Parts of this Hiſtory, he may paſs over theſe in which we profeſs to be laboriouſly dull, and begin the following Books, at the ſecond Chapter.
CHAP. II.
In which Mr. Jones receives many friendly Viſits during his Confinement; with ſome fine Touches of the Paſſion of Love, ſcarce viſible to the naked Eye.
Tom Jones had many Viſitors during his Confinement, tho’ ſome, perhaps, were not very agreeable to him. Mr. Allworthy ſaw him almoſt every Day; but tho’ he pitied Tom’s Sufferings, and greatly approved the gallant Behaviour which had occaſioned them, yet he thought this was a favourable Opportunity to bring him to a ſober Senſe of his indiſcreet Conduct; and that wholſome Advice for that Purpoſe, could never be applied at a more proper Seaſon than at the preſent; when the Mind was ſoftened by Pain and Sickneſs, and alarmed by Danger; and when its Attention was unembarraſſed with thoſe turbulent Paſſions, which engage us in that Purſuit of Pleaſure.
At
