On Such Occasions Every One Here Is A Dealer:
Offers Of Horses And Cabinets Pour In On All Sides.
The most welcome arrival of all is that of the French frigate, which
visits Iceland every year; for sometimes
There are dejeuners a la
fourchette on board, sometimes little evening parties and balls.
There is at least something to be got besides the rich presents; the
"Stiftsamtmann" even receives 600 florins per annum from the French
government to defray the expense of a few return balls which he
gives to the naval officers.
With me this was not the case: I gave no parties - I brought no
presents - they had nothing to expect from me; and therefore they
left me to myself. {28}
For this reason I affirm that he only can judge of the character of
a people who comes among them without claim to their attention, and
from whom they have nothing to expect. To such a person only do
they appear in their true colours, because they do not find it worth
while to dissemble and wear a mask in his presence. In these cases
the traveller is certainly apt to make painful discoveries; but
when, on the other hand, he meets with good people, he may be
certain of their sincerity; and so I must beg my honoured readers to
bear with me, when I mention the names of all those who heartily
welcomed the undistinguished foreigner; it is the only way in which
I can express my gratitude towards them.
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