The Man Who First Transplanted The Grape Of Burgundy To The Cape Of
Good Hope (Observe He Was A Dutchman)
Never dreamt of drinking the
same wine at the Cape, that the same grape produced upon the French
mountains, - he
Was too phlegmatic for that - but undoubtedly he
expected to drink some sort of vinous liquor; but whether good or
bad, or indifferent, - he knew enough of this world to know, that it
did not depend upon his choice, but that what is generally called
CHOICE, was to decide his success: however, he hoped for the best;
and in these hopes, by an intemperate confidence in the fortitude
of his head, and the depth of his discretion, Mynheer might
possibly oversee both in his new vineyard; and by discovering his
nakedness, become a laughing stock to his people.
Even so it fares with the Poor Traveller, sailing and posting
through the politer kingdoms of the globe, in pursuit of knowledge
and improvements.
Knowledge and improvements are to be got by sailing and posting for
that purpose; but whether useful knowledge and real improvements is
all a lottery; - and even where the adventurer is successful, the
acquired stock must be used with caution and sobriety, to turn to
any profit: - but, as the chances run prodigiously the other way,
both as to the acquisition and application, I am of opinion, That a
man would act as wisely, if he could prevail upon himself to live
contented without foreign knowledge or foreign improvements,
especially if he lives in a country that has no absolute want of
either; - and indeed, much grief of heart has it oft and many a time
cost me, when I have observed how many a foul step the Inquisitive
Traveller has measured to see sights and look into discoveries; all
which, as Sancho Panza said to Don Quixote, they might have seen
dry-shod at home. It is an age so full of light, that there is
scarce a country or corner in Europe whose beams are not crossed
and interchanged with others. - Knowledge in most of its branches,
and in most affairs, is like music in an Italian street, whereof
those may partake who pay nothing. - But there is no nation under
heaven - and God is my record (before whose tribunal I must one day
come and give an account of this work) - that I do not speak it
vauntingly, - but there is no nation under heaven abounding with
more variety of learning, - where the sciences may be more fitly
woo'd, or more surely won, than here, - where art is encouraged, and
will so soon rise high, - where Nature (take her altogether) has so
little to answer for, - and, to close all, where there is more wit
and variety of character to feed the mind with: - Where then, my
dear countrymen, are you going? -
We are only looking at this chaise, said they. - Your most obedient
servant, said I, skipping out of it, and pulling off my hat.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 6 of 79
Words from 2680 to 3180
of 40886
