9. As I was going home to bed that evening, I could not help thinking of
her all the way I went. I represented her to myself as shedding holy
blood every time she blushed, and as being a martyr in the cause of
virtue. And afterwards, when I was putting on my night-cap, I could not
drive the thought out of my head, but that I was young enough to be
married to her; and that it would be an addition to the reputation I
have in the study of wisdom, to marry to so much youth and modesty, even
in my old age.

10. I know there have not been wanting many wicked objections against
this virtue; one is grown insufferably common. The fellow blushes, he is
guilty. I should say rather, He blushes, therefore he is innocent. I
believe the same man, that first had that wicked imagination of a blush
being the sign of guilt, represented good nature to be folly; and that
he himself, was the most inhuman and impudent wretch alive.

11. The author of _Cato_, who is known to be one of the most modest, and
most ingenious persons of the age we now live in, has given this virtue
a delicate name in the tragedy of _Cato_, where the character of
_Marcia_ is first opened to us. I would have all ladies who have a mind
to be thought well-bred, to think seriously on this virtue, which he so
beautifully calls the sanctity of manners.

12. Modesty is a polite accomplishment, and generally an attendant upon
merit. It is engaging to the highest degree, and wins the hearts of all
our acquaintance. On the contrary, none are more disgustful in company
than the impudent and presuming.

The man who is, on all occasions, commending and speaking well of
himself, we naturally dislike. On the other hand, he who studies to
conceal his own deserts, who does justice to the merit of others, who
talks but little of himself, and that with modesty, makes a favourable
impression on the persons he is conversing with, captivates their minds,
and gains their esteem.

13. Modesty, however, widely differs from an aukward bashfulness; which
is as much to be condemned as the other is to be applauded. To appear
simple is as ill-bred as to be impudent. A young man ought to be able to
come into a room and address the company without the least
embarrassment. To be out of countenance when spoken to, and not to have
an answer ready, is ridiculous to the last degree.

14. An aukward country fellow, when he comes into company better than
himself, is exceedingly disconcerted. He kn