LETTER XVII.
HARRINGTON to WORTHY.
Our little party was overthrown
by a strange piece of folly. A Miss P—
was introduced, a young lady of beauty and
elegant accomplishments. The whole company
were beginning to be cheerful—business
and care were disgusted at the sight of
so many happy countenances, and had gone
out from among us. Jollity and good humour
bade us prepare for the dance—unhappily
at this juncture a lady and gentleman
were engaged in a conversation concerning
Miss P—, and one of them repeated
the words “a mechanick's daughter”—
it is supposed the word “mechanick” was
repeated scornfully—She heard it—thought
herself insulted—and indignantly retired—
Disorder and confusion immediately took
place, and the amusement was put an end to
for the evening.
I WISH people would consider how little
time they have to frolick here—that they
would improve it to more advantage, and
not dispute for any precedence or superiority
but in good nature and sociability—“a mechanick—and
pray whence this distinction!
INEQUALITY among mankind is a soe to
our happiness—it even affects our little
parties of pleasure—Such is the fate of the
human race, one order of men lords it over
another; but upon what grounds its right
is founded I could never yet be satisfied.
FOR this reason, I like a democratical
better than any other kind of government:
and were I a Lycurgus no distinction of rank
should be found in my commonwealth.
IN my tour through the United States, I
had an opportunity of examining and comparing
the different manners and dispositions
of the inhabitants of the several republicks.
Those of the southern states, accustomed to
a habit of domineering over their slaves, are
haughtier, more tenacious of honour, and
indeed possess more of an aristocratick temper
than their sisters of the confederacy.
As we travel to the northward, the nature
of the constitution seems to operate on the
minds of the people—slavery is abolished—
all men are declared free and equal, and
their tempers are open, generous and communicative.
It is the same in all those
countries where the people enjoy independence
and equal liberty. Why then should
those distinctions arise which are inimical to
domestick quietude? Or why should the
noisy voice of those who seek distinction, so
loudly reecho in the ears of peace and jollity,
as to deafen the sound of the musick For
while we are disputing who shall lead off the
dance, behold! the instrument gets out of
tune—a string snaps—and where is our
chance for dancing?
