10.  I know there have not been wanting many wicked objections against this virtue; one is grown insufferably common.  The fellow blushes, he is guilty.  I should say rather, He blushes, therefore he is innocent.  I believe the same man, that first had that wicked imagination of a blush being the sign of guilt, represented good nature to be folly; and that he himself, was the most inhuman and impudent wretch alive.

11.  The author of Cato, who is known to be one of the most modest, and most ingenious persons of the age we now live in, has given this virtue a delicate name in the tragedy of Cato, where the character of Marcia is first opened to us.  I would have all ladies who have a mind to be thought well-bred, to think seriously on this virtue, which he so beautifully calls the sanctity of manners.

12.  Modesty is a polite accomplishment, and generally an attendant upon merit.  It is engaging to the highest degree, and wins the hearts of all our acquaintance.  On the contrary, none are more disgustful in company than the impudent and presuming.

The man who is, on all occasions, commending and speaking well of himself, we naturally dislike.  On the other hand, he who studies to conceal his own deserts, who does justice to the merit of others, who talks but little of himself, and that with modesty, makes a favourable impression on the persons he is conversing with, captivates their minds, and gains their esteem.

13.  Modesty, however, widely differs from an aukward bashfulness; which is as much to be condemned as the other is to be applauded.  To appear simple is as ill-bred as to be impudent.  A young man ought to be able to come into a room and address the company without the least embarrassment.  To be out of countenance when spoken to, and not to have an answer ready, is ridiculous to the last degree.

14.  An aukward country fellow, when he comes into company better than himself, is exceedingly disconcerted.  He knows not what to do with his hands or his hat, but either puts one of them in his pocket, and dangles the other by his side:  or perhaps twirls his hat on his fingers, or perhaps fumbles with the button.  If spoken to he is in a much worse situation; he answers with the utmost difficulty, and nearly stammers; whereas a gentleman who is acquainted with life, enters a room with gracefulness and a modest assurance; addresses even persons he does not know, in an easy and natural manner, and without the least embarrassment.

15.  This is the characteristic of good-breeding, a very necessary knowledge in our intercourse with men; for one of inferior parts, with the behaviour of a gentleman, is frequently better received than a man of sense, with the address and manners of a clown.  Ignorance and vice are the only things we need be ashamed of; steer clear of these, and you may go into any company you will; not that I would have a young man throw off all dread of appearing abroad; as a fear of offending, or being disesteemed, will make him preserve a proper decorum.