Chapter 29
383
"It is a great blessing to possess what one wishes," said one to an ancient philosopher, who replied, "It is a greater blessing still, not to desire what one does not possess."
384
Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires, makes a wise and happy purchase.
--_J. Balgury._
385
He that deserves nothing should be content with anything.
386
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.
--_Epictetus._
387
When the well is dry, then we all know the worth of water.
388
In conversation avoid the extremes of Forwardness and Reserve.
--_Cato._
389
_Conversation._--To please others we should talk on subjects they like and that interest them; avoid disputes, seldom ask questions, and never let them see that we pretend to be better informed than they are.
--_Rochefoucauld._
390
The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third good humor, and the fourth wit.
--_Sir W. Temple._
391
Conversation is the music of the mind; an intellectual orchestra, where all the instruments should bear a part, but where none should play together.
--_Colton._
392
Never argue in society; if any person differs from you, bow, and turn the conversation.
--_Beaconsfield._
393
I never, with important air, In conversation overbear.
--_Gay's Fables._
394
One of the best rules in conversation is, never say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish had been left unsaid.
--_Swift._
395
_Conversation._--As it is the mark of great minds to say many things in a few words, so it is that of little minds to use many words to say nothing.
"So much they talked, so very little said."
396
To say nothing charmingly is a great gift.
397
_Conversation._--In general those who nothing have to say contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.
--_An Oriental Apologue._
398