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热 更新:2021-03-08 19:26 字数:9322
DICKORY CRONKE
DICKORY CRONKE
By Daniel Defoe
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DICKORY CRONKE
PREFACE
The formality of a preface to this little book might have been very well
omitted; if it were not to gratify the curiosity of some inquisitive people;
who; I foresee; will be apt to make objections against the reality of the
narrative。
Indeed the public has too often been imposed upon by fictitious stories;
and some of a very late date; so that I think myself obliged by the usual
respect which is paid to candid and impartial readers; to acquaint them; by
way of introduction; with what they are to expect; and what they may
depend upon; and yet with this caution too; that it is an indication of ill
nature or ill manners; if not both; to pry into a secret that is industriously
concealed。
However; that there may be nothing wanting on my part; I do hereby
assure the reader; that the papers from whence the following sheets were
extracted; are now in town; in the custody of a person of unquestionable
reputation; who; I will be bold to say; will not only be ready; but proud; to
produce them upon a good occasion; and that I think is as much
satisfaction as the nature of this case requires。
As to the performance; it can signify little now to make an apology
upon that account; any farther than this; that if the reader pleases he may
take notice that what he has now before him was collected from a large
bundle of papers; most of which were writ in shorthand; and very ill…
digested。 However; this may be relied upon; that though the language is
something altered; and now and then a word thrown in to help the
expression; yet strict care has been taken to speak the author's mind; and
keep as close as possible to the meaning of the original。 For the design; I
think there is nothing need be said in vindication of that。 Here is a dumb
philosopher introduced to a wicked and degenerate generation; as a proper
emblem of virtue and morality; and if the world could be persuaded to
look upon him with candour and impartiality; and then to copy after him;
the editor has gained his end; and would think himself sufficiently
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DICKORY CRONKE
recompensed for his present trouble。
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DICKORY CRONKE
PART I
Among the many strange and surprising events that help to fill the
accounts of this last century; I know none that merit more an entire credit;
or are more fit to be preserved and handed to posterity than those I am
now going to lay before the public。
Dickory Cronke; the subject of the following narrative; was born at a
little hamlet; near St。 Columb; in Cornwall; on the 29th of May; 1660;
being the day and year in which King Charles the Second was restored。
His parents were of mean extraction; but honest; industrious people; and
well beloved in their neighbourhood。 His father's chief business was to
work at the tin mines; his mother stayed at home to look after the children;
of which they had several living at the same time。 Our Dickory was the
youngest; and being but a sickly child; had always a double portion of her
care and tenderness。
It was upwards of three years before it was discovered that he was
born dumb; the knowledge of which at first gave his mother great
uneasiness; but finding soon after that he had his hearing; and all his other
senses to the greatest perfection; her grief began to abate; and she resolved
to have him brought up as well as their circumstances and his capacity
would permit。
As he grew; notwithstanding his want of speech; he every day gave
some instance of a ready genius; and a genius much superior to the
country children; insomuch that several gentlemen in the neighbourhood
took particular notice of him; and would often call him Restoration Dick;
and give him money; &c。
When he came to be eight years of age; his mother agreed with a
person in the next village; to teach him to read and write; both which; in a
very short time; he acquired to such perfection; especially the latter; that
he not only taught his own brothers and sisters; but likewise several young
men and women in the neighbourhood; which often brought him in small
sums; which he always laid out in such necessaries as he stood most in
need of。
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In this state he continued till he was about twenty; and then he began
to reflect how scandalous it was for a young man of his age and
circumstances to live idle at home; and so resolves to go with his father to
the mines; to try if he could get something towards the support of himself
and the family; but being of a tender constitution; and often sick; he soon
perceived that sort of business was too hard for him; so was forced to
return home and continue in his former station; upon which he grew
exceeding melancholy; which his mother observing; she comforted him in
the best manner she could; telling him that if it should please God to take
her away; she had something left in store for him; which would preserve
him against public want。
This kind assurance from a mother whom he so dearly loved gave him
some; though not an entire satisfaction; however; he resolves to acquiesce
under it till Providence should order something for him more to his
content and advantage; which; in a short time happened according to his
wish。 The manner was thus:…
One Mr。 Owen Parry; a Welsh gentleman of good repute; coming from
Bristol to Padstow; a little seaport in the county of Cornwall; near the
place where Dickory dwelt; and hearing much of this dumb man's
perfections; would needs have him sent for; and finding; by his significant
gestures and all outward appearances that he much exceeded the character
that the country gave of him; took a mighty liking to him; insomuch that
he told him; if he would go with him into Pembrokeshire; he would be
kind to him; and take care of him as long as he lived。
This kind and unexpected offer was so welcome to poor Dickory; that
without any farther consideration; he got a pen and ink and writ a note;
and in a very handsome and submissive manner returned him thanks for
his favour; assuring him he would do his best to continue and improve it;
and that he would be ready to wait upon him whenever he should be
pleased to command。
To shorten the account as much as possible; all things were concluded
to their mutual satisfaction; and in about a fortnight's time they set forward
for Wales; where Dickory; notwithstanding his dumbness; behaved himself
with so much diligence and affability; that he not only gained the love of
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the family where he lived; but of everybody round him。
In this station he continued till the death of his master; which happened
about twenty years afterwards; in all which time; as has been confirmed by
several of the family; he was never observed to be any ways disguised by
drinking; or to be guilty of any of the follies and irregularities incident to
servants in gentlemen's houses。 On the contrary; when he had any spare
time; his constant custom was to retire with some good book into a private
place within call; and there employ himself in reading; and then writing
down his observations upon what he read。
After the death of his master; whose loss afflicted him to the last
degree; one Mrs。 Mary Mordant; a gentlewoman of great virtue and piety;
and a very good fortune; took him into h