In man or woman, but far most in man,
And most of all in man that ministers
And serves the altar, in my soul I loathe
All affectation. 'Tis my perfect scorn;
Object of my implacable disgust.
What! Will a man play tricks, will he indulge
A silly fond conceit of his fair form
And just proportion, fashionable mien,
And pretty face, in presence of his God?
Or will he seek to dazzle me with tropes,
As with the diamond on his lily hand,
And play his brilliant parts before my eyes
When I am hungry for the bread of life?
He mocks his Maker, prostitutes and shames
His noble office, and, instead of truth,
Displaying his own beauty, starves his flock.
--_Cowper._
35
_The Cure of Affectation_--Is to follow nature. If every one would do
this, affectation would be almost unknown.
--_J. Beaumont._
36
Affectation of any kind, is lighting up a candle to our defects.
--_Locke._
37
Affectation is the vain and ridiculous attempt of poverty to appear
rich.
--_Lavater._
38
How sad to notice in one--changed affections,
A cold averted eye.
--_Observer._
39