Modern literature: a novel, Volume 2 (of 3)Bisset, Robert
General
Modern literature: a novel, Volume 2 (of 3)
Bisset, Robert
England -- Social life and customs -- 18th century -- Fiction
14. MEMOIRS of a FAMILY in SWISSERLAND, founded on Facts, In 4 volumes,
Price 14s. boards.
“This story has a claim to much more praise than it is in our power to
bestow on the greater part of the novels that come before us. There is
a great deal of virtuous sentiment breathed throughout the work; and
the youthful Gertrude is an amiable character.”
_Critical Rev. Oct,_ 1802.
Printed by A. Strahan, Printers-Street.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] A bathing-man under the west cliff, in great request among the fair.
[2] Meaning, perhaps, _toujours perdrix_.
[3] Miss Lacecap here uses a different word from many of her sister
novelists when expressing the same idea. With them the favourite
word is _error_. If a man seduces the sister, daughter, or wife of
his friend, that is an _error_. If a woman leaves her husband for a
gallant, the poor lady is in an _error_. Should a young lady, in the
elegant periphrasis of modern novels, be a mother without being a wife,
the unfortunate girl is in an _error_. However, I think Miss Lacecap’s
phrase of mistake may answer the purpose as well, and may also suit in
other kind affections as well as love. Should a person’s sentimental
susceptibility, instead of your wife or your daughter, fancy your purse
or your watch, and under the influence of too ardent passion, happen to
put his hand into your pocket, why not call this error a mistake? Or
should the same susceptibility be turned towards your cups and spoons,
and should its votary with two or three more as sentimental as himself,
pay your house a nocturnal visit and elope with the beloved objects,
why should not this error be called a _mistake_? Or if one should
happen to put another person’s name to a bill or bond instead of his
own, soft and sentimental phraseology may also call that a mistake.
Fielding has expressed it otherwise. For instance: We do not find that
Miss Maria Seagrim, the sentimental sensibility of whose heart had
betrayed her into error with Will Barns, Tom Jones, and Square the
philosopher, is even, by the eloquence of Parson Supple, exhibited
with such courtly circumlocution. See the chapter in which that worthy
clergyman informs Squire Western and Sophia of the state of the too
susceptible Maria, with the penetration and facetious remarks of the
squire on the occasion.
[4] See Castle Spectre, Cambrobritons, &c.
Corrections
The first line indicates the original, the second the correction.
p. viii (Table of Contents)
CHAP. XV. Page 113
CHAP. XV. Page 133
p. xi
Harlobothrumbo, a Tragedy,
Hurlobothrumbo, a Tragedy,
p. 21
on this delighful spot
on this delightful spot
p. 38
physics and metapyhsics, history
physics and metaphysics, history
p. 110
displays strong discrimination; he is a of naturally good intentions,
displays strong discrimination; he is of naturally good intentions,
p. 133
CHAPTER XVI.
CHAPTER XV.
p. 159
CHAPTER XVII.
CHAPTER XVI.
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