正文 IV. -- THAT SUCH A ONE SHOWS HIS BREEDING. -- THAT

A speech from the poorer sort of people, which always indicates that the party vituperated is a gentleman. The very fact which they deny, is that which galls and exasperates them to use this language. The forbearah which it is usually received, is a proof what interpretation the bystander sets upon it. Of a kin to this, and still less politic, are the phrases with which, in their street rhetoric, they ply one another mrossly -- He is a poor creature. -- He as not a rag to cover -- -- &c.; though this last, we fess, is more frequently applied by females to females. They do not perceive that the satire glances upon themselves. A poor man, of all things in the world, should not upbraid an antagonist with poverty. Are there no other topics -- as, to tell him his father was hanged -- his sister, &c. -- , without exposing a secret, which should be kept snug between them; and doing an affront to the order to which they have the honour equally to belong? All this while they do not see how the wealthier man stands by and laughs in his sleeve at both.

上一章目錄+書簽下一章