LETTER XVII.
HarringtontoWorthy.
Boston.
OUR little party was overthrown by a strange piece of folley. A Miss P—— was introduced, a young lady of beauty and elegant accomplishments. The whole company were beginning to be cheerful—business and care were disgusted at the sight of so many happy countenances, and had gone out from among us. Jollity and good humour bade us prepare for the dance—unhappily at this juncture a lady and a gentleman were engaged in a conversation concerning Miss P——, and one of them repeated the words “a mechanick’s daughter”—it is supposed theword “mechanick” was repeated scornfully—She heard it—thought herself insulted—and indignantly retired—disorder and confusion immediately took place, and the amusement was put an end to for the evening.
I WISH people would consider how little time they have to frollick here—that they would improve it to more advantage, and not dispute for any precedence or superiority but in good nature and sociability—“a mechanick”—and pray whence the distinction!
INEQUALITY among mankind is a foe to our happiness—it even affects our little parties of pleasure—Such is the fate of the human race, one order of men lords it over another; but upon what grounds its right is founded I could never yet be satisfied.
FOR this reason, I like a democratickal better than any other kind of government;and were I aLycurgusno distinction of rank should be found in my commonwealth.
IN my tour through the United States, I had an opportunity of examining and comparing the different manners and dispositions of the inhabitants of the several republicks. Those of the southern states, accustomed to a habit of domineering over their slaves, are haughtier, more tenacious of honour, and indeed possess more of an aristocratick temper than their sisters of the confederacy. As we travel to the northward, the nature of the constitution seems to operate on the minds of the people—slavery is abolished—all men are declared free and equal, and their tempers are open, generous and communicative. It is the same in all those countries where the people enjoy independence and equal liberty. Why then should those distinctions arise which are inimical to domestick quietude? Or whyshould the noisy voice of those who seek distinction, so loudly reecho in the ears of peace and jollity, as to deafen the sound of the musick? For while we are disputing who shall lead off the dance, behold! the instrument gets out of tune—a string snaps—and where is our chance for dancing?
Adieu!
Adieu!
Adieu!
Adieu!