G I L B L A S. 79
thoufand mortifying reflexions : I confidercd, that it ill became a young man, who has principles of honour, to live with fuch wicked wretches as Don Raphael and Lamela ; that if unluckily, one day, which may not be far off, a trick fhould mifearry, by which we ffiall fall into hands of juftice, I fliall be Ihameful- Jy punilhed with them as a thief, and undergo the moft infamous chaftifement. Thcfe images inceflantly occur to my fancy; and I own I have refolved, that I may no longer be an accomplice of their mifdemean- ours, to feparate from them forever. I don’t believe (continued he) that you will difapproveof my def^n.’* “ No, I’ll allure you, (anfwercd I) though you have feen me a£t the part of an alguazil, in the comedy of Samuel Simon, don’t imagine that thefe forts of pieces are to my tafte. I take heaven to witnefs, that while I played luch a fine part, I faid within myfelf, In faith, Mr. Gil Bias, if juftice fliould now come and leize you by the collar, you would richly deferve the falary which Ihe would bellow. I feel myfelf, therefore, no more difpofed than you, Signior Don Al- phonfo, to remain longer in fuch good company ; and if you will give me leave, I will accompany you. When the gentlemen return, we will demand our fhare of the finances, and to-morrow morning, or this very night, bid them an eternal adieu.”
The beautiful Seraphina’s lover approved of my propofai: t; Let us (faid he) get into Valencia, and embark for Italy, where we may engage in the Venetian fervicc. Is it not better to carry arms, than lead this bafe guilty life ? We ffiall even be in a con- tion to make a pretty good figure with the money which we have: not that I can ufe fuch ifl-gotten wealth without remorfe; but befides that I am compelled by neceflity, if ever I make the lcaft fortune in war, I fwcar that I will indemnify Samuel Simon.” I allured Don Alphonfo, that I entertained the fame fentiments; and, in ffiort, we refolved to leave our comrades next morning before day. We D 4 baa