barber, can make you one. The true gentleman is the sam everywhere; not only at the social' party or ball, but in th noisy mill, the busy shop, the crowded assembly, at home or i the street; never oppressing the weak or ridiculing the unfor tunate; respectful and attentive to his superiors; pleasant and affable3 to his equals; careful and tender of the feelings of those whom he may consider beneath him. THOSE 18. A MODERN CINCINNATUS.4 HOSE who have read of the old Roman who left his plow, and ruled the nation, returning again to his humble farm, must be proud to think how many instances of the same kind our own history furnishes. Washington was a Cincinnātus, and here is an account of another. 5 2. At the session of the South Carolina Legislature, in 1814, the members were perplexed for a suitable man to elect governor. The difficulty did not arise from any scarcity of candidates, for then, as now, men were ambitious, but from a want of the right sort of man. The matter became worse as the time wore on, and the election of some objectionable candidate seemed inevitable. 3. One day, however, as several of them were conversing upon the matter, Judge O'Neall, then a young man, and present by invitation, said, "Gentlemen, why not elect General David R. Williams?" "David R. Williams! he's our man-he's the man!" they all exclaimed, as they began to scatter to tell the news. The day of election came on, and General Williams was elected by a large vote. 4. A messenger was at once dispatched' with a carefully prepared letter to inform the general of his election, requesting his acceptance, and hoping he would name the day on which he 1Social (so'shal), made up of companions; relating to society.—2 Supe' ri ors, those above us.- - Af' fa ble, talking pleasantly; easy to converse with. Cin cin nå' tus, a celebrated Roman who was called from the plow to direct the affairs of his country and command her armies. - Cản' di dates, persons who seek or are proposed for any office.--Inev' it a ble, that can not be avoided. Dis påtched', sent. would take the oath of office. After a long ride, the messenger stopped at the general's residence, in Marlboro' district, we believe, and inquired if he was in. He was told that Mr. Williams was over at his plantation. The gentleman said he would ride over, as he had a note to deliver to him as soon as possible. 5. When about half way, he met a fine-looking man, dressed in plain homespun, and driving a team of mules. "Am I on the road to the plantation of General Williams?" asked the messenger. "Yes, sir; it is about a mile further on," was the reply. "Is the general at home?" "No, sir." "Where is he?" "I am General Williams." "You General David R. Williams?" "I am the man." "Don't deceive me. I have an important letter for Gen. Williams. If that is your name," said the doubting messenger, "here it is," handing the letter to the general. 6. Mr. Williams opened the letter, and found, to his utter astonishment, that, without his knowledge or consent, he had been elected governor of South Carolina. He took the messenger home, and entertained him for the night, preparing a note in the mean time accepting the appointment, and naming a time on which he would be in Columbia. The messenger returned. On the appointed day, a few minutes before twelve, a man, dressed in homespun, and on horseback, rode into town; hitching his animal to a tree, he made his way to the Capitol,' where he found a brilliant concourse of people. 7. But few knew him personally; still there was something commanding about him. He took his seat in a vacant chair; and when the clock in front of the Speaker had struck the hour of twelve, the general rose, and delivered the most masterly speech that had ever been delivered there. The farmer-statesman entirely electrified' the assembly. He made an excellent governor. This thing conveys a beautiful idea: here was a farmer elected; he accepted, and from the plow went to the governor's office to preside,3 in a stormy crisis, over the destiny' of a sovereign State. Long live his memory! 3 4 'Cåp'itol, the building where the legislature meet. E lêc' tri fied, suddenly excited; struck with great surprise.- Pre side', to govern; to sit above others.—1 Cri' sis, time when any thing is at its height, and ripe for a change.- Des' ti ny, fate; fortune - Sovereign (sův' er in), supreme; obeying no other authority. 1. 19. CLEAR THE WAY. EN of thought! be up, and stirring night and day : MEN Sow the seed-withdraw the curtain-CLEAR THE WAY! Men of action, aid and cheer them, as ye may! There's a fount about to stream, There's a light about to beam, There's a flower about to blow; There's a midnight blackness changing into gray. Aid it, for the hour is ripe, And our earnest must not slacken into play. Men of thought and men of action, CLEAR THE WAY! 3. Lo! a cloud's about to vanish from the day; Lo! the right's about to conquer: CLEAR THE WAY! Enter smiling at the door; Many others, great and small, That for ages long have held us for their prey. Men of thought and men of action, CLEAR THE WAY! CHARLES MACKAY. 20. CONVERSATION. NEVER speak any thing for a truth which you know or believe to be false. Lying is a great sin against God, who gave us a tongue to speak the truth, and not falsehood. It is a great offense against humanity itself; for, where there is no regard to truth, there can be no safe society between man and man. And it is an injury to the speaker; for, besides the disgrace which it brings upon him, it occasions so much baseness of mind, that he can scarcely tell truth, or avoid lying, even when he has no color of necessity for it; and, in time, he comes to such a pass, that as other people can not believe he speaks truth, so he himself scarcely knows when he tells a falsehood. 2. As you must be careful not to lie, so you must avoid coming near it. You must not equivocate,' nor speak any thing positively for which you have no authority but report, or conjecture, or opinion. Let your words be few, especially when your superiors or strangers are present, lest you betray your own weakness, and rob yourselves of the opportunity which you might otherwise have had, to gain knowledge, wisdom, and experience, by hearing those whom you silence by your impertinent2 talking. 3. Be not too earnest, loud, or violent in your conversation. Silence your oppō'nent3 with reason, not with noise. Be careful not to interrupt another when he is speaking; hear him out, and you will understand him the better, and be able to give him the better answer. Consider before you speak, especially when the business is of moment; weigh the sense of what you mean to utter, and the expressions you intend to use, that they may be significant, pertinent, and inoffensive. Inconsiderate persons do not think till they speak; or they speak, and then think. 6 4. Some men excel in husbandry, some in gardening, some in mathematics. In conversation, learn, as near as you can, where the skill or excellence of any person lies; put him upon talking on that subject, observe what he says, keep it in your memory, or commit it to writing. By this means, you will glean the worth and knowledge of everybody you converse with; and at an easy rate acquire what may be of use to you on many occasions. 'Equiv' o cåte, to use expressions or words which may be understood in two ways, so that a lie is actually told under the appearance of truth.—2 Im per' ti nent, not relating to the subject; rude; intrusive ; meddling with what does not belong to us.--Op po' nent, one with whom we differ.-- Sig nif' i cant, full of meaning.-- Pêr' ti nent, appropriate to the case; fitted to the end.-- Hůs' band ry, the business of cultivating the earth, raising cattle, and the management of the dairy. 5. When you are in company with light, vain, impertinent persons, let the observing of their failings make you the more cautious, both in your conversation with them and in your general behavior, that you may avoid their errors. If any one, whom you do not know to be a person of truth, sobriety, and weight, relates strange stories, be not too ready to believe or report them; and yet (unless he is one of your family acquaintances) be not too forward to contradict him. If the occasion requires you to declare your opinion, do it modestly and gently, not bluntly nor coarsely; by this means you will avoid giving offense, or being abused for too much credulity. 6. If a man, whose integrity' you do not very well know, make you great and extraordinary professions, do not give much credit to him. Probably you will find that he aims at something besides kindness to you, and that when he has served his turn, or been disappointed, his regard for you will grow cool. Beware, also, of him who flatters you, and commends you to your face, or to one who he thinks will tell you of it; most probably he has either deceived and abused you, or means to do so. Remember the fable of the fox commending the singing of the crow, who had something in her mouth which the fox wanted. 7. Be careful that you do not commend yourselves. It is a sign that your reputation is small and sinking, if your own tongue must praise you; and it is fulsome and unpleasing to others to hear such commendations. Speak well of the absent whenever you have a suitable opportunity. Never speak ill of them, or of anybody, unless you are sure they deserve it, and unless it is necessary for their amendment, or for the safety and benefit of others. Avoid, in your ordinary communications, not only oaths, but all imprecations and earnest protestations. Forbear scoffing and jesting at the condition or natural defects of any person. Such offenses leave a deep impression; and they often cost a man dear. 4 8. Be very careful that you give no reproachful, menacing, or In teg' ri ty, uprightness; the highest degree of honesty.-- Extraordinary (eks trâr' di na ry), uncommon; remarkable.-3 Fůl' some, disgusting; grossly unpleasant.- Mên' a cing, threatening. |