generality of people are weak enough to be pleased with these little things, those who refuse to please them, so cheaply, are, in my mind, weaker than they. [Same month, O. S., 1746.]
"L'Art de Plaire."—There is a very pretty little
French book written by L'Abbé de Bellegarde,
entitled "L'Art de Plaire dans la Conversation"[1];
and, though I confess that it is impossible to reduce
the art of pleasing to a system, yet this principle I
will lay down, that the desire of pleasing is at least
half the art of doing it; the rest depends only upon
the manner, which attention, observation, and frequenting
good company will teach. But if you are
lazy, careless, and indifferent whether you please or
not, depend upon it you never will please. [Same date.]
Chesterfield's Intention.—Do not think I
mean to dictate as a parent; I only mean to advise
as a friend, and an indulgent one, too; and do not
apprehend that I mean to check your pleasures; of
which, on the contrary, I only desire to be the guide,
not the censor. Let my experience supply your want
of it and clear your way in the progress of your
- ↑ A good-natured but somewhat silly book in which M. L'Abbé instructs certain young ladies and gentlemen by means of sundry conversations and reflections.
