| Citation |
NYEP(D.751.031
24 Jun 1751:11,12,21 (218)
From the Reflector, Of Reality and Appearance. The Emperor,
Charles the Fifth, is said to have pronounced, that 'the
French appear foolish but are wise; that the Spaniards
appear wise; but are foolish; and that the Italians, appear
wise, and are so.' This judgement I do not take upon me to
subscribe; especially with regard to the Spaniards; tho'
there may be weak people among them, who appear wise by
means of an affected gravity.
Sometimes, indeed, gravity is revered; as a fool may pass
for a philosopher under an assumed deportment, that covers
folly . . . [2 lines] A Merry-Andrew by profession, affords
but slender diversion; because he personates a character
different from his own. The spectators, who are deceived by
him, deserve to be laughed at more than the deceiver. . . [7
lines]
A reserved behaviour, arising from ignorance, often
passes for wisdom; as many by a stupid silence have passed
for learned, In the account of Moliers's life, we find,
that as he once crossed the Seine, along with his Company of
Comedians; a learned debate arose among the principal
actors. In the heat of the dispute, they frequently
appealed to a monk, who happened to be in the boat. The
monk had a venerable aspect; and held his tongue; whence
they thought, that by nodding his head, and wrinkling his
brow, he either approved or disapproved of their arguments.
This reserved gravity so heightened their opinion, they
looked upon him as too accute a philosopher, to engage in
the dispute. Their esteem continued till the boat landed;
when they saw the monk take up his wallet, and throw it
across his shoulders; by which they found he was only a lay-
brother, whose office is that of a carrier, to fetch in
provisions for the cloister.
. . . [6 lines]
When a Merry-Andrew adorns himself with cap and bells, and
a fox's tail, I acknowledge him a fool; but if he appears in
the habit of a judge, I only think him a greater fool. . .
[1 column]
What can be conducted with greater pomp and solemnity,
than processions in Catholick countries: Upon coming into a
Catholick city, you will find the houses illuminated; the
streets lined with tapistry; a holy reverence painted on
every face; the bells ringing; and the whole body of the
clergy walking in measured steps, to the sound of music,
thro' the streets. The gaping crowd, moved at this grand
appearance, falls upon the knee or devoutly kisses the
ground. . . [10 lines, story of host surrepticiously removed
in similar Romish procession in London.] It is easy to
guess what kind of criticism this procession underwent;
especially, when this passage was sung upon the occasion:
Surrexit; non est hic.
. . . [1/2 column]
|