upon all you read: in the former, be watchful and attentive to that which you see and hear; and never say, as many silly children do, of things which were said and done before them, "That they did not notice them, because they were thinking of something else!" The truth is, that the foolish are inattentive, and cannot concentrate their thoughts upon any subject. Remember to do what you are about well, be that what it may; that which is worth doing, is worth doing well.

XXXIV.

RIDICULE.

Never let your wit be bitter, at the expense of any one, either absent or present, nor gratify that idle inclination, which is too strong in many young people, of laughing at, or ridiculing the weaknesses or infirmities of others, by way of diverting the company, or displaying their own superiority or genius for sarcasm. Most people have their weaknesses, their pecu liar likings and aversions; some cannot endure the sight of a cat; others, the smell of cheese,

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and so on; were you to laugh at these persons for their antipathies, or, by design or inattention, bring them in contact with what you know they so much disliked, you could not insult them more. By doing so, you might possibly gain the laugh on your side for the present; but it might make the person, at whose expense you are merry, your enemy for life; and even those who laugh with you, on a little reflection, will fear you, and probably despise you; whereas, by considerate attention to their peculiar notions or dislikes, in all probability, it might form a bond of attachment which would last during life.

If you have wit, use it to please, not to hurt. You may shine, but take care you do not scorch. In short, never seem to observe the faults of others. Among the mass of men, there are, doubtless, numbers of fools and knaves; yet, were we to tell every one of them we meet that we know him to be so, we should be in perpetual war. I detest the knave, and pity the fool, wherever I find him; but I let neither of them know, unnecessarily, that I do so, as I would not be industrious to make enemies. As one must please others, in order to be pleased

one's self, consider that which is agreeable to you is so to them, and conduct yourself accordingly. Remember that soft words turn away wrath. Be very charitable towards the failings of your companions.

XXXV.

TATTLING.

Tattling is another characteristic of the illbred. Be careful never to amuse the present company at the follies of the last. Things, apparently of little importance, when told abroad, and often repeated, frequently occasion much more serious consequences than you imagine possible. In conversation, there is generally a tacit understanding, that what is said will not be repeated. Young people, therefore, though not enjoined to secrecy, will be shunned, if found guilty of tattling. They are sure to be drawn into a thousand scrapes, and every one will become afraid to enter into conversation before them.

Whispering in company is another act of ill-breeding. It insinuates either that the

persons within hearing are unworthy of your confidence, or it may lead them to suppose that you are speaking disparagingly of them; for either reason, therefore, abstain from doing it.

XXXVI.

CONVERSATION.

she, or says I.

In relating any thing, avoid repetition, or hackneyed expressions, such as says he, or says Some children use these so often, that the hearer's attention is distracted from the story.

Others have a way of holding the persons to whom they speak by the button, or the handconscious, I suppose, that their tale is tiresome. Never do this: if the person you speak to be not as willing to hear your story as you are to tell it, you had much better break off in the middle; for, if you tire him once, he will be afraid to listen to you a second time.

Those who contradict others, upon all occasions, and make every assertion a matter of dispute, betray, by this behaviour, a want of acquaintance with good breeding. He, there

fore, who wishes to appear amiable, will be cautious of such expressions as "That can't be true,"—" If what you say be true," &c. You may as well tell a boy he lies at once, as thus indirectly impeach his veracity. It is equally rude, to be continually proving every trifling assertion by a bet or wager;-"I'll bet you a penny it is," and so on. Make it a constant rule, in matters of little importance, complaisantly to submit your opinion to that of others; victory of this kind often secures a friend.

Always look people in the face when you speak to them, otherwise you will be thought conscious of some guilt; besides, you lose the opportunity of reading their countenances, from which you will learn much better the impression your discourse makes upon them than you can by their words: words are at the will of every one, but the countenance is frequently the involuntary index of the mind.

If, when speaking to a person, you are not heard, and be desired to repeat what you have said, in repeating it, do not raise your voice much, lest you be thought angry at being obliged to do so from the hearer's inattention, or your own indistinct utterance.