William Hutton

“ THERE are few pursuits, in the compass of letters, more dry than that of Antiquity. The Antiquary feeds upon withered husks, which none can relish but himself; nor does he seem to possess the art of dressing up his dried morsel to suit the palate of a reader, for his language is often as dry as his subject; as if the smile was an enemy to Truth. Mere dull description, like a burnt cinder, is dead matter. If he designs a treat, why not infuse a little spice to suit the taste of his guest? ”

“ Whatever is worthy of remark, will attract your eye.—Though your humanity will feel, for the antient animosity, the plunder, and murder, upon the borders of the two respectable Nations; yet you will, rejoice, that concord is established along the line of the Wall; and that, instead of rancour, robbery, burning, and blood, civilization has not only taken place, but even generosity. ”

“ Old people are much inclined to accuse youth of their follies; but on this head silence will become me, lest I should be asked, "What can exceed the folly of that man, who, at seventy-eight, walked six hundred miles to see a Shattered Wall!" ”