| Citation |
BEP(F.745.038
18 Nov 1745:31,32 (536)
[Extract from Mr. Addison's remarks on several parts of
Italy]
It is the great endeavour of the several cantons of
Switzerland, to banish from among them every thing that
looks like pomp or superfluity. To this end the ministers
are always preaching, and the governors putting out edicts
against dancing, gaming, entertainments, and fine cloaths.
This is become more necessary in some of the governments,
since there are so many refugees settled among them; for
tho' the Protestants in France affect ordinarily a greater
plainness and simplicity of manners, than those of the same
quality who are of the Roman Catholick communion, they have
however too much of their country-gallantry for the genius
and constitution of Switzerland. should dressing, feasting,
and balls once get among the cantons, their military
roughness would be quickly lost, their tempers would grow
too soft for their climate, and their expences out-run their
incomes.
. . . [12 lines up from bottom of col.] It is no wonder
therefore the poor common-wealths of Switzerland are ever
labouring at the suppression and prohibition of every thing
that may introduce vanity and luxury. Beside the several
fines that are set upon plays, games, balls and feastings,
they have many customs among them which very much contribute
to the keeping up of their ancient simplicity. . .
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