ChatMossandthefensofLincolnshireandCambridgeshireareunhealthyandtoobarrentopayrent。Bycylindricaltiles，andguttaperchatubes，fivemillionsofacresofbadlandhavebeendrainedandputonequalitywiththebest，forrape—cultureandgrass。Theclimatetoo，whichwasalreadybelievedtohavebecomemilderanddrierbytheenormousconsumptionofcoal，issofarreachedbythisnewaction，thatfogsandstormsaresaidtodisappear。Induecourse，allEnglandwillbedrained，andriseasecondtimeoutofthewaters。Thelateststepwastocallintheaidofsteamtoagriculture。SteamisalmostanEnglishman。IdonotknowbuttheywillsendhimtoParliament，next，tomakelaws。
Heweaves，forges，saws，pounds，fans，andnowhemustpump，grind，dig，andploughforthefarmer。Themarketscreatedbythemanufacturingpopulationhaveerectedagricultureintoagreatthrivingandspendingindustry。ThevalueofthehousesinBritainisequaltothevalueofthesoil。Artificialaidsofallkindsarecheaperthanthenaturalresources。Nomancanaffordtowalk，whentheparliamentary—traincarrieshimforapennyamile。Gas—burnersarecheaperthandaylightinnumberlessfloorsinthecities。AllthehousesinLondonbuytheirwater。TheEnglishtradedoesnotexistfortheexportationofnativeproducts，butonitsmanufactures，orthemakingwelleverythingwhichisillmadeelsewhere。TheymakeponchosfortheMexican，bandannasfortheHindoo，ginsengfortheChinese，beadsfortheIndian，lacesfortheFlemings，telescopesforastronomers，cannonsforkings。
TheBoardofTradecausedthebestmodelsofGreeceandItalytobeplacedwithinthereachofeverymanufacturingpopulation。
Theycausedtobetranslatedfromforeignlanguagesandillustratedbyelaboratedrawings，themostapprovedworksofMunich，Berlin，andParis。TheyhaveransackedItalytofindnewforms，toaddagracetotheproductsoftheirlooms，theirpotteries，andtheirfoundries。
（*3）
Thenearerwelook，themoreartificialistheirsocialsystem。
Theirlawisanetworkoffictions。Theirproperty，ascriporcertificateofrighttointerestonmoneythatnomaneversaw。
Theirsocialclassesaremadebystatute。Theirratiosofpowerandrepresentationarehistoricalandlegal。ThelastReform—billtookawaypoliticalpowerfromamound，aruin，andastone—wall，whilstBirminghamandManchester，whosemillspaidforthewarsofEurope，hadnorepresentative。PurityintheelectiveParliamentissecuredbythepurchaseofseats。（*4）Foreignpoweriskeptbyarmedcolonies；powerathome，byastandingarmyofpolice。Thepauperlivesbetterthanthefreelaborer；thethiefbetterthanthepauper；
andthetransportedfelonbetterthantheoneunderimprisonment。
Thecrimesarefactitious，assmuggling，poaching，non—conformity，heresyandtreason。Better，theysayinEngland，killamanthanahare。Thesovereigntyoftheseasismaintainedbytheimpressmentofseamen。\"Theimpressmentofseamen，\"saidLordEldon，\"isthelifeofournavy。\"Solvencyismaintainedbymeansofanationaldebt，ontheprinciple，\"ifyouwillnotlendmethemoney，howcanI
payyou？\"Fortheadministrationofjustice，SirSamuelRomilly’sexpedientforclearingthearrearsofbusinessinChancery，was，theChancellor’sstayingawayentirelyfromhiscourt。Theirsystemofeducationisfactitious。TheUniversitiesgalvanizedeadlanguagesintoasemblanceoflife。Theirchurchisartificial。Themannersandcustomsofsocietyareartificial；——madeupmenwithmadeupmanners；——andthusthewholeisBirminghamized，andwehaveanationwhoseexistenceisaworkofart；——acold，barren，almostarcticisle，beingmadethemostfruitful，luxuriousandimperiallandinthewholeearth。
ManinEnglandsubmitstobeaproductofpoliticaleconomy。
Onableakmoor，amillisbuilt，abanking—houseisopened，andmencomein，aswaterinasluice—way，andtownsandcitiesrise。ManismadeasaBirminghambutton。TherapiddoublingofthepopulationdatesfromWatt’ssteam—engine。Alandlord，whoownsaprovince，says，\"thetenantryareunprofitable；letmehavesheep。\"Heunroofsthehouses，andshipsthepopulationtoAmerica。Thenationisaccustomedtotheinstantaneouscreationofwealth。Itisthemaximoftheireconomists，\"thatthegreaterpartinvalueofthewealthnowexistinginEngland，hasbeenproducedbyhumanhandswithinthelasttwelvemonths。\"Meantime，threeorfourdays’rainwillreducehundredstostarvinginLondon。
Onesecretoftheirpoweristheirmutualgoodunderstanding。
Notonlygoodmindsarebornamongthem，butallthepeoplehavegoodminds。Everynationhasyieldedsomegoodwit，if，ashaschancedtomanytribes，onlyone。ButtheintellectualorganizationoftheEnglishadmitsacommunicablenessofknowledgeandideasamongthemall。Anelectrictouchbyanyoftheirnationalideas，meltsthemintoonefamily，andbringsthehoardsofpowerwhichtheirindividualityisalwayshiving，intouseandplayforall。Isitthesmallnessofthecountry，orisittheprideandaffectionofrace，——theyhavesolidarity，orresponsibleness，andtrustineachother。
Theirminds，likewool，admitofadyewhichismorelastingthanthecloth。Theyembracetheircausewithmoretenacitythantheirlife。Thoughnotmilitary，yeteverycommonsubjectbythepollisfittomakeasoldierof。Theseprivatereservedmutefamily—mencanadoptapublicendwithalltheirheat，andthisstrengthofaffectionmakestheromanceoftheirheroes。Thedifferenceofrankdoesnotdividethenationalheart。TheDanishpoetOhlenschlagercomplains，thatwhowritesinDanish，writestotwohundredreaders。InGermany，thereisonespeechforthelearned，andanotherforthemasses，tothatextent，that，itissaid，nosentimentorphrasefromtheworksofanygreatGermanwriteriseverheardamongthelowerclasses。ButinEngland，thelanguageofthenobleisthelanguageofthepoor。InParliament，inpulpits，intheatres，whenthespeakersrisetothoughtandpassion，thelanguagebecomesidiomatic；thepeopleinthestreetbestunderstandthebestwords。AndtheirlanguageseemsdrawnfromtheBible，thecommonlaw，andtheworksofShakspeare，Bacon，Milton，Pope，Young，Cowper，Burns，andScott。Theislandhasproducedtwoorthreeofthegreatestmenthateverexisted，buttheywerenotsolitaryintheirowntime。MenquicklyembodiedwhatNewtonfoundout，inGreenwichobservatories，andpracticalnavigation。TheboysknowallthatHuttonknewofstrata，orDaltonofatoms，orHarveyofblood—vessels；andthesestudies，oncedangerous，areinfashion。Sowhatisinventedorknowninagriculture，orintrade，orinwar，orinart，orinliterature，andantiquities。Agreatability，notamassedonafewgiants，butpouredintothegeneralmind，sothateachofthemcouldatapinchstandintheshoesoftheother；andtheyaremoreboundincharacter，thandifferencedinabilityorinrank。Thelaborerisapossiblelord。Thelordisapossiblebasket—maker。EverymancarriestheEnglishsysteminhisbrain，knowswhatisconfidedtohim，anddoesthereinthebesthecan。ThechancellorcarriesEnglandonhismace，themidshipmanatthepointofhisdirk，thesmithonhishammer，thecookinthebowlofhisspoon；thepostilioncrackshiswhipforEngland，andthesailortimeshisoarsto\"GodsavetheKing！\"Theveryfelonshavetheirprideineachother’sEnglishstanchness。Inpoliticsandinwar，theyholdtogetherasbyhooksofsteel。ThecharminNelson’shistory，is，theunselfishgreatness；theassuranceofbeingsupportedtotheuttermostbythosewhomhesupportstotheuttermost。Whilsttheyaresomeagesaheadoftherestoftheworldintheartofliving；whilstinsomedirectionstheydonotrepresentthemodernspirit，butconstituteit，——thisvanguardofcivilityandpowertheycoldlyhold，marchinginphalanx，lockstep，footafterfoot，fileafterfileofheroes，tenthousanddeep。
（*1）AntonyWood。
（*2）Man’sSoule，p。29。
（*3）SeeMemorialofH。Greenough，p。66，NewYork，1853。
（*4）SirS。Romilly，purestofEnglishpatriots，decidedthattheonlyindependentmodeofenteringParliamentwastobuyaseat，andheboughtHorsham。
ChapterVI_Manners_
IfindtheEnglishmantobehimofallmenwhostandsfirmestinhisshoes。Theyhaveinthemselveswhattheyvalueintheirhorses，mettleandbottom。OnthedayofmyarrivalatLiverpool，agentleman，indescribingtometheLordLieutenantofIreland，happenedtosay，\"LordClarendonhasplucklikeacock，andwillfighttillhedies；\"and，whatIheardfirstIheardlast，andtheonethingtheEnglishvalue，ispluck。Thecabmenhaveit；themerchantshaveit；thebishopshaveit；thewomenhaveit；thejournalshaveit；theTimesnewspaper，theysay，isthepluckiestthinginEngland，andSydneySmithhadmadeitaproverb，thatlittleLordJohnRussell，theminister，wouldtakethecommandoftheChannelfleetto—morrow。
Theyrequireyoutodaretobeofyourownopinion，andtheyhatethepracticalcowardswhocannotinaffairsanswerdirectlyyesorno。Theydaretodisplease，nay，theywillletyoubreakallthecommandments，ifyoudoitnatively，andwithspirit。Youmustbesomebody；thenyoumaydothisorthat，asyouwill。
Machineryhasbeenappliedtoallwork，andcarriedtosuchperfection，thatlittleisleftforthemenbuttomindtheenginesandfeedthefurnaces。Butthemachinesrequirepunctualservice，and，astheynevertire，theyprovetoomuchfortheirtenders。
Mines，forges，mills，breweries，railroads，steampump，steamplough，drillofregiments，drillofpolice，ruleofcourt，andshop—rule，haveoperatedtogiveamechanicalregularitytoallthehabitandactionofmen。Aterriblemachinehaspossesseditselfoftheground，theair，themenandwomen，andhardlyeventhoughtisfree。
Themechanicalmightandorganizationrequiresinthepeopleconstitutionandansweringspirits：andhewhogoesamongthemmusthavesomeweightofmetal。Atlast，youtakeyourhintfromthefuryoflifeyoufind，andsay，onethingisplain，thisisnocountryforfaintheartedpeople：don’tcreepaboutdiffidently；makeupyourmind；takeyourowncourse，andyoushallfindrespectandfurtherance。
Itrequires，mensay，agoodconstitutiontotravelinSpain。
IsayasmuchofEngland，forothercause，simplyonaccountofthevigorandbrawnofthepeople。Nothingbutthemostseriousbusiness，couldgiveoneanycounterweighttotheseBaresarks，thoughtheywereonlytoordereggsandmuffinsfortheirbreakfast。TheEnglishmanspeakswithallhisbody。Hiselocutionisstomachic，——
astheAmerican’sislabial。TheEnglishmanisverypetulantandpreciseabouthisaccommodationatinns，andontheroads；aquiddleabouthistoastandhischop，andeveryspeciesofconvenience，andloudandpungentinhisexpressionsofimpatienceatanyneglect。
Hisvivacitybetraysitself，atallpoints，inhismanners，inhisrespiration，andtheinarticulatenoiseshemakesinclearingthethroat；——allsignificantofburlystrength。Hehasstamina；hecantaketheinitiativeinemergencies。Hehasthat_aplomb_，whichresultsfromagoodadjustmentofthemoralandphysicalnature，andtheobedienceofallthepowerstothewill；asiftheaxesofhiseyeswereunitedtohisbackbone，andonlymovedwiththetrunk。
Thisvigorappearsintheincuriosity，andstonyneglect，eachofeveryother。Eachmanwalks，eats，drinks，shaves，dresses，gesticulates，and，ineverymanner，acts，andsufferswithoutreferencetothebystanders，inhisownfashion，onlycarefulnottointerferewiththem，orannoythem；notthatheistrainedtoneglecttheeyesofhisneighbors，——heisreallyoccupiedwithhisownaffair，anddoesnotthinkofthem。Everymaninthispolishedcountryconsultsonlyhisconvenience，asmuchasasolitarypioneerinWisconsin。Iknownotwhereanypersonaleccentricityissofreelyallowed，andnomangiveshimselfanyconcernwithit。AnEnglishmanwalksinapouringrain，swinginghisclosedumbrellalikeawalking—stick；wearsawig，orashawl，orasaddle，orstandsonhishead，andnoremarkismade。Andashehasbeendoingthisforseveralgenerations，itisnowintheblood。
Inshort，everyoneoftheseislandersisanislandhimself，safe，tranquil，incommunicable。Inacompanyofstrangers，youwouldthinkhimdeaf；hiseyesneverwanderfromhistableandnewspaper。
Heisneverbetrayedintoanycuriosityorunbecomingemotion。Theyhaveallbeentrainedinonesevereschoolofmanners，andneverputofftheharness。Hedoesnotgivehishand。Hedoesnotletyoumeethiseye。Itisalmostanaffronttolookamanintheface，withoutbeingintroduced。Inmixedorinselectcompaniestheydonotintroducepersons；sothatapresentationisacircumstanceasvalidasacontract。Introductionsaresacraments。Hewithholdshisname。Atthehotel，heishardlywillingtowhisperittotheclerkatthebook—office。Ifhegiveyouhisprivateaddressonacard，itislikeanavowaloffriendship；andhisbearing，onbeingintroduced，iscold，eventhoughheisseekingyouracquaintance，andisstudyinghowheshallserveyou。
Itwasanoddproofofthisimpressiveenergy，that，inmylectures，Ihesitatedtoreadandthrewoutforitsimpertinencemanyadisparagingphrase，whichIhadbeenaccustomedtospin，aboutpoor，thin，unablemortals；——somuchhadthefinephysiqueandthepersonalvigorofthisrobustraceworkedonmyimagination。
IhappenedtoarriveinEngland，atthemomentofacommercialcrisis。Butitwasevident，that，letwhowillfail，Englandwillnot。Thesepeoplehavesathereathousandyears，andherewillcontinuetosit。Theywillnotbreakup，orarriveatanydesperaterevolution，liketheirneighbors；fortheyhaveasmuchenergy，asmuchcontinenceofcharacterastheyeverhad。Thepowerandpossessionwhichsurroundthemaretheirowncreation，andtheyexertthesamecommandingindustryatthismoment。
Theyarepositive，methodical，cleanly，andformal，lovingroutine，andconventionalways；lovingtruthandreligion，tobesure，butinexorableonpointsofform。AlltheworldpraisesthecomfortandprivateappointmentsofanEnglishinn，andofEnglishhouseholds。Youaresureofneatnessandofpersonaldecorum。A
Frenchmanmaypossiblybeclean；anEnglishmanisconscientiouslyclean。Acertainorderandcompleteproprietyisfoundinhisdressandinhisbelongings。
Borninaharshandwetclimate，whichkeepshimindoorswheneverheisatrest，andbeingofanaffectionateandloyaltemper，hedearlyloveshishouse。Ifheisrich，hebuysademesne，andbuildsahall；ifheisinmiddlecondition，hesparesnoexpenseonhishouse。Without，itisallplanted：within，itiswainscoted，carved，curtained，hungwithpictures，andfilledwithgoodfurniture。’Tisapassionwhichsurvivesallothers，todeckandimproveit。Hitherhebringsallthatisrareandcostly，andwiththenationaltendencytositfastinthesamespotformanygenerations，itcomestobe，inthecourseoftime，amuseumofheirlooms，gifts，andtrophiesoftheadventuresandexploitsofthefamily。Heisveryfondofsilverplate，and，thoughhehavenogalleryofportraitsofhisancestors，hehasoftheirpunch—bowlsandporringers。Incredibleamountsofplatearefoundingoodhouses，andthepooresthavesomespoonorsaucepan，giftofagodmother，savedoutofbettertimes。
AnEnglishfamilyconsistsofafewpersons，who，fromyouthtoage，arefoundrevolvingwithinafewfeetofeachother，asiftiedbysomeinvisibleligature，tenseasthatcartilagewhichwehaveseenattachingthetwoSiamese。Englandproducesunderfavorableconditionsofeaseandculturethefinestwomenintheworld。And，asthemenareaffectionateandtrue—hearted，thewomeninspireandrefinethem。Nothingcanbemoredelicatewithoutbeingfantastical，nothingmorefirmandbasedinnatureandsentiment，thanthecourtshipandmutualcarriageofthesexes。Thesongof1596says，\"ThewifeofeveryEnglishmaniscountedblest。\"ThesentimentofImogeninCymbelineiscopiedfromEnglishnature；andnotlessthePortiaofBrutus，theKatePercy，andtheDesdemona。TheromancedoesnotexceedtheheightofnoblepassioninMrs。LucyHutchinson，orinLadyRussell，orevenasonediscernsthroughtheplainproseofPepys’sDiary，thesacredhabitofanEnglishwife。SirSamuelRomillycouldnotbearthedeathofhiswife。Everyclasshasitsnobleandtenderexamples。
Domesticityisthetaprootwhichenablesthenationtobranchwideandhigh。Themotiveandendoftheirtradeandempireistoguardtheindependenceandprivacyoftheirhomes。Nothingsomuchmarkstheirmannersastheconcentrationontheirhouseholdties。
Thisdomesticityiscarriedintocourtandcamp。WellingtongovernedIndiaandSpainandhisowntroops，andfoughtbattleslikeagoodfamily—man，paidhisdebts，and，thoughgeneralofanarmyinSpaincouldnotstirabroadforfearofpubliccreditors。Thistasteforhouseandparishmeritshasofcourseitsdotingandfoolishside。
Mr。CobbettattributesthehugepopularityofPerceval，primeministerin1810，tothefactthathewaswonttogotochurch，everySunday，withalargequartogiltprayer—bookunderonearm，hiswifehangingontheother，andfollowedbyalongbroodofchildren。
Theykeeptheiroldcustoms，costumes，andpomps，theirwigandmace，sceptreandcrown。ThemiddleagesstilllurkinthestreetsofLondon。TheKnightsoftheBathtakeoathtodefendinjuredladies；thegold—stick—in—waitingsurvives。TheyrepeatedtheceremoniesoftheeleventhcenturyinthecoronationofthepresentQueen。Ahereditarytenureisnaturaltothem。Offices，farms，trades，andtraditionsdescendso。Theirleasesrunforahundredandathousandyears。Termsofserviceandpartnershiparelifelong，orareinherited。\"Holdshiphasbeenwithme，\"saidLordEldon，\"eight—and—twentyyears，knowsallmybusinessandbooks。\"Antiquityofusageissanctionenough。WordsworthsaysofthesmallfreeholdersofWestmoreland，\"Manyofthesehumblesonsofthehillshadaconsciousnessthatthelandwhichtheytilledhadformorethanfivehundredyearsbeenpossessedbymenofthesamenameandblood。\"
Theship—carpenterinthepublicyards，mylord’sgardenerandporter，havebeenthereformorethanahundredyears，grandfather，father，andson。
TheEnglishpowerresidesalsointheirdislikeofchange。
Theyhavedifficultyinbringingtheirreasontoact，andonalloccasionsusetheirmemoryfirst。Assoonastheyhaveridthemselvesofsomegrievance，andsettledthebetterpractice，theymakehastetofixitasafinality，andneverwishtohearofalterationmore。
EveryEnglishmanisanembryonicchancellor：Hisinstinctistosearchforaprecedent。Thefavoritephraseoftheirlaw，is，\"acustomwhereofthememoryofmanrunnethnotbacktothecontrary。\"
Thebaronssay，\"_Nolumusmutari_；\"andthecockneysstiflethecuriosityoftheforeigneronthereasonofanypractice，with\"Lord，sir，itwasalwaysso。\"Theyhateinnovation。Bacontoldthem，Timewastherightreformer；Chatham，that\"confidencewasaplantofslowgrowth；\"Canning，to\"advancewiththetimes；\"andWellington，that\"habitwastentimesnature。\"Alltheirstatesmenlearntheirresistibilityofthetideofcustom，andhaveinventedmanyfinephrasestocoverthisslownessofperception，andprehensilityoftail。
AseashellshouldbethecrestofEngland，notonlybecauseitrepresentsapowerbuiltonthewaves，butalsothehardfinishofthemen。TheEnglishmanisfinishedlikeacowryoramurex。Afterthespireandthespinesareformed，or，withtheformation，ajuiceexudes，andahardenamelvarnisheseverypart。Thekeepingoftheproprietiesisasindispensableascleanlinen。Nomeritquitecountervailsthewantofthis，whilstthissometimesstandsinlieuofall。\"’Tisinbadtaste，\"isthemostformidablewordanEnglishmancanpronounce。Butthisjapancoststhemdear。ThereisaproseincertainEnglishmen，whichexceedsinwoodendeadnessallrivalrywithothercountrymen。Thereisaknellintheconceitandexternalityoftheirvoice，whichseemstosay，_Leaveallhopebehind_。InthisGibraltarofpropriety，mediocritygetsintrenched，andconsolidated，andfoundedinadamant。AnEnglishmanoffashionislikeoneofthosesouvenirs，boundingoldvellum，enrichedwithdelicateengravings，onthickhot—pressedpaper，fitforthehandsofladiesandprinces，butwithnothinginitworthreadingorremembering。
Aseveredecorumrulesthecourtandthecottage。WhenThalberg，thepianist，wasoneeveningperformingbeforetheQueen，atWindsor，inaprivateparty，theQueenaccompaniedhimwithhervoice。Thecircumstancetookair，andallEnglandshudderedfromseatosea。Theindecorumwasneverrepeated。Cold，repressivemannersprevail。Noenthusiasmispermittedexceptattheopera。Theyavoideverythingmarked。Theyrequireatoneofvoicethatexcitesnoattentionintheroom。SirPhilipSydneyisoneofthepatronsaintsofEngland，ofwhomWottonsaid，\"Hiswitwasthemeasureofcongruity。\"
Pretensionandvaporingareonceforalldistasteful。Theykeeptotheotherextremeoflowtoneindressandmanners。Theyavoidpretensionandgorighttotheheartofthething。Theyhatenonsense，sentimentalism，andhighflownexpression；theyuseastudiedplainness。EvenBrummeltheirfopwasmarkedbytheseverestsimplicityindress。Theyvaluethemselvesontheabsenceofeverythingtheatricalinthepublicbusiness，andonconcisenessandgoingtothepoint，inprivateaffairs。
Inanaristocraticalcountry，likeEngland，nottheTrialbyJury，butthedinneristhecapitalinstitution。Itisthemodeofdoinghonortoastranger，toinvitehimtoeat，——andhasbeenformanyhundredyears。\"Andtheythink，\"saystheVenetiantravellerof1500，\"nogreaterhonorcanbeconferredorreceived，thantoinviteotherstoeatwiththem，ortobeinvitedthemselves，andtheywouldsoonergivefiveorsixducatstoprovideanentertainmentforaperson，thanagroattoassisthiminanydistress。\"（*）Itisreservedtotheendoftheday，thefamily—hourbeinggenerallysix，inLondon，and，ifanycompanyisexpected，oneortwohourslater。
Everyonedressesfordinner，inhisownhouse，orinanotherman’s。
Theguestsareexpectedtoarrivewithinhalfanhourofthetimefixedbycardofinvitation，andnothingbutdeathormutilationispermittedtodetainthem。TheEnglishdinnerispreciselythemodelonwhichourownareconstructedintheAtlanticcities。Thecompanysitoneortwohours，beforetheladiesleavethetable。Thegentlemenremainovertheirwineanhourlonger，andrejointheladiesinthedrawing—room，andtakecoffee。Thedress—dinnergeneratesatalentoftable—talk，whichreachesgreatperfection：thestoriesaresogood，thatoneissuretheymusthavebeenoftentoldbefore，tohavegotsuchhappyturns。Hithercomeallmannerofcleverprojects，bitsofpopularscience，ofpracticalinvention，ofmiscellaneoushumor；political，literary，andpersonalnews；
railroads，horses，diamonds，agriculture，horticulture，pisciculture，andwine。
（*）\"RelationofEngland。\"
Englishstories，bon—mots，andtherecordedtable—talkoftheirwits，areasgoodasthebestoftheFrench。InAmerica，weareaptscholars，buthavenotyetattainedthesameperfection：fortherangeofnationsfromwhichLondondraws，andthesteepcontrastsofconditioncreatethepicturesqueinsociety，asbrokencountrymakespicturesquelandscape，whilstourprevailingequalitymakesaprairietameness：andsecondly，becausetheusageofadress—dinnereverydayatdark，hasatendencytohiveandproducetoadvantageeverythinggood。Muchattritionhasworneverysentenceintoabullet。Alsoonemeetsnowandthenwithpolishedmen，whoknoweverything，havetriedeverything，candoeverything，andarequitesuperiortolettersandscience。Whatcouldtheynot，ifonlytheywould？
ChapterVII_Truth_
Theteutonictribeshaveanationalsinglenessofheart，whichcontrastswitraces。TheGermannamehasaproverbialsignificanceofsincerityandhonestmeaning。Theartsbeartestimonytoit。Thefacesofclergyandlaityinoldsculpturesandilluminatedmissalsarechargedwithearnestbelief。Addtothishereditaryrectitude，thepunctualityandprecisedealingwhichcommercecreates，andyouhavetheEnglishtruthandcredit。Thegovernmentstrictlyperformsitsengagements。Thesubjectsdonotunderstandtriflingonitspart。Whenanybreachofpromiseoccurred，intheolddaysofprerogative，itwasresentedbythepeopleasanintolerablegrievance。And，inmoderntimes，anyslipperinessinthegovernmentinpoliticalfaith，oranyrepudiationorcrookednessinmattersoffinance，wouldbringthewholenationtoacommitteeofinquiryandreform。Privatemenkeeptheirpromises，neversotrivial。Downgoestheflyingwordonthetablets，andisindelibleasDomesdayBook。
Theirpracticalpowerrestsontheirnationalsincerity。
Veracityderivesfrominstinct，andmarkssuperiorityinorganization。Naturehasendowedsomeanimalswithcunning，asacompensationforstrengthwithheld；butithasprovokedthemaliceofallothers，asifavengersofpublicwrong。Inthenoblerkinds，wherestrengthcouldbeafforded，herracesareloyaltotruth，astruthisthefoundationofthesocialstate。Beaststhatmakenotrucewithman，donotbreakfaithwitheachother。’Tissaid，thatthewolf，whomakesa_cache_ofhisprey，andbringshisfellowswithhimtothespot，if，ondigging，itisnotfound，isinstantlyandunresistinglytorninpieces。Englishveracityseemstoresultonasounderanimalstructure，asiftheycouldaffordit。Theyarebluntinsayingwhattheythink，sparingofpromises，andtheyrequireplaindealingofothers。Wewillnothavetodowithamaninamask。Letusknowthetruth。Drawastraightline，hitwhomandwhereitwill。Alfred，whomtheaffectionofthenationmakesthetypeoftheirrace，iscalledbyhisfriendAsser，the_truth—speaker_；_Alueredusveridicus_。GeoffreyofMonmouthsaysofKingAurelius，uncleofArthur，that\"aboveallthingshehatedalie。\"TheNorthmanGuttormsaidtoKingOlaf，\"itisroyalworktofulfilroyalwords。\"Themottoesoftheirfamiliesaremonitoryproverbs，as，_Farefac_，——Say，do，——oftheFairfaxes；_Sayandseal_，ofthehouseofFiennes；_Veronilverius_，oftheDeVeres。
Tobekingoftheirword，istheirpride。Whentheyunmaskcant，theysay，\"theEnglishofthisis，\"&c。；andtogivethelieistheextremeinsult。Thephraseofthelowestofthepeopleis\"honor—bright，\"andtheirvulgarpraise，\"hiswordisasgoodashisbond。\"Theyhateshufflingandequivocation，andthecauseisdamagedinthepublicopinion，onwhichanypalteringcanbefixed。EvenLordChesterfield，withhisFrenchbreeding，whenhecametodefineagentleman，declaredthattruthmadehisdistinction：andnothingeverspokenbyhimwouldfindsoheartyasuffragefromhisnation。TheDukeofWellington，whohadthebestrighttosayso，advisestheFrenchGeneralKellermann，thathemayrelyontheparoleofanEnglishofficer。TheEnglish，ofallclasses，valuethemselvesonthistrait，asdistinguishingthemfromtheFrench，who，inthepopularbelief，aremorepolitethantrue。AnEnglishmanunderstates，avoidsthesuperlative，checkshimselfincompliments，alleging，thatintheFrenchlanguage，onecannotspeakwithoutlying。
Theyloverealityinwealth，power，hospitality，anddonoteasilylearntomakeashow，andtaketheworldasitgoes。Theyarenotfondofornaments，andiftheywearthem，theymustbegems。
TheyreadgladlyinoldFuller，thatalady，inthereignofElizabeth，\"wouldhaveaspatientlydigestedalie，asthewearingoffalsestonesorpendantsofcounterfeitpearl。\"Theyhavetheearth—hunger，orpreferenceforpropertyinland，whichissaidtomarktheTeutonicnations。Theybuildofstone：publicandprivatebuildingsaremassiveanddurable：Incomparingtheirships’houses，andpublicofficeswiththeAmerican，itiscommonlysaid，thattheyspendapound，wherewespendadollar。Plainrichclothes，plainrichequipage，plainrichfinishthroughouttheirhouseandbelongings，marktheEnglishtruth。
Theyconfideineachother，——EnglishbelievesinEnglishTheFrenchfeelthesuperiorityofthisprobity。TheEnglishmanisnotspringingatrapforhisadmiration，butishonestlymindinghisbusiness。TheFrenchmanisvain。MadamedeStaelsays，thattheEnglishirritatedNapoleon，mainly，becausetheyhavefoundouthowtounitesuccesswithhonesty。Shewasnotawarehowwideanapplicationherforeignreaderswouldgivetotheremark。WellingtondiscoveredtheruinofBonaparte’saffairs，byhisownprobity。Heauguredilloftheempire，assoonashesawthatitwasmendacious，andlivedbywar。Ifwardonotbringinitssequelnewtrade，betteragricultureandmanufactures，butonlygames，fireworks，andspectacles，——noprosperitycouldsupportit；muchless，anationdecimatedforconscripts，andoutofpocket，likeFrance。SohedrudgedforyearsonhismilitaryworksatLisbon，andfromthisbaseatlastextendedhisgiganticlinestoWaterloo，believinginhiscountrymenandtheirsyllogismsabovealltherhodomontadeofEurope。
AtaSt。George’sfestival，inMontreal，whereIhappenedtobeaguest，sincemyreturnhome，Iobservedthatthechairmancomplimentedhiscompatriots，bysaying，\"theyconfidedthatwherevertheymetanEnglishman，theyfoundamanwhowouldspeakthetruth。\"
Andonecannotthinkthisfestivalfruitless，if，allovertheworld，onthe23dofApril，wherevertwoorthreeEnglisharefound，theymeettoencourageeachotherinthenationalityofveracity。
Inthepowerofsayingrudetruth，sometimesinthelion’smouth，nomensurpassthem。Ontheking’sbirthday，wheneachbishopwasexpectedtoofferthekingapurseofgold，LatimergaveHenryVIII。acopyoftheVulgate，withamarkatthepassage，\"WhoremongersandadulterersGodwilljudge；\"andtheysohonorstoutnessineachother，thatthekingpasseditover。Theyaretenaciousoftheirbelief，andcannoteasilychangetheiropinionstosuitthehour。Theyarelikeshipswithtoomuchheadontocomequicklyabout，norwillprosperityorevenadversitybeallowedtoshaketheirhabitualviewofconduct。WhilstIwasinLondon，M。
GuizotarrivedthereonhisescapefromParis，inFebruary，1848。
Manyprivatefriendscalledonhim。HisnamewasimmediatelyproposedasanhonorarymemberoftheAthenaeum。M。Guizotwasblackballed。Certainly，theyknewthedistinctionofhisname。ButtheEnglishmanisnotfickle。Hehadreallymadeuphismind，nowforyearsashereadhisnewspaper，tohateanddespiseM。Guizot；
andthealteredpositionofthemanasanillustriousexile，andaguestinthecountry，makenodifferencetohim，astheywouldinstantly，toanAmerican。
Theyrequirethesameadherence，thoroughconvictionandrealityinpublicmen。ItisthewantofcharacterwhichmakesthelowreputationoftheIrishmembers。\"Seethem，\"theysaid，\"onehundredandtwenty—sevenallvotinglikesheep，neverproposinganything，andallbutfourvotingtheincometax，\"——whichwasanill—judgedconcessionoftheGovernment，relievingIrishpropertyfromtheburdenschargedonEnglish。
TheyhaveahorrorofadventurersinoroutofParliament。TherulingpassionofEnglishmen，inthesedays，is，aterrorofhumbug。
Inthesameproportion，theyvaluehonesty，stoutness，andadherencetoyourown。Theylikeamancommittedtohisobjects。TheyhatetheFrench，asfrivolous；theyhatetheIrish，asaimless；theyhatetheGermans，asprofessors。InFebruary，1848，theysaid，Look，theFrenchkingandhispartyfellforwantofashot；theyhadnotconsciencetoshoot，soentirelywasthepithandheartofmonarchyeatenout。
Theyattacktheirownpoliticianseveryday，onthesamegrounds，asadventurers。Theylovestoutnessinstandingforyourright，indecliningmoneyorpromotionthatcostsanyconcession。
ThebarristerrefusesthesilkgownofQueen’sCounsel，ifhisjuniorhaveitonedayearlier。LordCollingwoodwouldnotaccepthismedalforvictoryon14thFebruary，1797，ifhedidnotreceiveoneforvictoryon1stJune，1794；andthelongwithholdenmedalwasaccorded。WhenCastlereaghdissuadedLordWellingtonfromgoingtotheking’slevee，untiltheunpopularCintrabusinesshadbeenexplained，hereplied，\"Youfurnishmeareasonforgoing。Iwillgotothis，orIwillnevergotoaking’slevee。\"TheradicalmobatOxfordcriedafterthetorylordEldon，\"There’soldEldon；cheerhim；heneverratted。\"Theyhavegiventheparliamentarynicknameof_Trimmers_tothetimeservers，whomEnglishcharacterdoesnotlove。
（*）
（*）ItisanunluckymomenttorememberthesesparklesofsolitaryvirtueinthefaceofthehonorslatelypaidinEnglandtotheEmperorLouisNapoleon。IamsurethatnoEnglishmanwhomIhadthehappinesstoknow，consented，whenthearistocracyandthecommonsofLondoncringedlikeaNeapolitanrabble，beforeasuccessfulthief。But——howtoresistonestep，thoughodious，inalinkedseriesofstatenecessities？——Governmentsmustalwayslearntoolate，thattheuseofdishonestagentsisasruinousfornationsasforsinglemen。
Theyareveryliableintheirpoliticstoextraordinarydelusions，thus，tobelievewhatstandsrecordedinthegravestbooks，thatthemovementof10April，1848，wasurgedorassistedbyforeigners：which，tobesure，isparalleledbythedemocraticwhimsyinthiscountry，whichIhavenoticedtobesharedbymensaneonotherpoints，thattheEnglishareatthebottomoftheagitationofslavery，inAmericanpolitics：andthenagaintotheFrenchpopularlegendsonthesubjectof_perfidiousAlbion_。Butsuspicionwillmakefoolsofnationsasofcitizens。
Aslowtemperamentmakesthemlessrapidandreadythanothercountrymen，andhasgivenoccasiontotheobservation，thatEnglishwitcomesafterwards，——whichtheFrenchdenoteas_espritd’escalier_。Thisdulnessmakestheirattachmenttohome，andtheiradherenceinallforeigncountriestohomehabits。TheEnglishmanwhovisitsMountEtna，willcarryhisteakettletothetop。TheoldItalianauthorofthe\"RelationofEngland\"
（in1500），says，\"Ihaveitonthebestinformation，that，whenthewarisactuallyragingmostfuriously，theywillseekforgoodeating，andalltheirothercomforts，withoutthinkingwhatharmmightbefallthem。\"Thentheireyesseemtobesetatthebottomofatunnel，andtheyaffirmtheonesmallfacttheyknow，withthebestfaithintheworldthatnothingelseexists。
And，astheirownbeliefinguineasisperfect，theyreadily，onalloccasions，applythepecuniaryargumentasfinal。ThuswhentheRochesterrappingsbegantobeheardofinEngland，amandeposited100poundsinasealedboxintheDublinBank，andthenadvertisedinthenewspaperstoallsomnambulists，mesmerizers，andothers，thatwhoevercouldtellhimthenumberofhisnote，shouldhavethemoney。Heletitlietheresixmonths，thenewspapersnowandthen，athisinstance，stimulatingtheattentionoftheadepts；butnonecouldevertellhim；andhesaid，\"nowletmeneverbebotheredmorewiththisprovenlie。\"ItistoldofagoodSirJohn，thatheheardacasestatedbycounsel，andmadeuphismind；thenthecounselfortheothersidetakingtheirturntospeak，hefoundhimselfsounsettledandperplexed，thatheexclaimed，\"SohelpmeGod！Iwillneverlistentoevidenceagain。\"AnynumberofdelightfulexamplesofthisEnglishstolidityaretheanecdotesofEurope。Iknewaveryworthyman，——amagistrate，I
believehewas，inthetownofDerby，——whowenttotheopera，toseeMalibran。Inonescene，theheroinewastorushacrossaruinedbridge。Mr。
B。arose，andmildlyyetfirmlycalledtheattentionoftheaudienceandtheperformerstothefact，that，inhisjudgment，thebridgewasunsafe！ThisEnglishstoliditycontrastswithFrenchwitandtact。TheFrench，itiscommonlysaid，havegreatlymoreinfluenceinEuropethantheEnglish。WhatinfluencetheEnglishhaveisbybruteforceofwealthandpower；thatoftheFrenchbyaffinityandtalent。TheItalianissubtle，theSpaniardtreacherous：tortures，itwassaid，couldneverwrestfromanEgyptiantheconfessionofasecret。NoneofthesetraitsbelongtotheEnglishman。Hischolerandconceitforceeverythingout。Defoe，whoknewhiscountrymenwell，saysofthem，\"Incloseintrigue，theirfaculty’sbutweak，Forgenerallywhate’ertheyknow，theyspeak，AndoftentheirowncounselsundermineBymereinfirmitywithoutdesign；
Fromwhence，thelearnedsay，itdothproceed，ThatEnglishtreasonsnevercansucceed；
Forthey’resoopen—hearted，youmayknowTheirownmostsecretthoughts，andothers’too。\"
ChapterVIII_Character_
Theenglishracearereputedmorose。Idonotknowthattheyhavesadderbrowsthantheirneighborsofnorthernclimates。Theyaresadbycomparisonwiththesinginganddancingnations：notsadder，butslowandstaid，asfindingtheirjoysathome。They，too，believethatwherethereisnoenjoymentoflife，therecanbenovigorandartinspeechorthought：thatyourmerryheartgoesalltheway，yoursadonetiresinamile。ThistraitofgloomhasbeenfixedonthembyFrenchtravellers，who，fromFroissart，Voltaire，LeSage，Mirabeau，downtothelivelyjournalistsofthe_feuilletons_，havespenttheirwitonthesolemnityoftheirneighbors。TheFrenchsay，gayconversationisunknownintheirisland。TheEnglishmanfindsnorelieffromreflection，exceptinreflection。Whenhewishesforamusement，hegoestowork。Hishilarityislikeanattackoffever。Religion，thetheatre，andthereadingthebooksofhiscountry，allfeedandincreasehisnaturalmelancholy。Thepolicedoesnotinterferewithpublicdiversions。Itthinksitselfboundindutytorespectthepleasuresandraregayetyofthisinconsolablenation；andtheirwell—knowncourageisentirelyattributabletotheirdisgustoflife。
Isuppose，theirgravityofdemeanorandtheirfewwordshaveobtainedthisreputation。AscomparedwiththeAmericans，Ithinkthemcheerfulandcontented。Youngpeople，inthiscountry，aremuchmorepronetomelancholy。TheEnglishhaveamildaspect，andaringingcheerfulvoice。Theyarelarge—natured，andnotsoeasilyamusedasthesoutherners，andareamongthemasgrownpeopleamongchildren，requiringwar，ortrade，orengineering，orscience，insteadoffrivolousgames。Theyareproudandprivate，and，evenifdisposedtorecreation，willavoidanopengarden。Theysportedsadly；_ilss’amusaienttristement，selonlacoutumedeleurpays_，saidFroissart；and，Isuppose，nevernationbuilttheirparty—wallssothick，ortheirgarden—fencessohigh。Meatandwineproducenoeffectonthem：theyarejustascold，quiet，andcomposed，attheend，asatthebeginningofdinner。
Thereputationoftaciturnitytheyhaveenjoyedforsixorsevenhundredyears；andakindofprideinbadpublicspeakingisnotedintheHouseofCommons，asiftheywerewillingtoshowthattheydidnotlivebytheirtongues，orthoughttheyspokewellenoughiftheyhadthetoneofgentlemen。Inmixedcompany，theyshuttheirmouths。AYorkshiremill—ownertoldme，hehadriddenmorethanonceallthewayfromLondontoLeeds，inthefirst—classcarriage，withthesamepersons，andnowordexchanged。Theclub—houseswereestablishedtocultivatesocialhabits，anditisrarethatmorethantwoeattogether，andoftenestoneeatsalone。WasitthenastrokeofhumorintheseriousSwedenborg，orwasitonlyhispitilesslogic，thatmadehimshutuptheEnglishsoulsinaheavenbythemselves？
Theyarecontradictorilydescribedassour，splenetic，andstubborn，——andasmild，sweet，andsensible。Thetruthis，theyhavegreatrangeandvarietyofcharacter。Commercesendsabroadmultitudesofdifferentclasses。ThecholericWelshman，thefervidScot，thebiliousresidentintheEastorWestIndies，arewideoftheperfectbehavioroftheeducatedanddignifiedmanoffamily。Soistheburlyfarmer；soisthecountry’squire，withhisnarrowandviolentlife。Ineveryinn，istheCommercial—Room，inwhich`travellers，’orbagmenwhocarrypatterns，andsolicitorders，forthemanufacturers，arewonttobeentertained。IteasilyhappensthatthisclassshouldcharacterizeEnglandtotheforeigner，whomeetsthemontheroad，andateverypublichouse，whilstthegentryavoidthetaverns，orsecludethemselveswhilstinthem。
ButtheseclassesaretherightEnglishstock，andmayfairlyshowthenationalqualities，beforeyetartandeducationhavedealtwiththem。Theyaregoodlovers，goodhaters，slowbutobstinateadmirers，and，inallthings，verymuchsteepedintheirtemperament，likemenhardlyawakedfromdeepsleep，whichtheyenjoy。Theirhabitsandinstinctscleavetonature。Theyareoftheearth，earthy；andofthesea，asthesea—kinds，attachedtoitforwhatityieldsthem，andnotfromanysentiment。Theyarefullofcoarsestrength，rudeexercise，butcher’smeat，andsoundsleep；andsuspectanypoeticinsinuationoranyhintfortheconductoflifewhichreflectsonthisanimalexistence，asifsomebodywerefumblingattheumbilicalcordandmightstoptheirsupplies。Theydoubtaman’ssoundjudgment，ifhedoesnoteatwithappetite，andshaketheirheadsifheisparticularlychaste。Takethemastheycome，youshallfindinthecommonpeopleasurlyindifference，sometimesgruffnessandilltemper；and，inmindsofmorepower，magazinesofinexhaustiblewar，challenging\"TheruggedesthourthattimeandspitedarebringTofrownupontheenragedNorthumberland。\"
Theyareheadstrongbelieversanddefendersoftheiropinion，andnotlessresoluteinmaintainingtheirwhimandperversity。
HezekiahWoodwardwroteabookagainsttheLord’sPrayer。AndonecanbelievethatBurtontheAnatomistofMelancholy，havingpredictedfromthestarsthehourofhisdeath，slippedtheknothimselfroundhisownneck，nottofalsifyhishoroscope。
Theirlooksbespeakaninvinciblestoutness：theyhaveextremedifficultytorunaway，andwilldiegame。WellingtonsaidoftheyoungcoxcombsoftheLife—Guardsdelicatelybroughtup，\"butthepuppiesfightwell；\"andNelsonsaidofhissailors，\"theyreallymindshotnomorethanpeas。\"Ofabsolutestoutnessnonationhasmoreorbetterexamples。Theyaregoodatstormingredoubts，atboardingfrigates，atdyinginthelastditch，oranydesperateservicewhichhasdaylightandhonorinit；butnot，Ithink，atenduringtherack，oranypassiveobedience，likejumpingoffacastle—roofatthewordofaczar。Beingbothvascularandhighlyorganized，soastobeverysensibleofpain；andintellectual，soastoseereasonandgloryinamatter。
Ofthatconstitutionalforce，whichyieldsthesuppliesoftheday，theyhavethemorethanenough，theexcesswhichcreatescourageonfortitude，geniusinpoetry，inventioninmechanics，enterpriseintrade，magnificenceinwealth，splendorinceremonies，petulanceandprojectsinyouth。Theyoungmenhavearudehealthwhichrunsintopeccanthumors。Theydrinkbrandylikewater，cannotexpendtheirquantitiesofwastestrengthonriding，hunting，swimming，andfencing，andrunintoabsurdfrolicswiththegravityoftheEumenides。Theystoutlycarryintoeverynookandcorneroftheearththeirturbulentsense；leavingnolieuncontradicted；nopretensionunexamined。Theychewhasheesh；cutthemselveswithpoisonedcreases；swingtheirhammockintheboughsoftheBohonUpas；tasteeverypoison；buyeverysecret；atNaples，theyputSt。
Januarius’sbloodinanalembic；theysawaholeintotheheadofthe\"winkingVirgin，\"toknowwhyshewinks；measurewithanEnglishfootruleeverycelloftheInquisition，everyTurkishcaaba，everyHolyofholies；translateandsendtoBentleythearcanumbribedandbulliedawayfromshudderingBramins；andmeasuretheirownstrengthbytheterrortheycause。Thesetravellersareofeveryclass，thebestandtheworst；anditmayeasilyhappenthatthoseofrudestbehavioraretakennoticeofandremembered。TheSaxonmelancholyinthevulgarrichandpoorappearsasgushesofill—humor，whicheverycheckexasperatesintosarcasmandvituperation。TherearemultitudesofrudeyoungEnglishwhohavetheself—sufficiencyandbluntnessoftheirnation，andwho，withtheirdisdainoftherestofmankind，andwiththisindigestionandcholer，havemadetheEnglishtravelleraproverbforuncomfortableandoffensivemanners。ItwasnobaddescriptionoftheBritongenerically，whatwassaidtwohundredyearsago，ofoneparticularOxfordscholar：\"Hewasaveryboldman，utteredanythingthatcameintohismind，notonlyamonghiscompanions，butinpubliccoffee—houses，andwouldoftenspeakhismindofparticularpersonsthenaccidentallypresent，withoutexaminingthecompanyhewasin；forwhichhewasoftenreprimanded，andseveraltimesthreatenedtobekickedandbeaten。\"
ThecommonEnglishmanispronetoforgetacardinalarticleinthebillofsocialrights，thateverymanhasarighttohisownears。Nomancanclaimtousurpmorethanafewcubicfeetoftheaudibilitiesofapublicroom，ortoputuponthecompanywiththeloudstatementofhiscrotchetsorpersonalities。
Butitisinthedeeptraitsofracethatthefortunesofnationsarewritten，andhoweverderived，whetherahappiertribeormixtureoftribes，theair，orwhatcircumstance，thatmixedforthemthegoldenmeanoftemperament，——hereexiststhebeststockintheworld，broad—fronted，broad—bottomed，bestfordepth，range，andequability，menofaplombandreserves，greatrangeandmanymoods，stronginstincts，yetaptforculture；war—classaswellasclerks；
earlsandtradesmen；wiseminority，aswellasfoolishmajority；
abysmaltemperament，hidingwellsofwrath，andgloomsonwhichnosunshinesettles；alternatedwithacommonsenseandhumanitywhichholdthemfasttoeverypieceofcheerfulduty；makingthistemperamentaseatowhichallstormsaresuperficial；aracetowhichtheirfortunesflow，asiftheyalonehadtheelasticorganizationatoncefineandrobustenoughfordominion；asiftheburlyinexpressive，nowmuteandcontumacious，nowfierceandsharp—tongueddragon，whichoncemadetheislandlightwithhisfierybreath，hadbequeathedhisferocitytohisconqueror。Theyhidevirtuesundervices，orthesemblanceofthem。ItisthemisshapenhairyScandinaviantrollagain，wholiftsthecartoutofthemire，or\"threshesthecornthattenday—laborerscouldnotend，\"butitisdoneinthedark，andwithmutteredmaledictions。Heisachurlwithasoftplaceinhisheart，whosespeechisabrashofbitterwaters，butwholovestohelpyouatapinch。Hesaysno，andservesyou，andyourthanksdisgusthim。Herewaslatelyacross—grainedmiser，oddandugly，resemblingincountenancetheportraitofPunch，withthelaughleftout；richbyhisownindustry；sulkinginalonelyhouse；whonevergaveadinnertoanyman，anddisdainedallcourtesies；yetastrueaworshipperofbeautyinformandcoloraseverexisted，andprofuselypouringoverthecoldmindofhiscountrymencreationsofgraceandtruth，removingthereproachofsterilityfromEnglishart，catchingfromtheirsavageclimateeveryfinehint，andimportingintotheirgallerieseverytintandtraitofsunniercitiesandskies；makinganerainpainting；and，whenhesawthatthesplendorofoneofhispicturesintheExhibitiondimmedhisrival’sthathungnextit，secretlytookabrushandblackenedhisown。
Theydonotweartheirheartintheirsleevefordawstopeckat。Theyhavethatphlegmorstaidness，whichitisacomplimenttodisturb。\"Greatmen，\"saidAristotle，\"arealwaysofanatureoriginallymelancholy。\"’Tisthehabitofamindwhichattachestoabstractionswithapassionwhichgivesvastresults。Theydaretodisplease，theydonotspeaktoexpectation。TheylikethesayersofNo，betterthanthesayersofYes。Eachofthemhasanopinionwhichhefeelsitbecomeshimtoexpressallthemorethatitdiffersfromyours。Theyaremeditatingopposition。Thisgravityisinseparablefrommindsofgreatresources。
ThereisanEnglishherosuperiortotheFrench，theGerman，theItalian，ortheGreek。Whenheisbroughttothestrifewithfate，hesacrificesarichermaterialpossession，andonmorepurelymetaphysicalgrounds。Heistherewithhisownconsent，facetofacewithfortune，whichhedefies。Ondeliberatechoice，andfromgroundsofcharacter，hehaselectedhisparttoliveanddiefor，anddieswithgrandeur。Thisracehasaddednewelementstohumanity，andhasadeeperrootintheworld。
Theyhavegreatrangeofscale，fromferocitytoexquisiterefinement。Withlargerscale，theyhavegreatretrievingpower。
Afterrunningeachtendencytoanextreme，theytryanothertackwithequalheat。Moreintellectualthanotherraces，whentheylivewithotherraces，theydonottaketheirlanguage，butbestowtheirown。
Theysubsidizeothernations，andarenotsubsidized。Theyproselyte，andarenotproselyted。Theyassimilateotherracestothemselves，andarenotassimilated。TheEnglishdidnotcalculatetheconquestoftheIndies。Itfelltotheircharacter。Sotheyadministerindifferentpartsoftheworld，thecodesofeveryempireandrace；inCanada，oldFrenchlaw；intheMauritius，theCodeNapoleon；intheWestIndies，theedictsoftheSpanishCortes；intheEastIndies，theLawsofMenu；intheIsleofMan，oftheScandinavianThing；attheCapeofGoodHope，oftheoldNetherlands；
andintheIonianIslands，thePandectsofJustinian。
Theyareveryconsciousoftheiradvantageouspositioninhistory。Englandisthelawgiver，thepatron，theinstructor，theally。ComparethetoneoftheFrenchandoftheEnglishpress：thefirstquerulous，captious，sensitiveaboutEnglishopinion；theEnglishpressisnevertimorousaboutFrenchopinion，butarrogantandcontemptuous。
Theyaretestyandheadstrongthroughanexcessofwillandbias；churlishasmensometimespleasetobewhodonotforgetadebt，whoasknofavors，andwhowilldowhattheylikewiththeirown。Witheducationandintercourse，theseasperitieswearoff，andleavethegoodwillpure。Ifanatomyisreformedaccordingtonationaltendencies，Isuppose，thespleenwillhereafterbefoundintheEnglishman，notfoundintheAmerican，anddifferencingtheonefromtheother。Ianticipateanotheranatomicaldiscovery，thatthisorganwillbefoundtobecorticalandcaducous，thattheyaresuperficiallymorose，butatlasttender—hearted，hereindifferingfromRomeandtheLatinnations。Nothingsavage，nothingmeanresidesintheEnglishheart。Theyaresubjecttopanicsofcredulityandofrage，butthetemperofthenation，howeverdisturbed，settlesitselfsoonandeasily，as，inthistemperatezone，theskyafterwhateverstormsclearsagain，andserenityisitsnormalcondition。
Asavingstupiditymasksandprotectstheirperceptionasthecurtainoftheeagle’seye。OurswifterAmericans，whentheyfirstdealwithEnglish，pronouncethemstupid；but，later，dothemjusticeaspeoplewhowearwell，orhidetheirstrength。Tounderstandthepowerofperformancethatisintheirfinestwits，inthepatientNewton，orintheversatiletranscendentpoets，orintheDugdales，Gibbons，Hallams，Eldons，andPeels，oneshouldseehowEnglishday—laborersholdout。Highandlow，theyareofanunctuoustexture。Thereisanadipocereintheirconstitution，asiftheyhadoilalsofortheirmentalwheels，andcouldperformvastamountsofworkwithoutdamagingthemselves。
Eventhescaleofexpenseonwhichpeoplelive，andtowhichscholarsandprofessionalmenconform，provesthetensionoftheirmuscle，whenvastnumbersarefoundwhocaneachliftthisenormousload。Imightevenadd，theirdailyfeastsargueasavagevigorofbody。
Nonationwaseversorichinablemen；\"gentlemen，\"asCharlesI。saidofStrafford，\"whoseabilitiesmightmakeaprinceratherafraidthanashamedinthegreatestaffairsofstate；\"menofsuchtemper，that，likeBaronVere，\"hadoneseenhimreturningfromavictory，hewouldbyhissilencehavesuspectedthathehadlosttheday；and，hadhebeheldhiminaretreat，hewouldhavecollectedhimaconquerorbythecheerfulnessofhisspirit。\"（*）
（*）Fuller。WorthiesofEngland。
ThefollowingpassagefromtheHeimskringlamightalmoststandasaportraitofthemodernEnglishman：——\"Haldorwasverystoutandstrong，andremarkablyhandsomeinappearances。KingHaroldgavehimthistestimony，thathe，amongallhismen，caredleastaboutdoubtfulcircumstances，whethertheybetokeneddangerorpleasure；
for，whateverturnedup，hewasneverinhighernorinlowerspirits，neversleptlessnormoreonaccountofthem，noratenordrankbutaccordingtohiscustom。Haldorwasnotamanofmanywords，butshortinconversation，toldhisopinionbluntly，andwasobstinateandhard：andthiscouldnotpleasetheking，whohadmanycleverpeopleabouthim，zealousinhisservice。Haldorremainedashorttimewiththeking，andthencametoIceland，wherehetookuphisabodeinHiardaholt，anddweltinthatfarmtoaveryadvancedage。\"
（*）
（*）Heimskringla，Laing’stranslation，vol。iii。p。37。
Thenationaltemper，inthecivilhistory，isnotflashyorwhiffling。Theslow，deepEnglishmasssmoulderswithfire，whichatlastsetsallitsbordersinflame。ThewrathofLondonisnotFrenchwrath，buthasalongmemory，and，initshottestheat，aregisterandrule。
Halftheirstrengththeyputnotforth。Theyarecapableofasublimeresolution，andifhereafterthewarofraces，oftenpredicted，andmakingitselfawarofopinionsalso（aquestionofdespotismandlibertycomingfromEasternEurope），shouldmenacetheEnglishcivilization，thesesea—kingsmaytakeonceagaintotheirfloatingcastles，andfindanewhomeandasecondmillenniumofpowerintheircolonies。
ThestabilityofEnglandisthesecurityofthemodernworld。
IftheEnglishracewereasmutableastheFrench，whatreliance？
ButtheEnglishstandforliberty。Theconservative，money—loving，lord—lovingEnglishareyetliberty—loving；andsofreedomissafe：
fortheyhavemorepersonalforcethananyotherpeople。Thenationalwaysresisttheimmoralactionoftheirgovernment。TheythinkhumanelyontheaffairsofFrance，ofTurkey，ofPoland，ofHungary，ofSchleswigHolstein，thoughoverbornebythestatecraftoftherulersatlast。