History of Tom Jones, a Foundling
Page 76
Chapter ii.
Containing a conversation which Mr Jones had with himself.
Jones received his effects from Mr Allworthy's early in the morning,with the following answer to his letter:--
"SIR,
"I am commanded by my uncle to acquaint you, that as he did not proceed to those measures he had taken with you, without the greatest deliberation, and after the fullest evidence of your unworthiness, so will it be always out of your power to cause the least alteration in his resolution. He expresses great surprize at your presumption in saying you have resigned all pretensions to a young lady, to whom it is impossible you should ever have had any, her birth and fortune having made her so infinitely your superior. Lastly, I am commanded to tell you, that the only instance of your compliance with my uncle's inclinations which he requires, is, your immediately quitting this country. I cannot conclude this without offering you my advice, as a Christian, that you would seriously think of amending your life. That you may be assisted with grace so to do, will be always the prayer of
"Your humble servant,
"W. BLIFIL."
Many contending passions were raised in our heroe's mind by thisletter; but the tender prevailed at last over the indignant andirascible, and a flood of tears came seasonably to his assistance, andpossibly prevented his misfortunes from either turning his head, orbursting his heart.
He grew, however, soon ashamed of indulging this remedy; and startingup, he cried, "Well, then, I will give Mr Allworthy the only instancehe requires of my obedience. I will go this moment--but whither?--why,let Fortune direct; since there is no other who thinks it of anyconsequence what becomes of this wretched person, it shall be a matterof equal indifference to myself. Shall I alone regard what noother--Ha! have I not reason to think there is another?--one whosevalue is above that of the whole world!--I may, I must imagine mySophia is not indifferent to what becomes of me. Shall I then leavethis only friend--and such a friend? Shall I not stay withher?--Where--how can I stay with her? Have I any hopes of ever seeingher, though she was as desirous as myself, without exposing her to thewrath of her father, and to what purpose? Can I think of solicitingsuch a creature to consent to her own ruin? Shall I indulge anypassion of mine at such a price? Shall I lurk about this country likea thief, with such intentions?--No, I disdain, I detest the thought.Farewel, Sophia; farewel, most lovely, most beloved--" Here passionstopped his mouth, and found a vent at his eyes.
And now having taken a resolution to leave the country, he began todebate with himself whither he should go. The world, as Milton phrasesit, lay all before him; and Jones, no more than Adam, had any man towhom he might resort for comfort or assistance. All his acquaintancewere the acquaintance of Mr Allworthy; and he had no reason to expectany countenance from them, as that gentleman had withdrawn his favourfrom him. Men of great and good characters should indeed be verycautious how they discard their dependents; for the consequence to theunhappy sufferer is being discarded by all others.
What course of life to pursue, or to what business to apply himself,was a second consideration: and here the prospect was all a melancholyvoid. Every profession, and every trade, required length of time, andwhat was worse, money; for matters are so constituted, that "nothingout of nothing" is not a truer maxim in physics than in politics; andevery man who is greatly destitute of money, is on that accountentirely excluded from all means of acquiring it.
At last the Ocean, that hospitable friend to the wretched, opened hercapacious arms to receive him; and he instantly resolved to accept herkind invitation. To express myself less figuratively, he determined togo to sea.
This thought indeed no sooner suggested itself, than he eagerlyembraced it; and having presently hired horses, he set out for Bristolto put it in execution.
But before we attend him on this expedition, we shall resort awhile toMr Western's, and see what further happened to the charming Sophia.