NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS.

Globe, Volume II, Issue 146, 20 November 1874, Page 3

NATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS.

At :i recent dinner party some one quoted the witty paradox, that “ an Englishman is never happy except when he is miserable, a Scotsman never at home except when abroad, and an Irishman never at peace except when at war.” The late Sir Henry Holland, who was present, followed with a story of an Englishman, an Irishman, and a Scotsman, who were represented as looking through a confectioner’s window at a beautiful young girl sewing in the shop. “ Oh !” exclaims Patrick, “ do let us be spending a half-crown with the dear crayturc, that we may look at her more convanicntly, and have a bit of a chat with her.” “You extravagant dog,” said John, “I am sure one-half the money will do as well ; but let us go in by all means, she is a charming girl.” “ Ah, wait a wee,” interposed the canny Scot; “ dinna ye ken it’ll serve our purpose equally wcel just to ask the honnie lassie to give us twa sixpences for a shilling, an’ to inquire where’s Mr Sampson’s hoose, an' sic like ? We’re no

hungry, an’, may as well pave (he siller.” ill's anecdote was told by the distinguished physician to illustrate tlic difference arr.on x the populace of the three kingdoms with respect to lemperaincnt —the Irish ardent and impetuous, the Scotch comparatively cool and cautious, while the English arc perenns a fair average between I lie two. Wfl may recall another illustration, given by a celebrated poet. When George IV. went to Ireland, one of tlic “ pisintry,” delighted with his affability to tlic crowd on landing, said to tlic toll-keeper, as the king passed through. “ Och. now, and his Majesty —(Joel bless him!—never paid,” ”We let’s ’em go free,” was the answer. “ Then there’s the dirty money for ye,” said Pat. ”It shall never be said that the king came and found nobody to pay the turnpike for him.” Thomas Moore, on his visit to Abbotsford, told the story to Sir Walter, when they were comparing notes as to the royal visit. “ Now, Mr Moure,” said Scott, “ there you have the advantage of us. There was no lack fof enthusiasm here; the Scotch folk would have done anything in the world for the king but —pay the turnpike!”