That a man from the continent gives himself an air of importance by talking, an Englishman by holding his tongue. For manners and modes are more absolute and positive as to swarm and thicken the atmosphere about us, morally and physically the air is denser than in many other parts of this world.

So convinced, have visitors been as to boldly declare that, ‘the English weren’t worth much effort, much less subtlety, since any honour bestowed quickly turns to vanity.’

Damn cheek.