Reflections | Page 8

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fault I know well, and I should neglect no means to correct myself of it;
but as a certain gloomy air I have tends to make me seem more
reserved than I am in fact, and as it is not in our power to rid ourselves
of a bad expression that arises from a natu- ral conformation of features,
I think that even when I have cured myself internally, externally some
bad expression will always remain.
“I have ability. I have no hesitation in saying it, as for what purpose
should I pretend otherwise. So great circumvention, and so great
depreciation, in speaking of the gifts one has, seems to me to hide a
little vanity under an apparent modesty, and craftily to try to make
others believe in greater virtues than are imputed to us. On my part I
am content not to be considered better-looking than I am, nor of a bet-
ter temper than I describe, nor more witty and clever than I am. Once
more, I have ability, but a mind spoilt by melancholy, for though I
know my own language tolerably well, and have a good memory, a
mode of thought not particularly confused, I yet have so great a mixture
of discontent that I often say what I have to say very badly.
“The conversation of gentlemen is one of the plea- sures that most
amuses me. I like it to be serious and morality to form the substance of
it. Yet I also know how to enjoy it when trifling; and if I do not make
many witty speeches, it is not because I do not appreciate the value of
trifles well said, and that I do not find great amusement in that manner
of rail- lery in which certain prompt and ready-witted per- sons excel so
well. I write well in prose; I do well in verse; and if I was envious of
the glory that springs from that quarter, I think with a little labour I
could acquire some reputation. I like reading, in general; but that in
which one finds something to polish the wit and strengthen the soul is
what I like best. But, above all, I have the greatest pleasure in reading
with an intelligent person, for then we reflect constantly upon what we
read, and the observations we make form the most pleasant and useful

form of conversation there is.
“I am a fair critic of the works in verse and prose that are shown me;
but perhaps I speak my opinion with almost too great freedom. Another
fault in me is that I have sometimes a spirit of delicacy far too
scrupulous, and a spirit of criticism far too severe. I do not dislike an
argument, and I often of my own free will engage in one; but I
generally back my opinion with too much warmth, and sometimes,
when the wrong side is advocated against me, from the strength of my
zeal for reason, I become a little un- reasonable myself.
“I have virtuous sentiments, good inclinations, and so strong a desire to
be a wholly good man that my friend cannot afford me a greater
pleasure than can- didly to show me my faults. Those who know me
most intimately, and those who have the goodness sometimes to give
me the above advice, know that I always receive it with all the joy that
could be ex- pected, and with all reverence of mind that could be
desired.
“I have all the passions pretty mildly, and pretty well under control. I
am hardly ever seen in a rage, and I never hated any one. I am not,
however, in- capable of avenging myself if I have been offended, or if
my honour demanded I should resent an insult put upon me; on the
contrary, I feel clear that duty would so well discharge the office of
hatred in me that I should follow my revenge with even greater
keenness than other people.
“Ambition does not weary me. I fear but few things, and I do not fear
death in the least. I am but little given to pity, and I could wish I was
not so at all. Though there is nothing I would not do to com- fort an
afflicted person, and I really believe that one should do all one can to
show great sympathy to him for his misfortune, for miserable people
are so foolish that this does them the greatest good in the world; yet I
also hold that we should be content with ex- pressing sympathy, and
carefully avoid having any. It is a passion that is wholly worthless in a
well-regu- lated mind, which only serves to weaken the heart, and
which should be left to ordinary persons,