Chapter 10
Page 105
CHAP. X.
The Love of Flattery the chief Root of being Dupes to the Treachery of others.
CAPT. Drumond, as is before intimated, being now shaken off by Sir Harry Cleveland, had fastened wholly on Lord Dellwyn, whom he found a Method of rendering greatly subservient to his Convenience in a pecuniary Way; and then, amongst his other Acquaintance, thought proper to make him a constant Subject, on which he exercised his Talent of Sneering and Ridiculing: A Practice which it is earnestly to be wished was confined only to such Persons as Capt. Drumond, as it was perfectly uniform with every other Part of his Character, which had not been fully complete without this
F5 coinciding
Page 106
coinciding Addition; but it is a melancholy Circumstance, whenever a Man's Behaviour in this respect unavoidably presents to the Memory the following expressive Lines
Who would not laugh, if such a Man there be?
But who'd not weep, if ------ were he ?
Capt. Drumond had a great Inclina- tion to take Lord Dellwyn to nurse; a Phrase I borrow from a late celebrated Genius in the Science of getting Money; for when any Man of Fortune had by Gaming, or by any other chosen Method, so far dipped his Estate, as to be utterly unable to satisfy his own Appointments, and discharge the Claims of his Creditors; this our Genius, by his artful Management, could contrive in a set Number of Years to clear all the Debts, allow the Owner a handsome Maintenance out of it, and always bear in Remembrance to be well rewarded for his Trouble.
This
Page 107
This he called taking an Estate to nurse. It was remarkable, that often the very Gentleman, who could not contrive before to have sufficient for his Expences from the Produce of his whole superabundant Fortune, found it very practicable to live within Compass, when he was reduced to this Allotment.
There was one unfortunate Circumstance attended this Inclination of Capt. Drumond; for as Lord Dellwyn's Estate was clear, he could not possibly take that to nurse, unkess he at the same time took also the Incumbent; and he might be truly said to do so, with great Propeiety of Language; for he humoured and treated him in every respect like a Child.
Lord Dellwyn's Gout and Confinement rendered a ready Companion very acceptable; and the Captain's continual Repetitions of his own Merit, like
F6 Drops
Page 108
Drops of eating Water on the Marble,
at length forced itsWay; and his Lord- ship was convinced that Capt. Drumnond was brim-full of every cardinal Virtue. It is observable, that every Man (however wrong he may be in his own Conduct) is desirous of a virtuous Friend. Whether this arises from the Apprehension of being injured by the Baseness of those with whom they have any Connexions, or from such a great Degree of Affection for their Friends, that they wish them better than themselves, must be left without any Determination.
The grand Point in which Lord Dellwyn delighted to be flattered was, that his Companion should discover, either by his Looks or Motions, some Appearances of Youth, or, at least, that he was not yet arrived to any great Age. The Captain was very penetrating in this Particular, and often perceived such Signs of juvenile Acti-
vity
Page 109
vity in his Lordship, as were imper- ceptible to every other Eye.
If a Man was to make choice of the Dress of a Nurse, and resolve to personate that Character at a Masquerade, he would certainly furnish himself with such Playthings as were fitted to his Purpose; otherwise he would very ill perform the Part he had undertaken. Capt. Drumond was full- fraught with all such Knowlege as could enable him properly to discharge the Office he had assumed; and as the well-shook Rattle will often stop the Infant's Crying, even altho' it is not perfectly free from Pain, so a well-timed Compliment, importing Lord Dellwyn's Youth, could even turn him from his Peevishness. In fact, every Man who feeds greedily on Flattery, is in one respect full as weak, and as easily imposed upon, as the smallest Infant. Nor is there any designing Man so ignorant, as not easily to per- ceive
Page 110
ceive the Manner in which he can betray another, who hath first betrayed himself, by giving way to an Inclination of ever beholding himself in a false Mirror.
CHAP.
CHAP. X.
The Love of Flattery the chief Root of being Dupes to the Treachery of others.
CAPT. Drumond, as is before intimated, being now shaken off by Sir Harry Cleveland, had fastened wholly on Lord Dellwyn, whom he found a Method of rendering greatly subservient to his Convenience in a pecuniary Way; and then, amongst his other Acquaintance, thought proper to make him a constant Subject, on which he exercised his Talent of Sneering and Ridiculing: A Practice which it is earnestly to be wished was confined only to such Persons as Capt. Drumond, as it was perfectly uniform with every other Part of his Character, which had not been fully complete without this
F5 coinciding
Page 106
coinciding Addition; but it is a melancholy Circumstance, whenever a Man's Behaviour in this respect unavoidably presents to the Memory the following expressive Lines
Who would not laugh, if such a Man there be?
But who'd not weep, if ------ were he ?
Capt. Drumond had a great Inclina- tion to take Lord Dellwyn to nurse; a Phrase I borrow from a late celebrated Genius in the Science of getting Money; for when any Man of Fortune had by Gaming, or by any other chosen Method, so far dipped his Estate, as to be utterly unable to satisfy his own Appointments, and discharge the Claims of his Creditors; this our Genius, by his artful Management, could contrive in a set Number of Years to clear all the Debts, allow the Owner a handsome Maintenance out of it, and always bear in Remembrance to be well rewarded for his Trouble.
This
Page 107
This he called taking an Estate to nurse. It was remarkable, that often the very Gentleman, who could not contrive before to have sufficient for his Expences from the Produce of his whole superabundant Fortune, found it very practicable to live within Compass, when he was reduced to this Allotment.
There was one unfortunate Circumstance attended this Inclination of Capt. Drumond; for as Lord Dellwyn's Estate was clear, he could not possibly take that to nurse, unkess he at the same time took also the Incumbent; and he might be truly said to do so, with great Propeiety of Language; for he humoured and treated him in every respect like a Child.
Lord Dellwyn's Gout and Confinement rendered a ready Companion very acceptable; and the Captain's continual Repetitions of his own Merit, like
F6 Drops
Page 108
Drops of eating Water on the Marble,
at length forced itsWay; and his Lord- ship was convinced that Capt. Drumnond was brim-full of every cardinal Virtue. It is observable, that every Man (however wrong he may be in his own Conduct) is desirous of a virtuous Friend. Whether this arises from the Apprehension of being injured by the Baseness of those with whom they have any Connexions, or from such a great Degree of Affection for their Friends, that they wish them better than themselves, must be left without any Determination.
The grand Point in which Lord Dellwyn delighted to be flattered was, that his Companion should discover, either by his Looks or Motions, some Appearances of Youth, or, at least, that he was not yet arrived to any great Age. The Captain was very penetrating in this Particular, and often perceived such Signs of juvenile Acti-
vity
Page 109
vity in his Lordship, as were imper- ceptible to every other Eye.
If a Man was to make choice of the Dress of a Nurse, and resolve to personate that Character at a Masquerade, he would certainly furnish himself with such Playthings as were fitted to his Purpose; otherwise he would very ill perform the Part he had undertaken. Capt. Drumond was full- fraught with all such Knowlege as could enable him properly to discharge the Office he had assumed; and as the well-shook Rattle will often stop the Infant's Crying, even altho' it is not perfectly free from Pain, so a well-timed Compliment, importing Lord Dellwyn's Youth, could even turn him from his Peevishness. In fact, every Man who feeds greedily on Flattery, is in one respect full as weak, and as easily imposed upon, as the smallest Infant. Nor is there any designing Man so ignorant, as not easily to per- ceive
Page 110
ceive the Manner in which he can betray another, who hath first betrayed himself, by giving way to an Inclination of ever beholding himself in a false Mirror.
CHAP.
Chapter 11
Page 111
CHAP. XI.
A Capacity to digest, as necessary towards extracting either Profit or Pleasure from Reading, as outward Eyes themselves.
CAPT. Drumond had narrowly watched every Motion of Lord Dellwyn's Thoughts concerning his Lady. He visibly perceived first by what degrees his Indifference ad- vanced, and then marked the natural Progress in his Mind to Anger and In- dignation. By the Affiitance of a fixed Attention to this Subject, the Captain found out that it would heartily co- incide with his Lordship's Inclinations to be separated from his Lady; of which, when he was fully convinced, he re- solved to point out a plain Method for
his
Page 112
his Lordship to obtain that Gratification, by discovering Lady Dellwyn's Intimacy with Lord Clermont. My Lord gave him a very convenient Opportunity for this Purpose, by declaring in Conversation with him, that his Lady's Virtue was his Misfortune, as it was only a stronger Rivet to his Chain, and made him despair of any Possibility of being freed from her during his Life; at the same time producing the Instance of her chearful Compliance with his Request, in relation to avoiding the Conversation of Lord Clermont, as a Proof of her Virtue; concluding his Speech with a deep Sigh, and saying, "And you know, Capt. Drumond, that she is some Years younger than I am."
The Captain took his Cue; and, after he had expressed a fulsome Compliment on the Subject of his Lordship's Age, the Discovery he had before meditated began to stir and bustle within him; but at first broke forth
only
Page 113
only in Shrugs and Sneers, and every Suggestion that denotes Suspicion (often best conveyed by proper Gestures, without the Use of Words): A Practice well known to Shakespeare; as is plain, by his making Hamlet, when he forbids Horatio's discovering what the Ghost had declared, desire him also to extend his Watchfulness even over his Motions;
That you, at such Time, seeing me, never shall,
With Arms encumb'red thus, or this Head- shake,
Or by pronouncing of some doubtful Phrase,
As, well—we know—or, there be, and if there might—
(Or such ambiguous Giving-out) denote
That you know aught of me.
But Capt. Drumond was disappointed; and played over all his Gestures importing his Suspicion of Lady Dellwyn, to no manner of Purpose; for my Lord was so fixed in his Opinion con-
cerning
Page 114
cerning his Lady's Virtue, that the Captain was at last reduced to the Necessity of cloathing his Thought in language of a much plainer Signification. Lord Dellwyn was not like Othello; for he could talk very calmly on this Subject; and, without any Emotion, he argued the Improbability of such a Supposition; continuing to insist on the Reason above-mentioned: But the Captain, who bore a much nearer Resemblance to Iago than his Lordship did to the Moor, could turn all Improbabilities into their reverie; and would not let slip such an Opportunity of introducing an Outcry of her Ladyship's superior Art and Cunning, in affecting to shun the Man with whom she intended the greatest Degree of Intimacy.
This Outcry of Art, well-managed, must stifle in its Birth every Possibility of being justified from the falsest Accusation; and yet it is certainly some- times founded in Truth; otherwise the
Dealers
Page 115
Dealers in Cunning would not them- selves ever be tempted to make use of it, as it could then by no means be answerable to their Purpose. This is one of those intricate Labyrinths which no human Penetration can unfold, and a Proof of the Excellency of Milton's Observation, that
Hypocrisy walks unseen by any but God himself.
A Complication of Incidents afterwards gave Lord Dellwyn many apparent Reasons to admire Capt. Drumond's Sagacity, from his Imputation of so great a Degree of Art to Lady Dellwyn; whereas, in fact, her Actions were the mere Productions of an unbridled Imagination, and ungovernable Passions, of that unreasonable Vanity with which she was first infected by the dazling Glare of Lady Fanny's Diamonds, on that Birth-Night which had been so fatal to all her future Happiness, which, like deadly Poison, seemed to have taken
Page 116
taken so deep a Root, as to admit of no Antidote to expel its Venom. It is true, that the Object which was to gratify this wild Vanity, varied according to outward Circumstances; but whether it consisted of Diamonds, an Admirer, or any other imaginary valuable Acquisition, yet the inward Motive to Action was constantly the same, and never varied.
When Lord Dellwyn was inclined to give Credit to Capt. Drumond's Conjectures, then he was certain of his Intelligence, and was eloquent on the Subject of his mighty Attachment to his Lordship; which he proved fully to his own Satisfaction, by alleging the great Trouble and Pains he had undergone to make this friendly Discovery; but when his Lordship was wavering, and doubtful of the Truth of this Accusation of his Lady, then the Captain's Words conveyed the same Meaning with these of Iago:
——I
Page 117
I confess it is my Nature's Plague
To pry into Abuse; and oft my Jealousy
Shapes Faults that are not.
But tho' such was his Meaning, yet it was very far from his Inclination to quote this Passage. He rather wished such strong Pictures as Shakespeare drew of deep Villainy had never been written; for his Part, he could not believe any such Monsters ever existed in any other Place but in the whimsical Brains of poetical Writers. But he had no Occasion for being under any Apprehension on this Account. The noble Peer had never condescended to read any thing so trifling as Shakespeare's Plays; and, if he had perused them, there was no manner of Danger that he should know the Characters again in real Life.
There is a wide Difference between reading with the Attention which is. necessary to digest, and extract Utility
from
Page 118
from Writings, and skimming over the Surface of Authors, with the View only of filling up a Chasm of Time, which is not so fortunate as to be engaged to some more entertaining Amusement. The Vulgar have an Expression concerning Reading which is very remarkable: They call it reading in a Book, or in Prant, without making Distinction what it is; but if they were to be told, that any thing which is in a Book is in Nature also, they would be astonished, and give no Credit to such an Assertion; and, to do them Justice, they are not always mistaken in such their Judgment.
It is very observable, with what uncommon Judgment Shakespeare makes Iago represent himself in such odious Colours at the very Instant of Time in which he is endeavouring to impose himself as an honest Man, and a faithful Friend, on Othello; as by this Conduct he points out, in the most glaring Light, how very little a Man has
the
Page 119
the Use of his own Senses whilst he is under the Influence of any turbulent Passion.
Capt. Drumond also remembered to give the same Turn to this natural Delight, in raking in the Mire, and prying into Abuse, with Iago. It was all employed for his Friends. He acknowleged that he was suspicious; but, conscious that such a Confession was not greatly for his Honour, he disavowed absolutely having any Concern therein for himself. Perhaps he was under a Necessity of repeating continually the little Word I, to prevent the Misfortune of burying in Oblivion all Consideration for himself.
It hath been before hinted, that, besides the double Use Capt. Drumond made of Lord Dellwyn's Friendship, of rendering it subservient to his pecuniary Convenience, and also of introducing him as a proper Object of Ridicule in his Absence, that there was yet a
2 third
Page 120
third Gratification which he wished to obtain from his Intimacy in his Lord- ship's Family. But this was an Emolument which could by no means be brought about without the Consent of Lady Dellwyn; and in this particular Inclination he received the Mortification of being disappointed; which turned all his elaborate Profession of Love into Rage, and highly piqued his Pride; which, like a Soldier on Guard, was ever ready to take the least Alarm, and never suffered him to rest in Peace. His Apprehension of Contempt was greater than any other Apprehension in him whatever; for to deserve Contempt, and to fear it, constantly go together, and are inseparable Companions in the same Bosom. And what is a great Addition to this Misfortune, there is but one Method of driving out this Terror, when once it hath got Possession, and that is, by forcibly entering into such a Manner of Life as cannot be accompanied by Self-contempt: But this perhaps might hurt as much
as
Page 121
as it did Lady Townly to think of Amendment.
The Manner of Lady Dellwyn's treating Capt. Drumond was highly disrelishing to his Palate; for she not only absolutely disliked him, but was filled with great Indignation at his Presumption. She agreed not at all with him in his Sentiments of himself; for he modestly thought that he was deserving of every Woman's Love. However, he could be tolerably pacified, whilst he could flatter himself that Virtue, and not that unpardonable Crime of disliking him, was the Cause of his being rejected. He therefore was but half angry with Lady Dellwyn, till the Rumour of her Favour to Lord Clermont began first to creep about in murmuring Whispers, and then proceeded to flying with more open Licence from Ear to Ear, from Assembly to Assembly; then was Capt. Drumond indeed implacably revengeful; and as open Power was wanting, insidious
VOL. II. G Dealing
Page 122
Dealing was necessary to bring about his Purpose.
It was customary with Capt. Drumond, whenever he had entertained any disadvantageous Conjecture of another, privately to tax the Person suspected with the Fact. It is true he frequently found himself mistaken; for however paradoxical it may at first View appear, yet there is certainly nothing oftener deceived than Suspicion. Then he had a Sneer, and a loud Laugh, ready to carry it off, by declaring that it was only a Jest: But if, by the Result of this sudden Manner of questioning, he thought he had Reason to conclude that he was right in his Conjecture, then he had obtained his End, and exulted in the Depth of his own Wisdom. In this manner he proceeded with Lady Dellwyn, and had even Assurance enough to give her such broad Hints, as could not be misunderstood, that he was not ignorant of her Commerce with Lord Clermont; at the
same
Page 123
same time letting her understand, that there was but one only Method by which she had the Power of bribing him to Silence, or to keep the Secret even from her Lord himself.
The Captain however laboured herein under a small Error; for Lady Dellwyn was not to be terrified into a Compliance with his base Proposals by all his Menaces. She was too much mortified within her own Bosom to be very fearful of Consequences; and the same Vanity which had long been her principal actuating Motive, now told her, that it would be better for her to retire to some obscure Corner of the World, where she might be no more seen or heard of, than to appear amongst Mankind with Infamy. She detested such a mean Artifice; and, by the proper Scorn with which she treated Capt. Drumond, she plainly proved, that she must first be her own Dupe, before she was liable to become that of another; which is the Case much more gene-
G2 rally
Page 124
rally than is imagined, and, if taken into serious Consideration, would preserve the well-meaning Part of Mankind from many Misfortunes, and frequently baffle all the cunning Stratagems of deceitful Treachery.
CHAP.
CHAP. XI.
A Capacity to digest, as necessary towards extracting either Profit or Pleasure from Reading, as outward Eyes themselves.
CAPT. Drumond had narrowly watched every Motion of Lord Dellwyn's Thoughts concerning his Lady. He visibly perceived first by what degrees his Indifference ad- vanced, and then marked the natural Progress in his Mind to Anger and In- dignation. By the Affiitance of a fixed Attention to this Subject, the Captain found out that it would heartily co- incide with his Lordship's Inclinations to be separated from his Lady; of which, when he was fully convinced, he re- solved to point out a plain Method for
his
Page 112
his Lordship to obtain that Gratification, by discovering Lady Dellwyn's Intimacy with Lord Clermont. My Lord gave him a very convenient Opportunity for this Purpose, by declaring in Conversation with him, that his Lady's Virtue was his Misfortune, as it was only a stronger Rivet to his Chain, and made him despair of any Possibility of being freed from her during his Life; at the same time producing the Instance of her chearful Compliance with his Request, in relation to avoiding the Conversation of Lord Clermont, as a Proof of her Virtue; concluding his Speech with a deep Sigh, and saying, "And you know, Capt. Drumond, that she is some Years younger than I am."
The Captain took his Cue; and, after he had expressed a fulsome Compliment on the Subject of his Lordship's Age, the Discovery he had before meditated began to stir and bustle within him; but at first broke forth
only
Page 113
only in Shrugs and Sneers, and every Suggestion that denotes Suspicion (often best conveyed by proper Gestures, without the Use of Words): A Practice well known to Shakespeare; as is plain, by his making Hamlet, when he forbids Horatio's discovering what the Ghost had declared, desire him also to extend his Watchfulness even over his Motions;
That you, at such Time, seeing me, never shall,
With Arms encumb'red thus, or this Head- shake,
Or by pronouncing of some doubtful Phrase,
As, well—we know—or, there be, and if there might—
(Or such ambiguous Giving-out) denote
That you know aught of me.
But Capt. Drumond was disappointed; and played over all his Gestures importing his Suspicion of Lady Dellwyn, to no manner of Purpose; for my Lord was so fixed in his Opinion con-
cerning
Page 114
cerning his Lady's Virtue, that the Captain was at last reduced to the Necessity of cloathing his Thought in language of a much plainer Signification. Lord Dellwyn was not like Othello; for he could talk very calmly on this Subject; and, without any Emotion, he argued the Improbability of such a Supposition; continuing to insist on the Reason above-mentioned: But the Captain, who bore a much nearer Resemblance to Iago than his Lordship did to the Moor, could turn all Improbabilities into their reverie; and would not let slip such an Opportunity of introducing an Outcry of her Ladyship's superior Art and Cunning, in affecting to shun the Man with whom she intended the greatest Degree of Intimacy.
This Outcry of Art, well-managed, must stifle in its Birth every Possibility of being justified from the falsest Accusation; and yet it is certainly some- times founded in Truth; otherwise the
Dealers
Page 115
Dealers in Cunning would not them- selves ever be tempted to make use of it, as it could then by no means be answerable to their Purpose. This is one of those intricate Labyrinths which no human Penetration can unfold, and a Proof of the Excellency of Milton's Observation, that
Hypocrisy walks unseen by any but God himself.
A Complication of Incidents afterwards gave Lord Dellwyn many apparent Reasons to admire Capt. Drumond's Sagacity, from his Imputation of so great a Degree of Art to Lady Dellwyn; whereas, in fact, her Actions were the mere Productions of an unbridled Imagination, and ungovernable Passions, of that unreasonable Vanity with which she was first infected by the dazling Glare of Lady Fanny's Diamonds, on that Birth-Night which had been so fatal to all her future Happiness, which, like deadly Poison, seemed to have taken
Page 116
taken so deep a Root, as to admit of no Antidote to expel its Venom. It is true, that the Object which was to gratify this wild Vanity, varied according to outward Circumstances; but whether it consisted of Diamonds, an Admirer, or any other imaginary valuable Acquisition, yet the inward Motive to Action was constantly the same, and never varied.
When Lord Dellwyn was inclined to give Credit to Capt. Drumond's Conjectures, then he was certain of his Intelligence, and was eloquent on the Subject of his mighty Attachment to his Lordship; which he proved fully to his own Satisfaction, by alleging the great Trouble and Pains he had undergone to make this friendly Discovery; but when his Lordship was wavering, and doubtful of the Truth of this Accusation of his Lady, then the Captain's Words conveyed the same Meaning with these of Iago:
——I
Page 117
I confess it is my Nature's Plague
To pry into Abuse; and oft my Jealousy
Shapes Faults that are not.
But tho' such was his Meaning, yet it was very far from his Inclination to quote this Passage. He rather wished such strong Pictures as Shakespeare drew of deep Villainy had never been written; for his Part, he could not believe any such Monsters ever existed in any other Place but in the whimsical Brains of poetical Writers. But he had no Occasion for being under any Apprehension on this Account. The noble Peer had never condescended to read any thing so trifling as Shakespeare's Plays; and, if he had perused them, there was no manner of Danger that he should know the Characters again in real Life.
There is a wide Difference between reading with the Attention which is. necessary to digest, and extract Utility
from
Page 118
from Writings, and skimming over the Surface of Authors, with the View only of filling up a Chasm of Time, which is not so fortunate as to be engaged to some more entertaining Amusement. The Vulgar have an Expression concerning Reading which is very remarkable: They call it reading in a Book, or in Prant, without making Distinction what it is; but if they were to be told, that any thing which is in a Book is in Nature also, they would be astonished, and give no Credit to such an Assertion; and, to do them Justice, they are not always mistaken in such their Judgment.
It is very observable, with what uncommon Judgment Shakespeare makes Iago represent himself in such odious Colours at the very Instant of Time in which he is endeavouring to impose himself as an honest Man, and a faithful Friend, on Othello; as by this Conduct he points out, in the most glaring Light, how very little a Man has
the
Page 119
the Use of his own Senses whilst he is under the Influence of any turbulent Passion.
Capt. Drumond also remembered to give the same Turn to this natural Delight, in raking in the Mire, and prying into Abuse, with Iago. It was all employed for his Friends. He acknowleged that he was suspicious; but, conscious that such a Confession was not greatly for his Honour, he disavowed absolutely having any Concern therein for himself. Perhaps he was under a Necessity of repeating continually the little Word I, to prevent the Misfortune of burying in Oblivion all Consideration for himself.
It hath been before hinted, that, besides the double Use Capt. Drumond made of Lord Dellwyn's Friendship, of rendering it subservient to his pecuniary Convenience, and also of introducing him as a proper Object of Ridicule in his Absence, that there was yet a
2 third
Page 120
third Gratification which he wished to obtain from his Intimacy in his Lord- ship's Family. But this was an Emolument which could by no means be brought about without the Consent of Lady Dellwyn; and in this particular Inclination he received the Mortification of being disappointed; which turned all his elaborate Profession of Love into Rage, and highly piqued his Pride; which, like a Soldier on Guard, was ever ready to take the least Alarm, and never suffered him to rest in Peace. His Apprehension of Contempt was greater than any other Apprehension in him whatever; for to deserve Contempt, and to fear it, constantly go together, and are inseparable Companions in the same Bosom. And what is a great Addition to this Misfortune, there is but one Method of driving out this Terror, when once it hath got Possession, and that is, by forcibly entering into such a Manner of Life as cannot be accompanied by Self-contempt: But this perhaps might hurt as much
as
Page 121
as it did Lady Townly to think of Amendment.
The Manner of Lady Dellwyn's treating Capt. Drumond was highly disrelishing to his Palate; for she not only absolutely disliked him, but was filled with great Indignation at his Presumption. She agreed not at all with him in his Sentiments of himself; for he modestly thought that he was deserving of every Woman's Love. However, he could be tolerably pacified, whilst he could flatter himself that Virtue, and not that unpardonable Crime of disliking him, was the Cause of his being rejected. He therefore was but half angry with Lady Dellwyn, till the Rumour of her Favour to Lord Clermont began first to creep about in murmuring Whispers, and then proceeded to flying with more open Licence from Ear to Ear, from Assembly to Assembly; then was Capt. Drumond indeed implacably revengeful; and as open Power was wanting, insidious
VOL. II. G Dealing
Page 122
Dealing was necessary to bring about his Purpose.
It was customary with Capt. Drumond, whenever he had entertained any disadvantageous Conjecture of another, privately to tax the Person suspected with the Fact. It is true he frequently found himself mistaken; for however paradoxical it may at first View appear, yet there is certainly nothing oftener deceived than Suspicion. Then he had a Sneer, and a loud Laugh, ready to carry it off, by declaring that it was only a Jest: But if, by the Result of this sudden Manner of questioning, he thought he had Reason to conclude that he was right in his Conjecture, then he had obtained his End, and exulted in the Depth of his own Wisdom. In this manner he proceeded with Lady Dellwyn, and had even Assurance enough to give her such broad Hints, as could not be misunderstood, that he was not ignorant of her Commerce with Lord Clermont; at the
same
Page 123
same time letting her understand, that there was but one only Method by which she had the Power of bribing him to Silence, or to keep the Secret even from her Lord himself.
The Captain however laboured herein under a small Error; for Lady Dellwyn was not to be terrified into a Compliance with his base Proposals by all his Menaces. She was too much mortified within her own Bosom to be very fearful of Consequences; and the same Vanity which had long been her principal actuating Motive, now told her, that it would be better for her to retire to some obscure Corner of the World, where she might be no more seen or heard of, than to appear amongst Mankind with Infamy. She detested such a mean Artifice; and, by the proper Scorn with which she treated Capt. Drumond, she plainly proved, that she must first be her own Dupe, before she was liable to become that of another; which is the Case much more gene-
G2 rally
Page 124
rally than is imagined, and, if taken into serious Consideration, would preserve the well-meaning Part of Mankind from many Misfortunes, and frequently baffle all the cunning Stratagems of deceitful Treachery.
CHAP.
Chapter 12
Page 125
CHAP. XII.
A Piece of Art of Capt. Drumond's, which he called an ingenious Device.
CAPT. Drumond from henceforth collected all his Force, and displayed the whole Artillery of his Cunning, for the Management of Lord Dellwyn; and ceased all farther fruitless Attempts on his Lady, for whom there remained no other Passion in his Bosom, but that of Rage, and a Desire of Revenge; which were indeed the Passions that were most apt to be uppermost in his Mind. He also considered a Separation of Lord and Lady Dellwyn as a necessary Incident towards his taking full Possession of my Lord without a Rival; for her Ladyship knew so much of him, that she could
not
Page 126
not possibly be mistaken in his true Character.
But the Captain was very well-provided against any ill Effects her Knowlege of him could possibly have in her Representations of him to her Lord. His inclination for Lady Dellwyn's Beauty had not Power enough to blot out of his Memory the principal View of all his Actions, or render him neglectful in any Point wherein his future Interest was concerned; for when he first grew fully convinced that Lady Dellwyn was engaged in an Intrigue with Lord Clermont, and had resolved on the Use he would make of it, he began to consider of the Means of acquiring stronger Proof than his Word, modestly judging such might be necessary; nor would her Ladyship's Compliance with his amorous Desires have prevailed with him to have dropt the Pursuit of what he thought might prove a future lucrative Advantage to him, unless she would also have agreed to use her utmost En-
deavours
Page 127
endeavours that he should share in the spending as much of her Lord's Fortune as their joint Interest could by any means obtain from him. But this was a Proposal to come in Course, after the first had met with a kind Reception. But his ill Success in that Point engaged his Rage as well as Policy, to leave no Means unattempted by which he could hope to pursue her to Destruction.
The Method most suitable to the Meanness of his Disposition, was bribing her Ladyship's Servant. But in this he was disappointed, for he found the Maid was not let into the Secret. The Lovers saw each other too frequently to have occasion for a Confidante. The first thing therefore that he resolved to attempt, was to make such an Assistant necessary.
In order to effect this Scheme, Capt. Drumond renewed, and even increased, his Assiduities to Lady Dellwyn, and contrived to place himself constantly at
her
Page 128
her Elbow; nor could the utmost Slights, or even almost Rudeness, from her, make him change his Purpose; by which means Lord Clermont sometimes should not be able for Two or Three Days together to utter one Syllable to her unheard.
This Impertinence produced the Consequence Capt. Drumond hoped from it. Lord Clermont found it necessary to use Pen and Ink to convey Sentiments which he used to whisper in the Lady's Ear; and this epistolary Correspondence converted Lady Dellwyn's Servant from an humble Attendant to an insolent Confidante.
The Bribe had been offered to the Maid before she had any Hopes of deserving it: But she very plainly proved that Opportunity alone was wanting; for she no sooner had the Power of betraying her Lady put into her Hands, than she resolved to make use of it; and whenever Capt. Drumond had by
this
Page 129
this Play reduced Lord Clermont to the Necessity of Writing, she carried the Letters immediately to the Captain, who imitated his Lordship's Hand (for he was skilful in every Requisite for Treachery and Deceit) so dexterously, as to impose on a Person who had had some little Acquaintance with it; which he had Reason to believe her Ladyship had not, because he knew the Maid had never before been so employed.
These Copies the Captain returned to the Maid to convey to her Lady; whilst he himself laid up the Originals, with as much Care as if they had been the Deeds of an Estate, resolving by their means to effectuate his own invidious Purpose.
He pursued this Method till he had got what was sufficient for his D sign; nor did it require any great Number, for the chief Purpose of them was to fix some Place of Meeting. The
same
Page 130
same Deceit was employed in respect to Lady Dellwyn's Answers; and by these Means he was furnished with all the Proof that he thought necessary.
No Consequence of Lady Dellwyn's criminal Vanity distressed her more than being thus put in the Power of her Servant. She saw both the Danger and the Meanness of such a Proceeding, and indeed felt it severely in the Insolence of the Person thus trusted. Nor could she have any reasonable Expectations of better Treatment. If her Servant had had any Sense of Virtue, she would not have been made an Instrument in carrying on a Correspondence, the visible Tendency of which must be so very contrary to all that could be called virtuous; and what could be hoped from one without Principle, but that she would tyrannically use the Power so ill-acquired?
Lady Dellwyn was so sensible of this Consequence, that nothing could have
prevailed
Page 131
prevailed with her to consent to such a Step; but Lord Clermont, presuming on the Privilege of a favoured Lover, had asked no such Permission. And the Servant gave her so plainly to understand how much she was in her Power after the first Letter she delivered her, that Lady Dellwyn perceived all future Care would be to no purpose; and therefore she did not forbid the Continuance of it. Besides, the Maid's Power was real, and not of her own Imagination; for her Lady now neither durst venture to turn her away or provoke her, for fear of a Discovery to her Lord, who she hoped was yet ignorant of her Conduct.
Fraught withl these valuable Materials for Mischief, when Capt. Drumond had fully awakened Lord Dellwyn's Jealousy, and excited in him a strong Desire for Proof, as convincing to a Court of Justice as his Suspicions were to himself, the Captain produced his Letters; which he accom-
panied
Page 132
accompanied with informing his Lordship of the infinite Labour he had been at to procure them; a Task which he protested nothing could have induced him to undertake, but his Desire of serving a Person to whom he was so entirely devoted, as on that Account even to prevail on himself to act contrary to that fair and open Method of dealing, which had hitherto been the constant Guide of his Practice.
Lord Dellwyn was as lavish in his Expressions of Gratitude, as the other was of Professions of his own Honour and Worth; not that he really believed a Man who was not capable of acting treacherously for himself, would be so kind as to do it for another; a Degree of Absurdity too great for any human Understanding to fall into; but his Lordship did not make this Part of the Captain's Discourse so much the Subject of his Consideration as either to give or withhold his Assent. He had now got into his Hands the Means
of
Page 133
of gratifying what was then the very uppermost Wish of his Heart, the Desire of an absolute Divorce from his Lady, and was too well pleased therewith to be delicate about the Method by which they were procured. He left that Consideration entirely to the Person to whom it indeed seemed chiefly to belong, to him who had carried through such a Transaction, in order to ingratiate himself with his Lordship.
Lady Dellwyn never imagined that her Lord would take any other Measures with her, than to part with her privately, without declaring his Reasons to the World; and she doubted not but that he had Generosity enough to support her in some degree in the Station to which he had raised her; and, if his Lordship had thought proper to have acted as she hoped, she knew that she should not greatly regret the Separation. But herein she was mistaken; for Lord Dellwyn declared his Resolution of instituting a Suit in
Doctors
Page 134
Doctors Commons. This indeed truly startled and terrified her. But still she hoped these were only vain Menaces, for she little imagined his Lordship had Materials to enable him to keep his Word. But he would not long leave her the Consolation of this fallacious Hope, acquainting her with the Proofs of which he was possessed.
This indeed was a Shock almost greater than her Frame could support. To submit to public Shame, and have her Name branded in a Court of Justice, were Circumstances too mortifying for her to think of with any tolerable Degree of Patience. She offered to comply with whatever Terms her Lord pleased. She prayed, wept, and intreated him to forego this Resolution. But Capt. Drumond's Revenge for her Scorn was not to be so satisfied. Her Susceptibility of Shame was the Delight of his Heart, as it supplied him with an Opportunity of mortifying her more thoroughly than he could possibly have
done
Page 135
done otherwise, had she been less tender in this Point; and there was no Probability that he would ever suffer my Lord to cool in his Purpose before it was put in Execution.
From the Moment that Lord Dellwyn had, by the Disappointment of his Hopes to obtain his Lady's Affections, opened his Eyes, and made the Discovery that it would have been a superior Degree of Wisdom not to have married Miss Lucum, a certain Degree of Indignation had insinuated itself into his Bosom against Mr. Lucum, his Lady's Father, for having been one Instrument of bringing on him his Misfortunes. Whenever Blame must fall on any one of the Parties engaged in a Transaction, every Individual carries about him a Battledore to strike the Shuttlecock from himself. This Indignation arose at length to such a Height, that it was painful to conceal it, and by degrees was very apparent to his Friend Capt. Drumond, who
kept
Page 136
kept a constant Watch over every Motion of his Mind, and was ever prepared to turn every new Incident to his own Advantage.
The Captain was not long before he recollected many Persons who, in their own Opinion, had very just Claims to the lucrative Employment of which, by Lord Dellwyn's Interest, Mr. Lucum was in present Possession; but fixed his Thoughts more particularly on one Gentleman, who was profuse in his Expences, and whose pecuniary Power was by no means answerable to his Desires. In such a Situation Capt. Drumond doubted not but that any Prospect of an additional Income would be very heartily welcomed. To this Gentleman therefore he contrived to convey an Intimation of the Terms on which he might probably supersede Mr. Lucum. The Bargain was soon finished; and thus Lord Dellwyn's Interest was bought and sold without his Knowlege; and the Captain never ceased
importuning
Page 137
importuning his Lordship till he had obtained his Consent for the Accomplishment of the Promise he made unknown to my Lord, to whom he only represented the Worth and Honour of the Gentleman he would recommend; to which, as Lord Dellwyn had no Acquaintance with him, he gave implicit Credit; for he was thoroughly convinced that Mr. Lucum, who had incurred his Displeasure, was now become perfectly unworthy of any future Favour.
The END of the THIRD BOOK.
CHAP. XII.
A Piece of Art of Capt. Drumond's, which he called an ingenious Device.
CAPT. Drumond from henceforth collected all his Force, and displayed the whole Artillery of his Cunning, for the Management of Lord Dellwyn; and ceased all farther fruitless Attempts on his Lady, for whom there remained no other Passion in his Bosom, but that of Rage, and a Desire of Revenge; which were indeed the Passions that were most apt to be uppermost in his Mind. He also considered a Separation of Lord and Lady Dellwyn as a necessary Incident towards his taking full Possession of my Lord without a Rival; for her Ladyship knew so much of him, that she could
not
Page 126
not possibly be mistaken in his true Character.
But the Captain was very well-provided against any ill Effects her Knowlege of him could possibly have in her Representations of him to her Lord. His inclination for Lady Dellwyn's Beauty had not Power enough to blot out of his Memory the principal View of all his Actions, or render him neglectful in any Point wherein his future Interest was concerned; for when he first grew fully convinced that Lady Dellwyn was engaged in an Intrigue with Lord Clermont, and had resolved on the Use he would make of it, he began to consider of the Means of acquiring stronger Proof than his Word, modestly judging such might be necessary; nor would her Ladyship's Compliance with his amorous Desires have prevailed with him to have dropt the Pursuit of what he thought might prove a future lucrative Advantage to him, unless she would also have agreed to use her utmost En-
deavours
Page 127
endeavours that he should share in the spending as much of her Lord's Fortune as their joint Interest could by any means obtain from him. But this was a Proposal to come in Course, after the first had met with a kind Reception. But his ill Success in that Point engaged his Rage as well as Policy, to leave no Means unattempted by which he could hope to pursue her to Destruction.
The Method most suitable to the Meanness of his Disposition, was bribing her Ladyship's Servant. But in this he was disappointed, for he found the Maid was not let into the Secret. The Lovers saw each other too frequently to have occasion for a Confidante. The first thing therefore that he resolved to attempt, was to make such an Assistant necessary.
In order to effect this Scheme, Capt. Drumond renewed, and even increased, his Assiduities to Lady Dellwyn, and contrived to place himself constantly at
her
Page 128
her Elbow; nor could the utmost Slights, or even almost Rudeness, from her, make him change his Purpose; by which means Lord Clermont sometimes should not be able for Two or Three Days together to utter one Syllable to her unheard.
This Impertinence produced the Consequence Capt. Drumond hoped from it. Lord Clermont found it necessary to use Pen and Ink to convey Sentiments which he used to whisper in the Lady's Ear; and this epistolary Correspondence converted Lady Dellwyn's Servant from an humble Attendant to an insolent Confidante.
The Bribe had been offered to the Maid before she had any Hopes of deserving it: But she very plainly proved that Opportunity alone was wanting; for she no sooner had the Power of betraying her Lady put into her Hands, than she resolved to make use of it; and whenever Capt. Drumond had by
this
Page 129
this Play reduced Lord Clermont to the Necessity of Writing, she carried the Letters immediately to the Captain, who imitated his Lordship's Hand (for he was skilful in every Requisite for Treachery and Deceit) so dexterously, as to impose on a Person who had had some little Acquaintance with it; which he had Reason to believe her Ladyship had not, because he knew the Maid had never before been so employed.
These Copies the Captain returned to the Maid to convey to her Lady; whilst he himself laid up the Originals, with as much Care as if they had been the Deeds of an Estate, resolving by their means to effectuate his own invidious Purpose.
He pursued this Method till he had got what was sufficient for his D sign; nor did it require any great Number, for the chief Purpose of them was to fix some Place of Meeting. The
same
Page 130
same Deceit was employed in respect to Lady Dellwyn's Answers; and by these Means he was furnished with all the Proof that he thought necessary.
No Consequence of Lady Dellwyn's criminal Vanity distressed her more than being thus put in the Power of her Servant. She saw both the Danger and the Meanness of such a Proceeding, and indeed felt it severely in the Insolence of the Person thus trusted. Nor could she have any reasonable Expectations of better Treatment. If her Servant had had any Sense of Virtue, she would not have been made an Instrument in carrying on a Correspondence, the visible Tendency of which must be so very contrary to all that could be called virtuous; and what could be hoped from one without Principle, but that she would tyrannically use the Power so ill-acquired?
Lady Dellwyn was so sensible of this Consequence, that nothing could have
prevailed
Page 131
prevailed with her to consent to such a Step; but Lord Clermont, presuming on the Privilege of a favoured Lover, had asked no such Permission. And the Servant gave her so plainly to understand how much she was in her Power after the first Letter she delivered her, that Lady Dellwyn perceived all future Care would be to no purpose; and therefore she did not forbid the Continuance of it. Besides, the Maid's Power was real, and not of her own Imagination; for her Lady now neither durst venture to turn her away or provoke her, for fear of a Discovery to her Lord, who she hoped was yet ignorant of her Conduct.
Fraught withl these valuable Materials for Mischief, when Capt. Drumond had fully awakened Lord Dellwyn's Jealousy, and excited in him a strong Desire for Proof, as convincing to a Court of Justice as his Suspicions were to himself, the Captain produced his Letters; which he accom-
panied
Page 132
accompanied with informing his Lordship of the infinite Labour he had been at to procure them; a Task which he protested nothing could have induced him to undertake, but his Desire of serving a Person to whom he was so entirely devoted, as on that Account even to prevail on himself to act contrary to that fair and open Method of dealing, which had hitherto been the constant Guide of his Practice.
Lord Dellwyn was as lavish in his Expressions of Gratitude, as the other was of Professions of his own Honour and Worth; not that he really believed a Man who was not capable of acting treacherously for himself, would be so kind as to do it for another; a Degree of Absurdity too great for any human Understanding to fall into; but his Lordship did not make this Part of the Captain's Discourse so much the Subject of his Consideration as either to give or withhold his Assent. He had now got into his Hands the Means
of
Page 133
of gratifying what was then the very uppermost Wish of his Heart, the Desire of an absolute Divorce from his Lady, and was too well pleased therewith to be delicate about the Method by which they were procured. He left that Consideration entirely to the Person to whom it indeed seemed chiefly to belong, to him who had carried through such a Transaction, in order to ingratiate himself with his Lordship.
Lady Dellwyn never imagined that her Lord would take any other Measures with her, than to part with her privately, without declaring his Reasons to the World; and she doubted not but that he had Generosity enough to support her in some degree in the Station to which he had raised her; and, if his Lordship had thought proper to have acted as she hoped, she knew that she should not greatly regret the Separation. But herein she was mistaken; for Lord Dellwyn declared his Resolution of instituting a Suit in
Doctors
Page 134
Doctors Commons. This indeed truly startled and terrified her. But still she hoped these were only vain Menaces, for she little imagined his Lordship had Materials to enable him to keep his Word. But he would not long leave her the Consolation of this fallacious Hope, acquainting her with the Proofs of which he was possessed.
This indeed was a Shock almost greater than her Frame could support. To submit to public Shame, and have her Name branded in a Court of Justice, were Circumstances too mortifying for her to think of with any tolerable Degree of Patience. She offered to comply with whatever Terms her Lord pleased. She prayed, wept, and intreated him to forego this Resolution. But Capt. Drumond's Revenge for her Scorn was not to be so satisfied. Her Susceptibility of Shame was the Delight of his Heart, as it supplied him with an Opportunity of mortifying her more thoroughly than he could possibly have
done
Page 135
done otherwise, had she been less tender in this Point; and there was no Probability that he would ever suffer my Lord to cool in his Purpose before it was put in Execution.
From the Moment that Lord Dellwyn had, by the Disappointment of his Hopes to obtain his Lady's Affections, opened his Eyes, and made the Discovery that it would have been a superior Degree of Wisdom not to have married Miss Lucum, a certain Degree of Indignation had insinuated itself into his Bosom against Mr. Lucum, his Lady's Father, for having been one Instrument of bringing on him his Misfortunes. Whenever Blame must fall on any one of the Parties engaged in a Transaction, every Individual carries about him a Battledore to strike the Shuttlecock from himself. This Indignation arose at length to such a Height, that it was painful to conceal it, and by degrees was very apparent to his Friend Capt. Drumond, who
kept
Page 136
kept a constant Watch over every Motion of his Mind, and was ever prepared to turn every new Incident to his own Advantage.
The Captain was not long before he recollected many Persons who, in their own Opinion, had very just Claims to the lucrative Employment of which, by Lord Dellwyn's Interest, Mr. Lucum was in present Possession; but fixed his Thoughts more particularly on one Gentleman, who was profuse in his Expences, and whose pecuniary Power was by no means answerable to his Desires. In such a Situation Capt. Drumond doubted not but that any Prospect of an additional Income would be very heartily welcomed. To this Gentleman therefore he contrived to convey an Intimation of the Terms on which he might probably supersede Mr. Lucum. The Bargain was soon finished; and thus Lord Dellwyn's Interest was bought and sold without his Knowlege; and the Captain never ceased
importuning
Page 137
importuning his Lordship till he had obtained his Consent for the Accomplishment of the Promise he made unknown to my Lord, to whom he only represented the Worth and Honour of the Gentleman he would recommend; to which, as Lord Dellwyn had no Acquaintance with him, he gave implicit Credit; for he was thoroughly convinced that Mr. Lucum, who had incurred his Displeasure, was now become perfectly unworthy of any future Favour.
The END of the THIRD BOOK.
Notes to Vol. 2, Book 3, Chapters 10-12
Notes for Chapter 10
Who would not …:
From Alexander Pope's "An Epistle to Arbuthnot" (pub. 1735). The blank line here is "Atticus" in Pope's poem, referring to Joseph Addison (writer, poet, playwright. Also, the founder of The Spectator), with whom Pope had political and literary disagreements.)
From Alexander Pope's "An Epistle to Arbuthnot" (pub. 1735). The blank line here is "Atticus" in Pope's poem, referring to Joseph Addison (writer, poet, playwright. Also, the founder of The Spectator), with whom Pope had political and literary disagreements.)
Within compass: Moderate space, moderation, due limits' (Johnson); esp. in within or out of compass : i.e. within or beyond the bounds of moderation. (OED)
Drops of eating water: From Tamerlane, a Tragedy, by Nicholas Rowe (writer & poet, appointed to Poet Laureate in 1715) (pub. 1702)
Masquerade: A ball at which the guests wear masks and other disguises, often of an elaborate or fantastic kind; a masked ball.)
Peevishness: Headstrong, obstinate; capricious (OED)
Notes for Chapter 11
That you, at such a time… : Cf. Shakespeare's Hamlet Act 1, Scene 5)
Labyrinths: A structure consisting of a number of intercommunicating passages arranged in bewildering complexity, through which it is difficult or impossible to find one's way without guidance; a maze. (OED)
Penetration: ((In this case) The action or capacity of penetrating something with the mind; keenness of perception or understanding; insight, acuteness, discernment. (OED)
Hypocrisy walks unseen by any but God himself: Cf. Milton’s “Paradise Lost” Book IV.
Sagacity: Acuteness of mental discernment; aptitude for investigation or discovery; keenness and soundness of judgement in the estimation of persons and conditions, and in the adaptation of means to ends; shrewdness. (OED)
I confess it is my …: Cf. Shakespeare's Othelo, Act 3, Scene 3
Vulgar: Persons belonging to the ordinary or common class in the community, esp. the uneducated or ignorant. (OED)
Emolument: Advantage, benefit, comfort. (OED)
Assiduities: According to the OED, constant attention to someone or what one is doing.
Epistolary: According to the OED, Origin, mid 17th century, French epistolaire or Latin epistolaris, from epistola. Relating to or denoting the writing of letters or literary works int he form of letters. During this time, the epistolary novel was popular.
Deeds of an Estate: Proof of ownership of property.
Invidious: According to the OED, of an action or situation likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others.
Ingratiate: According to the OED, to bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them. Origin, early 17th century, from Latin in gratiam 'into favor', on the pattern of obsolete Italian ingratiare, earlier form ofingraziare..
Battledore: According to the OED, a game played with a shuttlecock and rackets, a forerunner of badminton.
Pecuniary: According to the OED, of or relating to, consisting of money.
