 own importance; and concluded
with observing, that the French and Spaniards knew better how to value generals
of merit; the good effects of which are seen in the conquests they gain, and the
admirable discipline of their troops, which are at the same time better cloathed
and paid than any soldiers in the universe. These remarks furnished the green
knight with an opportunity of launching out in the praise of French government
in general, civil as well as military; on which occasion he made many odious
comparisons to the disadvantage of the English: Every body, almost, assented to
the observations he made, and the doctor gave his sanction, by saying, the
people in France were undoubtedly the happiest subjects in the world. - I was so
much astonished and confounded at their infatuation and effrontery, that I had
not power to utter one word in opposition to their assertions; but my morose
associate could not put up with the indignity that was offered to old England,
and therefore with a satirical grin addressed himself to the general in these
words: »Sir, Sir, I have often heard it said, She's a villainous bird that
befouls her own nest. - As for what those people who are foreigners say, I don't
mind it, they know no better; but you who were bred and born, and have got your
bread under the English government, should have more regard to gratitude as well
as truth, in censuring your native country. - If the ministry have thought fit
to lay you aside, I suppose they have their own reasons for so doing; and you
ought to remember that you still live on the bounty of this nation. - As for
these gentlemen, (meaning the prince and ambassador) who make so free with our
constitution, laws and genius of our people, I think they might shew a little
more respect for their benefactors, who, I must own, are to blame in harbouring,
protecting and encouraging such ungrateful vagrants as they are.« - At these
words the chevalier in green started up in a great passion, and laying his hand
on the hilt of his hanger, exclaimed, »Ha! foutre!« - The Englishman on the
other hand, grasping his cane, cried, »Don't foutre me, sirrah, or by G-d, I'll
knock you down.« - The company interposed, the Frenchman sat down again, and his
antagonist proceeded - »Lookee, monsieur, you know very well, that had you dared
to speak so freely of the administration of your own country in Paris, as
