Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/262

 Punihment for his Sake, whereas he ought to have prevented it by making the Dicovery himelf.

When this Story became public, many People differed from Square and Thwackum, in judging the Conduct of the two Lads on the Occaion. Mater Blifil was generally called a neaking Racal, a poor-pirited Wretch; with other Epithets of the like Kind; whilt Tom was honoured with the Appellations of a brave Lad, a jolly Dog, and an honet Fellow. Indeed his Behaviour to Black George much ingratiated him with all the Servants; for though that Fellow was before univerally diliked, yet he was no ooner turned away than he was as univerally pitied; and the Friendhip and Gallantry of Tom Jones was celebrated by them all with the highet Applaue; and they condemned Mater Blifil, as openly as they durt, without incurring the Danger of offending his Mother. For all this, however, poor Tom marted in the Fleh; for though Thwackum had been inhibited to exercie his Arm on the foregoing Account; yet, as the Proverb ays, It is eay to find a Stick, &c. So was it eay to find a Rod; and, indeed, the not being able to find one was the only thing which could have kept