I thanked him, and could not avoid being surprised at the present youthful change in his aspect; for at the time I had seen him before he appeared at least sixty.—‘Sir,’ answered he, you are little acquainted with the world; I had at that time false hair, and have learnt the art of counterfeiting every age from seventeen to seventy. Ah sir, had I but bestowed half the pains in learning a trade, that I have in learning to be a scoundrel, I might have been a rich man at this day. But rogue as I am, still I may be your friend, and that perhaps when you least expect it.’
We were now prevented from further conversation, by the arrival of the gaoler’s servants, who came to call over the prisoners names, and lock up for the night. A fellow also, with a bundle of straw for my bed attended, who led me along a dark narrow passage into a room paved like the common prison, and in one corner of this I spread my bed, and the cloaths given me by my fellow prisoner; which done, my conductor, who was civil enough, bade me a good-night. After my usual meditations, and having praised my heavenly corrector, I laid myself down and slept with the utmost tranquility till morning.
To be continued...
Go to The Vicar of Wakefield novel main page
The above article / story / poem is a copyright material and is published with the consent of the author. If you find any unauthorized content do let us know at
Chillzee is an entertainment website and all the content published here are for entertainment purpose only. Most of the content are fictional work and should be treated accordingly. Information on this website may contain errors or inaccuracies; we do not make warranty as to the correctness or reliability of the site's content. The views and comments expressed here are solely those of the author(s) in his/her (their) private capacity and do not in any way represent the views of the website and its management. We appreciate your high quality of listening to every point of view. Thank you.