The 6pectator
SEPTEMBER 21, 1833
WE have often marvelled at the number of trades- men who boasted in gold letters or the hieroglyphics of heraldry of serving Royalty, and at the pride of the shopkeepers in Lis blazoning forth their regal customers.... We would suggest a new and perhaps more rational device. Let the tradesman cull from his ledger the names of all his noble and right honourable customers, and have them inscribed in gold letters on a hoard in his shop, like the bene- factions in churches—only without the amount of their debts. This would he turning to account the names of those of his "honourable" debtors who never pay their bills: and the longest list of noble customers would be most attractive to those who ape the aristocracy. Besides, so many titled customers would imply that the shopkeeper gave long credit. The more refined among the tradesmen might keep an album, to receive the autographs of their dis- tinguished customers.
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