268 FABLES. 



APPLICATION. 



WHEN we are commended for our performances 

 by people of much flattery or little judgement, we 

 should be sure not to value ourselves upon it; for 

 want of this caution, many a vain unthinking man 

 has at once exposed himself to the censure of the 

 world. A buffoon, though he would not be fit to 

 open his mouth in a senate, or upon a subject 

 where sound sense and a grave and serious 

 behaviour are expected, may be very agreeable to 

 a company disposed to be mirthful over a glass of 

 wine. It is not the diverting a little, insignificant, 

 injudicious audience or society, which can gain us 

 a proper esteem, or insure our success, in a place 

 which calls for a performance of the first rate. We 

 should have either allowed abilities to please the 

 most refined tastes, or judgement enough to know 

 that we want them, and to have a care how we 

 submit ourselves to the trial. And, if we have a 

 mind to pursue, a just and true ambition, it is not 

 sufficient that we study barely to please ; but it is 

 of the greatest moment whom we please, and in 

 what respect, otherwise we may not only lose our 

 labour, but make ourselves ridiculous into the 

 bargain. 



