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.
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