YOU are all nobility now, instead of the plain old Englishmen. You are ashamed of yourselves, and want to be a nation of nobility and gentlemen. Nothing is to be seen or heard of now in England, but “Sir John,” and “My lady.” All those things did very well with me in France, because they were conformable to the spirit of the nation; but believe me, it is contrary both to the spirit and the interest of England.

Stick to your ships, your commerce, and countinghouses, and leave cordons, crosses, and cavalry uniforms to the Continent, and you will prosper. Lord Castlereagh himself was ashamed of your being called a nation of merchants, and frequently said in France that it was a mistaken idea to suppose that England depended upon commerce, or was indebted to it for her riches; and added that it was not by any means necessary to her. How I laughed when I heard of this false pride!