| Citation |
BEP(F.750.015
26 Mar 1750:12 (763)
From memoirs of literature, vol. III. Page 392.
A man, who wears good cloths, fine linen, and a long stately
perriwig; who follows the fashion even to a scruple: who
stands upright, and has an easy way; who walks nimbly, takes
and offers snuff to every body about him: who dances well,
sings methodically, plays at several games, sweats now and
then to enliven his discourse; who tells that he has done in
his former years, and does it with a good grace; who wants
no memory; who has Bolieau at his fingers end; who knows
something of Moliere and some jests taken from the Italian,
farces of Arlequin; who is acquainted with every pretty
story. In short, a man, whose head, properly speaking, is a
library of fashionable and new fooleries; who besides does
not fail to frequent all the circles, where he who besides
does not fail to frequent all the circles, where he sits
between two ladies, and sets up for a courtier. Such a one
is generally called a man of wit and merit.
On the contrary, a man little careful to follow the
fashion; decently cloathed, but without affectation, and
with great plainness; somewhat thoughtful, and serious;
speaking to the purpose; always willing to hear others
speak; careless in his gate and carriage; who does not sing;
who seldom appears in a circle, unless he is invited to it;
not troublesome to his friends; discreet, sincere, who has
much ado to put himself forward; bashful out of modesty, and
not for want of wit, who reads for his instruction, and does
not make a show of his reading, who is, besides, easy,
sociable, and complaisant, rather not to contradict any
body, than for want of being able to reply. such a one is
slighted as a man of no parts.
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