Note 3 — Chapter XIV · THE GREEN GRASSHOPPER
Alexander Teixeira de Mattos translation
The author was obviously thinking of the Englishman’s saddle of mutton and red-currant jelly. The mistake has been repeated much nearer to these shores. I have in mind the true story of an Irish king’s counsel singing the praises of another, still among us, who had married an English wife and who, in the course of an extensive practice in the House of Lords, spent much of his time in England:
“Ah, —— —— is a real gentleman! He speaks with an English accent, quotes Euripides in the original Latin and takes jam with his meat.”
I venture to think that Fabre, in the gentleness of his heart, would have forgiven his translator for quoting this flippant anecdote. I have no other excuse.—Translator’s Note. ↑