24 FABLES. 



whether it consist of the beauties of the person, or 

 the still more contemptible vanity of fine cloaths. 

 This kind of misguided pride, while it endeavours 

 to exalt, commonly tends to lower the persons who 

 are infected with it; but never renders them so 

 truly ridiculous as when it inspires them with a 

 contempt of those who have ten times more worth 

 than themselves. To value ourselves upon the 

 glitter and finery of dress is one of the most trifling 

 of all vanities; and a man of sense would be 

 ashamed to bestow upon it the least attention. 

 They who examine things by the scale of common 

 sense, must find something of weight and substance 

 before they can be persuaded to set a value upon it. 

 The mind that is stored with virtuous and rational 

 sentiments, and the behaviour which is founded 

 upon complacency and humility, stamp a value 

 upon the possessor, which all men of discernment 

 are ever ready to admire and acknowledge. 





