 people foppish and impertinent; and a
sensible man would not wish a worse calamity to the enemies of his nation than
to see them run mad after such pernicious absurdities. It was impossible that
people could seriously feel any liking for such a ridiculous piece of goods as
this outlandish, foreign-made Englishman. But he knew very well how it was; it
was a miserable piece of mummery that was played only in spite to him. But God
for ever blast his soul, if he were not bitterly revenged upon them all!
    If such were the sentiments of Mr. Tyrrel, his patience found ample exercise
in the language which was held by the rest of his neighbours on the same
subject. While he saw nothing in Mr. Falkland but matter for contempt, they
appeared to be never weary of recounting his praises. Such dignity, such
affability, so perpetual an attention to the happiness of others, such delicacy
of sentiment and expression! Learned without ostentation, refined without
foppery, elegant without effeminacy! Perpetually anxious to prevent his
superiority from being painfully felt, it was so much the more certainly felt to
be real; and excited congratulation instead of envy in the spectator. It is
scarcely necessary to remark that the revolution of sentiment in this rural
vicinity, belongs to one of the most obvious features of the human mind. The
rudest exhibition of art is at first admired; till a nobler is presented, and we
are taught to wonder at the facility with which before we had been satisfied.
Mr. Tyrrel thought there would be no end to the commendation; and expected when
their common acquaintance would fall down and adore the intruder. The most
inadvertent expression of applause inflicted upon him the torment of demons. He
writhed with agony, his features became distorted, and his looks inspired
terror. Such suffering would probably have soured the kindest temper; what must
have been its effect upon Mr. Tyrrel's, always fierce, unrelenting and abrupt?
    The advantages of Mr. Falkland seemed by no means to diminish with their
novelty. Every new sufferer from Mr. Tyrrel's tyranny immediately went over to
the standard of his adversary. The ladies, though treated by their rustic swain
with more gentleness than the men, were occasionally exposed to his
capriciousness and insolence. They could not help remarking the contrast between
these two leaders in the fields of chivalry, the one of whom paid no attention
to any one's pleasure but his own, while the other seemed all good humour and
benevolence. It was in vain that Mr. Tyrrel endeavoured to restrain the
ruggedness of his character. His motive was impatience
