 she would never have another. Her Father chid
her for crying so for a foolish Bird; but could not help telling young Blifil,
if he was a Son of his, his Backside should be well flea'd.
    Sophia now returned to her Chamber, the two young Gentlemen were sent home,
and the rest of the Company returned to their Bottle; where a Conversation
ensued on the Subject of the Bird, so curious, that we think it deserves a
Chapter by itself.
 

                                   Chapter IV

Containing such very deep and grave Matters, that some Readers, perhaps, may not
                                   relish it.
 
Square had no sooner lighted his Pipe, than addressing himself to Allworthy, he
thus began: »Sir, I cannot help congratulating you on your Nephew; who, at an
Age when few Lads have any Ideas but of sensible Objects, is arrived at a
Capacity of distinguishing Right from Wrong. To confine any thing, seems to me
against the Law of Nature, by which every thing hath a Right to Liberty. These
were his Words; and the Impression hey have made on me is never to be
eradicated. Can any Man have a higher Notion of the Rule of Right, and the
Eternal Fitness of Things? I cannot help promising myself from such a Dawn, that
the Meridian of this Youth will be equal to that of either the elder or the
younger Brutus.«
    Here Thwackum hastily interrupted, and spilling some of his Wine, and
swallowing the rest with great Eagerness, answered, »From another Expression he
made use of, I hope he will resemble much better Men. The Law of Nature is a
Jargon of Words, which means nothing. I know not of any such Law, nor of any
Right which can be derived from it. To do as we would be done by, is indeed a
Christian Motive, as the Boy well expressed himself, and I am glad to find my
Instructions have born such good Fruit«.
    »If Vanity was a thing fit (says Square) I might indulge some on the same
Occasion; for whence only he can have learnt his Notions of Right or Wrong, I
think is pretty apparent. If there be no Law of Nature, there is no Right nor
Wrong.«
    »How! (says the Parson) do you then banish Revelation? Am I talking with a
Deist or an Atheist?«
    »Drink about, (says Western) Pox of your Laws of Nature. I don't know what
you mean either of you, by Right and Wrong. To take away my Girl's Bird was
wrong in my
