LORD EVERGREEN 



237 



foundation. Now, for our own parts, we have no 

 objection to bear the imputation of Tuft Hunting, in 

 as far as admitting that the society of noblemen is 

 oftentimes preferable to the society of commoners, 

 and we are really hardened enough not to be ashamed 

 of the admission. If education, knowledge, talent, 

 manners, intercourse with the polished world, are 

 recommendations for a companion, where are we so 

 likely to find them as in the leisure circles of the 

 aristocracy ? To run after a man merely because he 

 is a lord, is an amusement fit only for a lacquey, but 



to shun a man because he is a lord, and because his 

 acquaintance might entail upon one the charge of 

 Tuft Hunting, is sacrificing rather too much at the 

 shrine of our estimable friend " public opinion," or 

 the opinion of the gentleman who rejoices in the title 

 of " they say." 



The fable of the old man, the boy, and the ass, 

 is an admirable illustration of the opinion of our good 

 friend the world, with regard to companions. If a 

 man listens to all that is said respecting the objects 

 of his choice, he would very soon be left alone in his 



