"Mr. Spectator,--As you are spectator general, I apply myself to
you in the following case, viz.: I do not wear a sword, but I often
divert myself at the theatre, when I frequently see a set of
fellows pull plain people, by way of humour and frolic, by the
nose, upon frivolous or no occasion. A friend of mine the other
night applauding what a graceful exit Mr. Wilks made, one of those
wringers overhearing him, pinched him by the nose. I was in the pit
the other night (when it was very much crowded); a gentleman
leaning upon me, and very heavily, I very civilly requested him to
remove his hand, for which he pulled me by the nose. I would not
resent it in so public a place, because I was unwilling to create a
disturbance: but have since reflected upon it as a thing that is
unmanly and disingenuous, renders the nose-puller odious, and makes
the person pulled by the nose look little and contemptible. This
grievance I humbly request you will endeavour to redress. I am,
&c., JAMES EASY.
"I have heard of some very merry fellows among whom the frolic was
started, and passed by a great majority, that every man should
immediately draw a tooth: after which they have gone in a body and
smoked a cobler. The same company at another night has each man
burned his cravat, and one, perhaps, whose estate would bear it,
has thrown a long wig and laced hat into the fire.
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