The Adventures of Roderick Random

Flattering Promises and Paternal Affection

After breakfast, the earl engages Roderick in conversation about his travels and examines his understanding at length. Roderick’s answers please him greatly; he squeezes Roderick’s hand frequently and assures him of his good offices with the ministry. The earl declares that young men of Roderick’s qualifications ought to be cherished by every administration and announces his maxim of encouraging merit. He offers Roderick the position of secretary to an embassy abroad, assuring him the business is done and he has such a place in view. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Roderick weeps and speaks of his own unworthiness and the earl’s benevolence. The earl catches him in his arms, hugs him, and kisses him with seemingly paternal affection. Confounded by this fondness for a stranger, Roderick rises and takes his leave, receiving assurances that the earl will speak to the minister that very day and instructions to visit three times weekly instead of attending the general levee.

Renewed Visit and Assured Success

Roderick determines to keep his prospects secret until success is certain. When he returns, the street door opens easily, though the valet-de-chambre casts furious looks at him. The earl greets him with a tender embrace and wishes him joy, explaining that he has succeeded with the Premier despite competition from two other noblemen. The minister has absolutely promised that Roderick shall go to a foreign court as secretary to an ambassador and plenipotentiary who will set out in a few weeks on affairs of vast importance to the nation. Roderick is thunderstruck with joy and kneels to kiss his benefactor’s hand, but the earl raises him up, presses him to his breast with emotion, and declares he has taken upon himself the care of making Roderick’s fortune. The earl makes light of this favor and changes the subject.

A Conversation about Petronius Arbiter

Among other topics, the conversation turns to literature, and the earl demonstrates great taste and erudition, showing intimate knowledge of classical authors. He produces Petronius Arbiter from his bosom, praising its elegance and spirit while acknowledging it may offend narrow minds. When Roderick condemns the author as lewd and indecent, the earl defends the work, citing ancient examples of the same inclinations and arguing that such passion prevails throughout the East and much of Europe, gaining ground in England. He claims it prevents the social problems of illegitimate children, the debauchery of maidens, and the prostitution of wives, besides being less harmful to health. He hints at “exquisite pleasure” as the ultimate motive. Roderick, suspecting the earl is testing whether he has acquired such tastes abroad, argues against the practice with great warmth, calling it unnatural, absurd, and of pernicious consequence. He recites satiric lines condemning it. The earl smiles and expresses satisfaction that their opinions conform, claiming his arguments were only designed to provoke Roderick’s response.

The Gift of the Watch

During the conversation, Roderick looks at his watch to regulate his movements, and the earl notices the chased case. Asking to examine it, the earl expresses admiration for its beauty and asks where he might obtain another. Considering his obligations to his patron, Roderick offers the watch as a token of gratitude, but the earl peremptorily refuses, saying he is sorry Roderick should entertain such a mercenary opinion of him. He notes it is the most beautiful piece of workmanship he has ever seen and asks about the maker. Roderick apologizes and explains he acquired it by chance in France with no maker’s name inside. He again humbly entreats the earl to accept it for his sake. The earl still refuses but thanks him for the generous offer, calling it a present no nobleman need be ashamed of receiving. He insists on knowing what it cost, offering to refund the money to show his disinterestedness. Roderick protests that accepting it would be a mark of distinction, and at last the earl is persuaded to put it in his pocket. Roderick takes his leave after receiving a squeeze of the hand and assurances to depend upon the earl’s promise.