ABSTRACT
During the absence of the commodore, the ship was put under way, and was now sailing in a very majestic manner, with a gentle breeze, towards the city of New York, which, with its fort, / churches, and other public buildings, presented a very striking object from the deck of the Boyne. They were saluted as they passed by the battery, and soon after anchored in Hudson’s river. Here the commodore, attended by Dr. Homily and colonel Forester, were put ashore in the barge, leaving the other gentlemen to the amusements of the table. No sooner were they landed, than lieutenant Gunter gave the commodore’s health in a bumper; 283 which having gone round, Dr. Homily’s and colonel Forester’s were given by the chair. This short cessation of arms was succeeded by a warm argument between the president and vice, about the origin of toasts; whether they were known to the Greeks and Romans, or of Gothic derivation? 284 It had lasted with much acrimony for some time; when Tim addressed the chair with great solemnity, proposing a song, to dispel dull investigation. ‘If you have no objection, Mr. President, I will sing one which can give no offence to / any of the company.’ – ‘Sir,’ said Dr. Sourby, ‘by no means, by no means; it raiseth the spirits, and recreateth the heart; provided there is nothing offensive or inimical to the dignity of philosophers, and, like the ancient odes and chorusses, something appropriate to the occasion, and of a moral and national edification. You will find me, and my vice, Arcades ambo, et cantare pares, et respondere parati.’ 285
