are in this manner impeded in the prosecution of their studies. Jellies and drinks of every description are provided; and although there is a great concourse of persons, more especially at an early hour in the morning, and in the afternoon, an uninterrupted harmony prevails.
The Literary Memoirs of Madrid[1] contain the provisions made by Don Mariano Colon, superintendant-general of police of that court, with a view to the introduction of a greater decorum in the coffee-houses. The principal enactments are as follows: "First, that in all the coffee-houses in which a certain share of decency, and a corresponding neatness, should not be observed, painted cloths should be hung up, the walls white-washed, and the doors and tables coloured. Secondly, that a clean dish should be served to each individual, notwithstanding three or four persons should unite together, for this reason, that, in pouring the liquor from the cup to the saucer, it was spilled on the table, so as, by the slightest inattention, to stain the clothes and mantles of the company. Thirdly, that the waiters should, on their presenting themselves, be clean, without either a net or a bonnet on the head, and, if possible, combed, &c. &c." What would some of our readers say if we were to insinuate the like? And what would be the language of the critics who are desirous that the Mercury should alone be the vehicle of adulation, and the propagator of private sentiments? Let them say what they may, we will not lose our time in confuting them. Once for all, our reply is, that we do not write solely for the limits of this capital, nor for the year 1791. So long as our periodical work shall be
- ↑ Vol. X. pages 404 and 405.
