The Hillsborough Recorder

From the Washington Register.

MR. DUVAL.

'Etiquette is the characteristic excellence of good society.'—Lord Chesterfield.

Though fashions, they say, never live to be ancient,
In Mr. Duval they were found not so transient,
The date of his school you might read in his dress,
But no modern could match him in strict politeness.
Not caring for substance, devoted to form,
In feelings quite cold, but in etiquette warm,
He held it an act of indelible shame
To speak to a person unless by his name.

One night at a tavern sitting much at his ease,
As much as with form easy comfort agrees,
He beheld at a fire a stranger display
His back-coat up-turned—just, you know, à l'Anglais.
He eyed him—would speak—but how hit on the plan?
Long pondering, at length he thus calmly began:
'Will you favour me, pray, with your name, sir?' said he;
'My name,' said the other, 'why, what's that to thee?'
'Not much, I confess—but I gladly would know.'
'Thompson's my name, since you will have it so.'
'I thank you,' said he, 'that is all I desire.'
'The tail of your coat, Mr. Thompson's on fire.'

This is perfectly according to the canon,
Never, in speaking to a person, say Mr. What-d'ye-call-you or Mr. Thingumbob, but to inquire his name, and address him by it.—Chesterfield.