Puniſhment for his Sake, whereas he ought to have prevented it by making the Diſcovery himſelf.
When this Story became public, many People differed from Square and Thwackum, in judging the Conduct of the two Lads on the Occaſion. Maſter Blifil was generally called a ſneaking Raſcal, a poor-ſpirited Wretch; with other Epithets of the like Kind; whilſt Tom was honoured with the Appellations of a brave Lad, a jolly Dog, and an honeſt Fellow. Indeed his Behaviour to Black George much ingratiated him with all the Servants; for though that Fellow was before univerſally diſliked, yet he was no ſooner turned away than he was as univerſally pitied; and the Friendſhip and Gallantry of Tom Jones was celebrated by them all with the higheſt Applauſe; and they condemned Maſter Blifil, as openly as they durſt, without incurring the Danger of offending his Mother. For all this, however, poor Tom ſmarted in the Fleſh; for though Thwackum had been inhibited to exerciſe his Arm on the foregoing Account; yet, as the Proverb ſays, It is eaſy to find a Stick, &c. So was it eaſy to find a Rod; and, indeed, the not being able to find one was the only thing which could have keptThwackum
