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, 

 adorning the world 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 Dear Sir, 



In every country or village inn, the bar room 

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

 gence, where all the quidnuncs, newsmongers, 

 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 



