flavour, which one would be apt to think was derived from a
natural grossness of idea. I suspect, however, that justice has
not been done the author, by the collectors of those Quiniana;
who have let the best of them slip through their fingers, and
only retained such as were suited to the taste and organs of the
multitude. How far he may relax in his hours of jollity, I cannot
pretend to say; but his general conversation is conducted by the
nicest rules of Propriety; and Mr James Quin is, certainly, one
of the best bred men in the kingdom. He is not only a most
agreeable companion but (as I am credibly informed) a very honest
man; highly susceptible of friendship, warm, steady, and even
generous in his attachments, disdaining flattery, and incapable
of meanness and dissimulation. Were I to judge, however, from
Quin's eye alone, I should take him to be proud, insolent, and
cruel. There is something remarkably severe and forbidding in his
aspect; and, I have been told, he was ever disposed to insult his
inferiors and dependants. -- Perhaps that report has influenced my
opinion of his looks -- You know we are the fools of prejudice.
Howsoever that may be, I have as yet seen nothing but his
favourable side, and my uncle, who frequently confers with him,
in a corner, declares he is one of the most sensible men he ever
knew -- He seems to have a reciprocal regard for old Squaretoes,
whom he calls by the familiar name of Matthew, and often reminds
of their old tavern-adventures: on the other hand, Matthew's eyes
sparkle whenever Quin makes his appearance -- Let him be never so
jarring and discordant, Quin puts him in tune; and, like treble
and bass in the same concert, they make excellent music together --.
T'other day, the conversation turning upon Shakespeare, I could
not help saying, with some emotion, that I would give an hundred
guineas to see Mr Quin act the part of Falstaff; upon which,