We would rather not attempt to describe the despair of the noble foreigner.
There is nothing like a good telescope, if you want to see well.
That is evident.
The most striking feature of the English language is euphemism: it is its very genius. So, “to be taken in adultery” is in English law phraseology, “to be surprised in criminal conversation.” Conversation! Charming, is it not? A cosy talk, a bit of a chat, you know.
If, in France, you must turn your tongue in your mouth seven times before speaking, in England, you must turn it at least eight. You get used to it in time.
In France, when something is offered us at table we say: “With pleasure,” or “No, thank you, not any more.” “Thank you,” alone, is sufficient, if you wish to refuse. In England, thank you, alone, signifies that you are ready to allow yourself to be helped to such-and-such a dish, as I once or twice found to my dismay and the distress of my poor stomach.
However, these are not the usual ways of accepting or refusing. At the family table, when the master of the house asks you if you will have a little more of the dish he has before him, if you are still hungry, you reply: “I think I will.” If you are satisfied, you answer: “I don’t think I’ll have any more,” or, “I would rather not have any more.”
A Frenchman, taking leave of his friends, says: “Well, I must leave you; so, good-bye,” and he shakes hands and goes. An Englishman will say: “I am afraid I must go.” He is afraid it must be late; he thinks he must leave you; he fears so: anyhow, he is not very sure; and if you were to ask an Englishman if it is true that his nose is in the middle of his face, he would reply that he hopes and presumes it is in the place you mention:
“Dubius is such a scrupulous good man,
Yes, you may catch him tripping if you can.