Pamela

Sir Peabody:     While the authentic version of Pamela⁹ would be extremely laborious for any child to read.  There are many authors who have been inspired by Pamela's extraordinary character and have produced several children’s stories based on her trials and tribulations.  Without Pamela we would not have the character Goody Two-Shoes^12.  Pamela’s success was in her education.  Pamela shaped her mind in virtue, deeming the respect of all and eventually leading her to a rise from poverty--or so it is interpreted in children’s stories.  Just like Pamela, Goody Two-Shoes had a love for knowledge.  When, at a young age, she was left an orphan without any person to care for her this love worked to her advantage.  She barrowed and read whatever book she could get hold of.  Eventually, she became so learned that she was able to lift herself from poverty by educating others.  Sir Charles Jones, a wealthy Squire appointed her school mistress.  Goody Two-Shoes’, also known as Margaret, talent for teaching was extraordinary.  Sir Charles was so taken by her skill and knowledge that he offered her his hand and took her as wife.  While Pamela may be too long or complicated for the understanding of a young child, the story of Goody Two-Shoes is comprehensible to all and should be read universally to demonstrate the importance of shaping one’s virtue and mind.

Lady Befuddled:     But Sir Peabody, my son Thomas is no girl, he is not interested in such matters as finding a husband.  Truly, you do not think Pamela or Goody Two-Shoes actually had any intention of learning for learning’s sake.  Why, the only reason a woman learns anything is to find a husband.

Sir Peabody:     Well, my dear, I wish only the enlightened Mary Wollstonecraft were here to counter your argument; but she is not and since I could by no means make an argument for women’s education with quite her success, I will not attempt it at all.  I will simply move on by saying, Pamela not only includes lessons for the young woman, but also the young man.  The character Mr. B-, a man of high nobility, takes several indecent turns in attempt to seduce Pamela.  Such action is non-virtuous and should not be replicated by any lad.  However, if examples of these turns are brought to a young man’s attention early on, it is likely that he will learn from them and not suffer them himself.  Hence, I pull off the shelf and hand to you now The History of Florella¹.  Lady Befuddled let the story of the dear Florella and the lord who loved her be a lesson and warning to your son Thomas.  May he forever stand guard against the pitfalls of desire.