A Penny of Observation ARMADO : How hest thou purchased
this experience MOTH : By my penny of observation.
" Je me hdte de me moquer de tous, de peur &are oblige d'en pleurer." Beaumarchais knew what he was about when he put this sentiment into the mouth of --. But, alas ! the Dictionary of Quotations does not say into whose mouth Ile put it ; and we ourselves have not the slightest idea. We quote it here, partly because all platitudes look better in French, and partly to illustrate the principle which has guided us in compiling a weekly Penny of Observation. For it is our painful duty to reveal that this entrancing and justly popular feature of the Spectator (advt.) is now to be discon- tinued for a period of roughly three months. The break is unavoidable. No editorial whim, but stark necessity, compels us to make an announcement which will spread consternation and distress among thousands of our readers. It is perhaps* not going too far to say that without the mental and spiritual refreshment which, for the past five months, without extra charge, has been made available to the public over the signature " Moth," Great Britain could hardly have hoped to weather as she has the most critical period in her history.
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