Joseph Andrews

dy and her maid; and a panegyric, or rather satire

ons operate differently on the human mind, as diseases on the body, in proportio

boured to describe, the different operations of this passion of love in the gentle and cultivated mind of

, that resolutions taken in the absence of the beloved object are very apt to vanish i

e despised herself for the meanness of her passion, and Joseph for its ill success. However, she had now got the better of it in her own opinion, and determined immediately to dismiss the object. After much tossing and turning in her bed, an

Betty the chambermaid, I am almost convicted, is with child by him.” — “Ay!” says the lady, “then pray pay her her wages instantly. I will keep no such sluts in my family. And as for Joseph, you may discard him too.” — “Would your ladyship have him paid off immediately?” cries Slipslop, “for perhaps, when Betty is gone he may mend: and really the boy is a good servant, and a strong healthy luscious boy enough.” — “This morning,” answered the lady with some vehemence. “I wish, madam,” cries Slipslop, “your ladyship would be so good as to try him a little longer.” — “I will not have my commands disputed,” said the lady; “sure you are not fond of him yourself?” — “I, madam!” cries Slipslop, reddening, if not blushing, “I should be sorry to think your ladyship had any reason to respect me of fondness for a fellow; and if it be your pleasure, I shall fulfil it with as much reluctance as possible.” — “As little, I suppose you mean,” said the lady; “and so about it instantly.” Mrs. Slipslop went out, and the lady had scarce taken two turns before she fell to knocking and ringing with great violence. Slipslop, who did not travel post haste, soon returned, and was countermanded as to Joseph, but ordered to send Betty about her busi

e to Joseph when he came in. She resolved to preserve all the dignity of the woman of fashion to her servant, and to indulge herself in thi

How dost thou deceive them, and make them deceive themselves! Their follies ar

ely metamorphosed the human shape; nor the great Cibber, who confounds all number, gender, and breaks through every rul

ou pleasest, thou canst make a molehill appear as a mountain, a Jew’s-harp sound like a trumpet, and a daisy smell like a violet. Thou canst make cowardice brave, avarice generous, pride humble, and cruelty tender-