George Borrow

“ I have frequently thought of going thither.'
'Well,' said I, 'the Radical in the public-house will perhaps be glad of your company thither; he is as great an admirer of America as yourself, though I believe on different grounds.'
'I shall go by myself,' said Belle, 'unless—unless that should happen which is not likely—I am not fond of Radicals no more than I am of scoffers and mockers.'
'Do you mean to say that I am a scoffer and mocker?'
'I don't wish to say you are,' said Belle; 'but some of your words sound strangely like scoffing and mocking. ”

“ Did you take my advice?'
'Yes,' said I; 'I went to the public-house and drank ale, as you advised me; it cheered, strengthened, and drove away the horror from my mind—I am much beholden to you.'
'I knew it would do you good,' said Belle; 'I remembered that when the poor women in the great house were afflicted with hysterics, and fearful imaginings, the surgeon, who was a good kind man, used to say, "Ale, give them ale, and let it be strong."'
'He was no advocate for tea, then?' said I.
'He had no objection to tea; but he used to say, "Everything in its season." ”

“ I have now one thing to beg, which is, that if you have anything to say against America, you would speak it out boldly.'
'What should I have to say against America? I never was there.'
'Many people speak against America who never were there.'
'Many people speak in praise of America who never were there; but with respect to myself, I have not spoken for or against America.'
'If you liked America you would speak in its praise.'
'By the same rule, if I disliked America I should speak against it.'
'I can't speak with you,' said Belle ”