324) HISTORY OF 



savages are much more difficult in this particular than the most 

 fashionable or tawdry European. The more barbarous the peo- 

 ple, the fonder of finery. In Europe, the lustre of jewels, and 

 the splendour of the most brilliant colours, are generally given up 

 to women, or to the weakest part of the other sex, who are willing 

 to be contemptibly fine -. but in Asia, these trifling fineries are 

 eagerly sought after, by every condition of men, and as the pro- 

 verb has it, we find the richest jewels in an Ethiop's ear. The 

 passion for glittering ornaments is still stronger among the ab- 

 solute barbai'ians, who often exchange their whole stock of pro- 

 visions, and whatever else they happen to be possessed of, with 

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



Although fashions have arisen in different countries 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 at- 

 tention of each other, by such ornaments as mark the riches, the 

 power, or courage of the wearer. The value of those shining 

 stones, which have at all times been considered as precious orna- 

 ments, is entirely founded upon their scarceness 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 designed to draw the at- 

 tention 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 derive greater advantage from opu- 

 lence than virtue ; while the means of appearing considerable, are 

 more easily acquired, than the title to be considered. The 

 first impression we generally make, arises from our dress ; and 

 this varies, in conformity 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 plainness of his dress ; the vain man, on the con- 

 trary, takes a pleasure in displaying his superiority, " and is will- 

 ing to incur the spectator's dislike, so he does but excite his 

 attention." 



Another point of view which men have in dressing, is to in 



