ows not what to do with his
hands or his hat, but either puts one of them in his pocket, and dangles
the other by his side: or perhaps twirls his hat on his fingers, or
perhaps fumbles with the button. If spoken to he is in a much worse
situation; he answers with the utmost difficulty, and nearly stammers;
whereas a gentleman who is acquainted with life, enters a room with
gracefulness and a modest assurance; addresses even persons he does not
know, in an easy and natural manner, and without the least
embarrassment.

15. This is the characteristic of good-breeding, a very necessary
knowledge in our intercourse with men; for one of inferior parts, with
the behaviour of a gentleman, is frequently better received than a man
of sense, with the address and manners of a clown. Ignorance and vice
are the only things we need be ashamed of; steer clear of these, and you
may go into any company you will; not that I would have a young man
throw off all dread of appearing abroad; as a fear of offending, or
being disesteemed, will make him preserve a proper decorum.

16. Some persons, from experiencing the bad effects of false modesty,
have run into the other extreme, and acquired the character of impudent.
This is as great a fault as the other. A well-bred man keeps himself
within the two, and steers the middle way. He is easy and firm in every
company; is modest, but not bashful; steady, but not impudent. He copies
the manners of the better people, and conforms to their customs with
ease and attention.

17. Till we can present ourselves in all companies with coolness and
unconcern, we can never present ourselves well; nor will man ever be
supposed to have kept good company, or ever be acceptable in such
company, if he cannot appear there easy and unembarrassed. A modest
assurance in every part of life, is the most advantageous qualification
we can possibly acquire.

18. Instead of becoming insolent, a man of sense, under a consciousness
of merit, is more modest. He behaves himself indeed with firmness, but
without the least presumption. The man who is ignorant of his own merit
is no less a fool than he who is constantly displaying it. A man of
understanding avails himself of his abilities but never boasts of them;
whereas the timid and bashful can never push himself in life, be his
merit as great as it will; he will be always kept behind by the forward
and the bustling.

19. A man of abilities, and acquainted with life, will