On Conversation (1756) [ Concepts ]
… likewise rank the affected tribe of mimics, who are constantly taking off the peculiar tone of voice or gesture of their acquaintance: though they are such wretched imitators, that, like bad painters, they are frequently forced to write the … though I must confess, that I am equally offended with the whisperers, or low-speakers, who seem to fancy all their acquaintance deaf, and come up so close to you, that they may be said to measure noses with you, and frequently overcome …
Conversation | Animals | Theatre
Anthology