There are innumerable disquisitions of this nature, in which the
theatrical young gentleman is very profound, especially to ladies
whom he is most in the habit of entertaining with them; but as we
have no space to recapitulate them at greater length, we must rest
content with calling the attention of the young ladies in general
to the theatrical young gentlemen of their own acquaintance.
THE POETICAL YOUNG GENTLEMAN
Time was, and not very long ago either, when a singular epidemic
raged among the young gentlemen, vast numbers of whom, under the
influence of the malady, tore off their neckerchiefs, turned down
their shirt collars, and exhibited themselves in the open streets
with bare throats and dejected countenances, before the eyes of an
astonished public. These were poetical young gentlemen. The
custom was gradually found to be inconvenient, as involving the
necessity of too much clean linen and too large washing bills, and
these outward symptoms have consequently passed away; but we are
disposed to think, notwithstanding, that the number of poetical
young gentlemen is considerably on the increase.
We know a poetical young gentleman-a very poetical young gentleman.
We do not mean to say that he is troubled with the gift of poesy in
any remarkable degree, but his countenance is of a plaintive and
melancholy cast, his manner is abstracted and bespeaks affliction
of soul: he seldom has his hair cut, and often talks about being
an outcast and wanting a kindred spirit; from which, as well as
from many general observations in which he is wont to indulge,
concerning mysterious impulses, and yearnings of the heart, and the
supremacy of intellect gilding all earthly things with the glowing
magic of immortal verse, it is clear to all his friends that he has
been stricken poetical.
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