2 5 o NATURAL HISTORY of NORWAY. 



within the circle of their knowledge, and require only natural 

 parts to comprehend, one mail find them provided with judici- 

 ous and pertinent anfwers. Their queftions are generally clear 

 and rational, and their anfwers difcover great penetration, and 

 knowledge fuperior to many who have had all the advantages of 

 education. 



SECT. VII. 



Poiitcnefs. Another good quality obfervable in the Norwegians is civility, 

 and a courteous behaviour, being very obliging and willing to 

 ferve others. In this they do not fall fhort of the politenefs of 

 the French, for they referable them more than any other nation; 

 the return they have for it, from the undifcerning, is much the 

 fame as the French meet with. For it is generally thought that 

 where there is fo much complaifance, there is little fincerity ; 

 and many foreigners doubt whether the Norwegians civil words, 

 looks, and proteftations, are fincere. 'Tis true, the laft are often 

 as little to be depended upon here as in other countries, and the 

 greateft profeffions of friendfhip fometimes require the greateft 

 caution. But ftill it is found to be true in general, that the Nor- 

 wegians civil and obliging deportment, ought not to make their 

 fincerity and honefty fufpe&ed : Their behaviour is not affected, 

 but quite natural to them, and may be looked upon as the par- 

 ticular genius of the nation. The Norwegian peafant, in point 

 of politenefs, exceeds the Danifh Burgher; and the Norwegian 

 Burgher, efpecially of the mercantile ciafs, in this refpecl, equals 



fidelity. a t leaft the Danifh Nobility. As for fidelity and honefty, I think, 

 I have not found them lefs pradlifed here than in other countries ; 

 but this I muff, fay, that where fuch a good principle is difco- 

 vered, it requires in the perfon who pofTefies it, a double caution 

 to guard again ft the fubtle fchemes of the crafty and deftgning. 



But in general the Norwegians are a faithful honeft people *, 

 and their fidelity to their fovereign fhewed itfelf remarkably to- 

 wards the king, of whofe throne they have been found to be the 

 main fuport. 



* And even Molefworth cannot help praifing the Norwegians, in this and other 

 refpects, in thefe words : " The inhabitants are a hardy, laborious, and honeft fort 

 of people." Account of Denmark, c. iii. 3. p. 28. It is a double commendation to 

 be commended by a man that only excels in fcandal. 



. 1 Expe- 



