It was an unhappy fact, however, that America--or the United States--was not notable for its dignity in the early years of the nineteenth century; for the finest dignity, like charity, "is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly," whereas the new nation was very self-conscious; quickly irritated at foreign criticism, and uncomfortably aware of its own crudities in manner and defects in character. As far as foreign criticism was concerned, there were ample reasons for annoyance in America. Even as early as 1775 John Trumbull[4] had felt that it was hopeless to expect fair treatment at the hands of English reviewers, warning his friends Dwight and Barlow, Such men to charm could Homer's muse avail, Who read to cavil, and who write to rail; When ardent genius pours the bold sublime, Carp at the style, or nibble at the rhyme; and the mother country, after the Revolution and the War of 1812, was less inclined than before to deal in compliment. Man after man came over, Like Fearon, Ashe, and others we could mention; Who paid us friendly visits to abuse Our country, and find food for the reviews.[5] [4] Lines addressed to Messrs. Dwight and Barlow. [5] Fitzgreene Halleck, "Fanny," stanza lviii. Moreover, all the time that England was criticizing her runaway child, she was maddeningly complacent as to her own virtues. Americans could not strike back with any effect, because they could not make the English feel their blows. So they fretted and fumed for half a century, their discomfort finding its clearest expression in Lowell's lines[6]: She _is_ some punkins, thet I wun't deny (For ain't she some related to you 'n' I?) But there's a few small intrists here below Outside the counter o' John Bull an' Co, An' though they can't conceit how't should be so, I guess the Lord druv down Creation's spiles 'thout no _gret_ helpin' from the British Isles, An' could contrive to keep things pooty stiff Ef they withdrawed from business in a miff; I ha'n't no patience with sech swellin' fellers ez Think God can't forge 'thout them to blow the bellerses. [6] Mason and Slidell, ll. 155-165.