I Remember A Student In The Temple, Who,
After A Long And Learned Investigation Of The To Kalon, Or
Beautiful,
Had resolution enough to let his beard grow, and wore
it in all public places, until his heir at law
Applied for a
commission of lunacy against him; then he submitted to the razor,
rather than run any risque of being found non compos.
Before I conclude, I must tell you, that the most reputable shop-keepers
and tradesmen of Paris think it no disgrace to practise
the most shameful imposition. I myself know an instance of one of
the most creditable marchands in this capital, who demanded six
francs an ell for some lutestring, laying his hand upon his
breast at the same time, and declaring en conscience, that it had
cost him within three sols of the money. Yet in less than three
minutes, he sold it for four and a half, and when the buyer
upbraided him with his former declaration, he shrugged up his
shoulders, saying, il faut marchander. I don't mention this as a
particular instance. The same mean disingenuity is universal all
over France, as I have been informed by several persons of
veracity.
The next letter you have from me will probably be dated at
Nismes, or Montpellier. Mean-while, I am ever - Yours.
LETTER VII
To MRS. M - .
PARIS, October, 12, 1763.
MADAM, - I shall be much pleased if the remarks I have made on the
characters of the French people, can afford you the satisfaction
you require. With respect to the ladies I can only judge from
their exteriors: but, indeed, these are so characteristic, that
one can hardly judge amiss; unless we suppose that a woman of
taste and sentiment may be so overruled by the absurdity of what
is called fashion, as to reject reason, and disguise nature, in
order to become ridiculous or frightful. That this may be the
case with some individuals, is very possible. I have known it
happen in our own country, where the follies of the French are
adopted and exhibited in the most aukward imitation: but the
general prevalence of those preposterous modes, is a plain proof
that there is a general want of taste, and a general depravity of
nature. I shall not pretend to describe the particulars of a
French lady's dress. These you are much better acquainted with
than I can pretend to be: but this I will be bold to affirm, that
France is the general reservoir from which all the absurdities of
false taste, luxury, and extravagance have overflowed the
different kingdoms and states of Europe. The springs that fill
this reservoir, are no other than vanity and ignorance. It would
be superfluous to attempt proving from the nature of things, from
the first principles and use of dress, as well as from the
consideration of natural beauty, and the practice of the
ancients, who certainly understood it as well as the connoisseurs
of these days, that nothing can be more monstrous, inconvenient,
and contemptible, than the fashion of modern drapery.
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