| Citation |
MG-A(G.781.008
28 Jun 1781:11,12 (1798)
A few evenings since, in a polite circle of ladies where I
chanced to be a visitor, your paper became the subject of
conversation. It was unanimously agreed on by the fair and
consequently acceded to by the gentlemen, that unless some
performances of spirit and taste found their way into the
gazette, it must shortly fall into contempt, and not be
honoured by the perusal of a single belle or beau. Twenty
tongues were loosened at once, exclaiming against the
insipidity of political disquisitions; they were determined
to be too abstruse for vivacity, and animated declamation;
too gross for the nerves of the beau monde. . . [39 lines
suggesting that although political essays are important,
some lighter material would be welcome.] I am sorry it is
not in my power to furnish you with an original of this
nature, neither time nor ingenuity will enable me farther
than to transcribe an air sung by Miss Farron in the farce
of Lilliput. I am ready to believe she sings the sentiments
of a majority of her sex, and that a great number, who
pretend to be of ours, will join chorus. If it meets with
approbation I shall be happy, if not, I have the
satisfaction to be free from any bad effects flowing from
resentment, as nobody will think it worth their while to
search for an author who acknowledges himself to be [signed]
Nobody.
An Air, sung by Miss Farron, in the new farce of Lilliput.
[Chorus:]
Oh! the ton, the dear ton!
We should all be undone,
Without charming bon ton!
[Verse:]
By ton, we superiors,
Stale custom repealing,
Resign to inferiors
The torment of feeling.
Oh! the ton, &c.
. . . [3 more verses]
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