On Conversation (1782) [ Concepts ]
… seems to have forgot; His sole opinion, whatsoe'er befall, Centring at last in having none at all. Yet, though he tease and balk your listening ear, He makes one useful point exceeding clear; Howe'er ingenious on his darling theme A … but engender spite; And those the most, where neither has a right. The point of honour has been deem'd of use, To teach good manners, and to curb abuse: Admit it true, the consequence is clear, Our polish'd manners are a mask we wear, … minds and fairest forms As little mercy as he grubs and worms? They dare not wait the riotous abuse Thy thirst-creating steams at length produce, When wine has given indecent language birth, And forced the floodgates of licentious mirth; For …
Conversation | Crime
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