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Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

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BECOMING AMERICA<br />

REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

Then you won’t have occasion <strong>to</strong> do a very good thing. Why, here was the Vermont<br />

General—he came down some time since, sold all his musty notes at one stroke,<br />

and then laid the cash out in trinkets for his dear Fanny. I want a dozen pretty<br />

things myself; have you got the notes with you?<br />

MANLY<br />

I shall be ever willing <strong>to</strong> contribute, as far as it is in my power, <strong>to</strong> adorn or in any<br />

way <strong>to</strong> please my sister; yet I hope I shall never be obliged for this <strong>to</strong> sell my notes.<br />

I may be romantic, but I preserve them as a sacred deposit. Their full amount is<br />

justly due <strong>to</strong> me, but as embarrassments, the natural consequences <strong>of</strong> a long war,<br />

disable my country <strong>from</strong> supporting its credit, I shall wait with patience until it is<br />

rich enough <strong>to</strong> discharge them. If that is not in my day, they shall be transmitted as<br />

an honourable certicate <strong>to</strong> posterity, that I have humbly imitated our illustrious<br />

WASHINGTON, in having exposed my health and life in the service <strong>of</strong> my country,<br />

without reaping any other reward than the glory <strong>of</strong> conquering in so arduous a<br />

contest.<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

Well said heroics. Why, my dear Henry, you have such a l<strong>of</strong>ty way <strong>of</strong> saying things,<br />

that I protest I almost tremble at the thought <strong>of</strong> introducing you <strong>to</strong> the polite circles<br />

in the city. The belles would think you were a player run mad, with your head lled<br />

with old scraps <strong>of</strong> tragedy; and as <strong>to</strong> the beaux, they might admire, because they<br />

would not understand you. But, however, I must, I believe, introduce you <strong>to</strong> two or<br />

three ladies <strong>of</strong> my acquaintance.<br />

LETITIA<br />

<strong>An</strong>d that will make him acquainted with thirty or forty beaux.<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

Oh! brother, you don’t know what a fund <strong>of</strong> happiness you have in s<strong>to</strong>re.<br />

MANLY<br />

I fear, sister, I have not renement sucient <strong>to</strong> enjoy it.<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

Oh! you cannot fail being pleased.<br />

LETITIA<br />

Our ladies are so delicate and dressy.<br />

CHARLOTTE<br />

<strong>An</strong>d our beaux so dressy and delicate.<br />

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