CHAP. II.] ADVANTAGE OF OSTENTATION. 327 



and grace, to represent one s best side to others, by setting 

 out our own virtues, merits, and fortunes to advantage, which 

 may be done without arrogance or rendering one s self dis 

 agreeable ; and on the other side artificially concealing our 

 vices, defects, misfortunes, and disgraces, dwelling upon the 

 former, and turning them as it were to the light, but pal 

 liating the latter, or effacing them by a well-adapted con 

 struction or interpretation, &c. Hence Tacitus says of Mu- 

 ciaijitis, the most prudent man of his time and the most 

 indefatigable in business, that u he had an art of showing the 

 fair side of whatever he spoke or acted.&quot; 1 And certainly it 

 requires some art to prevent this conduct from becoming 

 fulsome and despicable ; yet ostentation, though to the first 

 degree of vanity, is a fault in ethics rather than in politics. 

 For as it is usually said of calumny, that if laid on boldly 

 some of it will stick, so it may be said of ostentation, unless 

 perfectly monstrous and ridiculous, &quot; Paint yourself strongly, 

 and some of it will last.&quot; Doubtless it will dwell with the 

 crowd, though the wiser sort smile at it ; so that the reputa 

 tion procured with the number will abundantly reward the 

 contempt of a few. But if this ostentation be managed with 

 decency and discretion, it may greatly contribute to raise a 

 man s reputation, as particularly if it carry the appearance 

 of native candour and ingenuity, or be used at times sur 

 rounded with dangers, as among the military men in time of 

 war. Or again, if our own praises are let fall as it were 

 by accident, and be not too seriously or largely insisted on, 

 or if any one, in praising himself, at the same time mixes it 

 with censure and ridicule, or lastly, if he does it not sponta 

 neously, but is provoked to it by the insolence and reproach 

 of others. And there are many who, being by nature solid, 

 and consequently wanting in this art of spreading canvas to 

 their own honour, find themselves punished for their mo 

 desty, with some diminution of their dignity. 



But however persons of weak judgment or too rigid morals 

 may disallow this ostentation of virtue, no one will deny that 

 we should endeavour to keep virtue from being undervalued 

 through our neglect, and less esteemed than it deserves. This 

 diminution in the esteem of virtue happens three ways; viz., 

 1. When a person presents and thrusts himself and his ser- 

 1 Hist. ii. 80. 



