The History of the Adventures of Joseph Andrews and of His Friend Mr. Abraham Adams

Joseph sets course for Lady Booby’s country home, where his sweetheart Fanny Goodwill lives. Fanny has known Joseph since they were young, and they wanted to get married before Joseph left for London. However, Parson Adams advised them to wait a few years until they could save some money and begin a comfortable life together.

A storm forces Joseph to stop at an inn owned by a man named Timotheus. Another man arrives at the inn; Joseph recognizes him as the servant of one of Sir Thomas’s neighbors. After the storm ends the two men set out together.

Joseph’s friend reaches his destination at about two in the morning, so Joseph continues alone. Two men ambush him, demanding his money and clothes. Joseph, in his sweet nature, thinks the best of the thieves and asks for compassion, imploring them to leave him a few shillings and allow him to keep his clothing. When his request for mercy is rejected, he tries to defend himself but is outnumbered. The two thieves beat Joseph with sticks, strip him naked, and leave him for dead.

Just as Joseph is coming to, people pass by in a stagecoach and debate whether they should help him.