This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1777 edition. Excerpt: ... sourness of seventy, and severity gives poignancy to complaisance. This aeqnilibrium is difficult to be preserved, which is the reason why so few attain it. But in this, as in every other species of conversation, it is the understanding which must direct, in regarding times, tempers, and occasions. As ...
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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1777 edition. Excerpt: ... sourness of seventy, and severity gives poignancy to complaisance. This aeqnilibrium is difficult to be preserved, which is the reason why so few attain it. But in this, as in every other species of conversation, it is the understanding which must direct, in regarding times, tempers, and occasions. As we should adopt the st le of our writing to tlie capacity of the person to whom it is addressed, so should we our manner of acting; for as persons of inferior understanding will misconceive, and perhaps, suspect some sophistry from an elegance of expression which they cannot comprehend, so persons of inferior sentiments, will probably mistake the intention, or even suspect a fraud from a delicacy of acting, which they want hearts to feel. If a lady possesses any superior talents natural natural or acquired, they must not appear with all their lustre to dazzle the eyes, or confound the understanding; one of distinguished abilities seems obliged to some terms of condescension, as a tax on her genius. The discourse of some people is like the stars, which give little light, because they are so high. With facility she can descend to their apprehensions when they cannot mount up to her's. But this must not seem to be the effect of a designed condescension; for this is still more mortifying to pride than the other. It has been observed, nothing offends more than explaining things too particularly in our conversation; where more is meant than meets the ear, it is always a compliment to the sagacity of the company; which will render you at least not not arrogant to those who do not understand you; to the others, it is pretty much the same; it is probable they will be pleased at your giving them the credit of what they are ignorant of. This..
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Add this copy of Letters From the Duchess De Crui and Others, on to cart. $46.69, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2010 by Gale Ecco, Print Editions.