Life and Literature Part 29

383

"It is a great blessing to possess what one wishes," said one to an ancient philosopher, who replied, "It is a greater blessing still, not to desire what one does not possess."

384

Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires, makes a wise and happy purchase.

--_J. Balgury._

385

He that deserves nothing should be content with anything.

386

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.

--_Epictetus._

387

When the well is dry, then we all know the worth of water.

388

In conversation avoid the extremes of Forwardness and Reserve.

--_Cato._

389

_Conversation._--To please others we should talk on subjects they like and that interest them; avoid disputes, seldom ask questions, and never let them see that we pretend to be better informed than they are.

--_Rochefoucauld._

390

The first ingredient in conversation is truth, the next good sense, the third good humor, and the fourth wit.

--_Sir W. Temple._

391

Conversation is the music of the mind; an intellectual orchestra, where all the instruments should bear a part, but where none should play together.

--_Colton._

392

Never argue in society; if any person differs from you, bow, and turn the conversation.

--_Beaconsfield._

393

I never, with important air, In conversation overbear.

--_Gay's Fables._

394

One of the best rules in conversation is, never say a thing which any of the company can reasonably wish had been left unsaid.

--_Swift._

395

_Conversation._--As it is the mark of great minds to say many things in a few words, so it is that of little minds to use many words to say nothing.

"So much they talked, so very little said."

396

To say nothing charmingly is a great gift.

397

_Conversation._--In general those who nothing have to say contrive to spend the longest time in doing it.

--_An Oriental Apologue._

398