| Citation |
BC.769.089
20-24 Jul 1769:2371 (112)
The World, No. 184. July 8.
I was always particularly pleased with that scene in the
First Part of Harry the Fourth, where the humourous Sir John
Falstaff, after upbraiding the Prince with being the
corrupter of his morals, and resolving on amendment, forms a
very reasonable wish, "to known where a commodity of good
names may be bought." It happens indeed a little
unfortunately, that he immediately relapses into his old
courses, and enters into a scheme for a robbery that night;
which he endeavours to justify by calling it has trade:
"Why, Hal," says he, "'tis my vocation, Hal: 'tis no sin for
a man to labour in his vocations." . . . [2 columns
discussing this failing in men.]
To further this end, the appearance of a small portion of
religion would not be a miss. But I would by no means have
this matter overdone, as it commonly is. Going to prayers
every day, or singing psalms on a Sunday in a room next the
street may look a little suspicious and set the neighbours
upon the watch. . .
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