Thwackum fell violently on poor Tom, who stood dropping
and shivering before him, when Mr Allworthy desired
him to have patience; and turning to Master Blifil,
said, “Pray, child, what is the reason of all
this disturbance?”
Master Blifil answered, “Indeed, uncle, I am
very sorry for what I have done; I have been unhappily
the occasion of it all. I had Miss Sophia’s
bird in my hand, and thinking the poor creature languished
for liberty, I own I could not forbear giving it what
it desired; for I always thought there was something
very cruel in confining anything. It seemed to
be against the law of nature, by which everything hath
a right to liberty; nay, it is even unchristian, for
it is not doing what we would be done by; but if I
had imagined Miss Sophia would have been so much concerned
at it, I am sure I never would have done it; nay,
if I had known what would have happened to the bird
itself: for when Master Jones, who climbed up
that tree after it, fell into the water, the bird
took a second flight, and presently a nasty hawk carried
it away.”
Poor Sophia, who now first heard of her little Tommy’s
fate (for her concern for Jones had prevented her
perceiving it when it happened), shed a shower of
tears. These Mr Allworthy endeavoured to assuage,
promising her a much finer bird: but she declared
she would never have another. Her father chid
her for crying so for a foolish bird; but could not
help telling young Blifil, if he was a son of his,
his backside should be well flead.
Sophia now returned to her chamber, the two young
gentlemen were sent home, and the rest of the company
returned to their bottle; where a conversation ensued
on the subject of the bird, so curious, that we think
it deserves a chapter by itself.
Chapter iv.
Containing such very deep and grave matters, that
some readers, perhaps, may not relish it.
Square had no sooner lighted his pipe, than, addressing
himself to Allworthy, he thus began: “Sir,
I cannot help congratulating you on your nephew; who,
at an age when few lads have any ideas but of sensible
objects, is arrived at a capacity of distinguishing
right from wrong. To confine anything, seems
to me against the law of nature, by which everything
hath a right to liberty. These were his words;
and the impression they have made on me is never to
be eradicated. Can any man have a higher notion
of the rule of right, and the eternal fitness of things?
I cannot help promising myself, from such a dawn,
that the meridian of this youth will be equal to that
of either the elder or the younger Brutus.”
Here Thwackum hastily interrupted, and spilling some
of his wine, and swallowing the rest with great eagerness,
answered, “From another expression he made use
of, I hope he will resemble much better men.
The law of nature is a jargon of words, which means
nothing. I know not of any such law, nor of any
right which can be derived from it. To do as
we would be done by, is indeed a Christian motive,
as the boy well expressed himself; and I am glad to
find my instructions have borne such good fruit.”
