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lavengro-第182部分

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trust us with vehicles and horses; so that idea was laid aside。  We 

then debated as to whether or not he should go into the Church; but 

to go into the Church … at any rate to become a dean or bishop; 

which would have been our aim … it is necessary for a man to 

possess some education; and my master; although he had been at the 

best school in England; that is; the most expensive; and also at 

College; was almost totally illiterate; so we let the Church scheme 

follow that of the coach。  At last; bethinking me that he was 

tolerably glib at the tongue; as most people are who are addicted 

to the turf; also a great master of slang; remembering also that he 

had a crabbed old uncle; who had some borough interest; I proposed 

that he should get into the House; promising in one fortnight to 

qualify him to make a figure in it; by certain lessons which I 

would give him。  He consented; and during the next fortnight I did 

little else than give him lessons in elocution; following to a 

tittle the method of the great professor; which I had picked up; 

listening behind the door。  At the end of that period we paid a 

visit to his relation; an old gouty Tory; who at first received us 

very coolly。  My master; however; by flattering a predilection of 

his for Billy Pitt; soon won his affections so much that he 

promised to bring him into Parliament; and in less than a month was 

as good as his word。  My master; partly by his own qualifications; 

and partly by the assistance which he had derived; and still 

occasionally derived; from me; cut a wonderful figure in the House; 

and was speedily considered one of the most promising speakers; he 

was always a good hand at promising … he is at present; I believe; 

a Cabinet minister。



'But as he got up in the world he began to look down on me。  I 

believe he was ashamed of the obligation under which he lay to me; 

and at last; requiring no further hints as to oratory from a poor 

servant like me; he took an opportunity of quarrelling with me and 

discharging me。  However; as he had still some grace; he 

recommended me to a gentleman with whom; since he had attached 

himself to politics; he had formed an acquaintance; the editor of a 

grand Tory Review。  I lost caste terribly amongst the servants for 

entering the service of a person connected with a profession so 

mean as literature; and it was proposed at the Servants' Club; in 

Park Lane; to eject me from that society。  The proposition; 

however; was not carried into effect; and I was permitted to show 

myself among them; though few condescended to take much notice of 

me。  My master was one of the best men in the world; but also one 

of the most sensitive。  On his veracity being impugned by the 

editor of a newspaper; he called him out; and shot him through the 

arm。  Though servants are seldom admirers of their masters; I was a 

great admirer of mine; and eager to follow his example。  The day 

after the encounter; on my veracity being impugned by the servant 

of Lord C… in something I said in praise of my master; I determined 

to call him out; so I went into another room and wrote a challenge。  

But whom should I send it by?  Several servants to whom I applied 

refused to be the bearers of it; they said I had lost caste; and 

they could not think of going out with me。  At length the servant 

of the Duke of B… consented to take it; but he made me to 

understand that; though he went out with me; he did so merely 

because he despised the Whiggish principles of Lord C…'s servant; 

and that if I thought he intended to associate with me I should be 

mistaken。  Politics; I must tell you; at that time ran as high 

amongst the servants as the gentlemen; the servants; however; being 

almost invariably opposed to the politics of their respective 

masters; though both parties agreed in one point; the scouting of 

everything low and literary; though I think; of the two; the 

liberal or reform party were the most inveterate。  So he took my 

challenge; which was accepted; we went out; Lord C…'s servant being 

seconded by a reformado footman from the palace。  We fired three 

times without effect; but this affair lost me my place; my master 

on hearing it forthwith discharged me; he was; as I have said 

before; very sensitive; and he said this duel of mine was a parody 

of his own。  Being; however; one of the best men in the world; on 

his discharging me he made me a donation of twenty pounds。



'And it was well that he made me this present; for without it I 

should have been penniless; having contracted rather expensive 

habits during the time that I lived with the young baronet。  I now 

determined to visit my parents; whom I had not seen for years。  I 

found them in good health; and; after staying with them for two 

months; I returned again in the direction of town; walking; in 

order to see the country。  On the second day of my journey; not 

being used to such fatigue; I fell ill at a great inn on the north 

road; and there I continued for some weeks till I recovered; but by 

that time my money was entirely spent。  By living at the inn I had 

contracted an acquaintance with the master and the people; and 

become accustomed to inn life。  As I thought that I might find some 

difficulty in procuring any desirable situation in London; owing to 

my late connection with literature; I determined to remain where I 

was; provided my services would be accepted。  I offered them to the 

master; who; finding I knew something of horses; engaged me as a 

postilion。  I have remained there since。  You have now heard my 

story。



'Stay; you shan't say that I told my tale without a per … 

peroration。  What shall it be?  Oh; I remember something which will 

serve for one。  As I was driving my chaise some weeks ago; I saw 

standing at the gate of an avenue; which led up to an old mansion; 

a figure which I thought I recognised。  I looked at it attentively; 

and the figure; as I passed; looked at me; whether it remembered me 

I do not know; but I recognised the face it showed me full well。



'If it was not the identical face of the red…haired priest whom I 

had seen at Rome; may I catch cold!



'Young gentleman; I will now take a spell on your blanket … young 

lady; good…night。'










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