A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X Z

The Adventures of Roderick Random

T >> Tobias Smollett >> The Adventures of Roderick Random




The tears of a lady could not fail of attracting the notice and
concern of the spectators to whom she complained of my rudeness
with great bitterness, saying, if she were a man, I durst not use
her so. The greatest part of the gentlemen, already prejudiced
against me, were offended at the liberty I had taken, as appeared
from their looks; though none of them signified their disgust
any other way except my Lord Quiverwit, who ventured to say, with
a sneer, that I was in the right to establish my own character,
of which he had now no longer any doubt. Nettled at this severe
equivocation, which raised a laugh at my expense, I replied with
some warmth, "I am proud of having in that particular got the start
of your lordship." He made no answer to my repartee, but with a
contemptuous smile walked off, leaving me in a very disagreeable
situation. In vain did I make up to several people of my acquaintance,
whose conversation, I hoped, would banish my confusion; everybody
shunned me like a person infected, and I should not have been able
to bear my disgrace, had not the idea of the ever faithful and fond
Narcissa come to my relief. I quitted the scene of my mortification,
and, sauntering about the town, happened to wake from my contemplation,
when I found myself just opposite to a toy-shop, which I entered,
and purchased a ring set with a ruby in the form of a heart, surrounded
by diamond sparks, for which I paid ten guineas, intending it for
a present to the charmer of my soul.

I was introduced, at the hour appointed, to this divine creature,
who, notwithstanding what she had heard to my disadvantage, received
me with the utmost confidence and tenderness; and, having been
informed of the general sketches of my life by Miss Williams,
expressed a desire, of knowing the particular circumstances, which
I related with great candour, omitting, however, some things which
I concluded altogether improper for her ear, and which the reader's
reflection will easily suggest. As my story was little else than a
recital of misfortunes, the tear of sympathy ceased not to trickle
from her enchanting eyes during the whole of the narration, which,
when I had finished, she recompensed me for my trouble with the
most endearing protestations of eternal love. She bewailed her
restricted condition, as it was the means of retarding my happiness;
told me that Lord Quiverwit, by her brother's permission, had been
to drink tea with her that very afternoon, and actually proposed
marriage; and, seeing me extremely affected with this piece of
information, offered to give me a convincing proof of her affection,
by espousing me in private, and leaving the rest to fate. I was
penetrated with this instance of her regard, but, that I might
not be outdone in generosity, resisted the bewitching temptation
in consideration of her honour and interest; at the same time I
presented my ring as a pledge of my inviolable attachment, and, on
my knees, implored Heaven to shower its curses on my head, if ever
my heart should entertain one thought unworthy of the passion I
then avowed. She received my token, gave me in return her picture
in miniature, exquisitely drawn and set in gold; and, in the same
posture, called Heaven to witness and to judge her flame. Our vows
being thus reciprocally breathed, a confidence of hope ensued, and
our mutual fondness becoming as intimate as innocence would allow, I
grew insensible of the progress of time, and it was morning before
I could tear myself from this darling of my soul! My good angel
foresaw what would happen, and permitted me to indulge myself on
this occasion, in consideration of the fatal absence I was doomed
to suffer.

I went to bed immediately on my return to my lodging, and, having
slept about two hours, was waked by Strap, who in great confusion
told me there was a footman below with a letter, which he would
deliver to nobody but myself. Alarmed at this piece of news,
I desired my friend to show him into my chamber, and received the
following letter, which, he said, required an immediate answer:

"Sir,--
When any man injures my honour, let the difference of rank
between us be ever so great, I am contented to wave the privilege
of my quality, and to seek reparation from him on equal terms.
The insolence of your reply to me yesterday, in the Long Room, I
might have overlooked, had not your presumptive emulation in a much
more interesting affair, and which I made this morning, concurred
in persuading me to chastise your audacity with my sword. If you
therefore have spirit enough to support the character you
assume, you will not fail to follow the bearer immediately to a
convenient place, where you shall be met by
"Quiverwit."

Whether I was enervated by the love and favour of Narcissa, or awed
by the superior station of my antagonist, I know not, but I never
had less inclination to fight than at this time. However, finding
there was a necessity for vindicating the reputation of my mistress,
as well as for asserting my own honour, I forthwith rose, and,
dressing in a hurry, put on my sword, bade Strap attend me, and
set out with my conductor, cursing my bad fortune all the way, for
having been observed in my return from my angel; for so I interpreted
his lordship's discovery. When I came within sight of my rival,
his lacquey told me he had orders to stop; upon which I commanded
Strap to halt also, while I walked forward; resolving, if possible,
to come to an explanation with my challenger, before we should
come to battle. Nor was an opportunity wanting; for I no sooner
approached than be asked, with a stern countenance, what business
I had in Mr. Topehall's garden so early in the morning? "I don't
know, my lord," said I, "how to answer a question put to me with such
magisterial haughtiness. If your lordship will please to expostulate
calmly, you will have no cause to repent of your condescension;
otherwise I am not to be intimated into any confession." "There is
no room for denial," answered he; "I saw you come out with my own
eyes." "Did any other see me?" said I. "I neither know nor care,"
said he; "I want no other evidence than that of my own senses."
Pleased to hear that the suspicion was confined to him alone,
I endeavoured to appease his jealousy, by owning an intrigue with
the waiting maid: but he had too much discernment to be so easily
imposed upon, and told me there was only one way to convince him
of the truth of what I alleged, which was no other than renouncing
all claim to Narcissa upon oath, and promising, upon honour, never
to speak to her for the future. Exasperated at this proposal, I
unsheathed my sword, saying, "Heavens! what title have you, or any
man on earth, to impose such terms on me?" He did the same, and
making towards me with a contracted brow, said I was a villain,
and had dishonoured Narcissa. "He's a villain," I replied, in
a transport of fury, "who brands me with that imputation! She is
a thousand times more chaste than the mother that bore you; and I
will assert her honour with my heart's blood!" So saying, I rushed
upon him with more eagerness than address, and, endeavouring to get
within his point, received a wound in my neck, which redoubled my
rage. He excelled me in temper as well as in skill, by which means
he parried my thrusts with great calmness, until I had almost
exhausted my spirits; and, when he perceived me beginning to flag,
attacked me fiercely in his turn. Finding himself, however, better
opposed than he expected, he resolved to follow his lounge, and close
with me; accordingly, his sword entered my waistcoat, on the side
of the breast bone, and, running up between my shirt and skin,
appeared over my left shoulder. I imagined that his weapon had
perforated my lungs, and of consequence that the wound was mortal;
therefore, determined not to die unrevenged, I seized his shell,
which was close to my breast, before he could disentangle his point,
and, keeping it fast with my left hand, shortened my own sword with
my right, intending to run him through the heart; but he received
the thrust in the left arm, which penetrated up to the shoulder
blade. Disappointed at this expectation, and afraid still that
death would frustrate my revenge, I grappled with him, and, being
much the stronger, threw him upon the ground, where I wrested his
sword out of his hand, and, so great was my confusion, that instead
of turning the point upon him, struck out three of his foreteeth
with the hilt. In the meantime, our servants, seeing us fall, ran
up to separate and assist us; but before their approach I was upon
my feet, and had discovered that my supposed mortal wound was only a
slight scratch. The knowledge of my own safety disarmed me of a
good deal of my resentment, and I began to inquire with soma concern
into the situation of my antagonist, who remained on the ground
bleeding plentifully at his mouth and arm. I helped his footman
to raise him, and, having bound up his wound with my handkerchief,
assured it was not dangerous; I likewise restored his sword, and
offered to support him to his house. He thanked me with an air of
sullen dignity: and whispering that I should hear from him soon,
went away, leaning on his servant's shoulder.

I was surprised at this promise, which I construed into a threat,
and resolved, if ever he should call me out again, to use whatever
advantage fortune might give me over him in another manner. In the
meantime I had leisure to take notice of Strap, who seemed quite
stupified with horror: I comforted him with an assurance, that
I had received no damage, and explained the nature of this affair
as we walked homeward. By the time I had got into my apartment,
I found the wound in my neck stiff and uneasy, and a good deal of
clotted blood ran down upon my shirt; upon which I pulled off my
coat and waistcoat, and unbuttoned my collar, that I might dress it
with more ease. My friend no sooner perceived my shirt quite dyed
with blood, than, imagining I had got at least twenty thousand
wounds, he cried, "O Jesus!" and fell flat on the floor. I stopped
the bleeding with a little dry lint, and, applying a plaster over
it, cleaned myself from the gore, shifted, and dressed, while he
lay senseless at my feet, so that when he recovered, and saw me
perfectly well, he could scarce believe his own eyes. Now that the
danger was passed, I was very well pleased with what had happened,
hoping that it would soon become known, and consequently dignify
my character not a little in this place. I was also proud of having
shown myself, in some shape, worthy of the love of Narcissa. who,
I was persuaded, would. not think the worse of me for what I had
done.





CHAPTER LX




I am visited by Freeman, with whom I appear in Public, and
am caressed-am sent for by Lord Quiverwit, whose Presence I quit
flung--Narcissa is carried off by her Brother--I intend to pursue
him, and am dissuaded by my Friend--engage in Play, and lose all
my Money--set out for London--try my Fortune at the Gaming Table
without success--receive a letter from Narcissa--bilk my Tailor


While I entertained myself with these reflections, the news of the
duel, being communicated by some unknown channel, spread all over
the town. I was visited by Freeman, who testified his surprise at
finding me; for it was told, that Lord Quiverwit being dead of his
wounds, I had absconded, in order to avoid the cognizance of the
law. I asked, if people guessed the occasion of the quarrel; and,
understanding it was attributed to his lordship's resentment of
my reply in the Long Room, confirmed that conjecture, glad to find
Narcissa unsuspected. My friend, after I had assured him that my
antagonist was in no danger, wished me joy of the event, than which,
he said, nothing could happen more opportunely to support the idea
he had given of my character to his friends, among whom he had been
very assiduous in my behalf.

On the strength of this assurance, I went with him to the coffee-house,
where I was saluted by a great many of those very persons who had
shunned me the preceding day; and I found everybody making merry
with the story of Melinda's French gallant. While I remained in
this place, I received a message from Lord Quiverwit, desiring, if
I were not engaged, to see me at his house.

Thither I immediately repaired, and was conducted to an apartment
where I was received by his lordship in bed. When we were left by
ourselves, he thanked me in very polite terms for having used the
advantage fortune had given me over him with such moderation, and
asked pardon for any offence his resentment might have prompted
him to commit. "I would willingly," said he, "make you my friend;
but, as it is impossible for me to divest myself of my passion for
Narcissa, I am too well convinced of your sentiments, to think we
shall ever agree on that subject. I took the liberty, therefore,
of sending for you, in order to own candidly, that I cannot help
opposing your success with that young lady; though, at the same
time I promise to regulate my opposition by the dictates of justice
and honour. This, however, I think proper to advertise you of, that
she has no independent fortune; and, if you should even succeed in
your addresses, you will have the mortification to see her reduced
to indigence, unless you have wherewithal to support her--and I am
credibly informed of your incapacity that way--nay, I will confess,
that, urged by this consideration, I have actually sent notice to
her brother of the progress I suspect you have made in her affection,
and desired him to take his precautions accordingly." Alarmed and
provoked at this information, I told his lordship, that I did not
see how he could reconcile that piece of conduct with his profession
of open dealing, and flung away from him in a passion.

As I walked homeward, in hope of hearing from my mistress as usual
by means of Miss Williams, I was surprised with the waving of
a handkerchief from the window of a coach-and-six that passed by
me at full speed: and upon further observation, I saw a servant
on horseback riding after it, who, I knew by his livery, belonged
to the squire. Thunderstruck with this discovery, the knowledge
of my misfortune rushed all at once upon my reflection! I guessed
immediately that the signal was made by the dear hand of Narcissa,
who, being hurried away in consequence of Lord Quiverwit's message
to her brother, had no other method of relating her distress, and
imploring my assistance. Frantic with this conjecture, I ran to my
lodgings, snatched my pistols, and ordered Strap to get post-horses,
with such incoherence of speech and disorder, that the poor valet,
terrified with the suspicion of another duel, instead of providing
what I desired, went forthwith to Freeman, who, being informed of
my behaviour, came straight to my apartment, and conjured me so
pathetically to make him acquainted with the cause of my uneasiness,
that I could not refuse telling him my happiness was fled with
Narcissa, and that I must retrieve her or perish. He represented
the madness of such an undertaking, and endeavoured to divert me
from it with great strength of friendship and reason. But all his
arguments would have been ineffectual, had he not put me in mind
of the dependence I ought to have on the love of Narcissa, and the
attachment of her maid, who could not fail of finding opportunities
to advertise me of their situation; and at the same time demonstrated
the injury my charmer's reputation must suffer from my precipitate
retreat. I was convinced and composed by these considerations: I
appeared in public with an air of tranquillity, was well received
by the best company in town, and, my misfortune taking air, condoled
accordingly: while I had the satisfaction of seeing Melinda so
universally discountenanced that she was fain to return to London,
in order to avoid the scoffs and censure of the ladies at Bath. But,
though the hope of hearing from the darling of my soul supported
my spirits a little while, I began to be very uneasy, when, at
the end of several weeks I found that expectation disappointed. In
short, melancholy and despondence took possession of my soul; and,
repining at that providence which, by acting the stepmother towards
me, kept me from the fruition of my wishes, I determined, in a fit
of despair, to risk all I had at the gaming table, with a view of
acquiring a fortune sufficient to render me independent for life;
or of plunging myself into such a state of misery, as would effectually
crush every ambitious hope that now tortured my imagination.

Actuated by this fatal resolution, I engaged in play, and, after
some turns of fortune found myself, at the end of three days, worth
a thousand pounds; but it was not my intention to stop there, for
which cause I kept Strap ignorant of my success, and continued
my career until I was reduced to five guineas, which I would have
hazarded also, had I not been ashamed to fall from a bet of two
hundred pounds to such a petty sum.

Having thus executed my scheme, I went home, amazed to find myself
so much at ease, and informed my friend Strap of my mischance with
such calmness, that he, imagining I joked, affected to receive the
tidings with great equanimity. But both he and I found ourselves
mistaken very soon. I had misinterpreted my own stupidity into
deliberate resignation, and he had reason to believe me in earnest
when he saw me next morning agitated with the most violent despair,
which he endeavoured to alleviate with all the consolation in his
power.

In one of my lucid intervals, however, I charged him to take a place
in the stage coach for London; and, in the meantime, paid my debts
in Bath, which amounted to thirty shillings only. Without taking
leave of my friends, I embarked, Strap having the good fortune to
find a return horse, and arrived in town, without having net with
anything remarkable on the road. While we crossed Bagshot Heath,
I was seized with a sort of inclination to retrieve my fortune, by
laying passengers under contribution in some such place. My thoughts
were so circumstanced at this time, that I should have digested
the crime of robbery, so righteously had I concerted my plan,
and ventured my life in the execution, had I not been deterred by
reflecting upon the infamy that attends detection.

The apartment I formerly lived in being unengaged, I took possession
of it, and next day went in quest of Banter, who received me with
open arms, in expectation of having his bond discharged to his
liking: but when he understood what had happened, his countenance
changed of a sudden, and he told me, with a dryness of displeasure
peculiar to himself, that, if he were in my place, he would put it
out of fortune's power to play him such another trick, and be avenged
of his own indiscretion at once. When I desired him to explain his
meaning, he pointed to his neck, raised himself on his tiptoes,
and was going away without any further ceremony, when I put him in
mind of my indigence, and demanded the five guineas I had formerly
lent him. "Five guineas?" cried he; "zounds! had you acted with
common prudence, you might have had twenty thousand in your pocket
by this time. I depended upon five hundred from you, as much as if I
had had notes for it in the bank; and by all the rules of equity,
you are indebted to me for that sum." I was neither pleased
nor convinced by this computation, and insisted on my right with
such determined obstinacy, that he was fain to alter his ton, and
appease my clamour by assuring me, that he was not master of five
shillings. Society in distress generally promotes good understanding
among people; from being a dun I descended to be a client, and asked
his advice about repairing my losses. He counselled me to have
recourse again to the gaming table, where I succeeded so well before,
and put myself in a condition by selling my watch. I followed his
directions, and, having accommodated him with a few pieces, went
to the place, where I lost every shilling.

Then I returned to my lodgings full of desperate resolution, and
having made Strap acquainted with my fate, ordered him to pawn my
sword immediately, that I might be enabled to make another effort.
This affectionate creature no sooner understood my purpose, than,
seized with insupportable sorrow at the prospect of my misery, he
burst into tears, and asked what I proposed to do after the small
sum he could raise on the sword should be spent. "On my own account"
said he, "I am quite unconcerned; for, while God spares me health
and these ten fingers, I can earn a comfortable subsistence anywhere;
but what must become of you, who have less humility to stoop, and
more appetites to gratify?" Here I interrupted him, by saying,
with a gloomy aspect, I should never want a resource while I had a
loaded pistol in possession. Stupified with horror at this dreadful
insinuation, he stood mute for some time and then broke out into
"God of his infinite mercy enable you to withstand that temptation
of the devil! Consider your immortal soul--there's no repentance
in the grave! O Lord! that we ever should have come to this! Are
we not enjoined to resign ourselves to the will of Heaven?--where
is your patience?--Durum patientia frango--you are but a young
man--there may be many good things in store for you--accidit in
puncto quo non speratur in anno--remember your uncle, Mr. Bowling;
perhaps he is now on his voyage homeward, pleasing himself with
the hopes of seeing and relieving you; nay, peradventure, he has
already arrived, for the ship was expected about this time." A
ray of hope shot athwart my soul at this suggestion; I thanked my
friend for this seasonable recollection, and, after having promised
to take no resolution till his return, dismissed him to Wapping
for intelligence.

In his absence I was visited by Banter, who, being informed of my
bad luck at play, told me that fortune would probably be one day
weary of persecuting me. "In the meantime," said he, "here's a letter
for you, which I received just now inclosed in one from Freeman."
I snatched it with eagerness, and knowing the superscription to be
of Narcissa's handwriting, kissed it with transport, and, having
opened it, read,

"It is with great difficulty that I have stolen, from the
observation of those spies who are set over me, this opportunity
of telling you, that I was suddenly carried away from Bath
by my brother, who was informed of our correspondence by Lord
Quiverwit whom, I since understand, you have wounded in a duel
on my account. As I am fully convinced of your honour and love,
I hope I shall never hear of such desperate proofs of either for
the future. I am so strictly watched that it will be impossible
for you to see me, until my brother's suspicion shall abate, or
Heaven contrive some other unforeseen event in our behalf. In
the meantime, you may depend on the constancy and affection of
"Your own Narcissa.

"P. S. Miss Williams, who is my fellow prisoner, desires to be
remembered to you. We are both in good health, and only in pain
for you, especially as it will be impracticable for you to
convey any message or letter to the place of our confinement; for
which reason. pray desist from the attempt, that, by miscarrying,
might prolong our captivity.
"N--."

This kind letter afforded me great consolation: I communicated it to
Banter, and, at the same time, showed him her picture: he approved
of her beauty and good sense, and could not help owning that my
neglect of Miss Snapper was excusable, when such a fine creature
engrossed my attention.

I began to be reconciled to my fate, and imagined, that, if I could
contrive means of subsisting until my uncle should arrive, in case
he were not already at home, he would enable me to do something
effectual in behalf of my love and fortune; I therefore consulted
Banter about a present supply, who no sooner understood that I had
credit, with a tailor, than he advised me to take off two or three
suits of rich clothes, and convert them into cash, by selling them
at half-price to a salesman in Monmouth Street. I was startled
at this proposal, which I thought savoured a little of fraud; he
rendered it palatable, by observing that, in a few months, I might
be in a condition to do everybody justice; and, in the meantime,
I was acquitted by the honesty of my intention. I suffered myself
to be persuaded by his salvo, by which my necessity, rather than my
judgment, was convinced; and, when I found there were no accounts
of the ship in which my uncle embarked, actually put the scheme
in practice, and raised by it five-and-twenty guineas, paying him
for his advice with the old five.





CHAPTER LXI




I am arrested--carried to the Marshalsea--find my old Acquaintance
beau Jackson in that Jail--he informs me of his Adventures--Strap
arrives, and with difficulty is comforted--Jackson introduces me to
a Poet--I admire his Conversation and Capacity--am deeply affected
with my Misfortune--Strap hires himself as a Journeyman Barber

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