 to resist him. She agreed, therefore, to
see Blifil, tho' she had scarce Spirits or Strength sufficient to utter her
Assent. Indeed, to give a peremptory Denial to a Father whom she so tenderly
loved, was no easy Task. Had this Circumstance been out of the Case, much less
Resolution than what she was really Mistress of, would, perhaps, have served
her; but it is no unusual Thing to ascribe those Actions entirely to Fear, which
are in a great Measure produced by Love.
    In Pursuance, therefore, of her Father's peremptory Command, Sophia now
admitted Mr. Blifil's Visit. Scenes, like this, when painted at large, afford,
as we have observed, very little Entertainment to the Reader. Here, therefore,
we shall strictly adhere to a Rule of Horace; by which Writers are directed to
pass over all those Matters, which they despair of placing in a shining Light. A
Rule, we conceive, of excellent Use as well to the Historian as to the Poet; and
which, if followed, must, at least, have this good Effect, that many a great
Evil (for so all great Books are called) would thus be reduced to a small one.
    It is possible the great Art used by Blifil at this Interview, would have
prevailed on Sophia to have made another Man in his Circumstances her Confident,
and to have revealed the whole Secret of her Heart to him; but she had
contracted so ill an Opinion of this young Gentleman, that she was resolved to
place no Confidence in him: For Simplicity, when set on its Guard, is often a
Match for Cunning. Her Behaviour to him, therefore, was entirely forced, and
indeed such as is generally prescribed to Virgins upon the second formal Visit
from one who is appointed for their Husband.
    But tho' Blifil declared himself to the Squire perfectly satisfied with his
Reception; yet that Gentleman, who in Company with his Sister had overheard all,
was not so well pleased. He resolved, in Pursuance of the Advice of the sage
Lady, to push Matters as forward as possible; and addressing himself to his
intended Son-in-Law in the hunting Phrase, he cry'd after a loud Holla, »Follow
her, Boy, follow her; run in, run in, that's it, Honeys. Dead, dead, dead. -
Never be bashful, nor stand shall I, shall I? - Allworthy and I can finish all
Matters between us this Afternoon, and let us ha' the Wedding To
