Aim High.—Aim at perfection in everything, though in most things it is unattainable; however, they who aim at it, and persevere, will come much nearer it than those whose laziness and despondency, make them give it up as unattainable. Magnis tamen excidit ausis is a degree of praise which will always attend a noble and shining temerity, and a much better sign in a young fellow, than serpere humi, tutus nimium timidusque procellæ, for men, as well as women. [May 24, 1750.]
A Due Return.—I heard with great satisfaction
the other day, from one who has been lately at
Rome, that nobody was better received in the best
companies than yourself. The same thing, I dare
say, will happen to you at Paris, where they are
particularly kind to all strangers who will be civil
to them and show a desire of pleasing. But they
must be flattered a little, not only by words, but by
a seeming preference given to their country, their
manners, and their customs; which is but a small
price to pay for a very good reception. Were I in
Africa, I would pay it to a negro for his good-will.
Adieu. [June 5, 1750.]
Use of Oratory.—Your trade is to speak well,
both in public and in private. The manner of your
speaking is full as important as the matter, as more
