Page:Pleasing and entertaining history of the famous Moll Flanders.pdf/8

8 Thus far has Moll Flanders related her own history, in letters to her friends; accounts from Virginia, several years afterwards, announced her death, and informed that she departed this life a true penitent, after bequeathing much money for charitable purposes.

A friend of Dean Swift one day sent him a turbot as a present, by a servant, who had frequently been on a similar errand, but who had never yet received the most trifling mark of tile Dean’s generosity. Having gained admission, he opened the door of the study, and abruptly putting down the fish, cried very rudely, "Master has sent you a turbot." "Heyday! young man," said the Dean rising from his easy chair, "Is that the way you deliver your message? Let me teach you better manners: sit down in my chair, we will stage situations, and I will shew you how to be have in future." The boy sat down, and the Dean went to the door, then came up to the table with a respectful pace, and making a low bow, said, "Sir, my master presents his kind compliments, hopes you are well, and requests your acceptance of a small present." "Does he," replied the boy, return my best thanks to him, and there’s half a crown for yourself." The Dean thus surprised into an act of generosity, laughed heartily, and gave the boy a crown for his wit.