Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions Volume 1

Excerpt: ...in France and Belgium. But great as were their pretensions, they were modesty itself in comparison with Merlin, Shipton, and Nixon, who fixed their minds upon higher things than the weather, and who were not so restrained in their flights of fancy as to prophesy for only one year at a time. After such prophets as they, the almanack makers hardly deserve to be mentioned; no, not even the renowned Partridge, whose wonderful prognostications set all England agog in 1708, and whose death, at a time when he was still alive and kicking, was so pleasantly and satisfactorily proved by Isaac Bickerstaff. The anti-climax would be too palpable, and they and their doings must be left uncommemorated. POPULAR ADMIRATION FOR GREAT THIEVES. Jack. Where shall we find such another set of practical philosophers who, to a man, are above the fear of death? Wat. Sound men and true! Robin. Of tried courage and indefatigable industry! Ned. Who is there here that would not die for his friend? Harry. Who is there here that would betray him for his interest? Mat. Show me a gang of courtiers that could say as much! Dialogue of thieves in the Beggars' Opera. Whether it be that the multitude, feeling the pangs of poverty, sympathise with the daring and ingenious depredators who take away the rich man's superfluity, or whether it be the interest that mankind in general feel for the records of perilous adventures, it is certain that the populace of all countries look with admiration upon great and successful thieves. Perhaps both these causes combine to invest their career with charms in the popular eye. Almost every country in Europe has its traditional thief, whose exploits are recorded with all the graces of poetry, and whose trespasses - "- are cited up in rhymes, And sung by children in succeeding times." Shakspeare's Rape of Lucretia. Those travellers who have made national manners and characteristics their peculiar study, have often observed and remarked upon this...