Zoolo in
ili
.
Walt
UNIVERSITYO MICHIGAN
GENERAE LIBRARY
OCTAVIA WILLIAMS BATES
i BEQUESTED
til 1:
2:/۶.
./k: %.
3: 8

Bellegarde, Venw Baptiste Morvan de
REFLEXIONS
UPON
RIDICULE;
OR,
What it is that makes a Man ridiculous,
and the Means to avoid it.
Wherein are Repreſented
The different MANNERS and
CHARACTERS of Perſons of
the preſent Age.
In Two Volumes.
VOL. I.
Of Unpoliteneſs.
Of Prejudice.
Indiſcretion.
Interest.
Affe&tation.
Sufficiency.
Foolih Vanity.
Abſurdities.
the bad Taſte.
Caprice.
Impoſture.
Falſe Delicacy
the Moroſe Humour.
Decorum,
Impertinence.
The Third Edition.
LONDON:
Printed for J. NICHOLSON at the King's-
Arms in Little-Britain; B. TOO KE at the
Middle-Temple-Gate in Fleet-ſtreet; and D.
MIDWINTER at the Three-Crowns in St.
Paul's Church-Tard. M DCC XVII,
BJ
156
..B443
1717

Bate
Drrell
-21-43
53939
เป็นระงักงเง,
To H. K. Eſquire.
Ses
SIR,
@HE Nature of this little Pre-
T
ſent, obliges me to deviate
from the common Road of
O Dedications, and therefore
you muſt not expect I ſhould ſtrew my
Way to you with Incenſe, or attempt
to make your Panegyrick. You'll find
the Deſign of it is to prevent or remedy
Prejudice, Affectation and Vanity, to
prune the Excrefcences of Self-Love,
and by expoſing all the antick Shapes
and apiſh Poſtures of RIDICUL E, ſhew
you what it is to deport your ſelf like a
Man in the Commerce of the World ;
and under this View, you muſt permit
me to talk to you with a Freedom and
Familiarity, ſomewhat like that of your
Tutor; to call your Thoughts and Re-
flexions home, and open your Eyes to a
Proſpect which young People ſeldom
care to dwell upon, that is, Themſelves.
I muſt confeſs, the Advantages of your
Education ſeem to ſupercede this Labour,
and to render it either ſuperfluous or pre-
A 2
ſump-

DEDICATION.
ſumptuous : For you are now breathing
the pure and falutary Ayres of Parnaſſus,
and drinking at the Streams of Helicon :
You are admitted to the Court, where
Learning and the Muſes keep their Reſi-
dence, and good Manners are taught
and practis’d in all their Branches and
Extent. You abound in Precepts and
Examples, and whatever may contribute
to form your Head, and adorn your
Mind, and make you Wiſe and Good:
But then, Sir, I muſt remind you, that
with all theſe happy Circumſtances,
there is one Thing little conſider'd or
apprehended, naturally apt to prove a
Temptation and a Snare to you, which
you can't be too carefully caution'd and
arm'd againſt; I mean, your too unfor-
tunate and too early Succeſſion to the
Eftate of yourAnceſtors. That Greenneſs
of Age which entitles to Inherit; ſeldom
qualifies to Live; and 'cis a real Hard-
ſhip upon a young Gentleman to be
truſted into the Hands of his own Power,
before he arrives to the Years, which
give Maturity to his Reaſon and his
Judgnient. How ungovernable are the
Pallions and Sallies of Youth, when li-
cens'd and indulg'd? What Swarms of
Caprices and Fancies infeft this Seaſon of
To Life,

D È DIC AT IO N.
1
Life, which would wither and periſh in
a
the Embrio, unleſs enliven'd with Wealth,
which hatches and fledges the Chimera's?
Thoſe Projects of Pleaſure and Vice, of
Folly and Love, the uſual Objects and
Entertainments of juvenile Minds, ſtart
out and flouriſh in the Sunſhine of a
plentiful Fortune, and make the Perſon
odious and ridiculous, whom an ob-
fcurer State might have ſhelter'd with
the Reputation of Sobriety and Difere-
tion. Your greateſt Security in this Par-
cicular, is your native Modeſty, and ge-
nuine Diſpoſitions to Virtue, improved
and cultivated by the Care and Conduct
of an Academical Education ; from
whence, Sir, you may learn to put a due
Value upon thoſe happy Minutes you
employ in it; the beſt Opportunity to
ſtore your Soul with found Senſe, and
honourable Principles, which will im-
prove with Years, and exert themſelves
in all the parts of Life. Here, Sir, you
will be furniſh'd with a Method, how to
ſpend your Time, the greateſt Incum-
brance upon the Hands of untutor'd Gen-
tlemen, without Recourſe to ſuch Arts
and Amuſements, as debafe a Man be-
neath himſelf, and make him the moſt
contemptible Thing in the World. For
pray,
A 3

DEDICATION.
pray, Sir, ask yourſelf this Queſtion,
Whether are the more rational Animals
of the two, the Dogs, whoſe Nature and
Buſineſs it is to follow the Game, or their
Maſters, who make it their only Buſineſs
to follow the Dogs? Conſider, which is
the more important Employment, that of
a Child playing with Toys and Feathers,
or that of a Man continually dealing in
Cards and Dice? He that has not learnt
to employ his Hours to better Purpoſe,
is a Thing that ſeems ſent into the
World like Inſects, only to bask in the
Gleams of the warm Day, and be im-
pertinent and good for nothing; and
yet, I need not tell you, there are
Numbers, who by a ftill more crimi-
nal and ſcandalous Conduct, ſink into
Beaſt and Prodigy. Your propitious
Stars have provided better for you, and
ſupply'd you with all the Means and
Opportunities to raiſe your Merit, and
qualify you for important Services to
your Country. 'Tis in your Power to
chuſe whéther you will bury your Talent,
and let it ruſt in Obſcurity and Silence,
or whether you will be at the Pains to po-
liſh and brighten up your Parts, and make
yourſelf Eminent and Conſpicuous to
the World. You have conſiderable Ex-
amples
c7879

DEDICATION.
amples before your Eyes; and, could
you inherit the Virtues, as you do the
Eſtate of your Family, you
would
need nothing more to your Accom-
pliſhment. Your Grandfathers Learn-
ing and Politeneſs,
Your Father's
Generoſity and good Nature, your
Mother's Piety and Goodneſs, are all
perfect Originals in their Kind, and
upon theſe Models, as the Painter drew
his Venus from the united Beauties of
the Age, you may build and finiſh the
Gentleman. But what a Task will
you think impos'd upon you, when
you ſhall find that Learning, and Me-
rit, and Wit, and Beauty, the chief En-
dowments of Mind and Body, may be
of little Service to the Poffeffor, un-
leſs he be inſtructed in the Art of Liv-
ing, and the Art of Pleaſing ? There
are certain curious and fine Touches of
the Pencil, which add Life and Charms
to the Piece; ſome additional Graces
to the Muſick, which render the Con-
fort fo raviſhing and killing; and there
are ſome Dreſſes and Deportments,
ſome Miens and Ayres of Virtue which
make it ſo powerful and penetrating.
The Difficulty conſiſts in drawing out
the glit tering Store, and employing it
A4
on
DEDICATION.

1
on pertinent Occaſions ;- in ſpreading a
Man's Merit, without Vanity and Affe-
etation, and in ſhining in ſuch a Man-
ner, as not to dazzle and confound,
and raiſe the Envy and Indignation of
Beholders. Happy he that has found the
noble Secret at once, to deſerve and pleaſe!
Nature, and Art, and Fortune, and Fa-
vour, and a potent Conſtellation, muſt
all combine to furniſh out a Merit thus
acceptable to Mankind. It will require
great Commerce, and long Practice to
perfect him in this Science: He muſt ſtu-
dy Men and Books, the World and Him-
ſelf, and be able to riſe or ſtoop to all the
different Abilities, and comport with the
various Tempers and Humours of Men.
He muſt, eſpecially, penetrate into that
Je ne fcai quoi, which makes ſome ſo well
receiv'd, and others of equal Merit ſo dif-
guftful, which in the one provokes and
encourages, and in the others prevents
and forbids RIDICULE. In this, Sir, I
muſt profeſs my ſelf as unable to direct
you in the Theory, as I am to obſerve
the Practice; it may be of no little Uſe
to you to read this little Tract of a Per-
ſon who has travell’d the Country before
you, and furniſh'd you with Memoirs
and Obſervations; which your own Judg-
ment,

DEDICATION.
ment, as you paſs, will verify and cor-
roborate, and fix deeper in your Memo-
ry: When you find your own Sentiments
painted to the Life, and the Manners of
your Acquaintants dilicately touch'd,
and as clearly deſcrib'd as acted, you'll
be ſtruck with an agreeable Surprize,
and cry out with the Trojan, bir
Shtoni az it,bre o sebisid aills
Qua regio in terris noftri non plena laboris?
Dowansalsrbirls 29 .
You'll wonder to ſee your own ſecret
Thoughts, Deſires and Paſſions, thus
meet you in a Glaſs, and be apt to en-
quire who it is has ſtoll'n your Picture ?
And by the Collation and Compariſon
of Characters, Things and Perſons, you'll
extract what is odious and offenſive, what
is charming and delicious in Converſati-
on, and what makes or ſpoils the Wel-
bred Man! You'll find here a delicate
kind of Ethicks, not taught by the Ma-
ſters of that Science : Some intellectual
Immoralities, flowing rather from the
Head than Heart, which, tho the Will
has little to do in them, have as ill Con-
ſequences in Life, as thoſe of a more
malignant Nature. A ſingle Word miſ-
plac'd or miſ-tim'd, a Look, a Geſture
or a Smile, mal à propos, may have trou-
bleſome


DEDICATION.

bleſome Effects. But, not to anticipate
you in your Diſcoveries, I will only ven-
ture to lay in one Precaution againſt a
foibleſje, your Situation is moſt likely to
expoſe you to, which is, Fondneſs of
Praiſe and Commendation. The Heart
has no Avenue ſo open, as that to Flat-
tery, which like ſome Enchantment, lays
all its Guards aſleep; and, if this ſhould
be your weak Side, you'll find it expos'd
to continual Batteries, which there would
be no withftanding. Some would hu-
mour your Vanity out of Intereſt, and
others out of Rallery and Sport; and
the Event would be, the Neglect to ac-
quire theſe good Qualities that poiſon'd
Incenſe endows you with, and a wona
derful Fund of RIDICULE. To pre-
vent this, whenever you are fed with
the Notions of your Quality and For-
tune, your ancient Houſe and fine E-
ftate, your Dependents and Tenants,
reflect what a Figure it becomes you to
make, to be equal to theſe Advantages.
Think how many Ingredients enter the
Conſtitution of a Gentleman, and how
the Mixture of one Vice or Folly, de-
praves and corrupts the whole Compofi-
tion. Conſider what you owe to the
Expe&ations of your Friends and Coun-
moisid
try,

DEDICATIO N.
try, and how you ought to anſwer
them. With the due Influence of theſe
Thoughts, you will reſolutely perſue the
Progreſs you have ſo well begun, and lay
an early Foundation of good Learning
and good Breeding, Virtue and Honour,
which you'll have Leiſure hereafter to
fuperftruct and adorn in all the Offices of
Life. Now, Sir, if you'll pardon this Free-
dom, I ſhall be the leſs concern'd for
what will be ſaid by others, of trifling a-
way Time in the Tranſlation. Every
Man has his Diverſions, and as there is
fomething of Commendation in that ſort
of Play which deſigns the "Stakes for the
Advantage of the Poor, there can be no
great Diſcredit in ſpending a few vacant
Hours in Charity to the Rich: TheLadies,
as well as Gentlemen, will find ſomething
here they may improve by; there being
nothing more wanting in the World, than
a Practice ſuitable to theſe Reflexions,
which would file off the Unevenneſs of
Tempers, and make Converſation much
eaſier, and more ſatisfactory than it is
commonly found to be. I am,
SIR,
Your Faithful
tone
Humble Servant.

VOLTAIdad
58
CONTENTS
-9995 eiro nobis lett vom
R
Eflexions upon Ridicule, and the
Means to avoid it, ni Page 1
Of Unpoliteneſs, ouvid aidan 6
Indiſcretion, smo to guito 31
d Affectation, di angieb lid values
on Fooliſh Vanity.
scoisi lo sgstasve
sa the bad Taſte, chci visa tieto 94
beni sisuli 1:74
Impoſture, letno la 107
the morofe Humour,
som annon
Impertinence, or eldasidt i 145
io Prejudice, do crna birow r1.166
Intereſt, ova oson base od 189
21 Sufficiencyzstest gro bris 213
Abſurdities,
Caprice,
244
Falſe Delicacy,
Decorum,
246
128
od os bouclier 227
259
Adver-

Juomello DA
དྲན མ བུ ( ༡ | gy ( £g༦
Advertiſement.
IS not an extravagant and
groſs Ridicule, that is the
’T Buſineſs of theſe Reflexions,
but that nice one, the most
no polite People fometimes fall in-
to without perceiving it. It
often happens, that thoſe very Things they
pride themſelves in, and affect to diſtinguiſh
themſelves by, expoſe them to Contempt and
Raillèry, becauſe they can't conceal a fooliſh
Vanity in their Ways, or an unreaſonable De-
fire of pleaſing and out-doing all the World.
Hence proceeds that Reluctance to yield, and
go into the Reaſons of others, whilst an im-
portunate Obſtinacy to defend their own Opi-
nions runs them into many Extravagancies
and Follies. Most of the Thing's fa botly
diſputed are Trifles of no Conſequence, and
yet People make it a Point of Honour to gain
a chimerical Victory. An Exceſs of Sincerity
is equally ridiculous with this Obſtinacy and
pavil born gebou Cou-

Advertiſement.
Conceitedneſs, as when we find People of
ſuch a Cbara&ter, as will be always ſaying
Something diſguſtful to the Perſons they con-
verſe with. Wbat Reaſon bave they to turn
Counſellors, before their Advice is ask'd? We
don't love thoſe that tell us of our Faults; our
Deſire is to be flatter'd and applauded. "Tis,
eſpecially, an Impertinence to blame in others
thoſe Faults which we are liable to be cenſur'd
for our ſelves, and which are more manifeft
and groſs in us than in thoſe we pretend to re-
prehend.
We feel an uneaſy Refent ment againſt thoſe
that interrupt us in relating an Adventure,
or telling a Story, and think them rude and
ill-bred People, and yet, if we take not heed,
we continually fall into the fame Error.
In like manner, we ſuffer by the Indiſcre>
tion of thoſe that liſten to our ſecret Diſcourſe,
the Attention they manifest to ſteal our Se-
crets from us, provokes us againſt them. We
Shall ſee by the Enumeration of the Faults of
Mankind, bow carefully we ought to watch
our ſelves, to avoid being ridiculous.
We choſe rather to treat this Subje&t by looſe
and disjointed Thoughts, than by long Cha-
pters and compleat Tracts, which would have
been, perhaps, more tedious and leſs uſeful:
The eager and impetuous Genius of the Reader,
loves Novelty and diverſify'd Matters, but tires
under
7

Advertiſement.
under long Diſcourſes upon the ſame Subje&ts
the hope of ſeeing new Countries, and making
new Diſcoveries is a Spur to the Curioſity.
Theſe Reflexions were made at different Seaa
fons and on different Occaſions, by examining
the ill Carriage, the ridiculous Ways and
Whimſies of Men, and the Reaſons why cer-
tain Perfons of ſufficient Merit have not the
Faculty of pleaſing.ee
We offer not this to the Publick as a Thing
of extreme Conſequence; we can only ſay there
is not e Page but a Man may profit by; the
Picture of the Vices here criticis'd, will ſerve
for a Rule to amend them: A Man that feels
himſelf ſmitten in bis weak Part, and ſees
himſelf painted to the Life, immediately con-
ceives a ſecret Spleen againſt the Author; in
this reſembling a deform'd Woman when you
Shew ber the Glafs.
I am apt to think, that they who speak in
Publick, will find in theſe Reflexions, as ſimple
as they appear, ſomething wherewithal to.em-
belliſh their Diſcourſes, which for the genera-
lity are empty of Thought; they go not to the
Bottom of Mens Manners; they are not ſuf-
ficiently acquainted with the Doubles and Fold-
ings of an human Heart, and the ill Effects of
the Paſſions: They Speak only indefinite, and
general Things, which no body is concern'd
in, and which awakens not the Auditor's

Advertiſement.
Attention ; you muſt paint bim, if you'll a-
waken him.
son sa
The Names implog'd in this Treatiſe are
fictitious; the Vices therein expos'd are the
Infirmities of Man's Nature, which are di-
Spers’d amongst Mankind in general, but meet
in no one Man in particular.
You'll find here, perhaps, Some Maxims and
Touches that ſeem to coincide, and which the
unintelligent will confound with one another ;
the Reaſon is, that in the Vices and Paſſions,
there are nice Differences that are only diſtin-
guiſh'd by good Judges : To ſhew them as they
ought, you muſt put them in different Lights,
and under ſuch Circumſtances as diſcover the
Degree, and brighten up the Folly. Tempers,
Humours and Conjunctures, give new Poftures
to Vices, if I may uſe that Expreſſion: The
Make of the Mind, and Motions of the Heart,
Affections and Intereſts, change the Nature of
the Paſſions, which are different in all Men,
which made me think that theſe ſeeming Re-
petitions were neceſary to the Execution of my
Deſign.
Totesta pitali za
Bore zi pliou os doide ghid R E-
ลอะไร, จน วรน ในจะ

sluobil sodus uneinges psi
slon ist ad nerf
wauolugibu SMS ser
264
REFLEXIONS
abs Totes les voo dit ont trous
liin si Weid : 200U PO N stidm 3 Ipitoi
wireless to comme
RIDICULE
atingM doom on sed. OSME 19.1
20A NDO IFI-LI SSM
The Means to avoid it.
Is lliw you susodostniBUJDOA Tol svá
ggilssuntos lo maſnog sitt tebius od 275W
Man may fall into Ridicule
tho' endow'd with Parts, and
perſonal Merit, and fine Qua.
lities, and lingular Talents,
if he knows not how to put
them in Practice. On the
BAG contrary, Men of a moderate
Deſert make themſelves courted, and by their
Charms and Politeneſs, eclipſe the brighteſt
Wits; becauſe they have, I know not what
Bluntneſs and Rufticity, and ridiculous Ways
SiiboIusdie
.29vilib 1o 1st sif) Il
B
Men
with themsvad vedi 9

2
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Men are made for Society, and therefore the
most uſeful of all Sciences is the Art of Living,
which guards us perpetually againſt Ridicule,
and teaches us to avoid whatever may diſguſt
the Perſons we converſe with, and diminiſh
the Pleaſure they taſte in our Converſation.
Good Qualities ſometimes contribute to
make a Man ridiculous, when he makes not a
good Uſe of them ; if he has Wit and Spirit,
he'll think to ſhine in Converſation, and carry
every thing his own Way; he'll exerciſe a de
ſpotical Empire over Opinions ; his Wit will
ſometimes carry him to extravagant Singulari-
ties and dangerous Indiſcretions, which will
make him fear'd where-ever he comes, becauſe
lie's Magiſterial on all Occaſions.
Let a Man have never fo much Merit, 'tis
not beft to flew himſelf too much. There are
few People but leſſen others Efteem of them,
by a long Acquaintance, becauſe they will al.
ways be under the conſtraint of concealing
their Faults.
The Ambition to pleaſe thoſe we at firſt are
acquainted withi
, keeps us upon our Guard,
and makes us put our beſt Side outermoſt, but
proportionably as this Defire abates, the Care
of contealing aur Imperfections wear off, and
we flew ourlėlves naked, as I may ſay. 'Tis
almoſt the fame as with an Huſband and a
Wife ; in the early Days of their Marriage,
they take Care to appear to each other with
all their Advantages,
but at laſt they are weary
of this Conftraint, which is the first step to
wards that Indifférence they have for one ano-
ther all the reft of their Lives.
"Tis

Reflexions upon Ridicule.
3
on 'Tis pretty difficult to conceive why ſome
People, in whom we find uncominon Qualities,
don't pleaſe, and why we remain unaffe&ted
with the Beauty of certain Women : Their
extravagant, indiſcreet, ill-bred ftarcht or gid-
dy Carriage, deſtroys the Impreſſions their
Beauty had made : Their moral and intelle-
Etual Imperfe&tions prevent their external
Charms from having their Effect. said:
?Tis a Folly to wink againſt our own In-
perfections, and to ſeek pitiful Arguments to
evade the Thoughts of them ; for tho' it may
be eaſy to put a Fallacy upon ourſelves, there's
no impoſing upon the Publick, a penetrating
and inexorable Judge. Did we take the ſame
Bains to get rid of our Paſſions, as to diſguiſe
them, we ſhould find a Cure of them ; now
?tis hard to determine which is beft, an excel
five Care to conceal ourſelves, or that ſupine.
neſs of thoſe who are always expoſing their
weak Part, and giving themſelves entirely up
to a lazy Indifference, amongſt whom the troue
ble of conquering a ruling Paffion, or at leaſt
of diſſembling it, often carries it above the
love of Fame or Fortune, notwithſtanding the
prevalence of theſe Deſires. In tefte noch hit
'Tis certain that every Body has their Faults,
this is a Miſery inſeparable from human Na-
ture, but others ought not to ſuffer by them.
The chief Study of a worthy Man, ought to
be how to be deliver'd from his Vices, at leaſt
how to conceal them ; that which goes by the
Nanie of great Merit, is ſometimes nothing
great Artifice to hide our Imperfections.
How
but a
B 2

4 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
5. How many are there in the World that go
for Men of a ſublime Genius, becauſe no Body
has founded the Depth of them? How many
are there that have the Reputation of modeſt
and ſtrict Women, becauſe they have the Art
to conceal their Intrigues, and no body takes
the Pains to track them? Ilaria died with
the Reputation of a Veftal, had ſhe carried her
Cabinet into the other World ſhe had been
regarded as a Pattern of Sobriety. She always
took care to donceal her little Correſpondences
with extraordinary Conduet , but the Love.
Letters fhe forgot to burn, have unhappily
open’d Myſteries which no body was let into
before.it site
sabul Sidstozeni bas
Publick Efteem is commonly more owing to
Fate or Fortune than true Merit, and a great
Reputation requires both Addreſs and good
Luck, for the obtaining and preſerving it.
Man is made up of good and bad Qualities,
and theſe are the Plans he is to work upon to
fit himſelf for the Palate of the World, in do-
ing which he muſt huſband his Talents, and
fo time and qualify their Exerciſe as to diſgust
no body by them. That which furprizes at
firft, ſoon after makes leſs Impreſſion, and at
laſt grows diftaſteful. We fometimes loſe the
Efteem of Men, whilſt the good Qualities that
deſerv'd it continue in their full Force. d A too
frequent Commerce with the ſame Perfons,
degrades a Man of a certain Air of Dignity,
which Retirement and Gravity give to ſuch
asi ſhew themſelves more rarely. tg to 945V
rengi3sinou tuo sbiri 01 BRASTA 1601 stud
voH
We

Reflexions upon Ridicule. 5
We are taken with their firſt Addreſs, but
the more we converſe with them, the leſs their
rare Qualities affe& us.
The deſire of Pleaſing is natural; all Men
endeavour to make themſelves acceptable to
the Perſons
ns they fee often, and to merit their
Efteem ; even thoſe of the meaneſt and moſt
ſordid Occupations would have the Glory
of Pre-eminence in them: But tho' all fo ftu-
diouſly affect to give themſelves a Politenefs
and Diftin&tion, very few arrive to it, becauſe
they are ignorant of the Road they ought to
takes The fureſt and the thorteſt would be
that of obſerving, in Men of Merit, what it
is diftinguiſhes them from the Vulgar ; and
in others that are not taking, what it is in
them that is diſguitful. The School of the
World, if we knew what uſe to make of it,
is beſt capable of all Things to form the
Mind, and give it that Tincture of Politeneſs,
which is not obtain'd but by ſeeing polite Per.
Tons, and by copying after their Pattern. bna
se There are few that ſtudy to know their own
Failings, becauſe ?tis a Science that diſturbs
and wounds their Vanity, They commonly
flatter themſelves with the poſſeſſion of thoſe
good Qualities which they are ſo far from
having, that they have the very reverſe of
them, they are infinitely out in their Ac.
counts, whilſt they entirely affect they are
good-natur’d, complaiſant and eaſie; they are
commonly blunt, rough and diſreſpectful. 6
03 25 Juid io nominis buoo ovvis
19175 TL CSV 1919b od evoilou
3:T
Con
B 3

Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Mooncorde 1902 970 et
NOVUSTUSTU 30.10.
Son San
aidatpis pozlamat slegs 01 move
bris
17:41 stt
do Concerning Unpoliteneſs,
du sykst buon anoniem bingot
a
Conftellation of many Vices. ?Tis fome
times a grofs Ignorance of Decorum, or a ftu-
pid Unconcernedneſs, that robs "otliers of the
Reſpects we owe them. b 'Tis Moroſeneſs and
ill Nature, which ſettle a Man in a conſtant
Difpofition to oppoſe himſelf to whatever
may pleaſe anotlier; 'tis the Product of a foo-
liſh Vanity which throws off all Regards for
every Body of a haughty and fantaſtick Hu-
mour, that exalts itſelf above the Rules of
Civil Life; or of a dark Spirit of Moroſeneſs,
that makes its chief Diverfion to rebuff People
and diſoblige them. its got70o yo bos grito
- Unpoliteneſs is perhaps, of all Vices, that
which makes a Man molt defpifable, and in-
tangles him in moſt Inconveniences, we par
don him in his Infirmities, - wel even excufe
Bluntneſſes and Extravagances that efoape him;
but Unpoliteneſs is a kind of Habit which a
Man continually ſuffers by; it ſtrikes to the
Quick when it flows mingled with cold Blood,
becauſe it then expreſſes Scorn and Contempt;
and 'tis what a Man never forgives, as having
always ſo good an Opinion of himſelf, as to
believe he deſerves fair Quarter.
E
The

Concerning Unpoliteness 7
a great Family, anubes famous in
The unbecoming Rudeneſs which Perſons of
a diſtinguiſlı’d Quality ſometimes allow them
ſelves, create a general Averſion, and beſpeak a
bad Education, that which makes young. Gen.
tlemen give themſelves theſe Liberties, is the
Eatineſs they find to furniſh out ſuch kind of
Converſation; that Eaſineſs makes them lazy',
but it diſguſts nice People, and even ſpoils their
own Taſte, inuring them to ſuch bafe Familia
arities as wound the Reſpect which Perſons
of Quality owe to one another and themſelves
.
Is it to ſhew his Parts, and make himſelf ac-
çeptable, that Fadius ſpeaks with fo much Li.
berty of his own Faults and the Faults of on
thers, that he throws about their Gloves and
Hats, that going to ſpeak to any body, he ſa-
lutes hin with a knock of his Elbow, to quic-
ken him, or as a ſignal that he has ſomething
to ſay to him? 'Tis true, Fadius, you are of
the Vertues of your
of your Ance .
Stors exempt you from Civility and good
Breeding? Do they give you a Privilege of bea
ing a Bully, of brutally affronting and dif
obliging People, and having no Reſpect for all
the World? hai, triệp Tin
'Tis no wonder that young People are fo
Clowniſh and Unpolitej Politeneſs being a
Combination of Diſcretion, Civility, Com-
plaiſance, Circumfpe&ion, and Modeſty, ac-
companied with an agreeable Ayre, which ex-
pands itfelf upon whatever you ſay or do.
Now they are neither Diſcreet, nor Civil, nor
Complaiſant, but have all the oppoſite Vices,
and
В 4

8
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
1
and have no Thoughts of getting free from
thein ; their Words and A&ions have a kind of
harſhneſs and wildneſs in them; they have a
fort of warlike Ayre, and you would think
they were always going to mount the Breach.
It requires a Guard and Attention over one's
felf to avoid the Faults of Unpoliteneſs,
which is the Reaſon that young People, who
follow only their own Humours and Caprices,
and live without Reflexions, are Brutiſh and
Unpolite ; that they have no Complaiſance
for the Women, that they make it a ſort of
Merit to affront'them, to vilify them, to draw
them in horrid Colours againſt Reaſon and
Truth; ſo far are they fron reſpecting them
as they ought, that they make it a piece of
Honour to inſult them, and boaſt of it as a
noble Exploit. What Manrers! What-Bruta-
Hity is this !aha 3011
13011 a/l muid or yst 01
in Tis a very infipid Chara&ter, that lof fome
-People, who make it a conſtant Practice to ſay
ſoft things to all Women. Indeed we are on
bliged to be Civil and Genteel on their Regard ;
but fuch of them as have any Judgment, have
nothing but Contempt for thoſe Hilly Adorers,
who conſume their Incenſe indifferently on
every handſome Face. * The young People of
this Age, are fufficiently recoverd of that ri-
diculous Vanity; their Manners have more of
the Field than the Court in them, and they
are more in danger of Unpoliteneſs and Inci-
vility," than ot an Exceſs of Complaiſance,
and an over-ſtrain’a Courtlinefs for the Wo-
menesdaggo edi llo svad jud just algunos
&
We

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 9
We are to do that Honour to thoſe
to thoſe that
ſpeak, to hear them out and give a pertinent
Anſwer Abundance of People, too viſibly,
ſhew the Diftra&ion and Diſquiet they are un,
der; you diſcover in their Looks the Impati.
ence they have to leave you, and how much
they are tir'd with your Diſcourſe ; inſtead of
being attentive to what you ſay to them; they
are only ſpying out a Moment to deſert you,
without giving you tine to finiſh what you
had begun to tell them. You would judge by
the halte that Theobald is in, that he has al-
ways the moſt important Affairs upon his
Hands, every Moment you ſteal from him is
precious; he vouchfates not to anſwer you
but in a negligent manner, and has 1o little
Confideration for you, as to let you ſee your
Company is troubleſome, and that he looks
upon you as an Impertinent.
The Country-Squires, and People that want
Senſe, liſten in Converſation with a filly At-
tention, and hazard not to ſpeak; we are often
oblig'd to them for their Silence, which is
more acceptable than their Diſcourſe of their
Farmers and their Dogs, their Horſes and their
Game, the Hares they have hunted, and the
number of Partridge's they have kill'd in an
Autunin, with ſo many Particulars of them
as almoſt to tell you
their Names. This Re-
flexion regards only thoſe who were never out
of their Native Soil, and have had no Com-
merce with the Woríd.
How is’t poſſible for Men of Sneſe, and who
have any Tin&ture of good Breeding, not to be
fick
JUC
BS

Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ſick of the generality of Converſation? You
find in it nothing but inſipid Jefters, the Re-
tailers of Fooleries, Dealers in Scandal, who
unmercifully tear the Reputation of all Man-
kind; barren Wits which contribute nothing
to Society ; fuperficial Brains, or turn’d to
trifling, unable to ſuſtain a polite Converſati-
on founded on ſerious Affairs ; Perfons prepoſ-
Teſs'd with their own Merit, who approve of
nothing but what has reference to themſelves.
But of all, thoſe are tlie moſt troubleſome who
will be always Contradicting, and who imme-
diately declare themſelves againſt what others
advance; they are not always ſure of their
own Notions, and they contradi& meerly for
the ſake of an iil-natur'a Pleaſure of being of
a contrary Opinion.
Take heed how you diſcover your Opinion
before Murſaut has ſpoke his, and when he's
once fixt, be ſure you don't oppoſe him, unleſs
you are willing to make a Perſonal Quarrel.
He was never of the fame Mind with
any
other
Man, always refolv'd to take the Negative of
what others affirm; he defends the moſt indif.
terent Things with the ſame Heat as if the
Fate of the Kingdom was concern'd; not that
he is at all affected, but only for the fake of
Contradi&tion. They that know his blind-ſide
and would be diverted, give him time to throw
out all his Fire; prefently after they propoſe
the fame Subject, as if they were of his Opi.
nion ; but whether he has forgot himſelf, or
meerly out of Caprice, he takes the quite con-
trary

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 11
tells me,
trary Side to what he juſt before vehemently
defended. This is perte&t Comedy. 1o sho
This is no good way to make one's Compa-
ny deſirable, and to gain the Efteein and Af-
fe&tion of Men. Moſt of thoſe that are fond
of themſelves, and Idolaters of their own No-
tions, would have you defer to all they fay,
and are out of their Senſes, if you are not
touch'd with it, or
rare fo plain with them as
to let them know, that what they ſay are Im-
pertinences, not meriting to be heard. For
my part, I confefs, I tremble as often as I am
oblig'd to ſpeak, or to expoſe my Opinion, or
toʻrelate a Story before Lycander; he bluntly
That is falſe, without ſtaying till i
explain my Reaſons ; he inſinuates, that my
Opinion is Ridiculous ; that what I tell is
News to no body, and that he knew it long
ago: I preſs him to give ſome Circumſtances,
but he knows not ſo much as what I was going
to fpeak of. Lycander and his Fellows ought
to have more Reſpect for others, and leſs Pre-
fumption of his own Sufficiency, left they in-
eur the Imputation of Proud, Contemptuous,
Hlaughty and Ill-bred Perſons.
» Tis an unpardonable Incivility to intera
rupt a Perſon that tells a Story 'tis much
better to let him fail in fome Circumſtance of
the Hiſtory, than to rectify him, if he aks
not our Advice; or to fignify we knew long
before the News he would acquaint us with.
To what purpoſe is it to retafe a Man the
Pleaſure of believing he inform’d ús of foine-
thing we were'ignorânt of psd ein
"Tis
1910
I 2 Reflections upon Ridicule.

I'Tis not hard to comprehend why the Dil-
courſe of young People is ſo diſguftful and in,
ſipid; the Charms that Youth affords them
can't bear them out againſt the Roughneſs and
Unpoliteneſs of their Behaviour; for that a-
greeable Exterior produces not at length ſo
much Pleafure, as their Unpoliteneſs creates
Diſaſte.
zati192 tior to 300 91 bas
Familiarity with Women of Merit and
Beauty is dangerous, but notwithſtanding, we
ought not to be wanting in the Civility that is
due to them ; by this we compenſate in ſome
manner for that Dependence to which the
Laws have ſubmitted them, and therefore
they have a lively Senſe of the Injury we do
them, by the Deficiency of our Reſpect, and
they reyenge themſelves whenever they find
Occaſion,
bor
Women behold themſelves in their Glaſſes
with different Eyes from what others regard
them with ; their Imagination preſents a thou,
fand Charms, which they really have not.
'Tis too tickliſh an Affair to go about to unde-
ceive them. Why, would you rob Clariana
of the Pleaſure of believing her felf amiable
and pretty? You'll never perſuade her to the
contrary with all your Rhetorick, but you in-
fallibly gain her Hatred.
I have heard Nicomedes ſay of a Woman,
loud enough to be heard by her, that ſhe was
ugly. The ſame Perſon talkd of Belinda's
Gallantries before her; he cited the Names of
hier Sparks, and reckon d up the Aſſignations
fhe had made them, as it he had been in the
Secret,
sed


Concerning Unpoliteneſs.I 13
Secret, or had had it by Conjuration. Is it pof-
fible People of Quality Mould be ſo brutally
ſtupid?idsam dobro vedrus es not
a ?Tis difficult to yield, when a Man thinks he.
has Reaſon on his ſide, and yet ’tis better to
do it, than to diſcover an importunate Obftir
nacy to maintain one's own Opinions. Moſt
of the Things diſputed are frivolous, and of
no Conſequence; Why then ſhould it be made
a Point of Honour to obtain a Victory, and
bring all the World over to our Opinions ? Let
us indulge them the Pleaſure of believing they
think juſtly, and have Reaſon. jou vade vay
'Tis a Defe&t of Civility and good Breeds
ing to hear what is not ſaid to us. I Thoſe Per.
fons who are ſo attentive to deſire what is ins
duſtriouſly conceal'd from them, care very
troubleſome in Converſation, and they incur
the Hatred of thoſe whoſe Secrets they di-
vulge, when they have ſtoln them in that
Manner.
0076 012! you or doiro SONIMO )
But 'tis much worſe when they think they
conje&ure what others ſecretly diſcourſe of,
and vent their Imaginations, as if they were
intrufted with the Matter. I have it froni
good Hands, fars Balfamon, that ſuch a one
is one of Belife's particular Favouritesgrand
that ſhe's blindly fond of him. If I fhould
tell you, adds he, in a loud and poſitive Tone,
all I know of this particular, you would fay
I had good Intelligence of all her Marches,
The Truth is, Balſamon never saw Belifan
and knows not one of her Correſpondentsisi
middais love la Jotu 297 102mgdo Xaids aedt

14 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
- We daily meet with People of this Chara-
eter, who come and tell you Lies in a myſte-
rious way, as if they told you mighty News,
they fail not to confirm their Impoſture with
the Name of ſome conſiderable Man, to give
Weight to their Report. This Perſon is imme.
diately quoted every where, as if he was actu-
ally the Author of the News, which is nothing
but Chintera. vor ged
Men are naturally ambitious of diſtin.
guiſhing themſelves, and eclipſing the reſt
of the Company, which is the Reaſon
why they commonly depart from it but ill
ſatisfy’d: Every one thinks on himſelf, and
how to make the greateſt Shew of his own
Parts. 1 They kindle againſt ſuch as will be
Topping and Monopolizing the Converſation,
this being a ſort of Tyranny they would ex-
erciſe over Wit, for which they are equally
hated as thoſe that would Lord it alone in a
Commonwealth. The way is to accommodate
ourſelves to the Abilities of the Perſons we
frequent, and dexterouſly to lead the Diſcourſe
to Subje&ts proportion'd to them. 'Tis a fure
Method of pleaſing to attend to others with
Pleaſure, and withont Jealouſie, and give
them Opportunities to ſhew their Parts.
bi?Tis a lign of a ſublime Genius, not to care
to be thought a great Wit, to talk of Trifles
with mean People, though he has a thouſand
fine Things to ſay upon all ſorts of Subjects
fo to proportion himſelf to the Humour and
Charaster of thoſe he converſes with, as to let
them think themſelves upon a Level with him;
they

Concerning Unpoliteneſs.. 15
they are charm’d with you and themſelves,
when they think they ſee this Equality, which
infinitely flatters their Self-Love. It requires
a great deal of Senſe to be able to make theſe
Condeſcenfions, and a great Stock of Modefty,
not to deſire to outſhine others when we can,
and make a Show of our beſt Talents. ortsa00
When Baldus comes to pay you a Viſit, the
begins his Diſcouaſe in the Anti-Chamber, he
talks a loud, and in a continued Nonſenſe, not
cáring whether he be heard; all his Deſign is
to talk : A Man muſt be very nimble, to ſize
the Moment in which he coughs or blows his
Noſe, to enter into the Diſcourſe, and to be
able to crowd in ſome Words by Stealth; I
bjave ſeen People compound with him, and de-
mand of him at firſt, how long he'll fatigue
the Company; he declares, and they take
their Watches and make him ſtand to his Ar-
ticles.". Stage 10
Soe 10 boo, 5 do
draft
We can't avoid being angry with thoſe that
break their Word, but 'tis more genteel and
generous to diſſemble our Refentanent, than to
make a noiſe of it. That which firſt offers it-
felf is the Deſire to quarrel with them, and
hence we charge thein with the Fault they
have committed, in heinous and offenſive
Terms: Would it not be better ſoftly to infi.
nuate, that they fail'd in their Duty, and that
we are touch'd with their Proceeding? Too
imperious Reproaches; inſtead of contributing
to reduce People to their Duty, frequently ex-
afperate them againſt you, becauſe a Man will
always be in the right, or at leaſty will not be
owins ys found

161 Reflections upon Ridicule.
found in a Fault. Our Self-Love is wretched
ly put to it, when we are to juſtify ourſelves
in a Point which dur Conſcience condemns us
for; but he muſt be extreamly rude and cruel,
who infults a Man that has been guilty of a
Folly, and expreſſes a malicious Joy at his
Confuſion. 10.'Tis like giving a Man a Blow
with a Pole that is drowning, 11.8 1190
There are, however, fome Occaſions, where-
in 'tis fit to infinuate to a Man wlio has been
out of the way, and committed a Fault of
Conſequence, that he ouglt to be ſomewhat
more cautious of his Conduct. This part de
mands great Precaution, to avoid offending a.
gainſt the Character of Civility and good Man-
ners. A Mand ſhould Nudy the, Taſte of o.
thers, to be able to inſinuate into tliem ; that
the Advice le gives them, may have its effect
without diſguſting them. ti bas estos aerft
Without a good Fund of Senſe, the change
of Fortune begets a Change in Manners, and
Alteration in Opinions. They who had no
Ainbitions incras moderate Fortune, grow fome.
tines Infolent upon their Exaltation, which
fèrves only to expo e their Extravagancies, and
make them défpicable to thoſe who have no
Expe&tations from their Credit. Clito had
but a little Eſtate, and then was good-natur’d,
polite, complemental and careſſing; but ſince
he has inherited an Eſtate, he is become haugh-
ty, proud, diſdainful je he deſpiſes his old
Friends, the does not know them, he does not
ſee them, she has forgotten their Names and
his own too..s?Tis no longer the ſame Man,
but they are two Clito's.
On

Concerning Unpoliteneſs.
17
On the contrary. Thoſe that are Morofe,
Crabbed and Intractable in Ill-fortune, grow
Good-humour’d, Eaſy and Affable in a more
happy State. Tous Soncu 1989
n We do not always oblige People by doing
them good Offices, unleſs they be genteelly
manag'd. Cleontés has fery'd me in an At
fair wherein I had need of his Interest, I was
obligd to him for the Zeal he manifeſted in
my Cauſez.but ever fince he talks eternally of
what he has done for me, and without any
Intention to reproach i ime he continually des
ducésithe Converſation to this Topick: Da
you remember what I did for you on ſuch an
Occaſion ? I drew pou out of a tickliſh Affair.
Tis loſing the Price of a Benefit to talk of it,
andito applaud:a Man's ſelf for the Advances
he has madefor his Friends. However, he that
has receiv'd the
Friendſhip ought never to fors
getoit, nor to Bluſly when he ſees his Bene-
factor. to nislqaro os no soy gniyed suodsi w
y A ſecret Pride, which is natural to all Men,
of what Quality foever, makes it a difficult
thing to beg. Tis a very great Puniſhment to
a generous Soul to ſee itſelf reduc'd to the im
ploring anothers. Aſistance. We ſhould foften
therefore, as much as poſſible, this Uneaſineſs,
and take care not to increaſe it by a miff and
difcouraging Way. i 'Tis a piece of extream
Ill-breeding to diſcover, in a rugged Counte.
Inance, the Regret we have to do a Kindneſs.
evi?Tis ridiculous for Men to trick up and
dreſs themſelves like Women ; lis a Fault: too
to be flovenly and naſty. A too negligent
Exte-

18
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Exterior gives ill Impreſſions of the Perfon,
and makes him lofe a part of his Merit. . IA
Man that has a good Ayre and a good Grace,
prepares us for a more favourable Reception
cf what he deſires to Infinuate ; a good Mien
and an handfome Outſide are Prejudices in
favour of the Speaker; and we hear not with
equal Pleafure a Man negligent and diſorderd
in his Habit. 9. Is 101 mis o bildo
To be in a Pallion at every turn, and al-
ways at Dagger's-drawing, is the ſign of a
litrle Genius, of Unpoliteneſs, or ca ſordid E.
ducation. Noble and fubline Souls can't be
mov'd out of their Temper for Trifles. The
Polite eafily excufe the Weakneſſes or Ruſtici.
ties of others, and ſeem not to perceive the
little Incongruities that might provoke them,
or to hear the diſobliging Words that are ſaid
to them,veniriguo ciboitob
-- ?Tis impoſſible to live long in the World
without having reaſon to complain of the In-
civility of Men; but they that will paſs by
nothing, and are too Exceptious, are common
ly more uncivil than thoſe they complain of.
. If any one Brow-beats you, or talks to you
in a proud and haughty Strá in, antweri him
not in the like. The beſt way to nonplus fuch
Ferſons is to ſpeak to thein without Commo-
tion : that Moderation is the Character of a
Soul that commands itſelf; and beſides, this
oppohite Condu& beſt expofes the Folly and
Extravagance of thoſe that offend you.ei Give
others leave to ſay all the Fooleries they pleaſe,
but don't you imitate thema's vingvoll sd or
x2
The

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 19
i The Misfortune is, no body will yield; a
Man) would think he injur'd and diſgrac'd
Irimfelf, if he ſhould hear in a ſedate and un-
concern'd manner, the Rudenefſes that are ſaid
to him, which makes him anſwer ſinartly and
provokingly; theſe Repartees, full of Heat
and Paſſion, are a very diſagreeable Muſick
for the Company, who have nothing to do
with the Quarrel : People "hould, at leaſt,
have the Difcretion to quarrel apart, and not
call all the Street to be Witneſs of their Ex-
travagancesin 181 001 a 91 tet-9/10: 998
Not that I pretend
we ought to have an in
fipid Complaiſance for all that others ſay
and fulfomly applaud them. Diverſity of O.
pinions is ſometimes neceſſary to quicken Con-
verſation, but we ought to be cautious that
the Difpate be not inflam'd; as when Euthy:
mus propounds his Sentiments as Decifions, to
which you muſt abſolutely ſubmit, or quarrel
with him. 1 91800vbA Vús on cosbus 210
An exceſs of Sincerity is fometimes as dana
gerous, -as a too effeminate and ſtudied Com.
plaiſance. You become the Terror of all Coma
panies, iby the Liberty you take to tell all Peos
ple, to their Fate, your Thoughts of them
Why do you take upon you to give your Ad-
vice where it is nof ask'd? Tisa certain Means
to make you hated, becauſe no body loves to
be corrected, but to be flatter'd and applauded.
Te I know a Man that never accoſts others, but
to tell them fome ungrateful News. If they
have ſpoken in Publick, he tells the in-to their
Face, éliat their Diſcourſe was not well ré-
on
yasamo 903 Ls gnlceivids

20
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ceiv'd ; he inſinuates, that their Condu&t is
complain’d of, and that ſomething is difco.
ver'd to their Diſgrace : O taka heed of that!
(ſays he in a milder way) the World exclaims
and cenfures pour Actions.ls?Tis not a friend:
ly Zeal that guides him and makes him talk
thus, but pure Jealouſy, and a malicious Plea-
Ture he takes to vex you. Samo srit 201
But 'tis the very heighth of Incivility ito
talk to People of their natural Imperfections.
Why ſhould you tell a Woman that the islill
made? one, that ſhe is too fat ? another, that
She is too lean, and all of a dize ?I and a third,
that ſhe paints, and buyseher Beauty of the
Diuggiſt. Theſe Reproaclies vex them more
than if you accus'd thein of having poiſonid
any, body. In like manner, we ſhould be cau-
tious of making People ſenſible of their Weak:
pers
112, Point of Parts. There's not lo mean a
Preacher, but flatterschimfelf that he Charms
his Auditors; nor any Advocate fo decried at
ther Bar, but ſeeks, in the the Eyes of the
Hearens, the Applauſes which all the World
denies himn. Indulge them in fo fweet an Er,
ror that does no body any harm, but makes
their Life flow more pleaſantly on... ou siq
. Tis commonly an Incivility to ſpeakylow
in Converſation, ſuch as are excluded from
theſe Myſteries, have reaſon to fufpect you
talk of them, or elſe deſpiſe them. Lycas
conſtantly comes up to Cleander where ever
he finds him, and continually whiſpers him
in the Ear to cultivate Cleander, froin whom
he expects good Offices, he runs the rifjue of
affronting all the Company.
No

Concerning Unpoliteneſs.
21
3. No body is obligd to make Feafts and En
tertainments, becauſe there is no Law that
ap-
points them, but when we do it, it ought to
be with good Grace. Suffer not to appear in
a reſtleſs and diſcontented Look, for the un
eaſineſs you have at the Expence. "Tis abfurd
to keep account of all that your Gueſts eat,
and how often they call for a Glaſs of Wine.
A Man's vex'd with a Feaſt where Stingineſs
is mingled with Magnificence; a miſtaken and
mil-tim'd Thrift diſhonours the Entertain-
ment, and poyſons the Pleaſure of the Com-
pany.
umst so homls via
e At Table we ought carefully to avoid
whatever may give Diſquiet to the Company,
T'is a Point of ill-breeding to ſpeak of certain
loathſome Diſtempers, Remedies, Phyſicians;
ill theſe Things are apt to raiſe Ideas that
turn the Stomach, and deaden the Appetite
nor ought we to mention certain Infeets which
delicate Perſons can't bear the fight or thoughts
Nuo deste vºduct on
The Sick amuſe their Melancholy, and
alleviate their Illneſs by ſpeaking of it; the
Attention we-give them comforts thein, and in
fome fort mitigates the accuteneſs of their
Pain, but they ought not to abuſe the Com-
plaiſance of thoſe that liſten to them, nor e.
numerate too exactly theCircumſtances of their
Diſeaſe, and the Succeſs of Reinedies.
I Generally ſpeaking, we ought never to allow
ourſelves Railery, for they who ſeemn to take
it patiently have a ſecret Rage within. It re.
quires great Strength of Mind to bear to be
railly'd
of.

22 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
railly'd before Perſons wereſteem. But what
Addreſs, what Dexterity is neceſſary ſo to
ſeaſon our Railleries, as to offend no body, nor
provoke thoſe they light upon? They that
have their Heads turn’d to Raillery, I can't
hope to preſerve their friends.
They chufe rather to run the Riſque of their
Reſentment, than keep in a Jeſt that will
make the Hearers laughſ for a Moment, but
will leave a mortal Wound in the Breaſt of the
intereſs’d Perſon.
Humour and Drollery, if not well manag’d,
have almoſt the faine Effe&t. "Tis hard to
play the Part of a Banterer, he that attempts
it, expoſes himſelf to Trouble, and makes
himſelt Ridiculous. It requires Judgment to
diſtinguiſh what is ſmart from what is filly.
Drollery diſguſts when 'tis carry?d too far;
you ſhould never banter People, unleſs you
were ſure they took it well; and even then, it
Mhould be bardly ventur'd: Often thoſe that
ſeem to laugh with the Teeth outward, rage
inwardly in their Heart; a merry Saying that
eſcapes you, gives you great Remorſe, and
draws after it a long Repentance. This is, in
pure
Frolick, making one's ſelf Enemies for
the ſake of a Word. on dyuo voli dan
There is no Part harder to be acted, or that
demands nicer Regards than that of a Cenſor ;
as good a Face as we put upon it, we hardly
love thoſe who criticiſe our Conduct and our
Works, A Man expoſes himſelf to great Vex-
ations, that ſets up for a Pedagogue, and is
often but ill paid for the Advice he gives to o-
byliise
thers;

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 23
thers : For why fhould he intrude himſelf to
corre& People, without knowing whether they
would take it? or voluntarily expoſe himſelf
to furly Replies, which they have not in their
Coinmand, when they feel themſelves attack'd
in the moſt ſenſible Parts? bol jos si
When our Friends commit Miſtakes that may
have ill Conſequences, 'tis our Duty to admo-
nith them. I 'Tis a nice Attempt, but we muit
not refuſe our Advice to thoſe that want it.
The Way is to fetch a Compaſs about, or in
paſſionate and tender Expreſlions to wrap up
an Advice, which might provoke them if we
gave it a rugged and uncivil Way; to adver-
tiſe a Perſon in an Error of the Danger he is in,
or to repreſent to him that he is unwary in his
Management, wherein appear abundance of
things at which the World murmurs, and is of
fended. To maintain this Character well, 'tis
requiſite to know the Temper of People, and to
cultivate it. We muſt foften a Reprimand,
with obliging and diverting Expreſſions, or o-
therwiſe it will only frighten, inſtead of ha-
ving a good Effect. 1A TIE aset stom
91T is not for any great Deſire we have to re.
form others, or to make them better, that we
cenſure them, but to affume an Afcendant ovet
them, and to lignify a Superiority of Genius,
and this is preciſely what difgufts themii. In
stead of exprefſing our good Nature, and uſing
a modeſt and iniinuating Waygrin admoniſhi-
ing others of their Faults we difcover a Va.
nity, or Moroſèneſs, or a ſecret Pleaſure of
thinking our felves exempt froin the Imper.
fetions we reprehend in them.
We

24 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
o We are not much oblig’d to People who viſit
us, only to fall out with us, and all the time
of their ſtay, fpeak not one obliging Word,
but take an ill-natur'd Pleaſure in attacking
our Conduct, and expoſing our Faults. saate
Is it not much better to be filent, than to
open one's Mouth in Reproach of our Neigh-
bour, and to diſplay our Wit at the Expence
of another's Reputation? A well-bred Man
ſhould never give himſelf the Licence to ſpeak
ill of Women: 'Tis brutiſh to tax them with
their perſonal Defects, the Levity of their
Mind, or ſome unlucky Adventure of their
Life, and to let ſuch Words eſcape him, as are
affronting or contemptuous. ?Tis an obſolete
Eloquence to pity their Diſgraces, and to te
ſtify a ſtudied Compaſſion, the better to act
the Farce, and conceal the Poiſon of the In.
vective. Binistright bobn-1
• Methinks there's a kind of Cruelty-in ſpeak.
ing diſobliging Things before People, which
diſturb them, and put them out of Counte-
nance. A malicious Word ſometimes vexes a
Man more than an Affair of Conſequence:
Theſe forts of Trifles diſturb the Joy, ruin
the
Pleaſure of Society, impoiſon Life, and have
frequently miſchievous Effects.mod orno
?Tis hardly poſlable to avoid obſerving ſome
Faults, they are ſo very obvious ; but we
Should ſometimes diſſemble the ſeeing them,
at leaſt we ſhould not ſpeak of them, nor un.
civilly upbraid their authors with them ; it
muſt be Impertinence and Affectation, not to
be able to bear the Imperfections and Fooleries
molt ai brokerqet ew no of

Concerning Unpoliteneſs.
of others : This pretended Delicacy is often
the ſign of a little Underſtanding, or of a
great Preſumption.
They that are ſo clear-fighted as to the leaſt
Defects of others, and rudely tax them with
thein, conſider themſelves with wonderful
Complacency, and ſet up for Patterns. If
they were cenſur’d with the ſame Severity, it
might, perhaps, be done more juftly, but we
muſt not make Repriſals: Their Incivility in
attacking us, does not privilege us to attack
them, nor to be rude by their Example.
A nice way of reprehending thoſe who com-
mit Miſtakes, is to do it in general, and with-
out directly addreſſing to the Perſon who has
forgot himſelf, to ſpare him the Confuſion of
it; this indirect Way more effe&ually gains
its Point, becauſe it reproves without the
Sharpneſs of a Reprimand. If the Fault be
of no Conſequence, 'tis better to ſeem igno-
rant of it, than to cenſure it ; but if it be of
that Nature, that we are oblig'd in Duty,
Decency and Friendſhip, to admoniſh him
that's guilty of it, it ought to be done with
all the Precautions and Softnings poſſible to be
applied
Men are in ſome ſort oblig'd to be more fe-
licitous about making themſelves agreeable
than learned. For of what uſe is ſo profound
Erudition, if their Looks be forbidding, and
their Behaviour diſguſtful? 'Tis purchaſing
at too great a Price, lome good Things they
drop from time to time, to bear their frantick
Humours.
А
C

26 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
A Man inebriated with his Science, thinks
all the World confiders him as the Phenix of
Wit. Every Step he makes, and Word he
fpeaks, fhews how well fatisfy'd he is with
himſelf; and his Contempt of others makes
him look upon them with an Ayre of Pity.
Of what uſe now to converſing in the World,
is an Erudition fo ſavage and ſo full of Pre-
fumption ? Would it not be better to be leſs
Knowing and more Obliging? SEN 1on du
I have been at a loſs to conjecture, why
People bred in Colleges are commonly uncom-
plaiſant and unpolite. The Science they there
imbibe, ought not to have ſo ill an Effeết upon
their Mind, as to warp inſtead of ſtraitning it.
I am apt to think, that the Cuſtom of Difpu-
ting, and Abuting one another in Latin, ren-
ders them ungovernable, and uncapable of
plying and buckling their Sentiments to the
Temper and Frame of others.
The Reaſon why the Learned by Profeſſion
are ſo unacceptable to Men of Breeding, is,
that they ſtudy not the World, but only con-
fult their Books; la continual Application to
what they have read, diſtracts their Thoughts,
and buries them in themſelves. They hardly
hear what you ſay to them, and anſwer in a
languiſhing manner, common Converſation
ſeeming too ignoble to merit their attention.
Were it not more eligible to underſtand a little
lefs of Greek and Latin, and not to bury
themſelves with the Dead, that they might
learn to converſe ainong the Living ?
"Tis

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 27
'Tis uſual enough to ſee the People play the
Pedants, when they think they have any
Learning; they are always uſing technical
Terms, which they maim and place prepofte-
roully; if any other undertakes to peak to
them, they implore him Silence with a Do-
Stors Gravity and a loud Laugh, to maniteſt
his Ignorance. This way of recommending
one's ſelf, at another's Prejudice, is very rude,
and procures only Contempt inſtead of the de-
fired Praiſes. The truly learned make no Pre-
tenſions. They never ſpeak but when their O-
pinion is alk'd, which they always offer with
Reſerve and a certain Modeſty, which gives a
great heightning to their Merit, and the inge.
nious Things they ſay.
A Man loſes inore than is imagin'd by neg-
le ting outward Appearances; that Negligence
ſometimes ruins in a Moment all the Eſteem
People had of you before they knew you.
Theodemus is a Learned and Worthy Man, but
he is ruſtical and unpolite, and has too little
Complaiſance for thoſe he ſpeaks to, and there-
fore he is fhunn'd; the great Reputation his
-Learning has acquir'd him, does him leſs Ho.
nour becauſe he wants Agreements and Polite-
neſs. want y botiy vite
Few People get quit of their Unpoliteneſs,
becauſe they are not ſenſible of it; they think
themſelves affable, eaſie, converſant, enga,
ging, and of a ſmooth Converſation; and
they can't entertain a Suſpicion that they are
regarded, as inconverſible, rough-hewn, rude
and fantaſtical, that keep fair with no body,
but
C 2

28 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

but fall foul upon all they converſe with, al-
anoſt without thinking of it, and even with-
out deſigning it. Unpoliteneſs is a Vice that
gives the World a Right to complain of us
and our Conduct, from our Words, our Atti-
ons and our Ways; on the contrary, 'a Spirit
of Politeneſs, as a great Maſter on this Sub-
ject has defind it, is a certain Attention,
that both from our Words and Behaviour,
makes others ſatisfyd with us and theni-
felves. Get bus
biti boli
The School of the World is the ſpeed ieſt
Remedy againſt Unpoliteneſs; a Man infenfi-
bly receives a Tincture of good Breeding and
Civility, by frequently ſeeing polite Perfons:
A Commerce with thoſe we reſpect, infuſes
Complaiſance, good Nature and Agreeableneſs,
but then we muſt conſider them attentively.
There are Thouſands that ſpend all their Lives
in making Vifits, without growing more Po-
Jite or Genteel, becauſe they make no Reflexi-
on upon what is taking in others, and what is
difgufful and clowniſh in themſelves.cat
zic Theocrine was born at Court, which was,
as we may fay, a Cradle to her; ſhe has al-
ways lived in it, and the Rank she holds,
makes her continually viſited by the politeſt
Courtiers. Nevertheleſs ſhe knows not the
Art of Living, the is haughty, intractable,
contemptuous, and every-body complains of
hier ill Uſage; and were it not for the Occaſion
People have for her Intereſt, and her Huſband's
Favour, ſhe would be left to keep her Rude-
nelles and Incivilities to herſelf. Denai bus
Were

Concerning Unpoliteneſs. 29
Were we but at the Pains to obſerve the Ex-
travagancies of others, and the ill Effects of
them, we ſhould be cautious how we fell into
them. He that ſees with his Eyes, tow ri-
diculous and impertinent a Man is who has no
Complaifance, will ſtudy to be complaiſant.
We muſt do Juſtice upon ourſelves, and be
perſuaded that our Imperfections offend others
as much as thoſe of others offend us.
Indiſcretion and ſenileſs Behaviour, are the
Effects of Unpoliteneſs ; on the contrary, Re-
ſervedneſs and Difcretion lead eaſily to Polite-
neſs; they hinder us from a heedleſs Way of
Talk, and infpire us with ſuch juſt Meaſures,
as to forget ourſelves in nothing.
Civility, Politeneſs, Complaiſance are Ver.
tues of lo difficult Practice, becauſe they are
found in ſo very few. We obſerve in the gene,
rality of Men fuch odd Irregularities, as we
know not what to make of. You'll ſay, Self,
Love and Intereſt are the:Cauſe of them. But
this, methinks, is reaſoning very ill. The
fureſt way to win People to our Intereſts, and
to engage them to do us Service, is to prevent
them by a courteous and inſinuating Behavi.
qur, by Complaiſances and Aſliduities. On
the contrary, Roughneſs, Unpoliteneſs, Blunt,
neſs exaſperate them, and oblige. them fome.
times to declare againſt us, however inclina-
ble to do us Service.
The ſhorteſt and eaſieſt way to inſinuate
our felves into others Favour, is to adapt our--
ſelves as much as poſſible to their Humours
and Caprices; which requires good Senſe and
C 3
ма

30 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Management; we are often obliged to ſubdue
our Tempers and renounce our own Judginent,
Inclinations and Humour, to adapt the Taſte
and Humour of others, and efpouſe all their
Inclinations; when a Man is arriv'd to that
Point he is fure of pleaſing. But this kind of
Philofophy is difficultly obtain'd.
A Man muſt reſtrain and manage himſelf,
he muſt be able to ſacrifice his Pleaſure, and
even ſomething of his Intereſts, to come up to
this higheſt Point of good Breeding; for if it
Le only external, borrowed, and artificial, it
will not be able to fubfilt in the Inſtances
wherein we ſhall have inoſt occaſion for it.
The World is full of fantaſtick Creatures,
who abuſe the Deference and Civilities we pay
them, and often put the Complaiſance of o-
thers to terrible Teſts: A Man ought not to
deſcend to a ſtaviſh and glaring Compiaiſance;
there are Bourids and Meaſures to be obſery'd in
it as in every thing elſe. 'Tis good to know
how far Complaiſance ought to go, if it be
exceſlive and creeping, it grows inſipid and
ſhocking, inſtead of having a good Effect.
The Secret confifts in finding a juft Medium
betwixt the Infipidnefs of Flattery, and the
Sowreneſs of Unpoliteneſs.
Some think they are arriv'd to the Perfection
of good Manners, becaulė they make it their
Pračice indifferently to praiſe all the World,
and even úpon Subjects that merit not the leaſt
Attention. Theſe miſplac'd and trivial Prai.
fes make their Stomach's riſe to whom they are
addre's'd, if they have any Remains of Rea-
fon

Concerning Indiſcretion. 31
fon ar Judgment, and are not wholly intoxi-
cated with their own Merir. If theſe ever.
laſting Panegyrifts are not cautious, they run
into impertinent Exceſſes that make the idear.
ers ſweat ; they are no ſooner entred into the
Room where the Company is net, but they
carefully view its Situation; they praiſe the
Cieling, the Alcove, the Bed, the Elbow-Chair,
the Fire-Fan that is offer'd them, and the little
barking Dog. But they are inexhauſtible up-
on the Charms of the Lady, and often their
Encomimus are exaaly contrary to what they
should be. I have heard Lycas, in praiſing
Lorefile, tell her, that ſhe has the prettieit
Shape in the World. She's a gigantick Crea.
ture, taller by half a Foot than the ought to
be, to be well proportion'd: Theſe profefs’d
Praiſers, reſenible People that are drowning,
they lay hold on every thing they meet withs
but that which they think extream good Breed
ing, is extream Impertinence u
Serh bne zistia 120 00
Casa VASASSAVA SASA Saraya YA
qolami ody
901
Carl
Concerning Indiſcretion iv
N indiſcreet Man is not Maſter of his
Words, his Actions or his Motions; his.
Secrets eſcape him whether he will or no, and
he talks when he ought to hold his Tongue;
he is hair-brain'd, rough, without Regard ein
ther to the Quality of Perſons, or the Nature
of
A
C.4
32 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

of things intruſted to him; he intrudes into
Places where his Company is not deſir’d, and
thruſts himnſelf into Affairs wherein he has no-
thing to dohe imparts his Secrets againſt his
own Intereſts, and to the Prejudice of his
Friends.
An indiſcreet Man is the Peſt of Converfa.
tion ; they that ſpeak in his Preſence, are al-
ways upon the Punetilio, and under Torture
and Conſtraint, for he makes them fpeak con-
trary to their Meaning, and obliges thein to
be continually explaining themſelves, and ma-
king long Apologies to juſtify their Intentions;
he goes and tells People the diſobliging Things
that have been ſaid of them, and quotes his
Authors for it. This is the way of him; nor
does he ever correct himſelf for his Indiſcretion,
which has drawn him into ſo many Faults,
and expos’d him to ſuch fhameful Reproaches,
which is the Reafon that he is funn'd and
fear'd as a dangerous Man, who by his want
of Brains, ruins his own Affairs and thoſe of
others too.
Crino is deliver'd from the Baſtile by the
Favour of his Friends, who imploy'd all
their Intereſt to reſcue him from the Precipice,
where his Indifcretion caft him; ſcarce is his
Head above Water, but he is ready to fall back
into the fame Ruin, by the fame Indiſcretion ;
he ſpeaks with the fame Liberty of things that
ought to be a Myſtery to him, and are above
his Genius; he is perfe&ly incorrigible ; 'tis
the Effect of his Stars and Deſtiny, his Indiſcre-
tion incapacitates him to profit by his own Dif
graces.
In.

Concerning Indiſcretion. 33
SIS
Indiſcretion is an inexhauſtible Source of
Impertinencies, which deſtroys the Pleaſures
of Converſation and civil Society. The in
diſcreet are fit for nothing, incapable of any
Buſineſs wherein Secrecy is required; they
make themſelves Ridiculous without perceiva
ing it, becauſe they want Judgment, and
make not ſufficient Reflexion to obſerve their
own Extravagancies. "Tis; perhaps, a Vice
that is hardeſt to be curi, becauſe a Man does
not find it out. It muſt be ſome vexatious af.
fair that can open the Eyes of the Indiſcreet,
and give them more Precaution, as reſembling
in ſome ſort Hounds, which nothing diſciplines
Tike good found Beating.
Favorinus's Indiſcretion is an Eafineſs, or
natural imbecility, which betrays the Com-
mand of himſelf and his Words. If the Se-
crecies you have committed to him, drop from
him continually, 'tis not from any Ill-Will' or
Deſire of Miſchief he makes this ill uſe of
them, but his eatie and complaiſant Temper,
and earneſtnefs to pleaſe the People be conver-
fes with, makes him forget the Importance of
the Affairs you have reposd in him; he betrays
himſelf and his Friends, and all this without
2 DubMed 01 30 31
difeerning or reflecting
"Tis a great Indiſcretion to mention others
Faults before thoſe who are guilty of the fame;
to deſpiſe Celidan, who counterfeits Quality,
before Gerontes, who is only an upſtart
Tradeſman, and who would be thought noble;
But 'tis the height of Impertinence to blame in
others the ſame Faults our felves may be jotta
ly
CS

34
Reflections tepon Ridicule.
ly charg’d with, and which are more ſenſible
and groſs in us than in thof: we cenſure.
How unany vexatious Moments might we
fave our felves, did we not meddle with others
Buſineſs, nor take upon us to ſet them right,
when we ſee them make any falſe Steps? A
Man may fee all, that has good Eyes, but le
will divulge nothing, if he is concern’d for his
Repoſe; when a Man has lea d all, he ought
to fave the Diſcretion to be filent.
Self-Love ſuffers by this Retention, ſo glad
we are to find Fault and publiſh others Fail-
ings; for this Cenſure ſeems to lower their
Sails, and give us a Degree of Superiority a-
bove them: We ſhould, however, have the
Diſtieticn to furpreſs cur Obſervations on our
Neightours, when they are not to their Edvana
tage: But where is the Man of that Empire
over himfelf, as to keep in a Saying that may
fret his Rivals, and to deny himſelf the Illa
natur'd Pleaſure of ſaying all the Ill of them
that be knows?
Be cautious how you engage too lightly in
promiſing your Pains and Aliſtance to thoſe
that aſk the. The promis'd Perſons have
Right to demand the Performance of your
Word. Some there are, that in offering their
Services, are fully purpos’d to do nothing of
what they ſay, and when you have occalion
for them, fly to Subterfuges and baſe Preten-
ces. This Tricking proyes frequently the MIS
carriage of very impurtant Affairs, becauſe we
dipended upon them, and find our Meaſures
broken. 'Tis a certain Mark of a wretched
Mind,

Concerning Indiſcretion. 35
Mind, or a fooliſh Vanity, to promiſe every
body, and keep touch with no body.
Would one not ſay, in ſeeing with what
Aſſurance Florimond promiſes to protect you
in an Affair of Moment, that he is in earneſt
to ſerve you, and that you may depend upon
hin? You no fooner turn your Back, but he
makes the fame Offers to all that accoſt him,
even though he is unacquainted with their
Names: He burdens himfelf with all your
Memories, and expreſſes Zeal and Warmth for
your Intereſts; but after you have been a long
time amus'd with Offers of his Services, you
are at laſt undeceiv’d, and find the Vanity
and Emptineſs of his Profeſſions. Some there
are that promiſe, becauſe they have not Power
to deny; 'tis Weakneſs of Mind, or the Effekt
of a miſtaken Civility. It would be more
civil and obliging, to ſay plainly, you can't
do what is delird, than to amuſe People with
fair Words, which often
upon falſe
Meaſures.
Polymas, embracing and kiſſing you, pro-
mis’d you his good Offices in a gracious and
affectionate Manner; lut it was the Killes and
Embraces that charm'd you, and fillid you
with imaginary Hopes Brutus told you,
with an harsh and forbidding Lcok, that he
could not do what you delir'd of him, and
that 'twas-to no purpoſe to importune him e-
ny more with your Buſines: It I were to
chuſe, I ſhould prefer the blunt and unpolite
Sincerity of this Man, before the fruitleſs C -
relles of the other.go ni lini set 10
JË
put them


36 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
1 If you have a mind to live at reſt, det others
go on in their own way, except you are to an-
fwer for their Conduct. Has any thing been
told you, tell it not again, and rarely give
Advice; if it don't ſucceed, the Blame is laid
on you, and you are to warrant the Event.
Determine not too raſhly, left you expoſe
your
ſelf to the Hatred of one of the Parties.
Tis a great Indiſcretion to condemn highly
without being ſure of your Matter. If your
Cenſure be unreafonable, extravagant or un-
juft, 'tis you that incur the Ridicule. You
jould be equally cautious of approving or
cominending what deſerves neither Praiſe nor
Approbation, that being commonly a ſign of
want of Tafte, or of an ill Judgment.sdiens
General and Publick Things are expos'd to
the Judgment of all the World, and every one
may determine of them as he pleaſes. They
that do things deſerving Cenſure, and take no
pains to conceal them, are to blame if they
take it amiſs that they incur it: They ſhould
reaſon thus with themſelves, the Publick will
have no Indulgence for us, if we have no Re-
fpect for our felves. 'Tis too late to think of
appeafing it, when the Evil is done, and a
Man is, as we may fay, running the Gantlet
of the Criticks.
Celimene is conſtantly complaining that flie
is unmercifully handled by hideous Lampoons
upon her Care.
"Tis her own Fault, ſhe
has no Care of her Reputation; fhe is too in-
diſcreet and giddy to be ſubject to Precauti-
ons ; The is firſt in applauding her ſelf for her
In

Concerning Indiſcretion.
37
Intrigues; ſhe talks frankly of her Commerce
and Adventures before all Companies. The
Publick does but follow her Example, and
take the fame Liberty to talk of her. Whiat
reaſon then has fhe to complain?
'Tis a Point of Indifcretion to mix one's
ſelf uncivilly in the Company of Perſons who
are diſcourfing about Buſineſs, and would have
no Witneſſes of what they ſay. Why ſhould a
Man make himſelf regarded as an Impertinent?
?Tis eaſy to read in the Face of thoſe we accoft,
whether our Company be acceptable or bur-
thenfome. But the good Opinion every one
entertains of his own Merit, blinds him, and
and prevents his perceiving that he is trouble-
fome. 23100 g Min Ibu T3V9 vod
Be not fo indiſcreets as to ruſh in bluntly
upon Women, and without giving them time
to appear withi Advantage; they don't love to
be ſurpriz'd, or eaſily pardon a Man, who al-
lows them not Leifure to ſet off themſelves,
by adding to their natural Beauty what they
borrow from Art and Invention. isda, nada
b?Tis an ill way to fecure the Vertue of a
Woman, to expreſs a Diſtruſt of her, and too
cautiouſly to obſerve her Condu&t ; that Con-
ſtraint does but ſharpen her Wit to invent
Ways and Means of Thaking off fo heavy a
Yoke: Nor ought a Huſband to be fo docile
and commodious, as to fee without Umbrage,
his Wife careſs’d by Men of Merit. Let him
not be lull'd to ſleep with the Maxims of Ver-
tue ſhe is eternally dietating: Thoſe affected
Appearances, thoſe perpetual Diſcourſes of
Мо.


38 Reflections upon Ridicule.
Morality and Vertue, i tare but counterfeit
Glarings to dazzle a too credulous Huftand.
I am apt to think, that the generality of
Women, who write fo freely and fimiliarly to
Men, are no Miſtreſſes of Politicks, and that
they may be excus'd as to their intentions ;
but they ought to be a little more reſerv'd up-
on that Head, and more tenacious of their Let-
ters; tho' commonly they have no ill Mean-
ing, they employ tender and paſſionate Ex-
preflions, and believe, that their Letters, as
obliging as they are, can bave no ill Conſe-
quence. Heretofore, a Woman who had writ-
ten in this Stile, ſhould have been deem'd half
deflowerd ; the World is leſs ſevere at preſent,
however, that Itch of Writing denotes a Mind
form’d to Intrigues, and a great Fund of Co-
quettery. zanie niciltiw bns nera W rom
A Woinan that is too forward in ſurrendring,
and makes all the Advances, is mightily miſta.
ken, if ſhe thinks to be belov’d. Is it to pleaſe
the Men that the Women praiſe their Beauty,
their Charms and their Merit, and to ſay to
them all the fine things that the Men ſhould
fay to themſelves? Theſe Encomiums are very
ill plac'd; the Women that thus throw them.
felves into the Arms of their Lovers, a meet
with no other Recompence but Scorn and Con-
tempt for it.
Endut s to 137
For ſome Years paſt, the women have had
the Reproach of making all the Advances, and
corrupting the Men; amongſt then there have
been fome, who, with a great Beauty, and a
great deal of Merit, have given theinfčlves too
much

Concerning Indiſcretion. 39
18:30
much Freedom; thoſe of leſs Merit, who yet
would have Admirers, have taken the fame
Courſe; and this is the Origine of that great
Licenſe which ſtill reigns amongſt the Wonien,
We find fo few of them Modeſt and Regular,
that we are much oblig'd to thoſe who do their
Duty, and ſtill maintain the Honour of their
Sex, which is fall’n into Difcredit, by the ill
Conduct of five or fix giddy Creatures, who
have given the Shock to the rest.
A Woman is arriv'd to the higheſt pitch of
Impudence, when ſhe is no longer concern’d
about what the World ſays of her Conduct;
there are ſome of them fo extravagant, as to
chuſe to have Ill faid of them, rather than
Nothing: They that have Infirmities ſhould,
at leaſt, methinks, keep fair with the Pab-
lick, and obſerve Meaſures fo far, as to ſave
Appearances. But Women of a certa in Cha-
ra&ter, would deſpiſe their Pleaſures as infipid,
if all the World was not Witneſs of theni,
and if they did not give occaſion to have
more ill thought of them than they are really
guilty of. Others, who have ſtill fome re-
mainder of Modeſty and Diſcretion, attempt
to excufe themſelves; 'tis their continual A-
pology, that their intentions are good, and
they value not Trifles : Their Misfortunes is
not to be believ'd, fince the World will prefer
the Evidence of its own Eyes before all that
they can ſay. To ſpend Night and Day fuc-
cellively at play with Men, who frequent
them at all Hours ; to go, as they do, without
any reſerve, into fufpečted Places ; to enter-
tain


40 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
tain Familiarities with Perſons of a blemiſh'd
Condut; to make Confidents only of People
of ill Fame, are almoſt manifeſt Symptoms
of a corrupt Heart, and great Diſpoſitions to
Lewdneſs.
Su 10
The hopes of Matrimony makes young Wo-
men take ſuch Liberty as ruin their Reputati-
on ; for their Intentions are not legible, and
we judge of them only by their Behaviour
and Appearances ; the very Pretence they uſe
for giving themſelves this Looſe, ought to
make them more circumſpect and reſerv’d;
the Eaſineſs they manifeſt, and the Liberties
they allow thoſe that make their Addreſſes to
them, are Signs of Folly, tho’ they look on
them as Chara&ters of Love and Paſſion. This
miſtaken Indulgence deſtroys all the Eſteem
their Lovers might have for them, if they
manag’d more, and were not ſo tra&table ;
this it is that extinguiſlies the Deſire of Mar-
riage, and makes them only conſider'd as A-
in uſements.
Converſation is a fort of Commerce, towards
which every one ought to furniſh their Quota,
that is, to hear and ſpeak in his Turn. Tis
acting againſt the Rules of Honeſty and the
Laws of Commerce to - monopolize all, and
deprive others of the Share they have in the
Gain; ?tis, in like manner, a kind of Injuſtice
in thoſe who compoſe the Circle, always to
uſurp the Talk. If your deſign by it is to
make a fhew of your Parts, and to procure
Efteem, you quite miſtake your Intereſts ; for
emo of : 29s1'l b Belitui odai emas. you

Concerning Indiſcretion.
41
you exaſperate thoſe againſt you, whom you
thus force to ſilence, who can't bear the A-
fcendant you give your ſelf, and the Degree of
Superiority you aſſume,
90%Tis no novel Cuſtom for a Man to love to
talk of himſelf, of his Children and his Fa-
mily, and to be alway's full of their Commen-
dation; but if theſe Panegyriſts perceiv'd how
weariſome and fatiguing they are, they would,
perhaps, have more Diſcretion, and greater
Regard to the Patience of their Hearers, who
fuffer them with Pain. 'Tis ſomething incom-
prehenfible, that they who perpetually praiſe
themſelves, never open their Lips but to ſpeak
ill of others; it looks as if they meant to make
their own Figures appear brighter by theſe
Shades, and to recommend their own Conduct,
by cenfuring that of their Neighbours, v
It rarely happens, that they who ſpeak
much, can for any long-tiine pleaſe Men of
Senſe; great Talkers think to diſtinguiſh them-
felves and dazzle others, by that inexhauſtible
flow of Tongue, whereas they diſguſt every
body by their Babble, it being impoſſible al.
moſt for them to prevent abundance of Ex-
travagancies. It's much eaſier to ſpeak juſtly,
by ſpeaking little; above all, great Care
Thould be taken, to ſay nothing diſobliging to
any one ; 'tis a Law that an honeſt Man ought
to impoſe upon himſelf. Keep in that Jeſt
within your Teeth, that is ready to burſt
through ; it will excite Laughter, perhaps,
for a Moment, but it will make an eternaí
m póloonia
weed Wound

42 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Wound in the Heart of him you expoſe by it,
and he will never pardon you.no
A Man can't do the leaſt thing before Alci,
dor, but you fall under his infipid Cenſure.
If you drop a Word againſt the Accuracy of
the Language, he burſts out a Laughing, and
expoſes the Incongruity; he cites you all the
Criticks to convince you of your Error, and
turning to the reſt of the Company, teſtifies
how much he pities you, and how well fa-
tisfy'd he is with himſelf. siasa odt og Dreya R
Be not eager to blame thoſe, who for want
of Genius or Ability, ſucceed not in what
they undertake ; laugh not at their Follies,
nor add Confuſion to the Diſcontent which
their ill Succeſs has given them. 230 od
The-fira Thought that occurs upon ſeeing a
Folly, is to ridiculo it anti expoſe the Authors
if we judg’d of others by ourſelves, and re-
flected how odious thoſe appear to us, who
make a Jeft of us on the like Occaſions, we
ſhould be more reſerv'd when otherss vare:
guilty of an Impertinence, and ſhould not ex
preſs a malicious Joy at their Confuſion. bod
'Tis a Weakneſs natural to all Men, to give
the Narrative to People at firſt ſight, of all
their Fortune and Affairs, which they always
deſcribe with all the Advantages imaginable ;
they do it with a Dehgn of pleaſing, and be-
ing eſteemid, but 'tis a Foolery that makes
them look'd on as Impertinents.
I travell'd in a Stage-Coach three hundred
Miles together with Celadon, during the whole
Journey he found Subject of Diſcourſe, in
talking

Concerning Indiferetion.
43
talking to me of Himſelf, his wife and his
Children, his City and Country-Houſes, his
Farmers and his Ho fesz whatever Digreſſions
I made, he ſtill reduced the Diſcourſe to the
fame Subject; had he made any Réflexion, he
had found in my diſtracted Eyes, the little At-
tention I gave to his tireſome Diſcourſe,
which no ways touch'd or concern'd me. But
the Pleaſure great Talkers take in their run of
Tattle, hinders them from ſeeing how they
weary others Patience, and lay them to ſleep.
Sincerity does not oblige us always to ſay
whatever we think; if you are too curioully
examin'd, if you are preſs?d to speak upon
certain Matters, which you can't explain
without injuring a third Perſon or your ſelt,
take heed how you open your Mind, or ſuffer
your ſelf to be penetrated; make uſe of
gene
ral Anſwers, which ferye enly to beat about
the Bulhy and ſay nothing politive. Equitable
Perſons ought not to take it a miſs, that you
make a Myſtery of things that demand Secre-
cy, and which you cannot divulge without
betraying your Friends or without betraying
SUNT 01 09 OBJET
-0%Tis an Indiſcretion to truſt Woinen with an
important Secret, tho' we find ſome of them
diſcreet, the generality are not fufficient Mi-
ſtrelles of what they ſay." A Secret eſcapes
them whether they will or no, without their
perceiving it or defiring to diſcover it. ?Tis
much worſe, when they have an Engagenient;
their Heart is too ſtrong for their Head, and
however reſerv'd they think they are, they
IBAL
have
your ſelf. cbi1

44 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
have not the Power to conceal any thing from
a Lover; their own and their Friends Intereſt
falls a Sacrifice to their Paſſion: Familiarity
with Women can’t but be ruinous, unlels Rea-
fon governs the Heart.
This Cenſure ought not to offend the Ladies ;
?tis well known there are many who have all
the Diſcretion and Prudence that can be deſir'd,
and who are even more reſerv'd than the Men
but generally ſpeaking, 'tis a blamable Indiſ-
cretion to truſt them with Things of Impor-
tance, before their Character is well known,
and they muſt acknowledge it themſelves, if
they will fpeak fincerely s po
The Character of a Confident requires a valt
Complaiſance; a Man poffeſs’d and full of
any engaging Paſſion, thinks every thing to be
very important that has any relation to it; but
thoſe who unpaſſionately hear him regard his
Myſtery, as importunate Trifies. We can't
expect. Indifference and cold Blood from a Man
under the Influence of a great Paffion, or a
grand Affair that he is piered with; but it
were to be with’d, at leaſt, that he had the
Diſcretion not to fatigue his Friends with infig-
nificant Secrets, when he has nothing to con-
fide to them. bait synge 11 instiem
Did we conſider the Fatigue they give us,
who teize us continually with their Affairs,
their Intrigues, their Succeſſes and their Law ,
Suits, we ſhould not ſo often importune others
with our Narratives, which can't chuſe but be
diſagreeable, by the little Intereſt they have in
them. How extream is the Injuſtice of Men!
what.


Concerning Indiſcretion.
45
whatever perſonally relates to them, always
appears very conſiderable, whilſt they are
but ſuperficially affected with the moſt im-
portant Affairs of others.
What a Torment is it to hear Gamefters eter.
nally talking of their Gains and Loſſes, enu-
merating all the Turns and Accidents that hap-
pend in their Play, as if it were a material
Point to know them; naming all the perſons
they plaid with, whoſe Pi&tures they draw
handem or ugly, as the Maggot bites. All
Gameſters have the ſame Jargon; That's a
Cut-Throat! firſt Hand; he has dealt Thirice;
he has won or loſt two hundred Guineas at a
ſitting! This is the Stile, and all that's want-
ing is to carry a pack of Cards about then, to
give you an ocular Demonſtration of all the
Hits they have plaid, and to ſay with the Im-
pertinent in the Comedy, in curſing the Divi-
nity preſiding over Gaming. A fix of Hearts!
Two Points! Was ever fuch Fortune bord
"Tis only want of Attention not to perceive
the Uneaſineſs of People, to whom our Com-
pany is troubleſome ; for?tis eafy enough to
obferve that our Visits are unwelcome.- vodi
91 Every body has always ſo good an Opinion
of himſelf, as to believe his Company is every
where acceptable, and that he is received with
Pleaſure ; Why is this? but that a Man is ac-
quainted with himſelf, and views himſelf al-
ways on his beft Side. The Proſpect of our
Faults is ungrateful to us, and we throw off
our Eyes for fear we ſhould perceive them ;
there is nothing Men are more deficient in,
tran


46 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
than in knowing their own Characters. I know
not how this Science comes to be fo much neg-
lected; we ſpend a great deal of Time in
learning uſeltis Things, but take no Pains in
the Study of our ſelves, and in opening the
Folds and Doubles of our Hearts: We should
make fewer falſe Steps, and Mould fall into
leſs Extravagancies, it ve better underſtood
our felves. Ils gains mer:
01 ano
Narciſſus comes to Celante's with an Aſſu-
ming Air, he ſmiles upon the Company, he
applauds himſelf, he ſparkles, he talks of his
Finery; he enters, like any Woman, into the
Particularities of liis Dreſs; he values himſelf
upon his Periwig, and the genteelneſs of his
Habit : But now, this is the Buſineſs of the
Periwig-maker and the Taylor; that which is
yours, Narciſſus, are the Impertinences you
ſpeak, and are not aware of, thoſe you may
reckon wholly to your own Acconnt; your
imbroider'd Coat does not cover you from
being conſider'd as a Fool.
Men of Leiſure and no Buſineſs think every
Body, like them ; they ſettle themſelves in an
Elbow-Chair, not to quit it the whole After-
noon ; they conſider not, that thoſe they fatigue
with their tedious Stories and frivolous News,
are not at leiſure to hear them; that Buſineſs
of Concern calls them another way: But yet
we dare not, out of Decency, diſmiſs Perſons
of a certain Character, nor let them ſee that
we are tired with their Viſits; 'tis more eligi-
ble to bear with them, than to make them our
Enemies. Is it not better to live at home, ex-
is
pos'd

Concerning Indiſcretion. 47
pos’d to the Uneaſinefs of Solitude, than go
to trouble others with Viſits and Diſcourſes
that enrage them.
They that are above us by their Quality or
their Birth, can't bear we ſhould excel, or e-
ven equal them, in the Qualities which they
value themfelves upon. Forbear to rival a
Man who can liumble you, or ruin you with
Iinpurity; this Rivalry muſt be fatal to you;
conceal therefore part of your Talents, and
conſider that 'tis greater Wit than is imagin’d,
not to ſuffer all your Wit to appear. Remem-
ber what a very ingenious Courtier ſaid once
to his Friends, who upbraided him with his
too great Coinplaiſance for the Emperor, who
had made ill Verſes and yet was charın’d with
them. Would you have me, ſays he, have
more Senſe than a Man who commands twelve
Legions, and who can baniſh me?
If you ſuffer your Politicks to be perceiv'd,
you are politick to no purpoſe; you'll be con-
lider'd only as a Spy, and your Company will
be always upon their Guard, and ſo
cautions will be taken againſt your Artifices,
as to diſappoint the uſe of thein.
The Commerce of moſt people turns only
upon Cunning; their abilities conſiſt only in
laying Snares, and trepanning thoſe whom
they amuſe by the Pretences of a falſe Sin-
€erity. 'Tis ſo much the harder to arm
our ſelves againſt their Artifices, becauſe
we have no Diftruft of them, nor ſtand
upon our Guards. We can't ſuſpect a Man
who talks to us as his Confidents, and
many Pre-
1941
jes

48 Reflexions upon Ridicule. .
pretends to intruſt us with his Secrets, that he
has pitch'd upon us for his Bubbles.
The Diſtinations Parents have for ſome of
their Children to the Prejudice of the reſt, are
attended always with ill Conſequences, if they
have the Indiſcretion to diſcover their Thoughts,
and 'tis almoſt impoſſible to conceal them;
the greater Affection they have for ſome, the
greater Indifference, or even Averfion they
have for others; this difference of Eſteem
ruins the mutual Friendſhip, which Children
of the ſame Family owe each other, as exci-
ting Jealouſies ainongſt them : Fathers and
Mothers have an hard Talk to keep their Af.
fections evenly pois’d, with Reſpect to all their
Children; but they ought artfully to diffemble
their Preference, and to prevent the Effects of
it ; that which cannot be pardon'd them, is
their openly declaring their Averſion for the
ore, and a blind Pallion for the others whom
they have choſen for their Darlings; they ſa.
crifice all to the Fortune of theſe Fondlings,
and oblige the others by their repeated Hard-
Tips, to betake themſelves to ways of Life
repugnant to their Natures.
Celadon's Family is abſolutely ruin'd by
the Miſunderſtanding riſen amongſt his Chil.
dren; he had a vaſt Eſtate, which he very u
.
equally divided by his Will; he had an ex-
travagant and indiſcreet Paffion for one of
the younger Sons, to whom he bequeath'd the
greateſt part of his Fortune. This Diſtinction
alarm'd all the reſt, and united them againſt
their Brother; they have been at Law all
their

Concerning Indiſcretion.
49
their Life to make void the Will, chuſing ra.
ther to ruin all their Eſtate, than to leave it to
their Brother, and ſee him richer than them-
ſelves. Egan
What do Maſtersthink of, who talk ſo freely
of their Affairs before their ſervants? Can they
depend upon the Diſcretion of theſe ſervile Souls
form’d of Mud? They can feldom forbear telling
all they have heard, and 'tis by this Raſcality,
the moſt important Secrets of the Maſters are
reveald. Servants have a wonderful Cu-
rioſity to know all, and as great an Itch to tell
it again; it ſeems as if they meant to compen-
fate themſelves hereby, for the Pains and Mi-
ſery of their Servitude. Vexation, Intereſt,
and Folly, makes them ſpeak, and ſometimes
their Malice and ill Nature. A
Moſt young People are too frothy, and talk
without knowing what they ſay. Do they
fear, that if they ſpoke leſs, we ſhould have
but a bad Opinion of their Parts? There is a
way of hearing, which eafily convinces that
Stupidity is not the Occaſion of our Silence;
But fuppoſe the worſt, is it not better to leave
People dubious whether they have Wit, than
to convince them by their impertinent Dir-
courſe that they have none? 076
That which makes us venture to talk with
iuch Alſurance, is the Perſuafion we are uuder,
that what we ſay is heard with Pleaſure. We
laugh with thoſe that laugh at our Follies,
and don't perceive ourſelves to be the ridicu-
zlous Object. What a Service would it be to a
Man, too conceited of his (Merit, could we
D
un.

50 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
undeceive him? How many Extravagances
would this fave him? But where is the Hand
that is delicate and bold enough to couch this
Catara&t? And, what Curſes might not the
Phyſician expe&, who ſhould perform fo won-
derful an Operation des roterende
That which coſts Jeaſt to give, faid a brave
Man, is Counſel: ?Tis a very nice Matter,
which deferves to be maturely weigh’d. One
comes and conſults you upon a Subjeét that
requires great Confideration, you anſwer bin
at hazard, the follows pour Advice, and unfea-
fonably embarks in an Affair, the Succeſs
whereof is doubtful; what Reproaches are
you not juſtly obnoxious to, if the Event
prove unhappy ? cogit meda , lo i bus
Without knowing well it lie Character and
docile Temper of thoſe you have to do with,
you ſhould be very reſerv'd in giving your Ad-
swice. Inftead of rendring your ſelf neceifary,
you are regarded as a troubleſome Man, who
have always fome sunlucky News to tell, and
are always finding Fault. The generality of
Mankind are well enough inſtructed in their
Duties: if they coin mit Faults, it is not out
of Ignoranee, for they know better than they
do, and what you ſay to them is very infigni-
ficant. It r. quires ſo much Circumfpe&tion to
give others Advice, that the wifeſt Men ſel-
dim bazard to do it. Moſt People look upon
thile Adviles as Reprimands, and they wound
ini ead of curing them;you become the Ene-
my of thoſe whom you would reduce to their
D ty, and ſave the Regret of playing the Foo).
If

Concerning Indiſcretion. 51
If you venture to make your Remonftrances
and they are ill receiv’d, ſuffer nor any Indig-
nation to appear, nor fall out with thein about
it; you would be
very capricious and ill-hu-
moured, ſhould you think to impoſe your
Councils on all the World, and reſent their
taking other Reſolutions; that Chagrin is no-
thing but a Delicacy of Self-Love; there's
nothing ſo formidable as a Friend, who takes
advantage of his Experience, to propoſe all
his Advices to us as Laws, and with a magi-
ſterial Ayre; who would debar us of the Pri-
vilege of examining what he ſays, and force
our Affent by his Authority, rather than win
it by Infinuations.
The World is full of People that report
whatever they hear faid, that disfigure and
empoyfon it; "tis a villanous Part, and a cer-
tain Means to be hated and deſpis'd. You
don't inuch oblige a Man by relating to him
the ill Things that have been ſaid of him; you
are quickly paid for your Indiſcretion, and
you become the firſt Object of his Averſion and
Refentient.
A Man muſt be very bold to rally others up-
ton their Faults or. Conduct ; 'tis giving them
a ſort of Right to rally you in their turn.
The Vexation a Man f.els in being expos'd to
his Face, quickens his Underſtanding to per-
ceive the Faults of his Cenſors; there is no need
of long Confideration always, to find Repar-
tees, ſince the ſame Reproaches they caſt on a-
thers, may commonly, with greater Juſtice
be retorted upon them. Philemon upbraids
D 2
Sofias

52 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

Sofias with the Meanneſs of his Birth, when
every body knows that Philemon's Father is a
Retailer of Cloath in a Town not an hundred
Miles from London. If you are wiſe and love
your own Repoſe, never attack a Woman up-
on her Beauty, when ſhe ſets up for handſome,
nor upon her Conduet when he affects to be
thought diſcreet; theſe are Matters of a very
nice Nature, and wound to the very Soul of
them.
Raillery is a thing of difficult and even dan-
gerous Practice, unleſs it be attemper’d with
certain Circumſtances which reinove its Sting
and Gall; it ought to divert the Indifferent,
without wounding the Intereſs’d, which are
two things difficultly combin’d. The end of
fine Raillery is to quicken Converſation ; if
you criticize the Follies or Infirmities of o-
thers, you offend them ; you are to break off
and change the Diſcourſe, as ſoon as you per-
ceive the Mirth to diſconcert, or fowre thole it
is addreſs’d to; you run the Rifque of a ſeri-
ous Trouble, occafion'd by a frivolous Thing,
ill interpreted, and taken by the wrong Han-
How many Quarrels daily happen for Words
accidentally dropt? If the Perſon they are
addreſs’d to is affronted, and demands an Ex-
plication, we are not always in the Humour
io content him, we deſpiſe his Refentment;
if he perſeveres to demand Satisfaction, we
laugh at his Threats and Bluſtering ; that
which in the beginning was only a Jeſt and a
ineer Trifle, grows a very ſerious Buſineſs,
and
dle.

Concerning Indiſcretion.
53
which would
and the Cauſe of great Conteſts that have ſome.
times
very fatal Effects.
They that jeſt on others, don't always
have the Pleaſure of ſaying a witty Thing,
mean to offend them; they do it rather to
than any premeditated Deſign to diſoblige
them; Men of Wit, who underſtand Raillery,
are always on the Laughter-ſide, and contri-
bute ſomething to the Intention of the Speaker.
The Man that's downright and all of a Piece,
Tullenly aggravates what is ſaid, and by the
Diſturbance he manifeſts, revives the Raillery,
have died on its own accord.
We find, in Societies, People of a certain
Character, which ſeem born for nothing elſe
but to ſay diſobliging Things ; a Man muſt
not trip before them ; they criticize all the
Faults that are committed in their Preſence,
and droll upon them, even to the fatiguing
thoſe that hear them. Others are naturally
ſurly ; their Ways, the ſound of their Voice,
have ſomething Savage in them, and it ſeems
that they open not their Mouth but to affront
one or other.
Does Dorantes pretend to be an accom-
pliſh'd Man, by giving horrible Pourtraits of
all the Women he is acquainted with ? Will
he make every body jealous of him, bethe Ter-
ror of Huſbands and the Bugbear of Lovers?
If you'll believe the Romance he makes of Wo-
men, there are none that are Regular or Modeſt;
none that he attacks can hold out a Moment
againſt his Charms and admirable Merit.
How ſottiſh and ridiculous is this Sufficiency?
And
D 3


54 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
And what an abominable thing is it to boaſt of
Favours, which to body ever thought of ſhew-
ing him?
Every body knows that’tis ridiculous to be
affected or myſterious, to be conceired or fhy;
but neither ought we, the firſt Viſit we pay,
to be familiar, as if the Acquaintance had been
of long ſtanding; to talk of our moſt ſecret
Affairs, or to deſire People, whom we hardly
know, to make us their Confidents; they are
perfèétly aftoniſh'd at this Familiarity, which
is grown up in a Moment.
'Tis a ſign of a prodigious Indiſcretion to
aſſume a Familiarity with Perfons of an ele.
vated Rank, whoſe Character commands Re-
ſpe&t ; theſe Liberties beſpeak a ſordid Educa-
tion, which ſmells of tlie Shop, and perfet
Ignorance of Decorum. If Perſons of a certain
Eminency forget themſelves, and but ill main-
tain the Honour of their Birth, others ought
not to forget it, but ſtill to continue in Reſpect.
Antimus, the firſt time he fees a Woman of
Quality, gives himſelf ridiculous Liberties;
he takes her by the Hand, and entertains her
with Diſcourſe full of groſs Ambiguities which
are neither becoming him that ſpeaks, nor her
that hears them. The Spectators can't fuffici-
ently admire the Indifcretion of a Perſon who
thus breaks through all the Rules of Decency,
10 give full ſwinge to his Humour.
Handſome Women, of ever fo little Wit, at
firſt, eclipſe whatever comes before them, be-
cauſe few People make Reflexion: We are ſur-
pris?d by their Beauty, before we have time
to

Concerning Indiferetion
59
to bethink ourſelves ;-?tis only Cuſtom that
can recover us from this firſt Illuſion in the
wretched things they ſay diffipater the Charm,
and we are tired at laſt with continual gazing
on a fine Picture. A Woman of great Beauty
and little Wit ought to keep a politick Silence;
if ſhe has Senfe enough to underftande hec
true Intereſts.
2710
o Flotina, by lier Gilly Diſcourſe, and the Fol-
liestthat eſcape her, effaces the Impreſlion her
Beauty makes on all that behold her. It ſeems
as if Nature had exhaufted herſelf in all thoſe
Charms flie has lavish'd upon her outward
Perſon ; if the talk'd leſs it would be inpofi-
ble not to be captivated by fo accomplifhi'd a
Beauty ; but the Misfortune is the will be al-
ways talking, and the ſeems not to open her
Lips but to lpeak childiſh and fooliſh things;
fhe fometimes aſks ſuch impertinent Queſtions
as makes every body ſhrug up their Shoulders,
amazing them with her Sillineſs. She one day
aikid, whether Cæfar was a Chriſtian, becauſe
he liv'd at Rome where the Pope refides. We
know indeed that women are not oblig'da to
underſtand all the Particulars of the Roman
Hiſtory; but there are ſome things fo very ob-
vious, that they can't be ignorant of thein
without the Imputation of Simplicity.vn
A Gentleman of the Sword is diſtinguiſh'd
from the Maltitude only by his eminent Qua-
lity, and a great Courage ſupported with an
uncominon Prudence; he muſt difcern the Oca
cafions wherein he ought to expoſe himſelf
?Tis not for a Commander to act the Part of a
Muf.
D 4
1

56
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Muſquetier or a Trooper ; let him be Brave,
but not Raſh and Fool-hardy. We don't pity
thoſe who are acceſſary to their own Deaths in
Places where their Duty did not call them ;
but when a Man finds himſelf under ſuch Cir
cumſtances as admit of no farther Precautions,
Jet him then give full Scope and Exerciſe to
his Courage.
A Man need have but one violent Paſſion to
ruin the beſt eſtablifh'd Fortune : What then
can be expected froin thoſe who give them-
felves up to all the Paſſions, and plunge into
all ſorts of Pleafures ? In viewing the Extra-
vagance of ſome Women, one would think
they ſtudied to bring their Affairs into Confu.
fion. They hazard vaſt Sums at Play, they
borrow Money upon exceflive Intereſt, they
buy very dear, and ſell their Goods at a fordid
Frice, and put every thing to Pawn. What's
this but a total Diſorder, a general Diſſipati-
on! The Counteſs of Merlet, after ſhe had
loſt all her Money at Baffet, ſold her Plate,
her Tapeſtry, her Linen, her Petticoats, and
the Bed on which she layi haba w
The Ruin of certain Houſes is inevitable,
where the Huſband is only a Fantom, under
the fhelter of whoſe Name all is done, whilſt
he never knows any thing of the Matter, that
Confuſion is a certain Preſage of the Ruin of
Domeſtick Affairs. An Houfe govern'd in that
manner reſembles a Ship that is toſs'd at the
pleaſure of the Winds, whilſt the Pilot takes
no care of it. o suo opiszedolls
as 75
bin zootori
Expences

Concerning Indiſcretion. 57
Expences ill plac'd and miſunderſtood, do
a Man no Honour; to ſpend Money ſeaſonably,
and thereby to manage
thoſe you would ſecure
in your Intereſts, requires Art and Ability.
A Man feels for a long time the counter Blow
of indiſcreet Expences ; thouſands of People
are ridiculous in their Pleaſures, they ruin their
Affairs without gaining the Friendſhip of thoſe
who are the Cauſe of their undoing.
?Tis a Point of great Wiſdom to proportion
a Man's Expences to his Fortune and Poſſelli-
ons, for Diſſipation has very mortifying Re-
flexions ; it goes hard, after having liv'd in
Splendor, to want Neceſſaries, and be contin
nually ſenſible of the Importunities attending
domeſtick Wants ; they who intoxicate you
with their Intereſsa Praiſes, whilſt they find
a magnificent Table at your Houſe, preterd
they don't know you, and deſpiſe you, when
the diſorder of your Affairs has brought you
to have occaſion for their Affiſtance.
Should Florimus live but Ten Years longer,
he would ſcarce have wherewithal to buy him
Bread and Cloaths ; the Treats he gives, you
can't call Dinners, he daily furniſhes out
Nuptial Feaſts, and he is the Property of his
Paraſites, who turn his Head with their Praiſe sy
who boaſt his Retinue, his Equipage, and his
vaſt Expence : He has already fold two fire
Eftates, his Creditors clamour on all ſides, le
is forc'd to borrow Money at an extravagar t
Intereſt, to have conſtantly at his Table a
crowd of Flatterers, who fell him, at too dear
a Rate, their mercenary Encomiums. sul
Con.
a
D5
2010


58
Reflections upon Ridicule.
Logitabmulim bas hosla ili ugners
Abnuts venom back of nonoh, ca sa
sel MIA
Concerning Affectation.
are
ad game Thaniwanista
Ffe&tation is the falſification of the whole
Perfon, which deviates from all that is
Natural, whereby it might pleaſe to put on
an aſcititious Ayre, wherewithal to become
Ridiculous. It is the effect of a corrupt Tafte,
of an extravagant Imagination, of an iming-
derate and miſtaken delire of pleaſing and di-
ttinguiſhing one's ſelf. The other Vices
contin'd within certain Bounds, and have a
particular Object, but Affectation diffuſes if-
Telf over the whole Man, and infets the gocd
Qualities both of Body and Mind. People cor-
rupted with this Vice, have nothing natural
in their way of Talking, Walking, Dreſling,
turning their Eyes or Head, theſe are Motions
unknown to other Men. In order to ſpeak,
there needs no more than to open the Mouth
eaſily, and without Pains; but they ſeek a
Myſtery in it, they ſeem to be mov'd with
Springs, it would grieve them to Laugh,
Cough, or Spit like the Vulgar; theirDiſguiſe
reaches even to the ſound of their Voice. To
expreſs the moſt common Things, they uſe a
Jargon that it's the hardeſt thing imaginable
to underſtand, 'tis made up of culld We res
and Paraphraſés ; their Gravity and their Det
votion

Concerning Afe&tation.
59
votion are tin&turd with this predominant
Vice ; they commend and diſcommend then).
felves from the fame Motive; if they pretend
to reject the Elogies you give them, they fuf-
fer their Intentions to appear through their ſtu.
died Grimaces, tho’ they enjoy a perfe& Health
they are continually complaining of the Deli-
cacy of their Conſtitution, and take it amiſs
if you do not ſympathize with their imaginan
ry Ailments. zove fibwslepia,
The affected and fiuical Ayre taints the beſt
Things, and whatever good Qualities a Man
has, he needs but this one Frailty to become
If Enilia would ſpeak to be
underſtood, if ſhe did not affect too far-fetch'd
Exstoſlions, if she did not diſguiſe the sound
of her voice, which is pai urally foft and
liar.
monious; it, being hailand of a lorid Com.
plexion, die did not conſtantly complain of
her ill Health, the trould paſs for a woman
of Senſe, but jei:lihle People can't endure liet,
becauſe of her ridiculous fe&ations.
Take heed how you diſguia your flf and
copy others; ſtick to Nature if you deſire to
pleaſe, for whatever is fi&itious and abected',
is always infipid and diſaſtful You ned
see the ill effe:ts of affectation. She basa
anlyn
open your Eyres
and trehold, Lucing !
and Beauty, and. Merit, and yet she is not
taking becauſe she will counterte solljersta
Sie am imicks, the Walk of this Lady, the sound
of the Voice of that; The turns her Eyes in a
way that is unnatural; the opens and muts
her Mogph in Meaſure and Time, The Tiems to

60 Reflexions repon Ridicule.
be a&ted with Wheels and Pullies like a Ma.
chine ; 'tis a Piece of Clock-work. "Tis true,
The imitates good Patterns, but all the does is
offenſive, becauſe ſhe has forſaken her own
natural Behaviour for a borrowed one of o-
thers; in ſhort, ſhe is a bad Copy of excellent
Originals.
HANS OG STS Podl
Celimene, where ever ſhe comes, is declaim.
ing againſt Gallantry, and ſets up for a ver-
tuous and nice Lady, whilſt every body knows
the Number and Names of her Gallants; no
body would trouble their Head, nor think of
unravelling her Intrigues, but for her Affecta.
tion to be thought a modeſt and regular Wo-
man. This it is that ſharpens Satyr, to be
expatiating againſt the Vices her Conſcience
upbraids her with, and whereof the Publick is
not ignorart: This Hypocrify provokes every
body's Laughter, and inſtead of wiping off
the Faults, raiſes a freſh Attention to obſerve
them; the Publick is a clear-lighted and ma-
lignant Judge; it is hard to be impoſed on,
and it feldom pardons the Deſign of dazling
and ſurpriſing it ; 'tis more indulgent to thoſe
who deal above-board, and confeſs their
Weakneſſes.
Lyſe ingenuouſly confeſſes her Conduet has
been bad, and that the is forry for it; that her
Temper over-ruled her, and that the pities
thoſe who tread in the fame Paths; fhe exhorts
her Daughter to follow another Train, incul-
cating perpetually, that Gallantry las mif.
chievous Remorſes, and that in Vertue alone
conſiſts the Happineſs of a Woman. We thank
Lyfe


Concerning Affectations 61
Lyfe for her Sincerity, and are content to pity
her, without Invectives ;. but her Features
make no great Impreſſion upon her Daughters,
who more affected with the Examples ſhe has
fhewn them, than the Doctrine which ſhe
preaches. They reſemble the young Crabs
who follow the retrograde Motion of their
Mother. Tota bes bs 3516mcliol de
5. You would fain ſeem modeſt, but your Mo-
defty has an Ayre of Auſterity, which comes
too near Moroſneſs. Honeft Pleaſures are not
inconſiſtent with true Modeſty ; there's more
of Affectation than Philofophy in not daring to
laugh, when you
hear facetious and diverting
Things.
0 vnse Suncool
As modeſt as a Woman would appear, the
ought not to have a moroſe Virtue, nor pretend
to be alarm’d at Commendation, when Me is
praiſed for her Merit, her good Mein or her
Beauty; ſhe is more ſenſible of them than any
body elſe, and 'tis meer Affectation by a Pre.
tence of Modeſty, to reject with an angry
Look the Incenſe that is given her. Small
The true medium is not to manifeſt a greedi-
neſs of Praiſes, nor to reject them with an af-
fe&ted Diſdain, when we think we deſerve
them. Our Intentions are eaſily ſeen through
our Diſguiſe ; let us civilly receive the Com-
plements that are inade us, when the Flattery
is not fulſom ; it being a ridiculous Affectation
to refuſe all Commendation, when we have a-
ny fort of Merit.odt ayawir 2519
A Woman makes herſelf ſuſpected when ſhe
fets up for a ſcrupulous Modeſty; this great
Af

62 Refle&tions upon Ridicule.
Affectation of appearing wertuous, is com
monly too ſtudied, but the other Éxtraam is
ſtill more dangerous and blamable; too fawn-
ing and carefling Ways, are Indications of an
amorous Soul, and 'tis ill reaſoning to think
to engage Men by luſcious Diſcourſes: Who-
ever has ever fo little Delicacy, is quickly ſur-
feited with fo ill-managed and profuſe a Com.
plaiſance: A too viſible Fondneſs and blind
Reſignation, ini a little time extinguiſh the
Paffions we sthink very lively and well
grounded. I vitsbov in driwa
Women that are boaſting at every turn, that
they are no Coquets, that they pity thoſe who
take too much Liberty or forget themſelves,
are grtater Coquets than they iniagine; but
they
have foune fecret Intereſt to conceal their
Motions from thoſe that narrowly watch
them; others, whoſe Conduct is more even,
and whoſe Conſcience does not reproach them,
act more naturally, and don't over-a& the pars
of Virtue. 'Tis odds, but they that affect
theſe Grimaces have only a ſuperficial Vertuez
their eternal Panegyricks upon Modeſty, their
diſdainful Treatment of thoſe who guard not.
outward Appearances, are no great Warrants
of their Modefty; but that ſeeming Reſerved
nefs ferves to dazzle Fools; 'tis a kind of
Veil thev throw over their ſecret Myſteries ;
?tis a Varniſh that gives Luſtre to their falle
Modefty, westw crioitsbriste no lls stuisi et
Serenia was always thought to be an ac-
complisha Pattern of Modeſty and Regulari-
ty: the publick fufferid litſelt to be abus’d by
the.
-

Concerning. Affectation.
63
the honeſty of thoſe modeſt Maxims ſhe eter:
nally had in her Mouth; no body gave them-
ſelves the trouble to pry into her Conduet, or
diſturb her Enjoyment of a falſe Reputation,
which ſhe had artfully ufurp’d: She has at
laſt diſgrac'd herſelf by an Intrigue which
they made a Noiſe of in the World and has
ruin'd her. The blaze of this Diſcovery has
remov'a thie Veil which conceal'd her Inclina.
tions ; fhe is confider'd as a Crack, and no
reckoning is made of all the Pains the took to
hide her ſecret Intrigires, sont pas 9205
Whatever Pretentions Women make, or fine
Maxims they deliver in behalf of Virtue, the
generality are Wantons at the Bottom; they
have an Heart naturally addicted to Gallantry
and Intrigues, and nothing but a ſublime Ver-
tue can correét this Inclination ; but as this is
rarely to be met with, their Piafs governs
them ; we are obligd to them when they'll
do ſo much as conſtrain themſelves, to ſave
outward Appearances. That Conſtraint is a
kind of Homage which they pay to Virtue.
oli "Tis a pleaſant Scene enough for thoſe who
know the ſecret Intrigues of ſome Wonien, to
hear them haranguing and preaching in the
praiſe of Modefty; they can't forbear laugh-
ing in their Sleeve to ſee them vent ſevere
Maxims in a grave and folemn Tone; foine
Bubbles are wheedled by thefe Appearances,
but wife Men know how to judge of them.
9. Ratherinodeſtly bear the Praiſes that are
iven you and you deſerve, than reject them
Keith a myfterious and affected roughnefs ;. ?tºs
equally
Sval

,
64 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
equally ridiculous to be too
and to refuſe it with too manifeſt an Affe&ta-
tion; admit what is civilly and obligingly
ſaid to you, or dexterouſly turn off the Dil
courſe, ſo as they that ſpeak to you may
have no Reaſon to repent their Commendation,
nor look upon you as an ill-bred and bruta)
Man. otici zida
lili zida jo nold IT
?Tis a ſign of a ridiculous Vanity to be too
covetous of Praiſe, and to appear to beg it
for
every
little Trifle ; but when you have
done any thing, praiſe-worthy, ſuffer your
ſelf to be told of it, and don't ſeem to rebuff
thoſe who do Juſtice to your Merit.
The Country-Ladies, who have had but a
bad Education, think they are oblig'd to re-
fuſe all the Praiſes that are given them; they
ſillily diſclaim all the Complements that are
made upon their Beauty, their Shape, the
good Ayre of their Dance, and the Excellence
of their Voice; you would imagine it were
an Affront to them to give them the Praiſes
they deſerve, and that they thought them-
felves diſgrac'd, if they ſhould receive with
out Affectation a Tribute we with Pleaſure
pay to their fine Qualities.
Whence proceeds the affectation of Talking
continually to your Diſadvantage? Is it out
of Modeſty ? Would you have all the Ill
thought of you, which you ſay your ſelf?
That can't be your Meaning, but you love to
talk of your felf at any rate; this is only the
Subtilty of your Vanity, to engage the World
and to prove to you that you
to flatter you,
have

Concerning Affe&tation.
65
have not really the Defets which you modeft.
ly attribute to your ſelf.
'Tis from the fame Motive People talk of
their good Qualities and their Faults; who
would think it was from a ſecret and nice
Complacency in herſelf, that Iſmene ſays ſo
often ſhe is not handſome, and that ſhe has a
coarſe and a groſs Complexion?
She means by
this ſincere Confeſſion to engage People to enter
into the Particulars of her Beauty, and tell
her of her Eyes which are large and ſweet; if
The were not well aſſur'd that her Charms
would make amends for her Defects, ſhe would
not ſpeak of them with ſo much Freedoni.
'Tis a wrong Method to think of eſtabliſh-
ing a Reputation upon the Ruine of that of o.
thers. I have but an ill Opinion of the Vertue
of a Woman, who rigorouſly condemns other
Womens Conduet, The Affectation of thoſe
unmerciful Criticks, who interpret amiſs eve,
ry twinkling of the Eye upon every Geſture
and Step that is made, and almoſt an infallible
fign that they do theinſelves all that they con-
demn. ?Tis a Symptôm of a depraved Heart
to fufpect the moſt indifferent Actions to be
criminal.mag. i TV 911 ili ot big
| How is it that Symene can't bear to hear an-
other Woman ſpoken well of in her Preſence?
If one offers to commend the Vertue and good
Condu&t of any one, ſhe flies out immediately,
gives horrible Deſcriptions of them, and for-
ges, extempore, a thouſand imaginary In-
trigues that they are not concern’d in. Symene
ſeems to be very ſorry there ſhould ſtill be
any
1

66 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
any vertuous and regular Woman in the World.
Symene, and thoſe of the ſame Stamp, ſhould
in Policy be ſilent, when that Subject is hand.
led; the Wantonneſs of others does not excuſe
their ill Condue, but they think to eſcape in
the Crowd, and to find their Defence in the
great Numbers.
lars 10121
Moſt Women take for Civility and good
Breeding, what they do out of a too forward
Complaiſance, and which is only the Effe & of
a too eafy Humour. If it be to pleaſe the Men,
they relax ſo much, they are out in their Ac-
count. A ſtately Carriage is a ſurer way to
bring them to the Point they will for, that
retains them in their Duty and Reſpect before
them ; we muſt not, however, confound a
fpirited Reſerve with an untractable and haugh.
ty Pride; the pretended Vertuous, affect ſome-
times to dazzle thofe that fee not to the bot-
tom of their Deſigns. There are Women who
think to a& the Stately, by affronting every
body, and rebuffing thoſe that careſs them;
this is not Statelineſs but Extravagance. deze
Inſenſible Perſons, who don't ſeem to be
touch'd with the moſt obliging Things that
are ſaid to them, are very incommodious for
Society, they would think themſelves injured
to depart one Moment from their Gravity;
the pretendedly Modeſt commonly fall into
this Fault ; fcarce will they venture to laugh,
however diverting are the Things that are
ſaid to them ; if they open their Mouths, 'tis
to ſpeak two or three Words in an affected and
ſoften’d Tone ; that pretended Shyneſs is but
little


Concerning Affectation.
67
little ſet by; they would do better to be foci-
able and to laugh as others do, when the Sub-
jects require it ; a genteel Gaity, mixt with a
little Gravity, is very charming to Society.
* They that prepare and learn by Heart what
they are to lay in Converſation, ſeldom pleaſe!
Diſcourſe muſt be rais'd occaſionally, and
Chance and Hazard muſt conduct it; they who
lay down the Plan of what they ought to ſay,
give no Ear to others; they are only watch-
ing for a Moment to bring in what they have
learnt, and it ſeldom happens that they place
it pertinently. When you liave ſaid a good
thing, don't repeat it, whether the Company
heard or loſt it. Set not up for a Wit if you
would be eſteem'd or courted, nor take upon
you alone to find Laughter for the reſt, and
furniſh Wit for the whole Company. It fares
Twith the Beauty of the Mind, almoſt as with
that of the Ladies, who never pleaſe leſs than
when they affe&t to be handſom. This Leſſon
has been often r-peated to Clarina, ſhe is pret-
ty and amiable, and ſhe knows it too well;
whenever you tell her
tell her ſhe is handſom, fle
bridles and pompoofly expoſes her Charms,
like a Peacock ſpreading his Tail; the pleaſes
leſs becauſe ſhe would over-pleaſe; her Beauty
has not all its Influence, becauſe ſhe affects too
much to ſhew it.es
A Mother who is already upon the Decline
who believes herſelf to be handſom, and would
be thought young, is very careful to put her
Children out of the way, the unqueſtionable
Teſtimonies of her Age. The Affectation of
appear-

68 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
appearing Young, in a Woman beginning to be
in Years, draws only Contempt and Raillery
from thoſe who know her Infatuation, and ex-
pofes her Wrinkles and tarnifli'd Complexion
to Jefts and Inſults. k'Tis in vain for Women
to think of pleaſing by their Charms, when
the Seafon of them is over; there's no impo-
ding upon the Eyes, they are too penetrating
Judges. Mothers of this Humour, abandon
the Education of their Daughters to Strangers,
who by this Remoteneſs, loſe the Eſteem and
Affection which they owe them; but they gain
by it another way, by not being Witneſſes of
their Intrigues and Gallantry.
Lyſione has four marriageable Daughters,
which ſhe ſuffers to grow ftale Virgins, with-
out thoughts of marrying them; The's ſo af-
fraid of the Title of Grand-mother, that ſhe
immediately diſcourages all the Matches that
are offer'd, without ſo much as entring into a
Negotiation, be they never ſo advantageous;
fhe never will think of a Portion for her Daugh-
ters, till ſhe is neceſſitated to make her Will.
There are Mothers that are ſtill leſs good-
humour’d than Lyfione, they force their
Daughters, as in France, by affected Cruelties,
to veil themſelves in ſpight of their Inclina-
tions ; they deny them thoſe little Set-offs,
that young Maids are ſo affected with, and
make them ſenſible they have no other option
than the Cloiſter, which they eſpouſe with
Diſtraction, and lead a very miſerable Life
in. temu
20 srt els doo
To noise ad gf 29 lo si A

Concerning Affectation.
69
A Woman, who for a long time has had the
Reputation of Beauty, would at laſt diſtin-
guith herſelf by her Devotion, when ſhe can
be no longer handfom. It mortifies her to loſe
the Empire ſhe obtain'd over Hearts, and ſhe
tries to eſtabliſh another kind of Dominion
over Minds. To ſucceed in this, ſhe takes
a quite oppoſite Conduct to what ſhe has al-
ways uſed. Feaſts, Walks, Companies, Plays
and Dreſſing, took her by turns; the muſt now
act another Part, and change her Batteries,
when the Fire of her Eyes is extinguiſh'd, and
her Face is upon the Decay; ſhe muſt have
Recourſe to Singularities and Retirement, af-
ſume a myſterious Ayre, affect a Severity of
Behaviour, utter Maxims of exalted Vertue,
with a grave and compos’d Countenance, tho
the Heart be in the faine Poſition as before ;
Me changes the Object without changing the
Inclination ; when we pierce through her Hy-
pocriſies, we find in her a ſecret and exceptious
Pride, the Quintefcence of Jealouſy, and all
the other Paflions that poffefs'd her when the
was addicted to the World.
1- The Romiſ Votaries would not be ſo nume-
rous, if they thought themſelves obligd to
Reformation, and to get rid of their evil Ha-
bits to merit the Reputation of Devotees; but
it is much eaſier to lengthen their Sleeves and
to bring Sacks full of Medals and Beads to the
Church, than to grow humble and modeſt,
complaífant and charitable. As long as we ſee
theſe Votaries landering all Mankind, more
opinionated than other Women, more abound-
ing

70 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

ing in their own Senſe, more froward in their
Families, leſs complaiſant to their Huſbands,
more delicate in all that relates to them; there's
no great Reckoning to be made of their ſophi.
ſtical Devotion.
That which moſt diſcredits the Devotees is,
that with all the outſides and appearances of
Piety, they will in nothing be behind-hand
with the Women of the World; they Game,
they enter into all the Aſſignations of Pleaſure,
they have the ſame Care of their Beauty, as
the Coquets themſelves ; the Regards they
have for their Perſons proceed even to Delica-
cy; they can't bear a Word, that lias any ten-
dency to an Affront, and under Pretence of an
affected Zeal, they cenſure the Conduct of all
other Women, and laſh them with unmerciful
Calunnies, as if they were intruſted with the
Charge of Reforming all the City.
All affectation is unbecoming, but it is cri-
minal in matter of Devotion, and only be
longs to thoſe Cabal-Votaries, whoſe whole
Virtue conſiſts in a ſtarch'd and affected Out
fide.
The Reputation of a vertuous and regular
Man, is extreamly flattering to Self-Love, as
giving an Afcendant over others; but there's
Reaſon to fear, that a falſe Devotion uſurps
the Place of the true, and that the Maſk is
taken for the Reality Men employ every
thing to make their Fortune, and ſome are
known to cover an extravagant'Ambition under
the l'eil of Devotion, who ſtick not at the
greateſt Violences and Injuſtices, provided
they

.

999 will have
Concerning Affectation. 71
they can ſkreen their Reputation ; theſe Abu-
ſes bring a Reproach on true Devotion, and
fome there are ſo nice, as to refuſe the Appel-
lation of Devout, as a Scandal and Affront.
How fatiguing a thing is it to hear thoſe
People, who uſe ſelect Words in their Dif-
courſe, to expreſs the moſt trivial Things? Is
there any need of ſtudying for a Periphraſis to
call for Drink, or to aſk what a Clock ’tis ?
What's the Reaſon, Darilas, you affect always
nothing common with the People? Are you
afraid you ſhould not appear fantaſtical e-
nough? Theſe faſhionable Words, wherewith
you think to embelliſh your Diſcourſe, give
you an effeminate and ridiculous Ayre ; you
think you are applauded, when People ridicule
and ſneer you.
Perſons of mean Birth procure nothing but
Contempt by the Artifice they employ to con-
ceal the Shame of their Original; they would
be kindlier treated, if they ingenuoully ac-
knowledg’d what they are ; nothing is more
deſpicable than the affectation they have to be
eternally talking of the Employs of their Re-
lations, and what noble Things they have
done in former Ages; this often expoſes them
to very mortifying Reflexions, for the World
is not always in Humour to applaud ridi-
culous a Vanity
A Woman, who has a Fancy in her Head to
counterfeit a Perſon of Quality, and, though
the riſe purely from the Vulgar and the Shop,
diſmiſſes every thing that's natural, and con-
ſequently

5772 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
fequently, all by which 'twas poſſible to pleaſe;
her Ways, her Language, the Tone of her
Voice, her Walk, is all fi&itious; ſhe is per-
petually cavilling with others upon their Qua-
lity, and their want of Confideration for her
Perſon ; ſhe renounces all her Relations, whoſe
Mechanick Employs are invincible Teſtimonies
of her Extraction. Lyſe carries on the Ex-
travagance ſo far, as to make her Huſband paſs
for her Steward, before Women of Quality,
who don't know him, and who aſk why the
keeps
ſuch an awkward Fellow about her ?
Tis a very common Temptation for the Ci-
tizens to deſire to keep a Commerce with Re-
tainers to the Court, to mingle in their Aflig-
nations, to copy them, and
ſtudy their Lan-
guage and their Ways; theſe fonietimes hap-
pen to be very wretched Patterns, which muſt
needs produce worſe Tranſcripts ; one Man's
Ayre gruffer than another, can't chuſe but
have a bad Effeet. Ty
Fronto is born in a plen-
tiful Fortune, he has one of the chief Offices
of the Long-robe, which gives him a great E-
levation ; he has alſo great abilities to ſucceed
in his Employ; but he ſcorns his Dignities and
his Equals, and can endure nothing but little
Folks; he ſwears and grows Drunk like them,
and will reſemble them; this Affectation ſpoils
his Merits, and makes him neither Magiſtrate
nor Courtier, but a meer Chimera.
Perſons of noble Blood are more eaſy, foci-
able and affected, than others rais'd from the
Dunghil, by their own Skill or Chance; that
Ayre of greatneſs they aſſume, prevents not
our

Concerning Affectation.: 73
our diſcovering them through their borrow'd
Out-ſide. What means Doriſa by having her
Train born up in her own Hou'e, as ſhe paíſes
from one Chamber to another? She'll have no
Society but with Counteſs and Marchioneſs,
for fear of keeping mean Company, and for
the ſame Reaſon the fees none of her Relations.
'Tis an Affectation that denotes ſomewhat
extreamly finical, to uſe none but the moſt ex-
cellent Artiſts for the moſt indifferent Things.
Offer nothing to Salinda that comes not from
the Shop of la Frenaye, le Gras de Hauteville,
le Doyen, &c. Let the pieces be never ſo ad-
mirable and well wrought, her Imagination is
not ſatisfied, if they are not of the beſt Hand,
and that which is moſt in vogue.
WifePeople ought to ſubmit themſelves to the
Humours of the Mode; it would be Affectati-
on not to do what's done by all the World;
a Singularity to make a Man obſervd. d As
extravagant as a Faſhion ſeems, it muſt be
follow'd when it is eſtabliflı’d, provided we
will not exceed the Folly of thoſe that have in.
vented it ; what could we ſay of a Man that
ſhould ſtill wear an High-crown'd Hat, and
Breeches as wide as Petticoats.
191V
Tol Brabilnog od os? Didow siyos nie!
gaision for at has cb radiani T 11:13
- sos stapeil istediction valitud
910 erild wedi mata pela os lume
ut laatsbl 15 stets
ridi esperti ed Estod Com
I ne bel vili Test to ins
aj Svingdis del grow bub:270 110 o boneglia


74 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
pound tiers Agent molt provosti na
wisd
F
on ve lista 19 Home of Torredo 900 R
denotto 6M barotavou diw od siba?
Concerning fooliſh Vanity.
ad
shoot 29101ebet notr
mosBRA 16 ans
Ooliſh Vanity, as Theophraftus's Tran-
ſlator defines it, is a reſileſs Deſire to be
efteend for little Things, or to ſeek a Name
and Diſtinction in the moſt frivolous Sub.
jects. A Man loves to be always talking of
himſelf, he praiſes or blames himſelf, no mat-
ter which, provided he gain his End by it,
which is to make himſelf eſteem'd; he has the
moſt advantageous Idea of his own Merit, but
is but little affected with that of others. A
vain Man loves to make Expences to be talk?
of, but thoſe he inakes are often fooliſh and
miſtaken, and give him the Reputation of an
Extravagant. Foolish Vanity ruins the right
Ule and good Huſbandry of the natural Tay
lents a Man may have, and renders him as ri-
diculous for this good Qualities as for his
Vices.
sto interesabiw es cortosari
Vain People would fain be confider'd for
every Thing they do and ſay; there's nothing
but they retain to; the leaſt things ſeem confi-
derable to them, when they believe they are
of any Service to raiſe great Ideas of their Me-
rit: We ſhould pardon them, perhaps, this
Refinement of Vanity, if they had any In-
dulgence for others, and were leſs attentive to
Тру


Concerning fooliſh Vanity. 75
fpy all the Occaſions of debaſing them. Your
Folly, Plautius, conſiſts in eſteeming only your
ſelf, in being vaſtly Contemptuous of all o-
thers, however eftimable they appear.
9. We could have no way of comforting our
ſelves, for the want of a thouſand good Qua-
lities we are conſcious of, did we not believe
them to be made up by other Talents, which
we flatter our ſelves to be Maſters of; whate-
ver Imperfections we find in us, we ſtill have
fecret Complaiſances in our Merit. sveit
The Reafon why Men are fo unacquainted
with themſelves, is, that they always take
their View on the moſt favourable Side. ”Tis
impoſſible, indeed, not to perceive certain pal-
pable Faults, which fly in their very Face, but
they ſolace and flatter themſelves, that their
other good Qualities eclipſe them, and that
ſtill prevents their Amendment, becauſe they
are not ſufficiently touch'd with their Faults,
and are contented to balance them by fome
good Qualities. Alimene has an ill Shape, and
is too groſs, and yet the thinks her ſelf hand.
fome enough, and, even that fhe excels the
moſt regular Beauties by her fine Complexion,
the Colour of her Hair and the Sweetneſs of
her Face. There's no Lawyer fo decried at
the Bar, but has ſecret Complacences in Plead-
ing, and frequently takes the Hiſſes for Ap-
plauſes; that Infirmity is annext to all the
eminent Profeſſions, and a Man muſt have ex-
cellent Parts, and make great Reflexions, not
to be the Cully of his own Vanity.
E 2
No

76 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

No body ventures to ſay in general, that
he's upon the Square with Men of a great Me-
rit, but when he enters into the Particulars of
his good Qualities, he thinks hie ought not to
yield to any one. This Perſuaſion is of ſome
Service, it makes every body content with
himſelf, and if a Man has not the firſt Poſts,
he comforts himſelf becauſe he thinks he de.
ſerves them.
LO STILO
People that are giddy with this Vanity,
think we have never Deference enough for
them, and are not ſatisfy'd with the moft re-
fpe&ful Devoirs as the leaſt Formality that is
wanting, provokes their Spleen ; they make
Complaints of theſe little N gligences, as if
all was at Stake, and we did them
the greateſt
Injury in the World; but in Recom pence, they
eally diſpenſe with the moſt eſſential Duties,
and think that the leaſt Regards they pay to
others, are a full Diſcharge for all they owe
them; a Bow not low or reſpectful enough,
puts them out of patience; theſe Pun&tilio's,
7 heſe Trifles, they expect as indiſpenſable Dua
ties, and never pardon thoſe who fail to pay
them. ito
1091
TSILIEIGER
Thoſe who ſeem ſo well fatisfy'd with them-
ſelves, ſeldom content other People; to have
every body's Approbation we muſt not eaſily
perfuade ourſelves that we deſerve it; there's
nothing more ſhocking and ungrateful, than
that high Efteem which fome People aprear
potleſs'd with, for every thing that relates to
them; they expect Applauſes when they have
faid a lilly thing; it ſeems that every thing
ftןווון

Concerning fooliſh Vanity. 77
muſt ſubinit to the Sovereignty of their Deci-
fions, and no one ſhall expet any Favour from
them; the way is not to applaud Fooleries,
but at the ſame time not to withhold our E-
ſteem from that which deferves it. There's a
fort of Indignation riſes in one's Mind, againſt
thoſe who think all good Senſe is included
in the Confines of their own Brain. 10 sin
The deſire of making Parade of what one
knows, and dazzling the World with a pom-
pous Diſplay of a faftuous Learning, is the
lign of a fooliſh Vanity. A Man of Senſe
fpeaks to People according to their Chara-
Åter, familiarizes and ſtoops to their Capacity;
he will not appear more learned than thoſe he
talks to, and without making flew of a vain
Science, he enters into the Genius of others,
and makes them find more Wit than they na-
'turally have ; that Diſcovery Hatters them,
and engages them to a Man fo good humour'd
and complaiſant; they are much better pleasd
with him, than if he had charm'd them by
his Learning. Zo Do of retro fost
The Learned would think themſelves high-
ly injur'd, if others ſhould enter into the leaſt
Parallel with them; that lofty Idea of their
own Sufficiency, deſtroys all their Regards and
Complaiſance for others, and the pedantick
Ayre they diſcover in every thing they do, lef-
fens the Eſteem that would be paid to their
Merit, if they were more obliging ; but, by
Misfortune, theſe ſo ingenious Men are com-
monly very Fools in the Commerce of the
World; they know every thing that was done
E 3
.by

78 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
by the Ancients, and know not how to live
with the Moderns; as ſoon as they leave their
Study, they ſeem to fall into another World,
whofe Ways and Language they are Strangers
to ; every Step they make expoſes them to the
Laughter of People of lefs Capacities.
They that would always ſhine, and be ad.
mir'd of others, feldom procure their Love,
becauſe we have a ſecret Spight to People that
out-fbine us: The way to infinuate into the
Minds of Men, is to aſlift them as much as
poſſible to diſplay their Talents; they go a.
way fatisfy'd from us, when they are fo with
themſelves. What does Damis pretend with
his conceited Ayre, and ridiculous Pride, that
Complacency he has for every thing he ſays,
and Diſguft for all that's faid by others? Does
he think to be courted for acting the finick and
conceited? They, that are fowell pleas'd with
themſelves, feldom content others; to gain
their Approbation, they muſt not eaſily fancy
they delerve it, nor exprefs too much eager
neſs thereupon: Perſons fo fond of Reputation,
moſt commonly loſe it by the Avarice where
with they feek it ; nothing throws them far,
ther from their Mark, than their exceſſive Palo
fion to arrive to it; there are few but fink a
Jittle in the good Opinion we had of them,
when they ſhew themfelves too often and too
long together; for if we ſee their good Quali-
ties, we diſcover alſo their Faults, which are
a kind of counterpoiſe, and commonly bean
down the Balance; we ought not at one View
to make a Shew of all our Abilities and
Deſerts,

Concerning fooliſh Vanity.
79
15
3
Deferts, if we would keep People long in Ad-
miration.
A Woman that thinks herſelf handſome,
eaſily flatters herſelf that all that ſee her are
touch'd with her Charms; ſhe often applauds
herſelf for an imaginary Triumph, and puts
to her Account thoſe Sighs of which flie is al-
together guilt leſse o popolno ang
Plautia has a Conceit in her Head, that all
Men which behold her, are preſently in Love
with her; ſhe is fully ſatisfied of the Influence
of her Charms, and believes it fufficient for
her Conqueſts, only to be ſeen ; this Perſuaſi-
on inſpires her with a fooliſh Vanity and Con,
tempt for all her Sex, which ſhe thinks ſhe ab.
ſolutely eclipſes; others have not the ſame
Thoughts of her, and no ways confider her as
a dangerous Rival. cwo vw 11 sti og fluon si
They that are born in Opulence and a great
Fortune, if they have not abundance of Senſe,
are commonly defe&tive in Civility ; they are
accuſtom’d to hear themſelves flatter'd, and
the Complaiſance we have for them inſpires
thein with an inſupportable Pride, and a ridi.
culous Preſumption : No body is bold enough
to make them ſenſible how impertinent the year
are, but chuſes rather to bear with them; they
live without perceiving how they are hated,
and die without the leaſt Suſpicion of the Ri-
dicule they incurr'd by their fooliſh Vanity.
Argenes's Son was the civileft Perſon in the
World, before his Father's Riſe; his good-
natur’d Complaiſance and Civility made his
Company generally deſirable ; fince his Fa-
ther's
E 4
80
Reflexions upon Ridicule.

ther's coming to ſo much Wealth, there's a
general Revolution in his Temper, he's grown
haughty, uncivil, intra&table he deſpiſes all
his Equals, and is no longer himſelf. ulang
2.A Man of Senſe can recover from a falfe
Step he has made, or a fuoliſh Thing he has
faid, whereas a Fool never retires, but makes
it a point of Honour lo perlift in his Error ;
this Conftancy and miftaken Steadineſs is the
Origin of thoſe extravagant Diſputes, where
in a Man obſtinately maintains ridiculous Pro-
politions, becauſe he will not own he has ſaid
an In pertinence, but 'tis a freſh Impertinence
to detend it.rs/ dulooi siliw toda
There are few People, but ſome time or o.
ther happen to ſay or do fumething that's Ex-
travagant ; if they would honeſtly confeſs it,
it would go half way towards their Apology ;
but the Haughtineſs wherewith they will de-
fend their Proceedings, though never forirrati-
ona), lets every body againſt then, we com-
paſſionate the Infirmity of a Man who has com-
mitted a Fault, and bluſhes for it; but we fire
againſt the foolifh Vanity of him who recurs
10 pitiful Reaſons to juſtify his Impertinences.
Who could forbear Laughing to ſee Perſons
opinionated with their Merit, propoſing them.
ſelves as Patterns, and ridiculouſly fancying
that all the World has the ſame Confideration
for-them? We calily oblerve by certain Palla-
ges, and ſtudied Geſtures, that they are very
well ſatisfied with their suppoſed fine Quali.
ties, and every body's tired with the Narra -
tive of their great Perfections. I have an E.
ftate,

Concerning fooliſ Vanity. 81
ftate, modeſtly, ſays Lyſias, I am of an illu-
ftrious Family, I have Wit and a Mein that
prejudices People in my Favour; I would not
change iny Fortune with the happieſt and
moſt accompliſh d Man in the World. Lyſiasy
methinks, has ſomething too much a fooliſh
Conceitedneſs, which hinders hin froin know-
ing himſelf. og balbas
A Man of mean Parts is always · content
with himſelf, and that ill-grounded Compla-
cency,
is a ſure Sign of the Mediocrity of his
Wit: Having no ldea of what is excellent, his
little Talents to him feem eminent Qualities,
which prepoſſeſſion, unleſs he be very careful,
is a great source of Impertinences. A good
Wit, that is clear-fighted, is not ſatisfi:d with
excellent Talents, becauſe it ſtill fees ſomething
that's above it. You feel here what brings all
Conditions to a Balance, and that thoſe which
have the greateſt Share, are not always the
moſt happy.
You believe the reſt of the World have nei-
ther Wit, nor Merit, nor Talents, nor ability;
in recompence, you fancy in your ſelf what-
ever can be deſired in a perfect and accompliſh'd
Man. This double Delufion proceeds from
the fame Principle, that Vanity which gives
you ſuch favourable Notions of your own Me
rit, and fhuts your Eyes againſt your groſſeſt
Faults, gives you a forupulous Attention to
obſerve the leaſt Imperfe&ions of others. Per-
ſons that were never out of the County they
were born in, are much of this Character, they
admire themſelves, and have an extream Fond.
neſs
ES

82 Reflections upon Ridicule.
neſs for their perfonal Merit, but pardon no.
thing in others. W 96 Viirasi 2017
A Man who has a weak Side, and ſome ill
Quality he is miftruſtful of, uſes a thouſand
Subterfuges to conceal it; if he be meanly
born, he is continually citing eminent Perſons,
which he ſays he is related to. He is applaud-
ed with a Sneer, and look'd upon as an Extra
vagant ; this is all the Fruit of his Politicks.
They that come from China or Japan, nay
eaſily impoſe on us, but People of the ſame
Province, or the ſame City, are known, and
?tis eaſy to diſcover the Quality of their An-
ceſtors; if they abuſe us for ſome time, by
pretending a Chimerical Pedigree, 'tis not long
before we are undeceiv'd, and we laugh at
their fooliſh Vanity and ridiculous Conceit.
Can People meanly born and educated, be
ignorant of their Origin, and forget them-
felves ſo far, as to believe themſelves Perſons
of Quality? 'Tis an Amazement to their Va.
nity, to entertain ſome credulous Fools with
the Antiquity of their Houſe, and how they
are related to the firſt Families of the King-
dom. Clarimont talks of nothing but the
Alliances of his Anceſtors, which he deduces
from the remoteſt Ages, tracing them back-
ward to the firſt Cruſades; his Father exer-
cis'd a very vile Employ, and every one knows
the Nature of the Occupation, by which he
gain?d Money enough to buy a fine Poſt for
Clarimont.
I can't comprehend the fooliſhVanity of ſome
People, who ſtile themſelves Noble, and of a
good
-

Concerning fooliſh Vanity.
83
good Family, before ſuch as don't know
them: How can they look them in the Face,
to whom they have lyed in this manner, when
they are better inſtručted concerning their true
Pedigree ? I have known People of the Coun-
try, when they came to Town, give it out
every where, that they were Gentlemen; but
they ſhould have had the Precaution to have
obligd their
Country-men, not to reveal the
Myſtery. The Judicious have a vaſt Con-
tempt for theſe vain Pretenders, but at laſt
they find one or other filly enough to believe
their imaginary Extraction, and that's their
Comfort.
The Vanity to marry young Perſons of Qua-
Jity, has made abundance of
young
Women
very ridiculous and miferable; they ſurren-
der themſelves with all their Fortunes amaſsa
together, by the Induſtry and Thrift of their
Friends, to a Man of the Sword, who marries
them only for their Money, and to repair the
Ruins of his Fortune. A Maid that has Riches
but no Birth, is ambitious to emerge out of
the obfcure Condition ſhe is born in ; the Coun-
ter and the Shop are Prejudicial to her Vanity;
fhe marries a Nobleman, who baniſhes hier
to fome remote Part of the Country, The quits
an Houfe where ſhe liv'd in Eaſe and Plenty,
to inhabit an old Caſtle and tottering Walls.
No body pities Clariana's Misfortune, ſhe
has refus’d the moſt advantageous Matches of
Paris, and the moſt eminent Perſons of the
Robe; nothing would ſerve her but a Colonel,
who was in the way of arriving to the chiefeſt
Poſts

84 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Poſts in the Army. Her Vanity drew her into
great Misfortunes; her Huſt and was over-head
in Debt before he married her; he has made
expenſive Campaigns in the Ariny, which have
ſwallow'd up Clariana's Fortune; ſhe is forc'a.
to live in a diſtant Province, where ſhe wants
Neceſſaries; and for an Ainuſement to her Va-
nity, ſhe fonetimes calls to mind that he is
the
Widow of a Mareſchal de Camp;
We
may
fall into Ridicule by thoſe very
things in which we excel; a Man that Sings
or Dances with a good Grace, who Talks or
Writes politely, who has any rare Qualifica-
tion, if he applauds his Merit, if he Praiſes
himſelf, and would have all the World ad-
mire him, will expoſe himſelf to Laughter
and Contempt. We naturally do not like
thoſe who in any thing excel us; if we have
any eminent Qualities which outſhine others,
we muſt make them amends for it by a great
Modeſty; without this, we ſhall infallibly
diſpleaſe them by thoſe Qualities we diſplay
to merit their Eſteem: This is the reaſon why
an handſome Woman is feldom acceptable to
another Woman who pretends to Beauty.
We fee fome People fondly hugging them-
felves, whofe outſide conſtitutes all their Me-
rit; they adjuſt themſelves with a good Ayre,
they Bow with a good Grace, and this ſuffices
them, whilſt they open not their Lips in Con.
verſation for a while fitting; they are ſo per-
fuaded, that they pleaſe with their Looks, that
they never take the pains to ſpeak.
Tis

Concerning fooliff VanityVanity.
. 85
'Tis not always the ſign of a true Courage
to expoſe ourſelves to Danger without Necefli-
ty; that vain, indiſcreet, extravagant Raſh-
nefs, which courts Danger for Danger's fake,
has no other End than Popular Applauſe; a
Soldier who is not of an hezoring and huffing
Valour has a ſtaid and regular Bravery,
which takes Fire at the fight of the Enemy
but he allows nothing to Hazard, where Pru-
dence may conduet him. We commonly ſee
ſuch as procure their Deaths by their Cowar.
dice ; ſuch as ſeek Danger, becauſe they have
not the Courage to wait for it.
There are Men naturally ungrateful, not to
be won by good Offices; a ſettPd croſs-grain'd
Humour,renders them inſenſible of Benefits ; ve
careſs and court them, and watch all Oppor-
tunities to oblige them, yet they ſtill remain
cold and indifferent ; this Ingratitude is coin-
monly the effe&t of a ſecret Pride, being per-
fuaded that all the Services we do them, are
below what they deſerve, they are not affected
with all we do for them. Others of a inean
and creeping Soul are extravagant in their
acknowledgment for the leaſt Trifles,
reckon to the account of Obligations, the pure
Juſtice that we do them. A Man ouglit not to
be inſenſible to Benefits, but Gratitude has
degrees as well as other Vertues, and he ſhould
not confound eſſential Services with meer
Trifles, which are refus'đ no body in the or-
dinary Commerce of Life: If Ingratitude be
odious, an infinite Acknowledgment is trou.
blefone ; I had rather a Man ſhould abſo
lutely
and

86 Reflections upon Ridicule.
lutely forget the good Offices I do him, than
to be thank'd for them on every Occaſion.
"Tis an harder Talk than is imagin’d, to
relate an A&tion, tell a Story or a Piece of News
well; to render the Thing more probable, and
give it greater Weight, we commonly exagge-
rate it, which is a very wrong Courfe; theſe
Aggravations are frequently a ſign of the po-
verty of Senfe in him that relates it, they are
alſo the Character of a ſecret Pride; vain Peo.
ple ſeek always to make themſelves admir'd
by every thing they fay, and every thing they
do.
The too great Itch of talking and telling all
one knows, is one of the Things which moſt
expoſes the Weakneſs of Men, and moſt trou-
bles their Repoſe ; there's no confiding in Per.
fons of this Character, they would have it
believ'd they are conſulted, that they have
the Ear of great Men, that they are intruſted
with nice Secrets, that they have an hand in
great Affairs; but their Vanity is not ſatisfied
unlefs every body knows it; they often betray
their beſt Friends without conſidering it, and
draw unhappy Troubles upon themſelves, by
that fooliſh Vanity which renders them very
deſpicable.
Be fure you ſay nothing to Philo, but what
you would have known by all the World, and
what you truſt him with, recommend not un-
der the Seal of Secrecy; that Circumſtance is
an infallible means to make him talk of it:
It ſeems that the Secret you have committed
to him is an inſupportable Burthen; he muſt
refreſh
7 ㄱ
​
Concerning roolijf.Vanity. 87
refreſh himſelf under it, and therefore, with
out conſidering the Character of thoſe he talks
to, or the linportance of the Buſineſs he talks
of, he tells it to the firſt he nieets. lot
Tis rare to ſee People correct theinſelves of
any Fault, the reafon is, they know not them.
felves, nor believe they are guilty of it: Il
they have ſtill ſo much Modefty as not to
fpeak it aloyd, they ſpeak it to themſelves
very low 5 if they confefs fome Imperfections
in Publick, they are ſuch as it's no difgrace to
own. Thrafo ingenuouſly confeſſes, that he is
haſty and paflionate ; he would thereby infi-
nuate, that he is Brave, and abounds in Cou-
rage.ca Chimene ſays of herſelf, { that ſhe is
the moſt unconcernd and lazy Perfon in the
World. Why does the not fay, that ſhe's an
affected Finick? Casey 1
If our bad Qualities made the fame Inz-
preſſion upon ourſelves that they do upon
others, we ſhould ſpare no Pains to conquer
them. Self-Love inſpires us with great Indul-
gence for our ſelves, and dwindles our groſs
Faults into almoſt nothing. Lucia is fenlible
enough that ſhe is lame, and yet fhe is contis
mually talking of Women that are ill-shap?d,
and makes ſuch Jefts upon them, as render
them inoſt ridiculous, olgo
People would be much more taking, if they
would be content to paſs precifely for what
they are, but they affe&t to appear with extra-
ordinary Talents, to dazzle thoſe they converſe
with. How many are there that become Ri.
diculous through a whimſical Deſire to be
IS
thought

899 Reflexions zepon Ridicule.
thought Wits? The Affe&tation they diſcover
and great Value they have for their extraordi
nary Merit, gives them the Repute of Fops ;
they would be more eſteem'd, and would have
nothing to reproach them, could they confine
themſelves within their Natural Bounds. A
pretty Woman would be more amiable, if the
did not ſet up for an accompliſh'd Beauty.
They that pretend to undervalue their good
Qualities, and leſſen the price of them, do it
only to have them more nicely obſerv’d. Clao
ricia, whoſe Eyes are perfectly handſom, is
complaining every Moment that they are too
little. Every body is convinc'd that Geraftus:
is a Wit; who can doubt of it after fo inany
Works lie has publiſh'd, and yet, he fays, he
does not afpire to the Glory of the ſublime
Genius's; but you make him mad, if you
Feave him in that Opinion, and don't
prove to
him the contrary! 5710
I make no difference betwixt praiſing a Per-
fon for good Qualities he has not, and malici-
ouſly affronting him; the Reaſon why Men
are lo little diſturb’d with theſe double-faced
Railleries, is that they are all Cullies of Com-
mendations ; they think ftill that they deſerve
the greateſt, and ſo far are they from Refent-
ment, they thank you for this poiſon’d Incenſe.
Be cautious of Alys, his Deſign is to impoſe
upon you, or make
or make you ridiculous; he lias al-
ways ſome Myſtery in the Praiſes he gives you ;
he makes uſe of fly Expreſfions, which artful-
ly unveil ſome ſecret Faults, which he durft
not openly reproach you with; theſe are my-
ftical

Concerning fooliſh Vanity. 89
ſtical Civilities, which Men of down-right
Senſe take for fincere Praiſes, but which pro-
voke the Laughter of thoſe who enter into his
Meaning, or are in Confederacy with him.
of 'Tis not always to do Juſtice to other's Me-
rit, that we give them exceflive Praiſes, but
with a By-Delign to be paid by them in the
ſame Coin; thoſe that we refuſe this Tribute
to, which their Pride deinands, can't help
fhewing their Indignation. Lyſmene com-
mends Ladies for their Beauty, contrary to the
Cuftom of other Women ; 'tis not preciſelytita
do them Juſtice that ſhe takes this Met od,
but to have all the Incenſe ſhe gives return’d to
her, to be fatter'd upon her Charms, and to
be told every Moment that ſhe is handſom. Tot
- What Contempt have we not for thoſe
who ſpend their whole Viſit in the Commen-
dation of themſelves, who perpetually talk of
their Family, their Fortune and their Intereſt?
The Praiſes a Man inebriates himſelf with,
have always an ill Effect, and if he had ſo
much Command, as never to praiſe himſelf,
he would be inuch more Praiſe-worthy, the
Applauſes he gives himfelf, fatigue all the
World. I Above all Things, a Man ought to a.
void ſpeaking too advantageoufly of his Qua.
lity, that's an antiquated Piece of Breeding.
Lyfis would be very agreeable in Converſation,
by his lively Wit, his diverting Behaviour, the
delicate Turn he gives to all he ſays, but he's
continually reducing the Diſcourſe to his high
Birth; he tells you, without Ceremony, that
he is Brave, and gives you the Particulars of
an

90 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
an Action, which he vigorouſly fufiaind; he
crowns himſelf with his own Hands, and is his
own Panegyrift. w godzo praga
"Tis a long time that Men have had Remon-
ſtrances made to them upon this Head, and
have been told, that the Praiſes they give
themſelves, diſguſt and turn the Stomach of
thoſe that hear them, but they have taken
their Ply, and will never be ſet right; the ſe.
cret Pleaſure they take in talking of them.
ſelves, prevails above all the Remonftrances
you can make to them. If you commend any
Man of the Sword before Thrafylus, he imme.
diately falls to the telling you of an Affair,
wherein he was the principal A∨ he would
thereby infinuate, that he is bra ver than the
Perſon you boaſt of. If you talk of the Beau-
ty of a Woman before člelia, ſhe tells youg
without more ado, that ſhe ſhould be ſorry
not to be more handſom ; this Sincerity is a
Sign that the is fully perfuaded of what fhe
ſays. How ridiculous is it to praiſe one's ſelf
too grofly, and to propoſe one's felf at every
turn for an Example? tom dom od bloow st
When once a Man's accuſtom’d to what's
ridiculous, he is feldom, if ever, broke of it,
becauſe he does not perceive it; they are
Faults he carries about with him, and never
perceives that he has ’em ; the older he grows,
the ſtronger grows the Foppery. / To preſerva
himſelf from it, he muſt watch his Conduet
in little Things, as well as in great. Tis in
Trifles a Man moft fliews himſelf, becauſe he
is apt to neglect them; he muſt, eſpecially be
upon

Concerning fooliſh Vanity.
91
Language.
upon his Guard againſt impoifond Praiſes,
which are rather fly Satyr, than true Encomi-
um. We live in an ill-natur’d Age, in which
every one affects to make a Jeſt of his Neigh-
bour, and turn him into Ridicule. 'Tis often
done under the neateſt Appearances imagina-
ble, and in the moſt flattering and careſſing
Every Man that is an Author, unleſs he be
modeft, and have a great Empire over himſelf,
grows vain-glorious by his eagerneſs to ſhew
himſelf and to read his Works; theſe Recitals
are fatiguing and importunate ; 'tis pure Va.
nity that makes a Writer very contemptible,
and denotes an Heart corrupted with a fooliſh
Glory, What occafion is there to teize People
with Repetitions, which they hear only in
Complaiſance, and make Pretence of ap-
plauding, only to laugh at the Author and
his Piece. IEVA Won Ihmesite ed ot
A Man conceited of his Merit, and charm'd
with the agreeableneſs of his Work, deſires
you modeſtly to cenſure it, and to tell him
freely your Opinion, without Favour or Afs
fe&tion ; but at the very firſt Word you would
have him ſtrike out, he begins to fire, and
looks upon you with a fneering Smile, which
fufficiently implies, that he pities you and
your Criticiſin. If you perſiſt in telling him
your Thoughts, he accufes you of Ignorance
and Injudiciouſneſs, he leaves you diſcontented
with your(Advice, and goes in queſt of ſome
more eaſy Bubble to flatter his fooliſh Vanity,
You
92 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

You would have the World talk of you,
Philidor at any Rate, but all you do to inake
a Figure, ferves but to re:der you Ridiculous;
Vainglory is the Rock that all your good Qua-
lities ſplit upon;
that grand Equipage that
encumbers the Streets, and makes you paſs for
an Ambaifa dor, is the thing which makes you
look'd upon as a Fop; it ſeems as if you had
confin’a your Merit, ' to 'the having a great
Number of Horſes and Slaves on busson
Seliniac borrows Money on all Hands, thắt
he nyay live high, and be drawn in a Coach
and Six, but his Creditors are ſtern and terri.
ble People, and don't underſtand Raillery ;
they are continually at Seliniac's Heels, who
is forc’d to go on Foot, for fear they ſhould
frize his Coach.vetli bitiw poti sa diw
He that could forbear talking and praiſing
of himſelf, would find that he ſeeks, that is,
to be eſteem'd ; I know that vain People také
an exquiſite Pleaſure in vaunting what they
do, but they ought alſo to have Regard for
the Pleaſure of others, who ſuffer by hearing
them: Leave the Publick the Liberty of its
Suffrage, to whom it belongs to determine the
Glory you deſerve. Jo estift midyed
vi?Tis eaſy to obſerve, from Gelanor's Dif-
courſe and Carriage, that he is well fatisfi-
ed with himſelf; he finds the Art always
to reduce the Diſcourſe to ſomething that
relates to him, he boaſts his Retinue, his
Expences, his Quality ; he talks of his Em-
plöys, and the Favour of his Prince ; he tells
you

Concerning fooliſh Vanity.
93
after you
you without Referve, that he has Senſe,
and' is Handſom ; and he ſo fully believes it,
that he'll perſuade others of it, one time or
other.
You always talk of your ſelf, Philotimus,
and of your Wife and Children
have exhauſted the Chapter of your Birth,
by a long Bead-Roll of your Pedigree, and
enumeration of your Anceſtors, who have
done important Services to the State ; you
talk of the vaſt Riches you poſleſs, the great
Rate you live át, the Place you have a mind
to buy, and an Eſtate in the Country. Do
you think that the Publick is much intereſs’d
in your Hiſtory? There are Seaſons wherein
you chuſe to ſpeak ill of your felt, rather
than nothing ; this is not with Deſign to be
believ'd, but only to talk of your ſelf; the
Pleaſure you take in it indemnifies your Self-
Love, but you ought to indemnify others for
the Uneaſịneſs you give them, w or 21 S10
The Prepoſſeſſion of Men concerning their
Reputation, is a great Weakneſs, and has a
quite contrary Effect to what they deſire ; it
expoſes them to Contempt and Ridicule. Thofe
{plenetick Niceties they have upon the Point
of Honour, don't render them more deſerving
of it: What Engines don't they play to de
preſs others, and raiſe themſelves upon their
Ruin? That ſordid Jealouſy, and ill-natur’d
Envy, is a ſign but of an indifferent Merit.
et need forst silt Torto ai therish
ghat of blisterna
for 51 Of

94
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
KA.
of the bad Taſte, to
world
mabant in
UUSAADA
stoilta
zmit' Holl Ons Boy
HSP
mi mootto Digrad befrusts svad
T.
IS a kind of Maxim which every body
takes up without Examination, that
Taftes are not to be diſputed; mean while,
there's nothing more certain, than that there
is a good and bad Taſte, and it would be al
good Service to the World to make it ſenſible
of this Difference. He that of all Men has
penetrated fartheſt into the Folds of an human
Heart, has ſaid, there is in the Works of Art
a Point of Perfection, as of Goodneſs or Ma-
turity in the Produéts of Nature ; he that
don't perceive it, or places his Efteem below
or above it, has a deficient Taſte, and there-
fore 'tis not without Reaſon that Taftes are
controverted and diſputed ; but it would be a
fort of Miracle to rectify thoſe who have a
corrupt Palate, becauſe of the natural Repug-
nance incident to all Men, to own their want
of Judgment; for no body will honeſtly con-
feſs that he is miſtaken, or that his Taſte is
naught. On this Principle it is that we find
Men ſo obſtinate to maintain the Propoſitions
they advance, be they never fo extravagant;
this Obſtinacy manifeſts the little Judgment
of thoſe who reaſon fo extravagantly,
Judgment is one of the rareſt Things in the
Vorld, and yet every one pretends to judge,
with-

Concerning bad Taſte.
95
without fear of diſcovering their Blind-ſide
and perverſe Taſte; they would fain, right or
wrong, draw all Men to their Opinion, and
run away with the Suffrages, however whim-
fically they judge of Things, either by Cena
fure or Approbation. How pitiable is that
Haughtineſs fome People ſhew upon our read-
ing any Piece to them? Or as they come from
the Play-houſe, they applaud whatever is
Naught, and unmercifully condemn all that is
Excellent; they maim fome Terms of Art;
which they prepoſterouſly places all they do
to be look'd upon as nice Judges, ſerves only
to inake them aet the Fool turn'á Critick.
There are very few to be met with, who un.
derſtand true Merit, but take the Shadow for
the Subſtance, and glaring Tinſel for good
Gold ; they let their Eyes be dazzled by a
fuperficial Luftre, which pleaſes only the in.
judicious, inſomuch, that a Man need not de-
ſpair of having Applauders, though he have
no true Deſert. A Man may even, ſometimes,
venter upon Ambiguities, that may be inter-
preted well or ill; the Judicious can't be de-
ceiv'd by them, but there are abundance of
Coxcombs.
Alyes folt belts 59
Why Tould a Man torture himſelf to pleaſe
an Herd of Fools, whoſe Judgments are al-
ways wrong? Is it not better to have the Ap-
probation of five or fix worthy Men, who di-
Itinguiſh true Merit, than by falſe Beauties
allure the Voices of the Múltitude? What
does it fignify if you are not approv'd by
People of bad Sense? Is it any wonder if Beafts
are

96 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
are miſtaken, or reaſon ill ? reft ſatisfy'd with
doing well, wtthout being alarm'd at the falſe
Judgments of the Publick. stb
There are in the World a ſort of inſipid Flat-
terers, who make it their Buſineſs to praiſe e-
very body, without diftin&tion of true Merit;
they make a thouſand Exclamations for the
leaſt Trifle, and load you with Praiſes, with
out Reaſon or Diftinétion. This Vice is in
mightyi Vogue, we dare not ſpeak to People
without flattering them, and ſaying a thou.
fand things we don't believe ; ?tis a kind of
Farce that is continually acted, which foever
way.we turn, we are murder'd by theſe trivial
Panegyriſts; there is nothing more abſurd and
ridiculous than this Character, for, unleſs we
take care, we become as impertinent by prai.
fing others, as our ſelves. ost olvas
- How many are there that by a ridiculous
Vanity, ſtill defend thoſe filly Things that are
exploded by good Senſe ? ?Tis as hard to re-
commend bad Things, which are generally
condemn’d, as 'tis to depreciate thole things
that have an univerſal Approbation. Ill Judges
make it their Glory to reſiſt the Torrent; if
they were aſk'd the Reaſon why they damnd
fone Pieces, and would ſincerely anſwer, they
could give no other, but becauſe all the World
approves them. You cenſure the beſt Places
in a Book, which all ſenſible Men applaud,
and
you equally blame thoſe that do well and
thoſe that do ill ; you laugh at a Man of Me.
rit as a Fool; this muſt proceed for want of
Equity or Judgment, take your Choice. log I
As

Concerning bad Taſte.
97
As extravagant as a Man is in his Fancies,
he propoſes thein as Models, and would have
Admirers. Frontin has built an Houſe of an
unuſual Contrivance, he is charm’d with his
Deſign, and if you would believe him, all
Houſes were to be pull'd down to be rebuilt
upon this Plan. The Judgment is the Tri-
umph of Self-Love, they that have it. Juſt
and Excellent, become Famous by their Inven-
tions, even tho' they invent but Trifles.uod
That which makes Women talk ſo much, is
their want of Underſtanding ; this Maxim
ſeems a Paradox, and yet ?tis very true; as
they are very ſhallow and empty, whatever
ſtrikes their Senſes takes up their Capacities,
and becomes the Subject of their Diſcourſe;
whatever they ſee or hear, their Pleaſures and
Pains, their Domeſtick Affairs, their Intrigues,
their Quarrels are inexhauſtible Topicks, and
provided you only talk fiddle-fadále, they
are never at a loſs in Converſation.bg
We find Women of fo depraved a Taſte,
that nothing will ſerve them unleſs they be
talk'd of, be it good or ill, 'tis indifferent to
them, provided they be the Subject of Diſa
courſe, there being nothing ſo calamitous in
their Opinion, as to be forgotten ; they take
a good Courſe for that, and commit ſo many
Extravagancies that 'tis impoflīble the Publick
ſhould not mind them.
The Lady Orſay is ſo ſolicitous, leſt any
body ſhould be ignorant of her Adventures,
that ſhe is at all the Pains to recount them her
feit, to all that will give her the hearing; ſhe
Co foli
F
even


98 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
even makes Additions and Epiſods of her own
to embelliſh the Romance; she tells the Names
of her Lovers, draws their Pictures, and o-
mits no Circumſtance. Can it be doubted,
after this, whether ſhe be beautiful and
charming, when ſhe has a whole Legion of
Gallants?
Heretofore the Men were leſs reſerv'd and
cautious than the Women; the Mode is turn'd
about, and the latter are now the more fooliſh
and extravagant, they are more regardleſs of
Meaſures and at leſs Pains to ſave Appearances;
there are ſome Women of fo phantaſtick a Cha-
rater, that they could find no Reliſh in any
thing they did, if all the World was not in
form’d of their Adventures ; they make thema
felves fufpe&ted of more Ill than they are actu.
ally guilty of in their Pra&tice; they delight
in Noiſe and Buſtle, and reſolv’d to be taken
Notice of, though it be for their Vices.
Could it be believ'd, unleſs we ſaw it with
our Eyes, that Women eininent for their Qua-
lity and their Birth, plum’d themſelves upon
their Gallantries, and eſtabliſh'd their Merit
upon the Number and Reputation of their
Lovers? So far are they fronı making a Secret
of theſe kind of Affairs, that they talk of them
with the fame Freedoin as if they were things
indifferent ; we ſee them in the Maul and in
the Park, walking, giggling with their Sparks;
they reſort together to the Plays and Gaining-
Houſes, and are never apart. Would not ſuch
a publick and avow'd Fondneſs make any Wo.
man bluſh, that had the leaſt Senſe of Honour,
or


Concerning bnd Taſte. 099
or any Remains of Reaſon? 'Tis an aſtoniſh-
ing Thing, they have the Face thus to appear
in Publicks the Corruption of the Age, and
the ſpecious Names that are given this fort of
Commerce, don't mitigate the Infamy; if
they were callid by the Name they deſerve,
they would be an Horror to themſelves. Hoc
Whatever Merit a worthy Man may have,
it can't defend him againſt the filly Railleries
of Buffoons; Fools applaud them for it, but
none but Fools. Men of Worth, who judge
not by Prepoſſeſſion, do him Juſtice, and pity
thoſe that pretend to turn him into Ridi-
cule.ro
It is uſual enough for a Fool that is in Fae
vour, or is Rich, to deſpiſe a Man of Merit
without Fortune ; but all the Fooleries that
eſcape him, when he goes to jeſt, make the
ſenſible Man amends before the Company,
who prefer perſonal Merit before the Wealth
of a Banker, if they judge rationally of things.
?Tis not ſo much the Riches of ſome People
that make them hated, as the fooliſh Vanity
that poſſeſſes them, and the haughty Way
wherewith they treat others not fo wealthy
as themſelves. I can't conceive, fays Clari-
nette, very often, how any one can live,
without at leaſt three thouſand Pounds a Year.
It is not ten years ago, that Clarinette had
not wherewithal to buy her a Petticoat, and
She went abroad to dine with her Neighbours
to fave Charges.
-19 A Man of Reſerve, that talks but little,
gives no handle to the Drolls, who know not
៦ non
F 2
where


Ico Reflexions upon. Ridicule.
where to attack him, but its eaſy to expoſe
the Folly of thoſe Blunderbuſſes, that talk
loud and long, that "decide impertinently
that condemn the good things in a Book and
approve the bad, without Diferetion and
without Rule.
bilis 91W vi
Don’t venture to ſpeak your Opinion, unleſs
you be ſure of your Matter; thereby you give
an infallible Proof, whether your Senfe be juft
or otherwiſe; that Raſhneſs, which moft Peo-
ple manifeſt to ſpeak their Thoughts too freely
upon all ſorts of Subjects, cis a certa in Criteria
on of little Judgment; theſe odd Decisions
expoſe their bad Taſte, and often are the Con-
fequences of a foolish Pride, son lauto ai si
1 Profeſsid Banterers chufe rather to diſoblige
their
beſt Friends, than to loſe the Opportuni-
ty of ſpeaking their Jeft; they don't reflect
that in making others laugh they make thein-
ſelves ridiculous. What Parts, what Addreſs,
what Genius, what Acquaintance with Man-
ners, muſt not a Man have that will ſet
up
for
an Humouriſt? ?Tis not a finall thing, to pleaſe
Men of Judgment, in making them laugh, we
make ourſelves deſpisd ? he that thinks to
be agreeable, and to divert the Company by
his Wit, cheapens himſelf by his flat and foo
lish Drollery. * Ortstud 39 itselts toda
D' Abundance of People think to diſtinguiſh
themſelves by humourſom Singularities, which
raiſe moft diſadvantageous Notions of them ;
you are not at the bottom ſo much a Libertine
as you appear; if you would regard Exter-
nals and fave Appearances, you'd pafs for an
honeſt

Concerning bad Taffe. IOT
honeſt Man. What Pleaſure do you find to
-vilify yourſelf for a Frolick? Is the Reputa-
tion of anthoneſt, wiſe and ſober Man ſo tri-
fling a thing, that you'll riſque it for a ſeſt,
and a little dull Raillery upon Subjects which
ought not to be touch'd but with great Re-
ferved. We judge of Men by their outward
Appearance, and we have reaſon to believe
their Sentiments are fuch as they affe& to have
them thought.vig butw bottocomobi's
A Wit, who thinks himſelf fo, and would
be thought ſo of others is the Plague of So-
ciety. Who can hold in, againſt the Applau.
ſes he gives himſelf, againſt the Contempt he
has for all that others praiſe, and that deſerve
emoſt to be prais'd? He always puts his beſt
Side diterinoſt, all his Words, and Geſtures,
and Twinklings of his Eyes, fignify that he is
a Wit, that he is perſuaded of it, and would
have others perſuaded of it too : Your Deſign,
Dorilas, was to ſet up for a Wit, you have
fucceeded in it, but this Title has undone the
little Merit you had before. The Character of
a Wit includes in it I know not what Haugh-
tinefs, Preſumption, Folly, and a vaſt Maga-
zine of Contempt for poor Mankind, which is
refpe&ted with an Eye of Pity and Self-Com-
placency in abundance... atligste verlo
?Tis a wretched thing not to have fullicient
Wit to perceive when one talks like a Fool;
but ithey that obſtinately maintain all their
Extravagancies are ſtill more to be pitied, be-
cauſe they are incorrigible.? to egresar
10 litoi rabats i obiistado
What
E 3,

FO2 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
What a Fatigue is it for a Man of Senſe to
hear thofe Babblers, thats talk a long time to-
-gether and ſay nothing? Women of Parts talk
inuch, and in handſom Terms; if they could
avoid Impertinences their Converſation would
be very charming ; in telling a Story, they
omit not the leaſt Circumftance ; if they talk
of an Affair, they fift it to the minuteft Par-
ficularsand when they have ſaid all, they
add ſome Epiſodes, which give them a fine
Career.
nie noor
There's a mediunt to be obſerv'd betwiit
that Itch of imparting Secrets, and a ſcrupo.
lous Referve that dares not talk of the leaſt
Trifles. Damon fometimes makes a Myfte.
ry of Things which every body knows ; he
deſires you to keep the News ſecret which he
tells which
. to bobeilieg zi od usdt JWA
It was the Saying of a Philofopher, Speaky
that I may know you ; if this be a certain
Maxim, moſt Ladies make it too apparent
what their Notions are concerning Gallantry ;
they are not referv'd enough upon that Head,
they talk too freely of Intrigues, Amours,
Adventures, gallanting Stories, kina Miftref-
ſes; theſe Discourſes diſgrace them more than
they imagine ; 'tis a ſign they are a little too
gentle, when they don't ſtart at theſe fort
of Affairs ; there's no occafion to appear fo
knowing upon theſe Subjects, a laudable lg-
norance would do them much more Honour.
"Tis a ſign of Wit to be able to proportion
one's ſelf to all ſorts of Characters, to riſe or
fall,

Concerning bad Tafte. 103
fall
, according ias occafion offers; nothing
ought to be above or below the Notice of a
Man of great Senfe ; he is capable of the moſt
exalted things, and he muſt deſcend to the leaſt
Particulars. We know ſome People who are
moſt admirable Authors, and yet ſeem weak
in the Affairs of Intereſt; every body cheats
them, and their Servants rob then, becauſe
they will not ſtoop to little things, which
they ought to be exactly acquainted with.
Agatho in the Viſits he makes the Sex, talks
to them a thouſand Learned Things, even
to the citing Paſſages of Greek; we ought to
proportion what we ſay to the Genius and A-
Bilities of thoſe we ſpeak tű, iince we ípeak
only to be underſtood. 'Tis eaſy enough to
impofe upon the credulous or the ignorant,
and to ſhun them with bombaſt Words. ale
Since Turpin has had the Fancy to a&t the
Learned, he's grown intolerable, he under-
takes to determine of every thing, and his
Determinations are always wrong; he gapes-
in the Theatre, and makes wry Faces as the
Players ; the moſt excellent Pieces of Proſe
and Verſe, to him ſeem but indifferent, but
he declares himſelf the Patron of thoſe that
every body hiſſes; and you engage in a perſo-
nal Quarrel with him, if you pretend to main-
tain that they are naught ; his Deciſions are
an Ayre of Haughtineſs and Preſumption that
there's no withſtanding: Turpin would be a
much worthier Man, if he did not think hiin-:-
ſelf Learned. Botolar
eos
Little
F 4

104 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
SI
Little Souls, as Women, the vulgar Maids
that live retir’d, Country People, are not af-
fected with things they eaſily comprehend ;
they are more touch'd with what they don't
underſtand, as believing there's ſomething of
Myſtery in that which is above their Compre-
henfion; they that preach to the Nunneries,
feldom charm them by rational and intelligible
Diſcourſes, and full of Senſe; nothing will
do with them, but the ſublime, falſe Řheto-
rick and Hyperbole.
There are few whoſe Judgment is good
nough to defend them againſt the Charms of
Novelty; hence proceed thoſe ill-grounded
Applauſes, for Works which have no other
Merit than that of being New ; the Faults of
them agreeably ſurprize us, and that Surprize
Jeſſens our Attention ; the beſt things in Na.
ture weary and fatigue us by a too long Cu-
fton ; that which ftruck us moft, leaves an
Habit in us, which renders it flat and dull;
the livelier'a Pallion has been, the greater
Difguſt it leaves, when once it's cur’d. How-
an exquiſite Judgment will never be
diſguſted with that which ought to pleaſe,
3 nor ever applaud what deſerves not to be ap-
plauded. See
pbod V8
I have known People complain, that ſome
Perſons had too airy an Humour; they that are
always laughing, don't always make others
smerry; too much Gaiety tires at laſt, and
grows inſipid ; there are fome that can't ſpeak
the leaſt thing without cackling, and likewiſe
highly applaud whatever's ſaid to them. "Tis
free
ever,

Concerning bad: Tafte. I TOS
frequently a ſign of Stupidity and want of
Senſe, to admire what is not admirable; great
Wifs are never great Admirers. vasat WOH
Weak and irreſolute Minds are always af-
fe&ing to do what they fee done by others;
incapable of any Reſolution of their own,
they are govern'd by the Examples that are
before them, and without executing any
thing of their Projeets, they are always agi-
tated with infinite Reflexions, which deſtroy
one another. solo stronasvet 31. turni
ia'Tis a Miſtake to believe there is Greatneſs
of Soul, and Courage in hating all the Pec-
ple that have done us ill Offices; that Paſſion
is a ſign of Weakneſs ģ they that have not Ge.
neroſity to pardon, or Courage to revenge
themſelves on thoſe they hate, never forgive
at all. yaşaigsmi sud siseh sd o diabetid
It requires Merit and excellent qualities,
not to run into fantaſtick Fopperies, when a
Man is arriv’d to a great Fortune; the Head
turns and grows vertiginous, upon so great an
Exaltation, but good Fortune is a Veil that
hides the Folly the Extravagancies of a
Man in Favour are not look?d upon as ſuch
that which appears monſtrous in a Man dil-
grac'd, is tolerated and ſometimes applauded
in a Man in Place. Rofimon's Lips never on
but to utter childiſh Follies; he inſolente
iy boaſts his Favour, his Credit and his Sta-
tion ; every body
applauds him, and bends
their Knee before this Idol; many are even
perſuaded that Rofimon has great Dufert, bem
Fisia pada cb cauſe
pen
2010)

106 Reflections upon Ridicule.
cauſe he has a great Eſtate, and is capable of
doing a great deal of Good or Mifchief. 1032
How many People recoin mend themſelves
by their Garb and Equipage? Have they any
other Merit than that of being follow'd by a
numerous Train, and dragging every where
after their Heels a magnificent Retinue? The
World is filly enough to value them the more
for this ; an embroiderd Coat gives Admit-
tance into Places to a Man that would be
thruſt out, if he was worſe cloathed. Merit
is not engraven upon the Forehead; a Fool
with a glittering out-ſide, tramples upon a
Wit, who has no other Portion than that of
his own Parts; a Man muſt be a Sot to value
himſelf for the richneſs of the Habit he wears,
but he muſt have a bad Tafte, that ſuffers
himſelf to be dazled by an imaginary Merit,
which a Man diveſts himſelf of when he una
dreſſes. Damon complains that he was ill re-
ceiv'd at the Marchioneſs of Araminta's, wlo
ſhew'd great Regards to Thrafimon, who is
only a ſumptuous Fool, whole Equipage is
Honour to the Gates he ſtops at. Damon
is to blame, not to be Rich, and to go
Foot. Med floor isoigs ir
That which ſhews, more than any thing,
the bad Taſte of our Age, and the Depravati-
on of our Morals, is the Deference we have
for Varlets, who have emerg’d from the Ob-
{curity of their Condition by their Wits; the
City and Court honours them, the Wretches
who wore a Livery are Company for the great-
eſt Lords, they are Partners in their Pleaſures
and
an
on

Concerning Impofture. 107
and Companions at Play; they enterta in Dukes
and Peers, who think it no Diſgrace to level
themſelves with a Man that wore their Li-
very; this Confuſion makes us look?d upon
with Aſtoniſhment, by Nations far remote
our Climate, which we call Barba-
from
TOUS.
1
tools 101 1015512
322222222223223
BE
in alustad med sin interneto
BY
I
Of Impoſture.
$ it poſſible there ſhould be no Sincerity in
the World, and that we dare not confide in
any body? Thoſe very Perſons that flatter you
to your Face, carefs and kiſs you; as ſoon as
they have left you, or your Back is turn’d, let
fly a thouſand Calumnies upon your Conduct ;
this is an infamous Procedure, we are to pi.
ftruſt artificial Words with a double Meaning,
as the moſt pernicious thing in Nature ; fuch
fly and elaborate ways of acting intimate a
great Proneneſs to Deceit, and a great Genius
for Impofture.
Moft Men are only ingenious Cheats, they
ſtudy to deceive all the World by fair Appear.
ances and flattering Words, which are ſo ma
ny Flowers they ſtrew to cover the Snare they
have laid for you.
sout
We ought never to promiſe any thing above
our Power, nor engage in chimerical Under..
nie
90 90
119, takings

that is,
108 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
takings, which is the common Fault of vain
People, who would impofe upon thoſe that
don't know them : Who would not think,
that heard them, that they governd the whole
Kingdom? They ftun and deafen you with the
continual Noiſe of their Favour and Intereſt ;
you would imagine the Prince had great Con-
fideration for them, and that he durft refuſe
them nothing : Some are eaſy to believe them,
but the more Intelligent regard them as Vifia-
naries, or as Cheats.
We commonly deviate from the Rules of
good Conduct, when we would be over-cun-
ning ; Artifice, Craft and Diſſimulation, u-
ſurp the place of Capacity and good Senſe,
and the more conſiderable Faults we commit,
the more we depart from the common Road
A Diffembler makes the firſt Advances, and
by that Artifice impoſes on others who can't
ſuſpect a Man that ſmiles in their Face and
talks to them, can have any ſecret Poiſon in
his Heart; he ſpeaks in fubmiffive and reſpecte
ful Terins to pacify thoſe that juſtly com-
plain of the Injuries they have receiv'd froin
himn; but his Deſign is to give them an Opiate
that he may the more effe&tually deceive them,
Noble Souls are eaſily caught in this Snare,
being above Tricking themſelves, they can't
imagine others ſhould liave recourſe to Artifice
to feduce them, whereby they eaſily becoma
the Property of abundance of People who em-
· ploy all their Subtilty to deceive ſuch as don't
Jurpeet them
Sins
Farce.

Concerning Impoſture. Tog
Sincerity is the Soul of Commerce and civii
Society, and yet ’tis a very uncommon Vertue
in fo refining an Age as this we live in; tis
an Art and a Trade to diſguiſe the Sentiments 9
that pretended Openneſs of Heart; is only a
Lure to attra& the Confidences of Men; we
find none fincere, but thoſe that have not Wit
enough to play the Impoſtor. 231
1. To what Púrpoſe is it to make infignificant
Promiſes, without Deſign or Ability to per-
form them? You -accoft Lyſander with an
humble and fübmiffive Ayre, you open your
Buſineſs to him, and conjure him to alliſt you;
he readily engages, and with the Aſſurance he
fpeaks to you, you believe he will aſlift you to
the utmoſt ;- but as foon as he leaves you; he
forgets your Name, and the Nature of the
Buſineſs you have ſolicited with him, and will
never think on’t more. Nevertheleſs, he is
always ſurrounded and reſpected by a Crowd
of Clients, whom he has long abus?d with
the Offers of his Credit and his Friendfliip.
Tis a as hard for a Man to work of an Impo
ſture, as 'tis to be convince of the Infidelity
of a Miſtreſs. 7160 THOUOU od to do
The Neceſfities we are under, and the Hopes
we have to be affifted by thoſe who promiſe us
their Succour, jointly conſpire to devote us to
them, though they have deceiv'd us a thou.
fand times, we continue to pay our Court to
them. People in Place ſhould be more referv'd
in proiniſing their Favour, and niaking their
Dependents languiſh with the Diet of Chime.
rical Hopes and deluſive Pronrifes; all they
gain

uo Reflections upon Ridicule.
gain by this Conduct, is to make themſelves
deſpisd, and to be regarded as Affronters.
I can't comprehend the Hardineſs of ſome
People to be the Authors of Lies ; that Vice is
fo Sordid and Diſhonourable, that there needs
nothing more to ruin a Reputation, whatever
Merit a Man may have beſides. "Tis in vain
to lay in Precautions to maintain a Lye;
Truth diſcovers itſelf, ſooner or later, whether
he will or not; the beſt contriv’d Impoftures
fall to pieces in fome Part or other that was
not foreſeen. Fulvia is the prettieſt Perſon
imaginable, and has the moſt diverting way
with her, but ſhe is ſo addi&ed to lying, that
ſhe can't ſpeak the leaſt thing without ſome ad-
ditional Falſhood, and therefore no Credit is
given to any thing ſhe ſays; the moſt certain
Truths become Fables when the ſpeaks them.
You would think, if you heard Celamon
diſcourſe amongſt thoſe that don't know him,
that he has travell'd all over Europe ; he re-
lates with a ſurprizing Impudence, what he
has ſeen at Rome, Venice, Vienna, Paris,
Madrid; they that know that he was
never
out of the Country, can't ſufficiently admire
his Face of Braſs : He has, collected out of
Moreri's Dietionary, the moſt conſiderable
Pallages relating to each City, and has got
the principal Circumſtances by Heart, which
he vents by a prodigious Impudence before
Fools,, who gape and hold their Breatlıs to
hear him, ſo inchanted are they with his Sto-
ry, but if any Man of Learning happens to
drop in, who by unexpe&ted Queſtions throws
the

Concerning Impoſture. JI
the Hiſtorian out of his Moreri, there's an
end of his Babble, and he diſcovers his Igno.
rance and Impoftures,f is verdt :99812 94
• We find in all Converſation, People of a fri-
volous, lazy and ſupine Character, without
Application or Attention, who are not ſo much
as fure of their own Notionsbuto give their
aze e and no at once upon tlie fame Queſtion 5
be ſure not to depend upon any thing they ſay,
they'll promiſe the very fame thing to your
Enemy in the faine Affair, but will keep their
Word neither with the one nor theother; they
will not ſo much as think they have promisd
any thing the next Moment, or that
any one
has ſpoke to them.c.9.5 x 9700 g 1900
Moſt People take leſs Pains to cure their Par.
fionis than to diſguiſe them şi a Knave that
knows himſelf, and would paſs for an honeſt
Man, conceals hianſelf under the Veil of Hy:
pocriſy but to little Purpoſe, for his Vices, in
Ipight of him, break through the Darkneſs
that ſurrounds them; yet he thinks he bubbles
the World, which prejudices, comforts and
encourages himiş it would put him, befides
himſelf to know that all his Artifices were
feen through, and all this Subtilties to diſguiſe
himſelf diſcover?d; but no body lets him knowo
it, he flatters himſelf that his Deligns are uns
obſervd, and this Security emboldens him to
proceed in the ſame Practices. at 9190 alq09'!
Who can doubt buti that religious Hypo-
erites are fully perſuaded of the Ridicule they
incur by acting the Part they do, fince they
uſe ſo many Artifices to diſguiſe themſelves. -
and

112 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
and impoſe upon the World Their Life is one
perpetual Comedy, and they ſeem always up-
on the Stage; they hardlyiever pull off the
Maſk ; their Vices don't at all diſcourage
them, provided they are cover?d with a ſpeci-
ous Appearance. You deceive your ſelf, A.
lidor, if you ſtill think to abuſe the Publick;
believe it you are knowng your Grimaces have
for ſome time mined fome credulous Crea-
tures, but they are undeceiv'd ; your Buſineſs
was to obtain the Preferinent you tare plac'd
inz now you have it, you need not counterfeit
any longer ; we excuſe from that: Ceremdoy,
which ſtill coſts you Pains: At preſent ac an-
other part; now you have made your Fortune,
'tis time to grow devout in earneſto THOM
1 Every body boaſts of their Sincerity, bez
cauſe everyo body is conſcious that Sincerity.
is the Sign of a noble Soul. Without this Virá
rue Society is only a School of Impoſture;
Tom-doubles are to be avoided as Eneinies
that would betray you. How many are there
that abuſe their Ingenuity and Afcendent over
others, to reduce them into all the Nets they
fpread for then, ito adecoy them with more
Certainty and Addreſs? They put on the Mask
of Sincerity, they affe& an: eaſygonatural and
undefigning Ayre. That concerted Sincerity
is a fubtle and delicate Deception, which leads
People where they would liave them, and be
trays them without perceilvingat nno o W
v Hesthat is jealous of his Reputation go in.
violably keeps his Word, be the Subjeď never
To light and trifing™ nay, there's more need to
be

Concerning Impofture.
113
be exaćt and circumfpeet in little things and of
110 Conſequence, becauſe it's eaſier to neglect
them. "Tis a moſt ſcandalous Vice to amuſe
People with fair Promiſes, when a Man has
neither Ability nor Inclination to accompliſh
them. I ise 1991 DICE
v There's no Difficulty how we are to deal
with a Man who declares againſt us, or hates
us openly ; but we eaſily become the Property
of a fictitious and diſſembling Friend, who
a&ts-by Treachery and Diſguiſe. People of this
Chara&ter are very dangerous in civil Life, it
would be the honefter way to let others know
that we are none of their Friends; and that
they ought not to depend upon us, or expect
kany Favours, tham to amuſe them by the
Thew of an hypocritical Friendſhip; for at
sleaſt they would know what they are to truſt
to.
stenbesiono uscit iu vion sdi 991
15. There's nothing commoner in the Commerce
of the World, than to meet with fuch-as pre-
etend to approve your Condu&t; but unmerci-
fully condemn it amongf your Cenſurers.
They even expoſe thoſe Faults which no body
elſe is ſo well taequainted with, by reafon of
the Intimacy you have had with them.I ?Tis
tan abominable Treachery,o a Practice unbe-
coming a Man of Honour and a Woman of
Virtue, o 01 zmi 1990041 29 sini ais
69 What Nonſence 'tis to make fair Pretencês
to thoſe we neither love nor eſteem. "Tis a
imean-ſpirited thing to curry Favour-when
we ſee them, and to fly out againſt them as
-foon as their Back is turn'd. You ſee a Wo.
man,

114
Reflexions upon Ridicule.
man infinitely careſs’d, who comes into any
publick Meeting, the
ſhe is celebrated for her
Beauty, her Carriage, her Charms, her Dreſs,
and the good Ayre the puts on, not one thing
is forgotten; as foon as ſhe is gone, she is
treated as a ridiculous Creature, that has nei-
ther Senſe nor Agreements ; but does every
thing in an aukward way. Either forbear
your exceſſive Praiſes to her Face, or ſpare her
wlien ſhe has left the Company content
An Author that comes and reads his Manu-
fcript ; they that conſult you about any Buſi-
neſs, or enquire of you what the World ſays
of their Conduct, don't always do this wiili
a Deſign to be corrected, but to be flatter'd and
applauded. It requires a vaſt Sincerity,
when we know their Intentions, to talk freely
to them upon ſo nice a Subject, and let them
ſee the Folly of their Conceitedneſs: In the
mean time ?tis a cruel Complaiſance to fofter
them in their fooliſh Vanity, by the falſe Prai-
ſes you amuſe them with. However, 'tis the
Practice of the World, and there's little Hope
left of aboliſhing ſuch an eſtabliſh?d Cuſtom;
we should become the Scarecrow of all Com-
panies, fiould we ſhew all People the Glaſs,
who deſire us to admoniſh them of their
Faults.
& HOB ONO A 1o sanoa
"Tis an infamous Proceeding to exafperafe
thoſe who are already provok'd againſt one
another by ill Reports, they are deceiv'd, who
think, hereby to procure their Intimacy and
Friendſhip inſtead of which, they make
themſelves deſpis’d. There's ſomething ex-
tream

Concerning Impofture. I 115
streamly cowardly and mean in the Breaſt of
fa Man, that to make himſelf Friends, can re-
folve to ruin others by miſrepreſented Diſcours
fes. Indeed this is often done without any ill
Intention, or defire of doing Miſchief, for
want of due Conſideration, what ought to be
faid or omitted before fome People: but that
Inapplication and Negligence is very blama-
bleno A Word accidentally dropt, has often
Meryrill Conſequents, and we fee People ready
to facrifice one another for an indiſcreet Ex-
opreſſion.itista ari zotiasuivi diup myfter
9 Men are moſt commonly unjuſt upon the
Chapter of Women, very many of them are
--virtuous, and regular, and unreproachable;
but becauſe ſome of them have plaid them a
Trick, they are, mißtruſtful of all the reſt.
This is an unreaſonable Concluſion, if fome
of them are Wantons, their Wantonneſ ought
not to injure the Reputation of modeſt Wo.
men ; we ought to be very reſerv’d in paſſing
[Sentence upon this Subject, and thoſe inalici.
ous Satyrs are in no wiſe to be approv'd, which
accuſe all Women in general. It would be an
equal Weakneſs to praife them all without
Diſtinction, we ſometimes fee fuch of them
has are grand Comedians, in Point of Prudence
they have a great Reputation for Sobriety,
but don't deſerve it ; others go for Coquets,
but are not ſo: Appearances, which they don't
ſufficiently take care of, are all that's criminal
in their Conduct. ordut
1. The Reaſon why we fee fo few eminent for
their good Qualities, is that they are more in-
csi
duftris

116 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
duſtrious to diſguiſe their Vices than to reform-
them; they don't take the Pains to be honeſt
Menibut only qo appear fo. Artifices and
Diſĝuiſlès ferve inftead of real Virtues, and
they that are moſt dextrous at deceiving, pafs
for Men of greateſt Merit, tho' at bottom
they have no Principles of Probity. to 10
- The Reputation that is not founded upon
a true Vertue, is but of a short Duration: A
Man may blind the World by an artfulCon.
- duet and well manag?a Affe&ations ; but that
Eſteem quickly vaniſhes, the Artificerbetrays
eitſelf, and unforeſeen Accidents take off the
$Vizard. A falſe Valaur never ſtands its
Ground, when the Danger is real; a counter-
feit Vertue will not carry a Man far, becaufe
Otis very difficult always to a&t a Part, and he's
cat laſt weary of implying Artifices neceſſary
Stotimpole upon the World , he negle&us out-
ward Appearances when he thinks his
Affairs
are ſafe, and takes Liberties he denied himſelf
- before. lo Habit frequently prevails over all
Precautions; a Surprize that throws him off
chis Guard, the Curioſity of a Servánt, an un-
texpected Vifit, an Aktion that had not been
concerted, and
Time which draws Truth from
the bottom of the Well all on a ſudden, and
when he leaſt thinks 'on't, expoſes to open Day
the Deſigns he thought wrapt up in impene-
trable Night and Obſcurity.otton
IB. Thus it is that ſome people, after they have
long impos’d on the Publick, by the ſpecious
Appearances of an affected Honeſty, fall at
later into-Diſgrace s theiri Confidents betray
them,

Concerning Impofture. I 117
them, thoſe whom they had engag?d in their
Intereſts, and filencdby great Promiſes which
tliey never perforin’d, reveal'd this Myttery of
Iniquity, and expoſe the Shame ofötheſe
. Impo.
fors to the Eyes of all the World..ne most
The Appearance and Shadow of Virtue,
have ſometimes the ſame Effect, as to Reputa-
tion as the Subſtance itſelf. How many Wo-
men-paſs for Veft als, becauſe they wear the
Livery of Modefty, and perfectly act their
Parts ? The worſt of it is, that in the Cha.
racters theyb repreſent whilſt they cheat the
Publick, they can't deceive themfelves; whilft
they receive high Encomiums of their falſe
Vertue, their Conſcience gives them ſmarting
Reproaches, and makes them ſenſible of their
ridiculous. Hypocriſy. ?Tis good Comedy for
thoſe that know thein, to hear them extolling
Modeſty with ſuch an Emphaſis, and boldly
lifting themſelves amongſt the Virtuous, tho
they are nothing leſs than what they afte& to
appear: 'Tis true, ſome are over-reach'd by
them, becauſe they will not be at the Pains to
nnveil their Myſteries, but rather believe them
upon their Word. srl 11911w es ebfvieldemes has
1. The brave Maxiins of Vertue which flow
from the grave Women, are only an Artifice to
amuſe themſelves upon the loſs of the Plea-
fures they regret, and to décry the Conduct of
thoſe who are ſtill in a Gapacity to enjoy
them; vex'd to be no longer the Obje&ts of the
Addreſſes and Applications of Admirereył they
endeavoun to find a Compenſation for their an-
tiquated Beauty, in their forc'd Modeſty, and
Ins

118 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Invellives againſt all the pretty Women: They
ſeek for Confolations, dto ſupport them in
their new way of Life, which they are forcd
politickly to eſpoufe, but which they neves.
dreamt on, whilſt they load the Crowd about
them, and all the Beaus at their Feet : ''But
now, that the Fire of their Eyes is extins
guifh'd, and their Glaſs tells them its time to
think of a Retreat ; to compenſate for the lofs
of prolnited Pleafures, they fall foul upon
thoſe who continue in the Scenes, and begin to
at the Part/they themſelves plaid before theſe
their Succeffors drove them of the Stage. Iduq
Moſt of the Actions we commend are rather
the Effects of Humour and Conſtitution than
true Vertuie, for which Reafon Men act other
wiſe in Publick than when they have no Wit
neſſes. «Vertue, when 'is not ambiguous, is
always conſiſtent with itſelf; the Pleaſure of
doing well is the virtuous Man's Reward, whe.
ther her be approvd or cenſur'd, he ſtill goes
on in the fame Track. 0 DEUTS
e I would fain find the Man, who is the fame,
and acts by the fame Principles when alone
and unobſerv'd, as when he is expos’d to the
fight of the Publick; but moſt people are vir.
tuous no farther than they are feartul of Diſ.
grace. Fear is their only Fetter, which they
eafily ſhake off when they find Opportunity
to ſatisfy themſelves byl wounding nothing
but their Conſcience, to onodobx9v; insti
po The Life of certain Men is a kind of Mon.
Sterror Chimera, being a motley mixture of
oppoſite Qualities; their Exterior denoting
Mo-

Concerning Impoſture.
119
Modeity, Sobriety, and Ways different froin
the Converſation of the World, but their Mo.
tals are little fuited to Appearances. Thefe
very Men, who by their Charaéter and Condi.
tion are ſeparate from the World, are more
worldly than others, more vain and beauiſh,
more curious of every thing that can give
them any attractive. We could pardon them
a thouſand other things did we not ſee themi
in a diſhonourable Commerce, which they
take not ſufficient Care to conceál. 9363 on
o Ought not the Government to regulate the
Retinue, and Equipage, and Expences of ſome
Abbots, who appear more immodeſt and he-
&toring than Pages; their Carriage is Haugh-
tier and more Martial than that of a Colonel
of Dragoons ; you fee them drawn in Coaches
as pompous and magnificent as an Ambaffa.
dor’s making his publick Entry; all the Time
they ſhould employ in Study, is ſpent at Plays
and Balls, Aſtignations and Taverns ; they
loſe at Play vaft Sums, which are the very
Blood of the Poor ; at Church they fcanda-
lize all the World, having neither Refpe&t for
the ſacred Place, nor Attention to the holy
Myſteries; theirLife is a perpetual Impofture,
they are a new kind of Colonels in black
ſhort Cloaks and little Bands.
We conſtantly hear this Maxim in Peoples
Mouths, that provided a Man has a clearCon-
fcience, he ought not to be concern’d at Re.
ports
and Slanders ; this is ill Reaſoning, Rea
putation being a jult Tribute we draw from
our Vertue : That Indifference for the Eſteem
and
bas 2019 M

120 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
and Approbation, of Men, is commonly a few
cret Reproach of Conſcience, which does itſelf
Juſtice, but finds it ſelf unworthy of it ;
they that are not concern'd at Scandal, live
in ſuch a Manner as hardly to be able to avoid
it, and they encourage themſelves againſt Cen-
fure by this feign'd Indifference.
210005 BIO
Frontina leads a Life wholly unbecoming
a young Lady of Quality, the herds with
none but Women of a proſtitute Character,
who take no Care to ſave Appearances; flie
can't but know the Reports that are ſpread to
her Diſcredit, and confeiles that her Reputa-
tion is much-ſhatter'd. To confort herſelf,
She is continually ſaying, that ſhe leaves Fools
the Liberty of Talking, and, that perhaps
they'll let her reſt, when they have vented
their Spight and Slander has ſpit up all its
Venom. This Maxiın is not found, ?tis not
poſlible to prevent Obloquy, but its poflible to
prevent the Occaſions of it ; and 'tis no finall
Comfort to have nothing to reproach our felves
with when we are unjuſtly cenſur’d.
o boots
How many are there, that with no great
Stock of Merit, make themſelves courted,
upon the Hopes of their Services, and Affi-
ſtance? They intrigue at Court, at the Great
Mens and the Miniſters ; though they have
but littleCredit there, yet they are born with;
and they meet with credulous People, whom
they perfuade that they have Intereſt in them
all; few there are at the Pains to trace thein,
chuling rather to take their Word for it, till
they are deceiv'd and convinc'd by Experience,
that

Concerning Impoſture.
I21
that no great Streſs is to be laid upon their
Promiſes. If you would purchaſe a conſide
rable Place at Court, if you have any Law-
Suit of Conquence depending, they promiſe
you that Poſt and the Succeſs of your Suit, as
if they commanded the Miniſters and the
Judges. The Prince diſpoſes of the Prefer-
ment to another, you are worſted in your
Suit, and you know at laſt that they are Vifi-
onaries and Quacks that have neither Intereſt
nor Abilities. 910 I but
Is it to conceal the Shame of their Birth,
that ſome People aſſume Ayres of Greatneſs
ſo unbecoming them? They for ſome time de-
ceive thoſe that are Strangers to them, but
when they are diſcover'd, and the Obſcurity
of their Parentage underſtood, this ſo mil.
plac'd Haughtineſs is never pardon'd them.
There is not a greater Teſtimony of the Cor.
ruption of Manners, and Perverſeneſs of Judg-
ments, than that Preference which is given to
Quality, to the Prejudice of Merit and Vir.
tue. 'Tis an eſtabliſh'd Cuſtom, that no body
arrives to certain Degrees of Greatneſs, with-
out being of an Extraction that prepares the
way to it. The Romans, who judgʻd fo ex-
cellently of Things, reaſon'd very differently
froin us in this. A Man wanted nothing but
Virtue to raiſe him to the inoſt eminent Em-
ploys of the Republick, and perhaps it was
this Emulation that made Rome fo flouriſhing,
and produc'd ſo many Great Men. The Times
are chang'd, and Men of the greateſt Merit,
at preſent, don't gruimble to ſee themſelves
G
kept

122 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
kept back from Preferments by Perſons of an
high Birth, but loweſt Deſerts.
A Man muſt be of a very infolent Complexi.
on to boaſt on all Occaſions the ancient Nobis
lity of his Family, when he is of a mean
Birth, and has no other Luſtre than what his
Wealth reflects, amaſs'd by the Rogueries of a
Father who has robb'd the Prince and People.
Colin braggs an hundred times a Day that he
is born a Gentleman; his father was a Foot-
man, and a thouſand there are at Paris who
have ſeen him in a Livery ; his Comrades are
ſtill alive, who are unexceptionable Witneſſes
of the Meanneſs of his Birth. Content your-
ſelf, Colin, with being rich, make merry,
and enjoy the Crimes of your Father ; but
let your Nobility alone and don't obligé Peo-
ple to lie in Coinplaiſance whom you enter-
tain at your Table.
ISTES 21 TT
No Man is the more valuable for living att
an high Rate, and much above his Condition.
'Tis better to have Gold in one's Coffers, than
in one's Coach or Cloaths ; but at preſent, the
meer Gentleman, or the Banker, is not diſtin-
guifh'd froin a Duke and a Peer of the Realın;
it being the greater or leſs Quantity of Money
that makes all the Difference of Ranks and
Families, and ’tis a Miſchief that has no Ret
medy.
"T is in vain to think of forcing People to
zemember us, who are willing to forget us,
and have fixt their Reſolution. Inſtead of re-
gaining them to our Intereſts, we only exafpe-
rate them againſt us, and redouble their Re-
fent-


Concerning Impoſture. 123
fentments. 'Tis much, if in the Diſpoſition
they are in, they don't do us ill Offices; we
ought, at leaſt, to guard our felves againſt
Treachery, and fear left under their ſpecious
Appearances of requiting our Complements
and Applications to folicit them, they under-
hand play us ſome flippery Tricks.
'Tis vaſtly miſtaking Men, to think to fa-
tisfy them with vain Complements; they are
too much intereſs'd, and expect from you real
Services. Ariſtides embraces and kiſſes all
that viſit him, he offers them his Credit in
the genteeleſt way, and moſt careſſing and
cokeling Expreſſions in the World. The ſame
Complement he made to Hector, he repeats
to Martin, but neither ſerves one nor the o-
ther. We eaſily believe what we deſire, and
yield to an Appearance of Sincerity ; but an
Hope frequently diſappointed, breeds Con-
tempt for thoſe that abuſe our Credulity,
and makes them paſs for Impoſtors. An ho-
neft Man ought to be faithful to his Word,
and promiſe nothing but what he defigns to
give. To
Thoſe Ambidexters ought to be baniſh'd So-
ciety, that load with their Careſſes and En-
braces all they accoft, and make them their
Jeft a Moment after : There's no Obligation
to make great Proteſtations of Friendſhip to
thoſe we hardly know, but we are bound
to
ſpare them when their Back is turn'd. 'Tis
a&ting againſt the Rules of Honour to treat
them otherwiſe.
G2
Lyfidor

124 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Lyſidor has affronted you, and you every
where complain of his unkind Proceeding,
and yet you court him, and are as much at his
Devotion, as if all was well on his Account ;
you are never the ſame Man to Lyſidor, but
when he is abſent. 'Tis a Misfortune to be
oblig'd to break with People that do us ill
Offices, and to have it our Intereſt to keep fair.
with them: but Wheedling is an unpardonable
Fault.
terbesar
1. They that to revenge themſelves of Perſons
they don't love, or that have affronted them,
1pread Satyrs in Proſe or Verſe to decry them,
take a baſe and fcandalous Method. "If they
dare not confeſs them, they are like thoſe
that attack their Enemy behind, but have not
the Courage to meet him Hand to Hand ; if
they do confeſs them, they make themſelves
irreconcilable Enemies, theſe being ſuch Abu-
ſes as are never heartily forgiven.
The Poinancy of fine Raillery, affects Peo-
ple that have a Tafte: But how can thoſe
groſs Ambiguities of obſcene Wits be born with,
who talk before Women upon all ſorts of Suba
je&ts, with a Liberty, which all that have a-
ny Delicacy, ſuffer by it? Do they think to
fer up for Wit, by an unmerciful Treatment
of Women, commonly very Virtuous, whom
they decry by ſcandalous Stories, recounted to
the leaſt Particulars, to give them the greater
Probability. Theſe heedleſs Ways, there infi-
pid Jefts, theſe libertine Diſcourſes, theſe In-
poitures and envenom'd Slanders, expreſs a
Mean.


Concerning Impoſture.
T25
Meanneſs of Soul, and a great Stock of Cor-
ruption, both in the Authors and Applauders.
If you'll believe Clindor, he is well receivid
by all the Women; he boaſts with an Impu-
dence not pardonable in a Page, that he has
had Favours from many Ladies, whoſe Faces,
tis moſt certain, he never ſaw. His Vanity
conce met with a ſtrange Mortification, he
i was glorying that he had given Celanire a
Supper at the blue Poſts, ſhe immediately
came in as he had ended his Story, and he did
not know her: he was ſo out of Countenance,
that he could not recover himſelf: a Confuſion
due to his Impofture!
"Tis a daring Enterprize to go to correct all
thoſe that have committed Faults; he that
will ſuffer nothing in others to eſcape him,
diſturbs his own Repoſe and theirs to: Suf-
fer Eugenia to pretend to Virtue and Diſcre-
on, every body knows her Hiſtory, but ſhe
imagines the deludes the Eyes of the Publick,
and looks upon herſelf as a Pattern of Ma-
nagement. What matters it, if Fauſtina af.
fečts a Cant to make herſelf diſtinguiſh'd,
and repeats twenty times in a quarter of an
Hour, a Word that is but juſt coming up?
The Patrons of this fort make no Precedent.
Lucina, who pretends to the Knowledge of
Hiſtory, every Moment commits Blundets,"
that provoke the Laughter of all that hear
her; the confounds Times and Places, Names
and Characters. What are the Greeks and
Romans to you, whom fhe maims in this Man-
Stub indo vel G 3 solener?

126 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ner? Give her her full Career, and don't up-
ſeaſonably ſet up for a Præceptor...
?Tis too great a Cowardice, fillily to ap-
prove
all the Fooleries of others, and to ex-
claim when they have ſaid an Impertinence,
Admirably well! Nothing could be more hap-
pily hit on! The other Extream ought to be
as carefully avoided. Concur not with thoſe
Banterers that droll upon their Stupidity, nor
applaud their fooliſh Jefts.
Tis ſomewhat inhuman, by infulting
Railleries to aggravate his Confuſion, who
has ſaid a fooliſh Thing; and yet 'tis the
Cuſtom for fome to laugh at the Coſt of o.
thers, who are the ridiculous Subjects. Ex-
pe&t not that Dorita will pardon you the leaſt
Word or the least Gefure; all her Attention
is employ'd not to hear the good Things you
fay, but to obſerve the Incongruities that e.
ſcape you, which the catches up with a ſneer.
ing Laughter; ſhe's upon the Pinacle of Plea.
fure, when ſhe can make you uneaſy, or leſſen
the good Opinion that was entertain'd of
your Marit.
The Flatterer indiſcriminately falls to
work, even upon the moſt common and tri-
vial Things ; he exceſſively commends the
Wide and Meat ; he continually repeats,
to pleaſe the Founder of of the Feaſt, ?Tis
a moſt admirable Diſh, and excellently well
done!
Sound
Great Praiſers are commonly fo, from their
Weakneſs or Want of Sincerity; they dare
not tell People what they think, but' chuſe
rather

Concerning Impoſture.
127
rather to curry them with obliging Lies,
than to make them ſenſible of their Error,
and ſet them right by ſincere Advice. "Tisa
very impertinent Character, that of a perpe.
tual Praiſer. I had rather fome People ſhould
give me ill Language, than hear their trivial
Praiſes, which they proſtitute to all Comers
without Choice or Diſtinction. 'Tis a Vice
sto praiſe every thing, but 'tis a great Injuſtice
to refuſe People the Praiſes they deſerve.
How many are there that can't prevail with
i themſelves to approve of any thing, and that
are unaffected with the beſt things? They
have a moroſe Delicacy that ſtudies only to
diſcover Faults, to have the Pleaſure of cen-
1 furing them.
moOffer not to read your Piece to Cleophas ;
- he is a Cynick who has a Fancy in his Head,
that nothing is good but what he publiſhes,
and that all the Senſe in the World fell to his
been approva" by good Judges, and that's es
nough to make him ſay 'tis naught: The
boldeſt Stroaks will appear to him abomie
nable. He will not ſpare, even thoſe that
a&tually pleaſe him, but rather will betray
his Conſcience than return from his Miſan-
thropy.
"Tis a very wrong Method to gain the E.
fteem of Men, to go about to depretiate
thoſe they have a Kindneſs for. A Man that
miſtruſts himſelf and his own Merit, has re.
courſe to Artifice to recommend and put him-
felt forward : If he has any Honour left,
theſe
G4

128 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
theſe Practices ſtrike him with Remorſe; but
he hardens his Conſcience, and the Love of
Favour and Fortune ftifies all the Remains of
Honeſty.
Great Genius's have but little Admiration,
becauſe few things appear new to them ; and
'tis not to be doubted, but Admiration is the
Symptom of indifferent Senſe, or extravagant
Complaiſance. Your ſhallow Wits reſemble
Children, who think every thing great, ſur-
prizing and extraordinary, and make perpetu.
al Exclamations. Men of Judgment, but
withal, of an eaſy and complaiſant Temper,
know very well what deferves to be prailed,
and perfectly diſtinguiſh it from what is faula
ty and indifferent; but they give way to their
Inclination, and chuſe rather to praiſe in Com-
plaiſance, than to be ſincere and ſpeak unvel-
come Truths.
to bene
Sara HSASANAYASAUSIA
SUSALSAUS
an
of the moroſe Humour.
IT may be ſaid in general, That the moroſe
Humour is the Scourge of civil Society,
that it baniſhes all the Pleaſure of Converſas
tion, that it is the moſt troubleſome of all
Vices, and the Poiſon of Life. This Moroſe-
neſs is the Cauſe that a Man's never content
with himſelf, nor any body elle, that he's per-
petually complaining without Reaſon, and
that

Concerning moroſe Humour. 129
that he brings nioft unhappy Troubles upon
himſelf by his capricious and odd Ways. A
Man of this Kidney always thinks People de
ficient in their Reſpects to tim, and very
ſowrely upbraids them for the leaſt Peccadil.
lo's which his Spleen enlarges and repreſents
as Monſters. If any one forgets him in any
Ceremony or Entertainment, he thinks it an
unpardonable Affront; the moſt fubmiſſive
Complements, and careſſing Expreſons, be
ſuſpeats of Deſign; the greateſt Succeſſes don't
affe& him, and he always views Things on
the worſt fide, to create himſelf Unealineſs.
Tho' a Man has us’d his utinoft Endeavours to
Terve bim in a Buſineſs of Confequence, he be:
lieves he has acted remilly, and in concert
with his Enemies ; le murmurs, bluſters,
threatens to revenge 'himſelf, and indeed, he's
born to no other End but to torment himſelf
and others.
A Man of a lowre Nature indifferently diſ-
Jikes what's uſeful or prejudicial to him; the
Pleaſure he takes in finding Fault, fhuts his
Eyes againſt his own Intereſts; the Prefer-
ment of his Friends does not touch him, but
he laments the Diſgraces of thoſe that are no
ways related to him ; whatever Courſe the
State-Miniſters take, and whatever Event ſuc-
ceeds their A&ions, he always ill-interprets
them, to have occaſion for Cenſure; he accu-
ſes them of want of Judgment, when they
beſtow Favours, and of Injuſtice, when they
are oblig'd, for good Reaſons, to uſe Severity.
G 5
All

130 Refleétions upon Ridicule:
All the Steps that have been made theſe
thirty Years by a Man born to afflict Europe,
and who may be call'd the Scourge of God,
to Gerion ſeem Maſter-pieces of State-Policy.
In vain you repreſent to him that Chance, and
a lucky Jun&ture of Times, and the Slug giſh-
neſs of his Neighbours, have more contributed
to his Hero's Succeſs than his own Genius and
Abilities; he continues obſtinately to admire
him: Tell him how he has been beaten, and
what Battles he has loft, and he anſwers, that
his Defeats give a Luftre to his Glory, and that
even in the Field of Blenheim he out-ſhines
the Conquerors. Get rid of this ſtum in your
Blood, Gerion, if you'll judge well of Things,
remove that Jaundice from your Eyes that
repreſents all Things of a wrong. Colour ;
contemplate your Hero in his natural Propor-
tions; ſtrip him of his uſurp'd and borrow'd
Feathers, and he'll reſemble the Jack-Daw in
the Fable.
In order to take off the keenneſs of his Spleen
and ill Nature, he ought to ſuppoſe that the
World is full of abſurd and diſagreeable Peo-
ple, that have rough and ill-bred Ways, and
know not the Rules of Life; and that he muſt
either habituate himſelf to the Fooleries of
others, or ſequeſter himfelf from human Coin-
Inerce.
How quietly would Life fow on, if all
Mankind was reaſonable? But the Brutiſhneſs
wherewith they treat one another, deſtroys all
the Pleaſure of it; it ſeeming to be their main
Intention to make one another reciprocally
dil

Concerning moroſe Humour. 131
for you.
diſcontented and uneaſy. In all Matters of
Debate, each thinks to make his Party good,
though to the Prejudice of Equity and Ho-
neſty: If you alk a Man any Favour, he either
denies you, or ſtudies how to draw all the Ad-
vantage of it himſelf. There are ſome that
carry their ill-humour fo far as even to envy
you the Benefit they themſelves have procur'd
The Moroſe and Cenforious are extreamly
troubleſome ; but’tis likewiſe a contemptible
Baſeneſs, fordidly to flatter every body's Opi.
nions.
?Tis impoſſible to live long with Men with
out having frequent Occaſion to complain ;
the beft way to preſerve our own Quiet, is
bandſomly to diſſemble the Subjects of Unea-
fineſs that are given us. Has any one done
any thing to diſturb you? You muit not inſult
him hereupon, nor ſhame him by taxing him
with his Fault in reproachful Terms; endea-
vour by Gentleneſs to reduce him to Reaſon
and his Duty. Chuſe your proper Seaſons to
infinuate your felf into him ; if you ſay any
thing ſevere, foften it with good Nature, and
let no Gall nor Vinegar appear in your Remon-
ſtrances. The leaſt thing that is ſaid or done
amiſs before Marſina, ſhe cenfures in a ſtrange
proud and ill-natur á manner. She racks hir
Wits to vex you, and to find pretty Expreſ-
ſions to make the Company merry at your
Coſt; after ſhe has ſaid the ſame thing an
hundred times, ſhe repeats it again when no
body thinks of it, and when the Subject is
worn

132 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
391153. DO
worn threadbare. Is it not a fufficient Mortí-
fication for one that has committed a Fault,
to have Witneſſes of his Folly ? Ought we to
add Inſults to his Confufion, and continually
lead the Diſcourſe to the fame difobliging To-
pick? 'Tis a ſign of an ill-contriv'd Soul, to
take a malicious Pleaſure in the Shame and
Uneaſineſs of others.
Don't always make believe you fee the
Faults of thoſe you converſe with ; inſtead of
upbraiding them larſhly with them, artfully
overlook them, if you deſire to pleaſe them
with your Converſation. There are a ſort of
People whom you cannot accoſt without
Trembling, becauſe they have always ſome
vexatious thing to fay, or fome ill News to
tell, and they uſe no Addreſs to ſave
your
Bluſhes or cultivate your tender Part.
None but thoſe whom we are nearly con.
cern’d for, or are to anfwer for, fhould make
us ſolicitous about their Condu&t: Others may
Tafely commit all the Extravagancies and Fols
lies they think fit, whilſt we have no reaſon
to be difturb'd at them. That's a huinour.
ſome Peeviſlıneſs of fome People, who always
find ſomething to reform in every one's Beha.
viour. What a bold Undertaking or Pre-
fumption is it to go to correct Abuſes eſtabliſh'd
by a long Cuſtom? The way to live eaſy, is to
mind our own Buſineſs, and leave others
' to
take care of theirs. Have we not Diſturban-
ces enough at home? Why ſhould we over.
charge our ſelves and admit uſeleſs Troubles?
But that which is moſt ſurprizing is, that
they

Cóncerning moroſe Humour. 133
they that are moſt obnoxious, are the fore
wardeſt to cenſure the Conduct of all the
World: They are not affected with their own
Faults, though never ſo groſs, but are alarm’d
at the leaſt Imperfections of their Neighbours;
you would think it was incumbent on them
to reform Mankind, and they were perfonally
to account for it to the Publick. Leave others
their full Liberty, you have need of your
whole Attention for your ſelf. Some one hour
If the Reprimands that are given you are
well grounded, why do you take pet and vex
yourſelf as you do? Profit by the good Advi-
ces you receive, though they are not, perhaps,
given with a good Grace, nor with all the
Softnings you defire. If you are wrongfully
found Fault with, you ought ftill to be the
leſs diſturb’d, fince it is not you, but your
Shadow that's attack'd.
Though you ought not to be tenacious of
your Counſels when you are conſulted, yet
why ſhould you make your Remonſtrances
to thoſe that don't aſk your Advice? Would
you be conſider'd as the Tyrant of your Fami-
ly? 'Tis a mighty Preſumption to think our
ſelves capable of preſcribing the Rules of o-
thers Conduct, and an intolerable Tyranny to
pretend to ſubject them to our Humours.
The moſt ordinary Folly incident to old
Men, is to be perpetually le&uring Youth,
whioh repays then with Raillery. 1Tis not
always out of a real Zeal, that they cenſure
others Actions, but an Effect of their Maligni-
ty, or the Infirmity of Age: Diſabled to P.ea-
ſures.

134 Reflections upon Ridicule.
fures, they are angry that others ſhould be
capable of doing what themſelves did when
they were young. Cleantes often ſays, that
that which troubles him moſt in the Caſe of
Mortality, is, that People will frequent the
Park, and Balls, and Plays, and enjoy all o-
ther Pleaſures after he is dead.es
Old Men that have Senſe and Memory
would be very uſeful if they were leſs Cenfor
rious and Moroſe ; but young Folks can't bear
the Tedium of their Stories of Times paſt,
and their infipid Railleries upon the modern
Ways, which they can't approve; which is
the Reaſon that they ſhun them, and ſo de-
prive themſelves of the Fruit they might
reap from their Precepts and confummate
Experience ; which is, perhaps, the only
thing wanting in young People to perfe&t and
qualify them for important Services. 12
O'Tis an unreaſonable Scruple, or an extrava-
gant Severity to pretend to interdiet Society
all ſorts of Plays z innocent and moderate
Gaming, unites and keeps up Converſation.
Perſons of Quality, who have no ſtated Em-
ployments, are at a loſs, moſt commonly,
how to paſs their Tiine, ſerious Diſcourſes
being weariſom; but Play, ought to be mode-
rated, and we are to moderate ourſelves in
playing; they that play with Paſſion, or to
varice, or Intereſt, commonly forget them.
felves they rage, and fwear, and grow extra-
vagant, when they have ill-luck and betray
the sordidneſs of their Sentiments. Gaming
ought not to be us’d as an Employment, and
take

Concerning moroſe Humour. 135
take up all our Leiſure. ?Tis a wretched Pro.
feſſion to ſpend all one's Life in beholding the
Cards, and throwing the Dice: Play ought to
be confider'd only as an innocent Amuſement
to divert us from more ſerious Occupations.
Marriages would be happy and delightful,
if the married would compaſſionate the Weake
neſſes, and bear with the Faults of one ano-
ther. ?Tis a long Life they lead, who are o-
blig'd to be together Night and Day, and be
they never fo well match’d, 'tis hard if they
have not ſome things inutually to pardon each
other. Tis very ſtrange there are ſo few con-
tented Matches, that people who have excel-
lent Qualities, that are civil and well bred,
come together only to make one another un-
eaſy, They have neither Regards, nor Cau.
tions, nor Complaiſance for one another; they
are deſir'd in all Companies abroad, and are as
wild Beaſts at home, one would ſay that all
their good Nature was exhauſted out of Doors,
and they kept only the Dregs of their ill Hus
mour for their Family. 2004
I can't comprehend the Politicks of ſome
Women, that purpoſely give their Huſbands
Diſcontents ; there ſeems to be ſomething of
Myſtery in all they do, they affect Freedoms
of Carriage and Complaiſance to thoſe that
make Court and Application to them ; they
commend them before their Huſbands, who
can't be over pleas'd to hear fuch fort of Panes
gyricks. Frontina affe&ts to fhew more Coa
quettry than the really has; fhe has no mana
ner of Obſervance for her Huſband, and the?
he

1361 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
he be very fuſceptible of jealous Impreſſions,
ſhe is extravagantly complaiſant to the Sparks
that careſs her, wito have Merit enough to be
her Lovers.
The Suſpicions of Huſbands, and Diſquiet
they give themſelves to trace their Spouſes
Conduct, are often fatal to their Repoſe and
Honour. A Woman under Conſtraint; that is
too clofely watch'd, ſometimes takes violent
Reſolutions, however naturally indiſpos'd to
them. Too ſmart Reproaches on triting Sub-
jects, and the Peeviſhneſs fome Huſbands ex-
preſs, when they loſe Sight of their Wives
but for a Minute, have never good Effects
thefe Miſgivings open a Gate to a thouſand'
Solicitudes and Debates that deſtroy mutual
Confidence, and extinguiſh conjugal Affecti-
Gentleneſs is the beft way to make a Man
lov'd and reſpected in his family. A Perſon
of Quality makes himſelf contemptible,
when he talks paffionately to his Servants,
and never opens his Mouth but to abuſe them.
If you expreſs Anger in rebuking them for
their Faults, if you are harſh and bitter in
your Reproaches, you rather confound them,
than poiſefs them with the Defire of doing
better ; but they are too malicious to fufter
this ill Treatment to paſs unrevenged, which
their preſent Circumſtances permits not to
avoid; though their Sentiments are fordid,
they have, however, a ſecret Pride, which
renders their Injuries inſupportable; their
Preſumption is not cruſh'd by the weight of
Ne-
on.

Concerning moroſe Humour. 137
Neceſſity, they examine their Maſters, and
eenſure them without Mercy, becauſe they
judge of them by the baſeneſs of their own
Genius, and by this means they make them-
ſelves amends for the ill Language and Dif-
content they have given them. Spight, which
is a Conſequence of their ill Fortune, and De-
fire of miſchieving thoſe who are happier
than they, nouriſhes the Averfion they have
for their Commanders: Nevertheleſs, the Pub-
lick hears them as creditable Witneſſes, becauſe
they affirm they have ſeen, what only they
have imagin’d; and ſometimes the Impofture
of a Servant ſeandalizing his Maſter, is more
favourably judgid of, than the Honesty of
the Maſter himſelf who is falſly abuſed
In order to live at Peace with others, we
ought to be confiftentwith our felves. A Man
of a reſtleſs froward Temper, who kuows
not what he would, or would not have, puts
himſelf upon many inſignificant Motions,
and gives Uneaſineſs to thoſe about him, who
muſt bear the Trouble of his Whimſies and ill
Humour: the World abounds with this fort of
People, and what need have we to feek any
other Cauſe of the little Satisfaction we find
in human Converſation ? People of the beſt
Reaſon have ſometimes Moments of Diſguſt
and Uneaſineſs, in which they have much ado
to ſupport themſelves. In my Opinion, when
they find themſelves in this Condition, they
fhould confine themſelves at home, and fee as
few as poſſible, left the Publick ſhould be a
Witneſs of their ill Humour and fuffer by it.
When

138. Reflexions upon Ridicule :
When Darlina makes a Vifit, ſhe's no ſooner
ſeated in her Elbow-Chair, but ſhe begins to
harangue and declaim againſt her Huſband,
her Children, and her Servants ; fhe enumé-
rates all the Pranks they have plaid her, and
all the Occaſion ſhe has for Complaint; and
ſhe aſks the Company, whether the be not the
moſt miſerable Woman in the World: What
Entertaininent is this for People who mean:
-only to be pleaſant, and have no Intereſt in
the Squabbles of Darſina's and her Valets ?
I would have nothing to do with People,
who make a Myſtery of every thing, and
give out their Impertinences for Secrets. Young
ſhallow Wito, and they that are over fond of
themſelves, magnify the Objects, and think
that every thing relating to them is of the
greateſt Conſequence: They are always ready
to fue you, if you relate again to others thoſe
Trifles they have intruſted you with, which
merit not ſo much as a bare attention.in
There's ſomething of ill Nature in the faint
Commendations of Things which deſerve
great Praiſes ; but they that pretend hereby to
lefſen the Merit of others, only injure them-
felves. It's eaſy to perceeive their ill Hu.
mour, which prevents not our doing Juſtice
to thoſe that excel in any rare and noble Qua-
lifications.
Lyfimon believes that no body has ſuch a
Share of Wit as himſelf; he can't be perfuaded
that others can do any thing that is tolerable,
for which Reaſon he is very ſparing of his
Praiſe, and pities the Works that every body
elſe
TO

Concerning moroſe Humour: 139
elſe applauds; he criticks them with a Mc..
roſeneſs that is a Diverſion to Spectators, there
being a fort of Comedy in the Motions and
Contortions he gives himſelf, to leſſen the E.
ſteem famous Authors have merited by their
excellent Performances.
Your denying juſt Praiſes to Deſert does not
always ruin the Publick’s good Opinion of it ;
but it inakes the Publick regard you as an
envious or injudicious Man. If you defire to
be eſteem’d, and have Juſtice done you, be
equitable to others, and let it not appear that
their Merit is your Torture.
At laſt, after many Importunities, you
grant what is deſired of you ; you keep Peo-
ple languiſhing that have need of your Alli-
Itance, and inſtead of obliging them by your
Favours, give them reaſon to complain of
you, though they have obtain'd their Re.
queſts. Diſcover not in an uneaſy Face,
the Reluctance you have to do them a Plea-
fure.
les
21
The Life of worthy Men, is a mutual Cor.
reſpondence of Benefits and good Offices; 'tis
impoſſible to live without one another, and
he ſhould baniſh himſelf the World, who
should be good for nothing; but it is not e-
nough to grant what is aſk'd, unleſs it be given
with a good Grace: Why would you loſe the
Fruit of a good Office, by giving it in a way
of Refuſal?
If
you
would have the Acknowledgments
of thoſe you do a Kindneſs to, do it not in a
languiſhing manner, as if it were in Spight:
Don't

140 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
an
Don't ſtay till your Friends explain their New
ceſlities, and force you to affiſt them. Bene.
factions ill tim'd' and temper'd, turn the Sto.
machs, and raiſe Indignation inſtead of pro.
curing the Gratitude of thoſe you diſoblige,
whilft you would do thein Service.
To be always telling Stories, is a ſign of
but indifferent and ſuperficial Wit, or that
is fond and conceited of itſelf. But who can
ebear to hear the ſame thing an hundred times
repeated? What do they mean that thus ftun
the World with their importunate Repetitions ?
Is it that the Pleaſure of Talking deprives
them of their Memory or Reflexion, ſince
they remember not that they have ſaid but a
Moment before, what they repeat with ſo
much Emphaſis, and give out as a new
* But’tis worſe and worſe when the Subject is
fiat and diſagreeable ; ever ſince Felina has
loft her Cauſe, ſhe can't talk of any thing-elſe;
She repeats the entire Pleas that the Advocates
made pro and con; ſhe computes how much
Money this Buſinefs coſt her, and reckoning
all the Broad-Pieces and Guineas ſhe fee'd
with, during the whole Proceſs; the clamours
and declaims vehemently againſt the Corrup-
tion of the Judges, and eſpecially the Rogue.
ries of the Lawyers. Having given a long
and tedious Account of her Affair, citing the
Days of the Month, and the Perſons that were
concern'd in it, ſhe is ready to begin it again,
to entertain the next Perſon that appears in the
Company.
Thing.com
?Tis

Concerning moroſe Humour. 144
20
'Tis a great Mark of Weakneſs to be eter-
nally complaining of our Misfortunes, and
deafning all we meet with the Account of
them; we ſeek to ſolace and amuſe our af-
flictions by theſe Recitals; but in my Mind,
we ought to conceal our Difgraces to all but
thoſe that can remedy them.
But we are not to believe that it is always
in Chagrin, that a Man declaims againſt his
evil Fortune; it often proceeds from a ſecret
Pride. He would inſinuate that he has Me-
rit, and that the World does not do him Ju-
ſtice; fome Remains of Modeſty will not let
him ſpeak more openly, but he uſes this Sub-
terfuge to indulge his Vanity, and in fome
fort, ſave outward Appearances.
Thoſe Formalifts, who demand Explicati.
ons of the leaſt ambiguous Word, and al-
ways
think that they are ridicul'd, are con-
ſcious of their own Weakneſs, and deſerving,
to be deſpiſed. A wretched Temper of
Mind !
- If
you angrily demand Deferences to be
paid you, People will flatter you, perlaps,
in ſhew, but will eſteem you never the more.
A Man that diſcovers his good Opinion of
himſelf, feldom procures Eiteem, unleſs his
Preſumption be ſupported by eminent Quali.
ties Men that love Liberty in all Things,
would beſtow their Incenſe freely.
There needs no more than a ſingle Word
miſplac'd, to caſt a Man puff’d up with his
Merit, into a Labyrinth of affli&ting Thoughts;
whoever is under this Prepoffeflion can pro-
mile

142 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
miſe little for his own Repoſe. He always
believes ſome People have a malicious Mean-
ing, and puts an ill Interpretation upon all
they do, and all they fay; their Comple,
ments, Submiſſions and Civilities, are look'd
upon as ſo many Affronts.
They are not always our ill Qualities that
create us the moſt Enemies, but our Virtues
and Deſerts. Plautina falls foul upon Ancia,
only becauſe ſhe is moleſted with the Praiſes
that are given this formidable Rival: She
complains that ſhe has done her ill Offices,
which is only a Pretext to conceal her Spight
and Jealouſy. Ancia's Beauty and regular
Conduet, her genteel and engaging Ways
that have acquired her ſo great a Reputation,
put Plautina out of her Senſes, and have
canker'd her againſt her Rival ; ſhe cannot
tell how to pardon her her Merit.
If a Man could prevail with himſelf to
feem not to hear thoſe that ſpeak ill of him,
he would ſave hiinſelf a great many vexatious
and troubleſome Diſputes. We muſt not pre-
tend to hinder People from ſpeaking their
Minds freely, but it is entirely in our Power
not to appear diſturbid; this is the forteſt
and ſureſt way to baffle Obloquy, and to leni-
fy the ill Humour of our Slanderers ; they
in foine fort reſemble Children, that the more
eagerly perfift to vex their Companions, when
they are too ſenſible of the little Miſchiefs
they do them, but ceaſe to diſturb them,
when they only laugh at it. Calumny moſt
commonly proceeds, not from a deſign of
dir

Concerning moroſe Humour. 143
diſpleaſing, or affronting us, but from the
common Cuſtom in the World, of flandering
our Neighbour ; but though it ſhould be the
Effect of Malice, yet the Thorteſt Way would
be to diffemble it, and not complain. 's most
Tis well known that ſome people throw
out Jefts and Calumnies, not with a preme-
ditate Deſign of Miſchief, but commonly to
ſhew their Parts. Could they not find fome
innocent Subje&s to paſs their Time, without
expoſing themſelves as they do, to cutting
Reflexions? Jeſters and Defamers frequently
fuffer the ſmart of their own Teſts, and Sa-
tyrs. tem
sto
It is not leſs cowardly to ſpeak ill of the
Dead, than it would be to kill an Enemy
incapable of making his own Defence: We
live in an Age wherein every one takes great
Liberties of judging his Neighbour; they ſeem
to fum up the good and ill Qualities of the
Dead, and to reprint in their Minds as their
Paſſion leads them, their ſubjects of Com-
plaint, to inake their Epitaph according to
their Fancy. What a Cruelty 'tis to ill-treat
thoſe that are incapable of Defence, whom
perhaps they durft not look in the face, if
they were ſtill alive. bony
The moſt vehement Slanderers and Defa-
Iners are fometimes ſuch as are obnoxious to
the greateſt Reproaches ; thoſe very Perſons
that ſeem to applaud them, conſider them
with Horror, and give them wretched Cha-
racters, when they ſpeak their Minds. Ca-
lumny is the ſign of a light, reſtleſs, jealous
and

144 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
and malicious Soul, that ſeems to content it
ſelf, or pleaſe others by fo criminal a Practice.
· A Man cannot forbear laughing openly at
Lucilla, who conſtantly inveiglis againſt Wo-
men on the leaſt Suſpicion of Gallantry.b Has
Lucilla forgotten that before ſhe was Married,
Me had an Affair that made a great Noiſe in
the World, and diſgrac'd her ? She can't fiat-
ter herſelf that the Publick is ignorant of
this Adventure, when ſhe was defam'd in o-
pen Court ; fince her Marriage, ſhe has not
chang’d her Method; and yet you would ſay,
if you heard her talk, that ſhe was the only
regular Woman, that the deſcended from Lui.
cretia in a right Line, and poſſeſs’d her Senſe
and Vertue. Its
Is it out of Envy, that we blame in others
ſome Advantages they have, and we have
not, but perhaps would gladly have? Is it!
fantaſtick Moroſeneſs that diſpoſes us to find
fault with every thing? Certainly 'tis not
the love of a ſtrict Life that makes us ex-
claim againſt the
Proſperity of certain Peo-
ple that flow in Riches and Honours ; thoſe
that have made the greateſt Exclamations,
change their Sentiments and Language when-
ever any glimpſe of good Fortune darts upon
theni. bus is ebasta 19
When we compare the Merit of ſome Per-
ſons in Favour, and find it inferior to our
own, this redoubles our Indignation againſt
them: 'Tis very rare to ſee Favourites gene-
rally approv'd. They that think they equally
deſerve the Poſts poflefs’d by them, look upon
their

Concerning Impertinence. 145
their Favour as an Uſurpation. 'Tis much
if they have Reſerve enough not to complain
openly, and impudently let themſelves above
them by an odious Parallel.
They loſe their Time and Labour, that fet
up for Reformers, ſince Men have always liv’d
after the fame Faſhion: 'Tis an obſolete Phraſe
to ſay, the Age is Corrupted; the fame Vices
and Paſſions, the ſame Dotages and Weakneſ-
ſes have always reign'd in all the Succeſſions
of Time. He expoſes himſelf to Laughter,
who reproaches others with the ſame Vices he
is conſcious of himſelf. They that by their
Place and Miniſtry, are oblig'd to take Care
of others Conduet, grow very contemptible,
unleſs they lead an unblamable Life, or havé
Skill to conceal their Faults, and hide them
from the Eyes of the World.
St Hift 250 912 svariad of 2.913
Connondale
bus vol e sil 10 TITS
sosges
of impertinence.
YST Iud
Tabris loo I trag od fuma vadi sud
Mpertinence proceeds from want of Attenti.
on to our Words and Actions. An imiper-
tinent Man talks inuch, and inconſiderately;
he acts in the fame inanner: He knows not
what is to be kept in or diſſembled, nor has a-
ny Taſte to diſtinguiſh what can pleaſe or diſ
pleaſe reaſonable People: His Judgment is
not ſo much as able to ſeparate the Qualities
H
that

146 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
that may ſet off a Man, from thoſe that can
lelſen an idea of his Merit. He is proud,
haughty, incivil; he praiſes himſelf without
Diſcretion, and deſpiſes others without Re-
ſerve, and often applauds himſelf for ſome
fooliſh thing he has ſaid,
Pride is more eaſily pardon'd in Perfons of
a great Merit, but when thoſe of but an in-
different one pretend to it, they only draw
Contempt upon themſelves. A little Pride is
not mill-ecoming a young Woman perfectly
handſome : Youth and Beauty give great Prie
vileges : But would
Belifa have Homage paid
to her antiquated Charms, now ſhe is paſt
Forty? The remembrance of Beauty paft is a
Counterpoiſe to Pride, and no juft Occaſion
for Prefúmption. 'Tis vaft Impertinence in
an old Woman, to think to fet up for Pretti-
neſs, to believe ſhe has ftill Attra&tives, to
dreſs herſelf like a Pageant, and affect all
the little Fopperies of wanton Girls; to flat-
ter herſelf that ſhe is lov'd, and to talk of
her Sparks.
There's no Man
fo
but
may have Countenancers ;
but they muſt be greater Fools and Imperti-
nents than himſelf. Hence ſo many wretched
Writings find Protectors, becauſe all Readers
don't abound with Senſe, or Juſtice. An Au-
thór fhould not value himſelf for ſeeing his
Book extoll'd by the Croud, but only be
touched with the Praiſes of the Honeſt and
Judicious. It's a miſerable thing to be ad-
mir'd and prais'd by none but Fools. And
the

Concerning Impertinence. 147
the ill Conſequences theſe counterband Praiſes
have, is to fufh the Extravagance of an Au-
thor, who is ſtill a greater Cully than thoſe
who ſtifle him with their Incenſe.
An Author who reads his Piece to his Friends,
with Deſign to profit by their Advice; who
takes their Cenſures kindly; who yields to
Reaſon, and corrects the negle&ted Places
without Murmuring, is to be eſteem'd for his
docile Temper. But the moſt intolerable ſort
of Men, in my Opinion, are thoſe that are
conceited of every thing they do, read only
to be admir’d. What a Torture is it to hear a
Fool applaud himſelf for a ſimple, thread-
bare, trivial Thought, and to ſee himſelf
raviſh'd with the Beauties of his work, where.
in the judicious diſcover not the leaſt glimpſe
of good Senſe! A Man knows not how to
behave himſelf towards this fort of People,
for they will not be cenſur'd: Nor is it fuf-
ficient for their Vanity, that you ſeem to ap-
prove it by your Mien and Geſtures, but they
muſt be cry'd up and extold. Men of Senſe
and Sincerity undergo a double Pain, in hear-
ing theſe Impertinencies, and being in ſome
ſort oblig'd to applaud them out of Complai-
ſance.
LUGE
"Tis impoſſible to hide one's ſelf from Fa-
del's Perfecutions ; he ſtill finds you out ; and
has always his Pockets full of Sonnets, Ma-
drigals, Ballads, and Epigrams; with one or
other of which he attacks you: He declaims
in the middle of the Streets, as if he was in
the
H 2

148 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
the Theatre : In a Moment he is ſurround-
ed, like a Mountebank, by the Paſſengers,
who cannot ſufficiently admire the Extrava-
gance of the Man, and his ridiculous Fondneſs
of Commendation. i referody rodu A0A
To know a great deal, and pretend to no.
thing, are two things hard to be allied. Pro-
feſs'd Scholars are commonly extreinely fooliſh
and ridiculous, becauſe of their abſurd Paſſi-
son to have their Learning known: They dif-
a courſe of ſublime Things to People that are
unaffected with them; and who, inſtead of
s reſpecting them as Learned, look upon them
-as Pedants, and Impertinents, that turn their
Brains to hear them. Climon, in his Viſits
to the Woinen, talks of nothing but Algebra,
and will force them, whether they will or no,
o to comprehend the Properties of the Elipſis
and Parabola : Don't miſtake him, that his
Deſign is to teach them Algebra, he would on-
ly be thought a great Mathematician: They
take his Word for it, and excuſe him his De-
monſtrations. Sleza beat
The Reaſon why the Learned are leſs fit for
Converſation than Perſons of a meaner Eru-
Idition, is, that they are not condeſcending e-
nough: They would belreve they diſhonourd
their Science, and but ill maintaind the Cha.
ra&ter of a Scholer, if they ſtoop'd to talk
-of Trifles, which make up the Subject of
Diſcourſe: Unleſs they are cautious, they of-
ten act a foolish Part, and are put upon by
Perſons inferior to them in Learning, who
with a good Grace, and lively Ayre, ſpeak
plain

Concerning Impertinence. 1499
plain and eaſy things, which are much more
affecting than the fublime Diſcourſes of the
Learned tupe ort and s'10
The ignorant, and People of mean Senſes
are they that talk moſt in Company. They
have not Judgment enough to know, that
what they ſay is not worth the hearing: Men
of Learning, whoſe Thoughts are deep in
ſerious Meditation, ſpeak but little; becauſe-
they are either too attentive to what they are
thinking on, or are not well enough fatisfyd:
with what they are to ſay:: Others are more
venturous, and prefumptuous, and content
with themſelves and their Diſcourſe: But they
that hear them are of different Sentiments.
There's nothing more r diculous than a Man
who is conſtantly applauding his good Mien,
and is one of the firſt to talk of it; who ſets
up for a Beauty, and a Beau, and courts your
Commendation of his fine Shape, and his
white Teeth The Women that are caught
by theſe Attractives, muſt be very filly. How
can they endure a Man who has all the little
apiſh Ways and Affectations of the Finicks
whoſe Dreſs and Ayre, Diſcourſe and Motions,
and Actions, have nothing of a Man in them;
but all is effeminate, even to the Wink of the
Eye, the Motion of the Head, and the Sound.
of the Voice.
It has been often told you, Phildor', that
your Behaviour and Diſcourſe have no affi.
nity with your Profeſſion. They that ſee you
in the Campaign in the Summer, think they
ſee another Man in you in the Winter. Why
that
H 3

1501 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
that profuſion of Ribbons, that wonderful
Care of your Dreſs! You fpend more time at
your Toilet than the meereſt Coquet in Lon-
don. You laugh at ferious Matters, only to
fhew your white Teeth. Did you e'er read in
the Greek or Ronan Hiſtory, that Alexan.
der's, or Cæfar's Officers wore Patches? Either
quit your Martial Profeſſion, or behave your
felf more ſuitably to your Employ. MG
Is it thro' Haughtineſs or Stupidity, that
fome People offend fo much againſt Decorum?
During a whole Viſit, they do nothing but
repeat the Ayres of the Opera, loll in an El.
bow-Chair, ºfwear brutiſhly before Women,
whine to thein their amorous Nonſenſe, talk
of the Wines and Liquors they drank at their
laſt Meal. Formerly young Men were ftudi.
ous of Complaiſance; they were good hu.
mour'd, genteel, well-bred, officious, but of
late their Manners are chang'd; they are con.
ceited, peremptory, unpolite, uncomplaiſant,
preſumptuous, brutal. "You'd think they ne.
ver opend their Mouth, but to difoblige thoſe
they ſpoke to.
Another Species of Impertinents, no leſs
frequent in civil Society, are thoſe that des
ſpiſe what others ſay and do; and are ſo-fuffi-
cient in themſelves, as to diſcover their ill O.
pinion of it. Puft'd up with their own Mee
rit, they can't condeſcend to admire
any
thing whatever. If any one has done or ſaid
any thing that is rational before them, and
is prais'd for it, they affirm that it may be
done better, and fail not to quote themſelves
for



Concerning Impertinence. ISI
for Patterns: The Company laughs at them to-
their Face, and is not at the Pains to cure
them of their Extravagance.
I falute Dorantes with all the Civility ima.
ginabk, I pay him my Coinplement ; but he
neither hears nor fees me: A Moment after he
calls to mind that I have ſpoke to him, and I
muſt complement him over again. Dorantes
feeins to have all the Burden of the State up-
on his Shoulders, and that his vaſt Occupati-
ons hinder him from thinking of Pun&ilio's,
and difpenfe with the Duties of Civility,
Lucilia is conſtantly quarrelling with her
Servants, and without Occaſion : A broken
Glaſs puts her beſides herſelf, and throws her
off all Regards to thoſe that viſit her ; who
are forc'd to endure all the ill Language the
beſtows upon her Valets. She deſcribes their
Manners and Inclinations reſpectively, and is
continually complaining ſhe is a Woman the
worſt ferv'd in England. What a Miſery is
this to her Viſitants, who have no Curioſity
to learn the Squabbles that happen betwixt
her and her Domeſticks.
'Tis almoſt impoffible for Perfons of the
ſame Profeſſion, or Candidates for the fame
Employs, to be void of Jealouſie: If they
can keep it from appearing, they will avoid
the Shame attending that reſtleſs Paſſion; it
they cannot maſter their Indignations they'll
be guilty of a thouſand Extravagancies,
that will make their Diſcontent ſtil more --
and more ridiculous.
Thoſe
SO
HA

152 Reflexions upon Ridicule: .
on that
Thoſe that have no Complaiſance for you,
but gruff you upon your good Succeſſes, do it
often from a ſecret Jealouſie, and apprehenfio
you out-ſhine them; when a Man is
fo unhappy as to be ſo mean-ſpirited, he ought;
at leaſt, to conceal it from the Publick ;
it
being a great Impertinence purpoſely to decry
himſelf.
9?Fis a Paſs-tiine beyond Jefting, to careſs a
Man with Blows, to pluck off his Perriwig,
to give him ill Names, and to load him with
horrid Abules; they that take this Method do
it only by way of Foolery: But it is a kind of
Diverfion which ought to be left to Porters
and Footinen,
'Tis for want of Converſation, or Educati.
on, or through a fooliſh Simplicity, that
fome young Women affect too wild a Shyneſs,
and too ſcrupulous a Modeſty: A Man knows
not what to fay to them, nor what Subject to
put thein
upon, to make them fpeak, fo fear-
ful they are of giving themſelves Liberty.
Cleonine, during the whole Converſation, lits
with her Arms a-croſs like an Innocent, and
never anſwers the Civilities and Complements
you pay her; or if ſhe fpeaks, it is with a
languiſhing and filly Tone, and an Affectation
that makes her ridiculous. Becauſe ſhe is
handſom enough, ſhe thinks it is ſufficient to
fhew 'herſelf like a Statue of Snow, and that
her Red and White give her a preference to
al her Rivals, Dista
Your everlaſting Queſtioners are a ſort of
Inſupportable People. They allow you not
time

Concerning Impertinence. 153
time to anſwer the firſt Queſtion they have
aſk”d, but haſtily begin upon a ſecond ; and
all the Diſcourſe conſiſts in Queries and precipi.
tate Anſwers: Great Talkers, who would ſtill
ufurp the Diſcourſe, love this rambling Me-
thod"; but rational People, who always ſpeak
to the Purpoſe, don't find their Account-in it.
What Patience does it not require, to lear a
Man that comes with a compos'd Look and
aſks you an hundred Queſtions when you are
full of Buſineſs, or are intent upon things
that will not ſuffer you to think on Trifles ?
It is ſo eaſy to diſcover whether his Preſence
be acceptable or unwelcome, provided "he
make any Reflexion, that he cannot be mi.
ſtaken. But the good Opinion every one
has of his own Merit, will not fuper hin
to ſee that he is look'd upon as an Imper-
tinent.
How hard is it to command Atten' on any
lo:ig time in any kind whatever! the teſt
things diſguſt at laſt: In a fine Voiee juſtly
manag’d, in a Lute delicately touchd; there
are great Charms; but continual 1 nging or
playing upon the Lute tires the Hearer. The
Ext avagance of thoſe who have theſe Talents
confifts in perſecuting you with their Ayr,
and their new Pieces, which pleaſe for the
firſt quarter of an Hour, but fatigue after-
wards by their Ex eſs. tol s ri
There are ſome Seaſons wherein you muſt
háve Complaiſance and hear Raillery, unleſs
you would be tought phantaftick and ridi.
culous. He knows not the Art of Living,
H5
DOS

154 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
nor underſtands his own Intereſt who takes Pett:
at things that are lightly ſaid, and without De.
fign to give Offence. If the Humour be in.
nocent, 'tis brutal to make affrontive Replies:
The fureſt Revenge is a quick and ſmart Re.
partee, that puniſhes the Humouriſt, or de-
feats him with his own Weapons. If the
Drollery be exceſſive, a Man may put on a
ſerious Ayre, to ſignify that it is not agreea.
ble, and that he has Reaſon to take Excep-
tion.
'Tis but of late Days that Perſons of Qua.
lity of a certain Age have taken up Liberties a-
mongſt themſelves, and a ſort of Behaviour that
would not be pardon'd in their Footmen :
They have no Deterence, no Reſpect for one
another, their Language is groſs Abuſe; they
unveil the Myſteries of their Debauchery,
and defcribe them to the leaſt Particular:
Relations that ſhould cover them with Con..
fuſion, if they had any Remains of Huma-
nity left. This frank and frolick way of
treating one another, is the Reaſon that be.
fore Women of Merit they are quite thrown
off their Biaſs, and have not a Word to ſay ;
they are put into a preternatural State, and
by that Conſtraint loſe that little Senſe they
have.
Joliniac is a ſort of petty Maſters that
thinks himſelf very Modiſh, and that
he lays an Obligation on thoſe he viſits:
He talks of nothing but Bargains, Dogs,
Horles, Stag-hunting, and a thouſand chime.
Inal


Concerning Impertinence: 155
rical Projects of Diverſion, and all this comes
to nothing. He is perpetually citing People
of the first Quality of his Acquaintance,
whom he treats in a familiar Way. 'Tis im
poſſible to carry Impertinence farther, and he
is not ſenſible that all the World confiders him
as a Fop.
A Man not born to an Eſtate, if he happen
to make a great Fortune, unleſs he have good
Senſe grows haughty, contemptuous, and im-
pertinent: The fooliſh Pride le is poiſeft with
makes him diſdain Perſons of a diſtinguiſh'd
Birth and Merit, when they have nothing but
Quality and Parts: Every thing that is not
Gold and Silver ſeems unworthy of his Efteem
and Approbation.
Exceſſively and infipidly to dwell upon the
Praiſes of all the Diſhes a Man eats of at a
Table, is a Meanneſs that befpeaks a fordid
Education, and the Property only of wretched
Parafites: But neither ought he that makes
the Treat to take upon him to commend the
Ragoos and the Delicacy of the Meats and
Wines he regales his Gueſts with ; that be-
ing a filly Vanity unbecoming a Perſon of
Quality. There's another Extream to be a-
voided by thoſe that eat at another's Table,
which is an affected Squeamishneſs, and boaft.
ing of the ſumptuous Treats they have met
with in other Houſes, this is a By-way of
deſpiſing what they have before them.
To be always in Admiration when we ſpeak
to People, is a lign of stupidity, or elle an
Afieđation of approaching Flattery. The ſu-
dicious


156 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
dicious and Sincere admire but little, and are
not laviſh of their Praiſes. Can't we com-
plement a Man when he deſerves it, without
making Exclamations ? Thoſe extravagant
Praiſes do neither Honour to the Giver nor Res
ceiver.
Admiration is commonly the Effect of a
groſs Ignorance: Great Admirers are ufually
great Fools, or filly Flatterers, that admire
what deſerves but moderate Commendation.
You are allow'd to ſay, that a thing pleaſes
you, or to ligniny by ſome Sign, that you are
affected with what you ſee or bear; but in-
temperate Out-cries, and violent Motions that
denote an extraordinary Surprize, are com-
monly Signs of Imperiinence of a groveling
Soul, fooliſhly prodigal of its Incenſe.
Men lave to be Merry and Diverted, and
prefer the Converſation of Humouriſts before
that of the Serious; but they eſteem them
leſs: There is in the Chara&ter of a Jeiter
ſomething mean and affe&ted, that breeds Con-
tempt.
He that would pleaſe, muſt be natural in
every thing, even to Trifles: Which is but
ill obſerv'd by thoſe Tellers of News, which,
tho' no body is concern’d for it, they amplify
with abundance of Creu inſtances, to give it
The more Weight: They relate it with a my-
ſerious Ayre, as if they were the great Ar-
cana of the State. Theſe Exaggerations tire
and fatigue Men of Senſe: But the Relator's
Deſign is commonly to brighten his Narra-
tive, and to enrich it with wonderful Parti,
culars:

Concerning Impertinence. 157
culars: He has little Regard for Truth or
Probability; his End is to be admir’d: But
in requitalhe is credited in nothing he ſays.
It is requiſite in Society, ſometimes to dif.
courſe of News, and the current Reports :
But the Character of a News-monger.
leads
to Ridicule: Tis a kind of Profeffion that
degrades a Man beneath himſelf. This fort
of People always accoſt you with the ſame
Complement : How goes it in the World
now? What Nedos do you hear? Whatever
Bulineſs you have on your Hands, they never
leave you till they have related all they know,
or all they have dream'd.
I know not upon what Grounds Perſons of
Quality think them felves privilegd to ſpeak
things againſt good Senſe, and right Realon;
their Quality does not authorize them; on
the contrary, the higher they are rais’d by
their Birth, the more they are oblig?d to di.
ſtinguiſh themſelves by a real Merit, which
they ought to labour. for: Nonſenſe is ſtill
-Nonſenſe in the Mouth of a Peer or a Lord.
Lieutenant. od soy
Monder's Magnificent Coach and numerous
Train and Equipage; the Gold that fparkles
in his Cloaths, and the Diamonds ahout him,
give him the Aſcendant over his Rivals,
which contents him, He does not perceive
that he is hiſs’d by Men of Senſe as ſoon as he
offers to open his Mouth to ſpeak. His inſide
is not anſwerable to his outſide : But what
matter is it, provided he can dazzle fome
Cullies

158 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Cullies, that judge only by the Shell and Ape
pearance?
'Tis hard enough to comprehend how Wo.
men, even of Senſe, choofe rather the Rich,
without Merit, for their Lovers, than others
excellently accomplih'd, but incapable of
ſpending high. 'Tis a ſign that Intereſt-is
their governing Paſſion, and that it was a -1
true Saying, That never any Superintendant
met with Cruelty from Women. Melanite
has lately facrific'd Agatho, a Perſon of an
eminent Rank, and thoulands of Charms in
Mind and Body, and who paſſionately lov’d.
her; ſhe has facrific'd him to Soi inet, who is
of the Scum of the People, and was of the
baſeft Employs before his Rile: But he is very
generous, and has a great deal of Money to
Ipend: His Diſcourſes are ill concerted, and
he explains his Paſſion in a moſt ridiculous
Way, but his Preſents fupply his. Want of..
Parts.
You would fain be the only Speaker in all
Companies, whilft you have only Imperti..
nencies to ſay, which you Blockihly utter; :
if you relate a Matter of fact, you run out
into all the moſt frivolous.Circumſtances. Den
you think you divert the Company by your
loud Laughs in the wrong Places, and the Ap-
plaufes you beſtow upon your own Extrava-
gancies? You depart contented from a Com.
pany, where every body is diverted indeed,
but 'tis with your Folly.
?Tis a miſerable Way of Pleaſing, to fcat-
ter Smut in all your Stories, and intermix ob
ſcene


Concerning Impertinence. 159
at it.
ſcene Ambiguities; be they never fo carefully
wrapp'd, they have always a bad Effect in
the Mind of the Hearers, and denote the cor-
rupt Morals of the Speaker. He lofes Reſpect
who uſes this Method before. Women ; the..
freeft of them are offended at it, who demanda
fome Deference in Publick. Every body knows
the Hiſtory of Dorimene ; ſhe is hardly at
the Pains to conceal her Intrigues:; nor is
ſhe out of Countenance at the Declarations
that are made to her in Private: But yet,
one looſe Word, though not addreſs’d to
her, provokes her, and The pretends to bluſh
An hair-brain’a Behaviour can never pleaſe,
and I wonder fome People affect it; : 'tis ftill:
lefs becoming Women, who are never taking.
without obſerving the Decorum of their Cha-
racter; that Reſerve and Difcretion which is
their Peculiar. Who can pardon Corinna her
Paſſions, her Extravagancies, her Oaths, all
the Snuff-boxes ſhe has in her Pockets, and the
Profufion ſhe makes of Snuff?
Love makes a Man extremely ridiculous,
when arriv'd to an Age that ought to inſpire
him with other Sentiments. There is not a
more filly Character than that of an old Do--
tard ſmirking upon a young and handſon
Woman, who is out of Patience to hear him,
and would not endure his Impertinence but.
for the ſake of fome Decorum.* All that Peo..
ple do to make themſelves amiable, when the
Seaſon of their Agreements is over, heightens
and redoubles the Tedium and Dulguſt of the:
са

160 Reflexions upon Ridicule
felf. In
careſsa Parties, who take all their Courtſhips
for ſo many importunate Ecoleries.
No body makes himſelf the more eſteem'd.
for Finery, and Expences above his Condition:
It frves to provoke the Envy of others, who
are not capable of doing the like; and they
take out their Penny worths in Satyr and Slans
der. Turpin, who has but an indifferent E-
ftate, is over Head in Debt, by running into
an exceſſive Pomp: His mildeſt Cenſurers are
content to ſay, That he too much forgot hinza
The Citts, who have Wealth above their
Condition, when they have a little Vanity,
diſdain-their Equals, and will converſe with
none but Quality, who find the Art of ruin,
ing them by the abſurd Expences.you engage
them in. They careſs them, and, embrace
them, and put themſelves upon a level
which Condeſcenſion turns the Head of a
Citizen, already miſguided by his Vanity :
But he pays dearly for his intereſted Careſſes,
and when he is exhauſted, he is fent back to
his Counter.
ani You are ambitious to ſet up for a Wit, to
be facetious and agreeable, when you have
neither Wit nor Engagements. Thoſe Wit-
ticiſins which you ti ink ſo delicate and poig-
nant, are nonfentical Foaleries that diſpleaſe
Men of Şenlc. Learn to know yourſelf bet-
ter: It requires more Genius than you are
Maſter ofg to make Judicious People Laugh.
"Tis none of your Talent; don'i take that
part upon you, you'll eanly be excus'a it.
We

Concerning Impertinence. 261.
We live not in the Age of Boffoonry, Quib.
bles and Puns, and Words with a double
Meaning ; that Nonfenfe and fooliſh Way of
Jeſting is banilh'd the Converſation of well..
bred Men: The Country-People, and Tradeſ-
men who think they have Wit, ftill make
it their chief Paſtime: They ought not to
be envied that Pleaſure ; but genteel People
ſhould no more make uſe of it than old
Fafhions.
'Tis good to have a gay and facetious Hue
mour, but a Man muſt moderate his Gaiety
and his Mirth: 'Tis unbecoming to break out
into extravagant Fits of Laughter, that ftun
all the Company. The leaft diverti g thing
that is ſaid before Lucinda, makes her ready
to burſt, ſhe is no longer Miſtreſs of herſelf;
nor is ſhe able to return to her Senſes ; her Fit
of cackling proceeds even to Convulſions.
He that tells a Story, ought not to laugh at
the firſt Circumſtance he thinks diverting, as
if to advertiſe his Hearers that that is the
witty Part; on the contrary, le ought then
to be the moſt ſerious: A merry Jeft, told in
a grave Manner, has the better Effect; but
you extinguiſh the Appetite of Laughter in
athers, if you prevent thein. mon
6 Is there no Remedy to cure People of Im-
pertinence ? 'Tis certain all have a predomi
nant Paſlion, and a favourite Vice, which
they feldoni conquer, becauſe they ſcarce pera
ceive it; their Attention goes no farther than
to obſerve what makes their Neighbours ridis
culous, which they draw in its proper Co-
lours i

162 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
lours ; nothing remains, but to turn their At.
tention homewards: They laugh at the Pin
&ure they have drawn, and don't perceive
they have the Original in themſelves.
Self-Love hinders our Knowledge of our
felves, whom we fometimes applaud for
Things which are real Faults, and offenſive
to every Eye. Arifto's Folly is, that being
an upſtart Tradeſman, he would paſs for a
Perſon of Quality. He is Rich, and has a
Stately Houſe, and often entertains Perſons of
high Birth, who ridicule him, borrow his
Money, have the Complaiſance to hear him
twenty times a Day boaſt of his Nobility,
and how his Anceſtors bore Arms under William
the Conqueror: He has ſaid it fo often, that
he at laſt believes it, and finds fome Fools e.
nough to believe it too..
You are of an illuſtrious Family, and
there's no difputing the Antiquity of it ; you
have nothing to do but to live conformably to
the Rank you bear in the World. . The Titles
in your Efcutcheon prove, that your Anceſtors
liad Vertue, and Courage, and Merit, and
well ſerv'd the State ; but if you are a Cox-
comb, and lead a lazy and effeminate Life,
the Glory of your Anceſtors will not pre-
vent your being deſpis’d and regarded as a
Wretch.
'Tis not enough to be Noble, unleſs your
Life and A&ions anſwer the Nobility of your
Extraction: Vices are much more unpardona-
ble in a Man of Quality, than in the common
Herd, that have no Education. no
Per.

Concerning Impertinence. 163
Perſons not nobly born, who yet would
mimick the Great, mimick them very ill ;
for they only aſſume falſe Ayres of Gran-
dour, which expoſe them to every body's
Laughter. Celia is only a Merchant's Daugh-
ter, but is grown a Counteſs by her Wealth,
and will have nothing but Turks and Huf-
Jars in her Service ; diſmiſſing the Blacks to
the Ladies of the Robe. Colina went on
Foot, and was meanly Cloath'd before her
Marriage; her Huſband gave her a Coach and
Six, but not contented with that, ſhe would
have a Coach and Eight: Her Extravagance
is, that ſhe can go to Court with Eight Hor-
fes, like a Princeſs; but for a Remainder of
Modeſty, ſhe would few herſelf daily in
Hide-Park with Six.
The firſt Deſire which Riches produce in
Perſons of mean Birth, when they have made
their Fortune, is, to equal the greateſt Lords ;
they appropriate their Names, their Lands
and Houſes, from which they expel them by
dint of Money: At twenty Years end the
true Lord is confounded with him that bought
the
Lordſhip
To be of a midling Strain, flactuating be-
tween the Quality and the Mob, and to af.
fect Altitudes not pardonable in Perſons of
the firſt Rank, is an Abſurdity that can flow
from nothing but a vaſt Impertinence, or a
ridiculous Pride.
Who can hold his Indig.
nation, to fee new vampd Tradefwomen,
whoſe Dreſs and Train, and Furniture and
Table, create Envy in Woinen of the firſt
Quaa


164 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
.
Quality ? Put the Comfort of that is, they
incur Ridicule, by riſing above their Ranky
and put themſelves to vaft Expences to be
laugh'd at.
O
Per fons of obſcure Birth ſpoil then ſelves
with the Commerce they affect to have with
Courtiers ; inſtead of appearing to Advan-
tage, they expoſe the Meanneſs of their Birth
the more, by the odious Compariſons that
are made of them. It Perſons of Quality
ſuffer them, 'tis only with Views of Inte-
reſt, or to divert themſelves with the Folly
of a Citizen, who defpifes his Equals, and
would, at any Price, have Intimacies with
the Great.
What pretend People. meanly born, who
have work?d themſelves into an Eftate, to
talk ſo much of their Anceftors, and to give
out themſelves for Noble? Do they think to
impofe upon the Publick; Or perſuade theme
felves that no body knows they fold Cloth
or Linen, or Lace? Did they not talk fá
much, it might be forgotten.. But their
Conceit to be thought what they are not,
brings the World upon their Back, and makes
them take the Pains to rake into their Ance-
fors Graves, whos might otherwiſe gently
fteal into Oblivion. 'Tis worſe when this imas
ginary Nobility makes them ſo forget them.'
felves, as to deſpiſe others : Sylvena is no
longer to be approach'd ; her vaft Riches
potleſs, her with fo much Pride, that ſhe will
frarce give place to Dutchelles. She fuffers
none but Perſons of. Diftin&tion in her Houſe,
QL,

Concerning Impertinence. 165
or at her Table ; all her Relations are ex-
cluded, and he neither knows them nor
her ſelf.
dosa
Is A Man of vulgar Extra&tion, pretending
to be Noble, regales himſelf with the Plea.
ſure of being thought ſo. This Chimerical
Nobility is the Difeaſe of thoſe that grow
Rich ; they think their Money ſerves for a
Varniſh to cover the meanneſs of their Birth;
their fi titious Pedigree is every body's Jeft.
What Comedy 'tis to ſee People rai 'd from
the Dregs of the Populace, adorning them-
ſelves with borrow'd Titles, and becauſe
they bear the Name of the Lordſhips they
have bought, have the Confidence to put the
Arms of thoſe Houſes upon their Coaches,
which they formerly inhabited as Servants !
Dantes has long liv'd in the Houſe of a
great Lord, with the Title of his Secretary ;
he is perfectly acquainted with the Genealo-
gy of the Family, which is extin&t for want
of Heirs to bear the Name; he has infolently
ufurp'd it, by buying the moſt conſiderable
Lands poſſeft from Father to Son, by the
Lords of that illuſtrious Race. Dantes has
caus?d his Genealogy to be made, and print-
ed, and has deducd himſelf with Impuni-
ty from the moſt ancient Lords of the King-
dom.
ini di car has
He that has gotten a great Eſtate, is fome-
times Fool enough to think he is grown No-
ble at the ſame time; he takes the Train
and Equipage of a great Lord; he is Lodg’d,
and Fed, and Serv'd like a Perſon of Qua-
lity:

166 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
fity: The Great honour him, cultivate him,
reſpect him, court him. Is it any wonder
that ſo much external Grandour turns his
Head, and makes him think himſelf equal
with thoſe that treat him with ſo much
Ceremony ? Great Wealth is a kind of Spungę,
that wipes off the Filth of the Birth, be it
never fo inean and miſerable. No body takes
it amiſs that a Rich Man ſhould have a num.
ber of Servants, a fine Houſe, rich Furniture,
and a Coach, as being the Appendixes of
Riches ; but that he fhould pretend to Quali-
ty, and expect to be conſider'd upon that
Bottom, is a Folly and Weakneſs, that turns
him into Ridicule.
Bluon solo
tan is vlternrot vad
to stool
a
Svil gnol el que
Of Prejudice.
contribute not a little to mif.guide us,
and are equally dangerous. It leſſens the Idea
of our Faults, and renders them impercepti.
ble, and magnifies the idea of our Merit.
Theſe two Prejudices naturally tend to Ridi.
cule. They are capable of Prejudice, judge
always favourably of their own Merit, and
find a great Inclination to deſpiſe that of
others :

Concerning Prejudice. 167
others: which are two great Sources of Im-
pertinence. Men are too cary and carelfs to
Itudy, as they ought, the Knowledge of
themſelves: They are blind to their moſt
manifeſt Faults: If they have any good
Qualities, they conclude they have attain'd
the very Pinnacle of Perfection : Which is a
flattering and deceptious Prejudice, and an
Obſtacle to their knowing themſelves and o-
thers, and doing them Juſtice. " nigten
This good Opinion every one has of his
Deſert, making them unaffected with that of
others, is one of the things that imbitters
moſt the Pleaſure of Converſation and civil
Life. For 'tis hard at long run not to drop'
ſomething or other, that may notify their
Diſpoſition of Mind towards them: Men are
too attentive to their own Intereſt to be long
in the Dark as to other Thoughts of them:
Which Diſcovery diftra&s them, and inflames
them againſt thoſe who don't, as they imagine,
do them Juſtice. 'Tis impoſſible a Correſpon-
dence ſhould laſt long, when this is the Tem.
per on both ſides; and if I miſtake not, this is
the Principle which extinguiſhes the faireſt
Friendſhips were believed Iin mortal.
The Prepoſſeſſion of Pride is a kind of
Drunkenneſs and Madneſs in fome People.
They think no body worthy of them, or with
whom they vouchſafe a Familiarity. A young
Woman Educated in this Notion, thinks
there's not a Man upon Earth rich enougly,
handſon enough, and of fufficient Quality
to aſpire to the Honour of her Alliance. Their
great-



168 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ments.
von
greateſt Offers can't flatter her Ambition:
She expeets a Man ſhould drop from Heaven
made on purpole.
In the mean time the
Years inultiply, and Merit diminiſhes, and
She is forc'd at laſt to make great Abate-
Hortenſe was courted in her ſparkling
Youth, by a Man of vaſt Poſſeſſions ; but be-
he was not nobly Born, the would
not give him the Hearing. A Perſon of Qua-
lity came next ; but his Eftate was not fufti.
cient, and he had the ſame Fate as his Rival.
Hortenſe was Young, Beautiful and Rich,
and every Day made new Conqueſts ; but the
Prepofleflion of her own Merit, would not
fuffer her to determine in any one's Favour,
nor to fix her Reſolution. She ſtill found in
her Lovers fome Defect, which rendred them
unworthy of her. During this time her Years
are increas?d, and her Croud of Lovers lef
fenad ; and Hortenſe beſtows her ſelf upon a
Man whom ſhe would not have admitted
formerly tor her Gentleman Uſher.
The Reaſon why we are ſo indulgent to
ur Paſſions, is, that we behold them in ſuch
a Poſition; as conceals their Ridiculouſneſs
and Deformity. The Miſer di guiſes his A.
varice under the Name of good Hulbandry:
The Volup uous calls himſelf good- jumour’d.
A Woman defam’d by her Intrigues conteſſes
ſhe is a Coquet, and believes ſhe is no more.
But the Publick has not the ſame Indulgence,
It calls things by their proper Names, and
judges of them with an inexorable Rigour,
It's

Imobi
Concerning Prejudice. 169
180
toto
It's an hard Taſk to rectify a conceited
Fool, and ſet him in the right Way ; becauſe
his Views are two limited to perceive the E-
vidence of the Reaſons you alledge to him ;
He pleaſes himſelf with his falſe Ideas, and
ſlights whatever has no Relation to them. Ly-
fias is only opiniative becauſe he wants Sente,
and at the fame time thinks he has more Senſe
than others.
* Prejudice hoodwinks People from ſeeing
themſelves as they are: We commonly think
them ridiculous, whilſt they perceive not the
Part they a&t: The groſſeſt Faults eſcape them,
or if they perceive them, they ſhut their
Eyes, becauſe the. Sight is offenſive. They
are glad to deceive themſelves, and do all
that's poſſible to deceive others.
2001: :201003
If we did but mind the Manner we are re-2
ceiv’d by People, we ſhould eaſily know whe-
ther our Company was acceptable or burro
thenfome. But we care not to do ourſelves
this Juftiee; being ſo far from imagining we
are troubleſome, as always to believe we do
them a Pleaſure: And therefore to compenſate
themſelves for our Importunities, they make
us the Subject of their Mirth, and turn us in-
to Ridicule by Tübtle and delicate Ironies, the 5
Malignity whereof is undiſcern d.
Would it not be better to make choice of
People, that ſhew our welcoine in their Face, a
and anfwer our Attendances with Pleaſure ;
than to go and importune Men with our Viſits,
who look atquint upon us, and ſuffer us with
Conſtraint. "Guzman will pay no Viſits ſave
1
anti
to

170 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
I
to Dutcheſſes and Princeſſes ; he can ſcarce
condeſcend to Counteſſes and Marchionelles.
He ſpends all his Life in Places where he is
look a
upon as an Impertinent, whoſe Compa.
ny perhaps would be deſirable, if he could
reſolve to viſit ſuch as are ſuitable to him.
"Tis a ſurprizing thing, that Conceitedneſs
of Authors: They reduce all the Diſcourſe,
and inoſt commonly very impertinently, to
their Works. Nothing but Flattery will con-
tent them; they praiſe themſelves without
Reſerve, and drink, like Nectar, the ironical
Encomiums that are made them: The Preju-
dice in favour of their Merit, hinders them
from perceiving how they are bantera. Per.
fons fondly addicted to an Opinion, are ex-
tteamly pereremptory in defending their No-
tions: Whether the great Efteem of their own
Sufficiency inebriates them, or whether they
thrink others oblig'd to ſubmit to their Deciſi.
selt
oirs
. This violent Fondneſs for themſelves
,
ruins the Delights of Converſation, becauſe
others are not always in a Humour of Conde .
fcenſion ; and then the Contrariety of Noti, i
ons breeds a certain Sowreneſs that begets As dit
verſion, and ſometimes Quarrels. out aus
Whence comes it that generally thoſe who
difpute upon any Point, or treat of any Affair, M.
or plead for any Intereſt, always think them
felves in the right? Is it in Flattery of their I
own Abilities? Or is it not rather, that the
Miſts of Prejudice are fo groſs, as to extin-1:
guith the Light of Reaſon? The Prejudic'd
Man hears nothing never fo Reaſonable : He
est annon
ſeems
TI
ILS


Concerning Prejudice.
171
TOTO Won
ſeems to be afraid of being inpos'd upon
And never begins to open his Eyes till he is
fallen into the Ditch; or, in ſpight of all tlie
Advices that have been given him, has made
an abſurd Step, to ruin his Affairs.
'Tis a kind of Cowardice, not to defend
our Opinion when we think it Juft: But we
ſhould modeſtly propofe our Reaſons, that
they that yield to us, may do it undiſturb'd.
If your Opinion be indefenſible, don't obftis
nately maintain a bad Caufe.
The Character of a Bold Wit is diſhonou-
rable in Matters of Religion : "Tis an Extra-
vagance to think to ſubmit things to our Rea
ſon that are infinitely above it : But neither
oáght we to have a filly Credulity, for all
that feems extraordinary, and all the Legen
dary Miracles that are fo variouſly and impro-
babằy taught me O Most
os
In the Cenſures the World paſſes on our
Conduct, we are ſometimes juſtly, and ſone-
times abſurdly tax'd: If after a gentle Ju-
ſtification the Publick will perſiſt to blame
us, we inuſt wait till Time ſhall undeceive it!
We provoke it rather than appeaſe it by
too much Argument in the heighth of its
Prejudice. People have naturally a ſecret
Share to be deceiv'd in their Judginents; and
there are Moments in which your nice and
fpirited People can't bear to be difabus’d.
A Man that offends us, from that Moment
loſes all his Merit, if we believe our own
Refentment: His Wit, his Courage, his E-
ftate, his Extraction, all his Virtues, dwindler
I 2
and

172. Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ard vaniſh ; and we vilify; in all Reſpects,
whom we highly extol'd but a Moment be-
fore : We imployd all our Pains, and Credit,
and Friends to oblige him, and at preſent we
play all ſorts of Engines to deſtroy him.
Whatever relates to him, his Domeſticks, his
Children, and Friends grow odious to us: This
Change is ridiculous, and beſpeaks a childiſh
Soul, and the Force of Prejudice.
Otigny and Fienville were the beſt Friends
in the World; their Neighbourhood in the
Country cemented their Friendſhip, and the
frent their Lives together, and mutually cry
y'd
up one another. They have broke at laſt for
a Trifle; and ever ſince they rage againſt one
another with a Violence that would be un.
pardonable in an Enemy of twenty Years
dianding. All their Friends have taken great
Pains to reconcile them, but to no purpoſe:
For no body can conjecture what is the Sub-
ject of their Quarrel, nor do they know it
themſelves.
Women of great Figure look upon Huſwife.
ry as a City-Vertue : They can't perſuade
themſelves to look into little Accounts to hin.
der the Robberies of their Servants. Nothing
more denotes a want of common Senſe, than
the fooliſh Expences they are at: They know
not what to do with their Money, when they
have it ; it ſeems to be a cumberſome Mova.
ble that perplexes them, and they think they
shall never ſee an End of it. Poverty treads
cloſe upon the Heels of ſo indiſcrezt a Ma-
nagement ; after having lived at a great Rate
for


Concerning Prejudice.
173
250
for a few Days, they want for a long Time,
and fall into Ridicule
. Mif-plac?d Expences
do a Man no Credit; they ought to be ma-
nag’d with Deſign and good Oeconomy. The
Counteſs of Sardan has a mind to every
thing ſhe ſees, and ſhe buys the moſt uſeleſs
Trifles at the deareſt Rate. If ſhe ſees a piece
of Furniture ſhe has not already, fhe imme-
diately orders the like to be made for her:
ſhe tries all the Artiſts that are reputed in any
kind; ſhe has her Cloatas made and uninade
twenty times. Still reftlefs and paſſionate
for what ſhe has not, ſhe is never fatisfied
with what ſhe poſfelfes. That which charms
her to Day, diſguſts tier to Morrow: Nothing
can fix her Taſte, becauſe ſhe follows only tlie
Whims of her Prepoffeffion.
he Moſt Men live without Reflexion, and are
only govern’d by their Eyes and Ears: A fump-
tuous Suit of Cloaths ſurprizes them, and they
think the Wearer more deſerving than another
whom they ſee ill-habited, and accoft not
Without Reluctance, They never draw aſide
this outward Curtain, to view the Perſon
more diſtinąly. A Man on Fooť makes leſs
Impreſion on the Mind, than another drawn
in a Gilt Coach, though he be but a Coxcomb.
3 The Multitude is biaſs’d by the Impreſſion
given by the Great Ones, who carry every
thing according to their Caprice, and ſcarce
leave their Inferiors the Liberty of think-
ing. A Man in Place is follow'd in his Cen-
or
,
underſtand them or not.
makes,
I TUTTO O
12

174 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
SI
makes, on the Authority he is in, daz les his
Dependants, and they judge no longer by
their own Reaſon after he has decided: Their
Complaiſance to him 'makes hiin no longer
confult his Taſte or Reaſon. 'Tis the Injuſtice
of the Great, that they'll ſubmit all their
Inferiors and Expectants to all their Whijns
and Fancies; whether they think they have
more Senſe, or their contempt for thoſe be-
neath them perſwades them this Sacrifice is
due to them.
A Young Man that deſires to pleaſe, muſt
be Civil, and no great Pretender : For other.
wiſe he would certainly incur the Hatred or
Contempt of his Equals
. How abſurd would
it be to. dictate upon War or Politicks before
Perſons of conſummate Experience. It would
be a charitable Thing to fet him right, and
make him ſenſible of his ridiculous Extra-
vagance and Preſumption. But no body takes
the Pains to undeceive him, and let him know
the Raillery he incurs: He grows old in his
Conceitedneſs, and dies without correcting it.
Geraftus in his firſt Campaign thought him-
felf capable of Le&uring the Generals; He
continually quoted to them the Examples of
Alexander and Cæſar, and ſome Scraps of
the Greek and Roman Hiſtories. Ire had learnt
at School, which he but juſt came out of.
His high Birth made them ſeem to applaud
him, and they were content to laugh to them -
felves.
'Tis a pretty vain Attempt to go to unde.
ceive People prepoſſeſs?d with a good Opinion

Concerning Prejudice.
175
29
.
of themſelves. A Man very feldom ſucceeds
in it, and he is commonly but ill paid for the
good Advices that he gives. 'Tis an irkſome
thing to a Man, to find he has not all the
Merit he imagines, and he never is well pleasid
with thoſe who open his Eyes to his own Iin.--
perfections. That is a very tickliſh Matter,
and the Succeſs is very dubious. It is ſo eaſy
to incur the Hatred of thoſe we would-re.
dreſs, that it is more conducive to our Peace
to paſs by ſome Defeats, unleſs they be things
Conſequence,
and
may
have ill Effects: In
ſuch Inſtances we ought not to abandon a Man
to his bad Condu&: But to what purpoſe is
it to diſabuſe Dorimene, in telling her the is
pur-blind, who is continually ſaying ber Eyes
are large and ſoft? Aminta, who is too plump
and too full ſhap'd, thinks the’s fine and llen-
Inder. Caritides is but an half Scholar, and
che flatters himſelf that he is the greateſt Man
of liis Age. Cephife, tolerably handſome,
has ſo good an Opinion of her Charms, that
fhe fears no Woman in the World for a Ri-
val. This gentle Madneſs intoxicates them
with an agreeable Poiſon : But if their Pre-
judice renders thein ridiculous, however no
25.1
is ,
COM
310
There are few People but have their fa.
yourite Word, which is ever in their Mouth
and has entirely won their Heart and Affe&ti.
ons and there are as few but have ſome fa.
vourite Fault, if I may uſe that Expreſſion;
That is a Fault they feel and know, but will
not part with. There are ſome that carry the
Extra.
14

176 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Extravagance ſo far, as to congratulate and
applaud themſelves for it: And it frequently
happens that theſe darling Vices are ſuch as
are moſt unſuitable to the Perſon, and remote
from his Character. Thoſe whoſe Profeſlion
indiſpenſably obliges them to Modeſty and
Referve, play the Bullies, and aſſume Liberty
no ways fuiting to their Condition. Women
in particular, can't be too modeſt and re-
ferv’d, and we have a very ill Opinion of
thoſe who are too free in Publick, and neg-
le & Decorun.
Iphigenia is eternally boafting her Nobility:
Arianna thanks her Stars for her fine Shape and
2 delicate Complexion. Phillis is perpetually
talking of the Man that every body knows has
a Paſſion for her. Clarine leads all the Dif.
courſe to her Perſon, and is tired in all Com-
panies where no body thinks to compliment
her. Sylviana talks continually of her Hus-
band, her Children, her Management and Af-
fairs. Theſe Imperfe&tions, tho' ſometimes
but trivial, leſſen the Merit of our good Qua-
lities, and give others occaſion to turn us into
Ridicule. Men naturally Malignant faſten up-
on what offends them, and pals curſorily over
thoſe Virtues that might deſerve their Refle-
xion.
an Effect of the ill Nature of the Heart
of Man, to contemplate others on their worſt
Side. We are ſo glad to find ſomething in tliem
that debales thein below us, that we feldon
fail to acquaint the World with what we find
Diſguftful in our Neighbours: When we have
rivit
thoroughly
sux
Eestis an

Concerning Prejudice. I 174
thoroughly examin’d rhem, we magnify the
Ielea of our own Merit, to draw the Parallel be:
tween us, and ſeldom fail to give our felves
the Preference. This is the Reaſon we are al.
ways
ſo well fàtisfied with our felves, and ſo
contemptuous of others. 1910te or BOD 109
Tis entertaining a wretched Opinion of a
Man to give him the Praiſes he does not deſerve;
for it muſt either be thought that he has a great
ſtock of Fooliſh Vanity, or that he is ridicu-
louſly credulous. And yet this is the fureſt and
readieſt way to infinuate into the Hearts of Men:
They eaſily believe that all the Praiſes you give
them are ſincere, becauſe generally they are
conceited of their Talents; and be they never
fo extravagant they believe they ſtill deſerve
greater. Self-love, is a kind of thick Miſt,
which hides our Faults, and prevents our pei-
ceiving the Extravagance of the Flatteri:s we
are guild with.98
Alcippus fiatters himſelf that he had a great
ſhare in the Vi&tory of Hochſted: He talks
confidently of the Dangers he was expoſed to.
He deliciouſly imbibes the Elogies that are
given him by the young Officers, that eat at
his Table, and humour His Fondneſs. A Alcip
pus is too fall of the Notion of his Merit and
Bravery,to be poſſibly undeceiv'd; but he ought
at leaſt to have ſo much Diferetion, as not
to deafen Men with the Noiſe of his Ex-
28 29 sied
Every Writer, in whatever kind, unleſs he
abound in good Senſe, grows conceited with
his Piece. It's Foundation ſufficient for a
IS
Quarrel
ploits.ods Di

*78 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Quarrel. to, cenſure the leaſt Word of his
Writings.. It's loft Labour to pretend to con
vince him of his Faults, and recover him to
right Reaſon and true Senſe. He thinks his
Intereſt, and the Reputation of his Wit is
concern'd, to protect all his Expreſions and
Thoughts.. Sometimes with a ſweetned Voice
he intreats you to excuſe the Places which he
owns to be infirm and neglected : Afterwards
he aſſumes a deciſive Ayre, and magiſterially
maintains, that no body writes berter in Profe.
or in Verſe ; and, that none are unaffected
with his Works, but through Stupidity or
Envy: He complains of the ill Taſte of Rea..
ders that don't perceive the fine and ſecret
Beauties diſpers'd throughout his Book ; and
to indemnify himſelf for the Indifference and
Contempt of the Publick, he admires his own
Performances: But he is the only Admirer.ivias
It's a pleaſant Comedy to ſee all the Poſtures
Itandrus puts himſelf into, to have the Re-
putation of a Wit, and a good Author. He..
repeats you in a grave and myſterious Tone
fome fine Place or other, and makes an Ex...
clamation at every Period. He inſolently
alks you whether any one thinks more juſtly,
or gives a finer Turn to his Thoughts? You.
don't ſufficiently admire, ſays he, the fine-
neſs of that Expreſſion ; What a noble Stroke,
continues he, is that, and delicately touch'd ?
llandrus believes as he ſpeaks, and is the Prose
perty of his own Prejudice.
oni rti ya
diw
bs15909 #vong rin? hoog i Dodo
Ejot tos anbrinos
I pity

Concerning Prejnidice. 179
I pity their Misfortune who have not true
Senſe enough to perceive that they are regard-
ed as Iin pertinents and bufy Bodies, in Places
where they think their Company is deſired.
The good Opinion every one has of his own
Merit, hinders them from diſcovering the ill
Nature of thoſe equivocal Praiſes that are
given them; which are nothing but artful
Raillery, and a By-way of turning them into
Ridicule, and trepanning them under Pretence
of Applauſe. Theſe ingenious Ironies and
Satyrs, with which they play upon us to our
Face, whilſt we diſcover not the Poiſon, de-
note a blind Prepoſſeſſion, a ridiculous Con.
ceit, and a kind of Sillineſs in ourſelves.
Our Vanity is mortally wounded with that
Diſcovery which acquaints us, that the E-
Ateem of otliers is not anſwerable to our
good Opinion of our felves, or lets us fee
that they deſpiſe us. Every one is fo pre-
judiced in his own Favour, as to think his
own Endowments give him the Preference
above his Rivals. Women have the ſame
Fondneſs for their Beauty. But when they
are given to underſtand that the World has
not the fame Ideas, and that their Rivals are
prefer'd to them, they are abſolutely in De.
spair, and never pardon it.
None but Fools, and People fondly pre-
poffefs'd with their extraordinary Merit, give
way to be deceived by fictitious Praiſes. "Tis
ealy to diſtinguiſh a ſincere Commendation
from a rampant Flartery.
He that ſpeaks
what he thinks, ſpeaks modeſtly, and with an
Ayre
SOUST

180 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Ayre of Simplicity that removes all Suſpicio
on; but the contriv'a Admirations and Ex
clamations of Encomiafls, inuft needs appear
taſteleſs to Men of Judgment, who will not
be obliged and loaded with Applauſe for things
indific rent. Modeſt People can't bear theſe
illegitimate Praiſes, and everlaſting Panegy-
rifts, that are ready to cry up the leaſt Trille.
But as the Number of Fools and vain Creas
tures is very great, this ſort of People al-
ways find enow that greedily luck in their
Poiſon, and are caught by their proftituted
Flatteries.
Nothing better manifeſts the Injuſtice of
Men, than the Pleaſure they taſte in hearing
themſelves flatter'd, and the Repugnance they
have to flatter others : They would be ape
plauded for
every thing they do, and the moſt
indifferent Talents; but are unwilling to do
Juſtice to tlie Deſert of others. 'Tis riſing a.
bove the ordinary Sphere of Men to give them
gladly the Praiſes they deſerve, without de-
firing the ſame Returns: But "tis certainly
the beſt way of procuring the Love of thoſe
we converſe with, to indulge their Self-love,
and frequently mention the good Qualities
they think they have, witliout obliging them
to do the ſame, or demanding a Tribute
which is always unwillingly paid.
Our Fondneſs for our own Merit, and the
diminutive Notions of the Merit of others,
is that which makes us fo forward to receive
Praiſe, and fo backward to give the like:-
But if any one, oyer ſincere, comes to open
Our

Concerning Prejudices 181
our Eyes, he does not much oblige us by his
officious Zeal, and fron that Moment we
rank him in the Number of our Enemies.
Lucette has broken with Egina, who was her
beſt Friend, and was much in her Affections,
becauſe ſhe acquainted her that her Fondneſs
for a Spark of hers was fcurvily interpreted,
and blemiſh'd her Reputation : She has broke
off all Correſpondence, inſtead of thanking
her for her good Advice.
011.17
A Woman but indifferent handſome, is ra-
viſh'd if you compare her with the moſt ac.
compliſh'd Beauties. Is it that ſhe does not
know herſelf, and is flatter'd by all her Glaſ-
fes? A Man that has any Talent in Wit, and
writes tolerable Verſes, matches himſelf with
the moſt famous Poets, and muſt have fome
Remnant of Modefty and good Senſe, it he
does not give himſelf the Preference. Theſe
are the Effe&ts of Prejudice; which are the
fame with thoſe of Microſcopes : It prodi-
giouſly enlarges Objects: And indifferent Qua.
Jities contemplated through Prejudice, ſeem
the moſt eminent Accompliſhments. A palla-
ble Beauty, adorn'd with the Charms of Pre-
poffeffion, eclipſes all other Faults.
can't conceive-why Men are generally fo
fond of Praiſe: Moff of thofe that give it
ſeaſon it ſo ill that it muſt needs be nauſeous
to Men that have any true Palate. A groſs
Flatterer unſkild in the nice Management of
Praiſes, exclaims upon the leaſt Trifle. If
you read your Work to him, to know his 0-
pinion of it, the moſt common Tlioughts and.
Ex-
su
101

184- Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Expreſions puts him into an Estacy. The
groffeſt Faults it fwarms with don't offend
him. If you have done an indifferent Axion,
neither wanting Praiſe nor Cenſure, he loads
you with exorbitant Praiſes, and prefers you
to the firſt Men of the Age. A Man muſt be
a perfet Cully to be lured with ſo rank Flat-
teries, and vain fo greedily to court the En.
comiums he fo little delerves.
Ortog NO
hoo
THE
The Profeſſion of a Flatterer is baſe and
feandalous ; but it ſeems to be a neceſſary
Profeſſion, ſince every body wants Flattery,
Muſick is not more agreeable to a Muſical
Ear than Flatt ry to Vain-glorious People.
'Tis a Charm that pleaſingly bewitches him
and the wildeſt of Men give way to be
tam'
and ſooth’d by this Inchantment. That which
is moſt ſurprizing, is, that to many deliglit *
to be flatter upon an imaginary Merit, and
Talent's not their own. A Man of an obſcure
Birth, but «faintly puts off the Diſcourſe of :
the Nobility of his Anceſtors, A Woman be.
twixt handſome and ugly, finds a ſecret Plea-
fure in hearing thoſe Charms extoll’d, which
her Flatterers liberally endow her with. They
that are free from all Prepoſſeſſion, and do
themſelves Juſtice, can no more fuffer un-
merited l’raile, than the Modelt can bear the
leaſt Intringement upon Modeſty : But when
Flattery is handſoınly dreſsa, and Praiſes are
finely wronght, they work upon the levereſt
Tempers,
Tis a Weakness indeed, and in
right, we ought so more t8 receive the Praia
ſes we don't deſerye, than the Money that is
not

Concerning Prejudice. 183
net due to us : And we ought moreover to in.
timate to prefumptive Perfons, that they are
the Properties of a fly and delicate Raillery,
and the Subjects of the Banterers. 1 Philaute
leaves the Company, charın'd with envenom'd
Commendations : She every where boaſts
what Elogies the receives from Perſons of great
Merit and Reputation. But ſuch as cou'd pe.
netrate their Deſigns, could eaſily ſee that
they played upon her Credulity. ( El bis
The Reaſon why certain People conceal
the Meannefs of their Birth, and aſſume chi.
merical Pedegrees, is the prefumptuous -Opi-
nion of their own perſonal Merit, or an effect
of Pride which their Wealth inſpires thein
with.. Such as have occaſion for their Affi-
ftance, 'countenance their Conceit purely in
Complaiſance : Others are not at the Pains of
examining whether their Titles are legitimate:
Thus their Nobility by Degrees gets Footing
in the Belief of the World :. After they have
convinc'd themſelves of their great Extracti.
opn, they have the leſs Difficulty to make
thers believe it.
Ceraftus can ſcarce read: If he ventures to
talk of the leaſt Matter, he moves your Pity,
He has not Senſe enough to perceive he wants
it ; and yet he thinks his Parts qualify him
for the greateſt Employ ; it. you'll believe
him, he may be truſted with the moſt diffi.
cult Affairs, he would accept the Title of
Embaſſador in the firſt Courts of Europe.
What muſt Ceraſtus ſtudy to be undeceiva
He need only ftudy himſelf:. But no body
1100
cares

184: Reflexions upon Ridicule.
cares to view himſelf on his worft ſide. 9. Your
ſee the Reaſon why it is foʻrare a thing to ſee
People correct their Faults; they throw their
Eyes off from a Proſpect that diſturbs their
Vanity, and caſt about to find ſomething in
themſelves wherewithal to feed their Compla-
cency and Prepoſſeſſion.sz.
now
Nicander: with his flaxen. Perriwig, ihis
Knot upon-bis Sword, his embroider'd Coat,
and large Diamond on his Finger, thinks:
himſelf the Charm of all Converſation j
whilſt his inſipid Diſcourſes, and filly Things
he childiſhly vents, atire all the Company.
Becauſe he is well made, and richly cloath'd,
he thinks to ſet up for a charming and fineo
Talker : But the Pleaſure he gives in fees
ing him, does not ballance the pain of hear-}
ing him. He reſembles the Peacock in the
Congreſs of Birdsgi which outſhines them
when he blazons his Plumes, but is hiffed.
when he goes to fing.in
We more eaſily bear with a timerous Per-
ſon that talks little, than a Blunderer that
talks always with wonderful Aflurance. ! igaz
norance is commonly the Principle both of
the Confidence Our the Preſumptuous, and the
R ſerve of the Fearful. An Ignorant, conceit:
ed of an ip ay inary Merit, talks with Affu.
rance, becauue he thinks all admirable that
he fays. He thay is convinc'd of his Igno-si
sance, and withal refirain 'd by his natural
Fear, dares not open this Teeth., Ignorance.
and Preſumption, which ought to be incom-7.
patible, are always inſeparable. 1. Prelump-
tion
2932

. e Concerning Prejudice.
185
f It
tion is a Conſequence of Self-conceit ; this
Sufficiency makes a Man uneaſy to inform
bimſelt of what he is ignorant of: And as
he dares not confeſs his Ignorance, he chufes
rather to expoſe himſelf to Ridicule by play-
ing the Doctor, than modeſtly own his Weak-
neſs, and make amends for his Want of Capa-
city by that ſincere Confeffion. o osv 330 11
It is but three Months ago that Sinonet
firit entred into the World, and began to ſee
Company; and yet he gives -Sentence upon
every thing as a fupreme Judge: He talks
with equal Preſumption of War and Civil
Law, and reverſes the Decrees of Chancery,
and enuinerates all the Faults our Generals
have comınitted the laſt Campaign. It is but
a Week ago that Simonet: was ſtill lectur'd in
the Civil Law: How comes he by fo vaft a
Science ? He talks upon all Subje&s with the
faine Liberty and Alurance as if he had ftu-
died them. He takes upa Man eminent for
his Station and Merit, land boldly tells him.
he is miſtaken in the fact he has been relat-
Get rid of your Prejudice, Simonet,
and when you have removed that Film,
you'll clearly fee how ridiculous you make
your ſelf.
di bigoft ist zgning2 197131 stor
Ordinary People feem always off the
Hooks į Pleaſures and Buſineſs equally con-
found them. But Genius's of a ſuperior Or-
der, paſs from Buſineſs to Pleafure without
Trouble. Always their own Maſters, they
lend themſelves to Diverſions and Affairs :
without being intirely polled by either, and
ing. Get
S
never
186. Reflexions upon Ridicule.

never neglect Buſineſs for the ſake of Plea-
fure. i 01 Iceri si s 25 lernt
sferu poolt
25 An Exceſs of Preſumption renders' a Man
Negligent and Lazy, and often ruins the beſt
Aflairs. la Man depends upon his good For-
tune, cand negle&slibe Precautions taken by
others of leſs Abilities wlio miſtruſt them.
Hence Men of Parts, that can't condeſcend to
little Formalities, are commonly over-reach'd
by Fools, that leave no Stone unturn’d to ac-
compliſh their Deſigns. Joy Bus VIEJ ILO
zoll It’sl he great Stapidity to treat a Man as
four Cully, who is more fubtle and politick
than our felves, but who puts on a Diſguiſe
and a ſtudied Plainneſs to bring us into the
Trap he hasi laid for us. They that are al-
ways upon the Ketch-and Stratagem, even to
sthe leaft Trifles, who are ſtill acting the Poli-
otician how to deceive, deſerve to be treated as,
- they ſtudy to treat others. bas Tited SMTP
rol There is generally fome Injuſtice in judging
of things only by the Event. For whatever
good Condu& was taken in an Affair, if it
don't fucceed, we blame, the Managers, tho
the Fault was none of theirs. We faften bu ព
Eyes upon the Surface, and never dive Into
thoſe ſecret Springs that ſtop'd the Motion of
the Engines play'd, when, in the mean time,
ſuch Meaſures were taken as promiſed an hape
py Event, had it not been for thoſe Obſtacles
in the way, which human Prudence could not
forefee. Hence cominonly proceed thoſe our
abſurd Cenſures of Men of Merit, who have
bfaild of the Succeſs that might reafonably
1990
be

Concerning Prejudice. 187
their
be expecte.d from their Endeavour. A few
things are able to diſappoint the beſt concerted
Enterprize, mien of Senſe and Equity judge
not by Appearances ; they go to the Botton
of Things, and can do Juſtice to a Man of
Honour, who has omitted nothing, but who
was ill feconded, or rather was undermind,
by ill-intention’d People.
The generality of Women, who have any
thing of Beauty, think to outſhine others :
And as they are impatient of Rivals, they
decry them as much as poſſible. They are åt
once preſumptuous and timerous, as to the
Force of their Charms. A very fantaſtick
Character! They don't think they have any
;
Jealouſy gives
. Reaſon to believe třey dread
them, by the Pains they take to deſtroy
them.de fteti v 10 f101911 in 1919.avi
you love your own Quiet, never praiſe
any Woman's Beauty before Celinta. Shell
make a perſonal Quarrel on?t, and upbraid
you with Injudiciouſneſs or. Prejudice. She
always finds fome Fault in the moſt regular
Features. She has an inconceivable Elo .
quence at heightning, or depreſſing what is
handſome or ugly in a Woman.. The fofteft
and moſt engaging Eyes to her appear gloginy
and melancholick. She maintains that a no
ble and advantagious Shape is gygantick:
that a moderate one, but eafy and proporti.
onable, is pigmy-like. If the
fair. Helena
should riſe again with all her Charms, the
dt Josial 2998586VAUX
would
If

188 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
SI
would ſee her félf degraded from her Beauty at
Celinta's Tribunal.
23 Tis not fufficient for a Woman to be conſci-
rous of nothing to her ſelf ; She muſt alſo re-
gard externals, and prevent the Publick's touch.
eing upon her Conduct in any part whatfoever.
A Man is a thing of ſo tender a Conſtitution,
that bare Appearances ill managed wound it.
Thoſe Women that fay they care not what the
World fays of them, and that the Teſtimony
of their Confcience is ſufficient, have too little
Delicacy. Reputation is the jaſteſt recom-
pence of Vertue, and it ought not to be neg-
lected.
v. I know not whether it proceed from Jealou-
fy or Spight natural to Men, that they are
ever difpos’d to judge ill of Women ; whether
the great numbers of thoſe that forget them-
felves, prejudice the reſt, or whether they real-
ly too much negle& the Judgments of the Pub
Tick; they can't trip ne'er fo little, but they
are treated without Quarter; the léaft Liber.
ties they give themſelves are made Criminal,
I think that inſtead of complaining of the In-
juſtice of Men, they oùght ratlier to cultivate
their Nicenſs by a great Reſerve, and ſo not
give tliem any occafion to talk with any Ap-
pearance of Keaſon.es
Your eaſy and credulous People, have con-
tinually one Viſion or other in their Brains ;
they that know their Temper take Advan-
tage of their weak Side, and promote their
Chimera's, inſtead of attempting to cure
them. What Extravagances has not the
per -


Concerning Intereſt. 189
The
perſuaſion of Sorcery occaſion d ? Tis
hardeſt thing imaginable for a Man to get
rid of it: If requires a ſtronger Head than
ſits upon moſt Men's Shoulders, not to believe
a thouſand things, which come naturally, to
paſs, to be the Effects of Tome Spirit, or the
Paſs-time of ſome inviſible Power.
cunninger fort ſerve themſelves of this Preju.
dice to decoy the ſimple into the Net they
ſpread for them, and which 'tis next to im.
poſſible to avoid. A Brain infatuated with
theſe ſupernatural Whimſies is ſeldom cur’d
of them.
ti rizio Ciot De beste
estisse
CASA SAUSADASE SEDA VASAS
SASSASSADA Salsa Sad SASALSA SA SAU essa
nisis DISUD 2010
Iqt & odoravlat solidt
pod gart Of Intereſt. 25 15% vseh
TH9iu bei 07 Arnolarino
Men
comfortable Subſiſtence, commonly en-
gages them in mean and fordid A&ions. "Tis
a very nice Temptation to be in the way of
getting Money, and to be govern’d by no
Principle but Conſcience, and he that does
not fall under it muſt be of a well appointed
Virtue. Moſt Men think Indigence the great-
eſt of Evils, and that every thing is allowed
them to get rid of it: Stratagems, Shifts,
Tricking and Knavery, all Engines are played,
and if they ſucceed, the publick Voice abfolves
them. A visivel to noterit o col-il?
Srinis, niste bos sistema so There
V

190 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
e up-
There are a fort of, People in the World,
that live only for themſelves, and drive at
nothing but their own Intereſts and Plea.
fures. Tliey love to body, and no body loves
them; they are guilty of Incivilities, and ſay
the rougheſt and moſt difobliging Things in
Nature, untouch'd with the Vexation they
give others, and not ſo much as refle&ting
on't
. Undifturb’d at Contempt, and uncon-
cern'd at the ill Reports that go of them, they
neglect the Duties that Reaſon and Decency
deinand, and facrifice every thing, Relations,
Friends, and Honour, to their Gain and Ad.
vantage. In all Dealings and Tranſactions
with
ſuch People, a Man muſt always be
on his Guard againſt Trick and Deceit. If
they play, 'tis always upon the Sharp, and
they cheat as often as they can, though they
only play for Trifles : If you ſurprize them,
they only make a Jeſt of it, and value not the
Diſgrace, provided any thing can be got by
The Reaſon why Men are ſo unjuſt in their
Treatment with one another, is, that they
always act through fome Paffion; the Pafli.
hat are generally engaged, ſeek their
own Satisfaction, without obſerving Right or
Wrong. Whoever is under the Government
of a Paſſion, be it never fo irrational, thinks
he is always in the right, and his moft ex.
travagant Proceedings give him not the leaſt
Scruples.
Selt-Love is the ruin of Society. Moſt Men
think only on themſelves, and every thing
elle
it,
ons

Concerning Interest.
191
pure is
elſe is very indifferent to them; they never
will
fympathize with others Joys or Griefs. Peo-
ple of this Charakter are as it were unhinged
from the Univerſe, and of no uſe in the
World; theys are crowded and wrapt up in
themſelves, and never extend beyond their
own Circumference. Sit is now the
The Friendſhip that reigns at preſent in the
World, is nothing but a Commerce of
This Principle, though extreamly 1.
Tordid, is very much in Practice: 'Tis great
Baſeneſs to negle& People when they become
uſeleſs, and we have no farther occaſion for
their Afliſtance. How cruel is it, in their Dir.
graces, to refuſe them the good Offices in our
Power, which we ſhould gladly offer them
were they in a better Situation ? This is what I
is to be dexpected by Perſons put out of Place.
They ſee themſelves in a Moment forſaken byg
all thoſe that were moſt officious in their
Courtſhips; who now will not ſeem to know
them, but mun them as if they fear’d the
Contagion of their Misfortunes in approach.
ing them. I believe 'tis one of the greateft
Pains of their Diſgraces, to ſee the Ingrati-
tude of thoſe they have been generous Patrons
toz-in the Sun-Shine of their Favour: But 'tis
a Diſeaſe there is no Cure for.
Celanor, from the Pinnacle of Favour, is
fallen into the loweſt Diſgrace, and all his
Friends have turn'd their Backs upon him in
a Moment: Thiofe that he had raiſed higheſt,
have abandon'd him as the reſt : He has of-
ten ſaid in his Impriſonment, that his own
on
Mic

192, Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Misfortunes leſs afli£ted him, than the Trea-
chery of his Friends, who carried their In-
gratitude ſo far as to do hiin ill Offices. That
which flatters the Vanity of great Miniſters,
is to ſee themſelves ſurrounded and reſpected
by a numerous Crowd, that make their Court
to them, and wait at their Levees. But if
they could read the Sentiments of thoſe that
thus ſeem to adore them, and knew the Mo
tives of the ſervile Homages they pay them, i
they would not be fo fond of them. vai bibil
The moſt unpardonable Madneſs is that of
the Covetous : Though they overflow with
Wealth, they are poor and wretched in the
midſt of it. To what end does Phylarg yrus
heap up fo inuch Treaſure? He is old, and
has no Children: No body pays any Court to w
him, nor has he any Affe&tion for any body, i
or any Acquaintance; and yet, he every where
enlarges his Income, and raiſes his Rents :ls
He's ill lodged, and as bad cloatlied; and fees
not a Fire all the Winter : He fpunges upon
his Neighbours, to ſave the Charge of a Din.
ner: In a word, he denies himſelf all Near
ceflaries. What Difference is there betwixt. I
Syrus, who wants every, thing, and Phibaret
gyrus, who poſſeſſes a vaft Eſtate, but makesoj
no uſe of it.
One ca erord's soli.
The moſt Self-intereſted, and hardest Men,
that have no Conſideration for any body,
would have others full of Reſpects to them. ?
We could more eaſily pardon them their
Fondneſſes for themſelves, if they had ther!
like Indulgence for others. Their rugged ways
of


Concerning Intereſt. 193
of treating thoſe that deal with them is very
Unreaſonable: the more you ſtoop and con-
deſcend, the more difficult and crabbed they
appear: They have nothing but Rudeneſs,
Auſterity, and Indifference for thoſe, from
whom they expe&t Complaiſance, Affability,
and good Offices.
I am not my ſelf, when I ſee with what an
haughty and diſcouraging way the Counteſs
of Marine treats thoſe that have any thing to
do with her. Inflexible to all the Expedients
that are propos'd to her, ſhe will never de-
part from the leaſt Pun&ilio of her Intereſts:
Her Mouth never opens but in Menaces which
make her Debtors tremble : She talks of no-
thing but their Impriſonments and Arreſts,
and Executions upon their Goods and Chat-
tels : She is always ſurrounded with Bailiffs
and ſuch ſort of Vermin, made for the Ruin
of Mankind : She is not ſoftned with the
Tears of Orphans and Widows: She loves no-
thing but Money, and ſhe rolls in it.
He that has not the Courage to venture
his Life and Fortune for his Friends, when
'tis neceſſary for their Intereſt, ought to be
regarded as an indifferent and lukewarm Per-
fon. We find few People in this Age of the
Chara&ter of that Emperor, who daily thank'd
the Gods for having given him the Empire,
becauſe it enabled him to do Good to his
Friends. He was uneaſy when a Day paſt,
without giving him occafion to ſhew fome
Marks of his Bounty; whatever his Suc-
ceſſes were beſides, he reckond them all no-
K
thing,


194 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
thing, if his own Hand had not been exercisd
in Liberalities. A Man muſt be of a gene-
rous Conftitution and a large Soul, to main-
tain this Character long : He that is beneficent
by Art, ſeldom goes very far, and inſenſibly
returns to his Nature; "which is the reaſon
that Men fo often deſert their Friends, when
they have moft need of their Aſliſtance.
If you expect to be courted, you muſt be
good for ſomething: This is the Rule; You
maſt Play, or lend Money, contribute to the
Pleafures, engage in the Intereſts of Men, and
let them ſee that you are of ſome uſe to them.
In the good Offices they do you, they would
ſee your Securities: That is, whether you are
capable of repaying them in the faine Coin.
Diſintereſtedneſs and Generoſity, are things
which now no body underſtands; and therefore
expect nothing from the Liberality of Men,
unleſs you are in a Condition to oblige them
in your Turn. I would fain ſee the Man,
who obliged People out of a Greatneſs of
Soul, and for the meer Pleaſure of doing
Good, without Hopes of a Return: Where is
this Phenix to be found?
Intereſt has baniſh'd Friendſhip from the
World: There's nothing to be met with but
falſe Friends, who offer themſelves with all
the Shews of Zeal, and are profuſe in Ex-
preffion ; who amuſe you with the moſt
Hattering and obliging Diſcourſe
. They pro-
feſs to ſerve you if ever Occaſion offers; but
if the Occaſion comes, they give you the flip
and deſert you. This ardent Zeal is coolà
in


Concerning Intereſt. 195
in a Moment, and chang’d into a furprizing
Coldneſs: They are out in their Argument,
if they think to gain the Friendſhip of Men,
by their Compliments and vain Offers of
Service. This Noiſe ſerves only to ſtun the
too credulous: We quickly perceive their In-
ſincerity.
The Sentiments of Humanity incline us to
comfort the Miſerable, and 'tis failing in the
moſt eſſential Duties, to abandon them in their
preſling Occafions: But it is utmoſt Exceſs of
Cruelty to inſult them in their Misfortunes.
A Man fallen into any Diſgrace is to be pitied;
if
you have not the Generoſity to lend him
your Hand to retrieve himn, don't add a new
Weight to his Diſgrace to ſink him utterly,
And yet Men are ſo brutal and unmerciful, as
to lafh a Man with the keeneſt Satyr, who is
dropt and out of Favour. The firſt Thought
that occurs upon the Adventure of a Man
diſplac'd, is to feek the Reaſons of his Dif-
grace in his Conduct. They neither offer in
his Excuſe the Mis fortune of the Times nor
the Poſture of Affairs, and Conjuncture of
Things ; but will abſolutely have him guilty,
and invent a thouſand Stories to diſcredit and
ruin him beyond Recovery. This is the Make
and Temper of Mankind.
A Man that plays the Knave to throw an-
other out of his Poft, and puts himſelf in it,
is abſolved by the publick Voice if he fuc-
ceeds : But for People to fall foul upon Per-
fons of Merit, without any Proſpect of Inte-
reſt, meerly for the malicious Pleaſure of do.
K 2

196 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ing Miſchief, is a Practice that ought not to
be known amongſt Men. Such People ought
to be baniſh'd Society, as wild Beaſts: But
who would eſcape, if this Rule was iſtrictly
obſerved?
There ought to be ſomething in the Returns
of Gratitude, that are free and eaſy; when
our Acknowledgments proceed from Duty,
Views of Intereſt, and a kind of Neceſſity, we
always diſcharge this Duty with an awkward
Grace. Benefits impoſe a kind of Yoke, which
the ungrateful would, as ſoon as poflible, be
deliver'd from ; and he muſt have a great
Soul that can bear it without Uneaſineſs.
We ought not to make uſe of our whole
Power, nor take the Advantage of our Autho.
rity to the full Extent of our Rights. There
are a thouſand things we ought to wave in
Civility and Decorum, which if demanded
would make us thought fantaſtical and trou-
bleſome. The Laws of Treaties require mu-
tual Conceſſions and Abatement for the fake
of Peace: This Maxim is not to the Palate of
intereſted Perſons; who chuſe rather to loſe
their Eaſe, their Reputation and their Friends,
than recede from the leaſt Particular.
You ſee the Source of thoſe eternal Law.
Suits, which are perpetuated in Families,
from Father to Son, to their utter Ruin. If
People underſtood themſelves, if they knew
their true Intereſts, would they give the clear-
eſt and moſt unburden's Part of their Re-
venues, to fatten the greedy Judges, who
live by the Follies of Mankind, and inſtead
of

Concerning Intereſt.
197
of ſaving them from the Gulph they fall in,
plunge them deeper and deeper by all the Arts
of Barretry, wherewith they entangle their
Affairs?
$ Tis a great Misfortune to be born high-
fpirited and poor: A Soul of this Make has
nuch ado to ſubmit; but Neceſſity forces Na-
ture, and the Encounter is ſevere. People of
this Temper ſeldom make their Fortune;
they have not ſtill the Power to ſubdue their
own Inclinations to the Fancies of thoſe they
depend on, who ſet the Services they can do
theni at too high a Rate.
Arcides has miſcarried in his Fortune, by
not being able to conquer and captivate him.
felf, and expreſs Complaiſance and Submiſſion
to Sylverin. It went very hard with him,
to ſee himſelf confin'd in an Office, under the
Authority of a Man, who had neither fo
much Brains, nor fo good Blood in his Veins:
But he enjoy'd a Poſt that made him Paras
mount, and at the ſame time he had very
good Intentions for Arcides, who could make
no uſe of them. He choſe rather to renounce
his Fortune, than purchaſe it by ſuch Baſe-
neſſes, as Dependants are oblig'd to pay to
their Superiors, who continually make their
ſenſible of their Diſtance and Subjection, in a
ſevere and offenſive Manner:
When Men have Occaſion for others Sers-
vices, they cultivate and careſs them ; but
after they have received the Kindneſfes ex-
peeted, they are uneaſy in their Company,
and care not to ſee their Faces, eſpecially if
their
K. 3

198 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
their Obligations be great. Is this Pride, or
Ingratitude, or both together?
"Tis from the ſame Principle People flatter
the Favourites, and blame the Diſcarded.
They pay their Court to the former, to ſhare
the Influences of their Favour: They are la.
viſh in their un merited Encomiums: They
advance them above others, by comparing
their different Conditions, as if the Prefer.
ment beſtowed the Merit, or that bad Fortune
debaſed a Man beneath himſelf.
Whence is it that Alcippus will not pretend
to know Brutus, who is juſt diſplaced? He
cajoled him in his Proſperity, and carried his
Deference and Reſpect's even to Adoration.
At preſent he ſcarce vouchſafes to ſpeak to
him; he ſhuns him where ever he meets him,
as if there was ſomething of Infection in his
Perſon. Should Brutus come again in Play,
Alcippus would have the ſame Regard for him
as before.
The Benefa&ions People wait to make in
their laſt Wills, are very inſignificant : If
they think thereby to obtain the Reputation
of Liberality, they ought to know it is too
late to Give, when they are no longer capable
of Enjoying. The moſt fordid at that Seán
fon, do themſelves a Credit with the Money
they are forc'd to part with ; but which they
would be overjoyed to be able to bury along
with them. "Tis a dangerous thing to di-
vulge the Circumſtances of a Man's Will, and
the Legacies bequeath'd, to this and that:
This is a Liberality that has often been ill
recom-

Concerning Intereft. 199
récompenc’d. The Legatee ſometimes grows
out of Patience, at the too long Life of the
Teſtator ; and the Greedinefs of Succeſſion,
makes the Heir precipitate the Days of him,
whoſe Death inſtates him in a plentiful
Way of Living. Much like that Emperor,
who cauſed thoſe to be ſtrangled, who gave
him any thing by their Teftament ; for if
they recovered, he ſent his Guards to aſſaſſi-
nate thein in their Houſes.
w Few People have Souls ſo Great and Noble,
as not to love to receive. I would have an
honeſt Man to be more reſerv'd in that Parti-
cular; and to receive no Favours above the
Power of Acknowledgment equal to the Bea
nefit. The Giver ought to have very diffe-
rent Conſiderations, and to expect no Re-
turn for the Kindneſſes he does. This would
not be Liberality, but a kind of mercenary
Traffick, diſguis'd under fpecious Names.
Numbers of People think they are quit for
the good Offices that are done them, by re.
ferring the Authors to their Wills; which is a
Lure to the Expectations and Hopes of the
Intereſted Perſons; but 'tis an uncertain and
ambiguous Way of fiewing Kindneſs.
From the fame Principle, we forget at
once good Offices and Aftronts, viz. The Te-
dium of being always under the ſame Diſpo-
ſition of Mind. We are tired with perpetu.
al Gratitude, and perpetual Hatred. Ariana
is reconciled to Juſtina, not from any religi.
aus Motive, or Return of Affection to her;
her Animoſity being ſtill the fame; but be
caurs
17
KĄ
200 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

cauſe ſhe's tird with a&ing the Part of a de-
clared Enemy i OCT
e For People obſcurely born to have Senti.
ments ſuitable to the ineanneſs of their Ex-
traction, is no great Wonder ; this being but
the Fruits of their ill Education. But 'tis
another thing for you, Eleagenes, that de-
fcend from one of the moſt illuſtrious Fami-
lies in Europe, to belye the Nobility of your
Blood, by your Actions. You are fond of
Gaming, and you play foul: You borrow
Money and never pay: Your Domeſticks
dread you as a Tyrant, and conſtantly feel
the Weight of your Blows: You never open
your Mouth, but to throw out Impertinencies
and Follies : Your Diſcourſes favour of the
Places you frequent, and are Teſtimonies of
the Baſeneſs of your Sentiments: You are
civil tó no body, but give an equal Treat-
ment to a Woman of Quality and her Camber
Maid.
?Tis very hard to be a great Gamefter and
a Worthy Man at once. Your Gameſters are
eaſily provoked; they are brutal and paſli.
onate ; they are ill Paymaſters when they
loſe, but rigorous Creditors when they
win. They are in continual Miftrufts and
Apprehenſions of being cheated. A great E-
State loft, is a great Temptation to Fraud and
Knavery.
*Dealing in Law-Suits is, in my Opinion,
that which, of all things, moſt warps the
Mind, and ſooneft corrupts Integrity: It is,
as I may ſay, the Triumph of Intereſt and
Ava-

Concerning Intereſt.
Avarice. A Man embarks in Law at firft with
a Principle of Juſtice, which would have,
every one preſerve what of Right belongs to
him: But when once the Astion is commencd,
it's made a Point of Honour to maintain it:
If your Adverſary plays you a Tricky you
think there is no Injuſtice in Repriſals, and
you play him another. If your Plot takes,
and you gain any Advantge over him by your
Stratagem, you are emboldned by the Suc-
ceſs, and you go on; and after a Conteſt of
many Years, 'tis found in the Concluſion of
the Trial, that you have loſt your Eſtate,
your Honeſty, your good Sentiments, Integri-
ty, Honour, and Conſcience.
Clito, to excufe his Stingineſs and ſordid
Avarice, alledges the Baſeneſs of the Times:
If he gives a Dinner, he harangues upon the
Dearneſs of Proviſions, and ſeems to grudge
his Gueſts every Bit they eat, and Glaſs of
Wine they drink. He daily finds out ſome
new Maxim of Frugality: He retrenches the
Number of his Servants or their Wages, and
would have them ferve, as they ſay, for a
Song. But what they abate him on one
hand, they make up to themſelves on the on
ther s for they never leave him but they rob
him.
Conſidering the Make and Complexion of
Men, 'tis in vain to fpur them with Notions
of Gerieroſity, to engage them to declare for
us. We muſt let them ſee their account in
the Advances we would have them make, and
convince them that we are not uſeleſs Crea-
K5
tures

202 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
tures. Intereſt is the only Spring that can
put them in Motion : Tis Hope, and not
Pity, that is the Paſſion they are troubled
with, whilſt, being inſenſible to others Mif
fortunes, they only cominiſerate themſelves.
They that fondly imagine they are beloved,
and attribute the Attendances that are given
them to their own Merit, are much miſtaken.
Thoſe very Perſons that are ſo officious, and
expreſs ſo difintereſted a Zeal, will facrifice
them to the firſt guſt of Fortune that blows
from the other Quarter. This is the Frame
and Compoſition of Mankind, and he miſtakes
then who judges otherwiſe. They love them.
ſelves preferably to all the World, and if they
love any thing beſides, 'tis only as a Corol-
lary of this firſt Principle.
Some People entitle a fcandalous Parfimo-
ny good Huſbandry. Intent upon Gain, they
are wonderful ingenious in turning all their
Savings to Advantage, whilſt they deny them-
ſelves the things they moſt deſire. Every
thing ſmells of this fordid Humour; their
Retinue, their Equipage, their Habits, and
their Tables. If they give a Treat, they can't
help ſhowing their Regret and, Uneaſineſs at
the Coſt, and ſomething is always wanting
in it; the Gueſts in the mean time depart
leſs ſatisfied with their Entertainment, than
diſguſted with ſo ill-placed and miſtaken a
Frugality.
Hefione has fifteen hundred Pounds a Year:
She loves Play and Company at her Heart,
but the loves Money better; and therefore fhé
ab
103

Concerning Intereft. 203
abſtains from both for fear of Expences. She
ſpends her whole Life in a continued Con-
ſtraint, refuſing herſelf what ſhe hath the
greateſt Paſſion for, becauſe ſhe won't be at
a Penny Charge. She turns her Cloaths and
makes them up in five or ſix different Faſhi-
ons, before the ſells them to the Brokers. We
pardon Hefione her Stingineſs, becauſe ſhe is
ſufficiently puniſh?d by the want of all thoſe
Pleaſures the denies herſelf. But that which
is unpardonable is her fcandalous Practice of
getting Money by indirect Ways, and unwor-
thy a Woman of Quality.
How ſhould we deſpite the Covetous, could
we diſcover all thoſe Tricks they play, and
Artifices they employ, to heap up Wealth.
How they trample under Foot Laws, Juſtice,
and Equity, and every Thing that's facred!
How Money obtains the Place in their Efteem,
of Friends, Relations, and their God! All their
Bnlineſs in the World is to enrich themſelves,
and torment their Debtors.
He that has but a little Fortune, and a vio-
lent Deſire to be rich, is very ſeldom an honeſt
Man. An indifferent Probity can't ſtand againſt
this Temptation. If ſuch a Conjun&ture hap
pens, as without risking his Reputation, he is
in a way to get Riches, by ſwerving a little
froin an exact Integrity ; his Vertue runs great
hazards: They are only Men of noble and re-
fin’d Sentiments, that don't forget themſelves
on ſuch Occalions.
All the Ways of growing rich are equal to
Souls greedy of Gain: Why Men of Honeſty
Se the will

204 Reflexions upor Ridicule.
will not amaſs Riches by unlawful Means
which is the Reaſon that Men of Honour and
Integrity ſeldom inake any greatFortune. I am
far from envying thoſe people that are opulent
and rich at the Coſt of their Equity and Con-
fcience. He is rich enough who has nothing
to reproach himſelf. What Quiet or Satisfa-
&tion is to be enjoy'd in Life, after the Coni-
miſſion of ſo many baſe and unjuſt Actions.
Could we believe it unleſs we ſaw it, that Per-
fons of Quality, who ought to have Senti.
ments above the vulgar, ſhould be guilty of
ſo many baſe Actions through a Spirit of In-
tereſt. They retrench their Servants Wa.
ges, and diſmiſs them without paying them.
They ruin all thoſe that furniſh the Pro-
viſions of their Table. The Mercer and the
Coal Man are no better uſed than others. They
infinitely carefs an eafie Creditor, to wheedle
him out of his Money, and declare themſelves
his Enemies, when they have obtain’d the Sum
deſir'd: There's no Tricks but they recur to, to
prevent paying both Intereſt and Principal; but
at laſt an entire Ruin of their Family, is the
juft Fruit of ſo much Baſeneſs.
Love of Gaming quickly corrupts the beſt
Principles in the World. Thouſands that are
Juſt in every thing elſe, make no fcruple to
cheat at Play. They conſider themſelves as in
the Eneinies Country, and think that Rook-
ing is a kind of lawful Profeſſion. Is this the
lawful Plunder of War? Or is it not Rob-
bery, by Arts and Subtilties at play to guard
againſt the Freaks of Fortune.
Tis

Concerning Intereft. . 205
'Tis a criminal Praćtice for People to ſpend
more than they have : They borrow Money
on all Hands, to maintain the Magnificence.
of their Train and Table. The Publick,
which ſees them wallow in Wealth, believes
them happy: But they thmſelves feel the
Uneaſineſs of that borrowed State, which un-
dermines them, and at laſt will pró e their
total Ruin.
What ought we to think of thoſe that bora-
row with Deſigns never to pay ? Who abuſe
the Simplicity of their Creditors, that lend
them with an honeſt Meaning, not dreaming
of the Trap they lay for them. But when
they have amafd great Sums, and have ſee
eur’d their Effects, they defert them, and
leave them in terrible Alarms. Thiefe have no
way but to come to Compofition, and loſe
one half of the Debt to ſave the reft, whilſt
the others, after theſe infamous Practices,
have the Face to appear, and make parade of
the Riches they have gotten by their Rogue.
ries; and the World fuffers them inſtead of
thunning them as the Plagues i altres
"Tis an Imprudence to enter into Correſpons
dencies and Confidences with People without
knowing them ; for the Covetous are no ways
fit for Society or Secrecy. A Man under the
Power of Intereſt, has always a Gate open
his Heart, to ſurrender to the Charms of
"Gold. The Glitter of it blinds and ſeduces
him, and when he is once corrupted, he makes
no Difficulty of ſacrificing both Friends and
Friendships to his Intereft. Siculo 1911
11
ro
206 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

It is a very hard thing to live long in good In-
telligence with People of contrary Parties, who
have
great Intereſts to Conteſt : What Addreſs
does it not require to carry it in ſuch a Man-
ner, as to teſtify an equal Affection, without
declaring for one or other : The Poiſe is fo
very nice that the Balance moſt eaſily inclines:
In endeavouring to keep them, we inake Ene-
mies of them both. On theſe Occaſions there's
need of great Sincerity, and a clear Proce-
dure: A fhufling Conduct throws us into
great Difficulties, and expoſes us to great Rex-
proaches.to
Where is there to be found a faithful, fin-
cere, discreet, judicious and diſinterested..
Friend, who has the Aſſurance to admoniſh
us of our Faults, and fears not our Difplea-
ſure in giving us wholſom Counſel? We com-
monly are the laſt to know what is ſaid of us;
in which our Delicacy is unconceivable, it
going for an Affront to be told of the Reports
that are ſpread to our Diſgrace. Our Friends
are for the moft part, timerous or intereſted ;
and they chuſe rather to abandon us to an ill
Conduct, than venture to diſpleaſe us by o.
pening our Eyes with fincere Advice. If Cli,
tia's Friends had not dealt fo gently with her,
ſhe had not diſgrac'd herſelf as ſhe has done :
They had eaſily retrieved her from a grow-
ing Paſſion, in which the lightly engaged
without foreſeeing the Effects. Her Friends,
that would not break with her, choſe rather
to leave her to her Engagement, than give
her Counſels that might vex her, and exaſpe.
.
rate

Concerning Intereſt. 207
Tate hier againſt them ; and thus ſhe opened
not her Eyes till ſhe fell into the Precipice.
He that hazards an Advice, feels the Pulſe to
ſee how it's like to be received, if it be well
taken, he puſhes on his Point with a conſtant
Zeal: But there are few fo generous, as to
silk the loſing the Friendſhip of a Perſon they
have any Dependance on, rather than ſee him
make a falſe Step. von
They that pretend to reform Abuſes, don't
always do it with a diſintereſted Motive, but
commonly intermix the Spleen of their prie
vate Paſſions. Their Envy to a Man in a con-
fiderable Poft, and his troubleſome Authori.
ty, makes them fift his Conduct with a foru-
pulous Rigour. It is hard for any one to be
ſo ftri&t and regular as not to have ſome weak
fide, which gives an Handle to Perſons jealous
of his Reputation: And when his Enemies
have diſcover'd it, they clamour that all's
undone, unleſs the Corruptions be redreſſed ;
and never leave off bawling, till he's removed
from his Poft, in which they have the Art to
place theinfelves, in Recompence for their
hypocritical Zeal. No Body would have
thought of throwing Cleon out of his Place,
and putting Onaphrus in, if the clandeſtine
Ambition of the latter had not made him aet
all ſorts of Parts, and taught him a thouſand
Stratagems to caſt Jealouſy and Suſpicion
upon the other's Condu&t.
Tis a baſe and fulfome Complaiſanee, to
praiſe in publick what we blame in private;
and we hereby expoſe our felves to be thought
coward
208. Reflexions upon Ridicule.

cowardly or intereſted Flatterers. If we
have not the Courage to ſpeak our Thoughts,
the only Option is to be filent, and no ways
ſignify our Applauſe of Impertinence.
They that think they have Heads politick
enough to out-wit all the World, are coms
monly others Cullies. They reſemble Shar-
pers who would cheat at Play: When their
Tricks are diſcovered, they are turnd upon
them, and they are led into the Snares they
laid. I know no better way to diſap-
point the Artifices of theſe politick Gentle
men, than to diſlemble the Diſcovery of their
ill Deſigns, who have pitch'd upon us for their
Dupes.
Men are not excuſable for their want of
Civilities to the Ladies : But the women are
commonly the Cauſe of the little Refpect that
is paid them. If they were ſtatelier, Men
would be more ſubiniſlive. Moſt of them are
Mercenary and Half-witted ; they have non
Sincerity nor Honeſty ; they value not being
affronted, provided they be treated and pre-
ſented; nor do they care for being loved, the
Thew of it fuffices then; having more Paſſion
for the Money than the Man.
If our Grandmothers ſhould return into
the World, how wou'd they be aſtoniſh'd to
fee the Licence, the Immodeſty, the Debaus
chery, and Impudence of their Grand-Daugh
ters! They had in thoſe Days the ſame Pala
ons, and Hearts as capable of Love as at pre-
fent ; but at leaſt they obſerved Meaſures :
They did not ſurrender at the firſt Attack of
their


Concerning Intereſt. 209
their Lovers: They did not follow them to
the Taverns, and make all the Advances :
Their higlieſt Favours were 'a long time a
purchafing, and the Men weren't allowed to
lay they loved them till after a great deal of
Pains and Affiduities. The Women of this
Age complain of the Coldneſs and Indifference
of their Lovers. Where would they have us
lay the Fault? They are as amiable, as hand-
fome, as witty as their Grandmothers, who
kindled ſtrong and lafting Paſſions. But how
does a Woman turn the stomach, be ſhe never
ſo handſome, when all the World knows the
Hiſtory of her Intrigues ; and her Letters and
Romancerate the Amuſement of the Pages and
Footmen in the Ante-chamber.
Ou ?Tis the common Temptation of Women,
to deſire to be taken notice of. The Beauties
need only thew themſelves: Nature has been
at the whole Coft for them. They that are
not ſo well appointed with Charms, affect to
have ſomething glaring in their Habits,
their Trimmings, their Equipage and their
Behaviour: But they are out in their Rec-
koning, and miſtake their real Intereſts. Theſe
borrowed Ornaments are a kind of Varniſh,
that makes their native Uglineſs the more
confpicuous: Leſs Notice would be taken of
it, if this Finery did not provoke a ſpiteful
Curioſity, which takes the Woman to pieces,
and ſeparates all that is of Art from all that
is of Nature.
сурет
9 The Paſſion certain Women have for Play,
and infinite Things as ruinous, is not to be
cons

210 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
conceived. What is it they will not do to
have Money? What Pra&tices and Artifices
have they not Recourſe 10? They buy Jewels
on Tick of the moſt rigorous Ufurers, and af-
terwards fell them a good Penny-worth,
Some we ſee that clear their Houſes of all
their Furniture, and pawn their
very Neceffa
.
ries, Plate, Cloaths and Linen, and continue
in theſe Diſorders for little Debts, by reaſon
of their Incapacity to retrieve thein at the
Time prefix'd by theſe Leeches, who only
lend upon theſe burdenſome Conditions. The
Stupidity of the Huſbands is another thing as
unaccountable: They either perceive not theſe
Diſorders that ruin their Affairs, or, by a ſtu-
pid Supineneſs, are witheld from aſſuming
the Afcendant over their lunatick Wives, who
are only guided by their Paſſions.
Men are not mucir wifer in this than Woo
men : It ſeems that the Love of Play diſtracts
them, and deprives them of their Senſes;
who are neither cured by Experience nor Mif-
fortunes : Having long groan’d under their
Loſſes, they embark again on a new Bottom,
and expoſe themſelves to freſh Dangers and
Diſcontents. Corbini, enraged with loſing
all his Money, Atak'd his Coach and Horſes,
his Coachman and Footmen; he loſt them all,
and fo return'd home on Foot without either
Money or Servants.
Betiſi is ſo complaiſant to fit up all Night
to ſee his Wife play at Lanſquenet: and he
punctually pays every Morning the Sums ſhe
has loft upon Honour. He is fo fearful ſhe
Should
1

Concerning Intereſt.
fhould be a Moment uneaſy, that he is the
firſt to make the Matches for the Amuſement
of his Wife, who knows well how to make
her Markets of her Huſband's Folly. If this
Trade laſts but fix Months longer, he'll find
himſelf reduc'd to an Hofpital, and will not
have a Shirt left; tho' his Father, who many
Years handled the Revenues, left him great
Riches when he died.
What's the Meaning, that Men, whoſe El-
fence conſiſts in Reafon, ſo little follow its
Conduct, and live by Freak and Caprice?
They lanch into extravagant Mirth, or fall
into a gloomy Melancholy without knowing
the Rea'on why ; and that which they ſhould
moſt defire, is that which moſt offends them.
Arnolfe has been at Law this thirty Years for
an inſignificant Eſtate, of a dubious and liti-
gious Title : To this Affair he ſacrifices the
Repoſe of his Life and Confcience: He tpends
his cleareſt Rents upon it, and denies himſelf
Things neceſſary, to be able to maintain the
Expences of this Suit. He has been caſt al.
ready in four Courts, but he daily ſays he
will try it till his Death, and will ſell all his
Lands to have this one or two, which is
wrongfully diſputed him. c alios
Time out of Mind, the People have been
expoſed to the unjuſt Oppreſſion of the Great
and Rich; but 'tis abominable, that Perſons
eminent for their Quality and Riches, ſhould
fly to unjuſt Methods, and a tyrannical Au.
thority to oppreſs the Miſerable, who have
nothing to oppoſe but their impotent Tears,
where

212 Reflexions répon Ridicule.
where with theſe unrelenting Men are not af-
fected : It would be but an imperfect Pleaſure
to them to be Maſters, unleſs they made the
Weight of their Power and Dominion felt.
Is it ſo great an Happineſs to give Terror
and Groans to the Miferable, that Men will
buy it at the Expence of their Conſcience
and Honour, and the Repoſe of all that are
under them.
2011
When a Man is grown Rich by his Induſtry,
no body examines what Means he uſed ; be
the Engines never fo bale-which he played to
raiſe his Fortune, tis all forgotten, and only
remembred that he's 'Rich, and may be fer-
viceable in his Perfon or Money, and capable
of being a Friend to thoſe who are of his Ac-
quaintance: Hence Perſons of Quality ſtoop
to court bis Friendſhip and Alliance: Was
ever fuch Degeneracy and Meannefs!
Ce fenes continually declaim'd againſt the
Publicans and Farmers ; and it was always
in this Mouth that thefe Leeches ought to be
baniſh'd the Republick, who fatten upon the
Blood of the People: That honeft Families
which had their Riches by Inheritance, ought
not to match with thoſe eſtabliſh'd upon the
Ruins and Spoils of the Publick, becauſe an ill
gotten Eſtate diflolv'd like Salt in Water.
Ceſenes grew a Romiſh Votary, and his
Averſion to this Vermin was heightned much
fince his profefs’a Devotion : But a Week ago
he married Romond's Daughter, who is en.
gaged in all the great Fatnis of France.
Great

Concerning Sufficiency. 213
der
Great Riches are a Covering for all Faults,
and give a Relief to Merit, though never fo
Iman. But 'tis wonderful that they can fo-
up the Reputation of a Man who is en-
rich'd by Roguery, and whoſe Cheats are
publick. Every Body knows that Agenor goti
his Eſtate by Play: As long as he gamed he
was look'd on as a Rogue; and he run him-
ſelf into a thouſand Troubles by his Tricks
and Sharping. He was often caught in the
Fact, and obliged to reſtore the Money he had
baſely won, and was infamous to a Proverb.
Grown Rich by theſe ſcandalous Practices, he
is refpe&ted, honoured and courted ; Floran-
tes, the Worthieſt Man in Town, of a known
Probity, and unblemiſh'd Reputation, courts
Agenor's Daughter, as if he meant to marry
all his Rogueries; What an Age is this !
2020202020202020
sit BG
* Section of
of Sufficiency.
T His Fault reſults from the Perſuaſion that
we have eminent Qualities. This Perſua-
ſion is ſometimes founded upon the Truth,
and then that Sufficiency ſeems excuſable ;
fonetimes it is the Effect of a ridiculous Pre-
ſumption, and in that Caſe it diſguſts all
Mankind. For there is nothing ſo imperti,
nent and intolerable as a Fool that takes upon
hin.
214 Reflexions upon Ridicule.

him. A Man puffed up with the Opinion
of his own Merit, is never put out of Couna
tenance: he talks loud in all Companies ; he
has an Affurance in his Face, which thews
how well fatisfy'd he is with himſelf: The
leaſt Trifles that he ipeaks, he utters with
an Ayre of Confidence, being convinc'd that
he is heard with Pleaſure: Theſe bold Ap-
pearances impofe upon the Inconi derate, and
carry away the Suffrages of Fools. A modeſt
Man, who ſays excellent Things in a modeft
Way, is only admir’d by rational People.
But it requires Art to recommend one to the
Multitude,
Modeſty is an infallible Sign of an extra.
ordinary Merit, whereas the Complacency in
their own Merit, is a great Preſumption a.
gainſt theſe Self-fatterers; they know not
what true Merit is, and they take up with
the gliınınering Reſemblance.
fis an intolerable Vanity to think we are
very Deſerving, and the Republick can't fub.
Sift without our Services, Look upon it as
Favour when you are employ'd, and capaci-
tated to fhew your Talents ; but think that
your Poſt might have been fill'd by a thouſand
Þetter quality'd than your ſelf. It is rare
to ſee People content with their Employs,
though never fo Honourable, they think they
deſerve ftill more Conſiderable. They paral.
Jel themſelves with thoſe in the higheſt Sta-
tions, and ſay to themſelves they are as good,
and they muſt have fome Remains of Mo-
defty not to think that they excel them.
All

Concerning Sufficiency. 215
subs
All Men are blind in Point of their own
Merit and Dupes to themſelves. For this
Reafon they are ſo well fatisfyed with in
different Talents, and envy not thoſe of ou
thers.
No body does himſelf Juſtice, nor knows
preciſely his own Dinenſions ; It he has any
good Quality, he congratulates himſelf, and
endeavours always to thew himſelf upon
that Side. If he be obliged to acknowledge
ſome Imperfe&ions, he places them in a Point
of View, which makes them almoſt impers
ceptible : But at the ſame time he heightens
the leaſt Defe&ts of others. To judge right-
ly of our Vices, we muſt compare with
thoſe that have the ſame, without being
more indulgent to our felves than we are to
others.
Whatever little Merit a Man has, le frank-
ly compares himſelf to the moſt accompliſh'd
Perſons. Is he ſo blind? Has he ſo bad a Judge
inent? Or is it to dazle and impoſe upon o-
thers? Clearchus, the ſecond Copy of Verſes
he wrote, alk'd fone of his Friends whether
his Piece had not the Spirit of thoſe of Mr.
Addiſon? Whether the Thoughts, the Turns
of the Expreſſion, had not ſomething of an O-
Tiginal? flow many of the ſame Temper are
there in the World? If they don't declare
themſelves ſo rafhly, if ſome remaining
Modeſty hinders them from ſpeaking aloud,
that they deſerve to be ranked amongſt the
fublimeſt Genius's, they whifper it to theine
ſelves,

216 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ſelves, and are pleaſingly intoxicated with fo
kind and flattering a Deception.
A Man that tao manifeſtly ſignifies his
good Opinion of his own Merit, fets all the
World againſt him. The moſt certain and
ready way to deſerve the Efteem of Men, is
to appear Modeſt, and not infatuated with
one's felf. The Vain and Sufficient draw up-
on them Envy, Contempt and Obloquy, and
are the common Mark for Satyr and Raillery,
inſtead of meriting the Approbation which
they feek. Argenia aſk'd the other Day whý
the Women could not bear her, and what Rea.
fon they had to inveigh fo horribly againſt her?
Argenia has a great ſhare of Wit, but that's
not the thing that provokes the Women's E-
mulation moſt ; fhe is but indifferent hand-
fome, and her Fortune is pretty equally
match'd with her Beauty ; ſo that in this
Combination there's nothing to provoke the
Womens Envy; and yet they'll pardon no-
thing in Argenia, but decry lier all they can:
The Reaſon is, ſhe is Haughty and Preſump-
tuous, full of the Notion of her own Me.
rit; ſhe thinks to eclipſe the reſt of her Sex,
and too viſibly diſcovers her Contempt of
them.
Thouſands of people think they are ap-
plauded in Places where they are only confi-
dered as Coxcombs, and are only ſuffered
purely for Diverſion, they are given out be.
forehand as the Comedy to be acted ; and all
the Company is prepared to put theitQueſtions
to them in their Turn.
where
Philautes every

Concerning Sufficiency. 217
where declares how welcome he is to Cleonice,
who ne’er mentions him but as a Fool. Phi.
lautes is ſo blinded with the greåt Opinion of
his admirable Merits, as not to diſtinguiſh
Irony and ſatyrical Praiſe, from fincere and
unaffected Commendation. Becauſe he has
good Hair and a very white Skin, and keeps
a nice Table, she thinks himſelf the Phe-
nix of his Age. He furfeits all People with
his Sufficiency, and is the Property of his
Flatterers and Paraſites. Isisett SHE 5173
You think your ſelf a very neceſſary Man,
and of great Importance, and that is your
Folly : Don't flatter your ſelf that you are
fo inuch as neceſſary to your Friends or Fa.
mily; they look upon you as a lazy Body
whom they would gladly be rid of: Whatea
ver Merit or Talent we think we have, we
have ſtill ſome weak Part to ballance our good
Qualities.
ilan hon
To avoid the Ridicule of this Sufficiency,
let us reflect upon an Inſignificancy in the
World. Of what Uſe to the Publick are theſe
rare Talents which we are ſo extremely fond
of? We live for our ſelves, for a little handful
of People about us, and when we go off the
Stage, our Loſs makes no Vacuum in Nature,
and no body perceives it. They that ought
to be moſt concern’d, impatiently expeet the
Moment that frees them from Dependance:
Such an one believes his Death will occaſion
a great Deſolation in his Family, which joy-
fully defrays the Expences of his Funeral. 100
Isdi 118 do
OD
1940
L
Whst



218 Reflexions espon Ridicule.
What Extravagancies are daily committed
by vain Creatures, fondly conceited of their
own Merit? What Complacency they take in
every thing they ſay, believing that all good
Senſe is included in their own Brain ? With
w.liat Diſdain do they reject what others ſay,
as if they were Trifles not worth Attention
With what a Magiſterial Tone do they im.
poſe Silence on the Company? With what
Arrogance and Aſſurance do they utter their
Fooleries and trivial Things, which every
Bodies Ears are tired with? With what Pre-
fumption do they court, in the Eyes and
Looks of their Hearers, thoſe Applauſes which
all the World refuſes them? No
The great Idea we have of our own Men
rit difquiets us to conſider the Merit of others ;
we take no Pleafure in hearing them praiſed,
but are tortured with the Reflexions we make
upon their good Qualities. 'Tis the Weak-
nefs of Women, who can't bear Rivalſhip in
any thing whatever. A Woman brim-full
with the Notion of her Beauty, is put befides
herſelf to hear another's Beauty celebrated,
and therefore they that fall upon this Subjeét
muſt be very circumfpe&t; they are always
in Fear of being eclips'd, and when any Dif-
grace happens to them in this Matter, they
are never able to recover it. eg sora
If
any one fails to give you all the Praiſes
you think yeu deſerve, don't diſcover any
Symptoms of Refentment ; artfully difſemble
your Diſcontent: Conceal, under the thew ot
an eafy Countenance, the ſecret Grief that
preys


Concerning Sufficiency. 219
Joy. 109
preys upon your Soul, and take heed of ma-
king others merry at your Coſt, for probably
your Sorrow would afford them a malicious
or HoT sit vd 5
Haughty People have continually a thou-
fand Mortifications to ſubinit to. The leaſt
Sign of Contempt, a Wink, or a Smile, where
nothing is clandeſtinely deſign’d, fuffices to
diſtrał them. They depart fad and diſquiet-
ed from the Company where no body meant
to diſturb them. They are always perfuaded
that one or other has fail'd in ſome Point
of that infinite Reſpect which is due to their
Merit. People of this Character muſt never
reckon upon their Repoſe ; for Men are not
always in a humour to footh them, but are
ill-natur'd enough to attack them frequently
upon this Chapter, when they have found out
their blind Sideóit as
od 10
You have reſolved upon it, and nothing
will ſatisfy you but that important Place:
Alas! you are not fit for it; your Vanity
miſguides you. That Employment requires
a greater Stock of Learning and Parts, than
you can boaſt of, though the fond Opinion of
your ſelf poſſeſſes you with different Notions:
You are naturally Looſe and Libertine, and
can't fubdue your ſelf: That Place demands
Afliduity and Pains, to diſcharge the Duties
of it with Honour. You don't reflect that
your Eſtate is as mean as your Capacity,
which muſt hereby be loſt; that to purchaſe
that Place you would ſtreighten your ſelf for
ever, and be ruin'd' paſt Recovery. Be Wife
at
L 2

220 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
at the Expence of others; obſerve Meret's
ſhatter'd Circumſtances; he carries his Aims
too high. and could not live at the Rate re-
quir'd by the Poft he was plac'd in, contrary
to his Friends Advice. He was forc'd to ſell
the Place he was ſo ambitious of, after it had
Twallowed up the greateſt part of his Eftate:
This Fall frangely mortifies his Vanity; but
il's no longer time to make Reflexions, when
a Man is ruin'd beyond Retrieval. con
Your Vanity or Dilquiet can't bear with
People that are above you, and you carry
your Cenfures even up to the firſt Miniſters,
and all in Place. One would think in hearing
your Deciſions upon the Government, that
you were to anſwer for it to the World, and
that you were to be raiſed from your Obſcu-
rity to the firſt Employs of State. Get rid
of that fooliſh Preſumption ; keep fair with
thoſe that are above you by their Birth or
Station, however, without deſcending to ſervile
Complaiſances.
Why do you undertake for an Affair above
your Capacity? You would have had no-
thing to anſwer for unleſs you had promiſed
the Event in ſo poſitive a Strain : If it mife
carries, who would you have us lay the
Fault on?
The Exceſs of Credulity, which is a natu-
ral Conſequence of Sufficiency, makes us the
Mark for the Artillery of Impoſtors, and the
Railleries of Drolls, who know our Weakneſs.
The Vain and Sufficient too lightly believe the
obliging Things that are ſaid to them, in
pure

Concerning Sufficiency. 221
pure Complaiſance. A Woman that ſets up
for Beauty, when ſhe is prais’d upon that
Topick, receives the Compliments that are
paid her, as an Homage to her Merit; with.
out examining whether the be flatter'd. Tis
the ſame with a Man in Point of Wit. We
ought not to be ſo credulous and eaſy. Moſt
Mens Life is nothing elſe but a Commerce of
Compliments and Flattery, to ridicule one
another. Melina is ſufficiently handſome ;
but it is not ſufficient for her Vanity to be
- moderately prais'd; nothing but Hyperboles
can pleaſe her: She is ſatisfied, and believes
you when you tell her the excells ally other
Women. This Preſumption hinders her from
perceiving the malicious Ironies of thoſe who
ſeem to praiſe her, and laugh at her ridiculous
Prepoffeffion.
to SW 01 10 21
: Our Attention to obſerve the Faults of o.
thers, is a delicate piece of Vanity, to in-
demnify us of the Reproaches others make, or
we make our felvés, in ſpight of the Preſump-
tion, inſpired by the idea of our great Qua,
lities. We are in ſome Manner comforted for
our own Faults, when we fee others ſubjeâ to
the ſaine. Od cu: ? sbal
We live in an Age wherein every body has
Wit: It is difficult to diſtinguiſh your ſelf
that way. You are miſtaken in thinking you
much oblige others by having a little more
Art than they. Make no Pretenſions to any
thing, nor, above all, affect the Reputation
of a Wit. There is fomething of ridiculous
adhering to that Character I know not how:*
"Tis
L 3

222 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Tis indeed very odd; but as odd and un-
grateful as that Prejudice is, 'tis hard for a
Man that ſets up for a Wit to avoid Ridicule.
Obſerve Florion and all his Grimaces when
he is praiſed; ſee how he bridles : His Friends
have ſpoiled him, by telling him too often he
has Wit; and ſince he has publiſh'd a Book,
he does not know himſelf, nor on what
Ground he ſtands. Bleſs us! is it fo won.
derful a thing to write a Book? Does the
Name of an Author, fo exalt the Merit of an
honeſt Man? Come down, Florion, to your
Equals ; iniſtruſt the Ironical Praiſes that are
given you: You have always your Book in
your Hand, to read the fine Places to your
Vifitants, who are amazed at the Applauſes
you beſtow upon your felf
. Sin
"Tis not for want of Parts, if Philip bas
not the Knack of pieaſing in Converſation :
He ſpeaks good Things enough; but he is
too full of himſelf, and will not wait till he
is applauded, but is his own Commender.
He talks in too free and familiar a way, to
thoſe he does not know, and who have never
ſeen him before.
aus IWO TUD
Tis Pride or Stupidity, not to approve
what deferves Approbation ; and to affect can
Indifference to things furprizing and extraors
dinary. 'Tis not the way to be efteem'd, to
exprels Contempt of meritorious Works,
which have the general Vogue. That falſe
Delicacy makes Authors commonly ridicu-
lous, It puts then upon the Rack, to hear
any thing approv'd but what they have one.

Concerning Sufficiency. 223
A Book that meets with a Character and Suc.
ceſs, throws them in Deſpair: They make
Confederacies offenſive and defenſive to decry
it; and brutally fall upon thoſe that do Ju.
ſtice to the Author and his Piece. But who
can forbear laughing, to hear them affert in
a Dogmatick Manner, that nothing was ever
more wretchedly perform’d?
Ill Fortune is advantageous to ſome People,
as teaching them the Art of Living. Beliſan
was uncivil, proud, and infolent, whilſt his
Father flouriſh'd. He ſcarce ſaluted Perfons
of the firſt Rank, but made them long wait
and dance Attendance in the Anti-chamber.
Since his Father is diſgrac'd, he is grown po.
lite and courteous, and prevents every body
in good Breeding. He has gain'd by the loſs
of his Fortune : He was fighted and avoided.
before, now he is pitied and carefs'd.o.
s! We muſt bear with thoſe that are above us,
is the Puniſiment of Dependance; but we..
muſt bear without Daftardy and Baſeneſs,
Perfons of an inferior Rank, may come up to
a Level with others, by the Greatneſs of their
Souls: Whereas the Great degrade themſelves
from their Authority, by abuſing it, and pref-
fing too hard upon thoſe below them, who
leave no Stone unturn'd to ſhake off fotrouble-
foine a Yoke. - 5 to zo o nolast
Tossa d sugie ons
hs "Tis certain that an high Birth gives great
Privileges, and a great afcendant over thoſe
of a lower Rank. We pardon Perſons of Quả.
lity, for their-Rank fake, a thouſand things
which would not be born in others. But that
Dee
LA

224 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Deference we pay them, ought to render
them leſs proud and haughty, and leſs ad-
dicted to little Formalities. Let them not
think they are privileged to ſay and do every
thing. The filly things thatí eſcape them,
are more remarkable than in obfcurer Pera
fons. W gadton
gods
The Eaſineſs and Complaiſance the World
expreſſes to believe the eminent Deſcent of cer-
tain Perſons, cheriſhes and cockers them in fo
gentle an Error. How many Women of ob-
Icure Extraction, by marrying Huſbands of no
Birth, but Rich, would be confider'd as Wo-
men of Quality, becauſe their Friends, to
flatter them, indulge thein in that Notion,
and pay the ſame Deference to their Wealth,
as is due to real Merit ?!! b918 beog má
6. The Flatteries and blind Complacencies of
Mothers to their Daughters, often polfeſs them
with a ridiculous Pride, which but little
comports with well bred Ladies, corrupts
their good Nature, and fills their Heads with
a thouſand romantick and extravagant Ideas.
Celiana has often been told that ſhe is hand.
fome, and amiable, and rich, and that there
is no Match above her Merit ; which ſhe is fo
fully perfuaded of, that all the Huſbands that
are offer’d, meet with nothing but Affronts
and Slights by reaſon of her pretended Inequa.
lity. She'll die a Maid, or will never be cured
of her Prejudice, till ſhe is out of Date for
Matrimony. , nobico
If you praiſe one Woman's Beauty before
another, the cafts her Thoughts on what is
molt

Concerning Sufficiency. I 225
2011100
most commendable in her ſelf, to compare it
with what is leaft handſone in the other,
which Compariſon naturally inclines her to
determine in Favour of herſelf. Men uſe the
ſame lArtifices to give themſelves the Prefes
rence in Wit; they attentively obſerve the
weak part of their Competitors, and behold
themſelves on their advantageous Side, i?Tis!
the Diſtemper of indifferent Authors and
Poets, who think to fet off themſelves by
cenſuring others Works. asd 20
Women are impatient of being rival'd in
any thing whatever, and commonly hate each
other on the inoſt whimſical Occaſions ; it not
being always Competition, or the ſame Pre-
tentions that imbitter them, and ſharpen
their Satyrs to one another's Ruin. It is
very rare to fee Women of any Merit regard
each other with a kind Eye when they meet in.
any Company. They examine one another
with an envious Curioſity, and make no Al
lowances. Scarce can they hinder their Inoz
dignation from breaking through their studied
and forced Compliments. She muſt be fomes
thing more than Woman, that can hear,swith-
out Jealouſy, the Praiſes given another e Flos
rinna is the only Perſon that loves to hear o
thers commended for their B:auty,and Charms,
and Carriage ; ſhe is the firſt to speak well of
them, and defend them when they are at..
tack’d. This Generoſity is an infallible fign
of Florinna’s Merit. slodi gibid ni woloba!
Does any one think his Merit the greater
for villifying his Rivals? Does he imagine it
LS
give

226 Reflexions spor Ridicule.
gives him an Ayre of Diſtinction, and Autho.
rity to regard others with an Ayre of Con-
tempt? "Tis quite miftaking his Intereſts, to
aſſume the Preheminence above all the World
by theſe faftunus Ways. The intereſted make
Leagues and Cabals to oppoſe their Tyranny,
and ruin the Foundations of that chimerical
Empire. 2009gstasubsti
Perſons that are conſcious of any Merit, are.
jealous of a Superiority, and can't bear Com
petitors
. It puts them out of all Temper to
hear others prais'd before them who have the
fame Talents. How enraged is a Woman,
unleſs the has great Senſe, to fee one touch'd
with another's Beauty? Tis not enough to
be handſome, unlefs they be handfomer than
every body elſe. 2 191 jeni no ot82 11903
How many good Qualities foever a Man
wants, and milerable he appears, he is nog
miſerable in all Reſpects; he has ſtill fome.
thing or other not ſo diftaſteful; and that
ſomething or other contents hiin. We ſhould
be utterly difconfolate, if we had nothing
that was agreeable; but our Comfort is, that
we are not deficient in every thing. We are
always very ingenious to deceive our felves,
conſidering our beſt Sides and Thewing only
them : But inſtead of gaining the Eſteem of
the World by theſe fond Complacencies in our
ſelves, we grow ridiculous by our over-affect
ing to appear what we are not, and being too
ſedulous in hiding thoſe Faults which fly in
Peoples Eyes, o ad aadi no vas
Enige 2310 Slevisl ad ganya. I can't

Concerning Abfurdities. 227
I can't bear the fooliſh Sufficiency of thoſe
pretended Politicians; who are criticizing e
very thing, and pretend to foreſee all Events;
who frame to themſelves a chimerical Syftem
of the way they would have the World go-
vernd: Nor the Impertinences of thoſe vain
Heads that idolize all their own Imaginations;
that entruſt you with the moſt frivolous Tri-
fles as mighty Secrets, and talk in a myſteri:
ous Tone. Do you hear, ſays Beraldus in
accoſting you, the great News ? But this
News which he utters with fo great Varineſs
and Caution, is nothing but his own Dream.
What I tell you, fays he, is a Secret I commit
to you alone ;&tis a thing that ought to be
buried. But his Impatience to leave you pro
ceeds only from his Itch to communicate
the fame Secret to all that will give him the
Hearing, 29vol doidw dilduisdi act and
sw eiles T aillot riso di 318 i
sobre Som sis 25191 V 10W zimo
-20 adi an 2990 SO SVI 3d fs o.
women s botas y lossere ai stiuc
sedi zavát Of · Abſurdities. Dvieno7
2wouls ne sont's : Miodistesinti buone
biovs CT si Istutch right to do mort
OUR want of Application to conſider the
Conjunctures, and different Pofture, and
Fate of Affairs, of Times and Occaſions, of
the Characters of Perſons, their Intereſts,
Motions, Paffions and Engagements ; uthis
want of Application makes us guilty of a
great

228 Refiexions upon Ridicule.
great many Abſurdities in the Coin mierce of
civil Life. 'n Miſtaking Times and Seaſons is
perhaps a thing the moſt to be avoided, as
rendring People moſt troublefome and ridicu-
lous. There's nothing more formidable than
thoſe Perſons that diſtinguiſh not your Leiſure
from your Times of Butineſs; that accoſt you
in a ſupine Manner, to intruſt you with im-
portunate Trifles, at a Time that your ſerious
and earneſt Affairs call you another way, and
Jeſent it, if you any ways fignify your Neceſ.
fity of leaving them, tho' they have nothing
to tell you. And also aus hoc
3. Such as are not always Maſters of their
Paflion, ſhould at leaſt conſtrain themſelves
before People, and not ſeek Witneſſes of their
Extravagances. 'Tis ridiculous enough to be
governd by Rage at home, without opening
Scenes for the Publick, which loves to divert
it felf with others Fóllies. The Faults we
commit without Witneſſes are more pardona-
ble. But the Weakneſs or Folly of fome Peo-
ple is fuch, that they exactly chuſe the Time
to act their Extravagances, when the Con.
courſe is greateſt, as if they wanted a nume.
Tous Evidence to their Madneſs. It ſeems that
the Crowd irritates them the more, and throws
them out of their natural Biaſs. To avoid
this part of Ridicule, we ought to conſider
in cold Blood how contemptible a Man grows
by his continual Tranſports, and low much
we ſuffer from thoſe that are guilty of them
in our Preſence. bes nii paljoM
csse noi si 10 JAGW
Celas

Concerning Abfurdities. 229
Celanor's Table is always well ſpread, and
his Entertainments genteel, and well dreſs’d.
But if this Cook has happend to over or un-
der ſeaſon a Ragoo, he falls into a Paſſion that's
next kind to Diſtraction. His Vexation, his
Oaths and Reprimands, laſt all the Dinner.
There's no room for his Friends to talk or be
merry: He muſt harangue his Servants one
after anothier, whilft his Vi&tuals in his Mouth
are ready to choak him. He has loſt all Com-
mand of himſelf, and ſeems to be mad, and
to have lost all his Senſes.
Oyon
When People are afflicted and embarafs’d
with Troubles that demand ſpeedy Succours,
rtis no time to moralize and di&tate grave
Sentences. We muſt put ourſelves in A&ion,
and find out the ſhorteft Ways to draw them
from the Mire. You go to wait on Celidan ;
you tell him
that you are perſecuted with a
troubleſome Creditor that keeps your Noſe to
the grinding Stone, and reduces you to the
laſt Extremeties. Celidan makes you a long
Diſcourſe upon the Ill-nature and Cruelty of
Men; which moral Le&ture is out of its place.
Celidan is Rich, and might, without any In
convenience, lend you a Sum to clear you of
your Difficulties, which would be of greater
Ufer to you, than this unſeaſonable Harangue
you are vext to hear. 14g usluogo ideaton
You teize a Man with Compliments and
Queſtions, who is not at leiſure to liear you:
Could you not read in his uneafy Face his
Eagerneſs to leave you ? He gives you only
fort and Night Anſwersy ſuffer him to go,
slik
and

230: Reflexions upon Ridicule.
and make way for him to retire with Decen-
cy, and without thinking you importunatel
and impertinent: Your ſedate Looks vex him,
and put him out of Patience. Ist 195
2?Tis playing the Pedant unſeaſonably; to
critick things which indeed deſerve Cenſure,
but of which your Opinion was not afk’d,
or if it was, with Deſign only to be flatter'd.
Attend patiently to the end of a bad Piece,
and neither in your Mein or Gestures expreſs
your Diſlike, ørrather your ſecret Pride, which
makes you ſet up for a good Judge. Keep
your Knowledge to your ſelf, ſince no Body is
inclin’d to profit by it ; and don't be repu
ted in the World as a ſevere and inexorable
Critick. i evolmio ar bem comezaga
As the beſt things are fpoild by Exceſs and
over-doing, fo A&ions miſ-tim'd loſe their Vao-
Iue, which would do us Honour if they were
better huſbanded. We fee abundance of Peo..
ple that are officious Civil, always ready to
do us a Pleaſure, but they do it with tog
much Forwardneſs or Affe&tation , they rens.
der themſelves importunate by their Diligence..
The Virtue themſelves require to be well feaa
fon’d and retrench'd from all their Superhuis
ties. The Way is to be officious without
Eagerneſs and Affectation, obliging without
Uneaſineſs, complaiſant without Meanneſs,
and a ſervile Devotion.
Women that have loved Gallantry, i can't -
reſolve to leave the World : It itifl is pleaſing
to them when they can no longer pleafe. Tis
ſtrangely ridiculous to expoſe their faded and
wrinkled-

Concerning Abfurdities I 2322
wrinkled Faces in Places where they uſed to
appear, with fuch a Figure. ?Tis eſpecially
for them this Maxiin was deſign'd, That the s
end of Agreements, ozight to be the beginning
of Retreat.
Be this Devotion or politicks,
Decency requires that they forbear to appear
in the World, when it no longer beholds them,
with the fame Eyes, and they give it Difguſt
who formerly gave it fo much Pleaſure.in ti
'Tis a thing that provokes Laughter to ſee
toothleſs, decrepit Women equally fond of all
forts of Pleaſure as when they were but Twens
ty; to fee them mark all the Cadences with
their Hands and Head, when the Young ones
Dance; to beat time in Confort, and make
paſſionate Exclamations when an Ayre affects
them. W Florinda, who is Fourſcore, never
fails to be one at an Affignation or a Feaſt, or
a-Ball that's given in the Town: She manifeſts
an extrvagant Fondneſs for thefe things.
Wou'd not the. Decency of her Age require a
little more Moderation? Or if ſhe has ſo great
a Reliſh for theſe Fooleries, ſhould fhe not
conceal her Paſſion to avoid falling into Ri.
dicule? I bas EUAN ZHOTO olubai sex won
i Herftilia has been often told that ſhe ought
decently to retire; and has received Mortificaa
tions ſufficient to difcourage her, had the been
ſenſible of her Reputation : But ſhe has ftill.
the Misfortune to love the places where the
has been adored, tho' at preſent ſhe gives
nothing but Diſturbance by the fight of her.
She thinks that her fuperannuated Charms
and twinkling Star-light of her Eyes, are fill
able

232 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
[
able to make Conqueſts. 'Tis the Dotage of -
all Women that have been handſoine; tho'
their Body is changed, their Mind continues
the ſame : They have ſtill the fame Paſſions
and the fame Deſires of Pleaſure, when the
World has no longer liking to them. If they
were wiſe, they would give Place to thoſe
who begin to appear in the Scenes, and deny
them the Pleaſure of inſulting them upon the
Ruins of their Beauty.org
There are a fort of incompliant People that
are all of a Piece, who can't ſuit themſelves.
to the different' Seaſons and Conjun&tures,
who are facetious and merry in the Company
of grave Perſons who talk of ſerious Affairs;
on the contrary, they are glooniy and melan
chollick in Places of Joy and Garety. We are
unwelcome to others, when we don't enter in
to their Huniour, and divine the exact Situa-
tion of their Minds. Don't go to diſturb o.
thers Repoſe: Stay at home, if your Diſquiet
or Ill-humour incapacitates you to contribute
to their innocent Pleaſures. If your Friends
have met with any Misfortune, take heed
how you indulge to your Mirth and Humour;
that is not the Seaſon of faying pretty things;
it would be the Means to exaſperate their
Grief, and provoke them againſt you, in-
stead of giving them any Comfort. lo
• The Mind has its certain Moments of Diſ.
guſt and Languour, wherein it can imagine
and produce nothing that's agreeable. When
'tis benighted with theſe dark Images, let it
be others Buſineſs to quicken Converſation,
and


Concerning Abſurdities. 233
and direct the Company. The things we of-
fer as facetious and ingenious, but are not to
feem infipid and diſtattful.ro
If you ſpeak often of your ſelf, you'll in-
fallibly diſguſt. Self-Love ſuffers in hearing
others prais’d, becauſe their Elogies exalt hint
they are beſtowed on, and depreſs others in
fome Meaſure. This is a violent State, and
you provoke the Spleen of thoſe you keep in
fo painful a Pofture. ?Tis alſo a certain Way
of tiring, to speak long and often of your
own Affairs, your Gains and Loſſes, your
Pleaſures and Misfortunes. . What is it to
thoſe who know you but little, to be teiza
with the Account of a thoufand Imperti-
nencies, which you think Things of Conſe-
quence ?ui 25.115) iulo deset toisilguos W
People that want Brains have always the
moft I'ongue ; as if they were apprehenſive
their Stupidity would not be ſoon enoughper-
ceived, which mnight be conceald Tunder a
prudent and myſterious Silence. They talk
with this Aſſurance, as believing what they
ſay is witty and poinant, and that they gain
the Eſteem of the Perſons, they tålk to, who
are equally offended with their Folly and Pre-
fumption.oixons I did bluow Wotetu von
?Tis abfurd to hear à Man with a merry
Look, who talks to you of his Misfortunes ;
if they don't move you ſo much as he deſires,
you can't at leaſt refuſe to hear him with a
compoſed Deportment, and the Seriouſneſs
that Decency requires. Your inward Senti:
ments can be read, but let your exterior give
Content,
)

234 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Content. 'Tis an additional Afliction, which
is ſometimes
as cutting as the Misfortune it
felf, to fee others conſider it with a ſupine
Indifference. I ugy lo nesto $590l vov, ti
A Man always grows ridiculous
by departa
ing from his Character. Sylvain is naturale
ly fad and heavy; he has a cloudy and Neepy
Imagination, and yet he borrowed an apish
and magotey Carriage, which no ways fits
his Genius and his Temper & he tries, at Hu.
mour in every thing he ſayscând doesji i with
which forc'd Mirth no Kody is diverteda Syla
vain, with his artificial Merriment, is look?d
upon as a very tirefome Fellow ; he would
diſpleaſe leſs, if he did not deſire to pleaſe to
much. o caut Initi vor daitw zaionen
We ought not to thruſt our felves into thoſe
Diverſions sand: Appointments, where our -
Companies are not deſired . Don't bring an
importunate Face to diſturb the Entertain:
ment. The Prefumption of your Deſerts eaa
fily ſeduces you, and you are very loath to
think that you are troubleſome : You think
your ſelf a Phenix in the Company, and ad.
mired of all, who, in the mean time, with
you; a thouſand Miles oftibebaolto lisúbo sta
How uſeful would this Reflexion be to a
vaſt many People? Theyi fatigue the World
with their Afhduities and Viſits; they boast
their Intimacies with ſuch a Counteſs and ſuch
a Lady, who have twenty times denied them
Admittance, and their Doors would be al-
ways ſhut to them, but that they are con-
quered by their Importunities. When Cela
tine

Concerning Abfurdities. 235
tine is told that Beroald is to wait on her ;
Good God! ſays ſheg who will deliver mé
from the Perſecutions of this Fool? And yet
he enters with a confident Look, and is no
ſooner ſeated but he monopolizes the Diſcourſe;
and having flutter'd a thoufand Imperti.
nencies departs content, and tells it every
where that he is Celatine's moſt particular
Friend.
compe
'Tis a very nice Affair to obſerve due Mea-
ſures with people that have affronted you,
when they are recovered from their Paffion,
and ſeek an Accommodation. If your Rup-
ture has made no Noiſe in the World, you
may, without more ado, grant them the
Favour they demand : But if the Injury has
been Publick, you muſt uſe more Precaution,
and expect Intreaties, by reaſon of the Con.
ſequences, without expreſſing too much for
wardneſs to be reconciled. Tis not for the
offended Party to make the Advances, accor
ding to the Rules of the World ; 'tis enough
if he be in a Diſpoſition to forgive, when the
Author of the Offence is brought to acknow-
ledge it. odw at hihni si I io slust
How is it poflible to frequent much Coma
pany, without having many Subjects of Com-
plaint? The too exceptious Gentlemen can
never promiſe themſelves any Quiet ; but they
ought atleaſt to have the Diſcretion not to di-
ſturb the Repoſe of others by their eternal Nara
ratives of the Affronts they have received.
They can talk of nothing elſe. But I would
as ſoon be confin'd to Weſtminther Hall, as to
be


236 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
be always hearing theſe Coniplaints, in whiclr
I have no Intereſt. What is it to me if ſuch
an one faluted you in an aukward way, or
did not bow to you ſo profoundly low as you
expected?
It is impoſſible to live long in the World
without being expoſed to ſome Diſgrace ; and
that is the Juncture wherein a Man fhews
perfe&tly what he is. As much as poſſible,
we should avoid diſcovering any Weakneſs
and thereby refuſe our Enemies the malicious
Satisfa&tion of ſeeing us Miſerable, and too
ſenſible to our Misfortunes. But neither
ought we to affect a fiétitious Conſtancy, or
a ftoical Indolence, when the Poſture of our
Affairs requires us to be Affected. That mi.
ftaken Haughtineſs ſets every body against
us, and commonly hinders us from taking
the Meaſures neceſſary to retrieve us from our
Confuſiontosan 1:51097 dos desbar
Ifaw Frontinias, the fame Day he received
the Orders for his Baniſhment, counterfeit
the agreeable Laugh with his Mouth wide
open, and entertain his Viſitants with Tittle.
tattle of Things indifferent, who came to
make their Compliments of Condolance, and
expreſs their great/ Concerns for his Misfor-I
tune, I know that a Man of Courage ought!
not to link under his till Fortune ; but I
know alſo that Decency requires not to act
a merry Part, and the flouriſhing Talker,
when our Affairs demand more ſerious Me.
ditation.olio zaiduon 100 vent
le pressobio od n50 s
A.
so

Concerning Abſurdities. 237
A Man that has had any Misfortune loves
always to be talking of it; as he is pierced
with it himſelf, and finds ſome Satisfaction
in venting his Griefs by telling them, he
thinks others are alike affected : But tho they
in Complaiſance expreſs their Concernment,
they ought, as much as poſſible to be excuſed
theſe uneaſy Diſcourſes, excepting when we
have occaſion for their ádvice how to behave
our ſelves in thoſe nice Conjunctures, wherein
we are at a Lofs which way to turn. For
then both Decency and Charity command,
not only to hear the miſerable Complaint,
but Generoſity requires we ſhould ſuggeſt to
him, when we can, the Means, and lend him
the helping Hand to deliver him from his Mif-
fortunes.
It is a thing of fo nice a Conſideration to
praiſe Friends, that it is almoſt impoſſible to
obſerve all the neceſſary Precautions in a Mat.
ter where we can't be too exact. If our Com.
mendations are exceſſive and hyperbolical, we
fret and diſcompoſe our Hearers, and by no
means perſuade them. We ought moreover
to obſerve Places and Circumſtances, and
ſpeak modeſtly of others before thoſe we
owe a great Reſpect, who take but little
Pleaſure in hearing the Praiſes wherein they
have no part.
To make a Trade of ſquandering inſipid
Praiſes upon every body, is a very deſpicable
Character. Civility demands we should be
Complimental upon ſome Occaſions; but 'tis
turning Fool, indiſcriminately to beſtow our
Cont

238 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Compliments learnt by heart, upon all Comers,
and as ſoon as we accoft them begin their Pa-
negyricks. There's nothing more nauſeous
to a judicious Taſte, than theſe fulſoine Flat-
teries : I had rather have hard Word, bluntly
faid to me, than hear theſe everlaſting Enco.
Iniaſts, that are conſtantly giving me an In-
·cenſe that makes me Drunk, and gets into
my Head. If you publiſh but a Trifle like
this, which you conſider as an Ainuſement,
they exclaim, 'tis all Divine, 'tis a bewitch-
ing Piece, the Manners are curiouſly treated,
and the Ridicule is admirably deſcribed.
Where ſhould a Man hide himſelf from theſe
Perſecutors? And what can be anſwered to
their extravagant Praiſes ?
You are advanced in Years, Chryſalides,
and you marry Meliſa, young, handſome,
witty, full of Charms and Agreements: Do
you think you don't expoſe your ſelf to the
greateſt Chagrins, and all the Miſeries of
Marriage? I moreover foreſee, that you'll be
but little pitied for the Diſgraces happening,
in the ſequel: 'Tis an ill forted Combination,
and you can blame no body but your ſelf
for all the Troubles you plunge into, Hand
A miſerly Huſband, who denies every thing
to a young Wife, that does not furniſh her
wherewithal to play, and dreſs genteelly,
hazards both her Honour and his own. Tis a
wretched piece of Policy, by an exceſſive Harſh.
neſs, to force a young Wife to ſeek from Home
the Comforts and Advantages of an agreeable
over Head.
Life;


Concerning Abfurdities. 239
Life : That is but too favourable an Opportu,
nity for aliberal Lover, who is acquainted
with the Condition and Inclination of the
Woman. She is in Danger of forgettling her
ſelf and betraying her Hononr, if the has leſs
Concern for her Reputation than for Money,
Play, or Finery. Felice had not made the
wrong Step ſhe did, but for the Whim and
Folly of her Huſband: Tho’ ſhe brought him
à confiderble Fortune, he refuſes her every
thing the moſt defred. She found in her Neceí.
fities ſome compaſſionate People, but the was
over Grateful. There was inore of Revenge
than Debauch in her ill Conduct; the choſe
rather to diſhononr her ſelf, than not to pu.
niſh an Huſband who treated her with an into-
lerable Severity, bergabe
Our Importunity to tell all the News we
know or think we know, makes us commonly
regarded as Impertinents. The generality of
News but little intereſſes thoſe that hear it,
and hinders them from ſaying things that
would more delight them. Theſe News-inono
gers are commonly barren Wits, incapable of
thinking, and furniſhing a Stock out of them-
ſelves for Convrfation. 'Tis eaſier to relate
what aMan has heard or read in the Gazette,
than to invent things handfomly himſelf.
In relating a Story, or a piece of News, a
Man ought not to amplify the Circumſtan-
ces which every body knows, and has heard
over. Theſe Repetitions are
fatiguing, and make us long for the end of
the Story.
bill only zosit o 23
399.01
Tis
twenty times ove


240 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Si oui
?Tis ill Breeding to interrupt a Man who
has begun a Story; it is better to be igno-
rant of ſome Circumſtance, than that the Re-
lator Mould be deprived of the Pleaſure he
has to be heard.
A Man expoſes himſelf to great Troubles
by writing certain Things, that create Mif-
chief when they come to be divulged. How
many intereſted Perſons ſacrifice your Leta
ters, and do themſelves Honour at your Coſt?
When the Miſchief is done, it is too late to
remedy it, all Apologies are in vain. The
Publick is not eaſily brought off, but inſiſts
upon what is written.
What Delight fome People take in railing
againſt the preſent Times! In Societies where
nothing but Mirth is defigned, they come and
mingle their importunate Diſcourſe concern-
ing the barrenneſs of the Seaſon, the dearneſs
of Things neceſſary to Life; how hard it is
to get their Money of their Debtors, and of
the frequent Bankrupts in the City. They
can talk of nothing elſe; their Minds are
wholly taken up with Lofs and Gain: Where.
as theſe Diſcourſes are very diſobliging to leſs
intereſted Perſons.
0001203
There are no People worfe rewarded than,
thoſe who intrude with their Advice: Men
don't love to be made ſenſible of their Faults,
the Sight whereof troubles and offends them;
they are ſtill lefs diſpoſed to acknowledge
them, ſince their Vanity is wounded by that
Confeſſion. The only way to talk with thein
is to flatter them, and artfully remove the
Proſpect

Concerning Abfurdities. 241
Proſpect of otheningrateful Objects, ito' ſhew
theinsthoſe that are more agreeable and wel.
come to their Fancies. WouTutmos 90
-D?Tis a&ting againſt good Senſe and the Laws
of Society, to make a Myſtery to our Friends
of Things that ought to be brought into Con-
verſation, and not be kept as Secrets. One
would think that Cleobulus is the Repoſito
ry of the Myſteries of State: He dares not
venture to ſpeak, for fear he Mould drop
ſome Word that might be interpreted Treaſon
or Miſprifion: He conſtantly looks about left
any body ſhould hear him: He whiſpers in
your Ear the inighty Nothing; and conjures
your Secrecy to every thing he tells you ;
all which you knew before by publick Fame.
s There's no depending upon the Diſcretion
of Men : You no ſooner have entruſted them
with ſome important Secret, but they run to
impart it to fome other ; 'tis true, they do
it under the Seal of Secrecy ; but he that's
made the Confident uſes the ſame Liberty
that they took themſelves ; and thus an im-
portant Affair grows publick in a Moment :
But the firſt Revealer, who was moſt con-
cern’d, commits the greateſt Fault.lt :tent
We ſee People that eafily inſinuate them-
ſelves, and grow preſently familiar to obtain
their Ends. The firſt viſit they make you,
they take the Liberty to borrow all things
telling you they deal without Cereinony, and
conſider you as their Friend.: But they ſhould
at the ſame time examine, whether they are
confider'd under that Character. There are
M
none


242 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
none but thofe we love, or would oblige,
to whom we care to lend or give : And there.
fore Perſons that borrow ought to be very re-
ſerv'd, and be well acquainted with the Hu-
mour and Chara&ter of others, before they
venture to alk.
If you would not be burdenſome in the
Viſits you pay, try firſt to penetrate the
Diſpoſition of the Perſons that compoſe the
Company, that you may enter into their
Sentiments and Intereſts. If the Converſation
turns upon Mirth, and you put on too ſerious
and philofophical a Face, you are look'd up-
en as a Pedant and Impertinent. Don't a&
the Cenfor if any thing happens to be drop'd
that offends your Gravity. People are not
always diſpos'd to hear Remonftrances, which
have a very bad Effeet when they are ill taken.
The Reaſon why ſome People are ſo ill re-
ceived in moſt Houſes where they come, is
their want of Attention to conſider what is
ſuitable to the Perſons viſited ; they have nei-
ther Condeſcenſion nor Docility, nor Complai-
fance to ſuit theinſelves to different Characters.
Haughty Perſons require Submiſſions and Re-
ſpects; they that fet up for Wit, would be
attended, applauded and admired for every
thing they ſay. A Man infatuated with his
Rank and Quality, muſt be flatter'd upon that
Chimera. Tis eafy at one Glance to diftin-
guiſh the predominant Paſſion of thoſe you
have to do with ; if you don't conſider them
in that Particular, they'll conſider you as a
Troubleſome Perſon.
Arſena
2002

Concerning Abfurdities. 243
Arfennas waits to take his part in a Com-
pany 'till all the reſt have taken theirs. If
Mirth and Gayety be the reigning Humour,
he vents grave and auſtere Maxims ; he ſeems
to take it amiſs that others ſhould think of
Pleaſure and Diverſion. If the Converſation
be ſerious, he is ſure to be facetious, to op-
poſe every bodies Sentiments, and to be the
Reverſe of all the reſt. People of this Cha-
rader are the Scare-crows of Society. toti
Concert your Meaſures better in viſiting
your Friends. You preciſely chuſe the Time
when they are overwhelin'd with Buſineſs :
You fix yourſelf in their Houſes to entertain
them cnly with Trifles: You put
ſolliciting for you, at the time they are tired
with the Viſits they have made or received:
They want Reſt, and you would expoſe them
to freſh Fatigues.goo one
be Long Viſits generally weary thoſe that re-
ceive them; their preſent Diſpoſition, Cha-
grins, Buſineſs, will not always permit them
to give you a fedate Hearing: Tis eaſy to
know when People are weary of us; but the
Keflexions of that Nature are mortifying,
and leſſen the Idea every one has of his own
Merit. van goblib banen
them upor
mo
2003 oglycat de 150
Be wakutsk agiidolib erta brez
did 10 i si yilns of oth
el rito asit bis Mani zait of
ile osoite

244 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Perawatan
OS
176 id exist or ein ?23)
IN
are
QUAE
26961 sremiusMeistlus bas gyni v
tors of Caprice.bos eiseli
srl.it
OW
Man to be cur’d of? The things he most
impatiently longs for, he loaths a Quarter of
an Hour after. He loves and hates the fame
Perfons, in the ſame Day. He careſſes and
extolls you, transfixt with your Merit, and
full with your good Qualities. u. No ſooner
have you turn'd your Back, but he tears you
with horrible Slanders, and thinks you the
lawful Object of his Satyrs. : His Inequalities
:and Whimſies, his Joys and Diſcontents, his
Complaiſance and Roughneſs, his ſurly and
-inſinuating Humour, his good Nature and
Brutality, would make one think that it is
not the ſame Man, ſince he acts by ſo different
Principles.goo salto
od The Head is guilty of fewer Faults than
the Heart: Ignorance of Duty and Obligation
is not the Cauſe of ſo many Incivilities, to
many rough and diſobliging Anſwers, ſo ma-
ny ill Offices Men mutually do one another,
and ſo many ill-natur’d Practices : but 'tis a
perverſe Heart : People delight to vex, of-
fend, and diſoblige the Perſons they converſe
with. He that is faulty in point of his
Heart, fins in Principle, and has in him the
Foundation of all Vicese
Don't
johet

- Concerning Caprice. 245
Don't aſk Beroald any thing you mightily:
deſire :. If you intimate that he would do
you an extraordinary Pleaſure by granting it,
you take the ſureſt Way to be denied. He
would be perſuaded, if the Thing was more
indifferent to you ; therefore don't follicit
him nor prefs him; wait for the Moment of
his Caprice: He'll come to you, when you
leaſt think on’tz, and when his Aſſiſtance will
bé too late. t vledalam bas yu) 503
The Maggotry of a fome People is incon-
ceivable. Every thing vexes and offends them.
A Man knows not what Meaſures to take to
enter into their Sentiments, becauſe they have
none fix'd and ſettled. Their contradictory
Humour runs counter to all other Defires and
Pleaſures. Enemies to Divertiſements they
hate every thing that taſts of Joy; and that
which gives others Mirth, putš them into ill
Humour. : Such Feople ſhould, at leaſt, have
the Diſcretion to ftay at home, and not enter
into Company, to poifon it with the Rancour
of their Spleen. 'Tis a fufficient Intimation
to Lyſander, that you deſire fomething, when
you oblige him to oppoſe it all he can. You
put him to a ſtrange Non-plus, by engaging
hiin to declare chimſelf the firſt, fo fearful
he is left his Choice ſhould agree with others.
15?Tis prodigiouſly fantaſtical to be ſtill con-
trary to the Opinion of all the World. Peob
ple of this Character never open till others
have declar'd their Intentions, to have the
Pleaſure of impugning them. It becomes us
to be always of the side of Truth and Senſe,
and
M 3

246 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Soft
and not expect that others ſhould be fo Docile
and Complaiſant, as to admit our Caprices
for good Arguments.s19 van boetxes com
The whiin fical Unevennefs of ſome People
ruins the Pleafure of Converſation. We know
not what Meaſures to obſerve with thofe, who
pafs all of a ſudden from one Extream to another
and from having diverted the Company by
their good Humour and Facetiouſnefs, fall in.
to a Gravity and Melancholy that no Body
can comprehend. From Mirth and Gayety
they grow fad, without knowing the Reaſon
why; and keep a penſive and ſtupid Silence
after they have ſaid a thoufand agreeable
things.
What Dependance is there upon thofe Peo .
ple, who
can't keep in the fame Mind a Quar-
ter of an Hour together? To Day they make
you a thouſand Offers of Service, and to More
row they will not ſo much as know you.
Their beſt Friends can't reckon upon their good
Intentions. Strange Effect of their odd Hu.
mour! that hinders thein from knowing
their own Thoughts. People of this Chara-
ater are very uneaſy to others and them-
ſelves to enstil
To bring others over to your Opinion, you
muſt ſtudy their Temper, and get into them
by a forced Condefcenfion, without diſcover -
ing the Artifice. If you pretend by an high
Hand to carry the Suffrages of the World, and
to decide by an Ayre of Authority, be your
Reaſon never fo good, your Arguments will
have no Force. Every one is tenacious of his
bas
Opis

Concerning Caprice... 247
Opinions: they that yield to yours, muſt
perfuade themſelves that they are led by no-
thing but their own Intelligence.
bo Perfons infatuated with their own Deſerts,
or that have had a mean Education: The
Lady Dainties, and Women that falſely
pretetend to Quality, never think that your
Civilities are reſpectful enough. In vain you
footh, and compliment, and careſs them;
they are on the Houſe-top for the leaſt Word
that accidentally eſcapes you. With ſuch
People you muſt always be upon your Guard,
and at Dagger’s Length; and therefore avoid
them if you love your own Repoſe ; for you
muſt be conſtantly apologizing for what you
have ſaid, and be forc'd to ingrateful Expli-
ecations. Roſina goes away diſſatisfied from
call the Companies the comes in ; ſhe ſtill
thinks you don't do fufficient Juftice to her
Merit, nor flatter her enough : She complains
that all Women envy her Charms, and make
Confederacies to ruin her Reputation. 7 ust
Y Your ſtarcht and affected Wirs endeavour
to be taken notice of for Singularities, b2-
cauſe they have not a right Notion of true
Merit, nor know what is acceptable to Men of
Senſe. Theyi love nothing but what is ex-
ceſſive and extraordinary; whereas the Judi-
cious are touch'd only with what's Natural
Phenice would think ſhe loft a part of her
Reputation, if the condefcended to talk like
other People. She ſeems to be afraid of be-
ing underſtood, and ſeeks Periphraſes and
bombaſt Words to expreſs the moſt fimple
M
Things

248 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Things: Her Servants muſt have Recourſe to
Interpreters to decypher her Commandson
We fee People whoſe whole Life is a con-
tinual Round of Whim and Caprice, and
that are naturally Enemies to Orders. The
greateſt Pleaſures don't affect them, unleſs
they he phantaſtical and extravagant, where-
in they take Delight, which no body could
ever think of. They neither eat, nor drefs,
nor Jodge like other Folks, but deviate, in all
they do, from the common Ways of Man-
kind, defiring to ſignalize themſelves by the
Extravagance of a capricious and particular
Fancy. There's no Faſhion ſo humourſome
but they ſtill out-do it ; but generally their
Intentions have the fame Character as their
Wit. They don't tend to a better or inore
commodious Way of Living, but only to
make them taken Notice of at any rate.it
¿ Jealouſy is a Source of a thoufand Imperti-
nences: The Vapours of this dark Paſſion ob.
fcure the Light of the Mind, which is perpe-
tually framing Chimera's, and raiſing Diftur-
bance to itſelf from every thing in the World.
That which gives ethers any Pleaſure, puts
them into inconceivable Diſorder. Some even
carry their Jealoufies to their Miſtreffes Lap-
dogs and Monkies, and are out of Patience to
ſee them laugh and play with theſe Crea-
The beſt Remedy to cure this Hu-
mour, would be to ſhew them all the Extra-
vagances and Follies this black and phanta-
stick Paſſion makes them guilty of. but was
sigui non si asiqxs 5107 Dead
tures.
Inex

Concerning Caprice. - 249
Inexorable and exceſſive Criticiſm has com.
monly ill Effects, and does but little Credit
to thoſe who aim to diſtinguiſh themſelves
by an affected Diſlike, and Subtilties over-
ſtrain’d. I had rather modeſtly praiſe what
is but indifferent, than blame what is good.
Provided there be an Handle to excuſe the
doubtful Actions of People, who had no pre-
meditate Deſign of Miſchief, or the careleſs
Places of a Book, a Man had better incline to
the good natur’d Side,
They that think they have Parts above the
common Standard, fall eaſily into this Fault.
They fancy they are oblig'd to fhew their
Delicacy, to give a great Idea of their Genius.
They give no body Quarter, but unmercifully
treat all forts of Authors: They would think
it a Detriment to them, if they ſuffered a
Book that was not their own to have the pub-
lick Approbation. 'Tis your Extravagance
Berilus, to be always different from the
common Opinion; you leave the Play-Houfe
with a moroſe Look, where every body has
been pleaſed. You were ſeen to caſt infulting
Glances on the Pit, and give thoſe a pitying
Look who indulged their Laugh.id Do you
think that no body dares laugh without alke.
ing your Permiffion?
iyoti ter
Have no Commerce with thoſe of ſo ill a
Fame, that
you can't ſee thein without lofing
ſome of your Reputation. ?Tis a firewd
ſign that a Man begins to relax in Virtue,
when he prefers agreeable Perſons, of affufpes
&ted Probity, before others, whoſe Integrity
M5
IS

250 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
is univerſally acknowledged. When Sylverina
is tax'd with viſiting Women of a looſe Life,
all the Reaſon ſhe gives is, that He had ra-
ther divert her ſelf with the Coquets, than
be tired with the Auftere. This is an un-
found Maxiin; for we run the risk of quickly
resembling thófe whoſe Company is fo agree-
ble to us.
The infincere Praiſeswe give thoſe that are in
the Wrong, indulge them in their Caprices, as
perſuading them they are in the Right. This
makes them proud and inſolent ; they exag-
gerate all the imaginary Affronts they have
received, and teize all they meet with the Ac-
count of their Quarrels.
Do ſo much Honour to thoſe that ſpeak to
you, as to hear them out: ſcarce have they
begun, but you interrupt them with precipi.
tate Anſwers, before you know diſtinctly
what they have to fay. 'Tis an unpardon.
able Incivility that proceeds from a great
Fund of Pride, Stupidity, or the good Opi-
nion of your own Sufficiency, that makes you
think you take things at half a Word, or
elſe from a reſtlefs Itch of Telking.one
That which makes the Converfation of WC.-
men to be generally inſipid and diftaftful is,
that they will be always Talking, without
giving the leaſt Attention to what is faid to
them. They gaggle all at a time; as if it was
for a Wager, who should make the greateſt
Noife. If People of another Climate, where
they talk with more Reſerve and Circumfpe.
stion should be preſent, they would take them

Concerning Caprice. 251
for Mad-women, and would be infinitely fur-
priz'd at the Extravagance of our Manners.
The Rule is, to give him that has begun the
Relation, time to make an end of it at his
Leiſure. You'll always find ſome Opportuni.
ties of a Pauſe, in which you may make your
Objections, without breaking the Thread of
the Narration. Via
1. You have always, Dorimon, a fowre Fer-
ment within you, which troubles your own
Repoſe, and makes you trouble that of others :
You are conſtantly reproaching them without
Fourdation. At the time they do you Ser-
vice, you complain of being neglected: And
would ſtill have them do ſomething fur-
ther, after they have done their utmoſt for
you. sc. Ils suid velit coron
helpen
Le Singularities, of any kind, are always of.
fenſive. What a whimſical Fancy have thoſe
that love to alter the Faſhion of their Cloaths?
We ought to go as others do, and not ſe k to
be admired for an unuſual Dreſs. i However,
there are Proportions and Decorums to be ob
ſerved. Old Women ought not to follow the
Caprices of Youth.. Tiberina, who is upon
the decline, renders ber ſelf ridiculous by
her Patches, her high Head, and the Gawde
Ty of Ribbons, that fit none but the younger
fort.
The Mode in France, is the very Triumph
of Caprice: That which charms the Eyes to
day, to morrow is exploded by pure Whimſey.
If a Man lived an hundred Years, and care-
fuly preſerved all the different Garbs he wore,
1.6

252 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
he would have a Wardrobe for the moſt phan-
taftical Maſquerade. The other Nations of
Europe reproach the French Incertainty in
this, but perhaps without juft Reaſon. Theſe
frequent Changes employ abundance of
Workmen, who could not otherwilè tell how
to live, and are of great Advantage to Trade.
We ſee too, that other Nations, with all their
Phlegin, ſtudy theſe Faſhions, and ſubmit
to theſe Caprices, wherein there always ap-
pears fomething that is genteel, and well ima-
gin'd.
They that appear fo compoſed and fedate,
are ſometimes as much agitated in their Soul,
as the moſt tumultuous Perſons. But for all
this, we are obliged to thein for this ſeeming
Tranquillity, whereof they have all the pain,
and others all the Profit. When a Man knows
himſelf and is not Maſter of his Paſſions, he
ought to avoid all the Occaſions of expoſing
his ill Humour. Eraſtus is the genteeleſt
Man imaginable, provided he does not play.
He growls, he rages, he ſwears, as long as his
ill Luck laſts: He has no Regard for Women
of Quality he plays with: He brutiſhly taxes
them with their Intrigues and Amours, to be
revenged of his bad Fortune, and in ſome
ſort repay himſelf, by theſe Rudeneſſes, the
Money they win of him. Tho' it be the
Men's part to give way to the Ladies, they
are forced to recede firſt, to avoid his Caprices
.and odd Humours. Eraſtus, and others like
-him, ought never to game.
Seit sila bordo
The

Concerning Caprice. 253
The Character of a Lyar is odious and
contemptible : Some have contracted ſuch an
Habit of Lying, that they can't forbear it e-
ven in the moſt indifferent Things. They are
laught at to their Face, and are not credited,
even when they ſpeak Truth.
There's no reckoning upon the Friendſhip
of People that deal in Slander, becauſe that
Inclination continually over-rules them. The
Pleafure they take in Abuſe, makes them for-
get that their Friends are concern'd in their ill
Stories: They neglect all Decorum, and, not
confidering how they incur the Contempt of
thoſe that hear them, who are Witneſſes af fo
extravagant a Proceeding, they ſacrifice their
Reputation and their Friends to a Jeft.
Take care to conceal better your Jealouſies
and Miftruſts. You have a Fancy that every
body has a Deſign to deceive you, and you
diſcover your Uneaſineſs thereupon. They
that are fufpicious of all Mankind, are not
always the nonefteft Men. You ſay that your
Servants rob you, that your Wife ruins you,
that your Children carry from your Houfe e-
very thing they meet with. They don't fo
much as think of it, but you'll prompt them
to it by your ill-grounded Sufpicions. Sota
'Tis not Science that ſpoils the Mind; but
the Fault of thoſe that make an ill Uſe of it.
A Man who has his Head turned to Pedantry,
the more Learned he grows, the more ridicu-
lous he becomes. His Diſpoſition, Ways, Man-
ners, and Diſcourſes, are intected with the
Diſeaſe of Pedantry. He is intractable, proud,

254 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
your soul.
incivil, unpolite, opiniative. On the contra-
Ty, a Mind well turn'd receives the finifhing
Stroke and poliſhing from Science. There's
nothing rude, nor wild, nor diſguſtful in his
Behaviour. u bas
You ſeem reſtleſs and diſturbed at others
Commendations: That Indignation you ſhew,
is a ſign of the Littleneſs and Malignity of
olsa
The fame Principle that gives us fo much
Pleaſure to hear our felves prais’d, makes us
hear ethers commended with ſo much Pain.
We ought to be ſo much Maſters of our ſelves,
as to conceal our Vexation, if we would not
have others merry at our Coft: They take a
malicious Pleafure to ſee the Contuſion of
vain People, and to give them fome ſenſible
Mortification. Solo
"Tis a sign of the Caprice and Magottry of
Women, to delight in Diſorder, to abandon
the Care of their Houſes, and ſuffer their Af
fairs to run Riot by pure Negligence: This
Libertine Life has a thouſand Difguſts at.
tending it. Their domeſtick Neceſſities give
them cutting Reflexions every Moment ; but
they are palt all Diſcipline,o when they are
uſed to this irregular Life. Spending the
whole Night in Play, ſleeping all the Day,
obſerving no Order, no Decency; this is the
Syſtem of their Life. This diſorderly Con.
duet is ftrangely reliſhing, which makes a
more even and regular Life irkſome and di
Ataftful. besar
Pasien
buone sidste ti ab to old
(Adria


Concerning Caprice. 255
ment.
Adriaftus reſolves and unreſolves in the
fame Moment ; his reſtleſs and defultory Soul
fluctuates from one Thought to another :
What pleas'd him in the Morning diſpleaſes
him at Night : He promiſes and refuſes the
faine thing to the fame Perſon in the fame Mom
He began building an Houſe in the
City, which remains unfinish’d, becauſe he
had laid out the Money defign’d for it upon a
piece of Land. He was firit of the Colledge,
but he chang'd his Gown and Band into a
Cravat, and Equipage of a Muſqueteer. The
Ariny, the firſt Campaign, feemd too tumul-
tuous a Buſineſs; at preſent therefore he pre
fers the Quiet of the Bar, and thinks of buy-
ingi an Office of the Robe ; but he waits first
to determine whether he ſhall not take a Gown
and Caſſock. w gnidioul sind fra
For Men of the Sword and Gown recipro-
cally to flight and difeſteem one another, is a
Cuſtoin pretty much eſtabliſh'd, though it
cannot preciſely be faid upon what Foundati-
on. But for a Man of the Robe to defpiſe
thofe of his Profeſſion, is a Whimſey that one
would think ſhould have no Example. This
-Maggot, perhaps, proceeds from hence, that
no body is content with his Condition ; and
yet the only Means of an happy Life is to
keep within our own Dimenſions, and confider
our State on its moſt favourable Sides. The
natural Inconftancy of Men, and Hopes of be-
ing more happy in another Profeſſion, makes
them often take woong Meafures. A rich
young Abbot renounces the Repoſes of an Ec-
clefiaftick Life to throw hünfell into the

256 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Tumult of Arms. Young Magiſtrates, tired
with dragging their Robe after them, abandon
the Magiſtrature for a Poft in the Army. How
whimſical is this! sdm
They that are always tormenting them.
felves, can ſeldom fuffer thoſe they live with
to be at reft, but make then bear the Pain of
their ill Humour; when their Diſcontents are
reaſonable, they are more eaſily born with :
But who can fuffer the Fantaſticalneſs of Peo-
ple whom Fortune fmiles upon, who live in
Wealth and Eafe, who have no Trouble upon
their Hands, and yet are preyed upon by a
gloomy Melancholly, without knowing the
Reafon why? They are continually making
lamentable Complaints of their ill Fortune :
They are well cloath’d, welk houſed, well fed,
well ſerved, and have nothing wanting, and
yet they are unhappy ; but they are to thank
their fantaſtical Humour for it.
Jealouſy is an infallible Sign of an ill-turn'd
Mind, and a baſe and groveling Soul. Tis
a ſecret Reproach a Man makes to himſelf of
his want of Merit ; he diſtruſts himſelf, and
fears to be outíhone by others of a more ſub-
ſtantial Worth. People tainted with this
Poyfon, ſpitefully behold others Succeſs. The
Luſtre of their Virtue dazzles their jealous
Eyes, and they cabal and uſe all forts of arti-
fice to diminiſh it. 'Tis a wretched thing to
eſtabliſh our felves upon others Ruin ; and a
very fcandalous Way to Fame. call oroig
We fee People of fo whimſical a Temper,
that they can't ſuffer any thing above them.
anu atualment wood ou bi The

Concerning Caprice. 257
The Merit of others dazzles and confounds
them. They fear their Competitors Advance-
ment, and can't pardon Fortune the Favours
which fhe lhews them. iti no liga
1 Rancour, Spight, and Jealouſy are the Caua
ſes of the little Pleaſure Men take in one an-
other. They make it a Point of Honour to
defend their extravagant Opinions, which,
when they have once advanced, tho’ never ſo
unreaſonably, all the Arguments in the World
can never cure them of their Obftinacy.
a There's more Honour than is imagined in
receding from an Opinion: A worthy Man,
who is fenfible of his Miſtake, takes another
Road, and fairly acknowledges his Error. A
heady and preſumptuous Fool, thinks his Glow
Fy is intereſted to inaintain bis Point, and not
own himſelf in the Wrong ; but whatever he
ſays to confirin this firſt Poſitions, betrays his
Ignorance and ill Nature. Is it fo rare a
thing for Men to be deceived, that they muſt
think it a Difgrace to make a Blunder? 'Tis
more diſhonourable to defend it with an ob-
Itinate Conceitedneſs.
1. There's no Remedy to the Whims and ill
Humour of fome People, the leaſt Trifle puts
them into Fury that there is no appealing.
They magnify Objects to ſeek out Reafons for
their ill Humour, and blacken all things with
their Spleen. They think we always deſign
to vex and affront them; and when once the
Fire of their Paſſion blazes, they can no more
recover their Senſes.
The way to prevent
falling into theſe whimſical Extravagances,
would

258 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
would be to conſult their Reaſon in the Inter.
vals, when 'tis diſengaged from the gloomy
Melancholy that overcalts it. 1860 bas niste
To be
angry on frivolous Occaſions, is a
fign of Rufticity or a had Education. Well
bred People are not eaſily diſturbed ; they
don't ſeem to hear every thing that is ſaid ;
they make Allowances for the Freaks and Ca.
prices of Men with whom they converſe.
Proud and baughty People, if they have but
indifferent Senſe, or are but little converfant
with the World, can fuffer nothing, and think
us always wanting in our due Reſpects. Hence
they are always in the plaintive Strain, and
we are commonly obliged to bear very keen
Reproaches..lood Dont bu arad
If they are impertinently angry, and one
takes upon him to make them fenfible of their
unjuft Proceeding, they forget their firſt Quar-
rely to make a perſonal one with him who
attempts to bring them to Reafon. We have
ſeen People break with their beſt Friends who
did their utmoſt to retrieve them from a ſcurvy
Affair, orhinder them from plunging deeper in
the Mire. Men are ſuch Idolaters of their
own Notions, and they are ſo ſtrangely fan.
taftical, as to chuſe rather to expoſe them-
ſelves to eternal Vexations, than to confeſs
they are in the wrong, in Things wherein
they are moſt unreaſonable. T
OSOBA Zavot
1. tisd 10011
Sist
Dette er bare era ojat Of

Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 259
2232020202200320
STO
-Ihotores
of Falſe Delicacy.
'TIS not always the Teſt of Wit, to be o-
ver-ſqueamiſh; that falſe Delicacy gene-
rally grows upon a ſtock of ill Humour or ill
Breeding. Well-bred and polite Perfons, ea-
fily excuſe or diſſemble others little Faults :
Not that they are inſenſible of them ; but
they tolerate and excuſe 'em by good Nature,
to ſpare the guilty the Confuſion of them.
To what Uſe in human Converſation are
thoſe People to be put, that always run coun-
ter to the reſt, and cenſure what every body
approves? They can find nothing that can
touch and pleafe them, and they think by
that affe&ed Nicenefs to get the Reputation
of an exquiſite Taſte. But inſtead of it, they
are regarded as Miſanthropiſts that ought to
be baniſhed Society, or as Fools that want
common Senſe, and would aſſume a Superio.
rity, by pretending to be nice and difficult. *
el That itudied Delicacy you affect in every
thing, makes you conſider'd in the World as a
conceited Fop. There's no body, of what
Merit foever, i can content you.
The moſt
regular Features of the fineſt Faces, to you
are unproportionate and deform’d. All the
wittieſt things you hear can't make you
ſmile:

260 Reflexions zepon Ridicule.
The Choice of the
ſmile: The fineſt Scenes of the beſt comediesen
make you gape and nod; and when every
body burſts with laughing, you ſeem ſplene-
tick and tired. Are theſe Vapours? Or the
Effe&t of your bad Judgment, or Capriciouſ-
neſs?
The Choice of the Company we keep is
one of the things we ought moſt to ſtudy:
But it would be a falſe Delicacy, or a ridicu:
Jous Vanity, to be familiar with none but Per-
fons of Quality, and reje& thoſe of meaner
Birth. Perſonal Merit fhould take place of
Titles in our Eſteem. The Converſation with
great Lords is not the inoſt agreeable; their
Manners are not always anſwerable to their
Extraction. Thoſe that wear the Titles of
Viſcounts and Marqueſſes, have commonly a
great deal of the Vulgar in their Souls.elif
The common Infatuation of People ineanly
Born, who have made their Fortune, is to put
themſelves on a Level with thoſe of the firſt
Quality, and diſdain their Equals. They
preſently forget what they were before their
Rife. Their Train, and Table and high Play,
with the Deferences that are paid them, in
fenfibly accuſtom them to believe that their
Wealth equals them with Peers, and make
them deſpiſe thoſe that are not able to live fo
Great.otroci ni bobinso sorais
One kind of Impertinents, that I find very
troubleſome, are thoſe that reliſh nothing
that is ſaid to them: 'Tis in vain you endea-
vour to divert them, and recompence them for
the I roubles of their Vifit. Nothing touches
ooit
them,

Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 261
them, and their Wearineſs
their Wearineſs appears upon their
uneaſy
, Face. They do nothing but rub their
Eyes and continually aſk what a Clock it is,
even as foon as they are entred. Thoſe that
are ſo ſqueamiſh, have reaſon to apprehend
that others are as weary of their Company.
How many Troubles and Diſquiets might
we ſave ourſelves, if we were not nettled at
what others ſay of us? How many uneaſy
Moments does a falſe Delicacy give us? Tiş
true, this great Moderation is a Virtue of dif.
ficult Attainment, and very fevere Pra&tice;
but the Repoſe it brings with it is a ſufficient
Recompence for the Pains we take in the Con-
queſt. I would as ſoon bawl at the Bar, as be
expoſed to perpetual Eclairciſments
. If what
we are charged with be true, we muſt filence
Obloquy by reforming.it: If it be falſe, 'tis
not our Perſon that's attack’d, but
our Sha,
dow, and we ought not to be diſturba: The
ilighting fuch Diſcourſes pulls out all their
Sting, and deprives the Authors of the mali.
cious Pleaſure they take in Slander. When we
are too tender, we can't promiſe ourſelves much
Repoſe, but are made the Mark for all that
love to vex us. de todab jod sasa
"Tis this falfe Delicacy that renders. Wo.
mens Converſation fo generally incommodious.
The leaſt Word that is ſaid to their Diſadvan.
tage, which they always interpret to the worſt
Senſe, gives them ſtrange Diſturbance ; and
they make lamentable Complaints of it where-
ever they come. The moſt intimate Friends
can't pardon one another any thing: Moſt of
tler

362 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
JE IST
their Converſations pafs in Explications and
Apology, to give a good Meaning to what is
Taid or thought concerning them. It requires
to be Tomething more than Woman to be above
this pettiſh Delicacy, and not to take Fire on
To impertinent Occaſions.
To ineet with Satisfaction in the Commerce
of the World, we inuſt uſe our Telves to live
with all forts of People, and never give any
premeditate Affront: There's not fo little an
Enemy but may hurt us, and make us ſpend
fome uneafy Hours.
'Tis not always by Apologies, and making
the moſt Noife, that we beſt juſtify our
ſelves. A Man of Honour, whoſe Conſcience
has nothing to reproach him, when he is un-
juſtly accuſed, modeſtly gives his Reaſons
If they are not admitted, be reſts fatisfy'd
with the Teſtimony of his own Heart, com-
penſating himſelf by the Pleaſure of his In-
nocency, for the Injuſtice that is done him;
and by his Tranquillity, giving a new Luſtre
to the clearneſs of his Virtue. Delicate Peo-
ple can't ſtifle their Reſentments : But retort
their Affronts by tart and injurious Replies,
which are but doubtful Proofs of Innocence.
Varnes in Oftentation of his eminent Sci-
ence, and nice Palate, can't reſolve to own a.
ny thing good that others do. He never ap-
proved a Sermon, a Plea, or a Comedy. Is
this want of Judgment, or Jealoufy ? 'Tis
one of the Two. He has too little Senſe, and
too great an Opinion of himfelf to praiſe the
excellent Works of others: But in Recompence,
he

Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 263
monly
he continually boaſts of his own, which are
abominable. din Sus solis 11:1799 901 908
The Uſe of Ceremonies is almoft out
of
Date, and I think there was Reaſon to repeal
theſe Laws of Conſtraint: And yet there are
Tome Formaliſts who think themſelves negle-
&ed, if you don't pay them certain Devoirs
they demand. You muſt content them: The
great Rule being to humour the Taſte of thoſe
we are obliged to live with. Why ſhould we
go purpoſely to offend them, for the ſake of
a Bow not made to their Humour, or not ſub-
miſlive and reſpe&ful enough.
3. If you ſtand too much upon Formalities,
and are over-exceptious with thoſe of your
own Society, you'll be avoided as a Mifan-
thropiſt. We fee fuch, as to be thought De-
licate, carry their Delicacy even to Moroſe,
neſs. They like nothing and admire
nothing,
content only to admire themſelves. The Mis-
fortune is, that they have no other Admirers.
Intoxicated with their own Complacency in
their own rare Qualities, they can fee nothing
in others deſerving their Attention.
The Wits are wondrouſly out, in thinking
we are obliged to them. Wit in the preſent
Age, is not fo extraordinary a Thing, as to
give any great Diftin&ion. Theſe People are
not always the beſt Company, being never ſa-
tisfied with what others do : But they com-
an Ayre of Authority, and to determine fo-
vereignly of all the Products of the Mind.
SOT on si
Men

264 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Men would quicklya ke perfect, if they had
the ſame Penetration and Zeal to correct their
own Faults, as they have to reform others.
We ſuffer by the ill Qualities of our Neiglu
bours, and therefore would have them part
with them. But do they ſuffer leſs by our
Imperfections, and ſhould we not ſave them
that Pain by corre&ting our felves ? refy
How attentive and quick-fighted are we, to
obſerve all that is offenſive in others? How le-
vere are the Rules we lay down for their Beha-
viour? How indulgent are we to our felves ?
How careleſs to get rid of our ill Habits ? We
commonly grow grey without perceiving
them, or if we are ſenſible of our Faults, we
are too lazy to take all the neceſſary Cautions
to get free of them; at leaſt let us not exclaim
againſt thoſe who have the ſame Faults, and
Lazineſs with our felves.
The only Occupation of ſome People is to
find Fault, and cenſure whatever they fee or
hear. They might, përhaps, be excuſed that
falſe Delicacy and whimſical Moroſeneſs, if
they kept their Thoughts to themſelves, and
did not publiſh them too lightly, 'Tis a
Miftake to think to paſs for a good Judge, by
being fo ſevere a Critick. The continual A.
verſions of the Mind, are Symptoms of its
Indiſpoſition, as the diſlike of Food is a ſign
of the ill Temper of the Body.
It is not to be expected that women ſhould
have the leaſt Complaiſance for one another ;
whether it be Delicacy, or the Effect of their
Spleen, they give no Quarter, especially if
there

Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 265
there be any Rivalship, or ſecret Intereſt in
the Cafe. They ought, however, to keep in
their Reflexions without imparting to the
Publick, the Diſcoveries they have made to
the Diſadvantage of their Rivals. de tel od
31 Men are willing enough to be rallied for
fome Vices, and ſometimes are the firſt to
ſpeak of them. I But it diſtracts them to have
their bodily Defects ridiculed, which are obvi-
jous to all the World. He that will give you
leave to laugh at his Gallantries, will be horri-
bly affronted to hear of his Squinting or Lame.
neſsy though it be none of his Fault. Whence
proceeds this falle Delicacy for natural Im-
perfe&tionswhilft Moral ones, which we
might reform are reckon'd as nothing at all?
en The Reaſon why Men fo little profit by o-
thers Directions, is, that their Advice is not
alk'd with a ſinoere Deſign to follow it. They
would have the Reſalutions they have taken
approved, the Springs whereof they conceal
with a great deal of Myſtery and Diſguiſe.
Human Prudence is feldom Proof againſt
the Treacheries of our Friends, becauſe we
don't diſtruſt them. But a Man muſt be a
Cully with a Witneſs, who is deceiv'd by his
Enemies, becauſe he ought to be always in
Sufpicion of them. The more eaſy they feem
to bé reconcild, and the more fpecious are
their Pretences, the more we ought to ſtand
upon our Guard. An able General is never
more vigilant to obſerve the Motions of the
Enemy, and to avoid Surprize, than when
Peace is in Agitation basins bar to
.N birgiten Te That
23

266 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ni That which makes coinmon Converſation
fo nauſeous, are the Applauſes beſtow'd on
Follies. Narrow Soulsi admire every thing,
and cry up the leaſt Trifles that ought to
be let paſs. That which becomes a well-bred
Man on theſe Occaſions, is, to ſay nothing. It
would be a criminal Complaiſance to applaud
offenfive Fooleries; it would be likewiſe a
faulty. Delicacy, to bear with nothing but
what is exquiſite, and to exprefs Contempt
forcevery thing that is flat and trivial. ovse
In giving Counſels we are sleſs concern'a
for the Event of the Thing, than the Succeſs
of our Advice : We would have it taken, and
commonly make a perſonal Affair of a thing
that no ways relates to us.- 1 Modeſtly propole
your Arguments that your Opinion bottoms
on, and don't diſcovers a prefumptuous and
fufficient Ayre, that denotes your ſecret Com-
placency in your Merit. lConſider that your
Advice is conſulted for the Succeſs of an Af.
fair, and not for the ſake of fliewing the
brightneſs of your Parts. Syrishi
biti mir
A fufpicious Man is hard to be convers'd
with, becauſe we muſt have great Precauti.
ons, not to give him Uinbrage. Perſons of
ſmall Merit are always upon Thorns : They
may take every Thing by the wrong Handle ;
they think there is fome Myſtery and politick
Meaning in every Laugh ; the leaſt Sign or
Gefiure wounds their Imagination ; they ſtill
think others talk of them, and that not to
their Advantage. They take you brutally to
Talk, and demand Explication for Affronts
you never deſign'd them.
'Tis

Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 267
70 'Tis ſometimes out of Policy that ſome
People complain, as tho? we did not do Juſtica
to their Merit. Their Conſcience common-
ly gives them ſmart Reproaches, and they en-
deavour, by their continual Complaints, ta
make it thought that they are opprefs'd un-
juſtly, I at leaſt to move their Pity, who are
not at the Pains to trace their Conduct nearly,
but rather take their Word for it. It said
I can't divine what Pleaſure fome People
take in complaining conſtantly they are miſe-
rable. They have ſome ſecret Pride in it, to
let us know, that their Merit is ill uſed or ill
rewarded. But theſe perpetual Lamentations
are very tedious to thoſe that hear them ; for
the ſame Principle that gives us Pleaſure in be.
moaning our Misfortunes, gives others Pain
to pity us. Fulia is a very amiable Woman,
but ſhe is continually lamenting, and you can'é
be one of her Friends, unleſs you fyinpathize
in her Miſeries. Having enumerated all the
Diftempers ſhe thinks ſhe is attack'd with, ſhe
falls foul on her perfecuting Fortune, the Inju-
ſtice of her Enemies, the Indifference of her
Friends, who have not all that Warmth for
her Intereſt ſhe deſires. Laſtly, ſhe would
move Compaflion, and that's her Folly. We
ſee her in good Plight, ſufficient to makes us
think ſhe enjoys a perfect Health ; and yet
ſhe continually retreats to the Delicacy of her
Complexion, to the Vapours and Head-ach,
and fatigues all the world with the Account
of her Infirinities. Theſe Ideas, which put
us in Mind of Medicines and Doctors, are dir-
"1190
N2
guſtful:

268 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
guftful: Our Diſtempers ſhould be talks of
as little as poſſible. As julia is always com-
plaining, the World is even with her, and I
-find no body that pities her.soil mediasvig
of People of but indifferent Senſe, have feldom
-Complaiſance ; they pride themſelves in their
Diſguſts and inflexible Cenfures. They put
on a diſdainful Look, when you commend a-
ny thing that is good before them. They have
-no Command of their Indignation, but carry
their ill Huniour fo far as to affront thoſe who
care juſt to others Merit, and ſenſible of the
Beauties of a Work, 11.015 Kviciel 1:35
200 Avoid, asl you tender your own Repoſe,
thoſe people that are ſo circumfpe&t and ſcru-
-pulous to have all their Reſpects paid them e-
sven to the leaſt Puntilio's. The leaſt Deco.
gum that ſhall have been omitted unawares,
makes them fret and fume, as if they were
e wounded to the Quick. The ſame Principle
sthat perfuades then every thing is their due,
poſſeſſes them that they owe nothing to others
and they, without more ado, difpentė with
the moſt effential Duties. Aninta complains
Sthat no body viſited ber, the Day she had the
Head-ach; but ſhe never fo much as ſent an
? How do ye? to one of her Friends that was
dangerouſly Ill. irigei'n boog ni
boog sien se
to "Dis an Érror to believe that the Works of
former Ages excell'd thoſe of ours. That affe-
&ation always to praiſe the Ancients, is ſome-
times a fly Way of cenfuring the Moderns;
Jandris á moroſe Niceneſs or ſecret Jealouſy,
that makes them expoſe an Opinion againſt
their



Concerning Falſe Delicacy. 269
their own Reaſon. Eudoxus would never rack
his Brain for fine Expreſſions to commend the
Ancients, if the Applauſes Titus's Works de.
ferved did not provoke his Jealouſy. He cares
not a Farthing for the Ancients; but would
humble, and if poſſible ruin this Modern,
that he may ſhare of his Spoil, and enrich
himſelf with the Ruin of his Credit. He makes
it a meritorious thing to deſpiſe every thing
that's new, to have it uiderſtood that he has
the Taſte of Antiquity ; when at the ſame
time it is certain he knows not an Author of
Auguftus's Age. To paſo a right Judgment of
a Piece, it ought to be conſider'd ſeparately,
all Prejudice a part. Jealoufy, Party-Strife,
and Factions warpo the Underſtanding, and
hinder it from receiving the true Idea of a
Favourite. 109123stiniini os 10 918 31909
Subtilizing over much in Point of Authors,
is not always the ſign of a good Witz but
commonly of a fordid Jealoufy. You'are mad
to hear others Works commended, and there's
no Artifice but you uſe to vilify them, eſpeci-
ally when you pretend to the Glory of a fine
Pen: But if you are infected with this Diftem-
per, be cautious how you diſcover the leaſt
Symptom of it. Your Affectation and Diſlikes,
the Contempt you expreſs to your Rivals and
their Works, will contribute nothing to your
Reputation, but only ſerve to make you con-
lider'd as an envious Man. otae et aimse!
2910109TA STS debol Tot
the hustrumsy stselg sw 11
pemotret i es tot die N 3 fajta 1. Of

270 Reflexions upon Ridicule
..
the Soul of Society, which teaches us to
Lattiren Idow dischia dio sono stor
sit ons Thos od znesferaxa erit
erexento ein zin
2000
ber
Blog to FOLIA gaites fon
of Decorums.de
ប
99
H
, ,
pay every one what belongs to them, and ſo
diſpoſes our A&ions that no body may be of-
fended with them. The Obſervance of Deco.
rum, fuffices to guard off Ridicule, and pre-
vent all juſt Complaints of us. We muſt
make great Reflexions, to diſtinguiſh what's
convenient, from what's to be avoided. De-
cencies are of an infinite Extent. Sexes, Ages,
Profeſſions, Chara&ters, Times and Places, de
mand different Devoirs ; which Differences
muſt be known and pra&iſed, if we would be
acceptable to the World: Whatever Merit you
have, if you are negligent of Decorum you'll
paſs for an unpoliſh'd Perſon ; deſtitute of
the Art of Living, and inſenſible of what can
pleaſe.
How is it poſſible for People groſly ignorant
of Decorum, to pleaſe the Genteel and Well-
bred? Their A&tions, Words, Geſtures, Walks,
are ſo many Impertinencies. Decorum is
learnt in the School of the World, which is
the Fountain of Politeneſs and Agreements.
If we would pleafe, we muſt ſtudy the dif-
ferent Refpects we owe to all ſorts of Perſons,
OBUONNO
ас.

Concerning Decorums. 273
according to their different Characters : For
there's no Decency in treating every body a-
likega and paying the ſame Deference to a
Wretch,1 as to a Man of Merit. dec. of Y
"Tis certain that the Exterior conſtitutes the
leaſt part of a worthy Man's Merit : Yet he
that is of a Profeſſion that requires Gravity
and Reſerve, can't neglect Externals, without
fome fort of Degradation and Diminution of
his Dignity. A great Magiſtrate would not
venture to appear in Publick, in colour’d
Cloaths and a Crevat. If ſome of the younger
fort take a Liberty herein, they are never the
more efteem'd for it. ?Tis juſt as if an Eccle.
fiaftick ſhould wear a different Habit from
what belong'd to his Profeflion. iv 997
sbYou'll ſee Clitus, a young French Abbot,
of Two thouſand Pounds a Year, pretend that
bis Riches ought to ſupercede the Modeſty of
a Clergyman. You find him cominonly in a
Red Coat, becauſe Black ſeems too folemn and
grave for him ; and he ſays he won't be con-
demn?d to Mourning all his Life. His Library
conſiſts of Romances and Novels. He has the
Lookgithe Deportment, the Head, and Heart
of a Trooper; and is ſorry he can't inake
Campaigns. The time he ſpends at his Toilet
and viſiting the Ladies, gives him not Leiſure
to ſay his Prayers, and recite his Breviary:
But however he orders it to be faid by his Va-
let de Chainbre. red
1150
Complaiſance is the inoſt charming Thing
for Society, and the fureſt Way to the Friend-
Thip of Men ; but then it muſt be moderated;
scuole
N 4
when

272 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
when it is exceffive it grows inſipid ; therefore
we muſt conſider what Reaſon and Decency:
require of us. 'Tis not Complaiſance implís
citly to eſpouſe every Caprice, but Flattery
and Folly. to 4011 sdfibili nie119) ei
It requires but little Pains to be civil and
complaiſant, with good natur’d People, who
conform to all our Caprices, and ſubmit to all
our Defires; but it requires a great Stock of
Addreſs and Condeſcenſion, to live with thofe
Maggots, who follow only the Torrent of a
proud and irregular Humour. Ansatte solo
He can't be an honeſt Man who is not a faith.
ful Guardian of the Secrets intruſted to him
by his Friends ; even after he has broke all
Commerce with them. We are not privileg'd
to diſpoſe of a Thing which we are only made
Truſtees of: If their diſorderly Conduet wilt
not permit us to ſee them, our own Duty com:
mands us to be faithful. Jo Ciem varlos
h. The firſt Thought that occurs in any Rup-
ture with a Friend, is to fay all we know in
Diſparagement of his Conduct, and Juſtifica-
tion of our own. We ſtudiouſly expoſe all his
ill Proceedings ; diſcover Secrets to his Dif-
grace, committed to us in the time of his
friendſhip adeql exterio Tegisgraso
This is an infamous Method of Revenge, and
commonly the Cauſe of great Remorſe ; for
upon Reconciliation, we are vex'd and con.
founded at our Levity, when the injured Per.
Ton is made ſenſible of the ill Turns we have
ferved him. In theſe tempeſtuous Seaſons, we
ought to be very circunfpect, that nothing
eſcape

Concerning Decorums.
273
of.
efcape us which we ſhall have Reaſon to repent
Nothing better demonſtrates the Folly and
Vanity of an human Mind, than that Impa-
tience to tell every thing we know. "Tis Nuts
to vain People to declare what Confidents
they are made; and to leave no Doubt of it,
they rehearſe their Secrecies ; unconcern'd for
the Intereſts of thoſe that gave them, with
pure Indulgence to their own Vanity: But they
don't foreſee that it is the direct way to be de-
ſpiſed, and look'd on as weak, giddy, indi-
ſcreet People, that can't be truſted with the
leaſt Triffe, and ought to be banifh'd Conver-
fation as the Peſts of Civil Society.
We ſee ſuch as make no Scruple to fay and
do the inoſt ſcandalous Things; who obſerve
no Meaſures, and keep fair with no one, Re-
putation ſeems to be the laſt thing they are
concern'd for.
An Exceſs of Familiarity ſuits with none,
but thoſe who are ignorant what'tis to obſerve
Decorum. Not that we ought to affect a
Stiffneſs, and too melancholick a Conſtraint.
Good breeding is no ways inconfiftent with a
certain Freedom, which pleaſes and becomes
every body : But fometimes this Liberty is
carried to an Extreme: And the ſame Perfons,
when in Company of Venerable Men, fall in-
to a ſerious and "flegmatick Humour, fome-
thing reſembling Stupidity itſelf.
The Uſe of Thee and Thou, is taken up by
the Affected of both Sexes, who uſe one ano-
ther very frankly: I don't abſolutely condemn
this
N 5

274 Reflexions tepon Ridicule.
this Cuſtom ; but Letremely finical: The
Commerce of polite People demands more
Reſerve, Caution and Relpeet. Mutual Defe.
rences contribute much to a reciprocal Efteem,
whereas too much Familiarity generally breeds
Contempt, and
fometimes ends in Quarrels.
There's a Seaſon for every thing; what ſuits
with young People does not comport with a
more advanced Age. We pardon a Page what
would be unpardonable in a Magiſtrate, or a
General in an Army. Women far in Years,
who would be attractive by their Finery, act
againſt Decorum. Celixtă is near Forty, and
yet flie imitates Junia's little Affectations,
who's but Sixteen.
Precepts are not ſo uſeful to make us accep-
table to the World as Practice and Experience.
We ſhould uſe our ſelves to reflect upon the
charming Behaviour of fome, and the offenſive
Ways of others : If we would pleaſe the Ju-
dicious, we muſt always ſupport the Chara.
&ter of an honeſt Man, without betraying it.
They that are niceſt in point of Decorums,
don't always deſerve the moſt Reſpect :
They are only fo fcrupulous about little For
malities, becauſe their Reputation is attack’d:
And as their conſcience upbraids them with
things that deferve Reproach, they always
ſuſpect ſome fly Meaning and Deſire to affront
them. Refentment, hard Words, and Bluſter-
ing, are not proper Means to prevent the
World's believing the Ill that's ſaid of us.
They are to blame, who have too little Dę.
ference for the Publick, to complain they are
too

..Concerning Decorums., 275
SH_TIDOTE
too ſeverely cenſured. We judge only by Ap-
pearances. Your Intentions may be good,
but what we fee is odious. We are not obli-
ged to dive into the ſecret Motives of your
Axions : 'Tis your Buſineſs to take ſuch Mea-
ſures, that no Ation eſcape you to be cenſured.
Alſ Exceſs is vicious, and offends nice Per-
fons, who have a juft Diſcernment: Exceſſive
or too elaborate Civilities are troubleſome;
and over-ſtrain’d Haughtineſs as offenſive :
The great Art of Pleaſing confifts in a due
medium betwixt too little and too much ;
which Temper is the Eſſence of human Ver-
tues, and that which diſtinguiſhes the well-
bred Man from the Coxcomb, who is governed
only by his Caprice.
Tradefmen, Country-Folks, and Pedants,
are wonderfully full of Ceremonies: They
teize you to Death with their eternal Comple-
ments and ſtarch'd Civilities: They make a
Buſtle at every Door, and muſt diſpute an
Hour who ſhall go out laſt. The Engliſh by
Degrees wear off all that's forc'd and formal.
What occaſion is there to inake ſuch long Com-
pliménts, and ſpeak fuch ſtudied things as
make the Hearers ſweat ?
The Reaſon why fo many people are diſa-
greeable to as, is their Neglect to cure them-
ſelves of a certain je ne ſay quoi, which min.
gles with every thing they do. We judge of
Men by Appearance, and ſeeing them take a
Liberty to do ſuch things as offend us, we can't
chuſe but eſteem them the leſs for it. Het
notre recha 3 5161 119mo W SALOY
01 guo vol stofu fejds2.mer . Is

276 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
oman to
vouchbehine vaberfonsa Won
Is it enough, think
you,
for-a
do nothing to wound her Glory, when her
external Conduet contradikts that Notion of
Virtue where. The takes Sanctuary ? Plotina's
Reputation is attack'd in an hundred weak
Parts, which she is juſtly reproach'd with:
But becauſe ſhe abſtains, perhaps, from the
groſſeſt part of Vice, ſhe regards her ſelf as a
Pattern of Virtue, and neglects Appearances,
which ſhe calls Trifles and Formalities.
Do young Women imagine it ſufficient to
have a modeſt and compoſed Outſide, and
that under this their Diſguiſe they can che-
riſh vicious Paflions in their Hearts, without
incurring Ridicule, when the Myſteries of their
Hypocriſy are diſcovered? Of late Years they
have laid aſide that ſcrupulous Severity, which
was a grand Security to Virtue, and appear
too good natur'd and complaiſant, too gentle
and familiar. In a Word, they have not a
ſufficient Doſe of Diſcretion, though this is
one of the moſt effential Ingredients that be-
long to them.
'Tis ill Reaſoning for a Man to ſay, he is
fatisfied with a clear Conſcience, and that he
is not in an Humour to conſtrain himſelf to
conform to the Caprice of the World. He
that will not be at the Pains to ſave Appear-
ances, irritates Satyr, and there's no way to
tye up Slander when it's once broke looſe. Tis
too late to take Meaſures, when one has loft
his Reputation
Young Women take a Liberty now a Days
I on certain Subjects wherein they ought to
ma-


Concerning Decorums. 277
manifeft more Referve and Circumſpection :
That wanton and audacious Deportinent rens
tters them contemptible. It ill becomes them
to talk on certain Chapters, and amazes us tº
fèe them ſo early learned in things they ought
to be utterly ignorant of: On which "Occafi-
ons they forget that Baſhfulneſs and Modeſty
is their Province :) If they are defective in
that Point, they are paſt pleaſing 'well-bred
People. Too free Diſcourſe in the Mouth of
a Maid, however cleanly wrapt, has always
an ill Effect. If theſe Flatterers praiſe them
to their Face for their good Humour, they de-
fpiſe them to themſelves. Q2
Mothers too great Indulgence to their
Daughters, is commonly the Corruption of
their Morals. For when a Maid is young
and handſome, He is continually expas’d to
the Flatteries of Admirers, and therefore this
too eaſy Youth ſhould be ſtrictly rein'd by the
Hand of a vigilant Mother, and buckled to
its Duty. Flavia, who is at preſent ſo decried,
had Virtue and Modeſty when the firft began
to appear in the World: She owes her Ruin
to her Mother, who, infatuated with her
Daughter's Charms and Beauty, made her the
*Subject of her Diſcourſe, cand could talk of
nothing elſe : She thought her an Original of
Beauty, and would have every body admire
her. It raviſh'd her to fee her furrounded
with a Crowd of Lovers, which adored her
9 like an Idol. She even was fedulous to ob-
li ſerve to them her Daughter's graceful Ayre
and Mein, and heighten all the pretty things
the

278 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
The ſaid. mYoung Womens Souls ftand, top
much bent towards Love and Wantonneſs, and
there's no need to add Fewel to the Fire, and
give Licenſe to the Inclination, 199 goal of
A chance Word dropt fometimes does abun.
dance of Miſchief, and occaſions long Repen-
tance. He that can wave giving his Opinion
of others when 'tis to their Diſadvantage,
has found out a noble Secret to ſave himſelf
many Quarrels. So far, at leaſt, we ſhould
prevail upon ourſelves, as not to ſpeak Things
to a Man's Diſcredit, before People that would
tell him again. This would be making our.
felves Enemies on purpoſe. motor med
Tis The Indiferetion of talking too freely of
one another, is the Source of thoſe ſo
many
Differences that embroil the Quiet of Man-
kind: Such as having heard diſobliging Dif-
courſe, repeat it again to the Perſons concernd,
are much miſtaken if they think to oblige
thein by thoſe indiſcreet Confidences. It grates
us at the Heart to hear a Man who is ſo impu-
dent to tell us to our Face vexatious things,
though he only repeat wliat others have ſaid
of us. iv boronista di Torio M
sd To pleafe in Converſation, we muſt hear
what is ſaid to us, and give an Anfwer to the
Purpoſe ; which is a Maxim obſery'd by very
few : They that think they have more Wit
than others, neglect to lear, and would ſpeak
rall. Unattentive to what is ſaid to them,
- they watch for a Moment to interrupt the
- Narration, that they may went their own
2 Thoughts, which take up all their Application.
01
Tis

Concerning Decorums.
279
18 Tis not enough to thine our felves, but we
muſt give others time to ſhew their Parts and
ſpeak in their Turn. Converſation is a ſort of
Commerce, to which every one is to contri-
bute his Proportion to render it agreeable.
"Tis not enough to be well qualified to pleaſe
reaſonable People : But we muſt join an o-
bliging Carriage, which infinuates into their
Tempers, and a certain Complaiſance that
plies and yields to their different Characters
with whom we are obliged to live. This O.
bligingneſs I ſpeak of muſt not be artificial or
hypocritical : They that are Civil againſt
their Inclination, are not ſo on all Occaſions,
or with all ſorts of People.
Your haughty People fometimes familia-
rize, and grow courteous and good natur’d, in
contradi&tion to their Temper: Whilſt you
flatter them, and indulge their Vanity, you
have nothing to find fault in them. But the
leaft Word that ſeems to affront them pulls off
the Malk, and brings them to their natural
Character and Complexion. Their Reproa-
ches, ſcornful Looks, and proud infulting
Way, ſhews what they are, and render them
very ridiculous.
ligosdsud
Tis a moſt odious and contemptible Chara-
&ter, that of playing the Wit at the Expence
of Religion and Things Sacred: Such as talk
jeftingly of Myſteries they ought to reverence,
don't fo much diſcover the Beauty of their
"Parts, as the Deformity of their Morals. Wo.
men eſpecially ſhould not take the Liberty of
naintaining particular Opinions in Point of
Re.

080 Reflexions apon Ridicule.
Religion. 'Tis odds but they that diſcover
their Indifference to its Maxims, are of an ir-
* regular Conduct, and have a ſecret Intereſt to
doubt of the Truths they conteſt.
What Notion can we have of Celione, who
eagerly diſputes in all Companies about the
Immortality of the Soul, and always main-
tains the Negative? Had we no other Argu-
ment of her Lewdneſs, -her Sentiments in this
Eſſential Point of Religion were a convincing
Proof of it. Were People in the Right upon
ſuch Subjects, they ought, at leaſt, to talk
ſoberly of them ; for what need is there to
inſtruct the Publick in ſuch things as a Man
ought to keep to himſelf?
-st There is not irtue fo perfect, but that our
aparticular Actions contradict the Habit of do-
ing Good. The greateſt Application of a
worthy Man, ſhould be ſo to conceal his Infir-
mities, as that no body might perceive them,
or ſuffer-by them. Let no Man flatter him-
ſelf, he has always a worſt Side, which he
ought not to expofe. The Reaſon of ſo many
Peoples ill Fame, is not always that they have
lefs Virtue than thoſe that have Reputation;
but becauſe they take no Pains to conceal their
Faults and Weakneſfes objected to them, from
the Eyes of the World.
To conſider the Life of ſome of the French
Prelates, you would ſwear they did not take
themſelves for the Apoſtles Succeſſors: Their
Train and Equipage, great Living, Magnifi-
cence of their Table, and high Play: Their
Deportment and Employments are no ways
fuit,


Concerning Decorums. 281
ſuitable to the Profeſſion they have embrac'd.
Their whole Life is conſum', in an effeminate
Slothr: The Care of their Flocks is the leaſt
Concern to them, which you would think
given up to their Diocefáns Reprobation :
Hence we may well ſay, with one of their mo-
dern Poets, one has contió y bavores
dei modi ma dera stes tot un asteroon
Eft-ce pour travailler que vous etes Prelat?!
De votre dignite foutenez mieux l' eclat.Iteh
daw imien toe son bis 901180STIDO wov
Men of the long Robe, when they are young,
unleſs they take Care, grow too airy and voor
latile: The Court-ways, which they ſtudy to
copy, and copy ill, throw them off their Cha-
ra&ter, and give them a falſe Ayre, which
commonly makes then ridiculous. 1. Young
Cleon, diſgustedo with his Band and Gown,
will always appear in a Crevat and Coathi He
talks always of Hunting, Dogs, and Horſes,
and very rarely of the Code and Digeft. He
is the whole Day at Table; grows drunk,
and ſwears like a Captain of Dragoons. x
The Reaſon why we find ſo few.perfect in
the Art of Pleafing, is, that they don't care-
fully obferve what 'tis diſtinguiſhes accome
pliſh'd Perſons from the Vulgar, and that
inakes others ſo offenſive. Nothing forms the
Mind like the Uſe of the World ; this gives it
that Tincture of Politeneſs, which is only ob-
tain'd by the frequent Sight of polite Perſons,
and copying from their Plan, They that be
gin to appear in the World, ſhould be above
all

282 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
all things follicitous to gain the Efteem of
Men of Worthai bém nos ai stil slodu tietT
We have found the knack of pleaſing, when
we know liow tooadapt our ſelves to the Ge.
nius of thoſe we converſelwith. People natus
rally love to ſee their Taſtes and Inclinations
approved by others, and can't avoid fome
Complacency for thoſe that conform to their
Humoursi 2 If the Perſons you viſit are in a
dark and cloudy Temper, you muſt compoſe
your Countenance, and not accoſt them with
a free and clearful
Ayre dOn the contrary,
they are gay, don't diſturb them with an au-
ftere Mein, which ſeems to diſapprove their
Mirth : You would be look'di on as a trouble-
ſome Perfonz befides, that it is uneaſy to a&
ſuch a diſagreeablePart. y asem laoramog
We are obliged in the Commerce bof the
World, to ſee People of all forts?Tis a great
Art to be able to accommodate our felves to all
Characters ; and the moſt certain Sign of a
Superiority of Wit, is to know how to com
ply with others, ſo as to riſe or ſtoop as Occa-
lion ſerves. ws! ól hat swydw golfo edT
- Profeſsed Scholars know not how to enter:
tain the Ignorant. Well-bred People are uneafy
in the Converſation of Clowns. People that
are gay would always laugh, but that Merria
ment does not compromiſe with thoſe that
have any Trouble. The too ſerious who ne-
ver deſcend from their Gravity, are very un-
eaſy to thofe who would give a Looſe to their
Mirthed bisont blue won ni isoqas-01 nig
What

Concerning Decorums. 283
What a Plague to Society is a Man who has
written a Book, or any piece of Learning?
You muſt have the Complaiſance to hear and
adınire him. An Author charm’d with his
own Work, thinks others have the ſame Plea-
ſure in hearing, as he in ſpeaking the Scraps
of it. Intoxicated with the Praiſes of fome
Women, pretending to Wit and Judgment, he
is inſenſible of his Folly, and that Men of
Senſe regard him as a Pedant and an Imper-
tinent. sorg som raud bed out botobs odos
1. To know how ſcandalous fome Engagements
are, we muſt conſider them in others. Self
love is a kind of Veil, that covers the Ignomi.
ny
of thoſe Paſſions that are dear to us. In
ſeeing what Pictures are drawn of thoſe who
have the fame Vices, we may conclude that
we are not more favourably treated. A young
Woman that ſees how they are handled that
give themſelves great Freedoms, may learn
an uſeful Lelſon, and ſay to herſelf that Di-
fcretion and Modeſty ought to be her favourite
Virtues. GIVA brief toe na Dalmatas 2001
$ The Publick is an inexorable Judge, that
ought to be more cultivated than it is. ?Tis
in vain to fly to the Excuſe of Infirmity, and
the Age’s Relaxion from this great Severity;
theſe pitiful Reaſons are never heard.What.
ever Merit a Woman has, it all goes for no-
thing without Virtue and Difcretion; fince'tis
own'd that Love is a Stain that fullies the
faireſt Life. If a Woman be not Modeft, tho'
ſhe have a thoufand other good Qualities, and
Birth and Beauty, ſhe is never the more efteem-
9787
ed.

284 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
ed. Every body knows it. All the World
ſays it. Theſe are the firft Leſſons inftill’a in-
Ito young Virgins; and yet they'll go on in their
own Way. 'nitas 1oon af
seItlwas no Advantage to Plantina to be the
handſomeſt Woman in England : Never was
ſeen a nobler Ayre or greater Agreements; and
the Beauties of her Wit ſtill heightned the
Charnis of her Perſon, but her Moral Infir-
mities poiſon?d all her Merit. She was made
to be adored if ſhe had been more proud: But
She received Laws from her Lovers, inſtead of
commanding theme with the imperious Sever
rity ſhe might have uſed, had ſhe not been too
weak. Though her Fortune was conſiderable,
few People would venture on her for a Wife,
becauſe of the Wantonnefs of her Temper, and
Addiction, 'to Intrigues and Gallantry. Her
Beauty, Wealth and Birth, could not ſecure
her from being conſider'd as a Crack.railt avis
- I can't conceive how. Women that Game
high, and ſee no other Women but as ſcanda-
lous as themſelves that ſpend Nights and Days
with Men in Publick Houſes, wou'd be thought
modeſt, and take it ill to have their Virtue
ſuſpected. So irregular a Life is a fign sofra.
depravid Mind, and a corrupted Hearte et
They that are ſtill fond of the World, when
the World has no Kindneſs for them, are much
to be pitied. A worn-out and furrow'd Face,
makes but an ill Figure amongſt ſuch as ſpar-
kle with the Fire of Youth. Tis not the Seas
fon to give way to Frolick and Mirth, when
one is old, and if one put on a ſerious and rem
be
ſerved

Concerning Decorums. i 235
ſerved Look, 'tis a Conſtraint to Youth who
think only of Diverſion, and breathe nothing
but Gallantry and Gaiety. A to na
Generally ſpeaking, Perſons advanced in
Years ſeem troubleſome and formidable to
Youth, becauſe of the Diſproportion of Senti-
ments, unleſs they ſtoop and condeſcend to
Juvenilities, unbecoming the Character of old
Age. They ſhould learn how to reçede and
to keep Company with their Equals, and no
longer pretend to be agreeable and diverting,
when the Seaſon of thoſe things is over. IT
Is there any Reaſon for an old woman that
marries a young Huſband, to complain that he
does not care for her ? I knew he is obliged to
ſome Complaiſance and Officiouſneſs, to re-
compence her for the Charge ſhe is at for him:
But if the demands any thing elſe, if fhe re-
quires Love, and Ardour, and Tendernefs, the
is much out in her Accounts. 1. Dorinta is fif-
ty, who has married Philiftus of thirty; an
handſome and genteel Man, who loves high
Living and Play. Dorinta is wondrous fond
of this young Spouſe ; fhe furniſhes him with
gaming Money grand, fine Equipage, and a
noble Table.sv He is loves (not Dorinta, but
flights and diſreſpects hers; ?tis an uncivil Man.
Decency would oblige him to make чр
his
want of Lovel to his old Wife, by fome out-
ward Shews, as who furniſhes hin with libe-
ral Sums, to ſupply all his extravagant Ex-
pences: 913 Ti Se bicilni sis brol som
The
Deſign a Woman has form’d to marry
a Man, with whom he keeps up an intimate
Cors

286. Reflexions upon Ridicule.
Correſpondence for a long time, does not ju.
ſtify her to the World: No body penetrates
her Intentions: And ſuch a long eſtabliſh'd
Commerce is a ſufficient Ground for Scandal,
though there was nothing Criminal in it. Re-
putation is a Plant of fo tender a Growth, In-
firmity is fo over-ruling, the Inclination to
judge ill of our Neighbour fo natural, that we
can't be too precautious, nor over-diligent to
keep fair with the Publick, and ſtop the Mouth
of Slander.bris eidgeorgs d or budieng, pogoti
"Tis an odd Conjunktion, an old Man
match'd with a young
Woman: Such Alliances
expoſe Women to great Temptations. The
Careſſes of an old Huſband muſt needs be dif-
guftful to a young Wife: The Diſproportions
of Age breeds an Antipathy, becauſe naturally
we love our Like, and the Cold and Phlegin of
Age, do but ill comport with the Flame and
Charms of Youth. 1600 A 190 o duo daune ci
Does a Man advanc'd in Years, nauſeous,
diſtemper'd and over-run with Rheum and
Defluxion, pretend to fix the Heart of a young
Girl that's briſk and amiable, and fond of
Pleaſure? He argues ill, if he fíatters himſelf
that his Riches will be much available to pro-
cure her Love, or that his little Affiduities
and Complaiſánces will leſſen her Difguit for
his Perſon; that Officiouſneſs, Deſire of Plea-
fing, and Affectations, render him ftill more
diſagreeable: The Careſſes of a Man that is
not lov'd are infipid, and turn the Stomach
of a young Wife, who fometimes ſeeks to in
demnify her ſelf with more agreeable Com-
pany,

. Concerning Decorums. I 687
spany, for the Tedium an old Huſand gives
her.
zgaidt 98899135 bis
Vs'Tisa Miſtake in an old Man to think to
bear up, by the Charms of this Behaviour.
If his Employs and Services, and perſonal
Merit recommend him,edhe is refpe&ed and
courted for the Succour that is expe&ted from
him: But if he affects to be agreeable, departs
he out of his Character and loſes part of his
Merit. The more he tricks up and ſweetens to
pleafe People, the more he makes himſelf de
fpis’d; and tho’ he be cultivated, he is com-
monly regarded as a ridiculous old Fop.
Huſbands are oblig?d to be civil and com-
plaiſant to their Wives, but not to Dotage
and Stupidity. The Women ſometimes abule
it, and when they get the Aſcendant, their
Empire is Tyrannicali. One would ſay, to
fee fome Womens Condu&, and howi terma-
gantly they treat their Huſbands, that they
only Iook'd upon them as their Bailiffs, or
Stewards of their Houſhold, who have all the
Domeſtick Cares and Troubles upon their
Shoulders, in which their Wives have not the
leaft Part. eitiloiadhi ni td gilchco
Avarice is la Counterpoize to Merit, and
which weighs dow in the Ballance. This fin-
gle Vice is fuffcient to make Men ridiculous,
who might diſtingiſh themſelves by their other
good Qualities. Nothing is more deſpicable
than a covetous Lover, an intereſſed Devotee ;
and one that Builds, and ſpoils his Deſign by
an ill placed Thrift ; he that has a ſhattered
Siniset peli boollut Aid ng Rea
stero

288 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
sd
Retinue, and denies himſelf the moſt neceſſary
and agreeable things.
So The Outrage of Parents is not a good way
to bring Children to their Duty: When they
Ce are in Fault, you are to puniſh them with Mo
Cederation, and let them Tee your Affection for
them even in your Chaſtiſements. Children
on their Part, ought never to be deficient in
their Reſpects to their Parents, whatever rigo-
Tous Treatment, they receive from them.
The Harflineſs of the one does not authorize
the Rebellion of the other.srodt bus : bereit
We don't always get the Love of People, by
doing them great Services. I know, not by
what Caprice it is, we are naturally under a
Conſtraint with thoſe to whom we are much
obliged , and we incurr the Sight of them with
ſome Uneaſineſs and Reluctance:
A miſplaced Liberality does a Man no Cre-
dit: We muſt be liberal with Diſtination, and
diſpoſe of our Bounty with Diſcretion. What
would it coſt to accompany our Preſents with
ſome obliging Word, which would heighten
the Price of them? 19. doiliw nit stoblood
Few People delight in Liberalities, or behold
the Afkers without fome kind of Repugnance.
This is a fordid Sentinent, and fought by no
Means to appear. If you yield to the Intreaties
of your Friends, let an obliging Look accom-
pany the Kindneſs, and convince them you
lincerely deſire to do them Service vous !
Benefits increaſe or diminiſh Friendſhip ac-
cording to the different Circumſtances that acs
company thein: A Man's Blood riſes againſt
thoſe


Concerning Decorums. 289
thoſe that diſcover their Regret to do him a
Pleaſure. There's as much Art required in Gita
ing as Refuſing: A Denial qualified with
ſome
Softnings, and a great Demonſtration of Sins
cerity, does not offend rational Perſons.
To adapt our felves to the good Liking of
the World, we muſt give to every one what
they are priviledged to demand of us. Our
Superiors demand Reſpet and Deference, and
Submiſſion: Our Equals Civility and good
Nature : Our Relations Friendihip: Our
Friends Affection and Confidence: Every Body
Sincerity, and the Services in our Power when
they have occaſion for our Afiftance. We muſt
help the Miſerable by our Charity, and our E-
nemies by Generoſity. But let it be without
Oftentation and Flattery, without Sordidneſs
and Intereſt.
"Tis Violating all the Laws of Decorum,
to treat Perſons fuperior to us by their Quality
and Station, Employs or Age, in a familiar
Way. Familiarity is not fufferable but a.
mongſt Equals; and tho' People fometimes
wave their Priviledges, yet ought we not to
forget our Duty, and treat them otherwiſe than
their Character demands. Uraſylus has been
a Muſqueteer fix Months, and he talks with
the ſame Liberty, Familiarity, and Jocoſenets
to the Captain of the Company, as if he was
talking to his Comrades. He entertains him
with his Love Intrigues, and gives him the
Narrative of all his Adventures, with an Ayre
of Aſſurance only incident to a Fool, that does
not perceive he is laugh'd at, and that he of.
fends Decorum.
0
The

290 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
1
The Dotages of the Underſtanding are eaſier
cured than thoſe of the Will: For the Will
where it faſtens will not eaſily loſe its Hold:
The Underſtanding is more deſultory and you
latile. Our Reflections inward upon our ſelves,
help to corre& the Extravagances of the Mind,
but the Engagements of the Heart hinder us
from refle& ing. meb of bsgh:livit ute
YA
The Defe&t of Underſtanding is commonly
the Cauſe, that many handſome Women are
not loved to the Degree they appear Amiable.
Their Beauty is attra&ive, and their Carriage
is forbidding: 'Tis a kind of Counter-Charm,
to diſpel the Faſcination of their Beauty.se
Modeſty ſo effentialy belongs to fome Chara.
éters and Profeſſions, that the leaſt Remiſſion
therein deſtroys all the Eſteem a Man has ac-
quired. It aſtoniſhes the Publick, ito ſee ſome
People live with a £icence and Indulgence fo
unbecoming them. (Engenius has a Thouſand
good Qualities: He has Senſe, and Governa
ment; his Perſon is pliant and inſinuating :
He would be an accomplifhd Man, if he could
rid-himſelf of one Fault, which poiſons, as I
may ſay, all his Merity and renders his fine
Talents the leſs taking: He has too debonair
and free a Department with the Women, tho?
his Profeſſion and Employs demand more Rea
ſerve and Circunſpection. It lo nisiqa silton
'Tis a great Cruelty to deſpiſe People under
Misfortunes : Have they not already particu
Jar Troubles enough, unleſs you add Raillery
and Inſult? The offenſive Names of Wretch,
Scoundrel, Beggar, ought not to enter into the
Os wil

Concerning Decorums. 291
Diſcourſe of the Well-bred, nor any other inju.
rious Terms that raiſe an Idea of Contempt.
7. The Ladies that ſpend the greateſt part of
their Time in the Country, are commonly
more unpoliſh'd than: they that live in great
Towns ; becauſe they ftudy leſs to pleaſe :
Being taken up with their Houſewitry and
domeſtick Affairs, they neglect thoſe Agree-
ments that are not of much Uſe to them.
There's no ocaſion to take much Pains, when
they are only obliged to pleaſe their Huſbands.
o The Women have for ſome time complain'd
that the Men are Uncivil, Uncomplaiſant and
Brutal. Whom do they blame for it? If
they were not ſo very tractable, the Men
would be more fubmiſlive and reſpectful. No
Body can eſteemn your light and wanton Crea-
tures, whatever fine thingsı he may tell them:
They amuſe for a Time, but a Correſpondence
not founded on Eſteem and Reſpect, can be of
no long Continuance.iso
"Tis natural for Women to deſire to pleaſe;
nor ought they to be blamed, when they have
no particular Views, and this Deſire continues
General. . An Huſband that obſerves in his
Wife's Conduct any Inclination that's injuri.
rious to him, may expreſs his Reſentment,
without making a Noiſe of it: That's the ut-
mok Miſery of Marriage, and the Ruin of
Affection, which fhould be its chief Comfort.
The Ladies Morals are fallen a little to De.
cay; they don't majeſtically enough maintain
the Empire which their Beauty and Merit
naturally give them over Men. Formerly no
( 2
body

292 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
body durft take Liberties before them : But
Men at preſent are not ſo fcrupulous, but dif
courſe to them in a Manner that favours of
the Looſneſs of the Age. The diſcreeteſt of
'em are not allarm’d, provided they talk in
ambiguous Terms, and clean Linen. Thoſe
that ſeem to be exceptious, have ſo affected a
Way with them, as lets their true Sentiments
appear thro' it. to 10
Can a Woman of an irregular Conduct be
ignorant of the Satyr and Scandal that is fpread
of her? If ſhe be not, how has ſhe the Face to
appear? As good a Look as ſhe fets upon it,
the Lofs of her Reputation gives her many un-
grateful Moments. The loofeſt of the Sex have
itill fome Remains of Modeſty: They can't
forbear praiſing and eſteeming Women whoſe
Virtue does Honour to their Sex. Tho' they
abandon themſelves to their proſtitute Temper,
they have now and then ſome Intervals of
Reaſon, wherein they can't pardon their own
Diſorders. One
The idle Life of Women is the firſt Source
of their Diſorders: They know not how to
ſpend their Time to keep off that irkſomeneſs
of Thought, which they dread above all things:
Hence they recur to Play, and other ftill more
criminal Diverſions. The Generality love not
Reading; and thoſe Books they ſtudy, corrupt
their Imaginations, and form their Heads to
Amours and Intrigues. *"Tis not for Inſtruction
they have Recourſe to Books, but to learn the
Adventures of other Women, and all the Arti
fices neceſſary to the Succeſs of an Intrigue.
It


Concerning Decorums.
293
1. It ſeems a Paradox to ſay, that the more a Wo™
man abounds in Wit,the leſs reaſonable,and,com-
monly, leſs amiable ſhe is. Her Headis inftru-
mental to the Corruptions of her Heart. Vivaci-
ty renders her Inconftant: Penetration gives her
more Artifice and Malignancy. Experience
daily demonſtrates that the moſtSlanderous the
mort Satyrical, the moſt Deceitful, the moſt
Wanton, and moſt Extravagant among them,
have more Wit than the Generality of Women.
Their Vices increaſe in proportion to their
Wit, which they make a bad Uſe of.. bas
Moft Women are Incomprehenſible: Their
Character is Dark, and My iterious, and a Rid.
dle. The ſame Woman is laviſh in all her
Expences, and Covetous in all her Thrift. Un-
able to keep a juſt medium; ſhe liates to Day,
even to Fury, hiin that the loved Yeſterday to
Exceſs. She violently deſires a thing, which
fhe deſpiſes the very Moment that ſhe has it,
But what is ſtill more unaccountable is, that
Men, who know Womens Faults and Infirini.
ties, who are Witneſſes of them, and ſuffer
by them, can't break off from them. Men
that are ſo wife, and Heads that are ſo ſtrong,
give way to be confounded by a Glance of an
Eye, and the Luftre of an handſome Face.
Cominendations miſguide Women, and pre-
vent their Information. They would have
fewer Faults if they had leſs Incenſe given
them. 'Tis their Flatterers that inake them
uncivil, proud, conteinptuous and haughty,
by placing thein above all other Women ; and
they are unwilling to deſcend from this imagi-
nary Superiority 03
I'is

294 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
* ?Tis from a delicate Pride or Self-love, that
-moft Women in France put on the Malk of
Devotion, after they have adted another Cha-
jacter. This affected Devotion is a very con-
venient Tranſition from a moſt licentious, to
that moſt auſtere Life, which does them fo
much Honour in the World; there's no need of
changing the Principles, but only changing
the Habit. 'Tis not to be more humble, mo-
deſt, paſſive, and mortified, that they lengthen
their Sleeve, and fill their Bags with Primmers
and Beads: But only more conveniently to en-
joy all the Pleaſures of Life, without being
cenſured by the World. The Decorum of Gra.
vity is due to a certain Age which they can't
diſpence with, without making themſelves ri-
diculous: They dare not permit themſelves
Pleaſures that make a Noiſe, but they find
ways of Secrecy and Silence to ſatisfy them-
felves. si sotun sol vis odi asligiosa
A Woman of Wit, who thinks her ſelf ſo,
and is fully perſuaded of her Superiority of
Genius, regards all the reſt of her Sex with
Pity. It will not be believed, perhaps, but
Experience is a convincing Proof of it, that the
more Wit a Woman has, the lefs fhe has of
common Senſe: If we examine the Characters
of thoſe who have ruin'd their domeſtick Af.
«fairs, who have fallen into Diſgrace by the Dif.
order of their Conduet, who can agree with no
Body, nor no Body with them; we ſhall find,
without more ado, that all theſe Women had
a great deal of Wit and little Judgment. vd
Lien mot fine bog 97 98
tiroirsque los

1 Concerning Decorums. 295
Clorina reads all ſorts of Books, good and
bad, without. Diſtinction or Taſtea She does
not read for Inſtruction, but only to have the
Glory of a great Reader, and to cite the Names
of many Authors, which is all that ſhe retains
of her Reading. But ſhe has got by it a great
Preſumption, which appears by her ſevere Cen-
fures of all, even the moft excellent Works,
which the miſerably decries. Clorina would
be thoughtjadicious at any Price; even at the
Expence of her Judgment, which she betrays
the Weakneſs of. 1 980 ni wazuroy en Tenni
The wiſe Man has ſaid, that a prodigal Wo.
man ruins the beſt Houſe : which is an unrea.
fonahle and criminal Dilipation, but moſt
Women are more obnoxious to the other Ex-
treme.s. They are naturally Thrifry, and fo
far from Superfiuities astoretrench Neceſſaries,
They themſelves firſt fuffer by their Sordid.
neſs, and every body elſe after. If they add
Habit to their Inclination, they are incorrigible.
This Exceſs of good Houſewifry renders then
very contemptible, perverts their natural E-
quity, and ſpoils their good Sentiments: And
they need only this Weakneſs to ruin their Creo
dit, whatever Merit they may have. Ideiasat
What Confuſion does not a Woman cauſe in
a Family who is addicted to Play, and ha-
zards great Sums ? Difcord, domeſtick Dif-
contents, and abſolute Ruin, are the inevitable
Conſequences of this Paſſion, which at laſt
turns to Fury and Diſtraction. It is rare to
ſee Women weaned from this vicious Paſſion;
nothing but Poverty and Ruin can baniſh them
from
04

296 Reflexions upon Ridicule.
from Gaming. Melantine, after ſhe has loft
all, begs an Alms to Game with. One of her
Relations has compaſſionately taken her to her
Houfe: She gives her Diet and Cloaths, and
all things neceffary to her Subſiſtence. But the
Wreck of her Fortune has not been able to ex-
tinguiſh her Fondneſs for Play. She mingles
with the Raſcality, to ſport the little Money
ſhe has got, which ſhe has the Sordidneſs to
beg, If Fortune happens to look upon her
with a more favourable Eye and make her a
Winner, ſhe ventures in one Day all her Profits
for many Months. Incapable of being cor-
rupted by her paſt Misfortunes, and ſtill flat-
ter’d with the Hopes of emerging, tho' fhe be
funk beyond Retrieval. She leads a Life that
moves the Pity of thofe that have ſeen her in
fo different a Condition.
The natural Temper of Women ought to
keep them out of Law-Suits: As their Indif.
ference, natural Lazineſs, Love of Diverſions
and Pleaſures, the Concern for their Adjuſt-
ments and their Beauty. But when they are.
once embarked, they have other Qualities to
retain them to the Courts: They are more un.
teachable, more heady, more intereſted, and
more opiniative than Men; and will lefs hear.
ken to Reaſon. Pride, Indignation, and a
Shame of yielding, makes them continue a
Suit, wherein they have no Intereſt, but to fa.
tisfy their Vanity and Revenge. Nothing is
more pitiable than a Woman 1kill'd in the Sub-
tilties and Quirks of the Law, by a long uſage
of the Bar. You find an entire Revolution in
her


Concerning Decorums. 297
her. Temper : The hurly-burly of Buſineſs
ſerves her inſtead of Walks, and Pleaſures, and
Intrigues
. VVomen are not naturally Enemies
to Diſputes, Quarrels, Broils and Variance; fo
that the Tumult of Trials grows at laft an a.
greeable Occupation, becaule it indulges their
Înclination to Diſfention, Hatred and Slander,
and is an inexhauſtible Source of Complaints,
Reproaches and Invectives : And they even
find in it wherewithal to ſatisfy their deareſt
and niceft Paſſions. Their Charms are a won
derful Loadſtone to attract the Judges and en-
gage them in their Intereſts; they ſtudy to
pleaſe, and leave no Stone unturn’d to miilead
them: Art feconds their Beauty, and when
their Artifices have ſucceeded, they applaud
theinfelves for the Triumph. Hatred hardly
gives a VVoman lels Pleaſure and Pain than
Love: It feems to be the more lively and ani-
mated Paſſion, and gives the moſt violent Mo-
tions; Law-Suits are the Triumphs of this
Paſſion which awakens all the reſt, becauſe
Glory and Intereſt are the two Springs that
move the Souls of the Litigants: You ſee what
makes Suits everlaſting, eſpecially when VVO-
men are concern'd in them. They feldom come
to an Accommodation : Prejudice bereaves
them of the Liberty to hearken to good Ad-
vice: The more Arguments you offer to con-
vice them, the more Subterfuges their Obfti-
nacy finds to elude their Force: The end of
their Life pręceeds the end of the Suit, and the
laft Breath of a VVoman of this Character is
cat out by the Regret the has to leave her En-
terprize unfiniſh'a,
VVe
05

298 Reflexions sepon Ridicule.
We find Women that have a. Strength of
Genius, and a moſt exquiſite Judgment, that
are capable of a generous Refolution, and great
Undertakings. But generally ſpeaking, they
are of a weaker and nicer Conſtitution than
Men: Which makes them fo indulgent to
themſelves, and ſo deſirous to be flatter'd.
Their Fleads are fill’d with Prejudices, and
turn’d to Trifling: When they have fix'd their
Reſolution they obſtinately maintain it, tho?
they are naturally volatile and inconſtant.
Tis hard to bring them off from their Amuſe.
ments, to engage them in any thing more ſe.
rious, unleſs they have ſome violent Paſſion
that prevails over their Temper. This new
Intereſt that engages them, draws them, as I
may ſay, out of their ſelves, and diſcovers in
their own Bottom, fuch Recruits as they ne-
ver thought on: They grow bold and enter-
prizing: Pains, Perils, and
Diſappointments
don't difliearten them. Oppolitions whet
their Courage, and teach them to bear up a.
gainſt all Obſtacles : They repine not at the
longeſt Fatigues, to purchaſe an inſignificant
Pleaſure.
y edinih 0199003 SIE 1981
sorbatsi : sborreop_001
badoo dedicat a yuradi.edi Forms:
1036 Toto terugt som et bui
100 901 sda szara ett madi suiv
So hate ed 99:01 all'abola as cant poser
labs FINI SI SH. 1913
13 13 do and TV : 01397 Het
tos con los Jorge f erl, udson
it
nafta (11911
46

XION
02
.bid
990
szti 8 ab ish qoissbutia
par set.891 pe to grotesttoita
sundinci siquids A N
N MA gutiers do te
rot Sstos
es sigo co
pold
1:20
STI
ptin 1994.a for
indt inn å
SOS
OF THE
-sh51 20 yi2 a zru: 330 louis meus
Principal Matters.
A
once,
on viiupun
Als der gen. Brgologe
А.
SIT OM power is (es) sonst Page
ha Bhots more
Bbots more immodeft than Pages, hi 119
Abilities ought not to be diſplayed all at
Kiasto.78
Abſurdities the Effect of want of Application,
228
Abuſes reform'd out of Intereſt, pot 207
Acknowledgment of Favours receiv'd muft ob-
ſerve a Mediocrity, wong osito eroili 85
Acquaintance
. abates the Care of concealing
Seset sinds Joti 2
Imperfeétions.
SISONDU 1971 DAN 2 Admi.

INDEX
ibid.
able to use
Admiration the Symptom of indifferent Senſe;-
128. the Effect of groſs Ignorance, 156.
the
Judicious and Sincere admire but little,
Advice intruded meets with a forry Reward,
240. Why it takes to ſeldom.
2653
Affe&tation defin'da 58. Its Effects.
59
Affronts forgot thro?Intereſt, 198. The Nicety
of obſerving Meaſures with People that have
affronted you.
235
Agreeable, why so many people are not agree.
275
Alone, Men do not act alone as they do in pub.
lick.
118
Ancients, their Works did not excel ours,
268
Anger on frivolous Occaſions a Sign of Rufti.
city, 258. The Danger of endeavouring to
reclaim the Perſon thus angry, ibid.
Antiquity of Extraction affected, 82
Apologies are not always the beſt way of Juſti-
fication,
262
Appearances (Outward ) biaſs moft Men, 112
Arcides miſcarries in his Fortune thro? Pride,
197
Aſſurance in Talking cenſured,
49
Attendance the Effect of Intereſt, not Refpečí,
Attention, 'tis hard to command it long,
Avarice a Counterpoife to Merit, 120.28
287
Authors apt to grow Vain-glorious, 91
and deſpiſe all Cenfure, ibid. They should
not value themſelves for being read by
i Fools, 146. Their Conceitedneſs is furpri-
202
153
ſing,

INDEX
ſing, 170. They never ceaſe to admire thejn
own Writings.indiatouto tistit sco
SU 178
2 euisme maono
si B. - Parison03
BeDiscourse, warme
Eauty, its Charms often diffipated by idle
ces dis55
Benefačtions to be made in Laft Wills, are ve-
ry inſignificant,
198
Benefits, how to grant 'em, rád22 139, 140
Borrowing (Money) cenfured, neitsy 205
Argostoli
244, &c.
TELT22
183
C
Alumny, what Temperit argues, 143
Caprice, why Men live fo much by it, 211
repreſented at large.si
Cenfor's Part hard to act,
Cenſures, how to be received, YU19171
Cenſure, often times indiſcreet,
39
Cenſurers (the greateſt) not affeéted with their
own Faults,
simpson 133
Ceraſtus affects Greatneſs,
Ceremonies exploded, so 203,
Ceremonies, Tradeſmen, Country-folks and
Pedants moſt fult of "engi sdt contuojo 275
Character forced ridiculous, 1234
Cits (Prodigal) how ruin'd, shoes 160
Civilities, exceſſive are troubleſome,
Company, Choice of it ought to be our chief
Complaiſance, how far it ought to go, 39. 'tis
at the fureft Way to the Friendſhip of Men,
cam
271
Com
275.
os Study
260

INDE X.
iton44
Comprehenſion, ſome admire most wbat's a.
3bove their Comprehenfion,.peiti 104
Concealing Wit, ſometimes great Wit, 47
Conceited fool-hardineſs to be rectified, 108
Condefcenſion in proportioning ones felf to the
Humour and Character of thoſe we converſe
with, 282. a ſign of a ſublime Genius, 14.
its great Defęči in Men of Learning, 148,
89150.
Confidents, their Charakter, of stod
Converſation, the Generality of it inſipid, 10.
Monopoly in it a Tyranny over Wit, 14, 40.
the Pleaſure of it ruin'd by the whimſical
Unevennefs of fome People, 246. Conver.
Fation with diſreputable Perſons cenſured,
11249. why the Converſation of Women is in-
fipid, 250. and incominodious, 261. why
common Converfation is fo nauſeous, 266
Coquetry, familiar Letters a great Fund of
ity
sont soito on 38
Counſel to be cautiouſly given, 50, 51
Country Squires liften with a filly Attention,
Courage, how to ſeafon it, 55, 56. the Vanity
h of rajha Corrage, wisho zaineinar 85
Covetouſneſs the moſt unpardonable Madneſs,
192. Scarce confiftent with Honeſty, 203.
It renders Men unfit far Society or Secrecy,
do'st so guion
Credulity the natural Confequence of Self-Suf-
ficiency,
Charaéter, Tlieocrino's, aamilisle 28
Criticiſin inexorable hasill Effects, 249
Cunning,
205
HD 22O

INDEX.
70.
66,71
Cunning,
moft People's Commerce runs uport
it,
4.7
1207 sett í moitolibre.9903
set of slaidos 5*D* 2 dost sasitog
DEad, 'tis cowardly 'to speak in of them,
143
Decorums, the Soul of Society, 270. their
Source and ſeveral Branches,
ib.
Delicacy (falſe) the Effect of ill Humour or
ill Breeding, 259. Its ſeveral Steps, sib.
Dependance, the Puniſhment of it, is 223
Devotees, Affe&tation in them cenſured, 099
Shibits .I2isgela
Diſcourſe, Formality in it and Stanchneſs
cenſur'da do dyte
Difcretion of Men not to be depended upon,
juuri ali 241
Diſgrace not to be inſulted, brod 195
Diffimulation expoſed,
108
Drollery, when it diſguſts? 234 222 30
1900. To W.08 thus
oj borstytų tos A EL.53 thou to
250 ott hati mentah suali tudi stos
Ccleſiafticks in France scandalouſly Prodi-
E
234280
Equipage of Ecclefiafticks ought to be regula.
ted by the Government,
Efteem oftentimes owing to Fate or Fortune,
4. 'tis lefſen'd, and ſometimes quite loft, by
too frequent Converſation, in sib.
Event, the Injuſtice of judging of Things by
the Event,
i 186
2014 bij zi Excel
eloo.
291000VA

INDE X.
>
Excellencies without Modeſty are diſpleaſing
to others,
84
Expences, Indiſcretion in them, 56, 57, 172
Experience makes us more acceptable to the
World than Precepts,
274
Extravagancies ozeght to be without Witneſes,
228
are to be got mors
adow Fass srud
scit (at) vomitse
FAcetiouines. See Gaiety,
Family, the beſt way to govern it, 136
Familiarity with Women of Merit and Beauty
dangerous, 12. Familiarity at the firff Viſit
cenſured, 54, 241. Familiarity with Per,
Sons of a high Rank cenſured, 54, 289. Ex.
ceſs of it ſuits with none,
Te godt 273
Faults inſeparable from Human Nature, 3
we foould ſometimes diſemble the feeing
them, 24. Cautions
relating to the Faulis
of others, 33, 512 Vain Men never.own a
Fault, 80. Why People correct themſelves
of any Fault, 87. We muſt not pretend to
correct all that have committed Faults, 125,
132. the Vanity of obſerving the Faults of
221, 264
Favorinus his Character. a to surgery
Favourites rarely approved; voast
ອະ 33
144
Feafts, how to be managed, nidus to
Fickleneſs expos’d,
bin dotis 246, 254
Finical Affectation,
309 73
Flattery a Vice mightily in Vogne, 90. Howy
Co to diſtinguiſh it from ſincere Praiſe, 179,
181, 'tis fcandalousy
182
Fools
21

INDEX.
80
Fools perfiſt always in their Error,
Foppery increaſes with Age,
90
Formalifts expoſed,
141, 263
Fortune, Change of it begets a Change of
Manners and Opinions, 16, 155. why Men
of Integrity ſeldom get any great Fortune,
Friendſhip fewn will not oblige People if we
talk much of it, 17. true Friendſhip re-
quires Courage, 193. 'tis baniſhed the
World by Intereſt,
otseselt 194
Scoalau mas saber tom isob gestori de la
204
G.
95 210
9202
GAięty overdone growsinſipid, 104. it should
always be moderate
its 161
Gameſters can hardly be worthy Men, *** 200.
Gaming corrupts the beſt Principles, 204. Neie
ther Experience nor Misfortunes will cure
ito ay to dalla
Generoſity ſtified by Intereſt,
Gerion's Character of the Hero of France ex-
poſed,
130
ealing
Gratitude ought to be free and eaſy, 196
Greatneſs affected by Inferiors is expoſing, 72,
Great Mens Caprices command the Multi,
tude,
173
121,
ses dels tres
zwolours habiM
0
Hair-

INDEX
OR
244
122
Dler
foders men the firſt Source of their
from misdt så vel sous loc'
poch His Soni vteqqo'l
chiloguszfilom 101
H Airbrain’d Behaviour can never pleaſe,
sotia lina Part 159
Head guilty of fewer Faults than the Heart,
Haughty Strain beffi an fwer'd without comme
- motion, 18. Haughty People must ſubmit
s to a thoufond Mortifications, 03 2551 219
High Birth no Foundation of Pride, blo 224
High Living does not make a Man valuable,
Hochftet Battel,
177
Homebred. People very fond of their perfonal
ToMerit,
shone so za 81
Hafband Miferly ito sa young Wife, hazards
both hex Honour and his own, stosyni 238
Hypocriſyr exposed; IM VON INSting S111
Houſewifry deſpiſed by Women of great Fi-
gure,
Resid Bin ROT 172
- Doctorsis. Bendron
I.
doi
ne buren set suc drao sbirgin
Jealousy is Herbands, caution d, 337, totis
oftentimes fatal to their Repofe and Ho-
nour, 136. ?tis a Source of a thouſand
Impertinencies, 248. Jealouſies should be
well conceald, 253. 'Tis the infallible Sign
of an ill-turn's Mind and a groveling
Šoul,
256
Jeſts, Cautions about 'eni, 41, 53. Some would
rather
OCT
292

INDE X.
TOO
149
273
BUS II
20
rather diſoblige their beſt Friends than
lofe then,
Jeſter, his Character,
156
Ignorant People talk moft, sado is you
Impatience to tell every thing we know, a cer.
tain Sign of Vanitya 30
Impatience when People are ſpeaking diſcover-
to ed in the Looks, a Vice
Imperfections, natural, 'tis uncivil to menti-
rr on them,
sesia las & stotis
Impertinence ariſes from want of Attention,
145. its Definition,
ord
ib.
Impertinents, ſeveral Špecies of them, 150,
155
Impoftures, their Effects, adi ( 3 )ga za
Incompliantneſs of Humour repreſented, 232
Indifference to Things ſurpriſing cenſured,
Indifcretion the Effect of Unpoliteneſs, 29. In-
& diſcretion defined, 31. tis hard to be cured,
I 0297 issuetonius IM
Ingratitude natural to fome, the Effect of a
ſecret Pride,
85
Inſignificancy in the World repreſented, i 217
Infulting a Man guilty of a Folly, and expref
#fing a malicious fog at his Confuſion,lisex-
A tremely rude and cruel, ti sig oot 15, 126
Interruption in Converſation an unpardonable
* Incivility, OB #0511, 240, 250
- Intereſt, its various Effects, tests 189
29 moet glas podt.sci.oierria*
-590 bm Ja et grisis seribot
odszobafdiced poldr Laugh--
rodin
CM
222
CE
33

INDE X.
.
57$
L.
Bardzo Dutet
L Aughing at others Follies cenfured, 42
Law-Suits Hereditary, 196. They warp
the Mind moft, and ſooneft corrupt Integri-
9001 200
Learned Men why unacceptable to Men of
Breeding, 26, 148. they have a lofty Idea of
their own Sufficiency,
Learning pompoufly diſplay'd a Sign of fooliſa
Vanity,
Kortit. ib.
Liberality miſplaced does a Man no Credit,
289
Living (Art of) the moſt uſeful of all Sciences,
2. learn'd ſometimes by ill Fortune, 223
49
M.
pots slogan 10 boltsdi naiserhion
Maggotry exposition has 246
Marriage, the Inconveniencies of it, 135
1. eſpecially of matching Youth with Old Age,
285, 286, 287
Maſters indifereet in Talking before their Sera
vants,
Matrimony, the Hopes of it make Women
es take too great a Liberty,
40
Meannefs of Birth not to be conceald, 71.
People of mean Extraction apt to bě vain
in pretending Antiquity, 82. and that ve-
Jy infolently, 122. they expoſe themſelves
to Ridicule in affecting to equal and con-
verſe with the Courtiers, 163, 164, 165,260.
They

INDEX.
2IL
They have a great Opinion of their own per-
fonal Merit,
183
Melancholy, why Men fall into it without
knowing the Reafon,
Men are ever diſpoſed to judge ill of Women,
180. Why Men take ſo little Pleaſure in
one another,
257
Merit (Great) is ſometimes nothing but a
great Artifice to hide Imperfections, 3. Me.
rit no Defence againſt the Raillery of Buf-
foons, 99: Fondneſs of one's own Merit,
leads to many Extravagancies, 218. it dif-
quiets us when we ſee the Merit of others,
ibid. Conſciouſneſs of Merit bears no Com-
petitors,
225
Merlet (Counteſs of) her Chara&ter, upole 56
Miſanthropy, repreſented,
127
Misfortunes, a great Mark of Weakneſs and
Pride to be always complaining of them,
237, eſpecially with a Gaiety, 233. the
Cruelty of deſpiſing People under them, 290
a Pleaſure taken in relating them, 237,267
Mode, the Change of it conſider'd, 251
Modeſty ſhould not be ſcrupulous,61.
Modeſty
affected a Sign of fooliſ Vanity, 88. Mode.
Aty a Sign of Merit,
144
Monder's Character, stano to
Moroſe Humour defined, 128. it ſhuts a Man's
Eyes agaimft his own Intereſt, 129. its other
Effects, ib. 'tis a Diverſion to Spectators,
139
Mothers, their Complacency makes their
Daughters proud, 224. and Immoral, 277
Murſant, his Character, taigos
Nar.
157
10

INDEX.
781
N.
Sultan It M i losionslia
NArciffus Charatterizado por 170146
Natural Relations not pleafing, or 1501
Newſmonger, his Character, 157. importu-
nity to tell News is Impertinence, om 239
Nicety of Taſte expoſed, 259, 263. Nicety in
point of Decorum.ibido sub
Nobility Chimerical is the Diſeaſe of thoſe
that grow Riche to dobro
huo QQ Rios
Novelty gains upon the Judgmenty of th 1104
Pepsalio to dress sti su stand
- sad trust, wo bide
Bloquy beſt baffled by feeming not to hear
beft.
it,
stusta on 142
Obſcenity, tho? ambiguorts, is very imperti-
nent, te quaislea
Obſtinacy, the’ in Vindication of the Truth,
diſpleaſesglossidosongs to tlou 13
Old Men are always lecturing Youth, 1133
they would be very uſeful if lefsmoroſe, 134.
Love in them is very ridiculous, 286. The
ridiculouſneſs of Old Women counting all
Pleaſures,
To 230, 284, 285
Opinion of one's ſelf, not to be removed, 1741
Opinion of our own Merit hinders the
Difi
covery of fictitious Praiſes, 177, 178. and
makes us backward to praiſe others, 180, it
ſets all the World againſt us, 216. to oppoſe
the Opinion of all the World is prodigiouſly
fantaſtical, 245, 249. the Honourof receed-
ing from an Opinion, a
257
Oputa
SAS 159

INI DI E X.
11
Opulence without Şenfe inſpires Men witti
Pride,
72
Order, whimſical People Enemies to it,
Outſide handſome, a Prejudice in Favour of
the Speaker, Toinnisthesis SIISTI
Outward Appearance not to be negle&ted,
821st stiahnutie Ons. 026
15 - Stats as wallin clisi!
excit: tor zastsd a P. tinagot all
zhat fits both .83 vid inost
Pare
Arents indiſcreet in not difſembling the ina
equality of Affection towards Children, 48.
their Outrage is not a good way to bring
Children to their Duty,
288
Paffions, why we indulge them ſo much, 168
They are the Causfe of Injuſtice, 9501 190
· Pedantry very rude, 27. its Unſeaſonableneſs,
ib. it proceeds not from Science, but the ili
* Uſe of Science,
etis arre
Plays or Gaming not to be quite interdicbed,
* 134. but moderated, velfin
ton) - 135
Pleaſing, the deſire of it is natural, 4. how to
pleaſe in Converſation,
Pleaſure (malicious) in the Shame and Unea-
fineſs of others,
ilegi 132
Pleaſe, the beſt way to pleaſe is to be Civil and
** no great Pretender, 174. why so few are
e per-
fečt in the Art of Pleaſing,
Politeneſs, a Combination of Virtues, 7. Po.
liteneſs defin'd, OR A lei 28
Politicians, (Pretended) their fooliſh Suffi-
*ciency in Pretending to foreſee all Events,
253
51
278
281
227
Poverty

INDE X.
>
Poverty join'd to a high Spirit a Misfortune,
shi 197
Praiſes Equivocal are but ingenious Satyrs,
the lines obi 179
Te Praiſe Friends, is a nice Tašky 1922 - 237
Praiſes, how to be receiv'd, 61, 63, 64. The
Character of a perpetual Praiſer, 127, 238
Praiſes miſplaced nauſeous, 30. to praiſe a
Man for Qualities that he has not, is to af-
front him, 88. and yet it takes, 177
Praiſes given to others, in Expectation of the
like from them, not Ps 89
Prejudice divided and defined, 166. its Effects,
23 miselt 167, &c.
Prepoſſeſſion of eminent Qualities, a great
Source of Impertinence, 81, and of Vneafi-
neſs,
141
Preſumption a Companion of Ignorance and
Self-conceit, 185. it makes a Man negligent
and lazy,
186
Pride (ſecret) natural to all Men, 17. Where
Otis becoming, and where not, 146. 'tis a
kind of Drunkenneſs and Madneſs that
ruins
young Women,
Prodigality cenfur'd,
Profeflion (Perſons of the fame) always jea
lous, 151. the Whimſey of deſpiſing one an.
other,
255
Promiſes to be cautiouſly granted, 34. there's
8 a foolijh Vanity in promifing every one, 35
falſe Promiſes exposd,
109, II2
Prudence uncommon required in a Gentleman
of the Sword.
55
Publick
167
160, 172

INDEX.
Publick, an inexorable judge that ought to be
more cultivated than it is,
283
99709
vald
QUality Perſons of) are of late too famili-
Authority for Nonſence, 157 Vices more
unpardonable in them than in others, 162
Quality (Perſons of ) Young Women vainly af-
feet to be married to 'em, 83. Quality pre-
fer'd before Merit and Virtue, a great Cor-
ruption of Manners,
Queſtioners, a ſort of inſupportabe People,
T
121
.52رية :
R
CS 145
R
Aillery, how to ſeaſon it, 21, 51, 52, 124.
This muſt be bore with ſometimes, 153
Reformers are a needleſs Office,
Religion, the odiouſneſs of playing the Wit
at the Expence of Religion, et Tok 19279
Reliſh, fome Impertinents reliſh nothing that's
ſaid to 'em,
Sac SH 1260
Reputation, indifference about it, in Women,
the higheſt Impudence, 39 to think to
eſtabliſh their Rputation by condemning
others is in vain, 65, Reputation not
founded on Virtue is not durable, 116
Reſerve, Medium between a fcrupulous Re-
Serve and Openneſsy opstilogru riscip2
Reſerved, Women were formerly more ne-
a
P
Serv'd

INDE X.
ſeru'd than the Men, but now 'tis other.
wiſe,
throsco98
Retirement gives an Ayre of Dignity, 4
Retreat ought to begin where Agreements end,
231
Revenge, an infamous Method of it, 272
Riches once got never examin'd how they came,
$ 212. they cover all Faults,
Ridicule in general, 1. we may fall into it
by thofe very things in which we excel, 84
Ridiculous Cuſtoms ſeldom parted with,
becauſe not perceived,
90
Rivaling a Superior, dangerous,
47
Rudeneſs creates a general, Averſion, and
Speaks a bad Education,
7
to 213
S.
120
43
Scandal flighted by thoſe who are not able to
Scholars apt to be foolifa and ridiculous,
148
Secrets not to be imparted to Women,
Secrecy injoin'd Spurs fome to Diſcovery,
86. He that does not keep his Friend's Sea
cret can't be an honeſt Man, goi
272
Sedateneſs (apparent) not inconſiſtent with in-
ward Diſquiet,
252
Self, to talk of one's ſelf and his own Affairs,
nauſeous, 41, 43, 44, 92, 233; Self-con-
ceit in Men of Learning, the source of
their Unpoliteneſs, 26. We ought to ſtudy
our felves, 46. to talk much to ones own
1
Dife

INDEX.
89, 90,93
66, 152
Diſadvantage is a criminal Affe&tation,
64, 65
Self-conceit. See Vanity, and 141. It hin-
ders Repoſe, 5
ib.
Self-love hinders our bad Qualities to make
any Impreſſion upon us, 87. Its Effects,
165, 190
Self-praiſe expoſed,
Services (great) do not always procure Love,
288
Shyneſs cenfura,
Silence, there's a way to be ſilent without the
2. Imputation of Stupidity,
49
Sincerity, to Exceſs, dangerous, 19. Since-
rity, tho’ blunt, preferable to fruitful Ca.
È reſſes, 35. Cautions about Sincerity, 43.
'Tis the Soul of Civil Society, 109. Every.
one boaſts of it,
Singularity ridiculous, 73. Some affect hus
mourſome Singularities, 101. They are al.
ways offenſive,
251
Statelineſs in Women, when criminal, 66
Stingineſs expos'd,
201, 202
Story, the Difficulty of telling a Story well,
86, 239. to be always telling Stories is fusa
perficial Wit, 140. A merry Story Should
be gravely told,
161
Subtiliſing too much no ſign of good Wit, 269
Care
Sufficiency, its Source and its Effects, 213
Suſpicious Men hard to be convers’d with,
266
112
P a
Table,

IN DE X.
021221
278
106
ราว 1 ใบ ใน โรงแรมะข้าว : 5 จอยไ53.
T.
zaine sa tionco?
Table, how to behave at Table,
To commend all the Meats at Table is in.
Sipid,
155
Talkers (Great) can't pleaſe long, 41. The
itch of Talking expoſes the weakneſs of
Men, 86. The Talkativeneſs of Women
proceeds from their want of Underſtanding,
97. Ignorant People talk moft, 233. The
ill Conſequence of Talking too freely of one
another,
Taſte (Bad ) defined, 94. It appears moſt in
our Deference for Varlets raiſed by their
Wits,
Temper of People to be ſtudied, on
246
Thee and Thoủ, the uſe of it very finīcal,
scana
273
Time, Actions miſ-tim'd loſe their Value,
Tradeſmen paſſing for Perſons of Quality,
162. Their wives expoſe themſelves to
Ridicule,
Treachery cenſured, 113. to be guarded an
gainſt,
123.
Trouble (preſent) requires Speedy Succours
more than moral Advices,
SOLI 229
von
V. sta ucista
Vanity (Fooliſh) defin’d, 74. the Reaſon of
it, 75. it ſeldom procures Love, 78. the
Extravagancies it leads tog
25 230
164
219
Virtue

INDEX
8 * 280
Virtue ought not to be Moroſe, 01. snor Affe.
Eted, 62. Virtues create Enemies, 142.
The greateſt Virtue is to conceal our Infir.
mities,
400 tous tegut
Vice, all'Men have a favourite Vice, IÓI
Viſions haunt credulous Perſons, 188
Viſits, Obſervations upon 'em, 151, 169, 234,
JOS
241, 242, 243
Uneafineſs within makes others uneaſy, 256.
To be uneaſy at what others ſay of usg a
Source of perpetual Diſquiet, sro 201
Uneaſineſs in company foon perceiv?d, 145
Unpoliteneſs, what it is, 6. ?Tis that, of all
Vices, which makes a Man moſt deſpiſable,
ibid.' 'Tis the Cauſe of the infipidneſs of
Young Peoples Diſcourſes. 11. Why People
bred in Colleges are unpolite,
to 20
Sucy sesi
ortos es estadt bins 30991
WEalth, its Effects
par 183
Whims of some people not to be reme-
died,
257
Whiſpering în Company uncivil, po 20
Will, the Dotage of it not ſo eaſily cured as
that of the Underſtanding,
290
Wit ſtarcht and affected, expos'd, no 1,247
Wit (Bold) diſhonourable in Matters of Reli-
gion,
171
Wit ſometimes expoſes a Man, 2. The De
fire of being thought witty makes many
Baridiculous, 88, 101, 100. Every one's a
Wit in this Agen
221, 263
E poi
Wives,


INDE X.
Wives, their Politicks incomprehenſible, 135)
138
Women, to far Soft Things to them all, is in-
fipid, 8. They ought not to be ſurpriz'd,
37. They would not be too forward in für
rendring , 38. 'Tis the higheſt Imprudence
in them not to be concernd about their Re-
putation, 39. Women not to be truſted
with an important Secret, 43. Not to be
rallied upon, 51. To boaſt of Favours
from Women is ridiculous, 53. Generality
of Women Wantons, 63. Young Women
made ridiculous andmiferable by marrying,
Perfons of Quality, 83. Women are fond
of divulging their Adventures, 98, We
ought to be very referu'd in paſing Sen.
o tence on the Virtue of Women, 115. In-
tereft is their governing Paffion, 158.
Themſelves are the Cauſe of the little Re-
Speet paid them, 208, 291. The Licence,
Immodeſty, Scc. of Women expos’d, 208,
209. Women impatient of being ri-
val'd in any Thing, 225, 205. The Mag-
gottry of Some women who delight in
Diſorden, 240. t The Modern Liberty
of Young Women, 276, 279. \ 'Tis natu-
tral for Women to deſire to pleaſe, 291.
» Several Obſervations upon their Conduct,
World, the beſt School to form the Mind, 4.
That School the speedieſt Remedy againſt
Unpoliteneſs, .001 JO1
celinos 28
Words
292, &c.

frokers INDE X.
Words accidentally dropt the Cauſe of Mifa
chief, 52, 278. Moft People have a fa.
vourite Word,on ni . 1362
13162 A 175
u bot dur other
Y. i hotel
i sta L00S citt
Young People Unpelite, 12. Indiſcreet in
Talking too much, 49. See Pleaſe.
They are apt to think themſelves capable of
great Things,
174
mudah teland 1990014 FL anottavisido
BUCTO pay but it
co
OTS
In to nejdels
FIN
I S:

229.0,"DEN SU
114 d575312
the liv vilon lo stiera dd
De
32

BOOKS Printed for J. Nicholſon,
T
B. Tooke, and D. Midwinter.
•51077
HÉR E being a Deſign to print the Claffick
Authors in Engliſh, in near-Pocket-Volumes,
theſe are Publiſhed, viz.
1. The Annals and Hiſtory of Cornelius Tacitus;
his Account of the ancient Germans, and the Life
of Agricola; done into Engliſh by ſeveral Hands, viz.
Mr. Dryden, Mr. Higden, Mr. Bromley, late Speaker,
Dr. Fearne, William Hart, Eſq; Sir F. M. Sir
H. Savile, Sir Roger L'Eſtrange, John Pottenger,
Efq; Mr. Roe, &c. with many Notes, and curious
Obſervations from Monſieur Amelot de Houfay
Rickius, &c. and illuſtrated with many curious
Cuts; in 3 Vols. in 120. price 12 s.
2. Lucius Florus Epitome of Roman Hiſtory, from
Romulus to Auguftus Cæfar, with all Grevius's fine
Cuts.
3. Suetonius, done inco Engliſh, with Petiſcus's
fine Cuts and Nores.
4. Plautus in Engliſh.
5. Terence, by Mr. Eachard.
6. Eraſmus Praiſe of Folly, with Hans Holben's
Cuts.
7: Juſtin, by Mr. Tho. Brown.
8. Quintus Curtius.
9. Cornelius Nepos.
Several others are in the Preſs.
Horace,
Virgil.
Cæfar.
Juvenali.
Tully's Orat.
Ovid Metam.
Epiſtole.
Terence.
Books in uſum Delphini.
Juſtin.
Lucius Florus.
Quintiliani.
Inftitutiones, per E. Gibſon
nunc Epiſcop. Lincol.
Saluft.
Phadri Fabula

REFLEXIONS
UPON
RIDICULE;
OR,
What it is that makes a Man ridiculous,
and the Means to avoid it.
wherein are repreſented,
The different MANNERS and
CHARACTERS of Perſons of
the preſent Age.
VOL. II.
of Politeneſs.
Modeſt Sentiments.
Diſcretion, &c.
Moderation, &c.
Complai ance,
Of Genteel Behaviour.
Sincerity.
Maxims for Civil So-
ciety.
The THIRD EDITION.
LONDON:
Printed for J. NICHOLSON, at the King's-Arms
in Little-Britain ; B. Tooke, at the Middle-Temple
Gate in Fleetſtreet ; and D. MIDWINTER, at the
Three Crowns in St.Paul's Church-Yard. MDCCXVII.
1
TO

Sir Philip Sydenham
OF
BRIMPTON

IN THE
County of Somerſet, Bart.
THIS

TRE A TISE
Is Humbly DEDICATED
A 2
Adver-

aromstreba
1. Advertiſement.
W
HEN I publiſbd my
Reflexions upon Ridi-
cule, and the Means to avoid
it; fome Gentlemen, pretending
to be good Judges, found Fault
with the Imperfe&ion of the
Work. They ſaid, I had not
executed all that the Title pro-
misd; that I only had deſcribd
the common Vices of Men, with-
out ſhewing the Method of acqui-
ring the oppoſite Virtues.
IA 3
3
I que
Advertiſement,

I queſtion whether this Accu-
ſation be well grounded and
their Criticiſm be reaſonable. I
ſhould think a Man had acqui-
red a Virine zu
when he avoided
all the Imperfections repugnant
10 ite Is it not to be. Polite,
Diſcreet, Genteel, Regular, not
to be guilty of any of the Faults
incurr'd thoro Impoliteneſs , In-
diſcretion, Sufficiency and Extra-
vagance and self dies
.
I muſt add , That moſt of
tbe Maxims. I eſtabliſh, in ex-
poſing Vice and Ridicule, de-
clare what is to be done to
avoid itand to obtain the
oppoſite Virtue. When, for Ex-
.
ample

Advertiſement.
co
C
ιι
ample, I cenſure their Imperti-
nence, who give no Attention
to thoſe that speak to them, is it
not teaching them their Duty, to
ſay,
We muſt do thoſe that dia
" rečt their Diſcourſe to us, the
honour to hear them, and give
them a pertinent Anſwer? That
© abundance of People do manis
feſtly diſcover their Diſtraction
c of Thought, and the Uneaſia
neſs they are under : You ſea
« in their Looks the Impatience
" they have to leave
yon,
and
cc how tir'd they are with your
Diſcourſe. Inſtead of being ats
tentive to
to what you ſay to
" them, they are only vigilant
to spy out an opportunity to
defert you, without giving you
CC
CC
C6
SC
(6 time

Advertiſement
s
CC
" time to finiſh what you had
begun to ſay. So again when
1 blame their Indiſcretion, who
filence a Man that is ſpeaking,
to continue the Diſcourſe he
has begun ; and ſay, « Tis
an unpardonable Incivility to
e. interrupt the Relator of a
Story; that it is better to
fuffer him to err in ſome Cir-
" cumſtance of the Hiſtory, than
to re&tify him, (unleſs he
" ask our Advice) or to ſignify,
as that we knew long before the
" News he is going to tell us :
" Why ſhould we deny a Man the
* Pleaſure of believing be in-
formd us of ſomething we
* were ignorant of? I think
nothing
CC

Jag SA
od fox Advertiſement. 70
nothing can be added to this
Maxim.
However, to content, if pol-
fible, the Perſons who have done
me the Honour to
adviſe me, I
have thought fit to write ſome-
thing upon Politeneſs. Which is,
as it were, the Second Part, and a
natural Conſequence of the Volume
upon Ridicule
. Man has so
many Weakneſſes to be reformd,
and ſo many Vices to be extir-
pated, to make him perfect, that
we can't too often bring him to the
Glaſs, to ſew him his Extrava
gances. Did we take the ſame
Pains to examine our own Faults
as thoſe of others, we ſhould at
laft arrive to the juſt knowledge
of

Grumolim
Y
Ano: 22
CONTENTS.
OF Politeneſs,
I.
Modeſt Sentiments, 37
Diſcretion and Reſerve, 76
Moderation and Diſintereſted.
neſs,
107
Complaiſance,
I31
Genteel and Generous Beha-
viour,
152
Sincerity,
174
Maxims for Civil Society, 199
RE-
100

I
entensic bars 7 FS
morbus
REFLEXIONS
UPON THE
Τ

Politeneſs of MANNERS;
WITH
Maxims for CIVIL SOCIETY.
2
Of POLIT E N E S S.
o define Politeneſs, we may
ſay, it is all Moral Virtues in
Epitome : 'Tis a Combinati-
T
on of Diſcretion , Civility,
Complaiſance, and Circum-
ſpection, to pay every one the
Reſpects they have a Right
to demand of us : And all this muſt be dreſs'a
B
and

2 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
and ſet off with an agreeable and inſinuating
Air, diffus'd thro' all our Words and Actions.
This Virtue conſiſts not merely in Surface and
Exterior, but muſt have its Principle in the
Soul, as being the Product of an accompliſh'd
Mind, centring on it felf, and Maſter of its
Thoughts and Words; that delights to do
every body Juſtice, and to ſacrifice its own In-
tereſt, rather than wound thoſe of another
Man: A Mind ſituated above vulgar Reports ;
neither Exceptious nor Difficult, nor requiring
Explications of a Thing ever fo little ambigu-
ouſly ſpoken. Who fees not that this demands
a ſtrong Fund of Reaſon, and great Commerce
with the World; beſides an exact Knowledge
of Decorum, and of what every one owes to
his reſpective Quality, duly to maintain its
Character as becomes him?
It can't be denied, tlaat Politeneſs is the moſt
charming Thing for Civil Society : A Virtue,
that teaches us to bear with the Infirmities of
ſome, to endure patiently the Freaks and Ex-
travagancies of others : To enter into their
Sentiments, in order to ſet them right, by ſoft
and inſinuating Ways ; and to gain an univer-
fal Good-liking, by a ſincere Defire of pleaſing.
Under this View, a Man puts on all Appears
ançes, and transforms himſelf into all Shapes,
the better to gain his Point. And, tho’a con-
tinu'd Complaiſance to Perſons of a certain
Character, carries with it a great deal of Un-
eaſineſs and Conſtraint, yet he conquers his Re-
luctance, and will not be biaſs'd from his Road
by their difguſtful Conduct. Be they never ſo
fanta-

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
3
fantaſtical, 'tis hard if they are not won by
thoſe that caltivate their Humour with ſo much
Patience and Affiduity. seru yang lai
Politengfs farther inſtructs us to refuſe the
Incenſe that is offer'd us, and to throw it libe-
rally upon others, by an ingenuous Acknow-
ledgment of their Excellencies and Accompliſh-
ments. Thus you ſee the Reaſon why we taſte
ſo exquiſite and delicate a Pleaſure in the Con-
verſation of the Polite, who liave good Senſe
and Reaſon, and Complaiſance and Skill, to
adapt themſelves to our Tempers and Under-
ſtandings.
bara
Tis not common to find ſo great a Confede-
racy of Perfections, and therefore 'tis no won-
der if the Number of the Polite be ſo ſmall.
Women, who are naturally more good-hu-
mour'd, complaiſant and gracious, than Men,
have alſo more Politeneſs; and 'tis chiefly by
our Commerce with thein, we learn to he ci-
vil and Polite, thro' the Ambition we have to
pleaſe them.
Polite Behaviour is what renders Merit amia
ble and agreeable ; and, on the contrary, the
want of it deſtroys the Efteem that is due to
the fineſt Qualities. Some are obſerv'd to have
a very particular Talent at expofing others Ri-
dicule, and giving new Heightnings to their
Impertinences ; but this Faculty is very oppo-
ſite to Politeneſs, which keeps fair with all
People, and ever finds Arguments to falve their
Conduct, or at leaſt to juſtify their Intentions.
The Polite have alſo a wonderful Addreſs at en-
tring into the Taſte and Genius of People, by
B 2
ta-

4 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
taking the Height and Elevation of their Un-
derſtandings, and adminiſtring Occaſions of
diſplaying their Parts; as being leſs addicted
to ſhine in Converſation, by drawing it wholly
to themſelves, but to let others fhew them-
ſelves, and have their Share of it.
Many paſs for Polite, who have but a ſuper-
ficial Tincture of this Virtue, concealing them-
ſelves under the dazzling Plumage of a borrow'd
Exterior ; but no ſooner you converſe with
them, than you eaſily perceive the Hypocrify
of this Counterfeit Politeneſs
. As long as you s
applaud them, make all Conceſſions they de
fire, and give them no kind of Diſturbance,
they are good-naturd, obliging, and complai-
fant Sorts of People, and you would take them
for Paterns of Good Breeding : But the leaſt
Diſguſt you give them, or a Reverence perhaps
forgotten, unhinges the Machine, throws off
the Mask, and ſhews them in their Original.
You ſee them exclaim, and toſs, and ſtorm,
and throw out an Hundred Impertinencies ;
forgetting the Part they acted, and the Vizard
they had put on : Which whimſical Uneven-
neſs of Temper, makes them conſider'd with
Contempt. Wada no
en su
When you accoft Frontin, he feigns the
Well-natur'd and Agreeable : He offers you,
with an Air of Zeal, unrequeſted Services; he
tires you with his Careſſes and Embraces : But
the leaſt Word dropp'd againſt his Opinions,
or his Intereſts, fires him like Gunpowder,
and you come off well, if you eſcape only with
ill Names and Abuſes. Die ons
There's

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
5
There's no great Streſs therefore to be laid
upon this ſuperficial Politeneſs, which conſiſts
merely in certain concerted and affected ways;
it ought to be well rooted in the Heart, and
founded upon real Sentiments. Moſt Men con-
tent themſelves with ſaving Appearances ; their
current Coin is good Looks, the Inflexion of
the Voice, a Geſture and a Smile. Such as pe-
netrate no farther, are dazzl’d with this Gild-
ing ; but all this wears off in a long-ſpun Cone
verfation; and Occaſions, Contradictions, In-
tereft, diſcover the falſe Metal of this Counter-
feit Politeneſs.
The Politeneſs I ſpeak of, conſiſts not in
Grimaces; but is a Quality of the Soul, and
ferves to regulate her Motions. We fometimes
obſerve the baſeſt People to have the beſt Ap-
pearances imaginable, others have good Means
ings - under an ill-compos'd Outſide, and a
careleſs and forbidding Demeanour.
Men ſometimes fondly flatter themſelves
that they are wonderfully Polite, becauſe they
live with People that cultivate and reſpect
them; that have an implicit Complaiſance for
them, and dare not diſoblige or contradi& them
in any thing. The way to know themſelves,
would be to fall ſometimes into the Hands of
the fhatter-brain'd, the Clowns, and the ill-
bred ; and be oblig'd to comport with their
Caprices, and ill Humour. That's the Touchi-
ſtone of Politeneſs. If we have a ſufficient
Fund of Complaiſance, to bear with their Fro-
licks and Maggottry, without venting any
Symptoms of Impatience or Animoſity, if we
uſe
B. 3

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
uſe them gently in their Paſſions, and anſwer
not their Extravagances in the ſame Tone ; we
may from hence conclude, that our Politeneſs is
tot hypocritical.
There's a vaſt Difference betwixt true Po-
Ziteneſs, and thoſe little mimicking Affectati-
ons the finical Ladies put on, to give them-
ſelves an Air of Distinction. Their ſtudied
Grimaces, and affected Miens, with the
pre-
tended Delicacy they affume , tickle rational
People with Laughter. Lucette thinks to ſet
up for Coyneſs, by anſwering in a ſilly and ne-
gligent Tone, to all the Queſtions that are ask'd
of her: Her continual Affectations make the
whole Syſtem of her Politeneſs : She cries out
upon the leaſt Accident that happens to her, as
if ſhe were ruin'd, or her Life was in Danger.
She fancies a Cold as contagious as the Small-
Pox; and you give her a ſenſible Mortification,
if you cough in her Preſence. idol bns deles
Is it not to be thought more Polite and Well-
bred, that the Women are grown fo tractable
and condeſcending of late ? Do they fear they
ſhould be lefs amiable, if they had a greater
Doſe of Pride ? I aſſure them, it is not by theſe
affected Flatteries, that they'll fix the Inconftan-
cy of Men. They ſhould ſtudy to merit their
Efteem, which is attainable only by Referve.
This careſſing Way, which opens their Arms
to embrace every body; this exceſſive Solicitude
to be admir'd, and have the Crowd at their
Feet, is an Obſtacle to their being reſpected by
Men as they deſerve. Dog at
vitamin A, 10 2015 and 2 Polite-

Reflexions upon Politeneſs. 7
Politeneſs demands an exquiſite Knowledge of
its Duties, and a punctual Fidelity to diſcharge
them. A Man muſt conſtrain himſelf and bri-
dle his Temper, becauſe he'll find himſelf con-
tinually engag'd with Perſons of moſt difficult
Converſe: He muſt have great Conſideration
for their Weakneſſes, and pretend to ſubmit
to their Opinions. Be they never ſo fantaſtical,
they have one ſide that is practicable, whereby
you may take them and conduct them to the
Point
you deſire ; at leaſt you'll have no ſubject
cof Reproach againſt you if you can't over-rule
the obſtinacy of their Natures.
21. Don't think you are entitld to the Character
of Politeneſs, by rendring every one their due,
unleſs you do it in a free and eaſy manner, and
without a certain Conſtraint, which has always
an ill Grace. This Freedom is infinitely be-
coming, and gives a Luftre to the moſt trifling
things'; whereas the Stiffneſs and Conſtraint of
thoſe Perſons that are all of a piece, has con-
ftantly an ill Effect, and blaſts part of their
Merit. er tota
People naturally ſweet-temper'd and Polite,
have no more to do but to give the Reins to
their Inclination : But Politeneſs is not always
barn with them, being a thing that requires
Practice, Experience, Application and Study.
The Reflexions we make upon the Imperti-
niences of others, help us to correct our own;
and are of mighty uſe to ſteer our Conduct on
nice Occaſions, wherein we might eaſily forget
our felves, but for this aſſiſtance. Tis the
moſt agreeable Gate to make an happy E12-
SVSETT
BA
trance

8
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
trance into the World; 'tis that which gives
the firſt Flower of Reputation, which fcat-
ters a fragrant Odour upon all the Parts of
Life.
The great Secret conſiſts in making ourſelves
reliſh'd by thoſe People we converſe with : It
requires Judgment to conjecture their preſent
Diſpoſition, and to enter into their Character.
But 'tis utterly impoſſible, with all the deli-
cacy of Wit, and flexibility of Temper, to fuit
one's ſelf to all the Humours of fome People.
However, we ought not to enſlave ourſelves to
their Caprices, nor renounce common Senſe by
ſtriking in with their particular Taſte when it is
deprav'd.
Perſons of too rigid and unpardoning Tem-
pers, commonly treſpaſs upon the Laws of
Politeneſs; others, affe&ting an exceſſive Com-
plaiſance, and who are ever of the Opinion of
thoſe they talk with, grow nauſeous and inſi-
pid. Complaiſance is infinitely taking in
Converſation, but it ought to be well ma-
nag’d. A genteel Liberty, that has nothing
too
haughty or too biting, awakens the Con-
verſe, and gives it a ſort of delightful Poi-
A Man is not ſecure of pleaſing with a great
Wit, excellent Talents, and majeſtick Carriage;
but there's no withſtanding the Charms of true
Politeneſs. The Polite make themſelves univer-
ſally courted by their Complaiſance. They
know when 'tis proper to yield, and how to
wind and inſinuate themſelves into thoſe they
converſe with; and to excuſe the Bluntneſs and
Extrava-
nancy.

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
a
Extravagancies that eſcape them. As Men na-
turally affect Pre-eminence, they are inſenſibly
won by the Polite, who ſubmit to that aſpiring
Temper. This is an Habit moſt difficult to at-
tain; and when once a Man has fix'd upon this
condeſcending Courſe, le muſt be ſure to lay
in a great Stock of Docility, becauſe he will
every where find a ſort of fantaſtick and crabbed
People, who will put liis Patience to the niceſt
Teſts.
There are certain Circumſtances wherein Po-
liteneſs niakes it requiſite to underſtand Raille-
ry; as a good means to avoid Differences, and
preſerve a Man's Repoſe : On the contrary, 'tis
falſe Delicacy to be diſturbid on occaſions that
are beneath our Notice. When the Raillery is
innocent, and turns upon indifferent Subjects,
it muſt be brutiſh to take fire, and to complain
of it. If it be too cutting, 'tis enough to ſig-
nify that we feel it. If the Drolling Perſon
after this purſues his Jeft, it manifeſts he is a
Wretch that is defective in Brain and Breed
ing. I have ſeen Clarinda put herſelf in a
Paſlion, becauſe ſhe was told the made an auk.
ward Curtſey, and enter'd a Room with an ill
Grace. Thole that rallied her upon that Score,
did it without the leaſt deſign of affronting her;
and inſtead of making a Quarrel of it, as the
did, ſhe ought to have thank'd 'em for the Ad-
vice they gave her.
'Tis certain we have too commonly juſt Oca
caſions to complain of Peoples ill Demeanour;
but if we rigorouſly affert this Right, we muſt
take leave of the Commerce of the World.
The
B.5


10
Incivilities have been offer'd us lillemble sosd
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
isto fome
us, or a
Neglect we have receiv'd. Tis a ſufficient Re-
compence that the Fault lies at the Offender's
Door, and that the World does us Juſtice. If
you demand a rigorous Satisfa&tion, or take it
out in Reproaches and Abuſes, beſides loſing
the Eſteem would be paid you, and which
Polite People rarely fail of beſtowing, you will
deprive yourſelf of another much ſweeter Sa-
tisfaction, which is felt when a Man deals gen-
teely with another, in return for his diſobligang
Carriage.
The punctilious Delicacy of ſome People,
that are diſturbid at every thing, proceeds from
a ridiculous Pride, that ſwells their Hearts: Be
you ever ſo aſſiduous in your Reſpects to them,
they think you liave never done enough. Nay,
tho you go beyond the bounds that Decorum
and Civility preſcribe, they are not yet content.
The fhorteſt Method with Perſons of this Cha
racter, is to break off all Correſpondence with
them; for if you uſe Complaiſance to them,
they'll treat you as a Slave, and make no ac-
knowledgment of all the Services you have
done them.
The little Differences that now and then
happen, occaſion great Breaches upon Polite-
nefs, thro' the ill Diſcourſe and imprudent
Proceedings we fallinto. If a Quarrel happen
to ariſe, the only way is to ſuppreſs it the ſame
Day; for the longer we defer it, the more ran-
corous our Spleen grows, and the leſs capable
vre are of recovery.
570
Js

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
1 Is it not better, think you, ſometimes to
yield, than always obſtinately to conteſt a thing?
Moft of the Matters diſputed on, are not worth
the while, and we do but expoſe our ill Humour
on the moſt frivolous Occaſions. If exceptious
and quarrelſome People were but ſenſible how
troubleſom and intolerable they are, they would
perhaps apply themſelves to the correcting a
Vice which is every Bodies Torment. It can't
be call’d Living, to ſpend our Lives with Peo-
ple that are continually ſnarling, without know-
ing for what Reaſon.ca
Tell me, what occaſion can you have pur-
poſely to diſoblige People? Is it ſo delightful a
thing to vex and affront them for a Jeft? This
Liberty you take, privileges them to treat you
after the ſame matter, and anſwer you in the
ſame ſtrain. Thus Converſation grows com-
monly diſagreeable, by the ſmart Repartees are
made to provoking Expreſſions.
Tis farther treſpaſſing upon Politeneſs, to be
continually ſpeaking ill of every Body, and
running down all Perfons of Merit. There are
People whoſe Heads are of fo fcurvy a Turny
(whether they do it out of Ill-nature, or judge
of others by themſelves, I won't determine) as
to give the worft Conſtruction to the moſt in-
nocent and regular Actions ; rendring them
fuſpected by the Poiſon they mix with them,
and criminal by their addition of falſe Circum-
ſtances. This commonly proceeds from a ſecret
Paſſion of miſchieving thoſe they don't love ;
and the fame Principle puts them upon Enquiry
into every thing that may give them. Trouble.
One

12 Reflexions upon Politeneſs, .
One would think Aminta had an inſpir'd
Knowledge of all the moſt particular and ſecret
Tranſactions of a Family: When Facts are
wanting, ſhe invents extempore Stories, and
has the Art of embelliſhing them with ſuch
Circumſtances, as deceive the moſt Judicious,
and perſuade the moſt Incredulous. Her Diary
is full of nothing but fcandalous Adventures ;
for ſhe never ſpeaks well of any body herſelf,
nor ſuffers it to be done by others: To ſtop
their Mouths, ſhe has always a Satyr ready at
hand, which ſhe vents with a malicious and
envenom'd Pleaſure. Is not this a pretty Cha-
racter?
'Tis a Rule, never to diſoblige any body;
but when we have unfortunately given Offence,
we ought to make all the neceſſary advances we
can to oblige the Perſon to forget it: This is
one of thoſe things the World is moſt defective
in. Whether it be Modeſty, or Pride, or
Shame to confeſs we are in the Wrong; or a
Reſolution not to move a ſtep towards pacifying
People; every one ſtands upon his Puncilio's,
and reſolves rather to break off all Commerce,
or loſe a Friend with whom he has always had
a fair underſtanding, than honeſtly to own his
Fault, and repent of his ill Treatment. Is it
ſo painful a thing, or would a Man think him-
ſelf diſhonour'd, to ſpeak a civil Word, or make
the firſt Bow?
What I am moſt at a loſs to comprehend, is
Mens harſh and diſobliging way of living with
one another. They have a kind of wildneſs
that renders 'em untractable; one knows not
how

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
13
how to accoſt them, or on what ſide to lay
hold of them, being perfect Porcupines in every
Part. | How many Compaſſes muſt we fetch?
How many. Soothings muſt we uſe, to treat
with them on the leaſt Affair? Is it not a very
exquiſite Pleaſure, to be able to oblige People,
and to be uſeful to them in ſomewhat? Is it
poſlible Men ſhould renounce all Sentiments of
Humanity ? Toho totis 591
'Tis a wretched Character that of ſome Peo-
ple, who explore, with a malicious Curioſity,
whatever others do, to cenſure it. Nothing
can eſcape the Vivacity of their jealous Eyes,
nor the Rancour of their envenom'd Tongues :
Theſe Creatures are the Bane and Terror of
Mankind, and of Civil Society. O
There's nothing more diametrically oppoſite
to Politeneſs, than Slander: If the Women,
that are moſt addicted to this Vice, were capa-
ble of reflecting how burdenſom they render
themſelves by it to reaſonable People; they
would not be ſo forward to act fo fcandalous
a Part. The Baſeneſs of their Flatterers ani-
mates them in it; but worthy Perſons deſpiſe
them not the leſs for the Suffrages of Fools.
That which gives me an high Idea of Aricia's
Merit, is, that ſhe can't bear to liave any one
ſlanderd in her Preſence : She has a Thouſand
Artifices to drop the Diſcourſe, wheir it turns
upon Obloquy, or elſe to divert it. If the
Scandal-mongers are Perſons of a Rank above
her, ſhe lets it appear by her diſſatisfy'd Coun-
tenance, and her Silence, that the Subject is
to DOCH ungrateful ;

14
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ungrateful; and ſhe never wants Reaſons to
juſtify thoſe that are accus'd. demont jo bler
Perfons elevated by their Rank and Dig-
nities, affume great Liberties, with reſpect to
their Ínferiors; nevertheleſs, they ought always
to be upon their guard, that they don't mor-
tify any one whatever with too fmart Railleries.
Their Quality is no Diſpenſation from Polite-
neſs. The Contempt they expreſs for others,
makes laſting Impreſſions on their Souls ; A
Sally of Paſſion, or an Extravagance, is forgi-
ven; but Raillery in cool Blood, which is a
ſign of Difeſteem, is never pardon'd. suis, f
The firſt Thought that preſents it felf, when
we meet People whom we think we have
reaſon to compla n of, who have done us ill
Offices, or talk'd of us diſrepectfully, is to tax
them openly with their ill Demeanour, and that
in ſevere and opprobricus Terms; whereby we
fall into the ſame Fault we condemn in them.
If it be proper to let them know they have in-
jar'd us, it ought to be done in a gentle and
inſinuating manner; without Noiſe, or Bitter-
neſs, or Rage, or the leaſt Deviation from the
Rules of Politeneſs. A Man that can prevail
with himſelf in this, and has ſufficient Com-
mand of his Reſentments, to moderate them
in ſo nice a Conjuncture, has greater Strength
of Mind than the generality of People have,
who moſt commonly fali violently upon the
Occaſions of Diſcontent they think are given
them. Helistid 30 នា
Thoſe that break off a long-continu'd Friends
fhip, fall fouleſt upon one another; as if the
Conteſt


Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
15
Conteſt was, who would ſpeak moſt. Ill to
juſtifie his Conduct, and be acquitted by the
Publick. Experience ſufficiently proves, that
the moſt violent Hatred flames out betwixt
Perſons that were the greateſt Friends, when
once they come to change their Minds. The
Motives of their Love now join with thoſe
of their Hatred to invigorate the Paſſion.
Tis want of Politeneſs to divulge Secrets,
upon a Rupture, which were committed to you
during the Courſe of an eſtabliſh'd Friendſhip.
This Indiſcretion is often the Occaſion of great
Quarrels, and a Provocation to unlucky Re-
proaches. They that are thus betray'd, have
juſt Reaſon to complaih of thoſe that play
them theſe ill turns; and have, moreover a
fair pretence for deſpiſing them; for this is a
Weakneſs that is only pardonable in Women,
who have not always a retentive Faculty. A
Secret intruſted to them, is an heavy Burden
which they can't long bear, before they eaſe
themſelves of it. Tell not Ardeliſa, when you
intruſt her with any Affair, that you engage
her to Secreſy; that one Circumſtance makes
it impoſſible for her to keep it: The Impa-
tience ſhe will be in to leave you, proceeds
only from an itch to divulge what you have
confided to her, which ſhe relates, from begin-
ning to end, to tlie next Perſon ſhe meets :
This ſomewhat reſembles thoſe that have Fire
dropp'd on their Hands, which they will make
the utmoſt haſte to ſhake off.
One of the moſt tireſome things in Convere
fation, and which is least avoided, are Repeti-
ht
tions;

16 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
tions ; for we have no reliſh of what we
we have
heard before : But 'tis much worſe, when Peo-
ple relate with an Emphalis
, and give out for
Novelties, what our Ears are tir'a with. Me-
thinks it ſhould be eaſy to obſerve, from the
manner of the Reception, that the Narrative
is diſagreeable : But the Pleaſure People take
in talking, and being the Chair-men in Con-
verſation, prevents their perceiving the Tedium
they give their Hearers.
Diſcourſe relating to the Court, to Great
Men, and Perſons diſtinguiſh'd by their Em-
ploys, or Births, is not fo apt to tire, for as
Men are naturally curious, Things fublime
and extraordinary give a whet to their Curio-
fity; whereas thoſe that are trivial, ſeem in-
fipid and unworthy their Application: They
therefore that are fond of talking, and deſire
to be heard with Pleaſure, ought to ſeek Sub-
jects proper to regale the Curioſity of others,
and always keep them in Expectation. Alizon
did not the other Day obſerve this Rule in all
its Circumſtances, when the viſited her good
Friend Ariana, who had then with her three
Dukes, and five or fix Women of the firſt
Quality. Alizon, who is the Wife of a Ma-
giſtrate, was no ſooner ſeated in her Elbow-
Chair, but ſhe wholly monopoliz'd the Con-
verſation, which ſhe turn'd into a ſort of
Dialogue between herſelf and a Daughter ſhe
had brought along with her. This fine Dif-
courſe was ſpent in Queſtions and Anſwers,
wherein the reſt of the Company had no ſhare;
but for a Recompence, they learn'd how many
Children

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
17
Children ſhe had ; that her eldeſt Son was at
School, and was the Captain of his Claſs; and
that her Husband had ſix Dozen of lac'd Shirts.
Was ever ſuch Impertinence as this? The
poor Ariana ſweat at every Pore for the
Folly of her Friend, who at the ſame time was
not ſenſible that every Body laugh'd at her.
She did all ſhe could to break off the Con-
verſation, but the other would not be in-
duced to interrupt the Thread of ſo fine a
Hiſtory
The Deſire People have to ſpeak to ſhew
their Parts, makes their Want of Judgment
obſerv'd, by the Impertinent Diſcourſes they
hold before Perſons of Senſe and Taſte. A
Man conceited of his Merit, and who thinks
himſelf Handſome and finely Shap'd, talks of
nothing but his kind Miſtreſſes, which he does
with that Aſſurance, as if the Company be-
liev'd, or were intereſted in what he delivers.
A Man of the Sword, gives Particulars of all
the Opportunities he has had to ſignalize his
Courage ; and tells the Names of all the Ene-
mies he has beaten : Others inform you of the
great Treats they have made orgiven, and ſeldom
fail of making a Panegyrick on their Cook;
nay, exactly enumerate all the Bottles of Chan-
pain they Drank. Diſcourſes of this Nature,
are ſtrangely nauſeous to thoſe who have
no Curioſity to be acquainted with ſuch
Trifles.
The moſt exquiſite and poinant Pleaſure
that can be taſted by refin'd Perſons, is that of
Converſation ; but then they ſhould be very
circumſpect

18 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
circumſpect in the Choice of thoſe they con-
verſe with. Great Companies are fatiguing,
where we can only talk of general Things,
which are nevertheleſs inoft commonly tireſome,
and intereſt 110 Body in them: And yet, molt
are taken with the Crowd; a certain ſign of
their ill Taſte ; or elſe diſtruſt themſelves, and
think they are not able to bear up in a ſingle
Match. They fhould likewiſe be on their Guard
againſt a falſe Delicacy, which meets with no
body to its liking; they ought not to flatter
themſelves, that they thall find People univer-
fally Pleaſing ; 'tis enough for Converſation that
they have ſome Agreements. vd E poida
In a numerous Company, the Converſation
can only proceed upon indefinite Subjects ;
News, current Reports, and ſuch-like Trifles,
neither meriting to be ſpoke nor heard. No
wonder then that Men of Senſe and Tafte don't
find their Account in it, and depart unſatisfied.
However, they ought not to thew their Squea-
miſhneſs, nor let their Diſcontent appear; that
Delicacy would be affrontive to the Company,
as fignifying their Contempt of it, and good
Opinion of themſelves. 2
A Man that ſets up for a Polite Speaker, uni-
leſs he takes great Care, grows Impertinent
and Tireſome, by his over-much Caution in the
Choice of Words; whilft every Body ſuffers
by the Conſtraint he puts upon himſelf. The
generality of Things that make up Converſa-
tion, ought to be ſimply expreſs’d, and without
many Words; a Man ought not to torture
himſelf to give a Clinch of Wit, much leſs
012
fondly

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
19
fondly hug himſelf when he has ſaid any thing
Fine and Delicate, that excites the Applauſes of
the Company
SI DOVINY
* If the Talk in Converſation ſeems trifling
and childiſh, take no Norice of its neither caft
a pitying Look on the Authors of ſuch Imper-
tinences. How would you have Women en-
tertain themſelves, if you deny them a little
tittle tattle ? But be tlieir Diſcourſes never fo
trifling, condeſcend to anſwer them, without
fear of demeaning yourſelf, or debaſing that
profound Erudition you think you are Maſter
of. Arifto is one of the Company, yet none of
the Converſation; he gives no Attention to
what is faid ; if he opens his Lips, 'tis only to
criticize on a Word inadvertently droppd, or
that does not pleaſe him. He talks fometimes
of things fo fublime and out of the Way, that
Ho Body can underſtand him. This pompous
emblazoning of Science, with deſign to dazzle,
makes him but conſider'd as a troublefom Pe-
dant. Men are made for Society, therefore
the principal of all the Sciences, is that which
teaches how to live. What is fhocking and
offenſive in the Learned, is, that they are not
always the genteeleſt People in the World;
and are generally deficient in Politenefs and
Complaiſance : They think they are oblig'd, by
dint of Argument, to maintain all the Propo-
ſitions they advance, and to bring every Body
over to their Opinion.uli lotuto
35 One of the moſt common Faults in Conver-
fation, is, that no body will yield to another's
Opinion, but reckon it a Point of Honour to
defend

20 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
defend their own, even in Trifles, with a Stiff-
neſs amounting to Obſtinacy. Now tell me
what you are like to gain by it, when this
chimerical Point, which is the object of your
Diſpute, ſhall be granted you? They leave
you exaſperated, and are themſelves enragd
againſt you ; whereas a little Complaiſance
might have won you every bodies Affection
and Eſteem.
Inſult not, nor deſpife a wortliy Man, tho'
he be fallen into Diſgrace, and ill-handled by
Fortune; neither applaud a Fool, tho' he be
never fo Rich and Opulent; nor whatever
Affiſtances you might expect from his Intereſt
and Poſt. This is a Leſſon of great Impor-
tance, but ill practiſed. Behold Agathon ; fee
with what Haughtineſs and Contempt he
tréats Arſennus, the moſt worthy Man in Eng-
land, the Politeſt, wittieſt
, and moſt agreeable
Company: But he is not Rich, and is more
over out of Place. Yet obſerve what Com-
plaiſance, what Reſpect and Submiſſion the
fame Agathon pays to Beteſi, who is neverthe-
leſs a Coxcomb, whoſe Father and Grandfa-
ther were not known, and who is the firft
Man of his Family: But he is Rich, and in
Authority; he diſpoſes of Employs and Poſts by
Sea and Land, which are the Fountains of
Wealth and Plenty. Baſe mercenary Souls !
There's your Idol, make your Court to him ;
ſtoop to the moſt ſhameful and ſervile Com-
pliances, to inſinuate into his Favour : What
matters it, if you Vilify and Degrade yourſelves
Oj TRONOH to 3r1o9 i nori sud toimi to
103

Reflexions upon Politeneſs. 21
to Beaſts and Slaves, provided it be in the way
to Riches ; bressione del
Tis not from a Spirit of Politeneſs, that
ſome People are ſo courtly and obliging, but
rather from a mercenary Temper; and were
not Men dull of Apprehenſion, they might -
eaſily perceive their Deſigns, and would make
no reckoning of that Profuſion of hyperbolical
Praiſes. Mifruft a Man that flatters you :
Either he has already deceiv'd you, or deſigns
to do it : Swallow not the Incenſe he offers
you; 'tis only a Snare to entrap you, which
vain People run headlong into. Coloque
'Tis the Unhappineſs of thoſe that are born
to a moderate Fortune, to be expos d to the
Contempt and Inſults of the Great, and Men
that have got Eſtates; and this becauſe they
often abuſe the Authority and Power that i
Riches gave them. Polite Perſonis'exprefs no
Contempt for thoſe beneath them, but on the
contrary, footh them with civil and careſſing
Language. This obliging Procedure attracts
the Eſteem, and wins the Hearts of all the
World. That which gains Alidor lo general
an Eſteem, is his not appearing Haughty on
account of his Quality, great Birth, Bravery,
or perſonal Merits. He never brow-beats thoſe
that have any thing to controvert with him
and is of eaſy Acceſs, and Addreſs to all Perſons
of whatever Characters. He ſends them ftill
away charm'd with his Civilities and obliging
Offers, and thro' ſuch Politeneſs wins the
Hearts of all. rart egild கப்
GOURO
That

22 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
That which inoſt diſtinguiſhes the Polite
from other Men, is, that even and eafy Cont
duet they obſerve in all the different Conjun-
ctures they meet, whatever ſort of People they
have to deal with. They are not eaſily die
ſturb'd at thoſe Occafions of Diſturbance,
which are continually thrown in their way.
They make as if they did not ſee and hear all
that is ſaid and done. They know how to
yield ſeaſonably to divert the Storm; and al-
low ſomething to the Extravagances and Ca-
prices of thoſe they have to do with : Whereas
an impolite Man, little practiſed in the World,
is always complaining of the ill Proceedings
of other People. He brutiſhly throws them
in their Teeth, without any regard to Deco-
rum; he torments himſelf about Trifles, and
heightens the leaſt Peccadillo's and Occa-
fions for Spleen, into unpardonable Crimes :
In ſhort, he diſturbs his own Repoſe, and that
of other Men.
The Neceflity of a Man's Affairs, or of his
Profeſſion or Employment, often obliges him
to do an hundred Things that diſpleaſe Peo.
pleo But he niuſ endeavour to foften their s
Refentments with fair Words. If unlucky s
Conjun&tures engage you whether you will or
not, to make fuch Steps as others have no rea-
ſon to be content with zr your Politeneſs muſt
help to juſtify the Sincerity of your Inten-
tions, by giving them to underſtand, it is
neither out of a Frolick nor IH-humour; nor
thro' a deſire to diſoblige them by a preme-
diated Deſign, that you take this Method.
Tis
1
2

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
23
Tis a Miſery in Life, to be acquainted and
converſe with rough-hewn and untractable
People, who have ever fome Occaſion or other
for quarrelling with you upon the leaſt Trifles.
If they are Perſons whom you reſpect, and
ought to keep fair with, you muſt obſerve Mea-
fures, and uſe Artifices to break off ſo trouble-
ſome a Correſpondence ; but this without
wounding the Rules of Politeneſs, or giving
manifeft Occaſions for Complaint. You
muſt ſee them as ſeldom as poſſible ; you
muſt dexterouſly avoid them; without let,
ting them perceive you fhun them: At om
ther times, you may excuſe yourſelf upon
preſling Buſineſs, that can't be deferr’d to
another Opportunity... By this means you'll
diſuſe them from ſeeing you, and by de-
grees be deliver'd from their importunate
Viſits.
There's no hopes of finding, in
of finding, in the Com-
merce of this World, any perfect and ac-
compliſh'd People. Every one has his Infir-
mites; and we muſt excuſe or diſemble Faults,
when they are not attended with, unhappy
Conſequences. Allow others the faine Indul-
gence you yourſelf would expect from them,
'Tis unpardonable ill Breeding to exaggerate a
Fault, and give Confuſion to the Perſon guilty
of it. Is he not ſufficiently puniſh'd by the
Shame and Indignation which reſults from his
Folly?
yot boildo gran, looma od bent
When you are ohligd to keep Company
with People deftitute of Politeneſs and Com-
plaiſance, who affe. co mnfult and contradict
191
you

24 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
you at every turn, you can't help feeling the
Emotions of Indignation (and Diſdain, and
your Blood riſes at the very fight of them.
Perſuade yourſelf, that theſe Vices, if you are
guilty of them, have the ſame effect upon
others; and that they'll no more pardon them
in you, than you pardon 'em in them.
Tis Defect of Politeneſs, to let Women per-
ceive the Indifference or Contempt you have
for them: By this you give them to under-
ſtand, they are neither Handſome nor Amiable,
and ſo rob them of thoſe ſoft Ideas, that ſo
agreeably flatter their Self-love. Why ſhould
you tell Beliſa, to her Face, that ſhe is of the
wrong ſide of Forty? She every where pro-
claims ſhe is but Four and Twenty; tlie
White and Red which ſhe diſpoſes with Art
and Niceneſs, new-vaump the Decays of her
Face, and ſerve her inſtead of real Charms.
She comforts herſelf whilſt fhe beholds, in
her Glaſs, the Vivacity of lier Complexion,
which ſhe nevertheleſs conſtantly buys of the
honeſt Milliner.
'Tis no true Politeneſs, that of certain Peo-
ple, who promiſe their Intereſt and good Of-
fices to all Comers : They depend upon their
Words, but the Occaſion manifeſts the Vanity
of their Promiſes. People are not to be
amuſed with fruitleſs Careſſes, when the Po-
ſture of their Affairs demands eſſential Services.
They would be much more oblig'd to you, if
you told them plainly, you were incapable of
doing for them, what they deſire of you; for
then they would take other Meaſures.
1
I
Men

Reflexions upon Politeneſs. 25
S01
Men love not to do one another Juſtice:
Being unaffected with the good Qualities of
their Rivals, they are only attentive to find
out their Infirmities: They ſtill contemplate
them on their worſt ſides, and refuſe them their
Eſteem for the leaſt Imperfection they can
diſcover in them, tho'otherwiſe they have very,
eſtimable Talents.
Ipo
Some People ſet up for Politeneſs, by careſ-
ſing equally all Mankind, and paying Civili-
ties to the firſt Comer, tho they hardly know
his Name. They make Offers of Service with
the ſame warmth, to a Coxcomb, as to a Man
of Honour; but there they ſtop, and make no
farther Advances, either for one or the other.
What do they mean by theſe proſtituted Com -
pliments and Careſſes?
DOVE
Whatever Advaixes you make for Per-
ſons of a certain Character, they ſtill find one
Reaſon or other to blame and cenſure
you.
In vain you ſtudy to pleaſe them ; you will
never ſmooth their rugged Foreheads: When
you have exceeded all they could reaſonably
expect from your Complaiſance, they are ſtill
unſatisfied : Nay, what is yet more odd and
whimſical, they are ſo rude as to complain of
your Indifference, and the little Zeal you ex-
preſs to do them Service; whereas if you re-
quired from them the leaſt part of what you
have done on their behalfs, they would think
you unſufferable.
In communicating Secrets, we ſhould not
bring under that name Trifles, conſider'd as
Myſteries, Tis derogatory to good Senſe to
с
OS
FIO
over -

26 Reflexions upon Politeneſs
.
TO VIDEO
ver-rare fuch Affairs, as deſerve not ſo much as
à bare Attention ; but 'tis importuning our
Friends to give them Nothing's under the
Seal "of Secrecy, which are not worth the
hearing.
10"Tis eaſier to find Men of Parts and Learn-
ing, than fuch as are Polite and Agreeable.
The
isy Science is contracted in the
by dint
Reading and Study, to which
nothing is wanting but Eyes and Ears, and
a moderate Genius; but Politeneſs is not
to be obtain'd but by the Commerce of Polite
People : Nor is that ſufficient without Judg-
ment and Reflexion. How many are there
that ſpend all their Lives at Court and among
Great Men, and yet remain rougli and unpo-
lith'd ? Country People, with all their Pains,
can never get rid of a certain Earthineſs and
native Ruſt that's moſt oppoſite to Politeneſs.
Tliey may, pleaſe at firſt by their Agreements;
but if the Acquaintance lafts, we fail not to
diſcover in their Manners and Behaviour,
fomething infinitely difğuſfül to nice Per-
fons, who have the leaſt Notion of true Po-
liteneſs.
What would be liardly thought credible, is,
that the Travels our Countıy- Gentlemen make
Abroad, render them but more Fooliſh and
Impertinent ; and that the approaching the Air
of the Frenc's Court, does but give a new Var-
niſh to their Ridicule. They think it a great
Addition to their Merit to have ſeen the Tuik
leries, Luxemburg-Houſe, and the Brazen-
Horſes, and look down with Contempt on
thoſe

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
27
thoſe who have been in no other Country but
their own. They fatigue all Companies with
everlaſting Accounts of what they have ob-
ſerv'd in France, or read in the Collection of
the Curioſities of Paris. Tis not fufficient to
viſit this City, to view its Bridges, and the
Hotel des Invalides; it is only the Converſa-
tion with the Genteel Part of its Inhabitants,
that can file of their ruſtical Adhæſions. The
fight of the Streets and Houſes, and the Dif-
courſe of the People where you lodge, con-
tribute little towards Politeneſs : And what is
ſtill worſe, you ſee Country Sparks, when they
come to Town, unleſs they have a good deal
of Senſe, aſſume a falſe and aſcititious Air,
which ſpoils all that is good in them, by tra-
veſting their Temper.
If we ſaw none but Perſons of Merit that we
reſpected, we ſhould inſenſibly receive a Tin-
Eture of Politeneſs which would greatly con-
tribute towards the Formation and Regulation
of our Manners. Our Complaiſance for Men
of this Character, and a deſire of pleaſing them,
infuſes certain Charms and Graces, wliich we
ſhould flight in a Commerce with People we
have no Conſideration for, nor care to cul-
tivate. There's leſs Pains in ſubmitting to the
Sentiments of thoſe we reſpect, and 'tis this
Complaiſance that carries us to a great degree
of Politeneſs.
The Polite liave an Art to diſſemble any
thing that's harſhly or offenſively ſpoke to them,
to avoid a Quarrel; whereas he that's all of a
piece, takes Fire, and calls for Eclairciſſe-
mients
C 2

28 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ments upon the lcaſt Trifles. Such ſort of
People are Enemies to their own and others
Quiet.
They are much to be pitied who are born
with ill Qualities. There are People naturally
Clowniſh, Impolite, Diſobliging, Brutal, Diſre-
fpe&tful to every Body, and purpoſely Affronitive
in Diſcourſe. Men of this Make and Com-
plexion have along work to arrive at Politeneſs ;
and will never attain to it, unleſs they con-
deſcend to ſome prudent and underſtanding
Friend, who may take their Cure upon him ;
or unleſs they have a long Commerce with
Polite Perſons, whom they ſhall endeavour to
pleaſe and imitate.
I can hardly gueſs the Reaſon, why Perſons
of the greateſt Knowledge are commonly the
leaſt Polite. We obſerve in their Ways and
Manners, ſomething that's Wild and Ruſtick;
and they have neither Infinuation, nor Agree-
ableneſs, nor Complaiſance. In the mean
time, Science ought to contribute towards ſoft-
ning and poliſhing their Minds ; whereas Ex-
perience unluckily teaches, that it has a quite
contrary effect on the Learned by Profeſſion.
Whether they diſdain to be Sociable with the
reſt of Mankind, and to make uſe of their
Underſtanding in common Converſation; or
adfe that they neglect to be tied to thoſe little
Particulars requir'd by the Offices of Civil Life;
or that they are really ignorant of them; they
have a ſtiffneſs and harſhneſs in their Beha-
viour, which makes them formidable to the
Polite. 1902
Politeneſs
Ite
SIGISO

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
29
Politeneſs is not learn'd like Mufick, or any
other Science. 'Tis acquir’d by the Converſe
of well-bred Men. Perſons born and educated
at Court have ſomething about them that's
eaſy, natural and Polite, which is not to be
acquir'd by Art, whatever Pains is taken for
it. 'Tis true indeed, Nature contributes much
towards it, and that many are indebted to
their happy Tempers for that Fund of Polite-
neſs which renders them fo amiable.
It requires a great Talent, and a ſingular
Merit, together with a large ſtock of Polite-
nefs, to be able to maintain a long Commerce
with the ſame Perſons, and to continue ſtill
agreeable. There are Moments wherein we
Telax, and are not in an humour to conſtrain
ourſelves, to conceal our Faults and Imper-
fections. This View wounds the Eyes of
thoſe we
e converſe with, and undeceives them.
Theſe new Diſcoveries deſtroy the Reſpect they
had for our Merit: Indifference ſucceeds their
Zeal for us; and this is properly what is the ruin
of Friendſhips, which can't ſurvive the De-
ſtruction of a reciprocal Eſteem.
Such as are Rich, or have made their For-
tunes, naturally deſpiſe thoſe that continue In-
digent, in ſpight of all the fine Qualities they
may be Maſters of: The Talents of the Mind
are but little valu'd by the generality of Peo-
ple, when a Man has no other Merit to re-
commend him. In my Opinion, the Rich
fhould expreſs ſome mark of Eſteem to thoſe
that are not ſo; as a means to lenify in ſome
fort their Diſcontent, and comfort them at a
gruož
little
C3

30 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
grow ſo
little Charge. Tis Misfortune enough to be
in Want ; ought you to redouble their Un-
eaſineſs, and inſult them for their
. ill Cir-
cumſtances ?
976)
Could we believe it, unleſs we ſaw it with
our Eyes; that in an Age ſo Polite, witty, and
refin’d as ours, young people ſhould
unaccountably wild and brutal, as to hold the
fame Diſcourſe with Women reſpectable for
their Birth and Character, as withi vulgar Girls?
And what is wonderful, the niceſt Ladies ſtart
not at it, provided it be wrap'd in ambiguous
Terms. Politenefs teaches us to treat People
ſuitably to their Condition, and to have De-
ference and Reſpect for thoſe that merit.
them. Young Cleon the other Day made a
Viſit to Celanire ; he found five or fix Wo-
men of the firſt Quality in her Company
He was half-drunk, and had juſt bolted from
a Tavern, where he had made a notable
Treat. Was this a plight fit for him to fhew
himſelf in to Women of High Birth ? He en-
tertain'd them with his Intrigues and Miſtref-
ſes : He ſhew'd them Love Letters with which
his Pockets were full; he made horrible Satyrs
on all the Sex, and their ill Conduct, without
Reſerve, or Diſtinction, or any Reſpect to the
Ladies he ſpoke to. After all this impertinent
Stuff, he departed well ſatisfied with himſelf,
Tinging aloud upon the Stair-Caſe, abſolutely
unconcernd at all the Extravagances he had
been venting. What Idea can we have of a
Man of Quality's juſt entring upon the World,
that ſets out at this rate? sottoolid niedt atá
Young

Reflexions upon Politeneſs. 31
Young People ſeldom ſuit themſelves to the
Converſation of the Old, who are naturally
Moroſe and Imperious. Tho they have liv'd
long, they have not learnt the Art of Living;
being deſirous to ſubjeét every body's Conduct
to their Caprices, and odd Humours. Were
they more converſable and Polite, their Society
might by a good School for the Young, who
might reap the Profit of their long Expe-
rience. Old Age has of itſelf too many Faults
and Diſagreements, without the Addition of
Chagrin and ill Humour. I would fain have
Perſons of an advanc'd Age reſemble Cleobre-
lus. Old Age in him is neither moroſe, di-
ftaftful, nor magiſterial. Without condeſcend-
ing to a juvenile Character, he accommodates
his Behaviour to all ſorts of Tempers : If he
does not give himſelf to Diverſions ; if he
preſerves the Decorum and Seriouſneſs which
his Age inſpires ; at leaſt, he is no troubleſome
Cenſurer, nor finds Fault with others Plea-
ſures. The Employs he has had in the
Court ard Army, the Sciences he has ſtudi-
ouſly cultivated, furniſh him with a Thouſand
curious Things, which render his Converſa-
tion as pleaſant as inſtructive. People always
depart ſatisfied from his Company, charm’d
with his Politeneſs, and inſtructed in an hun-
dred Facts he was Witneſs of, which he com-
municates without Pride or Intreaty, to all
that are defirous to hear him, and willing to
profit by his Information, ni ass scorgerhyngd
sldeaobteqau trova brinn 2019 stig oopy
alsox di sxivited mub 14 30 2980
The
701

32 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
The Reaſon why Young People fun the
Company of the Old as much as poſlīble, is,
that they can't endure the Conſtraint they find
in their Society. The Chagrin of old Age,
diffuſes it ſelf thro' the Perſons of old Men, and
gives a diſlike to every thing they ſay or do.
Being incapacitated for Pleaſure, they would,
as it were, make themſelves amends, by cen-
ſuring in others, what they themſelves did
when young.
This miſ-tim'd Reprehenſion
has but little Effect on Youth, which ſticks
rather to the Examples they have given, than
to the fine Maxims they now dictate. Acaſto
pronounces the handſomeft Lectures imaginable
to his Son upon the Miſchiefs of Gallantry:
He tells him, with an angry Look, that 'tis
the Wreck of a Man's Fortune; and that he
who is eagerly engag‘d in Love, can never
think ſeriouſly on any thing elſe. Perhaps
Acaſto's Maxims might have made fome im-
preffion on the Mind of his Son, if the ill Ex-
amples he gave with them did not baffle their
Effect; or if he had more ſoftned and infinnated
his Inſtructions.
The Antique Gentlemen are more formal,
ftarched and ceremonious than the Modern,
who can't conform to theſe ſtudied Rules and
Grimaces. True Politeneſs does not conſiſt
herein; the Mode at preſent demands a little
more Liberty; but ſuch as obſerves Meaſure
and Decorum. Without this Salvo, the Li-
berty degenerates into a Licenfe no ways fuita-
ble to Polite Perfons, and even unpardonable
in Pages. But the Medium betwixt the Exceſs
of

Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
33
of Conſtraint and Liberty, is hard to be found,
and requires Attention to what is capable of
diſguſting or pleaſing Men of Judgment. Who-
ever has lit upon this Temper, is in the ready
Road that leads to Politenefs.iso
Is it to paſs for Polite, that a certain fort
of Men, make a Trade of ſaying luſcious and
pretty_things, to all the Women they meet?
The Fair and the Brown liave the ſame Treat-
ment; neither Quality nor Merit makes-any
Diſtinction in their Compliments, which they
repeat, like Parrots, to all alike; as if they
had learn'd a Part by Heart, and were playing
it on the Stage. Women of Taſte and Senſe,
have no Reliſh for theſe Impertinences, which
make their Stomachs riſe ; but there are Fools
every were to be found, that imbibe the Poina
fon as if it were Nectar, and are raviſh'd with
being incens'd thus like Idols. You are of a
Profeſion Belani, that excuſes you from acting
the Gallant Part. Your Band and Gown im-
poſe on you certain Rules, which you can't im
Decency difpenfe
with. Yet 'tis you alone, that
in all Places where you come, are fo vigilant to
pay little Affiduities to Women : Leave that
officious Part to Sparks and Beaus, and put
yourſelf upon Employments more confiftent
with your Character. You'll meet with never
the more Eſteem for being fo genteel, ſo ar-
ſiduous and fo complaiſant oli si opis
The Politeneſs that becomes an Officer of the
Army, is of a different kind from that which
fuits with a Dean of a Church, whoſe Chan
raster
6.5

34“ Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
racter is more ſerious, and requires more
Caution and Reſerve. A Magiſtrate is ob-
lig'd to be Grave, Modeſt and Circumfpect,
but ſhould not, however, fuffer his! Gravity
to degenerate into Auſterity, ſo as to for-
bid Acceſs to him. The boldeſt Solicitors
tremble when they are to accoft Varlius.
His Forehead ſtands always bent with Wrina
cles. He is harſh and inacceſſible on every
fide ; he affects the Laconick Pithineſs of an
Oracle ; his Mouth openis and fhuts with Pul-
lies, and he turns his Eyes like a Pagod. This
Affectation throws him out of his Temper, and
expoſes him to Laughter, inſtead of procuring
him Reſpect. "1100011
•Cant 101 milion sen
el The Politenefs of Women conlifts not in
thoſe ſtarch'd and affected Airs they put on, ,
to feem more Preciſe.. Of whatever Cha-
Tafter they are, they ſhould not appear fo
wild and ſcar'd when certain People pay
their Civilities, and fay obliging things to
them. 'Tis an antiquated piece of Policy,
to counterfeit the Severe, and aſſume a fcru-
pulous Coyneſs on the leaft Service that is
offer'd them : Tis ten to one but thoſe
that take pet at this rate, and grow more
wild and untractable, the more you try to
footh and tame them with Careſſes and
Complaiſance, are not fo modeſt as they
affect to be thought. But this Manage-
ment of theirs is inſignificant enough to
them. eda etort base
walaudato
The

Reflexions upon Politeneſs. 35
The Politeft Women, who have Merit,
and think themſelves. Handſome , have a
hard Task to keep in their Indignation when
others are frais'd in their Company who
have more Reputation of Beauty. They ex-
amine with a malicious Curioſity, every
Feature in their Adverſaries Faces, rhat they
may find fome Irregularity and Defect in
them, which gives them new Courage and
Conſolation. This Diſcovery is a kind of
Triumph ni and they can't prevent ſome
ſigns of their ill-natur'd Joy, it upon the flat-
tering hopes of eclipfing their Rivals. But
all the difobliging things they can fay, in-
ſtead of raiſing their own Merit, does but
make them defpis'd; they think they are
applauded, when they are laugh'd at to their
Faces.oqqo bus late nobisqulu
Women have been a long time lectur'd on
the Subjekt of Slander, but without ſucceſs.
The moſt moving Arguments do but ſerve
to afford them a larger Field. They have
taken their Ply, and it is grown an eſta-
bliſh'd Cuſtom with them, to tear Peoples
Reputations, to cenſure their moſt innocent
Actions, and to expoſe them in ſuch Lights
and Colours as may make them monſtrous.
In the mean time, this Practice denotes a
great want of Politeneſs, and as great a Fund
of Ill-nature.
Handſome Women reſt ſatisfy'd with being
ſo, and eaſily flatter themſelves, that ſuch as
have only a great deal of Wit, without ex-
ternal

36 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
tarnal Charms, can't ſtand before them.
They are ſo intoxicated with the Fumes of
Incenfe offer'd by their officious Admirers,
that they inſenſibly contract Airs of Pride
and Haughtineſs, very oppoſite to Politeneſs
and Civility, that would become them, and
give a new Luſtre to their Beauty. Theſe Al-
titudes make the reſt of the Sex deſperate,
who engage in offenſive and defenſive Confede-
racies to humble and deſtroy them. They nar-
Jowly watch their Conduct, and give no Quar-
ter, upon the firſt falfe Steps they make. Tis
a nice and hazardous Affair, to offer to uſurp
the Empire of Beauty : The Ladies that
think themſelves intereſted , grow dangerous
Rivals, and play all ſorts of Engines to main
tain themſelves in their Privileges, and ſhake
off an Uſurpation fo Nateful and oppoſite to
their Glory.nit gads ngad svih timow
2002i, stotiw med bt? 10 start
92 sud ob ming groot fm 50
- AS NOTE II terly trans
soleos 1597 of
mon) Lidid
opomni fom's
o antolat
os bos cento SA
torino rust coloratoolos bas
astoto video
9. old
sol
boutorg en bas
snisd sin bith 2 W stych
es not suit ansvla med at vise bes Of
yo guolin W To lash 39919 s plno sve

selonosilo scouts TOUS 37
stod ynidson zit all to 100
od 1o pisw-yes bera 10 91900
Io non lo alla vitto!
Dooremals 2121709 101
2125509 TON 33
of MODEST SENTIMENTS
the root vingtil tod i si esaed: 3119
DIE Postur Lad stige zit
>TIS impoſſible to arrive at Politeneſs with-
ostrout Modeft Sentiments , becauſe Pride,
and a haughty Demeanour, are the moſt Natu-
ral Sources of Impoliteneſs. Modeſty diſlipates
that Charm and Mift, which Pride inſpires. in-
to the Mind of Man, and which hides him
from himſelf. This Deception magnifies the
Idea of his own Merit, and leſſens that which
he ought to have of his perſonal Failings. Mom
defty is a kind of Varniſh, which ſets off our
Natural Talents, and gives them a Luftre: And
Ptis certain, a great Merit is more penetrating,
when attended with Modeſt Notions.
On the contrary, whatever Merit a Man may
have, he ſets the World againft hin, when he
preſúmes too much upon it. Why are we
mov'd with Indignation againſt thoſe who have
admirable Talents ; but that they are too con,
ceited of them, and appear too well ſatisfied
with themſelves ? A pretty Woman, who is
not oftentatious of her Deſert, is much more
amiable than a haughty Beauty, who preſumes
that all the World ought to pay Honage
her Charms. And as our Excellencies are not
to be boafted, ſo neither ſhould we counterfeit
a Coma
Hist
to

38 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
a Contempt of them. This is nothing but a
Refinement of Pride, and a By-way of be-
ſpeaking Commendation,
A Modeſt Perſon acts evenly, and without
Formality : He ſeeks not to recommend him-
felf; nor courts elemoſinary Applauſes. When
they are given him for Things that don't de-
ſerve them, lie is but ſlightly touch'd with
them ; nor do his Spirits boil, when they are
anjuftly refus a him. He has no high Idea of his
perſonal Merit ; and 'tis a Pleaſure to him, to
do Juſtice to that of others. He praiſes them
without Reluctance, when they have done any
thing praiſe-worthy'; and never invidiouſly
hears the Elogies that are given them which
are Things not incident to Souls but of a No-
ble Make. annel boss 1113M awo eilo
He never complains of the want of Defe-
Fence and Reſpe& due to him; nor éavils with
People, if they forget to perform ſome little
Formaſities, or are too ftiff in their Bows.
He refuſes to take place of his Equals; and
complains not of the Preference is given ſome-
times to his Prejudice. Sitovi otasi va
>If he has any good Qualities, the knows
withal they are balanc'd with Imperfections
which he caſts not out of Sight - This View
renders him more eaſy, when on ſome Occa-
fions he is denied the Praifes he deſerves. If
this Injuſtice give him fome Mortification, he
is fo wife as to ftifle his Diſcontent, and not to
Fatigue the World with eternal Complaints of
the Injuries haye been done him. emisio 1311
S11099 9V bloodt 19dig! Ol betisod Fine

Of Modeft Sentiments, i
39
Fine Talents, and Eminent Qualities, are
not fufficient of themſelves, to purchaſe the
Eſteem and Affection of Men. 1 Tis moreover
requiſite, not to applaud our felves for them,
nor make a pompous Show of them. If you
diſcover, in a contemptuous Look, your ſmall
Efteem of others, and your high Opinion of
your felf; or ifiyou aſſume too great an Aſcens
dant over them, you'll bring all the World up-
on your Back. Your Merit will become a Rock
of Offence, and be more to your Prejudiće thaſi
Advantage ; becauſe we feel a ſecret Indignátiæ
on againſt thoſe that eclipſe us, and ſpare no-
thing to excuſe our felves from ſo ungrateful a
Superiority.
90 Svort siis
Whatever Parts, Underſtanding or Merity
you fancy you have; if you would be accepta-
ble to rational People, be ſure you pretend to
nothing, nor make a vain Shew of your Know,
Tedge : That ſerves only to dazzle Fools ; whoſe
Approbation muſt be very indifferent to Men
of real Merit, who can be only affected with
the Eſteem of intelligent People. STES
This Maxim is very little practis'd : For the
way now a-days is, when a Man has any Abili,
ties, to put himſelf forward at any Rate;i And
he takes a ſecret: Pleaſure in Expoſing his
Wares ; no matter whether to the Judicious,
or to Ćoxcombs of neither Skill nor Inge-
nuity. M T ila to is word?
Damon can't be denied to have Wit, and
fine Qualities, but the Fault is, he knows it
too well. He is full of it on all Occaſions ;
and is his own Panegyrift, where others will
net

40 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
not be at the Pains to praiſe him. He has a
wonderful Faculty for Poetry s but he ftuns all
that come near him, with the Recital of liis
Verſes. He fhews how he reliſhes them him-
felf, when he reads them, and every Word puts
him into an Extaſy : But the Pleafure he takes,
hinders that of others; and the Applauſes he
beſtows on himſelf, excuſes them from the
Trouble of rapplauding | him. That which
would make him
courted, if he made a good
Uſe of it, is the Cauſe of his being fhunnd as
an impertinent Scribbler. slussood HSVBA
- There's ſo great a Correſpondence betwixt
thoſe Springs that move the Heart, and thoſe
that move the Countenance ; that we may
judge by this outward Dial-plater, how the
Clock-work goes in the Soul. n A Woman of
too ſtately a Gate, too haughty and preſumptu-
ous a Look, and a Forehead that never bluſhes,
has no great Fund of Modefty, generally fpeak-
ing. Whereas a ſoft and modeft Air, that has
nothing wild or over-free in it, is an almoſt
certain Sign, that all is regular within. La
Thoſe that are deliberating about the Choice
of a Wife, may with the greateſt Eaſe diſco-
ver their Tempers.; provided they apply them-
félves to the Examining certain Motions that
eſcape them unawares. 1911s on
2016V
Thoſe that deſign to dazzle Mankind, make
a glaring Shew at firſt of all their Merchan-
dize : Which Method is mightily miſtaking
their own Intereſts. To keep People long in
Safpenfe and Admiration, 'tis ſometimes con-
venient to fhew. but a Sample of the Piece; and
lay

Of Modeſt Sentiments.
41
lay it open by degrees. 'Tis Art and good Ma-
nagement, ſometimes to diſguiſe our good
Qualities ; and greater Wit than is imagin’d,
to conceal our Wit ; being a ſure Means never
to be the Property of others.
9900 900 900
Artifice grows uſeleſs, when it becomes ſu-
ſpected ; becauſe it puts People upon their
Guard, who avoid a Man of Stratagem, as a
Spy
ILSTOT bris
The continual Politicks our Neighbour Da-
tys employs in every thing, make him miſcar-
ry in all the Affairs he undertakes. He uſes
the ſame Subterfages, Infinuation and Cun-
ning, in Trifles, as if the Matter were of the
greateſt Conſequence : And as every body is
perſuaded he has ftill fome little Trick in his
Head; ſo he is always miſtruſted, and no bo-
dy cares to treat with him, for fear of being,
deceiv'd.sk of mind
Sildu master
Modeſty is the moſt convenient Veil, to
skreen from the cleareſt-fighted People, ſuch
Things as we mean to keep ſecret from them.
Modeſt Perſons bear ſome Reſemblance with
thoſe Rivers that flow under Ground ; they
lie hid to the Eyes of the World, having the
ſame Addreſs to conceal their good Qualities,
as vain People have to expoſe them. V bratis
Men have for ſome time neglected to do
fufficient Juſtice to Women, upon the Score of
Modeſty : For 'tis certain, there are Abundance
that are diſcreet and regular ; and the Num-
ber of thoſe that forget themſelves, is not ſo
great as is imagin'd. For Twenty that diſpa-
rage themſelves by their ill Conduct, we might
find

42
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
find a Thouſand that are to be effeem'd for
their Virtues, The Deception conſiſts in this
3.
that Coquetry makes a Noiſe, whilſt no body is
at the pains to bring the Virtuous Womanı
upon the Stage ; who is content to diſcharge
her Duty, without publiſhing it to the World.
'Tis a farther Piece of Injuſtice; to accuſe
thoſe of being Formaliſts, who have a Bias
towards Severity ; and to call their Virtue no
thing but Grimace., birila i faunina
That which hinders us from Modeft Neti-
ons, is our Unacquaintance with our ſelves,
A Woman but moderately Handſome, fancies
wondrous Conqueſts; and vainly perſuades her
felf, all that ſee her, are captivated by her
Charms, A Man, who has the leaſt Preten-
fions to Wit, preſumes he is one of the moſt
ſublime, and the firſt-rate Wits. He that
hárangues in Publick, thinks he ſpeaks wouis
derfully well , and is amaz’d to find the Ap-
plauſes refus'd him, which he fancies are due
to him.
Obſerve now your Folly, Dorilas : Your
Pleas are fill'd with Trivial Things ; and yet
you ſpeak in the Tone of an Oracle. You
imagine, you eclipfe the Glory of all the Anci-
ent and Modern Orators, and are ſurpriz'd you
are not humm'd at the End of every Period.
You ſometimes complain of the Injuſtice of
your Age; and appeal from it to Poſterity, to
judge of your Deſert. This Illuſion, however,
is a good Amuſement to your Vanity, 70 nod
salih trili tunawT "of brigami i 25 de
erigim gw sobno li tists yo zaviding is Tis
O ESO 517 SE

Of Modeſt Sentiments. I
43
'Tis a rare Thing, to find a Man poffefs'd
with a juſt Notion of his own and others Abi-
lities and Deſerts. Whatever little Merit he
has, he thinks himſelf qualified for great Em-
ploys ; and if they fall not to his Share, le
complains that he has not juſtice done him.
This Preſumption is a certain Sign of an indif-
ferent Merit. sin
so slag 28
Dartimon is not content with being a Coc
lonel, but would be a Major-General: He is
always complaining of bis Fortune, and pre-
ferring himſelf to the firft Officers in the Ar-
my. What Method of Cure is there for Men
of Dartimon's Character ? They court nothing
but their Prejudice ; and think themſelves in-
jur'd, when you have done for them even what
was beyond your Duty. slado isviol of samt
Is it want of Eyes or Brains, or Reflexid
on, that makes Men ſo opinionated with their
own Merit ? Or rather, Is it not wait of Mo-
defty, that throws off their View from their
perſonal Faults, for fear the Proſpect ſhould of
fend them? Thofe very Men, that are ſo
quick-fighted, as to the minuteſt and moſt im-
perceptible Faults of their Neighbours, and
purſue them with bitter Raillery and Satyr, are
blind to the groſſeft Vices in themſelves, which
render them deſpicable, and are obvious to all
the World. 219-V roce 600
The Counteſs of Sarlac is horribly ſhap'd,
and halts downright; and
yet
ſhe does not per-
ceive it, but rallies (on all Occaſions) the
Counteſs of Syret , her Friend, who has one
Shoulder a little out of Place. This is the
gbsiwon
Frame

44 Reflexions upon Politeneſs. .
Frame and Make of the whole Sex, ftill
full of themſelves, and the Power of their
Charms. They cenſure all others, but who
are not behind-hand with them in their
Satyr.Is it 01.001 IST yoriu i brisol
Tis to be finical rather than difficult, to be
always finding Fault, and ſo prone to Cenſure
as People commonly are. True Delicacy is
always on the ſide of good Senſe, and approves
whatever is good wherever it finds it : Thoſe
unjuſt Difguſts you manifeſt for what is Ex-
cellent, betray the folly of your Caprice, and
depretiate you with just Reaſoners. W
We ought to do Juſtice to all Men, and to
be glad when others have Merit and are praiſed
for it; it being a malignant Baſeneſs to at-
tempt to lower thoſe Sails the publick has
hoiſed, and refuſe to throw in our Suffrage
with all the World. Do you think
think your Merit
will be the greater, when by Obloquy you
have deſtroy'd that of your envied Compe-
titor ? The good Efteem a Man has of himſelf,
makes him impatient of Rivals; the Compe-
tition of the ſame Abilities raiſes our Spleen
and Indignation againſt the Poffeſſors, who
diſpute us this kind of Superiority, fo extreamly
grateful to Self-love. i 2901 y 110g sitt oj baild
1. It does not become any Body magiſterially
to determine upon Matters that are Subject
of Converſation. The Learned are conſider'd
as Impertinents and Pedants, when they pre-
tend to tutor others, and uſurp a Sovereignty
of Senfe. A prudent Man, that fpeaks only
to the purpoſeg. makes no Oftentation of his
BUTI
Knowledge,

Of Modeft Sentiments.
45
Knowledge, nor is ambitious to be admir'd
for it, by this Reſerve attracts the Eſteem and
Affection of all tlie Company.
Tis very rare for thoſe that doat on their
own Merit, to ſee any in others, or to do them
Juſtice. They think their imaginary Worth
fets them above all Rules, and diſpenſes with
all Decorum; as if every thing was their due,
and
they ow'd nothing to any body elſe. This
Preſumption is a kind of Drunkenneſs that
deſtroys Self-conſciouſneſs, and makes them
blind and inſenſible to themſelves. Like in-
toxicated People, that ſee every thing double.
Men infatuated with their Merit, magnify
and multiply their good Qualities. When
any
Woman's Beauty is commended before Be-
lina, the ſubſtitutes herſelf in the Place of the
Perſon praiſed. If Amarante be celebrated
for the largeneſs and ſprightlineſs of her Eyes,
the acknowledges it, but adds, ſhe ſhould be
ſorry if her own were not finer. When Ar-
gelia's fine. Shape and Agreements are men-
tion'd, ſhe diſcovers the Faults of her, and
ſets herſelf up for a Pattern of what the o-
ther wants.
Men of the greateſt Wit and moſt extenſive
Views, are often guilty of notorious Errors ;
but their Regret to be miſtaken, makes them
obftinately defend their Extravagances, and
vilify thole that let them ſee their Follies.
The ridiculous Pride they are poſſeſs’d with,
taints and depretiates all their Talents. A
few Grains more of Modeſty would not a little
ſet them off.
Pom?
Ilsuit mod cont olsa
9
'Tis

46 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
b Tis a common Infirmity with thoſe th
that
think themſelves deſerving, to envy fuch as
ſet out with a growing Reputation ; and they
ſeldom pardon a Man his fine Qualities, that
procure a general Eſteem. Profeſs’d Wits can't
bear to ſee a young Man diſtinguiſh himſelf,
and begin to attract the Approbation of worthy
Perſons. What an heart-breaking is it to a
Woman, who is reckond Handſome, to have
a young Beauty come in play, and out-ſhine all
that come near her? But I can't conceive why
Clarinda, who is neither Young nor Handſome,
is fo mortify'd with the Applauſes given to
Juha's blooming Face, or why Bardus, who
has neither Wit, nor any Intention of publiſh-
ing any thing, ſhould rage, like Wild-fire,
againſt all thar Dorimon prints, and the World
read's with ſo much Pleaſure.
I think a Man very unhappy, who has not
fufficient Judgment to know the Price of
Things, and diſtinguiſh what's excellent from
what is bad or indifferent : But 'tis grand In-
pertinence obſtinately to defend one's Opinion,
and to reject all the Arguments that are of-
fer'd to fhew the Caprice of an irregular Taſte.
Here
you
ſee the Reaſon why we often hearken
fuch ridiculous Diſputes in Converſation,
and bear the Dotage of People for their own
Opinions, be they never fo extravagant. A
Man of juſt Senfe and Penetration, knows, at
firft fight, what's good and ought to pleaſe,
and ſtick to that, without ſuffering himſelf to
be mifled, by falfe Appearances, which only
dazzle Fools: But ſmall is the Number of
theſe

Of Modeft Sentiments.
47
OP TO
theſe nice Judges, which is the Reaſon fo many
bad things meet with Approbation, and have
Vogue in the World. People eminent for
their Quality and Poſts, rule the Suffrages of
tho e beneath them, commanding Deference of
Judgment, as well as outward Reſpect and
Complaiſance. Dependants dare 110t to be of
a contrary Opinion ; mean time, 'tis a fervile
Submiſſion, and only purchafes Contempt,
ſeemingly to approve what we inwardly con-
demn.
The moſt Judicious are ſometimes at a loſs
how to manage themſelves in nice Affairs,
and make 110 fcruple to confeſs it: Wits of a
lower ſize are not ſo timorous in giving their
Opinions. Conſult Celidon upon a knotty Ar-
gument, that demands deep Reflexions, and
he'll give you his Reſolution, without heſità-
ting, and with a wonderful Aſſurance.
Celidon had more Senſe, he would be leſs ven-
turous in his Deciſions: His Preſumption is no
ambiguous ſign of the ſhort-ſightedneſs of his
Underſtanding.
'Tis a great Source of Impertinence to have
too fond an Opinion of our ſelves and our own
Performances. We ought 110t to be the firſt
to admire any of our own Exploits, but are to
leave that part to others. What ſignifies a
vain Complaiſance for our own Works, if
others are not affected with them, nor perceive
the Beauties which fo charmingly ſtrike us ?
Let us not ſuffer our Eyes to be puff d up with
the Fumes of Incenſe that is given us purely
out of Complaiſance; and let us be ever upon
197
7.31
our

48
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
s ein-
our guard againſt thoſe ill-natur’d Ironies,
ploy'd by ſuch as know our blind Side, and
how to ſport with our Credulity.
There's no body without ſome particular
Vanity ; but that which is the leaſt pardo11-
able, is the ridiculous Pride of certain People,
who think they have ſublime Merit, and will
allow no body elſe a ſhare with them. All
that behold Cleonice without an envious Eye,
honeſtly confeſs, there's hardly a more accom-
pliſh'd Woman to be found : They obſerve
ſecret Graces,and certain delicate Agreements in
her Perſon, which there's no withſtanding. She
has a certain graceful and airy Character which
inſpirits every thing ſhe ſays, and what would
have no effect in another's Mouth. They ad-
mire the delicacy of her Wit, and the flexi-
bility of her inſinuating Temper, which gives
her what Form the pleaſes, according to the
diverſity of Occaſions. Now ask Barſina what
ſhe thinks of Cleonice, and ſhe'll tell you,
The
Woman's well enough.
Fine Women can hardly withſtand that Com-
placency and Self-ſatisfaction which their
about to
prohibit them ſo tender a Pleaſure. But that
which we would beg of them, is to taſte this
Satisfaction in ſecret, and not let their Senti-
ments appear; that they would take care of a
certain finical and affected Deportment, which
has always I know not what Ridicule in it.
Beauty has but half its Effect, when 'tis not
ſupported with the Charms of Wit. We
ſometimes wonder handſome Women make fo
few

Of Modeft Sentiments,
49
few Conqueſts, but the Reaſon is, the Ma-
gottry of their Carriage, which diſpels the
Charms of their Beauty, and creates diſtaſte in
the very Garden of Delight. Celiand's Flat-
terers tell her, ſhe is the handſomeſt Woman
in England; and yet Perſons of good Taſte have
long ceas d to admire her, becauſe ſhe is too
ſtupid to ſupport a Converſation long. The
Eyes are tir'd with gazing on fine Colours; and
Pleaſures which the Mind can't partake of,
grow languid and inſipid. Celiana not only
wants Wit, but is ſo exceeding ridiculous,
as to think ſhe abounds with it. She ad
mires the Fooleries that eſcape her at every
turn, and thinks fhe ſpeaks pretty things,
when even the ſays little or nothing to the
purpoſe. arig bus ho vostro sit
- The Reaſon of Men's having ſuch advan-
tageous Notions on their own behalf, is the
want of Attention to underſtand themſelves.
Every one has his particular Infirmities and Fol-
lies; but the wonder is, we ſhould upbraid.
others with Faults which we ourſelves are
more grolly guilty of. We take it very ill
if they don't correct them, becauſe we ſuffer
by them ; but they on their part make no
leſs Complaints. Datiny taxes Celanor with
his Spirit of Contradiction, which makes
him always take the oppoſite Side to what-
ever is advanc'd, without any regard to the
Rank and Dignity of the Speaker : Mean time
there's not a more uncomplaiſant and excep-
tious Man than Datiny, who is a Stianger to
dibon od on blus D non himſelf,

50 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
himſelf, and yet thinks he is Sociable and
Good-natur'd. ensin 10 vuoy
rt If we did but refle&t, it would be eaſy to
obſerve, that the too great Deſire of out-thin-
ing and dazzling others, renders Converſation
diſagreeable. We are willing, at any rate, to
give a great Idea of our Merit. This Deſire
puts us upon a Flow of Talk, without giving
others the Leiſure or Opportunity to exert their
ſmall Talents; and ſo they depart four'd and
provok'd againſt thoſe that have thus kept
them in amuſement. The Day that Celantine
has been at a Play, or other Diverſion, woe be
to ſuch as ſhall fall into her Company; for they
muſt not hope to ſpeak a Word, the being a
Torrent that will carry all before her. She
criticiſes on every Verſe, and gives the De-
fcripton both of all the Actors and all the Au-
ditors: Here is a ſpacious Field for her to walk
in; and when the Matter is exhauſted, the in-
troduces Epiſodes, which ſtill keep her in play,
and furniſh her wherewithal to teize the Com-
pany to death. sebelushiin 279dto
d. Whence come thoſe ſcandalous Diſorders we
fee in Marriages, but from the bad Education
Young Women have receivid ? Never were
known ſo many Divorces, nor ſo many Law
Suits about them. All Young Women are
eagerly ſolicitous to be married, and all mar-
ried Women as defirous to be Widows. Scarce
have they patience to wait till a natural Death
delivers them from their Husbands, whom
they look upon as Tyrants, or iather as their
greateſt Enemies. "Twould not be credible,
unleſs

Of Modeft Sentiments. 51
unleſs we ſaw it with our Eyes, to what Re-
medies they liave Recourſe, and into what a
Galph of Miſeries they plunge themſelves, to
be freed from ſo tyrannical a Yoke.
We fee Men put on all ſorts of Forms to
make themſelves eſteem'd ; but commonly they
miſtake their aim, and do juſt the contrary to
what they pretend. The firſt time we ſee a
Man, we make the utmoſt Effort to prejudice
him in favour of our Merit : We diſcourſe to
him of our Birth, our Fortune, our Employs,
and the admirable Qualities we fancy our ſelves
endu'd with. We exhauſt this Topick, and
inſinuate we have Wit, but modefily, and with
fome remains of Shame-fac dneſs. As for our
other Talents, we amplify them without Cere-
mony, and leave nothing unſaid. This is
miſtaking our Intereſts; the great Art conſiſts
in not ſuffering our ſelves to be fathom’d at
firſt ſight, and giving time to others to
obſerve the good Qualities we are Maſters
Men that are prepoſſeſs’d with their own
Merit, always contemplate themſelves on the
beſt fide, and never admit any humbling and
mortifying Reflexions. In the mean time be
aſſured, that whatever Accompliſhments you
fancy you have, they are mingled with a Thou-
fand Imperfections, which make a conſiderable
Counterpoize.
I would fain kyow why we ſhould be di-
fturbºd and overgrown with Spleen, becauſe we
are denied the Praiſes that are heap?d on lefs
deferving Perſons. Our Reputation depends
IQE
201
D 2
not

52 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
11ot on the fantaſtick Humours of Men, and
the vain Praiſes they beſtow on us. What
fignifies it, that Argeſi'ues, who is but a Cox-
comb, publiſhes every where that you want.
Senſe? Will the impertinent Stuff le vents
to your Diſadvantage, rob you of your Excel-
lencies, or hinder Men of Worth from doing you
Juſtice ?
"Tis not always the good'Fortune of a great
Merit to carry the Suffrage of the Publick.
How many are eſteem'd, becauſe they are 1100
fufficiently known? And becauſe they put on
fo artful a Diſguiſe, as makes it impoflible to
penetrate the Receſſes of their Souls? The
Vulgar are eaſily dazzled with the Glimſes of a
fiétitious Vertue ; but Men of good Judgment
and. Reflexion are not to be over-reach'd.
They ſee clearly, but take no notice, reſerving
their Diſcoveries to themſelves, and ſuffering a
Fool to enjoy his pretended Reputation. 'Ïis
much, when People of this Character, have
ſufficient Modeſty rot to flatter themſelves with
the Nations of a mighty Merit,
There are a Thouſand Complainants of the
World's Injuſtice, as what heightens their Im-
perfections, and ſinks the Price of their good
Qualities. This is often owing to themſelves,
in not taking all the Precautions to conceal
their Faults, or making a right uſe of the Mo-
tives to Efteein. I know this depends upon
good Fortune and a propitious Planet; but I
alſo know, that we often ruin it, by a fort of
Supinity that expoſes our weak fides. 'Tis
common for one Affair well manag’d, to create
2015qob consC09
jon
DIV
2010
us

Of Modeft Sentiments.
53
us à great Reputation, and as frequent for one
falſe Step to deſtroy it beyond Recovery. For
when once our Fame has but a Wing clipt,
'tis impoſſible for it to foar again; and all the
pains we take to that purpoſe, make us but
flutter in the Dirt. 11 otorg's sont
'Tis no ſure and infallible way to gain the
Eſteem of Men, to convince them of our Qua-
lifications ; on the contrary, this exaſperates
them againſt us, as being mad to think we
deſign to out-ſhine them. The beſt way is to
allow them to have Wit, and let them fee
that we are perſuaded of it. This Complaiſance
is more engaging than all our other Pre-
tenſions, and they will be willing to grant
us their Efteem, when they believe they merit
ours.
11.03
v9O5
They that ſet up for extraordinary Learning,
are very untra table on that ſcore; they be-
lieve all Merit confind to their own Perſons,
and fo have but little Conſideration for that of
others. They would be much more worthy, if
they had a leſs ſhare of Erudition. The Fault
lies not in the Learning, which is moſt pro-
per to form and faſhion the Mind, but in the
Learn'd who make not a good uſe of it.
This confus’d Knowledge gives them a whim-
fical Demeanour, and a haughty and fuperci-
lious Carriage ; inſomuch that they look down
with Compaſſion on thoſe that underſtand leſs
Greek and Latin than themſelves. But in
sequital, they are treated as Pedants, diſmiſsa
to their Colleges, and ſhun'd as Creatures of a
moſt infipid Converſation ig Is Je umutlino
Nor
D 3

54 Reflexions zepon Politeneſs.
Nor is the other Extream to be lefs avoided ;
for there are People to be met with, tlaat make
their Ignorance meritorious, and think that Ap-
plication to any ſerious Study will diſgrace them.
Our Age is tolerably retriev'd from this Illum
fion ; lince the greateſt Princes apply fo much
to Learning, that there are no Arts or Sciences
unknown to them: And they even excel in
many kinds of Knowledge. 'Tis certain too,
that our Court abounds with Men of a learned
Rank, who can fignalize themſelves in the
fine Arts, like: Cefar, who was able to diſ-
pute the Empire of Eloquence with Cicero:
But he preferr'd the Glory of Arms, and
the Maſtery of the World, before ſhining at
the Barcera visd want to mong itft 20
No body pretends to lay an Embargo on
Womens Wit, or to prohibit their diſplay of
it, when they have its all that we would ad-
viſe them to, is a little Eaſineſs and Condeſeen-
tion 3 that they would Vouchſafe to ſpeak na-
turally, and not to uſe fo many Contorſions
and Grimaces, when they have a mind to ac-
quaint the World that they have Wit. Theſe
Affectations diſparage them more than they
imagine, and give ran Air of Ridicule to the
beſt things they ſay, sobalioa betitnog od
How uncommon a thing it is, 110t to envy
Men their extraordinary Accompliſhments!
And what a Soul mult a Man have to over-rule
ſo natural an Infirmity! She muſt be more than
Woman, that envies not the Merit of ano-
ther's Beauty, and can patiently bear the En-
comiums that are given her. Women can't
fuffer

Of Modeft Sentiments.si
55
ſuffer Rivals in this particular, no more than
Meni can bear Competition in point of Wit.
We have often recourſe to very fordid Arts to
deſtroy that importunate Merit, which the
Publick owns to be extraordinary. There are
no Moments of Life, wherein à Man ſhould
have a greater guard on himſelf
, than when
Perſons are praiſed before him for thoſe very
Qualities he pretends to excel in. Were not
this Doraſto's Weakneſs, he would be an ac-
compliſh'd Perſon. His fine Wit is anſwere
able to his graceful Mein; and there is neither
Art nor Science but he is acquainted with it.
He is of a Rank that gives hiin an extraordi-
nary Afcendant, and he might well wave the
Deſert that accrues from the Belles Lettres.
Notwithſtanding this, you put him upon the
Rack, and he can't keep in his Indignation,
when you commend any one before him, for
any Accompliſhment whiatſoever. One would
think 'twere robbing him of ſomethings to
do Juſtice to another's Meriti. He departs
penlive and diſquieted from all Companies,
where an honourable Mention has been made
of ſome extraordinary Man. He wears a Sword,
and has no thoughts of aſpiring to the Glory
of a fine Preacher , yet it's Death to him to
hear Lucas's gravid Faculty extolld, who has
fo long charm’d the Court and City : And he
fometimes bluntly takes to task ſuch as unde-
fignedly commend him, whobeing unacquainted
with Doraſto 's Weakneſs, are aſtonish'd at his
Rudeneſs. 13 otteittoor
A 31009 01 ton ha -19.410 to 23
Modefty
D4

56 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Modeſty prevents our falling into a common
Fault with Men of Merit, which is valuing
only what's our own. This Prejudice is com-
monly a mighty Source of Impertinencies: They
let you ſee by their Eyes, Words and Actions,
how much they are charm'd with their pre-
fum'd Deſerts, and how deſpicably they look on
thoſe of other Men. This contempt is ex-
treamly torturing, and puts the undervalu'd
Perſons on all the Methods of Rallery and
Satyr, to leffen theſe Gentlemens fond Opinion
of themſelves. Self-love is a kind of blindfold,
which Modeſty removes, and clears our Eye-
fight from ; for the Modeft love not to have
their Imperfections complimented, nor can
bear being loaded with extravagant Elogies
for Trifles,
E BOY
Hardly any Body admires common Vertues,
tho never ſo admirable ; but Men love to be
ftruck with ſomething dazzling and extraor-
dinary, tho the Commerce of Life does not
always adminiſter Occaſions for the Pra&tice of
theſe extraordinary Vertues, eſpecially to tho e
that maintain an even Courſe, and are not in
great Poſts, which demand as great Qualifi-
cations. It
Some people deviate from their Character
out of a ſecret Pride, and ſpoil themſelves by
a deſire of pleaſing. If ſuch as affect theſe
Airs of Singularity could perceive how offenz-
five and diſguſtful all Affectation is to judicious
Perſons, they would be careful to avoid it. The
Rule to pleaſe, is to conform to the Ways and
Manners of others, and not to court Admi-
ration

Of Modeft Sentiments. 57
ration by Things out of the way ;
way, which are
always diſagreeable, when they are borrow'd
and affected. Busion
bo Ws
If Celimene could be contented with the
Charms that Nature has given her, ſhe would
be the prettieſt Woman in England : But ſhe
contradicts the Maxim, that Art embelliſhes
Nature : She is myſterious all over, and does
nothing in a Natural way. You would think
ſhe danc'd, when ſhe thould go ; or that the
moy'd by Springs and Clock-work. Others
ſpeak, and act, and cough, and ſpit in a natu
ral way : But ſhe, for her part, has particular
Ceremonies for all theſe ; and it makes me
ready to burſt, to obſerve her conceited Po
ftures.
Now what can People mean, to thwart the
common Ways by theſe fingular Affectations ?
Why ſo unwilling to talk, or walk, or dreſs
like other People? Why that affected Gaudi,
neſs of Cloaths ; ftill ſtraining to out-vie the
Extravagance of the Faſhion? They never
conſult what is fit or decent ; but what ſtrikes
the Eye, and commands Spectators ; what No-
velty of Garb and Accoutrements élerates and
ſurprizes, in Mr. Bays's Phraſe. mut visv3 12
If People knew.themſelves better, they would
Nick to Nature, and their genuine Talents:
But a Man diſdaining what he knows, muſt
needs talk of what he knows not, and make a
Parade of a ridiculous Ignorance.
Obferve the juſt Puniſhment of Pride. The
very Means we employ to purchafe Applauſes,
ouly bring us into Contempt, and occafion us
the
bust
D5


58 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
the Reputation of Foolso Danys, with a
great Stock of Politeneſs, and Knowledge of
the World, knows a Thouſand Pleaſant and
Curious Things which he ſets off in a very
charming Dreſs : But the Fault is, he will be
talking right or wrong) of the Sublimeſt
Points of Divinity, whilft he knows not the
very Principles of Religion. When he has
charm'd the Company with agreeable Stories,
related with a great Vivacity and Humour;
provided he goes out of his own Sphere, he
falls into ſuch Impertinencies, as move Com-
paffion and me
A Modest Man fets not up for Shining in
Converſation, by fürprizing Narratives. He
relates what he knows with a Natural Simpli-
city; and courts not vain Applauſes in his
Hearers Eyes. A Braggadocio, bloated with
his own Dlerit, has more bluſtering Ways, and
courts Applauſe from the Trifles he vents with
fuch an Air of Sufficiency, as fhews how pof-
ſeſs'd he is, that what he ſays 'is wonderful :
Büt, to his Misfortune, the Company is of ano-
ther Opinion.osítoqe ensinos bus
Tis no Sign of Modeſty, to be complaining
at every turn, that we are miſerable : On the
contrary, theſe Complainers are full of the
Notions of their own Merit, as what expoſes
them to Envy. They ſeek the Solace of their
Misfortunes in their Vanity ; whereas, if they
retir'd into themſelvesand were impartial,
they would find the Foundation of their Dif-
graces in their own ill Conduct. 967 2165A 7730
Saiso senso orai es pati Dorifa

Of Modeft Sentiments.
59
Doriſa repeats, in all Companies, that ſhe
is the most unfortunate Woman in England;
That ſhe is envy'd, and torn, and croſsd by all
the World ; That the Women cannot bear
her, but handle her unmercifully. By this, Don
riſa, you would inſinuate,• that you have a ſu-
perior Merit, which provokes their Envy, to
make ſuch Havock of your Reputation. Know
your ſelf better , Madam.
Madam. That ridiculous
Pride, thoſe Elevations you give your ſelf;
your Conceit of an High Birth, and the Con-
tempt you expreſs for all your inſulted Sex, as
having Weakneſſes not incident to your Lady-
Thip, as you ſay. Theſe are the Sources of the
Perfecution you complain of.
'Tis hard to determine what Notions People
have of Gallantry in this Age. Do they con-
fider it as a Crime and Infamy ? Heretofore
the Women - us'd all Precautions, to conceal
their Commerce from Publick Notice : At
preſent, they make no Myſtery of it.
Sylverina, inftead of bluſhing at the Devo-
tions the Men pay to her, talks of them with
an aſtoniſhing Freedom, without minding the
Talk of the World, or having any Regard for
her Husband. She is hourly ſurrounded with
a greater Crowd of Lovers than Penelope was :
And all the Reaſon ſhe alledges
for it, is, that
ſhe is tir'd with the Women's Company. A
very pretty Apology!
I There's no Hope of Curing People of that
inveterate Habit they have contracted, of talk
ing always of Themſelves, their Adventures,
and Riches. And yet theſe Accounts are fo
ungrate-

60 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ungrateful to diſintereſted Perſons, that we
ought to impoſe on our ſelyes a Law, never to:
fpeak of our felves, either good or bad. To
praiſe our ſelves is ridiculous Folly and Vanity;
and the ſame Thing would it be, to talk to our
own Diſparagement.
Dorina ofren ſays ſhe's not handfome ; and
that ſhe's abſolutely disfigurd with the Small-
Pox. Mean time the’s fully ſatisfy'd of the
Power of her Charms; and 'tis to make them
more taken notice of, that ſhe pretends to be
not content. She was once well enough caught
by Dennis, a Man of no Ceremony; who in-
nocently confefs'd, he thought her grown very
ugly. The Bluſh he brought into her Face, be-
tray'd her, and manifeſted her Indignation ;
and the ſmart Repartee ſhe fir'd upon the poor
Poet, was a certain Conviction to the Compa-
niy, that the meant to be flatter'd upon her
Beauty.
What's the Reaſon People of but indifferent
Merit are commonly the moſt tenacious of their
Praiſes ? Is it, that they don't know what de-
ſerves Commendation ? Or muſt we charge
it to the Account of their perverſe Natures ;
who can't find in their Hearts to do Juſtice to
an extraordinary Man, who diſtinguiſhes him-
felf from the Crowd ?
TOT 9
Colinet writes, bad Verſes. The Comedies
he publiſhes, won't bear Acting above Two or
Three Nights; and yet if you'll believe him,
the Fault ſwarms in Barcino's Plays, which are
Maſter-pieces.. He finds ſome Objections againſt
the. Juftneſs of the Characters, and others
against

Of Modeft Sentiments. 61
againſt the Contrivance and the Plot. He
ſays, the Paſſions are not nicely touch'd, that
the Characters are tortur'd ; and he would
with his Teeth , than grant that
theſe Comedies are good. Colinet's Intellect is
too weak, to perceive the Beauties of an Ex-
cellent Piece. He wants Taſte and Judgment;
and out of an ill-natur’d Jealouſy, refuſes pub-
lickly, to the Maſters eminent in the ſame Art,
thoſe Praiſes he is forc'd to give them in private
with himſelf.
'Tis from the ſame Principle a Man loves to
praiſe himſelf, and is averſe to another's Com-
mendation. Tell me, Sylveſter, why won't
you approve in Cleanthes, what deſerves your
Approbation ? Every body extols to the Skies
the Noble Action he lately perform'd : You
only are diſturb’d and alarm’d, and not Maſter
of your Indignation and Animoſity. Does
your Reputation ſuffer, by the great Fame he
has obtain'd? Do you think any Prejudice is
done you, by giving him the Praiſes he has fo
well deſery'd?
Men have been for a long Time told, they
ought not to commend, or talk of themſelves :
Which Point, if they could once gain, they
would be more to be commended. But in
vain you attempt to convince them, that this
one Foible is ſufficient to leſſen our
Idea of their
Merit, and has a quite contrary Effect to their
Deſign of procuring Eſteem. The Habit is
grown inveterate, and too obſtinate to be retti-
ded. An Author will talk eternally of his
Works, and (without Scruple) facrifice to him-
felf..

Dominica
Parts of
ſelf. A Man of the Sword will be vaunting
his Exploits and a Woman muft have a great
Fund' of Difcretioit, not to celebrate her own
fuppos d'Accomplishments in The Reaſon why
the World abounds with ſuch as talk of them
felves, and always determine in favour of their
own Merit, is, that they are convinc'd of it,
and would have others fo too. But 'tis a
wretched Miſtake, to ſet up for one's own Pa-
negyritt.
Ti mot Sv!! ODSTOT ei si a isto on
Talk not of your ſelf, your Birth, Efate, br
If you have any Extraordinary Quali-
ties, leave it to others to diſcover and com-
mend them. All the Good or Ill you can ſay
of your ſelf, will 1100 remove People's Preju-
dices concerning you ; but will rather effectual-
ly convince tliem you are fond of Praiſe.
If Men could get rid of their Paſſion to be
prais'd for all they do, they would be leſs ex-
pos'd to the Deception and Railleries of thoſe
everlaſting Encomiaſts, who ſpy out their blind
Sides, and treat them as their Cullies. Tis
not for want of being often caution'd, that
theſe concerted Praiſes are pure Irony, and a
by kind of Satyr on their Faults, that they
don't perceive, or in the leaſt fufpeá it. But as
they are the firſt to blind themſelves, 'tis no
hard Task for others to miſlead them, by theſe
illegitimate ſtupifying Praiſes, which they think
they but too much deſerve.
Be ever upon your Guard againſt the Ap-
plaufes given you to your Face ; for Men have
generally ſome Deſign, or fecret Intereſt, in
2132
ſuch
SA
DEOASIW

Of Moden Sentiments.
69
5 bro wyniyil
ſuch Praiſes : Either they mean to laugh at
you, and divert themſelves at your Expenice;
or elſe to engage you in their Intereſts, and an-
tieipate your Recompeirce with this previous
Incenſe.
a
We are not fillily to give Credit to thoſe
that flatter us, nor yet rudely to reject the Com-
pliments they make, when we think we de-
ſerve them. This falſe Modeſty is little leſs dif-
guitful than a fooliſh Vanity. It requires great
Art and Delicacy, to ſeaſon Praiſes well, but
there's alſo a way of Receiving them, when
they are juſt, that does not offend Modefty.
y Praiſe is a Sort of Tribute paid to Real
Worth: And 'tis neither affectedly to be re-
jected, nor too eagerly courted, if we would
not be the Property of thoſe that give it ; who
prepare their way by this Allurement, to ob-
taihi whatever they defire, when once you are
intoxicated with their Incenſe.
If we don't flatter our felves, the Praiſes
given us will neither inſpire Pride nor Pre-
fumption : We ſhould not ſuffer our felves to
be enchanted by the Voice of theſe bewitching
Syrens, that fo agreeably decoy us. Theſe
Praiſes, ſo artfully manag'd, are a kinds of
Coin the Cunning uſe to compaſs all their In-
tentions. nito
Unleſs a Man be ſtupid, or over-run with
a ridiculous Vanity, he can't avoid perceiving
another's Intentions, who flatters him grolly
and openly. But there's need of great Atten-
tion, to ward off the Blows of a politick In-
finuation, and more cleanly Flattery. How
many

64 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
5
Praiſe.
many Women, who thought themſelves very
ſtately, and paramount to the common Infir-
mities, have been ſeduc'd by theſe Counterfeit
Praiſes, and paid great Favours for a few ob-
liging Words?
Methinks Praiſes are not of ſo uncommon
or valuable a kind, as to be ſought after with
ſo much Paſſion ; ſince we find them proſtitu-
ted without either Choice or Diſtinction.
They that are fo fond of them, ſhould there-
fore ftudy to do Actions meriting ſubſtantial
But I caution them farther, to cure them-
felves (if poſſible) of that Itch, of quoting
their own Names at every turn. They have
Atill a wonderful Faculty at reducing the Dif-
courſe to their own Perſons and Actions, be it
never ſo remote; which is a ridiculous Weak-
neſs they are not themfelves aware of. They
think, by praiſing themſelves, to procure the
World's Efteem ; while they do but make
themſelves deſpicable and impertinent. We
feel a double Pain, in hearing People talk to
their own Advantage ; in that the Praife they
give themſelves, ſeems to humble thoſe that
hear it; and again, that they endure the Con-
fraint of not daring (in Decency) to contra-
dict them. To what Perſecutions do they
expoſe themſelves, who pretend to Complai-
fance ?
What Torture 'tis, to hear Favorinus impur
dently boaſt his Deſcent from a Family diſtin-
guiſh'd by the Sword ; and cite the Names of
his Anceftors, ſignaliz'd in the firft Employs of
PI
the

of Modeſt Sentiments. 65
ſhe has any
the Kingdom ; whereas his Extraction was ex-
tremely mean, and all his Forefathers (in a
Succeflion) have meaſur'd Cloth and Rib-
bon.
I sitios
We can't deny but Fauftina has Merit, yet
ſhe ſpoils it by lier Greedineſs of Praiſe. She
very affectedly asks you, what you think of her
Shape and Wit? Whereupon the enters on a
diſagreeable Detail ; and tells you, without
more ado, ſhe has a Taſte and Delicacy, Eyes
large and killing, a Shape fine and eaſy. If
Faults which ſhe is oblig'd to own,
ſhe leſſens them, and makes them up by ſome
fine Part or other.
How are we to anſwer People of this Chara-
éter ? We laugh at them in our Sleeves : We
make as if we applauded them ; reſerving to
our ſelves the Privilege of expoſing them aloud
in private. The Vanity they diſcover, who
praiſe themſelves without Shame or Reſerve,
diſgufts all Mankind. Glory's a Portion every
one lays Claim to. We have all naturally an
Ambition, that can't ſuffer any thing above us ;
whereas we have as naturally an Indulgence, for
all that truckle and ſtoop to us.
The Task is difficult, to retain modeft Senti-
ments in an exalted Station. Great Poſts, the
Luſtre of Riches and Favour ; Things of this
Sort naturally inſpire Pride and Preſumption,
and make People believe they are not oblig'd
to Abundance of little Reſpects, and ſo they
eaſily diſpenſe with them. Thoſe that ſolicit
them, and have Occaſion for their Credit, paſs
by theſe Incongruities without complaining.
The


66 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
The Cuſtom they contract, of treating every
body without Reſpect, and living in Indepen-
dance, by degrees effaces all the Sentiments of
Modesty they poffeſs’d in a leſs proſperous For-
urne. Tirs
fod yrab iso 9
- Unleſs we be very watchful over our ſelves,
proportionably as we increaſe in Wealth and
Favour, or arrive at great Preferments 3 we
dwindle in Efteem, thro' the haughty Demea-
nour we aſſume, and the Notionis of Pride thoſe
Poſts poffefs us withpede cuillit bis 9913
That which gives me ſo much Admiration
for Livia, is that hér-great-Exaltation has not
chang d her Sentiments. Being ftill Miftreſs
of her felf, and of her Thoughts and Paffion,
ſhe continues much above her Fortune. We
find not in her Looks that unwelcome Pride,
which in others daunts the Approaches of
their Votaries. Her dafy and encouraging Ac-
ceſs, emboldens the mor Timerous with a Dea
gree
e of Affurance. She is the freelt Woman of
ker Intereft, which ſhe never employs, but to
oblige ſuch as make their Application to her, or
are in a helpleſs Condition. 92
It ought to be proclaim'd, in Houſes and
publick Places in Cities and Countries, in
Churches and on the Houfe-tops. to incul-
cate into Youth; That the Loſs of Reputation
and Innocence, is of the Nature of thoſe Things
that can never be retriev d. Let them be cir
cumſpect, to avoid the Snares laid for their
Virtue, and the Flatteries that only to bem
tray them. The Precipices that are dug under
grid aislamon
their

Of Modeft Sentiments.
67
their Feet, are cover'd with Roſes, but
their Fall is accompanied with Difgrace and
Deſpair. bros oj
Modeſty becomes all forts of Characters;
but 'tis fo eſſential to fome Profeſſions, that
'tis degrading one's felf, and abſolutely fhrink-
ing from one's Dignity, to relax in this par-
ticular. What Contempt have we not for a
certain fort of Men, upon hearing them dif-
courſe of their Love-Intrigues, and giving the
Hiſtory of their Adventures, with an Air of
Aſſurance incident only to Sots, who obſerve
no Decorun, and diſgrace themſelves with
Diſcourſe fo inconſiſtent with their Condi-
tions.
ed: fool
A Man of Honour ſhould never give him-
ſelf the Liberty of too free Diſcourſe, favour-
ing of Lewdneſs or Libertiniſm, chor utter am-
biguous Words, offenſive to good Breeding,
thof the Looſeneſs of the Age ha's bul too
much encouragte that Pratice. Tis failing in
the Reſpects we owe to Women, to uſe fuch
Talk before them but it would become the
Ladies themſelves to be more reſerv'd upon
this Subject, and not ſuffer any thing too free or
inconſiderate to eſcape them, from whence we
might draw ill Conſequences as to their Con-
duct. I ſuppoſe Enone does not underſtand De-
licacy, and tis rather the Fault of her ill Breed-
ing, than a ſign of Lewdneſs in her, that ſhe in-
dulges too grofs Diſcourſe of a double meaning.
She talks too freely before every Body of cer-
tain Particulars relating only to her Self and
her Husband, which there's no occaſion the
Publick

68
Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Publick ſhould be inform'd of. Slie was once
fufficiently mortified with an Anſwer Evander
gave her. She deſir'd hiin to conduct her to
the Italian Comedy: He mildly told her, that
Comedy was too loofe for Men, and that at
preſent none but Ladies durft ſhew their Faces
there, and laugh heartily at the Obſcenities
that appear’d there without the covering of
clean Linnen. Enone was in no Expectation
of ſuch an Anſwer; and tho' ſhe be not natu-
Tally Shame-fac’d, ſhe was totally Diſconcer-
ted, and all the Company ſtood amaz’d at her
Confuſion. modo gostilib bas
That which ſhould be chiefly recommended
to a Young Lady, juft entring upon the World,
is, the Choice of the Company fhe ought to
keep. A Maid that has ſpent all her Youth
in Retirement, as in a Nunnery, is all at once
expos’d to the wide World, as to the Sea full
of Shelves and Rocks : She has neither Practice
nor Experience, and the firft Impreſſions that
are given her, determine her either to Good or
Evil. If the falls into ill Hands, the Exam-
ples of Vice before her Eyes, ſcandalous Dir-
courſes, libertine Companies, all theſe inſen-
ſibly ruin her Vertue, and by degrees embolden i
her in Vice.
of 28 punto
Let a Woman be never fo Handfome, if
ſhe be not Modeft, her Beauty will have little
effect. Modeſty ſets off Merit with a new Lu-
ftre, and is probably the Defect of this Vertue,
that of late has brought Women into ſome
Diſcredit, and degraged them from that Aus
or HoTToon tot sonde ebris thority..
Dildot

Of Modeſt Sentiments.
69
thority, which a little Reſerve might have con-
tinu'd over the Minds of Men. They ſtill,
out of Decency, preſerve fome Meaſures till they
are provided for: But it ſeems Marriage diſpels
the Reliques of Shame.
A Young Maid, weary of Domeſtick Diſci-
pline, ſeeks to ſhake off the uneaſy Yoke, and
perſuades herſelf that Matrimony is a commo-
dious Tranſition to a more Libertine Life. She
only waits for this Opportunity to declare her-
ſelf, thinking then to be emancipated from the
Servitude of ra Maiden Character; and upon
this Bottom, the no longer is at the Pains to con-
ftrain herſelf with Demureneſs and Punetilio's.
Tis certain, Women after Marriage are as
much obligd to Modeſty as before ; and yet
upon the change of their Condition, they take
great Liberties. What Diſorders has Matri-
mony introduc'd into Felicia's Conduct? We
find an univerſal Revolution in her Temper;
the ſcarce durft lift up lier Eyes, whilft un-
der her Mother's Wing, and all her Anſwers
to wliat was faid to her, were in Monofyl-
BO
SIST oris Besont sous
Her Modeſt Air, accompanied with a gen-
teel Reſerve, procur'd her Repeat even as
Young as the was: All of a ſudden ſhe's
grown Bold and Infolent, and carries the Hu-
mour even to Impudence. Her Diſcourſes, and
Songs, and Table; cauſe the leaſt ſcrupulous Men
to bluſh. She takes a greater Quantity of
Snuff, and drinks more Wine than the ſtancheſt
Dragoon, regardleſs of her Rank and Birth,
bologul
which
lables.


on Politeneſs.
70
which ſhe leffens by the Liberty ſhe takes.
She ſtoops to Converſations unbecoming her,
and is no ways concern'd that the whole Town
is acquainted with the Hiſtory of her Gal-
lantries.
po
'Tis inconceivable that women can reſolve
to proſtitute their Reputations as they do, by
their ſcandalous Condu&t. What Tranquility
attends the Life of a ogood Woman ? I What
Luſtre and Eminence does Vertue give her?
But then it is not enough that this Vertue
is merely ſuperficial , it muſt be well prin-
cipl d and rooted in the Soul. A Woman
not well reſolved of her own Sentiments, makes
no long Reſiſtance againfto the Applications of
a Man, who knows the Situation of her Heart.
Some Motives of Fame and Pride ſupport a
little a Woman's Weakneſs, who wavers about
the Refolution the ſhould take, like an under-
mind Iron betwixt the Loadſtones of Vertue
and Inclination. We live not in an Age
wherein Women, ſuſpected of Debaucheries,
were condemn'd to walk upon Red-hot
Coals; thoſe that eſcap'd the Teſt uninjur'd
by the Fire, were juſtified ; but thoſe that the
Fire had 110 refpe&t for, were look'd on as
guilty. 'Tis a great Happineſs for many in
our Days, that this Ordeal Trial is entirely laid
aſide. Hold Hobuco
That great Affectation of Vertue a certain
fort of Women make a ſhow of, to dazzle the
World and conceal their Motions, inſtead of
gaining them Efteen, renders them but more
Do
fufpected;

Of Modef Sentiments.
71
ſuſpected ; and we deſpife them yet the more,
when we come to unravel the ſecret Myſtery
of their pretended Modeſty. If Floricia had
taken care to burn her little Cabinet before
fhe died, he had preſerv'd her Reputation,
and ever been remembred as a Modeſt and Re-
gular Woman. She had manag'd her little
Correſpodencies with that Secrecy, the Publick
ſhould not in the leaſt have ſuſpected them ;
nor durſt have imagin'd the leaſt Weakneſs in
her, in ſo great an Eſteem was ſhe for a ver-
tuous Reputation. What Surprize was occa-
fion'd by the opening this fatal Box, which
produc'd convincing Evidence of her Intrigues
and Inclinations !1, 2017 for lura w
'Tis 110 Ingredient of Modeſty to ſcratch the
Faces of People that tell you fofer things,
that proftrate themſelves before you, or, let
you ſee their Paſſions. The Modeſty I contend
for, has nothing wild and extravagant in it.
Old-faſhion'd Gentlewomen , pretending to
gocd Morals, think they can't be untractable
enough; that a Woman, to be ſtately, muſt be
ſmart and ſevere on ſuch as take any Free-
dom in her Preſence and art nanoW À
Modeſty is of mighty uſe to ſecure all the
other Vertues ; when once we leap the Bounds
of that, we fall into Inſolence, and often
abandon our ſelyes to great Diſorders, becauſe
we have loſt the Bridle that, reſtrain'd us.
The Cafe is muclvlike that ofla Town be-
fiegłd , the Outworks are first to be taken
before we can aſſault the Fortreſs. Thus, a
Woman

72 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
oute
Wonian, when attack'd, if ſhe has Vertuous
Inclinations, will make a long Defence : She
does not Surrender upon the firſt Approach. But
if the grows tame and tractable, and quits the
Counterſcarp of a becoming Pride, ſhe'll
quickly find herſelf ftraitend in her Poſt, and
reduc'd to farther Inconveniencies than fhe at
firſt imagin'd. 937 zorosbolano
If we can't entirely get rid of our Paſſions,
we ought, at leaſt, to be very careful to con-
ceal them. The Eyes of the World are in-
inquiſitive and intent upon us, and when once
it can di cover a weak Part to break in upon
us, it gives no quarter.
We muſt not wait for the Dregs of Age
to be vertuous, if we expect the Acknow-
ledgments of the Publick. Your Wantons
grow Vertuous when they can't be otherwiſe:
To ſpeedy old Age brings Wrincles and
Remorſes all at once : Paint, inſtead of
inaking them more Beautiful, renders then
but the Loathſomer: Their Cullies are un-
deceived, and no longer caught by their bor-
rowd Charms. 25 dlou so svol bus terre!
A Woman that has been Handſome, and
whoſe Beauty begins to i starnith and decay
thro' Age, flatters herſelf ſhe is ſtill paſſable :
Tho' her too faithful Glaſſes repreſent the
Ridges and Furrows in her Cheeks, the fa-
tisfies herſelf with her fair Complexion, which
the ſtudiouſly cultivates with all the Art fhe
cans; but all her Precautions will be of little
uſer to her, 10 srij thuis en 9w 91019
IMOW
I can't
2

Of Modeft Sentiments,
73
I can't comprehend the Politicks of ſome
Women, who finding themſelves deſtitute of
Charms, think to make up in Ornament
what Nature has denied in Beauty. An
ly Woman in fine Trapp ngs and Accoutre-
ments, is doubly ſo. When the Deformity
is by itſelf, it is leſs obſerv'd; but being ſet
off with Gaudy Drapery and Gold Garnitare,
it receives an additional Diſagreement from
the Luſtre of this Equipage. The Fire and
the Brilliant of a Diamond makes the black
hue of the Complexion more Conſpicuous',
which was, as it were, hid and benighted in its
own Darkneſs.
We don't pretend abſolutely to condemn
in Women the Care of their Adjuſtments :
'Tis what is pardonable, provided it be mo-
derate ; as being a kind of Amuſement com-
porting with their Character, and giving
them fome Motion in that great Inactivity
of their Lives : But the Expences they are
at for its ought to bear proportion with their
Quality and Fortune. 'Tis ridiculous for
Tradeſmens Wives to be trick'd up like
Dutcheſſes. In well-regulated Governments,
every one is known by his Habit; no Body
dares wear a certain Colour, nor exceed the
Price allotted to his Condition. The Li-
cenſe of Cloaths in England is prodigious.
Every Body follows his own Caprice, and
governs himſelf only by his Ability. Some
even go beyond the Limits of their Power,
and injure their Fortunes by their immo-
derate Pomp. Women of a mean Degree
E
ought

74 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ought to be employ'd in other Thoughits,
who are nevertheleſs more folicitous about
their Dreſs, than the niceſt Players; and
aſſume a Deportment that wounds the Rules
of Modeſty and Decorum.semo
I think that Solicitude of ſome People, to
appear younger than they are, is very ridicu-
lous : 'Tis a childiſh Vanity to diſguiſe our
Age: Tis more eaſily pardonable in Wo-
men than in Men: Their Youth makes a
Part of their Merit; but do a few Years,
more or leſs, deſtroy the Merit of a Man of
Worth? Felina, who is Fosty Years old at
leaſt, repeats it Fifty times a Day, that ſhe is
but Eight and Twenty: We ſneer at her for
her Pains, ſince the Wrinkles of her Forehead
are unexceptionable Teſtimonies to the con-
trary, Princeſſes in this are more unfortunate
than other Women : They can't conceal their
Age, becauſe their Birth-Days are ſpecified in
all the Almanacks. 9
The Glory of a Woman confifts not in
the Noiſe her Beauty makes, but rather in
the Regularity of her Conduct; for what
Contempt have we for certain Ladies who
are full of Charms? Yet whoſe licentious
Carriage depretiates the Merit of their Beauty,
and who, in ſpight of it, are conſider'd
but as ſo many Cracks; whereas a little
Modeſty would make them reverenc'd and
eſteem'd. vii yd ylio
Thoſe Women that appear ſo ſtarch'd and
prim, are always ſuſpected by me: The truly Ver-
songo TESIS do
quic? tuous
។
190007

Of Modeft Sentiments.
75
tuous underſtand not ſo much Nicety. They
Talk and Act ſincerely, with a becoming
Freedom; while the others have more My-
ſtery and Deſign. 'Tis moſt certain, that
Modeft Ways embelliſh all Things; and we
can't withſtand the loving and eſteeming Mo-
deſ People. This Sentiment has ſomething of
Self-love compriz'd in it; for as thoſe that
would riſe above us and their own Condition,
provoke our Animoſity and Indignation; ſo
thoſe whoſe Modeſty retains them in due
Bounds, and gives us the Precedence, eaſily
poſſeſs our Inclinations and Eſteem. We muſt
not abuſe and cruſh thoſe Perſons who thus
ſtoop to us out of pure Civility, it being
but Juſtice to return Complaiſance for Com.
plaiſance schon sa Veste
to noong and success to
79gor er en tastisk
mon moito og
-- 1
PDF
-ISTYSRUS A
Billom nº 17292
ir rent resorts
so of ggrava
otis priibious brush woats go vidoza
ud Tootsi yhemotherbolt on totum
97s resit body 413 SMD
- 2 livid Or I toodWefore
vederli bir sogari yod Seite ei vigu
- TO 7310 bily
S01 199 doo
-0% I truallibii 9101 E 2 girifort ris Of
1911is :10 so ILi ne sam yar
- Inuorio ocurT 20 19:10
usists

76
valloit om o son baslaobou a fost
via A bhe 1157
egint medits EN
no solo en el seu brindinis
Of DISCRETION and RESERVE. 5
03 ori in to vi i Sigog svol-192
noizbaised benar svodson I low
>TIS impoſſible to be Polite unleſs you are
Diſcreet, Diſcretion puts a Man in Pof-
ſeſſion of himſelf, and makes him Maſter of
his Words and Actions, the Caſts of his Eyes
and Motions of his Face; ſo that nothing
eſcapes him repugnant to Decorum, or Offen-
ſive to the Company he keeps. The Diſcreet
Man perfectly diſtinguiſhes the Rank, Cha-
racter and Genius of People; the Situation of
their Souls, their Intereſts; what is proper
to impart to them, or conceal from them,
without giving them Pretenſions of Com-
plaint : Eſpecially he avoids prying into their
Secrets, or meddling with their Affairs, any far-
ther than they are pleas'd with him. This
Precaution is of mighty Advantage to the
preſerving his own Quiet, and avoiding the
Reproaches the Indiſcreet commonly incur by
being over-buſy in Matters where they are
not deſird. Without Diſcretion, Civil So-
ciety is nothing but Fatigue and Hurly-burly,
for we ought ever to keep a guard over our-
felves, that nothing drop before indiffent Peo-
ple, which they make an ill uſe of; either
by revealing a matter of Trust, or circum-
ſtantiating

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve. 799
ftantiating it by our Invention, with Partie
culars never thought of. We may reckon it a
diſcover'd Treaſure in Life, to find a Diſcreet
Man, to whom we may fafely open our Souls
in Things of greateſt Secrecy and Importance
Happy we pronounce him who has found this
Phænix! He ought to be thankful to Heaven
for ſuch a Diſpenſation of its Bounty, yet
which fo feldom happens.
2n The way to live happily with all ſorts of
People, is to be attentive to whatever we
fay or do; to carry our felves eafily betwixt
contrary Intereſts, without engaging in their
Diſputes any farther than Decency requires.
We are carefully to prevent any Words eſca-
ping, that may be ill interpreted by a fort of
People uſed to impoiſon every Thing they
hear : Much leſs are we to take the Liberty
of talking of the falſe Steps and ill Manage
ments of others; or of fatyrizing their Im-
pertinencies. It often happens, that a Jeit
makes a Man your irreconcilable Enemy, who
might otherwiſe have done you eſſential Ser-
vices, had you but known how to cultivate his
Friendſhip. : on evili
Ti When People fail to pay us thoſe Reſpects
and Civilities we have a right to, we ought
not bluntly to tax them with ſuch an un-
feemly Demeanour; for theſe Omiſſions pro-
ceeding not from Malice, or a premeditated
Deſign, ſhould be excus'd on Confideration
of their good Intentions. The Noiſe and
Bluſtering we make under theſe Circum-
Atances brings the Fault to our own Door
and
sunod
E 3

78 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
and Apologizes for thoſe we had reaſon to
complain of.
o nocons on aislu
The deſire of miſchieving People we hate,
makes us Atudious to diſcover whatever may
give them Trouble : But 'tis muchoworſe when
we peremptorily upbraid them to their faces
with mortifying Reflexions. Such kind of In-
diſcretions have commonly unlucky Reſults ;
they provoke fierce Replies, which cut us to
the Quick, The Perſon affronted hearkens
only to his Reſentment, and breaks thro' all
Meaſures to his Revenge. T9 OJ :ob to v
Diſcretion, which keeps us upon our Guard
and Good behaviour, contributes towards form-
ing our Minds; it retains us under a certain
Diffidence of our felves, which makes us vigi-
lant, and cautious to do nothing obnoxious
to juft Cenſure : Whereas thoſe Blunderbuffes
who are extreamly confident of themſelves,
live without Precaution, as not the deaft fuf-
peeting they have any handle for Reproach.
They conſider themſelves as accompliſh'd Crea-
tures; and think 'tis pity but the Publik faw
them with the ſame Eyes. To both
The Generality of Men live not by Reaſon,
but by Prejudices and the Movements of their
Paſſions, which is the Cauſe they are ſuch
Delinquents againſt Equity o andan Juſtice.
Every thing appearing thro' a Paſſion, ſeems
Lawful, or of little Conſequence : And this
is the Source of thoſe Reproaches and Quar-
rels that ariſe ſo often in the Commerce of
the World, and baniſh all Satisfaction out of
it. This makes Reconciliations fo difficult;
becauſe

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve. 79
becauſe every one fancies he has a right to
quarrel, and throws all the blame upon his
Neighbour.
biri olan ortas
The Diſcretion I ſpeak of, affifts us to do
Juſtice, both to our ſelves and others.. We ex-
pe&t Submiſſion and Complaiſance, whilft we
treat People with Pride, Severity, and Rude-
neſs : We have a violent Fondneſs for our
felves, and require Deference from all the
World. Should we not therefore reſpect
others, and treat them as we would be trea-
ted our felves. This is the fundamental Law
of Commerce, the Breach whereof occaſions
ſo many Injuries we ſee in the World, and ſo
many Complaints. We daily hear of the ill-
dealing of fome People, who ſeem Born only
for themſelves, and reckon all the reſt of Man
kind as Cyphers. res obuolonso
1. When People, from a friendly Acquain-
tance come to a Rupture, 'tis the Cuſtom to
fall Tooth and Nail upon one another. Each
attempts to juſtify his Proceedings and ſilly
Pretences, and expoſe the other to all the
Blame, and to ſucceed the better in this De-
fign, ſtrives to lay what load of Odium he
can upon his new-made Enemy: Nay, what
is yet more Criminal, he abuſes the Confi-
dence repofed in him in the days of Amity,
and reveals the Secrets which ought to be
buried in Eternal Silence, in Conſideration of
former Friendſhip. Here you ought not ſo
much to regard this Perſon's preſent Diſpoſition
towards you, as the reciprocal Endearmerits of
Eteenx and Friendſhip which cemented your
Acquain


80 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Acquaintance. Tis a kind of Treachery to
take Advantage of a Secret, when you ceaſe to
be the Author's Friend.
ob If you have not Genius and Smartneſs
enough to Repartee; upon the ſpot, to an art-
ful and keen Rallery that runs upon indiffe-
rent Subjects, have at leaſt the Diſcretion to
keep in your Reſentment. Seem to be diver-
ted, and to laugh at it one of the firſt: Thoſe
that are difturb'd with Innocent Wit, paſs for
odd-humour'd and ill-natur'd People. Com-
monly ingenious Rallery makes deeper Im-
preffion, and goes farther to the Cure of an
Infirmity, than ſerious and argumentative
Diſcourſe. Emilia has been fo often laugh'd
at for her Conceitedneſs, that ſhe is at laft
recover'd from it. She no longer quotes, on all
Occaſions, the Dutcheſſes and Marchioneſs her
Couſins. She has been given to underſtand, that
that fooliſh Vanity render'd her deſpicable. She
is now one of the firſt to ridicule herſelf, well-fa-
tisfied that this Itch of Talking of her noble Birth
was ridiculous, and infinitely ungrateful to thoſe
that were oblig'd to endurefuch kind of Diſcourſe.
Si There are no Circumſtances of Life wherein
we have greater need of Difcretion, and ought
to be more on our Guard, to ſay or do no-
thing againſt Politeneſs, than when we are usi-
juſtly reproach'd, and impertinently cenſur’d.
Tis hard to govern our ſelves in ſo delicate a
Conjuncture. Our Blood riſes at the Folly or
Ill-nature of thoſe that deny Juſtice to our
Merit and Vertue; and a Man muſt have a
great Command of himſelf, not to ſay ſome-
igno A
thing

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve. 81
thing harſh, to let them fee we are affronted :
But tis a kind of Triumph, to bridle our Paf-
fion, and ſpare People that are diſreſpectful and
undeſerving of a sort out
soit : 2092
What Moderation was obſerv'd in Flavia,
whilſt the Counteſs of Maigret lafh'd lier Con-
duct with ſuch unſufferable Reproaches ? Thre
Company was very numerous, and that one
Circumſtance would naturally have increas'd
her Spleen : For all that, (ſtill Miſtreſs of her
Paſſion ,) the let not one angry Word eſcape
her, tho' the other talk'd moſt bitter and vexa-
tious Things : Contenting her ſelf with a mo-
deſt Juſtification, to clear off fuch unjuſt Suſpi-
cions , ſhe thank'd her Ladyſhip for her Pains.
This Conduct nettled her more ſenſibly, than if
The had replied to her in her own Strain. s All
"the Company was convinc'd of Flavia's Inno-
cence, and offended at the Infolence and In-
diſcrétion of the Counteſs.com onitnessa di
Women can't be over-ſolicitous to prevent
Scandal. 'Tis no very good Sign, to ſet up for
Bravery in this particular, and to defpife vul-
gar Report. Muſt the Caprice of the World
(ſay they ſometimes) be our Rule to live by?
What Occaſion for all this Noiſe ; fince there's
jothing in our Commerce, that can wound the
tendereſt Eye ? They imagine, perhaps, that
ſuch like Sentences are a full Juftification : But
the World is not tractable and credulous
enough, to take up with theſe falſe Reaſonings.
He that could teach himſelf ſo much Re-
ſerve, as not to meddle in others Affairs, nor
talk of their Faults, would ſave himſelf a great
many
ES

82 Reflexions, upon Politeneſs.
many Mortifications, and unhappy Troubles.
Don't curiouſly examine what your Neighbours
do. Don't be witry upon them for their falſe
Steps ; nor ſo much as ſeem to perceive them,
ſince you are not accountable to the Publick for
what they do. Whiy muſt you take upon you
the Charge of Reforming the City ?
The firſt Thought that occurs upon ſight of
a deſerving Book, is to find Fault with it,
and ſeek Arguments to leſſen its Reputation.
This firſt Motion is not always free, but eſcapes
us whether we will or not, becauſe Self-love
makes us fpitefully behold whatever gives
others a Pre-eminence, and ſets them above
us. But at leaſt we ſhould have the Diſcretion
to conceal our Sentiments, and not be too ſe-
vere on a Piece that preſents us with great
Beauties.
163 zene saugi
'Tis a common Infirmity with moſt people,
to determine upon every Thing, in order to
convince the World of their Wit and Judg-
ment. But the Raſhneſs of their Deciſions
has a quite contrary Effe&t to what they de-
ſign. They would not be thought ignorant of
any Thing; and yet diſcover groſs ignorance
upon the Subject in Debate. Beſides, Inclina-
tion (or Intereſt) throws them upon a wrong
Bias in their Determinations. They judge of
an Affair, according as they are well or ill in-
clin'd to the intereſted Perſon. Mean time, it
ſhould be every body's Endeavour to do all Peo-
ple Juſtice. Din
To jst st
To A arato, si abboula JO 28. srp]
de su sve blocure 101: 10 Tis

Of Difcretion and Reſerve, 83
'Tis impoſſible to have Diſcrétion, while we
are influenc'd by any powerful Paſſion ; and
yet that's the Time we have moft Occaſion for
it. How many Follies is a Husband put upon,
by an indiſcreet Jealouſy ? How many falſe
Steps, that ſerve only to exaſperate his Mind,
and augment his Misfortune ? A Man of this
Complexion, is equally afraid of his Friends
and Enemies, his Relations and Servants ; be-
coming ſuſpicious of every Thing that comes
near his Wife. What Torture does he give
himſelf, to diſcover a Secret he dreads the
knowing of, and which gives him indurable
Wounds, when he has throughly explor'd a
Myſtery he ought not to have div'd into, for
the Sake of his own Quiet?
We ought not to enquire into others Se-
crets, farther than they are willing we ſhould;
nor take it ill, if they refuſe to open their
Hearts to us. Tis much worſe, when
Cunning and Artifice to ſteal thoſe Secrets our
Friends are not willing to part with. This
indiſcreet Curioſity ſets them often againſt us ;
and makes them look upon us as unſociable
Creatures.
'Tis flattering and deceiving our ſelves, to
caſt the ill Succeſs of an Affair upon our Stars,
or ill Fortune, when Indiſcretion is at the bot.
tom of it; and we are only to blame our ir-
regular Conduct , Imprudence, or miſtaken
Statelineſs. We have faiļd in our Complai-
fance to thoſe whom the Buſineſs depended on,
and have not cultivated them at the Time we
had moſt need of their Aſſiſtance.
Carlos

84 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
310
Carlos is ever complaining that the World
is unkind to him; and that as ſoon as he un
dertakes any Affairs, he finds a Legion of ill-
deſigning People in the way, to croſs it. 'Tis
his own Fault': He purpoſely makes Enemies,
who take Vengeance of his cutting Scorn and
bitter Taunts, which he ſcatters in all Compa-
nies. Neither Men nor Women, the Court
nor City, the Sword nor Gown, are ſpard by
him. Tis a miferable Talent, to ruin one's
Fortune, for the Sake of pleaſing the Company
by a Jeft.
You are ſurpriz'd at the ill Succeſs of an Af-
fair, in which you giddily embarkd : Who
do you blame for it? If you had taken your
Meaſures better, you could not have faild in
your Expectations.
When a Man has done all that Reaſon, Pruna
dence, and the beſt Intelligence could ſuggeſt,
he ought to comfort himſelf, when the Suc-
cefs
proves
amiſs : But when the Buſineſs re-
ceives an unlucky Turn thro' our own Impru-
ſelves; and the Misfortune is not to be impu-
ted to the Malice of our Neighbours, who com-
monly have no Hand in the Matter.
Tis to little purpoſe , to make great Apo-
logies after the Miſcarriage of an Enterprize.
Ill Succeſſes can only be accounted for, to a few
intelligent and equitable People : The Herd
judges merely by Appearances ; and the fame
Actions are generally blam'd becauſe they were
unfortunate, which would have been cry'd up,
6 mont 10 but non b
CAS 01 Jet
dence, we have no body to blame but our
2013


Of Diſcretion and Referue. 85
if the Event had anſwer’d the Meaſures that
were taken.
otsvildt gunit
Fauftus has loſt his Reputation, in an Affair
that ought to have been attended with Glory,
He did all that a prudent and brave Man was
oblig'd to, either in reſpect to himſelf, or the
Publick. Jealous and ill-meaning People be-
ing intruſted with the Execution of the Pro-
ject, have play'd Counter-Engines, to break
his Meaſures ; but he being the only perſon
that had undertaken the Buſineſs, and war-
ranted the Event ; le alone ſuſtains all the
Envy and Shame, that are the uſual Reſults of
a great Enterprize when unſucceſsful.
The beſt Things, when they are unduly ma
nag’d, are offenſive and diflik'd. Don't be
over-prodigal of your fine Accompliſhments,
if you would have them always acceptable.
Great Treats, too often repeated, fatigue and
blunt the Appetite ; and ſo your chiefeſt Excel-
lencies grow inſipid, if you conſtantly produce
them. Whereas if you frugally manage your
Talents, they'll always have the Recommenda-
tion of Novelty, which infinitely ſets off the
leaſt of Things.
No body can deny Lyſimon to be a Man of
Merit ; but it makes the leſs Impreſſion, be-
caufe at the firſt Viſit he expoſes all he knows,
and wearies the Company with his unreaſona-
ble Eagerneſs to thew his Parts. He falls into
irkſome Repetitions, which are equally nauſe-
ous with the fame Diſhes ſerv'd up at different
Meals by the Help of fome Diſguize. This
is an important Leffon for thoſe that ſeek to
Ihine
-80A


86 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ſhine in Converſation ; who nevertheleſs fa-
tigue delicate Perſons with a Tautology of Sto-
ries, in all the Houſes they come into.
That violent Itch of ſome People to be talk,
ing at all, and upon all Subjects, is an infalli-
ble Sign, how fufficient they think them-
ſelves : But it is commonly as certain Convicti-
on to others of their Poverty of Wit, by Rea-
ſon of the Impertinences that imperceptibly
eſcape them, yet give them not the leaſt Di-
fturbance, en
Silence is the ſafer Option, for fuch as mean
to preſerve the Eſteem and Reputation they
have acquir'd. We are often obligd to Peo-
ple for ſaying not a Word : That Reſerve is at
leaſt a Foundation of a Doubt, whether they
have Senſe, or not : But we are paſt doubting,
when we have heard their Impertinencies.
Know your ſelf better, Celimon : You love
to talk of what you don't underſtand, for fear
of ſeeming ignorant of any Thing ; but you
utter Impertinencies, that move Compaſſion
in Men of Senſe. Had you not opend your
Mouth, they would ſtill have doubted of your
Ignorance; but you muſt needs convince the
World of it, and you have done it effe&u-
ally. ito at 292 pri
A Man ſhould even have the Diſcretion, to
ſpeak little of Things he underſtands best.
Thoſe that are ignorant of them, feel a ſecret
Indignation to ſee themſelves eclips d ; and un-
eaſily bear that kind of Superiority, which
Thews them their own Foible. If you deſire to
be loy'd and courted, conceal thole ungrateful
Accom-

Of Difcretion and Referve.
.
87
Accompliſhments yithat makes you confiderd
as a troubleſome Pedagogue.
.SISTEM
-11 Prcan't ſufficiently admire the Counteſs of
Savary's Reſerve. She knows all that's know-
able by Woman : Nothing eſcapes her, even
to Hiſtory, Philoſophy, Mathematicks : But
theſe are Parts of Knowledge the reſerves to
her ſelf, without importuning the Publick.
Scarce will her Indifference permit her to pur
in a Word, when in Company with Perſons,
who love to talk of more ſerious Things than
Goins and Petticoats.
The greateſt Talkers are not always beſt
eſteem'd. That wondrous Babble only dazzles
Fools, that admire theſe everlaſting Tongues ;
but rational People are not to be ſtunn'd with
Noiſe. They expect you ſhould utter reaſon-
able Things, and talk ſenſibly, and to the
pur-
poſe ; which is a harder Task than is ima-
I svig bis 1890 2uoinggal
Some People diſcover more Wit by their Si-
lence, than others do by their long Harangues ;
giving ſuch an Attention, as lets us fee they
nicely take whatever is ſaid to them. Be ſure
not to imitate the Lady Meillet, who makes an
horrible Noiſe before the has well enter'd the
Room, and ſet down. Without Regard to
the Perſon that's ſpeaking, fhe interrupts his
Diſcourſe, to ſputter out her frivolous News,
which none of the Company cares to hear. She
conteſts every Thing that others advance; and
alledges a Hundred Reaſons, to prove they un-
derſtand not what they ſay. They are perfect-
ly aſtonish’d, to fee with what Warmth the
gind. O VSE
con


88 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
contends for the moft trivial and indifferent
Matters, gogorsbo Tomaton on GS
We know not what Name to give the In-
diſcretion of thoſe, who delight to diſparage
themſelves, and ſtupidly publith Things that
taint their Reputation. How / many Women
do we ſee as fooliſh as the that ſaid, How delin
cious a Thing is it, to triumph over the Vigi-
lance of a jealous Husband? What Rage would
the Knowledge of our Happinefs give him?
Methinks there's ſomething wanting, whilft we
excuſe him the pain of knowing how he is 2012-
pos'd on. Let us tell it, to be revengºd of him.
Twas indeed a moſt Curious Hiſtory, for her
Husband to be inform’d of all the Particulars
of the Aſſignations ſhe had made her Gal-
lants ! 10 Hoon ucy Rooms
Son
- Tis a Sign of great Vanity, rather than good
Senſe, to be fond of talking much. The more
Ingenious hear, and give Fools leave to prat-
tle. People of little Brains have 17aturally a
great deal of Tongue; and they think to
make up that Deficiency, by perſuading others
they have Senſe; but they deceive none but
their Fellow-fools ; and 'tis miftaking their
Intereſts, to publiſh themſelves in this man-
ner. Totodaiwawob 1 bus
21 Difcretion is an admirable Veil, to hide ma-
nifeft Imperfections; and a politick Silence
ſkreens thoſe unperceiv'd Weakneſſes, which
are betray'd by the ſilly Diſcourſes that eſcape
us. We ought to be very cautious of talking
before judicious People, left we tread awry.
A Grave and Myſterious Mien may, at least,
make
102

Of Difcretion and Reſerve. 89
van bio
make it probable that we are fkill'd in the Bu-
lineſs treated on, and give us an Appearance of
Ability.
213 பெயdia
By ſpeaking little, we may gain ſome Eſteem
with an indifferent Merit. It was the Saying
of a wiſe Man, That we ſhould speak, if we
would be known : But it is eaſy to dig ace our
felves by ſpeaking. A Word inconſiderately
blurted out, ruins the great Idea, we had of
a Man, who affected a reſervd way, and ſpoke
in the Strain of an Oracle.
s Alcidon was always thought to have had an
extenſive Knowledge in all kinds of Learning,
whilft he vented only Monoſyllables ; but ſince
he has ſet up for a Critick, and will determine
like a Doctor upon all Sorts of Books, he has
diſcover'd the Weakneſs of his Judgment. He
approves the worſt Parts in a Piece, and damns
all that's good in it ; and ſo has undeceiy'd the
Publick, which before thought him a firſt-rate
Genius. Tis not always the beſt way to ſuf-
fer our ſelves to be ſeen thro', and diſcover'd to
be what we really are. a 12
Your Blockheads fpeak commonly more free
ly and eaſily, and with a more ſatisfy'd Air,
than Men of Senſe. The former have a fe-
cret Aſſurance that what they ſay is admira,
ble, and well receiv'd, and that their Diſcourſe
charms thoſe that hear them: And ſo it does
Fools. The others, who talk with more Re-
ſerve, Diſcretion and Reflexion, are leſs ventu-
rous; and as they are ſeldom fatisfied with
what lies uppermoſt, they give the others
leave to beat the Buſh, and throw out all
their

90 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
their Follies. A Man that has 110 regard to
Time, Place, or Perſons, boldly interrupts the
Diſcourſe another has begun , pretends to
dietate, and maims every Thing he meddles
with, talking in a loud and poſitive Strain
which every Body is amaz'd at; he alone ma-
king more Noiſe than a Dozen Women that
Sqaubble and Diſpute at once. He is not
ſenſible however, how contemptible his want
of Diſcretion makes liim, as having but an
ordinary Stock of common Senſe, and applaud-
ing himſelf for wretched Things utter'd with
a great deal of Aſſurance.ghalvorul siin its
The Reaſon why ſee we ſo many ſelf-conceited
Coxcombs in the World, who fancy they
merit Compliments and Applauſe, whilft they
are the Object of Rallery, is, that they don't
perceive what Character they are made to
aét : They are a People that i live without Re-
flexion, or treflex only to magnify the Idea
of their pretended Merit: If they have, by
Chance, any good Qualities intermix'd with
infinite Faults, they ſerve only to render them
more ridiculous and deſpicable, by the fooliſh
Confidence they poſſeſs them with. Here you
fee the Reaſon why ſo many Wretches ſprung
up from the Dregs of Populæce, but who by
their Induſtry, and commonly bafe Arts have
gotten Eftates, think that the Luſtre of Wealth
effaces all Stains and Imperfections, and liides
the Sordidneſs of their Origin from the Eyes
of he World. col DS 3 Ser bris
¿oo 90 oyla yaris tom79008 il envy
fis 0 Worry bere
Mod do od o les

Of Difcretion and Reſerve. 91
It's a very odd thing that Men who are ſo
fqueamiſh about their Reputation, and take ſo
much Pains to ſet off their good Qualities,
ſhould take ſo little Care to diſguiſe their
Faults. They are very vigilant at making
the beſt of all their Advantages ; which At-
tention deprives them of another they ought
to have, of keeping their Imperfections out of
ſight, which render them ridiculous, and cor-
rupt all their Merit : And what is ſtill more
incomprehenſible is, that theſe Imperfections
are commonly ſuch as are leaſt ſuitable to them,
and moft remote from their Profeſſion and
Character. Balzamon, an Eccleſiaſtick, fets
up for Beauetry and Foppery: He talks of
nothing but his kind Miftreffes, holds long
Diſcourſes with Women of Deſert, about
Matters of Beaſlineſs and Lewdneſs, but who
are amazd at his Indiſcretion and want of
Breeding, George is only a Merchant's Son:
His Father left the Shop fome few Years ago
to be a Courtier, to file off a little the Rult of
his Extraction ; and yet George boaſts of his
Anceſtors to Sparks that borrow his Money,
and have the Complaiſance to hearken to him
nay," he is inexhauſtible upon the Topick of
his Genealogy." He leads you from Geoffry to
King Arthur, with all the Hiſtory of their Ex-
ploits, which makes every body yawn
but thoſe
that borrow his Pence. Siis
Lively People ſhould ever beware of a Fault
they naturally fall into. They would always
ſparkle in Converſation, and ſcarce allow
others time to ſpeak a Word. n. Thofe that have
not

92 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
10
O 2
SI CF
not this bright Talent, impatiently hear their
Vivacity, which keeps them under Conſtraint,
and ſtops their Mouth.
I know not whether of the two Faults is
moſt blameable in a Young Man, a filly Ti-
morouſneſs , attended with a fheepiſh
and
awkward Look, which keeps him from open-
ing his Mouth ; or an impudent Preſumption
that Defines with a bold Air, Cenſures right
or wrong, Attacks the Conduct of all the
World, vents a Thouſand Fooleries, and then
careſſes himſelf for them: Both are equally
fooliſh 'Silence
of the one, than the Frothineſs and Vanity of
the other.
Have the Diſcretion in your Viſits to time
them well, that you may not be unwelcome
to the viſited Perſon. You ſtart from Homies
which, you are tir d of, to viſit People that
have important Buſineſs or domeſtick Trou-
bles, which require no Witnelſes: They have
no Leiſure to attend to inſignificant Tattle,
which you nevertheleſs vent with an Uncon-
cernedneſs that diſtracts them. Can't you read
in their Faces how burdenſome you are to
them ? If you do, why Should you, by the
unſeaſonable length of your . Compliments;
make them think you an Impertinent ? But
too vain, and full of their own
Merits to do themſelves Juſtices in this Par-
ticular. 70 stowed no bljeni luogt ylsvil
Don't ſhew your Face in Places where you
are not welcome, nor appear at certain Hourş
when your Company is unſeafunable : Tis a
lamen-
Men are too
JOTE

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve.
93
lamentable Character, that of an Impertinent
.
Stay at home, and trouble not People with
your Viſits that don't care for them. Is any
one ſo dullt of Apprehenſion, as not to per-
ceive the Diſpoſitions of thoſe Perſons to-
wards him where he goes ? If we perceive our
Company to be diſreliſh d, we muſt be loſt to
all the Sentiments of Honour, if we ſpare
them not the Uneaſineſs our importunate
Preſence gives them. Keep at home Argeliſa,
and bear the Tredium of your Solitude. Why
will you trouble Lucinda any more? She has
Twenty Times ſhut the Door againſt you:
She dreads you and your fatiguing Viſits :
Your Face gives her tlie Head. Ach and the
Vapours.no single head,
Diſcretion is never more requir'd than in
the Choice of Perſons to converſe with; the
moſt part of Converſations being ungrateful,
becauſe they are ill forted and contriv'd. Don't
unboſome your ſelf the firſt Viſit you make,
nor confide your Secrets to People that hardly
know you : But if you have a Diſcreet Friend,
of an experienc'd Probity, make no Myſtery of
them to him, give your ſelf up wholly to his
Sincerity, and expreſs an unreſerv'd Con-
fidence in hiin, if you would preſerve his
Friendſhip. Tout 10 2011
If People were Wiſe, they would make
their Choice betimes, and leave the World
before the World leaves them. The Young
ate tamazd to ſee ſuch as have grown grey,
and ſpent all their Days in Pleaſure, ſtill af-
fe& to act the agreeable Part, and make a
Figure

94 Reflexions upon Politeneſs. .
Figure, amongſt Youth, with their batter'd
and furrow'd Faces. Tis a forlorn Part they
act. But thoſe that Ridicule it when they
are Young, act the ſame over in their turn,
unable to reſolve to follow the Advice they
have given, and take the Reſolution of a Re-
treat, tho' they have no other Opinion left.
Lyſionne, at Seventy Six Years of Age, can't
live a Quarter of an Hour without a Crowd
about her. Is it not time to quit the Stage,
and entertain more ſerious Thoughts , when
People have only a few Days to live? The
Entrance on a retir'd Life is irkſome, after a
long Courſe of Years ſpent in the grand
Monde; but 'tis a ſort of Decorum the Publick
obliges us to, which reſents Old Age's living
after the Mode of Youth.
* 9Vsti so
L''Tis want of Diſcretion, and miſtaking a
Man's true Intereſt, to think of Pleaſing, when
the Seaſon of Agreeableneſs is over. A Man
or Woman, whom Age has disfigur'd, make
themſelves ridiculous, by affecting to be con-
liderd for their Qualifications, and mimicking
the Airs of Young People. Theſe, Affecta-
tions expoſe them to the Railleries of the
Youthful, who have always the Laughers on
their ſide. The Old may preſerve a Fund of
Reſpect, by the Supplies of their Affiſtance,
their Counſel, or their Credit ; and this they
ought to ſtick to : But they ſhould leave to
Youth the Merit of Pleaſing, as being a Pre-i
rogative that can't be ſafely diſputed them, nor
without bringing troubleſome Opponents on
their Backs.
e backsete 89 old997gs 901 Bos os. 197
You
smugis

of Difcretion and Reſerve, 95
You miſtake in your reckoning, if you think
to find only choice and agreeable People in
the World; for I muſt tell you you will oft-
ner meet with Fools and Impertinents of all
forts and fizes, with whom you muſt fami-
liarize, or baniſh your ſelf Converſation. 'Tis
a pleaſant Conſideration enough, that we
ſhould have Indulgence for thoſe that tire us :
We excuſe their Ruſticity, their Bluntneſſes,
and want of Complaiſance : But we pardon
not thofe tlaat gape in our Company, becauſe
our Vanity ſuffers by it: The Reſtleſnefs we
give them, is a ſign of their Contempt for our
Perſons or Diſcourſe.
There are a fort of troubleſome, unconver-
ſible People, who are always upon their Guard,
and believe every one has a deſign upon them.
Their Servants and Friends, their Wives and
Children are ſuſpected. They tell you, 'tis
Diſcretion to obſerve this Method ; and that
theſe Precautions are neceſſary, unleſs you
would be every body's Property; but with
their Pardon, I think 'tis rather an Extrava-
gance, and a ſign of ill Breeding : When we
have juſt Occaſions for miſtruſting People,
we ſhould effe&ually let them know our Dif-
fidence, that they may not prefume to deceive
us, nor make Choice of us for Bubbles. But I
would adviſe you to manifeſt no Suſpicion of
thoſe that mean no harm, becauſe your bad
Efteem of them, may probably provoke them
to play you ſome ſlippery Trick, which they
otherwiſe never deſign d. How
How many Hur-
bands have, as it were, compell’d their Wives
to

96 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
to be unfaithful to them ? How many Ma-
fters Thewn their Servants the way to Fal-
fhood, by unjuſt Mifruſts and ill-grounded Jea-
louſies som
Either we ought not to truſt our Secrets
with our Friends, or elſe truſt them without
reſerve: If you confide in them, why do you
uſe Subterfuges and Diſfimulaticn ? If you
don't, why do you
you reveal your Secrets, and
diſcover an Openneſs of Heart, which you
may afterwards repent of ? 'Tis fatiguing
and uneaſy to keep Company with ſuch as
you are oblig'd to diſguiſe your ſelf from,
left they ſhould penetrate into you; but 'tis
vaſt Indiſcretion and Extravagance to com-
municate Matters of Importance to them,
when you are not ſecure of their Honeſty or
Retention,
'Tis one of the moſt common (Weakneſſes
in Men, to make Offers of Service to all Peo-
ple alike, tho' their
Inſignificancy and Inability
are well known : The meaning is to make a
Figure for ſomething or other, and to allure
thie Crowd with vain Expectances : But the
Cullies are undeceiv'd, and find, when the
Occaſion ſerves, how their Credulity has been
abus d. 09:00
0 VNITO
Thoſe you have made a Promiſe to, have
a juſt Title to the Performance of it: And
indeed a Man ſhould promiſe nothing beyond
his Power, or unleſs he be very confident he
can make it good: But intereſted Perſons
don't uſe to be ſo exact: To engage others to
do them good Offices, they prêmife mutual
Returns;
07

Of Difcretion and Reſerve.
97
Returns, the hope of Retribution being a
mighty Spur to quicken them': But having
obtain'd their Deſires, the Engagements they
made are forgotten, and 'tis much if they
even remember thoſe that ſery'd them. There
is a time, when People more readily promiſe,
without thinking of keeping their Words;
which is, when the importunate Solicitor
wearies them with his Aſliduities. To get
rid of this Conſtraint, they promiſe what
they have no deſign to perform. He that has
any Diſcretion will retire when he finds himſelf
ſo often diſappointed.
'Tis not always with an Intention to benea
fit by your Inſtructions, that your Opinion is
ſo earneſtly demanded. 'Tis Commendation
and Applauſe you are courted for; and 'tis
eaſy enough to penetrate thro' ſuch a Diſguiſe,
and into the Sentiments of him that ſpeaks
to you. You have ſeverely criticis'd Clarion's
Piece that he has read to you ; but you clear-
ly miſtook his Sentiments; he is perſuaded
his Verſes are ſo excellent, that neither Boże
leau nor Dryden could make better. He ſeeks
to content his Vanity, by reading his Poetry
to his filly Admirers, who applaud him, and
intoxicate him with their Incenſe, To deal
with ſuch ſorts of People, we have need of
Diſcretion and Sincerity: We ouglit not to
tell them bluntly to their Faces, that their
Verſes are good for gothing ; nor ſhould
we be ſo cowardly as to excuſe their Extra-
vagances.
F
197
Whit

98 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
What pretence have you to ſet up for a
Cenſurer of Mankind ? Give others leave to
live after their own way, and keep your Re-
flexions to your ſelf. Don't go about to op-
poſe your ſelf to the Torrent; they have al-
ways liv'd in the ſame Faſhion, and you can't
put them out of their road. Why ſhould
you be concern'd at all the Impertinences they
utter, and Fooleries they do, if you are not
3 to anſwer for them? Be ſatisfied with not
being guilty of the like, and leave the World
to it ſelf. Herein Clorine's Difcretion is not
to be ſufficiently admir'd. She has a tranſeen-
dant Wit, and makes fo good uſe of it, as to
find her Account with all forts of People :
She riſes or falls in Proportion to the Capa-
city of thoſe the Converſes with. Men of
great Wit pleaſe her with their charming Con-
verſation, and Fools divert her by the Fooleries
that eſcape them ; fo that ſhe ſtill finds an
Expedient to be delighted with all Compa-
nies, of whatever Characters they conlift.
Thus all People ſhould behave themſelves,
to like and approve one another, which
would remove thoſe frequent Complaints of
the Uneaſineſs we find in converſing with the
World.
I am at a loſs to know wliy we feel a ſecret
Reluctance when others give us their Advice,
and a kind of Averfion to them for it. Tis a
ſign of great Merit, modeſtly to bear Remon-
ftrances, on what lide foever they come ; but
fome are ſo Proud and Tender, that the leaſt
Thing wounds them; they would be approv'd
for

Of Difcretion and Reſerve. 99
for every thing they do, tho' we have juft
Reaſon to reprehend them. Mean time they
fhould be thankful to People that would pre-
vent their running into Miſtakes, and are ſo
friendly as to open their Eyes in reſpect to the
irregularity of their Condaét. Ara Titiw baot
'Tis Cowardice to defert our Friends, when
they are abusid in their Abſence; we ought
to omit nothing for their Vindication, and
endeavour to ſtop the Mouth of unjuſt Re-
proach : But we ſhould not paſſionately take
their Parts in Frivolous Things, that neither
intereſt their Reputation nor their Fortune ;
according to the whimſical Methods of fome
People, who wantonly occaſion themſelves
perſonal Quarrels.
Diſcretion ſhould qualify the Reprimands
a Father gives his Children, if he would have
them prevail. Is a Maſter the better ſery'd
for his Paſſion to his Servants when they com-
mit a Fault? If to retrieve your Friend from
his erroneous Conduct, you expoſtulate an-
grily with him, your Remonſtances provoke
inſtead of correcting him. Thus a Husband
might eaſily prevent a Young Wife, un-
practis'd in the World, from taking bad Mea-
fures, and engaging in a Commierce deſtructive
to domeſtick Peace, if he had the Diſcretion
to diſſemble his Reſentment, and to reduce
her to her Duty by ways of Gentleneſs and
Good-nature : But his ſevere Treatment, and
unſeaſonable Noiſe and Clamour, determine
cand compel her to Reſolutions ſhe would never
have taken, if he had had more Regard for
F 2
hier.

ICO Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
her. Of what uſe was all that Uproar Feli-
bien made upon his Spouſe's Conduct ? If the
ſtray'd a little fron the Exactneſs of her Duty,
"twas rather out of Levity, than determind
Malice. Some diſcreet Remonftrances, ſea-
fon'd with Tenderneſs and Confidence, would
have won his Young Bride's Heart, by conſul-
ting her Reputation, which he has abſolutely
loft by the Noiſe he has made, and his over-
violent Proceedings ? 'Tis the Husband's Duty
to admonith his Wife, if ſhe be guilty of
Faults, or too careleſs of her Conduct; but
more effeétually to reduce her to her Duty,
his Reprimands ſhould not be over-tharpned
with Reproach, which have always a bad Ef-
fect: Much leſs ſhould he have Recourſe to pra-
ctical Remonftrances, as is the Method of ſome
Husbands, who are not always Maſters of their
Paſſion, in ſuch nice Conjunctures as require
the greateſt Preſence of Mind.
What, can we think, is in the Heads of
ſome Women, who take no Care to conccal
their Intrigues, and who have ſo deprav'd a
Taſte, as to pride themſelves in Things that
abſolutely diſgrace them ? Do they mean by
this to gain the Mens Affections? "Twould be
a ſtrange fetch of Politicks, to diſgrace them-
ſelves on purpoſe to get Lovers. Love that is
1100 founded on Efteem, is neither folid nor
lafting ; but 'tis delicious with them to make
themſelves contemptible and ridiculous; and
there's no Remedy but to give them over to
their Paſſion. Lerina ſeems to have forgotten,
that the's of one of the beſt Families in Eng-
land;

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve. ior
land; that ſhe's Young and Handſome, and
would be ador'd if ſhe had the Art to make uſe
of all lier Advantages. Her giddy and liber-
tine Conduct corrupts her Merit: Were fhe
more ſtately and reſerv'd, ſhe would fire with
other Notions thoſe that now conſider her only
as a Jilt.
The Reſerve of a Woman of Merit is a
ſort of Bridle to contain Men in their Duty :
The boldeſt dare not take their ſwing before
a Woman that maintains her Character, but
are diſconcerted and intimidated by her modeſt
Pride. If the Ladies were careful to preſerve
this Behaviour fo well becoming them, they
wo ild not only be full as amiable, but rather
more reſpected by the Men, who then durft not
forget themſelves before them as they are ac-
cuſtom'd to do.
They ruin all their Intereſt by that Liberty
they have for ſome time affumd of too de-
bonnaire a Carriage; and loſe the Empire they
have naturally over Men. This giddy Beha-
viour is only ſuitable to thoſe wretched Crea-
tures that give us Horror, and poíleſs us with
Loathing and Contempt. Have Women of this
Character Reaſon to complain of the Mens
Ill Carriage to them? That they are grown
uncivil and brutal, without Reſpect, Submiſ-
fion or Complaiſance for them? If they ob-
ſerv'd in their Conduct a Reſerve and ſcru-
pulous Severity that cenſur'd the leaſt Liberties,
the Men would keep within the Bounds of
Reſpect that's due to them. Too great an
Eaſineſs renders them familiar and hardy. stol
'Tis
F 3

102 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
'Tis a difficult Province for a Woman, who
is deſirous to pleaſe, and yet willing to ſave
Appearances, to preſerve that juſt Medium
that is the Perfection of her Character. Too
much Severity diſcourages, and an over-ſtrain'd
Complaiſance grows inſipid. Theſe two Vir-
tues ſhould be ſo combin'd, tliat Complaiſance
may be an Alcali for the Sowreneſs of Seve-
tity, and Severity give Poinancy to Complai-
ſance. This Æquilibrium is hard to be kept:
The Balance inclines to the exceſs of one or
other of theſe Virtues, which is the Reaſon
that thoſe who are ever ſo fond of pleaſing,
hit not upon the knack of it. To
Referve ſhould have nothing in it, eitlier
Wild, Termagant, or Difguftful: 'Tis a very
different Thing from the Affectation of the
Mimicks and Apes of Modeſty, who treat all
alike with a ſtudied Severity, to make People
believe they have no Favourite. They pretend
to be allarm'd in publick at too free a Word;
but in private deſcend to moft fhameful Li-
berties. 'Tis the way of Hypocrites to cen-
fure the lighteſt Things in others, whilft their
Conſcience upbraids
them with certain mat-
ters very repugnant to their Appearances and
Grimaces.
ca 07 SISUS
SIE
Moſt Women, that embark in diſhonourableu
Confederacies, ſo flatter themſelves with theit
Secreſy of their little Intrigues, and their nice
Politicks to diſguize their Conduct, that the
Publick muſt be a ſtranger to them. They
would not run the riſque they do, if they
foreſaw the fatal Conſequences of their Gallan-
tries

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve. 103
tries and Engagements : But they are abus d
by their very Confidents; and are ever for-
wardeſt to betray thoſe whoſe Diſcretion they
leaſt ſuſpected.
7. The more. Merit a Woman las, the more
cautious fhe thould be to do nothing deroga-
tory to her Character. Women of Beauty are
continually beleaguer'd with Ambuſcades. There
are ſome nice Conjunétures wherein the moſt
reſolv'd Vertue can't ſtand its Ground. 'Tis
the part of Prudence to foreſee theſe dangerous
Occaſions, and avoid them at any rate, when
a Woman's reſolv'd to ſtick to her Duty; tho?
this
may ſeem a very ſevere and difficult Task.
They that have paſs'd the Fire of their Youth,
or make a Profeſſion of an auſtere Virtue, are
not fo expos'd to the importunity of Lovers;
which is an excellent Remedy to ſave the
Virtue of a Woman.
A Woman attack'd, if Severity be not her
Armour, is half vanquiſh'd, and lets you fee
ſhe thinks of capitulating. 'Tis eaſy to de-
fery in her Eyes, her Face, and by the found
of her Voice, the Effect that bold Diſcourſe
has upon her. If the anſwers with Reſolu-
tion or Contempt, be a Man never fo Reſo-
lute and Enterprizing, he changes his Lan-
guage ; but if her Anſwer be equivocal or af-
feeted; or if ſhe gives but weak Teſtimonies
of her Diſpleaſure, he'll not fail to draw Con-
fequences very injurious to her Glory. The
Reſerve of a Woman that reſolves to be re-
gular, retains People in Reſpect, without
Derse A19iisama s10 6 F 4.16
the

104 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
the aſſiſtance of many Words, or a volley of
Paſſion.
ISI
Is it the Women's Fault their Husbands
don't love them, or is it the Fault of both ?
That which is very unaccountable, is, that our
Love for a Maid when courted, is ſo ſoon ex-
tinguiſh'd when a Wife, tho’ ſhe be actually
very amiable, and loſe no degree of her Me-
rit. 'Tis true, there are ſtrange Whimſies in
the Heart of Man. The deſire he has to pof-
fefs a Thing, gives it an additional Worth,
which links as ſoon as the deſire is over : Be-
fides, the ardency wherewith he fought it,
makes it appear more valuable ; ſo that when
this Zeal begins to cool, the Thing is not found
fo amiable as before. We may add, that what
is poſſeſs’d, is leſs reliſh'd than what is de-
fir’d, becauſe we are always in queſt of new
Objects to amuſe us, whereas Cuſtom leaves
in us a certain Diſguſt or Languor, that ren-
ders the Things taſteleſs which we can diſpoſe
of. But the moſt natural Reaſon why Hus-
bands and Wives have ſo little Love for each
other, is becauſe they know one another too
well. They have not the Diſcretion, or will
not be at the Pains to conceal their Weakneſ-
fes and Imperfections, becauſe 'tis a tedious
Conſtraint; and they chuſe rather to appear
in their proper Colours, than put on any
guiſe. "
oung People, who want Experience, and
commonly Underſtanding to ſee clearly their
own Intereſts, reaſon very differently from
their Parents, who have more Experience and
more
Dic

Of Diſcretion and Reſerve, 105
more Diſcretion. A young Maid, whoſe Heart
is already prepoſſeſs’d, hears with Pain the
Remonſtrances of a prudent and underſtanding
Mother, who would provide her Daughter a
more ſuitable Match, tho’not ſo much to her
Inclination. The Daughter conſiders nothing
but the Perſon ; the Mother, who has other
Views, and reaſons in cool Blood, regards on-
ly the Eſtate : And this is one of the Sources
of the Miſeries of Marriage. Tis engag’d in
againſt Inclination: The Troubles that infalli-
bly attend it, make the Loſs of that Match
Tegretted, that was before ſo agrecable. A WO-
man perſuades her ſelf, ſhe ſhould have been
more happy by following her own Bias. The
Heart that is livelily touch'd, turns natural-
ly to the amiable Object, as the Magnetick
Needle does to the Pole. The Diſguſt, or A.
verſion for a Husband, taken only upon Fami-
ly-Conſiderations redoubles ſtill the Vexation.
Is there need of any Thing more, to perſuade
her ſhe is moſt miſerable? And would it be
amiſs, to have a little more Regard for the
Perſon, than the Efate?
A Woman of the World is not obligʻd to
renounce all Sorts of Attire and Ornaments ;
but may make uſe of ſuch as are ſuitable to her
Condition, Age and Chara {ter : But when ſhe
has gone ſo far as to turn Devotee, to lengthen
her Sleeves, and take a Religious and Regular
Habit ; the reſt of her Conduct ſhould n-
form to her reform'd Out-ſide : For if ſhe will
ſtill be a Woman of Pleaſure, if ſhe'll play the
fame Game, have the fanze Care of her Beau-

106 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ty, the fame Delicacy for all her Charms ; the
World will ſet but little by her Devotion,
which is merely ſuperficial, and conſiſts in ftu-
died Affe&tation and Grimace. on
The Ladies of this Age don't much approve
of that Aphoriſm of the ancient Sage ; who
faid, Women were made only for Rest and Re-
tirement : That all their Virtue conſiſted in be-
żng unknown, without incurring Blame, or de-
ferving Commendation. That She was the moſt
virtuous, that was leaft ſpoken of. And there-
fore he abſolutely forbid them the Common-
wealth, and confind them to the Obfcurity of
their families ; aſſigning them only one Em-
ployment, which was the Education of their
Children, to make them uſeful Subjects to the
State.
coida
Lo! here's a fuperannuated Piece of Mora-
lity! The Ladies have found the Art of fha-
King off theſe uneaſy Fetters : They love Noiſe
and Buſtle : The greateſt Intrigues are manag'a
by their Miniſtry. They will have a Hand in
every Thing; and think themſelves capable of
Reforming both Church and State. They don't
as yet deſire the Heading of Armies; but ba-
ting this, they would will ngly ſubmit their
Shoulders to all the Burdens of the Repúblick.
Moſt of them are more enterprizing than Men;
more reſolute, more fertile in Expedients, and
more dextrous at the leappy Management of
20) Intrigue..
sig mere
band
VE
51

članojilo nece umroixas 107
-1301 yr orsan voisin patogs.de
obpildo s sloost stad
that
OF MODERATION, and
DISINTERESTEDN E SS.
»TIS not to be hones
S not to be hop'd, that the Generality
of Men will quit their ruling Principle
of Caprice, to be govern'd by Reaſon. They
float along the Torrent of a whirling and im-
petuous Humour, which obſerves neither Laws
nor Meaſures. Their Paſſions drag them along;
and Intereſt wraps all their Notions. Their perpe-
tual Outrages render them indocible, and inca-
pacitate them to command themſelves. Here
you ſee the Source of the irreparable Faults
they commit, and of the Irregularity of their
Conduct.
If we well conſider, we ſhall eaſily obſerve,
that moſt of the Diſcontents, Diſputes, and
great Commotions that infeſt the Lives of
Men, proceed from the want of Skill to mo-
derate themſelves, and maſter their Paſſions,
Tis certa'n, Moderation is a Virtue of very
extenſive Uſe ; and we have frequent need of
it in all the different Situations we are plac'd
'Tis continually neceſſary to bear the
Misfortunes that befal us, without Daftardy
and Complaints ; to adapt our felves to the
Magot


108 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Magottry and Capriciouſneſs of thoe very trou-
bleſome People we are oblig'd to live with ;
politickly to diffemble the difingenuous Treat-
ment of ill deſigning Men. Tis commonly
more prudent not to ſeem to ſee all, than
make our Diſcoveries inſtrumental to thoſe vio-
lent Claſhes, that have always vexatious Con-
ſequences. Few People are ſufficient Maſters
of their Re entments, or their Spleen, to mo-
derate themſelves when they ſee they are de-
{pisºd, or hear any Diſcourſe prejudicial to their
Glory.
He that could prevail ſo far over himſelf, as
to be undiſturbid at affrontive Language, would
find an excellent Preſervative for his
own Re-
poſe. This is a Thing of very difficult Pra-
àtice; but which, nevertheleſs, produces a good
Effect. If what we are upbraided with be
true, 'tis fitter for us to correct our felves, than
for others to forbear us : If the Matter be
falſe, we ſhall give it the Credentials of Truth,
by the Anguifh we expreſs. The fafeſt Method
is, to ſet our felves above theſe Sort of Re-
ports : The flighting of ſuch Diſcourſe dif-
credits ir, and robs the Author of the malici-
ous Pleaſure he takes in Scandal.
'Tis impoſſible to fecure our ſelves from ac-
cidental Diſappointments and Diſgraces; but
the Man of Moderation eſtablifhes a kind of
Happineſs on the worſt Events. IH Succeſſes,
which confound and throw impatient People
off the Hinges, ferve only to brighten the Vir-
tue and Courage of moderate Men. It re-
quires
DES

Of Moderation, &c.
109
1
quires great Strength of Mind, to ſuſtain ſome
Shocks, that exhauſt all our Recruits, and ſeem
remedileſs : And at this Juncture, a Mfan finds
his Moderation a Refuge againſt the Malignan-
cy of Fortune.
Men of Honour and Honeſty ſometimes for-
get themſelves in Misfortunes, and the Diſor-
der of their Affairs; the Neceſſities they are
under, provoke them to Actions of Regret,
and which they bluſh the firſt for. A Man
fometimes finds himſelf in fuch uneafy Cir-
cumſtances, that he is oblig'd to force his Tem-
per, and buckle to the Weight of his oppref-
five Fortune. Ingenuous Diſpoſitions ſuffer in-
finitely in theſe Conjunctures ; ſeeing them-
felves, in ſpite of their Courage, forc'd to com-
ply with over-powering Neceſſity. In theſe
Seaſons of Adverſity, they muſt have Recourſe
to their Moderation, for Expedients to foften
and abate the Miſeries that can't abfolutely be
avoided.
If People would, or could moderate them-
felves, they might eaſily be happy in every
State ; but they often form imaginary Cauſes
of Diſcontent, when they have 110 real ones.
There is ſuch a Magazine of Whims in the
Heart of Man, that he turns Tyrant to him-
felf, when no body elſe diſturbs him.
Fronto wants nothing in Nature to be hap-
py, but the Power to enjoy his Fortune.
There's no body in greater Favour with his
Queen, which is an infallible Sign of his Me-
rit. He poffeffes a Poſt, that makes him the
Envy of all the World. His Eftate is anſwer-
able

110 Reflexions upon Politenefs.
tune.
able to his Birth and Employments; and yet
he is melancholy, and diſſatisfied in the midſt
of all his Proſperity. Without conſidering
what he has, he carries his Ambition to what
he has not ; and wears out his Life in Cha,
grin, Reſtleſsneſs and Diſcontent, which poy-
fon all the Sweets and Comfort of his For-
It would be advantageous to ſome People,
not to have ſo great Fortunes. We find in them
innumerable good Qualities, and eſteem, love
and careſs them, when in a lower State ; but
we (ar the fame time) ſee their Merits fink,
in proportion to their Elevation. The Change
of Fortune for the better, changes the Man-
ners for the worfe. The Vices that had been
palliated out of Neceflity, then ſhew theme
ſelves with greater Licenſe.
Lenix was complaiſant, moderate, humble
and amiable, before he became rich ; but ſince
his Father came into the Treaſury, and he
reckons his Eftate by Thouſands, he is grown
haughty, proud, contemptuous, fooliſh, and
what not. He has loſt by his Riches, all the
Eſteem he had before purchas'd by his Vir-
tue. 1121
dop. 215 ។
What wonder 'tis, that People meanly born,
and of a bad ducation, ſhould ( when rais'd
to Eftates) forget themſelves, and grow ſelf-
ſufficient and preſuming ? Their Origin is not
rememberd; and the Wealth they ſwim in,
makes their Favour courted by Great Men,
Theſe mean Condeſcenfions in them, and the
9 was ei os Show ad ils Occae

OF Moderation, &c.
IIT
Occaſions the World' has for their Afliſtance,
turn their Heads, and make them commonly
fo fooliſh and infolent, as to prefer themſelves
to thoſe that borrow their Money, or ſell them
their Lands and Chateaux.
I queſtion whether Women, who are too
fond of Finery, will underſtand their Intereſts.
Inſtead of heightning their native Beauty, they
obfcure it, and hinder its whole Effect. An
ugly Woman fhould beware of drawing Peo-
ple's Eyes upon her, by her Attire. When the
Uglineſs is alone, 'tis not ſo much minded; it
remains (as I faid) hid in its own Obfcu-
fity.
3 Ola Clorinda, with her Roſe-colour'd Suit,
and all the reſt of her Accoutrements, ar-
tracts the Railleries of all that view her. It
provokes One's Indignation, to ſee her Skele-
ton adorn'd with Diamonds, Bracelets, and
Lockets; and when ſhe aſks whether the Co-
Tour of her Ribbons be not fine, one can't for-
bear laughing in her Face. 35118
There's no body without their Infirmities :
The great Art confifts in concealing them fo
nicely, that the World may not find them out.
Thoſe that ſhew themſelves too much, and
have not fufficient Command and Self-Govern-
ment on certain Occaſions, are conſtantly ex-
pos’d to the Slights and Railleries of ſuch as
know them, and who think themſelves not
oblig'd to ſpare them.o abaoe naw
T'is not the Seaſon to talk much, when a
Man's agitated with violent Paſſion, and not
fufficiently Maſter of himſelf. Vexation com
monly

112 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
monly makes us vent ſuch Fooleries in laſte,
as we repent of at leiſure. We ſhould there-
fore never be more watchful of our ſelves, than
when we are ſplenetick or enrag'd. This Paf-
ſion diſorders us, be we never ſo temperate,
if we give way to its tumultuous and extrava-
gant Motions. antish
I was ſenſibly touch'd the other Day, with
a fine Inſtance of Moderation in Dorantes,
He found himſelf abus’d by a Perſon of much
inferior Quality : He had a Cane in his Hand;
and, at his firſt Commotion, was tempted to
ſtrike the Man who had thus fail'd in Reſpect,
He enter'd his Chamber, to let his Paſion
cool, before he would finiſh the Affair that
occaſion d his Diſorder. A Perſon of leſs Tem-
per would have reek'd his Spleen, by Caning
the ſenſeleſs Coxcomb ; but I am perſuaded, a
Man of Honour is much aſham'd of himſelf,
when he conſiders in cool Blood, what Vio-
lences his Anger has led him to
They that ſeek their Repoſe and Satisfaction
in the World, are always reſtleſs, becauſe they
can't find what they ſo earneſtly purſue. They
muſt not even reckon much on their Fore-
fight, which is often baffi and furpriz'd by
Treachery; againſt wlrich, Prudence, Strength
and Courage, have no Preſervative. When,
with all the Care and Pains we are capable of,
Things fucceed ill, we muſt do as we do at
Play, (which depends on the Freaks of For-
tune ) endeavour to remedy by Patience, what
we loſe by Chance.
abmail ?o vi ha Ref
32SOTS

Of Moderation, &c. 113
Reſt ſatisfied with your good Intentions, if
you would preſerve your Quiet, and be con-
tented with the ſecret Pleaſure that reſults from
a Conſciouſneſs of good Actions ; for 'tis in
vain to flatter our felves with the Hopes of
every body's Approbation. Tho'equitable Peo-
ple praiſe you, and do you Juſtice, you'll find
a greater Number to diſapprove your Conduct.
The Generality of Men make no Reflexion,
even on Actions deſerving immortal Praiſe ;
their Supineneſs 110t permitting them to trou-
ble their Heads about what has no Relation
to them. Others, more malicious and phan-
taſtical, will cenſure the Nobleſt and moſt He-
roick Exploits, that dazzle their jealous Eyes.
Acquieſce in the Teſtimony of your Conſcience,
and proceed in your own way.
559d blue
You ſee how the Opinions of the World are
divided about Favorina. Sound Judges of
Things agree, no body can have greater Vir-
tue, finer Wit, a more real Merit, or modefter
Sentiments, in ſo high a Fortune : Whereas
others, of ſmall Inſight and Penetration, or of
a capricious Judgment, fay, She is a Hypocrite,
that plays a Part, and conceals (under an hum-
ble Exterior, and pretended Modeſty) an im-
meaſurable Fund of Pride. To leſſen the Me.
rit of the Great Things ſhe does, and which
are too manifeſt to be denied, they give her
finiſter Intentions, which ſhe never had. They
endeavour to inſinuate, that flie aims at no-
thing but her own Dignity and Fortune, even
when the acts from the moſt ſublime and exalt-
ial unite na ovom 33)
ed

114 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
ed Motives. Such is the Malice and Extrava-
gance of the Heart of Man. vest
A Man ſhould be very ſecure of his Point,
that takes the Liberty to reproach People.
Tis hard for a perſon that is unjuſtly accus'dy
to contain himſelf: His Blood riſes at the Ex-
travagance, or Malice of thoſe, that deny Ju-
ftice to his Virtue : But when the Reproaches
are well grounded, the Man has nothing to ſay,
becauſe his own Conſcience ſtill urges him more
feverely. 7 gadison
Perſons of Quality need to be apprehenſive
of being too courteous and familiar, their
Rank and Dignity fufficiently maintain their
Reſpect; and the Ambition of pleaſing them,
makes us eaſily ſubmit to their Deſires. They
fhould therefore, by a popular and eaſy Reha-
viour, endeavour to foften the Yoke of this
Dependance: Herehy they would gain the Con-
fidence and Friendſhip of thofe that have to
do with them, whereas too great State, and
a haughty and impertinent Carriage, diſcoura-
ges and rebuffs them.net
There is a Sort of Correſpondence betwixt
the Subject and his Prince. The Subject is ob-
lig'd to Obedience and Submiſſion ; the Prince
to Care, Prote&tion, Bounty, and Eaſineſs of
Acceſs. When Things are in this poſition,
every body is content. The inferior Perfon
finds a Pleaſure in Obeying, and is not ſenſible
of the Clog of his Dependance.
In your Converſe with haughty People, put
on ſo much Moderation and Reſerve, as never
to let them ſee you have an eminent Merit,
out-

Of Moderation, &c.
115
out-ihining theirs. If Perſons much above
you, ask your Advice, don't give it like a Pe-
dagogue, or pretend tº tutor them. Modeſtly
lend thein your Inſtructions, as if you only
mingled Counſels with them. Thefe Inſinua -
tions will make you more agreeable than all
you can ſay or do in their behalf.
Such as love diſputing in Converſation, and
always uſe the Negative to what others ad-
vance, frequently make a perſonal Quarrel of
a frivolous matter that's conteſted. Oppoſi-
tion heats them, and makes them obftinate in
defending their Opinions. If they want good
Arguments to ſupport them, the ordinary Re-
courſe is to Invectives and Reproaches, which
are commonly ſmartly return'd by the offended
Perſon. This Reply paſſes for the Rancour of
an inſulting Enemy; and thus a Trifle grows
into a ſerious Buſineſs, and Arbitrators are.
cald in to determine the magorty Diſpute.
Tis almoſt impoſſible to carry on a long
Acquaintance, with the generality of Men,
without occaſion of Complaint. But the Fault
is, that our Complaints are too ſtrong and bit-
ter. The means we take to reduce People that
offend us, fers their Reconciliation at all im-
practicable Diftarce. Au obliging Procedure,
génteel and tender Reprehenſions, have a much
hetter effect to fmooth and foften the moſt
ſavage Diſpoſition. Lenity and Moderation
are the apteſt Remedies we can apply to bring
back fantaſtical and unreaſonable People to
their Duty. In the mean time, this is a Me
thod very feldom taken ; "it being a vulgar
Notion,
910

116 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Notion, that Reputation is concern'd to give
fuch Thunder-Claps as may call up every Body's
Attention.
67 bus 1
I know not whether it may be reckond a
Paradox, That greater ſtrength of Mind is re-
quiſite to bear good Fortune than bad. Vul-
gar Souls bend under the weight of their Pro-
ſperity; their Joy burſts out of them whether
they will or no, and we read their moſt ſecret
Thoughts in the Lines of a ſatisfied Counte-
nance. They can't help diſcovering their Pride
that flows from Wealth, and their contempt
for thoſe that want it.
Men of greateſt Depth and Wiſdom have
10 infallible Security againſt making falſe Steps:
But when this Misfortune happens, you are
not obſtinately to maintain an abſurd Choice
by a miſtaken Bravery, or the Aſperity of Re-
ſentments that plunge you into freſh Precipices.
Try to recover from your Error; there being
commonly more Merit in a dextrous diſenga-
ging from a Labyrinth, than in the firſt avoi-
dance of the Fault. We pity a Man, whom
the wretchedneſs of his Affairs, or unhappy
Circumſtances have diſconcerted, but we don't
pity thoſe that by an unfeaſonable Obſtinacy.
give the finiſhing-ſtroke to their own Ruin,
when they miglit eaſily reſtore their Matters
by following another Conduct.
Temper is never more neceſſary in Conver-
fation, than when it turns upon Raillery. 'Tis
very hard to govern one's ſelf in a Run of
Mirth and Humour, which has the Applauſe
of all the Company. Converſation is indeed
more
cilo.1011

Of Moderation, &c.
117
more lively and agreeable for it; but it feldom
happens that thoſe that rally, and the rallied
Perſons depart good friends. Delicate People
ſometimes feel themſelves more wounded and
offended at a Jeſt than an Affair of Conſe-
quence, becauſe every body dreads Ridicule,
and hates to ſee others merry at their Coft.
Whence is it we have not the ſame Indul-
gence for others, that we expect from them?
Such is the Injuſtice of Men, that they re-
quire Perfection in every body elſe, whilft
the World has a Thouſand juſt Indictments
againſt them themſelves. Lucretia is every
where complaining of ilmene's contradicting
Humour: She ſays, ſhe's a froward Creature,
and that you know not where to have, nor
how to live with her ; yet the World has not
a more unconverſable, whimſical, finical Piece
than Lucretia herſelf is. 'Tis common enough
for thoſe wlio have palpable Enormities, which
every body ſuffers by, to tax others with
Peccadillo's, which they heighten into Pro-
digies.
It ſeeins to be the Law of Repriſals, that
we obſerve 110 Meaſures with thoſe that in-
fult us with harth and offenſive Language ;
and 'tis an eſtabliſh'd Cuſtom to anſwer Peo-
ple in the fame ſtrain ; but yer it muſt be
own’d, that this is the very Peſt of Conver-
ſation, and that whoever has fufficient Com-
mard of liim'elf not to be paflionate on
theſe Conjun&tures, and to reſtrain à cut-
ting Expreflion ready to eſcape him, is much

118 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
to be commended, for ſparing, out of pure
Generoſity, People undeſerving ſuch nice Res
gards. 1 pild
181 boon 17500 anos
What ſignifies it to vent one's ſelf in Cla-
mour and Paflion againſt thoſe that drop you
after a long Acquaintance, whilſt you have
given no Occaſion for ſuch ill Treatment?
Theſe Hurricanes and Tranſports are very uſeleſs,
and never reduce them to their Duty. The
beſt Expedient we can uſe with ſuch as de-
fert us, is to give them Liberty to do it: If
this be an Affliction to us, we ſhould not
let them have the pleaſure of perceiving it.
When a Man has done us an ill Office, or
treated us ill in Diſcourſe, which our impru-
dent Friends relate to us, the firſt Thing that
occurs is a deſire of Revenge, and of ſeeking
all Occaſions to give Proofs of our Reſentment.
We rail at him in all Companies, and would
have every Body engage in our Quarrel, and
approve our Procedure : This is the common
Practice of Mankind. But it would be much
more generous to ſuperſede theſe ſort of Affairs,
and only, by ſome gentle Reproofs to fhew
we are not Inſenſible, or ſo ſtupidly Indolent
as to be touch'd with nothing. If we took
this Method, inſtead of that of Calumnies
and Invectives, we ſhould find the Secret of
giving them all the Blame, and preſerving
own Repoſe and Reputation. Why
will you commit the ſame Fault, and fur-
niſh the Aggreſſor with as juft Materials of
Complaint ? or bol doilgige nit
Our
2
Temper

Of Moderation, &c. 1 119
Temper and Moderation are at all times
neceſſary, becauſe we every where meet with
humourſome and untractable People, that af-
ford a noble Subject for our Patience. A Man
happens to be tied to an ill-humour'd Wife,
who is always quarrelling and ſcolding : His
clownish and brutiſh Servants don't ſerve him
to his Mind : His falſe Friends betray or
abandon him when he has moſt occafion for
their Affiſance : His Enemies, bent on his
Ruin, create him unlucky Troubles. What
Reſolution ſhould he take under theſe Confu-
fions? Muſt he be always bidding Battel to
thoſe that play him thefe ill Turns, to force
them to be reaſonable in ſpight of their Na-
tures ? This would be a very vain and fruitleſs
Undertaking. The ſureſt and ſhorteſt way,
were to arm one's ſelf with Philoſophy, and
retire within the Fort of Moderation. We
on We find a ſort of Men very much of the
Nature of wild Beaſts; always ready to tear
you in Pieces and devour you. They place
to the account of Benefactions, the Miſchiefs
they don't do you. Expect 110 good Offices
from them, nor hope, by the recital of
your
Misfortunes, to move and foften them to
Compaſlion. Think it rather a Mercy if they
don't puſh you off the brink of the Precipice
to finiſh your Deſtruction. By the Malice of
their Natures, they are always in a Diſpoſition
to do all the Miſchief they are capable of ;
and they feel an ill natur’d Joy, whenever they
exaſperate and plague you. Qught ſuch Men
to have come into the World ? Or ought not
the

120 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
the Laws of well-regulated Governments to
bani ſh them humane Converſation ?
There's in Man ſuch a Fund of Gall and Ma-
lignity, as makes him behold with Envy the
Talents and fine Qualities of others. He can't
reſolve to commend them when they are men-
tion'd, his whole natural Biaſs leaning to Slan-
der and Diſparagement. People love mutually
to criticize one another: The Soldier talks
freely of his Captain ; the Captain cenſures the
Field Officer, who likewiſe thinks he can
lecture his General : The General throws
upon the Court the Miſmanagement of the
Campaign. Let every one take care to diſcharge
his own Duty without enquiring into others
Obligations, depending on them for the Sue-
ceſs of the Enterprize, or charging the Blame
on them when it proves abortive.
Sordid and grovling Souls, reduce every
Thing to their own Intereſts. There's no
treating on the ſquare with this ſort of Peo:
ple; they'll one way or other hook you in to
their Advantage. The other Day I heard No-
nanville venting Maxims favouring of the Cli-
mate he was born in. He openly declar'd
he always kept liis Eyes fix'd on tliat part by
which a Man might be beneficial to him in
ſomething ; that he employ'd him according
to his Talent, and deſerted him whenever he
liad ſprung all the Services out of him he could.
Avoid theſe Earthborn Creatures, that culti-
vate you like their Cattle, only for the uſe
they make of you,
OSLO
low
We

Of Moderation, &c. I21
b We have all naturally a great Inclination to
Injuſtice, and give but too much Scope to that
Inclination; which , perhaps , is one of the
Things that poiſons moſt the Pleaſure of Socie-
ty and Civil Life. This is the Origin of all
thoſe Complaints ſo often heard, ſometimes juſt
and ſometimes otherwiſe, hy reaſon of a Man's
extream Tenderneſs for his own Intereſts , an
Indolence for thoſe of others. Tis certain eve-
ry one thinks only on himſelf, and counts for
nothing whatever reſpects his Neighbour. Mean
time, if we would be happy our felves, we
ſhould contribute all we can to the Happineſs
of others; for otherwiſe we ſhould daily be en-
countred with Oppoſition ; whereas if we act-
ed in ſuch Sort, that other Men might be joint-
ly happy with us, they would not obſtruct our
Deſigns, becauſe they would find their own Ac-
count in them; and thus our Lives would be
leſs perverted in their Courſe, and flow more
uniformly, and with greater Tranquility.
IF
820,
you can't diveſt
your ſelf of your bad Qua-
?lities; endeavour, at leaſt, to throwd them from
publick Notice. Why will you have others
ſuffer the Chagrin of your Ill-humour, and that
impertinent Authority you aſſume of cenſuring
all Mankind? Do you think to recommend the
Niceneſs of your Taſte by your Squeamiſhneſs
and Difficulty; Or do you propoſe to paſs your
Didates for Deciſions, which are the Products
of your Caprice and Extravagance ?
ano Violence and Paſſion are not capable of do-
ing Buſineſs s that requires a Man ſhould be
Maſter of Himſelf, and Pofleſſor of his Reaſon,
ſo
2013
briw

T22 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
10
fo far as wiſely to confult the Meaſures condu-
cing to the End propos d. 'Tis for want of Pre-
caution the beft Affairs miſcarry, which would
have had a better Iſſue, if they had been bet-
ter managd ; ſo that we are not always to ex-
claim againſt the Injuſtice of Men, when our
Enterprizes fail of the deſir'd Succeſs ; but muſt
ſometimes charge it to our own Imprudence.
In this Caſe, we have the Advantage of an Af-
ter-game : We muſt correct our felves by the
Experience of the Faults we have fallen into,
and make uſe, for the future, of the falſe Steps
we have made in Times paſt. Tis a general
and moſt approv'd Maxim, That Patience ti-
pers the moſt difficult Deſigns, and renders the
Execution of them eaſy, whereas Precipitation
ſpoils the beſt concerted Enterprizes. visste
If Diſcretion does not moderate our indir-
creet Zeal, we ſhall do more Injury to our
Friends than Service by it. Whatever well-
meaning a Man may have, his Imprudence com-
monly does more harm, than his Warmth does
good. If Reaſon don't govern the Motions of
the Heart, we ſhall ſoon ruin the beſt Affairs by
over-acting them. I wont
TUOMO sin sanotu
If your Zeal to retrieve your miſtaken Friends
be not diſcreet and moderate, they'll think you
troubleſome; your eternal Documents, make
the Sight of you formidable, and put them un,
der perpetual Conſtraint. You can't ſay any
Thing before Lycas, but you provoke his Spleen
and 111-Humour. The moſt indifferent Actions,
and harmleſs Pleaſures, are to him unpardona-
ble Crimes. He makes Giants and Monſters of
Wind-

od Of of Moderation, .
&c. 123
Windmills and Chymera's, on purpoſe to fight,
and have Occaſion for quarrelling: And when
once the Stum of his Blood ferments, he makes
long Declamations, with equal Earneftneſs and
Fire, as if the Ruin of the Three Kingdoms
were at ſtake, purely for a Fancy, which he
tricks up into a Reality, to have the greater
Pretence for his Out-cries. What is moſt
per-
plexing with People of this Character, is, that
if you ſeem to hear and approve their Remon-
ſtrances, they tutor you like aſſiduous Pedants
always at your Elbow. If you are negligent
and unattentive to their Advice, they rage and
fly out into irreconcilable Enmity. basiside
If People were as diligent to prevent the
Judgment of the Publick, before the embark-
ing in an Affair, as they are to pacify it after
they are abſurdly engagd, they would ſave this
inſignificant Trouble. Apologies are of 110
Uſe, when the Conduct gives the Lie to the Dif-
courſe. What gets a Woman, when her In-
trigues are known, by all the Reaſons ſhe urges
to prove the Uprightneſs of her Intentions?
The Judge that ſurfers himſelf to be corrupted
by Cabal, and Solicitation, can't prevent the
Diſrepute of Diſhoneſty, by all his Sophiftry to
evade it. But when a Man has done his Duty,
he ought not to be diſturb'd at the Voice of the
Publick, which is not always on Vertue's Side.
He that can ſo moderate himſelf as not to be
galld with Diſcourſe to his Diſadvantage, has
found out the Art of Living at Reſt, and avoid-
ing unhappy Conteſts. The Slights we expreſs
for diſobliging Diſcourſe , extracts part of its
Sting
G 2

124 Reflexions upon Politenefs.
Sting and Venom, and cools the envious Per-
fon's Pallion for Obloquy and Slander. When
Favorita firſt entred upon the World, her Per-
fonal Merit, Beauty and Charms, alarm’d the
wliole Sex, who all took the Field with Leagues
offenſive and defenſive, to ruin fo formidable a
Rival; and they made horrible Ravage on her
Reputation. But by good Fortune Favorita
had Temper and Moderation equal to her
Beauty, ſhe feem'd not to hear all was ſaid
againſt her; her Politeneſs, ſweet Diſpoſition
and Inſinuations, calm’d the moſt Outrageous,
who were all aſham'd of their HI-Doings, and
afterwards earneſtly courted the Friendſhip of
a Perſon fo good humour'd, who return'd the
Envy of ill Offices with Careffes.
"When we don't think our felves oblig'd to
ſpeak advantageouſly of ſome People, wlioſe
Proceedings we don't like, we ought at leaſt to
have ſo much Temper, as to ſpare them, and
not divulge their Faults and Infirmities, to turn
them into Ridicule, or do them Prejudice.
Since we our ſelves are fo tender, and expect to
be cultivated, let us have the ſame Equity for
others. A difobliging Word Often cauſes more
cutting Reflections, tiran ill Offices done with
leſs Deſpight. cum sw 90
'Tis a hard matter to preſerve People any
long Time, and to take ſuch juft Meaſures, as
to be able always to reckon upon their Friend-
fhip. The leaſt Indifference, expreſs'd without
Deſign, makes them forget all the Services we
have done them. An innocent Raillery, about
Trifles and indifferent Things, provokes them
and
;


Of Moderation, &c. 125
and they conſider it as a ſenſible Injury, tho
you meant not to offend them. Unable to for-
give, they ſeek all poſſible Occaſions to give you
Teſtimonies of their Reſentment, and thwart
you in your moſt neceſſary Affairs.
We ſhould be cautious how we abuſe the
Kindneſs of our Friends. Tis their Duty to
be ſolicitous for our Intereſts, and maintain
them warmly ; to do us Service when we have
need of their Aſiſtance, 110t to make an ill
Uſe of our Confiding in them, and to be tena-
cious of our Secrets : But when they have done
all they are capable of, we ought to demand no
more. Moſt Men are ſo unreaſonable, that all
they do for others ſeems to be of great Confe-
quence; but they are ſo little affected with the
good Ofices of their
Friends, as to reckon them
fill in their Debt, when they have facrific'd all
to ſerve them.
Moſt Men think they ought to be rough and
fevere, to be reſpected; whereas this Harſhneſs
and Moroſeneſs diſobliges every Body. Cle-
mency and Goodneſs advance their Affairs more
than inflexible Rigor, becauſe People ill treated
do every Thing as it were in {pight. Hortenſt-
ys would think himſelf degraded from his Au-
thority, if he gave the leaſt obliging Word to
his Expe&tants and Dependants : His ſevere
Air makes him conſider'd and Nunu'd as a Pe.
dant: and People tremble when they have any
Thing to treat with him about, of Intereſt to
follicit. Istit/fo hard a Thing to put on a fmi-
ling Look, and to expreſs a little Complaiſance
vino ai pusb-s-won 16 319 eusdicine te
is
531 06831

126 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
1933
to thoſe tlvat accoſt us, who are already under
pain enough to be obliged to aſk it of us ?
Men in eminent Poſts, the Principals in Cor-
porations, and chief Miniſters in the State,
ihculd civily treat the Perſons that apply to
them. They are oblig'd to refuſe a great ma-
ny, but yet ought to ſend them away ſatisfied
at leaſt, with Words and Looks to foften their
Denials, when they can't fatisfy them by Ef-
fects. Sasa 01.30
*Tis certain, with the Generality of the World,
Intereſt carries it above Glory. They ſtickle
for great Employs rather to get Wealth than
Fame. But "tis a ſhameful Traffick to proſti-
tute a glorious. Poft, to the Sordidneſs of aniaſ-
fing Riches, and which a Man ought to be con-
tent with, for the Honour that's annex'd to it.
Conſidering the Make and Complexion of
Mankind, there's no reckoning upon their Ge-
neroſity. Self-love and Intereft have fo warp'd
their Sentiments, they draw all the Lines of
Profit to their own Center. They 1
They have ftill
ſome Regard to themſelves in the good Offices
they do you, and would have leſs Conſideration
for
you,
but for the hopes of reciprocal Servi-
ces. In the mean Time, it muſt be reckon'da
Bafeneſs to cultivate our Friends only for their
Uſefulneſs: to give them up to their ill For-
tune, and to break all Commerce with them,
when the Diforder of their Affairs, incapaci-
tates them for future Ufe to us.
JE
True Friends and diſintereſs'd Friendſhips,
are Things no longer to be met with. The
Friendſhip that's practis'd now-a-days, is only
a Dif

Of Moderation, &c. 127
a Diſguiſe for Self-love, which unmaſks on Oc-
caſions ; where our Interefts, and thoſe of our
ſuppos's Friends, come into Competition.
What is very odd and unaccountable, is, that
the Happineſs of our Friends, is ſometimes our
Mortification ; proportionably to their Ad-
vancement, or Acceſſion of Happineſs, threy
decline in our Affections. We ſee them with
Uneaſineſs and a ſort of afflicting Conſtraint :
Our Confidences abate, and we can't pardon
Fortune the Favours ſhe ſhews the Perſons we
love. It would be leſs afflicting and invidious
if her Bounty had flow'd on Perſons unknown
or indifferent to us.
What Giddineſs and Pre-
poſterouſneſs is this !
Envy and ſordid Jealouſies put us upon
ftrange Extravagancies in Civil Life. We are
enrag'd at the Succeſs and Elevation of ſome
People we fee failing with a fall Gale and Tor-
rent of Favour. We forgive them neither
their Endowments of Nature nor Fortune. We
give our Malice a ſwing, and recur to a thou-
ſand Artifices, to ruin a troubleſome Merit that
eclipſes our own, and is beheld with Diſquiet
and Jealouſy. We thould; at leaſt, be ſo much
Maſters of our Selves and Indignation, as to
diſguiſe theſe ſordid Sentiments, ſo unbecoming
a Man of Honour. Shall you have more Me-
think you,
when
you
have lower'd that of
your fancied Rivals ? Yet this is the Politicks
of moſt People, of all Ranks and Conditions
whatſoever. Old Men envioully behold the
growing Fortune of the Young : A Proficient
in Science, or in War, is almoſt in deſpair,
rits
G4
to


128 Reflexions nepon Politeneſs.
to ſee another diſtinguiſhºd by an extraordina-
ry Merit. Young People of the ſame Preten->
lions can't bear one anothers and hardly abu!
ſtain from open Rupture. Women are-impa-
tient of Rivals upon the Chapter of their
Beauty, and fly to all kinds of Stratagems to
decry their Competitors. Angelica is to be ex-
cepted from this common Rule. Tho' the be
perfectly Handſome, and it be fo rare a thing
for a handſome Woman to commend another
for her Beauty, the talks of it with pleaſure.
She is the firſt that obſerves their Graees, and
impoſes Silence on Detractors. In my Mind,
thefe obliging ways do her as much Honour, as
her fine Qualities and perſonal Merit. imorRoq
Decorum does not always permit us to do
for our felves what we are allow'd to do for
others :, We praiſe them without reſerve, and
tis even a piece of Merit ſo to do. Wel þeg
and folicite, and make bold Advances : Wer
are importunate, and all this is decently pero
form’d, for the Affairs and Intereſts of our
Friends; but we ſhould with an ill Grace do
as much for our own. Here a little more wa-
rineſs and circumſpection is becoming. A great
Diſintereſtedneſs adds much to a Man's Clia.
racter ; perhaps becauſe 'tis fó fare a Virtuel
and out of date. Dok de monoF 30 TIME
We are not always qualified, by the ſituatiuz
on of our Affairs, to do People eſſential Ser-
vices: But when we do them, let it be in pure
Generoſity, and without views of Intereſt. How-
ever, it depends upon us to deport our ſelves
genteely, with Reſpect and Complaiſance to i
them.


Of Moderation, Sci 29
we
pendances naturally ge
them. This Polite Treatment has commonly
the ſame effect as our good Offices, and engages
People to ſerve us with as much Zeal, as if
had been their Benefactors. What would it
coſt us to be courteous, wlien our Circum-
ſtances don't përmit us to intereſt them by De-
Perſons naturally generous and diſintereſted,
expect no Returns for their good Offices : They
don't put their Benefits to Uſe; nộr. feed their
Friendſhip with the Diet of Hope and In-
tereft, the pure Pleaſure of Friendſhip being
all they ſeek in the Commerce of their Friends:
A Virtue rarely to be found, and which ſtrong-
ly beſpeaks its own Antiquity.
Tis a Littleneſs of Soul that's very common, ;
to love to receive; and it requires a great Mind
and very noble Sentiments to give, without
ſome ſecret ſelf-conſideration ; but he that is
befriended by a good Office, ſhould have an
eternal Acknowledgment proportion'd to the
quality of the Benefit.
In the Age we live, there's hardly any Hor
neſty tenable againſt Gold; the Temptation is
extreamly taking, and the ſevereſt Women are
fometimes caught by this Allurement; nay
even Men of ſtancheſt Probity are not always
impregnable, eſpecially when born Indigent,
or feeling the Preſſures of Domeſtick Want;
but yet a Man of Honour ſhould never ſwerve
from his
Duty to accommodate his Affairs, The
ſuch
one's ſelf; if we once begin to capitulate, we
are gone. When a Man is once arrivd to the
Contempt
10
TOT
G5

130 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
contempt of Money and Riches, he has no far-
ther obſtacle in his way to an exalted Vertue.
This Spirit of Diſintereſtedneſs, is an infallible
ſign of a Soul well made, and rais'd above the
Vulgar. But where is this Phænix to be
found?
A covetous and ſelf-intereſted Woman is ob-
noxious to all the falſe Steps wliich thoſe that
know her Weakneſs and Diſpoſition, can wiſh.
Here lies the Origin of theſe ridiculous Engage-
ments obſervable in ſome Women. They pre-
fer, without more ado, their Rich and pecu-
niary Lovers, tho'never ſo great Fools, to Men
of Merit, uncapable of ſupplying their vain
Extravagances.
If we have a generous and diſintereſted
Heart, our Friends will grow the dearer to
us when they fall into any Misfortune ; then
is the time to re-animate our Affection, our
Zeal and good Offices, and ſhew that 'tis their
Perſons and not their Fortunes that engage us.
Unleſs we be barbarous, we can't mean evil to
People perſecuted by their Misfortunes; nor
cheriſh our hatred againſt a miſerable Enemy.
"Tis great Cruelty to be bent upon tormenting
a Man groaning under the Weight of his ill
Fortune; and yet, unleſs we watch our felves,
that's exactly the Seaſon we chufe to create him
Diſturbances, and take advantage of the bad
Circumſtances he is under.
Intereſt and Pleaſure are as the two Springs
of Humane Life: None but ſome privilegd
Souls are determind by the Motions of Glory.
Thoſe that are ſway'd by the love of Intereſt,
give


a Of Complaiſance. 131
give way to baſe and ſcandalous Actions: Wo-
men that are generally more tender or weak,
are milled by Pleaſure. This is the Reaſon we
find ſo many too little concern'd for their
Fame : Pleaſure carries it above the Precauti-
ons they ſhould take to preſerve their Reputa-
tions.
Pool
00157 7300
2. buro) yuoses di agtoto anap UERITOR
Of COMPLA IS A N C E.
OM 1 )
WHEN a Man is arrivd at Complaifance,
tis no long Journey to Politeneſs: But
Complaiſance ſhould be well manag'd and un-
derſtood, neither exceſſive nor ſneaking, but
proportion'd to the Quality, Merit, and Cha-
racter of Perſons, with a juſt diſtinction. It
ought not to degenerate into ſordid Flattery,
nor have any thing inſipid.or beſpeaking a fer-
vile and intereſted Soul in it.
We may ſay in general, that Complaiſance
is the Soul of Civil Society; 'tis that which
gives the Chiarms and maintains the Plea-
ſure of Converſation. Tis that which ac-
cuſtoms us to all ſorts of Humours, and makes
us neither troubleſome, nor exceptious; nor
does it make us querulous for want of Reſpect
paid to our Dignity or Merit; nor litigious for
every Trifle. If our Neighbours Conduct gives
us offerice in any thing, this teaches us to chuſe
a proper time dexterouſly to inſinuate what In-
jury
OIBID
SOLSEN

132 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
jury he does himſelf, and to advertiſe him of
the Scandal the World takes at it; and all this
in a manner that's free from Severity and Pride,
that we may not exaſperate him by diſcou-
raging Advice. Complaiſance is a gentle and
eaſy Vertue, it makes us content with every
body; or if not, ſo artfully to conceal our Re-
fentments, that no body may perceive our ill
Humour, or ſuffer by it. A complaiſant Man
hardly ever complains he has been faild on im-
portant Occaſions, or 110t fo zealouſly ſery'd as
he ought to be: On the contrary, he eaſily
perſuades himſelf he has been oblig'd beyond
all Obligation; and heightens the idea of the
good Offices he has receivd, to heighten his
Acknowledgments. He tries to find Reaſons
to palliate the Faults committed to his Preju-
dice; and when theſe fail, he endeavours to
excuſe People upon their Well-meanings. Harl
Men but a mutual Complaiſance, theit Con-
verſation would be much more agreeable, their
Lives would paſs with greater cale and tranquil-
lity, they would have no occaſion for thoſe fu-
rious Conteſts or Explications, which always
leave ſome Aſperity behind, and make them
uncapable of ſeeing one another with the ſame
Pleaſure and Freedom.
There's a ſort of Charm in Complaiſance
which there's no reſiſting. Qur Affections eaſily
ftream towards the gentle and good humour'd,
that enter into our Sentiments, applaud all we
ſay, and are not diſheartned with our Caprices
and ill Humours. However, theſe good-na-
turd Folks are to be advis'd, that an extrava-
gant
Tous
10!


2 Of Complaiſance 133
tempt.
gant" Complaifance breeds Wearineſs and Con-
v>Tis rather Flattery and Folly, than
Complaiſance, not to dare to contradict People
ſtupidly venting their Extravagances, and ma- I
king themſelves
ridiculous by the Fooleries that
eſcape them. C mplaiſance has its Boundaries
as well as other Virtues ; and 'tis turning Fool
to approve Impertinences, and extol the Fol-
lies of a Man we are making court t3. A Per-
ſon well known in the World by his Poft and's
Quality, turns all his Diſcourſe into Panegy.
rick. He commends the Elbow-Chair, and the
Hand-Skreen you give him; he admires the fi-
tuation of the Chamber, praiſes the inlaid
Floor, the Bed, the Alcove, the Cieling; he
dwells upon the Riches and Magnificence of the
Owner, his Equipage and Expences; nay 'tis
much if he does not make the Panegyrick ex-I
tend even to the Horſes: I heard him once
commend the good Grace of a one-ey'd crook-
.
ed Child. He has the ſame Indulgence for the
Prodations of Wit; every thing charms and
tranſports him ; the jingle of a trivial Epi-
gram, is, with him, preferable to all the fine
Sentences in Juvenal. He counterfeits Rapa
rure to pleaſe the Author, who takes all his
hyperbolical Praiſes for current Coin ; but by
Misfortune he beſtows it as liberally on a Cox-
comb as a Man of Honour. This is 110t the
Complaiſance becoming Men of Worth.
Nothing renders a Man more agreeable, nor
makes him more earneſtly courted; than a
ſmooth Complaiſance, diſpens'd with a necef-
ſary Deportment, that is, having notlıing of
sonini bo! NU E OPISTO
219V
Affecta-

134 Reflexions upon Politeneſs, .
Affectation in its manner, or favouring of the
rankneſs of Flattery. When People have oc-
cafion for our Aſſiſtance, we ſhould expreſs our
readineſs to ſerve them ; but we ſhould not
have the ſame Complaiſance, when they re-
quire unreaſonable Services, contrary to the
Rules of Honour, Conſcience and Honeſty.
As there are Vices or Imperfections which
ſeem to have no Foundation in our Naturęs, but
are the pure Effects of a contracted Habit re-
ſulting from an irregular. Underſtanding; fo
there are ſome Virtues that don't always de-
pend on Conſtitution, but are acquir'd by means
of Art, and the uſage of the World. Com-
plaiſance is one of theſe; it being certain that
Education contributes much to it; and that
the Commerce of polite Perſons we deſire to
pleaſe, files off a certain Roughneſs that is born
and grows up with us, by the Converſe
only of clowniſh People, whom we take no
pains to pleaſe, nor care to cultivate.
A Man naturally Complaiſant, lias a great
Dexterity to inſinuate himſelf into the Tempers
of Men, which is commonly the beſt meaus
of obtaining what we deſire; for they love to
oblige thoſe good-humour'd People that ſtudy
their Taſte, and condeſcend to pleaſe them. But
I don't approve of the Complaiſance of thoſe
grov'ling Souls, that expoſe themſelves to eve-
ry thing for mercenary Views, and would Sa-
crifice their Repoſe and Reputation to conform
to the Caprices of ſuch as can make their Fortune.
He that has a great Fund of natural Como
plaiſance, unleſs he be wary and attentive to
himſelf, degenerates to a flat and inſipid Con-
verſe,
with us,
:

alorof Complaiſance. 135
edia
verſe, except he ſupplies the defect by a great
deal of Wit; becauſe by approving every thing
that's ſaid, and being ever of the Opinion of
the Speaker, Converſation can't be long kept
up with him, and the Diſcourſe continually
drops for want of Matter. Tis not properly
failing in Complaiſance, or infringing the Rules
of Politeneſs, to contradiet another, and be of
an oppoſite Opinion, when 'tis only to quicken
the Diſcourſe, to give him occaſion to ſpeak in
defence of his Aſſertion, provided on both
ſides juſt- meaſures be obſervd, and they are
not carried away with the heat of the Diſpute,
which often makes Men forget the reciprocal
Complaiſance is neceſſary in Converſation. As
Diſputes are not to riſe to this exceſs, fo nei-
ther ought we to approve things that merit no
approbation. This extravagant Indulgence and
Facility, offends Perſons of good Senſe, and is
reaſonably ſuſpected by them: They miſtruſt
theſe ſo complaiſant Gentlemen, that are dri-
ving on their own Deſigns, by a ſervile Court-
ſhip of thoſe they have occafion for, and a
wonderful Addreſs to extoll the most trivial
things they do, as if they were extraordinary
and ſurprizing. If you have any Sentiments
of Honour, forbear to purchaſe the Services or
Favour of Men, by ſuch ſordid Complaiſances,
as are only befitting Wretches ; and who are
commonly but ill paid for them ; for generally
we deſpiſe thoſe too humble Fawners, as know-
ing to what degree they ought to carry the Re-
fpe&t is due to us; and have greater regard for
ſuch as refuſe to flatter us in fo glavering a
SH SIS 2 Yonio W.1
Eloow
10
maner.



136 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
manner. Women are ſtill more ſuſceptible of
thefe Sentiments than Men ; they treat with an
inſupportable Haughtineſs their cringing humble
Slaves; and pay more Regard to ſuch as have a
more manly Courage, and will not adore their
Caprices and Chimera's.
It would be Cowardice rather than Com-
plaiſance, to reſolve to ſuffer all the Affronts
that People have a mind to put upon us. The
World is full of whimſical People, whoſe mean
Birth or Education renders them Inſolent and
Haughty, eſpecially if they have made any For-
tune; a ſort of Animals that have no regard to
Merit, or Quality, that does not glitter with
the Luſtre of Riches. 'Tis proper to humble
the Strain of this ſort of People when they
forget themſelves, to take down their Info-
lence, and make them fhrink and retire into
their Primitive Nothing.
'Tis a noble Preſent Nature makes us, when
The brings us good-humour'd, genteel, and com-
plaiſant into the World; for 'tis very raré to
ſee People get rid of their Vices of Conſtituti-
on. There are ſuch as are naturally untoward,
that have a Fund of Ill-humour, capable of
ſowring all the Joys of Life ; that are ſo whim-
fical and moroſe you know not how to approach
then, nor by what handle to lay hold of them
to bring them to Reaſon. If you have
thing to contend with them, you muſt make
all the Conceſſions they deſire ; for they'll
make no abatements; and when you have fa-
crific'd all to pleaſe them, they ſtill complain
they are ill treated. Could theſe People un-
derſtand how hateful thiey are, perhaps they
would
any

lo Oft Complaiſance. It 137
would attempt ſomething of Humanity, and
artırfet up, as they do, for Petty-Tyrants for:
midable to all that have to do with them. It und
If People liithat diave 110 Conplaiſance for
aby body, i knew what a Diſeaſe their Iehu-
mour was to all the World, or at leaſt liad the
Diſcretion to ſtay at home, and not mingle ins
Companies that mean nothing but Diverſion,
we fhould not fuffer by their Miſanthropy as:
wesdos, b but abandon them to thein peeviſho
Spleen : But they iſeem to envy 1 others Joy,
cenſuring and controling them for what they
dog and reproaching them for the moſt imo-
cent Pleafures ; whilſt every one goes on in his
own way, and all they get by their Animad-
verſions, is to be fhund as the Bate and Peſt
of Civil Society ; for nothing fo much poi-
ſons Life, as theſe troubleſome, uncomplaiſant
and utractable Creaturesji who defend, with
anvinflexible Stiffneſses all threc Propofitions they
advances and never quit their hold on any cont
fideratiolt whatſoever. - 'Tis a wretched Tors
ment to be oblig'd to endure the fooliſh Vihts
of People of this Complexion. Thoſe that fet
up for Civility and Complai fance, lave fre-
quent Indignities to undergo, becauſe others
abuſe their Eafineſs and Condefcenfion : But:
they ſhould exactly know how far Complaiſance
is to be carried with People of a certain Cha-
raéter, with whom an implicit Submiſſion
would degenerate into Blockilhneſs and Stupi-
dity. in 'Tis good to know the Genius of People
we diave to deal with, in order to make them
ſenſible it is out: ofrpúre Generoſity and Coni-
200ita
plai-



138 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
plaiſance we abate of our Rights, and grant
them all they can with, to the end they may
bear the blame of the refuſal. els lle od aldibim
Men of Letters are ſeldom guilty of an ex-
ceſs of Complaiſance; on the contrary, they'd
have all the World ſtoop to their Opinions,
and do homage to their Learning. What an
obſtinate Battel have we feen of late, fought by
theſe literate Gentlemen, about the Preference
of the Ancients and the Moderns ; and a per-
ſonal Quarrel made of an imaginary Diſpute ?2
A Man is allow'd to propofe his Opinion; and
confirm it with the ſtrongeſt Arguments: heb
can; but he ought not to take it ill that others
are of another Mind, nor give abuſive Lan-
guage to bring them over to his Sentiments.lv
- It requires the conjunction almoſtoof alt Viro
toes, ito be Politerrand Complaiſant: A Man?
muſt be Maſter of Himfelf, and his Words, hise
Geſtures and Faflions; that nothing coffenſives
may eſcape him, to give others jut occafion tos
complain of his Proceedings. 7. Complaiſance
comprizes in it. I know 1100 how much Good.
nature, Humanity and lObligingneſs: Its prin-o
cipal deſign, is to conformitoral forts of Tamu
pers at any rate : Is it any wonder then, ſo few
are to be found that are truly Complaiſant?inde
The great Secret of happy Living with all
the World, is to take Menas we find them
; (we
muſt bear ſomethingi of the Freaks and Follies
of thoſe we expect great Things from. Don't
ruin, by want of Complaiſance, or a miſ tim’db
IH-humour , any good Deſigns to oblige, you,
Cherilh by your Infinuations, all good Diſpo- ]
fitions

of Complaiſance.
:)
139
fitions towards you, and eſpecially, let 110t ſuch
People ſee the Difguſt which tlie Roughneſs and
Capriciouſneſs of their Behaviour gives you.
How many have ſeen their Fortune ruin'd by a
miſtaken Loftineſs and an unſeaſonable Pride?
They had but a Moment longer to ſuffer, and
they had not the Patience to wait. Men are to
be fatisfied with good Looks, and why will we
not then content them at fo cheap a rate ?
An obliging Word, pertinently utter'd, a gra-
cious Smile, a little Deference for their Senti-
ments, fome Advances made at their Requeſt,
to pleaſe them, make them entirely yours ;
whereas a little Coldneſs, a frozen Countenance,
ſome diſobliging Expreſſions, loſe them beyond
Recovery ; and 'tis much if you find no ill Of-
fices from their Reſentment. In our Applica-
tions to Martella, we never fail to find her al-
ways diſpos'd to do us Service. Nothing dif-
courages her ; neither the Nature of the Buſi-
neſs you propofe, nor thé Difficulty of the
Things you deſire, provided they are within her
Capacity. She does not give you Time to finiſh
your Compliment ; the gueſſes and prevents
you ; and one fees in her eaſy Look, the Plea-
ſure ſhe feels in obliging thoſe that have Occa-
fion for her. She never lets her Expectants
languiſh thro' troubleſome Delays, which make
the Benefit dear-bought. The Head-Ach, In-
tereſt of her Health, Confuſion of her Affairs,
and a thouſand other frivolous Excuſes an unob-
liging Woman would uſe, to exempt her from
doing the Favour aſk'd of hér; theſe are Arti-
fices Martela is ignorant of. She is not fatis-
fied

149 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
fied with her ſelf, but when ſhe has carried her
Zeal even beyond your Wiſhes ; and when the
has ſúcceeded, ſhe thinks her felf over-paid for
her Pains, by the Pleaſure ſhe takes in that the
VG
has given you,
contare
Many are miſtaken in their Notions of Com-
plaiſance, knowing neither its Character, Dea
gree, nor Extent: They confound a fulſome
Fawning, which degenerates into Inſipidneſs,
with a regular Coniplaiſance that never applauds
Fooleriés. . 'Tis not Póliteneſs or Complaiſance
to ſay ſoft Things to every body, and laviſh our
Praiſes upon People without Choice, Judgment,
or Diſcretion. When their Actions rather de-
ſerve Reprimand than Applauſes, 'tis making
one's ſelf contemptible to commend them.
Thefe ill-plac'd Encomiums do neither Honour
to the Giver nor Receiver ; and yet this Pra-
&ice has infected the Court as well as the Coun,
trey. A Man is continually expos'd to the Pera
ſecution of thoſe inlipid Flatterers, who waſte
their Panegyricks upon all Comers, and make
rational People lick. Wo to the Man that has
any Merit, or has publiſh'd any Book, when lie
falls into the Hands of theſe everlaſting Prai-
fers : They give him no Quarter, but fifle him
with the Fumes of their falfe Incenſe. i to not
Others we find innocent of this extravagant
Complaiſance, yet guilty of the oppoſite Ex-
tream ; carrying it fair with no body, and neg.
ligent to conceal their Diſrepect ; untouch'd
with every. Thing but their own Performances:
All beſides appears flat and undeſerving their
Applauſes, of which they are wonderfully tena-
cious.

dup Of C
of Complaiſance.
141
cious. The firf Thing they open their Lips
for, is to tell you what you read to them is
naught without giving themſelves leiſure to hear
or underſtand it,
'Tis 110t to be hop'd, to meet with none but
agreeable and converſable People in Society;
but we ought to excuſe their Weakneſſes and
impertinent Diſcourſe. We muſt expect many
tireſome Vifits, when we ſet up for Viſiting-
days. Amongſt ſome reaſonable People, Abun-
dance of Impertinents will Nip, in, that will
make Solitude to be regretted; but the worftris,
theſe Perſons won't believe themſelves ſo trou-
bleſome, nor entertain the leaſt Suſpicion that
their Company is tireſome. Thoſe that have
the moſt Merit, and Accompliſhments to aequit
themſelves well in Converſation, will ſometimes
grow inſupportable, becauſe they will always
fhine. We feel a ſecret Indignation in ſeeing
People excel and eclipfe us; ſo that 'tis not
enough to have fine Qualities, unleſs we have
the Art to manage them, and ſuit our ſelves to
the Tempers, Characters and Abilities of the
People we converſe with. Tis a ſort of Tyran-
ny to keep every body in Suſpence by long Nar-
ratives, and ſuffer no body to speak but our
ſelves. Great Talkers only ſurprize the Vulgar,
and the Ignorant are admir’d by none but Fools.
Their
Noiſe and Frothineſs impoſes on no ſen-
fible Perſon : If the Sots, that diſtinguifh not
falſe Merit from true, are dazzled by them, 'tis
only becaufe they are Sots, and tis no wonder
that ſuch ſhould be deceiv d. d could wilh all
Perſons of Merit were of Elvira's Character and
Humour:

142 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Humour : No body ſpeaks leſs in Converſation,
when ſhe is not preſs’d to it; no body ſpeaks
jafter or more charmingly, when the Diſcourſe
is directed to her. She affects not to be myſte-
rious or ſhy, giving her Opinion on all Sorts of
Queſtions propos’d, be they never ſo frivolous;
but the expreſſes no Eagerneſs to diſplay her
Knowledge when the Diſcourſe turns on ſub-
limer Subjects. She has a wonderful Faculty to
level her ſelf with the People ſhe converſes with,
and to bring down her Wit, tho’ ſo noble and
exalted, to an equal Size with that of others;
who always depart ſatisfied from her Company,
becauſe they are pleas'd with themſelves, and
ſhe has given them Opportunities to unfold
and diſplay their little Talents.
If a Woman, now antiquated, and no lon-
ger attractive by her Charms, was not ſo out-
Tageous againſt thoſe that take her Place ; if
the had a little more Indulgence for the Infir-
mities of her Sex, and did not expreſs ſuch a
bitter Zeal when others give themſelves ſome
Liberties, we ſhould forget, perhaps, the Dif-
orders of her Youth, and be obliged to her for
her Demureneſs. But her Spleen is only owing
to the Loſs of her Beauty : She is vex'd to the
Heart to find her ſelf fo deſperately forlorn and
deſerted, whilft the young ſhine and are ador’d,
and do preciſely the ſame Things ſhe did when
young, yet which now ſhe cenſures ſo ſeverely.
Son 'Tis commonly ſeen, that thoſe who have
the leaſt Complaiſance for others , have yet a
deal for themſelves : But the
way
a quiet and pleaſant Life, is mutually to pardon
bristofsten 2010) 10.1997 INTS
each
: UNH
great
to lead

29 Of Complaiſance. 143
each other. Such as cavil againſt every Thing,
neither give themſelves nor others Quiet. c no
"101 The Spirit of Contradiétion is, perhaps, one
of the Things that moſt incommodes Conver-
fation. We find People of Chara&ter to take
an ill-natur'd Satisfaction in approving nothing;
all Things are diſguſtful and inſipid to them.
You no ſooner open your Advice, but they ex-
sclaim againſt it, purely to be of a contrary O-
upinión, without examining whether it be rea-
ſonable or not. Tis not for Information, that
they alledge a Multitude of Arguments true or
falſe ; but they would have their Advice taken,
abe it never ſo extravagant.
ilca
When a Thing is generally lik’d, 'tis a
ſhrewd Sigit that 'tis good ; and it would be
- ftrange Preſumption to go to oppoſe the Tor-
arent, and prefer one's particular Judgment to
the Suffrage. Nevertheleſs, we find but too
many People of ſo capricious a Taſte, as to en-
deavour to diſparage what all the World com-
mends. Whether this contradictory Spirit pro-
"ceeds from a large Fund of Ill-nature, a ſordid
- Jealouſy, or the Glory ſuppos'd to redound from
the impugning another's Opiniou, 'tis certain,
generally ſpeaking , theſe Singularities beſpeak
an indifferent Genius, Ithat tries to raiſe its own
Merit, by the Depreſſion of another Man's ;
sor elſe the want of Complaiſance, which makes
it delicious to confront the univerſal Opinion.
Perſons of this Temper pretend to an exquiſite
Nicenefs sin departing out of the common
-Road; but tis however, a Symptom of their
bade Judgment. If you would have Marillus
give

T44 Reflexions sepon Politeneſs.
give you clearly and wf-ambiguouſly his Opini-
on of the Caſe you propoſe,1 let him know ſuch
and fuch have given theirs thus and thus for
that would be the ready way to put him on the
Reverſe of that Advice - He knows the Per-
fons you ſpeak of, are Men of great Under-
-ſtanding and Experience; but that's ſtill a Rea-
fon to determine him to oppoſe their Opinions,
to give himſelf an Air of Superiority. Make
-him diftinctly underſtand lie is the firſt you
fconfulted, and that you'll fand to his Decifionis,
"and you'll be ſure to charm him by 'this Defe-
crence. He will impart his Counſel with great
Solidity, and give you a thouſand Overtures
and Expedients, to bring your Buſineſs to a hap-
py Concluſion. boog dit sis 2 bwotni
Moſt Men have ſo good an Opinion of them-
felves, as to think they are capable of directing
their own Conduct without any others Affi-
Stance or Advice; but the Misfortune is, when
they have niade any falſe Steps, they have all
the Difficulty in the World to retrieve them-
ſelves, becauſe they would never own their
Blonders. s The Counſel intelligent People give
them for their Redreſs; inſtead of ſetting them
right, makes them but more obftinate in the
Wrong. They fancy they ſhould in fome fort
degrade themſelves, if they did : honeſtly ac-
knowledge their Miſtakes, or own they were
capable of ſaying or doing any Thing camiſs. i
Tis great Advantage to have an exquiſite
and refind Taſte ;Obut whoever pretends to ſet
up for judging, Thould purge himſelf of larcon-
aceited Ddicaey, which makes every Thing dir-
SVE
likd:

Of Complaiſance. 145
lik’d: Neither would he diſcover his Senti-
ments to Perſons concern'd, when they are
not Advantageous, however I ſolicitous they
may appear to know his Thoughts of them.
You often loſe their Friendſhip, by your
Complaiſance in talking with them too fincere-
ly and freely.
Lost TM
We ought not to carry a cloudy melancholy
Face into Companies we are oblig'd to go
into, nor an Humour incompatible with o.
thers Deſires and Pleaſures. In civil Society,
Gravity and Gaiety thould be combin'd, be-
cauſe we feek Company to refreſh and unbend
our Minds, when fatigu'd with Cares and Bu-
ſineſs. 'Tis a miſerable Puniſhment to fall in-
to the Hands of ſome forts of People, of a
peculiar Make, whoſe diſmal and auſtere Hu-
mour poiſons the Pleaſure of Society; they
having no Complaiſance for any body, nor
any regard to any thing but themſelves: A
People that live only for their own Satisfaction,
loving no body, nor belov'd by none. Ex-
pect not any the leaſt Complaiſance from ſuch
Perſons, eſpecially where their Intereſt is con-
cern'd. They value 110t being deſpis’d, or dif
grac'd, provided they may but find their Acm
count in it.anas aux
It fignifies little to have Merit without the
Art of Pleaſing; at leaſt, Merit without that
will not have its entire Effect. Thouſands of
People, even with admirable Qualities, have
become tireſome and impertinent, and their
Company has prov'd ungrateful to all Mankind.
2 ICY
H
Tis


146 Reflexions zipon Politeneſs.
'Tis much Ithe fame as with thoſe Faces whoſe
Features are good, but not taking, yet we
know not the Reaſon why. Their Conjun-
{tion, ſome way or other, ruins the Proportion
that muſt neceſſarily go towards the forming
a regular Beauty. ingatlan
Moſt People envioufly behold the Merit and
good Fortune of their Neighbours ; as there-
fore we muſt expect in Treatment, diſobli-
ging Diſcourſe, and all manner of bad Of
fices from them, we ought ſo to precaution
our felves against it, as to let nothing eſcape
us unbecoming the Character of an honeſt
Man. 'Tis not difficult to be Polite and Con-
plaiſant, when all the World applauds, flat-
ters and careſſes you ;e the difficulty lies in
being ſo when you are diſoblig'd, affronted
and ill-ſervd. If you are impertinently blam'd,
a modeft Juſtification will become you
without expreſſing any Diſturbance, Indigna-
tion, or Paſſion : But if Juſtice be not done
you when your Reaſons are heard, make not
fuch a noiſe of it, as ſhall throw you of
your Character. Wait patiently for People to
be undeceiv'd, and think not by a high Hand,
to bring the World to Reafon, and over to
your Side. This Maxim, I confeſs, is difficult
to practiſe ; but the Moderation a Man fhows
in ſuch nice Conjunctures, will give a great
Luſtre to his Merit. Siit at se 100
av The little Complaiſance Men have for one
another, procceds from the want of a due E-
Steem. A Man forces Carnplaiſance for thoſe
he


estas Of Complaiſance.
147
he deſires to pleaſe ; but he cares not for plea-
fing a Perſon he diſreſpeets, and treats at
Arm's Length, and in Defiance.o
biriTake heed of ill-treating a Man that has
had any ill Succeſs or miſcarried in an im-
portant Affair. Say nothing harſh to him in
thoſe dolorous Moments: The leaſt diſobli-
ging Word would open all his Wounds afreſh.
A Man grows more Senſible and Tender, in
Proportion to his growing Miſerable. When
2 all things ſmile upon us, and we have no
Cauſe of Diſcontent, we are lefs vulnerable
by Affronts and diſreſpectful Behaviour ; the
Joy of our good Fortune agreeably taking up
our Thoughts, and preventing the ill effect.
But when we are unfortunate, and liave our
Minds full of the Idea of ſome freſh Diſaſter,
Reproaches are intolerably grating; they fire our
Blood, and whet our Indignation againſt thoſe
that obſerve 110 Meaſures, at a time we have
occaſion to be ſoftly handled.
Before you vex your ſelf, Noefius, at a
ſuppos’d Affront, examine well the Diſpoſition
of the Perſon you complain of. A random
Word, let fly without aim or deſign, puts
you in a Fuiy, and you conſider not whether
it proceeded from prepenje Malice and cool
Blood. The Man you flane fo violently a-
gainſt, had no Intention to diſturb you, and
yet you are become his implacable Enemy.
You ſeek all means to ruin him; you bring
all the World upon his back; Stratagems,
Slanders, Calumnies, all Engines are play'd in
107 ytimiote eldsub H 2
JOY ovirei voit bien
On 7 the
JOY


no-
always liv'd among Salvages, and had
148 Reflexions repon Politenes.
the reeking of your Revenge. 7 His Submil-
fion, Proteſtations, all he can offer can't
pacify, your Rage; I and one would think
from your Cruelty and Inhumanity, you had
thing of a Man in you but the Form.s. You
have no regard to the Remonftrances or Cha-
racter of thoſe that would reconcile you.
You think, perhaps, this Outrage is a ſign
of your Conſtancy and Courage z ribut let me
tell you, it makes the World conſider you as
a Chur). as1 918 3. Tonolia o sos
Is it to give themſelves Airs of diſtinction,
that foine People make it their "Buſineſs to
find fault with every thing? There's no Beauty
ſo perfect, nor Work fo compleat, as to eſcape
Criticks. They fancy, perhaps, by this ri-
gorous Cenſure, to paſs for Perſons of an
exquiſite Taſte and profound Penetration ;
whilft this Squeamiſhneſs makes them deſpi-
cable to worthy Men, who look upon them
as Invidious, Dainty, or prepoſſeſs’d with
their own Merit. We queſtion not, Meria
dor, but you have a great deal of Wit ; but
if you would fometimes have the Complai-
fance to approve what deſerves your Appro-
bation, you would be more eſteem'd, and not
expoſe your felf, as you do ſo often, to ſevere
Curſes ard Inve&tives. Meliſa thought her
ſelf an accompliſh'd Beauty, yet you give
sout every where the has too large a Noſe,
and one Eye not ſo big as the other. Theſe
little Irregularities were pafsd over , but you
talk of them as a conſiderable Deformity, for
which ſhe'll never forgive you. You


elor Of Complaijance. 149
You have, by your critical Niceties, diſpof-
feſs’d Mirin of his uſurp'd Reputation of a
Wit: You have never the Complaiſance to
give him the leaſt Reſpect for all the Poetry
he ſo emphatically recites to you, but on the
contrary, hear his Verſes with ſuch a chilneſs
and indifference, as denotes your diſregard
for them. Do you think an enrag'd Poets.
in ſo nice a matter, will handle you re-
fpéétfully in return; and do you fancy you
can shelter your ſelf from his fatyrical Epi-
grams ? Ewolled
Tis an over-aéted Delicacy, to expreſs Com-
plaiſance to a ſort of booriſh and clowniſh
People, who are too dull to be touch'd with
any thing, and not to be mov'd either by Ca-
reffes or Affronts. 'Tis not on the ſcore of Vir.
týe, that they are ſo Stoical and Inſenſible;
but rather from a ſtupid Indolence, that makes
both Civilities and Injuries thrown away up-
on them.
os
o That rigid Sincerity which gives no quar*
ter, is fufficiently baniſh'd Converſation : We
tranſgreſs thro' an exceſs of Complaiſance,
chuſing rather to contradict our Knowledge,
than ſpeak ingenuous Truth. The cuſtom of
Flattery feems a Trade; or to ſay better, a
Tribute we give, to be repaid in the ſame
Coin. 'Tis difficult to diſtinguiſh when Com-
mendation is fincere, and when Ironical. Our
Prejudice for our perſonal Merit, makes us
think the Praiſes beſtow'd in pure Complai.
fance, to be due to us. To be undeceiv'd, let
o sisiw bas dH 3
us
toon


150 Reflexions zepon Politeneſs.
us fancy our felves the Comedy that is acted.
As we make ſport with others, on whom we
laviſh our Incenſe in pure Flattery, and againft
our Conſcience, we ſneer aſide the Perfon we
loudly extol and commend with an Emphaſis
By theſe counterband Praiſes, we mean to
excite the Compliments made to us in pure Fa-
vour, and without Deſert. Is not this a plea-
fant ſort of Game? Why are we ſo greedy after
thoſe inſipid Flatteries, that only Wheedle
and Decoy us ? Think never the better of your?
ſelf for the Praiſes Melito beſtows or you:
He does not believe a word he ſays , all
his little Politicks terminating in this view,
to make himſelf commended in his turn; and
he is totally daſh'd and diſappointed whens
you
refufe him the Incenſe he ſo meanly de-
lights in. If you'd ſtop his Mouth, and avoid
the Perſecution of his Compliments, you have'
no more to do, but to lay an Embargo on yourd
Commendations.
Kindneſſes and Praiſes proceed almoſt upon
the ſame Foot. Such as have the Complaiſance
to grant our Requeſts, do it commonly with
deſigns that have no other aim than their own
Intereſt: They would, at leaſt, have every body
know it, and are only Beneficent out of VaL
nity. They have no ſincere Deſire to do us good,
to relieve a Friend in Neceſſity, or help him
out of the Briars. They conſider another's
Misfortune as an Opportunity of ſignalizing
themſelves, and eſtabliſhing their Reputation:
But he that is thus, as it were facrifi'd to
their Vanity, is but ſlightly affeéted with the
good

Of Complaiſance. 151
good Offices are done him, and hardly thinks
himſelf obligd to make Acknowledgments.
Generally ſpeaking, Complaiſance ſuits with
all ſorts of People, in all Conditions and Cir-
cumſtances whatever. Mean time, there are
fome Subjects, where Severity ſhould take place
of Complaiſance, A Woman, when attack'd
and tempted to be feduc'd, ought to let go all
points of Civility and Behaviour : Complai-
ſance on that Occaſion would be ill-tim'd. If
The uſes Put-ofs and Subterfuges, if the gives
way to the Propoſals made her, if ſhe Parleys
and Capitulates, ſhe is loſt: At this Juncture,
Diſdain, Sharpneſs, and an affrontive Pride
would be very becoming. Thoſe that pre-
tend to expreſs Reſentment, but do it in a lan-
guiſhing and affected way, and with a fiéti,
tious Air, and a ſtudied Tone, einbolden die
Hopes, and heighten the Preſumption of their
Aggreſſors. ob 15979
Rover Saab 2 sing out a fiatas, bris
srori qal of an EM
bra TO
dys I to
picture Obres altes 2001 bs on
-o sing to Zisit Sed grozi qur? 29
SIT TO 701 5789 vbod or ballooy 19
of livil Dot Eats datas
Chh Thut Tut soilsso si pot so
og to su 299
Of
H 4


152
ផ្នែកៗ ១
talis leo
***
915 mit al 93BTIT
restasi berasal de esto?
of Genteel and Generous BE-
HAVIOUR.
THE moft certain and infallible way to
1 win the Efteem and Affection of Men, is
to delight in doing them good, and to ob-
viate their Neceſſities, provided it be done
with a good Grace, and in an engaging and
generous Manner. 'Tis not ſufficient to oblige
People, but it muſt be done properly both in
Time and Place. There's an Art in ſeaſoning
Benefits, but the greateſt difficulty is to give;
and as Intereſt is the great Spring that moves
Mankind, the uſual way is, to keep them in
ſuſpence, with hopes. That which is moſt to
be fear'd, is the forgetting our Dignity, and
deſcending to mean and unworthy Actions,
thro' certain views of Intereſt. That which
now-a-days goes for Greatneſs and Generoſity
of Soul, is nothing but a Traffick of pure In-
tereſt: You'll find no body care for or reſpect
you any farther than you are ſerviceable to
them, or they have occaſion for your Affi-
ſtance. If you expect People ſhould ſerve you
afiduouſly, you muſt convince them you, on
your


Of genteel Behaviour. .
1.153
tude.
your
Part, are good for ſomething; and if you
hope to receive good Offices at their Hands,
you muſt give them to underſtand they run
no riſque by obliging you.
When you have done for People all that
Honour, Duty, and Decency require, you muſt
expect to be frequently repaid with Ingrati-
This is the Plan you are to propoſe.
Thoſe very Men that flatter and careſs you
while they have Occaſion for you, will be
weary of you, when they have obtain’d their
Ends: They never look you in the Face but with
reluctance; and they fancy they read in your
Countenance the Reproaches their Ingratitude
deſerves.
'Tis a thread-bare Cuſtom to load People
with barren Compliments, or Offers of Service,
and pretend a Zeal and Earneſtneſs when
there's no occaſion for their Aſliſtance, and
the buſineſs is at an end. You affect Igno-
rance of the Matter, when the Danger is
eminent and preſling; and you ſay nothing,
hor make any Advance, for fear you ſhould
be taken at your Word: But when you are
certain of the Succeſs, and run no hazard,
you fhéw a wonderful officiouſneſs, which you
have little thanks for.
Tis impoſſible to be always able to do ef-
fe&tual Services to our Friends, tho we are
never ſo much inclin'd ; becauſe we are not
always in Circumſtances to aſſiſt them with
real Courteſies; but there's no Obſtacle am
gainſt teſtifying our Friendſhip, compaſſio-
H5
nating


154 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
.
you
nating their Misfortunes, and making tliem
fenſible of our concern for them. If
can't draw them out of the Mire help
them, at leaſt, with your Advice , and let
the Heart ſupply what's remaining to do
them good. Try to lenify the anguiſh of
their Misfortunes, by the ſmootheft touches
of an obliging Hand : Tis an addition to
their Miſeries, to ſignify any Indifference for
them.
Uo1 101 CP SVR Yn shiaw
If you ll do nothing for a Man you're
much oblig'd to, you ought, however, not to
declare againſt him when he's no longer your
Friend: Tho' the Correſpondence be broken,
you thould always have reſpect for the Friendſhip,
which difference of Time and Circumſtance
has extinguiſh'd. This is a Maxim tranfgrefs'd
by many, who fall foul on their Friends
up-
on a Rupture, and ſeem willing to juſtify
their Diſguſt or Change by tlteir ill Treatment,
and thoſe everlaſting Complaints they make
of the bad Offices they have done them. Tis,
farther, a great Bafeneſs to abuſe their Con-
fidence, and publish their Secrets of Impor-
tance, to give them Uneaſineſs and Morti-
fication sarcobito 10119bhone WAL JOV
Where are thoſe people to be found that
Pout of
pure Generoſity, and have
only your Intereſt in view, without imputing
to themſelves the Cervices they do you ? 'Tis
not ſufficient for their Vanity to enjoy the
Pleaſure of a good Action, and to have extri-
cated their Friend from his Confufion; they
352
2
are

ایران

Of genteel Behaviour. . 155
are not ſatisfied, unleſs all the World be privy
to it. They make Proclamation of it in all
Places, in Houſes, in Churches, in the Ruelles
and publick Places.
2005
Yes, Gerontes, I know very well you ob-
lig’d me highly; but 'tis not enough that I,
am affected with it, and have all the Grati-
tude you can deſire. Why. muft you every
where divulge the Kindneſſes you've done me?
Your Vanity makes known the ill posture
and diſorder of my Affairs; and you da.
me, by your Indiſcretion, a greater Injury.
than all your good Offices can make amends:
for.
Moſt of thoſe that pretend to Liberality
and Magnificence, have at bottom a ſecret.
and delicate Intereſt; tho they would. fain-
be thought Generous, and in every thing
give Marks of a diſintereſted Soul. Don't be.
deceiv'd with this Appearance ; their Preſents
are a kind of Rait to hook in thoſe that are
more conſiderable. They think they have
hereby a Right to importune you every Momenty
and to demand Fffential Things for Triffes.
They have always their views in giving, and
never open their hand, but where they’exe
pect to have it fill'd. People of this Character,
whatever Face they ſet upon it, and however.
generous they ſeem, are.coverous and felf-inte-
reſted at the botton.
You are not to expect from the Generality
of Men an unblenifhd Virtue, andi pure and
diſinterested Services, Nor is it more to be
hopd,


156 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
hop'd, to keep up with them a long Acquain-
tance, without having frequent Cauſes of Com-
plaint, and just Accuſations againſt them.
Their particular Actions fometimes contradiet
the general Prixciples they act by. This In-
equality is the reſult of an Infirmity in the
Heart of Man, and a vicious Appendix of
Humanity; but provided. Virtue is the pre-
vailing Principle; we onght not to deſpiſe the
Man for forgetting himſelf on ſo me Occaſions ;
and conſequently 'tis a piece of great Injuſtices
to ceaſe to eſteem him, becauſe he relaxes
never ſo little in his Kindneſs for us, or fails
in a trifle.
We ſometimes offend People by doing them
great Services, becauſe we do them with an
ill Grace, and a ſtern and imperious Air, which
makes them too ſenſible of their Neceſſity
and Dependance. It looks as if we took Plea-
fure and Delight, in brow-beating ſuch as ex-
pećt Aliſtance from us. What Trouble would
it be to us to let them fee, in a ſmooth and
obliging Countenance, that 'tis a Satisfaction to
us to grant what they deſire ? Why Thould
we loſe the merit of a good Action, by a
laughty and diſcouraging manner of doing it?
Gerion hardly ever refuſes the good offices
are ask'd of him; nay ſerves People with
Zeal and Warmth enough ; yet in reality he
ſells at a dear rate the Services he does. He
humbles them with terrible Rebuffs, and fuch
braughty Inſults, as are very ungrateful to
thoſe that want his Intereft, He makes them
bite
got

Of genteel Behaviour. st
157
bite long upon the Bridle, before he ſtoops
to their Intrigues. But at length, after all
thefe Formalities, if you are not diſcounte-
nanc'd by his Whims, he embarks might and
main in your Intereſt, and ſpares neither
Pains nor Charge, to expedite the Buſineſs you
have recommended to him.
indo
'Tis a common Complaint, that we are not
fery'd with ſufficient Alacrity and Vigour;
Self-love magnifies the Idea of our Neceflities,
and leffens that of the Alifance which is
given us ; whereas we ought to be thankful
for Services done us, without complaining of
thoſe that are not done. And we are by no
means to perſuade our felves that People are
oblig'd to have more ardour than they expreſs
for our Intereſts. : postali G 10 britanog
Is it to be thought a Man of Bulineſs and
Importance, that Gerion tells you he is ſo
overwhelmd with Affairs, that he has not
time to live and breathe? He actually believes
what he tells you ; and yet he ſpends all his
Days in ranking and poſturing his Books
which he never reads, and cleanſing the Duſt
from his Furniture : Propoſe a Pleaſure-Match,
and he looks on you with a deriding Smile,
expreſhing great pity for thoſe that walte their
Time on Trifles. Gerion is exactly the Origi-
val of the Pi&ure the Poet gives us,
Tho' without Buſineſs, yet in full Employ.
LULES Tours
pult ei id fermi 70 od asili su
The

158 Reflexions repon Politeneſs.
The Unfortunate are not to look for Geo
neroſity from their friends. Ill Fortune is a
ſort of Contagion that keeps all at a di-
ſtance. Tis in vain to preſs them, and make
advances to draw them into your Intereſts ;
they have fix'd their Reſolutions, and all your
Submiſſions will not prevail with them to
break them. Inſtead of re-kindling their
Zeal, you redouble their. Animoſities by your
eagerneſs, which they conſider as a trouble-
fome Importunity. No body in London had
more Friends than Sylverins. They thought it
an honour to be of his Acquaintance; they
viſited him affiduouſly,, and with Pleaſure.
Tis true, he has a great deal of Wit, and all.
the Charins can be deſir'd in a worthy Man;
yet upon a kind of Difgrace that has happen'd.
to him, all theſe officious Friends of his have
ſcandalouſly abandon’d him, and hardly ſeem
to know either his Perſon or Name. Tis
much if they reſtrain themſelves from ill Offices.
and abuſive Treatment. In all this Crowd of
diſguis'd Friendſhip, one only ſtuck by him,
who is, however, equal to all the reſt, for
the Zeal he expreſſes, and ſubſtantial Ser-
vices he does, with a Conſtancy hardly to
be paralleld in fo Politick and Corrupt an
Age as this is.exs gi
What a noble and elevated Soul muſt a Man,
have, not to defert his Friends when For-
tune has forſaken them? The Friendihip and
Averſion of moſt Men, is meaſur'd by no o-
thier Rule than that of Intereſt. This is the
Kors
TOSTI
firsta

Of genteel Bebavionr.
159
firſt Spring that puts all their Wheels in Mo-
tion, and attraets their Good-liking or Con-
tempt. If they find you capable of ſerving,
tliem, they'll carry their Complaiſance and Re-
ſpect even to Adulation ; but if they conſider
you as an unuſeful Perſon, you muſt think it
well if you come off with rudeneſs, and with-
out ill turns.
D 'Tis difficult to avoid Envy in Competition
for the ſame Employs. Men naturally love
themſelves better than their Neighbours
therefore they feel a ſecret Indignation, if
they fee an Office or Eftate fall into another's
Hands, which they would gladly have then-
felves. This is a natural Notion ; but to envy
others Preferments, not within our Sphere, is
ſuch an odd buſineſs, as one would think there
was no Example of. To do this, is as ridi-
culous as it was in that Colonel, who envy'd
one of his Friends the great Biſhoprick the
King liad given 'lim ; or in that Abbot, who
fell into the Spleen, becauſe a Perſon of his
Acquaintance, was made Lieutenant-General
in the Army.
We judge of others Merit; rather by their
Affections than Underſtanding, having diffe-
rent Notions of it, upon doing us a Difcour-
teſy, fronı what we had upon their doing us
a Kindneſs: In the mean time, this Circum-
ftance does not alter tlieir perſonal Qualities
We diſcover Senfe and Judgment in them,
whem they are ftudious to obſerve our Excel
lencies, and obliging to excuſe: our Imper-
fections

160 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
fections, and let them in ſuch a light as rezu
moves them out of fight. is a suit ons ng
We ſeldom do Juſtice to our ſelves, and
rarely to other Men. The extream Fondneſs
we have for our own Perſons, makes us im-
pute all things to our felves. If the Queſtion
be about a Reconciliation, our ſelf-eſteem mag-
nifies the Injury, and leſſens the Deſert of the
Satisfactions that are offerd... We are vex’d
to find the Excuſes good, and taſte a ſecret
Pleaſure in hearing the Perſons we don't lovey
abus'd: Their Elevation gives us painful Re-
flexions, when we ſee them rais'd above us by
their perſonal Merit, or Fortune.
'Tis a high flight of Generoſity, in a Man,
to venture to commend the extraordinary Ta-
lents of another, when he believes himſelf to
excel in them. li'Tis rare to hear a Poet praiſe
fine. Verſes he was not the Author of. A
handſome Woman mentions another's Beauty
either with Reſerve or Envy, never ſetting it
off with due Expreſſions, to heighten the
Idea of it. Soldiers commonly have more
Juſtice for each other; for they will take
Delight in recounting one another's noble
A&tions whereof they were only Spectators.
A Man of any admirable Accomplishment,
or excelling Quality, qught not to expreſs ay
greedineſs of Applauſe, nor a contempt for
the Fools that don't do him. Juftice. 'Tis a
wretched Puniſhment to thew one's Abilities
before ſenſeleſs ſtupid People, that judge pre-
poſterouſly, that perceive not the Beauty
of a
၊
Piece,
-
seno

of genteel Behaviour. 161
mance.
Piece, nor diftinguith the flat and indifferent
Part from the excellent and ſublime. But 'tis
not, however, the Author's Buſineſs, ito expoſe
the ill judgments they make on his Perfor-
k If a Man could prevail ſo far with himſelf,
as not to ridicule People for their ill Succeſſes,
it would be a very eſtimable Vertue ; but
this is rarely to be met with, the World is
ſo very cenſorious and ill natur'd. I could
heartily with People had a little more of the
Reſerve of that brave Man, who upon read-
ing an obſcure Book, not without its Beauties,
faid, What he underſtood in it, he thought ad-
mirably fine; and doubted not but what he did
not underftand, was of the like goodneſs. How
amiable and generous was ſuch a Carriage,
and how ſweet would the Commerce of Hu-
mane Life be, if all Men form’d their Con-
Model !
A Man may conquer his Animoſity that is
founded on a real Cauſe: He may forgive
thro' Generoſity and Greatneſs of Soul, if he
poſitively knows upon what his Complaints
are grounded: But when the Quarrel has no
Foundation, 'tis more durable, becauſe Reaſon
knows not how to correst what it can't com-
prehend. Perliaps 'tis on this ſcore we find it
harder to appeafe the Squabbles of Women,
whoſe Quarrels have commonly the moſt tri-
vial and chimerical Occaſions: Their Pride or
Conceitedneſs will not ſuffer them to own they
are in Fault; ſo they perſiſt obſtinately in
their

162 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
.
their Notions, which makes their Hatred ſo laſt-
ing, and if their flattering or intereſted Friends
perſuade them never ſo little that their Re-
ſentments are juſt, 'tis odds but they are never
curd of thein.
'Tis not always the beſt Method to wed
People to our Intereſt, by loading them with
Benefits. They are affiduous and zealous ſo
long as they are in hopes, but fo foon as ever
they have obtain’d their Deſires, their Ardour
cools. Promiſes put the Wheels in Motion,
but Preſents are a clog to them; whereas the
courſe ſhould be juſt contrary ; Gratitude
ſhould redouble our Fervour, and give an
additional Zeal to our Benefactors, who
were lo generous and obliging, as to de
clare for us in ſuch Inſtances as wanted their
Aſliſtance.
Great Benefactions are fometimes inſtrue
mental to Ingratitude, and diſengage the
Client from his Patron, inſtead of retaining
him in his Intereſt. Theſe ſort of People are
only ungrateful, becauſe they have been over-
much oblig'd, and they are willing, at any rate,
to caſt off ſo troubleſome a Burden. Bonefoy
ingenuouſly confeſſes, the ſight of Martel
makes him tremble; and yet it was he that
put him into a conſiderable Poſt, in which
he has got a great Eftate; and maintain'd him
againſt the Faction of Court-Favourites, who
deſign'd to diſgrace and reduce him to his
primitive Condition.
dit ton in de bolo
ri
aposentido 150 yol )
A Man

Of genteel Bebaviour. I 163
A Man takes great Delight in obliging Per-
fons of Honour and Gratitude; bur it re-
quires a vaſtly great and generous Soul, to do
good to People. of known Ingratitude, and
which one already has had the proof of.
Acknowledgment is a kind of Tribute due
to the good Offices we receive, provided they
come nor from an Enemy: For ſuch Favours
inſtead of affecting us, ought ever to be fuf-
peeted.
Ill-natur'd People are never won by Bene-
fits ; la reſembling certain wild Beaſts, which
werendeavour to tame by careſling them ;
whoſe Paws are nevertheleſs always to be
dreaded, and who ſometimes tear thoſe that
feed them. Whatever a generous and zealous
Friend was capable of undertaking for a Per-
fons deab to him, Lyſander has done for Ma-
ricour. He lent him great Sums of Money,
to reſcue him from the Tyranny of his Cre-
ditorsissHe gave him the Opportunity of thew-
ing himſelf; and purchaſing a fine Poſty of
conſiderable Income, which furniſhes him
with Eaſe and Plenty. Maricour notwith-
ſtanding, has betray'd this Benefactor of his,
by baſely cheating him of the Money heo
borrow'd, and unjuſtly accuſing him of an
Affair that has irreparably wounded his Re-
putation. a Holo atbiquo yo 10
Good Fortune is the frequent occaſion of
Ingratitude. A Man pretends not to know
People that have ſeen him in unhappy: Cir
cumſtances, or help'd him out of them. He
even.

164 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
even ſometimes hates the very Perſons that
have done him important Services, I keeping
them at a Diſtance to be rid of the Obliga-
tion of an Acknowledgment. An infallible
Argument of Olympia's wondrous Merit, is
that in her great Exaltation, the protects thoſe
that viſited her in a leſs happy State, and
fhew'd their Friendſhip at a time, when
her Riches were unequal toi her admirable
Qualities.
519
We eaſily forget paſt Services, and feldom
conſtrain our ſelyes to make our court to thoſe
that are po longer dicapable of doing us any.
Tis Hope alone that keeps usrin Heart, and
devotes us to thofe, whofe Credit or Fortune
may be of any uſe to us. Iniora
Ingratitude is ſo baſe and ſcandalous a Vice,
that to puniſh it, we need only abandon the
Ungrateful to their own Malignity Hwithout
troubling our felves about any other |Revenge.
With whatever Colours we palliate Ingratitude,
whatever Dauhings we uſe to blot rout fo
infamous a Stain, 'tis impoſſible to juſtify it
to rational People. We have been oblig'd,
and we ought to be grateful, is a Rule with-
out Exception.. to mid yab ylstad
The Reaſon of the World's abounding with
Ingratitude,h is the Giving with an ill Grace.
Nothing captivates the Heart ſo much, as a
Preſent obligingly made and on the contrary,
110thing is ſo diſguſtful, as a Favour granted
in a farling way. No wonder then, we
Humoru 10 suo mitt band 10 23 fome

Of genteel Bebavioner. I 165
ſometimes diſoblige People by gratifying their
Defires, 9d oz. 919rij out owail forlu
yor?Tis ridiculous to inſult a Man with a Bea
nefit, bör mention it too often ; and 'tis a
wretched Perſecution to be told continually
of the Services we have done us. Theſe Re-
petitions turn one's Stomach, and provoke our
Averfion to the tAuthors of ſuch Diſcourſes,
which are look dupon as Abuſes and Re-
Sproachës.Xuovisbrg floor .2020 SIT)
stic Every Body is full of Complaints againſt
the ungrateful, and Ingratitude; but few ap-
ply themſelves to the cure of ſo odious a Vice.
*Tis eaſy to forget the Obligation of a Benefit ;
I the hopes of receiving new Favours, diſpoſe
to Ingratitude, when thoſe Hopes are fruſtra-
Sted. We have the fineſt Thoughts imagi-
Anable on the receit of a Bounty , but at laſt
our natural Bias prevails, and we feel a ſtrange
Fund of Indifference for our Benefactors, nay,
are ungrateful in our Returns for important
Services. The leaſt Fault they are guilty of,
in relation to us, turns the Scale, and tears it
down to Ingratitude, M 2017
SM Both wontengo
I One of the moſt common, as well as moſt
fatal Effects of Ingratitude, is the exciting the
Hatred and Indignation of our Patrons; their
z miſtaken Choice diſturbs and enrages them;
and they Ömit nothing to revenge themſelves
on the Perſons that have abus'd their Kind-
Ineffes. "
23.5 Men who are naturally ſelf-intereſted, pro-
portion their Gratitude to the Services they
expect;

166 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
expect; but there's no greater Demonſtration
of what little ſtreſs there is to be laid on
their Affection, than the Indifférence they
sexpreſs for thoſe they formerly ador'd, when
they ceaſe to be uſeful, and Fortune, good or
bad, has chang'd the Situation of the Af-
fairs. ove obrio 2010 ottons
We ought not to carry our Reflexions home
to our ſelves, in the things our Friends de-
ſire of us. We ſhould endeavour to pleaſe
and ſerve them to their Minds, without
-even thinking of their Acknowledgments :
A rational Soul is well-enough paid , by
the Pleaſure it receives in obliging a be-
lov'd Perſon, who is well deſerving of our
Zeal. 918 290ohi sont nodw busieron of
Our Flatteries or Contempt neyer keep a
mean, with reſpect to Men in Place, Whilft
they are upheld by Fortune, we proſtitute
our Praiſes, and carry our Devotions even to
Adoration, but no ſooner do they begin to
decline and become verging towards Diſgrace,
but all the World abandons them, rends their
Reputation without Mercy, and fails not to
Pimppute the Cauſe of their Miſery to their ill
Conduct.
obuisson Song 1617
119 Frequent Inſtances hereof are to be met wit
in the Courts of Princes. 'Tis certain, this
is a ſort of inchanted Ground, where a Man
is not ſeçure of maintaining his Poſt, with
never ſo great Talents, vaft Merit, or eſſential
---Services. The Lufire of great Virtues dazzles
y othe jealous Eyes of Ambitious People, who
can't

Of genteel Bebaviour. 167
can't bear being outſhind, nor pardon an
importunate Deſert. This puts them upon
playing all ſorts of Engines, and recurring to
the moſt fordid and infamous Means, to worm
them out of their Places, that they themſelves
may skrew into them.
'Tis a rare thing to ſee People fo diſinte-
reſted, as not to warp with the bent of their
Inclination, when occaſion ſhall offer. Their
Virtue is not ſo perfect as to be proof a-
gainſt the Temptation of Gain, tho' not to
be come at, but by ſuſpected Means, and
Ways indirect. If, in Play, they can uſe Le-
gerdemain, they neglect not the advantage. In
Dealings we may have with them, they com-
monly uſe Artifice and Tricking to ſecure their
own Stakes, without troubling themfelves how
others thall get off nico
Have no Converſation with People de
lighting in Satyr and Raillery: Neither ex-
peat any Kindneſſes from them after many
Years Friendthip, whatever occaſions you may
have for their Afliſtance. If you make any
falſe Steps, they'll be ſure to laugh at you
the firſt, and turn you into Ridicule. There
People reſemble, fonje farts of wild Beaſts,
whom there's no pollibility of taming ; but
they'll ſtill return to their falvage Natures, and
claw their Keepers. Soon ang
People often think they act upon generous
and diſintereſted Motives, whilſt the Ferment
of fame Paſſion intermingles, and deſtroys the
Merit of a ſeeming virtuous Action, 'Tis not
always

168 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
always from a true Zeal we exclaim againſt the
Conduct of Perſons that furniſh us an handle
for Reproach. - 'Tis Envy that opens our
Mouths againſt the Luxury of State-Miniſters
their lofty Houſes, rich Furniture, gilt Coaches,
and magnificent Entertainments, or againſt the
Credit and Power of Favourites. A Woman
that cenſures another who e Conduct is attack'a,
is feldom concern'd for her Reformation, but
out of a more tickliſh Intereſt, or a ſecret ſea-
louſy of her Beauty, endeavours to ruin her,
as the thinks, dangerous Rival.
Men alter their Politicks according to the
different turn Peoples Affairs take to whom
they are devoted. Generally ſpeaking, we
may venture to ſay, that grateful People are
Perſons of true Senſe, and worthy of the Fa-
vours they receive. It commonly happens, that
Men leaſt deſerving Benefits, are the moſt
Ungrateful, and think themſelves never fuffi-
ciently requited. Becauſe Frontin has done
Lyfon ſome Service, who has nevertheleſs got
him a Place of a Thouſand Pounds a Year by
his Intereſt, he complains he is hardly usd,
and really thinks his Pains but ill-recompenc'd.
Tis likely he would ſtill complain, if Lyſion
ſhould quit his own Eſtate and Preferment to
him.
Gratitude fhould have ſomething free in it,
and nothing forc'd or conſtrain'd. When a
Man is only thankful out of a kind of Duty,
and repays good Offices purely becauſe lie has
receiv'd them, he always diſcharges them with
an

Of genteel Behaviour. 169
in
an aukward Grace. It requires a great ſtock
of Generoſity and Honour to be glad to ſee
People we are extreamly obligd to. The
Ungrateful are always under Conſtraint
the Company of thoſe that have loaded them
with Benefits.
People that have vaft Notions of their own
Merit, are commonly ungrateful, becauſe they
think every thing their due, that they are
above taking notice of any body, and that
the leaſt advances, on their part, are a compe
tent Diſcharge for the greateſt Services People
have done them. They compare themſelves
with the Perſons they are oblig'd to, and find-
ing ſo great a diſproportion, they are not in
the leaſt affected with the moſt eſſential Kind-
neſſes. Lucilia pretends, becauſe fhe is Hand-
ſome, that ſhe merits the nobleft Sacrifices,
and that the bare Pleaſure of ſeeing her, is
ſufficient Recompence for all that's done for
her : This is her peculiar Frenzy. She ſcarce
vouchſafes to thank thoſe Friends that have
mov'd every Stone to ſerve her; and when the
does it, 'tis with ſo unconcern'd a Look and
languiſhing a Tone, as makes it manifeſt the
lias little or no Acknowledgment in her.
There's very little difference betwixt the
Morals of Women of this Age, and thoſe of
honeſt Heathens. They acknowledge no other
Laws than thoſe of their Pleaſures, and refer
all things to this Point. Being entirely taken
up with the thoughts of pleaſing, they have
no other Care than to make their Days roul
I
012

170 Reflexions tepon Politeneſs.
on pleaſantly, whilft effential Duties make but
a weak Impreſſion on them. We fometimes
hear Women of this Character declare, they
have no mind to be canoniz'd; and that when
they are upon the Declenſion, they'll think
of growing grave, like others, who politickly
make that choice, when they have ſpent all
their beſt Years in Mirth, Jollity and Plea-
ſure.9120
1 TVS
Conceited and preſumptive People are natu-
rally Exceptious; there muſt be 110 omiflion in
the Devoirs that are paid them ; the least Ir-
Tegularity offends them, and "expunges the re-
membrance of all paft Benefits. When you
have done all that is poilible to ſatisfy them,
if you fail in the leaſt Cireumſtance, they
reckon all the reſt as nothing, and think this
little Negligence acquits them from all manner
of Obligations.
Sed sit 3711
1 Dont hope to have always Juſtice done you,
"but content your felf with the Glory and Re-
putation that are due to your good Actions,
Don't be diſcourag’d, nor give way to your
Indignation, thoMen make but ill returns
to your Obligations. Our Duty is always to
be done, without depending on the Acknow-
ledgments of the World. What Glory has not
Paulinus acquir d by his Heroical Proceedings on
the behalf of Francion? He diſengag‘d him
from an unhappy Affair, by his Intereſt and
his Money. The Wretch, inſtead of being
touch'd tvith it, declar'd himſelf againſt Pau-
linus, and did all he could to provoke him.
2
His

of genteel Bebaviour.
171
His Magottry or Deſtiny plung’d him into
freſh Confuſions, and he found himſelf neceffi-
tated to make new Applications to his abus’d
Friend. But Paulinus forgetting his Ingrati-
tude and ill Turns attempted againſt him
ſerv'd him with the ſame Zeal and Vigour, as
if he had been the gratefulleſt Perſon alive.
How glorious was this Conduct ! how ſublime
this Virtue! but of how rare, and almoſt ini-
mitable a Practice! 10
b: Tis commonly a miſtaken piece of State,
to refuſe the Preſents of our Friends : 'Tis
ſometimes likewiſe the Apprehenſion of be-
ing oblig'd to Acknowledgments and Reci-
procal Returns ; or elſe the diſeſteem of the
Things they offer : In all Caſes 'tis a bad ac-
knowledgment of their kind Intentions. Theſe
diſdainful and diſobliging Ways, juſtly exafpe-
rate them, and infallibly cool the fervour of
their Friendſhip. leids
--.:Moſt Men have a wondrous Faculty at In-
ſinuation to gain their Point; they load you
with Civilities and Proteſtations of eternal
Services ; but when they have no farther hopes,
they inſtantly forget both the Benefit and the
Benefactor: Nay, 'tis much if they forbear to
do ill Offices to their Patrons, or at leaſt to
complain of them.
'Tis an ill-contriv'd Generoſity to plunge
one's ſelf into Debt, to appear Magnificent.
All Exceſs is vicious and blamable, and we
can't forbear cenſuring their Conduct, who
impertinently ſquander away their Money, and
I 2
labour

172 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
labour to make a Figure at their Creditors
Expence : But yet their ridiculous Dotage is
more to be condenin'd, who abounding in
Wealth, deny themſelves the Satisfaction of
enjoying it, as if they were Farmers to their
own Heirs. Avarice is the moft miſerable of
Paſſions, and we can have no other notion of
the Covetous, than of People under a divine
Malediction: They refuſe themſelves Neceſſa-
ries, to leave others wherewithal to live in
Splendor. One would think they conſider'd
their Eſtates, as if they did not belong to them,
ſo fearful are they of uſing them. They daily
make new Acquiſitions, and multiply their
Bags of Gold and Silver, which to them are
but as a heap of Flints or Hob-iails, ſince they
make no uſe of them. They fuffer all the In-
conveniences of Poverty, to have the whim-
fical Satisfaction of poffeffing immenſe Riches.
What a Madneſs is this! Every body knows
that Hartagon, by marrying, had Two Thou-
fand Pousius a Year. He choſe a Wife out of
the Lees of the People, whoſe Father had made
his Fortune. Tis Twenty Years ſince he mar-
Ty'd, and has ſav'd almoſt all his Revenue ever
fince. Scarce has he Valets to ſerve him. He
hy'd in a very convenient Houſe, which he
has now fold, to take another of leſs Rent,
more ftrait and incommodious. He loves the
Country, where he had a pretty Efate, in a
very pleafant and healthy Situation. He has
parted with it for ready Money, which he rouls
in. Herpagon lives like another Timon, or
900
filthy

Of Genteel Behaviour.
173
filthy Cynick in his Tub, to have his Coffers
ftuffed with Crown-Pieces when he dies. Here's
a fine Expedient!
If thoſe who can't prevail with themſelves
to be genteel and generous, could at leaſt ab-
ftain from ſcoundrel and fordid Ways, and
from living in Greaſe and Naſtineſs, we ſhould
have ſome Indulgence for them, and pity them
for the malignity of their Stars and Conſtiu-
tion.
'Tis a Cuſtom much in Practice, to ridicule
a Man that commits a Fault, and to augment
his Confuſion by Reproaches: The moſt mo:
derate affect malicious Smiles, that are as pro-
voking, as keen Reflexions. All this proceeds
from a ſecret Pride, becauſe we are glad to ſec
others guilty of fach, things as place them
beneath us, and deſtroy their Reputation with
the World. best hs IMS bas
775v 50 lbs tortor bit of
of
Borib fosbus
Siddies
3 vittoo
- 20 si 1901
on clarineML?
ortion or
Baleset ay is our Stooni on sint dose
eie slot rode sairone sus bar
Noy soodustas livi lo es
Llew to the hov 110 50 2toalet
net priedai otdin I 3. Bbas Of
ISO 1900 ton il OVO
SKAGENG

174
231 23ibodus0w 239 - Stontri bat
DUOTIT bus 199113g ud
rex bbról Las bothudost' non in
Mbaroi souvistest
s Of SINCERIT Y. on var
Elero bas zisie virt: 10 vtiagiisan orit toi
.fi
THI
HE Knowledge of the Heart of Man is
not attainable but by long Experience and
mnch Reflexion. Men are ſo Ingenious at
diſguiſing themſelves, and ſo Induſtrious at
concealing their Thoughts, that it's impoſſible
to penetrate into their true Intentions. They
moſt commonly act by freak and caprice ;
what pleaſes them to Day, diſguſts them to
Morrow; and a Man had need be very po-
litick to find out what they like, and very
pliant to comply with them. Moſt Men
are unintelligible; they talk and act directly
contrary to their meaning. You muſt always
interpret their Diſcourſe by the Rule of Con-
traries, ſince their Hearts and Mouthis keep no
Intelligence betwixt them. They have neither
good Faith nor Sincerity, are always mask'd,
and have nothing natural. Such People are
the bane of civil Society, againſt whom you
muſt always be on your guard, if you would
not be deceiv'd.
Looks and Grimaces contribute nothing to-
wards folid Virtue. 'Tis not ſufficient to ap-
pear

calonaril Of Sincerity. 175
pear an honeſt Man,
, unleſs you effe&tually are
ſo. But the way is to put on the Outſide
and Livery of Virtue, without being con-
černd for the Subſtance and Reality : Nay,
what is very ſtrange, People commonly take
more Pains to diſguiſe themſelves, and deceive
the World, than it would coſt them to acquire
thoſe fine Qualities that produce a ſubſtantial
Merit.
'Tis a very common Cuſtom to flatter the
Perſons we Reſpect, and applaud all they ſay
and do; but Sincerity fuffers by ſuch Practices,
and is not conſiſtent with an endleſs Fawn-
ing and Adulation. We ſhould neither indulge
our ſelves in cenſuring with too much Freedom
and Preſumption; for if nothing be more per-
nicious than a rank or envenom'd Flattery,
nothing is more peſtering and troubleſome
than a blunt Sincerity, that ſays every thing
without Caution or Regard.
According to the preſent State and Situation
of our Morals, there is but ſmall hopes of
reviving the Sincerity fo cheriſh'd by our An-
ceſtors, which was, as it were, the very Soul
of their Converſations. All now conſiſts in
vain Compliments, Artifice and Tricking ; to
diſcover the real Sentiments of Men, you muſt
give their Words the exact contrary Meaning,
So perfect is their Knack and Cuſtom of Dil-
fembling, that they uſe diſguiſe even in the
leaft Trifles. Such Maxims are very repugnant
to the Character of an honeſt Man.
- Mi 1990 poi ion buyon Toronto
၁၁..
Tis
14

176 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Tis great Folly, as well as Cowardice, to ſpeak
againſt one's Conſcience to pleaſe thoſe people
we mean to cultivate and draw into our intereſts.
A Man of Honour ought never to counterfeit,
deceive, or lye, neither ſhould he diveſt himſelf
of his own Sentiments to put on borrow'd Noti-
ons, when they are unreaſonable. He ſhould
not be obſtinately Stiffand Affrontive in indiffe-
rent things, where a little more Complaiſance
would unite People to his Intereſts. How often
have Men miſcarried in their Affairs by a mil-
tim'd Sincerity, which only ſerves to four andex-
aſperate Peoples Minds againſt them? The Poli-
ticians, who have no funum Bonun but their
Intereſts, and prefer the Utile before the Ho-
neftum, ſay, There's no Security in the World
withiout Hypocriſy, and that a Man muſt cer-
tainly be ruin'd that can't diſſemble. They are
but ill Managers, ſay they, that ſtand upon a ri-
gorous and inflexible Sincerity. We ought to
careſs the People we hate and deſign to deſtroy;
and expreſs Eſteem and Reſpect, where we have
nothing but Contempt. If thieſe Subterfuges
and Diſguiſes are abſolutely (neceffary to make
one's Fortune, the honeſt Man muſt bid fare-
wel to it: And in this I can't but infinitely ad-
mire Alcidor's Character. He's plac'd in a nice
Poft, where he has a thouſand People to culti-
vate, wliom he depends upon; People crabbed
and difficult, and, by the Situation of their
,
Mean time, he has not the Daſtardy ſervilely to
flatter them, nor to applaud their frequent In-
juſtices
97
.

ale Of Sincerity.al 177
juſtices and Extortions. He tells them plainly
what he thinks, and propoſes his Advice with
fo much Art, Inſinuation and Integrity, that
they bear with him, and are forc'd to ſubmit in
fpight of the contrary Maxims ſuggeſted by their
Profeffion.
A Man of Honour fhou'd make it a Law to
himſelf never to ſpeak what he does not think and
to avoid whatever is falſe and too concerted. If
you would not deceive any body, why all theſe Sub-
terfuges? Ad and Speak naturally, and rack
not your Brain to puzzle yourſelf as you do.
Artifices, Diſguiſe and naughty Politicks, get
you but little Credit, and are the Signs of an ill
Temper. If we banith Sincerity, we muſt re-
nounce the World: for without it, civil Society
is a Kind of Kid apping; we try all Practices
to abuſe, gull and ſurprize the People we coule
verſe with. A Man flatters and careſſes you to
your face, whilft his Thoughts are quite contra-
ry to his Words. He tells you, in your Misfor-
tunes, that he is concern'd for your Miſery, and
that your Merit deſerv'd a better Deſtiny; but as
foon as your Back is turn'd, the fame Perſon rails
againſt you, and inſults you, ſaying, Fortune
has done Juſtice to your Want of Merit, and that
your irregular Conduct is the Cauſe of all your
bad Succeſſes. There's I know not what Cowar-
dice and Baſeneſs in this Treatment; and a Man
that has any Notions of Honour, can't be guilty
of this fraudulent dealing. What do you mean,
Moricet, by your barren Embraces! You load
Lifidor with Careſſes and Praifes, and cry him
I s

178 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
up to the Stars, nay put him in parallel with
the fublimeſt Genius's: Yer as ſoon as you leave
him, you tell me he is a Simpleton and Enthu-
fiaft, that fancies himſelf a Wit, but has not
common Senſe. If you have not the Power to
undeceive him and open his Eyes, at leaſt don't
feed his Folly, by applauding his Extravagances.
You tell him, with an Air of Zeal, you are one
of his Friends, and he believes you. You praiſe
the publick A&tion he has done, and lull him
afleep by your Praiſes, as by the Song of the
Syrens. Your Flatteries poſſeſs him with a new
Degree of Preſumption, and give an additional
Luſtre to his Ridicule, which he'll never be
curd of.
A Man of Integrity with excellent Senſe, is
commonly made the Property of a crafty Knave
of but indifferent Underſtanding; yet who has
the Art to diſguiſe himſelf, and boggles at no
Baſeneſs to come at his Ends. Alcippus is uni-
verfally known to have a fine and nice Wit,
with an exact Judgment; and has been truſted
with Buſineſs of great Importance, which he
has manag’d with admirable Skill. In the mean
Time he has been trick'd by Onufer, who is
but a Fool; yet has his Eye intent upon his
Intereft, without any Regard to the Rules of
Honour or Juſtice.
Wheedling and Decoying are Stains to civil
Society, and the Signs of a weak Soul. How
wretched are you to careſs People you hate,
and wiſh them a thouſand Miles off you. It
would be leſs diſhonourable to let them ander-
stand

alena Of Sincerity. xes179
ſtand your true Sentiments; for hereby they
would know what to truſt to, and might pre-
caution themſelves againſt your ill Deſigns.
There's no Prudence can be proof againſt the
Impoſtures of a Man that tells you, with a fal-
lacious Air, you may depend upon him; that
he will always be ready to ſacrifice himſelf for
you; that his Fortune, Friends and Intereſt are
all at your Service; if under this fine Shew there
lurks a Serpentine and double Mind, and out
of ſome ſecret Reſentment he is reſolv'd to ruin
you. How is it poſſible to miſtruſt ſuch treache-
rous Pretences? How is it poſſible to avoid the
Snares of one, that employs the
very Characters
of Friendſhip to deceive you? That makes pre-
tended Confidences to ſteal your Secret from
from you, and promiſes you all kinds of Afliſt-
ance at the Time he is ſeeking the Means of
your Deſtruction?
In our Promiſes to our Friends, we ought
not to uſe Subterfuges, Equivocation, or men-
tal Reſervation; for by failing in Sincerity and
our Words, we loſe our Reputation. People
generally promiſe haſtily whatever is deſir'd of
them, without being ſure they have either
Power or Inclination to perform it. This Le-
vity, expoſes them to the Contempt of thoſe
they thus abuſe. When a Promiſe is made, it
ought to be diſcharg'd as ſoon as may be, with-
out making the Expectants languiſh. It's gia
ving doubly, to give with a good Grace. It
looks as if we repented of our Obligation, when
we are backward to accompliſh it. If you de-
Tire

180 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
fire a
to
alift
a Matter of Con-
fequence, he promiſes you without any Heſita-
ticn; he like wife promiſes Nicaife and Denys
in the fame Manner. You return to his Lodg-
ings, to enquire what advances he has made in
your Buſineſs; he has not ſo much as thought
of you; he'll amuſe you a long while; he'll re-
gale you with Kiffes and Embraces ; but that's all
the Recompence you muſt have for the Journeys
you make, and the Attendance you pay to him.
Why ſhould you, Poliglot, amuſe People with
Earren Compliments, when you have neither
the Deſire 11or Capacity to do them real Ser-
vices?
There's a vaſt Difference between Sincerity
and an itching Deſire of Talking, that makes
us open our ſelves to all Sorts of People in in-
diſcreet Confidences. Sincerity ſhould have no-
thing raſh or fooliſh in it : It does not oblige
you to tell fillily all you know, or to expoſe
your
Inſide to inquiſitive Perfons, that endea-
vour to lift you, and ſteal your Secrets. Main-
tain a reſolute Reſerve before People of this
Character, who often abuſe the Secret you
impart to them. Eſpecially take great Care to
avoid the Snares laid for you by certain Wo-
men that have Merit, and uſe a Thouſand Ar-
tifices to make you diſcover. The Natural
Weakneſs we are under with reſpect to that
Sex, the Ambition to pleaſe a Woman we love,
or to obtain what we deſire, are all apt to ex-
pofe us to the Commiſſion of great Faults,
and long Repentances.
2000 Skov
The

Blor Of Sincerity. 181
The Confiding in a Woman he lov'd has
coft Clarimon his Liberty and Fortune : The
deceitful Gipſy betray'd him, and divulg'd his
Secrets, that were injurious to Perſons of High
Birth ; who omitted nothing to be reveng'd
on
Clarimon's fatyrical Strokes, and affrontive De-
fcriptions. A Man muſt be under great Solici-
tude, that has intruſted Woinen with a very
important Secret ; as being neither Miſtreſſes
of their Hearts nor Tongues. To-day they are
your Friends ; To-morrow they'll rail bitterly
at you ; but yet for all that, you can't withhold
your Secrets from them; a Fault not incident
to, nor pardonable in, a wiſe Man.
Sincerity is , perhaps, one of the ſhorteſt
Cuts to arrive at the Esteem of Men. Tis
better honeſtly to confefs one's Infirmities,
than to uſe ſo many Subterfuges in concealing
them from the Publick, that knows well
enough what it ought to believe. What Ad-
vantage to the Women, pretendedly Virtu-
ous, is that Artifice they employ to deceive
the World? They have but little Thanks for
all their Politicks. In Publick they ſeem to
he alarm’d, and take fire at a Word ever ſo
little free but in Private they are more fami-
har and tame, and affume great Liberties.
Norine has long acted the Farce fo artfully,
as to paſs for a Modeft Woman, tho' ſhe was
a Wanton in her Soul. By Misfortune ſhe fell
into the Hands of a Hare-brain's Spark, who
Has betray'd her, and ſhewn her Letters to all
that had the Curiolity to read them. Never
2
was

182 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
was feen ſo much Coquetry, and to corrupt a
Heart under lo compos'd a Countenance.
What is not a Woman capable of, under the
Influence of a violent Paſſion?
I can't conceive the Reaſon, why Men ſhould
love ſo much to diſguiſe themſelves : They ſeem
ſtill to be upon, the Stage ; their Geſtures,
Words, and Motions of their Eyes and Gate,
are all conceited. Do they think to pleaſe, by
departing thus from Nature ? A Man natural-
ly melancholy and heavy, would ad the agree-
able and merry Part, but that Mirth and Di-
verſion, which is the Reſult of ſo much La-
bour, is very flat and inſipid. Another, on
the contrary, naturally volatile and mercurial,
affects a ſtudied Gravity, that throws him off
his Temper. They reaſon prepoſterouſly: They
put on theſe borrow d Airs to pleaſe ; , whereas
they directly ftifle all they may have pleaſing
in them; which can have no Effect, any far-
ther than it follows Nature, which muſt never
be forc'd. All that is extravagant, is diſguſt-
ful to People of good Taſte.
Sincerity ſometimes paſſes for Ruſticity and
Rudeneſs. We ſee People of a fine and deli-
cate Judgment, and a juſt Penetration, who,
notwithſtanding all their knowledge, are the
Cullies of Fools who have no Sincerity, and
wlio apply all the little Wit they have, to de-
ceive thoſe they converſe with, who yet have
no Suſpicion of their Shams. zbrish orts on
Tot 1919.gad nwant tres ud bystad
stoot: bor outdont ses bou We

elor Of Sincerity. eixits 183
be
-2We find People of a particular Country
that have all the Difficulty in the World to
ſpeak their Thoughts; they have ſtill ſome Am
biguity and Reſerve in their Diſcourſe, and
give you the moft frivolous Trifles under the
Seal of Secrecy. There are a Thouſand Things
we ought to truſt to the Diſcretion of the Peo-
ple we converſe witli, and ought not to be
made Myſteries ; and it would be ridiculous, to
e-Thy of them to our Friends. From this
Rule muſt be excepted, the Secrets that may be
prejudiciál to a Third Perſon ; for thoſe are not
to be mention to our Friends ; and they can't
take it ill, if they come to underſtand they
have not been truſted with them. u 9165
Whatever Merit a Man has, or Aſcendent
he ſuppoſes himſelf to have over others, he
ought to ſubmit to Reaſon, hearken to Perſons
of good Senſe, to profit by their Advice, and
recover from his Errors. He ought likewiſe
to have the Uprightneſs and Sincerity, to lay
open the State of his Affairs, without Dif-
guize and Subterfuge. How can riyou expect
they ſhould ſpeak juftly to an Affair, wlien you
hide from them the main End, and deciſive
Point? The Advices they give you, can only
beat the Buſh, and never tend to the Head of
the Buſineſs you conſult about.
b 197
There are People that place all their Polite-
neſs in paying Civilities to all Comers, with-
out Diſtinction of Quality or Merit. They
lure them on with frivolous Compliments, and
indefinite Offers of Service grand for ſome
Time

184 Reflexions tepon Politeneſs.
Time impoſe on them by theſe Appearances.
They are applied to, as long as there is any
Hopes of Service ; but they are deſpis'd at laſt,
when the Vanity of their Promiſes appears
by their frequent Diſappointments. Is it not
better ingenuouſly to confefs to our Solicitors,
that what they deſire is beyond our Pow-
er; and that we are ſorry we are incapable of
granting their Requeſts ? This Plain-dealing is
a Mortification to vain People, wo are afraid
of degrading themſelves from the great Opini-
on the World has of their Intereſt, but it's
much worſe, when 'tis found by Experience,
how ſhort and limited is the Tender.
We are under no Obligation to love all sorts
of People ; that being a Matter which requires
both Choice and Judgment. But it's a baſe
way of dealing, to load People we don't love
with barren Careſſes, and to amuſe them with
Demonftrations of a falſe and deluſory Friend-
fhip. They depend upon your Word; they
rely on the Aſſiſtance you have promis'd ; but
you'll fail them in their Neceflity; and they at
bit difcover the Impoſture of your Preten-
fions. bus and one
bat mon mano abid
The Reaſon why there are ſo few ſincere
People in the World, is, that all Men love to
be flatter'd ; and Complaiſance is a certain
Means to gain their Friendſhip. 'Tis almoſt an
infallible way to win them, to ſeem to applaud
them, approve their Methods and Manage-
ment, and to praiſe them pertinently and in
Seafona o The most ſevere are touch'd with a
well-

2e of
185
Of Sincerity.
cod
well-manag’d Commendation ; and they re-
ceive pure Flattery as a lawfal Tribute, becauſe
they don't know themſelves, but are miſguided
by the Prejudices of an imaginary Merit.
Perſons of
great
Worth are often expos'd to
the Slanders and Abuſes of thoſe that envy
them, who calumniate them as much as poſſi-
ble, to ruin them. The indifferent Auditors
approve by their Looks and Geſture the difho-
nourable Things they ſay; which is a cow.
ardly and miſplac'd Complaiſance. A Man
ſhould have fo much Sincerity and Generoſity,
as to declare on the side of an honeſt Man,
wrongfully attack'd, and deſerted by every bo-
dy: And 'tis a ſhameful Piece of Cowardice,
to decry People out of Complaiſance, and on-
ly make Court to Fools in Place, who declare
againſt them.
There's nothing more dangerous in the Com-
merce of the World, than a Friend who talks
unſincerely. We naturally miſtruſt an Ene-
my, and guard our felves againſt his Ctrata-
and ill Deſigns. But we don't ſuſpect one
we fancy in our Intereſts ; we govern our ſelves
by his Advice, and conſequently are expos’d to
falſe Meaſures in our Conduct, if he be fo trean
cherous as to betray us.
'Tis a rare Thing to have People correct
their Faults. The Reaſon, if I miſtake not,
is, they don't conſider them as ſuch, and ſo are
leſs affected with them, therefore are not at the
Pains of ſeeking Remedies,, But it's much
worſe, when they applaud and boaſt of certain
Things

186 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Things they ought to bluſh for., A Man pra-
etis'd in fraudulent Devices
, and aiming to ac-
compliſh his Deſigns by ambiguous Means, does
not think himſelf a Knave but conceives his,
Cunning to be a lawful Induſtry. A Gallant-
ing Woman flatters her ſelf, 'tis allowable to
make uſe of her Advantages, and diſplay her
Charms for Conqueſts, either to make her For-
tune, or fucceed in her intriguing Projects.
People under this Diſpoſition, are far from cor-
të Ting their Faults, in which they take a Sort
of Pleaſure and Delight. Dommen
C7 Women upon the Declenſion, endeavour by
all kinds of Arts to repair and make up the
Decays of Age; nay, fancy the Grimaces of a
fcrupulous Modeſty, will make Amends for the
Loſs of Merit and Beauty. Others, who will
not yet quit the Poft of Handſomeneſs, en-
trench themſelves within Dreſs, Finery, and
the Luftre of their falſe Complexion ; which
they ſtill buy of the honeſt Maker, to repla-
ſter (as well as may be ) the Cracks and Flaws
in their Beauty
Si The Men are not extremely obligd to them
for all thefe Pains they take for them. For
what can be more diſguſtful and loathſome,
than an old Woman daub'd and plaſter'd ; and
who has fill'd up the Wrinkles of her Forehead'
witli Pomatum and Ceruſe?
1 Who could forbear laughing, to ſee old Emi-
lid's glaring Cheeks ? Her Face reſembles a
Death's-Head, painted white and red; and yet
Me thinks of plealing; and will ſtill fee the
DIE1197 10 20 bis Jucas vons cov World,
again! 7

Sonst Of Sincerity. s. 187
World, on which ſhe doats now more than
ever. How much to be pitied is this Dotage,
in an Age ſo decrepit as Emilia's ? baszinin
I think a Woman much to be pitied, who
has not the Power to become ſtaid and regular,
after ſhe has play'd a younger Part; when the
Fire of her Eyes no longer ſparkles, when her
Charms are worn out; infine, when ſhe is for-
ſaken of the World, the ought to quit it out
of Policy. Tis a Shame for her, and a Tri-
umph to the Young, to expoſe in all Compa-
nies the Ruins of a ſhatter'd Beauty. Let it be
Choice or Neceflity, it becomes a Woman to
put on Sobriety when ſhe's no longer Palatable.
Tis a wretched Character that of an antiqua-
ted Coquet, whoſe Paſſions are ſtill as ſprightly
and vigorous as ever, tho’ in a worn and decre-
pit Body. 9. sic abil brus elgitas 21
$ Impoſtures are uſually as fatal to Cheats, as
to thoſe that are cheated by them. All the
Gain that commonly reſults from a Piece of
Knavery, is the Shame and Guilt of having
acted a Parti wholly unworthy the Character of
an Honeſt Manenoda 3
Of all Deceivers, there are none we can leſs
ward againſt, than Impoſtors and Cheats in
Matters of Religion; becauſe the Mind being
prejudic’d, conſults not Reaſon, nor even gives
it felf time to practiſe any. People ſhut their
Eyes ſo, as not to perceive their manifeſt Diſor-
ders, and excuſe their Violences and moſt un-
Teaſonable Extravagancies. "Tis a Religious and
Good Man, ſay they, that will be far from do
ing
bus

188 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
any trouble-
ing any thing againſt his Conſcience. They
dive not to the Bottom of this Myſtery of
Iniquity, and ſo the Man is abſolutely juſtified,
If he happens to be engag'd in
ſome Affair, then the whole Faction flies to his
Reſcue: Tis an Affair (ſay they without more
ado) that God is concern'd in. 'Tis doing him
Service to engage in it, and all good People are
oblig’d to take his part; and what is ſtrange,
Perſons of this Character won't ſtick to decry
all their Opponents with envenom'd Calumny
and Slander.ucol bratst s lo ariin
A Man that puts on the Vizer of Religion,
takes all Meaſures to perſuade the World of
his Devotion, affecting all the diſtinguiſhing
Characters, the Ways, the Language, and
Miens of Reformation thoat the Bottom he
wants the Eſſentials, and has his Paſſions as
reſtleſs and violent as any others can have. He
has no other Aim, in his pretended Fondneſs
for Virtue, than to eſtablith his Reputation,
and obtain his Erds. He would find no Reliſh
in practiſing good Works, if he had not the
Art to make the moſt of them. In a Corner
of a Popib Houſe you find an Oratory, with a
Magazine of Relicks: But in the reſt of the
Apartments you meet with all the Marks of
Heathen Vanity, Sumptuous Furniture and
Pictures, not very apt to inſpire Devotion.
The Conduct of theſe People is one perpetual
Forgery, and there's no Sincerity in their Pro-
fefion. But this Trade is very unprofitable; in
vain they diſguize themſelves ; they let ſlip now
and

on Of Sincerity. 59 189
and then ſome Marks to know them by; a
Piece of Knavery nicely paliated, but diſcover'd
in the end; an Affair they have ſhuffled in, or
an eſſential Injury done their Neighbour: All
this opens a Proſpect to the Bottom of their
Hearts, and manifeſts their Unſincerity. u'Tis
much the ſame as with Mifers, who would
ſometimes counterfeit the Magnificent Perſon,
to waſh off the Stains of their Avarice. In
the Things they do for their Juſtification, they
always leave fome Strokes of their Character,
which undeceive us, The Religious Hypocrites
always flatter themſelves, that they act their
Parts ſo well, and ſo impoſe on the World,
that no body can perceive their Sleight of
Hand. And as they have the Art of ſtreight-
ming or looſening the Ties of Conſcience, they
form to themſelves Principles ſuitable to their
Paſſions, and want no Pretences to excuſe the
groffeſt and blackeft Crimes. All tho Scandal
they raiſe to ruin thoſe they don't love, is Chia-
rity, they fay, in difcrediting Vice and perſecu-
ting vicious People. If any one that is not
their Friend, or in their Faction, has any emi-
nent Quality that goves them umbrage, imme-
diately their pretended Zeal for the Glory of
God ſuggeſts to them the breaking his Meaſures,
and oppoſing him in all he ſays or does; for
they have no Inclination that any Good ſhould
be done, unleſs they or their friends have all
the Glory of it. Hence proceed thoſe Devout
Factions, and Offenſive and Defenſive Leagues,
to raiſe or link the Bepistarionit of whom they
pleaſe,

190 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
pleaſe, whilſt no body dares complain of them;
ſince all thoſe fine Politicks and Subterfugės
they uſe to diſguize bad Intentions, skreen them
from all Cenfurejenis orob vtint lense na
11 Without Sincerity, we find 'no Pleaſure or
Security in Converſation. We ought not to
uſe double-dealings with our Friends, if we
would long preſerve them. Confidence is the
Cement and Clarm of Friendſhip; and we have
no Reſerve for a Friend we believe to have Sin-
cerity and Diſcretion. We diſcover to him
without Scruple, our Deſigns and Infirmities,
and hide nothing from his Privacy, becauſe we
depend on his Prudence and Fidelity: But we
ought to be more retentive with indifferent
Perſons; for 'tis acting againſt good Senſe and
our own Intereſts, to go and give a Hiſtory of
all our Affairs to People we hardly know,
and
who are aſtoniſh'd at our Familiarity grown up
in a Moment. 'Tis the weak Side of vain Peo-
ple, who are wonderful fond of publifhing and
producing themſelves; but they are very tire-
ſome and fatiguing in imparting their myſteri-
ous Trifles. voi tartu su jotzado
Men at preſent make no Pretenſions to Sin-
cerity, nor trouble their Heads about the Want
of it; and indeed are too careleſs in that par-
ticular: Inſtead of Honeſty and Sincerity, we
find nothing but Artifice, Diſguizes, and often-
times Treachery in the Commerce of the World.
We are amaz'd to find ourſelves betray'd by
People we entirely truſted, who declare againſt
us on all Occaſions wherein we have moſt need
bleste
of

homo of Sincerity. As
191
of their Aſiſtance. Theſe are Blows we never
recover, for they leave mortal Wounds in our
Souls. We ſeldom pardon this Want of Fide-
lity, whatever Pretenſions we may make. The
Heart always retains a ſecret Bitterneſs; and if
we ever make a falſe Step of this Nature, we
muſt no longer reckon on the Benevolence of
our Friends. ilsupa
Isuna 170
Thoſe who ſeem ſo much afflicted with the
Loſs of their Relations, have commonly in-
ward Sentinients very oppoſite to their outward
Appearances. A good Wit among the Anci-
ents has very well deſcribed People of this Cha-
facter. He (ſays that Perſon) who was refolu'd
to expire upon the Tomb of his Wife, appears
in a Banquetting-Hall: He plucks off his Hair,
and crowns himſelf with Flowers : He makes a
Shew of abhorring Life ; and now he is ſeen to
comb and adorn himſelf, nay, ſmile upon all
the World with the ſame Eyes that appear d be-
fore drown'd in Tears., 'Tis certain we often
fee grand Comedians in this particular. The
Joy of the Inheritance extinguiſhes the Grief
that was due to the deceas'd.
I have a lamentable Opinion of thoſe Ma-
chinal Sort of People that always ſpeak by
Weight and Meafure, and uſe a thouſand Dif-
guizes to conceal their Sentiments. Moſt of the
Matters that enter into the Commerce of Life,
don't deſerve
ſo great Precautions, and ſuch
myfterious Actings. We have a much better
Opinion of thoſe, who would not feem more
Politick than the People they have to deal
with.

192 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
crets.
with. When you ask Barrus how he does, or
what a-Clock 'tis, he ſeeks Expreſſions to give
you a preciſe Anſwer; fo fearful he is any Word
ſhould eſcape hiin, from which you might draw
Conſequences to his Prejudice. In the Narra-
tive he gives you of the moſt frivolous Matters,
he is under ſo great a Torture and Conſtraint,
as puts his Hearers in equal Pain, who wculd
be glad to be deliver'd from his impertinent Se-
.
Few People apply themſelves to get rid of
their Faults, and plant real Virtues in the
room of them. Contented with Appearances,
they would have the Honour and Reputation
of Virtue, without the Trouble and Merit of
it; and are more careful to diſguize their Vices
and ill Qualities, than to cure them, Artifice,
Diſguize, and ſeeming Virtues, ſerve inſtead of
real ones ; and the moſt dextrous Impoſtors paſs
for the moſt meritorious Men, tho', at the Bet-
tom, they want the common Principles of
Honeſty. Theſe People bear a great Reſem-
blance to Comedians, who act ſeveral Characters
in Masks, and change their Habits according
to the different Parts they play. Theſe are the
Politicks of Knaves, whoſe whole Care and
Contrivance is to diſguize themſelves, ſo as to
dazzle weak People that believe them honeſt
Men, tho' their Honeſty be nothing but Gri-
mace. How many People has Darimon ſeduc'd
by deluſive Appearance! The World would fill
queſtion his being a Rogue, had he not made a
Break
fiabos se vort slgoel sit asti

snosi of Sincerity. 193
Break that almoſt intereſted all England in it.
People were ſo fully perſuaded of his Honeſty
and Sincerity, and the good Condition of his
Affairs, that they depolited great Sums in his
Hands on his bare Word; but they quickly
chang'd their Opinions, upon the Nciſe of
chis going off with their Money,
of Women are more ingenious than Men, at
diſguizing their Sentiments and Inclinations.
Many of them paſs for Modeſt, becauſe they
have the Art to put on an affected Gravity to
sconceal their little Correſpondences. The moſt
Politick ainongſt them often paſs for Innocents;
they ſeem to bluſh in publick for the Freedom
of a Word, but in private they are not ſo ſcru-
vpulous; they haughtily reprehend the moſt in-
conſiderable Peccadillo's in others, whilſt their
own Conſciences give them ſmart Reproofs.
They enjoy this falfe Reputation, till ſome gla-
ring Adventure breaks forth, and betrays the
Myſteries they have conceald with ſo much
Artifice. Then the Publick, being diſabusºd,
opens its Eyes upon their Conduct, and ob-
ferves a thouſand things that were forgiven
them upon their preſum'd Modeſty and Re-
gularity. Co I bona
0173103
iv?Tis too extravagant a Satyr to ſay of Wo-
men, That their Souls are no leſs painted than
their faces; that they have Artifice in all their
Words, and moſt of their Actions, but eſpecial-
ly in their Tears, which flow as often as they
have Occaſion for them. "Tis cerain, generally
ſpeaking, Women are more Artificial and Po-
K
litick


194 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
litick than Men, and have more Addreſs to dil-
guize their real Sentiments: This is the Reaſon
that Men are ſo often their Cullies, and take
the Demonſtrations of a counterfeit Paffion
for real Kindneſs and Affection, I 110 S
A Man muſt be Sincere beyond the Standard
of our preſent Manners, to talk ingenuouſly to
People who
ask Advice upon certain Matters to
court our Flattery; for 'tis eaſy to obſerve a-
croſs all their Grimace, that it is rather Praiſes
than Counſel they conſult us for. A Man
comes to fhew you his Book, which
his Book, which he thinks a
Maſter-piece. He proteſts, at firſt, he'll ſtand
to your Deciſions, as to ſo many Oracles: But
he takes Fire at the firſt Word you criticiſe,
and leaves you in Diſcontent to ſeek ſomebody
elſe more eaſy and more fooliſh, to applaud him
thro' Stupidity and Complaiſance. 'Tis not with
a Deſire of Reformation, that certain People
ask your Counſel about their Conduct; their
Reſolution is taken before you are conſulted :
But their Deſign is to have your Approbation,
and engage you in their Intereſts; for if you are
Sincere, and tell them what diſadvantageous
Rumours are ſpread concerning them, the Al-
teration of their diſconcerted Looks betrays
them, and diſcovers their true Sentiments, with
the Vexation your Sincerity gives them; and
you come off very well, if they don't recom-
pence your claritable Advice with fome blunt
Remonftrances, or keen Reproach. zion av
vil How many Faults would be avoided in Con-
verſation with the World, if we loy'd rather
to

fons Of Sincerity.
195
to be advis'd than flatter'd? But a tender Deli-
cacy for our ſelves renders the Name of Ceni-
for odious; whereas they that flatter us, and
ſeem to approve our Sentiments, are thought
much more agreeable People. Thus you ſee the
Reaſon of our growing Grey, with all thoſe
Imperfections that poiſon our Merit; whether
we don't perceive them, or that the Complai-
ſances of our fawning Friends make them-ap-
pear inconſiderable, and prevent our neceſſary
Cautions for the Cure. Theſe illegitimate
Praiſes, abfurdly beſtow'd, have another ill
Effeet, which is, that when our ſincere Friends
o endeavour, by good Advice, to bring us to
Conſideration, we look upon them as ſevere
and importunate Criticks, that exaggerate
Matters, and take a malicious Pleaſure in un-
av mercifully cenſuring what deſerves no Cenfure.
'Tis a miſtaken Delicacy, to refuſe the Advice of
all but Perſons of great Merit; for what mat-
ters it from whence it comes, provided it be
uſeful? A Fool is not a Fool in every thing,
and he may ſometimes rectify People wiſer than
himſelf. The clear-ſighted don't always ſee
what the leſs illuminated perceive, becauſe
Self-love miſleads us, and makes us take falſe
Meaſures. moo 10 15
'Tis an ill Method of making Friends, to ſet
ир
publick Cenſor; it makes a Man re-
garded as a Miſanthrope. How comes it then,
that we find ſo many Perſons always ready to
give Advice; ſqueamith, uneaſy People, d ffa-
tisfied with and diſfatisfying every Body? If
Di
K 2
you'd
for a


*196 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
- you'd live at Peace with all Mankind, concern
your ſelf with no body, but your ſelf and your
own Affairs. Leave others at Liberty to live
Hrafter their own Faſhion, provided you have not
undertaken for their Conduct, nor are anſwer-
able for it to the Publick. og 10010 0.891
1. We often draw upon us very ungrateful Re-
partees, by being too Sincere; but neither
ought we to have the cowardly Complaiſance
V of ſome People, who praiſe in Publick what
they blame in private; who betray their own
Sentiments, and have not the Courage to ſpeak
what they think, for Fear of angring the Peo-
ple they would pleaſe. Would it not be better
or to give them ſome little Diſturbance by ſincere
Advice, than abandon them to their ill Fate ?
It becomes a faithful and diſintereſted Friend
torfet his Friend right, who has not always
Light enough to guide him. I 'Tis a nice Mat-
ter, I confefs, and demands great Precautions;
becauſe we meet with few but are diſguſted with
our Counſels, and expreſs a Coldneſs for thoſe
that meddle with their Affairs, unleſs they
eſpoufe their Sentiments. This ought not to
diſcourage us from giving them our Advice,
when they want it, and they always want it,
when they are in Danger of committing any
conſiderable Fault. If they expreſs any Indig-
nation when we take upon us to redreſs them,
we muſt endeavour to inſinuate into their Hu-
mours by gentle and engaging Ways; it being
not always the Counſel that difturbs, but the
Manner of giving it. The Way is artfully to
infinu-
leong Of Sincerity. 1 197

infinuate, that the Publick is offended at their
Conduct; that their Intentions are, perhaps,
the beſt in the World; but they have not fuf,
ficient Care to ſave Appearances which are the
ground of judging. When we uſe all theſe Pre-
cautions, and make Men ſenſible our Diſcourſe
is founded on pure Friendſhip, unleſs they be
whimſical to the higheſt Degree, or ridiculouſly
nice, 'tis impoſſible they ſhould take the Advice
amiſs. But tho they ſhould expreſs any Re-
ſentment, a Sincere Friend can never reſolve
to be unjuſtly ſilent upon the Faults of his
Friends, when they may render them ridicu-
lous, or be very prejudicial to their Character.
We are always the laſt to perceivé our own
Failings. The fame Perſons that give others
very falutary Counſels, are blind to what re-
fpects themſelves, and fancy they have nothing
to be blam'd in them. They don't diſcover the
Precipice till they are fallen into it, and there's
no Recovery.
The Cuſtomary Fault of People pretending
to Complaiſance, is to want Sincerity; they
chuſe rather to applaud Impertinencies than
ſpeak their genuine Thoughts. This rampant
Complaiſance grows inſipid, and does little
Honour to the Author, who would inſinuate
in-
to another's Mind by it. 'Tis not Reaſon they
conſult in their Diſcourſes; they give in their
Yes and No according to the Caprice of the
Speaker, and have not the Aſſurance to oppoſe
the moſt irrational fooliſh Thing. The Spirit
of Contradiction is alſo very diſagreeable in
C011-
K 3
.~

198 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Converſation, and no body cares to have to do
with People that make a perſonal Quarrel about
every Thing they ſay. The grand Rule to
pleaſe, is to accommodate yourſelf to the Geni-
us of People, to ſtudy their Inclinations, and
faſhion your own accordingly; to commend
thien when they do any Thing commendable.
But Sincerity ought not to ſuffer by it ; 110r
1hould you intoxicate them with Flattery, when
tliey do things meriting Reproof.
POT SIT
Co toge you got
poibir ieds usbhat yra pasti
Sess or otheed Yoo 01
to e anche
PELLI
stro
bunlad
for 991900
lorosa on
versioon
poticano
tot S
HET
ជា 3 riguront anungs nie
soft zab basebigine avoiy sheriamos
- JOL 1
Tu svje vod: 2370 mləri: hi acos
SITES
МАХ.

aloilo conto com งาน
199
e os ano asinaui te evig be
suhimi osebo ve ois si
Synos 5W-0019
000
lotite tid att
B0
-509 feng sot nytt
MAXIMS
jis daru tigantt oldog bei
la za FOR
Civil Society.
ilec o to moderatis
20 a vhod on users les
WE can't be too curious in the choice of
Company we keep; whereas the gene-
rality of Men embark in Acquaintance with-
out Reflection or Diſtinction, giving themſelves
up to the firſt they meet, without examining
whether he be fit for them or not. He that
would reap any Benefit from Civil Society,
and taſte the Pleaſures of Converſation, ought-
only to
to converſe with rational Perſons.
Such as theſe contribute mightily to the form-
ing a Gentleman, who in enſibly imbibes,
from this Converſation, a certain Tincture of
Polite-
K4


200 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Politeneſs, which gives an infinite Luſtre to his
Merit. We are naturally inclin'd to imitate
the Behaviour of Perſons we `converſe with,
which makes it of great Importance to ſtrike
up an Acquaintance with Men of Worth
whom we may take for our Models. 'Tis true,
we are often deceiv'd in this particular. How
many Blockheads paſs for fine Gentlemen, be-
cauſe we are not at the Pains to lift them to
the bottom? But provided we converſe with
them, 'tis impoſſible to be miſtaken. It is not
to be hop'd to find People fraught with all
Perfections, without any mixture of Vice and
Folly; if there be any pretending to this De-
licacy, they ought to reſolve upon an early
Renunciation of the Commerce of the World,
becauſe in reality there is no Man ſo perfect,
but has his weak Sides and Inequalities. Thoſe
that have the leaſt fhare of them, or ſo poli-
rickly conceal them, that no body perceives or
ſuffers by them, ought to be conſider'd as the
moſt accompliſh'a Perſons.oj od 1159
I very much approve the Method of that
Gentleman, who ſpeaking of himſelf, ſaid,
« I confeſs I was formerly more difficult than
« at preſent in point of Converſation, and I
« think I have loſt leſs on the part of Deli-
cacy, than I have gain'd on the ſide of Rea-"
« ſon. I formerly fought for Perſons that could
<< pleafe me in every thing ; I now féck for
« ſomething in all Perſons that may be capable
es of pleaſing me. The Converſation of a Man
of univerſal Merit, is too great a Rarity to
meet

Maxims for Civil Society. 201
gind, and
meet with, and good Senſe will not allow the
curious Search of a thing ſo difficult to be
found. For one delicious Pleaſure always ima-
hardly ever enjoyd, the Mind fick
with Delicacy, grows out of conceit with
thoſe it might poſſeſs every Day. Not, in-
deed, that it is impoſſible to find ſome Ma-
ſter-pieces ſo abſolutely finiſh'd ; but it is next
to a Miracle for Nature to form them, or for
Fortune to favour us with them. In the Plan
you form to your ſelf for Civil Society, lay it
down for a Maxim, That gcod things are to
be inſeparably met with, and propoſe to your
ſelf the diſtinguiſhing the ſolid from the frothy,
the agreeable from the diſagreeable, and the
knowing from the ridiculous. You'll find theſe
Qualities combind not only in Perſons you
are at Liberty to chuſe or avoid, but in thoſe
with whom you will have Ties of Intereſts, or
other as neceſſary Relations. When you are
fully acquainted with the World, you'll ſee
abundance of People recommendable for their
Accompliſhments, and moſt deſpiſable for their
Foibles. Don't expect that they will always
make a good uſe of their Merit, and have the
Diſcretion to conceal their Faults. You'll of
ten find them out of Conceit with their good
Qualities, and have a natural Complaiſance
for their bad ones, 'Tis the part of your
Diſcretion, to make the Clioice which they
you'll have more exerciſe for
your Addreſs, to extra& the Metal from
970 1979. KAK SW ott loggbsiwers
,
us


202 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
0 FOIS CHORUS
to do.
011 SE
the Droſs, which it's ſo difficult for them
'Tis a harder thing, by far, thian is ima-
gin d, to find out that juſt Temperature and
Medium, wherein conſiſts the Agreeableneſs
of Humour. A too ſtern Severity is terrible;
a too effeminate and ſneaking Complaiſance,
offenſive : A Man fhould be neither too In-
dulgent nor too Auftere : To be over-officious
is diſpleaſing, and to be continually difdainful,
is provoking. That genteel Poiſe and Medio-
crity that las nothing too ſharp, yet de-
generates not into infipid, is hard to be hit
ANGALUDONU 1101
upon.
The Poinancy of fine Raillery, is the de-
licious Seaſoning of Society, but then you
ought not to miſtake your Men. Fools and
Rufticks, the Conceited of their Merit, the
Haughty and Proud, who would always be re-
fpeéted, underſtand not Raillery, but expect to
be treated with leſs Freedom and more Re-
ſpect; and to ſay Truth, it is better to cruſh
a Jeft betwixt one's Teeth, than to let it eſcape
to the affronting of
any one whatſoever. I
don't examine whether the ground of their Of-
fence he imaginary, or juft ; don't involve
your ſelf in Trouble, in pure Frolick for a
witty Saying, which often leaves mortal Wounds
behind, and makes you regarded as a dange-
TOUS Man, that gives no quarter.
'Tis a rare thing to find People of agree-
able Converfation; when Men of Wit, and
Knowledge of the World, nay even of Polite-
neſts

Maxims for Civil Society. 203
nofs, are ſometimes found to be as tireſome as
the reſt
. But this proceeds from their Con-
tempt for, or Diſlike to thoſe they talk with.
They vouchiſafe not to open and diſplay their
Charms, but when in Company of thoſe they
love, or deſire to pleaſe. We have known
People loſe in a Moment all the Eſteem we
had for them, by their Negligence to bear a
part in the Converſation.
The People that thine moſt, are not always
moſt courted for Civil Society: As they are
moſt taking, we dread their Wit, and fear to
be eclips'd. But we are infinitely tir’d with
thoſe Indolent Creatures, that contribute 110-
thing towards Converſation, that are not ſen-
ſible of Wit or Raillery, and can anſwer 110-
thing but ay or no. On the other hand, great
Talkers are the Tyrants of Society, and the
Babble of ſome People is an inſupportable
Plague to Men of Senſe. You muſt reſolve to
keep perpetual Silence, if you liave the Misfor-
tune to light into Company with Roſeline.
She is no rooner ſeated, but ſhe frames her
Mouth to begin the Diſcourſe : She runs her
felf out of Breath, in telling you all fhe has
read, and all the has ſeen : the gives you the
Pictures of all the People the's acquainted with,
and draws them in horrid Colours. She gives
you an exact Account of all her Expences in
her Houſe-keeping ; ſhe tells you what her
Commodes and Manteau's coft her, the Name
of her Manteau-Woman, the Street ſhe lives
in, and adviſes you to make uſe of her as a
-3573A on An dobro til eget sait good
22.


204 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
I
good Workwoman. She does not mind whe-
ther ſhe be heard or conſider'd as an Imper-
tinent: the reſolves to talk, and talk ſhe will
everlaſtingly, unleſs fome unforeſeen Accident
happens to lay an Embargo on her Tongue,
for the Eaſe and Benefit of the Company.
In order to pleaſe always in Converſation,
the grand Rule is, not to depart from your
Character, and to obſerve all the Decorums
fuitable to your Condition. We paſs over a
Thouſand Things in a Young Woman full of
Charms and Agreements, which we would not
pardon in a more advanc'd Age. Thoſe that
have paſs d the Prime of their Days, ſhould
have ſomewhat more Gravity and Auſterity, nay
abate ſomewhat of the Frolickfomneſs and
Gaiety of their Tempers
. They ought to
grow.politickly grave, when they ceaſe to be
young and handſome, and the Seaſoul of plea-
hing is over. This is a forrowful Situation,
and renews the doleful remembrance of ſome
Women, whoſe Beauty has long been cele-
brated; but for their Comforts let them reflect,
that Wit can compenſate for the Loſs of
Beauty, and that they may ſtill retain the
Crowd as much about them, by their fine
Carriage, Complaiſance, and Well-bred Dif-
courſe, as they did formerly by their Charms.
A Woman of Wit will be always courted,
and every body prides himſelf in viſiting her,
and being of her Acquaintance. Beauty decays,
and our Eyes are weary of conſtantly behold-
ing fine Colours ; but we are never tir'd with
hearing fine Things fet off with all the Agree-
iments

Maxims for Civil Society. 205
"a toothleſs Age,
ments which witty People are able to give to
all they ſay. Arthenice in a
ſees herſelf evdaily ſurrounded with all the
genteelet People in London: Scarce has the
Breath and Strength left to anſwer all the
Queſtions are ask'd of her, but yet her Dif-
courſe has irreſiſtible Charms for People of
fine Breeding. Her Memory furniſhes her on
the ſpot withwhatever ſhe has ſeen in the
courſe of a long Life, and the Accounts ſhe
gives of itgrinſtructs us in a Thouſand curious
Circumſtances. Her Wit has preferv'd all its
Sprightlineſs, in ſpight of the Decrepitneſs of
her Body, worn out with Age; ſo that it inay
be faid of this Lady, that ſhe is ſtill young
in the better part of her, tho' The be as old
and crazy as a Sybil. dt systems
1oCivility makes us glad to do every body
Juſtice; 'tis treſpaſſing againt this Virtue, to,
give cold Commendations to things deſerving
a warm Applauſe: But neither ſhould we over-
ſtrain our Praifes upon things of indifferent
Deſert. This extravagant Praiſe often hap-
pens to be Reproach, which does more Injury
than Honour to the Giver. 91: ogrogeri
'Tis a great Advantage to have Infight and
Penetration enough to i diſtinguiſhº well the
Character and Intentions of people we are ob-
lig'd to live with. But when we diſcover their
Faults, we ſhould have the Diſcretion not to
ſpeak of them, nor even to ſeem to perceive
them, in order to ſave the Owner's Bluſhes.
It would abate their Confidence in us and
make them more thy of approaching us, if
they
1

205 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
they certainly knew we had Advantageous
Opinions of their Perſons.
Peoples Fondneſs for their own Opinions,
makes them ad and ſpeak many fooliſh Things
in the Commerce of the World. They have
no Complaiſance for any body of different
Notions, and they obſtinately diſpute and main-
tain the Negative to what others advance,
fancying to make their Wit ſhine and {parkle
by that claſhing of Sentiments. But if they
be too forcibly refifted, and can't immediately
find Arguments in their Defence, the next
recourſe is to Inve&tives, and they inſolently
throw their Adverſaries Ignorance in their
Teetlı.
A 21 ort 18
Fair to bis, ad
Before we vex and diſturb our felves, wlien
we think we have juſt Occaſion, let us ex-
amine the Character of the Perſon, to diſcover
the Motives of his acting. It was not with
deſign to affront you, Onfumus ſpoke thoſe
diſobliging Words, but he has a Fund of
Magottiy, which makes him infupportable
even to himſelf: Every thing diſguſts him,
and he is not Maſter of his Spleen : The of
fenſive Language he utters, el apes him with-
out thinking of it. All things muſt be tole-
rated in People of this Complexion, without
minding the rude Things they ſay. res to fred
Thoſe haughty and ſufficient People who
have ſo high an Idea of their Merit, and ſo
much Contempt and Pity for the reſt of Man-
kind, reaſon ill if they think to procure the
Eſteem of tlie World, by the perpetual Apa
ai com otidsciqqs to yil 2101 ano plauſes

Maxims for Civil Society. 207
plauſes they give themſelves, and the unmerci-
ful Satyrs they beſtow on every body elſe. Men
refuſe their Suffrage, when you would force it
from them. The way you muſt take, if you
would have the Eſteem of all, is gently to in-
ſinuate into their Minds, and prepare them by
a modeſt and genteel Behaviour.
'Tis a Sign of but indifferent Senſe to be ob-
ſtinate in Opinion, as if a Man were infalli-
ble, and to be impatient of Cenſure. A Man
of a weak Intelle&, thinks nothing eſcapes his
Comprehenſion, and defpires the Advice of all
others. Is it any wonder, that all the Advan-
ces he makes, are ſo many falſe Steps? He is
never undeceiv’d, till after the Ruin of his Af-
fairs. Tlırice happy he, if ill Succeſſes make
him wiſer for the future.
toisista
The Stiffne's wherewith every one defends
his Opinion, inſtead of a complaiſant Submiſ-
fion to another's Judgment, even when we are
in the wrong, is one of the inoſt poylonous
Weeds that infects the Pleaſure of Society. We
are not always in the Humour to ſuffer ſuch
Conſtraint ; eſpecially when we have to do
with fantaſtick Creatures, who nonplus our
Complaiſance, as a&ting only by their Caprice,
and paying no body Reſpect. rosurga ortus
We find in all Sorts of Companies fome one
or other, who will be afpiring, and engroſſing
the Converſation. This commonly prāves the
greateſt Fool in the whole Circle, as taking
upon him to divert the reſt, and ſupply Wit
for the Company. If any one offers to begin
Szoin
a Dif.

208 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
a Diſcourſe, or relate a Story, he immediately
interrupts him, and deſcribes all the Circum-
ſtances of the Matter. He ſufficiently mani-
feſts, by his Countenianice, his Noiſe, his Laugh-
ter ; and, by the Applauſes he giyes, himfelf,
how well ſatisfy'd he is with his own Perſon,
and all he ſays. He does not conſider that eye-
ry body thrugs up their Shoulders at him, and
looks upon him as a Fool.ze treinigo
sisrin
It can't be denied but the Engliſh have a
great deal of Witt af taking Carriage, and
a vaſt Fund of Politeneſs ; and yet moſt Con-
verſations here are tireſome and diſtaſteful. The
Subjects pitch'd upon are commonly too trivial,
inconſiderable, and unproportion'd to the Cha-
racters of the Hearers. To droll before a Man
o'rewhelm'd with Troubles; to ftun People i
with long Narratives, not at Leiſure to hearken
to them ; to talk of Bufineſs and Law-Suits to
young Folks, that deſire nothing but Merri-
ment and Laughter, is the certain way to tire
them.
16 9 no
I heard lately Doritius give a large Deſcri-
ption of a famous Siege, to a young Bride,
and a great Company, of Ladies, that came to
Complimeiit her on lier Marriage. He nama
all the Regiments that mounted the Trenches,
and all the Soldiers that were wounded' ; nay,
would needs inform them, how many Men
were loſt in the Attack of each Baſtion and
Half-Moon, and in all the Sallies were made.
This, Diſcourſe was (as it were) adapted to
tire the Company, which would have taken,
>
2
JO
more

Maxims for Civil Society. 209
more Pleaſure in examining the Ladies Toilet,
than in hearing a Diſcourſe of ſpringing of
Mines, and the Loffes of Legs and Arms.
'Tis an Incivility not uncommon in Conver-
ſations, to addreſs the Diſcourſe always to the
fame Perſon, to be extremely officious to one,
but tɔ expreſs a Coldneſs for the reſt, even to
Contempt. Scarce will ſuch Creatures give
themſelves the Trouble to anſwer us, when we
ſpeak to them ; whereas to the other Perſon,
they will be infinitely Ohliging and Complai-
fant. Tis alſo a ridiculous Cuſtom, to ihew
Mirth and Gaiety, even to Fits of Cackling
and Laughter; and immediately to ſink into
a ſullen Silence, ſo as not to be able to open
one's Mouth, or be mov'd with all the Wit
and Pleaſantry imaginable for a good while.
'Tis 110 leſs blanıéable, to be civil and diſse-
ſpectful to the fame Perſons
fame Perſons : to load them
with Careſſes, and a Quarter of an Hour after,
to make as if you
su did not know them.
We muſt not hope to recommend our ſelves
to the Reliſh and Approba ion of all the
World, tho' we ſhould do nothing but what
deſerv'd it. Men are too envious, to pardon
a Merit tliat debaſes them ; but when they
make abſurd Complaints of our Conduct, we
ought to ſupport our ſelves upon our good In- ri
tentions, and proceed in our own Road. Pro-
vided a Man's Conſcience has nothing to re-
proach him with, lie ought not to be diverted
from his Method by ill-grounded Complaints,
from
nor

210 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
15
nor abate or repent of his Virtue, for the
fooliſh Clamours of the World.
Tis a whimſical Thing to love Perſons of
10 Merit, in whom ſenſible and judicious Peo-
ple can fee nothing amiable ; but yet ’tis more
extravagant, to ceaſe to love ſuch as are ex-
tremely good, becauſe they have an importu-.
ziate Merit that eclipſes us. 'Tis true, Friend-
ſhip requires ſome Equality ; but this is no
Reaſon for our Indifference to thoſe, whoſe
Excellent Qualities raiſe them above us. Our
Acquaintance with them, is an Honour to
and inſtead of repining at their Excel-
lencies, we ought to ſhare in them, and con-
gratulate cur felves upon the wiſe Choice we
have made. But there is a Sort of Malignity
in the Heart of Man, which cannot bear the
extraordinary Merit of others. We ſometimes
receive a ſecrêt Mortification upon the Proſpe-
rity of our Friends, and reproach Fortune
with the Favours ſhe has done them. We
ſhould more eaſily pardon her, if ſhe favour'd
ſuch as were indifferent, or mere Strangers to
us ;
us.
Nerine has broken with Urania, ſince the
latter's Marriage has rais'd her to the Quality
of a Dutcheſs. They ſpent their youthful
Days together, in tlieir Father's Shops; who
having got Money by their Trades, ſet up for
Bankers, where they have differently manag’d
their Affairs. Urania's Father, either more
cunning or more fortunate, got Wealth enough
to marry his Daughter to a Duke ; whilft Ne-
rine's

Maxims for Civil Society. 211
rine's being ſtill confin’d to a moderate For-
tune, and which did not lift him far above his
former State , could not raiſe luis Daughter
(when he match'd her) much above the Coun-
ter. Now when ſhe accidentally ſees the Tri-
"umphal Chariot Urania's drawn in, that Train
of Slaves that hang about it, the Ducal Coro-il
net on all ſides, together with the ſplendid
Furniture of her Equipage ; her Heart ſinks
within her, and her Weakneſs proceeds even to
Convulſions. storben
I have no good Opinion of thoſe that ne-
glect their Reputation, as being contented
with the Suffrage of their Conſcience. This
Maxim is not found. Regardleſs of the Ru-
mours that are ſpread to their Diſcredit, we
muft (ſay they) give the World leave to talk,
and go on in our own way. This is ill Rea-
ſoning. Reputation is the worthieſt Recom-
pence of Virtue ; and tho' we ſhould not thea-
trically diſplay our good Actions, yet the E-
ſteem that accrues from then, is a kind of Tri-
bute not to be neglected. STAR
Thoſe that poſitively affirm, they trouble not
their Heads about the Reports the Publick
ſcatters to their Prejudice, are not always the
moft virtuous People. There are Times, where-
in they do themſelves Juſtice ; and their Con-
ſcience ftill urges them with keener Reproaches.
When we have not fufficient Empire over our
felves to cure our Infirmities, we ought, at
leaſt, to have the Diſcretion to conceal them
as much as poſſible, and not make a Parade of
theſe

212. Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
theſe Sort of Matters. Why ſhould a' Man
wantonly decry himſelf? And what would it
coſt him to ſave Appearances, and hinder the
Clamours of the Publick ? b dism modus)
The Virtues ought to be proportion'd to the
Character of the Perſon. Every body is ober
lig'd to be virtuous ; but not in the ſame de o
gree, 11or after the ſame manner. There's an
Art in ſeaſoning Virtues, and obſerving the
neceſſary Meaſures. 112 na W vom breise tidliv
A
young
Girl need not be as ſerious, reſerv'd
and grave, as her Grandmother. It does not
become a Woman aturn'd of Fifty, to ſet uplg
for Gaiety, nor to patch and deck her felfrin
flaming Ribbons. A Man of the World is
digt oblig'd to the Virtues of an Hermit. Ai
Lady, whoſe Quality obliges her to ſee the
World, need not be retir'd as a Nun. But it is
often happens, that People miſtake in the.Prato
etice of Virtues. - Ao married Womano will
preſcribe her ſelf all the little Superſtitions of
Nuns, and Nuns would have all the Liberties
of Women of Pleaſure. Nay, it's rare for any d
Woman to take up with the Temper and Cha-
racter of her Condition.oty foods absoH niort
We ſhould not have ſo many Diſorders in
the World, if a good Rent was at firſt given
to Youth, and their Minds were provided withi
Maxims of Duty. Fathers and Mothers, that
fancy they can reduce their Children to Viray
tue, after all the Liberties they have taken, are
out in their Accounts; and are commonly the
firſt that fuffer by this miſplac'd Indulgence, s
which
gro

Maxims for Civil Society. 213
which always has bad Effects.' 'Tis impoſſible
I to ſtraiten a Tree that has been warp'd for ma-
e ny Years; but there's no Difficulty in rectifying
a young tender Plant, which eaſily admits the
Ply you pleaſe to give it. 110
'Tis an unaccountable Thing, to ſee ſo few
Marriages well ſorted, and Pecple of ſo many
- admirable Qualities, that afford Delight and
.Charms for all Companies, met together only
to make one another mad. Their ſmall Com-
plaiſance for each other, is alle of the firſt
Sources of their Diſcontents and mutual Dif-
dain. Marriage is a Society, and not a Ty-
ranny. A contemptuous Carriage, an imperi-
sous and ſurly Conduct, quite turns a Woman's
Heart, who is enrag'd to find her Marriage,
which promis d her more Liberty, engage her
but in a feverer Bondage. To be deliver'd
from this Tyranny, and reveng’d of the ill
Uſage of a jealous and troubleſome Husband,
they have often Recourſe to very fatal and dif-
honourable Expedients. Now a little recipro-
y cal Complaiſance would ſtop the Current of all
theſe Diſorders, bleib on gost getor
bus 'Tis a very ſcandalous Practice, that of feek-
cing all Occaſions to do ill Offices to thoſe that
-- Slave given us any Diſturbance. 'Tis a Baſe-
neſs not to be tolerated but in Women, who
have little and vindi&ive Souls. They direful-
ly declaim againſt thoſe they think they have
s Reaſon to complain of; they endeavour to
Sraiſe all the Poſle of the World againſt them.
In vain you exclaim againſt this Cuſtom, and
fhew
V

214 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Thew the ridiculous Folly and Viciouſneſs of it :
You gain nothing by your Remonſtrances : All
Companies ring with Calumny and Reproaches,
which muſt needs be admirable Muſick.com
Attention to our Words and Actions, gives
vus a Spirit of Regularity, and prevents our ma-
king any Eſcapes againſt the Rules of Deco-
rum. A regular Perſon always ſpeaks with Re-
ſerve and Circumſpection, and he acts fo too.
He underſtands what is due to every one's re-
fpective Rank and Character; and never di-
fpenſes with that Juſtice. If any Thing be de-
fir'd of him, (in his Power to grant) and he
engages in it ; you may depend on his Word,
and entirely acquieſce in his Promiſes. Being
more attentive to others Intereſts than his own,
he never ſwerves from the Rules of Integrity
hand Equity, whatever the Diſcharge of his
Duty coſts him. st bas cid met
Civility demands we ſhould be attentive to
what is ſaid to us ; and that we be not dream-
ing of other Things, when People do us the
[Honour to talk to us. We muſt not only fay
nothing to People, to diſpleaſe theni ; but alſo
give them to underſtand, we are affected and
pleas'd with what they ſay, that we enter into
their Sentiments, and think them highly rea-
fonable.ro
sode
Tis Incivility, or want of Diſcretion, to di-
vulge what is imparted to us, withoạt knowing
whether ithoſe who depoſit their Secrets with
us would take it well. We ought even fone-
times to make Secrets of Things confided to
US

Maxims for Civil Society.
215
us, tho they were not recommended by that
Character.
300 sojai vtorout oil
Diſcretion is as it were the Soul of Polite-
nefs ; it puts a Check on the Rathneſs of our
Tongues, and covers us from vexatious Accuſa-
tions. . Tis likewiſe an Incivility, to lend an
attentive Ear to others private Diſcourſes, which
they would debar us the Knowledge of. We
have naturally a Curioſity to divine wliat others
ſay, and feel a ſecret Indignation to be ſhut out
of the Intelligence. I 1970 9191 au priimti 6911
Some Remains of Modeſty forbid us to re-
ceive fedately the Praiſes that are given us to
our Faces, and we reje&t them, as if we thought
our felves unworthy; yet this is nothing but
Affectation, to engage our Encomiaſts to con-
tinue a Diſcourſe that tickles our Self-love.
Now to what Purpoſe are theſe Políticks? Un-
leſs we are viſibly ridiculd, we ought not to
make ſuch a Stir about being prais d for Things
that are truly laudable. Our Reputation does
not depend on the Caprices of Men, and the
Commendations they beſtow on us, but upon
our own perſonal Merit, and our reputable
A&tions, is voor ont sota 2007 Suerto
muTis not always convenient to know what
People ſay of us : When we are the Topick of
Diſcourſe, it is not always in our Praiſe. Com-
monly ſuch Diſcourſes, were we privy to them,
would bur trouble our Repoſe, and give us
ſtrange Uneaſineſſes. But yet a good Uſe may be
made of the diſreputable Things reported of us.
bis sworn Stols MC
Every

216 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
Every body knows Cornelius's Adventure.
He flipt ſecretly into a Cloſet, to hear what
Three or (Four Womentiofshis Acquaintance
faid of him : But he was foundly punith'd for
his Curioſity, for there he was inform'd of all
the Particulars of his Wife's Amours and In-
trigues, whom before he had not the leaſt Su-
fpicion of. As they were his Lady's Friends
and Confidents, they were acquainted with the
leaſt Circumſtances of her Affairs ; and not
dreaming they were over-heard, they talk'd of
them very freely. What a Scene was here for
a Man, who liad always been exceeding eafy
upon this Subject, and thought his Wife a Pat-
tern for virtuous Women? How many Huf-
bands might this Example be of uſe to, to dif-
ſuade them from a Curioſity that muſt needs be
fatal to their Refore ? store't asv og mod
'Tis not the Time to act the Bravado, and
pretend to a lofty Carriage, when you are at-
tack'd on every ſide, and an enragʻd World
breaks looſe upon you. Then is the Seaſon to
be more ſupple than ever, and to cultivate the
Perſons you have Occaſion for ; who may
eſpouſe your Intereſts, ſince they are won by a
little Complaiſance : But you exaſperate them,
and loſe them irrecoverably, by your In-
difference, and a nif-tim'd and miſtaken
Pride.
rol om vrata
Silence is an excellent Remedy againſt De-
traction. Complaints, Reproaches and Eclair-
ciſſements, are rather Corroſives than a Cure
for it. We let a Man alone, when we ſee he's
not

Maxims for Civil Society.
217
not to be mov'd by the diſobliging Things we
fay of him. 'Tis a Virtue of great Value,
tho' it coſt but little, to return Candor and
Civilities for Impertinenčies. As 'tis frequent-
ly our hard Fortune to live with fantaſtical,
troubleſome, and paſſionate People, we muſt
compaſſionate their Extravagancies and Weak-
neſſes, if we would live at Peace. That undi-
ſturt'd Temper we manifeſt when we are af-
fronted, is more provoking than a ſmart Re-
ply.
If jealous and invidious People knew but
how deſpicable they render themſelves by all the
Care they take to humble others Merit, they
would be at yet greater Pains to get rid of ſo
wretched a Paſſion, or at leaſt to conceal it.
In what Confuſion does a Woman, dreaming
of her
Beauty, find herſelf, wlien another Wo-
man's Beauty is prais'd before her? What Arti-
fices does ſhe fly to, to deſtroy her Rival? 'Tis
good Comedy for the indifferent Standers-by,
who can't forbear laughing, to ſee what Alarms
and Agonies her Jealouſy occaſions her.
If Women did but employ themſelves a lit-
tle more, they would not have fo lively Palli-
ons: But ſo it is, if they are of any eminent
Quality, they ſpend all their Lives in doing
juſt nothing; or elſe their Buſineſs is ftiii
ſomething even below. Idleneſs itſelf. This
Lazineſs opens a wide Gate to infinite Diſor-
ders. A Mind unbufied, admits multitudes
of Chimera's, and ſeeks Conſolations to fill
up the Vacuum of a lazy tirefome Life; but
L
COM

218 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
commonly the Remedy is worſe than the Dif-
eaſe; for, if I miſtake not,'tis this has corrupt-
ed the Morals of the Ladies, and introduc'd
thoſe Liberties they have of late indulg d.
The Women complain of the Mens Inju-
ſtice, who have excluded them from grand
Employments and Buſineſs: And, indeed they
have Reaſon to complain, ſince they are as
well qualified for every thing, as the moſt un-
derſtanding Men. It muſt, however, be ac-
knowledgd, that their Biaſs naturally diſpoſes
them to Trifling: They employ their Heads
about Toys and Impertinencies; amuſe them-
ſelves with Dreſſing, Finery and Intrigues, and
exhauſt all the Activity of their Souls on ſuch
frivolous Objects. The Care of their Beauty
carries it above the moſt important and necef-
ſary Concerns, unleſs the Situation of their
Affairs awakens them from this Lethargy and
Supineneſs. We daily fee Widows, who
thought of nothing but their Diverſions ſo long
as their Husbands excus'd them from Do-
meſtick Cares, but who being depriv'd of this
Aſliſtance, ſeriouſly apply themſelves to ſolid
Buſineſs, diſentangle the moſt incumbred Af.
fairs, bear the Fatigue of numerous Law-ſuits,
and reſtore their ruind Eitates and Families,
ready to ſink under the Perſecution of their
Creditors.
Moſt Maſters complain of being ill ſerv'd
by their Domeſticks, becauſe, generally ſpeak-
ing, they have neither Zeal, Affection, nor
Fidelity. Theſe Complaints are ſometimes juſt-
ly

Maxims for Civil Society. 219
ly grounded : But are not the Maſters likewife
oftentimes in fault, and can they excuſe them-
felves for the harth Treatment of theſe poor
Wretches? They make them but too ſenſible of
their Yoke, by thoſe Marks of Contempt, and
injurious Language they give them, as alſo by
their fharp and never-ceaſing Reprimands, in
conjunction with ill Uſage. This Oppoſiti-
on and Tyranny begets a mutinous Spirit in
their Servants, who commonly revenge them-
ſelves on their Maſters by Caluniny and Idle-
nefs.our bana ybod
Every body has ſufficient Juſtice done them
by the Publick: Thoſe that complain of it,
have not always Reaſon for their Complaints.
If
you
deſire a good Reputation, be actually
the Man you are
willing to be thought. Men
in Place find it difficult to conceal themſelves,
cand their Actions are but more expos'd to Cen-
ſure; therefore the vaſter Scope their Fortune
has, the ſtricter Bounds ſhould they preſcribe
to their Paſſions.
We judge of Men only by the Surface and
Exterior, which is the Reaſon that a Raſcal is
ſo often confounded with an honeſt Man. We
ſee very abominable Knaves, that make the beſt
Appearances in the World; others, with very
good Inclinations, obſerve not Meaſures, and
are Felo's de ſe in Point of Reputation. Thoſe
that are beſt acquainted with Clerione, univer-
ſally agree ſhe has Modeſty and Virtue; but
yet ſhe has diſparag'd herſelf by the ill Com-
pany the keeps. We find none but Women of
L2
a bad

+220 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
5.
**
a bad Character about her; ſhe admits them to
her Table, ſhe coaches them to Hide-Park, to
the Opera's and Comedies, nay, to the Places
where ſhe plays: She peremptorily declares, that
Women of Gravity tire her; and thus ſhe has
loſt her Reputation.
8150
OS
The Singularities obſervable in ſome people,
who affect to diſtinguiſh themſelves all manner
of ways, proceed generally from an aukward
Wit, which puts the Change upon them.
They fancy they diſparage themſelves, if they
approve wliat every body likes, and would be
very ſorry to give in their Suffrage to a Piece
that's generally applauded : But this particular
Taſte makes them but look'd on as Fops, or
wretched Judges.
When you ſee the Impertinencies of others,
think but with yourſelf, that if you are guilty
of the fame Faults, you'll likewiſe paſs for the
ſame Coxcomb. The hafty Sallies and Tranſ-
ports of Paſion which ſometimes eſcape your
Friends before you, fliould be a Lecture to teach
you Temper. You find yourſelf ſtunn'd with
that impetuous Flow of ſuperfluous Words they
utter, without giving any Man whatever Time
to put in a Word. Rage ſo ſtrangely tranſports
them, as to disfigure and confound the Features
of their Faces, and to diſtort their Mouths by
Dint of Bauling. But is ſtill worſe, when
being conſcious of their Folly, inſtead of recol-
leéting themſelves, their ſecret Indignation cafts
czem into freſh Extravagancies. What is
wonderfur, is, that all this Thunder and Light-
10
ning
bsds

Maxims for Civil Society. 221
ning proceeds moſt uſually from nothing, or
from ſuch inconſiderable Subjects, as a Man is
afham'd to acknowledge to himſelf. A Maſter
that has no Government, flies upon his Servants
with the fame Fury for a broken Glafs, as if
they had fet his Houſe on fire.
as to
Perſons rais'd to a vaſt Superiority above
others, by their Qualities and Employs, ſhould
be very reſerv'd in Point of Raillery; becauſe
what they ſay wounds to the quick. The Re-
ſpect their Rank inſpires, and the Deference is
paid to them, prevents our anſwering them in
the fame Strain; which is a painful Conſtraint;
heſides that, their Crowd of Sycophants and
Flatterers about them fail not to heighten theſe
Railleries, and to mingle with them the Poiſon
of their own Reflexions; which ſtill renders
them more bitter and intolerable. 4/9 1:10
'Tis dangerous making a Bravado-Sally,wlien
we have neither Strength nor Courage to fup-
port it. How many people are diſgrac'd by
thoſe ſpecious Retreats which they, nevertheleſs,
pride themſelves in? They only pretend to quit
the World, in order to be introduc'd again with
greater Pomp and Glory: They ſpread Reports
of their intended Refuſal of certain Poſts; but o
'tis to fix them more ſecurely by this hypocriti-a
cal Moderation. On the firſt Glimpſe of For-
tune they leap from their Retirement, and,
more devoted to the World than ever, betray
their ridiculous Hypocriſy. Thrafilus was un-
able to bear but a few Montlis the Melancholy
of his Retreat, which he made ſo much Noiſe
L 3
about.
222 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

about. A Procedure of this Kind ought not to
be made with ſo much Stir and Oftentation.
When God alone is all we are concern'd for,
we are not ſolicitous about Human Approbation,
nor deſirous to draw the Eyes of the World up-
on us, when in earneſt we are retir'd out of it.
Viſits, purely Ceremonial, have been baniſh'd
Society; and there was great Reaſon fo to do,
as being only Offices of Conſtraint, which 'tis
neceſſary to diſpenſe with both in our felves
and others. We ſtill meet with certain forma-
lizing Folks, who have retain'd a ſmattering of
Eaſtern-Times, and love to conſtrain both them-
felves and others. Are we to call Life, our
Time ſpent in this Reſtraint, the being ſtill up-
on the Stage, as if we were Comedians?
Are bombaſt and far-fetch'd Expreſſions ne-
ceſſary to expreſs the moſt trivial things? And
yet there are People to be met with of ſuch
a-Character, as to aſſume a myſterious manner
to vent the meaneſt Trifles. 'Tis ridiculous
to be loud and clamorous, when there are few
in Company, the Tone of the Voice being to
be proportion d to the Ears of our Auditors,
and to the Subject we treat of. What Occa-
cafion for a declamatory Strain, to fay 'tis
exceflive hot, tis wretchedly cold, or that the
Streets are very dirty?
A Man may venture upon Drollery and Ban-
ter with People of Senſe and Breeding, who
underſtand Raillery, and enter into the Inten-
tion of the Speaker. But we ought never to
hazard Jefts, tho' the moſt allowable and good-
naturd,

Maxims for Civil Society. 223
natur'd, with Country-Folks and Fools, who
take every thing literally, and think they are
always laugh'd at. Caution alſo is to be had
with lofty Perſons, who think we can't have
too much Reſpect for their Rank, perſonal
Merit, and admirable Qualities. Treat theſe
Kind of People with a great deal of Circumfpe-
tion; their Dotage conſiſts in Fondneſs of Ap-
plauſes and Reſpects ; and if you mean to
pleaſe them, you can't be too nice in
your
Re-
gards.
I can't imagine what People can mean, ta
obtrude their Advices where they are not ask'd.
The leaſt Fault a Man commits, alarms and
gives them great Diſturbance. They make a
terrible Sputter upon it, and vehemently re-
proach the Author. But this is not the Me-
thod we ſhould uſe, if we mean to cure People
of their Errors. If you would have
ſel and Reproofs uſeful and effectual, chuſe well
your Opportunity, and wrap up your medicinal
Remonſtrances in the luſcious Vehicle of friend-
ly and careſfing Words, which uſually diſguſt
thoſe they are apply'd ro, unleſs you make it
manifeſt by the Demonſtrations of a ſincere
good Will, it is purely their Intereſt you are
concern'd for.
One of the moſt incomprehenſible Things I
can think of, is, the Licenſe People take to
cenſure in others the very fame Faults they are
guilty of themſelves. Is it that they are not
fenſible of their own Infirmities, or do they
think they are privileg'd Perſons ? Every body
L
4
your Coun-
SO
1 4
is
224 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

is acquainted with Nerine's Life and Intrigues,
even to the very Names of her Gallants. In
the Park, the Mall and Play-Houſe, the is
pointed at; and yet the everlaſtingly declaims
againſt the Coquetting Ladies, deſcribes them
in horrible Portraits, and unmercifully beſpat-
ters them with Invectives. What means the
by theſe Satyrs? Would the authorize her own
Diſorders, by Examples and Numbers? Or
would ſhe not rather hereby ſtifle Reproaches
of her Conſcience?
Politeneſs does not always allow reprehend-
ing thoſe that commit Miſtakes: But there are
certain Conjunctures, wherein Honour, Duty
and Friendſhip abſolutely require it. 'Tis a
very hard Part to act, and demands a great deal
of Niceneſs to deal with our Friends who have
done amiſs; but it would be a Kind of Cruelty,
to abandon them to their ill Conduct. We
ought to let them fee the Condition they are
in, without creating them too much Confuſion
or Vexation. Few are capable of an Employ,
zhat requires ſo much Precaution: Mean time
every body pretends to it. There's nothing in
the World coſts leſs than Counſel, and the
Givers of it are every where found cheap
enough.
A Man engag‘d in the Commerce of the
World, ought to accommodate his Virtue to
his Condition; and not ſet up for ſuch a rigid
Courſe, as to grow fantaſtical and impertinent.
What is ſuitable to a Monk or an Anchoret,
would no ways comport with a Treaſurer or
Lord -
>

Maxims for Civil Society. 225
ment.
Lord-Mayor, who can't always be on his
Knees. Bur it happens I know not how, that
every body diſliking his own Condition, mi-
ſtakes his Cue, and practiſes Virtues incom-
patible with his Character. Thus in Popery,
a married Woman laden with Children, a-
bandons the Cares of her family to retire into
a Cloiſter; and a Nun mingles Intrigues, and
ſpends the whole Day in frivolous Diſcourſe,
out of the Difguſt ſhe has to lier Retire-
There's no need of a great Stock of Polite-
neſs to live amicably with good humour'd Peo-
ple, who are always of our Opinion, and ſtudy
to pleaſe, flatter and careſs us continually.
We have naturally an Inclination for Perſons
of this Character; we diſcover Wit and Merit
in them, becauſe they have the Art to ſet off
ours, to excuſe our Faults, or to ſet them in
ſuch Lights, as to make them unperceiveable.
But it requires a very tame and tra&table
Temper to live with thoſe odd-humour'd
Creatures, who are always taking pet at every
Trifle, and demanding Explications ; nay, a
Man had need have Addreſs to divert the
Storm, and Patience to bear the Brunt of their
dilobliging Sayings. J Women whole
house
troublefonie and crabbed Husbands, would but
practice this Doctrine, we thould not ſo
often ſee thoſe Diſturbances in their Oe-
conomicks, as banith all Joy and Pleaſure
from their Houſes. But the way is, if one
harth Word be ſaid to them, to returif Four
DO 10.0911 ob 1 montie. 011 5 i fort

226 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
for it, and to ſtrike up
in ſuch ſhrill and
eager
Strains, as to deafen the Neighbourhood with
the Diſcord.
To me 110 Character ſeems more formidable,
than that of the Makers of inſignificant Vi-
fits : Lazy loitering Drones, who not know-
ing how to ſpend their Time,, run about to
waſte that of other People, who could put it
to a much better uſe. Is it not egregious
Folly to gad Abroad, fatiguing People with
impertinent Viſits, when you have nothing
good to ſay to them, nor any Thing to talk
of but rainy or fair Weather, the good Dan-
cers in the Opera, or good Actors in the Play-
Houſe? Would it not be better, think you,
to ſtay at home, and weary yourſelf with
your ingrateful Company, than teaze and tire
your Neighbours after this Rate? There are
People of ſuch cloudy and heavy Tempers
that a Man knows not what Topicks to put
them upon to make them Talk : They will
enter upon nothing, the moſt curious and di-
verting Subjects can't awaken their ſtupid
Indolence: The Converſation falls into a kind
of Lethargy, and one knows not what to
go upon, after we
after we have run over their
Coach and Horſes, their High-Heads, the Price
of their Silks, and ask'd the Name of their
Taylor.
Every body has a Right to give his Opinion
of things ſubmitted to the Publick; to talk of
a Preacher, who ventures to embark in ſo dif-
ficult a Profeſſion; to judge of a Piece of Proſe
OI
Maxims for Civil Society. 227 "

or Verſe, which the Impreſſion has deliver'd
into every one's Hands. But I think we ought
to be indulgent both to the Preacher and Au-
thor ;
and I have no extraordinary Opinion
of thoſe People's Wit, who always ſeek out
the weak Places of a Sermon or Book, to ex-
poſe them. I can't approve Zelide's extrava-
gant Nicety, who feverely Criticizes every
Scene and Verſe: She cenſures the Deſign,
the Epiſodes, the Plot : Her Criticks laſt lon-
ger than the Play, but don't give the ſame
Delight. If the modeſtly gave her Opinion
of it, and allow'd others Opportunity to
throw in their Obſervations, fhe would be
excuſable: But you would think ſhe was
haranguing at the Bar, and that her Ho-
nour was concern'd to have all the Verdiets
on her fide. 070 3110 7300013 No
According to the way of the World, Men
feem to make it their Study, and employ all
their Wit to deceive one another. 'Tis comé
to that pitch of Refinement, and a Man is ſo
often taken for a Cully, when he deals fin-
cerely, that he is fometimes oblig'd, in ſpight
of his Inclination, to difguiſe himſelf, and uſe
Artifice to avoid the Snares that are laid for
him. Mean time, Cunning ouglit to be ba-
nifh'd the Society of honeft Men: 'Tis an
amphibious Quality, floating betwixt Vice and
Virtue ; but generally warping the Sentiments
and corrupting Probity, eſpecially where a
Man is engag'd with leſs conſcientious Per-
fons than himſelf, that recur to Artifices. He
makes
228 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

makes Repriſals, and combats them with their
own Weapons: But there's little Credit in all
this Management.
food frontubatsd
Fair Dealing is never more neceſſary than at
Play, eſpecially where 'tis for great Sums. Tis
a very tickliſh Temptation to be able to win
much Money by Dexterity; and Men in
other reſpects of the greateſt Integrity and
Honeſty, are not always Proof againſt this
Temptation : But why will they come within
its reach? Can any Man of Honour, whoſe
Conſcience pricks him for a piece of Rookery,
forgive himſelf? Nor does any thing demand
greater Temper and Diſcretion than High-Play,
either to prevent the Gameſter's unſeaſonable
Paſſion, and hazarding all his Money, or to
hinder him from ſuch ridiculous and childiſh
Actions as render him contemptible; as cla-
mouring, fwearing, tearing the Cards in a
brutal manner, throwing the Dice into the
Fire, rolling his Eyes like a poſſeſs’d Perſon,
and playing the Mad-man for Trifles he is
afhamd of when he comes to his Senſes.
Moricette borrows vaſt Sums to throw away
at Play, She has a Thouſand Arts to induce
People to lend her Money ; but when the has
obtain'd what the deſir'd, and is in no hopes
of more, the inveighs bitterly againſt her
Creditors, calling them Roguies and Raſcals,
as if it were the greateſt Injury in the World,
to redemand what they had ſo obligingly lent
her.
to avoitainoo all ditt barons et AM
st 20iA 01-10251 ton amisdi eup!
не
29 cm
Maxims for Civil Society. 229

He that makes an Entertainment, and is
charm'd with his fplendid Reception of his
Gueſts, ought not to be the firſt in commend-
ing the Excellence of his Diſhes, and fine Fla-
vour of his Wine; nor ſhould he, with an
affected Modeſty, deſire them to excuſe his
pitiful Dinner. This antiquated Compliment
is good for nothing but to denote his fooliſh
Vanity. An eaſy and natural Look in a Per-
ſon not impertinently applauding the Noble-
neſs of the Treat, nor beſpeaking trivial Prai-
ſes by Excuſes out of feaſon, is the Character
of a noble Soul, not concerning it ſelf about
little Things. 'Tis the ſureſt way to pleafe
the Gueſts to eaſe them of all Conſtraint, and
leave them that genteel Liberty every one ought
to have at Table, and which is the moſt delici-
ous Viand there.
rip dot bus
1 People feel a ſecret Satisfaction in talking
of themſelves and their ill Fortune. This re-
gales their Self-love, as inſinuating hereby that
their Proſperity is inferiour to their Deſert :
But generally theſe Relations are painful to
their Hearers, who are not always diſpos'd to
pity them. They ought therefore to indulge
their Delicacy, and only mention their Mil.
fortunes to particular Friends, or ſuch as are
capable of redreſſing them. Men of ſufficient
Zeal to ſerve their Friends in their Exigences,
ought to thew it, and ſpare them the ſecret
Pain they always feel in explaining their
Wants. True Friends are better known by
what they do, than by what they ſay. A
Thouſand

230 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
1
Thouſand People offer you their Services, when
you have no need of their Afiſance, but if
any Plunge of your Affairs obliges you to ap-
ply to them, you'll find them different Men,
and in a different Language.
en 0
You call your ſelf the Friend to a Perſon
whom you hear abus'd behind his back. You
are Witneſs of all the Slander is ſpoke of him :
Inſtead of filencing his Detractors, you ap-
prove, by your Mien and Geſture, all they ſay.
You have not the Courage to defend him
whom you overwhelm with Careſſes when you
fee him, and with daily Proteſtations of an
inviolable Friendſhip. Now, is this a Part
becoming your Character ? 'Tis the Duty of
an honeſt Man to declare himſelf for his
Friends, to run the riſque of their Fortune,
and to do all that's poſlīble on their behalf,
conſiſtent with Honour and Conſcience. Nor
is it enough to ſerve our Friends, but it muſt
be done zealouſly and genteely. We are then
arriv'd at the utmoſt Pinacle of Friendthip
when we have the ſame fervour for our Friends
deſerted by the World, as when in their moſt
flouriſhing Condition. In my Mind, tis one
of the richeſt Pleafures of Life, to be able
to do any conſiderable Service to a Friend,
to be capable of lifting him to a better For-
tune, and of fuccouring him in a preſling
Neceſſity. motit song? Des i pesh
The Reaſon why there are no more true
Friends in the World, is, that every one re-
fers every thing to himſelf, and reſpects others
brinuod
no

Maxims for Civil Society. 231
no farther than they are uſeful to him. Mean
time, Diſintereſtedneſs is, at it were ,
the
Soul of Friendſhip: But where do we find
diſintereſted Friends? The Giver ſtill enlarges,
and the Receiver leſſens the Benefit, and
throws into the Balance the lighteſt Diſplea-
ſure, to counterpoiſe the weightieſt Service.
'Tis a ſign of Ingratitude to ſuffer our Friends
to ſolicite us for any thing in our Power.
Whatever Reluctance we may have, we can't
decently refuſe them ; but without Caution this
Conſtraint cauſes us to ſerve them with an
ill Grace. They that don't heartily grant the
good Offices deſir'd of them, would, perhaps,
do better to refuſe them altogether: The
viſible Conſtraint in their faces confounds
the Perſons they think they do a Plea-
ſure to.
Thoſe that talk eternally of what they have
done for their Friends, loſe the Reward of
their Benefits, it being a perfect Reſumption to
be reproach'd with them, be they never ſo
conſiderable. A Man of Honour ought by
all means to diveſt himſelf of the childiſh
Vanity of recounting his Benefactions : But is
it to be hop'd, that Men of this Make can be
perſuaded to it?:
We are ſometimes oblig'd, for juſt Reaſons,
to break off all Commerce with our deareſt
Friends ; but before it come to that, we are to
obſerve all due Meaſures and Precautions, and,
at leaſt, take time for a mutual Defence and
Explication ; a Rupture ſometimes happening,
without
232 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

without knowing the Reaſon why. You ſay
your Friend has not that Freedom and Open-
neſs for you, and that endearing and diverting
Way he was wont to have. But you don't re-
flect that he is incumbred with uneaſy and
vexatious Buſineſs, which robs him of part of
his Liberty, and cauſes that Indifference in his
Face you complain of.
Nothing diſturbs a Man of Honour more,
than to find that ſome Perſons, to all out-
ward Appearances his Friends, betray him,
and underliand confederate with his declar'd
Enemies : A Treachery not uncommon ; and
a Man muſt have a vaſt Command of himſelf,
not to ſeek Opportunities of Revenge : But,
what a glorious Victory would it be, to be able
to ftifle all the Refentments ariſing in his
Breaſt, upon ſo baſe a Treatment? How noble
is it to forget an Injury genteely? And how
ought we to congratulate ourſelves, our Tem-
per and Moderation on ſuch fplenerick Occa-
fions? But at leaſt, we ought to be far from
imitating the Conduct of moſt Men, who fly
from one Extream to another; falling foul
upon their beſt Friends on the leaſt diffi-
tisfaction, and doing them all the ill Offices
they can.
When you hear any one ill ſpoken of in!
your Company, which happens but too often,
mingle not the Poiſon of your malignant
Reflexions, nor bid higher than the reſt in the
Auction of Slander; but eſpecially take Care
not to go and report to the Perſon concern’d,
29 OD U19 SMO016 tlie
Maxims for Civil Society. 233

ſpeaking.
the Abuſes he ſuffer'd. Never be Carrier of
ill News, which is the daily Cauſe of infinite
Vexations. You oblige not thoſe you bring
ſuch ſort of Errands to, and you infallibly
incenſe the Authors of the Reports. If you
would find Pleaſure in Civil Society, endeavour
to keep fair with all People, and never offend
any body in a Frolick. An Enemy of what-
ever Size or Character, may be able to give
you great Diſturbance, which you ſhould be
wiſer than to incur for the ſake of a Word's
2
TO
S9051
If Women of the preſent Age, can't bring
themſelves to more Sobriety, and live a more
regular and modeſt Life, they ought, at leaſt,
to talk with more Reſerve of their Gallantries
and Lovers, and not have the Impudence to
be ſeen with them in every publick Place.
Does it become them, think you, to talk of
theſe Affairs with a Licenſe, that makes Men
of the leaſt Modeſty bluſh ? Ought Young
Women to enter into Diſcourſe, when it turns
upon Points they ſhould be entirely ignorant
of ? Let them not be aſham'd to appear leſs
learned in the Science of Gallantry: Thoſe
free Sayings that eſcape them, have always an
ill effect, and give ſcurvy Impreſſions of their
Conduct. Above all, let them not applaud
themſelves, nor burſt out into violent Laugh-
ter after uttering theſe Abſurdities. If their
Flatterers ay up their good Humour in pub-
lick, they make ſtrange Pictures of them in pri-
vate, where they freely ſpeak their Minds. aut
We
234 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

you raiſe
We obſerve in the Generality of People, a
Fund of ill Nature, which exerts it ſelf to the
decrying a Man of Honour and Reputation :
They can't pardon his Merit, nor bear hear-
ing the obliging Things that are every where
ſaid to his Advantage. What Prejudice is it
to you, that ſuch a one has a general Appro-
bation? Does his Merit dazzle your jealous
Eyes? Do you fear he'll eclipſe you? What
Gainer will you be , when you have deſtroy'd
his Reputation by your Detraction? Would
your
Fame on the Ruins of his ? Per-
fuade your ſelf, that all the In you ſay of him,
redounds moſt to your own Defamation ; it
makes you conſider'd as an invidious Perſon,
which is ſcarce conſiſtent with the Character of
an honeſt Man.
soc bezovo liebe
Let it be your Deſire to pleaſe People of
good Taſte, and get rid of that ridiculous Va-
nity, and Air of Sufficiency, which accompa
nies all your Words and Actions. You would
hereby be thought a Man of exquiſite Nice-
neſs, but you make your ſelf really ridiculous.
Thoſe that ſeem ſo ſatisfied with themſelves,
ſo full of their own Merit, are never admir'd
by Men of Senſe. He that would have an uni-
verſal Approbation, muſt not eaſily fancy him-
ſelf deſerving. If you had a leſs Eſteem of
your Perſon, you would yet be more eſtimable.
Uſe the ſame Maxim for every Thing that be-
longs to you. Don't be too much upon the
Commendation of your Children, but rather
fuffer their Panegyrick to be made by others.
Don't

Maxims for Civil Society. 235
Don't quote them for Patterns of Perfection ;
but having juſt mention'd them en paſſant,
and let them pay their Reſpects to the Compa-
ny, remand them to their Tutor, or their Go-
verneſs.
Whence is it, that Women of the worſt
Fame, and whoſe Hiſtories are publick, make
it their Buſineſs to diſparage the Conduct of
all their Sex? They make a terrible Noiſe, ra-
ging againſt thoſe whoſe Conduct is attack'd,
as if they were oblig'd to anſwer for it. They
fancy perhaps, by this means to divert the
Courſe of Obloquy, and ſave themſelves in the
Crowd : But they are out in their Accounts,
if they think to give themſelves Liberties, with
the Hopes of concealing their Intrigues, and
impoſing on the Publick. The World is not
to be cullied, but fooner or fater unravels their
Myſteries. When Things go off without
Noiſe, they think themſelves happy ; but the
Craſh and Conſequences of a Rupture, are
Matters of a fatal kind. Reproaches, Out-
rages, Letters facrific'd to Rivals, or publiſh'd,
occaſion bitter Remorſe, and long Repen-
Methinks Mothers, for ſome Time, have
us'd too remiſs a Complaiſance for their young
Daughters ; and that inſtead of infuſing Prin-
ciples of Modeſty and Diſcretion into them,
they train them up quite another way. Is it
any wonder then they ſhould ſo forget them-
ſelves, and that we meer with ſo many Co-
quets? They are indulg'd with too great a Li
berty ;
tance,
236 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.

berty ;
and where they have taken their Ply,
ris impoſſible to reſume again your loft Autho-
rity.
To find Satisfaction in Civil Society, we
ſhould neither conſtrain our felves nor others,
We muſt 1100 take it ill that others are of
different Opinions, much leſs make a per-
fonal Quarrel of their advancing Propoſitions
we diſlike. The way is always to obſerve an
equal Medium ; that is, never to conteſt with
an importunate Obſtinacy, nor yield with a
cowardly Imbecility, when the Affertion is re-
pugnant to good Senſe. Don't ſet up for
Squeamiſhneſs, nor think it the Touchſtone of
an exact Judgment to approve of nothing.
Who can forbear Laughing, to ſee the ſuper-
cilious and diſdainful Look of fome People,
when any witty Thing is ſaid which every bo.
dy extols ? Inſtead of being diverted like the
reſt, they diſcover their Indignation, and ſome-
times carry their peeviſh Humour to affronting
the Laughers and Applauders. What is incon-
ceivable, is, to ſee polite People fometimes
fall into theſe Extravagancies. A Principle
of Vain-glory gets the better of all the Princi-
ples of a good Education. Can they be inſen-
ſible of the Ridicule they incur by theſe Abſur-
dities?
If any one ſays a Thing before
you
childiſh.
mean, or be peaking a profound Ignorance ;
don't inſult the Author of the Foolery ; ra-
ther compaſſionate his Weakneſs and his Igno-
sance, and ſet him right, by ſparing his con-
fuſion.

Maxims for Civil Society.
237
fuſion. Be far from laughing at him with the
Company : 'Tis a kind of Cruelty, by ill-11a-
tur'd Jeſts, to make a Man doubly ridiculous,
who already is but too contemptible for his
Folly. Why do People rejoice at others Faults ?
They ſtudy to diſcover every Thing that can
give them Trouble ; and ſome there are ſo
rude, as brutally to caſt it in their Teeth.
I think it the beſt way to ſtay at Home, and
not viſit People when in Chagrin and ill Hu-
mour. There are gloomy Minutes, when eve-
Ty Thing diſguſts us, and we are burdenſome
to cur felves. In theſe Seaſons, we run the
Riſque of being diſagreeable to others; and
we ought not lightly to expoſe our ſelves to
the Inputation of troubleſome and impertinent
People.
An Exceſs of Gaiety and Merriment, is ano-
ther Fault to be avoided in Civil Society. This
Maxim feems a Paradox; and that Mirth and
Jollity never ſpoild a Feaſt. 'Tis however
true; ſober and rational People can't bear that
perpetual, empty, ſenſeleſs Mirth, that is al-
ways burſting with loud Laughter, without
knowing wherefore. "Tis good always to be
Maſter of our Tempers ; and tho' we ouglit
not ſtill to interrogate our Reaſon, whether it
be proper to laugh when we hear a witty
Jeft, yet we ought not to have our Mouths
ready open'd and tund for laughing ; like
ſome that we never ſee in a ſober ſettl'd Hu-
mour, but always bubbling up with frothy Joy.
Good Humour is the Charm of Civil Society,
I
when

238 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
when it keeps within the Limits of Deco-
rum.
Jo
What I dread moſt in Converſations, are
thoſe greedy Cormorants of Praiſe, who try all
Shapes and Poſtures to invite your Compli-
ments ; and you muſt always have an Incenſe
Pot in your Hand, if you would be their Friend.
If they ask your Opinion of any Piece of their
Compoſition, which they read with an Empha-
fis, you can't find flattering Expreſſions enough
to content their Vanity. What a Fatigue it
is for a Man that has common Senſe, and an
exquiſite Reliſh of good Things, to be ob-
lig'd (in Complaiſance) to commend Trifles?
For you muſt either applaud, or quarrel.
They'll brutiſhly tax your want of Taſte, De-
licacy and Judgment. This Maxim is of very
large Extent, and belongs to all Sorts of Pro-
feflions. A Woman tolerably liandſome, but
who thinks her ſelf an accompliſh'd Beauty, is
out of all Patience to hear her Charms but
faintly commended. Thoſe that have a good
Faculty at Dancing, Singing, or Muſick, will
be applauded ; and a Man knows not where
to fly from the Perfecution of theſe Self-admi-
rers. They that have ſo much Complacency
for themſelves, and all that belongs to them,
have uſually a wonderful Contempt for all the
Performances of others. If they dare not
ſpeak their Opinions out, yet their Mien,
their Eyes, their Tone of Voice, a malicious
Smile, a myſterious Silence, or equivocal and
ill-

Maximis for Civil Society. 239
ill-meaning Expreſſions, betray them, and dif-
cover their inward Thoughts. so
or
Infinite Numbers of People think it is Po-
liteneſs, to approve every Thing without Di-
ſtinction, or giving themſelves Time to exa-
mine into what is ſaid or done. They make
a Thouſand Exclamations upon the leaſt Tri-
fle, and are perpetually loading you withi
Commendations. They have not the Cou-
rage to ſpeak to you without Flattery ; but
theſe trivial Praiſes leave a Flatneſs and Inſipid-
neſs on the Taſte, which is infinitely diſagree-
able to judicious Perſons.
When we are ſo unhappy as to be engag'd
with odd and whimſical Tempers, the ſhorteſt
way to Peace, is to grant them their Demands ;
it being better to make ſome Abatements of
our Right, than diſpute for ever. Tis a great
Maſtery artfully to diffemble our Cauſes of Dir-
content. This is the ſureſt Means to preſerve
our Repoſe; and if this Rule were but always
obſery'd, we ſhould not ſee ſo many Quarrels
every Day. Beſides, we ought not to ſeem to
hear the Ill that People ſay of us. We can't
pretend to hinder them from ſpeaking ; but
it is in our Breaſt, not to expreſs Reſent-
ment at what they ſay. 'Tis not always with
Deſign to injure or affront us, that they talk of
us in diſobliging Terms; but from a Cuſtom fo
habitual to the World of flandering our Neigh-
bours ; without which Supply, Converſation
would ſeldom be able to ſupport it ſelf. But if
they treat us thus thro’ Malice and ill Deſign,
inſtead

240 Reflexions upon Politeneſs.
inſtead of revenging our ſelves by reciprocal De-
tra&tion, (ſo cuſtomary with Women, and
weak People) the way is to expreſs more Civi-
lities than ever. This fair and generous Deport-
ment , will impoſe Silence on them, if they
have any Principles of Honour.
When you are told of a Man of Merit,
that is raiſing a fair Reputation in the World,
don't be ſo ill-natur'd, as to deny him your
Approbation. The Affectation of a falſe Deli-
cacy, renders a Man odious or ridiculous; and
'tis a Mark of a perverſe Temper, and a
wretched Malignity, not to be touch'd with
true Merit, and not to admire what is really
admirable. The civil and obliging Things you
ſay to People, encourage them to do better.
But deal not like thoſe Impoſtors, who com-
mend in Appearance, but nevertheleſs ule am-
biguous Terms, and double Meanings. Theſe
corrupt Praiſes are nothing but fly Satyr ; and
ſuch ambidextrous Artifices are no way: com-
porting with an honeſt Man, who ought ne-
ver to ſpeak but what he thinks. 'Tis no hard
Matter to be deceiv'd in point of Commen-
dation. We are ſo dazzled with our own
Merit, and think we ſo well deſerve the Praiſe
that is given us in pure Compliment, that 'tis
difficult to perceive when we are ridicul'd, and
when we are ſincerely ſpoken of. To
If you find you have any good Qualities,
don't value your ſelf upon them, nor be the
firſt to ſpeak of them : Don't appear invidious
againſt thoſe that have the ſame Advantages,
nor

Maxins for Civil Society. 241
nor refuſe them the Character they deſerve.
Theſe are Two Eſſential Ingredients in the
Compoſition of an Ingenious Gentleman, That
he ſpeak not of himſelf, whatever his Merit
be ; that he be of humble and modeſt Senti-
ments : And in the next place, that he do
others Juſtice , without Affestation and Con-
ſtraint.
bus JALOE OY 79
It often happens , that our Friends have
need of our Advice ; whether they are engag'd
in unhappy Affairs, or have not all the Pru-
dence or Experience neceſſary for their Con-
duet. In theſe Occaſions, it always becomes us
to be ſincere ; and 'tis acting againſt all the
Principles of Honour, to be unſeaſonably com-
plaiſant, and to flatter them in their Errors,
inſtead of redreſſing them by ſincere Advice.
I know that thoſe who admonith us of our
Faylts, or inform us of Stories ſpread to our
- Difparagement, commonly vex us, and we fee
thein with a Sort of Reluctance. But it is not
the Part of a good Friend, not to venture to
fay a Word to a Perſon that forgets himſelf,
and makes not all the neceſſary Reflexions on
his Conduct. His fore Part ought not to be ſo
nicely handled. Men of an implicit Deference
Ito all our Opinions, are but little concern'd at
our committing Errors : Nay, there are ſome
ſo wretched, as to give bad Counſel, when
they know our Inclinations ; chuſing rather, in
ſome Meaſure, to humour our Extravagance by
agreeable Things, than by the Amittance of
istiwamo colo.
Mis good
grimov
242 Reflexions tipon Politeneſs.

good Advice, to help us to maſter our Paſſia
on. 21
S
The Reaſon why the generality of people
don't amend their Faults, is their living with-
out Reflexion. They converſe all their lives
with polite Perſons, and yet are never the
niore polite: Whereas they ought to turn eve-
Iy thing to account, and carefully obſerve the
different Ways of acting in well-bred Perſons.
This Study teaches us the Knowledge of Men,
which is what feparates Perſons of Merit from
the Herd, and diſtinguiſhes a Man of Honour
from a Wretch: For that ſtill is one conſider-
able Fault, to have the ſame Reſpects and
Complaiſance for a Fool,as for a Man of Senfe.
As much as poſlible, we ought to make a
good choice of Perſons to converſe with. The
Commerce of Men of Merit is an excellent
School, and their Words and Actions more
inſtruktive than the beſt of Books. We ought
not to content ourſelves with ſeeing them,
but endeavour to tranſcribe them. When we
are miſtaken in our Choice, which is but too
-common, we muſt break off, as foon as may
be, a Converſation that can't but be diſagree-
able or pernicious. lo pri
o The Ladies are ſomewhat too much relax'd
from their Sevěrity: They were formerly more
s! estately, and knew how to make themſelves
more reſpected; and Men durft not take the
y leaſt freedom in their Preſence. At preſent
to they are not To fcrupulcus and reſerv'd, but Men
o entertain them with Diſcourſes ſomewhat ſa-
vouring
Maxims for Civil Society. 243

vouring of the Licenſe of the Age. And pro-
vided they have a cleanly Covering, the coyeft
Dames don't ſeem to take Exception. "Tis
true, they ought not to behave themſelves like
wild Indians, nor fly in People's Eyes upon
the leaſt ambiguous Saying. Thoſe that affect
ſo much Grimace, are not always the moſt
Modeſt: But if they ſuſtain'd their Character
a little better, and knew how to employ their
Afcendant over Men, theſe would be more ſub-
miſlive and reſpectful, would give them greater
Eſteem, and be more regular in their Obſer-
vance of all the Rules of Civility and Decorum.
THE END.

1
M 2

eng zo A Napa
INDEX
OF T, HE tuibeli
Principal Matters
160.
A.
A Bilities. To jbew one's Abilities before a
fupid People, is a wretched Puniſhment,
Abuſes ſpoken in Company, not to be reported
232.
Accompliſhments always mingled with Imperfe-
Etions 51. Accompliſhments unduly or pro-
digally manag'd, are offenſive 85.
Acquaintance can't belong carried on with the
Generality of Men, without-Occaſion of Cow-
plaint 115.
Advice to be given modeſtly to Perſons of a ſu-
perior Rank 115, 116. Advice ask'd in Ex-
pe&tation of Praiſe 194. A Love of Ad-
vice rather
Faults in Converſation 195. The obtru-
ding of Advice, where it is not askºdcenfurºd,
196.
AF
M 3
1 N D E X.

Affronts; to fuffer all would be comecardice ran
ſenſible of 'em in Proſperity 147. How to
meaſure and judge of Affronts 206.
Age advancing too faſt, bring's Wrinkles and
Remorſes all at once 72. The ridiculous
Arts of repairing the Decays of Age 186.
Agreeableneſs of Humour ; 'tis hard to find the
Medium in which it confifts 202.
Affectation of the Mimicks and Apes of Mo-
defty, very different from the vertuous Re-
ſerve 102.
Apologies are of no Uſe , when the Conduct
gives the Lye to the Diſcourſe 123.
Applauſe; The Means employ'd to purchaſe it,
oftentimes bring us to Contempt 57. Ap-
plauſegiven to ones Face always
, to be fufpečted
62. Greedinefs of Applaufe cenfur d 160.
Approbation of every Thing without Diftin&ti-
240.
we fay
live happy with all ſorts of People 77. It
gives a Spirit of Regularity, and keeps up
decorum 214. Civility Demands Attention
to what is ſaid to us 214.
Attire attracts People's Raillery upon an ugly
Face, which, alone, would pafs 'not minded
Avarice, the moft miſerable of Paſſions 172.
B.
Benefits, to load People with them, is not al-
ways the beſt way 162, 163. Il-natur’d Peo-
ple are never won by Benefits 163. To talk
on
to
or do, is the way to
III.
eter-
IN DE X.

eternally of Benefits given, is a childiſh Va
nity 231.
Beauty, to ufurp the Empire of it, is very ha-
zardous 36. Women can ſuffer no Rivals in
that Particular 55. Beauty without Mode-
Ay, has but little Effet 68, 74. Natural
Beauty loſt or decay'd, can't be made up in
Ornament 72. Women of Beauty are conti-
nually beleaguer'd with Ambuſcades 103.
Blockheads ſpeak commonly more freely and eam
fily, and with a more ſatisfied Air than Men
of Senſe 89
Braggadocio in Converſation deſcrib'd 58.
Bravado (tbe) not to be acted when one's ata
tack'd on every Side 216. 'Tis dangerous to
do it, when we have neither Strength
nor Cous
rage to ſupport it 221.
Buſineſs, Women juftly excluded from it 218.
Islaced
C.
Caprice, a ruling Principle in Men 107, 17462
'Tis the Source of the irreparable Faults
they
commit, and of the Irregularity of their Cona
duet 107.00
Cenforiouſnefs is finical 44.
Cenſures (impertinent) when offer'd, require
great Diſcretion in the Perfon cenfur d 80.
Cenfures of Mankind are indiſcreet 98.
Cenfures ( everlafting) expos'á 140, 147, 148.
Cenſuring in others the ſame Faults we are guilty
of our felves, a moi incomprehenſible Thing
223. Sedia
Civil Treatment due from Men in eminent Pofts
to the Perſons who apply to them 126. Civi-
lities
Hello
M4
IN DE X.

lities thrown away upon fome People 149.
So ne place all their Politeneſs in paying Ci-
wilities to al Comers without Diſtinction 183.
Civility makes us glad to do every Body Fua
-fice 205. umfer
Commendation ; 'tis hard to diſtinguiſh when
Ptis fincere, and when Ironical 149. To
Commend another for what we believe our
ſelves to excel in, is a high Flight of Genero-
ſity 160. Srove their telefona
Companies (great) are fætiguing 18. Thoſe
who covet them, have either an il Taſte, or
elſe diffruft their own Parts upon a ſingle
Match 18. Why Men of Senſe do not like
em 18. Choice of Company to be inculca-
ted to young Ladies 18.. We can't be too cu-
rious in it 199. Rational Company contri-
butes mightily to the forming of a Gentleman
199. Virtuous People diſparage themſelves
by keeping il Company 219,
Competition. In Competition for the ſame
Employs, 'tis difficult to avoid Enzy 159.
Complaints, ill grounded, ought not to divert
us from our good Intentions 209. For
Compliments (barren) a threádbare Cuſtom
153
Ad op (tri) 2010
Complaiſance (genteel and well manag’d) a
neceſſary Ingredient in Politeneſs 8. But
Complaiſance exceſſive , grows nauſeous and
infipid, ibid. Complaiſance the moſt proper
Means to procure Eſteem 53. Complaiſance
pointed with a little Severity, is the Perfeti-
on of a Character of a Virtuous Woman 102.
Complaiſance is a great step to Politenefs
131,

IN DE X.
131. 'Tis the Soul of Civil Society, ibid.
It has a ſort of Charm in it, which there's no
reſiſting 132. The Character of a Complai-
ſant Man 131. Complaiſance extravagant,
breeds Wearineſs and Contempt 133. A
flattering Complaiſance does not become Men
of Worth 133. If it has nothing of Affetta-
tion in its Manner, nor favours of the Rank-
nefs of Flattery, nothing renders a Man
more agreeable 134. Mercenary Complai-
ſance cenfur’d 134. Natural Complaiſance
apt to degenerate to a flat and infipid Con-
verſe 134. Why ſo few are found that are
truly Complaiſant 138. Thoſe who have
leaſt Complaiſance for others, have a great
deal for themſelves 142. Complaiſajice ſuits
(generally ſpeaking) with all Sorts of Pro-
ple; in all Conditions and Circumſtances
whatever 151. Complaiſance ill-tim'd, when
a Woman, is attack'd 151. Complaiſance
cowardly and miſplac'd 185.
Conceited Perſons ſeldom ſee any Merit in cam
thers 45. Why we have ſo many felf-con-
ceited Coxcombs in the World 90. Conceited
People naturally exceptious 170.
Conſcience ; to ſpeak againſt one's Conſcience is
Folly as well as Cowardice - 176.
Conſtraint of any Sorto the Bane of Satisfa.
Etion in Civil Society 236,
Contradi&tion not inconſiſtent with Complaiſance
135. The Spirit of Contradiction, one of
the Things that moſt incommodes Converſati-
on 143. 198.. 01.
Converſation , Evenneſs of it with all sorts of
M 5
IN DE X.

People, the moſt diſtinguiſhing Character of
Politeneſs 22. To Converſe with rough
hewn People, a Miſery in Life 23. Conver-
fation rendred diſagreeable by endeavouring
to outſhine others 50, 51. To return harſh
Language for harſh Language, the very Peft
of Converſation 117. We ought to have no
Converſation with People delighting in Satyr
and Raillery 219. Without Sincerity, we find
no Pleaſure or Security in Converſation 190.
Several Maxims relating to Converſation
199 & ſeq.
Coquetry takes place of Modeſty 42.
Covetous Perfons ; We have no other Notion of
them, than of a People under a divine Ma-
ledi&tion 172. Covetouſnefs expos’d, ibid.
Countenance. See Modeſty.
Countrey-Sparks expoſe themſelves by traveſt-
ing their Temper when they come to Town 28.
Courts of Princes afford frequent Inſtances of
boundleſs Flattery or Contempt 166.
Cunning ought to be baniſh’d the Society of ho-
neft Men 227. 'Tis an Amphibious Qua-
lity, floating betwixt Vice and Virtue 227.
Curioſity of enquiring after whatever others
do, with intent to cenſure it, is a wretched
Character 13.
D
Debt. See Magnificence.
Decorum does not always allow us to do for our
felves, what we are allowed to do for others
128.
Delicacy (falſe) the Affectation of it renders
a Man ridiculous, and ſpeaks a perverſe
Temper 240.
De

INDE X.
Defert, The beſt Expedient we can uſe with
ſuch as deſert us, is to give them Liberty to do
it 118, 119. Deſerting Friends, expos’d
158. It ſpeaks a noble Soul not to deſert
one's Friends when Fortune has forſaken en
158, 159.
Detraction, Silence an excellent Remedy ac
gainſt it 216.
Diffidence ought not to be concealed 95.
Diſappointments (frequent) will direct a dif-
creet Man to retire 97. Accidental Diſap-
pointments are unavoidable 108.
Diſcontent from imaginary (not real) Cauſes,
frequent 109.
Diſcourfe, addreſs'd always to the fame Per-
fon, a common Uncivility in Converſation
209.
Diſcretion, a neceſſary Ingredient in Polite-
neſs 76. The Character of a diſcreet Man,
ibid.' Diſcretion of great Uſe to preſerve
one's own Quiet 76. It contributes towards
forming our Minds 78. It affifts us to do
Juſtice , both to our ſelves and others 79.
Tis inconſiſtent with any powerfull Paſſion
83.. 'Tis an admirable Veil to hide manifeſt
Imperfections, 88. 'Tis never more re-
quir'd, than in the Choice of Perſons to con-
werfe with 93. A falſe Sort of Diſcretion
cenſur'd 95. Diſcretion is the Soul of Po-
litenefs 215.
Difgrace, ſome Women take Pleaſure in dif-
gracing themſelves 105.
Diſguiſe ; 'Tis unaccountable , why Men ſhould
love ſo much to diſguiſe themfelves 182.
Wo-

I. NDEX.

Women are more ingènious than Men, at dif-
guiſing their Sentiments and Inclinations
193.
Diſintereſtedneſs, an infalible Sign of a Soul
well made and rais d above the Vulgar 130.
Diſintereſted Survices, not to be expected,
from the Generality af Mankind 156.15
Diſoblige, 'Tis a Rule never to diſoblige any
body 12. Men's harſh and diſobliging way
of living together, is a very ſtrange Thing
12. 'Tis difficult to be Polite and Complai-
ſant, when diſoblig'd 146. zased on
Difputing in Converſation, its bad Conſequen-
ces U5.
Divulging of Things imparted to ris, though not
sunsler the Character of Secret, is want of
Tiſcretion 214, 215.
Dreſs adjuſted 73. lassen
tissue benoitsich?
E.
RODOTTI Lich
Education. See Marriages. Education (pro-
per) of Youth, would correct any Diſorders
in the World 212.
Encomiums ill placd, do neither honour to the
Giver nor Receiver 140. s ro
Engliſh, their Character with Reference to
verſation 208, 209. O edisi
Entertainments ought to be managd, by him
that makes 'em, without the Vanity of com-
mending or diſconimending his Fare 2229.15
Envy hard to be over-ruld 54. Envy and fordid
Fealouſies , put us upon ftrance Extrava-
gancies in Civil Life 127. 'Tis difficult tal
avoid Envy in Competition for the ſame Em-
floys
IXNIDdex.

ploys 159. To Envy others Preferments, not
within our Sphere, is highly ridiculous, and
yet pray if d'159.
Efteem, we are not ſure to procure it, by con-
vincinz Men of our Qualifications 53. The
little Complaiſance Men have for one another,
proceeds from the want of a due Eſteem 147,
148. The moſt certain way to win the Eſteem
of Men, is to delight to do 'enr good 152. Sin-
cerity is, perhaps, one of the ſhorteſt Cuts to
arrive at the Efteem of Men 181.
SI1010
Exceptiouſneſs is a Torment to every body 10.
Expreſſions (ſimpleſt ) the beſt in Converſation
18. Bombaſt and far-fetch'd Expreſſions to
expreſs the moſt trivial things, cenſur'd 222.
Op F. mihin ilo 2533
Falſeneſs. See Sincerity. mijn ben notori
Familiar. Perſons of Quality can't be too fami-
liar
Fantaſtica!. Men that are moſt ſuch, have ftill
a Sid: that's practicable by a PolitHin17.
They are brought to their Duty befi, by Loni-
ty and M deration 115, 116.
Fault in Converfation: to exaggerate it, is un-
pardonable ill breedin, 20. 'Tis odath at yuer
Nice Men take ſo little care to diſguiſe their
Faults 91. People feldom corre&t their Faults,
becauſe they do not conſider them as ſuch 185,
192. If we diſcover Faults in Company, we
ought not to ſpeak of 'em 205, 206.
Fawning expos’d 135, 136. It degenerates into
Inſipidneſs 140. "Tis inconſiſtent with Since-
rity 175.
suola 20
Finical

IN D E X.

21.
Finical Ladies, how diftinguiſh'd from the Po-
lite 6.
Flattery, affected in Women, does not fix the In-
conftancy of Men 6. A Flatterer always to be
diſtruſted 21. Flattery or Contempt never keep
a Mean 166, 167. Love of being Flatter'd is
the Cauſe of the Inſincerity of Mankind 184.
Fool, to applaud a Fool when Rich and Opulent,
is an Argument of a mercenary Temper 20,
Fortune (low) expos’d to the Contempt of the
Great and Rich, but not of the Polite 21.
Moderation a Refuge againſt the Malignancy
of Fortune 1c8. Change of Fortune for the
Better, often changes Manners for the Worſe
110. Il Fortune is a ſort of Contagion, that
keeps all at a diſtance, 158
Freedom and Eafinefs (without Stiffneſs and
Conſtraint) a neceſſary ingredient of Polite-
neſs 7. Becoming Freedom an Argument of a
Virtuous Woman 75.
Friends of the lungeſt ſtanding, fall fouleft up-
on one another, when they break off 15,
To divulge Secrets, upon ſuch a Rupture of
Friendſhip, is want of Politeneſs 15. Friend-
ſhip generally ruin'd, by the Indifference that
ſucceeds to a long Commerce 29. 'Tis Cowar-
dice not to vindicate Friends, abus'd in their
Abſence 99, 230. 'Tis an hard Matter to
preſerve Friendſhip, ſo as to be able to reckon
upon it long 124. We ſhould be cautious hovo
we absiſe the kindneſs of our Friends 125.
The Friendſhip that's practis'd now-a-days, is
only a Diſguiſe for Self-love 127. Friendſhip,
tho
IN DE X.

tho' extinguiſb’d, ought ftill to keep off Enmi--
ty 154. Friend/hip not to be expected from
thoſe, who delight in Satyr and Raillery 167.
An unſincere Friend, is the most dangerous
thing in the Commerce of the Worlå 185.
Friendſhip
, requires ſome Equality 210. Why
there are no more true Friends in the World,
230, 231. Dif-intereſtedneſs is the Soul of
Friendſhip 231. Sometimes we are obliged
by juſt Reaſons, to break off all Commerce
with our deareft Friends 231. The Treachery
of a Friend, is the greateſt Diſturbance a
Man of Hono'r can meet with 232.
Frugality, requiſite in managing the greateſt
Excelencies 85.
G.
Gaiety. See Gravity. Exceſs of Gaiety, or Mer-
riment, a Fault in Civil Society 237.
Gallantry, what Notions People have of it in
this Age 59
Gallantry to be talk'd of with Referve, by Wo-
men 233.
Gaudy Trappings, upon an ugly Woman, make
her doubly ſo 73
Generoſity of Mankind is ſuch, that there's no
reckoning upon it 12h. See Liberality. See
Commend. An Inſtance of uncommon Gene-
roſity 161.
Generous Perfons expe&t no return for their good
Offices 129. Motiv's that ſeem Generous,
flow ſometimes from Paffion 167, 168.
Genteel Behaviour defcribd at large 152 & feq.
Giving with an ill grace, makes the World a
bound
L
IN DE X.

bound with Ingratitude 164, 165, To give
with a good grace, is giving doubly 179. vt
Glory, none, but ſome privileged Szuls, are de-
termin'd by its Motives 130.
Gold, in the Age we live, there's hardly any
Honeſty tenable againſt it 129. The fevereſt
Women are ſometimes caught by it 212.34
Good. To delight to do good, the moſt certain
I way to win the Eſteem of Men 152.5 To do
good to People of known Ingratituite, requires
a very great Soul 163. Good things are to
be inſeperably met with 201. ,,
Gratitude for Services done, impair'd by Self-
lov? 157. Gratitude ſhould be free, and not
forcºa 168, 16.
Gravity and Gaiety ſhould be combin'd in Civil
Society 145.
Greatneſs of Soul, now-a-days, is a Traffick of
pure Intereſt 152.
Seth
cond storico indir
pois inderit
H.
Handome Women apt. to grow haughty, and to
provoke the reſt of their Ser to confederate
to deſtroy them 36. Why handſome Women make
ro few Conqueſts 49.
Happineſs of our Friends, is ſometimes
, our
Mortification, which is very odd an.. unac-
countable 127. The Secret of happy living
with all the World, is to take Men as we find
em 138, 139.
Harthneſs and Maroſeneſs; are not the proper
Means for obtaining Reſpect 125.
Heart of Man; the knowledge of it is not at-
tainable but by long Experience, and much
Reflexion 174
Honour

IN DE X.
164.
238.me
Honour (Men of) particularly found to avoid
lewd Diſcourſe 67. Honour of Birth forgot,
by Women of a deprav'd Taſte 101. A Man
of Honour ſhoull never ſpeak what he does not
think, 176. Men of Honour and Reputation
Should not be decry'd 234. Tho' the Envious
World is apt to do it ibid.
Hopes retain People to cur Intereſt, better than
à load of Benefits already conferr'd 162, 163,
SCORE 910
Humour (Good) is the Charm of Civil Societ',
when it keeps within the limits of Decorum
Hypocrites. See Religion. A mi (TU15
Bus 900 steedt gratis
I.
Idleneſs makes the Paſſions of Women ſo lively
Jealouſy (indifcreet) exposa 83. A Jealous
Husband hówo ſerv'd by ſome 88. ATSU
Jeſt oftentimes makes a Friend an irreconcile-
able Enemy 77. Jeſts never to be hazarded
with Country-Folks and Fools 223.
Ignorance taken by fome to be meritorious 54.
Ignorant Expreſſions not to be infulted, but
pitied 236, 237, dorind 39 rul
Ignorant, they are admir'd by none but Fools
141. cố ca - 2
ES 231
Impertinences. The Reflexions we make upon
the Impertinences of others, teach us to cor-
rect our own 7, 220. The Charakter of an
Impertinent 93. Impertinents will always
creep in among reaſonable People 141.31 Stal
Impertinences; to return Candor and Civilities i.
11819001)
for
217 sa zapitons

IN D E X.

TDOO
III.
for Impertinenees, is a Virtue of great Value
217
Importunity makes a Man promiſe, without
thinking to perform 97. Importunity in Di-
ftreſs does not re-kindle the Zeal of Ancient
Friends 158.
Impoſtures are uſually as fatal to Cheats, as
thoſe that are cheated by thein 187.
Inclination warps Virtue 167,
Indiſcretion (monffrous) in delighting to diſpa-
rage one's ſelf 88.
Indolent Creatures tireſome Company 195.15
Indulgence due to a Preacher or Author 227.
Infirmities, the great Art of Life conſiſts in con-
cealing then, ſince no body is without 'em
Ingratitude the frequent Reward of Generous
Actions 153. Great Benefactions are ſome-
times inftrumental toit 162. See Good. Good
Fortune the frequent Occaſion of Ingratitude
163. Ingratitude a baſe and ſcandalous Vice
164. to puniſh it, we need only abandon the
Ungrateful to their own Malignity ih. Why
the World abounds with Ingratitude ib. «The
leaſt deſerving are moſt ingratefil 168.00!
Injuſtice, we have naturally a great Inclination
to it 121.
Spy pod JIFIONIS
Injuries magnified by Self-Eſteem 160.
Inſult. Not to infult a worthy Man in Diſgrace,
a Lellon of great Importance 20.79 Todo
Inquiſitive Perſons to be uſed with a refolute Re-
ſerve 180. morisqul
Integrity. See Senſe.insener
Intereſted Perſons not very exact in their Promii
Intereſt
miſes 96.

IN DE X.
Intereſt carries it, with the generality of the
World, above Glory 126. Intereſt and Plea-
ſure, are the Springs of human Life 139.
Mean Actions from Views of Interest, moſt to
be feared 152. Generoſity is nothing now best
a Traffick of Intereſt ib. Friendſhip is ge-
nerally meaſur'd by Intereſt 159.
Juſtice. We ſeldom do Juſtice to our felves, and
rarely to other Men 160. We ruft not hope to
have always Juſtice done us 170. TOT Sand
7o Bad moda citostariats (I isirshage
K. JS 23
only
Kindneſſes and Praiſes, proceed almift upon the
fame Foot 150. do cini 502
.
ozhin 962 L.
Laughter, and Cackling by Fits in Company,
ridiculous 21.
Learned (Men) why they are not the genteelest
People in the World 19, 25. Why Learning is -
fooner acquir’d than Politeneſs 26. Thoſe who
ſet up for extraordinary Learning, are very
untract able 53
Letters (Men of) are ſeldom guilty of an Ex-
cefs of Complaiſance 138.
Liberality has oftentimes a ſecret Intereſt at Bot-
tom 155. ROW. stood?
Libertiniſm in Women, the Conſequence of Ma-
trimony 69.
Liberty taken by Wamen, loſes them the Empire
they have naturally over Men 101.
Lively People ſhould always beware of their nam
tural Fault, of endeavouring to ſparkle in
Converſation 91.
Love,
IN DE X. I

Love, Why a Man's Love for a Maid, cools!
when ſhe becomes his Wife 164. We are under
no Obligation to love all forts of People 184.
To love Perſons of no Merit, is a whimſical
Thing 210. Just telo 35 211
di 1979001 starts
M. lbs 945 yeso
Machinal ſort of people, always ſpeak by weight
and meaſure; What a pitiful Charaéter they
have 191. Crissa sitrus sch
Magiſterial Determination, upon the Subject of
Converſation, is unbecoming 44.
Magnificence. See Liberality. **Magnificence
that plunges one into Debt, is an ill-contriv'd
Maggotry of Carriage, diſpels the Charms of
Beauty 48. z
?
Malice forgives neither the Endowments of Na-
Sture nor Fortine 127. edice ID PISI
Man turns Tyrant to himſelf, when no bolly elſe
difturbs bim 109. siis puso
Manners. The Standard of our prefeut Mant-
ners, does not come up to Sincerity 194.
Marriages, the fcandaloris Diſorders
in 'em, pro-
ceed from the bad Elucation of Young Wo-
men 50. Marriage now-a-days difpels the I
Relicks of Shame 69. Women take great Li-
berties after Marriage, tho’ their Obligation
to Modeſly, is the ſame as before 69. One of
the Sources of the Miſeries of Marriage, is i
the Daughter's minding only the Perſon, and
-the Mother only the Eftate 105, 106. Tis
. un-1
accountable that fo few Marriages are ſo well
Sorteil 213.
10 Freites
Maſters
215002

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
Maſters and Servants, their reſpective Duties
and Faults 218, 219.
Maxims for Civil Society 199. Il to
Mean and unworthy Actions moft to be fear'd
152. A
Men can bear no Competition in Wit, no more
than Women in Beauty 55. Moſt Men are
unintelligible 174. We judge of Men by the
Surface 219.
19 janne
Merit (great ) does not always carry the Suf-
frage of the Publick 52. Modeſty ſets it off
with a new Luſtre 68. Indifferent Merit
may gain fome Efteem by ſpeaking little 89.
People that have vaft Notions of their own
Merit, commonly Ungrateful 169.indd
Miſanthrophy expos'd 137.
Miſcarriages : Tis ta little purpoſe to make
great Apologies for 'éın 84. We ought to ſay
ir nothing harſis to a Man that has miſcarriet
of 147. 0_2stot Ting zie mubola
Misfortunes;To complain of 'em at every turn,is
e ſign of Vanity rather than Modeſty 58.
They are generally owing to our own ill Con-
cest duet 59, 84. They render a Friend dearer
to a generous and diſintereſted Heart 130
They ought to be treated with Compaffion, not
Indifference 154.
Mifruftful Perfons unconverſible 95. They
place a falfe Diſcretion of miſtruſting every
And Body ibid. Den nors sloei zmed pritisak
Moderation, a Virtue of very extenſive uſe,
107. It makes Men happy in every State
109. And is neceſſary at alTimes 1 19.08
Modeſty, adds a Luſtre tonigreat Merit 37.
It
- sgildo
a&t's

IN DE X.
afts evenly and without Formality 38. The
Character of a modeſt Perfon ib. Mode-
fty of Sentinients read in the Countenance
40. Modeſty, the moſt convenient Veil for
what we mean to keep ſecret 41. Why we neg-
le&t to do Juſtice to Wornen, upon the ſcore of
Modeſty 41, 42. Modeſty removes Self-Love,
or valuing only what's our own 56. Amodeſt
Man does not ſet up for Shining in Converſa-
tion, by ſurprizing' Narratives 58. 'Tis a
to falſe Modeſty, rudely to reje& Compliments
when we think we deſerve em 63. 'Tis diffi-
8 cult to retain modeft Sentiments in an exalt-
med Station 65. Modeſty becomes all ſorts of
Characters, but is highly effential to ſome
Profeſſions 67. Roughneſs and Severity a-
gainſt all that take any freedom, is no true
Ingredient of Modefty 71. Modefty is of
mighty uſe to fecere all the other Virtues 71.
Modeſt Perſons eaſily poſlefs our Inclinations
and Efteem 75. Hitro 01:29001
Morals of Women of this Age, differ but little
from thoſe of boneft Heathens 169.
Mothers give their Daughters too great Libera
of ty 235, 236.odaslih om anomang,
Mourning (feignd) expos'd 191. I
ganaren heb
Prema N. w luturim
Narratives (long) cenfurd 141. sonk
Neceſſity throws People upon many Things that
diſpleaſe others 22. Self-love magnifies the
st» idea of our Neceſſities 157. 11 .01
News (ill not to be carried 232.
Nicety. See Starch'd.oran 250 globoM
BO
Obliga-
Ι Ν D Ε Χ.

0.
Obligations ought to be done in proper Time
and Place 152. Over-doing Obligations,
make People ungrateful 162.
Obſtinacy, the moſt common Fault in Conver-
ſation 19, 20. 'Tis grand Impertinence 46.
Obſtinacy in Opinion, a Sign of buit indiffe-
rent Senſe 207
Officiouſneſs cenſurd 153.
Old Men, were they more converſible, their
ad Society
would be a great School for the Young
31. 'Tis ridiculous to conceal Old Age 74.
Perſons may pretend a kind of Reſpect, but ex-
poſe themſelves in thinking to pleaſe 94.
Openneſs ( indifcreet ) vaftly different from
Sincerity, 180.101
Opinion of Self-merit, cenfur'd 43, 45, 46,
& ſequent. 'Tis a great Source of Imperti-
nence 47. Opinion oftentimes asked, not for
Inſtruction, but in Expectation of Applauſe
97, 98. To differ in Opinion, in the way
of Converſation, does not break in upon the
Meaſures of Complaiſance 135. Men's
Fondneſs of their own Opinions makes them
-* a&t and ſpeak many fooliſh Things, in the
1} Commerce of the World 206. Stiffnels in Opi-
nion, the moſt poifunous Weed that infekts the
Pleaſure of Civil Society 207. Every body
has a Right to give his Opinion of Thing's
* fubmitted to the Publick 226, 227.
Oftentation cenſur'd 37, 38, 39.
11033n dizi Slot of Tamil
sloosho zaista ou ? 2'sro gta 50 Pairs
Ger
SLS

I N D E X.
czorem
Faces 193.
.
P.
Pains. People take more Pains to deceive the
World, than it would coft
. them to acquire a
ſubftantial Merit 175. roses adost sous
Paint us'd by Old Women ridicul'd 186. The
Sculs of Women are no leſs painted than their
Parts (great ) not ſufficient to purchaſe the E-
ſteem and Affection of Men of themſelves
39. Oftentation of Parts cenſur'd 39, 40.
Paſſions; if we can't get rid of 'em, we ought
to conceal 'em 72. What is not a Woman ca-
pable of, under the Influence of a violent
Paſſion 182., spirit is a ser
Patrons, their Hatred the moſt common Effect
of Ingratitude 165. When they ceaſe to be
uſeful, they're treated with Indifference 166.
if not worſe 171.37 5080p) 38
Peace, the ſhorteſt Way to it, is to grant whim-
fical People their Demands 239.
Pedagogue, troubleſome 87.
Pettiſh, peeviſh People deſcribed 225.
2 Play, fome Reflections upon it 228
Pleale. To think of pleaſing, when the Seaſon
st of Agreeablenefs is over, is want of Difcre-
mittion, and miſtaking a Man's true Intereſt
di 94. The Merit of Pleaſing; belongs to Youth,
ibid. Merit, without the Art of Pleaſing,
Signifies but little 145.
Pleaſure and Intereſt, the two Spring's of Hu-
man Life 13C.
Bjergo nonstorno
Pleaſe. The grand Rule to pleaſe, is to accom-
arui modate one's ſelf to the Genius of People
198.
Ι Ν D Ε Χ.

with People 7So
198. . And in Converſation not to depart
from your Character 204. We owht to en-
deavour to pleaſe People of good Taſte 234.
Politeneſs defind p. 1.' It demands a ſt ong
Fund of Reaſon ; great Commerce with the
World, and an exact Knowledge of Decorun
P. 2. Why the Number «f the Polite are ſo
ſmall f. 3. Women have more Politeneſs
than Men, ibid. A Counterfeit Politenols,
diſcover'd by Occaſins, C ntradi&tions and
Intereſt p. 5. Politeneſs is not always born
8. The great Secret of it,
conſiſts in making our ſelves reliſh'd by thoſe
we converſe with 8. Why Polite Men are
ſcarcer than Men of Parts and Learning
26. Politeneſs teaches us to treat People
ſuitably to their Condition 30. It conſiſts in
a Medium between the Exceſs of Reſtraint
anl Liberty 32, 33. 'Tis impoſſible to be
Polite without Modeſty 37. Politeneſs and
Complaiſance, require the Conjunction of al-
moſt all Virtues 138. There is no great
Stock of Politeneſs requir'd, to live amicably
with good humour'd People 225.
Politicians have no Summum bonum, but their
Intereſts 176.
Politicks alter, according to the different Turn
of Afairs 168.
Praiſers" (evirlaſting ) expos’d 140.
Praiſes, wh; People of indifferent Merit, are
commonly the moſt tenacious of 'em 60. Self-
praiſe, from what Principle it flows 61. To
talk of our ſelves either good or evil, ar-
gues that we are fond of Praiſe 62. There's
N
a way
1

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
a way of receiving Praiſes when just, that
does not offend Modesty 63. Praiſes artfully
manag’d,
are a kind of Coin, the Cunning uſe
to compaſs all their Intentions 63. Praiſes not
so uncommon, as to be paſſionately ſought af-
ter 64. Kindneſſes and Praiſes proceed almoſt
upon the ſame Foot 150. The greedy Cormon
rants of Praiſe are moſt to be dreaded in
Converfation 238.
Precaution; the best Affairs miſcarry for want
of it 122.
Preſents of Friends, to refuſe 'em is a miſtaken
piece of State 171.
Preſumption of great Capacity, a certain fign
of indifferent Merit 43, 47. Impudent Pre-
fumption, a great Fault in a Young Man 97.
Pride, the most natural Source of Impoliteneſs
37. Its juſt Puniſhment in meeting with Con-
tempt, when it courts Applauſe 57. Pride
ſometimes guards a Woman's Virtue, 70, 72,
151.
Private Diſcourſe of others, to liſten to 'em is
Incivility 215.
Promiſes made to all, no true Politeneſs 24. those
we have made a Promiſe to have a juſt Title
to the Performance 95. In Promiſes to Friends,
we onghť not to uſe Subterfuges 179. The
performance of Promiſes ought not to be de-
lay'd ibid.
Princeſſes more unfortunate than other Women,
in that the Almanacks will not permit them
to diſguiſe their Age 74.
Prodigality. See Magnificence.
Sess
Proſperity

I N D E X.

Proſperity the frequent Occaſion of Ingratitude
163.
Proud Perſons, that ſtand much upón Punttilio's,
the ſhorteſt Method with them, is to break of
all Correſpondence 10.
Prudence, no Prudence can be Proof against a
treacherous Pretender of Friendſhip 179.
Publick, unjuftly complaind of 219.
Quality, no Diſpenſation from Politenef's 14.
Good Qualities diſplay'd all at firſt Sight, ill
Policy 51. If we can't throw off bad Quali-
ties, we ſhoulå endeavour to conceal them 121.
Quarrels, the longer deferr'd, the more rancou-
rous is the Spleen 10. Quarrels that have no
Foundation, are moſt durable, and why, 161.
R.
Raillery, the Knowledge of it requiſite upon fome
Occaſions 9. Ingenious Raillery not to be re-
fented 80. Fine Raillery the delicious Seaſon-
ing of Society 202. Perſons of a ſuperior
Rank, ſhould be very reſerv'd in that Point
221, Li
Reaſon, the generality of Men live not by it,
but by Prejudices, and the Movements of their
Paſſions 78.
Raſcal, often confounded with an honeſt Man,
becauſe we judge of Men only by the Surface
219.
Reflexion, want of it upon our ſelves, the cauſe
of Self-conceit 49. Humbling Reflexions not
admitted by Men that are prepoſſeſs'd with
their
N2

I N D E X.
Point 114.
their own Merit 51. Your conceited Coxcombs
live without Reflexion 99.
Religion ; Cheats in matters of Religion, are
the Deceivers we can leaſt ward against 187.
The Vizor of Religion deſcribd 188, 189.
Remonftrances, to bear em modeſtly, is a ſign of
great Merit 98.
Repetitions one of the moſt tireſome things in
Converſation 15
Repoſe, an excellent Preſervative for it, is to
be undifturbid at affrontive Language Ic8
They that ſeek their Repoſe in the World, are
always reſtleſs 112.
Reproach. He that takes the Liberty to re-
proach People, ſhould be very ſecure of his
sare
Reproof mif-timd, has but little Effe&t 32. Re-
proofs should be qualified with Diſcretion, if
we would have them prevail 99. How to make
• Reproofs effectual 223. There are certain
Conjun&tures in which Reproof is abſolutely
vequir’d 224. Tho Politeneſs does not always
allow of it ibid. Reproof a hard Part to act
ibid.
Reputation depends not on the fantaſtick Hu-
mours of Men 52. Reputation once clipt,
not eaſily retriev'd 53, 66. Oftentimes miſs'd
by Supinity 52. Reputation is the worthiest
Recompence of Virtue 211. Indolence as to
Reputation, not the greatest Sign of Virtue
Reſerve, as to the Affairs of others, prevents
many troubles 81, 82. The Reſerve of a Wo-
man of Merit is a fort of Bridle to contain
Men
211.
INI DI EX

2 without any
Men in their Duty jor. Her Reſerve ſhould
have nothing in it wild, termagant, or diſ-
guftful 1.2. True Referve retains Reſpect
Words 103, 104;
Reſpect, Omiſſions of it not defign’d, ought ta
be excus’d 77. Reſpect diſcontinued when
we are no longer ferviceablé 152.
Revenge moderated 118. Groundleſs Revenge
expos'd 147, 148.novoro
Riches and Greatneſs efface the Sentiments of
Modeſty 65. They make a Man loſe the
Eſteem be had before purchaſed by his Virtue
uc. When a Man arrivis at the Contempt
of Riches, he has no farther Obſtacle in his
way to exalted Virtue 1 30.
Ridicule is dreaded by every Body 117.
Footh hands. I sommeren za
Satyr, thoſe who delight in it can never be true
Friends 167.
Say. 'Tis not always convenient to knoro what
People ſay of us 215.
Scandal can't be too folicitouſly prevented by Wo-
Secrets, the diſcovery of 'em after a Rupture of
Friendſhip, is only pardonable in Women, who
have not always a retentive Faculty 15. To
tell a Woman that what you ſpeak is a Se-
cret, is the way to make her diſcover it 15.
To give trifting Things under the Seal of Se-
crecy, is derogatory to good Senje 25, 26.
'Tis a kind of Treachery, to take Advantage
of a Secret, when you ceaſe to be the Author's
Friend 80, 154. Secrets of others, not to be
N 3 enquired
men 81.

I N D E X.
enquired into 83. Secrets not to be kept from
a diſcreet Friend 93. We ought either not to
truſt our Secrets with our Friends, or elſe to
trust 'em without reſerve 96. What Secrets
are proper to be communicated, and what not
183
Self-ſatisfaction inſpir'd by Beauty 48. Why Men
have ſuch advantageous Notions of them-
felves 49. Self-Love a kind of Blindfoldedneſs,
which Modeſty removes 56. We ought not to
Speak either good or evil of our ſelves 60. See
Conceited. Self Love magnifies the Idea of
our Neceſſities, and leſſens that of the Aſi-
Ftance given us 157. Self. fufficiency cenſur'd
206. People feel a ſecret fatisfa&tion in talk-
ing of themſelves, and their ill Fortune 229.
Senſe. A Man of Integrity with excellent Senſe,
is commonly made the Property of a Crafty
Knave of but indifferent Underftanding 178.
Service, Offers of it to all Men, one of the most
common weakneſſes in Men 96. When we do
People Services, we ought to do 'em without
Views of Intereft 128. Proclamation of Ser-
vices, cenfur’d 155.
Services diſinterested, not to be expected from
the generality of Mankind, 155, 156. Ser-
vices done with an ill grace offend People 156.
Services past, eaſily forgot 163. 'Tis a wretch-
ed Perſecution to be told continually of the
Services we have done us 165.
Severity frudied, no fure ſign of Virtue 102.
There are fem2 Subjects, where Severity ſhould
take place of Complaiſance 151.
Severity (ſtern) in Converſation, cenſur'd 202.
Silence,
sto

IN DE X.
Silence, an excellent Remedy againfi Detratti-
on 216.
Sincerity (rigid) baniſh'd Converſation 149.
Sincerity diſcours d of at large 174.& feq. Blunt
Sincerity cenfurd 175, 176. Sincerity miſ-
tim’d, ſerves only to foure People 176. With-
out Sincerity, Civil Society is a kind of Kid-
napping 177: Sincerity ſhould have nothing
raſh or fooliſh in it 18c. Tis perhaps one of
the ſhorteſt Cuts to arrive at the Ésteem of
Men 181. it ſometimes paſſes for Ruſticity
and Rudeneſs 182. why there are ſo few ſin-
cere People in the World"184. Without Since-
rity we find no Pleaſure or Security in Convera
ſation 190. By being too ſincere we often-
times draw very ingrateful Repartees upon
us 196. Want of Sincerity is the customary
Fault of thoſe who pretend to Complaiſance
197.
Singularity affected, zery diſguſiful to judicious
Perfons 56. tis a Sympton of a bad Judg-
ment 143. it proceeds generally from an auk-
ward Wit 220.
Slander, nothing is more diametrically oppoſite
to Politeneſs 13. Women cannot be taken off
from it 35. it denotes a great Fund of Il-
nature ibid. The natural Biaſs of Man, is
to Slander and Diſparagement 120. Cauti-
ons about Slanıler 232.
Slighting of ordinary Diſcourſe, an Argument
of a Pedant 19.
Smiles (malicious) as provoking, as keen Re-
flections 173.
Society,

IN DE X.
Society, (civil) without Diſcretion, is nothing
but fatigue and burly-burly 76. The plea-
ſure of it is poiſon d moſt, by giving t o nuch
Scope to our natural Inclination to Injuſtice
121. 'Tis not to be hop'd, to meet with none
but agreeable and converſable People in So-
cicty 141. Inſincere People, the Bane of Civil
Society 174. See Sincerity. Maxims for Ci-
vil Society 199
Sots do not diſtinguiſh falſe Merit, from true
141:
Speaking ill of every Body, is a Treſpaſs upin
Politeneſs in. He that ſets up for a Polite
Speaker, grows impertinent and tireſime by
overmuch
caution, unleſs he takes great care
18. To ſpeak of what we don't know, is to
make a Parade of ridiculous Ignorance 57.
By ſpeaking little, we may gain ſome Eſteem,
with an indifferent Merit 89. Blockheads
ſpeak more freely and eaſily than Men of
Senſe 89.
Squabbles of Women, tbo' trivial, the hardeſt
to appeaſe.
Starch'd and affected Airs in Women, no Argu-
gument of Politeneſs 34. Nor yet of Modefty
Succeſſes (ill)'would be an ineſtimable Virtue,
not to ridicule People for 'em 161.
T.
Talk. The pleaſure Men take in talking, makes
them inſenſible of the Tædium they give their
Hearers 16. Exceſſive defire of talking diſ-
HVIS ( want of Judgment 17. We ought
75.
Never
IN D E X.

never to talk of our felves 62. Why the World
abounds with ſuch as do, ibid. A Violent
itch to talk on all Subjects, a certain con-
vi&tion of Self-ſufficiency, and the Poverty of
Wit 86. The greateſt Talkers are not always
beft efteem'd 87. To be fond of talking much,
is a ſign of great Vanity, rather than good
- Senſe 88. Tis not the Seaſon to talk much,
es when a Man's agitated with violent Paſſion
111, 112. Great Talkers, only furprize the
Vulgar 141.
Taſte ( exquiſite and refin'd)a great Advantage
144.
Temper never more neceſſary in Converſation,
than when it turns upon Raillery 116, 117.
Timerouſneſs, Silly and Sheepiſh, a great Fault
poin a Young Man 925 m sonsiiv
Travels of Country Gentlemen vender them more
Sifooliſh and impertinent than before 26, 27.
"Tis not ſeeing of fine Things, but converfing
with polite People, that refines a Traveller 27.
Dorling se te arv V.
Valuingsonly what's our own, a common Fault
o With Men of Merit 55,7! 'Tis commonly a
enighty Source of Impertinence 56. orto
Vanity. See Oftentation. There's no Boily with
out ſome particular Vanity 48. Vanity expos'd
*
234.
Wantons grow virtuous when they can't be
otherwiſe 72. dio
Sono in s
Virtues if common, ſcarce admir'd 56. Virtue
in Wonien gives Tranquility and Reſpe&t 70.
Great Afectation of Virtue renders a Wo-

I N D E X.
90
man but more fufpe&ted 70, 71. Modeſty is
of mighty uſe to ſecure all the other Virtues
71. Virtue does not procure Reputation, if de-
lay'd to the Dregs of Age 72. The most re-
folu'd Virtue can't ſtand its Ground in ſome
nice Conjun&tures 103. An excellent Remedy
to ſave the Virtue of a Woman ibid. Some
Virtues are acquir'd by Art, ſuch as Com-
plaiſance 134. Virtue warp'd by Inclination,
$ 167. Looks and Grimaces contribute nothing
towards ſolid Virtue 174, 175. Virtues ought
s to be proportion d to the Character of the Per-
fon 212, 224. There's an Art in ſeafoning
Virtues ibid.
Vexation makes us vent ſuch Fooleries in hafteg.
as we repeat of at leiſure 112. dontuoti.
Violence and Paffion are not capable of doing
Buſineſs 121, 122. ure
Wheedling and Decoying, are Stains to Civil
Society 178.2
Whimical Tempers, how to manage 'em 239.
Wit conceald, is oftentimes good Management
41. Men of the greateſt Wit often guilty of
3 the most notorious Errors 49.1. We can't lay
an Embargo on Womens Wit 54. Men of Wit
ſometimes tirefome in Converſation 202, 203.
Vindictiveneſs cenſur'd 213. Women have little
vindietive Souls ibid. bathind
Viſits to be diſcreetly tim'd 22. We ought not to
be too free at the firſt Viſit 93. Viſits pure-
ly ceremonial ought to be baniſh d Society 222.
No Chara&ter ſeems more formidable than
that of the Makers of inſignificant Viſits 226.
Viſits not to be paid when one's out of Hya
Unac-
mur 20.

IN D E X.
Unacquaintance with our felves, the bindrance
of modeft Notions 42. treas
Unfortunate (the) are not to look for Genero-
ſity from their Friends 158. do dostot
Untowardneſs (natural) defcrib'd 136.0W
Women have naturally more Politeneſs than
* Men 11. They have not always a retentive
Faculty 15. 'Tis a Defe&t of Politeneſs to
let them perceive the Indifference you have
for them 23. Their Politeneſs does not conſisz
in farch'd and affected Airs 34, 35. The
politest Women take it ill to hear others
prais'd in their Company 35. The whole Sex
is ſtill full of themſelves 44. All young Wo-
men are eagerly ſolicitous to be married, and
all married Women to be Widows 50. Women
sought in a particular manner to be reſervd
upon lewd Subjects 69. They have loft their
Authority over Men by a Defeet of Modeſty
• 68. Their Dreſs ought to ſuit their Conditi-.
on 53. The Glory of a Woman confifts not in
23 the Naiſe her Beauty makes, burin the regu-
larity of her Conduét 74. Your ſtarth'd prin
** Women always fufpected 75. The Perfe&tion
of a Woman's Character 102. Women affect
all the Offices of the Republick 10%. They
are more enterprizing than Men ibid. A co-
vetous and ſelf-intereſted Woman is obnoxi-
ons to all the falfe Steps, which thoſe who
know her Weakneſs and Diſpoſition, can wi/l;
130, 131. Women are more (way'd by Pleaſure
than Pain 131. See Squabbles. Women ac-
knowledge no other Laws than thoſe of their
Pleaſures 169. Confidence in a Woman cona
I
furd

Ι Ν D Ε Χ.
furd 180. Women have little vindi&tive
Souls 213. Their Biafs naturally diſpoſes.
no them to trifling 217. Sáme Women love to ex-
poſe their own Sex 235.
World, Injuſtice of the World oftentimes blam d
so when Supinity's the Cafe 52. The World
sui abounds with Fools and Impertinents that
Can't be avoided in Converſation 95. Some
sur People diſparage what all the World com-
mends 143. The World is very cenforious
sa and ill-natur d 161, World compared to the
2. Actors of a Comedy 192. The Way of the
World deſcribed 227.net
-Worth (Men of) expos’d to Envy and Calumy
185.
Y.
Young People feldom fuit themſelves to the Con-
is verſation of the old 31. Why they fhun it 32.
The Sollicitude of ſome People to appear
younger than they are, is very ridiculous 74.
si The great Faults in a Young Man 92. Young
People reaſon differently from their parents
15 1043 105.
Youth makes part of the Merit of a Woman,
but not of a Man 74. The Merit of pleaſing
**belongs to Youth 95. sur
2013
stroll hd Z. 2109 avots
Zeal, indiſcreet, does our Friends more Injury
than Service 122.
hF IN I S.
FIN I S. gerak
I
565 NOVI
LE
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
3 9015 03879 5970
A 3
3 9015 00392 581 8
University of Michigan – BUHR