dly the happiest
subjects in the world. I was so much astonished and confounded at their
infatuation and effrontery, that I had not power to utter one word in
opposition to their assertions; but my morose associate could not put up
with the indignity that was offered to Old England, and therefore with
a satirical grin addressed himself to the general in these words: "Sir,
sir, I have often heard it said, She's a villainous bird that befouls
her own nest. As for what those people who are foreigners say, I don't
mind it; they know no better; but you who were bred and born, and have
got your bread, under the English government, should have more regard
to gratitude, as well as truth in censuring your native country. If the
ministry have thought fit to lay you aside, I suppose they have their
own reasons for so doing; and you ought to remember, that you still live
on the bounty of this nation. As for these gentlemen (meaning the prince
and ambassador), who make so free with our constitution, laws, and
genius of our people, I think they might show a little more respect
for their benefactors, who, I must own, are to blame in harbouring and
protecting, and encouraging such ungrateful vagrants as they are." At
these words, the chevalier in green started up in a great passion, and
laying his hand on the hilt of his hanger, exclaimed, "Ah! foutre!" The
Englishman on the other hand, grasping his cane cried, "Don't foutre
me, sirrah, or by G--d I'll knock you down." The company interposed,
the Frenchman sat down again, and his antagonist proceeded--"Lookey,
Monsieur, you know very well that had you dared to speak so freely of
the administration of your own country in Paris as you have done of ours
in London, you would have been sent to the Bastille without ceremony,
where you might have rotted in a dungeon, and never seen the light of
the sun again. Now, sir, take my word for it, although our constitution
screens us from such oppression, we want not laws to chastise the
authors of seditious discourse, and if I hear another syllable out of
your mouth in contempt or prejudice of this kingdom, I will give you a
convincing proof of what I advance, and have you laid by the heels for
your presumption." This declaration had an effect on the company as
sudden as surprising. The young prince became as supple as a spaniel,
the ambassador trembled, the general sat silent and abashed, and the
doctor, who it seems, had felt the rod of power, grew