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CHAP. I.] REVIEWING FOR MR. AND MRS. GRIFFITHS.
use of the umbrella, made a less successful move when he 17 6V.
would have written down the use of tea. jEt. 2
This is one of the prominent subjects in the Journey
from Portsmouth: the book which Griffiths had now placed in his workman's hands. Doctor Johnson's review of it for the Literary Magazine is widely known, and Goldsmith's deserved notoriety as well. It is more kindly, and as effectively, written. Pie saw what allowance could be made for a writer, however mistaken, who " shows great goodness " of heart, and an earnest concern for the welfare of his " country." Where the book was at its worst, the man might be at his best, he very agreeably undertakes to prove. " The " appearance of an inn on the road, suggests to our " Philosopher an eulogitim on temperance; the confusion " of a disappointed Landlady gives rise to a Letter on " [Resentment; and the view of a company of soldiers " furnishes out materials for an Essay on "War." As to the anti-souchong mania, Goldsmith laughs at it; and this was doubtless the wisest way. " He," exclaimed Jonas in horror, "who should be able to drive three Frenchmen " before him, or she who might be a breeder of such a race " of men, are to be seen sipping their Tea! . . . "What a " wild infatuation is this! . . . The suppression of this " dangerous custom depends entirely on the example of " Ladies of rank in this country . . . Some indeed have " resolution enough in their own houses, to confine the use " of Tea to their own table, but their number is so extremely " small, amidst a numerous acquaintance I know only of " Mrs. T. , . . whose name ought to bo written out in letters " of gold." " Thus we see," is Goldsmith's comment upon this, " how fortunate some folks are, Mrs. T. ... is praised " for confining luxury to her own table :. she earns fame, and |
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