_Which contains some excellent rules for raillery._
Mr. Glanville, who had too much politeness and good-nature to insist
too long upon the ridicule in the character of his acquaintance,
changed the discourse; and Arabella, who had observed, with some
concern, the ill-judged raillery of the young beau, took occasion to
decry that species of wit; and gave it, as her opinion, that it was
very dangerous and unpleasing.
For, truly, said she, it is almost impossible to use it without being
hated or feared; and whoever gets a habit of it, is in danger of
wronging all the laws of friendship and humanity.
Certainly, pursued she, looking at the beau, it is extremely unjust to
rally one's friends and particular acquaintance: first, choose them
well, and be as nice as you please in the choice; but when you have
chosen them, by no means play upon them. It is cruel and malicious, to
divert one's self at the expense of one's friend.
However, madam, said Mr. Glanville, who was charmed to hear her talk so
rationally, you may give people leave to rally their enemies.
Truly, resumed Arabella, I cannot allow that, any more than upon
friends; for raillery is the poorest kind of revenge that can be taken.
Methinks it is mean to rally persons who have a small share of merit;
since, haply, their defects were born with them, and not of their own
acquiring; and it is great injustice to descant upon one slight fault
in men of parts, to the prejudice of a thousand good qualities.
For aught I see, madam, said the beau, you will not allow one to rally
any body.
I am of opinion, sir, said Arabella, that there are very few proper
objects for raillery; and still fewer, who can rally well. The talent
of raillery ought to be born with a person; no art can infuse it;
and those who endeavour to rally, in spite of nature, will be so far
from diverting others that they will become the objects of ridicule
themselves.
Many other pleasing qualities of wit may be acquired by pains and
study, but raillery must be the gift of nature. It is not enough to
have many lively and agreeable thoughts; but there must be such an
expression, as must convey their full force and meaning; the air,
the aspect, the tone of the voice, and every part in general, must
contribute to its perfection.
There ought also to be a great distance between raillery and satire, so
that one may never be mistaken for the other. Raillery ought indeed to
surprise, and sensibly touch, those to whom it is directed; but I would
not have the wounds it makes either deep or lasting. Let those who feel
it, be hurt like persons, who, gathering roses, are pricked by the
thorns, and find a sweet smell to make amends.
I would have raillery raise the fancy, and quicken the imagination:
the fire of its wit should only enable us to trace its original, and
shine as the stars do, but not burn. Yet, after all, I cannot greatly
approve of raillery, or cease to think it dangerous; and, to pursue my
comparisons, said she, with an enchanting smile, persons who possess
the true talent of raillery are like comets; they are seldom seen, and
are at once admired and feared.
I protest, Lady Bella, said Sir Charles, who had listened to her with
many signs of admiration, you speak like an orator.
One would not imagine, interrupted Mr. Glanville, who saw Arabella in
some confusion at the coarse praise her uncle gave her, that my cousin
could speak so accurately of a quality she never practises: and it is
easy to judge by what she has said, that no body can rally finer than
herself, if she pleases.
Mr. Selvin, though he bore her a grudge for knowing more history than
he did, yet assured her that she had given the best rules imaginable
for rallying well. But the beau, whom she had silenced by her reproof,
was extremely angry; and supposing it would mortify her to see him pay
court to her cousin, he redoubled his assiduities to Miss Glanville,
who was highly delighted at seeing Arabella less taken notice of by
this gay gentleman than herself.