be a greater affront to the
person speaking; it being a tacit declaration, that what he is saying is
not worth your attention. Consider with yourself how you would like such
treatment, and, I am persuaded, you will never shew it to others.

46. Surliness or moroseness is incompatible also with politeness. Such
as, should any one say "he was desired to present Mr. such-a-one's
respects to you," to reply, "What the devil have I to do with his
respects?"--"My Lord enquired after you lately, and asked how you did,"
to answer, "if he wishes to know, let him come and feel my pulse," and
the like. A good deal of this often is affected; but whether affected or
natural, it is always offensive. A man of this stamp will occasionally
be laughed at as an oddity; but in the end will be despised.

47. I should suppose it unnecessary to advise you to adapt your
conversation to the company you are in. You would not surely start the
same subject, and discourse of it in the same manner, with the old and
with the young, with an officer, a clergyman, a philosopher, and a
woman? no; your good sense will undoubtedly teach you to be serious with
the serious, gay with the gay, and to trifle with the triflers.

48. There are certain expressions which are exceedingly rude, and yet
there are people of liberal education that sometimes use them; as, "You
don't understand me, sir." "Is it not so?" "You mistake." "You know
nothing of the matter," &c. Is it not better to say, "I believe I do not
express myself so as to be understood." "Let us consider it again,
whether we take it right or not." It is much more polite and amiable to
make some excuse for another, even in cases where he might justly be
blamed, and to represent the mistake as common to both, rather than
charge him with insensibility or incomprehension.

49. If any one should have promised you any thing, and not have
fulfilled that promise, it would be very impolite to tell him he has
forfeited his word; or if the same person should have disappointed you,
upon any occasion, would it not be better to say, "You were probably so
much engaged, that you forgot my affair;" or, "perhaps it slipped your
memory;" rather than, "you thought no more about it:" or, "you pay very
little regard to your word." For expressions of this kind leave a sting
behind them--They are a kind of provocation and affront, and very often
bring on lasting quarrels.

50. Be careful not to appear dark and mysterious, le