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The Adventures of Roderick Random | Progressive Dutch B1 Translation Books

The Adventures of Roderick Random | Progressive Dutch B1 Translation Books

Unlock the potential of this modern translation approach, designed to enhance your language learning experience. By allowing you to choose your difficulty level, it guarantees a personalized challenge that's suited to your progress. This method promotes comprehension by encouraging you to infer the meaning of new words from context, rather than relying heavily on direct translations. Though some translations are obscured to stimulate guessing, it's perfectly fine to consult a dictionary when needed. This technique combines challenge and support, making language learning fun and effective. Explore these translated classics to enjoy literature while advancing your language skills.

THEAUTHOR’SPREFACE
Ofallkindsofsatire,thereisnonesoentertaininganduniversallyimproving,asthatwhichis
geïntroduceerd
introduced,asitwereoccasionally,inthecourseofaninterestingstory,whichbringsevery
incident
incidenthometolife,andbyrepresentingfamiliarscenesinanuncommonandamusingpointofview,investsthemwithallthegracesofnovelty,whilenatureisappealedtoinevery
bijzonder
particular.
Thereadergratifieshiscuriosityinpursuingtheadventuresofapersoninwhosefavourheisprepossessed;
heespouseshiscause,hesympathiseswithhiminhisdistress,hisindignationisheatedagainsttheauthorsofhiscalamity:
thehumanepassionsareinflamed;
thecontrastbetweendejectedvirtueandinsulting
ondeugd
viceappearswithgreateraggravation,andeveryimpressionhavingadoubleforceonthe
verbeelding
imagination,thememoryretainsthecircumstance,andtheheartimprovesbythe
voorbeeld
example.
Theattentionisnottiredwithabarecatalogueofcharacters,butagreeablydivertedwithallthevarietyofinvention;
andthevicissitudesoflife
verschijnen
appearintheirpeculiarcircumstances,openinganamplefieldforwitandhumour.
Romance,nodoubt,owesitsorigintoignorance,vanity,andsuperstition.
InthedarkagesoftheWorld,whenamanhadrenderedhimselffamousforwisdomorvalour,hisfamilyandadherentsavailedthemselvesofhissuperiorqualities,magnifiedhisvirtues,andrepresentedhischaracterandpersonassacredandsupernatural.
Thevulgar
gemakkelijk
easilyswallowedthebait,imploredhis
bescherming
protection,andyieldedthetributeofhomageandpraise,eventoadoration;
hisexploitswerehandeddowntoposteritywithathousandexaggerations;
theywere
herhaald
repeatedasincitementstovirtue;
divinehonourswerepaid,andaltarserectedtohismemory,fortheencouragementofthosewho
probeerden
attemptedtoimitatehisexample;
andhencearosetheheathenmythology,whichisnootherthanacollectionofextravagantromances.
Aslearningadvanced,and
genie
geniusreceivedcultivation,thesestorieswereembellishedwiththegracesof
poëzie
poetry,thattheymightthebetterrecommendthemselvestotheattention;
theyweresunginpublic,atfestivals,fortheinstructionanddelightoftheaudience;
andrehearsedbefore
strijd
battle,asincentivestodeedsof
glorie
glory.
Thustragedyandtheepicmusewereborn,and,inthe
vooruitgang
progressoftaste,arrivedatperfection.
Itisnowonderthattheancientscouldnotrelishafableinprose,aftertheyhadseensomanyremarkableevents
gevierd
celebratedinversebytheirbestpoets;
we
daarom
thereforefindnoromanceamongthemduringtheeraoftheirexcellence,unlesstheCyropædiaofXenophonmaybesocalled;
anditwasnottillartsandsciencesbegantoreviveaftertheirruptionofthebarbariansinto
Europa
Europe,thatanythingofthiskind
verscheen
appeared.
Butwhenthemindsofmenweredebauchedbytheimpositionofpriestcrafttothemostabsurdpitchofcredulity,theauthorsofromancearose,andlosing
zicht
sightofprobability,filledtheirperformanceswiththemostmonstroushyperboles.
Iftheycouldnotequalthe
oude
ancientpoetsinpointof
genie
geniustheywereresolvedtoexceltheminfiction,andapplytothewonder,ratherthanthejudgment,oftheirreaders.
Accordingly,theybroughtnecromancytotheiraid,andinsteadofsupportingthecharacteroftheirheroesbydignityofsentimentandpractice,distinguishedthembytheirbodily
kracht
strength,activity,andextravaganceofbehaviour.
Althoughnothingcouldbemoreludicrousandunnaturalthanthefiguresthey
tekenden
drew,theydidnotwantpatronsandadmirers;
andtheworldactuallybegantobeinfectedwiththespiritofknight-errantry,whenCervantes,byaninimitablepieceofridicule,reformedthetasteofmankind,representingchivalryintherightpointofview,andconvertingromancetopurposesfarmoreusefulandentertaining,bymakingit
aannemen
assumethesock,andpointoutthefolliesof
gewone
ordinarylife.
ThesamemethodhasbeenpractisedbyotherSpanishandFrenchauthors,andbynonemoresuccessfullythanbyMonsieurLeSage,who,inhisAdventuresofGilBlas,hasdescribedtheknaveryandfoiblesoflife,withinfinitehumourandsagacity.
ThefollowingsheetsIhave
gemodelleerd
modelledonhisplan,takingmeliberty,however,todifferfromhimintheexecution,whereIthoughthisparticularsituationswereuncommon,extravagant,orpeculiartothecountryinwhichthesceneislaid.
ThedisgracesofGilBlasare,forthemostpart,suchasratherexcitemirththancompassion;
hehimselflaughsatthem;
andhistransitionsfromdistressto
geluk
happiness,oratleastease,areso
plotseling
sudden,thatneitherthereaderhastimeto
medelijden
pityhim,norhimselftobeacquaintedwithaffliction.
Thisconduct,inmyopinion,notonlydeviatesfromprobability,butpreventsthatgenerousindignation,whichoughttoanimatethereaderagainstthesordidandviciousdispositionoftheworld.
Ihave
geprobeerd
attemptedtorepresentmodestmerit
worstelt
strugglingwitheverydifficultytowhichafriendlessorphanisexposed,fromhisownwantofexperience,aswellasfromtheselfishness,envy,malice,andbaseindifferenceofmankind.
Tosecureafavourableprepossession,Ihaveallowedhimtheadvantagesof
geboorte
birthandeducation,whichinthe
reeks
seriesofhismisfortuneswill,Ihope,engagetheingenuousmorewarmlyinhisbehalf;
andthoughIforesee,thatsomepeoplewillbeoffendedatthemeanscenesinwhichheisinvolved,Ipersuademyselfthatthejudiciouswillnotonlyperceivethenecessityofdescribingthosesituationstowhichhemustofcoursebeconfined,inhislowestate,butalsofindentertainmentin
bekijken
viewingthosepartsoflife,wherethehumoursandpassionsareundisguisedbyaffectation,
ceremonie
ceremony,oreducation;
andthewhimsicalpeculiaritiesofdisposition
verschijnen
appearasnaturehasimplantedthem.
ButIbelieveIneednottroublemyselfinvindicatingapracticeauthorizedbythebestwritersinthisway,someofwhomIhavealreadynamed.
Everyintelligentreaderwill,atfirst
gezicht
sight,perceiveIhavenotdeviatedfromnatureinthefacts,whicharealltrueinthemain,althoughthecircumstancesarealteredanddisguised,to
vermijden
avoidpersonalsatire.
Itnow
blijft
remainstogivemyreasonsformakingthechiefpersonageofthisworkaNorthBriton,whicharechieflythese:
Icould,atasmallexpense,bestowonhimsuch
opvoeding
educationasIthoughtthedignityofhis
geboorte
birthandcharacterrequired,whichcouldnotpossiblybeobtainedinEngland,bysuchslendermeansasthenatureofmyplanwould
veroorloven
afford.
Inthenextplace,Icouldrepresentsimplicityofmannersinaremotepartofthe
koninkrijk
kingdom,withmoreproprietythaninanyplacenearthe
hoofdstad
capital;
andlastly,thedispositionoftheScots,addictedto
reizen
travelling,justifiesmyconductinderivinganadventurerfromthatcountry.
APOLOGUE
Ayoungpainter,indulgingaveinofpleasantry,sketchedakindof
gesprek
conversationpiece,representingabear,anowl,a
aap
monkey,andanass;
andtorenderitmorestriking,humorous,andmoral,distinguishedeveryfigurebysomeemblemofhumanlife.
Bruinwasexhibitedinthegarband
houding
attitudeofanold,toothless,drunken
soldaat
soldier;
theowlpercheduponthehandleofacoffee-pot,withspectacleonnose,seemedtocontemplatea
krant
newspaper;
andtheass,ornamentedwithahugetie-wig(which,however,couldnotconcealhislongears),satforhispicturetothe
aap
monkey,whoappearedwiththeimplementsof
schilderen
painting.
Thiswhimsicalgroupaffordedsomemirth,andmetwithgeneralapprobation,untilsomemischievouswaghintedthatthewhole—wasalampoonuponthefriendsoftheperformer;
aninsinuationwhichwasno
eerder
soonercirculatedthanthoseverypeoplewhoapplaudeditbeforebegantobealarmed,andeventofancythemselvessignifiedbytheseveralfiguresofthepiece.
Onder
Amongothers,aworthypersonageinyears,whohad
gediend
servedinthearmywith
reputatie
reputation,beingincensedatthesupposedoutrage,repairedtothelodgingofthepainter,andfindinghimathome,“Harkye,Mr.Monkey,”saidhe,“Ihaveagoodmindto
overtuigen
convinceyou,thatthoughthebearhaslosthisteeth,heretainshispaws,andthatheisnotsodrunkbuthecanperceiveyourimpertinence.”
“Sblood!
sir,thattoothlessjawisad—nedscandalouslibel—butdon’tyouimaginemesochopfallenasnottobeabletochewthecudofresentment.”
Herehewasinterruptedbythearrivalofalearnedphysician,who,advancingtotheculpritwithfuryinhisaspect,exclaimed,“Supposetheaugmentationoftheass’searsshouldprovethediminutionofthebaboon’s—nay,seeknottoprevaricate,for,bythebeardofAesculapius!
thereisnotonehairinthisperiwigthatwillnotstandupinjudgmenttoconvicttheeofpersonalabuse.
Dobutobserve,captain,howthispitifullittle
kerel
fellowhascopiedtheverycurls—thecolour,
inderdaad
indeed,isdifferent,butthentheformandforetoparequitesimilar.”
Whilehethusremonstratedinastrainofvociferation,avenerablesenatorentered,andwaddlinguptothedelinquent,“Jackanapes!”
criedhe,“IwillnowlettheeseeIcanreadsomethingelsethana
krant
newspaper,andthatwithoutthehelpofspectacles:
hereisyourownnoteofhand,sirrah,formoney,whichifIhadnotadvanced,youyourselfwouldhaveresembledanowl,innotdaringtoshowyourfacebyday,youungratefulslanderousknave!”
Invaintheastonishedpainterdeclaredthathehadnointentiontogiveoffence,ortocharacterise
bepaalde
particularpersons:
theyaffirmedtheresemblancewastoopalpabletobeoverlooked;
they
belastten
taxedhimwithinsolence,malice,andingratitude;
andtheirclamoursbeingoverheardbythepublic,thecaptainwasabear,thedoctoranass,andthesenatoranowl,tohisdyingday.
Christianreader,Ibeseechthee,inthebowelsoftheLord,rememberthis
voorbeeld
example“whilethouartemployedintheperusalofthefollowingsheets;
and
probeer
seeknottoappropriatetothyselfthatwhichequallybelongstofivehundreddifferentpeople.
Ifthoushouldstmeetwithacharacterthatreflectstheeinsomeungracious
bijzonder
particular,keepthyowncounsel;
CHAPTERI
Ofmy
Geboorte
BirthandParentage.
Iwasborninthenorthernpartofthis
verenigde
unitedkingdom,inthehouseofmy
grootvader
grandfather,agentlemanofconsiderable
fortuin
fortuneandinfluence,whohadonmanyoccasionssignalisedhimselfinbehalfofhiscountry;
andwasremarkableforhisabilitiesinthelaw,whichheexercisedwithgreat
succes
successinthestationofajudge,particularlyagainstbeggars,forwhomhehadasingularaversion.
Myfather(hisyoungestson)fallinginlovewithapoorrelation,wholivedwiththeoldgentlemaninqualityofahousekeeper,espousedherprivately;
andIwasthefirstfruitofthatmarriage.
Duringherpregnancy,adreamdiscomposedmymothersomuchthatherhusband,tiredwithherimportunity,atlastconsultedahighlandseer,whosefavourableinterpretationhewouldhavesecuredbeforehandbyabribe,butfoundhimincorruptible.
Shedreamedshewas
geleverd
deliveredofatennis-ball,whichthe
duivel
devil(who,tohergreatsurprise,actedthepartofamidwife)strucksoforciblywitharacketthatit
verdween
disappearedinaninstant;
andshewasforsometimeinconsolableforthelostofheroffspring;
when,allona
plotseling
sudden,shebehelditreturnwithequal
geweld
violence,andentertheearth,beneathherfeet,whenceimmediatelysprangupagoodlytreecoveredwithblossoms,thescentofwhichoperatedsostronglyonhernervesthatshe
ontwaakte
awoke.
Theattentivesage,aftersomedeliberation,assuredmyparents,thattheirfirstbornwouldbeagreattraveller;
thathewouldundergomanydangersanddifficulties,andatlastreturntohisnativeland,wherehewouldflourishin
geluk
happinessandreputation.
Howtrulythiswasforetoldwillappearinthesequel.
Itwasnotlongbeforesomeofficiouspersoninformedmy
grootvader
grandfatherofcertainfamiliaritiesthatpassedbetweenhissonandhousekeeperwhichalarmedhimsomuchthat,afewdaysafter,hetoldmyfatheritwashightimeforhimtothinkofsettling;
andthathehad
voorzien
providedamatchforhim,towhichhecouldinjusticehavenoobjections.
Myfather,findingitwouldbeimpossibletoconcealhissituationmuchlonger,franklyownedwhathehaddone;
andexcusedhimselffornothavingaskedtheconsentofhisfather,bysaying,heknewitwouldhavebeentonopurpose;
andthat,hadhisinclinationbeenknown,my
grootvader
grandfathermighthavetakensuchmeasuresaswouldhaveeffectuallyputthegratificationofitoutofhispower:
he
voegde
added,thatnoexceptionscouldbetakentohiswife’svirtue,
geboorte
birth,beauty,andgoodsense,andasfor
fortuin
fortune,itwasbeneathhiscare.
Theoldgentleman,whokeptallhispassions,exceptone,inexcellentorder,heardhimtoanendwithgreattemper,andthencalmlyasked,howheproposedtomaintainhimselfandspouse?
Hereplied,hecouldbeinnodangerofwantingwhilehisfather’stenderness
bleef
remained,whichheandhiswifeshouldalwayscultivatewiththeutmostveneration;
andhewaspersuadedhisallowancewouldbesuitabletothedignityandcircumstancesofhisfamily,andtotheprovisionalreadymadeforhisbrothersandsisters,whowerehappily
gevestigd
settledunderhisprotection.
“Yourbrothersandsisters,”saidmy
grootvader
grandfather,“didnotthinkitbeneaththemtoconsultmeinan
zaak
affairofsuchimportanceasmatrimony;
neither,Isuppose,wouldyouhaveomittedthatpieceofduty,hadyounotsomesecretfundinreserve;
tothecomfortsofwhichIleaveyou,witha
wens
desirethatyouwillthisnight
zoekt
seekoutanotherhabitationforyourselfandwife,whither,inashorttime,IwillsendyouanaccountoftheexpenseIhavebeenatinyour
opvoeding
education,withaviewofbeingreimbursed.
Sir,youhavemadethegrandtour—youareapolitegentleman—averyprettygentleman—Iwishyouagreatdealof
vreugde
joy,andamyourveryhumbleservant.”
Sosaying,heleftmyfatherinasituation
gemakkelijk
easilyimagined.
However,hedidnotlonghesitate;
for,beingperfectlywellacquaintedwithhisfather’sdisposition,hedidnotdoubtthathewasgladofthispretencetogetridofhim;
andhisresolvesbeingasinvariableasthelawsoftheMedesandPersians,heknewitwouldbetonopurposetoattempthimbyprayersandentreaties;
sowithoutanyfartherapplication,hebetookhimself,withhisdisconsolatebedfellowtoafarm-house,whereanoldservantofhismotherdwelt:
therethey
bleven
remainedsometimeinasituationbut
slecht
illadaptedtotheeleganceoftheirdesiresandtendernessoftheirlove;
whichneverthelessmyfatherchosetoendure,ratherthansupplicateanunnaturalandinflexibleparentbutmymother,foreseeingtheinconveniencestowhichshemusthavebeenexposed,hadshebeendeliveredinthisplace(andherpregnancywasveryfaradvanced),withoutcommunicatingherdesigntoherhusband,wentindisguisetothehouseofmy
grootvader
grandfather,hopingthathertearsand
toestand
conditionwouldmovehimtocompassion,andreconcilehimtoan
gebeurtenis
eventwhichwasnowirrecoverablypast.
Shefoundmeanstodeceivetheservants,andget
geïntroduceerd
introducedasanunfortunatelady,whowantedtocomplainofsomematrimonialgrievances,itbeingmygrandfather’sparticularprovincetodecideinallcasesofscandal.
Shewasaccordingly
toegelaten
admittedintohispresence,where,discoveringherself,shefellathisfeet,andinthemostaffectingmannerimploredhisforgiveness;
atthesametimerepresentingthedangerthatthreatenednotonlyherlife,butthatofhisowngrandchild,whichwasabouttoseethelight.
Hetoldherhewassorrythattheindiscretionofherandhissonhadcompelledhimtomakeavow,whichputitoutofhispowertogivethemanyassistance;
thathehadalreadyimpartedhisthoughtsonthat
onderwerp
subjecttoherhusband,andwassurprisedthattheyshoulddisturbhispeacewithanyfartherimportunity.
Thissaid,heretired.
The
geweld
violenceofmymother’safflictionhadsuchan
effect
effectonherconstitutionthatshewasimmediatelyseizedwiththepainsofchildbed;
andhadnotanoldmaidservant,towhomshewasverydear,affordedher
medelijden
pityandassistance,atthehazardofincurringmygrandfather’sdispleasure,sheandthe
onschuldige
innocentfruitofherwombmusthavefallenmiserablevictimstohisrigourandinhumanity.
Bythe
vriendschap
friendshipofthispoorwomanshewascarrieduptoagarret,andimmediatelydeliveredofamanchild,thestoryofwhoseunfortunate
geboorte
birthhehimselfnowrelates.
Myfather,beinginformedofwhathadhappened,flewtotheembracesofhisdarlingspouse,andwhileheloadedhisoffspringwithpaternalembraces,couldnotforbearsheddingafloodoftearsonbeholdingthedearpartnerofhisheart(forwhoseeasehewouldhavesacrificedthetreasuresoftheeast)stretcheduponaflockbed,ina
ellendig
miserableapartment,unabletoprotectherfromtheinclemenciesoftheweather.
Itisnottobesupposedthattheoldgentlemanwasignorantofwhatpassed,thoughheaffectedtoknownothingofthematter,andpretendedtobeverymuchsurprised,whenoneofhisgrandchildren,byhiseldestsondeceased,wholivedwithhimashisheirapparent,acquaintedhimwiththeaffair;
hedetermined
daarom
thereforetoobservenomedium,butimmediately(onthethirddayafterherdelivery)sentheraperemptoryordertobegone,andturnedofftheservantwhohadpreservedherlife.
Thisbehavioursoexasperatedmyfatherthathehadrecoursetothemostdreadfulimprecations;
andonhisbarekneesimploredthatHeavenwouldrenouncehimifeverheshouldforgetorforgivethebarbarityofhissire.
Theinjurieswhichthisunhappymother
ontving
receivedfromherremovalinsuchcircumstances,andthewantofnecessarieswhereshelodged,togetherwithhergriefandanxietyofmind,soonthrewherintoalanguishingdisorder,whichputanendtoherlife.
Myfather,wholovedhertenderly,wassoaffectedwithherdeaththathe
bleef
remainedsixweeksdeprivedofhissenses;
duringwhichtime,thepeoplewherehelodgedcarriedtheinfanttotheoldmanwhorelentedsofar,onhearingthemelancholystoryofhisdaughter-in-law’sdeath,andthedeplorable
toestand
conditionofhisson,astosendthechildto
verpleegster
nurse,andheorderedmyfathertobecarriedhometohishouse,wherehesoonrecoveredtheuseofhisreason.
Whetherthishardheartedjudgefeltanyremorseforhis
wrede
crueltreatmentofhissonanddaughter,or(whichismoreprobable)wasafraidhischaracterwould
lijden
sufferintheneighbourhood,heprofessedgreatsorrowforhisconducttomyfather,whosedeliriumwassucceededbyaprofoundmelancholyandreserve.
Atlengthhe
verdween
disappeared,and,notwithstandingallimaginableinquiry,couldnotbeheardof;
acircumstancewhichconfirmedmostpeopleintheopinionofhishavingmadeawaywithhimselfinafitofdespair.
CHAPTERII
Igrowup—amhatedbymyRelations—senttoSchool—neglectedbymyGrandfather—maltreatedbymyMaster—seasonedtoAdversity—IformCabalsagainstthePedant—amdebarred
Toegang
AccesstomyGrandfather—huntedbyhisHeir—IdemolishtheTeethofhisTutor.
Therewerenotwantingsomewhosuspectedmyunclesofbeing
bezorgd
concernedinmyfather’sfate,onthesuppositionthattheywouldallshareinthepatrimonydestinedforhim;
andthisconjecturewasstrengthenedbyreflectingthatinallhiscalamitiestheyneverdiscoveredtheleastinclinationto
dienen
servehim;
but,onthecontrary,byalltheartificesintheirpower,
voedden
fedhisresentmentandsupportedhisresolutionofleavinghimtomiseryandwant.
Butpeopleofjudgmenttreatedthisinsinuationasanidlechimera;
because,hadmyrelationsbeensowickedastoconsulttheirinterestby
plegen
committingsuchanatrociouscrime,the
lot
fateofmyfatherwouldhaveextendedtometoowhoselifewasanotherobstacletotheirexpectation.
Meanwhile,Igrewapace,andasIstronglyresembledmyfather,whowasthedarlingofthetenants,Iwantednothingwhichtheirindigentcircumstancescould
veroorloven
afford:
buttheirfavourwasa
zwakke
weakresourceagainstthejealousenmityofmycousins;
whothemoremyinfancypromised,conceivedthemoreimplacablehatredagainstme:
andbeforeIwassixyearsofage,hadsoeffectuallyblockadedmy
grootvader
grandfatherthatIneversawhimbutbystealth,whenIsometimesmadeuptohis
stoel
chairashesatto
bekijken
viewhislabourersinthefield:
onwhichoccasionhewouldstrokemyhead,bidmebeagoodboy,andpromisetotakecareofme.
Iwassoonaftersenttoschoolatavillagehardby,ofwhichhehadbeendictatortimeoutofmind;
butasheneverpaidformyboard,norsuppliedmewithclothes,books,andothernecessariesIrequired,my
toestand
conditionwasveryraggedandcontemptible,andtheschoolmaster,who,throughfearofmy
grootvader
grandfather,taughtmegratis,gavehimselfnoconcernaboutthe
vooruitgang
progressImadeunderhisinstruction.
Inspiteofallthesedifficultiesanddisgraces,IbecameagoodproficientintheLatintongue;
and,assoonasIcouldwritetolerably,pesteredmy
grootvader
grandfatherwithletterstosucha
mate
degreethathesentformymaster,andchidhimseverelyforbestowingsuchpainsonmy
opvoeding
education,tellinghimthat,ifeverIshouldbebroughttothegallowsforforgery,whichhehadtaughtmeto
begaan
commit,mybloodwouldlieonhishead.
Thepedant,whodreadednothingmorethanthedispleasureofhispatron,assuredhishonourthattheboy’sabilitywasmoreowingtohisown
genie
geniusandapplicationthantoanyinstructionorencouragementhe
ontving
received;
that,althoughhecouldnotdivesthimofthe
kennis
knowledgehehadalreadyimbibed,unlesshewouldempowerhimtodisablehisfingers,heshouldendeavour,withGod’shelp,topreventhisfutureimprovement.
And,indeed,hepunctuallyperformedwhathehadundertaken;
for,onpretencethatIhadwrittenimpertinentletterstomy
grootvader
grandfather,hecausedaboardtobemadewithfiveholesinit,throughwhichhethrustthefingersandthumbofmyrighthand,andfasteneditbywhipcordtomywrist,insuchamanneraseffectuallydebarredmetheuseofmy
pen
pen.
ButthisrestraintIwasfreedfrominafewdays,byanaccidentwhichhappenedinaquarrelbetweenmeandanotherboy;
who,takinguponhimtoinsultmypoverty,IwassoincensedathisungenerousreproachthatwithonestrokewithmymachineIcuthimtotheskull,tothegreatterrorofmyselfandschoolfellows,wholefthimbleedingontheground,andrantoinformthemasterofwhathadhappened.
Iwassoseverelypunishedforthistrespassthat,wereItolivetotheageofMethusalem,theimpressionitmadeonmewouldnotbeeffaced;
themorethantheantipathyandhorrorIconceivedforthemercilesstyrantwhoinflictedit.
Thecontemptwhichmyappearancenaturallyproducedinallwhosawme,thecontinualwantstowhichIwasexposed,andmyownhaughtydisposition,impatientofaffronts,involvedmeinathousandtroublesomeadventures,bywhichIwasatlengthinuredinadversity,andemboldenedtoundertakingsfarabovemyyears.
IwasofteninhumanlyscourgedforcrimesIdidnot
gepleegd
commit,because,havingthecharacterofavagabondinthevillage,everypieceofmischief,whoseauthorlay
onbekend
unknown,waschargeduponme.
Ihavebeenfound
schuldig
guiltyofrobbingorchardsIneverentered,ofkillingcatsInever
gejaagd
hunted,ofstealinggingerbreadInevertouched,andofabusingoldwomenIneversaw.
Nay,astammeringcarpenterhadeloquenceenoughtopersuademymasterthatIfiredapistol
geladen
loadedwithsmallshotintohiswindow;
thoughmylandladyandthewholefamilybore
getuigen
witnessthatIwasabedfastasleepatthetimewhenthisoutragewas
gepleegd
committed.
Iwasoncefloggedforhavingnarrowlyescapeddrowning,bythesinkingofaferryboatinwhichIwaspassenger.
Anothertime,forhavingrecoveredofabruiseoccasionedbyahorseandcartrunningoverme.
Athirdtime,forbeing
gebeten
bittenbyabaker’sdog.
Inshort,whetherIwas
schuldig
guiltyorunfortunate,thecorrectionandsympathyofthisarbitrarypedagoguewerethesame.
Farfrombeingsubduedbythisinformalusage,myindignationtriumphedoverthatslavishawewhichhadhithertoenforcedmyobedience;
andthemoremyyearsand
kennis
knowledgeincreased,themoreIperceivedtheinjusticeandbarbarityofhisbehaviour.
Bythehelpofanuncommon
genie
genius,andtheadviceanddirectionofourusher,whohad
gediend
servedmyfatherinhistravels,Imadeasurprising
vooruitgang
progressintheclassics,writing,andarithmetic;
sothat,beforeIwastwelveyearsold,Iwasallowedbyeverybodytobethebestscholarintheschool.
Thisqualification,togetherwiththeboldnessoftemperand
kracht
strengthofmakewhichhad
onderworpen
subjectedalmostallmycontemporaries,gavemesuchinfluenceoverthemthatIbegantoformcabalsagainstmypersecutor;
andwasinhopeof,beingabletobidhimdefianceinaveryshorttime.
Beingattheheadofafaction,consistingofthirtyboys,mostofthemofmyownage,Iwasdeterminedtoputtheirmettleto
proef
trial,thatImightknowhowfartheyweretobedependedupon,beforeIputmygrandschemeinexecution:
withthis
uitzicht
view,weattackedabodyofstoutapprentices,whohadtakenpossessionofapartofthegroundallottedtousfortheschemeofourdiversions,andwhowerethenplayingatninepinsonthespot;
butIhadthemortificationtoseemyadherentsroutedinaninstant,andalegofoneofthembrokeinhisflightbythe
schaal
bowl,whichoneofouradversarieshaddetachedinpursuitofus.
Thisdiscomfituredidnothinderusfromengagingthem
daarna
afterwardsinfrequentskirmishes,whichwemaintainedbythrowingstonesatadistance,whereinI
ontving
receivedmanywounds,thescarsofwhichstillremain.
Ourenemiesweresoharassedandinterruptedbythesealarmsthattheyatlastabandonedtheirconquest,andleftustothepeaceableenjoymentofourownterritories.
Itwouldbeendlesstoenumeratetheexploitsweperformedinthecourseofthisconfederacy,whichbecametheterrorofthewholevillage;
insomuchthat,whendifferentinterestsdividedit,oneofthepartiescommonlycourtedtheassistanceofRoderickRandom(bywhichnameIwasknown)tocastthe
balans
balance,andkeeptheoppositefactioninawe.
Meanwhile,Itooktheadvantageofeveryplay-daytopresentmyselfbeforemy
grootvader
grandfather,towhomIseldomfound
toegang
access,byreasonofhisbeingcloselybesiegedbyanumerousfamilyofhis
vrouwelijke
femalegrandchildren,who,thoughtheyperpetuallyquarrelledamongthemselves,never
faalde
failedtojoinagainstme,asthecommonenemyofall.
Hisheir,whowasabouttheageofeighteen,mindednothingbutfox-hunting,and
inderdaad
indeedwasqualifiedfornothingelse,notwithstandinghisgrandfather’sindulgenceinentertainingatutorforhimathome;
whoatthesametimeperformedtheofficeofparishclerk.
ThisyoungActaeon,whoinheritedhisgrandfather’santipathytoeverythingindistress,neversateyesonmewithoutuncouplinghisbeagles,and
jagen
huntingmeintosomecottageorother,whitherIgenerallyfledforshelter.
InthisChristianamusementhewasencouragedbyhispreceptor,who,nodoubt,tooksuchopportunitiestoingratiatehimselfwiththerisingsun,observing,thattheoldgentleman,accordingtothecourseofnature,hadnotlongtolive,forhewasalreadyonthevergeoffourscore.
CHAPTERIII
MyMother’sBrotherarrives—relievesme—aDescriptionofhim—hegoesalongwithmetotheHouseofmyGrandfather—isencounteredbyhisDogs—defeatsthem,afterabloodyEngagement—is
toegelaten
admittedtotheoldGentleman—aDialoguebetweenthem.
Aboutthistimemymother’sonlybrother,whohadbeenlongabroad,
luitenant
lieutenantofaman-of-war,arrivedinhisowncountry;
wherebeinginformedofmy
toestand
condition,hecametoseeme,andoutofhisslenderfinancesnotonlysuppliedmewithwhatnecessariesIwantedforthepresent,butresolvednottoleavethecountryuntilhehadprevailedonmy
grootvader
grandfathertosettlesomethinghandsomeforthefuture.
Thiswasatasktowhichhewasbynomeansequal,beingentirelyignorant,notonlyofthejudge’sdisposition,butalsoofthewaysofmeningeneral,towhichhis
opvoeding
educationonboardhadkepthimanutter
vreemde
stranger.
Hewasastrongbuiltman,somewhatbandylegged,withanecklikethatofa
stier
bull,andafacewhich(youmight
gemakkelijk
easilyperceive)hadwithstoodthemostobstinateassaultsofthe
weer
weather.
Hisdressconsistedofasoldier’scoatalteredforhimbytheship’stailor,astripedflanneljacket,a
paar
pairofredbreechesspannedwithpitch,cleangrayworstedstockings,largesilverbucklesthatcoveredthree-fourthsofhisshoes,asilver-laced
hoed
hat,whosecrownoverlookedthebrimsaboutaninchandahalf,blackbobwiginbuckle,acheckshirt,asilkhandkerchief,ahanger,withabrasshandle,girdedtohisthighbyafurnishedlacebelt,andagoodoakplantunderhisarm.
Thusequipped,hesetoutwithme(whobyhisbountymadeavery
fatsoenlijke
decentappearance)formygrandfather’shouse,whereweweresalutedbyJowlerandCaesar,whommycousin,youngmaster,hadletlooseatourapproach.
Beingwellacquaintedwiththeinveteracyofthesecurs,Iwasabouttobetakemyselftomyheels,whenmyuncleseizedmewithonehand,brandishedhiscudgelwiththeother,andatoneblowlaidCaesarsprawlingontheground;
but,findinghimselfattackedatthesametimeintherearbyJowler,andfearingCaesarmightrecover,he
trok
drewhishanger,wheeledabout,andbyaluckystrokeseveredJowler’sheadfromhisbody.
Bythistime,theyoungfoxhunterandthreeservants,
gewapend
armedwithpitchforksandflails,werecometotheassistanceofthedogs,whomtheyfoundbreathlessuponthefield;
andmycousinwassoprovokedatthedeathofhisfavourites,thatheorderedhisattendantstoadvance,andtakevengeanceontheirexecutioner,whomheloadedwithallthe
vloeken
cursesandreproacheshisangercould
suggereren
suggest.
Uponwhichmyunclesteppedforwardswithanundauntedair,atthesightofwhosebloodyweaponshisantagonistsfellbackwithprecipitation,whenheaccostedtheir
leider
leaderthus:.
“Lookee,brother,yourdogshavingboardedmewithoutprovocation,whatIdidwasinmyowndefence.
Soyouhadbestbecivil,andletusshootahead,clearofyou.”
Whethertheyoungsquiremisinterpretedmyuncle’s
verlangen
desireofpeace,orwasenragedatthe
lot
fateofhishoundsbeyondhis
gebruikelijke
usualpitchofresolution,Iknownot;
buthesnatchedaflailfromoneofhisfollowers,andcameupwithashowofassaultingthe
luitenant
lieutenant,who,puttinghimselfinapostureofdefence,proceededthus:
“Lookee,youlubberlysonofaw—e,ifyoucomeathwartme,’wareyourgingerbreadwork.
I’llbefoulofyourquarter,d—nme.”
Thisdeclaration,followedbyaflourishofhishanger,seemedtocheckthe
vooruitgang
progressoftheyounggentleman’scholer,who,lookingbehindhim,perceivedhisattendantshadslunkintothehouse,shutthegate,andlefthimtodecidethecontentionbyhimself.
Hereaparleyensued,whichwas
geïntroduceerd
introducedbymycousin’sasking,“Whothedevilareyou?
Whatdoyouwant?
Somescoundrelofaseaman,Isuppose,whohasdesertedandturned
dief
thief.
Butdon’tthinkyoushallescape,sirrah—I’llhaveyouhang’d,youdog,Iwill.
Yourbloodshallpayforthatofmytwohounds,youragamuffin.
Iwouldnothavepartedwiththemtosaveyourwhole
generatie
generationfromthegallows,youruffian,you!”
“Noneofyourjaw,youswab—noneofyourjaw,”repliedmyuncle,“elseIshalltrimyourlaced
jasje
jacketforyou.
Ishallrubyoudownwithanoakentowel,myboy,Ishall.”
Sosaying,hesheathedhishanger,andgraspedhiscudgel.