' 'Yes (replied Quin, laughing); and a
headake into the bargain, if you drink fair.' I made use of this
introduction to Mr C--, who received me with open arms, and gave
me the rendezvous, according to the cartel. He had provided a
company of jolly fellows, among whom I found myself extremely
happy; and did Mr C-- and Quin all the justice in my power; but,
alas, I was no more than a tiro among a troop of veterans, who
had compassion upon my youth and conveyed me home in the morning
by what means I know not -- Quin was mistaken, however, as to the
head-ake; the claret was too good to treat me so roughly.
While Mr Bramble holds conferences with the graver literati of
the place, and our females are entertained at visits by the
Scotch ladies, who are the best and kindest creatures upon earth,
I pass my time among the bucks of Edinburgh; who, with a great
share of spirit and vivacity, have a certain shrewdness and self-
command that is not often found among their neighbours, in the
high-day of youth and exultation -- Not a hint escapes a Scotchman
that can be interpreted into offence by any individual in the
company; and national reflections are never heard -- In this
particular, I must own, we are both unjust and ungrateful to the
Scots; for, as far as I am able to judge, they have a real esteem
for the natives of South-Britain; and never mention our country,
but with expressions of regard -- Nevertheless, they are far from
being servile imitators of our modes and fashionable vices.
Pages:
381
382
383
384
385
386
387
388
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405