28 FABLES. 



ridiculous behaviour, which is not derived from it; 

 it grows out of folly and insincerity; it derogates 

 from genius; it is the bane of beauty, and dimin- 

 ishes its charms; it is disagreeable to others, and 

 hurtful to the person who uses it; it detracts from 

 some real possession, and makes qualities that 

 would otherwise pass well enough, appear nauseous 

 and offensive ; and whoever indulges in it, may be 

 sure to lay themselves open, and call forth the 

 attention of others to notice their vanity. To cure 

 ourselves of affectation, we have only to call in the 

 aids of truth and sincerity, which will cut off the 

 whole train of its follies at one stroke.' 



