 at Edinburgh, I shall be changed into a downright
Caledonian - My uncle observes, that I have already acquired something of the
country accent. The people here are so social and attentive in their civilities
to strangers, that I am insensibly sucked into the channel of their manners and
customs, although they are in fact much more different from ours than you can
imagine - That difference, however, which struck me very much at my first
arrival, I now hardly perceive, and my ear is perfectly reconciled to the Scotch
accent, which I find even agreeable in the mouth of a pretty woman - It is a
sort of Doric dialect, which gives an idea of amiable simplicity - You cannot
imagine how we have been caressed and feasted in the good town of Edinburgh, of
which we are become free denizens and guild brothers, by the special favour of
the magistracy.
    I had a whimsical commission from Bath, to a citizen of this metropolis -
Quin, understanding our intention to visit Edinburgh, pulled out a guinea, and
desired the favour I would drink it at a tavern, with a particular friend and
bottle-companion of his, one Mr. R-- C--, a lawyer of this city - I charged
myself with the commission, and, taking the guinea, »You see (said I) I have
pocketed your bounty.« »Yes (replied Quin, laughing); and a head-ake into the
bargain, if you drink fair.« I made use of this introduction to Mr. C--, who
received me with open arms, and gave me the rendezvous, according to the cartel.
He had provided a company of jolly fellows, among whom I found myself extremely
happy; and did Mr. C-- and Quin all the justice in my power; but, alas, I was no
more than a tyro among a troop of veterans, who had compassion upon my youth,
and conveyed me home in the morning, by what means I know not - Quin was
mistaken, however, as to the head-ake; the claret was too good to treat me so
roughly.
    While Mr. Bramble holds conferences with the graver literati of the place,
and our females are entertained at visits by the Scotch ladies, who are the best
and kindest creatures upon earth, I pass my time among the bucks of Edinburgh;
who, with a great share of spirit and vivacity, have a certain shrewdness and
self-command that is not often found among their neighbours, in the high-day of
youth and exultation - Not a hint escapes
