The Fortunate Foundlings
Being The Genuine History Of Colonel M----Rs, And His Sister,
Madam Du P----Y, The Issue Of The Hon.
Ch----Es M----Rs,
Son Of The Late Duke Of R---- L----D. Containing Many Wonderful
Accidents That Befel Them in Their Travels, and Interspersed with
the Characters and Adventures of Several Persons of Condition,
In The Most Polite Courts Of Europe.
The Whole Calculated for
the Entertainment and Improvement of the Youth of Both Sexes.
by Eliza Fowler Haywood
LONDON:
M,DCC,XLIV.
THE
PREFACE.
The many Fictions which have been lately imposed upon the World, under
the specious Titles of Secret Histories, Memoirs, &c. &c. have given
but too much room to question the Veracity of every Thing that has the
least Tendency that way: We therefore think it highly necessary to
assure the Reader, that he will find nothing in the following Sheets,
but what has been collected from Original Letters, Private Memorandums,
and the Accounts we have been favoured with from the Mouths of
Persons too deeply concerned in many of the chief Transactions not to
be perfectly acquainted with the Truth, and of too much Honour and
Integrity to put any false Colours upon it.
The Adventures are not so long passed as to be wholly forgotten by
many Living Witnesses, nor yet so recent as to give any Reason to
suspect us of Flattery in the Relation given of them, the Motive of
their Publication being only to encourage Virtue in both Sexes, by
showing the Amiableness of it in real Characters. And if it be true
(as certainly it is) that Example has more Efficacy than Precept, we
may be bold to say there are few fairer, or more worthy Imitation. - The
Sons and Daughters of the greatest Families may give additional Lustre
to their Nobility, by forming themselves by the Model here presented to
them; and those of lower Extraction, attain Qualities to attone for what
they want in Birth: - So that we flatter ourselves this Undertaking will
not fail of receiving the Approbation of all who wish well to a
Reformation of Manners, and more especially those who have Youth under
their Care. - As for such who may take it up merely as an Amusement, it
is possible they will find something, which, by interesting their
Affections, may make them better without designing to be so. - Either way
will fully recompense the Pains taken in the compiling by
The EDITORS.
THE CONTENTS.
CHAP. I.
Contains the Manner in which a Gentleman found two Children: His
Benevolence towards them, and what kind of Affection he bore to them as
they grew up; with the Departure of one of them to the Army.
CHAP. II.
Relates the Offers made by Dorilaus to Louisa, and the Manner of her
receiving them.
CHAP. III.
Dorilaus continues his Importunities, with some unexpected Consequences
that attended them.
CHAP. IV.
Louisa becomes acquainted with a Lady of Quality, Part of whose
Adventures are also related, and goes to travel with her.
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