Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 1).pdf/290

 cepts and Example of Thwackum and Square; for though they would both make frequent Ue of the word Mercy, yet it was plain that in reality Square held it to be inconitent with the Rule of Right; and Thwackum was for doing Jutice, and leaving Mercy to Heaven. The two Gentlemen did indeed omewhat differ in Opinion concerning the Objects of this ublime Virtue; by which Thwackum would probably have detroyed one half of Mankind, and Square the other half.

Mater Blifil then, though he had kept Silence in the Preence of Jones, yet when he had better conidered the Matter, by no Means endure the Thought of uffering his Uncle to confer Favours on the Undeerving. He therefore reolved immediately to acquaint him with the Fact which we have above lightly hinted to the Readers. The Truth of which was as follows:

The Game-keeper, about a Year after he was dimied from Mr. Allworthy’s Service, and before Tom’s elling the Hore, being in Want of Bread, either to fill his own Mouth, or thoe of his Family, as he paed through