F. Colburn (Francis Colburn) Adams
Chapter 50
wonder we are not at once recognized as Carolinians; at home, we let
the vulgar world know who we are. Indeed, we regard the outside
world-of these States we mean-very much in that light which the
Greeks of old were wont to view the Romans in. Did we but stop here,
the weakness might be pardonable. But we lay claim to Grecian
refinement of manners, while pluming all our mob-politicians Roman
orators. There is a profanity about this we confess not to like; not
that danger can befall it, but because it hath about it that which
reminds us of the oyster found in the shell of gold. Condescending,
then, to believe there exists outside of our State a few persons
silly enough to read books, we will take it for granted, reader,
that you are one of them, straightway proceeding with you to the St.
Cecilia.
You have been a fashionable traveller in Europe? You say-yes!
rummaged all the feudal castles of England, sought out the resting
places of her kings, heard some one say "that is poet's corner," as
we passed into Westminster Abbey, thought they couldn't be much to
have such a corner,--"went to look" where Byron was buried, moistened
the marble with a tear ere we were conscious of it, and saw open to
us the gulf of death as we contemplated how greedy graveyard worms
were banqueting on his greatness. A world of strange fancies came
over us as we mused on England's poets. And we dined with several
Dukes and a great many more Earls, declining no end of invitations
of commoners. Very well! we reply, adding a sigh. And on your return
to your home, that you may not be behind the fashion, you compare
disparagingly everything that meets your eye. Nothing comes up to
what you saw in Europe. A servant doesn't know how to be a servant
here; and were we to see the opera at Covent Garden, we would be
sure to stare our eyes out. It is become habitual to introduce your
conversation with, "when I was in Europe." And you know you never
write a letter that you don't in some way bring in the distinguished
persons you met abroad. There is something (no matter what it is)