Your Lordship may divert yourself as you think fit, with an old man’s
fears. But if this mode of travelling, which has taken so much with us
since the peace[42], should continue for any time, the day may come but
too soon, when these fancies of mine will be realized: when politeness
shall be fatal to ability of every kind; and, at least in the higher
ranks of life, when our countrymen shall be too well bred to be good
for any thing.
And now, having ventured so far, shall I proceed one step further, and
take to myself the privilege of an old man, to express my sense of this
whole matter, a little unfashionably? The mighty value, that is set
upon manners, comes, as I have already hinted, from a quarter, which,
though it may imprint respect on a person of your Lordship’s age and
gallantry, must not pretend to be so much considered by grey hairs. If
you can forgive the liberty, I will then, at length, speak out, and
say, They are the ladies, only, or chiefly, that have affixed such an
idea of merit to this envied quality of good-breeding; and that, as
appearances are thought to sway full enough with that delicate sex,
they may perhaps have advanced the credit of it something higher than
such an accomplishment deserves.
And when I further consider the mighty influence which these fair
dispensers of reputation must needs have on our gallant and courtly
youth, I cannot wonder that the mode of foreign travel is become so
fashionable. Nay, I am half inclined to suppose, that, in this debate
between us, I have rather your politeness to contend with, than your
judgment: and that, if your Lordship would deal roundly with me, your
answer on this occasion would be the same with HIS, who, (as I have
heard you tell the story) being questioned by his friends why a person
of his acknowledged sense and bravery would accept the challenge of
a coxcomb, thought it vindication enough of himself to reply, “that,
for the _men_, he could safely trust their judgment; but how should he
appear, at night, before the _maids of honour_[43]?”
Whether I presume too much in this fancy, is not material. It is enough
to say, that what there is of use or beauty in polite carriage will
come of itself, with a little experience of the world and good company;
and shall not, with my consent, be purchased at the expence of far
better things.