hall make him rave like a madman, or look like
a fool: but a man of the world will never understand what he cannot or
ought not to resent. If he should chance to make a slip himself, he will
stifle his confusion, and turn it off with a jest; recovering it with
coolness.

11. Many people have sense enough to keep their own secrets; but from
being unused to a variety of company, have unfortunately such a
tell-tale countenance, as involuntarily declares what they would wish to
conceal. This is a great unhappiness; and should as soon as possible be
got the better of.

That coolness of mind and evenness of countenance, which prevents a
discovery of our sentiments, by our words, our actions, or our looks, is
too necessary to pass unnoticed.

12. A man who cannot hear displeasing things, without visible marks of
anger or uneasiness; or pleasing ones, without a sudden burst of joy, a
cheerful eye, or an expanded face, is at the mercy of every knave: for
either they will designedly please or provoke you themselves, to catch
your unguarded looks; or they will seize the opportunity thus to read
your very heart, when any other shall do it. You may possibly tell me,
that this coolness must be natural, for if not, you can never acquire
it.

13. I will admit the force of constitution, but people are very apt to
blame that for many things they might readily avoid. Care, with a little
reflection, will soon give you this mastery of your temper and your
countenance. If you find yourself subject to sudden starts of passion,
determine with yourself not to utter a single word till your reason has
recovered itself; and resolve to keep your countenance as unmoved as
possible.

14. As a man who at a card-table can preserve a serenity in his looks,
under good or bad luck, has considerably the advantage of one who
appears elated with success, or cast down with ill fortune, from our
being able to read his cards in his face; so the man of the world,
having to deal with one of these babbling countenances, will take care
to profit by the circumstance, let the consequence, to him with whom he
deals, be as injurious as it may.

15. In the course of life, we shall find it necessary very often to put
on a pleasing countenance when, we are exceedingly displeased; we must
frequently seem friendly when we are quite otherwise. I am sensible it
is difficult to accost a man with smiles whom we know to be our enemy:
but what is to be done? On receiving