ed at in the mouth of one much younger.

16. Nothing, however, is more insupportable to men of sense, than an
empty formal man who speaks in proverbs, and decides all controversies
with a short sentence. This piece of stupidity is the more insufferable,
as it puts on the air of wisdom.

Great talents for conversation requires to be accompanied with great
politeness. He who eclipses others, owes them great civilities; and
whatever a mistaken vanity may tell us, it is better to please in
conversation, than to shine in it.

17. A prudent man will avoid talking much of any particular science, for
which he is remarkably famous. There is not, methinks, an handsomer
thing said of Mr. _Cowley_ in his whole life, than, that none but his
intimate friends ever discovered he was a great poet by his discourse.
Besides the decency of this rule, it is certainly founded in good
policy. A man who talks of any thing he is already famous for, has
little to get, but a great deal to lose.

18. I might add, that he who is sometimes silent on a subject, where
everyone is satisfied he would speak well, will often be thought no less
knowing in any other matters where, perhaps, he is wholly ignorant.

Women are frightened at the name of argument, and are sooner convinced
by an happy turn, or, witty expression, than by demonstration.

19. Whenever you commend, add your reasons for so doing; it is this
which distinguishes the approbation of a man of sense, from the flattery
of sycophants, and admiration of fools.

Raillery is no longer agreeable, than while the whole company is pleased
with it. I would least of all be understood to except the person
raillied.

20. Though good-humour, sense, and discretion, can seldom fail to make
a man agreeable, it may be no ill policy sometimes to prepare yourself
in a particular manner for conversation, by looking a little farther
than your neighbours into whatever is become a reigning subject. If our
armies are besieging a place of importance abroad, or our House of
Commons debating a bill of consequence at home, you can hardly fail of
being heard with pleasure, if you have nicely informed yourself of the
strength, situation and history of the first, or of the reasons for and
against the latter.

21. It will have the same effect if, when any single person begins to
make a noise in the world, you can learn some of the smallest accidents
in his life or conversation, which, though they are too fine for