Soon after Dr. Moore arrived at Paris, he went to the Italian opera, when a marquis, whom he had known in London, entered the box. He flew to him with all the vivacity of a Frenchman, and with every mark of pleasure and regard; asking a thousand questions in a breath about his friends in England, without waiting for an an

swer.

Perceiving the company disturbed by their conversation, he proposed leaving the comedy, to which the marquis immediately assented, and ordered his coachman to drive them to the Colessee as all the world would be there.

When they arrived, they went up into the gallery, that they might see the company below, and yet be free from interruption.

Our author soon remarked two ladies, a little extravagantly dressed; but whose features betrayed the approach of fifty, in spite of all their art to conceal their age. At sight of them the marquis started up, said they were his relations, and remarked, that old ladies, who had the ambition to appear young, if neglected, were the most vindictive animals on earth; for which reason, as he wished to retain their good graces, he must speak to them.

In a few minutes he returned again, saying, he had got well out of the scrape, by telling them he was engaged with an English gentleman, and that he had fixed a young officer with them, who dared as well leave his colours in battle, as forsake them, till they chose to retire; because his best hopes of promotion depended on their influence at court.

A young man, very magnificently dressed, entered the room. His importance was announced by his airs, his bustle, and his decisive tone of voice. "It is M. le Duc de......," said the marquis, "and it is indispensably necessary, that you should be presented to him; there is no living at Paris without that advantage.”

A fine lady next appeared, who seemed to command the admiration of the whole assembly. She smiled at one, nodded to another, shrugged to a third, tapped a fourth with her fan, burst into a fit of laughter to a fifth, and whispered in the ear of a sixth. In short, she seemed persuaded that she was the only person present worthy of attention.

Just as the marquis was proceeding with some sarcastic remarks on this beautiful woman, he suddenly recognised one of his friends; and immediately starting up, hurried our author down stairs, and introduced him, by saying, he was an English philosoper who understood horse races better than Newton himself, and who had no, objection to the game of whist.

With this gentleman they supped, in company with several ingenious men, with a mixture of very agreeable women, who freely joined in the conversation, even when it turned on subjects of. literature. Even those who knew nothing of the matter, rallied their own ignorance in such a sprightly manner, as must have convinced every person, that knowledge is not necessary to render a woman exceedingly agreeable in society.

The marquis was now a pretty constant companion of our author; and being universally liked, and intimately acquainted with some of

the most eminent literary characters, his friendship was of real value.

It is scarcely to be credited, what influence men of learning have on the gay and dissipated city of Paris. Their opinions not only determine the merit of works of taste and science, but they have considerable weight on the manners and sentiments of people of rank, and of the public in general.

As the sentiments and conversation of men of letters influence, to a certain degree, the opinions and the conduct of the fashionable world; so the manners of these last have an obvious effect on the former, and render them polite and easy; equally remote in their carriage from the awkward timidity contracted in retirement, and the disgusting arrogance inspired by university honours, or ecclesiastical dignities.

Politeness and good manners may be traced in various proportions through every rank, from the highest nobility to the lowest mechanic. This forms a more remarkable and distinguishing feature in the French character, than the vivacity, impetuosity, and fickleness, for which the ancient, as well as the modern, natives of this country have been noted.

A stranger, unversed in the language, and who can scarcely open his mouth without a solecism, or some ridiculous blunder, is never laughed at ; but kindly acquainted with the proper phrase, or assisted in expressing his meaning.

The most glaring deviation from fashion, in dress, an object of their greatest attention, cannot make the French forget the laws of good breeding. They neither gaze nor sneer at a per

son whose clothes are made against every law of the mode; but suffer him to pass, before they turn round to indulge their curiosity.

It is not to be denied, however, but the insolence of office is as visible among the French as other nations, particularly towards each other. In fact, examples of the abuse of power are every where to be met with; yet there is no country in Europe where less licence, in this respect, is taken than here.

In this place, our ingenious traveller makes various remarks on the innate loyalty and love of monarchy of the French nation. That this might be the prevailing character of the people only twenty years ago, we have no reason to doubt; but the instability of the French has always been proverbial; and the revolution in sentiment, which has lately taken place among them, is no less remarkable than the revolution in government. With the turn of the tide, they may again assume their old character, or be moulded into something quite new that their habits, their ideas can remain just as they are, is impossible. Society cannot exist without the ties of religion, and the impulse of morals.

Dr. Moore had now contracted a particular intimacy with the marquis, who had, however, absented himself for some days, as he said, he was obliged to pay his court to a lady, in order to gratify his relations; and that he was just on the point of being married.

While our author was in daily expectation of hearing this intelligence confirmed, the marquis called at his lodgings, and with a very gay air, exclaimed "Me voila au desespoir, mon cher

ami." The doctor observed, he was the merriest. man he ever saw in despair.

He then circumstantially informed him, that the match was broken off without any fault of his, and seemed happy that he had been able to please his friends, and yet not engage himself.

I

"My mother," continued the marquis, "who is the best creature in the world, told me this marriage would make her quite happy. All my uncles and aunts, and cousins, said the same. was moreover informed that the lady, her father, and all her relations, wished this alliance with the most obliging earnestness. The girl was tolerably pretty; and as it was likely they would persuade me to marry some time or other, why, thought I, should I not oblige them now, particularly as it was not in the smallest degree displeasing to myself."

The doctor approved of his friend's reasoning, and only observed, that it was fortunate he happened to be perfectly disengaged, and did not prefer another woman.

"You are mistaken, my friend, rejoined the marquis; I preferred many to the lady in question, and one in particular, whose name I will not mention; but whom I love, whom I do love in earnest."

"Good heaven!" cried the doctor, "how then could you think of marrying another?" "That does not signify, said the marquis, I could not marry her. She had got the start of me, and had undergone the ceremony already, and, therefore, had no objection to my obliging my mother and relations in this particular, for she is goodness itself. However, I am well pleased, upon