The Adventures of Roderick Random

Fleeing the Elderly Governess’s Unwanted Affections

Encouraged by the possibility of meeting the young Miss Sparkle, the narrator’s temper grows more serene. He talks en cavalier and makes love to this antiquated coquette, who seems extremely happy and spreads all her allurements. Tea and sweetmeats are served before the matron withdraws, leaving the narrator alone with Miss Withers, who begins talking of matrimony with increasing impatience. Though she promises to invite him to her mistress’s apartment where he might converse with the charming ward, the moment she flies upon him and presses her skinny lips to his, the garlic she consumed that morning explodes with such force that human nature cannot endure the shock. The narrator loses all patience, snatches his hat and cane, and runs downstairs as if the devil pursued him. Strap, waiting with impatience, sees him arrive in utmost disorder and dares not inquire the cause. After washing his mouth and recruiting his spirits with wine, the narrator recounts every particular. Strap observes that it is a thousand pities his organs are so delicate as to be offended by garlic, reflecting on his own low birth. When the narrator suggests Strap retrieve his miscarriage, he leaves shaking his head.

Abandoning All Matrimonial Ambitions After the Failed Ruse

Whether the old gentlewoman resented the narrator’s abrupt departure so much that her love changed to disdain, or was ashamed to see him on account of her infirmity, is unknown. The narrator is never troubled again with her passion, and this catastrophic discovery banishes all thoughts of matrimony from his mind, concluding the chapter with his complete abandonment of matrimonial ambitions.

CHAPTER LI

Summary: Baffled in his matrimonial schemes, Roderick Random turns his attention to securing a government sinecure. Through Lords Straddle and Swillpot, he gains an introduction to Earl Strutwell, who receives him warmly and promises his influence with the minister. Roderick’s attempts to cultivate noble patrons lead to a series of encounters marked by false promises, bribery, and ultimately cruel disillusionment.

Seeking a Sinecure

After failing repeatedly in his attempts to marry for fortune, Roderick decides to pursue government employment instead. He cultivates the acquaintance of Lords Straddle and Swillpot, whose fathers possess influence at court. He accompanies them on midnight revelries and pays for their tavern dinners, hoping to leverage their connections. When Roderick reveals his desire for a sinecure position, both lords make grand promises—Swillpot pledges his service “by G—” while Straddle swears no man would be prouder to run his errands. When Roderick asks to meet their fathers directly, Swillpot admits he hasn’t spoken to his own father in three years, and Straddle explains his father has recently alienated the minister by subscribing to a parliamentary protest. Straddle offers instead to introduce Roderick to Earl Strutwell, who supposedly commands great influence with those who “rule the roast.” Roderick accepts gratefully and persists until Straddle finally keeps his word.

Introduction to Earl Strutwell

Straddle brings Roderick to Earl Strutwell’s levee, leaving him among a crowd of fellow-dependents while he receives a private audience. Soon afterward, Straddle returns with the earl, who takes Roderick’s hand and assures him of every possible service, inviting him to come often. Roderick is charmed by the earl’s reception and perceives sweetness and candor in his countenance, resolving to profit from this acquaintance. On his next visit, he receives a special smile, a squeeze of the hand, and a whispered invitation to private conversation. The earl asks him to come the next morning for chocolate, an invitation that flatters Roderick’s vanity immensely.

Bribing the Porter and Lacquey

At the appointed hour, Roderick arrives at the earl’s residence and knocks at the gate. The porter blocks his passage like soldiers defending a breach, answering surlily that his lord is not stirring. When Roderick asks when the earl typically rises, the porter closes the door by degrees, insisting he has received no orders about the matter. Recalling himself suddenly, Roderick slips a crown into the porter’s hand and begs him to inquire whether the earl is awake. The grim janitor relents at the touch of money, taking it with the indifference of a taxgatherer, and shows Roderick to a parlor. Within ten minutes, a lacquey enters and stares at him without speaking, prompting Roderick to ask his business. The servant makes the same reply and vanishes. Returning later on the pretense of poking the fire, the lacquey looks at Roderick with great earnestness until Roderick perceives his meaning and tips him with half-a-crown, requesting he announce Roderick to the earl. This bounty succeeds, and the lacquey conducts Roderick to a chamber where the earl receives him with great kindness.