True Praise.—Laudari a viro laudato was always a commendable ambition; encourage that ambition and continue to deserve the praises of the praiseworthy. While you do so you shall have everything you will from me; and when you cease to do so you shall have nothing.
An Awkward Mind.—I have warned you
against odd motions, strange postures, and ungenteel
carriage. But there is likewise an awkwardness of
the mind that ought to be, and with care may be,
avoided; as, for instance, to mistake or forget
names; to speak of Mr. What-d'ye-call-him, or Mrs.
Thingum, or How-d'ye-call-her, is excessively awkward
and ordinary. To call people by improper
titles and appellations is so, too; as my Lord for sir;
and sir for my Lord. To begin a story or narration,
when you are not perfect in it, and cannot go
through with it, but are forced, possibly, to say in
the middle of it, "I have forgot the rest," is very
unpleasant and bungling. One must be extremely
exact, clear, and perspicuous in everything one says,
otherwise, instead of entertaining or informing
others, one only tires and puzzles them. The voice
and manner of speaking, too, are not to be neglected;
- [Footnote: wherein part of this letter is given, all the characteristic points
are left out. Thus, where Chesterfield reminds his son that manner is of consequence in pleasing, especially the women, the purist has excised the words in italics.]
