88 FABLKS. 



blunts the edge, and baffles und turns aside the 

 malignant sneers of little wits, and the ill nature 

 and ridicule of others. If we should at any time 

 happen to incur the laughter of those about us, we 

 cannot stifle it sooner or better than by receiving it 

 all with a cheerful look, and by an ingenuous and 

 pleasant remark, parry the jest which another is 

 ready to throw out at our expense. To appear 

 fretted or nettled, only serves to gratify the wishes 

 of those who take a secret pleasure in seeing such 

 an effect produced; and, besides, a testy or captious 

 temper is a source of perpetual disquietude, both to 

 ourselves and our acquaintances, and, like a little 

 leaven, sours the whole mass of our good qualities. 

 If we had no other imperfections, this of itself 

 would be sufficient to cause our company to be 

 shunned. 



