There is no disposition, or turn of mind, which on many occasions
contributes more to keep us easy, than that which enables us to rally
any of our failings, or joke upon our own infirmities: this blunts
the edge, and baffles and turns aside the malignant sneers of little
wits, and the ill nature and ridicule of others. If we should at any
time happen to incur the laughter of those about us, we cannot stifle
it sooner or better than by receiving it all with a cheerful look,
and by an ingenuous and pleasant remark, parry the jest which another
is ready to throw out at our expence. To appear fretted or nettled,
only serves to gratify the wishes of those who take a secret pleasure
in seeing such an effect produced; and, besides, a testy or captious
temper is a source of perpetual disquietude, both to ourselves and our
acquaintances, and like a little leaven, sours the whole mass of our
good qualities. If we had no other imperfections, this of itself would
be sufficient to cause our company to be shunned.
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