572. ARTISANS, French and English.—
The English mechanics certainly exceed all
others in some lines. But be just to your own
nation. They have not patience, it is true, to
sit rubbing a piece of steel from morning to
night, as a lethargic Englishman will do, full
charged with porter. But do not their benevolence,
their cheerfulness, their amiability,
when compared with the growling temper and
manners of the people among whom you are,
compensate their want of patience?—
To Madame de Carny. Washington ed. ii, 161.
(P.
1787)
