The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1849-06-23
The Art Of Conversation.

The Art Of Conversation.
1t was one of the maxims ola French
philosopher, that Gin conversation, conf
dence has greater share than wit" The
maxim is erroneous, although it is true that
a fashionable fool may attain to the small
talk of which much of the conversation of
society is composed, and his glib confidence
may SO far impose upon the superficial as
to make this pass for wit; but it will not
be received as such by that portion of so
ciety whose esteem is desirable.-Good
sense, sound and varied information, are as
necessary as confidence, to enable man to
converse well.
In addition, then, to the ordinary routine
of education, make yourself acquainted
with the passing circumstances of the day
its politics, its parties, its amusements,
its foibles, its customs, its literature, and at
the present time ! must also say its science
Some of these subjects may he the parent of
much gossip and scandal; still, man NOV
ing in society as gentleman, must be ig-
norant of nothing which relates thereto, or
if he is, he must not appear TO be.
Avoid loud tone, particularly fspeak-
ing to ladies. By observing men of the
world, you will perceive that their voices,
as it were, Involuntary, assume sottness
as they address the sex; this is one of the
most obvious proofs of an intimacy with
good society.
Never attempt to occupy the attention
of company for long time: unless your
i. L. Ill ,t,.f
tiresome.
Never tell long stories, or retail we'll
known anecdotes.
Be not partial to theorising, or your con-
versation will assume the style of speech
making, which is intolerable,
Badiuage is pleasant, but it may be dam
gerous; stupid people may imagine you
are ridiculing them, and the stupid are the
most assiduous enemies.
Allure punning it has been APPLY desig-
mated "the wit of FOOLS" A man of talent
rarely condescends to be an habitual pun
ster; gentleman, never. Punning is
sort of pot-house wit, which is quite in
compatible with good manners. Be not
over anxious to be considered a wit; recol-
lect, that except in the society of wits, the
acit of the company is likely to become the
butt of the company.
A Tattler is a most contemplate char
acter, uniting in person either excessive ig-
norance, folly, and vanity, or the extremes
of meanness, mischief, and malignity.
Women ordinarily SANDER more from
vanity than vice-men, from Jealousy than
malignsty.
Without intending mischief, many per-
sons do much, by repeating conversations
from one house to another. This gossip
ing is all but as injurious as scandal; for
as you can never represent the exact cir
cumstances under which fact may have
been related, your version may give to-
tally different meaning to that which was
intended by the original speaker; as obser-
walton proves that, in relating an anecdotc
or conversation, we give our impression OF
the meaning of the speaker. not his words
thus misconception Of our own may pro-
duce infinite mischief.
A man should never permit himself to
lose his temper in socieiy-nor show that
he has taken offence at any supposed slight
i, places him in dlsadvan,aseouA POI
s,ion-beray,ns an absence Of self-re-
spec,, or at least ofself.poSi'ion.
Avoid loud tone of voice in CONVERSE
lion, or "horse laugh:' both are exceed
ingly vulgar. There is slightly subdued
patrieian tone of voice, which we fear ;an
only be acquired in good society. Be eau
,ious also how you take the lead in con-
versaion, unless it be forced upon You.
Be very careful how you "show Off," IN
strange company, unless you be thoroughly
conversan, with your subject, as you are
never sure of the person next 10 whom you
may be seated
Lounging on sofas, or reclining in chairs.
or leaning back in chair when in society,
as il in the privacy of ones own dressing
room or study, is always considered inde-
corous, bu, in the presence fladies's
deemed extremely vulgar.
Mothers should be on their guard not 10
repea, nursery anecdotes of bon-mo's, as
however interesting to themselves, 'ney
ara seldom 10 to others. Long stories
should always be avoided, as, however
well told, they interrupt general converse