An English, A
Thoroughbred English, Traveller Will Always Do This (Though It Is
Contrary To The Custom Of The Country)
For the quiet (false quiet
though it be) of his own conscience, but so to order the matter
that the
Poor fellows who have been forced to contribute should be
the persons to receive the value of their supplies, is not
possible. For a traveller to attempt anything so grossly just as
that would be too outrageous. The truth is, that the usage of the
East, in old times, required the people of the village, at their
own cost, to supply the wants of travellers, and the ancient custom
is now adhered to, not in favour of travellers generally, but in
favour of those who are deemed sufficiently powerful to enforce its
observance. If the villagers therefore find a man waiving this
right to oppress them, and offering coin for that which he is
entitled to take without payment, they suppose at once that he is
actuated by fear (fear of THEM, poor fellows!), and it is so
delightful to them to act upon this flattering assumption, that
they will forego the advantage of a good price for their provisions
rather than the rare luxury of refusing for once in their lives to
part with their own possessions.
The practice of intimidation thus rendered necessary is utterly
hateful to an Englishman. He finds himself forced to conquer his
daily bread by the pompous threats of the dragoman, his very
subsistence, as well as his dignity and personal safety, being made
to depend upon his servant's assuming a tone of authority which
does not at all belong to him.
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