The Expedition of Humphry Clinker

280 TOBIAS SMOLLETT
Scots in general thought it at least as savoury.—He affirmed, that
a mouse, which, in the article of self-preservation, might be sup-
posed to act from infallible instinct, would always prefer oats to
wheat, as appeared from experience; for, in a place where there
was a parcel of each, that animal had never begun to feed upon the
latter till all the oats were consumed: for their nutritive quality, he
appealed to the hale, robust constitutions of the people who lived
chiefly upon oatmeal; and, instead of being inflammatory, he
asserted, that it was a cooling sub-acid, balsamic and mucila-
ginous; insomuch, that in all inflammatory distempers, recourse
was had to water-gruel, and flummery made of oatmeal.
‘At least, (said I) give me leave to wish them such a degree of
commerce as may enable them to follow their own inclinations.’—
‘Heaven forbid! (cried this philosopher) Woe be to that nation,
where the multitude is at liberty to follow their own inclinations!
Commerce is undoubtedly a blessing, while restrained within its
proper channels; but a glut of wealth brings along with it a glut
of evils: it brings false taste, false appetite, false wants, profusion,
venality, contempt of order, engendering a spirit of licentiousness,
insolence, and faction, that keeps the community in continual fer-
ment, and in time destroys all the distinctions of civil society; so
that universal anarchy and uproar must ensue. Will any sensible
man affirm, that the national advantages of opulence are to be
sought on these terms?’ ‘No, sure; but I am one of those who think,
that, by proper regulations, commerce may produce every national
benefit, without the allay of such concomitant evils.’
So much for the dogmata of my friend Lismahago, whom I
describe the more circumstantially, as I firmly believe he will set
up his rest in Monmouthshire. Yesterday, while I was alone with
him, he asked, in some confusion, if I should have any objection
to the success of a gentleman and a soldier, provided he should be
so fortunate as to engage my sister’s affection. I answered, without
hesitation, that my sister was old enough to judge for herself; and
that I should be very far from disapproving any resolution she
might take in his favour.—His eyes sparkled at this declaration. He
declared, he should think himself the happiest man on earth to be
connected with my family; and that he should never be weary of
giving me proofs of his gratitude and attachment. I suppose Tabby
and he are already agreed; in which case, we shall have a wedding
at Brambleton-hall, and you shall give away the bride.—It is the