ce, the latter from a necessity, to which we could not give our own
consent.

37. As it has been said on one side, that a man ought not to break with
a faulty friend, that he may not expose the weakness of his choice; it
will doubtless hold much stronger with respect to a worthy one, that he
may never be upbraided for having lost so valuable a treasure which was
once in his possession.

_Detraction and Falsehood_

1. I have not seen you lately at any of the places where I visit, so
that I am afraid you are wholly unacquainted with what passes among my
part of the world, who are, though I say it, without controversy, the
most accomplished and best bred in the town.

2. Give me leave to tell you, that I am extremely discomposed when I
hear scandal, and am an utter enemy to all manner of detraction, and
think it the greatest meanness that people of distinction can be guilty
of; however, it is hardly possible to come into company, where you do
not find them pulling one another to pieces, and that from no other
provocation but that of hearing any one commended.

3. Merit, both as to wit and beauty, is become no other than the
possession of a few trifling people's favor, which you cannot possibly
arrive at, if you have really any thing in you that is deserving.

4. What they would bring to pass is, to make all good and evil consist
in report, and with whisper, calumnies, and impertinence, to have the
conduct of those reports.

5. By this means innocents are blasted upon their first appearance in
town: and there is nothing more required to make a young woman the
object of envy and hatred, than to deserve love and admiration.

6. This abominable endeavour to suppressor lessen every thing that is
praise-worthy, is as frequent among the men as women. If I can remember
what passed at a visit last night, it will serve as an instance that the
sexes are equally inclined to defamation, with equal malice, with equal
impotence.

7. _Jack Triplett_ came into my Lady _Airy_'s about eight of the clock.
You know the manner we sit at a visit, and I need not describe the
circle; but Mr. _Triplett_ came in, introduced by two tapers supported
by a spruce servant, whose hair is under a cap till my lady's candles
are all lighted up, and the hour of ceremony begins.

8. I say _Jack Triplett_ came in, and singing (for he is really good
company) 'Every feature, charming creature,'--he went on. It is a most
unreasonable thing that