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"This observation, delivered with a profound sigh, made my heart throb with violence; a crowd of confused ideas rushed upon my imagination, which, while I endeavoured to unravel, my uncle perceived my absence of thought, and tapping me on the shoulder, said, "Oons! are you asleep, Rory!""

— Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Author

Smollett, Tobias (1721-1777)

Work Title

The Adventures of Roderick Random

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for J. Osborn

Date

1748

Metaphor

"This observation, delivered with a profound sigh, made my heart throb with violence; a crowd of confused ideas rushed upon my imagination, which, while I endeavoured to unravel, my uncle perceived my absence of thought, and tapping me on the shoulder, said, "Oons! are you asleep, Rory!""

Metaphor in Context

I was seized with an irresistible desire of knowing the particulars of his fate, and enjoyed not one hour of repose during the whole night, by reason of the eager conceptions that inspired me, with regard to history, which I resolved (if possible) to learn. --Next morning, while we were at breakfast, three mules richly caparisoned arrived, with a message from Don Rodriguez, desiring our company, and that of Don Antonio, at his house, which was situated about ten miles further up in the country. --I was pleased with this invitation, in consequence of which we mounted the mules which he had provided for us, and alighted at his house before noon. --Here we were splendidly entertained by the generous stranger, who still seemed to shew a particular regard for me, and after dinner, made me a present of a ring set with [Page 329] a beautiful amethyst, the production of that country, saying at the same time, that he was once blessed with a son, who, had he lived, would have been nearly of my age. This observation, delivered with a profound sigh, made my heart throb with violence; a crowd of confused ideas rushed upon my imagination, which, while I endeavoured to unravel, my uncle perceived my absence of thought, and tapping me on the shoulder, said, "Oons! are you asleep, Rory!" Before I had time to reply, Don Rodriguez, with an uncommon eagerness of voice and look, pronounced, "Pray, captain, what is the young gentleman's name?" --"His name (said my uncle) is Roderick Random." --"Gracious Powers!" (cried the stranger, starting up)--"And his mother's--His mother (answered the captain, amazed) was called Charlotte Bowling." -- "O bounteous heaven! (exclaimed Don Rodriguez, springing across the table, and clasping me in his arms) my son! my son! have I found thee again? do I hold thee in my embrace, after having lost and despaired of seeing thee, so long?" So saying, he fell upon my neck and wept aloud with joy; while the power of nature operating strongly in my breast, I was lost in rapture, and while he pressed me to his heart, let fall a shower of tears into his bosom. --His utterance was choaked up a good while, by the agitation of his soul; at length he broke out into "Mysterious Providence! --O my dear Charlotte! there yet remains a pledge of our love! and such a pledge!--so found! --O infinite goodness! let me adore thy all-wise decrees!" Having thus expressed himself, he kneeled upon the floor, lifted up his eyes [Page 330] and hands to heaven, and remained some minutes in a silent exstacy of devotion: I put myself in the same posture, adored the all-good Disposer in a prayer of mental thanksgiving; and when his ejaculation was ended, did homage to my father, and craved his parental blessing. He hugged me again with unutterable fondness, and having implored the protection of heaven upon my head, raised me from the ground, and presented me as his son to the company, who wept in concert over this affecting scene. --Among the rest my uncle did not fail of discovering the goodness and joy of his heart, albeit unused to the melting mood; he blubbered with great tenderness, and wringing my father's hand, cry'd, "Brother Random, I'm rejoiced to see you--God be praised for this happy meeting." --Don Rodriguez, understanding that he was his brother-in-law, embraced him affectionately, saying, "Are you my Charlotte's brother?--alas! unhappy Charlotte! --but why should I repine? we shall meet again, never more to part! --Brother, you are truly welcome --Dear son, I am transported with unspeakable joy! --This day is a jubilee--my friends and servants shall share my satisfaction."