, offered a rudeness to her with the right; and Paul himself told me after- his hands; which Joseph no sooner perwards, he thought me so. My dear, replied ceived, than he presented him with so sound the husband, I will not scruple your veracity; a box on the ear, that it conveyed him sebut I assure you solemnly, on my applying to veral paces from where he stood. The lahim, he gave it absolutely on my side, and dies immediately screamed out, rose from said, he would have acted in the same man- their chairs; and the beau, as soon as he ner. They then proceeded to produce num-recovered himself, drew his hanger; which berless other instances, in all which Paul had, Adams observing, snatched up the lid of a on vows of secrecy, given his opinion on pot in his left hand, and covering himself both sides. In the conclusion, both believing with it as with a shield, without any weaeach other, they fell severely on the trea-pon of offence in his other hand, stepped in In which the story is continued. JOSEPH ANDREWS had borne with great uneasiness the impertinence of Beau Didapper to Fanny, who had been talking pretty freely to her, and offering her settlements; but the respect to the company had restrain band is acting a very foolish part, and op- before Joseph, and exposed himself to the enraged beau, who threatened such perdition and destruction, that it frightened the women, who were all got in a huddle together, out of their wits, even to hear his denunciations of vengeance. Joseph was of the lady proceeded with Mrs. Adams; whilst the beau hopped about the room, shaking his head, partly from pain and partly from anger; and Pamela was chiding Fanny for assurance, in aiming at such a match as her brother. Poor Fanny answered only with tears, which had long since begun to wet her handkerchief; which Joseph perceiving, took her by the arm, and wrapping it in his, carried her off, swearing he would own no relation to any one who was an enemy to her he loved more than all the world. He went out with Fanny under his left arm, brandishing a cudgel in his right, and neither Mr. Booby Lady Booby and her company made a very short stay behind him; for the lady's bell now summoned them to dress; for which they had just time before dinner. a different complexion, and begged Adams to let his rival come on; for he had a good cudgel in his hand, and did not fear him. Fanny now fainted into Mrs. Adams's arms, and the whole room was in confusion, when Mr. Booby, passing by Adams, who lay snug under the pot-lid, came up to Didapper, and insisted on his sheathing the hanger, promising he should have satisfaction: which Joseph declared he would give him, and fight him at any weapon whatever. The beau now sheathed his hanger, and taking out a pocket glass, and vowing vengeance all the time, re-adjusted his hair; the parson deposited his shield, and Joseph | nor the beau thought proper to oppose him. running to Fanny, soon brought her back to life. Lady Booby chid Joseph for his insult on Didapper; but he answered, He would have attacked an army in the same cause. What cause?' said the lady. 'Madam,' answered Joseph, he was rude to that young woman.' -What,' says the lady, I suppose he would have kissed the wench; and is a gentleman to be struck for such an offer? I must tell you, Joseph, these airs do not become you.' Madam,' said Mr. Booby, 'I saw the whole affair, and I do not commend my brother; for I cannot perceive why he should take upon him to be this girl's champion.'-'I can commend him,' says Adams; 'he is a brave lad; and it becomes any man to be the champion of the innocent; and he must be the basest coward, who would not vindicate a woman with whom he is on the brink of marriage. Sir,' says Mr. Booby, 'my brother is not a match for such a young woman as this.'--' No,' says Lady Booby; nor do you, Mr. Adams, act in your proper character, by encouraging any such doings; and I am very much surprised you should concern yourself in it. I think your wife and family your proper care. Indeed, madam, your ladyship says very true,' answered Mrs. Adams: he talks a pack of nonsense, and the whole parish are his children. I am sure I don't understand what he means by it; it would make some women suspect he had gone astray; but I acquit him of that; I can read scripture as well as he, and I never found that the parson was obliged to provide for other folks' children; and besides, he is but a poor curate, and hath little enough, as your ladyship knows, for me and mine.' 'You say very well, Mrs. Adams,' quoth the Lady Booby, who had not spoke a word to her before; you seem to be a very sensible woman; and I assure you, your hus Adams seemed now very much dejected, which his wife perceiving, began to apply some matrimonial balsam. She told him, he had reason to be concerned; for that he had probably ruined his family with his tricks almost; but perhaps he was grieved for the loss of his two children, Joseph and Fanny. His eldest daughter went on; 'Indeed, father, it is very hard to bring strangers here to eat your children's bread out of their mouths. You have kept them ever since they came home; and for any thing I see to the contrary, may keep them a month longer: are you obliged to give her meat, tho'f she was never so handsome? But I don't see she is so much handsomer than other people. If people were to be kept for their beauty, she would scarce fare better than her neighbours, I believe. As for Mr. Joseph, I have nothing to say: he is a young man of honest principles, and will pay some time or other for what he hath: but for the girl,-why doth she not return to her place she ran away from? I would not give such a vagabond slut a halfpenny, though I had a million of money! no, though she was starving.'-'Indeed, but I would,' cries little Dick; and father, rather than poor Fanny shall be starved, I will give her all this bread and cheese,'-(offering what he held in his hand.) Adams smiled on the boy, and told him, he rejoiced to see he was a Christian; and that if he had a halfpenny in his pocket, he would have given it him; telling him it was his duty to look upon all his neighbours as his brothers and sisters, and love them accordingly. 'Yes, papa,' says he, 'I love them better than my sisters; for she is handsomer than any of them.'-'Is she so, sauce-box?' says the sister, giving him a box on the ear; which | provided with their woman, except myself,) the father would probably have resented, she continued to travel on with us. I, perhad not Joseph, Fanny, and the pedlar at that instant returned together. Adams bid his wife prepare some food for their dinner; she said, Truly she could not, she had something else to do.' Adams rebuked her for disputing his commands, and quoted many texts of scripture to prove, "That the husband is the head of the wife, and she is to submit and obey." The wife answered, 'It was blasphemy to talk scripture out of church; that such things were very proper to be said in the pulpit; but it was profane to talk of them in common discourse.' Joseph told Mr. Adams, 'He was not come with any design to give Mrs. Adams any trouble; but to desire the favour of all their company to the George, (an alehouse in the parish,)' where he had bespoke a piece of bacon and greens for their dinner.' Mrs. Adams, who was a very good sort of woman, only rather too strict in economies, readily accepted this invitation, as did the parson himself by her example; and away they walked together, not omitting little Dick, to whom Joseph gave a shilling, when he heard of his intended liberality to Fanny. CHAPTER XII. Where the good-natured reader will see something which will give him no great pleasure. 6 ceiving she must fall to my lot, advanced presently to her, and made love to her in our military way, and quickly succeeded to my wishes. We struck a bargain within a mile, and lived together as man and wife to her dying day.'-I suppose,' says Adams, interrupting him, you were married with a licence; for I don't see how you could contrive to have the banns published, while you were marching from place to place.'—' No, sir,' said the pedlar, we took a licence to go to bed together without any banns.' Ay! ay!' said the parson: ex necessitate, a licence may be allowable enough; but surely, surely, the other is more the regular and eligible way.'-The pedlar proceeded thus: she returned with me to our regiment, and removed with us from quarters to quarters, till at last, whilst we lay at Galway, she fell ill of a fever, and died. When she was on her death-bed she called me to her, and, crying bitterly, declared she could not depart this world without discovering a secret to me, which, she said, was the only sin which sat heavy on her heart. She said, she had formerly travelled in a company of gipsies, who had made a practice of stealing away children; that for her own part, she had been only once guilty of the crime; which, she said, she lamented more than all the rest of her sins, since probably it might have occasioned the death of the parents; for, added she, it is almost impossible to describe the beauty of the young creature, which was about a year and a half old when I kidnapped it. We kept her, (for she was a girl,) above two years in our company, when I sold her myself, for three guineas, to Sir Thomas Booby, in Somersetshire. Now, you know whether there are any more of that name in this county.' THE pedlar had been very inquisitive from the time he had first heard that the great house in this parish belonged to the Lady Booby; and had learnt that she was the widow of Sir Thomas, and that Sir Thomas had bought Fanny, at about the age of three or four years, of a travelling woman; and, now their homely but hearty meal was ended, he told Fanny, he believed he could acquaint her with her parents. The whole company, especially she herself, started at 'Yes,' says Adams, there are several this offer of the pedlar's. He then proceed-Boobys who are squires, but I believe no ed thus, while they all lent their strictest baronet now alive; besides, it answers so attention: Though I am now contented exactly in every point, there is no room for with this humble way of getting my liveli- doubt; but you have forgot to tell us the hood, I was formerly a gentleman; for so parents from whom the child was stolen.'all those of my profession are called. In aTheir name,' answered the pedlar, was word, I was a drummer in an Irish regiment of foot. Whilst I was in this honourable station, I attended an officer of our regiment into England, a recruiting. In our march from Bristol to Frome, (for since the decay of the woollen trade, the clothing towns have furnished the army with a great number of recruits,) we overtook on the road a woman, who seemed to be about thirty years old or thereabouts; not very handsome, but well enough for a soldier. As we came up to her, she mended her pace, and falling into discourse with our ladies, (for every man of the party, namely, a serjeant, two private men, and a drum, were Andrews. They lived about thirty miles from the squire; and she told me that I might be sure to find them out by one circumstance; for that they had a daughter of a very strange name, Pamela, or Pamela; some pronounced it one way, and some the other.' Fanny, who had changed colour at the first mention of the name, now fainted away; Joseph turned pale, and poor Dicky began to roar; the parson fell on his knees, and ejaculated many thanksgivings that this discovery had been made before the dreadful sin of incest was committed; and the pedlar was struck with amazement, not being able to account for all this confusion; S |