The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-02-21
ChesterfieId's Maxims.

MiSed Company, Learning. Pedants.
I'm mixed companies, whoever is ad-
mitted to make part of them, for the
time at least, is supposed to be on a
footing of equality with the rest; and,
consequently, as there is no one par
ticular object of awe and respect, peo-
pie are apt to take a greater latitude in
their behavior, and to be less on their
guard; and SO they may, provided it be
within certain bounds, which are upon
no occasion to be transgressed. But,
upon these occasions, though no one is
entitled to distinguished marks of re-
spect every one claims, and very Justly,
every mark of civility and good breed
ing. Ease is allowed, but carelessness
and negligence are strictly forbidden.
If a man accosts you, and talks to you
ever SO duly and frivolously, it is worse
than rudeness, it is brutality, to show
him by a manifest inattention to what
he says, that you think him fool or a
bloekhead, and not worth hearing. 1t
is much more so with regard to women,
who, of Whatever rank they are, are
entitled, in consideration of their sex,
not only to an attentive but to an Off
cious good breeding from men.
guard against those who, upon every
slight acquaintance, obtrude their un-
asked and unmerited friendship and
confidence upon you; for they probably
cram you with them for their own eat
ing; but at the same time do not rough
ly reject them upon that general sup
position. Examine further, and see if
those unexpected offers flow from a
warm heart and silly head, or from
designing head and cold heart; for
knavery and folly often have the same
symptoms. In the first case there is
no danger in accepting them, Valeant
Quantuns UGlere possunt. In the latter
case, it may be useful to seem to ac-
cept them, and arttully to turn the bat
terry upon him who raised it.
There is an incontinency of friend
ship among young fellows, who are as
sociated by their mutual pleasures only,
which has very frequently bad conse-
quences. A parcel of warm hearts and
inexperienced heads, heated by con-
vivial mirth and possibly little too
much wine, vow, and really mean at
the time, eternal friendship to each
other and indiscreetly pour out their
whole souls in common, and without
the slightest reserve. These conf
dences are as indiscreetly repealed rs
they are made; for new pleasures and
new places soon dissolve this ill ce-
mented connection, and then very ill
uses are made of these rash conf
dences. Bear your part, however, in
young companies; nay, excel if you can,
in all the social and convivial Joy and
festivity that becomes youth. Trust
them with your love tales, if you please.
but keep your serious views secret.
Pride and Pedantry.-The costly lib
erality of a purse-proud man insults
the distresses it sometimes relieves; he
takes care 10 make you feel your own
misfortunes, and the difference between
your situation and his, both of which
he insinuates to be justly merited;
yours by your folly, his by his wisdom.
The arrogant pedant does not commu-
nicate. but promulgates his knowledge.
He does not give it to you, but he in
tlicts it upon you; and is Gf possible)
more anxious to show you your own ig-
norance than his own learning. Such
manners as these, not only in the par
ticular instances which ! have mention
ed. but likewise in all others. shock
and revolt that little pride which every
man has in his heart, and obliterate in
us the obligation for the favor confer
red, by reminding us of the motive
which produced and the manner which
accompanied it.