Qui chacun sait, le livre des MAXIMES."

It is just this: the book is a mirror in which we
all see ourselves. This has made it so unpopular. It
is too true. We dislike to be told of our faults,
while we only like to be told of our neighbour's.
Notwithstanding Rousseau's assertion, it is young
men, who, before they know their own faults
and only know their neighbours', that read and tho-
roughly appreciate Rochefoucauld.

After so many varied opinions he then pleases us more
and seems far truer than he is in reality, it is impossible
to give any general conclusion of such distinguished
writers on the subject. Each reader will form his own
opinion of the merits of the author and his book. To
some, both will seem deserving of the highest praise; to
others both will seem deserving of the highest censure.
The truest judgment as to the author will be found in
the remarks of a countryman of his own, as to the
book in the remarks of a countryman of ours.

As to the author, M. Sainte Beuve says:--"C'etait un
misanthrope poli, insinuant, souriant, qui precedait
de bien peu et preparait avec charme l'autre MISAN-
THROPE."

As to the book, Mr. Hallam says:--"Among the
books in ancient and modern times which record the
conclusions of observing men on the moral qualities