 laying the
Foundation in previous Affection.
    Blifil indeed soon cured his Uncle of all Anger on the Score of Deceit, by
many Vows and Protestations that he had been deceived himself, with which the
many Declarations of Western very well tallied; but now to persuade Allworthy to
consent to the renewing his Addresses, was a Matter of such apparent Difficulty,
that the very Appearance was sufficient to have deterred a less enterprizing
Genius; but this young Gentleman so well knew his own Talents, that nothing
within the Province of Cunning, seemed to him hard to be atchieved.
    Here then he represented the Violence of his own Affection, and the Hopes of
subduing Aversion in the Lady by Perseverance. He begged that in an Affair on
which depended all his future Repose, he might at least be at Liberty to try all
fair Means for Success. Heaven forbid, he said, that he should ever think of
prevailing by any other than the most gentle Methods. »Besides, Sir,« said he,
»if they fail, you may then (which will be surely time enough) deny your
Consent.« He urged the great and eager Desire which Mr. Western had for the
Match, and lastly, he made great Use of the Name of Jones, to whom he imputed
all that had happened, and from whom, he said, to preserve so valuable a young
Lady was even an Act of Charity.
    All these Arguments were well seconded by Thwackum, who dwelt a little
stronger on the Authority of Parents than Mr. Blifil himself had done. He
ascribed the Measures which Mr. Blifil was desirous to take to Christian
Motives; »and though,« says he, »the good young Gentleman hath mentioned Charity
last, I am almost convinced it is his first and principal Consideration.«
    Square, possibly, had he been present, would have sung to the same Tune,
though in a different Key, and would have discovered much Moral Fitness in the
Proceeding; but he was now gone to Bath for the Recovery of his Health.
    Allworthy, though not without Reluctance, at last yielded to the Desires of
his Nephew. He said, he would accompany him to London, where he might be at
Liberty to use every honest Endeavour to gain the Lady: »But I declare,« said
he, »I will never give my Consent to any absolute Force being put on her
Inclinations, nor shall you ever have her, unless she can be brought freely to
Compliance.«
    Thus did the Affection of Allworthy for his Nephew, betray the superiour
Understanding to be triumphed over by the inferiour;
