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Smollett, Tobias George, 1721-1771

"The Expedition of Humphry Clinker"

For my part, I am very thankful
for the coarseness of my organs, being in no danger of ever
falling a sacrifice to the delicacy of my nose. Mr Bramble is
extravagantly delicate in all his sensations, both of soul and
body. I was informed by Dr Lewis, that he once fought a duel with
an officer of the horseguards, for turning aside to the Park-wall,
on a necessary occasion, when he was passing with a lady
under his protection. His blood rises at every instance of
insolence and cruelty, even where he himself is no way concerned;
and ingratitude makes his teeth chatter. On the other hand, the
recital of a generous, humane, or grateful action, never fails to
draw from him tears of approbation, which he is often greatly
distressed to conceal.
Yesterday, one Paunceford gave tea, on particular invitation --
This man, after having been long buffetted by adversity, went
abroad; and Fortune, resolved to make him amends for her former
coyness, set him all at once up to the very ears in affluence. He
has now emerged from obscurity, and blazes out in all the tinsel
of the times. I don't find that he is charged with any practices
that the law deems dishonest, or that his wealth has made him
arrogant and inaccessible; on the contrary, he takes great pains
to appear affable and gracious.


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