A Desire of Fame, Reputation, or a Character with others, is so far from being blameable, that it
seems
always to have a Leaning to the opposite Side. In like Manner, were the Door open'd to Self-praise, and were Montaigne's Maxim observ'd, that one should say as frankly, I have Sense, I have Learning, I have Courage, Beauty, or Wit; as 'tis sure we often think so; were this the Case, I say, every one is sensible, that such a Flood of Impertinence would break in upon us as would render Society altogether intolerable. For this Reason Custom has establish'd it as a Rule, in common Societies, that Men should never praise themselves, and not even speak much of themselves; and 'tis only amongst intimate Friends or People of very manly Behaviour, that one is allow'd to do himself Justice. No body finds fault with Maurice, Prince of Orange, for his Reply to one, who ask'd him whom he esteem'd the first General of the Age, The Marquis de Spinola, said he, is the second. Tho' 'tis even observable, that the Self-praise imply'd is here better imply'd, than if it had been directly express'd, without any Cover or Disguise.
He must be a very superficial Thinker, who imagines, that all Instances of mutual Deference are to be understood in earnest, and that a Man would be more esteemable for being ignorant of his own Merits and Accomplishments. A small Byass towards Modesty, even in the internal Sentiments, is favourably regarded, especially in young People; and a strong Byass is requir'd in the outward Behaviour: But this excludes not a noble Pride and Spirit, which may openly display itself in its full Extent, when one lies under Calumny or Oppression of any kind. The generous Contumacy of Socrates, as Cicero calls it, has been highly celebrated in all Ages; and when join'd to the usual Modesty of his Behaviour, forms a most shining Character. Iphicrates, the Athenian General, being accus'd of betraying the Interests of his Country, ask'd his Accuser, Would you, says he, on a likeOccasion,
