Happy the man who, with a certain fund of parts and knowledge, gets acquainted with the world early enough to make it his bubble, at an age when most people are the bubbles of the world! for that is the common case of youth. They grow wiser when it is too late; and, ashamed and vexed at having been bubbles so long, too often turn knaves at last. Do not, therefore, trust to appearances and outside yourself, but pay other people with them, because you may be sure that nine in ten of mankind do, and ever will, trust to them. This is by no means a criminal or blamable simulation, if not used with an ill intention. I am by no means blamable in desiring to have other people's good word, good-will, and affection, if I do not mean to abuse them. Your heart, I know, is good, your sense is sound, and your knowledge extensive. [May 6, 1751.]
Pictures.—I received yesterday, at the same
time, your letters of the 4th and the 11th, N. S., and
being much more careful of my commissions than
you are of yours, I do not delay one moment sending
you my final instructions concerning the pictures.
The man, you allow to be a Titian, and in good
preservation; the woman is an indifferent and a
damaged picture; but, as I want them for furniture
for a particular room, companions are necessary;
