I talked in vain, the whole company joined with the academician, who _pour toute réponse_[32], said, “_C’est Mr. Pitt, qui sait raisonner, mais pour Mr. Fox il déclame joliment, voilà tout son talent. Vous me permetterez_ de savoir!” assuming a look of great dignity, “_parceque_ c’est moi _qui ai traduit ses discours._” So saying, he turned away, and soon after the company dispersed. Can I give you a stronger instance of the _taste_ and _justice_, with which the french pronounce on the merits of our authors, and public characters? If Shakspeare is not a poet, nor Mr. Fox an orator, where are we to look for examples of perfection? Thus it is on every subject in this country. The french suppose, that they understand english books, and english politics, much better than we do; and this is not the first lesson which I have received. I have often been contradicted on constitutional, as well as literary questions; and I have always found, that the company supported not the opinion of the native, whose local knowledge deserved some little credit, but the bold assertion of their countryman, who was generally believed and applauded, in proportion to the extravagance and singularity of the doctrine which he laid down. I forgot to mention, that great offence being taken at Mr. Fox’s remarks on the old government, a gentleman took great pains to persuade me, that _l’ancien régime_ was the freest constitution under the sun. You will not be surprised to hear, that he did not make me a convert to his opinion, and that I assured him, if such was a free government, I hoped it would be long, very long, before England should possess it. This evening’s entertainment gave me altogether but a very unfavourable opinion, both of french society, french taste, and french gallantry. There was no mirth, no general conversation, and scarcely any intercourse between the men and women. As to Mrs. ⸺, she was left to the uninterrupted enjoyment of her own thoughts, for no person took the trouble of addressing her. Her english dress, however, did not escape the criticism of the ladies; and my pronunciation was equally a source of amusement to the gentlemen. I shall only add, that if this be a specimen of french society, I may obtain much information at Paris; yet I shall certainly receive but little pleasure from my journey. I am, &c. LETTER VIII. Bonaparte.—The monthly review or parade in the court of the Thuilleries. Paris, december the 6th, 1801, (15 frimaire.) MY DEAR SIR, My curiosity is at last gratified. I have seen Bonaparte. You will readily conceive how much pleasure I felt to day, in beholding, for the first time, this extraordinary man, on whose single exertions the fate of France, and in many respects that of Europe, has for some time depended.