| Citation |
VGW(HU.774.041
17 Mar 1774:13, 21 (1171)
An Humourous Description of the Manners and Fashions of
London. In a letter from an Oxonian, to the Reverend Mr. --
-----, of -------, Oxon.
. . . [8 paragraphs of criticism of the noise, eating and
drinking, weak marriages, dress, education, quacks, etc. in
London]
There are several theatres here, where almost every evening
people of all ranks assemble; from whence you may judge of
the prosperity and riches, or of the decline and poverty, of
this great metropolis, as your reason suggests. But if it
is true what an ancient said, "That excessive expense is a
certain sign of a city being in decay, " one would not think
London in a very flourishing state. Whenever Cato, or any
noble Greek or Roman, appears on the stage, the audience is
thin; but a little French gentleman in a party coloured
jacket, whom they called Monsieur Harlequin, is a great
favourite, and prodigiously followed.
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