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Borrow, George Henry, 1803-1881

"The Romany Rye"

A woman was
rescued from the top of a burning house; but the man who rescued
her was no aristocrat; it was Pearce, not Percy, who ran up the
burning stairs. Did ever one of those glittering ones save a
fainting female from the libidinous rage of six ruffians? The
writer believes not. A woman was rescued from the libidinous fury
of six monsters on--Down; but the man who rescued her was no
aristocrat; it was Pearce not Paulet, who rescued the woman, and
thrashed my lord's six gamekeepers--Pearce, whose equal never was,
and probably never will be, found in sturdy combat. Are there any
of the aristocracy of whom it can be said that they never did a
cowardly, cruel, or mean action, and that they invariably took the
part of the unfortunate and weak against cruelty and oppression?
As much can be said of Cribb, of Spring, and the other; but where
is the aristocrat of whom as much can be said? Wellington?
Wellington indeed! a skilful general, and a good man of valour, it
is true, but with that cant word of "duty" continually on his lips,
did he rescue Ney from his butchers? Did he lend a helping hand to
Warner?
In conclusion, the writer would advise those of his country-folks
who read his book to have nothing to do with the two kinds of
canting nonsense described above, but in their progress through
life to enjoy as well as they can, but always with moderation, the
good things of this world, to put confidence in God, to be as
independent as possible, and to take their own parts.


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