Joseph Addison's Essays: Sir Roger at Home

First, if you want to read the story, you can here: page 1, page 2, page 3, page 4. It's a short, short story probably around 500-1000 words long.

Modern Day Soho Square (click to enlarge)

Who is Sir Roger?

Joseph introduces us to Sir Roger de Coverley in this essay, a beginning of many regarding this baronet. Not much is written about this character but what is known is that his grandfather invented a dance called, "Sir Roger de Coverley" otherwise known as the Virginia Reel. You can watch the dance on YouTube. They've danced this way many times in Jane Austen films.

Modern Day Soho Square (click to enlarge)

When in London, Sir Roger lived in Soho Square. He kept himself a bachelor because he was crossed in love by a widow in the next county over.

Notes from the Essay:

Addison comments on Roger's treatment of his servants. Commenting that all his servants have been with him for years, growing old with them. When Sir Roger comes home from London or elsewhere, the servants will go as far as crying over his return and disappointment over not being able to help him around the house.

Next, Addison talks about a companion of Sir Roger, a clergyman who is considered more of a "relation than a dependent" and who has lived with Sir Roger for over thirty years. The clergyman is a dispute settler and because of his wisdom, has kept peace among Sir Roger and his tenant. Sir Roger gave his clergyman and friend all the sermons he could find in English and so instead of the clergyman having to make his own, he could work on perfecting the delivery of them.

Addison remarks that he wished all clergymen would employ their time likewise. "This would not only be more easy to themselves, but more edifying to the people."