| Citation |
CG-NL.767.005
27 Feb 1767:12 (172)
From a late London Chronicle. ANECDOTE.
. . . [Tale describes an entertainment dinner given for his
friends by a retiring merchant. Three courses were laid
out, starting very simply and ending very sumptuously]
. . . And that nothing might be wanting that could please
the senses, as soon as a sumptuous desert was brought up, a
melodious concert, of an agreeable variety of instruments,
was heard in the next room; healths went round, mirth
increased, and the old man, seeing nothing but the departure
of him, and the gravest of the company, was waited for to
give a loose to joy and pleasure, rose up and made the
following speech: 'Ladies and gentlemen, I heartily thank
you for this favour, it is time for one of my age to
withdraw; but I hope those who are disposed for dancing will
accept of a ball which I have ordered to be prepared for
you. Before the fiddles strike up, give me leave to make a
short reflection on this entertainment, which otherwise
mould appear whimsical and the effect of humour;'
. . . [Paragraph continues on the virtues of frugality]
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