than the second in Rome; and he even cried when he saw the statue of Alexander the Great, with the reflection of how much more glory Alexander had acquired, at thirty years old, than he at a much more advanced age. These are the sentiments to make people considerable; and those who have them not will pass their lives in obscurity and contempt; whereas those who endeavor to excel all, are at least sure of excelling a great many. [June, 1742.]
Good Breeding.—Though I need not tell one of
your age,[1] experience, and knowledge of the world,
how necessary good breeding is, to recommend one
to mankind; yet, as your various occupations of
Greek and cricket, Latin and pitch-farthing, may
possibly divert your attention from this object, I
take the liberty of reminding you of it, and desiring
you to be very well bred at Lord Orrery's. It is good
breeding alone that can prepossess people in your
favor at first sight; more time being necessary to
discover greater talents. This good breeding, you
know, does not consist in low bows and formal ceremony;
but in an easy, civil, and respectful behavior.
You will therefore take care to answer with complaisance,
when you are spoken to; to place yourself
at the lower end of the table, unless bid to go higher;
- ↑ His Lordship's badinage, or it may be sarcasm, which the little boy quickly perceived.
