A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and
finds he can live happily upon it, should take care not to hazard and
expose his felicity by consorting with the great and the powerful.
People of equal conditions may float down the current of life, without
hurting each other; but it is a point of some difficulty to steer one's
course in the company of the great, so as to escape without a bulge. One
would not choose to have one's little country-box situated in the
neighbourhood of a very great man; for whether I ignorantly trespass
upon him, or he knowingly encroaches upon me, I only am like to be the
sufferer. I can neither entertain nor play with him upon his own terms;
for that which is moderation and diversion to him, in me would be
extravagance and ruin.