Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/276

  In which the Author himelf makes his Appearance on the Stage.

HO’ Mr. Allworthy was not of himelf haty to ee Things in a diadvantageous Light, and was a Stranger to the public Voice, which eldom reaches to a Brother or a Huband, tho’ it rings in the Ears of all the Neighbourhood; yet was this Affection of Mrs. Blifil to Tom, and the Preference which he too viibly gave him to her own Son, of the utmot Diadvantage to that Youth.

For uch was the Compaion which inhabited Mr. Allworthy’s Mind, that nothing but the Steel of Jutice could ever ubdue it. To be unfortunate in any Repect was ufficient, if there was no Demerit to counterpoie it, to turn the Scale of that good Man’s Pity, and to engage his Friendhip, and his Benefaction.

When therefore he plainly aw Mater Blifil was abolutely deteted (for that he was) by his own Mother, he began, on that Ac-