From Tom Jones by Henry Fielding (adapted slightly)


Mr. Jones was in reality one of the handsomest young fellows in the world. His face, besides being the picture of health, had in it the most apparent marks of sweetness and good-nature. These qualities were indeed so characteristical in his countenance, that while the spirit and sensibility in his eyes, though they must have been perceived by an accurate observer, might have escaped the notice of the less discerning, so strongly was this good-nature painted in his look, that it was remarked by almost every one who saw him.
     It was perhaps as much owing to this, as to a very fine complexion that his face had a delicacy in it almost inexpressible, and which might have given him an air rather too effeminate, had it not been joined to a most masculine person and mien; which latter had as much in him of the Hercules as the former had of the Adonis . . .
     Now Mrs. Waters and our hero had no sooner sat down together, than the former began to play the Artillery of Love upon the latter. But here, as we are about to attempt a description hitherto unessayed either in prose or verse, we think proper to invoke the assistance of certain aerial beings, who will, we doubt not, come kindly to our aid on this occasion.
     "Say then, ye graces, for you are truly divine and well know all the arts of charming, say, what were the weapons now used to captivate the heart of Mr. Jones."
     First, from two lovely blue eyes, whose bright orbs flashed lightning at their discharge, flew forth two pointed ogles. Immediately [following], the fair warrior drew forth a deadly sigh. A sigh, which one could not have heard unmoved, so soft, so sweet, so tender . . . Then the fair one hastily withdrew her eyes and leveled them downwards as if she was concerned for what she had done: though by this means she designed only to draw him from his guard, and indeed to open his eyes, through which she intended to surprise his heart. And now, gently lifting up those two bright orbs which had already begun to make an impression on poor Jones, she discharged a volley of small charms at once from her whole countenance in a smile. Not a smile of mirth or joy, but a smile of affection, which most ladies have always ready at their command, and which serves them to show at once their good-humor, their pretty dimples, and their white teeth.
     This smile our hero received full in his eyes, and was immediately staggered with its force. He then began to see the designs of the enemy, and indeed to feel their success. To confess the truth, Mr. Jones delivered up the garrison without duly weighing his allegiance to fair Sophia. In short, no sooner had the amorous parley ended, and the lady had unmasked the royal battery, by carelessly letting her handkerchief drip from her neck, than the heart of Mr. Jones was entirely taken, and the fair conqueror enjoyed the usual fruits of her victory.