CHESTERFIELD'S

(1694-1773)
ADVICE TO HIS SON,

ON

CONTENTS.

9

.

.

.

. 14

. 18

before

Page

Absence of Mind

Attention

. . . . 10

Awkwardness. .

. 12

Bashfulness .

Company ._

. 16

Caution to be observed in adopting the manners

of a company :

Conversation, 'Rules for ..

Talking

:

,

. . . . . ib.

Learn the characters of the company

you talk much. .

Telling stories and digressions.

Seizing people by the button . .

Long talkers and whisperers, .

Inattention to persons speaking ..

Never interrupt any speaker .

Adopt rather than give the subject .

Conceal your learning from the company

Contradict with politeness ..

Avoid argument if possible .

Always debate with temper.

Local propriety to be observed

Jokes, Bon-mots, &c. . .

Egotism . . . .

Be not dark nor mysterious . .

Look people in the face when speaking . ib.