them:  never boast of it, as a proof of your own merit, nor insult, in a manner, other companies by telling them affectedly what you, Montesquieu and Fontenelle were talking of the other day; as I have known many people do here, with regard to Pope and Swift, who had never been twice in company with either; nor carry into other companies the ‘ton’ of those meetings of ‘beaux esprits’.  Talk literature, taste, philosophy, etc., with them, ’a la bonne heure’; but then, with the same ease, and more ‘enjouement’, talk ‘pom-pons, moires’, etc., with Madame de Blot, if she requires it.  Almost every subject in the world has its proper time and place; in which no one is above or below discussion.  The point is, to talk well upon the subject you talk upon; and the most trifling, frivolous subjects will still give a man of parts an opportunity of showing them.  ’L’usage du grand monde’ can alone teach that.  That was the distinguishing characteristic of Alcibiades, and a happy one it was, that he could occasionally, and with so much ease, adopt the most different, and even the most opposite habits and manners, that each seemed natural to him.  Prepare yourself for the great world, as the ‘athletae’ used to do for their exercises:  oil (if I may use that expression) your mind and your manners, to give them the necessary suppleness and flexibility; strength alone will not do, as young people are too apt to think.

How do your exercises go on?  Can you manage a pretty vigorous ‘sauteur’ between the pillars?  Are you got into stirrups yet?  ’Faites-vous assaut aux armes?  But, above all, what does Marcel say of you?  Is he satisfied?  Pray be more particular in your accounts of yourself, for though I have frequent accounts of you from others, I desire to have your own too.  Adieu.  Yours, truly and friendly.

LETTER CXL

London, May 2, O. S. 1751

Dear friend:  Two accounts, which I have very lately received of you, from two good judges, have put me into great spirits, as they have given me reasonable hopes that you will soon acquire all that I believe you want:  I mean the air, the address; the graces, and the manners of a man of fashion.  As these two pictures of you are very unlike that which I received, and sent you some months ago, I will name the two painters:  the first is an old friend and acquaintance of mine, Monsieur d’Aillon.  His picture is, I hope, like you; for it is a very good one:  Monsieur Tollot’s is still a better, and so advantageous a one, that I will not send you a copy of it, for fear of making you too vain.  So far only I will tell you, that there was but one but in either of their accounts; and it was this:  I gave d’Aillon the question ordinary and extraordinary, upon the important article of manners; and extorted this from him:  “But, since you will know it, he still wants that last beautiful varnish, which