of my countrymen, books and the world. They are commonly twenty years old before they have spoken to anybody above their schoolmaster and the fellows of their college. If they happen to have learning, it is only Greek and Latin; but not one word of modern history or modern languages. Thus prepared, they go abroad, as they call it; but, in truth, they stay at home all that while; for being very awkward, confoundedly ashamed, and not speaking the languages, they go into no foreign company, at least none good; but dine and sup with one another only, at the tavern. Such examples, I am sure, you will not imitate, but even carefully avoid. [Same date.]
Good Company.—You will always take care to
keep the best company in the place where you are,
which is the only use of travelling; and (by the
way) the pleasures of a gentleman are only to be
found in the best company; for that riot which low
company, most falsely and impudently, call pleasure,
is only the sensuality of a swine. [Same date.]
Manly Deference to Rank.—People of a low,
obscure education cannot stand the rays of greatness;
they are frightened out of their wits when kings
and great men speak to them; they are awkward,
ashamed, and do not know what nor how to answer,
whereas: les honnêtes gens are not dazzled by
