September, my own diamond buckles, which are fitter for your young feet than for my old ones; they will properly adorn you; they would only expose me. [Same date.]
Trifles.—Great merit or great failings will make
you respected or despised; but trifles, little attentions,
mere nothings, either done or neglected, will make
you either liked or disliked, in the general run of the
world. Examine yourself, why you like such and
such people, and dislike such and such others; and
you will find that those different sentiments proceed
from very slight causes. Moral virtues are the
foundation of society in general, and of friendship
in particular; but attentions, manners, and graces
both adorn and strengthen them. [July 20, 1749.]
Youth Armed by Experience.—Your youth
and talents, armed with my experience, may go a
great way; and that armor is very much at your
service, if you please to wear it. I premise that it
is not my imagination, but my memory, that gives
you these rules; I am not writing pretty, useful
reflections. A man of sense soon discovers, because
he carefully observes where and how long he is
welcome; and takes care to leave the company, at
least, as soon as he is wished out of it. Fools never
