t nothing procures a man more esteem and less
envy from the whole company, than if he chooses the part of moderator,
without engaging directly on either side in a dispute.

32. This gives him the character of impartial, furnishes him an
opportunity of sifting things to the bottom, shewing his judgment, and
of sometimes making handsome compliments to each of the contending
parties.

When you have gained a victory, do not push it too far; it is sufficient
to let the company and your adversary see it is in your power, but that
you are too generous to make use of it.

33. I shall only add, that besides what I have here said, there is
something which can never be learnt but in the company of the polite.
The virtues of men are catching as well as their vices, and your own
observations added to these, will soon discover what it is that commands
attention in one man, and makes you tired and displeased with the
discourse of another.

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

34. Having now given you full and sufficient instructions for making you
well received in the best of companies; nothing remains but that I lay
before you some few rules for your conduct in such company. Many things
on this subject I have mentioned before; but some few matters remain to
be mentioned now.

Talk, then, frequently, but not long together, lest you tire the persons
you are speaking to; for few persons talk so well upon a subject, as to
keep up the attention of their hearers for any length of time.

35. Avoid telling stories in company, unless they are very short indeed,
and very applicable to the subject you are upon; in this case relate
them in as few words as possible, without the least digression, and with
some apology; as, that you hate the telling of stories, but the
shortness of it induced you. And if your story has any wit in it, be
particularly careful not to laugh at it yourself. Nothing is more
tiresome and disagreeable than a long tedious narrative; it betrays a
gossiping disposition, and great want of imagination; and nothing is
more ridiculous than to express an approbation of your own story by a
laugh.

36. In relating any thing, keep clear of repetitions, or very hackneyed
expressions, such as, _says he_, or _says she_. Some people will use
these so often, as to take off the hearers' attention from the story; as
in an organ out of tune, one pipe shall perhaps sound the whole time we
are playing