| Citation |
BC.770.040
6-9 Apr 1770:1161 (186)
The History and Adventures of an Atom.
. . . [7 lines, introduction.]
The following is the Atom's description of the general
character of the inhabitants of the pretended Japan. The
empire of Japan consists of three large islands; and the
people, who inhabit them, are such inconsistent, capricious
animals, that one would imagine they were created for the
purpose of ridicule. . . [13 lines] A Japonese, will sing
at a funeral and sing at a wedding; he will this hour talk
ribaldry with a prostitute, and the next immerse himself in
the study of metaphysics or theology. . . [3/4 column]
The methods used for accomplishing these purposes
[controlling them] are extremely simple. You have seen a
dancing bear incensed to a dangerous degree, and all at once
appeased by firing a pistol over his nose. The Japonese,
even in their most ferocious moods, . . . [2 lines] are
easily softened into meekness and condescension. . . [6
lines] The ministry is in possession of a pipe, or rather
bullock's horn, which being sounded to a particular pitch,
has such an effect on the ears and understanding of the
people, that they allow their pockets to be picked with
their eyes open, . . .
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