The Adventures of Roderick Random (Oxford World's Classics)

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Now that I could return to my native country in a creditable way, I felt excessive pleasure in finding myself out of sight of that fatal island which had been the grave of so many Europeans. The book ends happily, with Random discovering his long-lost father, formerly Scottish, now a wealthy Argentine, who bestows gobs of money on him, enabling him to return to England and propose to his continuously blushing inamorata Narcissa. The eigthteenth century saw the birth of the modern novel, from the early (actually pre-eigthteenth century) works of Aphra Behn to the later works of Defoe, Swift, Richardson, Fielding, Goldsmith, Smollett and many others. The novel wouldn't become the leading form of literature until the onset of the Victorian Age, but to follow its development from its infancy to the more modern forms is fascinating. You find amusing stuff every now and then though. In one chapter he is accused of being a spy because he had written his diary in code language. Greek actually. The prosecutor claims to speak Greek and converses in Irish to prove his point to the judge. Quite funny. Next morning, I met Miss Williams, who gave me joy of the progress I had made in the affections of her mistress. Transported at this news, I presented my rise, to the messenger, as a testimony of my gratitude; but she was above such mercenary considerations, and refused my compliment. As I fervently wished for another interview, where I might pour out the effusions of my love, I implored her advice and assistance in promoting this event. She promised to tell ​her lady, that I had endeavoured, by promises and persuasions, to prevail upon her to deliver a letter from me, which she had refused to charge herself with, until she should know Narcissa's sentiments of the matter.

My uncle began to be jealous of the priest's insinuation, and very abruptly declared that if ever I should renounce my religion he would break off all connection and correspondence with me. I told him I was determined against any alteration in point of religion. The priest shook his head, and sighed, saying. Ah! son, son, what a glorious prospect is here spoiled by your stubborn prejudice! However I am acquainted with some people of rank at Versailles, to whom I can give you letters of recommendation, so that you may be entertained by some of them. I embraced his offer and he appointed me to come in the afternoon when he would not only give me the letters, but introduce me to a capuchin of his acquaintance, who intended to set out next morning to Paris, in whose company I might travel, without being at the expence of one livre during the whole journey. He performed his promise, by making me acquainted with the capuchin, with whom I departed next morning by break of day.

Contents

voice at my left hand, “for the spirit of folly begins to move.”“Out with it then, madam!” replied the soldier. “You seem to I was next morning favoured with a visit from my kind confident. who telling me she was permitted to receive my letters for my mistress. I took up the pen immediately. and following the first dictates of my passion, wrote as follows:

I on the other hand am glad to leave him alone in his happiness. Not that it is a bad book but it did get boring after a (short) while and I had to skip a couple of chapters. Our landlord told us, we had not gone the right way to work; he therefore advised me to give the footman a shilling the next time I desired admittance. Accordingly, next morning, when the door was opened, slipt a shilling into his hand, and told him I had a letter for his master; the fellow let me in immediately, and desired me to wait in the passage for an answer. In this place I continued standing three quarters of an hour: At length Mr. Cringer came out to see a young gentleman to the door;and turning about towards ​we, asked what were my commands? When he understood who was, Well, Random, (says he), you propose to go on board a man of war as surgeon's mate. To which I replied by a low bow. I believe it will be a difficult matter to procure a warrant, there being already such a swarm of Scotch surgeons at the navy-office; however, some ships will soon be put into commission and then we shall see what's to be done. So saying, he left me. At my return, I was surprised with the agreeable news of Strap's being employed, on the recommendation of his friend the schoolmaster, by a periwig-maker in the neighbourhood, who allowed him five shillings per week, besides bed and board. fifteen shillings which if you rob me of we must all starve together.”“Who’s that sobbing in the other corner?” said the supposedreplied “No great business, doctor—but however—”“Oh! then,” cried the physician; “I must beg your indulgence

I kissed this inimitable proof of my charmer's candour, generosity, and affection!—I read it over an hundred times; was ravished with her confession in the beginning; but the superscription of Your Narcissa, almost overpowered my senses with joy. In short, I had all the reason in the world to believe that this gentle creature's bosom was possessed by a passion for me, as warm. though perhaps not so impetuous, as mine for her.

THE ADVENTURES OF RODERICK RANDOM

On my return, I met my old comrade, 'squire Gawky, whom his father had sent, some time ago to town for his improvement. I made no scruple of informing him of the lowness of my circumstances and asking a Lord have mercy upon us, what a vast treasure is here!”“’Tis all our own, Strap,” said I; “take what is