CANANDAIGUA. 65 



Satire on human nature. I have often traced a 

 resemblance between the ancient Athenians and 

 the modern French — lively and full of mind, 

 adoruing the v^'orld by the works of art and the 

 productions of genius — but yet cherishing a per- 

 sonal vanity, which constantly puts them in a 

 belligerent state with men of superior merit, and 

 a national vanity which creates the same collision 

 with all other nations. At one time the Grand 

 Monarque, and at other times, the grand Nation — 

 the Grand Emperor — the Grand Consul — and 

 always, the glory and the greatness of the world. 



LETTER XIV„ ' 



Canandaigua, June, 1820. 



My Deak. Sir, 



In every country or village inn, the bar room 

 is the coffee room, exchange, or place of intelli- 

 gence, where all the quidnuncs, newsmongerSj 

 and politicians of the district resort, and where 

 strangers and travellers make their first entry- 

 Neither my taste, my habits, nor my convenience 

 will admit of gorgeous or shewy equipments, and 

 when I therefore take my seat in the caravanse- 

 ras, there is nothing in my appearance to attract 



