st
and the future are the best of friends. Old people play with children
with their hearts and souls in absolute earnest, without any of those
signs of condescension which children are so quick to detect and to
resent; and I am not prepared to say that the young children enjoy the
play more keenly than do the old ones.

Oh, if people would early prepare to become old, what pleasures would be
kept in store for them!

In the peaceful winter of a well-spent life, love with white hair is an
evening prayer that soars to the abode of the seraphs.

PART III

RAMBLES EVERYWHERE

CHAPTER I

LITTLE MAXIMS FOR EVERYDAY USE

It would do most of us a great deal of good to always keep in mind, or
to be now and then reminded of it, lest we should forget it, that, when
we are gone, the earth will not stop, but will continue her course
around the sun. No one is indispensable in this world.

* * *

In order to be successful, the cruet-stand should be used with a great
deal of discretion: a little salt always, never any pepper, vinegar very
sparingly, and oil always in plenty.

* * *

Never in your dealings with a man let him suppose that you take him for
a fool. If he is not one, he will appreciate your consideration; and if
he is one, he will go about singing your praises. Either way, you will
probably win; at any rate, you can't lose, and that's something.

* * *

When you have seen a man enjoying himself telling you a story, never
tell him that you have heard that story before, and, above all, never
tell him that you know a much better version of it, and proceed with it.

* * *

Remember that the acknowledged best conversationalists are those who
have the reputation of being good listeners. You will be called
brilliant according to the way in which you will give others a chance to
shine.

* * *

People who tell you all the good things that are said of you teach you
nothing new. Listen to criticism, especially that which is fair and
kind; then you may learn something and profit by it.

* * *

When there is something nasty said about you in a newspaper, you never
run the slightest risk of not seeing it. There is always a friend, even
at the Antipodes, who will post it to you, well marked in blue pencil at
the four corners. He takes an interest in you, and feels that the
paragraph may not do you any harm in the way of antidote. It doesn't.