The Adventures of Roderick Random

Acceptance and Preparations

Piqued by his uncle’s insinuation that romantic notions are foolish fantasies fit only for pleasure-seeking idlers, the narrator accepts the offer without deliberation. Mr. Bowling takes him immediately to meet his chief owner where terms are agreed upon. The narrator draws up a medicine list for five hundred men adapted to tropical diseases for an eighteen-month voyage, procures surgical instruments, and selects two fellow countrymen as mates. His uncle gifts him ten guineas initially and later transfers one-third of the three thousand pounds cleared from his voyage, providing additional credit to purchase merchandise suited for their destination.

Farewell to Prison Friends

Before departing, the narrator throws a supper for Mr. Melopoyn and Jackson at his apartment, treating them to good wine and announcing his release, which they genuinely congratulate despite the loss of his company. He presents the poet Melopoyn with a bundle of linen and necessaries plus five guineas, causing the deeply moved man to burst into tears. When the narrator explains Melopoyn’s circumstances to Mr. Bowling, the honest seaman is so affected that he adds five more guineas, which the narrator has delivered anonymously through Strap after their departure. At the prison gate, Jackson, whose loose and indifferent nature the narrator finds difficult to pity, calls out for a parting loan. The narrator slips him a guinea, which Jackson receives with astonishment and hearty laughter before releasing the narrator to depart.

Farewell to Acquaintances

The narrator makes arrangements to bid farewell to his friends in another part of town where he had not ventured since his imprisonment. Donning his finest suit after selling other rich clothes per his uncle’s advice, he visits the coffee house where he encounters Banter. Banter is confounded by his elegant appearance and initially suspects him of having committed highway robbery. When the narrator demands repayment of the money Banter borrowed, the latter protests about insufficient notice but accepts a direction to a merchant who will accept payment and issue a discharge. The narrator sends cards inviting all friends to a tavern dinner, where he treats them elaborately, and they express both admiration and applause. He endures numerous farewells and affectionate embraces until midnight before departing.