general thought a
more essential part in the education of our youth, especially of
distinction, than at present it seems to be. It might even be
substituted in the room of some academical studies, that take up a great
deal of time to very little purpose; or, at least, it might usefully
share some of those many hours, that are so frequently employed upon a
coach-box, or in stables. Surely those, who by their rank and fortune
are called to adorn courts, ought at least not to disgrace, them by
their manners.

12. But I observe with concern, that it is the fashion for our youth of
both sexes to brand good-breeding with the name of ceremony and
formality. As such they ridicule and explode it, and adopt in its stead,
an offensive carelessness and inattention, to the diminution, I will
venture to say, even of their own pleasures, if they know what true
pleasures are. Love and friendship necessarily produce, and justly
authorize familiarity; but then good-breeding must mark out its bounds,
and say, thus far shalt thou go, and no farther; for I have known many a
passion and many a friendship, degraded, weakened, and at last (if I may
use the expression) wholly flattened away, by an unguarded and illiberal
familiarity.

13. Nor is good-breeding less the ornament and cement of common social
life: it connects, it endears, and at the same time that it indulges the
just liberty, restrains that indecent licentiousness of conversation,
which alienates and provokes. Great talents make a man famous, great
merit makes him respected, and great learning makes him esteemed; but
good breeding alone can make him beloved.

14. I recommend it in a more particular manner to my countrywomen, as
the greatest ornament to such of them as have beauty, and the safest
refuge for those who have not. It facilitates the victories, decorates
the triumphs, and secures the conquests of beauty; or in some degree
atones for the want of it. It almost deifies a fine woman, and procures
respect at least to those who have not charms enough to be admired. Upon
the whole, though good-breeding cannot, strictly speaking, be called a
virtue, yet it is productive of so many good effects, that, in my
opinion, it may be justly reckoned more than a mere accomplishment.

WORLD, No. 143.

_Further Remarks, taken from Lord Chesterfield's Letters to his Son._

15. Good-Breeding has been very justly defined to be "the result of much
good-sense, some good nature and a l