Moll Flanders
Excerpt
MY TRUE NAME is so well known in the records or registers at Newgate,
and in the Old Bailey, and there are some things of such consequence
still depending there, relating to my particular conduct, that it is not
to be expected I should set my name or the account of my family to this
work; perhaps, after my death, it may be better known; at present it
would not be proper, no, not though a general pardon should be issued,
even without exceptions and reserve of persons or crimes.
It is enough to tell you, that as some of my worst comrades, who are out
of the way of doing me harm (having gone out of the world by the steps
and the string as I often expected to go), knew me by the name of Moll
Flanders, so you may give me leave to speak of myself under that name
till I dare own who I have been, as well as who I am.
I have been told that in one of neighbour nations, whether it be in
France or where else I know not, they have an order from the king, that
when any criminal is condemned, either to die, or to the galleys, or to
be transported, if they leave any children, as such are generally
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