ſome Years before that Stage, or Period of Time, at which our Hiſtory is now arrived.
CHAP. V.
Containing Matter accommodated to every Taſte.
Parva leves capiunt Animos, ‘Small Things affect light Minds,’ was the Sentiment of a great Maſter of the Paſſion of Love. And certain it is, that from this Day Sophia began to have ſome little Kindneſs for Tom Jones, and no little Averſion for his Companion.
Many Accidents from time to time improved both theſe Paſſions in her Breaſt; which, without our recounting, the Reader may well conclude, from what we have before hinted of the different Tempers of theſe Lads, and how much the one ſuited with her own Inclinations more than the other. To ſay the Truth, Sophia, when very young, diſcerned that Tom, though an idle, thoughtleſs, rattling Raſcal, was no-body’s Enemy but his own; and that Maſter Blifil, though a prudent, diſcreet, ſober young Gentleman, was at the ſame Timeſtrongly
