Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/255

 This Matter, then, which put an end to the Debate mentioned in the lat Chapter, was no other than a Quarrel between Mater Blifil and Tom Jones, the Conequence of which had been a bloody Noe to the former; for though Mater Blifil, notwithtanding he was the younger, was in Size above the other’s Match, yet Tom was much his Superior at the noble Art of Boxing.

Tom, however, cautiouly avoided all Engagements with that Youth: For beides that Tommy Jones was an inoffenive Lad amidt all his Roguery, and really loved Blifil; Mr. Thwackum being always the Second of the latter, would have been ufficient to deter him.

But well ays a certain Author, No Man is wie at all Hours; it is therefore no Wonder that a Boy is not o. A Difference ariing at Play between the two Lads, Mater Blifil called Tom a Beggarly Batard. Upon which the latter, who was omewhat paionate in his Dipoition, immediately caued that Phænomenon in the Face of the former, which we have above remembred.