Page:The history of Tom Jones (1749 Volume 2).pdf/161

 the World which judges of Matters by the Rule of Right will condemn me. Fitnes is governed by the Nature of Things, and not by Cutoms, Forms, or municipal Laws. Nothing is, indeed, unfit which is not unnatural.’ ‘Well reaoned, old Boy,’ anwered Jones; ‘but why dot thou think I hould deire to expoe thee? I promie thee, I was never better pleaed with thee in my Life; and unles thou hat a Mind to dicover it thyelf, this Affair may remain a profound Secret for me.’ ‘Nay, Mr. Jones,’ replied Square, ‘I would not be thought to undervalue Reputation. Good Fame is a Species of the and it is by no means fitting to neglect it. Beides to murder one’s own Reputation, is a kind of Suicide, a detetable and odious Vice. If you think proper, therefore, to conceal any Infirmity of mine; (for uch I may have, ince no Man is perfectly perfect;) I promie you I will not betray myelf. Things may be fitting to be done, which are not fitting to be boated of: for by the pervere Judgment of the World, That often becomes the Subject of Cenure, which is, in Truth, not only innocent but laudable.’ ‘Right!’ cries Jones, ‘what can be more innocent than