The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

160 TOBIAS SMOLLETT
‘Sir,
‘I could easily perceive from your looks, when I had the honour
to converse with you at Hatfield, that my character is not unknown
to you; and, I dare say, you won’t think it strange, that I should be
glad to change my present way of life, for any other honest occupa-
tion, let it be ever so humble, that will afford me bread in modera-
tion, and sleep in safety—Perhaps you may think I flatter, when
I say, that from the moment I was witness to your generous con-
cern in the cause of your servant, I conceived a particular esteem
and veneration for your person; and yet what I say is true. I should
think myself happy, if I could be admitted into your protection
and service, as house-steward, clerk, butler, or bailiff, for either of
which places I think myself tolerably well qualified; and, sure I
am, I should not be found deficient in gratitude and fidelity—At
the same time, I am very sensible how much you must deviate
from the common maxims of discretion, even in putting my pro-
fessions to the trial; but I don’t look upon you as a person that
thinks in the ordinary stile; and the delicacy of my situation, will,
I know, justify this address to a heart warmed with beneficence
and compassion—Understanding you are going pretty far north,
I shall take an opportunity to throw myself in your way again,
before you reach the borders of Scotland; and, I hope, by that time,
you will have taken into consideration, the truly distressful case of,
honoured sir,
your very humble,
and devoted servant,
EDWARD MARTIN’
The ’squire, having perused this letter, put it into my hand,
without saying a syllable; and when I had read it, we looked at each
other in silence. From a certain sparkling in his eyes, I discovered
there was more in his heart, than he cared to express with his
tongue, in favour of poor Martin; and this was precisely my own
feeling, which he did not fail to discern, by the same means of com-
munication—‘What shall we do (said he) to save this poor sinner
from the gallows, and make him a useful member of the common-
wealth? and yet the proverb says, Save a thief from the gallows,
and he’ll cut your throat.’ I told him, I really believed Martin was
capable of giving the proverb the lie; and that I should heartily