My nephew remarking that the Scots in general were
famous for their learning, he denied the imputation, and defied
him to prove it from their works -- 'The Scots (said he) have a
slight tincture of letters, with which they make a parade among
people who are more illiterate than themselves; but they may be
said to float on the surface of science, and they have made very
small advances in the useful arts.' 'At least (cried Tabby), all
the world allows that the Scots behaved gloriously in fighting
and conquering the savages of America.' 'I can assure you, madam,
you have been misinformed (replied the lieutenant); in that
continent the Scots did nothing more than their duty, nor was
there one corps in his majesty's service that distinguished
itself more than another. -- Those who affected to extol the Scots
for superior merit, were no friends to that nation.'
Though he himself made free with his countrymen, he would not
suffer any other person to glance a sarcasm at them with
impunity. One of the company chancing to mention lord B--'s
inglorious peace, the lieutenant immediately took up the cudgels
in his lordship's favour, and argued very strenuously to prove
that it was the most honourable and advantageous peace that
England had ever made since the foundation of the monarchy.
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