Our main supporter in the silver engraving, was John Langlands, who was of a cheerful, hospitable14, and charitable disposition15, full of stories and anecdotes16, and who greatly esteemed17 men of ability, integrity, and industry. These he never forgot when age or infirmities brought them down. He then shook hands with them as he had done before, but his own mostly concealed18 his token of respect—a half guinea. I spent many a cheerful evening in Mr. L.’s house, in company with others who also partook of his hospitable board. The most remarkable19 of these was Matthew Prior, who had the character of being one of the best mechanics in the kingdom. He was assay20 master, a musical instrument maker3, and a turner, in which last he particularly excelled. The many remarkable pieces of dexterous21 workmanship he had done in that way drew upon him the notice of many gentlemen in the two northern counties, with whom also, as an angler, a sportsman, and a jovial22 companion, he was a welcome guest. It happened, on some pretence23 or other, that an attempt was made to take away the assay business from Newcastle, which occasioned Prior to be sent for, to be examined by (I believe) a committee of the House of Commons, as to his ability in conducting that business. The ease, the clearness, as well as the straight-forward way in which he answered all questions excited some surprise, as well as approbation24. When questioned as to the accuracy of his scale-beam, he said a hair clipped from the back of his hand would turn his scales either way. For a wager25, he turned two billiard balls of such equal weights that the difference was as nothing. He was of a most independent cast of character, and open and frank in his conversation. It had been reported that Prior had said of a proud, high-minded gentleman that “he durst do what neither the gentleman nor any of his family dared do.” Prior had never said any such thing; but this gentleman took him to task about it, and, with great indignation, accused him of saying so. At this, Prior, in his turn, felt offended, and told him, though he had never said so, he would now say so to his face. This produced a wager between them; and Matthew told him he would double the bet if he pleased. “Now,” said the gentleman, in high ill-humour, “what is it you dare do?” “Do!” said Prior, “I dare spend the last shilling I have in the world!”[23]
During a great part of the time I have been noticing, the American War was going on. The “press” broke out just after I landed in London, and, to escape the gang, one of our crew came and took refuge with me. This poor fellow, a decent man, had in his youth been on board a ship of war; and, as far as concerned himself, he said he did not mind going again; but the thoughts of being dragged from his family threw him into very great distress26. Political writings and debatings sometimes ran very high between those who were advocates for a system of corruption27, and profited by the taxes, and those who were advocates for the liberties of mankind; but it always appeared to me that a very great majority of the people were decidedly against the war. These writings and debatings, which the war occasioned, certainly served greatly to alter the notions and the opinions of the people respecting the purity of the British government, and its representative system; and this attempt at doing it away altogether in America seemed a prelude28 to the same system of misrule, when, by slower degrees, a future opportunity offered for doing it away at home. In these political debatings, the question was often asked, “Whether the government was made for the people, or the people for the government?” Great numbers, who hoped for the best, still clung to the government under which they had been brought up, and had been taught to revere29 as excellency itself. While others were contending whether a kingly government or a republic was best, it was generally admitted that a deal might be said pro5 and con11; for many examples might be adduced of mal-administration under both forms. Some of these disputants would repeat what Pope had said—
“For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight,
His can’t be wrong whose life is in the right;
For forms of government, it is confest
That which is best administered is best.”
In England the people may boast that their forefathers30 had a king, in Alfred the Great, the wisest, the bravest, and the best the world ever knew; by whose excellent conduct was laid the foundation of the liberties of his country, and from the influence of which there can be no doubt that the English language will be spoken over the whole Globe. Were kings to endeavour to follow his example, and ever to keep in mind that they and their ministers ought to consider themselves as a royal society for the promotion31 of arts and sciences, and of everything that can enlighten the minds and ameliorate the condition of mankind, they would do right. Kings would then reign32 in the hearts of the great overwhelming mass of the people, and no confederacy or conspiracy33 of nobles or others could ever upset their rule. But, while they continue to suffer themselves to be surrounded by flatterers, sycophants34, and selfish knaves35, no good need be expected; for they are thus brought up, like petted children, and have not the same chance of becoming wise as other men. Thus situated36, they are to be pitied. One would think that the respectable part of the old nobility, or other opulent men of great abilities, might be found with patriotism37 enough to perform the offices of the ministry38 gratis39, scorning high salaries, and only looking to honourable40 distinction. This would of itself put an end to corruption. Justices of the peace take the very great trouble of acting41 their parts gratuitously42; churchwardens and overseers do the same; and why do not the great and rich men of the land follow the praiseworthy example?
In reverting43 back to take another look at the American war, one may reckon to a certainty of its having been made the subject of debatings, and of furnishing matter for the thinking part of mankind, over the whole of the civilised world. George the Third and his advisers44 did not, perhaps, think of this, nor its consequences; neither did they ever contemplate45 the mighty46 events they were thus bringing about in rearing and establishing the wisest and greatest republic and nation the world ever saw. When its immense territory is filled with an enlightened population, and its government, like a rock, founded on the liberties and the rights of man, it is beyond human comprehension to foresee the strides the nation will make towards perfection. It is likely they will cast a compassionate47 eye on the rest of the world, grovelling48 under arbitrary power, banish49 it from the face of the earth, and kill despots with a frown. One would fain hope, however, that kings and their advisers will coolly reflect upon the improving intellect of mankind, and take measures to govern in a way more befitting the state of the people over whom they are called upon to rule.
During the long continuance of this war, and the debatings as before noticed, I became acquainted with a number of young men of a literary turn, who had a library of books. I did not join their society, but I sometimes dined with them at their annual, cheerful dinner. I was never fond of public dinners or dining parties; and I think I would not have partaken with them had I not been tempted50 to do so by way of bearing their songs, with which I felt much charmed, but particularly with the Scotch51 songs, with which one of the members (Walter Cannaway) used so highly to delight the company on these occasions. He, according to my notions, was the best singer I ever heard. I have always been more charmed with the human voice, when well attuned52, than with any instrumental music whatever; and his voice was extremely good. Many others, perhaps, might have as good a voice, and as correct an ear for music as he, and would have been equally as charming had they not been spoiled by the fashion they had got into to please the surfeited53 tastes of coxcombical connoisseurs54 and a vitiated, aping public. I have ever been much disgusted to hear and see these spoiled performers, quavering and spinning out their unnatural55 falsetto voices until almost spent. It showed well how long-winded these kind of performers were, but I never could sit to hear any of them; as it appeared to me to be anything but music, or music run mad.
On my first going to business, I had an opportunity of sometimes hearing musical concerts. My master belonged to a musical society; and, when I had any message to take to him, I was commonly invited to remain. The two sons of Charles Avison, the musical composer, belonged to this society, and Mr. Beilby and family were on terms of intimacy56 with them. I also occasionally heard the band at the theatre, but I cannot say I felt much pleasure in listening to them, and I well remember on one occasion of setting them aside. The late Mr. Dibden, who often called upon me, had some performance to exhibit at our theatre, and had quarrelled with the theatrical57 band on account of their exorbitant58 demands; and, in this dilemma59, he expressed himself much disappointed, and knew not what to do. I told him I thought, if he would leave the matter to me, I could set all right; and I instantly applied60 to old Wm. Lamshaw, the Duke of Northumberland’s piper, to play at the theatre. I being well-acquainted with the old man, he readily assented61. I then told my friend Dibden what I had done, and satisfied him as to the preference the audience would give to the piper. In this I was not mistaken; for all went well off, and everyone expressed both pleasure and surprise at the change.
Some time before the American war broke out, there had been a lack of musical performers in our streets, and in this interval62, I used to engage John Peacock, our inimitable performer, to play on the Northumberland or small pipes; and with his old tunes63, his lilts, his pauses, and his variations, I was always excessively pleased. At one time I was afraid that these old times, and this ancient instrument, might, from neglect of encouragement, get out of use, and I did everything in my power to prevent this, and to revive it, by urging Peacock to teach pupils to become masters of this kind of music; and I flatter myself that my efforts were not lost. I was afraid that the Northumberland family were beginning to feel indifferent, or to overlook these their ancient minstrels, who had for ages past been much esteemed, and kept in attendance by their forefathers. It was, however, with great pleasure I found that they had appointed William Cant,[24] a pupil of old William Lamshaw, to be piper to the Northumberland Regiment64 of Militia65; and he kept up with great spirit and effect this department of their music while he remained in the regiment. Nor was the regiment behind in the other departments of music; for it was allowed by judges that their fifers and drummers were inferior to none in the kingdom. One man, in particular—John Bowman—it was asserted, was the best performer on the fife that was “known in the world.” Certain it is that every year for twenty-two years, he challenged the fifers of every regiment stationed in Newcastle, to a trial of skill on that instrument; but none of them could compete with him. He could draw out tones from it the most soft and graceful66, as well as the most stunning67 and loud, such as the ear could not endure in a room, and which were only fit to be heard in the open air.
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1
apprenticeship
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| n.学徒身份；学徒期 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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maker
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| n.制造者，制造商 | |
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engraving
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| n.版画；雕刻（作品）；雕刻艺术；镌版术v.在（硬物）上雕刻（字，画等）( engrave的现在分词 )；将某事物深深印在（记忆或头脑中） | |
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pro
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| n.赞成，赞成的意见，赞成者 | |
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excellence
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| n.优秀，杰出，(pl.)优点，美德 | |
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wholesale
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| n.批发；adv.以批发方式；vt.批发，成批出售 | |
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extravagant
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| adj.奢侈的；过分的；(言行等)放肆的 | |
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chagrined
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| adj.懊恼的，苦恼的v.使懊恼，使懊丧，使悔恨( chagrin的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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lessening
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| 减轻，减少，变小 | |
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con
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| n.反对的观点，反对者，反对票，肺病；vt.精读，学习，默记；adv.反对地，从反面；adj.欺诈的 | |
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ply
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| v.(搬运工等)等候顾客，弯曲 | |
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affluence
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| n.充裕，富足 | |
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hospitable
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| adj.好客的；宽容的；有利的，适宜的 | |
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disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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anecdotes
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| n.掌故，趣闻，轶事( anecdote的名词复数 ) | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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remarkable
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| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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assay
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| n.试验，测定 | |
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21
dexterous
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| adj.灵敏的；灵巧的 | |
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jovial
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| adj.快乐的，好交际的 | |
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pretence
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| n.假装，作假；借口，口实；虚伪；虚饰 | |
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approbation
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| n.称赞；认可 | |
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wager
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| n.赌注；vt.押注，打赌 | |
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distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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corruption
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| n.腐败，堕落，贪污 | |
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prelude
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| n.序言，前兆，序曲 | |
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revere
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| vt.尊崇，崇敬，敬畏 | |
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30
forefathers
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| n.祖先，先人；祖先，祖宗( forefather的名词复数 )；列祖列宗；前人 | |
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31
promotion
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| n.提升，晋级；促销，宣传 | |
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32
reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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33
conspiracy
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| n.阴谋，密谋，共谋 | |
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34
sycophants
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| n.谄媚者，拍马屁者( sycophant的名词复数 ) | |
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knaves
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| n.恶棍，无赖( knave的名词复数 )；（纸牌中的）杰克 | |
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situated
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| adj.坐落在...的，处于某种境地的 | |
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patriotism
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| n.爱国精神，爱国心，爱国主义 | |
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ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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gratis
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| adj.免费的 | |
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40
honourable
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| adj.可敬的；荣誉的，光荣的 | |
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41
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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gratuitously
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| 平白 | |
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43
reverting
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| 恢复( revert的现在分词 )； 重提； 回到…上； 归还 | |
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44
advisers
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| 顾问，劝告者( adviser的名词复数 )； （指导大学新生学科问题等的）指导教授 | |
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contemplate
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| vt.盘算，计议；周密考虑；注视，凝视 | |
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mighty
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| adj.强有力的；巨大的 | |
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47
compassionate
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| adj.有同情心的，表示同情的 | |
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48
grovelling
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| adj.卑下的，奴颜婢膝的v.卑躬屈节，奴颜婢膝( grovel的现在分词 )；趴 | |
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banish
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| vt.放逐，驱逐；消除，排除 | |
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50
tempted
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| v.怂恿（某人）干不正当的事；冒…的险（tempt的过去分词） | |
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51
scotch
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| n.伤口，刻痕；苏格兰威士忌酒；v.粉碎，消灭，阻止；adj.苏格兰(人)的 | |
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52
attuned
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| v.使协调( attune的过去式和过去分词 )；调音 | |
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surfeited
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| v.吃得过多( surfeit的过去式和过去分词 )；由于过量而厌腻 | |
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connoisseurs
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| n.鉴赏家，鉴定家，行家( connoisseur的名词复数 ) | |
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unnatural
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| adj.不自然的；反常的 | |
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56
intimacy
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| n.熟悉，亲密，密切关系，亲昵的言行 | |
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57
theatrical
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| adj.剧场的，演戏的；做戏似的，做作的 | |
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58
exorbitant
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| adj.过分的；过度的 | |
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dilemma
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| n.困境，进退两难的局面 | |
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applied
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| adj.应用的；v.应用，适用 | |
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assented
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| 同意，赞成( assent的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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interval
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| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
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tunes
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| n.曲调，曲子( tune的名词复数 )v.调音( tune的第三人称单数 )；调整；（给收音机、电视等）调谐；使协调 | |
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64
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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militia
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| n.民兵，民兵组织 | |
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graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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stunning
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| adj.极好的；使人晕倒的 | |
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