I shall detain my reader no longer than to give him
one caution more of an opposite kind: for, as
in most of our particular characters we mean not to
lash individuals, but all of the like sort, so, in
our general descriptions, we mean not universals,
but would be understood with many exceptions:
for instance, in our description of high people, we
cannot be intended to include such as, whilst they
are an honour to their high rank, by a well-guided
condescension make their superiority as easy as possible
to those whom fortune chiefly hath placed below them.
Of this number I could name a peer no less elevated
by nature than by fortune; who, whilst he wears the
noblest ensigns of honour on his person, bears the
truest stamp of dignity on his mind, adorned with greatness,
enriched with knowledge, and embellished with genius.
I have seen this man relieve with generosity, while
he hath conversed with freedom, and be to the same
person a patron and a companion. I could name
a commoner, raised higher above the multitude by superior
talents than is in the power of his prince to exalt
him, whose behaviour to those he hath obliged is more
amiable than the obligation itself; and who is so great
a master of affability, that, if he could divest himself
of an inherent greatness in his manner, would often
make the lowest of his acquaintance forget who was
the master of that palace in which they are so courteously
entertained. These are pictures which must be,
I believe, known: I declare they are taken from
the life, and not intended to exceed it. By those
high people, therefore, whom I have described, I mean
a set of wretches, who, while they are a disgrace to
their ancestors, whose honours and fortunes they inherit
(or perhaps a greater to their mother, for such degeneracy
is scarce credible), have the insolence to treat those
with disregard who are at least equal to the founders
of their own splendor. It is, I fancy, impossible
to conceive a spectacle more worthy of our indignation,
than that of a fellow, who is not only a blot in the
escutcheon of a great family, but a scandal to the
human species, maintaining a supercilious behaviour
to men who are an honour to their nature and a disgrace
to their fortune.
And now, reader, taking these hints along with you,
you may, if you please, proceed to the sequel of this
our true history.
CHAPTER II.
A night scene, wherein several wonderful adventures
befel Adams and his fellow-travellers.
It was so late when our travellers left the inn or
alehouse (for it might be called either), that they
had not travelled many miles before night overtook
them, or met them, which you please. The reader
must excuse me if I am not particular as to the way
they took; for, as we are now drawing near the seat
of the Boobies, and as that is a ticklish name, which
malicious persons may apply, according to their evil
inclinations, to several worthy country squires, a
race of men whom we look upon as entirely inoffensive,
and for whom we have an adequate regard, we shall
lend no assistance to any such malicious purposes.
