The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 12Fielding, Henry
General
The Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 12
Fielding, Henry
English literature -- 18th century
The mob now gave a huzza in my friend's favour, and sufficiently
upbraided his antagonist, who, they said, was well enough served for
affronting a gentleman.
Monsieur Bellair had on the beginning of the scuffle, while the enemy
lay on the ground, delivered his sword to one of the bystanders; which
person had unluckily walked off in the croud, without remembering to
restore it.
Upon this the mob raged violently, and swore vengeance against the
thief, if he could be discovered; but as this could not be done, he
was obliged at length to submit to the loss.
When we began to depart, several of our friends demanded of us
something to drink; but as we were more out of humour with the loss,
than pleased with the glory obtained, we could not be prevailed upon
to open our purses.
The company were incensed with this. We were saluted with the titles
of _Mounshire_, and other contemptuous appellations; several
missile weapons, such as dirt, &c., began likewise to play on us, and
we were both challenged to fight by several, who told my friend,
though he beat the drayman, he was not above half a man.
We then made the best of our way, and soon escaped into a
Hackney-coach.
Thus I have sent you a particular account of this voyage, from some
parts of which you may perhaps conclude, that the meanest rank of
people are in this country better provided for than their superiors;
and that the gentry, at least those of the lower class of that order,
fare full as well in other places: for, to say the truth, it appears
to me, that an Englishman in that station is liable to be opprest by
all above him, and insulted by all below him.
I am, &c.
THE END.
End of Project Gutenberg's Miscellanies, Volume 2, by Henry Fielding
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account