d undone.

The vanity I mean, is that of being the first of the company. This
pride, though too common, is idle to the last degree. Nothing in the
world lets a man down so much. For the sake of dictating, being
applauded and admired by this low company, he is disgraced and
disqualified for better. Depend upon it, in the estimation of mankind
you will sink or rise to the level of the company you keep.

7. Be it then your ambition to get into the best company; and, when
there, imitate their virtues, but not their vices. You have no doubt,
often heard of genteel and fashionable vices. These are whoring,
drinking, and gaming. It has happened that some men even with these
vices, have been admired and esteemed. Understand this matter rightly;
it is not their vices for which they are admired; but for some
accomplishments they at the same time possess; for their parts, their
learning, or their good-breeding. Be assured, were they free from their
vices, they would be much more esteemed. In these mixed characters, the
bad part is overlooked, for the sake of the good.

8. Should you be unfortunate enough to have any vices of your own, add
not to their number by adopting the vices of others. Vices of adoption
are of all others the most unpardonable, for they have not inadvertency
to plead. If people had no vices but their own, few would have so many
as they have.

Imitate, then, only the perfections you meet with; copy the politeness,
the address, the easy manners of well-bred people; and remember, let
them shine ever so bright, if they have any vices, they are so many
blemishes, which it would be as ridiculous to imitate, as it would to
make an artificial wart on one's face, because some very handsome man
had the misfortune to have a natural one upon his.

_Laughter._

1. Let us now descend to minuter matters, which, tho' not so important
as those we have mentioned, are still far from inconsiderable. Of these
laughter is one.

Frequent and loud laughter is a sure sign of a weak mind, and no less
characteristic of a low education. It is the manner in which low-bred
men express their silly joy, at silly things, and they call it being
merry.

2. I do not recommend upon all occasions a solemn countenance. A man may
smile; but if he would be thought a gentleman and a man of sense, he
would by no means laugh. True wit never yet made a man of fashion laugh;
he is above it. It may create a smile; but as loud laughter s