Generally speaking, a master may make a servant what
he pleases. Servants judge by example, rather than precept, and almost
always by their feelings. One thing more permit me to add; I always
insist upon my servants being kind and compassionate to one another. A
compassionate heart cannot habitually be an unjust one. And thus do I
make their good-nature contribute to my security, as well as quiet.
My lord was greatly pleased with what his nephew said.
Upon some occasion, Lady G---- reflected upon a lady for prudery, and was
going on, when Sir Charles, interrupting her, said, Take care, Lady
G----. You, ladies, take care; for I am afraid, that MODESTY, under this
name, will become ignominious, and be banished the hearts, at least the
behaviour and conversation, of all those whose fortunes or inclinations
carry them often to places of public resort.
Talk of places of public resort! said Lord L----: It is vexatious to
observe at such, how men of real merit are neglected by the fine ladies
of the age, while every distinction is shewn to fops and foplings.
But, who, my lord, said Sir Charles, are those women? Are they not
generally of a class with those men? Flippant women love empty men,
because they cannot reproach them with a superiority of understanding,
but keep their folly in countenance. They are afraid of a wise man: but
I would by no means have such a one turn fool to please them: for they
will despise the wise man's folly more than the silly man's, and with
reason; because being uncharacteristic, it must sit more awkwardly upon
him than the other's can do.
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