g
enough to form a language; by the time that there is understanding
enough, the organs are become stiff. We know that after a certain age we
cannot learn to pronounce a new language. No foreigner who comes to
England when advanced in life, ever pronounces English tolerably well;
at least such instances are very rare. When I maintain that language
must have come by inspiration, I do not mean that inspiration is
required for rhetoric, and all the beauties of language; for when once
man has language, we can conceive that he may gradually form
modifications of it. I mean only that inspiration seems to me to be
necessary to give man the faculty of speech; to inform him that he may
have speech; which I think he could no more find out without inspiration
than cows or hogs would think of such a faculty."

--_Boswell's Life of Johnson._

1074

_Laughter._--To laugh, if but for an instant only, has never been
granted to men before the fortieth day from his birth, and then it is
looked upon as a miracle of precocity.

--_Pliny, the Elder._

1075

A good laugh is sunshine in a house.

--_Thackeray._

1076

John Dryden said,--"It is a good thing to laugh, and if a straw can
tickle a man, it is an instrument of happiness, and of health."

1077

He who laughs overmuch may have an aching heart.

1078

The vulgar laugh and seldom smile; whereas well-bred people often smile
and seldom laugh.

1079

Laughing is not always a proof that the mind is at ease, or in
composure.

1080

Agree if possible, for the law is costly.

1081

If you've a good case, try to compromise;
If you've a bad one, take it into court.

1082

The law's delay, the insolence of office.

--_Shakespeare._

1083

Law is sometimes like a mouse-trap; easy to enter, but not easy to get
out of.

1084

FOLLY OF GOING TO LAW.

To go to law is for two persons to kindle a fire at their own cost to
warm others, and singe themselves to cinders; and because they cannot
agree as to what is truth and equity, they will both agree to unplume
themselves, that others may be decorated with their feathers.

--_Feltham._

1085

He that goes to law for a sheep will be apt to lose a cow.

1086

A law