The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling

but they were both more particularly open to men of merit. To say the truth, this wa

sed the advantage of a learned education, yet, being blest with vast natural abilities, he had so well profited by a vigorous though late applicat

they might enjoy almost the same advantages of a liberal fortune as if they were entitled to it in their own right; for Mr Allworthy was not one of those generous persons who are ready most bountifully to bestow meat, drink, and lodging on men of w

ven to abstinence, absent himself from any meals, or retire from them, whenever he was so disposed, without even a sollicitation to the contrary: for, indeed, such sollicitations from superiors always savour very strongly of commands. But all here were free from such impertinence, not

nce to this obstinacy the doctor had in his youth been obliged to study physic, or rather to say he studied it; for in reality books of this kind were almost the only ones with which he was unacquainted; a

of others, and not of the unfortunate person himself. Besides this negative merit, the doctor had one positive recommendation;-this was a great appearance of religion. Whet

wledge, and not much less in the compliments which he frequently bestowed on her own. To say the truth, she had read much English divinity, and had puzzled more than one of the neighbouring curates. Indeed, her

h had happened to him about ten years before; namely, his marriage with another woman, who was not only still alive, but, what was worse, known to be so by Mr Allworthy. This was a fatal bar to that happiness which he otherwise saw sufficient probability of obtaining with this young lady; for as to

capacity. This brother he made no doubt would succeed; for he discerned, as he thought, an inclination to marriage in the lady; and

officer). He had good teeth, and something affable, when he pleased, in his smile; though naturally his countenance, as well as his air and voice, had much of roughness in it: yet he could at any time deposit this, and appea

thority we have mentioned before, decreed him for holy orders; but as the old gentleman died before

ed with his colonel, was by his interest obliged to sell; from which time he had entirely rusticated himself,

were no otherwise engaged than to the marriage state in general; but why the doctor, who certainly had no great friendship for his bro

ing accessory to a theft when we cannot commit it ourselves? Or lastly (which experience seems to make probable),

ut so the fact was. He sent for his brother, and easily found means to introd

discernment. The captain was indeed as great a master of the art of love as Ovid was formerly. He had