- sand scrapes, leaves you penniless, and gives you the
air and manners of an outrageous madman, is another most exquisite pleasure, is it not? As to running after women, the consequences of that vice are only the loss of one's nose, the total destruction of health, and, not unfrequently, the being run through the body. [March, 1747.]
A Gentleman's Pleasures.—The true pleasures
of a gentleman are, those of the table, but
within the bounds of moderation; good company,
that is to say, people of merit; moderate play, which
amuses without any interested views; and sprightly,
gallant conversations with women of fashion and
sense.
These are the real pleasures of a gentleman: which occasion neither sickness, shame, nor repentance. Whatever exceeds them becomes low vice, brutal passion, debauchery, and insanity of mind; all of which, far from giving satisfaction, bring on dishonor and disgrace. Adieu. [Same date.]
Virtue and Gold.—Virtue and learning, like
gold, have their intrinsic value; but if they are not
polished they certainly lose a great deal of their
lustre; and even polished brass will pass upon more
people than rough gold. What a number of sins
does the cheerful, easy, good breeding of the French
