If the superiority in politeness should be allowed to modern times, the modern notions of
gallantry, the natural produce of courts and monarchies, will probably be assigned as the causes
of this refinement. No one denies this invention to be modern:*52 But some of the more zealous
partizans of the ancients, have asserted it to be foppish and ridiculous, and a reproach, rather
than a credit, to the present age.*53 It may here be proper to examine this question.
I.
XIV.38