This hardy asseveration seemed to disconcert
the patron while it incensed the medallist, who, grinning like an
enraged baboon, "What d'ye tell me of a brass farthing?" said he.
"Did you ever know modern brass of such a relish? Do but taste it,
young gentleman; and sure I am, if you have ever been conversant
with subjects of this kind, you will find as wide a difference in
the savour between this and an English farthing as can possibly be
perceived betwixt an onion and a turnip. Besides, this medal has
the true Corinthian ring; then the attitude is upright, whereas
that of Britannia is reclining; and how is it possible to mistake
a branch of palm for a parazonium?"
All the rest of the company espoused the virtuoso's side of the
question, because the reputation of each was concerned. The patron,
finding himself in the same circumstance, assumed a solemnity
of feature, dashed with a small mixture of displeasure, and told
Peregrine, that as he had not made that branch of literature his
particular study, he was not surprised to see him mistaken in his
opinion.
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