| Citation |
NYM(G.757.003
31 Jan 1757:23,31 (234)
I have lately met with an adventure, which, for the
amusement of all belles, the diversion of all beaux, and the
benefit of all plain lovers, I beg leave to make publick. I
am a batchelor turned of thirty . . . On these occasions she
would tell me, "She was astonished I would dispute with her
. . . She had no notion at her age, of sacrificing all the
dear pleasures of routs, hops and quadril, for a
philosophical husband. No, if I expected to make myself
agreeable to her, I must learn to dress, gallant, and be
smart." Now, true it, I can't dance, and have an
unconquerable aversion to foppery . . . [1/2 column] "Lard
can't you take patern after Mr. Foppington? How happy must
a lady be in such an admirer! He's always easy and good
humour'd, and pays the finest compliments of any gentleman
in the universe! How elegently he dresses! and then he
sings like an angel and dances to perfection. . . [1/3
column]
I conclude this narrative of my successless amour, with his
picture drawn by the fine satyrist from whom I have taken my
motto, who doubtless had just such a pretty fellow in view,
in the character of Florello.
Of late at White's was young Florello seen.
How bland his look? how discompos'd his mein?
So hard it proves in grief sincere to feign!
Sunk were his spirits; for his coat was plain.
. . . [16 lines]
In active measures brought from France, he wheels,
And triumphs conscious of his learned heels.
. . . [4 lines, signed] Jonathan Plaincoat.
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