Chapter 26
"Aye gang (always go) wi' them that's better than yerself."
--_Old Scotch Saying._
If this was done generally, there would be a levelling up, instead of a levelling down.
337
Pleasant company shortens the miles.
338
COMPENSATION.
Mothers of many, with envious eyes, Gaze as I drive through the evening cool, Swift as I pa.s.s them, we mingle our sighs, For my arms are empty--and theirs over-full.
"See her," they say, "with her laces and pearls!
All for the rich! 'Tis the world's common rule.
We have but rags for our boys and our girls; Empty our pockets--her coffers are full."
Mothers! To yours, tender voices reply, Little ones' hands at your skirts softly pull; Widowed and lonely and childless am I, Empty my heart--though my coffers are full.
--_Gus Gordon._
339
POOR AND RICH.
Art thou poor, yet hast thou golden slumbers?
O sweet content!
Art thou rich, yet is thy mind perplexed?
O punishment!
340
Every one must see daily instances of people who complain, from a mere habit of complaining.
--_Graves._
341
A compliment is usually accompanied with a bow, as if to beg pardon for paying it.
--_J. C. Hare._
342
Illuminate me with a ray of your intelligence!
343
Deference is the most complicate, the most indirect, and the most elegant of all compliments.
344
_Legitimate Sport_--Those who fish for compliments deserve to get a bite.
345
To attempt to advise conceited people is like whistling against the wind.
--_Hood._
346
Never seem wiser, nor more learned, than the people you are with.
347
I've never any pity for conceited people, because I think they carry their comfort about with them.
348
Conceit may puff a man up, but never prop him up.
--_Ruskin._
349
Many persons are obliged to their imagination for more than three-fourths of their importance.
350
Discuss your plans with many, decide on them with few, or by yourself.