It by no means follows, that he must wait for one or other of these
maladies to carry him off. Not at all; he may range at will through the
whole practice of physic, and adopt his choice. The registry only
goes to show, that he does not mean to sneak out of the world in any
under-bred way, nor bolt out of life with the abrupt precipitation of a
Frenchman after a dinner party. I have merely thrown out this hint here
as a warning to my many friends, and shall now proceed to other and more
pleasing topics.
A NUT FOR “TOURISTS.”
Among the many incongruities of that composite piece of architecture,
called John Bull, there is nothing more striking than the contrast
between his thorough nationality and his unbounded admiration for
foreigners. Now, although we may not entirely sympathize with, we can
understand and appreciate this feature of his character, and see how
he gratifies his very pride itself, in the attentions and civilities
he bestows upon strangers. The feeling is intelligible too, because
Frenchmen, Germans, and even Italians, notwithstanding the many points
of disparity between us, have always certain qualities well worthy of
respect, if not of imitation. France has a great literature, a name
glorious in history, a people abounding in intelligence, skill, and
invention; in fact, all the attributes that make up a great nation.
Germany has many of these, and though she lack the brilliant fancy, the
sparkling wit of her neighbour, has still a compensating fund in
the rich resources of her judgment, and the profound depths of her
scholarship. Indeed, every continental country has its lesson for
our benefit, and we would do well to cultivate the acquaintance of
strangers, not only to disseminate more just views of ourselves and our
institutions, but also for the adoption of such customs as seem worthy
of imitation, and such habits as may suit our condition in life;
while such is the case as regards those countries high in the scale
of civilisation, we would, by no means, extend the rule to others less
happily constituted, less benignly gifted. The Carinthian boor with his
garment of sheep-wool, or the Laplander with his snow shoes and his hood
of deerskin, may be both very natural objects of curiosity, but by no
means subjects of imitation. This point will doubtless be conceded at
once; and now, will any one tell me for what cause, under what pretence,
and with what pretext are we civil to the Yankees?--not for their
politeness, not for their literature, not for any fascination of
their manner, nor any charm of their address, not for any historic
association, not for any halo that the glorious past has thrown around
the commonplace monotony of the present, still less for any romantic
curiosity as to their lives and habits--for in this respect all other
savage nations far surpass them. What then is, or what can be the cause?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account