| Citation |
GG(J.767.003
25 Feb 1767:31 (179)
Anecdote. Some time since a venerable old man who had
passed all the offices in one of the chief towns in Holland
with honour and reputation, and had gained great riches
without reproach, had some thoughts of retiring for the rest
of his days to his country seat . . . [invited friends to
say farewell, served dinner; a] melodious concert of an
agreeable variety of instruments was heard in the next room
. . . [and then spoke the following:]
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 reflection on this
entertainment, which otherwise would appear whimsical and
the affect of humour. . . [Discussion of the hazards of
extravagance]
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