A COMPLEMENTER

Is one that endeavours to make himself appear a very fine man in persuading another that he is so, and by offering those civilities which he does not intend to part with, believes he adds to his own reputation and obliges another for nothing.  He is very free in making presents of his services, because he is certain he cannot possibly receive in return less than they are worth.  He differs very much from all other critics in punctilios of honour; for he esteems himself very uncivilly dealt with if his vows and protestations pass for anything but mere lies and vanities.  When he gives his word, he believes it is no longer his, and therefore holds it very unreasonable to give it and keep it too.  He divides his services among so many that there comes but little or nothing to any one man’s share, and therefore they are very willing to let him take it back again.  He makes over himself in truth to every man, but still it is to his own uses to secure his title against all other claims and cheat his creditors.  He is very generous of his promises, but still it is without lawful consideration, and so they go for nothing.  He extols a man to his face, like those that write in praise of an author to show his own wit, not his whom they undertake to commend.  He has certain set forms and routines of speech, which he can say over while he thinks on anything else, as a Catholic does his prayers, and therefore never means what he says.  His words flow easily from him, but so shallow that they will bear no weight at all.  All his offers of endearment are but like terms of course, that carry their own answers along with them, and therefore pass for nothing between those that understand them, and deceive those only that believe in them.  He professes most kindness commonly to those he least cares for, like an host that bids a man welcome when he is going away.  He had rather be every man’s menial servant than any one man’s friend; for servants gain by their masters, and men often lose by their friends.

A CHEAT

Is a freeman of all trades, and all trades of his.  Fraud and treachery are his calling, though his profession be the strictest integrity and truth.  He spins nets, like a spider, out of his own entrails, to entrap the simple and unwary that light in his way, whom he devours and feeds upon.  All the greater sort of cheats, being allowed by authority, have lost their names (as judges, when they are called to the Bench, are no more styled lawyers) and left the title to the meaner only and the unallowed.  The common ignorance of mankind is his province, which he orders to the best advantage.  He is but a tame highwayman, that does the same things by stratagem and design which the other does by force, makes men deliver their understandings first, and after their purses.  Oaths and lies are his tools that he works with, and