[He had the wit, which I can well observe
To-day in our young lords, but they may jest,
Till their own scorn return to them; unnoted,
Ere they can hide their levity in honour]
I believe _honour_ is not _dignity of birth or rank,_ but _acquired
reputation: Your father_, says the king, _had the same airy flights
of satirical wit-with the young lords of the present time, but they
do not what he did_, hide their unnoted _levity_ in honour, _cover petty
faults with great merit._
This is an excellent observation. Jocose follies, and slight offences,
are only allowed by mankind in him that overpowers them by
great qualities.