426 HISTORY OF 



change their whole stock of provisions, and what- 

 ever else they happen to be possessed of, with 

 our seamen, for a glass bead or a looking-glass." 

 Although fashions have arisen in different coun- 

 tries from fancy and caprice, these, when they 

 become general, deserve examination. Mankind 

 have always considered it as a matter of moment, 

 and they will ever continue desirous of drawing 

 the attention of each other, by such ornaments as 

 mark the riches, the power, or the courage of the 

 wearer. The value of those shining stones which 

 have at all times been considered as precious or- 

 naments, is entirely founded upon their scarce- 

 ness or their brilliancy. It is the same likewise 

 with respect to those shining metals, the weight 

 of which is so little regarded, when spread over 

 our clothes. These ornaments are rather design- 

 ed to draw the attention of others, than to add 

 to any enjoyments of our own ; and few there are 

 that these ornaments will not serve to dazzle, and 

 who can coolly distinguish between the metal and 

 the man. 



All things rare and brilliant will, therefore, 

 ever continue to be fashionable, while men de- 

 rive greater advantage from opulence than vir- 

 tue ; while the means of appearing considerable 

 are more easily acquired, than the title to be con- 

 sidered. The first impression we generally make, 

 arises from our dress ; and this varies, in confor- 

 mity to our inclinations, and the manner in which 

 we desire to be considered. The modest man, 

 or he who would wish to be thought so, desires 

 to show the simplicity of his mind, by the plain- 



