THROUGH SWEDEN. 69 
fometimes experienced when I was among the number of the 
guefts. In the interval between dinner and fupper, which how'- 
ever, from the many hours that are thought necelfary for the 
adls of eating and drinking, is not long, there is no amufement 
whatever but playing at cards. If you cannot join in this ra¬ 
tional recreation, you are abandoned to your fate, and may fit in 
fome corner of the room, indulging in meditation on whatever 
fubjedt you pleafe. 
I have already noticed the extreme paffion of the Swedes for 
cards; an amufement too fafeinating in all countries, but which 
in Sweden, efpecially among the higher orders, feems to abforb 
every power and faculty of the foul. The following anecdote 
may ferve to illuftrate it in a linking manner:—A nobleman of 
great rank having waited longer than ufual for his dinner, and 
feeing that no preparation was made for it, went down to call 
his fervants to an account, and to examine into the reafon of the 
delay. He found his houfehold, in imitation of their fuperiors, 
deeply engaged at cards. They excufed themfelves to their 
mailer by telling him that they were now at the moll interclling 
point of the game; and the butler, who had the greatell flake, 
took the liberty of explaining the cale to his excellency, who 
could not in confcience but approve his reafons. However, being 
unwdlling to wait for his dinner till the game was decided, he fent 
the butler to lay the cloth, while he himfelf fat down with the 
other fervants, and managed the interell of that individual in his, 
abfence. 
The 
