understanding avails himself of his abilities but never boasts of them;
whereas the timid and bashful can never push himself in life, be his
merit as great as it will; he will be always kept behind by the forward
and the bustling.

19. A man of abilities, and acquainted with life, will stand as firm in
defence of his own rights, and pursue his plans as steadily and unmoved
as the most impudent man alive; but then he does it with a seeming
modesty. Thus, manner is every thing; what is impudence in one is proper
assurance only in another: for firmness is commendable, but an
overbearing conduct is disgustful.

20. Forwardness being the very reverse of modesty, follow rather than
lead the company; that is, join in discourse upon their subjects rather
than start one of your own; if you have parts, you will have
opportunities enough of shewing them on every topic of conversation; and
if you have none, it is better to expose yourself upon a subject of
other people's, than on one of your own.

21. But be particularly careful not to speak of yourself if you can help
it. An impudent fellow lugs in himself abruptly upon all occasions, and
is ever the here of his own story. Others will colour their arrogance
with, "It may seem strange indeed, that I should talk in this manner of
myself; it is what I by no means like, and should never do, if I had not
been cruelly and unjustly accused; but when my character is attacked, it
is a justice I owe to myself to defend it." This veil is too thin not to
be seen through on the first inspection.

22. Others again, with more art, will _modestly_ boast of all the
principal virtues, by calling these virtues weaknesses, and saying, they