The Adventures of Roderick Random

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.

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.