WILLIAM GODWIN

Caleb Williams

William Godwin, the son of a dissenting parson, was a man of remarkable gifts and the father of the poet Shelley’s second wife, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley (see Vol.  VII).  Born at Wisbeach, England, March 3, 1756, he served for five years, 1778-83, as a Nonconformist minister, and then going to London, joined the leading Whig circle of the day, and turned his attention to political writings.  His “Political Justice,” though little read to-day, had a great number of readers and considerable influence a hundred years ago.  “Things as They Are, or the Adventures of Caleb Williams,” published in 1794, has a philosophical significance, suggested by the falseness of the common code of morality, which is apt to be overlooked by many readers in the strong interest of the tale.  It is one of the few books of that period which may still be said to live.  It is quite the best of his novels.  “It raised Godwin’s reputation to a pinnacle,” according to contemporary criticism, though some of his other novels, notably “Fleetwood,” have been preferred for their descriptive writing.  He was an exceedingly industrious writer; essays, biography, political philosophy, and history all coming from his pen; but in spite of this and of his many distinguished friendships, Godwin was always in difficulties, which he bore with the becoming grace of a philosopher.  He died on April 7, 1836.

I.—­Mr. Falkland’s Secret

My life has for several years been a theatre of calamity.  My fairest prospects have been blasted.  My enemy has shown himself inaccessible to entreaties and untired in persecution.  I was born of humble parents, in a remote county of England.  Their occupations were such as usually fall to the lot of peasants, and they had no portion to give me.  I was taught the rudiments of no science, except reading, writing, and arithmetic.  But I had an inquisitive mind, and neglected no means of information from conversation or books.

The residence of my parents was within the manor of Ferdinando Falkland, a country squire of considerable opulence.  At an early age I attracted the favourable notice of Mr. Collins, this gentleman’s steward, who used to call in occasionally at my father’s.

In the summer of the year——­, Mr. Falkland visited his estate in our county after an absence of several months.  This was a period of misfortune to me.  I was then eighteen years of age.  My father lay dead in our cottage, and I had lost my mother some years before.  In this forlorn situation I received a message from the squire, ordering me to repair to the manor house.

My reception was as gracious and encouraging as I could possibly desire.  Mr. Falkland questioned me respecting my learning, and my conceptions of men and things, and listened to my answers with condescension and approbation.  He then informed me that he was in want of a secretary, and that if I approved of the employment he would take me into his house.