The Works of Henry Fielding - Edited by George Saintsbury in 12 Volumes $p Volume 12 by Henry Fielding
page 43 of 315 (13%)
page 43 of 315 (13%)
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with a full promising title-page at the head of it, printed on a good
paper and letter, the whole well bound and gilt, and I'll warrant its selling. You have the common error of authors, who think people buy books to read. No, no, books are only bought to furnish libraries, as pictures and glasses, and beds and chairs, are for other rooms. Look ye, sir, I don't like your title-page: however, to oblige a young beginner, I don't care if I do print it at my own expence. _Scare_. But pray, sir, at whose expence shall I eat? _Book_. At whose? Why, at mine, sir, at mine. I am as great a friend to learning as the Dutch are to trade: no one can want bread with me who will earn it; therefore, sir, if you please to take your seat at my table, here will be everything necessary provided for you: good milk porridge, very often twice a day, which is good wholesome food and proper for students; a translator too is what I want at present, my last being in Newgate for shop-lifting. The rogue had a trick of translating out of the shops as well as the languages. _Scare_. But I am afraid I am not qualified for a translator, for I understand no language but my own. _Book_. What, and translate Virgil? _Scare_. Alas! I translated him out of Dryden. _Book_. Lay by your hat, sir--lay by your hat, and take your seat immediately. Not qualified!--thou art as well versed in thy trade as if thou hadst laboured in my garret these ten years. Let me tell you, friend, you will have more occasion for invention than learning |
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