Tom Jones

A swash-buckling adventure.

7 women, 5 men

NARRATOR/HENRY FIELDING

In another part of the house:

To paint their thoughts, is beyond my power. Their sensations, from their mutual silence, may be judged to be too big for their own utterance; and the misfortune is, only few in our audience have ever been enough in love to feel, by their own hearts, what past -at this time- in the hearts of these lovers.

TOM JONES

I see, madam, you are surprised- 

SOPHIA WESTERN

Surprised! Oh heavens! Indeed, I am surprised. I almost doubt whether you are really here.

TOM JONES

Oh! my Sophia, did you know the thousand torments I have suffered in this long, fruitless pursuit- 

SOPHIA WESTERN

Pursuit of whom? [recollecting herself, and assuming a reserved air] Hath Mr. Jones, then, any such important business with me?  

TOM JONES

O, my Sophia! I have business of a much superior kind. Thus, on my knees, let me ask your pardon. 

SOPHIA WESTERN

My pardon! Sure, sir, after what is past - you cannot expect - after what I have heard-! 

TOM JONES

O my Sophia! my only love! you cannot hate or despise me more for what passed at Upton than I do myself; but yet do me the justice to think that my heart was never unfaithful to you- 

SOPHIA WESTERN

Ha! 

TOM JONES

--though I despaired of possessing you, nay, almost of ever seeing you more— 

SOPHIA WESTERN

Why, Mr. Jones, do you take the trouble to make a defense where you are not accused-?  

TOM JONES

--I doted still on your charming idea, and could seriously love no other woman. 

SOPHIA WESTERN

--If I thought it worthwhile to accuse you, I have a charge of unpardonable nature indeed. 

TOM JONES

Believe me, my angel, I never have seen that lady from that day to this; and never intend or desire--! 

SOPHIA WESTERN

Could I have expected such treatment - from you?

TOM JONES

O my Sophia! Henceforth, never cast away a thought on such a wretch as I am. I am sure the most unworthy to win such a prize. If by that tender bosom, I were ever fortunate enough to win you, I would never submit to be the means of your ruin!

SOPHIA WESTERN [softening]

Sir, did not my duty to my father forbid me to follow my own inclinations- ruin with you would be more welcome to me than the most affluent fortune with any other man.