The Adventures of Roderick Random | Progressive Translation Books for Spanish B2 Learners

The Adventures of Roderick Random | Progressive Translation Books for Spanish B2 Learners

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,thereisnoneso
divertido
entertaining
anduniversallyimproving,asthatwhichisintroduced,asitwere
ocasionalmente
occasionally
,inthecourseofaninterestingstory,whichbringseveryincidenthometolife,andby
representar
representing
familiarscenesinanuncommonandamusingpointofview,
invierte
invests
themwithallthegracesof
novedad
novelty
,whilenatureisappealedtoineveryparticular.
The
lector
reader
gratifieshiscuriosityinpursuingtheadventuresofapersoninwhosefavourheisprepossessed;
heespouseshiscause,hesympathiseswithhiminhis
angustia
distress
,hisindignationisheatedagainsttheauthorsofhis
calamidad
calamity
:
thehumanepassionsareinflamed;
the
contraste
contrast
betweendejectedvirtueandinsultingviceappearswithgreateraggravation,andevery
impresión
impression
havingadoubleforceontheimagination,thememory
conserva
retains
thecircumstance,andtheheart
mejora
improves
bytheexample.
Theattentionisnottiredwitha
desnudo
bare
catalogueofcharacters,butagreeably
desvía
diverted
withallthevarietyofinvention;
andthevicissitudesoflifeappearintheirpeculiarcircumstances,openinganamplefieldfor
ingenio
wit
andhumour.
Romance,nodoubt,owesitsoriginto
ignorancia
ignorance
,vanity,andsuperstition.
InthedarkagesoftheWorld,whenamanhad
hecho
rendered
himselffamousforwisdomorvalour,hisfamilyandadherentsavailedthemselvesofhissuperiorqualities,magnifiedhisvirtues,and
representaban
represented
hischaracterandpersonassacredandsupernatural.
The
vulgar
vulgar
easilyswallowedthebait,
imploró
implored
hisprotection,andyieldedthetributeofhomageand
alabanza
praise
,eventoadoration;
hisexploitswerehandeddowntoposteritywithathousandexaggerations;
theywererepeatedasincitementsto
virtud
virtue
;
divinehonourswerepaid,andaltars
erigieron
erected
tohismemory,forthe
estímulo
encouragement
ofthosewhoattemptedto
imitar
imitate
hisexample;
andhence
surgió
arose
theheathenmythology,whichisnootherthana
colección
collection
ofextravagantromances.
Aslearningadvanced,andgeniusreceivedcultivation,thesestorieswereembellishedwiththegracesofpoetry,thattheymightthebetterrecommendthemselvestotheattention;
theyweresunginpublic,atfestivals,forthe
instrucción
instruction
anddelightoftheaudience;
andrehearsedbeforebattle,asincentivestodeedsofglory.
Thus
tragedia
tragedy
andtheepicmusewereborn,and,intheprogressoftaste,arrivedat
perfección
perfection
.
Itisnowonderthattheancientscouldnot
saborear
relish
afableinprose,aftertheyhadseensomanyremarkableeventscelebratedin
verso
verse
bytheirbestpoets;
wethereforefindnoromanceamongthemduringthe
era
era
oftheirexcellence,unlesstheCyropædiaofXenophonmaybesocalled;
anditwasnottillartsandsciencesbeganto
revivir
revive
aftertheirruptionofthebarbariansintoEurope,thatanythingofthiskindappeared.
Butwhenthemindsofmenweredebauchedbytheimpositionofpriestcrafttothemostabsurdpitchofcredulity,theauthorsofromance
surgieron
arose
,andlosingsightof
probabilidad
probability
,filledtheirperformanceswiththemostmonstroushyperboles.
Iftheycouldnot
igualar
equal
theancientpoetsinpointofgeniustheywereresolvedtoexcelthemin
ficción
fiction
,andapplytothewonder,ratherthanthe
juicio
judgment
,oftheirreaders.
Accordingly,theybroughtnecromancytotheir
ayuda
aid
,andinsteadofsupportingthecharacteroftheirheroesby
dignidad
dignity
ofsentimentandpractice,
distinguieron
distinguished
thembytheirbodilystrength,
actividad
activity
,andextravaganceofbehaviour.
Althoughnothingcouldbemore
ridículo
ludicrous
andunnaturalthanthefigurestheydrew,theydidnotwantpatronsandadmirers;
andtheworldactuallybegantobe
infectado
infected
withthespiritofknight-errantry,whenCervantes,byaninimitablepieceof
ridículo
ridicule
,reformedthetasteof
humanidad
mankind
,representingchivalryintherightpointofview,and
convirtiendo
converting
romancetopurposesfarmoreusefulandentertaining,bymakingitassumethe
calcetín
sock
,andpointoutthefolliesofordinarylife.
Thesame
método
method
hasbeenpractisedbyotherSpanishandFrenchauthors,andbynonemoresuccessfullythanbyMonsieurLeSage,who,inhisAdventuresofGilBlas,has
descrito
described
theknaveryandfoiblesoflife,with
infinito
infinite
humourandsagacity.
ThefollowingsheetsIhavemodelledonhisplan,takingme
libertad
liberty
,however,todifferfromhiminthe
ejecución
execution
,whereIthoughthisparticularsituationswereuncommon,extravagant,orpeculiartothecountryinwhichthesceneislaid.
ThedisgracesofGilBlasare,forthemostpart,suchasrather
excitar
excite
mirththancompassion;
hehimselflaughsatthem;
andhistransitionsfrom
angustia
distress
tohappiness,oratleast
facilidad
ease
,aresosudden,thatneitherthe
lector
reader
hastimetopityhim,norhimselftobeacquaintedwithaffliction.
This
conducta
conduct
,inmyopinion,notonlydeviatesfrom
probabilidad
probability
,butpreventsthatgenerousindignation,whichoughttoanimatethe
lector
reader
againstthesordidandvicious
disposición
disposition
oftheworld.
Ihaveattemptedto
representar
represent
modestmeritstrugglingwitheverydifficultytowhichafriendless
huérfano
orphan
isexposed,fromhisownwantofexperience,aswellasfromthe
egoísmo
selfishness
,envy,malice,andbase
indiferencia
indifference
ofmankind.
Tosecureafavourableprepossession,Ihaveallowedhimtheadvantagesofbirthandeducation,whichintheseriesofhismisfortuneswill,Ihope,
involucrarán
engage
theingenuousmorewarmlyinhis
nombre
behalf
;
andthoughIforesee,thatsomepeoplewillbe
ofenderán
offended
atthemeanscenesinwhichheisinvolved,I
convenzo
persuade
myselfthatthejudiciouswillnotonly
percibirá
perceive
thenecessityofdescribingthosesituationstowhichhemustofcoursebeconfined,inhislowestate,butalsofind
entretenimiento
entertainment
inviewingthosepartsoflife,wherethehumoursandpassionsareundisguisedbyaffectation,ceremony,oreducation;
andthewhimsicalpeculiaritiesof
disposición
disposition
appearasnaturehas
implantado
implanted
them.
ButIbelieveIneednottroublemyselfinvindicatingapracticeauthorizedbythebestwritersinthisway,someofwhomIhavealreadynamed.
Every
inteligente
intelligent
readerwill,atfirstsight,
percibirá
perceive
Ihavenotdeviatedfromnatureinthefacts,whicharealltrueinthemain,althoughthecircumstancesarealteredanddisguised,toavoidpersonalsatire.
ItnowremainstogivemyreasonsformakingthechiefpersonageofthisworkaNorthBriton,whicharechieflythese:
Icould,atasmallexpense,bestowonhimsucheducationasIthoughtthe
dignidad
dignity
ofhisbirthandcharacter
requería
required
,whichcouldnotpossiblybeobtainedinEngland,bysuchslendermeansasthenatureofmyplanwouldafford.
Inthenextplace,Icould
representar
represent
simplicityofmannersinaremotepartofthekingdom,withmoreproprietythaninanyplacenearthecapital;
andlastly,the
disposición
disposition
oftheScots,addictedtotravelling,
justifica
justifies
myconductinderivinganadventurerfromthatcountry.
APOLOGUE
Ayoung
pintor
painter
,indulgingaveinofpleasantry,sketchedakindofconversationpiece,
representaba
representing
abear,anowl,amonkey,andanass;
andtorenderitmorestriking,humorous,and
moral
moral
,distinguishedeveryfigurebysomeemblemofhumanlife.
Bruinwas
exhibido
exhibited
inthegarbandattitudeofanold,toothless,drunkensoldier;
the
búho
owl
percheduponthehandleofacoffee-pot,withspectacleonnose,seemedto
contemplar
contemplate
anewspaper;
andtheass,ornamentedwithahugetie-wig(which,however,couldnotconcealhislongears),satforhispicturetothemonkey,whoappearedwiththeimplementsofpainting.
Thiswhimsicalgroupaffordedsomemirth,andmetwithgeneralapprobation,untilsomemischievouswag
insinuó
hinted
thatthewhole—wasalampoonuponthefriendsofthe
intérprete
performer
;
aninsinuationwhichwasnosoonercirculatedthanthoseverypeoplewho
aplaudieron
applauded
itbeforebegantobealarmed,andeventofancythemselvessignifiedbytheseveralfiguresofthepiece.
Amongothers,aworthypersonageinyears,whohadservedinthearmywithreputation,beingincensedatthesupposed
ultraje
outrage
,repairedtothelodgingofthe
pintor
painter
,andfindinghimathome,“Harkye,Mr.Monkey,”saidhe,“Ihaveagoodmindtoconvinceyou,thatthoughthebearhaslosthisteeth,he
conserva
retains
hispaws,andthatheisnotsodrunkbuthecan
percibir
perceive
yourimpertinence.”
“Sblood!
sir,thattoothless
mandíbula
jaw
isad—nedscandalouslibel—butdon’tyouimaginemesochopfallenasnottobeableto
masticar
chew
thecudofresentment.”
Herehewas
interrumpido
interrupted
bythearrivalofalearned
médico
physician
,who,advancingtothe
culpable
culprit
withfuryinhisaspect,exclaimed,“Supposetheaugmentationoftheass’searsshouldprovethediminutionofthebaboon’s—nay,seeknottoprevaricate,for,bythebeardofAesculapius!
thereisnotonehairinthisperiwigthatwillnotstandupin
juicio
judgment
toconvicttheeofpersonal
abuso
abuse
.
Dobutobserve,captain,howthis
lamentable
pitiful
littlefellowhascopiedtheverycurls—the
color
colour
,indeed,isdifferent,butthentheformandforetoparequitesimilar.”
Whilehethusremonstratedina
tensión
strain
ofvociferation,avenerable
senador
senator
entered,andwaddlinguptothedelinquent,“Jackanapes!”
criedhe,“IwillnowlettheeseeIcanreadsomethingelsethananewspaper,andthatwithoutthehelpofspectacles:
hereisyourownnoteofhand,sirrah,formoney,whichifIhadnotadvanced,youyourselfwouldhave
parecido
resembled
anowl,innotdaringtoshowyourfacebyday,you
ingrato
ungrateful
slanderousknave!”
Invaintheastonished
pintor
painter
declaredthathehadno
intención
intention
togiveoffence,ortocharacteriseparticularpersons:
theyaffirmedthe
parecido
resemblance
wastoopalpabletobeoverlooked;
theytaxedhimwithinsolence,
malicia
malice
,andingratitude;
andtheirclamoursbeingoverheardbythepublic,thecaptainwasabear,thedoctoranass,andthe
senador
senator
anowl,tohisdyingday.
Christian
lector
reader
,Ibeseechthee,inthebowelsoftheLord,rememberthisexample“whilethouartemployedintheperusalofthefollowingsheets;
andseeknottoappropriatetothyselfthatwhich
igualmente
equally
belongstofivehundreddifferentpeople.
Ifthoushouldstmeetwithacharacterthat
refleja
reflects
theeinsomeungraciousparticular,keepthyowncounsel;
Capítulo
CHAPTER
I
OfmyBirthandParentage.
Iwasborninthe
norte
northern
partofthisunitedkingdom,inthehouseofmygrandfather,agentlemanof
considerable
considerable
fortuneandinfluence,whohadonmanyoccasionssignalisedhimselfin
nombre
behalf
ofhiscountry;
andwas
notable
remarkable
forhisabilitiesinthelaw,whichheexercisedwithgreatsuccessinthestationofajudge,
particularmente
particularly
againstbeggars,forwhomhehadasingularaversion.
Myfather(hisyoungestson)fallinginlovewithapoorrelation,wholivedwiththeoldgentlemaninqualityofahousekeeper,espousedherprivately;
andIwasthefirstfruitofthatmarriage.
Duringher
embarazo
pregnancy
,adreamdiscomposedmymothersomuchthatherhusband,tiredwithherimportunity,atlast
consultó
consulted
ahighlandseer,whosefavourable
interpretación
interpretation
hewouldhavesecuredbeforehandbya
soborno
bribe
,butfoundhimincorruptible.
Shedreamedshewasdeliveredofatennis-ball,whichthedevil(who,tohergreatsurprise,actedthepartofamidwife)strucksoforciblywitha
raqueta
racket
thatitdisappearedinan
instante
instant
;
andshewasforsometimeinconsolableforthelostofher
descendencia
offspring
;
when,allonasudden,she
vio
beheld
itreturnwithequalviolence,andentertheearth,
bajo
beneath
herfeet,whenceimmediatelysprangupagoodlytreecoveredwithblossoms,the
olor
scent
ofwhichoperatedso
fuertemente
strongly
onhernervesthatsheawoke.
The
atento
attentive
sage,aftersomedeliberation,
aseguró
assured
myparents,thattheirfirstbornwouldbeagreat
viajero
traveller
;
thathewouldundergomanydangersanddifficulties,andatlastreturntohis
natal
native
land,wherehewould
florecería
flourish
inhappinessandreputation.
Howtrulythiswasforetoldwillappearinthe
secuela
sequel
.
Itwasnotlongbeforesomeofficiouspersoninformedmygrandfatherofcertainfamiliaritiesthatpassedbetweenhissonandhousekeeperwhichalarmedhimsomuchthat,afewdaysafter,hetoldmyfatheritwashightimeforhimtothinkofsettling;
andthathehadprovidedamatchforhim,towhichhecouldinjusticehavenoobjections.
Myfather,findingitwouldbeimpossibletoconcealhissituationmuchlonger,
francamente
frankly
ownedwhathehaddone;
andexcusedhimselffornothavingaskedthe
consentimiento
consent
ofhisfather,bysaying,heknewitwouldhavebeentonopurpose;
andthat,hadhisinclinationbeenknown,mygrandfathermighthavetakensuchmeasuresaswouldhaveeffectuallyputthegratificationofitoutofhispower:
headded,thatnoexceptionscouldbetakentohiswife’s
virtud
virtue
,birth,beauty,andgoodsense,andasforfortune,itwasbeneathhiscare.
Theoldgentleman,whokeptallhispassions,exceptone,inexcellentorder,heardhimtoanendwithgreat
temperamento
temper
,andthencalmlyasked,howhe
proponía
proposed
tomaintainhimselfandspouse?
He
respondió
replied
,hecouldbeinnodangerofwantingwhilehisfather’s
ternura
tenderness
remained,whichheandhiswifeshouldalways
cultivar
cultivate
withtheutmostveneration;
andhewas
convencido
persuaded
hisallowancewouldbesuitabletothe
dignidad
dignity
andcircumstancesofhisfamily,andtotheprovisionalreadymadeforhisbrothersandsisters,whowere
felizmente
happily
settledunderhisprotection.
“Yourbrothersandsisters,”saidmygrandfather,“didnotthinkitbeneaththemtoconsultmeinanaffairofsuch
importancia
importance
asmatrimony;
neither,Isuppose,wouldyouhaveomittedthatpieceofduty,hadyounotsomesecret
fondo
fund
inreserve;
tothecomfortsofwhichIleaveyou,withadesirethatyouwillthisnightseekoutanotherhabitationforyourselfandwife,whither,inashorttime,Iwillsendyouanaccountofthe
gastos
expense
Ihavebeenatinyoureducation,withaviewofbeingreimbursed.
Sir,youhavemadethegrandtour—youarea
educado
polite
gentleman—averyprettygentleman—Iwishyouagreatdealofjoy,andamyourvery
humilde
humble
servant.”
Sosaying,heleftmyfatherinasituationeasilyimagined.
However,hedidnotlong
dudó
hesitate
;
for,beingperfectlywellacquaintedwithhisfather’s
disposición
disposition
,hedidnotdoubtthathewasgladofthispretencetogetridofhim;
andhisresolvesbeingasinvariableasthelawsoftheMedesandPersians,heknewitwouldbetonopurposetoattempthimbyprayersandentreaties;
sowithoutany
más
farther
application,hebetookhimself,withhisdisconsolatebedfellowtoa
granja
farm-house
,whereanoldservantofhismotherdwelt:
theretheyremainedsometimeinasituationbutilladaptedtothe
elegancia
elegance
oftheirdesiresand
ternura
tenderness
oftheirlove;
whichneverthelessmyfatherchosetoendure,ratherthansupplicateanunnaturalandinflexibleparentbutmymother,
previendo
foreseeing
theinconveniencestowhichshemusthavebeenexposed,hadshebeendeliveredinthisplace(andher
embarazo
pregnancy
wasveryfaradvanced),without
comunicar
communicating
herdesigntoherhusband,wentindisguisetothehouseofmygrandfather,hopingthathertearsandconditionwouldmovehimtocompassion,and
reconciliaran
reconcile
himtoaneventwhichwasnowirrecoverablypast.
Shefoundmeansto
engañar
deceive
theservants,andgetintroducedasanunfortunatelady,whowantedto
quejarse
complain
ofsomematrimonialgrievances,itbeingmygrandfather’sparticular
provincia
province
todecideinallcasesof
escándalo
scandal
.
Shewasaccordinglyadmittedintohispresence,where,discoveringherself,shefellathisfeet,andinthemostaffecting
manera
manner
imploredhisforgiveness;
atthesametime
representando
representing
thedangerthatthreatenednotonlyherlife,butthatofhisown
nieto
grandchild
,whichwasabouttoseethelight.
Hetoldherhewassorrythattheindiscretionofherandhissonhadcompelledhimtomakea
voto
vow
,whichputitoutofhispowertogivethemany
ayuda
assistance
;
thathehadalreadyimpartedhisthoughtsonthatsubjecttoherhusband,andwassurprisedthattheyshould
perturbar
disturb
hispeacewithanyfartherimportunity.
Thissaid,he
retiró
retired
.
Theviolenceofmymother’safflictionhadsuchaneffectonher
constitución
constitution
thatshewasimmediatelyseizedwiththepainsofchildbed;
andhadnotanoldmaidservant,towhomshewasverydear,affordedherpityand
ayuda
assistance
,atthehazardofincurringmygrandfather’sdispleasure,sheandtheinnocentfruitofher
vientre
womb
musthavefallenmiserablevictimstohisrigourandinhumanity.
Bythefriendshipofthispoorwomanshewascarrieduptoagarret,andimmediatelydeliveredofamanchild,thestoryofwhose
desafortunado
unfortunate
birthhehimselfnowrelates.
Myfather,beinginformedofwhathadhappened,flewtotheembracesofhisdarlingspouse,andwhileheloadedhis
descendencia
offspring
withpaternalembraces,couldnotforbearsheddinga
inundación
flood
oftearsonbeholdingthedearpartnerofhisheart(forwhose
facilidad
ease
hewouldhavesacrificedthetreasuresoftheeast)stretchedupona
rebaño
flock
bed,inamiserableapartment,
incapaz
unable
toprotectherfromtheinclemenciesoftheweather.
Itisnottobesupposedthattheoldgentlemanwas
ignorante
ignorant
ofwhatpassed,thoughheaffectedtoknownothingofthematter,andpretendedtobeverymuchsurprised,whenoneofhis
nietos
grandchildren
,byhiseldestsondeceased,wholivedwithhimashis
heredero
heir
apparent,acquaintedhimwiththeaffair;
he
decidió
determined
thereforetoobservenomedium,butimmediately(onthethirddayafterherdelivery)sentheraperemptoryordertobegone,andturnedoffthe
siervo
servant
whohadpreservedherlife.
Thisbehavioursoexasperatedmyfatherthathehadrecoursetothemostdreadfulimprecations;
andonhisbareknees
suplicó
implored
thatHeavenwouldrenouncehimifeverheshouldforgetorforgivethebarbarityofhissire.
Theinjurieswhichthisunhappymotherreceivedfromherremovalinsuchcircumstances,andthewantofnecessarieswhereshelodged,togetherwithher
dolor
grief
andanxietyofmind,soonthrewherintoalanguishing
desorden
disorder
,whichputanendtoherlife.
Myfather,wholovedhertenderly,wasso
afectado
affected
withherdeaththatheremainedsixweeks
privado
deprived
ofhissenses;
duringwhichtime,thepeoplewherehelodgedcarriedthe
bebé
infant
totheoldmanwhorelentedsofar,onhearingthemelancholystoryofhisdaughter-in-law’sdeath,andthedeplorableconditionofhisson,astosendthechildtonurse,andheorderedmyfathertobecarriedhometohishouse,wherehesoon
recuperó
recovered
theuseofhisreason.
Whetherthishardheartedjudgefeltany
remordimiento
remorse
forhiscrueltreatmentofhissonanddaughter,or(whichismoreprobable)wasafraidhischaracterwouldsufferintheneighbourhood,heprofessedgreatsorrowforhis
conducta
conduct
tomyfather,whosedeliriumwassucceededbyaprofound
melancolía
melancholy
andreserve.
Atlengthhedisappeared,and,notwithstandingallimaginable
investigación
inquiry
,couldnotbeheardof;
a
circunstancia
circumstance
whichconfirmedmostpeopleintheopinionofhishavingmadeawaywithhimselfinafitof
desesperación
despair
.
CHAPTERII
Igrowup—amhatedbymyRelations—senttoSchool—neglectedbymyGrandfather—maltreatedbymyMaster—seasonedtoAdversity—IformCabalsagainstthePedant—amdebarredAccesstomyGrandfather—huntedbyhisHeir—I
derribo
demolish
theTeethofhis
Tutor
Tutor
.
Therewerenotwantingsomewhosuspectedmyunclesofbeingconcernedinmyfather’sfate,onthesuppositionthattheywouldallshareinthepatrimonydestinedforhim;
andthisconjecturewas
fortaleció
strengthened
byreflectingthatinallhiscalamitiestheynever
descubrieron
discovered
theleastinclinationtoservehim;
but,onthecontrary,byalltheartificesintheirpower,fedhis
resentimiento
resentment
andsupportedhisresolutionofleavinghimto
miseria
misery
andwant.
Butpeopleof
juicio
judgment
treatedthisinsinuationasan
ociosa
idle
chimera;
because,hadmyrelationsbeensowickedasto
consultar
consult
theirinterestbycommittingsuchanatrociouscrime,thefateofmyfatherwouldhave
extendido
extended
tometoowhoselifewasanother
obstáculo
obstacle
totheirexpectation.
Meanwhile,Igrewapace,andasIstrongly
parecía
resembled
myfather,whowasthedarlingofthetenants,Iwantednothingwhichtheirindigentcircumstancescouldafford:
buttheirfavourwasaweak
recurso
resource
againstthejealousenmityofmycousins;
whothemoremyinfancypromised,
concebía
conceived
themoreimplacablehatredagainstme:
andbeforeIwassixyearsofage,hadsoeffectuallyblockadedmygrandfatherthatIneversawhimbutbystealth,whenIsometimesmadeuptohischairashesattoviewhislabourersinthefield:
onwhichoccasionhewouldstrokemyhead,bidmebeagoodboy,andpromisetotakecareofme.
Iwassoonaftersenttoschoolatavillagehardby,ofwhichhehadbeen
dictador
dictator
timeoutofmind;
butasheneverpaidformyboard,nor
suministró
supplied
mewithclothes,books,andothernecessariesI
necesitaba
required
,myconditionwasveryraggedandcontemptible,andtheschoolmaster,who,throughfearofmygrandfather,taughtmegratis,gavehimselfnoconcernabouttheprogressImadeunderhis
instrucción
instruction
.
Inspiteofallthesedifficultiesanddisgraces,IbecameagoodproficientintheLatintongue;
and,assoonasIcouldwritetolerably,pesteredmygrandfatherwithletterstosuchadegreethathesentformymaster,andchidhim
severamente
severely
forbestowingsuchpainsonmyeducation,tellinghimthat,ifeverIshouldbebroughttothe
horca
gallows
forforgery,whichhehadtaughtmetocommit,mybloodwouldlieonhishead.
Thepedant,who
temía
dreaded
nothingmorethanthedispleasureofhis
patrón
patron
,assuredhishonourthattheboy’sabilitywasmoreowingtohisowngeniusand
aplicación
application
thantoanyinstructionor
estímulo
encouragement
hereceived;
that,althoughhecouldnotdivesthimoftheknowledgehehadalreadyimbibed,unlesshewouldempowerhimto
desactivar
disable
hisfingers,heshouldendeavour,withGod’shelp,to
evitar
prevent
hisfutureimprovement.
And,indeed,hepunctuallyperformedwhathehad
emprendido
undertaken
;
for,onpretencethatIhadwrittenimpertinentletterstomygrandfather,hecausedaboardtobemadewithfiveholesinit,throughwhichhethrustthefingersand
pulgar
thumb
ofmyrighthand,and
sujetó
fastened
itbywhipcordtomy
muñeca
wrist
,insuchamanneraseffectuallydebarredmetheuseofmypen.
Butthis
restricción
restraint
Iwasfreedfrominafewdays,byanaccidentwhichhappenedina
pelea
quarrel
betweenmeandanotherboy;
who,takinguponhimto
insultar
insult
mypoverty,IwassoincensedathisungenerousreproachthatwithonestrokewithmymachineIcuthimtothe
cráneo
skull
,tothegreatterrorofmyselfandschoolfellows,wholefthimbleedingontheground,andrantoinformthemasterofwhathadhappened.
Iwasso
severamente
severely
punishedforthistrespassthat,wereItolivetotheageofMethusalem,the
impresión
impression
itmadeonmewouldnotbeeffaced;
themorethantheantipathyand
horror
horror
Iconceivedforthe
despiadado
merciless
tyrantwhoinflictedit.
The
desprecio
contempt
whichmyappearancenaturally
producía
produced
inallwhosawme,thecontinualwantstowhichIwas
expuesto
exposed
,andmyownhaughty
disposición
disposition
,impatientofaffronts,involvedmeinathousandtroublesomeadventures,bywhichIwasatlengthinuredin
adversidad
adversity
,andemboldenedtoundertakingsfarabovemyyears.
IwasofteninhumanlyscourgedforcrimesIdidnotcommit,because,havingthecharacterofavagabondinthevillage,everypieceofmischief,whose
autor
author
layunknown,waschargeduponme.
IhavebeenfoundguiltyofrobbingorchardsIneverentered,ofkillingcatsIneverhunted,ofstealinggingerbreadInevertouched,andofabusingoldwomenIneversaw.
Nay,astammering
carpintero
carpenter
hadeloquenceenoughto
persuadir
persuade
mymasterthatIfiredapistolloadedwithsmallshotintohiswindow;
thoughmylandladyandthewholefamilyborewitnessthatIwasabedfastasleepatthetimewhenthis
ultraje
outrage
wascommitted.
Iwasoncefloggedforhavingnarrowlyescapeddrowning,bythesinkingofa
ferry
ferry
boatinwhichIwas
pasajero
passenger
.
Anothertime,forhaving
recuperado
recovered
ofabruiseoccasionedbyahorseandcartrunningoverme.
Athirdtime,forbeingbittenbyabaker’sdog.
Inshort,whetherIwasguiltyor
desafortunado
unfortunate
,thecorrectionandsympathyofthis
arbitrario
arbitrary
pedagoguewerethesame.
Farfrombeingsubduedbythis
informal
informal
usage,myindignationtriumphedoverthatslavish
temor
awe
whichhadhithertoenforcedmy
obediencia
obedience
;
andthemoremyyearsandknowledgeincreased,themoreI
percibía
perceived
theinjusticeandbarbarityofhisbehaviour.
Bythehelpofanuncommongenius,andtheadviceanddirectionofour
usher
usher
,whohadservedmyfatherinhistravels,Imadeasurprisingprogressinthe
clásicos
classics
,writing,andarithmetic;
sothat,beforeIwastwelveyearsold,Iwasallowedbyeverybodytobethebest
erudito
scholar
intheschool.
Thisqualification,togetherwiththeboldnessof
temperamento
temper
andstrengthofmakewhichhadsubjectedalmostallmycontemporaries,gavemesuch
influencia
influence
overthemthatIbegantoformcabalsagainstmypersecutor;
andwasinhopeof,beingabletobidhimdefianceinaveryshorttime.
Beingattheheadofa
facción
faction
,consistingofthirtyboys,mostofthemofmyownage,Iwas
decidido
determined
toputtheirmettletotrial,thatImightknowhowfartheyweretobedependedupon,beforeIputmygrand
plan
scheme
inexecution:
withthisview,weattackedabodyofstoutapprentices,whohadtaken
posesión
possession
ofapartofthegroundallottedtousforthe
esquema
scheme
ofourdiversions,andwhowerethenplayingatninepinsonthespot;
butIhadthemortificationtoseemyadherentsroutedinan
instante
instant
,andalegofoneofthembrokeinhisflightbythebowl,whichoneofouradversarieshaddetachedin
persecución
pursuit
ofus.
Thisdiscomfituredidnot
impidió
hinder
usfromengagingthemafterwardsin
frecuentes
frequent
skirmishes,whichwemaintainedbythrowingstonesatadistance,whereinIreceivedmanywounds,thescarsofwhichstillremain.
Ourenemiesweresoharassedandinterruptedbythesealarmsthattheyatlast
abandonaron
abandoned
theirconquest,andleftustothepeaceable
goce
enjoyment
ofourownterritories.
Itwouldbe
interminable
endless
toenumeratetheexploitsweperformedinthecourseofthisconfederacy,whichbecametheterrorofthewholevillage;
insomuchthat,whendifferentinterests
dividían
divided
it,oneoftheparties
comúnmente
commonly
courtedtheassistanceofRoderickRandom(bywhichnameIwasknown)tocastthebalance,andkeeptheopposite
facción
faction
inawe.
Meanwhile,Itooktheadvantageofeveryplay-daytopresentmyselfbeforemygrandfather,towhomI
rara vez
seldom
foundaccess,byreasonofhisbeing
estrechamente
closely
besiegedbyanumerousfamilyofhisfemalegrandchildren,who,thoughtheyperpetually
peleaban
quarrelled
amongthemselves,neverfailedtojoinagainstme,asthecommonenemyofall.
His
heredero
heir
,whowasabouttheageofeighteen,mindednothingbutfox-hunting,andindeedwas
calificado
qualified
fornothingelse,notwithstandinghisgrandfather’s
indulgencia
indulgence
inentertainingatutorforhimathome;
whoatthesametimeperformedtheofficeofparish
secretario
clerk
.
ThisyoungActaeon,who
heredó
inherited
hisgrandfather’santipathytoeverythingin
apuros
distress
,neversateyesonmewithoutuncouplinghisbeagles,andhuntingmeintosome
cabaña
cottage
orother,whitherI
generalmente
generally
fledforshelter.
InthisChristian
diversión
amusement
hewasencouragedbyhispreceptor,who,nodoubt,tooksuchopportunitiestoingratiatehimselfwiththerisingsun,
observando
observing
,thattheoldgentleman,accordingtothecourseofnature,hadnotlongtolive,forhewasalreadyonthe
borde
verge
offourscore.
CHAPTERIII
MyMother’sBrotherarrives—relievesme—a
Descripción
Description
ofhim—hegoesalongwithmetotheHouseofmyGrandfather—is
encuentra
encountered
byhisDogs—defeatsthem,afterabloodyEngagement—isadmittedtotheoldGentleman—a
Diálogo
Dialogue
betweenthem.
Aboutthistimemymother’sonlybrother,whohadbeenlong
extranjero
abroad
,lieutenantofaman-of-war,arrivedinhisowncountry;
wherebeinginformedofmycondition,hecametoseeme,andoutofhisslenderfinancesnotonly
suministró
supplied
mewithwhatnecessariesIwantedforthepresent,but
resolvió
resolved
nottoleavethecountryuntilhehadprevailedonmygrandfathertosettlesomethinghandsomeforthefuture.
Thiswasatasktowhichhewasbynomeansequal,beingentirely
ignorante
ignorant
,notonlyofthejudge’s
disposición
disposition
,butalsoofthewaysofmeningeneral,towhichhiseducationonboardhadkepthimanutterstranger.
Hewasastrongbuiltman,somewhatbandylegged,withanecklikethatofabull,andafacewhich(youmighteasilyperceive)had
resistido
withstood
themostobstinateassaultsoftheweather.
Hisdressconsistedofasoldier’scoat
alterado
altered
forhimbytheship’s
sastre
tailor
,astripedflanneljacket,apairofredbreechesspannedwithpitch,cleangrayworstedstockings,largesilverbucklesthatcoveredthree-fourthsofhisshoes,asilver-lacedhat,whose
corona
crown
overlookedthebrimsaboutan
pulgada
inch
andahalf,blackbobwigin
hebilla
buckle
,acheckshirt,asilk
pañuelo
handkerchief
,ahanger,witha
bronce
brass
handle,girdedtohis
muslo
thigh
byafurnishedlacebelt,andagoodoakplantunderhisarm.
Thusequipped,hesetoutwithme(whobyhis
generosidad
bounty
madeaverydecent
aparición
appearance)
formygrandfather’shouse,whereweweresalutedbyJowlerand
César
Caesar
,whommycousin,youngmaster,hadletlooseatourapproach.
Beingwellacquaintedwiththeinveteracyofthesecurs,Iwasabouttobetakemyselftomyheels,whenmyuncle
agarró
seized
mewithonehand,brandishedhiscudgelwiththeother,andatoneblowlaid
César
Caesar
sprawlingontheground;
but,findinghimselfattackedatthesametimeintherearbyJowler,andfearing
César
Caesar
mightrecover,hedrewhis
percha
hanger
,wheeledabout,andbyaluckystroke
cortó
severed
Jowler’sheadfromhisbody.
Bythistime,theyoungfoxhunterandthreeservants,armedwithpitchforksandflails,werecometothe
ayuda
assistance
ofthedogs,whomtheyfoundbreathlessuponthefield;
andmycousinwasso
provocado
provoked
atthedeathofhisfavourites,thatheorderedhisattendantstoadvance,andtakevengeanceontheir
verdugo
executioner
,whomheloadedwithallthecursesandreproacheshisangercouldsuggest.
Uponwhichmyunclesteppedforwardswithanundauntedair,atthesightofwhosebloodyweaponshisantagonistsfellbackwithprecipitation,whenheaccostedtheirleaderthus:.
“Lookee,brother,yourdogshavingboardedmewithout
provocación
provocation
,whatIdidwasinmyown
defensa
defence
.
Soyouhadbestbecivil,andletusshootahead,clearofyou.”
Whethertheyoung
escudero
squire
misinterpretedmyuncle’sdesireofpeace,orwasenragedatthefateofhishoundsbeyondhisusual
tono
pitch
ofresolution,Iknownot;
buthe
arrebató
snatched
aflailfromoneofhisfollowers,andcameupwithashowofassaultingthelieutenant,who,puttinghimselfina
postura
posture
ofdefence,proceededthus:
“Lookee,youlubberlysonofaw—e,ifyoucomeathwartme,’wareyourgingerbreadwork.
I’llbefoulofyourquarter,d—nme.”
This
declaración
declaration
,followedbyaflourishofhishanger,seemedtochecktheprogressoftheyounggentleman’scholer,who,lookingbehindhim,
percibió
perceived
hisattendantshadslunkintothehouse,shutthegate,andlefthimtodecidethecontentionbyhimself.
Hereaparleyensued,whichwasintroducedbymycousin’sasking,“Whothedevilareyou?
Whatdoyouwant?
Some
sinvergüenza
scoundrel
ofaseaman,Isuppose,whohasdesertedandturnedthief.
Butdon’tthinkyoushallescape,sirrah—I’llhaveyouhang’d,youdog,Iwill.
Yourbloodshallpayforthatofmytwohounds,youragamuffin.
Iwouldnothavepartedwiththemtosaveyourwholegenerationfromthe
horca
gallows
,youruffian,you!”
“Noneofyour
mandíbula
jaw
,youswab—noneofyourjaw,”
respondió
replied
myuncle,“elseIshalltrimyourlacedjacketforyou.
Ishall
frotaré
rub
youdownwithanoaken
toalla
towel
,myboy,Ishall.”
Sosaying,hesheathedhis
percha
hanger
,andgraspedhiscudgel.