Page:An Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals - Hume (1751).djvu/243

 learn, been recorded in the History of Alcheic's Life, compos'd by one of the greatest Geniuses of Fourli.

, says I, Palamedes, when you was at Fourli, did you also learn the Art of turning your Friends into Ridicule, by telling them strange Stories, and then laughing at them, if they believ'd you. I assure you, reply'd he, that had I been dispos'd to learn such a Lesson, there was no Place in the World more proper. My Friend, so often mention'd, did nothing, from Morning to Night, but sneer, and banter, and railly; and you could scarce ever distinguish, whether he was in Jest or Earnest; But you think, then, that my Story is improbable; and that I have us'd, or rather abus'd the Privilege of a Traveller. To be sure, says I, you was but in Jest. Such barbarous and savage Manners are not only incompatible with a civiliz'd, intelligent People, such as you said these were; but are scarce compatible with human Nature. They exceed all we ever read of, amongst the Mingrelians and Topinamboues.

a care, cry'd he, have a care! You are not aware you are speaking Blasphemy, and are abusing your Favourites, the Greeks, especially the Athenians, whom I have couch'd all along, under these bizarre Names I employ'd. If you consider aright, there is not one Stroke of the foregoing